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 Robinson-Stynes, 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
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Creag Aaro, Jack Alphie, Graeme Atack, Steven Chantrey, James Daley, Robbie Dee, Tyrone Darling, Nick Ford, Craig Hanlon-Smith, Jack Lynn, James Ledward, Simon Pepper
All work appearing in Gscene Ltd is copyright It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated on the page concerned No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an electronic or other retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers
The appearance of any person or any organisation in Gscene is not
Gary
Driving towards zero new cases of HIV by 2025 in Brighton & Hove.
“The end of transmission is the next beginning”, by Craig Hanlon-Smith.
What not to say to someone with HIV.
Sculptor Romany Mark Bruce on creating the Brighton AIDS Memorial.
Chris Gull on how the Brighton Rainbow Fund works.
The Annual Brighton Rainbow Fund Grants Presentation event.
Craig Hanlon-Smith looks forward to the epic six-day festival taking place in April 2020 in Greater Fort Lauderdale.
Graham Robson catches up with the gorgeous people at Polyglamorous.
JAMES LEDWARD
05/09/1954 - 03/10/2019
On Saturday, October 19 we said goodbye to our friend, Gscene editor, and LGBTQ+ community champion. By Eric Page/Gscene team.
) Our editor, James Ledward, died suddenly on Thursday, October 3, after a shor t illness His funeral took place at noon on Saturday, October 19 in Brighton People lined St James’ Street as the funeral cor tege went past and then slowly followed the hearse to St Mar y’s Church in Kemptown for a service to celebrate James’ life The church, and street outside, was filled with hundreds of people from the community who had come to show their final respects
Reverend Michael Hyde, of The Village MCC, read the story of James’ journey from Liverpool to London and then Brighton, interspersed with speakers including Chris Gull, chair of the Brighton Rainbow Fund, Andrew Kaye, of Latest TV, James’ niece Emma, and many others, who rose to read poems, say some final words and remember the changes James made to their lives David R aven (Maisie Trollette) and Jason Sutton (Miss Jason) sang Over the Rainbow and the Actually Gays Men’s Chorus and Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus joined together to sing a beautifully evocative rendition of Snow Patrol’s Run The whole church wept while they sang James had chosen Blake’s Jerusalem as his hymn
Following the service, people joined James’ husband Besi and family, along with the staff at Legends, for a wake attended by hundreds of people throughout the day to share a celebration of James’ life, hosted by Stephen Richards (Lola Lasagne) One by one the city’s performers, including Maisie Trollette, Miss Jason, Gabriella Parrish, Jennie Castell, Kara Van Park, Dave Lynn, Davina Sparkle and Pat Clutcher, stood up to sing and recount their memories of James The R ainbow Chorus sang the Rhythm of Life and Nicky Mitchell led the crowd in a tearful rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone
James founded Gscene in 1995 and had been the editor since its first issue He created the magazine to be the place for campaigning and activism for the LGBTQ+ communities During his editorship the readership grew to more than 50,000 people and the magazine is now in its 24th year
James was never closeted He was always out and proud James believed in fundamental fairness and used Gscene to give voice to people without his own privilege, to platform views which were right and fair, to give space to voices not often heard on the commercial gay scene He was a formidable adversary, with a researched journalist attitude to telling truth to power James judged you on what you did, not on what you said Actions not words Outcomes not promises He worked to ensure that the voices of LGBTQ+ people were given space to be heard and their concerns, par ticularly around HIV, health and diversity, were acted on He was tireless in his commitment to the community, unstinting in his commitment to constructing an infrastructure for LGBTQ+ people, provided by LGBTQ+ groups We live in his legacy
From the AIDS Memorial, to the Brighton R ainbow Fund, he nur tured and was instrumental in providing wise counsel, advice, and connecting the right people James was a timekeeper, a grafter, a working class boy with musical talent who rose on his merit James
understood, on a fundamental level, that life is for living and challenges are an oppor tunity Having studied oboe and conducting at the London College of Music, and the Royal Academy of Music, his own vocation, performing in and conducting orchestras, was thwar ted by a stroke in his early 30s He moved into music publishing He was a seriously generous man, always quietly using his own privilege and contacts to promote others and encourage people to connect and build His Liverpudlian wit could be shocking but always done with a twinkle in his eye For a man with so many things to be proud of, James was a man of simple, humble bearing
Everyone in this city has been affected by James in one way or another We of the LGBTQ+ community know how much he built, how many people he connected, how many ideas he promoted or suppor ted He held to account, he challenged All of us in the wider world, wherever we are on the wide spectrum of sexuality and gender identity, live our lives a little easier and fairer because of him
This is just a small oppor tunity to bear witness to James He was planning the future of Gscene before his death and the magazine will continue as it is James knew the impor tance of having a strong friend at your back, someone to argue your case, a safe place to share views, a closet door to burst out of, a hefty soap box to shout loudly from about injustice, a balcony to take the laurels from, a sofa to share secrets on and a place to fiercely inform our LGBTQ+ successes James and Gscene was all of these things, Gscene will continue to be these things
James had already planned this and December’s issue, and so the January Gscene will be a commemorative issue dedicated to the life and time of James Henry Ledward, where we share his plans for taking Gscene forward James, the man, may have left us, but there is a little bit of him in us all We invite you to share your memories, photos, experiences, secrets and stories of his influence on your life, group, business or ideas Please email them to: james@gscene.com
During this difficult time the whole Gscene team reach out and send our condolences to James’ sister R os and her family To James’ husband Besi, always at his side, a man who walked hand in hand with James, in step, in love and who kept James smiling, laughing and utterly loved till the end, we send you unconditional love Besi, through the dark days of grief to come know that each and every one of us misses James and are stronger because of him
) If you would like to make a donation to the Brighton R ainbow Fund in James’ memory, please visit: www gscene com/james
COMMUNITY HATE CRIME VIGIL
) The city’s Community Hate Crime Vigil took place outside the R ainbow Hub on St James’ Street, Brighton on Wednesday, October 16
Hosted by the LGBT+ Community Safety Forum (LGBT+ CSF), 150+ people attended the vigil to watch and hear speakers from across communities talk about challenging hate crime, the harm done to individuals and communities by hate crime, and building cross community links to increase resilience Speakers included Lou Whittingham, representing LGBT+ CSF, Manal Ahmed from the Racial Harassment Forum, Linn Davies of Possibility People, Fiona Sharp from Network of International Women, Emma Ryland, trans activist, and Brighton & Hove city councillors Alan Parsons (Community Safety lead) and Phelim MacCaffer ty, convener of the Greens
Staff from BHCC Safer Communities team were at hand, along with staff and officers from Sussex Police who were also in attendance to explain how to repor t hate crime to statutory agencies The suppor tive team of committed volunteers from the R ainbow Hub ensured the event ran well, and the BHCC LGBTQ Workers’ Forum sponsored the refreshments
Billie Lewis, Chair of LGBT+ CSF, said: “In these dark times of rising hate crime and communities feeling attacked and targeted, it’s encouraging to see so many people from across the city’s divergent communities coming together to talk about love, commitment and the relentless challenge of hate Together we’re stronger, an interconnected web of diversity with a clear message of hope ”
NO OUTSIDERS COURT HEARINGS
) Cour t hearings continue in Birmingham as to whether a temporary exclusion zone preventing demonstrations outside primary schools should be extended The protests, instigated by some Islamic family representatives, were designed to disrupt LGBTQ+ awareness teaching at Sparkhill School in Birmingham and have since spread across the region and to other cities in the UK
The lead protester in the row was accused in cour t of “inflaming tensions” when he invited a controversial Imam from West Yorkshire to speak outside the school The Imam, Mullah Bahm, claimed anal sex, paedophilia and transgenderism were being taught in schools and during his speeches he held up an image of a gingerbread man with genitals Shakeel Afsar, who led the campaigns to halt the lessons which were par t of a
QUEER AF PROTEST ANTI-TRANS MEETING
) Anti-trans group, Woman's Place UK (WPUK), which campaigns for spaces and services to be reserved for cis women only, excluding trans women, held a fringe event alongside the Labour Par ty Conference in Brighton on Monday, September 23 Groups like WPUK, because of the contentious nature of their speakers, always release the venue of their meetings at the last minute as venues have declined to accommodate them in the past once they realise the content
Queer AF, the community activist group from Brighton, were notified that WPUK’s fringe event was to be held at the BMECP centre in Brighton, who later stated they were unaware of WPUK’s discriminatory past Queer AF organised counter action: they challenged WPUK members who were canvassing and handing out anti-trans leaflets outside the Labour Par ty Conference and at 6pm Queer AF marched to the BMECP centre to make noise outside of the building, which was guarded by three private security people at the main entrance and there were three riot vans wor th of police around the building
Queer AF said: “ We want to thank everyone who has supported our counter action In the planning and doing, or helping to facilitate in the safer space, or by sharing your anger and frustration We will not stand by and watch as our siblings are targeted and attacked From the Downs to the sea, Brighton will be transphobe free ”
Protester Frankie Green, added: “As a queer ally, it upsets me to see my friends and siblings being persecuted just for being who they are It reminds me of the same way the public used to talk about lesbians and gay men being perverted just because we don’t love in a heteronormative way ”
wider No Outsiders programme, does not have any children of his own but was protesting alongside his sister who has since removed her children from the school Shakeel and Rosina Afsar, along with Amir Ahmed, are subject to a temporary injunction which prevents them from coordinating protests outside the school
Jonathan Manning QC, representing Birmingham City Council, highlighted controversial claims made by the Imam at the protest that schools now had an anal sex and paedophilia agenda It was also repor ted that Mullah Bahm described the head teacher, Sarah Hewitt- Clarkson, as ‘shatani’ (devillike) and that she “needs to be broken” Children were present at these protests
Afsar claimed he had no prior knowledge of what the Imam would say and that he had tried to take the microphone away from him In his defence he also stated that although he was holding up the image of the gingerbread man, he didn’t know what was on the picture The hearing continues
Despite various claims of harassment and intimidation from aggressive protesters made by people who attended the WPUK event, including journalist Julie Bindel, who recently demanded that the T is removed from LGBT, a spokesperson for Sussex Police said in a statement: “There have been no reports of crimes, no damage to the building, no arrests and the participants lef t the meeting without further incident ”
TRANS DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
) All trans, non-binary, intersex and gender-variant folk, and allies, are welcome to attend two events to mark Trans Day of R emembrance (TDoR) in Brighton on Sunday, November 17
Dorset Gardens Methodist Church at Dorset Gardens, Brighton, BN2 1RL will be facilitating a service as a space of faith and belief from 1 30–2 30pm with a singing performance from R ainbow Chorus and RC+, and light refreshments provided
The BMECP Centre at 10A Fleet St, Brighton BN1 2GR will be hosting an oppor tunity to remember and celebrate the lives of those lost, with activities, the sharing of creative work and socialising, from 3–7pm Veggie/vegan catering will be provided for a community meal at the BMECP event, which will be in the form of a buffet, including gluten free options
Trans Pride Brighton & Hove and the Clare Project, have funded these events, and the organisers wish to thank those involved in the community consultation, in par ticular Trans Pride Brighton, QTIPoC Narratives, and English Collective of Prostitutes MindOut is also providing suppor t and signposting Both venues are wheelchair accessible They are sober events and the organisers of TDoR have also politely requested for police to not attend, either on or off duty
Get in touch with any specific enquiries: email: tcpbrighton@gmail.com or call: 01273 234009 (ask for Grace)
LEGENDS’ 26TH BIRTHDAY & WAD FUNDRAISER
) Legends Brighton celebrate their 26th Bir thday with a World AIDS Day fundraiser for the Brighton R ainbow Fund on Sunday, November 17 from 3.30pm Join a line-up of top flight cabaret acts as they make a scene on the scene: Lisa Q Jones, owner of the Curl Up & Dye hair salon will ‘blow you away’ from 3.30pm; the iconic Miss Jason will bring camp & cheer, dear at 5.30pm; Pat Clutcher will lay her Nor thern, damaged, soul bare from 7.30pm If that’s not enough, they’ll be joined by an extra special guest and there’ll be four fantastic drink promos so get there before the queens drink the bar dry
Legends’ 26th Bir thday Cabaret WAD Fundraiser for the Brighton Rainbow Fund at Legends, 31–34 Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1TR, Sunday, November 17, 3 30pm
SUBLINE BIRTHDAY TRIPLE THREAT EXTRAVAGANZA & NEW QUIZ
) Saturday, November 16 and Sunday, November 17 sees the Subline Bir thday Double Ender It’s nine years since Subline opened its doors at 129 St James’ Street, which had previously housed the legendary Zanzibar and Candy Bar Now, rightly with its own iconic status, Subline continues to grow in popularity and this weekend is sure to see another packed crowd Saturday doors open to the sound of popping corks at 10pm with food from midnight and entry is £5 Sunday is £3 with live enter tainment from Mrs Moore, a climax to the double-ender festivities
On Saturday, November 23, Subline is once again proud to present Mr Subline 2019 In association with Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), the Subline team invites the cream of Brighton and of course fur ther afield to compete for the title in an evening hosted by Pat Clutcher Entrants include bears, cubs, kinky rubber fellas, and pretty boys; all types are eligible Doors open at 9pm, and contestants will be taken in hand by Ms Clutcher at 10 30pm, who will put all through their paces
The THT fundraiser will include a celebrated prize draw with tickets on sale now Local businesses and individuals members of the community have pledged great prizes for the night and not merely for the contestants! A full list of prizes and donors is available on www sublinebrighton co uk Subline received a Golden Handbag earlier this year for fundraising so to suppor t the crew and THT in the run up to World AIDS Day head on down to Subline for this much celebrated annual event Admission is £6 for Subline members, £8 for non members
Subline are launching their new monthly Quiz Night on Monday, December 2, with cash and booze prizes Doors open at 7pm, quiz star ts at 8pm, and it’s only £2 entry per person This month there will be an auction of something brilliant (meals out, mysterious goodie bags, booze etc) between each round, with all money raised going to THT
In 2018 the team at Subline raised £1,700 for THT and they are determined to beat that total this year
GROSVENOR CELEBRATED 5TH BIRTHDAY
) The Grosvenor Bar in Hove celebrated their 5th bir thday at the end of September with special guest David R aven joining hostess Pooh La May for a good old bir thday sing song
BROADWAY GAYBIES
) Bar Broadway are hosting a fundraiser for Sea Serpents R ugby Club on Friday, November 29 to help them get to Canada next year for the Bingham Gay R ugby World Cup The rugby boys will be reenacting that famous scene from The Full Monty, you know the one, along with well known local cabaret acts and drag queens who often perform on the (Bar) Broadway stage The Broadway
ANGELICA’S
crew invite you along to make a big night of it and watch a few rugby boys get their kits off for Canada
85TH BIRTHDAY BASH
) Get your dancing shoes on for local scene personality Angelica’s 85th Bir thday Bash at the Amsterdam Bar & Kitchen, Brighton on Saturday, November 23 from 6pm There’ll be a running buffet, cabaret from the sensational Stephanie Von Clitz and tunes cour tesy of DJ Linda Bacardi Entry is free, and all those who enjoy music and dancing are welcome
Angelica / John will tell you he is just another character on the scene The above photo is a true reflection of how he looked at 75 Even today at 85 people are taken aback when he states his age John puts his good for tune down to a great deal of physical activity in earlier years He played football for Wor thing and Whitehawk Later he was actively coaching deprived children in Haringey and was persuaded to become a referee He
says he eventually became a Class 1 ref by accident
Always a political activist from the age of 10, he tore down anti-Labour posters during the 1945 General Election John has travelled extensively to Cuba, Jamaica, Russia, China, Korea and throughout Europe Always with a political agenda and a love of engaging in debating the issues that matter to ordinary people
John says like most cross-dressers he gets pleasure from doing so He loves his created alter ego and making waves in the straight community,
John has a deep interest in Marxist philosophy and claims it taught him that as medical science has advanced, the recognition of fluidity as a gender category, is a true objective reflection of reality (ie nothing is fixed and change or contradiction is eternal)
John is now resigned to the downside of living into advanced old age However he is determined to carry on enjoying the scene together with all the friends he loves dearly He says Angelica will continue to light up the scene with occasional appearances
QUEER BUT HERE
) Empowering young adults to express their sexuality through the medium of television, Queer But Here is a groundbreaking TV show created by incredible young people from Longhill High School in Brighton working with Latest CIC at the city’s local TV station Latest TV The project, suppor ted by the R ainbow Fund and BHCC Communities Fund, has been an exciting collaboration that has given voice to young members of the LGBT+ community and their allies through their school group With the suppor t of teachers at the school and Latest’s professional team, eight half hour TV chat shows have been made
Mentor Andrew Kay, says; “ Working with the group has been enlightening, watching them grow week on week in confidence and professionalism has been amazing Finding the guests that they wanted was the right way to go, empowering them to be in charge as much as possible Watching them grill their guests on camera was inspiring, of ten asking questions that pushed real boundaries ”
From politicians to ar tists and enter tainers the finished programmes have real depth and variety, unmissable TV that pushes real boundaries and will open eyes
The series can be viewed every Thursday at 9 30pm on Latest TV, Freeview 7, Virgin 159 and on www thelatest co uk
BRIGHTON ROCKERS SUPPORT TRANS SKATERS
) Brighton R ockers R oller Derby have made a public statement of suppor t for trans and non-binary skaters and the community after a transphobic ar ticle by journalist Emma Cheswor th, published online at Fair Play for Women, stated that “the original female- only sport is now open to males” and criticised the inclusive policies of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association and the UK R oller Derby Association
Brighton Rockers Roller Derby were unequivocal in their response: “ We love and support the trans skaters in our league and take pride in being a part of this inclusive sport There is absolutely no space for transphobia in Roller Derby ”
More info on Brighton Rockers Roller Derby, visit: www brightonrockers com
SWITCHBOARD SEEKS NEW TRUSTEES
) Switchboard, the charity for LGBT+ people looking for a sense of community, suppor t or information, is looking to recruit new trustees to continue to develop its strategy They are looking for people with strategic vision, independent judgement and a willingness to give time and commitment to being a trustee Switchboard would especially
welcome individuals with previous experience of human resources, fundraising, the voluntary and community sector, or being a trustee Trustees aren’t paid, but it’s a rewarding experience and you can easily make an impact
The closing date for applications is Tuesday, November 19 For more info and an informal discussion, email dawn draper@switchboard org uk
For more info and to apply, visit: //tinyurl com/SwitchboardTrustee
NCS PRIDE MURAL AT THE RAINBOW HUB
) A group of young members at the National Citizen Ser vice (NCS), a voluntary personal and social development programme for 15–17 year olds, have created a Pride Mural, which has been donated to the Brighton R ainbow Fund and is now on permanent display at the R ainbow Hub, 93 St James’ Street, Brighton Designed by Anthea, and painted by Alex, James, R obin, R obbie, Finlay, Meg-WD, Ellie, Lily and Louise, the NCS Pride Mural has quotes from the NCS team and the
public on what pride stands for and means to them, as well as images that represent Brighton, in this instance two people kissing, the Royal Pavilion, and the Brighton Eye
FREE LGBTQ+ ART WORKSHOPS
) Megan Pickering, a researcher at Brighton University studying an MA in Inclusive Ar ts, is running a series of free ar t workshops at the R ainbow
Hub on St James’s Street, Brighton till December
At the workshops, which are open to people aged 18+ who identif y as LGBTQ+, you’ll be exploring solidarity, queerness and class, as well as highlighting hidden histories and sharing unrepresented stories through ar t, including collage, zinemaking, collaboration and more! The Rainbow Hub is at 93 St James’s Street, Brighton, BN2 1TP It has stepfree access and is a local point of contact for LGBT+ people To book a space, or for more info email: m pickering1@uni brighton ac uk
HIV+ AND 50+ ?
•
•
•
•
NATIONAL HIV TESTING WEEK
) It’s time to get tested! The Terrence Higgins Trust’s (THT) National HIV Testing Week, which takes place from Saturday, November 16 to Friday, November 22, is a campaign to promote HIV testing to the most at risk groups in England One of these groups is gay and bi men In 2018, 2,260 gay and bisexual men were diagnosed with HIV in the UK, accounting for 50% of all those diagnosed, according to Public Health England However, gay and bisexual men do have the lowest rate of late diagnosis and although this is good news, the message about late diagnosis still needs to be spread Late diagnosis means that you've tested positive for HIV after the virus has already star ted to damage your immune system, which you want to avoid therefore the sooner you find out if you have HIV, the better it is for your health
Marc Tweed, Centre Manager at THT Brighton, said: “This National HIV Testing Week we’re encouraging anyone who might be at risk in Brighton & Hove to get tested Testing for HIV puts you in control and, thanks to treatment, will stop you from getting seriously ill If your results come back positive, we can offer all the support, advice and information you need People living with HIV and on effective treatment can not only live long fulfilled lives af ter, but they also can’t pass on the virus to others”
There are more ways than ever to test: in a sexual health service, your GP , through community organisations and via online testing In addition, THT Brighton, at 61 Ship Street, provides suppor t, information and advice for those living with HIV and affected by HIV or poor sexual health Contact them by email: info@tht.org.uk or call: 01273 764 200
Testing is nothing to be feared or embarrassed about Getting tested regularly should be something we’re all doing in order to protect ourselves There’s no reason not to get tested so the sooner you know your status the better To order your FREE HIV test kit, or to find out where you can get tested near you, visit www star tswithme org uk
More info about National HIV Testing Week: www.star tswithme.org.uk/
SINGLE FOR WORLD AIDS DAY
) Local LGBTQ+ performers Oli Spleen and Nick Hudson have collaborated on a new single for World AIDS Day, The Bedroom / A f ter the Flood, with all proceeds from online sales going to Terrence Higgins Trust The single, from the HIV/AIDS themed album Night Sweats & Fever Dreams, contains two songs: the floor-filling The Bedroom, which tips a wink to iconic LGBT+ ar tists of the past, and Af ter The Flood, which showcases Oli’s tender and contemplative side as he reflects on his experience as an ar tist who has lived with HIV for two decades
To listen/order: visit Spotif y / iTunes etc from the star t of November
THT’S WORK POSITIVE EMPLOYABILITY PROJECT
) The Sussex Work Positive employability project at THT is recruiting to star t a new cohor t in January 2020 for people living with HIV and wanting to get back into work
Work Positive, a personal and professional development programme, aims to provide people living with HIV, and who are long term unemployed, with valuable work experience and training oppor tunities
The programme provides a safe, suppor tive and understanding environment in order for par ticipants to grow, develop skills, learn from challenges and overcome personal
barriers to work, such as low selfesteem and confidence
The programme is a seven month journey star ting with induction and training, followed by work experience, mentoring and training over a six month period, rounded off with a graduation event Travel and lunch expenses are reimbursed for volunteering, training, interviews and mentoring
To apply, contact Laura Burgess, Sussex Work Positive Coordinator: workpositivesussex@tht org uk, or call 01273 764226
For more information, visit www tht org uk/workpositive
HIV AWARENESS TRAINING COURSE
) Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) are running a free HIV Awareness Training course at THT Brighton on Wednesday, December 11 from 10am HIV has changed dramatically over the last 30 years, so is your knowledge up to date? Would you know how best to suppor t someone or care for someone living with HIV?
