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CONTRIBUTORS
Simon Adams, Ray A-J, Jaq Bayles, Jo Bourne, Nick Boston, Dave Bradley, Brian Butler, Richard Jeneway, Craig Hanlon-Smith, Samuel Hall, Adam Mallaby, Enzo Marra, Eric Page, Dean Pender, Simon RobinsonStynes, Gay Socrates, Brian Stacey, Michael Steinhage, Sugar Swan, Glen Stevens, Duncan Stewart, Craig Storrie, Violet Valentine (Zoe Anslow-Gwilliam), Netty Wendt, Roger Wheeler, Kate Wildblood, Ray Barron Woolford
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FEATURES
20 WALKING TO END HIV STIGMA
The Martin Fisher Foundation reflect on marching in the Brighton & Hove Pride Community Parade.
21 STAMMERING IS NOT A STIGMA
Dave Bradley talks about his life long stammer and how singing with the Actually Gay Men’s Chorus has helped develop his confidence.
22 TRANS PRIDE BRIGHTON
Photos from the 7th Trans Pride Brighton.
24 BRIGHTON & HOVE PRIDE
Photos from the Parade, Preston Park and Village Street parties.
52 NEW QUEEN ON THE BLOCK
Tom Redgrave aka Pat Clutcher, one of a new generation of drag performers working the Brighton circuit, talks to Brian Butler.
53
WELCOME PRODIGAL SISTER
Super fan Dean Pender catches up with Beverley Knight MBE, who’ll be bringing soul to the Brighton Centre in September.
58 WICKER’S WORLD
Craig Hanlon-Smith chats to Jack Brien, who was diagnosed with asperger ’ s aged 12, about his drag alter ego Linda Wicker
59
FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHTS
Britain must do more to protect transgender asylum seekers post-Brexit
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Email your letter to: info@gscene.com
BIGGER DISABLED PL ATFORM NEEDED NEXT YEAR PLEA SE!
) It was a sad situation when some disabled people were unable to gain access to the viewing platform to see Kylie and other acts on the main stage at Pride
The inadequate provision for the disabled and chronically ill to view the stage was further frustrated as those of us trapped in the access tent could see dozens of empty seats in the adjacent VIP viewing area
The situation was disgraceful as some had to try and find some space on the main arena to get a view of one of the screens amongst the many thousands of able bodied people Next year we hope that a larger platform will be provided for the disabled
Yours sincerely, Colin Barton, Chairman, Sussex & Kent ME Society
THANK YOU BRIGHTON PRIDE FOR YOUR ‘1ST CL A SS SERVICE’ FOR THE DISABLED
) The media is concentrating on a few disabled people that unfortunately could not get onto the disabled platform to see Kylie at Pride When we registered for access prior to the event, we disabled people were asked if we intended to use the platform and were warned it was first come first served on the day As with all such events, organisers need advising at point of application so enough resources can be provided. I myself preferred to watch Kylie on the many big screens around the park.
Pride was NOT disgraceful for disabled people as The Argus have reported I go to many events around the country and can honestly say Brighton & Hove Pride provides the very best facilities so that disabled people can attend the event.
We get facilities on the Parade; we get fast track entry through the access gate; we get the Access Tent where just about everything is thought about to make Pride as enjoyable as possible for the less able and disabled. I wouldn’t be able to attend Pride if it wasn’t for the first class service that’s provided for the disabled at no cost to me. I even get a free ticket for a care assistant.
I’d like to thank Brighton & Hove Pride for being miles ahead of any other large events for looking after the disabled in this way. I’d also like to thank everyone concerned with the Access Tent that must take a lot of planning and running.
We hear about a few problems in our media but I can honestly say many, many disabled people had a fantastic time at Pride thanks to all their wonderful volunteers and staff who thought about, just about everything.
Kind Regards, Robert Pattinson, Hove
) Each year there are multiple challenges in delivering a complex event like Pride and it is for this reason that we work closely with partner agencies all year round on the planning for it.
We endeavour to be a learning and problem solving organisation, picking up and improving on past issues. One example being, Pride worked closely with Govia Thameslink Railway and other partners to facilitate a managed queueing system at Brighton Station to get people away from the city safely at the end of the day A big improvement over last year
Although Pride does not stage any events on the beach, this year as a first, Brighton & Hove Pride sponsored the inaugural Big Pride Beach Clean, delivered by Oceans8 Brighton, which saw the beach transformed to a safe and clean space on Sunday morning
It was sad to see some news reports apportioning blame on the LGBT+ communities and Pride for both rubbish and gas canisters on the beach Locals will know that this is, unfortunately, a common occurrence on a busy hot summer weekend and although exacerbated by the extra party goers that use the beach over Pride, many come to Brighton not to attend any of the official Pride events but instead head to the beach.
Pride will as always continue to engage with the businesses on the seafront to share the responsibility of the clean up after a bumper weekend for their businesses. As well as cleansing and clearing all of the Pride event sites, this year we also contracted and paid for road sweeping machines to follow the Pride Community Parade through the city, cleaned London Road and jet washed the streets of the Pride Village Party on Sunday, August 5.
When I first took over Pride in 2013, the previous organisation had gone bankrupt, had not raised any funds for our local LGBT+ groups for many years and there was no provision for deaf or people with disability requirements. I passionately felt that Pride needed to become accessible for people with disabilities.
On a personal level my father was a disability champion and as a
young boy I regularly went along on trips from Crawley to Fairfield Hall in Croydon where he volunteered, driving for the disabled and riding for the disabled. This meant from a young age I picked up an awareness of the challenges and discrimination that people with disabilities faced.
Therefore, one of my first priorities was to work with the LGBT Community Safety Forum (LGBT CSF) to ensure that access provision was an integral element of Pride in Preston Park. This included wheelchair recharging points, accessible toilets across the park, dedicated changing facilities and a high dependency unit
BSL interpreters were introduced in the Cabaret Tent, on a platform in front of the main stage, and the signed performances were relayed across the park on big screens Over the years, due to the excellent work done by the LGBT CSF, Pride has received some amazing feedback. However, after Pride 2018 and due to other commitments the LGBT CSF stepped back to focus on Disability Pride and so this year we appointed new access providers.
I don’t believe in making excuses, there are things that didn’t work this year and I make a heartfelt apology to anyone who didn’t receive the quality of access provision we would have hoped for. Our aim is to deliver an outstanding access service and to attain the Attitude Is Everything Gold Standard, and the work starts now ensuring that improvements are made for next year
Pride needs commercial partners and sponsors to help us deliver the event as well as contributing to the significant fundraising effort; and striking that balance is always going to be a challenge
This year, charity and community groups made up two thirds of the
Brighton & Hove Pride LGBT+ Community Parade with one third from the commercial sector There does need to be a debate around the commercialisation of Pride nationally, with regard to how some big brands are capitalising on and benefiting from national branded campaigns without contributing to the organisations and groups that work hard to deliver Prides across the country; but we must also acknowledge the support of genuine partners and allies of the LGBT+ communities who are committed to diversity and inclusion within their organisations
This year ’ s campaign #WeStandTogether, was a call to action to all in the LGBT+ communities and their allies to unite and stand together against all types of discrimination and to defend the advances in equality and inclusion over the last five decades, since Stonewall.
This year the head of the Pride parade was made up of a number of organisations and individuals that included the Brighton Rainbow Fund, Trans Pride Brighton, Sparkle (the National Transgender Charity), Rainbows Across Borders, the Peter Tatchell Foundation, and others who joined us to march together through the streets of Brighton on Saturday, August 3
Pride still has many challenges ahead with domestic uncertainty and the rise in homophobic, transphobic and racial hate crime It’s important to me to keep campaigning at the forefront of Pride and I’m proud to have asked local drag artist legend Lola Lasagne (Stephen Richards) to speak on the main stage before our campaign video.
Lola delivered an inspirational and moving speech that was a personal highlight of my weekend. Thank you Stephen.
Finally I’d like to thank the thousands of people who attended Brighton & Hove Pride, we respected each other, celebrated and campaigned together in this great city. It is by no means perfect but it's the place I call home and I’ll embrace the life affirming joy that we celebrated together
#WeStandTogether
Paul Kemp, Director of Brighton & Hove Pride
LEGENDS AND THE CABARET TENT AT PRIDE
) Prior to Pride 2019 there was some activity on social media surrounding Legends sponsoring the Cabaret Tent at the park, as we have done for many years
I was disappointed to read that some venues across the city felt they weren’t given an equal opportunity to contribute to Pride Consequently, their venues were not marked as headline sponsors
As I’m sure you remember, Legends hasn’t always sponsored the Cabaret Tent In the years that I wasn’t fortunate enough to sponsor the Cabaret Tent, I continued to sponsor the toilets and contributed towards the Parade Route advertising. I know this isn’t the greatest accolade to have at Pride, but I felt that contributing was still important for the city’s greatest annual event
Therefore, I would like to invite all of the local LGBT+ businesses who have just had one of their most bountiful periods of the year to dig deep and contribute to Pride Inevitably, the winter months will bring a period of austerity so I’m sure Pride will be happy to accept these contributions in advance for Pride 2020
As ever, Legends will continue to contribute to Pride We’re also very grateful that our customers help to fundraise throughout the year and look forward to welcoming you all to these events.
In addition, I’d also like to thank our amazing city for yet another fantastic Pride and look forward to seeing what’s in store for next year ’ s Pride.
Tony Chapman, Owner of Legends
I HAD AN AMAZING PRIDE THIS YEAR
) Okay. So everyone has a view on Brighton Pride. Here's mine. I personally had an amazing one this year. The best it's been for years and that’s down to a small group of people who worked effortlessly all year round to deliver such an amazing event
The parade is and always will be amazing and life affirming This year it was ALL about the park Preston Park on the Saturday was gayer than it's been for years The atmosphere was calm, welcoming and I felt safe (probably because it was gayer then previous years) and the BME stage was actually full of BME people! So diverse.
The park was spotless! No rubbish or litter - as if it was it had been picked up straight away
The production values were second to none I could have been at Hyde Park it was that good and security were fantastic - chatty and smiley (That's what you want)
The political message behind Pride was very loud and very clear It was heartening that the politics behind Pride was at the forefront And it was a message that resonated with me as a non white member of the LGBT+ communities. When I went into town it was the
polar opposite Very, very straight, anything but welcoming, calm and safe (apart from the venues I played at which were very conscious of creating a LGBT+ positive safe space). It literally felt like a war zone. This had nothing to do with Pride the organisation. Everyone has a different experience of Pride. This is mine.
Brighton & Hove Pride isn’t the issue, nor is it the LGBT+ communities’, but the fault of individuals outside of it. If the straight community want some of the fun, respect and understand why Pride is there in the first place It's not about sticking a rainbow on your forehead or glitter on your tits
Whilst Pride actively encourages our allies to join us, this should not be at the expense of the communities for whom Pride is all about Yes Pride has got too big but that isn't the fault of Pride the organisation but the fault of every other business which wants a slice of the action, many of whom don’t give anything back to the LGBT+ communities.
We as members of the LGBT+ communities need to #standtogether. Stop squabbling with each other. It's still our Pride. So get involved and support Pride the organisation to make it the inclusive event we collectively want and need to reflect our lived experience
The street party and the cash-in events say nothing about us. We still need this Pride. If for nothing else but to generate money for lots of our community organisations that would go under if it wasn't for the income Pride donates
If you ’ re the one of the many straight people on my Facebook feed moaning about Pride, simple solution - DON'T COME Allow the space for a person who wants to support our wide and varied LGBT+ communities And if you do want to come, understand why we need a Pride in the first place and be thankful that you don't.
Thank you to Paul Kemp and all of the Pride team and the amazing HeSheThey team, absolutely loved it. 1BTN for all your hard work and efforts with the parade. The beautiful and glorious BitchPlease family, you all rocked. Same time next year please
Affy Wajid, xxxxx
BRIGHTON & HOVE PRIDE 2019
Editorial comment by James Ledward
) Brighton & Hove Pride 2019 will remain in my memory forever for the magical moment at 8 30pm on Saturday, August 3 when local drag queen Lola Lasagne aka Stephen Richards took centre stage in Preston Park to introduce Pride’s campaigning video #WeStandTogether and introduce Kylie to the main stage
For 15 glorious minutes Preston Park fell silent and Stephen had 55,000 people in the palm of his hand as he reminded everyone why we were all there and talked us through the history of the Pride Movement from Stonewall to the present day
It was completely unscripted and created a defining moment for the event I hope it encourages those people, who year after year complain that Pride is not inclusive enough or too commercial, to think hard and long about what they actually mean The reality is that Brighton & Hove Pride will never be a free event again
This year the Brighton & Hove Pride Community Parade, the longest ever, was made up two-thirds by community groups and due to stricter conditions imposed by Brighton & Hove Pride organisers, had the lowest number of corporate entries ever
The Pride campaigning theme, We Stand Together, will long after the event remain a call to action for all actively involved in the LGBT+ communities and our allies to unite and stand together against all types of discrimination and concentrate on defending the advances in equality, inclusion and diversity we have achieved over the last five decades, since Stonewall
The Brighton & Hove Pride Community Parade was led, as it should be, by representatives from LGBT+ community groups across the city and Pride’s independent charity par tners, the Brighton R ainbow Fund, who over the last few years, through their independent grants programme, have distributed more than £700,000 to groups and organisations who deliver effective frontline services to LGBT+ people in the city Much of that
£700,000 has been donated by the current organisers of Brighton & Hove Pride
The only shadow on a wonderful day was controversy over the provision for disabled people
For the last few years, access at Brighton & Hove Pride has been provided by the volunteers of the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum Last year they received so much abuse on the day from friends and family accompanying some disabled people that they decided to step down from providing the service at this year’s event
Access for people with disabilities must be booked online ahead of the event and an accompanying carer gets a free ticket Every year, people turn up having not booked Access provision often with an extended group of friends and family ‘demanding’ access is provided for them
Because of my own mobility problems, this year for the first time, I sat for six hours on the VIP platform behind the disabled platform and was able to watch what happened One par ticular person turned up with 10 people who laid out a blanket on the disabled platform and proceeded to have a picnic taking up the room for five wheel chairs
Don’t get me wrong, there were indeed problems on the day affecting disabled people, but many of those were caused because of people who had not booked access insisting on entry to the Access area and the resulting backlog was impossible to manage by the Access Providers who were providing the service to the Pride organisers for the first time this year
Within four days of the event a meeting took place with Pride organisers, Peter Kyle MP, myself, and the organisers of Disability Pride and Ditch the Label to discuss the problems and star t a
process that makes sure the same thing does not happen next year, especially the long queues disabled people encountered when they arrived to get into the park
In their repor ting, the BBC suggested that Brighton & Hove Pride’s provision for the disabled was inadequate In my experience the service provided is good, but relies on people registering for Access online in advance, a condition demanded by other events around the country
Of more concern to me was the unacceptable bullying that Pride organisers received on Twitter by people who did not know the facts, and to be honest, should have known better But that’s another story!
Brighton & Hove Pride is now a global event and each year organisers learn from the previous year’s problems After the well-publicised issues at Brighton Station last year, as people tried unsuccessfully to leave the city, this year, after hours and hours of planning with Govia Thameslink R ailways the egress from the city on Saturday night after Kylie went very smoothly, highlighting the impor tance of effective par tnership working
Last year’s negative publicity about the state of Brighton beach was tackled head on Despite having no official events on the beach, last year or this year, Pride organisers sponsored the Big Beach clean up on Sunday this year which went like clockwork
Similarly, the clean up of St James’s Street after the Pride Village Par ty on Saturday and Sunday night was spectacularly successful, all paid for by organisers of Brighton & Hove Pride
I hope that come next year I’ll be able to repor t on similar progress being made with regard to disabled access Maybe then the local media, including the BBC, will take the oppor tunity to tell the world how the tiny group of people that is Brighton & Hove Pride, delivers the city a Blue Ribbon event, at little or no cost to the city, putting millions into the pockets of local businesses, elevating Brighton & Hove to where it belongs, a leader in promoting equality and diversity, while at the same time raising funds to ensure our LGBT+ voluntary sector organisations will survive for the immediate futureinstead of post event, waiting for the next bad news story to run with
DAVID RAVEN AT 86
) David R aven celebrated his 86th bir thday at Grosvenor Bar in Hove on August 16, doing what he does best, enter taining friends and suppor ters He was joined on stage by among others, West End star Mark Inscoe, Pooh La May, Neil Jackson and Gscene photographer Jack Lynn Friends came from the four cor ners of the planet including Tom McCormack and Lewis from Buenos Aires to wish him Happy Bir thday
ROTTINGDEAN CLUB RAISE £1,308.09 FOR BRIGHTON RAINBOW FUND
) Despite dreadful weather, Phil, Paul and customers at the R ottingdean Club raised a magnificent £1,308 09 for the Brighton R ainbow Fund at their Summer Par ty on Saturday, August 10. Plans to use the garden were cancelled af ter the over night stor m threatened to blow away the specially constr ucted marquee, which was dismantled and the par ty moved inside the club Enter tainment was provided by Gabriella Parrish and the amazing Abalicious Duo who kept the crowd dancing to ABBA numbers and digging deep into their pockets well into the evening
LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT CAMPAIGNS FOR PERMANENT ‘RAINBOW CROSSING’ ON ST JAMES’S STREET
) Marc Silver, founder of Brighton-based LGBT+ travel agency beOUTbeFREE com, has launched a campaign to have a R ainbow Crossing on St James’s Street in Kemptown, Brighton, which would be a permanent landmark to celebrate 50 years since the Stonewall Riots Marc says that St James’s Street would be the perfect location for such a landmark and feels, following the installation of the recent Rainbow Crossing in Lambeth in London on August 16, 2019, it is legally possible to do so
Marc, said: “Kemptown is historically and unofficially the LGBT+ area in Brighton & Hove and would be the perfect location for such an important historical milestone to be celebrated with a visual piece of art, representing the past struggles the LGBT+ communities have had, where we are today, and a statement to the future as to how there is still work to do - as well as celebrating diversity in our city of Brighton & Hove that many LGBT+ people now call home
“ We understand that the cost of this should not come from the public purse Therefore, we are asking for donations from the LGBT+ communities and local businesses in Brighton and further afield to help fund the project
“The work starts now Let’s see what we can do together to create a permanent landmark marking 50 years since the Stonewall Riots and celebrate the great diversity in Brighton & Hove that we cherish and appreciate, creating a symbol to inspire and achieve more for a world of equality ”
Marc has star ted a Go Fund Me page, Brighton R ainbow Crossing, and has a Facebook page at Brighton Rainbow Crossing to raise funds and awareness of the campaign To make a donation, view: www.gofundme.com/f/brightonrainbow-crossing
PRIDE SOLIDARITY FUND DONATES £10,000 TO NATIONAL LGBT+ ORGANISATIONS
) On Saturday, August 3, Brighton & Hove Pride’s Pride Solidarity Fund presented the Peter Tatchell Foundation and Kaleidoscope Trust with cheques for £5,000 each to suppor t their work with the LGBT+ communities worldwide The cheques were presented to Peter Tatchell and representatives from the Kaleidoscope Trust on the main stage at Brighton Pride's primary fundraising event, Pride in the Park, to suppor t both these independent organisations who dedicate their service to upholding the human rights of LGBT+ people in the UK and internationally The Pride Solidarity Fund was established in 2018 to suppor t underfunded projects and organisations, many of which have had their funding cut over the last five years
Commenting on the donation, Peter Tatchell, Director of The Peter Tatchell Foundation, which campaigns for LGBT+ and human rights in the UK and worldwide, said: “ We’re delighted and honoured to receive this very generous donation from the Pride Solidarity Fund to aid our work supporting LGBT+ rights in the UK and internationally As a small, under- funded LGBT+ and human rights charity, this grant means a lot It will enable us to do even more to challenge homophobia, biphobia and transphobia Among other causes, this funding will help us support LGBT+ campaigners in Arab countries and LGBT+ Muslims in the UK ”
The Kaleidoscope Trust work to uphold the human rights of LGBT+ people in countries where they do not have their equal rights and are discriminated against because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity
Phyll Opoku- Gyimah, Executive Director of Kaleidoscope Trust, said: “I want to express huge thanks to Brighton & Hove Pride for their donation to Kaleidoscope Trust This global movement for LGBTQI liberation and human rights needs as many people as possible working towards common goals of freedom, unity and dignity Your donation helps us to continue do this work and we are so grateful ” The cheques were presented by Paul Kemp, managing director of Brighton & Hove Pride, in front of an audience of 50,000 people He congratulated both organisations on their effor ts, achievements and continued campaigning for the rights of LGBT+ individuals and communities around the world
STUDENTS’ UNION APOLOGISES FOR WRONGFUL EXPULSIONS 25 YEARS AGO
) The University of Salford’s LGBT+ Society was disbanded and committee members were expelled from the Students’ Union 25 years ago Jeff Evans and Simon McGurk were accused of distributing offensive materials on campus, in the for m of a graphic image within their annual Pink Guide The Students’ Union has recently issued a for mal apology to all the banned students and awarded them lifetime membership to the Student Union
The Pink Guide was a project created by a group of students known as the Pink Collective, involving students from University of Salford, University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University The aim of the guide was to educate new students about LGBT+ life in Greater Manchester
In the early 1990s, the AIDS epidemic was a prominent focus for the LGBT+ communities, as a result, the Pink Guide emphasised sexual health and safety In one of these sexual health ar ticles there was a graphic image illustrating safer sex practices, the image was obtained from gover nment issued health infor mation.
Despite the insistence from the Pink Collective that the image was vital to the dissemination of safer sex infor mation, the University of Salford Students’ Union upheld a distribution ban of the Pink Guide and expelled the students involved
By pure coincidence, a recent University of Salford Students’ Union Student Officer met a member of the Pink Collective at an exter nal event This for mer student,
Jeff Evans, told the Student Officer his stor y and showed him the Pink Guide that led to the ban
The Students’ Union felt their actions in 1993 were discriminator y and not in line with the cur rent values of the organisation They invited Jeff and another Pink Collective member, Simon McGurk to campus to tell their stor y This visit was documented alongside a visit to the Manchester Central Librar y Archives, to create a shor t film about the Pink Guide
The premiere of this film took place on Tuesday, August 20, at the University of Salford, and featured a Q&A with Jeff and Simon
Jeff and Simon have been working with the Students’ Union to create a new Pink Guide which will be available to Salford students during Welcome Week 2019
Jeff Evans, for mer Pink Collective and lifetime Students’ Union member, said: “It is a shameful period in the past of the Students’ Union, and I am so pleased that the organisation has had the maturity to put their hand up and say, ‘this w as w rong, and w e w ant to tr y and make it right’ ”
PEOPLE ON PREP MORE LIKELY TO TEST REGULARLY FOR OTHER STIs
) A new survey, the third in an annual series of UK surveys conducted by Public Health England in collaboration with PrEPster and iwantPrEPnow (IWPN), reveals that although the propor tion of people who have ever used PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) has not increased since the previous survey, a higher propor tion of new responders repor t currently using PrEP The repor t also finds that people receiving PrEP from the four UK health services, either through direct clinic provision or (in most cases), via the PrEP IMPACT trial, were significantly more likely to test regularly for both HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and had more STI diagnoses, than people accessing PrEP privately The survey was completed by 2,389 people
Some of the main findings include:
• 22% of respondents had at some point during the year tried and failed to obtain PrEP – a similar propor tion to the previous survey
• Three quar ters of those unable to access PrEP said they were unable to enrol in the NHS England IMPACT trial
• 54% of respondents were getting PrEP via the NHS England IMPACT trial, with 37% accessing PrEP privately for example online
• Three-quar ters of respondents said taking PrEP had an entirely positive effect, with no downside
Marc Thompson, Health Improvement Lead at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “PrEP is a key tool in the fight against ending HIV transmissions These new findings demonstrate that PrEP isn’t just stopping HIV, it is having an overwhelming positive impact on people’s lives That’s so important to remember as there remains far too many people unable to access this HIV game-changer The impact of not increasing places on the trial has been laid bare in this survey, with nearly one in five people who want to access PrEP unable to do so While nearly a quarter of people who had been purchasing PrEP privately having to stop due to being unable to pay for the antiHIV drug People shouldn’t be forced to make a decision that ultimately increases their risk of HIV That’s why there must be increased places on the trial and immediate action towards providing routine access to PrEP
“It’s concerning that only half of people who have purchased PrEP privately have undergone the necessary kidney function tests before or while taking PrEP Despite the side affects of taking PrEP being minimal for many users, it’s vital anyone wanting to or currently taking PrEP has the relevant screenings This puts even greater urgency on our calls for PrEP to be embedded in routine HIV prevention services ”
£2,000
DONATION FOR HOVE MARTLETS
) Friends gathered at Hotel du Vin on Monday, July 22 to celebrate the life of Tom Adams the former owner of The Amsterdam Hotel on Brighton Seafront Matthew Warren the former manager of the hotel presented Dr Duncan Stewar t, a trustee at the Mar tlet Hospice in Hove, a cheque for £2,000 to recognise the magnificent care Tom received in his final days
Did
Are you willing to share the OUTCOME with US?