HIV Awareness Training is aimed at anyone who needs to improve their knowledge and understanding of HIV, and to better understand what it means to live with HIV It is relevant to anyone who works with people who may be living with HIV, or who manages staff
This training will cover:
• HIV Awareness (transmission, treatment, myths)
• Understanding the implications of life with HIV (stigma, discrimination, treatment, side effects)
• How best to provide quality of care to people living with HIV
• Case studies of people living with HIV
HIV Awareness Training at THT, 61 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AE on Wednesday, December 11, 10am–4pm Training is free and refreshments provided
To register your interest, email alice booth@tht org uk or leave a message: 01273 764200
www tht org uk
WORLD AIDS DAY
The Brighton & Hove World AIDS Day (WAD) Par tnership are organising events to mark WAD on Sunday, December 1 The par tnership includes: Aver t, B&HCC, Frontline AIDS, Gscene, Lunch Positive, Mar tin Fisher Foundation, Sussex Beacon, Brighton & Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Sussex Ecumenical HIV Chaplaincy & THT South, the Rainbow Hub, LGBT Community Safety Team & HIV & SHAC teams
COMMUNITY EVENTS
) LUNCH POSITIVE HIV 50+ Supper Group @ Dorset Gardens Methodist Church Main Hall (1st floor), Dorset Gdns, Wed, Nov 13, doors 5pm for peer time, which will look at WAD today and share info on this year’s activities, supper at 6pm For info on all Lunch Positive WAD events contact Gary Pargeter: 07846 464384 / info@lunchpositive org
) NATIONAL HIV Testing Week: Nov 16–22, THT 61 Ship St, Brighton, open: Mon–Fri, 10am–8pm
) LUNCH POSITIVE LUNCH CLUB @ Dorset Gardens Methodist Church Main Hall (1st floor), Dorset Gdns, Fri, Nov 29, 11am–3pm Special Lunch Club gathering, lighting a remembrance candle for those we’ve lost, and reflection on the community and peer-suppor t that we’ve all shared
) WAD COMMUNITY LUNCH @ Dorset Gardens Methodist Church Main Hall (1st floor), Dorset Gdns, Sun, Dec 1, doors 12 30pm, buffet Sunday lunch 1–3pm hosted by Lunch Positive volunteers Drop in anytime from 12 30pm Fully accessible Open invite welcoming the community, friends and suppor ters to share social and reflective time on WAD No charge, though donations are welcome
) WAD SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE & HOPE @ Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, Dorset Gdns, Sun, Dec 1, 4pm Sussex HIV Chaplaincy and The Village MCC invite all to join them in a service of remembrance for those who’ve died and solidarity for those living with HIV/AIDS An oppor tunity for prayer and reflection in a welcoming and suppor tive atmosphere, for those with some faith or none Info: Rev Heather Leake Date: 07867 773360 or email
susshivchap@gmail com or Rev Michael Hydes: 07476 667 353 or michaelhydes@hotmail com
) MEMORIAL SPACE New Steine Gardens, Brighton Lunch Positive R efreshment Stall, Sun, Dec 1, from 4pm Hot drinks provided by Lunch Positive and volunteers will be available to answer queries about the evening’s events and take additional names to be read at the vigil
) BRIGHTON AIDS MEMORIAL CANDLELIGHT VIGIL, New Steine Gardens, Sun, Dec 1, 6–7pm All welcome to attend the remembrance event of those lost to HIV/AIDS in Brighton & Hove for the R eading of Names and Candlelight Vigil Space available for quiet moments of reflection New names to be read (in addition to those in previous years) can be emailed to susshivchap@gmail com by Nov 27, or can be added to the list at the Memorial Space in New Steine Gdns 4–5pm on the day More info: Travis Cox or Marc Tweed on 01273 764200 or travis.cox@tht.org.uk / marc.tweed@tht.org.uk
CHOIRS CONCERT
) WAD CHARITY CONCERT @ St Mar y’s Church, St James’ St, Sun, Dec 1, doors 7pm concer t at 7.30pm The 13th annual fund-raising concer t to mark World AIDS Day, Performances by: Actually Gay Men’s Chorus, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, R ainbow Chorus, R esound Male Voices, Sweet Chilli Singers and Qukelele Tickets £12: www.brightonwadconcer t.info or Prowler, St James’ St Capacity limited; book early All profits donated to Lunch Positive
EXHIBITIONS
) BRIGHTON & HOVE LIBRARIES Mark WAD @ Jubilee Librar y, Jubilee St, Sun, Nov 24–Mon,
Dec 2, open daily 10am–5pm, Sun 11am-5pm), free, fully accessible, all welcome
• ROMANY MARK BRUCE’S AIDS MEMORIAL EXHIBITION, Sun, Nov 24–Sun, Dec 1 includes a mini replica of ‘Tay’ AIDS memorial and video montage Video also available at all branch libraries
• HIV-themed FILM SCREENINGS at 1 30pm: Sun, Nov 24 and Sun, Dec 1 Free
• BRIGHTON & HOVE HANKIE QUILT, main exhibition space Mon, Nov 25–Mon Dec 2, Brighton & Hove-based community project which created a Quilt in suppor t of those living with HIV/AIDS and in memory of those we have lost
• HIV/AIDS BOOK DISPLAY with info about HIV organisations
• LIVING POSITIVELY ‘LIVING LIBRARY’: people living with HIV tell their stories, Sun, Dec 1, 12–4pm
• PAUL BOYCE ar t-based exploration of people living with HIV in five cities around the world, 11am–5pm More info about library WAD events, contact Glenn at Jubilee Librar y on 01273 290800
) FRONTLINE AIDS, New Rd, Brighton, Wed, Nov 26: free interactive vir tual reality experience Learn more about HIV stigma around the world and create your own digital canvas of colour and sound Info: Lola Abayomi on 01273 718 900 ext 2069 or labayomi@frontlineaids org
RADIO
) HIV HOUR @ R adio R everb 97.2FM, Thur, Nov 28, 7pm, hosted by Josh Sharples
WAD FUNDRAISERS
) WAD CABARET @ Legends: Sun, Nov 17 from 3.30pm, raising money for Brighton R ainbow Fund
) MR SUBLINE 2019 @ Subline, Sat, Nov 23, 9pm, raising money for THT South
) OLD SCHOOL SESSION @ Boutique Club, Fri, Nov 29, £1 from entry fee donated to charity
) Camelford Arms, Sun, Dec 1 from 12pm, are offering free hot drinks to attendees of WAD Memorial Service and collecting for THT
) DISNEY-ESQUE KARAOKE @ Bar Broadway, Sun, Dec 1, 4pm: raising money for THT
) WAD CABARET @ Charles Street Tap for THT South, Sun Dec 1, 7.30pm, £3 suggested donation
) SUBLINE QUIZ & AUCTION, Mon, Dec 2, 7pm
£2 entry pp, raising money for THT
10 YEARS OF LUNCH POSITIVE...
...with appreciation! Gar y Pargeter reflects on the impact and achievements of Lunch Positive over 10 years.
) I started to write this before the recent and saddest news of James Ledward’s passing Having got to know James progressively well since Gscene started, I write this with deepest and sincere gratitude for all of the support he and Gscene have given our voluntary sector, Lunch Positive, our HIV and our LGBT+ communities Much of this writing will be about celebration and achievement, of which James played a big part, and continues so. I hope James would enjoy what I’ve written, and not have asked me to edit!
This year has been one of special celebration for Lunch Positive An achievement of 10 years of authentic grassroots voluntary action, over 500 weekly HIV lunch club sessions, and much more. Quite something for a community group and organisation that is delivered by volunteers and now often fills a room of up to 80 people!
It seems an age ago in 2008 that the organisation which we grew from, Open Door, closed through lack of funding. In fact, there is now a whole new generation and community of people with HIV who will probably never
have heard of Open Door or the many other small, community-based, peer-led HIV groups that used to exist in Brighton & Hove Here we ’ re so fortunate to be a community that still actively seeks to support each other, in a multitude of ways
This year has been one of growth for us, and we have developed our projects even further In addition to the weekly lunch club we now have a monthly 50+ Evening Supper Group, a pilot group in Eastbourne, an advice drop-in in partnership with Terrence Higgins Trust, and a range of Lunch Positive wellbeing activities –all reflecting the interests of members.
As we do every year, to keep it relevant and wholly purposeful, we talk with our members, volunteers and stakeholders We seek to continually develop our understanding and explore the difference we make, the needs we meet, and what we might do or become in the future. This year we ’ ve been having these discussions more widely than ever before – an appreciative enquiry. Friendship, peer-support, community, help at times of need and crisis, and volunteering all still come at the top of the list The unique form of peer-support that Lunch Positive provides, and the value of people volunteering, have been constant accolades Our volunteers are truly amazing, I can’t adequately convey how committed, hardworking, and inspirational they are
Here are just some of the things that we ’ ve heard and learned from our members, frequently moving and insightful
“What an amazing feeing there is in the lunch club, how friendly and welcoming people are ” “People really care about each other and they know that the club cares about them.”
We’ve also heard that; “The lunch club focuses on being a social network, a sanctuary, a place without barriers ”
That “barriers break down completely when you are here,” suggesting that many members find Lunch Positive creates a unique time for them each week, which is not available elsewhere Lunch Positive provides different ‘things’ for people at different ‘stages’ of their life. When people have suffered from an acute trauma, such as loss of a partner, or long stay in hospital, then, “Lunch Positive is like a sanctuary where people can go. ”
People spoke about it as a key to “rebuilding’’ their lives, a place they could go and “just be”. One person said for months after being in hospital it was the highlight of his week, the social event of his week, a way of reintegrating back into life. What a privilege it is to be part of Lunch Positive as a volunteer or worker, and to know the project makes this kind of difference
Just recently, Kings Fund, the health charity that shapes health and social care policy and practice, held a national conference where the theme was ‘Community is the best Medicine’ What a perfect opportunity Along with other charities we were selected to present on our work We shared our experiences of communitybased work and volunteering, and it was an exhilarating experience Hundreds of people together sharing and learning about each other’s differing work, impact, and the contributions of volunteers on health and wellbeing. Crucially, we shared the voice of our members, as here, and the message we frequently hear resonated loudly, “make it community, not just clinical!”
So with this is mind, as we look towards another World AIDS Day and beyond, let’s celebrate all of the advancements and achievements of HIV treatment, care and equality that so many more people now possess. But please remember that these are not necessarily the reality or attainable for everyone, nor all of the time. Being, acting and caring as a community still matters incredibly so, and makes a major impact Let’s never give up on this nor think it’s a ‘job done’ Thank you James, and all our supporters for understanding and advancing this At Lunch Positive it has touched the lives of hundreds of people, and continues to do so With appreciation – from all of us!
more info ) visit: www.lunchpositive.org or call us: 07846 464384
MARTIN FISHER BUS
Driving towards zero new cases of HIV by 2025 in Brighton & Hove.
) A Brighton & Hove Bus dedicated to Professor Martin Fisher, an international leader in the field of HIV research and patient care, was officially launched at Hove Lawns last month The bus, which is devoted to achieving zero new cases of HIV by 2025 in Brighton & Hove and reducing stigma around the virus, is covered with purple Queen of the Night tulips, Martin’s favourite flower, while panels inside the bus give people the facts around HIV and aim to reduce the stigma and misinformation around the virus. They also talk about Martin’s life and work and recent advances in HIV treatment.
Martin, who built up the world-class Lawson Unit at the Royal Sussex Hospital, sadly died in 2015 and the Martin Fisher Foundation was set up soon afterwards to continue his excellent work campaigning to boost HIV testing and treatment rate, and educating people about the virus.
The launch brought together Martin’s family, including his father who said the bus “ was beyond his wildest dreams”, Lawson Unit staff and other local HIV charities, as well as the charity’s patron Baroness Joyce Gould, Peter Kyle MP, Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP and Brighton & Hove Bus colleagues. Lunch Positive, the weekly HIV+ lunch club, and the Co-Op supplied free refreshments.
Local artist, Dan Locke, talked about his design for the new bus as it toured the city and travelled to the Lawson Unit. Blue viruses feature at the rear of the bus, which become fewer and disappear towards the front, representing the city moving ‘Towards Zero’ new HIV cases by 2025.
Dr Gill Dean, Martin Fisher Foundation Trustee, said: “This bus will act as a catalyst for meaningful conversations around HIV and improve understanding of how stigma can be such an enormous burden for people living with HIV. Another aim of the bus is to spell out that HIV isn’t scary anymore. We’ve come a long way since the tombstones of the 1980s. Treatment is now well tolerated, safe and effective and, when it’s taken every day, means people can’t pass the virus on to anyone else
“This is an incredible message that we can now strive to make sure everyone in the city knows about. This brilliant bus is going to do just that for anyone riding on it, travelling behind it, seeing it pass by or reading about it Ending new HIV infections in Brighton & Hove is actually within our grasp We can be the generation to achieve this and the bus will be part of it!”
Martin Harris, Brighton & Hove Buses’ Managing Director, said: “Martin’s legacy of compassion, patience and humour will not be forgotten, nor will the way he always fought for people who were HIV positive The Martin Fisher bus will help carry on his good work, work that touched so many people’s lives ”
WORLD AIDS DAY SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER COMMUNITY LUNCH
You are invited to a drop-in Sunday Lunch at Lunch Positive from 1pm till 3pm
Please join us at Lunch Positive anytime from 1pm before the World AIDs Day Vigil
• Share some free tasty food, refreshments and good company
• Meet our fantastic volunteers
• See how Lunch Positive supports our HIV community
Please just drop in anytime from 1pm - we’d love to see you!
EVERYONE IS INVITED!
Lunch Positive is at: The Community Rooms (1st Floor), Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, Dorset Gardens, Brighton BN2 1RL (off lower end of St James’ Street)
Lunch Positive is a weekly community lunch club for people with HIV Run and provided by people with HIV
To find out more please visit: w w w . l u
call
or email: info@lunchpositive.org
LIVING WITH HIV IN 2019
“ The end of transmission is the next beginning ” by Craig Hanlon-Smith
GLEN
) Glen Watkins is 39 and has been living with HIV since 2001. Since 2010 he’s been helping to support people living with HIV, working for NAM Aidsmap and more recently the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT).
“I was diagnosed on Halloween. I had a finger prick test at what is now the Victoria Sexual Health clinic. It being Halloween was a big deal; as a kid I used to spend the weekends at my dad’s house and I can remember always being scared around Halloween, being left in a big dark house and watching old horror movies.
“I remember back to one night in particular, I was about nine and it was a really windy night and I woke up to a scary film. When I was given the result of the test, I was instantly transported back to that moment I was back to being nine but also 21 at the same time and my mind was filled with images of skeletons October 31 is such a fixed date in our society that it fused with the emotions of finding out that I was HIV positive and thinking that I would die soon
“After the imagery of Halloween and associations of dying had passed, I think I did everything I could to block it out
“In 2013 I was diagnosed with Hep C The emotions of that diagnosis were completely different, I got on the tube and missed my stop but it seemed like everything was a blur I think my HIV diagnosis came back that day and they both hit me, as co-infections do
“NAM Aidsmap had published an amazing patient information book, a manual for living with HIV In the early days I spent a lot of time
reading the topics and trying to relate to the stories and information It’s hard to imagine now, but there seemed to be so many hospital visits and checkups I felt a huge amount of stigma, and looking back some of that was my own feelings of guilt – I couldn’t own up to my consultants about the fact I’d had unprotected sex; I kept telling them I only had oral sex even. Though they knew that transmission via oral sex was unlikely, they didn’t really challenge it but the response made me feel dirty to some extent and I never felt I could access non-judgemental support to come to terms with how I was feeling.
“HIV has, over time, become more supportive, even though I see my HIV consultant less now. With the advances in medication and healthcare it makes sense that some people need less support. I remember being anxious at the thought of not seeing my consultant on a regular basis, but now I realise a lot of that was fear of the unknown
“The shame and stigma I have experienced has mostly been from within This shame and internalised guilt had been carried around for a while; as a recovering addict, I’m clear that society’s homophobia, the fear around HIV and the impact of hiding my identity from others pushed me into seeking acceptance by meeting up with others in seedy back rooms and getting wasted with those who resonated with the pain and guilt and stigma that has been projected from the world around us and from within.
“By the time I was 24 I was convinced that I wouldn’t live into my 40s Telling my family was a big deal; I didn’t want them to find out from a doctor when I was hospitalised for example.
“Knowing now that I can’t pass on HIV due to my effective treatment is a huge deal. As someone who has been living with HIV for 18 years, it’s also a huge deal to accept”
My sister spent ages crying and my mum was stronger than I thought she would be She had a gay friend who passed away during the early days of the epidemic and she did have a fear that the same would happen to her gay son, she told me as much when I came out to her, but not in a stigmatising way like some people’s experience.
“Having worked for THT, the ‘Can’t Pass It On’ campaign stands out for me. Having had several serodiscordant relationships there has always been a tremendous fear of passing on HIV. Knowing now that I can’t pass on HIV due to my effective treatment is a huge deal. As someone who has been living with HIV for 18 years, it is also a huge deal to accept I think there needs to be a conversation with long-term survivors living with HIV and those who are not, to ensure that they feel supported in this messaging; you cant realistically expect those who have lost friends, lovers and the heart of their community to AIDS to accept U=U overnight
“It is great that we ’ ve made so many advances in care and prevention, but it isn’t about just taking one pill a day As we head towards the end of HIV transmission we can’t forget that when we do reach that historic moment, there will be thousands of people living with HIV who will still need support and care and this will require time, money and resources. The end of transmission is the next beginning.”
STEVEN
) Steven Easton is a 31-year-old hair stylist and educator from Aberdeen He lived in Brighton & Hove just short of three years where he made regular appearances pulling pints at Bar Broadway Home is now London with his two Daddies Outside of work he is a keen gym bunny and a regular on the European leather/fetish scene Steven has also been living with HIV for almost seven years.
“I remember being diagnosed very clearly I had been anticipating my results and I got a call from the hospital saying they had to discuss my results in person. I threw clothes on and literally ran to the hospital. A very kind soft spoken woman told me I’d tested positive for HIV. I was estranged from my partner at the time and my first thought was him. What if?
What will happen to him?
“I felt I very much deserved it I didn’t dare give myself any sympathy My partner was the first person I told and he held my hand from day one I felt with the immediate support and information I had from him and the nurses I could move forward It was a controllable virus with little or no effect on life expectancy. My biggest worry at the time was what will everyone else think?
“I was guided towards various sites and sources by the nurses THT being one that stands out and still does thanks to the way they provide support and information in an upfront and approachable way. Two years after my diagnosis, I attended a weekly group for HIV positive men in Aberdeen. It was a lifeline to find people in the same position as me as there was no talk of ‘out’ positive men in Aberdeen Stigma was still rife and mainstream education very little
“Medication has come on in leaps and bounds in the time I’ve been diagnosed. All four cities I have lived in have offered exceptional care but Brighton to me will always stand out You are greeted with a friendly face and receive caring, bullshit free advice
“I hesitated to talk about my story for years as I felt that, due to my advanced medication and support, I shouldn’t speak up as others had experienced much more pain and suffering than me I feel different now, visibility from anyone who feels ready to share is very important We all have our own personal journey with HIV, hopefully we can all find a story to relate to and help us in some shape or form.
“The shame and stigma I faced had been from me At the time I took it on the chin and felt very fortunate that my condition was manageable. Now I see how it ignited a harsh task master within myself. Work, gym, finances even relationships. I felt careless and irresponsible to have contracted HIV so I worked myself harder and harder. Selfforgiveness and being around the right people has steered me in a more self-compassionate direction
“Don’t beat yourself up. We all make mistakes and the majority of the time they are what makes us strong. Keep going towards your best self and hold others’ hands who may be feeling the same way You will own your HIV status, it will not own you ”
MORE INFO
Craig Hanlon-Smith would like to thank Steven and Glen for sharing their stories with us. For local HIV and associated sexual health services in Brighton & Hove you can contact:
) The Sussex Beacon: 01273 694222, info@sussexbeacon.org.uk
THINK2SPEAK
What not to say to someone with HIV.
) Lizzie Jordan, Founder and Director of Think2Speak, which specialises in LGBT+ inclusion, gender identity and transgender, puberty, sex and relationships education, is a multi-award-winning social entrepreneur, a mother, a widow, and is HIV+. She is one person with a myriad of possible labels.
More than a decade ago, Lizzie became a mother, a widow and HIV+ all within an 18month period. In 2012, her life was turned upside down. As a single mother to a grieving child, Lizzie wanted to find resources and training locally for her child’s primary school. She struggled.
Try to think if you actually need to know the answer to the question you ’ re about to ask! Or maybe you can search the internet before you ask a glaringly obvious, or even insulting question
) Don’t ask how they got it: This is perhaps the most insulting You’d never ask the same of someone who’s living with cancer or diabetes A lot of this kind of thinking can be attributed to the ‘blame’ culture that exists when it comes to sexual health and HIV, it is often viewed as a ‘choice’. Blame is never apportioned to other health conditions.
Lizzie recognised the issues being faced in classrooms across the UK and wanted to do something about the ‘uncomfortable silences’ young people often felt when discussing sensitive subjects with the professionals involved in their lives After 18 months of plotting and planning, Think2Speak CIC was founded
Here are Lizzie’s tips on what not to say, or how to approach someone who has HIV:
) Don’t bring it up unless they do: Someone’s HIV status is their HIV status and theirs alone - as we ’ ve seen with Gareth Thomas He has been forced to share his news because the press were threatening to make this public There’s nothing wrong with being curious about HIV but there are certain things that should be respected and it isn’t every HIV positive person ’ s job to educate you
) It doesn’t define someone: Just because someone is living with HIV doesn’t mean that’s all they are It's a virus, it isn’t someone ’ s personality, their fault, their ‘choice’ nor is it their identity or the only subject on which they can speak.
) Use your common sense: There are certain aspects of conversation that are offlimits, but morbid curiosity often prevails
“It's a virus, it isn’t someone’s personality, their fault, their ‘choice’, nor is it their identity or the only subject on which they can speak”
) Don’t tell them they are ‘looking well’: People often comment in this way as if having HIV should mean you look ravaged by disease. This is often accompanied by a wellmeaning, but ultimately patronising tilt of the head Science has moved on dramatically since the 1980s and people with HIV who are diagnosed, accessing care and treatment, live full, healthy and happy lives
) Don’t presume the worst: Many people who ask questions aren’t aware of the fact that someone living with HIV, on antiretroviral medication, can now be undetectable and therefore untransmittable This is known as U=U It totally dispels the perceived ‘threat’ of people living with HIV This will become general knowledge as time moves on, but for now, education and awareness is still needed.
Overall, relax If someone shares their HIV status with you, respect them for sharing their personal and sensitive information with you. Lots of people living with HIV choose to share their stories to encourage awareness and understanding. Curiosity is fine, being too personal and intrusive isn’t it’s all about respect.
MORE INFO ) www.think2speak.com
TAY - AIDS MEMORIAL
Sculptor Romany Mark Bruce on creating the Brighton AIDS Memorial.
) In August 2007, a man approached me in Charles Street Tap “I know who you are, you ’ re a sculptor, and I want a word with you ” That man was James Ledward James wanted me to submit a proposal for an AIDS Memorial He was keen for someone local, and gay, to enter. To be told that the deadline for entering was in 10 days was rather daunting.
On holiday in the medieval town Pietrasanta in Italy, a centre for sculptors since the 15th century, was the perfect place for creativeness My starting point was the internationally recognised AIDS ribbon, perhaps not original, but poignant My idea was for two figures, touching at the base as their paths crossed, soaring upwards, intertwining, with no certainty if they would meet again. Many of those affected by HIV and AIDS in Brighton is the result of the union of two men, but the disease is not confined to gay men. Two figures would represent all those affected, one male, one genderless. My inspiration was memories of my friend Paul who had died of AIDS in the 1990s
James and I spent months trying to find a suitable studio. During that time, public donations flooded in and I was able to revise the sculpture from a mere five feet high to something much more ambitious This was hugely important to me as I wanted the Memorial to represent not only the tragedy of AIDS but also hope for the future with the advancement of medical treatment In the end so much money was donated that James was able to establish the Rainbow Fund.
We found a cowshed on a farm near Cooksbridge As studios go, it was basic; a
dodgy roof, poor lighting and an outside tap My loo was the adjoining field!
I constructed a metal armature to take the weight of the clay After three months of making great progress, in pleasant weather, I felt it move – I put my hand up to support it, made a pathetic cry of “help” and then, realising I was trying to support half a tonne of clay, I had to let it fall around me – a Buster Keaton moment. My armature had been woefully inadequate. Back to square one with an armature of welded scaffolding poles.
Each day, up to my armpits in clay, was a joy James would visit, give me encouragement and we would discuss the politics of the project which was quite fascinating. There were many organisations involved and negotiations to navigate. I was asked to name the sculpture –without one, public sculptures often end up with an unflattering title. Each day I ate lunch by the River Ouse with my dog, sitting there it came to me, TAY, after my friend Paul Tay
Lunch by the river was curtailed by a harsh winter. I would be on a platform ladder sculpting in freezing weather, Toolan, my Irish Terrier, would be comfortable in the car on the heated seat!
I completed the sculpture in January 2009. The next task was the rubber mould, but the foundry workers making it were unable get there because of the snow As temperatures at night dropped to minus 13º disaster struck The thermodynamics of clay resulted in it turning to liquid when it thawed, and parts of the sculpture started to disintegrate before me I secretly relished the thought of starting again,
but by then a date had been set for the unveiling. I managed to save the sculpture by wrapping it in duvets and filling the draughty shed with Dimplex heaters!
The casting of a bronze is a complex and lengthy procedure, and has remained much the same for thousands of years, the oldest known example is an amulet 6,000 years old. Watching the molten bronze being poured was exhilarating.
The day the sculpture was craned into place was stressful for the large team involved, there was only one opportunity to lower it into the stone plinth with the rapidly setting resin.
It was perhaps unsurprising, given the challenges that the weather had thrown at me, that the day of the unveiling was one of torrential rain, but moments before David Furnish pulled the cord, the clouds parted and for a short while the sun peeked through the rain clouds.
I met Paul Tay at university He died of AIDS in 1992. He was my lover, my best friend and my soul mate. When he died my greatest fear was that with time I would forget him. I never have. James Ledward gave me the opportunity to remember him in a way I never imagined possible, and for that I am truly indebted to him.
• 24% of respondents had accessed mental health services in the 12 months preceding the survey
People identifying as LGBTQ+ experience disproportionate levels of hate crime, both physical and verbal, mental health issues, domestic abuse, loneliness and social isolation
We are not alone in experiencing these issues, but we need LGBTQ+ specific services to support those in our communities experiencing them, and that’s where these projects come in.
BRIGHTON RAINBOW FUND
Chris Gull, Chair of the Brighton Rainbow Fund, on how the Brighton Rainbow Fund works and its Grants Presentation event, which took place at the Old Ship Hotel in Brighton last month.
) James Ledward and Paul Elgood started the Brighton Rainbow Fund 10 years ago as a legacy project with money left from the public appeal used to commission TAY, the Brighton AIDS Memorial in New Steine Gardens
The concept is simple: funds raised within local LGBTQ+ communities to support our local LGBTQ+ and HIV projects are donated to a central hub Fundraisers, venues and individual donors no longer have to decide which project to support; they can donate to the Brighton Rainbow Fund knowing that they are supporting all the projects that benefit hundreds of people within our communities As for those projects, the concept means that there is a level playing field for projects big and small. This is especially important for new projects with no track record, and without the ‘clout’ to lobby fundraisers, venues and donors that the larger organisations have.
This annual event celebrates the work that the projects do. This year there were a record 23 grants made in the main funding round that benefit so many in the LGBT+ communities and allow us to applaud the success of our community fundraisers, venues and donors who make that work possible
After several years of generous hospitality from the Brighton Hilton Metropole hosting the event, it moved to take up the offer from the Old Ship Hotel of the Paganini Ballroom this year, and was brilliantly hosted by Lola Lasagne, aka Stephen Richards, who was fresh from their powerful, moving speech on the main stage at Pride Zoe Lyons, the Patron of charity, sent her love via video
Deputy Mayor Cllr Alan Robins, Chief Superintendent Nick May, Cllr Nancy Platts, Leader of the Council and Labour Group, Cllr Phelim McCafferty, Convener of the Green Group, together with some distinguished former mayors and some of our performers who have been staunch supporters since the charity began, were welcome guests, and the room was filled by both those who have raised the money, and those involved in the projects receiving grants
There are a disproportionate number of LGBTQ+ people living in Brighton & Hove compared to nationally The council’s own figures estimate more than 15% of the adult population identify as LGBTQ+, that’s more than 35,000 people Nationally that percentage is estimated to be between 2% and 6%
The National LGBT Survey last year found that LGBTQ+ respondents are less satisfied with their lives than the general UK population, with trans respondents recording even less satisfaction
• More than two thirds of LGBTQ+ respondents said they avoid holding hands with a same-sex partner for fear of a negative reaction from others.
• At least two in five respondents had experienced an incident because they were LGBTQ+, such as verbal harassment or physical violence in the 12 months preceding the survey. However, more than nine in 10 of the most serious incidents went unreported, often because respondents thought ‘it happens all the time’
The Brighton Rainbow Fund Grants Presentation was an acronym filled evening, and the plethora of acronyms is recognition of where we are within our communities. They reflect the idea that our so-called LGBTQ+ community actually consists of a diverse collection of communities and cohorts within those communities. Those simple four letters don’t do it anymore, they can’t encompass the intersectionality, the multiple marginalisation, the distinct yet overlapping identities that exist within sexuality and gender identification and expression
Bottom line is we know who we are, hope to be united and respectful to each other in adversity and recognise that neither privilege, nor adversity, are distributed equally amongst our communities We hope that those of us with privilege recognise it, and use it for the benefit of us all
So, to our fantastic community fundraisers we say thank you, we hope that you’ll be impressed with how the funds that you work so hard to raise through the year are used to deliver such brilliant benefits to so many in our communities
For the first time each project was invited to say a few words about how the grant will be affecting the lives of those involved These short speeches really illustrated the strength and sense of community, and just how much volunteers donating their time and talent contribute. In total 23 grants, totalling £183,000, were presented. The total over the year is likely to be even more, as some of these grants are for pilot projects, or seed funding, and will go on to be reviewed and supported as fully functioning projects.
This was the first event that James missed. He was usually there, at the front, taking the photographs and holding court, and was so disappointed that he wasn’t well enough to be with us, but so proud of how far the charity that he founded 10 years ago has come, due to the hard work of the fundraisers and generosity of donors, as well as the strength and cohesion of the LGBTQ+ communities delivering these vitally needed LGBTQ+ and HIV services, and particularly their volunteers
THE BRIGHTON RAINBOW FUND GRANT AWARDS 2019
) The Annual Brighton R ainbow Fund Grant Presentation Event took place at the Old Ship Hotel on Tuesday, where funding for 23 LGBTQ+ projects, totalling £182,650, was announced to a packed Paganini Ballroom (provided free of charge by the Old Ship Hotel)
Representatives of each project were joined by some of those who had raised the funds within our community to distribute, including: Brighton Pride, Brighton Bear Weekend, Bear Patrol and Legends, and the Deputy Mayor Cllr Alan R obins, Chief Superintendent Nick May, Cllr Nancy Platt, Leader of the Labour Group and Leader of the Council, Cllr Phelim McCaffer ty, Convener of the Green Group, Geoff R aw, the Chief Executive of the Council, and some of our legendary enter tainers, including David R aven (Maisie Trollette), David Pollikett (Davina Sparkle), and host Lola Lasagne (Stephen Richards)
Chris Gull, Chair of the Brighton Rainbow Fund, said:
“The event is a great opportunity for us to acknowledge the amazing work that these projects, and especially their volunteers, do throughout the year to benefit so many within our local LGBTQ+ communities
“Our communities experience the same challenges around mental health and wellbeing, loneliness and social isolation, domestic abuse, crime, hate crime, and homelessness, that the wider community does, BUT we experience them disproportionality Add to those the challenges of stigma, still an issue especially for our trans and HIV communities, and the multiple marginalisation that especially LGBTQ+ people of colour experience, and the need for LGBTQ+ specific services is clear “ We’re also able to recognise and applaud the hard work, again with the involvement of many volunteers, of those that raise the funds that make many of these projects possible ”
RAINBOW CHORUS: GRANT UP TO £6,500 FOR RC+ PROJECT, PRESENTED BY DAVID POLLIKET T (DAVINA SPARKLE)
MINDOUT: GRANT £10,000 FOR COUNSELLING SERVICE, PRESENTED BY
BEAR PATROL
TWO CONTINENTS. 35 COUNTRIES. ONE LOVE. PRIDE OF THE AMERICAS 2020
Greater Fort Lauderdale invites ever yone under the sun to the ver y first Pride of the Americas. Hit the beach in April 2020 for an epic six-day festival, honouring diversity, inclusion and love. By Craig Hanlon-Smith.
ISL ANDS IN THE STREAM
) The Americas, comprising the continents of North and South America, is the world’s most populous island It takes up almost 30% of the planet’s land mass, is home to over one and a half billion people and is about to host its first ever collective Pride Festival representing all of The Americas in Greater Fort Lauderdale during April 2020 This epic six-day festival, from Tuesday, April 21, 2020 to Sunday, April 26, 2020, is set to be one of the world’s brightest, most colourful and diverse Prides yet. With themes honouring diversity, inclusion and love, the event hopes to bring international attention to the inequalities LGBT+ communities face in Latin America and the Caribbean.
COME OUT TO FLORIDA’S LGBT+ CAPITAL
) Hosted by Florida’s LGBT+ capital, the setting is the perfect backdrop to the celebrations as Greater Fort Lauderdale is home to hundreds of gay-owned and operated businesses and one of the largest concentrations of LGBT+ households in the United States. The city is proud to have its very own LGBT+ Pride Visitors Centre, the world’s first AIDS Museum, the global headquarters of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association and the Stonewall National Museum & Archives with exhibitions relating to LGBT+ history and culture
MAKE YOUR PL ANS NOW
) Pride of the Americas kicks off with the Opening Ceremonies on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 in downtown Fort Lauderdale and culminates on Sunday, April 26, 2020 with a closing beach festival and fireworks display From daily sunset concerts to social mixers, the schedule of events will feature exciting opportunities and special guests at various venues, including: Beach Party & Parade, Arts Festival, Fashion Show, Business of the Americas Conference, Transgender Summit
and LGBT+ Health & Wellness Conference
Starting on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 is the Opening Ceremonies and Business of the Americas Conference, which will explore what companies and international businesses are doing to promote inclusion in the workplace and explore opportunities for LGBT+ people in the Caribbean and Latin America
Running throughout the festival are daily sunset concerts at the beach festival stage and venues around Greater Fort Lauderdale with artists TBA in the coming months Pride of the Americas will also feature an LGBTQ+ Arts Festival featuring innovating and entertaining performances and exhibitions by local, national and international guest artists.
The three-day LGBT+ Travel Industry Symposium will bring together travel industry companies, suppliers and top destinations to share success stories, improve the LGBT+ travel experience and advance LGBT+ issues globally. In partnership with the World AIDS Museum and Educational Centre, the festival will host internationally recognised researchers and advocacy organisations as part of the LGBT+ Health & Wellness Conference. This event will address the progress and possibilities for LGBT+ healthcare and new challenges ahead
A Runway Fashion Show will feature fabulous designs by TV Bravo’s Project Runway alumni along with local designers, modelled by male, female, transgender and drag models
Throughout the six-day festival, visitors will have countless opportunities to make new friends at social events for every segment of our community: women, youth, leather, seniors, rainbow families, transgender and more
On the Friday, Night on the Drive sees festivities move to nearby Wilton Manors, the hub of the LGBT+ community and home to one of the nation’s largest concentrations of LGBT+
households, for an evening of shopping, dining and entertainment. Then it’s the Saturday Pride of the Americas Beach Party, Drag Brunches and Tea Dances before and after the Pride Parade The final Saturday will host Pride of the Americas Day of Service where hundreds of guests are asked to build bridges with the less fortunate by volunteering at local charities and social service organisations on this day of service
CONSERVATION PROGRAMMES
) Greater Fort Lauderdale is committed to hosting this event with minimal environmental impact. Energy and water conservation, along with waste recycling programmes, will be visibly in place Additionally, there are many efforts underway to safeguard the sea turtle population that will be nesting on nearby beaches, including beach clean ups, securing of nesting sites and reduced artificial lighting near the shoreline Nearly 90% of turtle nesting in the US occurs in Florida, with a large concentration occurring on the beaches of Greater Fort Lauderdale. Pride of the Americas 2020 has adopted the sea turtle as a fitting and informal mascot.
While in town, you’ll have opportunities to explore unique ecosystems and participate in wildlife and nature conservation programmes on the beach and in the Everglades. This is truly a once in a lifetime Pride so start planning today!
MORE INFO
) sunny.org/PrideAmericas f /PrideOfAmericas/
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 specials all day: £3 50 drinks including Fosters, double house gin/vodka/rum and house wine
l HALLOWEEN Sat (2): the NIGHTMARE ON ST JAMES’S STREET Halloween Par ty continues with cabaret from Aida H Dee at 7.30pm, Pat Clutcher at midnight, then karaoke till 3am
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Thursday is DRAG BINGO at 8pm with Lovinia Belle, private schoolgirl with the potty mouth and sensational pipes Affinity Bar say: “It’s drag, it’s cabaret, it’s bingo, and it’s definitely lots of fun! Lovinia will keep you entertained with her amazing voice, some great hosting and a chance to win some prizes in our bingo Don't miss out, come and check out this fabulous new queen for some camp fun!”
l REGUL ARS Mon: ALL DAY KARAOKE from 12pm; karaoke with Tommy Tanker aka Pat Clutcher at 7pm l Tue: FREE JUKEBOX all day l Wed: KARAOKE with Tommy Tanker aka Pat Clutcher from 7pm l Fri is WIGS & BEADS KARAOKE with one of Affinity Bar’s fabulous drag hostesses leading the fun from 8pm Select a song, pick a wig, choose your accessories and the stage is yours! l Sat: CAMP CABARET at 6 30pm: Dave Lynn (9), Miss Jason (16) and Pat Clutcher (23 & 30); then karaoke from 8pm till close l Sun: CAMP CABARET at 5pm: Son of a Tutu (3), Drag With No Name (10), Pat Clutcher (17) and Stephanie Von Clitz (24)
Information is correct at the time of going to press Gscene cannot be held responsible for any changes or alterations to the listings
FRIDAY 1
l AFFINITY BAR Wigs & Beads Karaoke with drag hostess 8pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Sam Pink’s
Bir thday Weekender: Friday Night Live: camp karaoke with DJ Glyn-Sing 9pm; ShowTime with Domina Tryx 11pm; karaoke till 3am
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Dave Lynn 9 30pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY TGIF Madness: resident/guest DJs 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Par ty Jukebox: 80s/90s musical anthems 5pm; A Night of a Thousand Zaras 7pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Night Shift: DJ David Noakes 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Halloween Pay Weekend
Special: guest DJs 8pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fabulous Friday: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Maisie Trollette 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: Cherry Liquor 10pm
l SUBLINE Steam 10pm
l LE VILL AGE cabaret: Mrs Moore 10pm
l ZONE cabaret: JP Christian 10pm
SATURDAY 2
l AFFINITY BAR Nightmare on St
AMSTERDAM BAR & KITCHEN
l 11-12 Marine Parade, BN2 1TL, Tel: 01273 670976, www amsterdambrighton com
l OPEN daily from 11am–late, closed Sat (9) for private par ty from 6pm
l FOOD Mon-Fri 11am–8pm; Sat 10.30am–8pm; Sunday roasts (incl veggie/vegan options) from 12.30pm till they run out, booking recommended: 01273 670 976 Full tea and coffee menu available
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sat (23) is Angelica’s 85th Bir thday with running buffet, cabaret from Stephanie Von Clitz and DJ Linda Bacardi from 6pm, free entry and open to all who enjoy music and dancing!
l REGUL ARS CABARET FRIDAYS with top enter tainers at 9.30pm: Dave Lynn (1), R ose Garden (8), Kara Van Park (15), Sally Vate (22) and Spice (29) l Sat: KARAOKE with guest hosts at 9.30pm l Sun: enter tainment with Brighton’s best singers serenading you after lunch from 5pm: Chris Hide (3), Paul Middleton (10), Jamie Watson (17) and Gabriella Parrish (24)
James’ Street Halloween Par ty: Aida H Dee 7.30pm, Pat Clutcher 12am, Pat Clutcher’s karaoke 1am
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Sam Pink’s
Bir thday Weekender: Wonda Starr’s Qween of the Night: camp karaoke, prizes 9pm
l AMSTERDAM Karaoke 9 30pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Dia de los Muer tos - Day of the Dead Halloween par ty 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY Par ty Jukebox: 90s/00s musical anthems 4pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Pay Weekend Special with tunes 8pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fierce DJs 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Marsha Mallow 9.30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJ 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Candi Rell’s
Karaoke & Cabaret Par ty 8 30pm
l PARIS HOUSE All That Jazz: Monday
Boys 4pm; Andy the Dandy DJ 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS QA Triple cabaret: Poppcock 6pm, Betty Swollocks 8pm, Kara Van Park 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Pat Clutcher’s Halloween Par ty 9pm
l SUBLINE Leather Meet 10pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Pre home
match warm-up: pie & pint deal: Brighton v Norwich City 12pm; live football: Bournemouth v Man Utd 12.30pm, Watford v Chelsea 5 30pm
l LE VILL AGE Scandalous: LGBT+ night: DJ/host Stephanie Starlet 10pm
l ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 10pm
SUNDAY 3
l AFFINITY BAR cabaret: Son of a Tutu 5pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Sam Pink’s
Bir thday Weekender: Sunday Funday Special with DJ Mandy, cake, karaoke & camp 5pm
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Chris Hide 5pm; roasts 12pm-till gone
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY karaoke with host Tyler or Ben 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions pres: Miss Treated 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 & Miss Jason 7 30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8 30pm; roasts 12pm
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Miss Penny 3 30pm; roasts 12 30–4pm
BAR BROADWAY
l 10 Steine Street, BN2 1TE, Tel: 01273 609777, www barbroadway co uk
l OPEN Mon–Thur 6pm–1am, Fri 5pm–3am, Sat 4pm–3am, Sun 4pm–1am
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri (1) is A NIGHT OF A MILLION ZARAS from 7pm with Bar Broadway staff becoming Zara through the years, and a free drink for any customer that wishes to be the Broadway Belle
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri (29): The Sea Serpents RFC presents THE FULL MONTY, a ‘cheeky’ night of fun and laughs with host Emmanuelle Mar tin from 7pm, tickets £10 Bar Broadway say: “It’ll be a great night of entertainment plus you’ll be helping to raise money for the club!”
l WAD Sun (1) Dec is A DISNEY-ESQUE KARAOKE for WAD hosted by Miss Disney & Alfie Ordinar y raising money for THT Brighton from 4pm
l REGUL ARS Sun: FIREPLACE SESSIONS present top acts at 8 30pm: Miss Treated (3), Jennie Castell’s R emembrance Day Special in aid of Royal British Legion (10), Louis Checkly (17), TBA (24) l Mon (4 & 18) is the VOICE OF BROADWAY 2019 at 8.30pm with host George Mar tin Marino and £500 in cash prizes Sign up and send your details to info@barbroadway.co.uk to show Bar Broadway your talent! l Mon (11 & 25): COMEDY CLIPS with the best comedic performances on Broadway’s Jukebox l Tue is Bar Broadway’s PIANO SING-ALONG from 9pm l Wed: ALL THAT JAZZ weekly jazz session with live band and vocalist at 9pm l Thur: R oss Cameron’s QUIZ EMPORIUM, prizes each round and for winner/runner-up, incl £150 jackpot, from 8pm l Fri & Sat: PARTY JUKEBOX with a mix of musical anthems from the 1980s & 90s on Fri and the 1990s & 2000s on Sat, all chosen by you To pick a track just open BroadwayJukebox co uk, and select your favourites from 4,000 tracks You click, Bar Broadway play!
l MARINE TAVERN roasts 12-5pm; Drag Open Mic: Stephanie Von Clitz 8 30pm
l DRINK PROMOS Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat & Sun drink deals all night
l HALLOWEEN Sat (2) is DIA DE LOS MUERTOSthe Day of the Dead from 8pm Bar 7 say: “It's our favourite party of the year! Halloween!”
l WAD Sun (1) Dec is Bar 7’s 7th Bir thday and WAD Karaoke from 5pm
l REGUL ARS Fri: TGIF MADNESS with resident/guest DJs helping you kick the weekend off in style! l Sat: PARTY TIME with alternate DJs & karaoke at 9pm: Kirsty Anderson, Michael Adams, Jazzy Jane, Charlie Eaton and Patrick Cawley l SUNDAY SOCIAL KARAOKE with hosts from 6pm
l Tue: CREWSDAY from 7pm l Wed: MIDWEEK CHILL from 7.30pm
l Thur: the DRAG RACE UK Viewing Par ty at 8pm
l LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason’s Monday Madness 9 30pml PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Nils Solberg-Mick Hamer Trio 2pm; Simon Spillet (Sax) Trio 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Kara Van Park’s Musical Mondays 9pm
TUESDAY 5
l AFFINITY BAR Free Jukebox 12pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG #Transvolve Tuesday: Macarena & Sam Pink bring camp, karaoke & queens 8pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: Liverpool v Genk & Chelsea v Ajax 8pm
l LE VILL AGE Switch Craft with Kryan Shayne 10pm
BOUTIQUE
l 2 Boyces St, West St, BN11AN, 01273 327607 www.boutiqueclubbrighton.com
l OPEN Wed & Fri 8pm–late, Sat 6pm–late
l DRINK PROMOS Sat: 2 cocktails for £10, bottle of Moet £50 & Stoli with mixers £60, Sat (2) Pay Weekend Special 4 tequilas or 4 sambucas £10; Wed: £5 drinks menu
l HALLOWEEN Fri (1) the HALLOWEEN PAY DAY SPECIAL with guest DJs all night from 8pm Boutique say: “Our haunted house is going to be shaking up until the early hours of the morning!”