GRAND BRIGHTON HALF MARATHON CELEBRATES 30 YEARS IN 2020
The Grand Brighton Half Marathon celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2020, marking a very special race year for the popular half marathon
) The Grand Brighton Half Marathon race organisers have some exciting plans up their sleeves to mark the big bir thday on Sunday, Februar y 23 next year, including an anniversary medal and a line up of race ambassadors who will help to celebrate the history of the race
Mar tin Harrigan, the Grand Brighton Half Marathon’s Race Director, said: “2020 marks a very special year for the race as we celebrate our 30th birthday The race has grown enormously over the past three decades as more and more people have taken up running and we’re so proud of the event it has become We’ll be marking this very special race year with a 30th anniversary race medal, so whether it’s your first Brighton Half or your 30th, this is a year not to be missed!”
The Grand Brighton Half Marathon race is organised by Brighton-based charity the Sussex Beacon, which provides specialist suppor t and care for people living with HIV through both inpatient and outpatient services The charity helps hundreds of people living
with HIV in Sussex and the race is its largest annual fundraising event
Bill Puddicombe, Sussex Beacon Chief Executive, added: “The Grand Brighton Half Marathon is a big day for the Sussex Beacon, but also for all the other charities who take part and fundraise on the day There are so many different ways to get involved – as
a runner, as a relay team, or as a volunteer helping out on the day It is the thousands of people that turn up, participate and cheer on the runners who create the party atmosphere for this great event ”
Organisers are keen to hear from any runners who took par t in the early races in the 1990s Whether you have a story to share from a par ticular race year, photos of your medal collection, or one of the early race T-shir ts, email the race team: half marathon@sussexbeacon org uk
The race is once again suppor ted by headline sponsor The Grand, the city’s iconic seafront hotel, which is also on the course route Runners can choose to run for over 30 par tner charities, including local charities the Sussex Beacon and Chestnut Tree House, plus national charities including Alzheimer ’s Society and Macmillan
The Grand Brighton Half Marathon has become one of the most popular, and friendliest, races in the UK since its first event in the 1990 The 13 1 mile route takes runners from Brighton’s famous pier through the centre of the city, before heading along the seafront past The Grand hotel
To book a charity places on the 30th anniversary race, view: www.sussexbeacon.org.uk
Pictured below left to right: David Knight, the first winner of the race, Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion and Mar tin Harrigan, the Race Director, at at The Grand Brighton Half Marathon launch
NEW ERA AND NEW BOSS FOR ALLSORTS YOUTH PROJECT
) Katie Vincent takes over the leadership of the project from Jess Wood MBE, who is retiring in the Autumn
After 20 years at the helm of Allsor ts, Jess is stepping down to focus on her PhD at the Prince’s School of Traditional Ar ts in London Katie has been appointed the new CEO and has been working closely with Jess to develop a new vision
Katie says: “I’m really excited to be taking over from Jess, we’ve had a blast and I will continue the Allsorts culture of fun, openness, inclusion and warmth and ensuring children and young people are always at the heart of our service
“My task is clear, to build on the foundations of our reputation and reach, and expand our services Jess’s creativity, spirit and energy is something that has constantly inspired me and will continue to drive the project and our mission forward ”
Allsor ts Youth Project, was founded by Jess Wood, MBE and James Newton in 1999 The project has grown in 20 years from a small volunteer-led project into a multi-award winning nationally recognised LGBT+ youth project
In those early days Allsor ts had no funding but a lot of enthusiasm! Jess, an ar tist, and James, a youth worker and postman, were motivated to provide something for LGBT+ and unsure children and young people because at the time there was almost no suppor t services available in Brighton, and they saw a great need
Jess says: “It’s been a wonderful 20 years working for Allsorts, we’ve always had the most fantastic staff team, trustees and volunteers, without whom the project could not have thrived the way it has
“ We’ve had so much fun and achieved so much and as with any youth project it’s the children and young people that are the heart of everything that makes Allsorts so fantastic! I will treasure my memories of individual young people who have triumphed over terrible adversary in their lives and with the help of Allsorts, have been able to flourish ”
NEW RUBBER GROUP PL ANNED FOR BRIGHTON & HOVE
) A new group is being created in Brighton & Hove to offer suppor t, create events and arrange meet-ups for the LGBT+ rubber community and they are looking for new members The group has been born out of the belief that Brighton is missing a rubber group and they want to do something different to help bring all the city's wide and varied LGBT+ communities together
A founding meeting is planned for September To find out more, email the group for an invitation to the closed Facebook group at brightonrubbersocial@gmail com
Membership to this group on Facebook will not show up on your timeline
The group plans to adopt a formal constitution, set out some goals for the group and agree on a founding event They are very keen to work with other existing groups, charities and brands in Brighton to help bring more visibility to the rubber community and help change some of the negative perceptions that exist One of the biggest drives to create the group was the idea that something positive, kind and exciting could really bring the community together
The group will also be fundraising for the group by selling R ubber Pride silicon wristbands to help build visibility
If you have any thoughts or better still would like to get involved organisers would love to hear from you Email: brightonrubbersocial@gmail.com
OUT TO SWIM SOUTH LEARNER SES SIONS START SEPTEMBER 16
) On September 16, Out to Swim South, the LGBT+ swimming club, will be star ting new learn to swim sessions every Monday from 8.309.30pm at the Prince R egent swimming pool in central Brighton
Everyone at Allsor ts is looking forward to a new era under the dynamic leadership of Katie Vincent
For more information about Allsor ts Youth Project, visit: www.allsor tsyouth.org.uk
A dedicated lane and coach will be available for all people wishing to learn to swim or who aren’t confident swimmers The set for the other lane will be adjusted to accommodate all those who are not par ticipating in the lessons
Members will be required to purchase and are required to buy a PAYG pass which will cover all the 10 learning sessions on Mondays
For information about membership, visit: www.outtoswim.org/brighton
GRAND OPENING PARTY
FRIDAY 30TH AUGUSTFROM 9PM
SEA SERPENTS SEND TWO PLAYERS TO RUGBY WORLD CUP ‘INCLUSIVE CHALLENGE’ COMPETITION IN JAPAN
) Two players from Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents RFC will travel to Japan in October to represent their club and the City of Brighton & Hove at the first International Inclusive Challenge (IIC) rugby tournament in Tokyo The World Barbarians Foundation, in par tnership with International Gay Rugby, will stage the inaugural IIC at Saitama Misato Athletic Grounds in Tokyo, Japan during the Rugby World Cup on October 5, featuring gay, inclusive and traditional teams composed of players from around the world The IIC will bring together teams from the global rugby community in suppor t of tackling homophobia in spor t and suppor ting clubs par ticipating from cultures that still hold negative views of LGBT+ communities
The challenge will take place during the Rugby World Cup, the third most viewed spor ting spectacle after the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup, with three matches being played on October 5 Teams making up this challenge will include top tier clubs from Tokyo, Japan; Beijing, China; and an all LGBT+ club representing Japan They will face three all-star teams comprised of the world's best gay and inclusive players to show the world that there is a place in spor ts for everyone regardless of stereotypes or identity Matches begin at 9am local time and are free to the public The weekend also includes a rugby clinic run by current and former professional rugby players and various social and cultural events to celebrate rugby, Japanese culture and diversity
Aaron Pokluda, a player for the Japanese LGBT+ team, said of the event: “The IIC will be a first on many levels From the social aspects down to the rugby, almost everything planned will be a first We can't wait for our Japanese and foreign counterparts to experience this event!"
William Howell, President of the Worldwide Barbarians Foundation, explained why he felt this was such an impor tant event: “The players and organisers feel it is crucial to provide a platform for all members of the LGBT+ communities to feel they are a part of something and that they are not alone These matches, featuring both straight and inclusive teams, allow them to showcase their talent and passion in an open and impactful way This is especially important in cultures where the community may still be marginalised or shunned "
The Worldwide Barbarians Foundation is a registered non-profit organisation focused on inclusion in spor ts through advocacy, education, and involvement It features members from more than 20 countries representing the full spectrum of sexual and gender identity, using the spor t of rugby as a platform to encourage teamwork and camaraderie within all the communities it works with International Gay Rugby is the governing body for gay and inclusive rugby teams worldwide and have been leaders in working with other spor ting governing bodies to address homophobia and inclusion in spor ts
The two Sea Serpents players who will join the international line up of the World Barbarians third XV team for this historic event are Damian Giles and Chris Hibbert Damian Giles, Club Treasurer and self-termed 'versatile prop' (as in he plays both loose head and tight head positions), said: “This is an amazing opportunity to promote inclusive rugby and to represent our club and the city of Brighton & Hove The fact that these matches are taking place during the Rugby World Cup will showcase the true inclusivity of the game The memories of this event will undoubtedly stay with me forever!”
The Sea Serpents are sponsored by Bar Broadway and are members of the International Gay Rugby governing body If you’re interested in learning to play rugby go along to a training session, which take place every Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm at Hove Rugby Club They tailor the training so it doesn’t matter if you haven’t played before! They’ll teach you and work with you to help you decide when you’re ready to play your first match If you don’t want to play full contact rugby, they also offer a touch rugby option that’s open to everyone
For more information email info@bhssrfc.com, or view: www.bhssrfc.com
GAY GAMES GOLD MEDALLIST RETURNS TO COMPETE AT
BRIGHTON & HOVE TRIATHLON
) Brighton & Hove Triathlon returns this year to Hove Lawns for the four th time - dedicated as always to celebrating inclusivity in spor t This year also sees the return of elite level athlete Mark Edmonds, who at the age of 49 is returning to the spor t of triathlon after 13 years away Mark has competed in over 250 triathlons over the years and is a three times triathlon gold medallist at the Gay Games
At the age of 16, Mark was a member of Team GB before progressing up the ranks and remaining as par t of the team until he was 28 Throughout those 12 years of competing, Mark was too scared to admit he was gay
Mark said: “Like many other boys my age, I was very scared in admitting to others I was gay for fear of being ridiculed or bullied I didn’t have anyone close to me that I felt I could confide in So I chose to put all my feelings and emotions in a box (figuratively) with an aim to deal with them later As a result of these insecurities and worries I became very shy in general I didn’t want to arouse suspicion about me, so I withdrew from pretty much any social activity from 11 years old onwards I poured all my energies into the triathlon training instead
“ When I got included in the Team GB set up, they were all faster than me
and were much more well- rounded with life experience too To be honest, I think had I been brave enough to come out to them at the time, I’m sure they would have accepted me fully ” Mark continued: “Af ter dealing with 12 years of being side-lined from competing due to various injuries that had effectively ended my sporting career, I really struggled emotionally and didn’t know what to do with my life I adapted and found other pathways but I always felt a big part of me had been taken away I’m so happy to be able to finally run again Once it looked like all systems were go I decided to look for a late season triathlon Brighton was the obvious candidate It was a perfect time of the year I had been an ambassador to support the LGBT+ aspect of the race for the previous two years and because I knew the race organiser, John Lunt, I knew it would be very well organised “Time has moved on and people’s perceptions of gay men/women has definitely moved on too When I train and race, I don’t think of myself as a ‘gay’ triathlete though I see myself foremost as an athlete who happens to be gay I believe triathlon has many gay athletes racing Some are open and out, many are not It doesn’t matter either way Triathlon is a sexy sport with many sexy fit bodies, tight fitting Lycra and rubber (wetsuits), so to that fact it’s actually a very gay friendly sport
"It’s great the Brighton & Hove Triathlon will be so welcoming to LGBT+ athletes and I’m really excited to be competing there ”
John Lunt, Race Director, said: “ We look forward to seeing Mark Edmonds returning to our sport af ter a 13 year lay- off Mark is a great role model for the LGBT+ communities and we are honoured Mark has chosen Brighton as his comeback race Brighton & Hove Triathlon is committed to making sport inclusive We need to show that sport can be everyone’s game ” For
THE BRIGHTON RAINBOW FUND APPROVES FIRST GRASSROOTS GRANT FROM NEW FUNDING STREAM
) The new Grassroots Community Fund, within the Brighton R ainbow Fund, was announced in May Grants of up to £1,000 from this fund are available to volunteer led LGBT+ projects, with no paid staff, in Sussex Surdi is a not for profit group based in Brighton & Hove who work to encourage hearing culture to accept deaf culture, avoid isolation, avoid social stigma and to create oppor tunities for deaf and hard of hearing people The project for which a grant of £1,000 has been approved is for the Sussex Deaf LGBT+ Project
The grant will allow for:
• Hire of a private space in Brighton for the group to meet once a month for a year
• Improvement of the website to include more information about the LGBT group
• Printing leaflets to raise awareness about the group
• A banner to promote and raise awareness of the group at social events
Darren Jensen from the Sussex Deaf LGBT+ Project, said: “ We really appreciate the quick response from the Brighton Rainbow Fund This grant will allow us to start sorting our plans”
The Brighton Rainbow Fund Community Grassroots Fund is open 365 days of the year For details and an application form, view: www.rainbow-fund.org/grass-root/.
The recipients of grants in the 2019 Brighton Rainbow Fund grants round will be announced at the Old Ship Hotel on October 1
For more information about Surdi, view: http://surdi.org
BRIGHTON GAY MEN’S CHORUS RE-SCHEDULE SUMMER SHOW
) Towards the end of June, Brighton Gay Men's Chorus (BGMC) was shocked by the sudden and untimely death of Richard Tredgett, the fiancé of Chorus Director, Joe Paxton In consultation with Joe, BGMC’s trustees decided to postpone the summer show, originally scheduled for Brighton Pride weekend, until Friday 20 and Saturday, September 21, 2019
Vaughan Leyshon, BGMC's Chairman, said: “ We hope the Chorus and all its members can be a source of support for Joe during this difficult time In Time For Pride, the first fullyfledged show that Joe has created for us, has added importance because we know he shared ideas about its concept with Richard We are now looking forward to sharing it with our friends, family and supporters "
Although the show will now take place after Brighton Pride, its theme around the fight for equality is timeless In Time For Pride introduces a mysterious character travelling through time and space who will be transpor ting the audience through an exploration of the history of Pride and the music that has run alongside it So, book your seat early for what is bound to be an unforgettable journey - one that promises to honour extraordinary people, highlight the transformative power of music and, while fully recognising there is still much work to be done, celebrate how far we have already come
) In Time For Pride, St George’s Church, St George’s Rd, BTN, BN2 1ED, Friday 20 & Saturday 21, September, 2019; doors 7pm, show 7 30pm; tickets £15 /£12 concs from Prowler, St James’s Street, or: www brightongmc org
RICHARD TREDGETT
) On Friday, August 2, family and friends gathered at St Andrew’s in Waterloo Street to say farewell to Richard Tredgett, who died suddenly on June 20 Songs and music featured extensively at Richard’s funeral, with both the Actually and Brighton Gay Men's Choruses singing some of his favourite songs
He was possessed of a fine tenor voice and he loved to sing When he performed karaoke, Richard knew how to get the crowd going – although knowing the lyrics was sometimes optional As well as belonging to the Actually Gay Men’s Chorus, he was a member of two other choirs, including one in London, and a work choir in York His fiancé Joe Paxton is the Chorus Director of the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus
Richard was born to Pat and Clive Tredgett He lost his dad at a very young age, and his mother when he was 30 The loss of his parents affected him deeply Their passing made him value life, and engendered within him a determination to live his own fully His family and friends say that he did more in 40 years than most people do in 80 He turned his hand to many different pursuits, and was always up for trying new things and travelling to new places
Richard’s death prompted messages of shock and sympathy from across the world He had travelled extensively, and left a positive impression on the people he met He was known to be kind, funny, and full of life and joy The packed pews at St Andrew’s attested to how widely he was loved and admired
Richard was not par ticularly organised, and punctuality was not his strongest attribute Those who knew him well knew to schedule plans not only in GMT but in RTT (Richard Tredgett Time) as it seemed that he had his own time zone However, with his handsome, disarming smile, those who had been left waiting found that it was hard to stay mad at Richard for long
Richard attended Moulsecoomb Primary School, Falmer High School and then BHASVIC Through a combination of natural talent and hard work and determination, he was successful at school, in spor t (in which he could be quite competitive), and in music Having attended university in Leeds, and maintained a connection to the area, he had recently returned there for work, and was looking forward to reconnecting with the stomping grounds of his student days
Richard was a big Eurovision fan As children, he and his family used to spend Eurovision evenings completing their own score cards His love of Eurovision continued into adulthood and he would spend many Eurovision nights at par ties with friends, and Eurovision was a common theme in his music playlists
Richard’s funeral coincided with Brighton Pride Pride meant a lot to him He loved the celebration, and had attended Prides across the UK and Europe Many fond memories were made at Prides in Manchester, Birmingham, London, Madrid, Barcelona and Gran Canaria
Richard had Irish heritage and was very pleased to get his Irish Passpor t His childhood trips to Ireland to see his family were full of freedom and fun, as he ran amok with sister and cousins He played in the fields all day and only came back when hungry As an adult on these trips, he’d discovered the local bar, Richard enjoyed many a drunken time that ended with him having to negotiate the cattle grid to the house without incurring the wrath of his mum
In recent years he greatly enjoyed being an uncle and would buy his nephews fantastic gifts for Christmas and bir thdays – although they were not always age appropriate (a full size skateboard for a two-year-old being a par ticularly notable example) His ambition was to be Uncle of the Year, and he knew that great toys were the keys to the boys’ hearts
Richard was well known in Brighton & Hove His death has affected many people in the city, and far beyond He will be missed sadly by all who had the privilege of knowing him
Richard Tredgett, 24
MICHAEL WALL
FAREWELL MY DARLING
) Back in the early par t of 2004, in the bad old days of Gaydar, I was innocently surfing around when a young Irishman popped his head over the parapet and said Hi He turned out to be one of life’s exceptional men, although I didn’t know that at the time Some weeks later we met in Dublin, he lived in Galway and he cheekily bought himself a ticket to come to Brighton, not knowing how well we would get on If it hadn’t gone well he would have simply thrown the ticket away He liked Brighton and so after a few months moved over to live with me
Michael Wall was quite simply one of life’s brightest, charming, intelligent and wonderful people anyone could wish for We fell hopelessly in love, eventually, and settled into domestic bliss We got Civil Par tnered in 2006 and upgraded to marriage in 2014, happiness forever
Some years later he was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety, as a result of childhood abuse and professional homophobia Over the next few years he became very anxious and depressed but we continued with our very happy and almost idyllic life and were managing his condition - changing jobs a few times while developing some skills that were very much in demand
But during the past few years his illness did not improve and he star ted drinking, a classic self medication a lot of depressed people take
In June 2019, he felt the need for a rest and decided to take a few
months off from the most perfect job he had ever had
Everything seemed to be fine but over the course of one weekend he drank a lot, this resulted in many visits to hospital but usually coming home with a reasonable clean bill of health
On Thursday, August 8, 2019 he felt quite ill and collapsed from a cardiac arrest - his hear t had simply stopped and he died in my arms
He was just 44 and in the standard clichés of these things still had the best par t of his and our life ahead
Living with a lover with depression is very challenging but loving him as much as I do this really didn’t matter and we coped quite well
His sudden death has turned the light out in my life, he will always be with me in our home and moreover in my hear t
To say that I will miss him is the most ridiculous understatement possible, my world has been destroyed and that is not too dramatic
Of course my life will go on, quite how and why is difficult to say We are not religious at all but I like to think that one day, who knows, I may be with him again
So this is farewell my darling but I will never say goodbye
Michael Wall, 21 4 1975 - 8 8 2019
Michael was a regular Gscene columnist for the last 10 years
Roger Wheeler
PRIDE 2019
WALKING TO END THE STIGMA SURROUNDING HIV
The Martin Fisher Foundation was founded in September 2015 in memor y of Prof Martin Fisher ’s outstanding national and international contribution to HIV research, education and patient care.
) The charity has created a structure for continuing Martin’s achievements and inspirational vision, and to develop new strategies for effective HIV prevention and treatment In particular the charity works collaboratively with other stakeholders to develop innovative approaches to improve access to information and services for vulnerable groups. This year the theme of the charity’s parade group at Brighton Pride was tackling HIV stigma and the message that U=U. This means that someone with an undetectable HIV viral load (meaning they are on effective treatment that has completely suppressed the virus) cannot transmit the virus to their partner Undetectable = Untransmittable!
Members of the charity’s walking group reflected on their feelings about taking part in this year ’ s parade
) “Pride is a huge mixture of emotions. It gives us a captive audience of people to get our message across to. It’s a real opportunity, it’s our duty to participate We owe it to ourselves, to our peers, to the people still suffering from the stigma around HIV and to those no longer with us For me the excitement is always tempered by the memories of my many friends who didn’t survive the epidemic We have to stop this virus and the stigma that surrounds it and the damage it does to people
“When I get to the park, I’m usually tired and emotionally weakened I miss my friends that should be there and sometimes feel very lonely That happened again this year, except I battled through it and met a trans woman experiencing her first ‘out’ event. We looked after each other and were joined by two HIV Peer Mentors from PositivelyUK. Between us we managed to have a fabulous evening with Kylie right to the end.
“For me Pride is a mixed bag of fun, social campaigning, sad memories and glitter Lots and lots of glitter Bring on Brighton Pride 2020!” Patient Rep
) “Walking on behalf of the charity made me so proud It brought back so many wonderful memories of Martin and how passionate he was about trying to change the stigma surrounding HIV My granddaughters who walked with me absolutely loved it too I hope in the years to come the stigma surrounding HIV will cease with this younger generation.”
Martin’s former PA/Secretary
) “I love walking in the parade, it’s a fantastic opportunity to promote the charity, raise awareness and engage with the public. There is always a great community spirit and positivity between those taking part and those watching.”Parade Participant
) “It was extremely humbling to be part of Brighton Pride. As a psychologist working in HIV/sexual health services, I am passionate about working to promote equality. It was incredibly touching to be part of an event that is dedicated to love and acceptance.”
Principle Clinical Psychologist in HIV
) “Walking in the parade, led by the welltravelled Stiggy and carrying U=U banners whilst wearing white 70s disco attire was the best way to spend a Saturday! Martin thrived on teamwork and to have seen ‘his team’ consisting of a cross section of staff, friends, charity supporters plus their children, grandchildren and even dogs would have made him extremely proud ” Consultant in HIV/GUM & Clinical Trials at the Royal Sussex County Hospital
) “Having experiences of life pre-HIV and throughout the journey, I was delighted to be
able to give something back to support the charity. I consider myself fortunate to have known Martin and benefitted from his fantastic care. The HIV journey is really inspirational to me and the charity, its vision and mission are so empowering. The scientifically proven U=U message is so important and a real breakthrough for us all It has driven and motivated me to take every opportunity to talk to people about HIV and help break down the old stigma Stigma should be left firmly in the past For me the parade was about walking proud and standing tall!”
Former patient of Martin’s
) “Walking for the charity was a wonderful experience and an emotional roller coaster I thought of the past and how we need to make sure our future is NO MORE HIV STIGMA The support the crowd gave us was wonderful, I am so proud of all the work we do to get the message out there.”
HIV outpatients (Lawson Unit) receptionist
) “Being part of the parade reminded me that there is a lot of support for LGBT+ in the general population, a reminder that it’s important to keep pushing the message that HIV testing is vital to ultimately obtaining U=U. I felt a sense of pride to be walking with the charity, to have that voice and help get our message out there.” Sexual Health & Contraception (SHAC) Health Adviser
) “It was a pleasure to participate in an event that brings everyone together, where everyone is happy and inclusive. The day left me with such an amazing feeling of unity and belonging ” SHAC secretary
The Martin Fisher Foundation would like to thank everyone who took part in the parade for the charity and the people of Brighton & Hove for their support
STAMMERING IS NOT A STIGMA
Dave Bradley talks about his life long stammer and how singing with Actually Gay Men's Chorus has helped develop his confidence
) I was born with a stammer. My parents tried to help me with various treatments such as speech therapy (breathing exercises) and hypnosis The doctors even gave me Valium when I was four years old to try to cure me! I’m now 46 and still have a stammer I’ve now accepted that I’ll never speak as fluently as most people, or hold a conversation with people who I don’t know very well. A lot of people aren’t sure how to react when a stammerer attempts a conversation with them. Bizarrely I’ve had people think I’m deaf, I’ve been refused entry to bars because door staff think I’m drunk, I’ve been mocked, laughed at and even ignored because of the way I talk.
When I was at school most social activities scared the hell out of me. In my late teens I took part in marathons and numerous other long distance events, because it gave me a sense of belonging to a group without having the need to talk. This sense of participation has remained with me throughout my life I joined Actually Gay Men’s Chorus (ActuallyGMC) and I sing regularly at karaoke (for the record I don’t stammer when I sing – people are always surprised by that) I entered the X Factor auditions twice (once even making it to the second round)
For most of my life my speech impediment has dictated what careers I would follow I settled for a career as a baker because I knew it wouldn’t involve a lot of speech When I moved to Brighton eight years ago and joined ActuallyGMC, this gave me the confidence to be more sociable and accept that a stammer was not a stigma Since then I’ve worked in recruitment, performing job interviews and making phone calls, which is something stammerers would normally avoid. I now work as a Brighton & Hove bus driver.
Socially, it can be a nightmare meeting new people and, for a lot of people who do stammer, the thought of forming a relationship with somebody they like can be very daunting Will this somebody accept the stammer? Will they find it difficult getting to know the person who stammers? These factors make it very difficult for the person who stammers.
Luckily in all of my relationships, partners have been very supportive in all of this. Not sure whether ‘luckily’ is the right word. Are stammerers just over anxious when it comes to forming lasting relationships? Maybe there is actually nothing for that person to worry about. That’s the question many people who stammer ask themselves.
With this in mind, special mention has to go to my husband Terry Bryan (when this is published we will be married). He has never let the stammer get in the way of our relationship, even in the early getting to know each other days. This gave me massive confidence to pursue any career, that before I would have thought impossible.
info
There is a misconception that stammerers need curing with therapy to lead a normal life That isn’t true There are various websites such as www.stammering.org that are aimed at stammering awareness
TRANS PRIDE 2019
) The sun shone down on Trans Pride Brighton 2019, eventually! Overnight the weather forecast didn’t look great, in fact it was dreadful and the city was drenched with torrential rainfall through the early hours However, come the morning of July 20 the rain stopped and during the afternoon, the sun eventually shone down on the record numbers of people attending Trans Pride Brighton 2019
Following speeches at the Marlborough Pub, a record number of 7,000 people joined the Trans Pride protest march along Brighton & Hove seafront to enjoy the festival event in Brunswick Gardens, Hove
Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: “It’s inspiring to watch support for this incredibly important event continue to grow, as it heads into its seventh year, and I’m so proud that Brighton & Hove is home to the first ever trans pride in the UK Trans Pride is about celebrating all that’s been achieved by the trans community worldwide, celebrating diversity and, crucially, demanding real equality The Green Party will continue to challenge stigma and do everything possible to eliminate discrimination so that everyone can live in dignity and safety ”
Brunswick Gardens filled up quickly with trans folk and their allies enjoying an afternoon of eclectic enter tainment on the main stage and the chance to look around the 40 plus market stalls featuring voluntary sector groups, unions and statutory organisations
First up on the main stage was the R ainbow Chorus, Brighton’s oldest and only LGBT+ mixed choir Other performers, included: singer songwriter Madeline Morris; indy folk-rock acoustic band Colours & Fires from Reading; alt-folk duo Bee & Jackrabbit; ar t-rock/indie-pop outfit Georgie Femme from Brighton; Levi de Forgeron; Wild & The-Mollusc Dimension; alt/anti-folk duo The Spirits; and headliners synthpop duo Powderpaint from Brighton Poets Mud Howard and Alice Denny performed their poetry and the afternoon was compered by Emma Subira The atmosphere in the gardens was amazing, so laid back, and the event was a real credit to the Trans Pride Brighton 2019 organisers, who are all volunteers
Photos by Laura Waskinen and James Ledward
BRIGHTON PRIDE 2019
GENERATIONS OF LOVE PRESTON PARK
AFFINITY BAR
l 129 St James’s St, BN2 1TH, Tel 01273 567935 www affinitygaybar com
F Affinity Bar Brighton Text Aler ts: text ‘Affinity’ to 88802
l OPEN daily from 12pm–12am
l DRINK PROMOS Thirsty Thursday: £3 50 drinks including Fosters, double house gin/vodka/rum and house wine
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sunday CAMP CABARET with the brightest stars of the cabaret scene at 5pm: Alfie Ordinar y (1), TBA - see Facebook (8), Dave Lynn (15), Stephanie Von Clitz (22) and Kara Van Park (29) Expect a fun and occasionally wild atmosphere with Stephanie Von Clitz (22), the Dorset tar t with a hear t! Affinity Bar say: “Don't miss out on the Dorset charm of Stephanie Von Clitz who’ll be bringing all your favourite numbers, lively banter and lots of laughs!”
l REGUL ARS Monday is ALL DAY KARAOKE from 12pm; KARAOKE with Tommy Tanker (aka Pat Clutcher) is then at 7pm l Tuesday: Free Jukebox all day l Wednesday is KARAOKE with Tommy Tanker aka Pat Clutcher from 7pm l Thursday is LYDIA L’SHOWBIES with Queen of Flea herself Lydia L’Scabies at 9pm Affinity Bar say: “The award-winning bimbo performs her greatest homages to TV, film and Musical Theatre! Cheap dinks and shot specials to keep you lubricated ” l Friday is WIGS & BEADS KARAOKE from 8pm Select a song, pick a wig, choose your accessories and the stage is yours! l Saturday CAMP CABARET at 6pm: Miss Jason (7), Pat Clutcher (14, 21 & 28), Stick around for KARAOKE with Pat Clutcher on hosting duties from 7pm!
Information is correct at the time of going to press Gscene cannot be held responsible for any changes or alterations to the listings
SUNDAY 1
l AFFINITY BAR cabaret: Alfie
Ordinary 5pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Sunday Funday 12pm; karaoke with Mandy 5pm
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Wain Douglas 5pm; roasts 12pm-till gone
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY karaoke with host Tyler or Ben 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace
Sessions pres: Paul Middleton 8.30pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Pop! Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 9pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash: free food/raffle 5pm; roasts/select menu 12pm–till gone
l CHARLES ST TAP Chris’ 11th
Annual Cabaret Charity Bir thday Bash for Rainbow Fund: host Lola Lasagne & Hear t & Soul, Spice, Pat Clutcher, Rose Garden, Sally Vate, Miss Jason, Kara Van Park, Lucinda Lashes, Davina
Sparkle, Lady Imelda & more TBA 7pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8.30pm; roasts 12pm
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Mary Mac
3 30pm; roasts 12 30–4pm
l MARINE TAVERN roasts 12-5pm;
Drag Open Mic: Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm
AMSTERDAM BAR & KITCHEN
l 11-12 Marine Parade, BN2 1TL, Tel: 01273 670976, www amsterdambrighton com
l OPEN daily from 11am–late
l DRINK PROMOS House wine £10 90 a bottle, two cocktails £15
l FOOD Mon–Fri from 11am–8pm; Sat from 10.30am–8pm; Sunday roasts (excluding Sun 4) from 12.30pm till they run out, booking is recommended: call 01273 670 976 l Full tea and coffee menu available
l ONE FOR THE DIARY CABARET FRIDAYS with top enter tainers on stage at 9.30pm: Dave Lynn (6), Miss Jason (13), Kara Van Park (20) and Drag With No Name (27)
l REGUL ARS Saturday KARAOKE at 9 30pm l Sunday ENTERTAINMENT with Brighton’s best singers serenading you after lunch from 5pm: Wain Douglas (1), Paul Cantara (8), Jamie Watson (15), Gabriella Parrish (22) and Paul Middleton (29) Paul Middleton's renditions of popular songs have seen him tour England, Ireland, Germany the USA Performing music that will make you smile, his covers have reached all four corners of the globe and in the 15 years he's been performing he has developed a global fan base!
football: Ever ton v Wolves 2pm, Arsenal v Spurs 4.30pm
l THE VILL AGE all day karaoke 11am
MONDAY 2
l AFFINITY BAR all day karaoke 12pm; karaoke with Tommy Tanker (aka Pat Clutcher) 7pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Monday
Glitter Ball: 70s-00s tunes 4pm
l BAR BROADWAY Classics Jukebox 6pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Glitter Curious: Patrick Cawley & Maria Gardner + promos, surprises, performances & giveaways 11pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Gaymers Night: consoles/board games 8.30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason’s Monday Madness 9 30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Nils Solberg-Mick Hamer Trio 2pm; Stacey Dawon Trio 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Kara Van Park’s Musical Mondays 9pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB Big Quiz with Tabitha Wild 8pm
TUESDAY 3
l AFFINITY BAR Free Jukebox 12pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG #Transvolve Tuesday: Wonda Starr & Sam Pink bring camp, karaoke & queens 8pm
BAR BROADWAY
l 10 Steine Street, BN2 1TE, Tel: 01273 609777, www barbroadway co uk
l OPEN Mon–Thur from 6pm–1am, Fri from 5pm–3am, Sat from 4pm–3am, Sun from 4pm–1am
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sunday (22): Bar Broadway’s FIREPLACE SESSIONS present TORCHBEARER, a brand new show with renowned recording ar tist and jazz noir male contralto Graham J accompanied on the piano by Ian Elmslie, formally of award-winning cabaret duo Katrina and the Boy, from 8.30pm The evening features songs that are traditionally sung by women and drawn from an eclectic roll call of songwriters that explore the myriad of joys and woes inherent within relationships From off- Broadway to inner city bedsit, from bar room to ball, from laughter to tears and everything in between, expect the unexpected Bar Broadway say: “A torch song is traditionally a sentimental love song in which the singer laments an unrequited or lost love, providing a shoulder upon which the audience rest their collective broken hearts And we’ve all been there ”
l REGUL ARS Sunday: FIREPLACE SESSIONS present top acts from 8.30pm: Paul Middleton (1), Sophie Causbrook (8) and Tania & R oxette (15) and George Mar tin Marino (29) l Monday is CLASSIC S JUKEBOX where you choose the soundtrack for a chilled out evening l Tuesday is Bar Broadway’s PIANO SING-ALONG, belt out a song or two or simply enjoy the live music from 9pm Bar Broadway say: “Bring your own sheet music or choose from the Regency Singers’ extensive catalogue, hop on stage and sing your favourite song accompanied by our pianist ” l Wednesday: Get over the hump with TABITHA & FRIENDS from 10pm l Thursday is Bar Broadway’s BIG QUIZ with host R oss Cameron and prizes, including a cash jackpot, from 8.30pm l Friday & Saturday: BROADWAY JUKEBOX, where you tweet the playlist! Make your song requests via Twitter @barbroadwayuk Bar Broadway say: “ You choose the soundtrack to your evening! Remember to keep your choices upbeat and we’ll sing, dance and party into the wee small hours ”
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Piano SingAlong 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Curry & Quiz with Nat 7 30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Yellow Funk Machine 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Mr Showman with Jason Lee 9 30pm l RAILWAY CLUB Lindy hop 7pm
WEDNESDAY 4
l AFFINITY BAR Karaoke with Tommy Tanker (aka Pat Clutcher) 7pm
BAR 7 CRAWLEY
l 7 Pegler Way, Crawley, RH11 7AG, Tel: 01293 511177, www 7crawley co uk
l OPEN daily from 6pm
l DRINK PROMOS Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun drink deals all night
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Friday (27) is CABARET with Drag With No Name, one of the most versatile drag ar tists on the cabaret scene, from 7pm Drag With No Name’s satirical characterisation of famous ladies and his comedy patter will have you howling and you’ll be blown away by his live vocals!
l REGUL ARS Friday & Saturday is PARTY TIME with alternate DJs at 9pm: Kirsty Anderson, Michael Adams, Jazzy Jane, Charlie Eaton and Patrick Cawley l SUNDAY SOCIAL Karaoke with hosts Tyler or Ben at 6pm l Tuesday is CREWSDAY at 7pm l Wednesday is MIDWEEK CHILL at 7.30pm l Thursday is WEEKEND WARM-UP at 7pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Green Light Cruise Night 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Midweek Chill 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Tabitha Wild & friends 10pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Student Sessions 8pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Mrs Moore’s
Bona Bingo Bonanza: THT fundraiser 8 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Pink Pound 7pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Chris Coull Trumpet 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate Show 10pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB Poker 8pm
l SUBLINE Joystick Jockeys gaymers night 8pm
BOUTIQUE
l 2 Boyces St, West St, BN11AN, 01273 327607 www boutiqueclubbrighton com
l OPEN Wed from 9pm–late, Fri from 8pm–late, Sat from 6pm–late
l DRINK PROMOS on Fri it’s 2 cocktails for £10, on Sat Moet £50 a bottle, on Wed £5 drinks menu
l ONE FOR THE DIARY SATURDAY SESSIONS with DJs Cee (7), King Sol (14 & 28) & Oli (21) plus free cocktail making in bar 2 from 6pm; summer sessions ROOF TERRACE PARTY with live DJ sets (7 & 14), VIP booth giveaway for groups of 10+ (21)
l REGUL ARS Wednesday is STUDENT SESSIONS with tunes and good vibes from 9pm l Friday is PARTY TIME with DJs spinning old school bangers from 8pm: King Sol (6 & 20), Cee (13 & 27); free karaoke for groups of 10+ (6), free entr y when quoting Gscene on the door (20)
THURSDAY 5
l AFFINITY BAR Lydia L’Showbies: Lydia L’Scabies performs homages to TV, film & musical theatre 9pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG #Transvolve Thursday: camp karaoke & queens with Wonda Starr & Sam Pink 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Weekend Warm-Up 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Big Quiz with Ross Cameron & prizes 8.30pm
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 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR Abel Mabel’s Bingo 8.30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback
Thursday 80s Night 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE World Music: Son Guarachando 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Brighton’s Leading Ladies cabaret: Dave Lynn 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Quiz 8pm; Open mic & karaoke 9pm
l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm
FRIDAY 6
l AFFINITY BAR Wigs & Beads Karaoke 8pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Friday Night Live: camp karaoke & DJ Glynn-Sing 9pm; ShowTime with Domina Tryx 11pm
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Dave Lynn
9 30pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Par ty Night:
alternate DJs Kirsty Anderson, Jazzy
Jane, Charlie Eaton, Patrick Cawley & Michael Adams 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 5pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Glitter: DJ David Noakes 11pm
l BOUTIQUE DJ King Sol & free karaoke for groups of 10+ 8pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fabulous Friday: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
ALL NEW BULLDOG
l 31 St James’s Street, Brighton, BN2 1RF, tel 01273 696996, #BulldogBTN
l OPEN Mon from 4pm-midnight, Tue–Thur from 3pm–midnight, Fri & Sat midday–3am, Sun from midday–midnight
l DRINK PROMOS Mon–Fri from 4–7pm, Sun from 12–4pm; Mon is Student discount all night, Wed is Green Light drink promos, including shot specials & double up on house spirits for £1
l REGUL ARS CAMP KARAOKE 5 nights a week!
l #TRANSVOLVE TUESDAYS with Sam Pink and Wonda Starr bringing camp, karaoke and queens live from 7pm l Wednesday is GREEN LIGHT CRUISE NIGHT from 8pm When the lights go green the specified ar tist plays on the screens selected drinks drop! l #TRANSVOLVE THURSDAYS with outrageous camp karaoke, queens and the fabulous Wonda Starr and Sam Pink live from 8pm All New Bulldog say: Tonight the All New Bulldog kicks off another fun filled weekend in style with the return of #transvolve! It’s another #getinvolvedsue; a night full of fun not to be missed in the heart of Gay Brighton!” l FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE with camp karaoke and par ty faves from DJ Glynn-Sing at 9pm; ShowTime with Domina Tr yx at 11pm
l Saturday is Wonda Starr ’s QWEEN OF THE NIGHT with outrageous karaoke, fab prizes and all your favourite par ty tunes/floor fillers from 9pm
l SUNDAY FUNDAY with Mandy's camp karaoke at 5pm l Monday GLIT TER BALL: chill out with classics from 1970s–00s from 8pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Jennie Castell 9 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Brighton Belles: local cabaret stars & guests 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN cabaret: Peggy Wessex 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Big Friday
Cabaret: Gabriella Parrish 10pm
l SUBLINE Steam 10pm
l THE VILL AGE cabaret Drag Hags of Essex midnight
l ZONE cabaret: Davina Sparkle 10pm
SATURDAY 7
l AFFINITY BAR Pat Clutcher with cabaret 6pm and karaoke 7pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Wonda Starr’s
Qween of the Night: camp karaoke 9pm
l AMSTERDAM Karaoke 9 30pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Par ty Night:
alternate DJs: Kirsty Anderson, Jazzy Jane, Charlie Eaton, Patrick Cawley & Michael Adams 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Saturday Night Fever: DJ Cee, free cocktail making in bar 2 + roof terrace summer sessions with DJ 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fierce DJs 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Miss Jason 9 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJ 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Candi Rell’s Karaoke & Cabaret Par ty 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE All That Jazz:
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 served Mon–Sat from 12–9pm; seniors’ lunch Wed from 2–3 30pm, two courses £9 50; Sunday roasts and select menu served from 12pm–till gone
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Thursday is the BIG CASH QUIZ with a £300 cash prize, free sarnies and great atmosphere from 9pm
l REGUL ARS Kick the weekend off at the FRIDAY CLUB from 6pm
l Sunday is the BEAR BASH with free food and a raffle at 5pm
Lawrence Jones & band 4pm; Andy the Dandy DJ 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS QA Triple cabaret: Candi Rell 6pm, Betty Swollocks 8pm, Kara Van Park 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN cabaret: Lucinda Lashes 9pm
l SUBLINE Skook Daze: school themed par ty with retro tunes & prizes 10pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: England v Bulgaria 5pm
l THE VILL AGE Scandalous: LGBT+ night with host Stephanie Starlet 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 10pm
SUNDAY 8
l AFFINITY BAR cabaret: TBA - see Facebook 5pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Sunday Funday 12pm; karaoke with Mandy 5pm
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Paul Cantara 5pm; roasts 12pm-till gone
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY karaoke with host Tyler or Ben 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace
Sessions pres: Sophie Causbrook 8 30pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 9pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash:
free food/raffle 5pm; roasts/select menu 12pm–till gone
l CHARLES ST TAP cabaret: host Sally Vate & Pat Clutcher 7 30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8.30pm; roasts 12pm
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Drag With No Name 3 30pm; roasts 12 30–4pm
l MARINE TAVERN roasts 12-5pm; Drag Open Mic: Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Louis Checkley & band 6pm
l AFFINITY BAR all day karaoke 12pm; karaoke with Tommy Tanker (aka Pat Clutcher) 7pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Monday
Glitter Ball: 70s-00s tunes 4pm
l BAR BROADWAY Classics Jukebox 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Gaymers Night: consoles/board games 8.30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason’s Monday Madness 9 30pm
CHARLES STREET TAP
l 8 Marine Parade, BN2 1TA, Tel: 01273 624091, www charles-street com
l OPEN daily from 10am
l DRINK PROMOS Mon–Thur from 5–8pm all cocktails £4 95; Mon from 5pm £4 pints craft draught beer/cask ale; Thur all day: 50ml gin of the month & fever tonic £5; Fri all night bottles of Prosecco £15 & 5–9pm half price drinks; Sunday Craft Club from 5pm: any 2 craft cans or bottles £6
l FOOD daily from 10am–10pm: breakfast 10am; Tue: 4 chicken wings /vegan cauliflower wings £1; homemade Sunday roasts £9 from 12pm: hand carved roast beef/ turkey, roast pork & crackling, nut roast, roast lamb shank £11
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sunday (1) is landlord Chris' 11th ANNUAL BIRTHDAY CABARET charity fundraiser for the R ainbow Fund with fabulous host Lola Lasagne at 7pm Expect a stellar line-up of top stars, including Hear t & Soul, Spice Pat Clutcher, R ose Garden, Sally Vate, Miss Jason, Kara Van Park, Lucinda Lashes, Davina Sparkle, Lady Imelda, and many more TBA Lola says: “It's one of my favourite gigs of the year! Chris runs a fantastic venue with excellent support from his staff It's such a pleasure and the line up is phenomenal I get to introduce this fabulous talent and watch it all too! Why would I or you want to be anywhere else?”
l REGUL ARS THROWBACK THURSDAY 00/90s guilty pleasures at 9pm
l FABULOUS FRIDAYS: DJ Morgan Fabulous house tunes at 9pm l Sat is FIERCE with award-winning DJs at 9pm Charles Street Tap say “Come on down, get yourself comf y, drink, dance and enjoy!” l Sun CABARET hosted by Sally Vate at 7 30pm: Pat Clutcher (8), Myra Dubois (15), Drag With No Name (22) and Titti La Camp (29) Titti La Camp takes lip-syncing and mime to a whole new level with laugh out loud routines including the bonkers Feed the Birds, after which the venue looks like there’s been a brawl in a sandwich shop! l Wed is Mrs Moore’s BONA BINGO BONANZA raising money for THT South at 8.30pm
ENVY CHARLES STREET TAP
l 8 Marine Parade, BN2 1TA, www.charles-street.com
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Friday (13) is the POLYGLAMOROUS queer club night from 9pm, entry £6/£10 Envy say: “The club night that everyone is talking about is back! Make sure you’re early as we WILL go to capacity!”
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Nils
Solberg-Mick Hamer Trio 2pm; Jazz the Jam Session 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Ruper t’s 40th
Bir thday: free drink & camp fun 7pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB Big Quiz with Tabitha Wild 8pm
l OPEN Tue–Sun from 3pm Fallen Angel is a dog friendly pub Welcoming to everybody, Fallen Angel is a quirky little pub in the hear t of Kemptown Expect a chilled, relaxed and cosy atmosphere, friendly staff and chic, classy décor
l DRINK PROMOS daily specials, pop in for more info
camp, karaoke & queens 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Piano Singalong 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Curry & Quiz with Nat 7 30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live blues: the Mucky Ducklings 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Mr Showman with Jason Lee 9 30pm
l RAILWAY CLUB Lindy hop 7pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: England v Kosovo 12 30pm
WEDNESDAY 11
l AFFINITY BAR Karaoke with Tommy Tanker (aka Pat Clutcher) 7pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Green Light Cruise Night 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Midweek Chill 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Tabitha Wild & Friends 10pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Student Sessions 8pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Mrs Moore’s Bona Bingo Bonanza: THT fundraiser 8.30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Pink Pound 7pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Steve Ashwor th 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate Show 10pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB Poker 8pm
l SUBLINE Hump Day 9pm
THURSDAY 12
l AFFINITY BAR Lydia L’Showbies: Lydia L’Scabies performs homages to TV, film & musical theatre 9pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG #Transvolve Thursday: camp karaoke & queens with Wonda Starr & Sam Pink 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Weekend Warm-Up 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Big Quiz with Ross Cameron & prizes 8 30pm
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 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR Abel Mabel’s Bingo 8 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback Thursday 80s Night 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE World Music: Tres Amigos 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Brighton’s Leading Ladies cabaret: Vicki Vivacious 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Quiz 8pm; Open mic & karaoke 9pm
l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm
FRIDAY 13
l AFFINITY BAR Wigs & Beads Karaoke 8pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Friday Night Live: camp karaoke & DJ Glynn-Sing 9pm; ShowTime with Domina Tryx 11pm
G R O S V E N O R B A R
l 16 Western Street, Hove, BN1 2PG, www thegrosvenorbar com
l OPEN daily from 1pm–late
l DRINK PROMOS Mon–Fri from 1–5pm, all pints £3 50
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Friday CABARET with drag superstars taking to the Grosvenor stage from 9 30pm: Jennie Castell (6), Davina Sparkle (13), Trudi Styles & The Pianoman (20) and Miss Jason (27) Expect fun, laughter and banter from Trudi Styles & The Pianoman (20), who bring an eclectic mix of comedy and music to titillate every audience
l REGUL ARS Thursday is ABEL MABEL’S BINGO at 8 30pm l Saturday it’s top CABARET at 9 30pm with: Miss Jason (7), Dave Lynn (14), Stephanie Von Clitz (21) and GROSVENOR’S 5TH BIRTHDAY with Pooh La May (28)
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Miss Jason 9.30pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Par ty Night: alternate DJs: Kirsty Anderson, Jazzy Jane, Charlie Eaton, Patrick Cawley & Michael Adams 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 5pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Glitter: DJ David Noakes 11pm
l BOUTIQUE DJ Cee 8pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club
6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fabulous
Friday: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l ENVY Polyglamorous queer night 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Davina Sparkle 9.30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Brighton Belles: local cabaret stars & guests 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN live music: Denni 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Big Friday
Cabaret: KY Kelly 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Caba Regency:
Brighton students perform 9pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB live music:
Nikki Red 8 30pm
l SUBLINE Dir ty Tackle: spor tswear night 10pm
l THE VILL AGE cabaret: Trudi Styles & The Pianoman midnight
l ZONE cabaret: Miss Jason 10pm
SATURDAY 14
l AFFINITY BAR cabaret: Pat
Clutcher 6pm; karaoke with Pat
Clutcher 7pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Wonda Starr’s
Qween of the Night: camp karaoke 9pm
l AMSTERDAM Karaoke 9.30pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Par ty Night:
alternate DJs: Kirsty Anderson, Jazzy
Jane, Charlie Eaton, Patrick Cawley & Michael Adams 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Saturday Night Fever:
DJ King Sol, free cocktail making in bar
2, roof terrace summer sessions with DJ 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fierce DJ 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Dave Lynn 9.30pm
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 from 11–5am
l FOOD breakfast & lunch served Mon–Sat from 11am–5pm; Sunday breakfast from 11am, lunch from 12.30–4pm: choose from beef, belly pork, chicken supreme or nut roast, served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, homemade Yorkshire pudding and real stock gravy Leave room for one of their moreish desser ts
l DRINK PROMOS Mon–Fri from 12–11pm buy one bottle of wine and get the second half price
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sunday CABARET with top acts at 3.30pm: Mar y Mac (1), Drag With No Name (8), Miss Penny (15), Kandi Kane Baxter (22) and Lola Lasagne (29) The myth The legend The ego Comic creation of Charlie Hides, the deliciously demented Kandi Kane Baxter (22) treads the boards of some of the finest bars and back alleys, and became rich by marrying a string of geriatric millionaires before turning her hand to ruthlessly bitchy comedy! Legends say: “Gold-digging cabaret legend Ms Kandi Kane-Baxter makes her long overdue return to Legends! She'll be on stage at 3 30pm but make sure you arrive early to get a good table ”
l REGUL ARS Friday is THE BRIGHTON BELLES with legends of the Brighton stage live at 9 30pm l Saturday: Pre-Club DJs from 7pm l Edge yourself into a new week at Miss Jason’s MAD MONDAYS from 9.30pm Awarding winning drag ar tist Miss Jason has been enter taining crowds across the UK and Europe with cheeky comedy wit and ditties for years! A seasoned panto dame, Miss Jason is renowned for bringing the camp to any venue with her iconic phrase ‘ Yes Dear’, superb vocals and joie de vivre This is one Miss not to be missed!