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sat (30) the ROOF TERRACE PARTY with top DJs Boutique say: “Come and kick start the night with a bang! We have the best drinks prices and music in town - FACT!”
l WAD Fri (29) special OLD SCHOOL SESSION for WAD with DJ Cee, £1 of your entry fee donated to charity
l REGUL ARS Wed: STUDENT SESSIONS tunes & vibes 8pm l Fri: OLD SCHOOL SESSIONS with DJ Cee, guest DJ (15) old school jams/new pop from 8pm
l SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER with DJs from 8pm: surprise guest DJ (9), DJ Cee (16), three guest DJs (23)
WEDNESDAY 6
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 All that Jazz: vocalist & live band 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Now That’s What I Call Legends: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Student Sessions 8pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Drag With No Name‘s Snakes & Kn@ckers 8 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Pink Pound 7pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Jam Session 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate’s Hump Show 10pm
l SUBLINE Hump Day 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: Vitoria v Arsenal 3 50pm, Cryena v Spurs & Atalanta v Man City 8pm
l LE VILL AGE Dave Lynn show 10pm
THURSDAY 7
l AFFINITY BAR Drag Bingo with Lovinia Belle & prizes 8pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG #Transvolve Thursday: camp karaoke & queens with Wonda Starr & Sam Pink 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Drag Race UK Viewing Par ty 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY Ross’ Gift
Emporium Quiz: host Ross Cameron & prizes 8pm
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: Trio Cubanaa 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Leading Ladies cabaret: Jennie Castell 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Open mic with Chris Hide 8pm
l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live
ALL NEW BULLDOG
l 31 St James’s Street, Brighton, BN2 1RF, tel 01273 696996, #BulldogBTN
l OPEN Mon 4pm-midnight, Tue–Thur 3pm–midnight, Fri & Sat midday–3am, Sun midday–midnight l DRINK PROMOS Mon–Fri 4–7pm, Sun 12–4pm Wed Green Light promos
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri (1)–Sun (3) is SAM PINK’S BIRTHDAY WEEKENDER with a Friday Night
Live Special featuring camp karaoke and DJ Glyn-Sing at 9pm, showtime with Domina Tr yx at 11pm, then karaoke till 3am The par ty continues on Sat with Wonda Starr ’s QWEEN OF THE NIGHT camp karaoke from 9pm Round off the Bir thday Weekender with the SUNDAY FUNDAY
SOECUAK with karaoke, camp, cake and DJ Mandy from 5pm l REGUL ARS CAMP KARAOKE 5 nights a week! l #TRANSVOLVE
TUESDAYS with Macarena and Sam Pink camp, karaoke and queens 8pm l Wed: GREEN LIGHT CRUISE NIGHT at 8pm When the lights go green and specified ar tist plays on the screens select drinks drop! l #TRANSVOLVE
THURSDAYS with Wonda Starr and Sam Pink camp, karaoke, queens at 8pm l FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE: camp karaoke and par ty faves from DJ GlynnSing at 9pm; then ShowTime with Domina Tr yx at 11pm then karaoke till 3am l Sat: Wonda Starr ’s QUEEN OF THE NIGHT: outrageous karaoke, fab prizes and par ty tunes/floor fillers 9pm l Sun: All New SUNDAY FUNDAY camp karaoke with Mandy at 5pm All New Bulldog say: “ We bring even more entertainment with the All New Sunday Funday! Expect all your sing along faves, karaoke and outrageous camp! It's another #getinvolvedsue in the heart of Gay Brighton ” l Mon: GLIT TER BALL: classic camp vids from 70s–00s at 4pm
football: Wolves v Bratislava & Man Utd v Belgrade 8pm
l LE VILL AGE Sync for Your Life: karaoke/open mic with George Mar tin Marino 9pm
FRIDAY 8
l AFFINITY BAR Wigs & Beads Karaoke with drag hostess 8pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Friday Night Live: camp karaoke with DJ Glyn-Sing 9pm; ShowTime with Domina Tryx 11pm; karaoke till 3am
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Rose Garden 9 30pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY TGIF Madness: resident/guest DJs 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Par ty Jukebox: 80s/90s musical anthems 5pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Night
Shift: DJ David Noakes 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Friday Old School
Sessions: DJ Cee 8pm
l BRUNSWICK El Geebee Tea Queue: Paul Diello hosts LGBT+ talent 8pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fabulous Friday: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Jennie Castell 9.30pm
l L ATEST MUSIC BAR Hello! Sailor: drag king cabaret with host Sammy Silver
+ Adam All & Aple Derrieres, Bee
Jamming, Christian Adore, Monsieur
Cookie & Mr Par ty 7 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Brighton Belles: local cabaret stars & guests 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm
CAMELFORD ARMS
l 30-31 Camelford St, BN2 1TQ, Tel: 01273 622386, www camelfordarms com
l OPEN daily from 12pm The Camelford is dog friendly
l FOOD Mon–Sat 12–9pm; seniors’ lunch Wed 2–3.30pm, two courses £9.50; Sunday roasts and select menu served 12pm–till gone
l WAD Sun (1) Dec the Camelford are offering free hot drinks for those attending the WAD Memorial Service in New Steine Gardens and collecting for THT
l REGUL ARS Thur: the BIG CASH QUIZ with a £300 cash prize, free sarnies and great atmosphere from 9pm l Kick the weekend off at FRIDAY CLUB from 6pm l Sun: the BEAR BASH with free food and a raffle at 5pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Big Friday Cabaret: Mrs Moore 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Caba Regency with George Mar tin Marino 8pm
l SUBLINE Dir ty Tackle spor tswear night 10pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: Norwich v Watford 8pm
l THE VILL AGE cabaret: Stephanie Von Clitz & DJ Fab 10pm
l ZONE cabaret: Miss Jason 10pm
SATURDAY 9
l AFFINITY BAR camp cabaret: Dave Lynn 6.30pm; karaoke 8pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Wonda Starr’s Qween of the Night: camp karaoke with prizes 9pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Par ty Night: alternate DJs: Kirsty Anderson, Jazzy Jane, Charlie Eaton, Patrick Cawley & Michael Adams 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Par ty Jukebox: 90s/00s musical anthems 4pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Saturday Night Fever with guest DJ 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fierce DJ 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Dave Lynn 9.30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJ 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Candi Rell’s Karaoke & Cabaret Par ty 8 30pm
l PARIS HOUSE All That Jazz: Gabriel Garrick Trio 4pm; Andy the Dandy DJ 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS QA Triple cabaret: Poppycock 6pm, Betty Swollocks 8pm, Miss Jason 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN cabaret: Lucinda Lashes 9pm
l SUBLINE The Men’s Room 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: Chelsea v Crystal Palace 12 30pm, Leicester v Arsenal 5 30pm
l LE VILL AGE Scandalous: LGBT+ night: DJ/host Stephanie Starlet 10pm
l ZONE cabaret: Davina Sparkle 10pm
SUNDAY 10
l AFFINITY BAR cabaret: Drag With No Name 5pm
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: Jennie Castell performing for Remembrance Sunday in aid of Royal British Legion 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 & Davina Sparkle 7 30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8 30pm; roasts 12pm
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Dave Lynn 3 30pm; roasts 12 30–4pm
CHARLES STREET TAP
l 8 Marine Parade, BN2 1TA, Tel: 01273 624091, www charles-street com
l OPEN daily from 10am
l FOOD served daily from 10am–10pm, including: breakfasts from 10am; Tue 4 chicken wings or vegan cauliflower wings £1; Sunday homemade roasts for £9 from 12pm: hand carved roast beef or turkey, roast pork with crackling, nut roast, roast lamb shank £11
l DRINK PROMOS Mon–Thur 5–8pm all cocktails £4 95; Mon £4 pint on craft draught beer or cask ale from 5pm; Thur 50ml Gin of the Month & fever tonic £5 all day; Fri bottles of Prosecco £15 all night & half price drinks 5–9pm, Sunday Craft Club: any two craft cans or bottles £6 from 5pm
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sunday CABARET with host Sally Vate from 7.30pm: Miss Jason (3), Davina Sparkle (10), Lola Lasagne (17) and Drag With No Name (24) Stick around the Sally Vate’s ROCK & ROLL BINGO straight after!
l OPEN Tue–Thur from 4pm, Fri & Sat from 3pm, Sun from 2pm 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 Fallen Angel is a dog friendly pub
l FOOD Get food delivered to the pub from Curr y Leaf Kemptown with 10% discount on all orders, or Alforno Pizza Kemptown
l DRINK PROMOS daily specials, pop in for more info
karaoke with Tommy Tanker (aka Pat Clutcher) 7pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Monday Glitter Ball: 70s-00s camp vids 4pm
l BAR BROADWAY Comedy Clips 6pm
& live band 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Now That’s What I Call Legends: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Student Sessions 8pm
l WAD Sun (1) Dec: straight after the candle lit vigil at the AIDS Memorial is the World AIDS Day Annual Fundraiser for THT South, host Drag With No Name and top acts at 7 30pm, including: full show from amazing Hear t & Soul plus Lola Lasagne, Kara Van Park, Sally Vate, Mrs Moore, Vicky Vivacious, R ose Garden, Jason Thorpe and Pat Clutcher Entry £3 (suggested donation), all to THT South Charles Street Tap say: “Join us right af ter the candle lit vigil at the AIDS Memorial for an incredible star studded night of cabaret stars bringing song and laughter into to the wee hours!”
l REGUL ARS Wed is Drag With No Name’s SNAKES AND KN@CKERS, a chaotic night with silly games, terrible tasks and madcap missions from 8 30pm! It’s a board game were EVERYONE plays but only one team can win And more than anything else – it’s not going make sense till you play, and even then probably not! l THROWBACK THURSDAY with 00s & 90s guilty pleasures from 9pm l FABULOUS FRIDAYS: DJ Morgan Fabulous spins delish house anthems from 9pm l Sat is FIERCE with award-winning DJs on rotation from 9pm l Mon is GAYMERS NIGHT at 8.30pm
l MARINE TAVERN roasts 12-5pm; Drag Open Mic: Stephanie Von Clitz
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 All that Jazz: vocalist
l CHARLES ST TAP Drag With No Name‘s Snakes & Kn@ckers 8 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Pink Pound 7pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: vocalist Sam Carlese 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate’s Hump Show 10pm
l SUBLINE Hump Day 9pm
l LE VILL AGE Dave Lynn show 10pm
THURSDAY 14
l AFFINITY BAR Drag Bingo with Lovinia Belle & prizes 8pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG #Transvolve Thursday: camp karaoke & queens with Wonda Starr & Sam Pink 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Drag Race UK Viewing Par ty 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY Ross’ Gift Emporium Quiz: host Ross Cameron & prizes 8pm
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 World Music: Abraham De Vega and Babou 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Leading Ladies cabaret: Lola Lasagne 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Open mic with Chris Hide 8pm
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 1–5pm, all pints £3 30
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri: CABARET with drag superstars at 9 30pm: Maisie Trollette (1), Jennie Castell (8), Maisie Trollette & Pooh La May (15), Drag With No Name (22) and Pat Clutcher (29) Nor thern songstress Pat Clutcher, Brighton’s newest misleading lady, performs across the UK and beyond, with a mix of show & pop tunes, cheeky banter and hijinks!
l REGUL ARS Thur: ABEL MABEL’S BINGO at 8.30pm l Sat: top-flight CABARET at 9.30pm: Marsha Mallow (2), Dave Lynn (9), Davina Sparkle (16), Trudi Styles & the Piano Man (23) and Sally Vate (30)
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: England v Montenegro 7.45pm
l LE VILL AGE Lip Sync for Your Life: karaoke & open mic with George Mar tin Marino 9pm
FRIDAY 15
l AFFINITY BAR Wigs & Beads Karaoke with drag hostess 8pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Friday Night Live: camp karaoke & DJ Glyn-Sing 9pm; ShowTime with Domina Tryx 11pm; karaoke till 3am
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Kara Van Park
9 30pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY TGIF Madness: resident/guest DJs 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Par ty Jukebox: 80s/90s musical anthems 5pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Night Shift: DJ David Noakes 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Friday Old School
Sessions: guest DJ 8pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fabulous Friday: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Maisie
Trollette & Pooh Lay May 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 Mon–Sat 11am–5pm breakfasts & lunch; Sunday breakfasts from 11am, roasts 12.30–4pm: choose beef, belly pork, chicken supreme or nut roast with roast potatoes, seasonal veg, homemade Yorkshire pudding and real stock gravy Now taking books for Xmas: £75 pp, book before December 12
l DRINK PROMOS Mon–Fri 12–11pm buy 1 bottle of wine get 2nd half price
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sun (17): LEGENDS’ 26TH BIRTHDAY & WAD FUNDRAISER for R ainbow Fund with Lisa Q Jones at 3 30pm, Miss Jason at 5 30pm, Pat Clutcher at 7 30pm, and special guest! Owner of the Curl Up & Dye hair salon and amateur theoretical physicist, Lisa Q Jones is the creation of RuPaul's Drag Race star Charlie Hides "Hysterical" - Elton John; "I LOVE Lisa" - Olly Murs Lisa Q Jones says: “Am I the best hairdresser in the world? No! Am I the most diplomatic hairdresser? No! BUT do I try hard every day to be a kinder person? Also, NO! If you want honest opinions and the unvarnished truth, come see me ”
l REGUL ARS Fri is THE BRIGHTON BELLES with stars & guests live at 9 30pm l Sat: DJs from 7pm l Sun: CABARET at 3 30pm: Miss Penny (3), Dave Lynn (10) and Lola Lasagne (24) Legends say: “Cabaret Sunday has become an institution in Brighton and Legends is one of the places to visit It's always a fantastic line-up so don't miss it!”
l Don’t miss Miss Jason final month of 2019 MISS JASON’s MONDAY MADNESS at 9.30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Brighton Belles: local cabaret stars & guests 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Big Friday Cabaret: Mar tha D’Ar thur 10pm
l SUBLINE Filth strict full fetish night 10pm
l LE VILL AGE cabaret: Pat Clutcher 10pm
l ZONE cabaret: JP Christian 10pm
SATURDAY 16
l AFFINITY BAR camp cabaret: Miss Jason 6 30pm; karaoke 8pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Wonda Starr’s Qween of the Night: camp karaoke with prizes 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 Par ty Jukebox: 90s/00s musical anthems 4pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Saturday Night Fever with DJ Cee 8pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fierce DJs 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Davina Sparkle 9 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJ 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Candi Rell’s Karaoke & Cabaret Par ty 8 30pm
l PARIS HOUSE All That Jazz: Lawrence Jones 4pm; Andy the Dandy DJ 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS QA Triple cabaret: Poppycock 6pm, Betty Swollocks 8pm, Miss Penny 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 Mon (4), Wed–Sun & Thur (28) at 11pm Free entr y all night
l DRINK PROMOS drinks from £2 Mon (4) & Fri, various deals Wed & Sun
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Thur (28) is the ULTRA –
UV PARTY with DJ Claire Fuller spinning tracks to make you glow from 11pm
l REGUL ARS Sat: FUSION with DJ Peter Castle spinning char t /club remixes l Sun: POP!CANDY with DJ Claire Fuller’s pick & mix of new/retro pop l Mon (4) is the GLIT TER CURIOUS queer par ty curated by Patrick Cawley & Maria Gardner with promos, surprises, performances, giveaways & more from 11pm, free entry Basement Club say: “On the first Monday of every montha fresh sing-along party!” l Wed is NOW THAT’S WHAT I CALL LEGENDS with DJ Claire Fuller taking you on a journey through the decades l Fri is NIGHT SHIF T with superstar DJ David Noakes keeping you moving with the best club tunes around from char t remixes, bootlegs and mashups with a few surprises! Basement Club say: “David has played Brighton Pride the last few years running as well as resident at European Snow Pride in Tignes, Revenge Brighton, Antwerp Love Parade as well as many other clubs As a producer he has two new singles out, a recent album signed to major publishers BMG/APM and his music can be heard on TV and radio including Gaydio, Kiss and Capital Seen Celebrity Big Brother? Then you will have heard his music there too!”
l REGENCY TAVERN cabaret: Trudi Styles & the Piano Man 9pm
l SUBLINE Bir thday Double-Ender: 9 years of Subline 10pm, buffet & bubbly 12am
l LE VILL AGE Scandalous: LGBT+ night: DJ/host Stephanie Starlet 10pm
l ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 10pm
SUNDAY 17
l AFFINITY BAR cabaret: Pat Clutcher
5pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Sunday Funday 12pm; Mandy’s karaoke 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 Louis Checkley 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 & Lola Lasagne 7 30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8.30pm; roasts 12pm
l LEGENDS BAR Legends’ 26th
Bir thday & WAD Fundraiser for Rainbow Fund: Lisa Q Jones 3 30pm, Miss Jason
5 30pm, Pat Clutcher 7 30pm, & special guest; roasts 12 30–4pm
l MARINE TAVERN roasts 12-5pm;
Drag Open Mic: Stephanie Von Clitz 8 30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Sam Chara (soul/swing/showtime) 6pm
l 13 Broad St, BN2 1TJ, Tel: 01273 905578, www marinetavern co uk
l OPEN daily from 12pm
l FOOD daily from 12–9pm: Curr y & Quiz with Nat £1 on Tue from 7 30pm (quiz star ts 9pm), roasts £8 each every Sunday 12–5pm, booking advised
l DRINK PROMOS Wed from 7pm: Pink Pound Night with drinks from £1 and free raffle
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sat: CABARET & KARAOKE with Candi R ell giving all she can and more at 8 30pm Marine Tavern say: “Tonight it’s our local legend, Candi Rell with her popular weekly night! If you haven’t been yet, why not? Come for a camp sing-along and some karaoke, it’s a great evening!”
l REGUL ARS Sun is DRAG OPEN MIC hosted by Stephanie Von Clitz from 8 30pm l THROWBACK THURSDAY with 1980s tunes from 8pm l Fri is JUKEBOX DISCO from 9pm; Peggy Wessex performs live (1)
l REGENCY TAVERN roasts 12-6pm
l SUBLINE Bir thday Double-Ender: 9 years of Subline with cabaret from Mrs Moore 10pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: Kosovo v England 5pm
l LE VILL AGE cabaret: Precious 10pm; male stripper & DJ Stacey Swallows midnight; roasts 12-6pm
MONDAY 18
l AFFINITY BAR all day karaoke 12pm; karaoke with Tommy Tanker (aka Pat Clutcher) 7pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Monday Glitter Ball: 70s-00s camp vids 4pm
l BAR BROADWAY Voice of Broadway 2019: host George Mar tin Marino & cash prizes 8 30pm
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 SolbergMick Hamer Trio 2pm; Oli Howe (Keyboards) Trio 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Kara Van Park’s Musical Monday 9pm
TUESDAY 19
l AFFINITY BAR Free Jukebox 12pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG #Transvolve Tuesday: Macarena & Sam Pink bring
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 All that Jazz: vocalist & live band 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Now That’s What I Call Legends: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Student Sessions 8pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Drag With No Name‘s Snakes & Kn@ckers 8 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Pink Pound 7pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Roy Hilton & Band 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate’s Hump
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 Sat (30) is a CHARITY FUNDRAISER in memory of Steve Aston with a variety of acts raising money for the charity from 3pm
l REGUL ARS FREE LIVE MUSIC every night: l Sun at 6pm: Lo Polodoro (3), Marilyn du Sax (10), Sam Chara (17) and Dave Williams & band (24) Mon jazz with Nils Solberg-Mick Hamer Trio at 2pm; then at 8pm: Simon Spillet Trio (4), Paul Richards Trio (11), Oli Howe Trio (18) and Andy Panayi & band (25) l Tue at 8pm: the Mucky Ducklings (5), Scott Booth (12), the Yellow Funk Machine (19) and John Crampton (26) l Wed lat 8pm: Jazz Jam Session (6), Sam Carlese (13), R oy Hilton & band (20) and Sara Oschlag Trio (27) l Thur world music at 8pm: Trio Cubana (7), Abraham de Vega & Babou (14), Beaujolais Nouveau Day Celebrations with Lo Polidoro & full band (21) and Pollito Boogaloo (28) l Fri is PARTY TIME with DJ Havoxx at 9pm l Sat is AND ALL THAT JAZZ at 4pm: the Monday Boys (2), Gabriel Garrick Trio (9), Lawrence Jones (16) and Jorges Hot Club (23); Andy the Dandy DJ at 9pm
Show 10pm
l SUBLINE Hump Day 9pm
l LE VILL AGE Dave Lynn show 10pm
THURSDAY 21
l AFFINITY BAR Drag Bingo with Lovinia Belle & prizes 8pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG #Transvolve
Thursday: camp karaoke & queens with Wonda Starr & Sam Pink 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Drag Race UK
Viewing Par ty 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY Ross’ Gift
Emporium Quiz: host Ross Cameron & prizes 8pm
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 Beaujolais Nouveau
Day Celebrations with Lo Polidoro & Full Band 7 30pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Leading Ladies cabaret: Dave Lynn 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Open mic with
Chris Hide 8pm
l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm
l LE VILL AGE Lip Sync for Your Life: karaoke & open mic with George Mar tin Marino 9pm
FRIDAY 22
l AFFINITY BAR Wigs & Beads Karaoke with drag hostess 8pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Friday Night
Live: camp karaoke with DJ Glyn-Sing 9pm; ShowTime with Domina Tryx 11pm; karaoke till 3am
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Sally Vate 9.30pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY TGIF Madness: resident/guest DJs 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Par ty Jukebox: 80s/90s musical anthems 5pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Night Shift: DJ David Noakes 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Friday Old School
Sessions: DJ Cee 8pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fabulous Friday: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
. THURSDAY 9PM OPEN MIC & KARAOKE H GEORGE MARTIN MARINO
FABULOUS FRIDAYS 10PM 1ST MRS MOORE 8TH STEPHANIE
VON CLITZ + DJ FAB 15TH PAT CLUTCHER 22ND DAVE LYNN 29TH KARA VAN PARK
SATURDAY 10PM-2AM SCANDALOUS ITH DJ STEPHANIE STARLET
SUNDAY ROASTS 12-6PM £6 IN NOVEMBER SUNDAY SABBATH 10PM th MALE STRIPPER at midnig 3RD PEGGY WESSEX 0TH LUCINDA LASHES + DJ STACEY SWALLOWS 17TH PRECIOUS 24TH PAT CLUTCHER
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 5–9pm, Sat & Sun 2–6pm
l ONE FOR THE DIARY New SUNDAY FUNDAY TRIPLE CABARET with lashings of top acts: Betty Swollocks at 3pm, then at 6 30pm & 10pm: Topsie R edfern (3), Cosmic (10), Davina Sparkle (17) and Fanny Burns (24)
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Tue QA’S GOT TALENT returns with host Poppycock and guest judges from 9 30pm, pop into the bar or visit www theqabrighton com to apply The QA say: “It’s a weekly talent competition and a chance to showcase your abilities -comedian, magician, poodle on a unicycle!”
l REGUL ARS Pitch up at Kara Van Park’s MUSICAL MONDAYS for a night of show tunes and high camp at 9pm The QA say: “The Monday club is back in force with KARA live on stage where anything can happen, and usually does!” l Wed: Sally Vate’s HUMP SHOW from 10pm l Thur: CABARET with Leading Ladies at 10pm: Jennie Castell (7), Lola Lasagne (14), Dave Lynn (21) and Pat Clutcher (28) l QA BIG FRIDAY CABARET at 10pm: Cherr y Liquor (1), Mrs Moore (8), Mar tha D’Ar thur (15), R ose Garden (22) and Lucinda Lashes (29) One of the south’s most outrageous drag acts, Lucinda Lashes has been abusing people for more years than she can count Singing songs (in her beautiful, unique, feminine way), telling jokes and generally having a laugh, she’ll be disgracing the QA stage just for you! l Sat is QA TRIPLE CABARET with a triptych of top acts on stage: Poppycock at 6pm, Betty Swollocks at 8pm, then & 10pm: Kara Van Park (2), Miss Jason (9), Miss Penny (16), Son of a Tutu (23) and Spice (30)
l LEGENDS BAR Brighton Belles: local cabaret stars & guests 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Big Friday Cabaret: Rose Garden 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Caba Regency with George Mar tin Marino 8pm
l SUBLINE Steam 10pm
l LE VILL AGE cabaret: Dave Lynn 10pm
l ZONE cabaret: Stone & Street 10pm
SATURDAY 23
l AFFINITY BAR camp cabaret: Pat Clutcher 6 30pm; karaoke 8pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Wonda Starr’s Qween of the Night: camp karaoke with prizes 9pm
l AMSTERDAM Angelica’s 85th
Bir thday Bash: cabaret from Stephanie Von Clitz, DJ Linda Bacardi & running buffet 6pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Par ty Night: alternate DJs: Kirsty Anderson, Jazzy Jane, Charlie Eaton, Patrick Cawley & Michael Adams 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Broadway Jukebox: 90s/00s musical anthems 4pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Saturday Night Fever: 3
superstar DJs 6pm
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 5–11pm, Thur 11am–11pm, Fri 3–11pm, Sat 12–11pm (or till midnight for special events), closed Sun
l MEMBERSHIP The Railway Club is a welcoming members’ club with snooker, billiards, dar ts and table tennis all available to members Perfect for groups, par ties or meetings, it’s friendly and spacious so pop in and join up! Bookings now being taken for Xmas par ties, contact the club for more info
l DRINK PROMOS all night on Sat (30)
l ONE FOR THE DIARY R emembrance Sunday (10): powerhouse vocalist Jennie Castell performs in aid of the Poppy Appeal at 4pm A singer, enter tainer and multi-vocal impressionist, Jennie has shared stages with starss such as Lulu, Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry Expect full-throttle, flawless vocals from this ballsy singer known for her versatility, range and power!
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sat (30) 1950s/60s music with Prophets 2 at 9pm
l REGUL ARS Tue: Swing into the Railway Club for Lindy hop from 7pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fierce DJs 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Trudi
Styles & the Piano Man 9.30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJ 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Candi Rell’s
Karaoke & Cabaret Par ty 8 30pm
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, Son of a Tutu 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN cabaret: Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm
l SUBLINE Mr Subline 2019: fundraiser for THT with hostess Pat Clutcher, THT boys & the grand THT Prize Draw 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Pre home
match warm-up: pie & pint deal: Brighton v Leciester City 12pm; live football: West Ham v Spurs 12 30pm, Man City v Chelsea 5 30pm
l LE VILL AGE Scandalous: LGBT+ night: DJ/host Stephanie Starlet 10pm
l ZONE cabaret: Stephanie Von Clitz 10pm
SUNDAY 24
l AFFINITY BAR cabaret: Stephanie Von Clitz 5pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Sunday Funday 12pm; camp karaoke with Mandy 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 pres: TBA 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: Lola Lasagne 3.30pm; roasts 12.30–4pm
l MARINE TAVERN roasts 12-5pm; Drag Open Mic: Stephanie Von Clitz 8 30pm
l PARIS HOUSE live swing/jazz: Dave Williams & Band 6pm
l 32-34 Russell Sq, BN1 2EF T: 01273 325 652, www regencytavern co uk
l OPEN Sun–Wed 12–11pm, Thur 12pm–12am, Fri & Sat 12pm–1am
l FOOD Mon–Fri 12–3pm & 5–9pm, Sat & Sun 12–9pm; 2 PieMinister pies for £10 all day on Wed; 2 roasts for £19.95 on Sun 12–6pm, booking recommended Christmas bookings now being taken
l DRINK PROMOS 20% off selected drinks every Tue 6–9pm
l HALLOWEEN Sat (2) is Pat Clutcher ’s HALLOWEEN PARTY from 9pm
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Thur is KARAOKE and Open Mic with Chris Hide at 8pm The Regency Tavern say: “It’s that time of the week again - karaoke and open mic night with your fantastic host Chris Hide! He will get you dancing and laughing , so come on down from and sing the night away ”
l REGUL ARS Fri (8 & 22) is CABA-REGENCY with George Mar tin Marino from 8pm; Chris Hide performs live (29) Sat CABARET at 9pm: Lucinda Lashes (9), Trudi Styles & the Piano Man (16), Stephanie Von Clitz (23) and Drag With No Name (30)
l SUBLINE Cum in Your Pants underwear par ty 10pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: Sheffield Utd v Man Utd 4.30pm l LE VILL AGE cabaret: Pat Clutcher 10pm; male stripper & DJ Stacey Swallows midnight; roasts 12-6pm
MONDAY 25
l AFFINITY BAR all day karaoke 12pm; karaoke with Tommy Tanker (aka Pat Clutcher) 7pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Monday Glitter Ball: 70s-00s camp vids 4pm
l BAR BROADWAY Comedy Clips 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 SolbergMick Hamer Trio 2pm; Andy Panayi (sax) & Band 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Kara Van Park’s Musical Mondays 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: Aston Villa v Newcastle 8pm
TUESDAY 26
l AFFINITY BAR Free Jukebox 12pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG #Transvolve Tuesday: Macarena & Sam Pink bring camp, karaoke & queens 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Piano Singalong 9pm
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
l FOOD Pre Home Match Warm-up Pie & Pint Match Deal from 12pm on Sat (2 & 23)
l LIVE SPORT Live football on the big screens - see listings for fixtures
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 SUBLINE BIRTHDAY WEEKEND BIRTHDAY DOUBLE ENDER: Sat (16) & Sun (17) from 10pm: celebrate 9 years of Subline with buffet and bubbly at midnight on Sat (16), £5 entry; late night CABARET with Mrs Moore on Sun (17), £3 entry Steven Lee, owner of Subline, says: “ WHAT THE ACTUAL FLIP?! When I first opened Subline, I never imagined I'd be here almost a decade later and now I own the bloody place! Sarcasm aside, thanks to EVERYONE who has been on this journey with me, I’m looking forward to many more years of fun, frolics, fundraising, fraternity, friendship, 'family' and other F words We're going to celebrate on Saturday with one of my traditional birthday buffets and bountiful bottles of bubbly, and on Sunday with late night cabaret (at Subline?! I Know!) from Mrs Moore (on the stage for once, not out the back!)
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Sat (23) is MR SUBLINE 2019 with hostess Pat Clutcher and the THT boys bringing you the cream of the crop to compete for the title from 9pm, entry £6 members/£6 otherwise donated to THT
l REGUL ARS Wed: HUMP DAY, all welcome, free for members! l Thur: BRACE YOURSELF men’s night, free l Fri: kick-star t the weekend at 10pm: (8) DIRTY TACKLE spor tswear night: £3 in kit or £5; (15) FILTH strict fetish night, advance tickets online; get hot hot hot (22 & 29) at STEAM, £3/£5 l Sat: turn up the heat at MEN’S ROOM, £3/£5; l Sat (2) is LEATHER MEET free in leather/rubber or £5; l Sat (30) LEATHERMEN CHRISTMAS (!) free in leather/rubber or £5 l Sun: GUILT FREE PLEASURES, members free or £5; l Sun (24) CUM IN YOUR PANTS underwear only par ty, members £3 or £5
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: Spurs v Olympiakos & Man City v Donetsk 8pm
l LE VILL AGE Switch Craft with Kryan Shayne 10pm
WEDNESDAY 27
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 All that Jazz: vocalist & live band 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Now
That’s What I Call Legends: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Student Sessions 8pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Drag With No
Name‘s Snakes & Kn@ckers 8.30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Pink Pound 7pm
l PARIS HOUSE live music: Sara Oschlag Trio 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate’s Hump Show 10pm
l SUBLINE Hump Day 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: Valencia v Chelsea 5.55pm,
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 from 1–11pm
l DRINK PROMOS check at the bar for special offers
l FOOD Mosaic pop up kitchen and occasional supper club – ask at the bar for more info
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Thursdays are DARTS & BEERS nights at Velvet Jacks Jackie says; “Come join us on the oche!”
Liverpool v Napoli 8pm
l LE VILL AGE Dave Lynn show 10pm
THURSDAY 28
l AFFINITY BAR Drag Bingo with Lovinia Belle & prizes 8pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG #Transvolve
Thursday: camp karaoke & queens with Wonda Starr & Sam Pink 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Drag Race UK Viewing Par ty 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY Ross’ Gift Emporium Quiz: host Ross Cameron & prizes 8pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ultra
UV Par ty: 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: Pollito Boogaloo 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Leading Ladies cabaret: Pat Clutcher 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN Open mic with Chris Hide 8pm
l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live
football: Astana v Man Utd 3 50pm, Braga v Wolves 5.55pm, Arsenal v Frankfurt 8pm
l LE VILL AGE Sync for Your Life: karaoke/open mic with George Mar tin Marino 9pm
FRIDAY 29
l AFFINITY BAR Wigs & Beads Karaoke with drag hostess 8pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Friday Night Live: camp karaoke with DJ Glyn-Sing 9pm; ShowTime with Domina Tryx 11pm; karaoke till 3am
l AMSTERDAM cabaret: Spice 9 30pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY TGIF Madness: resident/guest DJs 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY Par ty Jukebox: 80s/90s musical anthems 5pm; The Sea Serpents RFC pres The Full Monty: fun & laughs raising money for the club 7pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Night
Shift: DJ David Noakes 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Friday Old School
Sessions: WAD special 8pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fabulous Friday: DJ Morgan Fabulous 9pm
L E V I L L A G E
l 2-3 High Street, Brighton, BN2 1RP , Tel: 01273 681634
l OPEN Mon–Thur noon–1.30am, Fri–Sun 11am–2.30am
l FOOD Sunday roasts 12–6pm, £6: chicken, beef, pork and nut roast, served with all the trimmings Ask at the bar for desser t of the day!
l DRINK PROMOS Monday Madness with selected drinks 99p all day
l ONE FOR THE DIARY SUNDAY SABBATH with top cabaret at 10pm: Peggy Wessex (3), Lucinda Lashes (10), Precious (17) and Pat Clutcher (24) Top off your weekend with a male stripper at midnight, followed by top tunes from DJ Stacey Swallows!
l REGUL ARS Tue: SWITCH CRAF T with Kr yan Shayne at 10pm Le Village say: “Play some Cards Against Humanity with the Coven W itch Trash that is Kryan Shayne #LetsGetImmortal Prizes and Potions to be won!” l Wed: the Dave Lynn residency with the drag queen of drag queens causing a scene from 10pm
l Thur: SYNC FOR YOUR LIFE open mic & karaoke with George Mar tin at 9pm l FABULOUS FRIDAYS with top cabaret at 10pm: Mrs Moore (1), Stephanie Von Clitz with DJ Fab (8), Pat Clutcher (15), Dave Lynn (22) and Kara Van Park (29) l Sat: SCANDALOUS with dazzling scene personality DJ Stephanie Starlet, winner of Miss Alternative Brighton, hosting a LGBTQIA fun packed night from 10pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Pat Clutcher 9.30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Brighton Belles: local cabaret stars & guests 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Big Friday Cabaret: Lucinda Lashes 10pm
l REGENCY TAVERN live music: Chris Hide 9pm
l SUBLINE Steam 10pm
l LE VILL AGE cabaret: Kara Van Park 10pm
l ZONE cabaret: Topsie Redfern 10pm
SATURDAY 30
l AFFINITY BAR camp cabaret: Pat Clutcher 6.30pm; karaoke 8pm
l ALL NEW BULLDOG Wonda Starr’s Qween of the Night St Andrew’s Day
Special: camp karaoke with prizes 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 Broadway Jukebox: 90s/00s musical anthems 4pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BOUTIQUE Roof Terrace Par ty 8pm
l CHARLES ST TAP Fierce DJs 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR cabaret: Sally Vate 9 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJ 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Candi Rell’s
Karaoke & Cabaret Par ty 8 30pm
l PARIS HOUSE Charity Fundraiser in Memory of Steve Aston with a variety of acts raising money for the charity 3pm; Andy the Dandy DJ 9pm
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 ever y day, excl 7pm–close on Fri & Sat
l ONE FOR THE DIARY Saturday CABARET at 10pm: Sally Vate (2 & 16), Davina Sparkle (9), Stephanie Von Clitz (23) and Chris Hide (30) Chris Hide is a vocalist and singing teacher who star ted out in the industry at the tender age of 18 through competing in reality TV show Pop Idol! Chris says: “Since Pop Idol, I've performed live at Wembley Arena and with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Sir Elton John! When music's in your blood it's there for good so it’s time to throw on my mermaid jacket and head down for a singsong at the Zone! Feel free to join in the fun and if you’re nice I’ll let you write offensive words in my sequins!”
l REGUL ARS Friday with top CABARET at 10pm: JP Christian (1 & 15), Miss Jason (8), Stone & Street (22) and Topsie R edfern (29)
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live football: Newcastle v Man City 12.30pm, Southampton v Watford 5.30pm
l LE VILL AGE Scandalous: LGBT+ night: DJ/host Stephanie Starlet 10pm
l ZONE cabaret: Chris Hide 10pm
SUN 1 DEC - WAD
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Bar 7’s 7th
Bir thday Par ty & WAD Karaoke 5pm
l BAR BROADWAY WAD Disney-esque Karaoke for THT Brighton with Miss Disney
& Alfie Ordinary 4pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS free hot drinks for those attending the WAD Memorial Service + collection for THT 12pm; roasts/select menu 12pm– till gone
l CHARLES ST TAP WAD Annual Fundraiser for THT South with host Drag WIth No Name + Hear t & Soul, Lola Lasagne, Kara Van Park, Sally Vate, Mrs Moore, Vicky Vivacious, Rose Garden, Jason Thorpe & Pat Clutcher 7 30pm; roasts 12pm
FRIDAY 1
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD We Love Fridays: DJ Toby Lawrence 9pm SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Haus of Edge DJs 10pm
l EDGE Haus of Edge: DJs Craig Law & KT + £50 bar tab giveaway 10pm
SATURDAY 2
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Blank: DJs Missy
B & Rob Davis 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR The Big One 7pm
l EDGE The Big One: DJs Morgan Fabulous & KT 10pm
SUNDAY 3
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 90s-Now 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Aura Jay’s Cabaret v Karaoke 10pm
MONDAY 4
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20Something: DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Mates Rates: DJ Darcy Buckland 10pm
TUESDAY 5
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Cherry’s Bingo & cabaret 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Candy Floss DJs 11pm
l EDGE Candy Floss: DJ Audio K9 11pm
WEDNESDAY 6
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 7
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Night on the Lashes: Lucinda Lashes + karaoke & tunes 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Quiz Queens: drag hosts Aura Jay & Bella Black 8pm
l EDGE Get Dir ty: DJ Liam Searle 10pm
FRIDAY 8
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD We Love Fridays: DJ Toby Lawrence 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Haus of Edge DJs 7pm
l EDGE Haus of Edge: DJs Craig Law & KT + £50 bar tab giveaway 10pm
SATURDAY 9
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Blank: DJs Missy B & Rob Davis 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR The Big One 7pm
l EDGE The Big One: DJs Jon & Trick 10pm
SUNDAY 10
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 90s-Now 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Aura Jay’s Cabaret v Karaoke 10pm
MONDAY 11
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20Something: DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor 9pm
l OPEN The Edge: daily from 10pm The Box Bar: Tue–Sat from 7pm Closed for private event on Fri (22)
l HAPPY HOURS Box Bar: 2-4-1 cocktails 7pm–midnight every day (till 8pm on Wed); l The Edge: £1 50 shots & £2 house doubles on Mon, 2 candyfloss cocktails £6 on Tue, £1 50 drinks on Wed, half price drinks till midnight on Thur, cocktails from £5 on Fri, £1 50 singles/£3 doubles on Sun
l WORLD AIDS DAY Sat (30) is the WAD Fundraiser raising money for THT from 7pm, free entry till 10pm; then DJs R ob Davies & Neil Sackley in the club from 10pm
l REGUL ARS Sun: CABARET V KARAOKE with drag host Aura Jay l Mon: MATES RATES in the Box Bar with DJ Darcy Buckland, free entry l Tue is CANDY FLOSS with DJ Audio K9 spinning pop classics all night l Wed: BEAUTY & 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 Thur: QUIZ QUEENS with drag host duo Aura Jay & Bella Black, plus a chance to win a cash prize, at 8pm, then GET DIRTY with DJ Liam Searle in the club l Fri: HAUS OF EDGE with DJs Craig Law & KT & £50 bar tab giveaway l Sat: THE BIG ONE from 10pm with three bars, two dancefloors & DJs: Morgan Fabulous & KT (2), Jon & Trick (9), King K & KT (16) and Claire Fuller & Trick (23) The Edge say: “Are you feeling ready to handle THE BIG ONE? We're bringing you TWO floors of unmissable anthems, drink deals and some of the biggest and best DJs from across the country playing you non-stop house and dance remixes downstairs, with cheesy pop upstairs!”
WEDNESDAY 13
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 14
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Night on the Lashes:
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Quiz Queens: drag hosts Aura Jay & Bella Black 8pm
l EDGE Get Dir ty: DJ Liam Searle 10pm
FRIDAY 15
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Official
Por tsmouth Pride 2020 Launch Par ty: DJ Toby Lawrence, host Cherry Liquor & guests Miss Anticipation, Miss Lemon Drizzle & Clare DeLoon + date, theme &
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 Fri (15) is the OFFICIAL PORTSMOUTH PRIDE 2020 LAUNCH PARTY with DJ Toby Lawrence, host Cherr y Liquor and guests Miss Anticipation, Miss Lemon Drizzle & Clare DeLoon from 7pm, entry £5 with all proceeds to Por tsmouth Pride 2020 Date, theme and location of Por tsmouth Pride 2020 to be announced at this event!
l REGUL ARS WE LOVE FRIDAYS with DJ Toby Lawrence spinning tunes to get you moving, £3 b4 10pm/£5 after l Sat: BLANK with DJs R ob Davis & Missy B cranking up the par ty vibes with the latest char t remixes from 9pm
l Sun: 90S–NOW, free entry l Mon: 20SOMETHING with banging tunes cour tesy of DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor, entry £5
l Win up to £500 every Tue at CHERRY’S BINGO with top drag acts from 7pm l Wed: BIG NAVY NIGHT OUT with host Aura- Jay’s Karaoke from 9pm, free entry l Thur: A NIGHT ON THE LASHES with the legendary Lucinda Lashes hosting karaoke and dishing out the ditties from 9pm, free entry
location of Por tsmouth Pride 2020 announced 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Haus of Edge DJs 7pm
l EDGE Haus of Edge: DJs Craig Law & KT + £50 bar tab giveaway 10pm
SATURDAY 16
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Blank: DJs Missy B & Rob Davis 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR The Big One 7pm
l EDGE The Big One: DJs King K & KT 10pm
SUNDAY 17
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 90s-Now 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Aura Jay’s Cabaret v Karaoke 10pm
MONDAY 18
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20Something: DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Mates Rates: DJ Darcy Buckland 10pm
TUESDAY 19
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Cherry’s Bingo & cabaret 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Candy Floss DJs 11pm
l EDGE Candy Floss: DJ Audio K9 11pm
WEDNESDAY 20
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Big Navy Night Out with Aura Jay’s karaoke 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
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 21
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Night on the Lashes: Lucinda Lashes karaoke & tunes 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Quiz Queens: drag hosts Aura Jay & Bella Black 8pm
l EDGE Get Dir ty: DJ Liam Searle 10pm
FRIDAY 22
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD We Love Fridays: DJ Toby Lawrence 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR closed for private event
l EDGE Haus of Edge: DJs Craig Law & KT + £50 bar tab giveaway 10pm
SATURDAY 23
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Blank: DJs Missy B & Rob Davis 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR The Big One 7pm
l EDGE The Big One: DJs Claire Fuller & Trick 10pm
SUNDAY 24
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 90s-Now 9pm SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Aura Jay’s Cabaret v Karaoke 10pm
MONDAY 25
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 20Something: DJs Lee Harris & Luke Ennor 9pm SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Mates Rates: DJ Darcy Buckland 10pm
TUESDAY 26
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Cherry’s Bingo & cabaret 7pm
l BOX BAR Candy Floss DJs 11pm
l EDGE Candy Floss: DJ Audio K9 11pm
WEDNESDAY 27
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 28
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Night on the Lashes: Lucinda Lashes karaoke & tunes 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR Quiz Queens: drag hosts Aura Jay & Bella Black 8pm
l EDGE Get Dir ty: DJ Liam Searle 10pm
FRIDAY 29
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD We Love Fridays: DJ Toby Lawrence 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR WAD Fundraiser for THT: Haus of Edge DJs 7pm
l EDGE WAD Fundraiser for THT: Haus of Edge: DJs Craig Law & KT + £50 bar tab giveaway 10pm
SATURDAY 30
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD Blank: DJs Missy B & Rob Davis 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l BOX BAR WAD Fundraiser for THT: The Big One 7pm
l EDGE WAD Fundraiser for THT: The Big One: DJs Rob Davies & Neil Sackley 10pm
SUNDAY 1 DEC
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD 90s-Now 9pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE WAD Fundraiser for THT: Aura Jay’s Cabaret v Karaoke 10pm
DANCE MUSIC
BY QUEEN JOSEPHINE & KATE WILDBLOOD
WILDBLOOD & QUEENIE’S NOV NUGGETS
The only reason we ’ re on these pages writing about the music that we love is because of one man. A man who believed in every aspect of our LGBTQI+ community, even the bits like us that weren’t that keen on Eurovision. (Ooops did we just say that in a gay magazine?!) A man who had our back, regardless of our crazy plans. A generous and wonderful man in glorious shirts who we can’t believe we won’t bump into again. James these two old camp lesbians will miss you. The gossip, the advice, the dramas, the advocacy, the support, the giggles when we least expected it But, to paraphrase a certain Eurovision classic, even though you are gone, gone, gone, we’ll keep singing dinga-dong After all, we reckon that’s just what you would want us to All camp like All Ledward like Rest In Peace dear friend
) ABBA Waterloo Atlantic
One for the Eurovision queen that is James Ledward
) DETROIT SWINDLE The Life Behind Things Heist Recordings
Never one to let you down, Detroit Swindle deliver a class cut
) BUSTIN' LOOSE Midnight in the Big Smoke Toy Tonics
Soul meets house meets disco, melts your heart with one play
) BASSICALLY Walk Right In (Maxxi Soundsystem remix) Fossil Sounds Deep and dangerously delicious, one to feed the deep house addicts.