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJ 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Candi Rell’s Karaoke & Cabaret Par ty 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE All That Jazz: Amuse Manouche 4pm; Andy the Dandy DJ 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS QA Triple cabaret: Liber ty Rose 6pm, Betty Swollocks 8pm, Miss Jason 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN cabaret: Crystal Lubrikunt 9pm
l SUBLINE The Men’s Room 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Pre Home Match Warm Up with Pie & Pint Deal: Brighton v Burnley 11 30am; live football: Liverpool v Newcastle 12.30pm, Norwich v Man City 5.30pm
l THE VILL AGE Scandalous: LGBT+ night with host Stephanie Starlet 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Stephanie Von Clitz 10pm
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 drinks from £2 on Fri, various deals on Wed, Thur & Sun
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Monday (2) is the GLIT TER CURIOUS queer par ty curated by Patrick Cawley & Maria Gardner with promos, surprises, performances, giveaways and more from 11pm, free entry The organisers say: “Af ter the smash success of our queer Pride party, we are planning a huge Glitter Curious this month!”
l REGUL ARS Friday is GLIT TER with DJ David Noakes sparkling up the dance floor with a shimmering set l Saturday is FUSION with DJ Peter Castle spinning char t /club remixes l Sunday is POP!CANDY with DJ Claire Fuller’s pick & mix of new and retro pop tunes l Wednesday is ICE with DJ Claire Fuller melting the dancefloor with char t/house/r&b l Thursday is NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL LEGENDS with DJ Claire Fuller taking you on a journey through the 1970s/80s/90s!
SUNDAY 15
l AFFINITY BAR cabaret: Dave Lynn 5pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Sunday Funday 12pm; karaoke with Mandy 5pm
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Jamie
Watson 5pm; roasts 12pm-till gone
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY karaoke with host Tyler or Ben 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace
Sessions pres: Tania & Roxette 8 30pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 9pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash: free food/raffle 5pm; roasts/select menu 12pm– till gone
l CHARLES ST TAP cabaret: host Sally Vate & Myra Dubois 7 30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8.30pm; 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: Tue from 7.30pm is Curr y & Quiz with Nat £1 (quiz star ts 9pm), Sunday roasts £8 from 12–5pm, booking advised
l DRINKS PROMOS Wed from 7pm: Pink Pound Night with drinks from £1
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Friday (6) is CABARET with international drag act Peggy Wessex at 9pm The Marine Tavern say: “A date for your diaries boys and girlsPeggy Wessex will be live here at the Marine Tavern! It’s her first show in Brighton for 6/7 years and should not be missed! We are so pleased to announce the show, it’s going to be epic ”
l REGUL ARS Saturday is CABARET & KARAOKE with Candi R ell from 9pm l Sunday is DRAG OPEN MIC hosted by Stephanie Von Clitz from 9pm l THROWBACK THURSDAY with 1980s tunes from 8pm l Friday is JUKEBOX DISCO from 9pm; (13) is live music from female vocalist Denni at 9pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Monday Glitter Ball: 70s-00s tunes 4pm
l BAR BROADWAY Classics Jukebox 6pm
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Miss Penny 3 30pm; roasts 12 30–4pm
l MARINE TAVERN roasts 12-5pm; Drag Open Mic: Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Sam Chara, Tim Young & Theseus Gerard 6pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sunday Funday
double cabaret: Cosmic 6.30pm & 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN roasts 12-6pm
l SUBLINE Guilt-Free tunes 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: Bournemouth v Ever ton 2pm, Watford v Arsenal 4 30pm
l THE VILL AGE all day karaoke 11am
MONDAY 16
l AFFINITY BAR all day karaoke 12pm; karaoke with Tommy Tanker (aka Pat Clutcher) 7pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Gaymers Night: consoles/board games 8.30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason’s Monday Madness 9 30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Nils Solberg-Mick Hamer Trio 2pm; Geoff Simkins Trio 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Kara Van Park’s Musical Mondays 9pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB Big Quiz with Tabitha Wild 8pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: Aston Villa v West Ham 8pm
PARIS HOUSE
l 21 Western Rd, BN3 1AF, T: 01273 724195, www parishousebrighton com
l OPEN daily from 12pm
l FOOD served daily from 12pm–close
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sunday LIVE MUSIC at 6pm: Lo Polodoro (1), Louis Checkley & band (8), Sam Chara, Tim Young & Theseus Gerard (15), Marilyn du Sax & band (22) and Dave Williams & band (29)
l REGUL ARS FREE LIVE MUSIC every night: Mon is JAZZ: Nils SolbergMick Hamer Trio at 2pm; at 8pm: Stacey Dawson Trio (2), Jam Session (9), Geoff Simkins Trio (16), Beckett Howe R edmond (23) and the Sam Carlese Trio (30) l Tue at 8pm: Yellow Funk Machine (3), Mucky Ducklings (10), Scott Booth (17) and John Crampton (24) l Wed at 8pm: Chris Coull (4), Steve Ashwor th (11), Sonnymoon (18) and the Sara Oschlag Trio (25) l Thur is WORLD MUSIC at 8pm: Son Guarachando (5), Tres Amigos (12), Pollito Boogaloo (19) and Babou with Abraham de Vega (26) l Fri is PARTY TIME with DJ Havoxx at 9pm l Sat is AND ALL THAT JAZZ at 4pm: Lawrence Jones & band (7), Amuse Manouche (14), Jorges Hot Club (21) and Swing Time Cinema (28); Andy the Dandy DJ at 9pm
TUESDAY 17
l AFFINITY BAR Free Jukebox 12pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG #Transvolve Tuesday: Wonda Starr & Sam Pink bring camp, karaoke & queens 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Piano Singalong 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Curry & Quiz with Nat 7.30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live blues: Scott Booth 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Mr Showman with Jason Lee 9.30pm
l RAILWAY CLUB Lindy hop 7pm
WEDNESDAY 18
l AFFINITY BAR Karaoke with Tommy Tanker (aka Pat Clutcher) 7pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Green Light Cruise Night 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Midweek Chill 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Tabitha Wild & friends 10pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Student Sessions 8pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Mrs Moore’s Bona Bingo Bonanza: THT fundraiser 8 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Pink Pound 7pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Sonnymoon 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate Show 10pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB Poker 8pm
l SUBLINE Hump Day 9pm
THURSDAY 19
l AFFINITY BAR Lydia L’Showbies:
Lydia L’Scabies performs homages to TV, film & musical theatre 9pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG #Transvolve Thursday: camp karaoke & queens with Wonda Starr & Sam Pink 8pm
Q U E E N S A R M S
l 7 George St, BN2 1RH, T: 01273 696873, www theqabrighton com
l OPEN Mon–Fri from 5pm, Sat & Sun from 2pm l DRINK PROMOS Mon–Fri from 5–9pm, Sat & Sun from 2–6pm
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Mon (9) is R uper t’s 40th Bir thday at 7pm with a free beverage and loads of camp frolics!
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Thur is LEADING LADIES CABARET at 10pm: Dave Lynn (5), Vicki Vivacious (12), Stephanie Von Clitz (19) and Pat Clutcher (26) Big, brash and ballsy, Pat Clutcher (26) is Brighton’s newest misleading lady, performing across the UK and beyond with a heady mix of showtunes, pop, banter and more! The QA say: “She’s from t’north, like proper north! Sunderland’s 7th best export, Pat Clutcher will be on our erection of joy and jest from 10pm singing showbiz tunes and talking about 1980s sitcoms and the most scandalous gay Brighton gossip, which she's probably caused or made up! Not to be missed ”
l REGUL ARS Pitch up for Kara Van Park’s MUSICAL MONDAYS, a night of show tunes and high camp at 9pm The QA say: “Anything can happen and usually does at the Monday club with Kara live on stage from 9pm!” l Tue is new night MR SHOWMAN with vocalist Jason Lee at 9.30pm l Wed is the SALLY VATE SHOW with the Nor thern Powerhouse getting you over the hump from 10pm l QA BIG FRIDAY CABARET with acts at 10pm: Gabriella Parrish (6), KY Kelly (13), Davina Sparkle (20) and Son of a Tutu (27) l Sat is QA TRIPLE CABARET with top acts on stage at 6pm, 8pm & 10pm: Candi R ell, Betty Swollocks & Kara Van Park (7), Liber ty R ose, Betty Swollocks & Miss Jason (14), Poppycock, Betty Swollocks & Dave Lynn (21) and Linda Bacardi, Betty Swollocks & Miss Jason (28) l SUNDAY FUNDAY features double cabaret with top acts at 6 30pm & 10pm: Topsie R edfern (1), Fanny Burns (8), Cosmic (15), Lucinda Lashes (22) and Cherr y Liquor (29)
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Weekend Warm-Up 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Big Quiz with Ross Cameron & prizes 8.30pm
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 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR Abel Mabel’s Bingo 8 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJ 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback
Thursday 80s Night 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE All That Jazz: Pollito Boogaloo 4pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Brighton’s Leading Ladies cabaret: Stephanie Von Clitz 10pm
RUPERT’S 40TH BIRTHDAY
T H E R A I L W A Y C L U B
l 4 Belmont, Dyke Road, BN1 3TF, Tel: 01273 328682
l OPEN Mon–Wed from 5–11pm, Thur from 11am–11pm, Fri from 3–11pm, Sat 12–11pm (or till midnight for special events), closed Sun The Railway Club is a welcoming members’ club with snooker, billiards, dar ts and table tennis available Perfect for groups, par ties or meetings, it’s friendly and spacious so pop in and join up! The Railway Club is delighted to announce £329.27 was raised for Sussex Beacon at their Pre Pride night
l DRINK PROMOS Fri & Sat all day & night; 2 bottles wine £20, 2 bottles prosecco £25 on Sat (28)
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Saturday (28) is DYNAMO’S DISCO, ABBA and 1980s night from 9pm, free entry
l REGUL ARS Tues: SWING into the Railway Club for Lindy hop from 7pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Quiz 8pm; Open mic & karaoke 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm
R E G E N C Y T A V E R N
l 32-34 Russell Sq, BN1 2EF T: 01273 325 652, www regencytavern co uk
l OPEN Sun–Wed from 12–11pm, Thur from 12pm–12am, Fri & Sat from 12pm–1am
l DRINK PROMOS 20% off drinks on Tue from 6–9pm
l FOOD Mon–Fri from 12–3pm & 5–9pm, Sat & Sun from 12–9pm; Wed get 2 PieMinister pies for £10 from 6–9pm; Sunday roasts from 12–6pm get two roasts for £19.95, booking recommended
l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm
l REGUL ARS Thursday is QUIZ NIGHT at 8pm; then OPEN MIC and KARAOKE at 9pm l Friday (13 & 27) is CABA-REGENCY with some of the best talent that Brighton’s student and recently graduates has to offer from 8.30pm l Saturday top acts at 9pm: Lucinda Lashes (7), Cr ystal Lubrikunt (14), Stephanie Von Clitz (21) and Miss Penny (28) l International awardwinning drag star Miss Penny (28) is a Midlands girl at hear t and brings fast wit and amazing vocals to the Regency Tavern stage! Expect the unexpected with this par ty loving, man adoring, crowd pleasing goddess, who can often be found propping up the bar! S E P T E M B E R
FRIDAY 20
l AFFINITY BAR Wigs & Beads Karaoke 8pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Friday Night Live: camp karaoke & DJ Glynn-Sing 9pm; ShowTime with Domina Tryx 11pm
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Kara Van Park 9 30pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Par ty Night: alternate DJs: Kirsty Anderson, Jazzy Jane, Charlie Eaton, Patrick Cawley & Michael Adams 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 5pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Glitter: DJ David Noakes 11pm
l BOUTIQUE DJ King Sol 8pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fabulous
Friday: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Trudi Styles & the Pianoman 9.30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Brighton Belles: local cabaret stars & guests 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Big Friday Cabaret: Davina Sparkle 10pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB live music: Paul Middleton 8.30pm
l SUBLINE Filth full fetish 10pm
l THE VILL AGE cabaret: Stephanie
Von Clitz midnight
l ZONE cabaret: Topsie Redfern 10pm
SATURDAY 21
l AFFINITY BAR Pat Clutcher does cabaret 6pm and karaoke 7pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Wonda Starr’s
Qween of the Night: camp karaoke 9pm
l AMSTERDAM Karaoke 9 30pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Par ty Night: alternate DJs: Kirsty Anderson, Jazzy Jane, Charlie Eaton, Patrick Cawley & Michael Adams 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Saturday Night Fever: DJ Oli, free cocktail making in bar 2 +
VIP booth giveaways 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fierce DJs 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Stephanie Von Clitz 9.30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJ 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Candi Rell’s Karaoke & Cabaret Par ty 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE All That Jazz: Jorges Hot Club 4pm; Andy the Dandy DJ 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS QA Triple cabaret: Poppycock 6pm, Betty Swollocks 8pm, Dave Lynn 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN cabaret: Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm
l SUBLINE The Men’s Room 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: Leicester v Spurs 12 30pm, Newcastle v Brighton 5.30pm
l THE VILL AGE Scandalous: LGBT+ night with host Stephanie Starlet 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 10pm
SUNDAY 22
l AFFINITY BAR cabaret: Stephanie Von Clitz 5pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Sunday Funday 12pm; Mandy’s karaoke 5pm
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Gabriella Parrish 5pm; roasts 12pm-till gone
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY karaoke with host Tyler or Ben 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace
Sessions presents Torchbearer with Graham J & Ian Elmslie 8 30pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 9pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash: free food/raffle 5pm; roasts/select menu 12pm– till gone
l CHARLES ST TAP cabaret: host
Sally Vate & Drag With No Name
7.30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8.30pm; roasts 12pm
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Kandi Kane Baxter 3 30pm; roasts 12 30–4pm
l MARINE TAVERN roasts 12-5pm; Drag Open Mic: Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Marilyn du Sax & band 6pm
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, Fri & Sat from 10pm
l DRINK PROMOS Wed: all draught beers £1 off, 2 cocktails for £12
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Saturday (7) it’s the SKOOL DAZE theme par ty at 10pm: school uniform or PE kit recommended for the most fun, prizes for the best costumes and £5 admission Subline say: “Remember your first crush? Your first kiss? Your first blowjob in exchange for a Mars Bar? And how it didn't get rid of the taste? And how the other teachers all took the mickey? Oh, just us then? A disclaimer Relevance to your personal childhood may be limited! We have a broad range of customers, from Boomers to Millennials, but you all bloody love 1970s–90s tunes, even if you won't admit it!”
l REGUL ARS Wednesday is HUMP DAY, free entry for all; (4) is JOYSTICK JOCKEYS gaymers’ night now with added Oculus Quest VR at 8pm, free entry
l Thursday is BRACE YOURSELF, free entry l Friday: turn up the heat at STEAM, entry £3/£5; (13) is DIRTY TACKLE spor tswear night, entry: free in wrestling singlet, £3 in kit/£5 otherwise; (20)is FILTH full fetish par ty for all genders, advance tickets or £25 on door subject to availability, strictly no street clothes l Saturday: head downstairs for MEN’S ROOM, entry: £3/£5; (28) is LEATHERMEN SOUTH with entry free in leather, £5 otherwise Subline say: “Entering their fourth year, the lovely leathermen are with us again!” l Sunday is GUILT FREE pleasures with top tunes, entry: free for members /others £5; (29) is CUM IN YOUR PANTS underwear only par ty, entry: £3 members/£5 others
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB Big Quiz with Tabitha Wild 8pm
TUESDAY 24
l AFFINITY BAR Free Jukebox 12pm
T H R E E J O L L Y B U T C H E R S
l 59 Nor th Rd, BN1 1YD, Tel: 01273 608571, www 3jollybutchers com l OPEN daily from 12pm and from 11 30am on Sat (14) for pre home match warm-up Pie & Pint Match Deal during Brighton v Burnley
l FOOD Check out the new Three Jolly Butchers Thai food menu: all star ters £4 50, all mains (including rice) £7 50, two courses £9 90 and lunch mains just £5 95 (including rice) until 4pm Loads of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options
l LIVE SPORT Live football shown on the big screens in September - see listings for fixtures
l ALL NEW BULLDOG #Transvolve Tuesday: Wonda Starr & Sam Pink bring camp, karaoke & queens 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY Piano Singalong 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Curry & Quiz with Nat 7.30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live blues: John Crampton 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Mr Showman with Jason Lee 9 30pm
l RAILWAY CLUB Lindy hop 7pm
WEDNESDAY 25
l AFFINITY BAR Karaoke with Tommy Tanker (aka Pat Clutcher) 7pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Green Light Cruise Night 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Midweek Chill 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Tabitha Wild & friends 10pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Student Sessions 8pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Mrs Moore’s Bona Bingo Bonanza: THT fundraiser 8.30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Pink Pound 7pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Sarah Oschlag Trio 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate Show 10pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB Poker 8pm
l SUBLINE Hump Day 9pm
THURSDAY 26
l AFFINITY BAR Lydia L’Showbies: Lydia L’Scabies performs homages to TV, film & musical theatre 9pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG #Transvolve
Thursday: camp karaoke & queens with Wonda Starr & Sam Pink 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Weekend Warm-Up 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Big Quiz: Ross Cameron & prizes 8 30pm
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 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR Abel Mabel’s Bingo 8 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback
Thursday 80s Night 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE Latin Experience with Babou with Abraham de Vega 8pm
T H E V I L L A G E
l 2-3 High Street, Brighton, BN2 1RP , Tel: 01273 681634
l OPEN Mon–Thur from noon–1 30am; Fri–Sun from 11am–2 30am The Village (formerly The Ranelagh) is a new LGBT+ friendly space in the hear t of Kemptown, which boasts a luxury beer garden and a diary of epic events! The Village is dog friendly and promises to be big, bold and, most of all, fun!
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Grand Opening Par ty on Friday, Aug 30 from 9pm with Dave Lynn and Tomasz Wania (Big Brother) from 10pm.
l REGUL ARS Friday: MIDNIGHT CABARET: Drag Hags of Essex (6), Trudi Styles & The Pianoman (13), Stephanie Von Clitz (20) and Miss Penny (27)
l Saturday: Stephanie Starlet pres SCANDALOUS LGBTQIA fun packed night at 9pm. l Sunday: ALL DAY KARAOKE at 11am.
l QUEEN’S ARMS Leading Ladies cabaret: Pat Clutcher 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Quiz 8pm; Open mic & karaoke 9pm
l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm
FRIDAY 27
l AFFINITY BAR Wigs & Beads Karaoke 8pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Friday Night Live: camp karaoke & DJ Glynn-Sing 9pm; ShowTime with Domina Tryx 11pm
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Drag With No Name 9.30pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY cabaret: Drag With No Name 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 5pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Glitter: DJ David Noakes 11pm
l BOUTIQUE DJ Cee 8pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fabulous Friday: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Miss Jason 9.30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Brighton Belles: local cabaret stars & guests 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN So You Think You’re a DJ? 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Big Friday Cabaret: Son of a Tutu 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Caba Regency: Brighton students perform 9pm
l SUBLINE Steam 10pm
l THE VILL AGE cabaret: Miss Penny midnight l ZONE cabaret: Stone & Street 10pm
SATURDAY 28
l AFFINITY BAR Pat Clutcher does cabaret 6pm and karaoke 7pm
V E L V E T J A C K S
l 50 Norfolk Sq, BN1 2PA, Tel: 07720 661290 F velvetjacksbrighton/ l OPEN Tue–Thur from 4–11.30pm, Fri & Sat from 12–11 30pm, Sun from1–11pm
l DRINK PROMOS check at the bar for special offers
l FOOD Mosaic pop up kitchen and occassional supper club - ask at the bar for more info
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Wonda Starr’s Qween of the Night: camp karaoke 9pm
l AMSTERDAM Karaoke 9.30pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Par ty Night: alternate DJs: Kirsty Anderson, Jazzy Jane, Charlie Eaton, Patrick Cawley & Michael Adams 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Saturday Night Fever: DJ King Sol, free cocktail making 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fierce DJs 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR Grosvenor’s 5th
Bir thday Par ty: Pooh La May 9 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJ 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Candi Rell’s Karaoke & Cabaret Par ty 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE All That Jazz: Swing
Time Cinema 4pm; Andy the Dandy DJ
9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS QA Triple cabaret: Linda Bacardi 6pm, Betty Swollocks 8pm, Miss Jason 10pm
l RAILWAY CLUB Dynamo’s disco, ABBA and 80s night 7pm
l REGENCY TAVERN cabaret: Miss Penny 9pm
l SUBLINE Leathermen South 10pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: Sheffield Utd v Liverpool 12.30pm, Leicester v Newcastle 5.30pm
l THE VILL AGE Scandalous: LGBT+ night with host Stephanie Starlet 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Chris Hide 10pm
SUNDAY
29
l AFFINITY BAR cabaret: Kara Van Park 5pm
T H E Z O N E
l 33 St James’ St, BN2 1RF, Tel: 01273 682249, www zonebrighton co uk
l OPEN Sun–Thur from 11am, Fri & Sat from 10am
l DRINK PROMOS daily, excluding 7pm–close on Fri & Sat
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Saturday CABARET with sensational acts at 10pm: Sally Vate (7 & 21), Stephanie Von Clitz (14) and Chris Hide (28) Vocalist Chris Hide star ted singing professionally in his teens and reached the final of TV show, Pop Idol! He says: “I’ve worked as a solo artist and as part of a band, with highlights such as performing live at Wembley Arena, singing with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and for the likes of Sir Elton John! When music’s in your blood it’s there for good!”