) PAPER STREET SOUL Always on My Mind Citizens Of Vice
The queen of disco edits delivers a right bobby dazzler
) PARISSIOR & Jandro Sanchez Don't Worry About It Hot Digit
Hot disco from Hot Digit – what more do you need to know?
) MIDLAND The Alchemy of Circumstance Graded
The master returns with a slice of beautifully warped electronica
) WAAJEED Abracadabra Deviation
Forever a man to deliver, Waajeed keeps it right and proper.
) PROK | FITCH feat Kyozo Crave The Rave Relief
Our favourite Brighton DJ duo keep the beats dead smiley.
) HOTMOOD Samba E Sabor Samosa Records
Sweet and spicy disco infused grooves to keep you toasty this autumn.
) CREW SDR Don't Give Up (DJ Rocca Edit) Daje Funk Records
Stylish soulful disco grooves we can’t get enough of
) PINTO (NYC) My Lover Refuge Recordings
One for the lovers of right decent back in the day house music.
) LEWIS CLAYTON Cypher (Original Mix) Daze
Local label delivers local lad ensuring the dance is had till dawn.
) CROMBY Gigolo Unknown to the Unknown
Feel the crunch as Cromby takes us higher with his Gigolo grooves.
) BUTCH LE BUTCH Make Me Feel (Disco Socket rework) Bandcamp Disco thrills with a house bassline – what more could a girl want?
) Catch Wildblood and Queenie doing our thing on 1BTN radio 1st & 3rd Friday from 1-4pm 101.4FM and online 1btn.fm, and at Club
Barbra, West Hill Tavern, Brighton on Friday, Nov 1. wildbloodandqueenie.com
DJ PROFILE: LUKE ENNOR
It’s that time of year again, when the trees are dispensing of their leaves and those bonfires are being stoked up! Jumpers, coats, hats and scarves at the ready indeed – though really the best display should come down at the disco! So, as the rockets whoosh up into the increasingly dark skies, it’s time to set your fireworks off on the dancefloor good people This November, Queenie catches up with the sparkler that is the glorious Luke Ennor, who’s ready to make sure this month is a proper banger
Hello, how are you?
Hi, I’m well thank you Keeping myself very busy with work!
Where are you DJing these days?
At the moment I’m DJing at Hampshire Boulevard in Portsmouth on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays and at Scarlet Tap also in Portsmouth on Fridays and Saturdays Then, to make sure I use up every night of the week, you can find me at Yates in Southampton on Thursdays!
Any exciting projects going on at the moment?
At the moment definitely the most exciting projects I have going on are the plans for Portsmouth Pride 2020 I will be running and providing stage lighting and sound along with many other things After a very successful 2019 we ’ re looking forward to making it even bigger and better next year!
What music rocks your world these days?
At the moment I’d say the music that is rocking my world has got to be DISCO It’s fun to play, listen to and of course dance to too
Fave tune of all time?
My favourite song of all time comes as quite a surprise to some people because it’s quite a basic song but it has got to be the completely fabulous Robin S with Show Me Love
Describe yourself in three words.
If I had to choose three words to describe myself I’d probably say I’m fun, a laugh and happy I never take life too seriously and I’m always up for a good time!
DJ LUKE ENNOR’S CURRENT TOP FIVE
) SIGALA & Becky Hill Wish You Well (Alex Hobson remix) MoS/B1
) CALVIN HARRIS & Rag’n’Bone Man Giant (PDM remix) Columbia
) FATBOY SLIM Praise You (Purple Disco Machine remix) Defected
) ROBERTO SURACE Joys Defected
) KISCH Say You’re Mine Tool Room
NEW QUEERS ON THE BLOCK WEEKENDER Quarterhouse, Folkstone, www.marlboroughtheatre.org.uk
) NEW QUEERS ON THE BLOCK WEEKENDER (Fri 1–Sat 2) Taking place in Folkstone, this is a programme of experimental performances, conversations and video works by a line-up of local and international LGBT+ artists. IRA BRAND invites you to a series of duets about power relations, the ways we give in and take control. ) WAYS TO SUBMIT is a powerful examination of what it means to play at dominance and submission, and who has the privilege to ‘play’? ) LAST YEARZ INTERESTING NEGRO‘ s i ride in colour and soft focus, no longer anywhere prioritises the now over yesterday, pleasure over doing it right, the responsibilities of blackness and queerness, the feeling of being possessed by other people’s fantasies – and the fear that our own would just be too rude. )
BENJAMIN SEBASTIAN’s NB/GNC: Mourning Call dives into the erasure of non-binary identities and self-policing within LGBT+ communities. ) SUBIRA WAHOGO delivers poetry with rage, softness and queerness in its multitudes and blackness at its fullness!
) ISTANBUL QUEERS ART COLLECTIVE takes on the Home Office’s anti-immigrant bureaucracy and SAMIR KENNEDY portrays council estate’s queer zombies All events are Pay What You Decide
ARTISTS OPEN HOUSES
www.aoh.org.uk
) ARTISTS OPEN HOUSES
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 2019 (weekends Nov 23–Dec 8) in Brighton, Hove, Rottingdean and Ditchling An opportunity to buy unique Christmas gifts, ceramics, homewares, crafts, jewellery, toys, Christmas cards and foodie gifts Many houses offer mince pies and mulled wine to get you into the festive mood. Highlights include local LGBT+ community favourites at 11 Rugby Rd, BN1 6EB, in their Winter Wonderland space full of illustrations, cards, custom baubles, silver jewellery, ceramic flowers and crochet sprouts!
ATTENBOROUGH CENTRE
University of Sussex, Falmer, www.attenboroughcentre.com
) LUCY McCORMICK: MOST POPULAR (Fri 22) Following her genre-defying Triple Threat, McCormick is back with help from
which features past principal performers from Les Misérables singing hits from various musicals CAROLINE OF BRUNSWICK
) SLEEP PARALYSIS (Sun 17) Join host Fuchsia Von Steel and guests for a unique blend of glamour, grotesque and comedy.
) DRAG KING OPEN MIC NIGHT (Fri 22). King Sammy Silver new open mic night for drag kings.
EL GEEBEE TEA QUEUE
The Brunswick, Holland Rd, Hove, www.thebrunswick.net/buytickets
) EL GEEBEE TEA QUEUE (Fri 8).
equality inherently mean we have achieved real racial sensitivity? Brother Insect explores what it means to navigate space invisibly, whilst being visibly black.
) LIVIA RITA & THE AVANTGARDENERS COLLECTIVE: FUGA FUTURA (Sat 23). Be transported to a synthesiserdrenched world with a gang of dancing witches who will fill the Marly with Livia’s wearable art to lush sounds from the band Livia’s music collides into a furious, dreamy and tantalising live show; a surreal 4D music video immersing us in her post-human utopia of future feminism and abundant queer ecology
NEW WRITING SOUTH
her Girl Squad Samir & Lennie and her trademark concoction of dance, song and absurdist art to crawl through the annals of history in an enthusiastically humiliating exploration of power and purpose. 'Utterly indelicate and completely unpredictable… If only more history lessons were like this’ The Guardian.
) BENT DOUBLE (Sun 3). A gayfriendly, irreverent night of fun and frolics hosted by Zoe Lyons (Mock the Week and Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow) Featuring headliner Lucy Porter with Sam Lake and Sophie Duker
BEYOND THE BARRICADE
Theatre Royal, New Rd, Box office: 08448 717650
) BEYOND THE BARRICADE (Wed 27) Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the UK’s longest running musical theatre concert
An evening of LGBT+ comedy and cabaret with host Paul Diello plus Annabelszki, Max Legroom, Battenburg, Bekka Whitney, Jo Crocker and Emma Clowsley. JUBILEE LIBRARY
Jubilee Square, Brighton www.brighton-hove.gov.uk
) SUNDAY SCREEN: as part of their regular free film screenings, Jubilee Library are commemorating WAD 2019 with HIV themed films (1 30pm, Sun, Nov 24 & Sun, Dec 1) in Conference Room 2 on the Mezzanine Level Check posters in the library for details of the films
MARLBOROUGH THEATRE
4 Princes St, Brighton, www.brownpapertickets.com
) NEW QUEERS ON THE BLOCK present SEA SHARP’s BROTHER INSECT and SUBIRA JOY & WANDIA NDUKU’s, JOY NDUKU (Thur 21) Wandia and Subira are identical queer brown twins exploring gender, sexuality, blackness, and what it means to be twins in a world governed by the push and pull politics of assimilation and individualism. Can symbols of progressive racial
9 Jew St, Brighton BN1 1UT ) New Writing South presents MARIA JASTRZęBSKA IN CONVERSATION WITH SUZANA TRATNIK (Thur 21) Award-winning Slovenian author and programmer of the LGBT Film Festival Ljubljana, Suzana Tratnik talks with Maria Jastrzębska, Brighton-based poet, feminist, playwright and co-founder of Queer Writing South Suzana will read from Games With Greta & Other Stories. A rare opportunity to hear one of Slovenia’s foremost authors discuss literature, activism and LGBT+ issues in Europe today.
WAD CONCERT 2019
St Mary’s Church, 61 St James' St, Brighton BN2 1PR ) BRIGHTON & HOVE WORLD AIDS DAY CONCERT 2019 (Sun 1 Dec). Performances from: Actually Gay Men’s Chorus, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, Rainbow Chorus, Resound Male Voices, Sweet Chilli Singers and Qukulele All performers give their time free, and all profits from ticket sales and the bucket collection will be donated to Lunch Positive, the weekly HIV+ lunch club Tickets: £12 from BGMC website (no fees) and Prowler on St James’ St. Capacity is limited so book early to avoid disapointment.
CL ASSICAL NOTES
REVIEWS
) TESSA LARK, Fantasy (First Hand Records FHR86) Young Kentucky-born violinist Tessa Lark treads a well-worn path with the title of her debut recording, Fantasy However, her choice of repertoire here is far from predictable, with three of Telemann’ s Fantasies, and her own
Appalachian Fantasy nestling amongst the more familiar Schubert Fantasie and Ravel’ s Tzigane. Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) was an incredibly prolific composer, and yet his work is still surprisingly often overlooked. The twelve Fantasies for solo violin are gems, and whilst clearly showing influences of Bach and Corelli, they have their own distinctive voice, and Lark gives us three of them here The dark Grave of the first contrasts with its dancing Allegro sections, and the fourth has great energy in its outer sections The fifth is perhaps the showiest of Lark’s selection here, but it too has a brief moment of calm in its brief Andante before the final dashing Allegro. In all of these, Lark’s tone is bright and full of life, and she brings out the challenging counterpoint and frequent double-stoppings with poise and ease. Schubert’ s Fantasie For Violin & Piano is an extended single movement (at around 25 minutes in all), although it does have a number of distinct sections, and Schubert draws on one of his own songs, Sei mir gegrüsst for the basis of four variations that form the bulk of the piece, following a beautifully singing opening and a playful allegretto, with violin and piano in canon. Lark and Amy Yang (piano) enjoy the playfulness here, and both instruments have a lot to show off about in the challenging variations Apart from wanting a
tad more richness of tone in the opening, there is little to fault here, and this is definitely a performance of equals, with Yang relishing the rich textures of Schubert’s writing for the piano Lark then follows the Schubert with a real treat – her own composition, Appalachian Fantasy, highlighting another side to her musical heritage as a traditional fiddler. With her violin retuned to produce the traditional open string doublestopping drones, she draws on the melody from the Schubert, as well as bringing in traditional Appalachian tunes, such as Cumberland Gap and Bonaparte’s Retreat, in a fabulously infectious demonstration of her phenomenal talent here Fritz Kreisler’ s (18751962) Viennese Rhapsodic Fantasietta, despite the mouthful of a title, is a typically delightful Kreisler encore concoction, harking back to the heyday of the Viennese waltz, and Lark and Yang give this warmth and a sense of sweet nostalgia. Ravel’ s Tzigane is a bravura showpiece for violin, although again, the piano part is not to be sniffed at, and Yang rises to its challenges well Lark throws off the virtuosic gypsy flourishes with appropriate abandon, making this a lively and exuberant finish to the disc All in all, this is a highly impressive calling card, amply demonstrating the range of Lark’s talents.
) MUSICA SECRETA, From Darkness Into Light (Obsidian CD719) You may have had the opportunity to catch Musica Secreta performing last month in the Brighton Early Music Festival, and launching their new CD, From Darkness Into Light, which includes the complete Lamentations of Jeremiah by Antoine Brumel (c.1460-1512/13), recently discovered by Musica Secreta codirector, Laurie Stras, in a
Florentine manuscript An abbreviated form of the work, consisting of just two verses and refrain, have been known and performed for many years, but incredibly, Laurie found the complete set, with no fewer than an additional 17 verses, hiding in plain sight in a 16th century manuscript. As a close supporter and friend of Musica Secreta, I can’t claim complete independence in terms of a review of their performances here (although they are stunning!), but this is incredible music by any measure, and the Brumel is joined on
CINEMA
recording with a selection of music taken from a convent manuscript, including works by Josquin des Prez (c 1450/55-1521) and Loyset Compère (c.1445-1518). All the music is sung exquisitely here by the nine female voices of Musica Secreta, accompanied by Claire Williams on organ and Alison Kinder on viol. I can’t recommend this highly enough.
Reviews, comments and events: v nicks-classical-notes.blogspot.co.uk t @nickb86uk ) nbclassical@hotmail.co.uk
) The Royal Ballet perform Concerto (Kenneth MacMillan) and other short ballets, including Ashton’s Enigma Variations and Petipa’s Raymonda Act III, live from the Royal Opera House (Tue 5).
) Showing live from the Metropolitan Opera are Puccini’s Madama Butterfly (Sat 9) and Philip Glass’s Akhnaten (Sat 23).
In a range of local cinemas, including: Duke of York’s/Dukes at Komedia, Brighton, Odeon Brighton, Connaught Theatre, Worthing, Cineworld, Eastbourne, and the Picture House, Uckfield Check for times
CONCERTS
BRIGHTON EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL www.bremf.org.uk
) Check last month’s preview, but highlights remaining (until Nov 10) include the BREMF Live! Showcase (Sat 2), Hildegard Transfigured (Fri 8), Ovid & Handel, with music from Apollo and Daphne and Semele performed by the BREMF Players & Singers (Sat 9), and the festival’s closing extravaganza, Feast of Fools, featuring BREMF Community Choir, BREMF Consort of Voices, Streetfunk dancers, and children from local primary schools (Sun 10)
THE MUSIC OF BRITISH CINEMA
Brighton Dome, 01273 709709, www.brightondome.org
Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, 01323 412000, www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk
) The London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Weeden, with Piers Lane (piano), celebrate the music of British cinema, with music by Rachmaninov (Brief Encounter), Jarre (Lawrence Of Arabia), Rodney Bennett (Murder on the Orient Express) and more (7 30pm, Sat 2, Brighton; 3pm, Sun 3, Eastbourne)
NICHOL A S YONGE SOCIETY
Sussex Downs College, Lewes, www.nylewes.org.uk
) The Fitzwilliam String Quartet with Nancy Cooley (piano) perform Purcell, Delius, Elgar and Vaughan Williams, and a Nocturne by local composer Julian Broughton (7.45pm, Fri 29).
BRIGHTON UNITARIAN CHURCH
New Road, 01273 696022, www.brightonunitarian.org.uk
) Pianist Ivan Hovorun performs Beethoven’ s Hammerklavier Sonata, Op. 106 (Fri 1), then composer and guitarist Matthew Sear plays music including Lauro, Satie, Albeniz and Villa-Lobos, as well as his own compositions (Fri 8). Also this month, the LIPS quintet perform virtuosic contemporary wind quintet music (Fri 15), and two recitals of opera Lieder and other songs (Fri 22 & 29). All concerts at 12.30pm.
ALL THAT JAZZ
) MILES DAVIS Rubberband (Warner). In 1985 trumpeter Miles Davis controversially left Columbia Records, his recording home for 30 years, and joined Warner Brothers. He started work on a new album, but record boss, Tommy LiPuma, thought the material weak and the project was shelved in favour of what would become Tutu Thirty plus years on, the music has been dusted down and reworked by his son Erin and nephew Vince Wilburn, with Lalah Hathaway and Ledisi singing the vocals originally slated for Chaka Khan and Al Jarreau. So, now that it’s finally been released, is Rubberband worth the wait? Well, yes and no! Miles never looked back in his life, always seeking out the latest popular music. Here, he favoured commercial soul and funk, strong on vocals and street sounds. Unfortunately, such music sounds dated today, reeking as it does of 1980s’ sleek production values But, of course there is always Miles, playing his heart out on each track Best of all is Give It Up, where he channels his inner Prince Cumulatively, it is not quite the turkey one might have expected, but a 60-year-old man getting down with the kids is always going to jar a little Still, it’s good that Rubberband is finally available Listen in, and make up your own mind
) TRYGVE SEIM Different Rivers (ECM) Norwegian saxophonist Trygve Seim’ s 2000 debut set for ECM, now reappearing as part of its 50th birthday celebrations, was nothing short of astonishing. Leading a young collection of then largely unknown Scandinavians, with no guitarists or keyboardists among them, Seim delivered a set where the most important instrument was the sound of human breath gently forced through reed, mouthpiece, and metal or wooden tube. This is best heard on the three short duos between Seim and trumpeter Arve Henriksen, where each tentatively explores the sonic possibilities of their respective instruments as they exhale in empathetic conversation Elsewhere, there are stately dances and a waltz that suggests an enervated tango, thanks to its hesitant accordion Overall, Different Rivers is a masterclass in precision and control, in sonic accuracy achieved by that most important of instruments, the human breath It’s a most remarkable achievement.
) AHMAD JAMAL Complete Live at the Pershing Lounge 1958 (State of Art) If you enjoyed the live Spotlite set I reviewed in August’s Gscene, this live recording from the Pershing Lounge on Chicago’s South Side is even better. Recorded over two nights on 16–17 January 1958, it presents pianist Ahmad Jamal, along with bassist Israel Crosby and drummer Vernel Fournier, running through a set of standards and originals, including three different versions of Jamal’s best-known piece, Poinciana As ever with Jamal, he lays down fragile textures and calligraphic melodic statements rather than expounds the propulsive logic of the then common bebop style He makes it sound so effortless, ensuring that this live set is one of the most joyous and rewarding experiences
ART MATTERS
This month I found two opportunities to do a little bit of travel and experience something visual and hopefully memorable One which is purely for looking at, and another where you can bring something back as a treasured memento
TOWNER GALLERY
Eastbourne, www.townereastbourne.org.uk
) BRINK: Caroline Lucas curates the Towner Collection (Nov 23–May 10). Caroline Lucas is the Green Party’s first MP, representing Brighton Pavilion and has also served as an MEP and as Leader and Co-Leader of the Green Party. Caroline is an active campaigner on a range of issues and has consistently been voted the UK’s most ethical politician. A
patron of various arts projects over the years, she currently supports Kollektiv Gallery, ONCA Gallery and Firecracker Theatre Company This autumn, Caroline takes on a new role, as curator of Towner’s latest Collection exhibition Selecting from the 5,000 works in Towner’s permanent Collection, Caroline’s choices reflect and resonate with her passions and interests, from her environmental work, issues of climate change and effects on our landscape, to her love of living in Sussex Showing at the same time as David Nash’s 200 Seasons, there will be a dialogue for visitors between the two exhibitions via their shared environmental interest and message.
BRIGHTON ART FAIR
Lewes Town Hall, Lewes, www.brightonartfair.co.uk
) BRIGHTON ART FAIR (Nov 30 & Dec 1) features some of the best contemporary artists from the UK and abroad, showing and selling their diverse work direct to the public. Having hoped to be back at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange this year, the necessary renovation of this unique and historic building is taking longer than expected mostly due to issues with the unique, large, historic, single span wooden barrel vaulted roof. Nevertheless, Lewes is a perfect venue for the show, it’s beautiful and worth a visit, and has a tradition of supporting the arts dating back centuries The collector and patron, Edward Perry Warren of Lewes House, famously gifted Rodin’s sculpture The Kiss, which is now in the Tate Lewes Town Hall is in the very centre of town opposite the War Memorial at the junction of Market Street and High Street The Town Hall was built in 1892 on the foundations of the Star Inn and the cellars still remain It was from there that the 17 protestant martyrs went to be burnt at the stake (commemorated each year by the riotous Lewes bonfire) The Assembly Rooms predate the Town Hall and are Georgian, while the Corn Exchange is Victorian. Together they will provide a beautiful, light and spacious venue for this year ’ s Art Fair. Opening times: Friday, Nov 29, 6–8.30pm for the private view ticket; Saturday, Nov 30: 10.30am–6pm (last entry 5.30pm); Sunday, Dec 1: 10.30am–5pm (last entry 4.30pm). Tickets are available online or on the door.
) THE LAST QUEEN OF SCOTLAND by Ray Barron-Woolford (£8 99, www austinmacauley com) This superbly researched and engaging book details the life of the most important UK civil-rights activist of the past 100 years you probably knew nothing about. Author BarronWoolford has traced former Kirkcaldy schoolteacher Kath Duncan’ s role in establishing the LGBT+ and civil rights movement in 1930s Britain and revived her struggles and accomplishments. Kath Duncan was a teacher and an activist turned into a leader She was one of the first women to stand as a Parliamentary candidate, was jailed twice for making political speeches, and is responsible for the first House of Commons Civil Rights debate and the establishment of the National Council Civil Liberties, which is known as Liberty today. This book brings Duncan’s passionate struggle as a leading civil rights campaigner who fought for social justice endlessly throughout her life into sharp focus and allows us to revaluate this overlooked working-class woman and pioneering LGBT+ activist and adds another flagstone into the long road and history of equality campaign in the UK’s radical compassionate communities
) PROUD by JJ Perri. Being different can sometimes be dangerous JJ Perri is inspired by the experiences of close friends and family to expose the subtle homophobia still evident within today’s society Set around a fictional school and sixth form college, it takes us into the planning of a high school prom; where the reality of leaving school and friends forever finally dawns. Friendships develop and evolve as the characters experience change and learn from their differing and intersecting experiences, while learning the importance of being
careful behaviour can let you down and fail when events take an unexpected and seriously challenging turn The prose is careful, with a lightness of touch allowing us to understand his characters’ feelings and also gives us insight into their struggle to find self-acceptance and eventually let go. This book is about embracing change and putting loss into perspective and moving on. But when change is the only constant, what needs to be held close and what can be let go?
shock. This is sharp, honest writing that demands your attention, takes no prisoners, tears down the prisons of convention. Chin’s effervescent poems spring from the page, challenge our ideas of acceptable language or narrative flourish, slap us in the face with ugly hard truth and pounce on our mind and keep the pressure up to learn, to really, really understand on a deeper level and accept this unconditionally on her own terms ) ON EARTH
WE’RE
BRIEFLY GORGEOUS by Ocean Vuong (£12 99, Penguin Random House) I’ve reviewed Vuong’s poems before and this being his first novel I’d anticipated it with a real thrill, he doesn’t disappoint. Written as a series of unread letters to his mother who can’t read, Vuong details parts of his life he has never told his mother - his life as a queer Vietnamese American. The narrator’s parents, following a rural Vietnamese tradition of naming a
there, unconditionally for each other The narrative tension keeps up and it’s an emotionally honest, sometimes raw journey It looks unflinching at the torment that can come with growing up feeling, knowing and being ‘different’ and how that can lead to overwhelming feelings of isolation and despair at ever meeting anyone else who will understand us. Proud shows us the importance of looking beyond our own fears and holding trembling open hands of trust to others who we may see in similar situations, or worse ones It gives us honest but funny insights into recognising the sufferings of growing up and into your authentic self is a shared experience, although unique to each of us and the huge value of looking past our own pain to others who might need our support more.
) LETTING GO by Kent Hung (£8.99, Pegasus). The outlook of the main protagonist (Andrew) in Hung’s new novel has been moulded by a childhood brought up alone by his mother, by fear of abandonment and the numerous losses in his life Like all of us he fears loss, but Hung explores his character’s life and the way that long trusted ways of protective and
) CROSSFIRE by Staceyann Chin (£14.99, Haymarket). Crossfire collects Chin's empowering, feminist-LGBT+, Caribbean, activist-driven poetry for the first time in a single book This is powerful urgent intersectional writing which is about the self, the one, the utter delight of being authentic A Jamaican resident of New York City, she has been an ‘out’ poet and political activist since 1998 The New York Times said Chin is “ sassy, rageful and sometimes softly self-mocking.” Her poems certainly have a ravishing simplicity about them, not a word goes spare, no fuss or padding. She can be laugh out loud funny, with the brilliance of an obsidian polished barbed aphorism then dip and shred you into a state of
child something so worthless that the evil spirits might pass over the house and spare him, call him Little Dog It’s almost autobiographical but Vuong takes the best parts of this fictional life and binds them with poetry and prose and writes a story that is deeply relatable, understandable and can find common currency with us all. He uses his differences to connect us, to show the links that bind us, to explore violence, masculinity, poverty and yearning His urgent uncompromising queerness is refreshing, his seductive sensuality spellbinding, and his singular modern voice brings an appealing perspective to his narrative flow. He’s an easy read, but you’ll quickly get carried away by his undercurrents into spaces and places you’d perhaps never thought of exploring or even realised existed. Ravishing.
EXPRESS YOURSELF
Graham Robson caught up with the gorgeous people behind Polyglamorous, the queer dance party!
) For the initiated, what’s Polyglamorous?
We have fun music; it’s space for people to express themselves and dance. Each month we've had a different colour theme where you get discounted entry if you wear the colour!
Who is Polyglamorous?
Drag performers, DJs, photographers, video makers, makeup artists and creative types. What really makes Polyglamorous is the gorgeous people who come each month and party!
Where did it all start?
As a team of creatives working in nightlife in one way or another, we were a group of friends who found ourselves all dressed up with nowhere to go, so we decided to throw our own party. Our first night was on a cold Sunday evening in November in a small venue in an archway on the seafront and 74 people came, all wearing red and the night was made! Looking around the room, seeing everyone dancing to great music wearing red in a red lit room, it was incredible! There was a mood that we'd never seen before People talked to each other, brought together by wearing the same colour, dancing to the music and taking photos of their outfits and then connecting afterwards on social media through our Instagram photos. It was like a secret 'members only' club but everyone was invited!
And inclusivity is at the core of the night Our venue is fully accessible with two areas, one big dance floor, and a quieter area for those who want to sit down and chill out. There's no dress code, no guestlist, no VIP
area. We have all sorts of people turning up, all different ages and backgrounds and there's no attitude. Everyone comes because they want to have a good time!
What's your view on Brighton’s queer scene? There's a great queer scene in Brighton, and something for everyone. There's drag every night of the week, events like Gal Pals, Queer Prom and Traumfrau, queer stand-up comedy nights, queer open mic nights, loads of amazing queer theatre at the Marlborough and Brighton Fringe, plus we have the best Pride in the UK!
Congrats on winning two Golden Handbag Awards, how did you celebrate?
It was amazing. We'd only been running for about six months when we were nominated so it was great to be recognised as Brighton's best clubnight and event for trans and non-binary people The Golden Handbags itself was stunning Everyone was dressed in their best and we were treated to performances from some of the legends of the cabaret scene It's so nice to get everyone that works hard within the LGBTQAI+ community in one room and see just what we can all achieve and give to the community when we try. There was a huge focus on charity, either fundraising or
important projects and groups. It inspired us to start raising money for local organisations that help queer people. Our recent Pride event raised over £700 for MindOut!
Any top tips for newbies?
Arrive early to avoid the queue and get your photo taken by our in-house photographer. Come in a group or come alone, you'll soon make friends. Don't know what to wear? Who cares! Polyglamorous is about expressing yourself! There's plenty of pictures and videos on our Instagram @polyglamorousbrighton if you need some inspiration, and you can also pop down to Beyond Retro where you can get 15% off any item of clothing from the assigned colour rail, provided you're coming, of course! Oh, and don't forget to bring cash for the door, and most importantly HAVE FUN!
What’s next?
We've moved to Chalk in Pool Valley, previously known as The Haunt The new club is purpose built with some of the best lighting and sound in Brighton, as well as a huge stage! This month, we're celebrating one year of Polyglamorous and throwing a pastel birthday party! Everyone’s invited and can expect birthday cake, party dresses, surprise performances and, of course, the best queer bops played by our fab DJs.
info
) Polyglamorous: Pastel Birthday Party, Friday, November 8, Chalk, Pool Valley, Brighton, tickets £6/10: wear pastel for cheap entry. Chalk is fully accessible.
) LEGEND OF THE WITCHES/SECRET RITES (BFI blu-ray). The first in this 1970s double-bill is a fascinating look at the history of witchcraft in England which, in mood, is close to last year ’ s Arcadia with its hauntingly beautiful look at the countryside coupled with hints of something darker Or should that be lighter as, we learn, Lucifer was actually conceived in pre-Christian religions as the bringer of light Some of the black magic rituals tend to go on a bit; however, the film's woodland initiation segment is a fairly stunning piece of cinema Secret Rites similarly features Alex Sanders who was ‘Europe’s most powerful witch’. Unfortunately his lack of charisma and the film’s dull ceremonies, and duller photography, make its 45 minutes a bit of a drag.
(Workshop, 13a Princ Street, Brighton, 01273 7
) 2020 Calendars from £19.95 (Prowler, 112-113 St James's Street, Brighton, 01273 603813)
As yet untitled. Or who knows what tomorrow brings. By
Craig Hanlon-Smith @craigscontinuum
) Friendship is not a wholly unselfish transaction We can surround ourselves with people who tell us we ’ re right on a range of issues, from our family relationships to our political leanings We both bemoan and celebrate the electronic ego strokes of our liked social media posts, which in turn regurgitate the same views back to our smug selves; and yet this is nothing new. We have spent a lifetime honing our own human algorithms to develop and maintain a calm equilibrium akin to a friendship millpond.
One of the reasons social media took off and retains its addictive qualities is that we have an inherent need to be liked, repeatedly. In our younger and less experienced days how many people did we cut loose simply because whatever the complexities of the dramatic pretended reason for our divorce, we just didn’t feel they liked us enough
It is okay not to always like our friends. It is okay to not always like our families. It is okay not always to like our partners, husbands, wives and, I would imagine, children The dislike can be a momentary feeling as we watch them eat a particular way or express a view that surprises us It may be more lasting as they make choices we have advised them not to select (how dare they); the colour of a painted wall, a model of car, a new love We may despair a little at aspects of their lifestyle, annoyed they are not following the same fitness regime as you, or perhaps one at all. You wish they drank less, drank more, slept less, slept more, wore less or wore more of your kind of thing.
It does of course beg the question, who do we think we are? It’s quite normal to be irritated by them and to need to take time out. It stands to reason then that it’s also okay for them to not always like us. The politics of life must be allowed to play out in all directions. We can’t have it our way all of the time
Learning to drive was a testing time in my teenage relationship with my father. Despite
my complete lack of experience or ability to accept that driving was not going to be as easy as it had looked for 17 years, I wanted to be able to do it immediately I also didn’t want to receive any feedback to suggest that I wasn’t able to do it right yet and my tantrums were aplenty. After one particular testing practice session as I careered onto the road that led to our family home, narrowly missing a suburban mix of concrete and children, my father stormed out of the vehicle and tore to pieces the sticky L plates. I watched his anger grow as the damn things wouldn’t leave his fingers and take up residence in their new home, the bin I knew in that moment that my Dad didn’t like me very much
My father and I have been on quite the journey over the years with the ups and downs now thankfully always up The gay revelation was quite the barrier for a period of time He didn’t like it And possibly for the first time in my life (then) I tackled the confusion head on Not to question his surprise at the new information that his eldest son is a homosexual, I may consider contemporary dance performances to the greatest hits of Boney M to have been an almighty clue, but to him I was just being an expressive child.
I asked him to tell me exactly what it was he didn’t like.
“I don’t like thinking about you sticking your penis up another man ’ s arse. ”
Although I had asked the question, I didn’t much like his answer. But in that moment his answer gave me the clarity to understand what I was dealing with and how to help him
overcome it To introduce him to a range of gay authors and their both fictional and otherwise writings To get him to meet intelligent, funny, kind, community orientated gay people To (eventually) introduce him to my betrothed and his family. To normalise, for him, the new information and in turn he would then not be concerned with penises or bottoms.
We live in vociferous times. Who shout the loudest, who tell lies for the longest, look as though they may win the day for now and yet we all hold some responsibility for the world in which we live.
As children we incessantly ask the question why? Why is the bus red? Why is the shop closed? Why is the rain rain? As adults it becomes an irritant and yet here we should emulate the behaviour of children. We have unfortunately become an international people of door slamming upon hearing views, opinion and ideas expressed by others Others in our circle, others in our communities and sometimes just others
There are times when we feel justified in closing down others Their views may appear racist, misogynistic, homo, trans, bi, lesbiphobic, but life isn’t an online account we can snooze for 30 days or block and then share our screenshot ‘blocked-account’ as if we have achieved the blocking skills of an Olympian
At a recent literary event in Brighton, hosted by Damien Barr, writer Dustin Lance-Black talked of the need to invite those we disagree with to our table To eat and drink with those who share different opinions to ours and then to share our stories. It’s through our individual stories and lives therein we have the ability to inspire, encourage and come together with those around us. We may never change their minds, that of course is up to them, but through dialogue we can say that we tried.
It isn’t going to be an easy journey. Our so called leaders are demonstrating the opposite of who we should be. Arguments on every side of each debate have become decorated with a resounding ‘ no ’ . That is no way to behave. A true leader is one who may well disagree with opinions shared, but one who can befriend all in the name of community cohesion One who understands not just the value of community, but its necessity in our contemporary times
Whatever the personal belief or sometime exasperation with the vociferous around us, a true leader and friend is one who knows how to listen We all could and should learn from such a towering example
“A true leader is one who may well disagree with opinions shared, but one who can befriend all in the name of community cohesion. One who understands not just the value of community, but its necessity in our contemporary times.”
CHARLIE SAYS
The medical reports of the poofs.
By Charlie Bauer Phd
http://charliebauerphd blogspot co uk
) So the same day that Priti Patel brings in the unencryption of Facebook because of an increase in terrorism and paedophilia, Westminster is consumed in a police finger pointing scandal of such proportions that it could bring down the Met Bad timing I say We have to ask ourselves are these bogeymen still working? Terrorists tend to be home grown, born and raised in lonely council estate bedrooms. Unsophisticated, like the paedophiles, they are corralled very easily before they have time to act.
I remember the other Home Secretary, Missus May, and the same battle cry back then. But it was the European Council that prevented her from enacting the 'Snoopers’ Charter' on the British people using again - terrorists and kiddie fiddlers on every street corner. She bounced it back and forth for years with no success because it was obviously only about mass surveillance Her only breakthrough happened when she accidentally became Prime Minister and rushed it through without a by-your-leave
Now the current Home Secretary has a different urgency of mass protest, yet she is still trying to go with the hearts and minds of the country with the same devil Why the hell are they hell bent on unencrypting our
phone calls and Facebook communications? Do they really think that we are all Osama bin nowhere's?
In a recent Radio 4 interview Brendan Lewis, the Home Sec’s home boy, mentioned the ‘P’ word nine times in a three minute section and the ‘T’ word seven They are going for the usual reactors: the straight working class families all over again to get the most traction
Anyway, Zuckerberg bought WhatsApp on the proviso that it would remain unencrypted then immediately tried his best to make it unencrypted (data is King) The previous owner, who remained on the board, immediately resigned in a storm (who knows).
But what about our privacy? And why are all those protesters in Hong Kong covering their faces? Why does the Chinese government want to take away the masks? I've no idea Do they want the entire island to get pneumonia? Or is it just good old face recognition software a coming to get you in your sleep? Maybe this is why the London Eco protesters are not using social media as a tool to organise. What will the Home Office do then? GCHQ will be filled with digital tumble-weed.
On a note closer to homeland, I was at the doctors again with a complaint (none of your business) when I asked the vile receptionist about my next appointment. He scrolled down his screen and went silent as he read. As usual he couldn't help me, so I asked him to print out what he had and I'd take it from there with the hospital He printed me the most recent five pages of my complete medical report Genital warts and all
I wondered when it was that I consented to idiot third parties like him having access to my full medical history “No such thing as privacy any more, ” he smiled as he handed me the paperwork
I remember signing off my medical reports being available online some years ago But again, legislation was passed to put it all online in the convening time “Oh, maybe they sent a card,” or “If you have certain illnesses we have to put it online” Which means that some nosey asshole gets first dibs when he's bored
More sinisterly, any one of millions of people, hackers and government offices have access Do I go and pour my head out to my cuddly doctor any more? No Now go see the spike in untreated mental illness.
“We make sure that we vet our staff and third party resources thoroughly ” No, you don't You just do things on the cheap and when that idiot receptionist is eventually fired when the keyboard finally gets clogged with moist Monster Munch, he can email my records to himself and have a hand-shandy at my expense in his bedsit. Or bribe me, but then I have public sex and dodge my VAT so anyone can do that.
So, when you hear that famous cry of the cyber-idiot, “I don't care, I've got nothing to hide” think about that again because I think you do.
“Or is it just good old face recognition software a coming to get you in your sleep? Maybe this is why the London Eco protesters are not using social media as a tool to organise. What will the home office do then? GCHQ will be filled with digital tumble-weed”
HOMELY HOMILY
BY GLENN STEVENS
WORLD AIDS DAY
) When I’ve spoken about World AIDS Day at work, my colleagues ask when the date is. At first I was surprised, but in reality it’s only when something directly affects you or those closest to you, that you become aware more closely of such campaigns So I tell them that World AIDS Day is on December 1
This then starts a conversation about other elements leading up to that day The red ribbon was created back in 1991 in New York when a group of artists wanted to create a symbol that represented the AIDS crisis and allowed anyone to express their support for all those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS Since then many other charities have adopted their own coloured ribbon, showing just how effective this simple idea has been and its positive impact.
The other striking symbol to come out of the AIDS crisis was the making of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt. Inspired by AIDS activist Cleve Jones in 1987, people were invited to stitch the name of someone who had died of AIDS on to a three foot by six foot panel. The project took off with other cities creating their own memorial quilts for the people who died from AIDS
When Brighton Pride was in its infancy, many of the Brighton Names Quilts were laid out in a quiet part of Preston Park for all of us to reflect and remember the many people we had lost The impact these panels had was immediate and highly emotional as we were reminded of just how many Brighton friends and acquaintances had been taken from us far too soon.
In 2012, a group of Brighton volunteers recreated the NAMES Quilt project on a smaller scale with the Hankie Quilt Project, where people were invited to stitch a name on to a hankie, with all the hankies sewn on to a large panel, which became part of the that year ’ s Brighton Pride march.
On World AIDS Day itself there are many projects being run throughout the city with everyone coming together at New Steine Gardens, where the wonderful Brighton AIDS Memorial, TAY, stands
Ten years ago, TAY was created by Brighton artist Romany Mark Bruce and was unveiled by David Furnish The memorial took two years to complete and is made up of two entwined figures, one male, one androgynous, representing the shape of the red ribbon It is here that we all gather for the annual reading of the names of all those we have lost to AIDS Again, this simple idea is another powerful way of us all coming together and remembering all those we have lost to AIDS
So, this World AIDS Day remember your red ribbon, and make a donation to one of the many HIV support groups. Check out the various exhibitions taking place across the city, including displays at Jubilee Library of the Hankie Quilt Project and a replica of the AIDS Memorial.
DUNCAN’S DOMAIN
BY D U N C A N S T E WA R T
BELIEVE IT OR NOT
) Newts are small delicate creatures and a delight to watch, but one of the most ignominious events of my childhood involved one, or to be more accurate, the absence of one. My father, a keen naturalist, had bought an aquarium hoping, quite rightly, that I would be interested in populating it My mother suggested goldfish but he hoped for something less exotic I had heard that the pond on nearby Ball’s Farm contained two species of newt Today a pond containing such treasures would be surrounded by razor wire and patrolled by armed Amphibian Society activists, but this all happened 70 years ago when unpolluted ponds all over the countryside had a plenty of frogs, toads, sticklebacks, water boatmen and dragonfly larvae to attract inquisitive small boys.
My friend and I trespassed our way to the pond and returned unseen with two water-filled glass jars His contained two newts but mine only had a few water snails and some pond weed. On reaching home I cynically hid my failure by accusing my friend of having stolen my newt. Hearing this my father confronted my innocent friend and my dishonesty was revealed and I’ve never forgotten the subsequent shame and humiliation I experienced. Just thinking about it still makes me feel uncomfortable, but I’m grateful to that elusive newt because it taught me the important lesson that sometimes you simply have to accept that you haven’t lived up to other people’s expectations of you; I haven’t told many significant lies since I suspect we all tell small lies quite frequently; exaggerations for effect, lying to make someone feel better with unmerited congratulations and undeserved accolades of the “ you look nice in that” or “that was delicious” - when they didn’t and it wasn’t - sort This is probably justifiable but lying for one ’ s own advantage knowing that you ’ re causing reputational damage to an innocent person is high on the list of unacceptable untruths
I’ve never understood the concept of ‘lying to oneself ’ because there is no lie if there is no attempt to deceive Every liar knows what he’s doing and, lying being a conscious and purposeful act, this must mean that the perpetrator cannot deceive himself We can of course choose to ignore inconvenient facts and overlook our breaches of morality
Yogi Berra, an American baseball player who advised “If you don’t go to other people’s funerals they won’t come to yours ” , was also heard to say that “Half the lies they say about me aren’t true”, which does at least show that he acknowledged his imperfections
“The tragedy of our current political mayhem is that we have arrogant and amoral leaders who lie with impunity and don’t seem to care that as a result they are not trusted”
The tragedy of our current political mayhem both here and across The Pond is that we have arrogant and amoral leaders, and many of their acolytes, who lie with impunity and don’t seem to care that as a result they are not trusted A perfect circle of dysfunction which has perverted political behaviour and reduced our Parliament to a shambles
Maybe Yogi wasn’t as stupid as he sounded when he judged that, “the future ain’t what it used to be ”
MINDOUT
Bouncing back. A MindOut service user shares their experiences of depression, disclosing HIV status, and why MindOut is a safe place to start for those who may just need to talk.
) After 18 years together my husband left me. It was a shock. It was heartbreaking and it left me feeling so very alone in the world. I really never considered a life without him and I didn’t want anything to change. We were so happy, or so I thought.
I learned after he left that he had met someone else. I had my suspicions, but I chalked it up as a midlife crisis. The guy was younger, fit, sexy. I hated him, but I saw the attraction. I honestly thought it was a fling. I could live with that, I’d be patient. It wasn’t long before I found out that they had been together for quite some time, and before him there was someone else and before that a number of other men
The knowledge broke me. We were monogamous, committed In fact he demanded this, there was never any wriggle room here, he was totally against open relationships, he was a man of principles and I would be shut down if I voiced the idea of an open relationship
I spiralled into depression Before this I had some blue moments, felt stressed at times, sad on occasions, but never anything like this I couldn’t work, see people, leave the house or even wash I just didn’t care enough and thinking back I just wanted to die, the pain, the rejection, the loneliness was just too awful for me to live with.
Most of my days were spent in bed, I became an obsessive user of various social networking sites, I was probably addicted to Grindr and Scruff, never hooking up with anyone , just reaching out, talking, desperately hoping for a connection, someone to like me. I needed this because I hated me.
In the early hours of one morning this guy messaged me, I vaguely recognised him, we chatted, he seemed interested in me and told me I has ‘hot’, we definitely had a connection. We chatted into the next day. It lifted me and excited me and for the first time ever I agreed to meet up with someone from the app
We chatted more, continued swapping pictures and videos and I got a bit of a spring back in my step
We planned to go for a drink the coming Saturday, which was massive deal for me My depression started to lift, but I wasn’t out of the woods, life still felt hard My confidence was at rock bottom and socialising, especially with someone I fancied, felt massive!
Leading up to the weekend, during our usual text conversation he asked a question that surprised me, he asked; “Are you clean?”
I honestly thought he was referring to my depression and me not washing, not that I ever told him this I felt a bit anxious, I asked what he meant, I really hoped that we didn’t have any mutual friends and he had learned what a state I had been in
He replied asking if I had AIDS He asked politely, but none the less it shocked and offended me, even more so that this is what he meant by “ are you clean?” I had been living with undetectable HIV for 20 years, so I explained this in my reply. Within seconds he blocked me!