l REGUL ARS Friday with top CABARET on stage at 10pm: Davina Sparkle (6), Miss Jason (13), Topsie R edfern (20) and Stone & Street (27)
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Sunday Funday 12pm; karaoke with Mandy 5pm
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Paul Middleton 5pm; roasts 12pm-till gone
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY karaoke with host Tyler or Ben 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace
Sessions pres: George Mar tin Marino 8.30pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 9pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash: free food/raffle 5pm; roasts/select menu 12pm– till gone
l CHARLES ST TAP cabaret: host
Sally Vate & Titti La Camp 7 30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8 30pm; roasts 12pm
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Lola Lasagne 3 30pm; roasts 12 30–4pm
l MARINE TAVERN roasts 12-5pm; Drag Open Mic: Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Dave Williams & band 6pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sunday Funday
double cabaret: Cherry Liquor 6.30pm & 10pm
l SUBLINE Cum in Your Pants underwear par ty 10pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: Ever ton v Man City 4 30pm
l THE VILL AGE all day karaoke 11am
MONDAY 30
l AFFINITY BAR all day karaoke 12pm; karaoke with Tommy Tanker (aka Pat Clutcher) 7pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Monday
Glitter Ball: 70s-00s tunes 4pm
l BAR BROADWAY Classics Jukebox 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Gaymers Night: consoles/board games 8 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason’s Monday Madness 9 30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Nils Solberg-Mick Hamer Trio 2pm; Sam Carelse Trio 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Kara Van Park’s Musical Mondays 9pm
l ROT TINGDEAN CLUB Big Quiz with Tabitha Wild 8pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: Man Utd v Arsenal 8pm
L E N T
I S T I N G S
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BOULEVARD
1 Hampshire Terrace, Southsea TEL: 02392 297509
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR
Compton Walk, SO14 0BH TEL: 023 8036 6163
SUNDAY 1
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 90s-Now 9pm SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Aura Jay’s Cabaret v Karaoke 10pm
MONDAY 2
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20Something: DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Mates Rates: DJ Darcy Buckland 10pm
TUESDAY 3
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Cherry’s Bingo & cabaret 8pm
www theedgesouthampton com
l EDGE
Compton Walk, SO14 0BH TEL: 023 8036 6163
www theedgesouthampton com
l LONDON HOTEL
2 Terminus Terrace, SO14 3DT TEL: 02380 710652, www the-london co uk
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Time Out DJs 11pm
l EDGE Time Out: DJ Audio K9 11pm
WEDNESDAY 4
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Big Navy Night Out with Aura Jay’s karaoke 9pm SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Beauty and the Balls Bingo: host Miss Disney & prizes 8pm; Bella Black’s karaoke 10 30pm
l OPEN The Edge: daily from 10pm The Box Bar: Tue–Sat from 7pm l HAPPY HOURS The Box Bar: 2-4-1 cocktails 7pm–midnight every day (till 8pm on Sat); The Edge: £1 50 shots & £2 house doubles on Mon, £1 50 drinks on Wed, half price drinks till midnight on Thur, £1 50 singles/£3 doubles on Sun
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Wednesday (25) get yourself down to the BIG GAY FRAT PARTY with raffle giveaway, drag beerpong and free popcorn from 10pm
l REGUL ARS Sun is CABARET v KARAOKE with drag host Aura Jay l Monday is MATES RATES with DJ Darcy Buckland, free entry l Tuesday is TIME OUT with DJ Audio K9 spinning the best pop & char t tunes, free entry l Wednesday is BEAUTY AND THE BALLS BINGO with host Miss Disney and prizes every round in the Box Bar from 8pm; BAR 150 with DJs Missy B, & Lee Harris at 10pm; KARAOKE with Bella Black at 10.30pm l Thursday is the DOUBLE TROUBLE: WHICH IS WITCH? QUIZ with drag host duo Aura Jay & Bella Black at 7pm Stay put for GET DIRTY with DJ Liam Searle spinning all your favourites to get you dancing dir ty! l Friday: kick-star t the weekend at GLOW with top guest DJs and UV lights from 10pm l Saturday is THE BIG ONE from 10pm with three bars, two dancefloors & DJs: King K & Neil Sackley (7), Craig Law & KT (14), Claire Fuller & Trick (21) and Phil Marriott, Claire Fuller & Trick (28) If it’s r&b you’re after, head to the Box Bar for DJ KT at 11pm
Lashes: Lucinda Lashes + karaoke & tunes 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Double Trouble Quiz: drag hosts Aura Jay & Bella Black 8pm
l EDGE Get Dir ty: DJ Liam Searle 10pm
FRIDAY 6
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD We Love Fridays: DJ Toby Lawrence 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR GLOW DJs 10pm
l EDGE GLOW: DJs & UV lights 10pm
SATURDAY 7
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Blank: DJs
Missy B & Rob Davis 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR DJ KT 11pm
l EDGE The Big One: DJs King K & Neil Sackley 10pm
SUNDAY 8
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 90s-Now 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Aura Jay’s Cabaret v Karaoke 10pm
MONDAY 9
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20Something: DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Mates Rates: DJ Darcy Buckland 10pm
TUESDAY 10
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Cherry’s Bingo & cabaret 8pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Time Out DJs 11pm
l EDGE Time Out: DJ Audio K9 11pm
WEDNESDAY 11
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Big Navy
Night Out with Aura Jay’s karaoke 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Beauty and the Balls
Bingo: host Miss Disney & prizes 8pm; Bella Black’s karaoke 10 30pm
l EDGE Bar 150: DJs Missy B & Lee Harris 10pm
THURSDAY 12
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD A Night on the Lashes: Lucinda Lashes + karaoke & tunes 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Double Trouble Quiz:
drag hosts Aura Jay & Bella Black 8pm
l EDGE Get Dir ty: DJ Liam Searle 10pm
FRIDAY 13
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD We Love Fridays: DJ Toby Lawrence 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR GLOW DJs 10pm
l EDGE GLOW: DJs & UV lights 10pm
SATURDAY 14
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Blank: DJs Missy B & Rob Davis 9pm SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR DJ KT 11pm
l EDGE The Big One: DJs Craig Law & KT 10pm
SUNDAY 15
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 90s-Now 9pm SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Aura Jay’s Cabaret v Karaoke 10pm
MONDAY 16
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20Something: DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Mates Rates: DJ Darcy Buckland 10pm
TUESDAY 17
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Cherry’s Bingo & cabaret 8pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Time Out DJs 11pm
l EDGE Time Out: DJ Audio K9 11pm
WEDNESDAY 18
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Big Navy Night Out with Aura Jay’s karaoke 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Beauty and the Balls Bingo: host Miss Disney & prizes 8pm; Bella Black’s karaoke 10.30pm
l EDGE Bar 150: DJs Missy B & Lee Harris 10pm
THURSDAY 19
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD A Night on the Lashes: Lucinda Lashes + karaoke & tunes 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Double Trouble Quiz: drag hosts Aura Jay & Bella Black 8pm
HAMPSHIRE BOULEVARD
PORTSMOUTH
l Hampshire Terrace, Southsea, PO1 2QN, Tel: 02392 297509
l OPEN Sun & Mon 9pm, Tue–Sat 7pm
l DRINK DEALS various deals on Sun, £1 50 drinks on Mon
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Thursday is A NIGHT ON THE LASHES with the legendary Lucinda Lashes hosting karaoke and dishing out the ditties from 9pm, free entry Hampshire Boulevard say: “The fabulous foulmouthed Lucinda Lashes is back for karaoke with lashes fit to blow you, and blow you away!”
l REGUL ARS WE LOVE FRIDAYS with DJ Toby Lawrence spinning tunes to get you moving, entry £3 till 10pm/£5 after l Saturday is BLANK with DJs R ob Davis & Missy B cranking up the par ty vibes with the latest char t remixes from 9pm l Sunday is 90S–NOW, free entry l Monday is 20SOMETHING with banging tunes cour tesy of DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor, entry £5 l Win up to £500 every Tuesday at CHERRY’S BINGO with top drag acts on the stage from 8pm l Wednesday is BIG NAVY NIGHT OUT with host Aura- Jay’s Karaoke, free entry
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Time Out DJs 11pm
l EDGE Time Out: DJ Audio K9 11pm
WEDNESDAY 25
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Big Navy Night Out with Aura Jay’s karaoke 9pm SOUTHAMPTON
Fridays: DJ Toby Lawrence 9pm SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR GLOW DJs 10pm
l EDGE GLOW: DJs & UV lights 10pm
SATURDAY 28
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Blank: DJs Missy B & Rob Davis 9pm
l EDGE Get Dir ty: DJ Liam Searle 10pm
FRIDAY 20
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD We Love Fridays: DJ Toby Lawrence 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR GLOW DJs 10pm
l EDGE GLOW: DJs & UV lights 10pm
SATURDAY 21
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Blank: DJs Missy B & Rob Davis 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR DJ KT 11pm
l EDGE The Big One: DJs Claire Fuller & Trick 10pm
SUNDAY 22
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 90s-Now 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Aura Jay’s Cabaret v Karaoke 10pm
MONDAY 23
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20Something: DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Mates Rates: DJ Darcy Buckland 10pm
TUESDAY 24
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Cherry’s Bingo & cabaret 8pm
l BOX BAR Beauty and the Balls Bingo: host Miss Disney & prizes 8pm; Bella Black’s karaoke 10 30pm
l EDGE Bar 150 Big Gay Frat Par ty: DJs Missy B & Lee Harris + raffle, drag beerpong & free popcorn 10pm
THURSDAY 26
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD A Night on the Lashes: Lucinda Lashes + karaoke & tunes 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Double Trouble Quiz: drag hosts Aura Jay & Bella Black 8pm
l EDGE Get Dir ty: DJ Liam Searle 10pm
FRIDAY 27
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD We Love
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR DJ KT 11pm
l EDGE The Big One: DJs Phil Marriott, Claire Fuller & Trick 10pm
SUNDAY 29
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 90s-Now 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Aura Jay’s Cabaret v Karaoke 10pm
MONDAY 30
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20Something: DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Mates Rates: DJ Darcy Buckland 10pm
DANCE MUSIC
BY QUEEN JOSEPHINE & KATE WILDBLOOD
WILDBLOOD & QUEENIE’S SEPT SIZZLERS
) STLDN Anymore (De Gama Edit) BC Edits
One of our producers of the year delivers a 1970s rework disco biscuit
) CHARLES GREEN Routes Hardgroove
Brighton’s finest digs deep for a masterpiece in classic techno vibes
) HONEYDRIPPER Haven't Lost Hope Nordic Trax
Label that always brings the quality returns with moody house number.
) GIRLS OF THE INTERNET D.C. City Drab Queen
Nothing but Silver Versions joy from our favoured disco dollies.
) THE EMPEROR MACHINE Two Voice (Extended Mix) Skint Records
Synth heaven as Andy Meecham steps up for a session to remember.
) DEMUIR DISCO Ain’t Jack Desolat
A B.Please! Pride anthem that wins over the 4am dancefloor every time.
) SCAN 7 Chuuch Transmatt
Preaching to the converted this epic house will have you on your knees
) TOKITA, Cris Herrera & Homero Espinosa The Feels Salted Music
Flavor Saver EP Vol 27 is as good as Vol 1 as Salted keep you sorted
) SWEATSON KLANK Street Dancing Friends of Friends
Get your sweat on with this Klank cutie and all will be good
) JB BOOGIE Show My Love Hot Digits Music
With added Fingerman action this is all you need this September
) DUCCIO Immigrant Love Smile For A While
Milan goodness to bring the joys of continental get-down to our shores.
If you want your remix masterful it’s Prok & Fitch. All night long.
) THUMPASAURUS Dance Like It’s Your Life Fantastic Voyage
Epic selection of remixes that will bring the thump to your dancefloor.
) BODY CULTURE A Body Culture
Justin Cudmore approved journey gets you to your destination wiggling.
) STEVE LEE Get On This (Original Mix) Phonetic Recordings
Bringing the White Isle summer love back to life this September
) JOSH BUTLER Right Time Solid Grooves Records
Sound investment in dancefloor dollars that pays up when you need it.
) SEX JUDAS feat Ricky Flaming Creatures Optimo Music
Disco love song from Norwegian Tore Gjedrem AKA Sex Judas anyone?
) SCOTT DIAZ Life On The Outside Grand Plans
Quality output as Mr Diaz takes the house deep and divinely delicious.
) KINCAID Bulfas Futureboogie
Eclectic and electric selection courtesy of Summer Riot VIII set.
) BLACK LIGHT Smoke Nothing Makes Me Feel Scissor & Thread
Raw and oh so good for you organic house music of the fair trade kind
Catch Wildblood & Queenie on 1BTN 101.4.FM 1st & 3rd Fri 1–4pm; on the decks at Club Barbra (West Hill Tavern), Muzika presents James Zabiela (The Arch), Freshly Squeezed (The Tempest) and Horse Meat Disco (Patterns) Info and tickets: wildbloodandqueenie.com
DJ PROFILE: DAVID NOAKES
This month’s DJ is a right September sparkler! Queenie catches up with the darling David Noakes to find out just what he’s been up to How was Brighton & Hove Pride for you? Pride was awesome – the best yet! I was on right before Kideko on the main street party stage as part of an amazing line up! All the parties I played were rammed and Osaro performed my remix of his new single which is being played on Gaydio. Where are you DJing these days? I’m still resident DJ at Legends after two years, playing on Fridays I’m at Revenge on the last Saturday of the month (plus some other Saturdays) and I’ve got various international bookings I played European Snow Pride in Tignes for the last two years and was at Antwerp Love Parade on 10th August
Any other exciting projects going on at the moment? I’ve got a new single out soon called Waiting under my nickname, Noaksey. I played it at Pride and it really went down well. I’m also writing lots with various artists and enjoying all I’m doing My last album came out in January on BMG and APM as part of the production work I do for TV/film, radio and various media Such a proud moment being put out by those two big guns What’s rocking your world these days? I’m well into uplifting piano house at the moment - must be the summer! Leftwing & Kody’s I Feel It is my fave current house track.
Fave tune of all time? As all must say so many to choose from! But the Cutmore remix of Faithless’ Insomnia that he sent me still goes down very well in clubland!
Most memorable gig and dream gig? European Snow Pride was so memorable as I played thousands of feet up a mountain with people dressed in ski gear rocking out! I also played with Black Box and Fragma so that was amazing. Hoping to be back there next year if they’ll have me! I haven’t played at Ministry yet – that DJ box is every DJ’s ambition to get into and that sound system… I absolutely love my residencies too though, every week is great, and feel very lucky to play in Brighton!
Tune you wish you’d never played? Oh god not sure. Probably something that was just a bit too cheesy
Guilty pleasure? Star Trek! All sci-fi in fact…
Describe yourself in three words. Honest. Ambitious. Creative.
DJ DAVID NOAKES’S CURRENT TOP FIVE
) NOAKSEY Waiting White
) LEFTWING AND KODY I Feel It (original) Columbia
) FISHER You Little Beauty (original) Catch & Release
) KOKIRI Adolescence (extended) Armada Deep
) ROWEN REECKS ft Alamo Someone (original) Ministry of Sound
NEW QUEEN ON THE BLOCK
Tom Redgrave, aka Pat Clutcher, is one of a new generation of drag per formers working the Brighton circuit. He talks to Brian Butler about his Sunderland roots, not being a hit with pop star David Essex ’s fans, and his hopes for his future act.
) Tom Redgrave began performing very early in his native Sunderland, doing musicals like Annie, Bugsy Malone and West Side Story at the tender age of nine “When I was 10, I bought the Stage newspaper and dreamed of going to somewhere like the Sylvia Young Theatre School, but for a little Sunderland boy it wasn’t going to happen ”
His secondary education was also packed with musicals and youth theatre shows, including at the magnificent Sunderland Empire "School work took a backseat and I wanted to do a BTech in performing arts but my parents insisted I wait till I was 18."
So it was that Tom found himself at the Guildford School of Acting “Their reputation was in training actor/singers who could move I was never much of a dancer. I aspired to be the next Michael Ball rather than a Wayne Sleep. I looked older than I actually was so I always played dads or grandads, and older principal roles - like in the show The Fix.”
His roles included the narrator in Under Milk Wood and parts in 110 in the Shade and West Side Story again
He admits to a string of what he calls "tatty tours and tatty pantos" before landing a role in the David Essex vehicle musical All the Fun of the Fair, where he sometimes went on as Essex’s understudy, much to the annoyance of
the many Essex fans in the audience. "They refused to applaud at my curtain call "
That and two years of touring led him to lose interest in his stage career and led him into pub and hotel management, including the well-known Marsden Inn in South Shields, where the establishment clings precariously to the cliff side above a beach
His first experience of drag was as Meg Mortimer, named after the Noelle Gordon character in the soap opera Crossroads, but after three gigs in a few months he decided not to pursue it
Moving to Brighton he worked at the Old Ship Hotel and then changed careers yet again deciding to train as a nurse “I did it for nine months but couldn’t get into it,” he admits So he went back to the food and beverage business at the Staley Hall Hotel in Northumberland, which he describes as ‘the middle of nowhere’. “The staff were very unhappy, but I believe everything happens for a reason and Alistair, the owner of the Camelford Arms in Brighton, offered me the job of assistant manager ”
He had previously worked behind the bar there and coincidentally had previously signed his major stage contract with his agent in the pub. Being on the mic for quiz nights and raffles helped him develop his patter with customers and the ability to pick tunes for punters At the nearby Marine Tavern’s open mic nights he met the young drag performer Stephanie Von Clitz (Steven Banks) “We became good friends and he suggested I give drag a shot So I took it very seriously, bought a wig and a frock off the internet and walked onto the stage as Angel de la North.”
When the 15 heats of the competition Drag Idol were announced, Stephanie suggested Tom should enter at the White Swan in London "I was awful; it was a baptism of fire but I enjoyed it. I realised I needed to do better and so in May 2018 I entered the heat at Brighton’s Charles Street Tap. I remember someone saying I was someone they ought to hire.”
In London he took part in Drag Idol’s semifinal, didn’t win but was given a wild card to perform again the following week, where he admits "my Drag Idol story ended". But work at the Queen’s Arms followed and a friend suggested he adopt a new persona in the style of comedian Les Dawson’s drag character Ada. And so Pat Clutcher was born as a tribute to the character Pat Butcher in EastEnders
"The character is me in a frock saying things I wouldn’t dare say in real life - a court jester who can get away with stuff It’s very different when I’m Tom doing karaoke If you send yourself up, the audience know not to take you too seriously I’ve rediscovered my mojo and my confidence and I’m not afraid to do stuff any more "
Asked to advise his 16-year-old self he says; “I’d tell me it’s all going to be all right "
Tom admits the biggest influence on his act is Miss Jason (Jason Sutton) “I’d love to be thought of as the next Miss Jason ” He admits his style of performing harks back to the older days of drag with its camp humour and forthrightness “I’m attracted by the character of strong independent women - like Pat Butcher, Meg Mortimer and Ena Sharples I use snippets of their characteristics in my act.”
With regular spots at the Affinity Bar, Queen’s Arms, Legends and Charles Street Tap, he’s particularly proud to have been nominated for best drag act in the 2019 Golden Handbags, after just a year in the business.
He’s certainly a talent to watch out for
them and they certainly didn’t think their daughter would go on to have the career that I’ve had The award was as much for them and so I agreed to take the MBE
“That day at Buckingham Palace, I had my mum, dad and my manager there When they called my name all I could think was ‘don’t fall over, why did you wear platform heels?’ Can you imagine if I’d fallen over – the shame! When you meet the Queen, she pins the award on you and then gives you a shove as if to say ‘okay, go now ’ and you have to walk away backwards! The shoes looked good but what a mistake!”
In 2013 your career took a different turn and you moved into acting. How did that come about?
BEVERLEY KNIGHT - A
WELCOME PRODIGAL SISTER
Super fan Dean Pender caught up with Beverley Knight MBE, who’ll be bringing soul to the Brighton Centre next month.
) Beverley Knight MBE recently celebrated 25 years in music with a sold out show at London’s Royal Festival Hall, which was recorded for a live album to be released later this year ahead of a UK tour with a Brighton stop on October 1.
In the mid 1990s did you envisage having such success 25 years on?
“I knew I’d still be making music. What I couldn’t have predicted was how, and in what capacity. I knew I was going to make music throughout my life but I’d no idea how big it would be but I always knew that somehow, someway I’d have a career, a lifetime of singing and making music I didn’t know if I’d need another job to supplement that As it turns out I never did!”
In the 1990s you were vocal about your support for the LGBT+ communities and called out artists who included homophobic lyrics in their work. What was the reaction?
“It caused immense problems I was literally on my own Absolutely no other black British artist in the urban field, and I make that distinction importantly – the urban field, spoke out I was an island but I believed, as I do today, that your silence means you ’ re complicit with homophobes and racists. I’m not here for that. There was a backlash although luckily there was no social media back then but it was terrifying. People wrote to magazines saying they were going to make sure my career was over, and I received [messages] that could be construed as death threats: ‘I know where you live’ and things like that But these were a minority, the overwhelming majority supported me It was a minority of individuals from within my own community who were absolutely furious with me ”
Did your career suffer?
“As a result, a lot of decision makers in the
music industry distanced themselves from me It was very hard for a time as they stood away from me but I didn’t care. I was raised to believe in standing up for what’s right, even if it costs you and I still believe that now. I’m proud that I had the strength to do that. Would I do it again in the age of social media? I’d like to think I would but it’s difficult when you ’ re the only one ”
Is it true that your band at the time didn’t want you to perform for gay audiences?
“Yes. It was awful. It was the mid 1990s and the band I’d had from the beginning I was asked to do Pride and I was so excited My manager put it to the band then three days before the event was due to happen my manager told me that they felt they were unable to be my band in this circumstance due to their religious beliefs Are you serious? For their religious beliefs? Well I was going to play Pride, even if they weren’t. So the band had to go, it was that simple. It was stressful and I had to get a band together in lightning time but that’s how it was. Sod ‘em! (laughs).
“I won’t name those people because since then they’ve seen the error of their ways and come round to being full rounded people. But if they hadn’t, I’d have shamed them! With time people grow up. ”
You were awarded an MBE for your services to music and charity in 2007. Was it a surprise?
“I was so stunned it took me a long time to say ‘ yes ’ . In 2007 I still thought I was very young, in my 30s and ‘I haven’t done anything!’. My management had a word with me and said this isn’t just about you, it’s about the people coming up behind you and those who laid the path for you My mum and dad came to Britain not knowing what life was going to be like for
“I had acted my entire life. My first role was when I was five! All the way through school I did drama and joined local amateur dramatics, but I stopped acting when the music career took off So I feel this is a return to acting but on a professional level and I’m so proud that I was able to go back to it I love being on stage and being someone else for a minute I was the first black Grizabella in Cats in the UK Next year there’s lots of theatre happening for me and all original roles too so keep an eye out for that ”
Your new tour is a tribute to Stevie Wonder and involves you and an orchestra performing some of his songs. What can we expect at your Brighton show on October 1?
“It’s going to be beautiful. I’m Stevie Wonder’s ambassador for the night and I’m going to share his music. I’ll be singing all the songs that I love of his that mean something and resonate with me. I’m tackling some of the greatest songs known to man, it will be beautiful. Two hours of his music and I’m really looking forward to it.”
And your new album?
“The live album is coming in November, which is of the 25 anniversary show from May at the Royal Festival Hall along with some new studio tracks. I’ve never done a live album show before and with that and the new tracks I’m really excited ”
Beverley Knight’ s tour of the UK in October include shows in Brighton (1), London Palladium (8) and Bournemouth (13).
BRIGHTON GAY MEN’S CHORUS
St George’s Church, Kemptown, Brighton, Tickets: brightongmc.org
) BRIGHTON GAY MEN’S CHORUS: IN TIME FOR PRIDE (Fri 20–Sat 21). Although the show takes place after Pride, the boys at BGMC are keen to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots The bunting is up, but who is this strange man claiming he can travel through time? And where is he taking us? And just how long is his scarf? Join the Chorus as they explore the history of Pride and the music that ran along side it With songs by ABBA, Alice Cooper and Diana Ross
) PAUL SINHA: HAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE (Wed 11) So far Paul has lived his life content in the understanding that stability and emotional happiness were lovely ideas but not really for him. But several decades of cheerfully bearing boozy witness to the narratives of others can change a man. And so can a prosecco-fuelled Christmas. ‘Full of insight and delight One of our most thoughtful and enjoyable comedians’ The Times ) FUNNY GIRLS (Fri 13) Julie Jepson hosts a night of fabulous female funnies with stand-up, musical comedy and improv ) SLEEP PARALYSIS (Sun 15) Join host Fuchsia Von Steel and her guests for a unique blend of glamour, grotesque and comedy in an unforgettable evening.
) KING SAMMY SILVER: THE SOLILOQUIES OF SINGLE SAM (Sun 29). Hopeless romantic transman Sam finds himself single yet again, but how? Come and join him as he tries to pick up all the pieces from his disastrous relationships and figure out where exactly he keeps going wrong Free event
THE COA ST IS QUEER
The Spire, St Mark’s Chapel, Eastern Rd, Brighton, Box office: coastisqueer.com
) THE COAST IS QUEER presented by New Writing South and the Marlborough Theatre (Thur 12–Sun 15) A new gay literary festival with talks, performances, panel discussions, literary cabaret, a beach walk, a literary History Club, a bookfair and opportunities to meet other writers and participate in writing workshop activities. Confirmed speakers include: Jonathan Harvey (Beautiful Thing, Gimme Gimme Gimme), Juno Dawson (This Book Is Gay, Margot & Me), Patrick Gale (Take Nothing With You, Notes From An Exhibition), Kate Davies (In At The Deep End), Niven Govinden (This Brutal House), Lesley Thomson (The Playground Murders, The Detective’s Daughter), Emma Frankland (None Of Us Is Yet A Robot), Owl & Fox Fisher (The Trans Teen Survival Guide), Seni Seneviratne (Unknown Soldier), Dean Atta (Black Flamingo), CN Lester (Trans Like Me), Maria Jastrzębska (The True Story Of Cowboy Hat And Ingenue), Sea Sharp (The Swagger of Dorothy Gale And Other Filthy Ways To Strut) and Sharan Dhaliwal (Editor, Burnt Roti)
KOMEDIA
Gardner St, Brighton Box office: 0845 293 8480
) BENT DOUBLE (Sun 1). A gayfriendly, irreverent night of fun and frolics hosted by Zoe Lyons (Mock The Week and Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow) Featuring headliner Andrew Doyle, co-writer for Jonathan Pie and creator of Titania McGrath
) DRAG YOU UNDER THE BUS (Fri 27). Fresh from Channel 4’s Drag SOS, Cheddar Gorgeous headlines a weird and wonderful cabaret show. Expect the unexpected at this unpredictable cabaret experience with host Felix Le Freak joined by Sigi Moonlight, Jada Love and very special guests.