I looked at my phone in disbelief, going back and forth trying to find his profile, but I was definitely blocked. I felt angry, disgusting.
I was shocked that another gay man would treat me this way All my hopes of intimacy were dashed
My confidence drained away, I felt more alone than ever I felt so rejected! If this guy would just block me, would anyone want to get close to me ever again? All my self doubt came flooding back and I felt the heavy cloud of depression swoop down and consume me. I went back to bed for days, back to the comfort of the apps, though more often than not I ended up feeling worse, more lonely, more depressed. Then one night I saw an advert on the app for LGBT+ mental health support. I clicked it, not really thinking why. It took me directly to MindOut’s website, an online chat service.
Luckily for me it was open and I thought well why not? I launched into what had just happened. I spilled my guts about just how awful life was feeling to me. The person on the other end was lovely, kind, didn’t judge and asked all the right questions. It just felt good to share it all, to tell another person, to get it all out of my own head
I felt much calmer at the end of the conversation. I also realised I had to do something about my situation, my feelings, my life I didn’t want to stay in bed forever I needed to talk more, I needed to talk about HIV, how it made me feel, how it affects the rest of my life I realised I had been in denial about an awful lot of things
Getting in touch with the online service was a first step I know I have a long way to go I am so glad I found a safe place to start
JAMES LEDWARD
) James Ledward was a champion of LGBT+ mental health and was very supportive of our work at MindOut Not least was the voice he gave to people who experience mental health issues through the Gscene articles One of his aims was to get people in bars, in the community, to talk about mental health and he achieved that
We’re so grateful to have known him He did so much for our communities, a wonderful man
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.
“I didn’t want to stay in bed forever. I needed to talk more, I needed to talk about HIV, how it made me feel, how it affects the rest of my life. I realised I had been in denial about an awful lot of things”
All our services are independent, impartial and non-judgemental.
Our online support service is open most evenings and weekends, see our website for opening times.
NETTY ’S WORLD
MOVING ON
) By the time you read this, I may be gone We’re moving out of the city we ’ ve proudly called home for 22 years When we arrived in Brighton it was 1998 and we were both 30 We’ve changed so much, as Mohammed Ali said “If you ’ re the same at 50 as you were at 20, you ’ ve wasted 30 years ” . This city has moved on too. No longer is Brighton a seaside town favoured by the Prince Regent for being saucy and gay. In fact, ‘ gay ’ is not a word in either of its senses that I would attribute to this place anymore.
I live in the area formally known as the old gay village. The place was filled with bohemian charm and outrageous characters, like Terri Varley, foul-mouthed and formidable proprietress of the infamous ‘42 Club’. When we moved here, John and Graham, and then Phil and David, presided over the halcyon days of the Bedford Tavern, down the road from the Grosvenor Arms, which famously featured in the book Breakfast In Brighton Around the corner was ‘the Pink Triangle’, the Rockingham, the Oriental, the Beacon Royal, the campery of the Regency Tavern, the Princess Victoria, the legendary Hole in the Wall You also had Zanzibar, Fresh, Candy Bar, and the whole of Kemptown before it became a no-go area after dark
Of course, the argument is that we no longer require separate venues as the straights are happy to socialise alongside us now. Lifestyle has evolved. Even high street shopping is becoming a thing of the past. Gays no longer need to live in the Emerald City for work and play
Brighton’s centre is crowded and unloved. Its desperate and bedraggled population are the unacceptable faces of forced austerity, greedy landlords, absence of law and order. Not being keen on blood, urine, faeces and vomit-stained pavements, or lovers of needles and Hep C, my partner and I have decided to join the ‘Pink Pioneers’ and settle east along the coast It’s a fantastic alternative way of life for us gays, our friends Alan and Ian even hosted Saltdean’s first Gay Pride this year in their garden
“For me, the ravens have flown the tower, the vibrant community-driven camp old girl that was Brighton’s hear t has gone with the wind, and frankly my dear, I do give a damn”
Brighton will always be our spiritual home, there is still a gay scene and we ’ re 20 minutes away by bus. Collin Day (Landlord of the Year) at the revamped Grosvenor Bar is a reason to come back, and we’ll be no strangers to the terrace at Legends come summertime. But for me, the ravens have flown the tower, the vibrant community-driven camp old girl that was Brighton’s heart has gone with the wind, and frankly my dear, I do give a damn.
SAM TRANS MAN
Dr Samuel Hall on why Trans Day of Remembrance and World AIDS Day are as impor tant as ever.
) November HIV issue The month in which we remember the dead All over the planet there are customs that help us bring to mind those no longer with us In Christian tradition it begins with All Saints Eve, or Halloween as we know it today, followed by All Saints Day on November 1, and All Souls Day on November 2. The latter is famous especially in Mexico where the public holiday Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is infectiously celebratory.
In trans circles we have Trans Day of Remembrance (TDoR), now a 20-year-old tradition that started in Massachusetts in 1999 following the murder of a trans woman of colour.
Rita Hester was 34 when she was murdered in her apartment outside Boston, and a spontaneous candlelit vigil led to a web project chronicling the deaths of trans people in the US and later internationally. When we remember those who are murdered each year, we also remind ourselves that these victims of transphobia, racism and latent homophobia are driven to poverty, sex working and high risk situations not through choice but through the oppression of a patriarchy steeped in misogyny
It’s of note that the majority of these killings have always, and continue to be, trans women of colour, who are also often sex working to pay for their hormones And that by far the largest numbers occur in Brazil, where rightwing and religious influence drives violence that reflects deep hate. The intersectionality of a trans identity with that of darker skin, and the stigma of being forced into the shadows economically, creates a ‘perfect storm’; somehow, seemingly civilised societies single out the most vulnerable and punish them for being so.
TDoR has political import beyond that which I, as a white person with socioeconomic privilege, hadn’t really understood until recently. The colonisation of spaces on this planet by privilege is so ubiquitous it’s hard to see it from the outside We just occupy space without thought This is why the more marginalised in society must have safe spaces and their voices heard If we don’t do this, we are complicit in perpetuating a divided and divisive world that fails to see all of humanity as equal
Not long after TDoR we will have our annual World AIDS Day vigil on December 1 Focussing on the grief of the past and the many lives lost through HIV is a poignant moment in the LGBT+ calendar. It’s without doubt true that at the peak of the crisis, homophobia was instrumental in the lack of investment into research and treatment for HIV and AIDS. It’s taken years to pick up the pieces and start to break down the stigma, and there’s still a long way to go.
Whilst here at home in Brighton the names that we read out are mostly those of cis gay men, globally we know that HIV and related illnesses, as well as deaths, affect adults and children indiscriminately HIV knows no boundaries of race, sex or sexuality, gender
identity or indeed any other of the artificial divides we have created amongst ourselves Work to reduce the transmission rate goes on all over the globe, and prevention is becoming more widely available, yet even here we see the toxic effects of colonisation at work.
The global prevalence of HIV in cis female sex workers is approximately 12% In cis gay men it is 14%. Compare this to the world wide prevalence in trans women, which is about 19%, and you cannot help but wonder why? There is no biological reason for this discrepancy. No, this is a sociodemographic phenomenon, with the highest prevalence in countries such as India and Brazil where access to testing and care are poor, and/or there are no legal protections for trans people
South America has a disproportionately high number of HIV positive trans women, where marginalisation and exploitation are endemic, forcing people into sex work Poor or no equalities legislation pose a huge burden on people occupying intersectional places of oppression Globally, the odds of being HIV positive are 49 times greater for a trans woman than for anyone else
Although we don’t have prevalence data on the trans population level in the UK, we do know that there are high rates in high risk populations (eg sex workers) Better access to testing, medical care and equalities legislation, mean that we can expect lower levels overall than in South East Asia and South America.
The intersectional oppression still applies however, so that class, race and gender all converge to marginalise trans women of colour above all others. The disproportionate instances of transphobic violence in the same population should wake us all up to what is going on in the world today.
Failing to tackle HIV infection is becoming a tool of oppression, creating a subtle but deadly abuse of human rights. People who are not being treated equally by the state, are no longer seen as equal by their fellow humans. Once we head down that slippery slope, it becomes easier and easier to ignore their wilful murders
Credit to Dr Kate Nambiar, Clinic T, Brighton for facts and figures.
YAYA KNOWS BEST
BY
GET THE F OUT OF TERF
) Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminists, as they like to be known, are having their name changed to TERD following consistent efforts to demonstrate that they are not actually feminists. As everyone knows, feminism strives for the equality of all people and is intersectional. Feminism should allow people to look at the world not as it is, but how it could be. Being a feminist means that you fight for the equality of all people It’s essential that your feminism is intersectional and should not exclude people based on their race, gender, ability, sexual orientation or socio-economic status
& THINGS
PARTY PARTY
) Ah autumn! Love a bit of autumn You know where you are with autumn. 'Will I need a coat?' Yes. 'Do I need to put properly gripped shoes on?' Yes. 'Will it be damp?' Probably. None of this fannying around that summer can give you.
None of summers' ‘Will I need a light coat for later?’ nonsense No second guessing about sunglasses. I find you end up carrying around more during the summer in your man bag, or homo-satchel, simply because of the unknowable possibilities that fickle season can throw at you. So 'Hurrah!' for autumn.
The new term, TERD, which is taking over, stands for Trans Exclusionary Radical Discriminators TERDs believe that not all are equal and take pleasure from discriminating and bullying the trans community The majority of the time they lack education and knowledge on the subject, and make up stories to try and get their point across TERD organisations, like Woman's Place UK and ReSisters United, keep on falsely advertising that they are not anti-trans but pro-feminism instead, hoping to attract gullible people that know nothing about the subject and brainwash them with their cacophony of frivolous ideas and theories The fact that these organisations started forming during 2017, when the Government announced their plan to make life a little simpler for trans people by reforming the Gender Recognition Act, says a lot about their purpose and existence. Since they formed, there has been a bombardment of comments and attacks, both in the traditional media and online, claiming that an advance in trans rights should be feared. They also keep debating trans people's right to exist These kind of actions fundamentally undermine trans people's ability to live free of discrimination and abuse
Their attacks vary from hijacking London and Manchester Pride and marching at the front, insisting that trans women are not women, to writing open letters to any publications that will give them the platform to cause controversy and sell more copies
“Since they formed, there has been a bombardment of comments and attacks, both in the traditional media and online, claiming that an advance in trans rights should be feared”
A few months ago, The Sunday Times published a letter from 30 academics, led by ‘gender critical’ campaigner, and massive TERD, Dr Kathleen Stock, calling for universities to “ sever their links” with Stonewall, one of the UK’s most respected LGBT+ charities. As a result, and in response to this letter, more than 3,600 academics came out in support of trans rights.
We all know that the LGBTQ community has endured a lot over time and if anything, the more people fight against us, the stronger we get. If there is a time to unite and protect our siblings, the time is now.
The number of transgender hate crimes recorded by police forces in England, Scotland and Wales has risen by 81%. Equality, acceptance, and rights have been achieved by the majority of our community. There's only one last bit of fight left and that is to ensure that our trans siblings are no longer attacked for who they are.
I'm sat in a coffee shop with many, many lampshades hanging from the ceiling. I presume they're there for atmosphere ‘ cause they're not giving out much light. I guess it's their ‘thing’. It’s grey and drizzly outside. That fine rain. You know the one. People say it penetrates you like that's a bad thing It's 11 30 in the morning and there's a couple on the table next to me with a pint and a glass of bubbly Seems a bit early to be drinking generally or perhaps the drizzle has pushed them over the edge? I decide that they must be celebrating something They're in their late 40s, early 50s, she's slightly dressed up He's got a shirt on so for a straight man, he's slightly dressed up too
I decide that they're having an anniversary brunch Neither of them look particularly ecstatic about it so I'm going for a 22nd anniversary You know, it's still a great thing but not a landmark year so they're here, in a mid-range coffee shop, having brunch I wonder what they'll get up to for the rest of the day.
“I decide that they're having an anniversary brunch. Neither of them look particularly ecstatic about it so I'm going for a 22nd anniversary”
Perhaps a bit of shopping, buy something nice for her, something practical for him. Another drink somewhere, then home for a nap. Watch something on the telly, a bit of anniversary sex, then sleep Sounds good Of course, they could equally get home, have a blazing row and she'll go to bed early leaving him to watch the boxing or something equally heterosexual
Just overheard a bit of their conversation They've met up to discuss planning a party for someone They're uncle and niece Ah They're here trying the food out to see if it's worth booking for a party for his wife Ah Got that slightly wrong I'm blaming that on autumn Not quite sure how
They're having food delivered now It does look good in a kind of 'rather overpriced for what it is' kind of way That's the joy of coffee houses pretending to be restaurants, isn't it? Pot of tea for £2, burger and chips (organic potatoes, cooked with the skins on) £13 For 12 chips Extra for mayonnaise
Well, let’s hope they book the party and it all goes swimmingly I must head back out into the drizzle There is a slight problem My coat hasn't got a hood
Seems I'm not quite as prepared for autumn as I thought
POSITIVE FOCUS
BY RICHARD JENEWAY
REFLECTIONS
) As World AIDS Day approaches again I’d like to reflect on my diagnosis now and then, 25 years ago. Often people I meet who are recently diagnosed have feelings that mirror those of many others. What does an HIV diagnosis mean now? Well it’s not a death sentence any more in this country, however elsewhere in the world it can still mean just that if left without treatment.
I’m a long term survivor reaching older age, which is something of a surprise to me! My long term partner died in October 1999 with an AIDS defining cancer in part because he didn’t adhere to his meds, we lived our lives hard and heavy at that time as did so many, but others were just unlucky as it only takes one to pass on the virus.
I feel very proud to be carrying on the memory of so many friends and my partner into this time to remember on December 1 as a world community. Within the role I have now, my involvement with the HIV community here in Brighton reaches far and wide, meeting people of all ages, genders and cultures, newly, recently and long term diagnosed, which I believe gives me a rich insight into how living with HIV impacts on day to day life.
My own career was over back in 1996 along with my professional income; we were home owners with a strong future. Confronted with dealing with my own death, which was expected to be early in 1997, I cleared up my estate by spending all my savings down to every last penny. Afterwards we lived in specialist HIV housing association accommodation in London, with flats occupied by others who were unwell with HIV. Everyday someone died which, looking back on it, was psychologically testing and not healthy as it was like being in a spiral of death which was inescapable.
“I feel very proud to be carrying on the memory of so many friends and my partner into this time to remember on December 1 as a world community”
Now, I’ve been living in a relationship with someone for 15 years, who remains HIV negative and we’re both in good health. So what? Well if any reader feels that their past reflects that of my own then we should remember that it’s those like myself and those who have gone who have set a trail to live long and healthy lives, something once impossible.
Part of my many involvements here in Brighton is to talk one to one with people who are often newly diagnosed about their own fears and concerns and I get that totally. So I listen and then talk about how their future is going to be bright when they accept their diagnosis. Statistics tell us that the level of new diagnosis is falling across the UK; good news indeed and with PrEP we can be safer.
What happens to those of us who are getting older? There are a range of health conditions affecting legacy conditions that are new to clinicians often happening earlier such as arthritis, cancers, heart conditions, fatigue, mental health conditions, memory loss and much more. In Brighton we have the support of various organisations working hard to offer specialist support for people affected by HIV of all ages. Apart from the large organisations, there are peer lead groups offering support with weekly lunch and regular supper groups at Lunch Positive, health and wellbeing groups providing yoga, day trips and social activities all happening because of dedicated volunteers and professionals.
At the candle lit vigil we remember friends, partners and families, coming together for one evening on December to honour those who are no longer with us.
TWISTED GILDED GHETTO
BY ERIC PAGE
SAIL AWAY
) As a kid staying in the family caravan at the seaside, I had a small knitted snail called Idris. Brown with a vivid green twist of wool for its shell, whorls and two knots of black silk as antenna. I chewed it constantly, keeping it damp from spittle but cherished and at hand. When I realised that Idris wasn’t there anymore pandemonium broke out. His tiny ears, chewed by my tiny anxious teeth wouldn’t be there to comfort me. Nana Ivy took me by the hand, lifted me to her lap, and I remember the clean comforting smell of her pink checked tabard as she hugged me close. “I know where Idris be,” she said.
Many years later, when Ivy had been gone for decades, I went back to the village. Pontnewydd, in the Welsh Valleys, tiny and wet, glistened in the rain, unchanged apart from a coffee bar/vape shop. The red iron stone walls of the terraces lined up along the steep hills giving lessons in perspective. A woman stepped out of her house, in a pink checked tabard and I stopped, realising it was the same outfit worn by generations of working class Valleys women. Their uniform an armour of domesticity; stain resistant, shame resistant and comforting. I wanted one.
Ivy wrapped her raincoat tightly around her, made sure I was dressed for the beach with my Wellingtons, Parker coat zipped up into a furry tunnel around my face and mittens, and off we went, down Porthcawl promenade in search of Idris. Quite how Idris had got this far when it had never left my sticky paw before was beyond my young imagination, but Ivy seemed certain. I didn’t know doubt, I certainly couldn’t comprehend how to question my grandmother’s will, even now as a monstrous Homo of subtle and dark arts - an Octoqueer of magisterial manipulations I wonder if I’d ever be able to take her on and win.
The wind picked up, whipping her headscarf as she tightened it against the light summer storm ambling in across the grey churning waters of the Severn Estuary and spitting the salty sea spray into my face where it mingled with my wet eyes raw from tears. The hard wet wool of my mittens scraped my cheeks as I rubbed my eyes again, clearing them enough to see waves bigger than our house rising up against the sheer implacable wall of the breakwater and smashing down again in a vast sheet of exhausted spray. I thought Ivy was keeping the waves at bay, a bubble of Nanalove with me and her inside, damp but mobile as we walked out along the operatic breakwater. We entered the lee of the breakwater wall, the wind suddenly dropped, the sun touched us and Ivy loosened her scarf. “There!” she shouted, “There’s Idris!” and pointed out at one of the fishing boats chugging out the tiny harbour on the full swelling tide. “Can you see him Eric? There! There! Sitting on the captain’s shoulder, he’s off to see the world, he told me when you were sleeping, we’ve got here just in time to wave Idris off.”
With one amazing motion she swung me up into the sky and onto her staunch shoulders, waving frantically and calling “bye bye”, I joined her, caught up in the drama, the sheer wondrous feeling of departure and adventure and, for a moment, forgetting my loss, for a moment. We waved and waved until the little boat was beyond sight and lifting me down we headed across to the Italian ice cream parlour. “I loved Idris,” she said, “when I made him for you I knew he wanted to see the world and now he’s gone, I hope he has the adventure of his life, don’t you Eric?” She wiped a smudge of bright pink ice cream off my nose, adjusted the button on her tabard and looked out across the horizon as I happily made the most of the sticky strawberry flavoured cone. Her eyes soft she hugged me, gave me another rub and settled back to be exquisite and never explain.
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@allsortsyouth.org.uk, www.allsortsyouth.org.uk
● BRIGHTON & HOVE POLICE
Report all homophobic, biphobic or transphobic incidents to: 24/7 assistance call Police on 101 (emergencies 999) Report 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: support for LGBT+ people with Dementia
• Volunteering opportunities 01273 234 009
Helpline hours: Wed & Thur, 7–9.30pm; trans-only webchat on Sun 3–5pm: call 01273 204 050 email info@switchboard.org.uk webchat switchboard.org.uk/helpline www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
● BRIGHTON ONEBODYONEFAITH
Formerly The Gay Christian Movement. Contact: Nigel Nash nigelnash@me.comwww.onebodyonefaith.org.uk
● BRIGHTON WOMEN’S CENTRE
Info, counselling, drop-in space, support groups 01273 698036 or visit www.womenscentre.org.uk
● LESBIAN & GAY AA
12-step self-help programme for alcohol addictions: Sun, 7.30pm, Chapel Royal, North 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 support 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, impartial 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 support 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
Support 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/support 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 support 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@avert.org
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 martinfisherfoundation.org
advice only (no assessments), Fri 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm.
• Gary Smith (LGBT* Support) 07884 476634 or email gsmith@pavilions.org.uk
For more info visit weblink: pavilions.org.uk/services/treatment-recovery-options/
● SUSSEX BEACON
24 hour nursing & medical care, day care 01273 694222 or www.sussexbeacon.org.uk
● TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST SERVICES
For more info about these free services go to the THT office, 61 Ship St, Brighton, Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm 01273 764200 or info.brighton@tht.org.uk
• Venue Outreach: info on HIV, sexual health, personal safety, safer drug/alcohol use, free condoms/lubricant for men who have sex with men
• The Bushes Outreach Service @ Dukes Mound: advice, support, 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, & Squirt
• 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 support group work programme for newly diagnosed HIV+ gay men
• HIV Support Services: info, support & 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 EASTBOURNE
• Web support & info on HIV, sexual health & local services via netreach and myhiv.org.uk
• Free condom postal service 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. Worthing 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
GSCENE ADVERTISERS’ MAP
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/ 11 GROSVENOR BAR
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 RAILWAY CLUB
4 Belmont, Dyke Rd, 01273 328682
17 REGENCY TAVERN
32-34 Russell Sq, 01273 325 652
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
20 VELVET JACKS
50 Norfolk Square, 07720 661290
http://tinyurl com/VelvetJacks
21 LÉ VILLAGE
2-3 High Street, 01273 681634
22 ZONE 33 St James’s St, 01273 682249
www zonebrighton co uk
)
CLUBS
12 BASEMENT CLUB (below Legends)
31-34 Marine Parade, 01273 624462
www legendsbrighton com
5 BOUTIQUE CLUB
2 Boyces St @ West St, 01273 327607
www boutiqueclubbrighton com
8 ENVY (above Charles St Tap)
8-9 Marine Parade, 01273 624091
www charles-street com
) FOOD
2 AMSTERDAM BAR & KITCHEN
11-12 Marine Parade, 01273 688 826
www amsterdambrighton com
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
23 CUP OF JOE
28 St George’s Rd, 01273 698873
www cupofjoebrighton co uk
10 GIU & SU CAFÉ & WINE BAR
2 Church St, BN11UJ
F I /giuandsu/ www giuandsu com/
12 LEGENDS BAR
31-34 Marine Parade, 01273 624462
www legendsbrighton com
13 MARINE TAVERN
13 Broad St, 01273 681284
www marinetavern co uk
24 NEW STEINE BISTRO
12a New Steine, 01273 681546
www newsteinehotel com
14 PARIS HOUSE
21 Western Road, 01273 724195 www parishouse com
Marine Parade, 01273 624462 www legendsbrighton com
24 NEW STEINE HOTEL 10/11 New Steine, 01273 681546 www newsteinehotel com
29 QUEENS HOTEL 1/3 Kings Rd 01273 321222 www queenshotelbrighton com
) HEALTH & BEAUTY
30 BARBER BLACKSHEEP
18 St Georges Rd, 01273 623408 wwww barberblacksheep com
31 DENTAL HEALTH SPA 14–15 Queens Rd, 01273 710831 www dentalhealthspa co uk