The Dome, New Road, Brighton Box office: 01273 709709
) EDDIE IZZARD: WUNDERBAR (Fri 27–Sun 29). Eddie is back to his roots with an all-new rather personal show which expands on his own very unique, totally surreal view of life, love, history and his ‘theory of the universe’
EL GEEBEE TEA QUEUE
The Brunswick, Holland Rd, Hove, www.thebrunswick.net/buytickets
) EL GEEBEE TEA QUEUE (Thur 5). A rainbow coloured evening celebrating LGBT+ arts: music from Kyle Kristofer, cabaret with Dick Day, spoken word from Sophia Blackwell, cabaret with Tommy James, comedy from Ross Spiller, and comedy from Katie Price (no, not that one!)
MARLBOROUGH THEATRE
4 Princes St, Brighton, www.brownpapertickets.com
) A GENEROUS LOVER (Thur 5–Fri 6) The true and very queer tale of one soul’s journey through the wasteland of mental illness, to deliver their lost love Brimming
with psychedelic proletarian prose, and trenchant wit, it recounts the pandemonium of navigating mental health services on behalf of a loved one, whilst being gender queer, and occasionally being mistaken for a patient Drawing on epic poetry, classical mythology, and queer modernist literature, it fuses psychology, euphonic prose, and song to create an intimate and beguiling world. Somewhere between a séance and a recital, it delves into psychosis with compassion, hoping to find catharsis. 'Both campy and moving, this story of love and insanity mixes humour with pathos' New York Times
) ANDREA SPISTO: BUTCH PRINCESA (Fri 20) Character comedy, dance and Latin beats guide you deep into a surreal queer immigrant wonderland Brave, joyful, fiery! Full of insights into gender boundaries, politics and human magic. ‘‘Unpacking what it means to be beautiful and a woman in the 21st century… superb’ ToDoList.org.uk.
) TOM MARSHMAN: A HAUNTED EXISTENCE (Fri 27-Sat 28). Tom Marshman blends creative technology, music and projection in this one-man show retracing the forgotten true story of a local young man arrested for gross indecency in the 1950s A Haunted Existence weaves together history and hearsay to highlight turmoil and heartbreak of Britain’s very recent, shameful past.
THEATRE ROYAL, New Road, Brighton, Box office: 08448 717650
) A WOMAN OF NO IMPORTANCE (Mon 23–Sat 28). An earnest young American woman, a louche English Lord and an innocent young chap join a house party of fin de siècle fools and grotesques. Nearby a woman lives, cradling a long-buried secret. Oscar Wilde’ s marriage of glittering wit and Ibsenite drama created a vivid new theatrical voice Stars Liza Goddard, Roy Hudd, Isla Blair and Emma Amos 'Dominic Dromgoole’s elegant, fullblooded production’ Sunday Express
EDDIE IZZARD
ALL THAT JAZZ
) ETHNIC HERITAGE ENSEMBLE Be Known: Ancient/Future/Music (Spiritmuse Records). Percussionist Kahil El’Zabar’s Ethnic Heritage Ensemble has been going for an extraordinary 43 years. The idea of a piano-less, bass-less trio apparently came to El-Zabar in a dream, and while its make-up has changed over the years, it has stayed roughly true to a two-horn and hand percussion trio with, this time, an added cello As ever, the music is a mixture of spiritual grooves and Afro-futurism, an esoteric blend based on a strong rhythmic drive and hypnotic, repetitive melodic phrases. For a small group, they pack a mighty punch, their full deep sound expanded by El-Zabar’s ever apposite choice of percussion and his raw, blues-shouted vocals. After 43 years, you would have imagined that this group would have gone stale by now, but its music is as fresh as ever
) ANDREW McCORMACK Graviton: The Calling (Ubuntu Music). Well, here be dragons for, and I quote the sleeve notes, the music on this album is “the story of the known world (The Walled Garden) and the unknown forces outside that threaten its very existence (The Dragon) The hero voluntarily goes out to face the danger head-on ” All of which makes this set a sort of concept album, of the type much beloved by ancient prog-rockers Luckily, it doesn’t sound like one Pianist Andrew McCormack has been at the forefront of British jazz since his debut, Telescope, appeared in 2006. He has the great skill of writing catchy melodies, often with a nod towards repetitive systems music, driven along by his insistent piano riffs. Saxophonist Josh Arcoleo provides the edge, drummer Joshua Blackmore the drive, two alternating bassists the solidity Vocalist Noemi Nuti is interesting, her vocalised scat meaningful when that approach is so often irritating A little bit of electronic enhancement keeps everything up to date The highlight is the strident ‘The King Is Blind’, its belting vocals and melodic overdrive aimed firmly at club life It all adds up to an engaging set in which each track springs its own surprise The dragons will be pleased
) NAT KING COLE Ultimate Nat King Cole (Capitol) Born 100 years ago this year, Nat King Cole is best known as a singer but he started out as an innovative, even revolutionary, pianist His was almost the first piano-led trio in jazz, a quiet, subtle, swinging forerunner of Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett and so many more. He was also the first Black American to get his own TV show and a brave campaigner against racial prejudice: the KKK burned crosses on his lawn when he moved his family into a white neighbourhood in Los Angeles and he faced down his neighbours when they said they didn’t want undesirables living there “Neither do I,” said Cole, “I’ll be the first to complain ” This collection brings together a selection of his vast instrumental and vocal catalogue, a fine way to remember an inspirational man
ART MATTERS
This month I hope you won’t mind me starting with an update on an exhibition I’m taking part in, not in Brighton but worth visiting if you ’ re in that part of the world I’ve also found experiences for you within walking distance to delve into and inject a little culture into your busy days, to merely view or to become actively involved in
DEAD PIGEON GALLERY
Anfield, Liverpool ) A LITTLE PAINTING SHOW (until Nov 1) is an exhibition of little paintings by artists Keith Ashcroft, Daniel Newsham, Max Mallender, Josie Jenkins, Anna Ketskemety, Brendan Lyons, Rosie Greenhalgh, Gay Caul, Michael Lacey, Oscar Godfrey, Jen Orpin, Sarah Gilman, Ula Fung, Bernadette O’Toole, James Quin, Jason Hollis, David Lock, Bryan Hible, Lindsey Lavender, J.A. Nicholls and Enzo Marra. Dead Pigeon Gallery is a travelling gallery run by artist Jayne Lawless and designer Catherine Dalton that hosts exhibitions in unexpected places and hosts this show with Dan Carden MP at his office in Anfield (66 Priory Road, Liverpool, L4 2RZ) The exhibition is open by appointment so contact Josie Jenkins, josiejenks@yahoo co uk, or Jayne Lawless, jaynelawless7@gmail com There are some open afternoons in September and October with dates yet to be confirmed
PHOENIX BRIGHTON
Brighton, www.phoenixbrighton.org
) HE MAY KILL ME Painting & Installation: 2015–2019 is a solo show of works by Robert Meldrum (11am–5pm, Wed–Sun, until Sept 8). Robert is influenced by Neo Dada and Modernism notions which are then rearranged in an art practice that is mostly very playful, but can also be on occasion almost cynical. Using references to outer space, chess and our growing strained relationship to nature, it forms a composite portrait of our culture which is so informed by computers and technological developments
) COMMUNITY TAKEOVER: PEOPLE AND PORTRAITS (Sept 21–Oct 13, preview: 6–9pm, Fri 20) This autumn the gallery will become a dedicated space for Phoenix community projects to be created, showcased and celebrated A pop-up photographic studio will occupy the space for photographer Natasha Bidgood to create family portraits with interested local residents and visitors. The street art project will grow from outside the building on to the gallery walls to give local young people an opportunity to tell us more about who they are Phoenix artists will offer portrait-based creative activities for everyone that will transform the space into an evolving visual representation of ourselves, our neighbours and our visitors So feel free to come along, join in and be part of an interactive community experience
CL ASSICAL NOTES
REVIEWS
) TASMIN LITTLE plays Amy Beach, Clara Schumann & Ethel Smyth (Chandos CHAN20030)
Violinist Tasmin Little is joined by pianist John Lenehan for a glorious programme of works by Amy Beach (1867-1944), Clara Schumann (1819-1896) and Dame Ethel Smyth (1858-1944). Beach
was an accomplished pianist, but curtailed her highly successful performing career at the request of her husband, who preferred her to concentrate only on composition. Her Sonata, Op. 34 is full of lyricism and great virtuosity in the violin part, but, understandably given her pianism, the piano part is no slouch Little and Lenehan clearly relish the beauty of Beach’s lush writing, as well as enjoying the virtuosity and playfulness, particularly in the quixotic Scherzo There is as ever a warmth in Little’s tone that is ideally suited to this expansive music, and the flourish they both bring to the fiery finale is glorious. Clara Schumann was another piano virtuoso, but interestingly she had the opposite experience to Beach, her composing more or less coming to an end following her marriage. Her Three Romances, Op. 22 are full of rich melodic invention, with rippling piano accompaniments, particularly in the lightly playful third Romance Dame Ethel Smyth was active in the woman ’ s suffrage movement, and her composition career was relatively successful, although she faced much prejudice, her music being either deemed ‘too masculine’ or ‘too feminine’, depending on whether it was dramatic, rhythmic and powerful, or lyrical and melodic. In fact her Sonata Op. 7 contains both, and Little and Lenehan perform with pace throughout, never allowing
the more lyrical moments to become over indulgent, yet the pianissimo conclusion to the slow movement has beautiful delicacy To close, two more short works by Beach, firstly a beautifully expressive Romance, Op. 23, with its heart definitely on its sleeve, followed by Invocation, Op. 55, equally romantic, but a little more introspective. Both receive heartfelt performances here. With Little announcing her retirement from live performance earlier this year, her vast recording output becomes all the more precious, and this is definitely one to treasure
)
STEPHEN MCNEFF Strip Jack Naked (Prima Facie PFCD106).
During his tenure as composer in residence for the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Stephen McNeff (b 1951) wrote a number of works for the orchestra, and for Kokoro, the orchestra’s new music ensemble Kokoro have recorded a selection of his works, and their disc opens with Counting (Two), scored for an ensemble of solo wind, strings, piano and percussion. The rhythms are spiky and insistent, and there is a constant sense of energy in the fragments of virtuosic material passed between instruments. The
central movement has a different feel, inspired by a visit by McNeff to a war cemetery in Italy, and it opens and closes with a mournful, repetitive lament The rushing third movement brushes the sadness aside, concluding the work with a procession of winding material and persistent percussion The Four Van Gogh Chalks are for a smaller ensemble, and open with a thoughtful, atmospheric impression, Mademoiselle Gachet at the Piano, with high violin, tinkling percussion and rippling piano and wind. Venus in a Top Hat is a quirky, slightly frenzied
scherzo, and L’Écorché is darkly atmospheric The collection ends with Couple Dancing, although their dancing is unsettlingly offkilter, and ultimately collapses into nothing, the couple presumably exhausted from their efforts. The four pieces form a great miniature suite, performed here with great energy and precision by the Kokoro players. Next on the disc comes Strip Jack Naked, a vehicle for mezzo-soprano Lore Lixenberg The story of this ‘burlesque tragedy’, told in a libretto by comedy actor and writer Vicki Pepperdine, basically tells of a woman waking on her birthday and realising that people don’t like the way she now looks – so she embarks on a drastic course of cosmetic surgery, which goes horribly wrong with dark consequences. Lixenberg delivers the highly challenging mix of virtuosic singing and cutting speech with startling command. The small instrumental ensemble adds moments of jazzy counter point and percussive emphasis, with some occasional chilling sound effects too The final work here is Lux, for octet McNeff explores light and how it changes and shifts The music has a spooky, ephemeral feel, fleeting and hard to pin down. The Kokoro players perform all this with impressive virtuosity and clarity, making this a fascinating exploration of McNeff ’ s striking music.
) EDWARD GARDNER & THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Symphonies by Schubert Vol 1 (Chandos CHSA5234). Finally, another great recording from Edward Gardner, recently announced as new Principal Conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra Here he is with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, performing
CONCERTS
three Symphonies by Schubert (1797-1828), Nos. 3, 5 and 8, the ‘Unfinished’ Gardner’s Schubert is quick-paced but never rushed, and there is a lightness of touch throughout No 3 has charm and Haydn-esque spirit, with a blistering finale. No. 5 is more Mozartian, and here Gardner infuses the ‘little’ symphony, scored for smaller orchestra, with grace and elegance, particularly in the slow movement. No 8 starts whisperingly quietly, and the woodwind melody emerges out of nothing This is a fine performance, expertly paced, never feeling rushed, but equally never wallowing in Schubert’s tempting lyrical melodies, and the impact of the development section’s dramatic outburst is consequently all the more effective. The seemingly calm second movement has always a sense of underlying tension, which bubbles to the surface in the second theme, over a gently pulsing off-beat rhythm, which then bursts out in a full-on tutti explosion The contrasts here are the key, and Gardner’s dynamic range is impressive A great opening volume, I look forward to more
Reviews, comments and events: v nicks-classical-notes.blogspot.co.uk t @nickb86uk ) nbclassical@hotmail.co.uk
WORTHING A SSEMBLY HALL
01903 206206, www.worthingtheatres.co.uk
) The Worthing Symphony Orchestra (2.45pm, Sun 8) perform Mozart, Chabrier, Mendelssohn and Beethoven, and Clara Schumann’ s Piano
Concerto, with Isata Kanneh-Mason (piano). Then they are joined by violinist Nicola Benedetti (7 30pm, Tues 17) for Sibelius’ Violin
Concerto, along with a programme of Bizet, Tchaikovsky and Alwyn
BRIGHTON DOME 01273 709709, www.brightondome.org
) The London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Kensho Watanabe (7.30pm, Sat 21), perform an all-Beethoven programme, including the Violin Concerto, with Emmanual Tjeknavorian (violin).
PAGE’S PAGES
) THE BLACK FLAMINGO by Dean Atta (Hachette Children’s UK, £12.99). You know some writers have the knack, not just of getting it spot on, but being able to dig down into the zeitgeist, uproot it and blend the stubborn tubers into some fantastical new concoction Dean Atta is one of those writers, poets, performers and all-round oral stunner His powerful poems circle themes of race, gender, identity and growing up, before spearing them with a precision that chills and thrills. His words dance, then creep back into your mind a few hours or days later to scratch at your consciousness. This book, a tour de force of prose and poetry, takes on the journey of life with a young lad coming to terms with his identity as a mixed-race gay teen, his trials, suffering and surprising victories which bring him to the halls of his university where he unfurls his fierce wings as a drag artist, the Black Flamingo This is a lovely story about finding, feeling and then utterly embracing your uniqueness and the power that flows from that acceptance Atta shows us that sometimes, we need to take charge, to stand up, flash our plumage at full volume and to show ourselves to the monochromatic world in our blinding, unconditional colour. With glorious illustrations from Anshika Khullar this little hardback book, although aimed at a younger audience, is perfect for any fan of powerful affirming words.
) LITTLE DID YOU KNOW: THE CONFESSIONALS OF DAVIS MCGILLIVRAY by Davis McGillivray (fab press, £17). In this delicious and utterly filthy memoir, written with alarming meticulousness, we ’ re taken on a tour of his many lives, achievements, lovers, disasters, successes and just about everything that’s ever happened to him It’s an unflinching peek into this rather astonishingly life, but also very cosy His reputations as horror filmmaker and comic are as dark and deep as his eyes but here, he’s done many things, jobs and people. Along with a lot of
unseen photos McGillivray shows us, from a teenager through the next perfectly indexed and archived decades, how we lived though the AIDS pandemic, the changes in King’s Cross where he lived, and the drug fuelled monstrous personalities of the London media world. It also gives us a clear look at London: its tides and times, tribes and tragedies and it plays a central role in his story His honesty is the beguiling element in this story, it’s a rock and roll rollicking rampage of a narrative, but his charming frankness kept me turning the pages
) GENTLEMAN JACK: THE REAL ANNE LISTER by Anne Choma (Penguin/Random House, £8.99)
The BBC TV series Gentleman Jack, set in 1832 England, has been a huge hit and many women are obsessed by it, we even had a half dozen characters in Brighton’s Pride Parade last month. This book is inspired by the real-life journals of Anne Lister who painstakingly documented her lesbian lovers, crushes and relationships in secret code, which she referred to herself as ‘crypt hand’ This series tie-in book, written by the show’s
historical adviser, tells the story of this incredible trailblazing woman in greater detail taking us further into their life, the culture they lived in, the society they cultivated and the women they loved. Lister said her diaries kept her sane and in this wonderful book, with as much high definition as the TV series, we see the 19th century world they lived in, in superb detail Lister was a landowner, an industrialist and a prolific diarist, and this book follows Anne from her crumbling ancestral home, Shipden Hall, in Yorkshire to the glittering courts of Denmark as she resolves to put past heartbreak behind her and find herself a wife. If you ’ re a fan of the series then this book is a must, and if you ’ re interested in learning more of this astonishing passionate and privileged woman this is a delightful introduction
) SISTER OUTSIDER by Audre Lorde (Penguin, £9.99) Some books never date, they just seem to get more pertinent Sister Outsider is one of those urgent, passionate books If you don’t know Lorde, then buy this and have your world rocked In these essential writings of black lesbian poet and feminist writer, we can read her charged collection of 15
essays and speeches Lorde takes on sexism, racism, ageism, homophobia and class, and propounds social difference as a vehicle for action and change. She said ‘ your silence will not protect you ’ and here her voice, loud, clarion clear and challenging teaches us and shows us how we can make small change into a world-shattering event. Lorde is unflinching in her honesty and tells us things we know but choose not to see Uncompromising, angry and yet full of hope, this collection continues to inspire If you ’ re angry, upset, confused or hurt by the rise of intolerance, bigotry or hate, then this is an antidote, a lesson plan, a lifebelt, and a hand reaching out into the daylight, pulling, urging us on to join her. An essential text for anyone interested in politics, society or the endless struggle for equality.
) PET by Akwaeke Emezi (Faber, £7.99). This highly anticipated, genre defying new YA novel explores themes of identity and justice. In a gentle, loving future world, where wrongs have been righted and life is cherished, there are no monsters anymore, or so the children in the city of Lucille are taught Jam and her best friend, Redemption, have grown up with this lesson but when Jam meets Pet, a creature made of horns and colours and claws, who emerges from one of her mother’s paintings and a drop of Jam’s blood, she must reconsider. Pet has come to hunt a monster and the shadow of something grim lurks in Redemption’s house. Jam must fight not only to protect her best friend, but also to uncover the truth and the answer to how you save the world from monsters if no one will admit they exist? Emezi gives us an astonishing and ravishing story, perfectly timed for our own fight against the monsters in our society
) Jack Brien lives, works and studies at university all in the Brighton area, and is the creator of his own drag alter ego, Linda Wicker In our student and LGBT+ focused city this may all seem unremarkable, but in 2007, aged 12, Jack was diagnosed with autism in the form of Asperger’s syndrome.
Jack first moved to Brighton in 2013 to study at the University of Sussex, but struggled with mental health issues, depression and anxiety which impacted his ability to study successfully. Unable to achieve the grades required in his first year of study he started afresh only for the same set of circumstances to repeat. Moving back to his home county of Essex, he was suddenly aware of the impact of his autism but through the eyes of those around him
“When I failed my degree for the second time I worked in a bar but couldn’t afford to live here [Brighton]. Back in Essex I got a job as waiting staff in a restaurant but before long the manager took me to one side and said ‘this isn’t working out but please don’t think this has anything to do with your autism’ That was a wake up call for me Asperger’s can mean that you come across as socially awkward, it affects the habits we all have and the perception of the world around us is entirely different. I think for some people that is uncomfortable to be around.”
Jack describes his autism as a gift, and no stranger to rejection, when he lost the job in Essex he used this as a motivator to move back to Brighton and start again at University. He’s just completed his second year of study. “Coming back here and going back to uni gave me a purpose and it was here that Linda Wicker was born.”
WICKER’S WORLD
Jack Brien, the creator of drag alter ego Linda Wicker, was diagnosed with Asperger ’s syndrome aged 12. Craig Hanlon-Smith caught up with Jack to discuss the challenges and blessings of living and working in Brighton & Hove’s LGBT+ communities with what is sometimes classified as a learning difficulty or disability.
What sparked your interest in taking up drag as a performer and alter ego?
“I just got the bug Initially I couldn’t see myself wearing heels or make up – my passion enveloped me all of a sudden I had first dabbled in drag at Halloween, but then I wanted to extend my drag out of Halloween, bring my autism into it, and have a deeper message Initially my make-up was terrible, as were my wigs, but I improved my aesthetic by watching tutorials and asking my sister to help. A lot of it is trial and error, you have to discover what’s right for you. You have to dip your toe into the water before you can dive, but I want my drag to be the antithesis of what a drag queen actually is.”
What is the antithesis of a drag queen?
“Well a lot of my humour derives from British sitcoms, Tracy Ullman, Kathy Burke (Linda La Hughes is my spirit animal). I’m influenced by The Young Ones, Bottom and the humour of Rik Mayall and Adrian Edmondson but also drag legends Lily Savage, Phil Starr, Regina Thong and more recently Patti O’Dors I met Patti in a pub that I was working in She initially didn’t know that I did drag but I began sharing my drag stories with her I’ve done drag behind the bar and she’s been incredibly supportive and I perceive her as a drag-mother figure.”
What do you think of the mainstream phenomenon that is Ru Paul’s Drag Race?
“Manila Luzon appeals to my bat-shit insanity as I love drag that embraces the weird and wonderful; although that said, I don’t invest too much time in RPDR as there is a dichotomy between the US-based RPDR and drag traditions here. British drag incorporates a lot more humour but a lot of US/RPDR drag is surface and about the look. Fingers crossed the
UK RDPR will be different as there will be more humour. More emphasis on the comedy I think.”
And where might be we catch Linda Wicker?
“I perform at open mic nights; Drag Idol, which I am doing again this year; at the Queens Arm’s talent night; and I performed at the Spiegeltent Big Drag Pageant as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival.”
We touch on his depression and how his health is today. Jack is about to travel to Santa Barbara to study American film for a year as part of his degree before returning to Brighton for his final year of study, a fourth
“The concept of failing in the middle of a mental health crisis five years ago actually took away my ability to care, any ability I had to get up and go Having been through that failure it’s not something I would want to endure again
I’m looking forward to my year in the States as I have a passion for LGBT+ history and American history and LGBT rights are inextricably linked.
We conclude our time together discussing the LGBT+ communities and living with what is perceived as a disability for many.
“In my experience, ignorance pervades the community. LGBT+ people on the spectrum are welcomed but there are complications in terms of meeting people and having a sexual relationship. The scene can be wonderful and horrifying in equal measure. Ignorance is not synonymous with the entirety of the community but it is there in spades It’s important to recognise that people with hidden disabilities are here and through Linda Wicker I want everyone to know nothing is beyond the realms of possibility ”
FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHTS
Why Britain must do more to protect transgender asylum seekers post-Brexit, by Hal Fish.
) As we consider what a post-Brexit Britain may look like, anticipated changes to trade and business, as well as immigration policies, are what the mind will first turn to.
However, we must also consider how Brexit will impact upon the nation’s equality policies. Falling into this bracket are transgender rights.
With Britain still part of the EU, the nation’s LGBT+ citizens are protected by EU legislations such as the Charter of Fundamental Rights which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. Worryingly though, this is the only international human rights document that can legally and explicitly protect against discrimination of sexual orientation And, if Britain does leave the EU, the government have stated they will be abandoning the charter
The absence of this law will have significant ramifications upon the entire LGBT+ communities but in particular transgender members of the EU seeking refuge in the UK may find themselves in an enhanced position of vulnerability – even more significant to that which they currently face And with discrimination against the community already a rampant issue worldwide, it’s not like gaining refugee status has been a simple task prior to Brexit.
As it stands, the asylum-seeking process is already an overly invasive process for most LGBT+ applicants. Individuals can apply in the UK by proving to the Home Office that their native countries are likely to persecute them for issues pertaining to religion, race, gender identity or sexual orientation. However, the
process of giving evidence to prove as much, frequently leads to disturbing levels of exploitation and invasions of privacy.
For instance, a gay rights activist from Nigeria desperately sent a judge an intimate video to display evidence of her sexual orientation after being accused of ‘faking’ it. And a 2016 report by the UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group, entitled No Safe Refuge, spoke with LGBT+ asylum-seeking applicants being held in detention centres across the UK The applicants told of the disturbing levels of discrimination and abuse they faced, revealing how interviewing officers would ask needlessly intrusive questions "that were targeted to gain explicit content"
Another issue to arise from the application process is the simple fact that individuals must prove evidence of their sexual orientation or gender identity This can be a highly difficult process for many, especially transgender asylum seekers, as they have been unable to live openly and publicly in their home countries, for fear of persecution, which is of course the reason as to why they are applying for refugee status in the first place. After years of hiding their gender identity, transgender asylum seekers are then required to provide evidence of it to government officials; it’s not hard to see why this could be both logistically and emotionally difficult
The frustrating truth is that, after years of working towards a more accepting society, Europe seems to have regressed away from a position of tolerance Indeed, a study of 49 countries belonging to the continent, ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans &
“ The nation’s LGBT+ citizens are protected by EU legislations such as the Char ter of Fundamental Rights which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation... If Britain does leave the EU, the gover nment have stated they will be abandoning the char ter ”
Intersex Association) discovered a clear retreat away from policies protecting against sexual discrimination for the first time in a decade In their 2017 report, Stonewall recorded an upturn in hate crime against LGBT+ individuals, and thanks to the recent stigmatisation of gender identity in the media, transgender people are becoming targeted further to vile levels of abuse.
An investigation by the University of Bristol led them to believe that the UK may scrap transgender non-discrimination rights, postBrexit, since they argue it is thanks to EU law that transgender identity is included within our framework. This is a worrying notion as future immigration policy is aimed to run a more rigorous regime In 2017, a total 1,464 applicants out of 1,887 individuals seeking asylum based on their sexual orientation were refused entry into the UK With all migrants set to be subjected to even more severe levels of scrutiny, one can only fear how transgender asylum seekers may suffer, especially without laws to protect them against discrimination.
The lingering presence of the hostile environment policy can help explain the reason behind Britain’s high immigration refusal rates The Home Office introduced the policy back in 2012 with the intention of making the UK such an unwelcome environment, that migrants would struggle to be able to, or even want to maintain asylum status. The many examples of LGBT+ asylum seekers still facing clear discrimination on all fronts suggest that not much has changed in the nation’s stance; newly appointed Home Secretary Priti Patel’s voting record on matters of immigration and asylum also indicate that she is unlikely to show much sympathy towards migrants
As it stands with Britain still in the EU, the process of a transgender person trying to seek legal refuge in Britain so as to avoid persecution in their own country is already a perilous one Individuals are exposed to disturbing levels of injustice and exploitation in their pursuit of safety And if the government fails to establish post-Brexit human rights legislation for the LGBT+ communities, then our own transgender citizens will face an unprotected future; let alone the even more vulnerable members of the wider European community in need of refuge.
It’s time for the Home Office to both forsake any traces of the hostile environment policy and to introduce new laws that allow for the protection and progression of the trans community within Britain; be that for our current citizens or for future citizens in the form of asylum seekers
MORE INFO
)Hal Fish is a content writer for the Immigration Advice Service, an organisation of UK immigration solicitors providing legal support for those looking to migrate to the UK or hire overseas workers.
) A KID FOR TWO FARTHINGS (BFI blu-ray). Carol Reed’ s whim looks at a group of Eastend the 1950s Diana Dors wan marry her muscleman boyfr Robinson; kindly Jewish ta Kossoff wants a new presse Johnson wants to be with who’s in South Africa trying fortune Her son believes h everyone ’ s wishes come tru unicorn, which he does in t with a horn sprouting from With its scenes filmed in th portrayals of class and race, this film is of undoubted academ non-academic there’s little to hold the attention apart, perh the film's effect on gay men in the middle part of the last ce fair number of shots of Robinson posing in the skimpiest of
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CRAIG’S THOUGHTS
Sleep with your eyes open. Or… star t screaming. By
@craigscontinuum
) It’s as if it were a prologue. A prelude, an overture or perhaps, were it not for the words, a dumb show. A pre-enactment of what we ’ re now to expect from the main narrative of that novel we know as our golden age. On the morning of July 6th, Pride London tweeted the then Prime Minister’s LGBTQ Pride address to the nation “Pride season is always a high point of the summer, ” she jerked towards the camera with her trademark socially awkward shake of the ‘do’ “It’s the chance to celebrate the huge contribution that LGBT people of all backgrounds make to our national life ” So far so good Theresa, and edited amidst the direct address monologue, we cut to a rainbow coloured floral display fit for Kew Gardens surrounding the door arch of Number 10 Downing Street. There was even a ‘Love is Love’ placard locked to the railings like the unwelcome rusty bicycle of Jeremy Corbyn. It will have been removed by now
The online film also available on the (then) Prime Minister’s social media platforms rattled on much in this vein for a good whole minute. We hear of the progress made by campaigners and the work still to be done, if I may quote, “To build a future where the bigotry and discrimination that LGBT people still face is made a thing of the past ” We hear of the launch of the Government’s LGBT action plan committing to 75 life improvement targets for LGBT people, a third of these already achieved in just over a year.
All of this narrative intercut with images and films of stupid, stupid, stupid LGBT people The intelligently challenged were well chosen, there were stupid boy ones, stupid girl ones, white ones, brown ones, black ones, skull cap wearing ones, we were certainly hitting the diversity demographic in Theresa’s mini proLGBT movie moment. There were some military uniforms in there, suits, ties, a more casual attire. Boy arms around boy waists and yet the film was a little light on trans but that may have just been in the editing, it is difficult to tell I spotted Ruth Hunt in the mix, the outgoing Chief Executive of Stonewall, so there was at least one notable lesbian, the rest were a nameless bunch to me but obviously LGBT We’ll leave the ‘Q’ off as they were mostly impersonating straight people from what I could see.
Craig Hanlon-Smith
Whatever their racial, religious or gender demographic, all those individuals who found themselves in the short film at Number 10 were totally, unforgivably and completely stupid Of course one can understand what has happened here These are all privileged homos, lesbos, bibos and indeed transgender persons (who might have been hiding in the bushes even though they were not in the film but they were there, honest) When one is privileged and receives an invite to an LGBT uphill-garden party at No 10 any moral compass or political sensitivity to one ’ s own communities is dunked in a bath of acid. There they all are, lord and lady-mucking it up beneath a dried purple flower display, beside themselves with the Instagram opportunities before them and a quick text to an otherwise forgotten grandmother
This array of hetero impersonating idiots reminded me of the Bible story following Jesus’ arrest. His right-hand man, Peter, is questioned by passers by that as the tables turn on the soon to be executed JC so the crowds turn unkindly upon Peter Peter denies knowing his former friend not once, not twice, but three times and only hours after an identifying kiss from Judas, Jesus must have been thinking “WTF? Who ate all the allies?”
And so to these Instagram hungry opportunistic self-promoting and privileged LGBT idiots As these morons in the (former) PM’s film have done, I suppose we can forgive Theresa her Section 28 promoting anti-LGBT voting record for the majority of her political life, as every girl should be allowed to change her mind, the present and the future is what we should be focusing upon. And so the final part of the film had our Theresa giving it full frontal to the camera: “I will only be your Prime Minister for a few more weeks, but I will be your ally for the rest of my life.” Three days later there was a vote in the Houses of
Parliament on whether or not same-sex marriage legislation should be extended to Northern Ireland Theresa didn’t show up She couldn’t manage the 200m car journey from her residence to the chamber. She could have yelled her vote into the House from her toilet: “I will be your ally for the rest of my life”. THE REST OF MY LIFE. She didn’t manage THREE DAYS.
She wasn’t alone. Many of her cabinet didn’t attend. Many of the newly appointed cabinet didn’t attend along with the new Prime Minister who, in an article he once wrote for The Telegraph, referred to gay men as ‘Bum Boys’. Some of those who did, voted against the measure. The power sharing DUP, who are propping a Government with a majority of (wait for it) one, also mostly voted against the positive change
At the time of reading, the Pride season will be drawing to its closing events across the UK and in a matter of weeks reduced to a smattering of photographs across our social media platforms and smart-phones And yet we’ll be beginning a new parliamentary session run by the most antiprogressive Conservative Government since Margaret Thatcher was the PM 30 years ago The voting record of our new Prime Minister’s cabinet doesn’t make happy reading. A third of the new cabinet voted against same-sex marriage legislation across the UK and also against progressive reproductive legislation for women. Issues which largely would not impact those voting against them. We live in a country where religious sensitivities are beginning to take priority over supporting LGBTQ communities and those sitting in Government openly support such developments
We sit idly by at our peril. Vigilance and action is now an essential part of our LGBTQ lives and not flouncing around an elite reception for gays who think that they have made it out of the maelstrom You are not heterosexual, and any emulation of the image is fantasy You can dress like them, walk like them, throw your head back in faux fun like them but you are not them You are a member of the LGBTQ communities whether you want to be or not and it’s time we pulled our collective socks up and remembered where we came from. This is an emerging crisis and we need to work together across all corners of the LGBTQ spectrum. We will need one another over the coming years more than most will ever remember and privilege is a gift we can share with those who do not have it, and a tool with which to work effectively It is also a bunker in which to hide The only person you are guaranteed to sleep with every night for the rest of your life is yourself Sweet dreams The decision is yours
“The voting record of our new Prime Minister’s cabinet doesn’t make happy reading. A third of the new cabinet voted against same-sex marriage legislation across the UK and also against progressive reproductive legislation for women”
CHARLIE SAYS ISL AMOGAY.
By Charlie Bauer Phd.
) Let’s get one thing queer before we move on shall we? Gay people being attacked by Muslim women (both in uniform) at Waltham Forest Pride is not a reason for racism or Islamophobia Even if it was the Muslim that was attacking the Gayer These wars are cultural We’re not going to get into the ‘ we were here first’ crap either.
The issue as always, is about orthodoxy About pulling religion, any religion, from the closet of its own text and using it on an East London Pride street corner. Christian, Muslim, white supremacist – it’s all about some sort of disgruntled and misinterpreted orthodoxy. Not the word of any god here, but the voice of primitivism. Yes, even that orthodoxy that the white man is the saviour of the world one. A cultural orthodoxy coming from a colonial past where the very class of such idiot men would exclude them from its practice, unless they were grafters on the docks or wrangling slaves
The Bible apparently joins forces with the Koran here The woman shouts that it should be Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve Unlike the gentle feel of my fella’s thighs, I would like her to show some proof that Adam and Eve actually existed I will willingly denounce all my queer for that Anna meet Eve with Adam and Steve
It’s all a misinterpreted bias God only knows how people get all pent up about scripture written millenia ago, because I don’t Not up to any school in Birmingham, even if no one has the right to pillory anyone else’s culture. Because of the Islam (and Christian and Jewish and …) closeted gay muslim men and women are imprisoned by this orthodoxy all over the world. Even if Muslim men sleep with each other because there is no access to their
gender of preference Apparently this is not gay
But does this raging woman represent all Muslims? How could she? Does a jihadist represent all Muslims? Ridiculous No matter what the alt-right wants us to believe Does a white supremacist male represent all white supremacists? You bet your sweet arse She’s rather brave being a lone voice in a crowd because that’s what we all once were but I suspect this is at the beck and call of some man. Perhaps the man who started doing the same a few miles away.
But we were born to naturalism not doctrine and because we don’t subscribe to any doctrine, there’s no collective dogma. If we could only get together en masse and turn the world gay. Actually, that would be boring as shit. We will not prevent anyone from peacefully practicing their creed and we will not be drawn into the ‘Islam is against everything’ Western crap that gets constantly perpetrated This is one person gone viral, not just a line of flambeau carrying young men in tight pants shouting ‘Jews will not replace us ’ as endorsed by the most powerful administration on the planet Because of one person they will not divide us towards hate, let that be known. I tolerate no religion but I don’t go nun-bothering either. I’m in no gilded cage.
Interestingly, this is viral because she is a woman A Muslim woman confronting both men and women It’s also interesting that Doris Johnson, who refers to niqab wearing women as ‘letterboxes’, gets to rule the bloody country I swear this sometimes reads like an unbelieved Twilight Zone episode Agree or disagree with women within Islam or not –Johnson’s slight was against her culture. Everyone, including local MPs, scream out that what happened is ‘hatred’ which of course it was, since it attacks Western law.
But attacking this Muslim woman isn’t the end of it. Until religious orthodoxy misinterpretations are tackled, from Zionism to Islam to the Christian right (wake up America), we ’ re all getting the wrong end of the stick. In the Middle East the Muslim and non Muslim queers have no choice. Here they do, together with everybody else all at the same time See, things will not change Ten-percent are Adam and Steve, Yousef and Mohammed, Yentl and Yaffa You got to get over this They can only be this way or that over here Over there, you’d be thrown from towers
But the culture wars are not only obscured by the media - they are the cause of them Go Google this one incident if you want You’ll get the info-wars and the Tea Party links before you get anything like a major broadcaster, certainly well before you get to the reaction of the Imaan site (the leading charity for LGBTQI Muslims in the UK).
Be very aware It’s debateable, with the death of the European Human Rights charter because we the people have apparently decided to leave, who exactly would be held accountable in this instance, the woman or the gay? Depends on the policing, which wont be touched by European Human Rights either. As our basic rights dwindle away just because some buy to rent landlord had his fill of cheap Polish labour and forced Brexit, we too will face an uncertain future as a protected community We’re an island, we ’ re alright Unless that is, just like me, you fear the English over any foreigner, European or otherwise Look how the English voted for lord’s sake Enough said
So, why don’t you all just ‘Make Religion Great Again’ and practice proper spirituality in its purer personal form? Why take it to the streets? Fight for housing and education without restriction Fight against GCHQ decrypting Whatssap. Fight for the 10% who can come out in peacetime. Fight for yourselves.
“As our basic rights dwindle away just because some buy to rent landlord had his fill of cheap Polish labour and forced Brexit, we too will face an uncertain future as a protected community.”
HOMELY HOMILY
BY GLENN STEVENS
PROGRESS
) For the first time in a long time, the other day I had to ‘ come out’ to a customer who asked if I had children. Rushing through my head was the sentence, “No, I’m gay, but I’m married, but no we don’t have children, but my husband would have liked to have started a family, not that we couldn’t because a lots of my gay/lesbian friends have” In the end I just said, “No ” They then asked if I was married? My wedding ring surely gave it away, to which I said, “Yes, to a man, ” to which they replied, “But that’s okay ” We both then laughed Had this same conversation played out in the 1950s, the outcome may have been very different; one of us would have been terrified while the other may well have been disgusted
A few years ago I worked on a project with QueenSpark Books, interviewing older gay men asking them about their own experiences of growing up gay Nearly every gay man spoke about the horror of being outed and to be labelled ‘ queer ’ They lived through a time when if they were outed, there would be no laughs, they could be kicked out of their lodgings, lose their job and be ostracised by their family, so being labelled ‘ queer ’ could have the most devastating effect
“ They lived through a time when if they were outed, they could be kicked out of their lodgings, lose their job and be ostracised by their family, so being labelled ‘queer ’ could have the most devastating effect”
I have never hidden the fact I was gay, (how could I, I'm fabulous) but I know the rules, even in Brighton there are areas at night that I wouldn’t think for a moment of holding my husband’s hand or kissing him in the street.
When I first moved to Brighton in the early 1980s, I was walking back home from the main gay night hot spot, the Beacon Royal, with my mate, Angus, when a police car slowed down. Before the police got out Angus whispered very quickly telling me not to mention that we had been to a gay club Quite shocking to think that the police in Brighton would be homophobic, but that was our experience
DUNCAN’S DOMAIN
BY D U N C A N S T E WA R T
POPUL ATION
Thankfully things have moved on in leaps and bounds and we now have policemen more than happy to have a selfie taken at Pride or an out and proud copper getting down on one knee in front of the Pride crowd to propose to his boyfriend
Pride is also the place where you will see more than one banner, brandishing the word, ‘ queer ’
When the LGBT community use the word as a collective on a march to proclaim where they are and who they are, the word ‘ queer ’ has a real strength to it, because the LGBT community has reclaimed it, but it’s just as important to remember there is also many older gay men who are repulsed that their community should be using the word at all, no matter how empowering they say it makes them feel.
) At least a third of the clothes hanging in my wardrobes are waiting patiently for me to lose weight, and another third never see the light of day because I don’t really like them. Some were gifts, a few have sentimental value but mostly they were impulse buys They should all have gone to a Martlets shop years ago but they do serve to highlight a major concern of mine which is around the huge cost and effort involved in the sourcing, manufacturing, importing, distributing and finally advertising and selling all this, and other ‘stuff ‘ , I neither need nor want
Most of our clothing is made abroad by workers whose wages are derisory by our Western standards because there are simply too many of them The current world population is estimated to be about 7 7 billion and forecast to reach 9 7 billion by 2050 a figure the statistical soothsayers consider to be about the maximum population that Earth can sustain, and most of that growth will be in Asia so the cycle of cheap labour/cheap goods will keep them in poverty unless we buy less and pay more.
I am not basically anticapitalist because it has fuelled amazing progress but it is now out of control with too much power in the hands of a few people holding the strings of huge purses who seem to care for nothing but profit I suspect Trump would see population growth as a retail opportunity just as he sees global warming as a commercial opportunity
I see a glimmer of hope in unlikely forms of Philip Green and Mike Ashley both of whom have managed to bankrupt high street chain store companies Both would probably blame increased online sales but I suspect their greed and incompetence has led them to retail hubris The more of these unnecessary shops that close the better Millions of square feet of city centre property could be used for housing and thousands of personable shop assistants could retrain to work in areas in which they are badly needed like nursing and caring for the elderly, work they would almost certainly find much more interesting. Brighton already has a significant shortage of carers mainly because low pay undermines recruitment. The UK population growth rate is reported to be slowing but as we all know the elderly, needier proportion is increasing.
“I suspect Trump would see population growth as a retail opportunity just as he sees global warming as a commercial opportunity”
As manufacturing processes becomes increasingly robotic and agriculture increasingly mechanized, why are we being made fearful about lower birth rates in the developed world? Any reduction is welcome before we eat everything in the seas and decimate wildlife by converting all usable land into massive arable farms and relentlessly poison the planet.
In this country we seem to have become obsessed by immigration and by what I have heard referred to as ‘the browning of Britain’, both factors fuelling intolerance and nasty Brexiteer nationalism, but the real problem is that there are too many humans.
QUEER I COME
Comparing the ever-changing language used by queer youth.
By Violet Valentine/Br yton
Pierre
(Zoe Anslow- Gwilliam) @thevvalentine
) With the growing education and acceptance of the queer community in mainstream society, the language used to explain queer history, identity and expression expands
The word ‘ queer ’ itself could produce an angered response from an older gay man whilst could be the same word used by a young gay teen on their dating profile on Tinder As new generations develop new understandings of sexuality and gender, new words are created to describe these experiences. To me the word queer is a useful word that describes the whole LGBTQ+ spectrum.
The umbrella term ‘ queer ’ is a traditional synonym of ‘unusual’, ‘odd’ or ‘peculiar’, later adopted to describe, mostly, gay men, often in a derogatory manner. However today, the word ‘ queer ’ no longer has the same negative connotation with many LGBTQ+ people reclaiming the word. The word ‘ queer ’ has now been more recently used in the media as yet another way to profit from the queer community I feel like now you will be more likely to find a ‘ queer dance party’ promoted then a ‘ gay club night’
For many people the word ‘ queer ’ now allows for a way for them to explore where they fit in the LGBTQ+ spectrum without settling on more definitive labels early on Some people claim that there are too many labels to keep track of and some even feel that they are simply made up in an effort to be unique, whilst others within the community feel a
larger number of labels makes it less likely for queer problems to be taken seriously
Acronyms such as AFAB (assigned female at birth), FTM (female to male) and MTF (male to female), may be regularly used words for me and my friends but recently I have come to recognise just how many people outside of our minority that respond to these phrases with look of ultimate confusion. With realising my privilege of being able to access queer safe spaces where phrases such as “Hi! My name is … and my pronouns are they/them” are a common occurrence I was interested to understand this language from a less educated perspective.
Gender neutral language has definitely been a work in progress. I found out whilst writing this column, that before ‘transgender’ was a word, feminists had protested against phrases that frequently assumed gender such
as a male audience or a more common example gender expectancy in job roles; doctors, nurses, fire men
It so happens that this new modified language, which is gender neutral, is naturally inclusive of people who are nonbinary The majority of queer slang is created by queer people to communicate with one another rather than undermine a straight society unpopular to a common belief. Some words such that may have been used in the past such as ‘stud’, ‘stem’, ‘femme’ and ‘butch’ have now become somewhat redundant apart from ironic use among friends. Words like ‘dyke’, whilst used to describe a lesbian, have been used in recent history as insults
A more inclusive queer scene has also allowed for ethnicity to play a role in the language chosen to be used by our community People of colour may choose to use words such as ‘stud’ over words such as ‘butch’ Queer language has often borrowed from other minority and disrespected communities such as prison community Words like ‘daddy’, ‘bent’ and ‘hook up ’ Some people feel limited by words such as ‘lesbian’ that feel somewhat outdated to pop culture stereotypes such as a masculine, femmeloving, working class woman.
Whilst labels are an attempt to define people into groups, the truth is not any two people are the same. Sharing the label of ‘demisexual’ for instance, may not mean that these people have anything in common but that quite minute factor of their sexuality. Furthermore, the way they explore that sexuality may be completely different also. Sexuality is about more than just attraction.
In a world of sensationalist clickbait news, it is important to be aware of the real and bigger picture. Largely, queer people simply want to be respected, whether that’s by using certain pronouns or openly identifying with a certain minority label You would probably be hard-pushed to find a queer person who is campaigning for the abolition of gendered language or simply wants to be quirky
The boxes we create are ultimately useless unless we understand everything we put inside them
“As new generations develop new understandings of sexuality and gender, new words are created to describe these experiences. To me the word queer is a useful word that describes the whole LGBTQ+ spectrum”
NETTY ’S WORLD
WHO DO YOU DO?
) When I was growing up, the word ‘ queer ’ meant odd or peculiar, for example ‘Marjorie had the queer feeling she was being watched’ The other meaning was less benign; ‘Giles feared Marjorie sensed he was a dirty stinking queer ’ . That’s the world I inhabited. ‘Queer’ was a noun, a byword for the worst breed of sexual deviant. Forget paedophiles (we didn’t talk about them), forget sadists (just kinky), and murderers (oh well, boys will be boys), same-sex love was the number one sin in the shit parade. I remember reading how serial killer Dennis Nilsen’s old mum only disowned him when he was exposed in prison as being gay!
Nowadays, ‘ queer ’ does not mean strictly ‘ gay ’ , it’s more a blanket term to describe non-heteronormative, gender-free living. I must admit to feeling a little old and crusty at this point, but it’s possibly the future of human sexuality. ‘Queer’ throws up questions like: What is sex? What constitutes a sexual relationship? What is gender? One of the less attractive elements of the queer movement is the constant navel-gazing it seems to foster, but that might be because the movement is relatively young and finding its feet
My main problem with the concept of ‘ queer ’ is that in encompassing everything (sometimes even heterosexuality), it ceases to be descriptive of much at all. I know, labels are for clothes, but if I say I’m queer, it doesn’t inform you that I’m a monogamous lesbian, something I’d quite like to shout from the rooftops actually. It’s a bit like describing a black person as ‘coloured’, it tells you nothing other than this person is not white, and presumes that white is the norm. It’s intrinsically pejorative. Mind you, I’m all for reclaiming nasty words.
“I know, labels are for clothes, but if I say I’m queer, it doesn’t inform you that I’m a monogamous lesbian, something I’d quite like to shout from the rooftops actually ”
As I understand it, being queer means doing away with gender and all the constrictions associated with being male or female. It means a person is free to explore every facet of human sexuality regardless of the body they inhabit Sounds bloody wonderful, sign me up! Actually though, there may be trouble ahead I hope the queer movement doesn’t insist upon itself or become precious and hectoring of people who simply identify as lesbian, like me As a lesbian I’m only sexually attracted to my own gender, so for me, gender is very real and very important I don’t speak for anybody else As my friend Rudolph says “A joke’s a joke sweetie, but get your arse off my pillow”.
Human sexuality is infinitely complex and diverse, and we are only dancing on this earth for a short while I say enjoy the music while we can with whoever we choose, and focus on the plight of those poor souls in other lands who are not allowed to dance at all.
MINDOUT
Many people who identify as queer, or who are thinking about what queer identity might have to do with them, come to MindOut. They may be coming to explore identity issues, or coming for support with something else entirely. MindOut is truly an LGBTQ service.
We often debate the language we use, how that has changed, and what that means about mental health. This month our Senior Mental Health Advocate, Josetta Malcolm, writes:
QUEER, A JOURNEY
) People change, times change, and the meaning of words change. The word ‘ queer ’ remains contentious with some LGBT people. Queer is still used as a term of abuse against LGBT people and was particularly hurled against gay men in the past.
Queer originally meant strange or peculiar but began to be used against LGBT people in the late 1800s, until queer activists reclaimed it about 100 years later by people who were unhappy with the mainstreaming of LGBT politics and culture The term was picked up by academics who created studies about ‘ queer theory’ rejecting binary and ‘normative’ ideas about being LGBT and try to have a more subversive and intersectional analysis
I had no idea what any of this meant when I started hearing about it a decade ago, it all seemed a bit alien and academic I also worked with gay men who were very unhappy with the word ‘ queer ’ being reclaimed, they remembered
how they felt from the decades of having it used against them I had to keep asking what ‘ queer ’ and ‘intersectional’ politics meant I take ‘intersectional’ to mean a political understanding that began by putting the experiences of people from a range of marginalised/oppressed communities and identities, particularly race, class, gender, and sexuality in the centre, rather than being ignored.
‘Intersectional’ and ‘ queer ’ theories have really helped me to talk about how LGBTQ culture is becoming mainstream and part of the capitalist white supremacist patriarchy! Yes, we want equal rights, so if heterosexuals can get married, get their spouse ’ s pensions, be included in their partner’s healthcare etc, we should be able to
But then so many of these rights are connected to maintaining a messed up system that privileges a small minority over the many, and that system supports a world where women are in constant risk of male violence (I know I’m gendering here but bear with me), where globally a white elite hold power over the black majority An example of this is that the UK imprisons more black people as a proportion of the population than the US (www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/homenews/black-people-prison-uk-more-likely-uslammy-review-a7935061.html).
And I got from ‘ queer ’ to the racist prison system because of intersectionality, the idea that numerous issues (or ‘ power systems’): gender inequality, ableism, ageism, racism, global inequality and homo/trans/biphobia, are interconnected. And many of us are affected by one or several of these issues and identities. Being queer acknowledges there are all of these and more interacting issues that affect our lives as individuals and communities We are not just gay, lesbian, bisexual and/or trans And those of us who are trans and/or black have another whole layer of discrimination The Stonewall uprising of 50 years ago also makes me think of being queer and intersectional, because that was led by black trans women to resist state/police oppression against the LGBT community
What does it mean to be a queer trans nonbinary person of colour living in Brighton & Hove in 2019? What does it mean to be any
kind of queer with mental health conditions? I love every bit of my black non-binary identity, I manage living with mental health conditions, physical health conditions, autism and being over 50 quite well now thanks.
But we all know the myth of being queer in Brighton, as if it is some oasis It’s hard for everyone, including the cis, white, middle aged, middle class, able bodied gay men. So much pressure to look a certain way, be okay, survive in austerity, feel part of a ‘community’, yet many of us struggle with isolation and loneliness. We try to get help and either don’t know what is out there or don’t know how to access it, or we try and get told ‘ no ’ .
Queer people of colour have to deal with the shocking level of racism in the LGBT community, from dating app profiles proudly stating ‘ no blacks’ to being referred to as hypersexual, pushy or aggressive or any of the other stereotypes and labels put on us for doing or saying the same as a white person does without reproach
I don’t know how to solve all the ‘isms (well in my dreams there is a peaceful revolution), but we can care for and support our queer siblings and communities
Everyone is talking about mental health now, sadly because mental distress is so common, but it‘s good we are talking One of the most difficult and dangerous things about having mental health problems or feeling suicidal or isolated is not talking about it and stigma Now it’s easier to tell people I don’t feel so good, or that I can’t do something If we feel able to ask someone how they are, or to tell someone we are not ok, then we can start to do something about it.
Sometimes we don’t know where to go for help or support, or what to do when we go to the doctors and they don’t listen or give us what we need. Helping you get support, access services, find out what your rights are, and being queer or LGBT are at the heart of what we do at MindOut LGBTQ mental health charity. We run peer support groups, have counsellors, peer mentors and online support. Our advocacy service will work alongside you to access mental health support in the community and we have trans, black and non-binary advocates, a housing specialist and a community advocate We are not free until all of us are free
MINDOUT INFO
If you would like to talk to someone in confidence about the issues raised or anything else connected to mental health, please do contact MindOut
) See our website www.mindout.org.uk ) or phone 01273 234839 ) or email info@mindout.org.uk
All our services are independent, impartial and non-judgemental
STUFF & THINGS
HOW DO THEY DO THAT?
) I’m sat in a coffee house waiting for a Chorus rehearsal to start Not that the rehearsal is taking place in the coffee shop That'd be weird We won't be crooning over coffee Or trilling for tea Nor singing for sandwiches. No, I had some time to kill before our rehearsal so I’m killing time with a pot of tea.
This is standard behaviour for me Got nothing to do? Have a cup of tea Bit bored? Have a cup of tea Should have filled in that job application form hours ago? Have a cup of tea. For the highs and lows of life, there is tea. If someone's had a shock, it's the first thing we think of. If someone pops round, it's immediately offered. The universal language of comfort and hospitality.
“Got nothing to do? Have a cup of tea. Bit bored? Have a cup of tea. Should have filled in that job application form hours ago? Have a cup of tea”
I find it odd that coffee has such a wide range of types and tea doesn't. You get tea infusions but you already know my thoughts on infusions. You don't get extra frothy tea though do you? Or a super concentrated tiny cup of it? You don't steam your milk for tea. Just pour hot water on a tea bag, add some milk, sugar if you fancy and voila! No faffing about. No chocolate sprinkles. No foam art (foam art!). Just good old reliable tea. It shows you how much I knew about the different types of coffee that I had to look up what a mocha and a latte actually are Also, you don't get tea snobs do you? Exactly
It makes me wonder how people first created these things Who thought 'I'm going to froth up the milk for this coffee, that'd be marvellous!' It makes you wonder how other culinary things were invented
Who first thought about meringue? There's no logic to that at all Take your egg whites, no, not the yolks, just the whites and beat them till your arm falls off, whilst adding sugar a granule at a time Then spread it really thin and bake it on the lowest light possible for three weeks And there you go! Meringue! I mean, who thinks to do that? It's not like that could be done accidentally because how do you accidentally do all of that?
Marmite! Another weird thing It's not like you've ever sat about and thought 'Mmmm, yeast extract' hungrily to yourself is it? Madness. And cheese! Who first thought to take milk, whizz it about a bit... hmmm, I've just realised I have no basic knowledge of how you actually make cheese. But that kind of proves my point, doesn't it? How would you think to do whatever it is you have to do to make it?
I've nearly finished my tea. Should have had some cake. The coffee shop is slowly closing down, tables are being cleared and brought in from outside. I'd best head off. Don't want to be that one annoying customer who doesn't leave until right at the last minute. There's always one.
teapotsandcoffeeeshops@weebly.com
WE ARE PRIDE
) Reclining, in a huge corporately sponsored deckchair with two friends, listening to Lola close Pride and the fireworks kicking off directly in front of us, I thought how fortunate I was To be in such rich company, my friends surrounding me, not one of us from Sussex originally, but all here because of the beacon of this Twisted Gilded Ghetto we ’ ve created to live in. Pride is a huge undertaking, not everyone agrees with it, but most folk find some place in their hearts to acknowledge the power that such a mass confederacy of us queers can project. Not just the tonnes of rubbish and the millions of pounds that flush through the city like a flash flood, or the armies of glamourous fierce folk who wear their lives on their sleeves and make the parade such a stunning cavalcade of vibrant variety Not only the charities, support groups and LGBT+ spaces that benefit from the cash that pours into the Rainbow Fund from the hordes of queers and allies that pay and pay and pay to eat, drink and be Kyliefied, nor the timid folk, for whom it’s the first time, first Pride, first time out, first time as their true Authentic Selves We take it for granted and forget the power of that first time - the wonder of being with so many people just like you, queer, happy and radiant with potential. This is the true meaning of Pride, US. ALL OF US. Even those who dissent with activism to make the world a better place, for this is still so very much work to be done, be sure of that
A month ago, the city sang, its body electric, its mind fireworks, its soul lost for the weekend, but generating so much love, passion and friction that we’ll be able to toast muffins on the pavements of St James’s Street for months to come We ain’t perfect, we ain’t got it all right yet Ugly monsters with slippery cold hard cash still buy themselves into our lives and spaces, whispering glamour and attainable chic but pumping out despair, unhappiness and division Their beguiling narrative hiding the truth of LGBT+ homelessness, poor healthcare, fragile legal situations, zero-hour contracts, debts for life and crushing mental health pressures. But they want in, because we are OUT. Our power, our means, our ends are the width and breadth of our communities, joined up, joining up, still learning to trust each other and bedrock connections, all together, a huge tangled glittery web, that trembles each time one of us moves.
Be still for a moment; it’s a month since Pride, most of the visitors have gone, although some stayed, like we stayed, to build a new life, a new them, a new US.
Those of us who ride the carousel of privilege need to make some space. To shove up a bit and reach out a hand, to pull, lift, hug and drag those that need some help, up. Pride is us, all of US and if we can’t, or won’t or don’t look after all those who need us, then they’ll falter and we will fail. Our silence will not protect us. Our massed voices will bring down the walls of the citadels of the monsters and brick by brick we can rebuild, once more. This Twisted Gilded Ghetto is not static as is shimmers by the silver sea, but it’s a mirage of all our hopes, turning, growing, changing as each new life emerges from the froth of past experience Pride reminds me to make space for the new kids on the block, to actively reach out and learn about their lives, experiences and dreams To put my broad strong shoulders to their wheel, and push Unconditionally In return I’ve a choice between hanging around and telling you, Dear Reader, ‘I told you so ’ or, I can show you how to be exquisite and never explain
SAM TRANS MAN
Dr Samuel Hall on the big battle for humanity and what equality really means.
) Queer issue this month At this time of year we should all be feeling pride Even if you didn’t participate in Pride celebrations for whatever reason, like me, I hope you can feel the buzz of hope in the air that comes from the increased visibility and positive focus that Pride brings Hope for a better future for LGBT+ folk, hope that we, in our turn, will be the giants whose shoulders others can stand on, hope that the future of humanity includes true inclusion. Not just for us, but for all oppressed minorities.
Of course with increased exposure comes increased risk, risk of provoking trans/bi/ homophobia, but we pull together as a community to support one another, knowing that the battle has, and continues to be worth it. Pride is the right side of history. It represents the emancipation of the unheard, unseen and unknown It screams individualism in the face of forces which seek to preserve the white hierarchical patriarchy that we ’ re all oppressed by Pride is about being happy to be me
I’ve talked about white male privilege before This curiously intangible phenomenon which allows relatively few people on the planet easy passage in life It’s something that I’ve acquired through transition, and very hard for me to articulate People often ask me to give an example of this unwanted yet addictive acquisition, and I find it hard to think of one. All I know is that I’m now accorded more respect in public spaces, feel free to walk alone at night, enter bars and restaurants without needing to be aware of who is looking at me. I’m not bothered about my surroundings or risk of interpersonal trauma or micro aggressions
But I’ve also lost something important. You see people treat me differently now that I
look like a man Patients, colleagues, even close family and friends It’s as though they are seeing me through a different lens I feel that I’m the same person, but somehow the way people relate to me has changed It’s harder to encourage others to be vulnerable with me, yet when I lived my life as a woman this was the easiest thing in the world to achieve.
I feel as though the masculine ‘ space ’ in society that I’ve entered has rules that I know nothing of. Rules that are enforced by both women and men. The learning curve is steep as I assimilate this set of unwritten laws about what can and can’t be said or done now that I’m seen as a man. There are debates I no longer have a ‘right’ to enter, such as discussion around pregnancy, breast feeding and sex, to name but a few Spaces I can’t or have no need to access, and behaviours that aren’t acceptable
I’m learning, often the hard way, what being a man really means And a white man at that With privilege beyond being white and male, since I’m also a high earner, well educated, in safe housing and with a secure career, living without material hardship So very few humans on the planet enjoy the freedoms I enjoy. Here’s the kicker though. Because I’m a trans man, I have known discrimination, judgement, harassment and personal as well as professional belittlement, all of which have given me a tiny glimpse of what it means to suffer.
By no means do I claim to know what it’s like to be on the receiving end of racism, or ableism, but I do know that the experience of transphobia (limited though mine is) has been enough to ignite a flame. I feel increasingly passionate about every and all downtrodden human being(s) There are so many millions who don’t even get to eat a meal every day,
let alone 24/7 water, light, heat and WiFi I am increasingly conscious of my failure to live in solidarity with people less fortunate than me
One step beyond equality, which in turn comes after tolerance followed by acceptance, is equity
The next big battle for humanity Some societies, minority groups, communities, families and even individuals need more of a leg up We used to call it positive discrimination, which was a good thing as far as I’m concerned, but outlawed by the fearful privileged. Now we call it positive action, which subverts the argument. In reality we should be bending over backwards to create a more equitable society, so that everyone sees themselves reflected in their workplace, on their TV screens and on the streets where they live Only a true representation of our diverse society, at all levels of public service as well as in private arenas, can lead to equity
Listening to the voices of those less privileged, however hard, is the only way to be sure that everyone can get what they need That we are not violating human rights through multidimensional structural prejudice
Whether you ’ ve celebrated Pride or not (and let’s face it, lots of us can’t face it!), if you identify as or with the LGBT+ community, you are by definition living at the forefront of societal change, marching hand in hand as the vanguard, alongside others who are fighting different battles; against misogyny, racism, ableism, Islamophobia, and the many other prejudicial and hate-filled behaviours that fill our streets and our screens. All because of fear. Fear of what ‘I’ stand to lose if I allow this ‘other’ to occupy my space. This capacity for ‘othering’ as a way of defining myself, my own or my tribal identity, has perhaps been anthropologically necessary in order for humanity to survive and prosper, but has no place in our enlightened world
As human consciousness continues to develop, so surely must our conviction that we are all truly one, not only with our fellow humans, but with the entire planet and universe beyond And that being the case, no single person deserves less than the next We have a long, long way to go to reach equity.
SERVICES DIRECTORY
LGBT SERVICES
● ALLSORTS YOUTH PROJECT
Drop-in for LGBT or unsure young people under 26 Tues 5 30–8 30pm 01273 721211 or email info@allsor tsyouth org uk, www allsor tsyouth org uk
● BRIGHTON & HOVE POLICE
Repor t all homophobic, biphobic or transphobic incidents to: 24/7 assistance call Police on 101 (emergencies 999) Repor t online at: www sussex police uk LGBT team (not 24/7) email: LGBT@sussex pnn police uk
• LGBT Officer PC James Breeds: Tel: 101 ext 558168 James.breeds@sussex.pnn.police.uk
● BRIGHTON & HOVE LGBT SAFETY FORUM
Independent LGBT forum working within the communities to address and improve safety and access issues in Brighton & Hove For more info: 01273 675445 or admin@lgbt-help com or www lgbt-help com
● BRIGHTON & HOVE LGBT SWITCHBOARD
• LGBT Older Peoples' Project
• LGBT Health Improvement and Engagement Project
• LGBTQ Disabilities Project
• Rainbow Café: suppor t for LGBT+ people with Dementia
Formerly The Gay Christian Movement Contact: Nigel Nash nigelnash@me.com www.onebodyonefaith.org.uk
● BRIGHTON WOMEN’S CENTRE
Info, counselling, drop-in space, suppor t groups 01273 698036 or visit www womenscentre org uk
● LESBIAN & GAY A A
12-step self-help programme for alcohol addictions: Sun, 7 30pm, Chapel Royal, Nor th St, Btn (side entrance) 01273 203 343 (general AA line)
● LGBT COCAINE ANONYMOUS
Meeting every Tues 6 30-8pm, 6 Tilbury Pl, Brighton, BN2 0GY, CA isn’t allied with any outside organisation, and neither endorses or opposes any causes Helpline 0800 6120225, www cocaineanonymous org uk www sussexcocaineanonymous co uk,
● LGBT NA GROUP
Brighton-based LGBT (welcomes others) Narcotics Anonymous group every Tue 6 30–8pm, Millwood Centre, Nelson Row, Kingswood St 0300 999 1212
● LGBT+ MEDITATION GROUP
Meditation & discussion, every 2nd & 4th Thur, 5 30–7pm, Anahata Clinic, 119 Edward St, Brighton 07789 861 367 or www.bodhitreebrighton.org.uk
● LUNCH POSITIVE
Lunch club for people with HIV Meet/make friends, find peer suppor t in safe space Every Fri, noon–2 30pm, Community Room, Dorset Gdns Methodist Church, Dorset Gdns, Brighton Lunch £1 50 07846 464 384 or www.lunchpositive.org
● MCC BRIGHTON
Inclusive, affirming space where all are invited to come as they are to explore their spirituality without judgement 01273 515572 or info@mccbrighton org uk www.mccbrighton.org.uk
● MINDOUT
Independent, impar tial services run by and for LGBTQ people with experience of mental health issues 24 hr confidential answerphone: 01273 234839 or email info@mindout.org.uk and out of hours online chat www mindout org uk
● NAVIGATE
Social/peer suppor t group for FTM, transmasculine & gender queer people, every 1st Wed 7-9pm & 3rd Sat of month 1-3pm at Space for Change, Windlesham Venue, BN1 3AH https://navigatebrighton.wordpress.com/
● PEER ACTION
Regular low cost yoga, therapies, swimming, meditation & social groups for people with HIV contact@peeraction.net or www.peeraction.net
● RAINBOW FAMILIES
Suppor t group for lesbian and/or gay parents 07951 082013 or info@rainbowfamilies org uk www rainbowfamilies org uk
● RAINBOW HUB
Information, contact, help and guidance to services for LGBT+ communities in Brighton, Hove and Sussex at Rainbow Hub drop in LGBT+ one-stop shop: 93 St James Street, BN2 1TP , 01273 675445 or visit www therainbowhubbrighton com
● SOME PEOPLE
Social/suppor t group for LGB or questioning aged 14-19, Tue 5 30-7 30pm, Hastings Call/text Cathrine Connelly 0797 3255076 or email somepeople@eastsussex gov uk
● TAGS – THE ARUN GAY SOCIETY
Social Group welcome all inEast & West Sussex Areas Call/Text 07539 513171 www.tagsonline.org.uk
● VICTIM SUPPORT
Practical, emotional suppor t for victims of crime 08453 899 528
● THE VILLAGE MCC
Christian church serving the LGBTQ community Sundays 6pm, Somerset Day Centre, Kemptown 07476 667353 www thevillagemcc org
HIV PREVENTION, CARE & TREATMENT SERVICES
● AVERT
Sussex HIV & AIDS info service 01403 210202 or email confidential@aver t org
● BRIGHTON & HOVE CAB HIV PROJECT
Money, benefits, employment, housing, info, advocacy Appointments: Tue-Thur 9am-4pm, Wed 9am-12 30pm Brighton & Hove Citizens Advice Bureau, Brighton Town Hall 01273 733390 ext 520 or www brightonhovecab org uk
● CLINIC M
Free confidential testing & treatment for STIs including HIV, plus Hep A & B vaccinations Claude Nicol Centre, Sussex County Hospital, on Weds from 5-8pm 01273 664 721 or www.brightonsexualhealth.com
● LAWSON UNIT
Medical advice, treatment for HIV+, specialist clinics, diet & welfare advice, drug trials 01273 664 722
● MARTIN FISHER FOUNDATION
HIV Self testing kits via digital vending machines available from: The Brighton Sauna, Subline, Prowler, Marlborough Pub and The Rainbow Hub mar tinfisher foundation org
advice only (no assessments), Fri 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm
• Gary Smith (LGBT* Suppor t) 07884 476634 or email gsmith@pavilions org uk
For more info visit weblink: pavilions org uk/ser vices/treatment-recover y-options/
● SUSSEX BEACON
24 hour nursing & medical care, day care 01273 694222 or www sussexbeacon org uk
● TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST SERVICES
For more info about these free services go to the THT office, 61 Ship St, Brighton, Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm 01273 764200 or info.brighton@tht.org.uk
• Venue Outreach: info on HIV, sexual health, personal safety, safer drug/alcohol use, free condoms/lubricant for men who have sex with men
• The Bushes Outreach Ser vice @ Dukes Mound: advice, suppor t, info on HIV & sexual health, and free condoms & lube
• Netreach (online/mobile app outreach in Brighton & Hove): info/advice on HIV/sexual health/local services THT Brighton Outreach workers online on Grindr, Scruff, & Squir t
• Condom Male: discreet, confidential service posts free condoms/lube/sexual health info to men who have sex with men without access to East Sussex commercial gay scene
• Positive Voices: volunteers who go to organisations to talk about personal experiences of living with HIV
• Fastest (HIV testing): walk-in, (no appointment) rapid HIV testing service open to MSM (Men who have sex with Men) Anyone from the African communities, male and female sex workers and anyone who identifies as Trans or non-binary We now offer rapid 15 minutes results for HIV/Syphilis: Mon 10am-8pm, Tues-Fri 10am-5pm, Thurs 10am-8pm (STI testing available)
• Sauna Fastest at The Brighton Sauna (HIV testing): walk-in, (no appointment) rapid HIV testing service for men who have sex with men, results in 20 minutes: Wed: 6–8pm (STI testing available)
• Face2Face: confidential info & advice on sexual health & HIV for men who have sex with men, up to 6 one hour appointments
• Specialist Training: wide range of courses for groups/ individuals, specific courses to suit needs
• Counselling: from qualified counsellors for up to 12 sessions for people living with/affected by HIV
• What Next? Thurs eve, 6 week peer suppor t group work programme for newly diagnosed HIV+ gay men
• HIV Suppor t Ser vices: info, suppor t & practical advice for people living with/affected by HIV
• HIV Welfare Rights Advice: Find out about benefits or benefit changes Advice line: Tue–Thur 1:302:30pm 1-2-1 appts for advice & workshops on key benefits
● TERRENCE HIGGINS EA STBOURNE
• Web suppor t & info on HIV, sexual health & local services via netreach and myhiv org uk
• Free condom postal ser vice contact Grace Coughlan on 07584086590 or grace coughlan@tht org uk
● SEXUAL HEALTH WORTHING
Free confidential tests & treatment for STIs inc HIV; Hep A & B vaccinations Wor thing based 0845 111345645
NATIONAL HELPLINES
● NATIONAL LGBT DOMESTIC ABUSE
HELPLINE at galop org uk and 0800 999 5428
● SWITCHBOARD 0300 330 0630
● POSITIVELINE (EDDIE SURMAN TRUST) Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat & Sun 4-10pm 0800 1696806
● MAINLINERS 02075 825226
● NATIONAL AIDS HELPLINE 08005 67123
● NATIONAL DRUGS HELPLINE 08007 76600
● THT AIDS Treatment phoneline 08459 470047
● THT direct 0845 1221200
) BARS & PUBS
1 AFFINITY BAR
129 St James’s St, www affinitygaybar co uk
2 AMSTERDAM BAR & KITCHEN
11-12 Marine Parade, 01273 688 826
www amsterdambrighton com
3 BAR BROADWAY
10 Steine Street 01273 609777 www barbroadway co uk
4 BEDFORD TAVERN
30 Western Street, 01273 739495
5 BOUTIQUE BAR
2 Boyces St @ West St, 01273 327607 www boutiqueclubbrighton com
6 ALL NEW BULLDOG
31 St James’ St, 696996
#bulldogBTN
7 CAMELFORD ARMS
30-31 Camelford St 01273 622386
www camelford-arms co uk
8 CHARLES STREET TAP
8-9 Marine Parade, 01273 624091
www charles-street com
9 FALLEN ANGEL
24 Grafton St, 07949590001
10 GIU & SU CAFÉ & WINE BAR
2 Church St, BN11UJ F I /giuandsu/ www giuandsu com/
16 Western Street 01273 438587
12 LEGENDS BAR
31-34 Marine Parade 01273 624462 www legendsbrighton com
13 MARINE TAVERN
13 Broad St, 01273 681284 www marinetavern co uk
14 PARIS HOUSE 21 Western Rod, 01273 724195 www parishouse com
15 QUEEN’S ARMS 7 George St, 01273 696873 www theqabrighton com
16 REGENCY TAVERN 32-34 Russell Sq, 01273 325 652
17 ROT TINGDEAN CLUB 89 High St Rottingdean, BN2 7HE 01273 309529 F Therottingdeanclub
18 SUBLINE
129 St James’s St, 01273 624100 www sublinebrighton co uk
19 THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS 59 Nor th Rd 01273 608571 www three-jolly-butchers co uk
