James Ledward, Graham Robson, Sarah Green ARTS EDITOR Michael Hootman
SUB EDITOR Graham Robson
DESIGN Michèle Allardyce
FRONT COVER
MODEL Issac Jones
PHOTOGRAPHY www.boygender.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Jaq Bayles, Jo Bourne, Nick Boston, Rich Bridger, Suchi Chatterjee, Craig Hanlon Smith, Enzo Marra, Netty, Carl Oprey, Mitchell Orriss, Eric Page, Del Sharp, Keith Sharpe, Rory Smith, Gay Socrates, Darren Sole, Brian Stacey, Glen Stevens, Craig Storrie, Duncan Stewart, Paul Thorn, Roger Wheeler, Mike Wall, Morham White, Kate Wildblood
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Phil Bailey ukmomentcatcher.com, Michael Hootman, Chris Jepson, James Ledward, Phil Robathan, Toms Udris
All work appearing in Gscene Ltd is copyright It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated on the page concerned No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an electronic or other retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers
The appearance of any person or any organisation in Gscene is not to be construed as an implication of the sexual orientation or political persuasion of such persons or organisations
FEATURES
18 AIDS & HIV AND WAD DIARY
Paul Thorn looks at AIDS & HIV today plus the World AIDS Day diary
19 GET FIT THE SÁSTA WAY
James Ledward tries out a new fitness and weight loss programme
24 TWENTY-FIVE YEARS OF PRIDE
Kate Wildblood reflects on 25 years of Brighton Pride
44 DAVE LYNN: FORTY YEARS ON Dave Lynn talks to Craig Hanlon-Smith about 40 years at the top
48 HOLIDAY ON ICE: PL ATINUM
The ice extravaganza returns starring Ray Quinn
2014, THE YEAR OF EQUAL MARRIAGE, FINALLY!
The final step to marriage equality takes place on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 This is the date when anyone in a civil par tnership can conver t to a marriage if they choose to do so
) The Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) A ct came into effect on Saturday, March 29, 2014 However at that time there was no legal way for couples in civil par tnerships to be married This inequality will be rectified when conversions begin this month
Brighton & Hove City Council R egister Office is already seeing a high level of interest from couples booking to conver t from civil par tnership to marriage with more than a dozen couples booked to conver t on the first day the law allows
Conversion is quick and easy to do Couples book an appointment to meet with a registrar to confirm they would like to be married The registrar needs to see their civil par tnership cer tificate, proof of identification and carry out a brief interview before a new marriage cer tificate can be issued Full details of the conversions process will be available nearer the time at the registrar office
Cllr Ollie Sykes, lead councillor for city services, said: “The first same-sex marriage in Brighton & Hove at the Royal Pavilion in March was a wonderful occasion for the happy couple and the city Amid the celebrations of this historic milestone in equality, the wait for couples already in civil partnerships to be able to marry continued The introduction of conversions cannot come too soon By the end of 2014 the law will enable marriage equality for all ”
The Government has waived the conversion fees for couples who entered a civil par tnership before equal marriage was possible The fee waiver is available for the first year of conversions until December 9, 2015 and only available to couples who entered a civil par tnership before March 29, 2014
The Government will cover the costs for a couple to meet with a registrar to conver t their civil par tnership into a marriage However a new marriage cer tificate is not provided by the Government funding and will cost £4 per cer tificate There is no legal ceremony as par t the conversion process, however Brighton & Hove City Council are planning to offer couples the oppor tunity to mark their conversion from civil par tnership to marriage with an optional celebratory conversion ceremony
The conversion ceremony will give couples the chance to make vows to each other in front of friends and family at any point after the legal conversion has taken place The conversion ceremony has no legal standing Instead the occasion is about a couple sharing their happy news in the company of their loved ones with a registrar conducting the ceremony
The cost of a conversion ceremony will be the same as the fees for renewal of vows which you will find on the council’s website
CITY COUNCIL SHOW CONFIDENCE IN BRIGHTON PRIDE ORGANISERS
Brighton & Hove City Council have granted landlord's consent for a fur ther 5 years for Brighton Pride CIC to produce the Pride Festival on Preston Park, organise the Pride Parade and also granted landlord’s consent for them to organise the ticketed village par ty for the next 6 years
) The 2014 Pride Festival and Pride Village Par ty was hailed a resounding success, delivering a safe and diverse weekend of community enter tainment with over whelmingly positive feedback from visitors, community organisations, local businesses and Sussex Police
Brighton Pride is the UK’s biggest and most successful Pride festival with the village par ty attracting a diverse audience from across the globe to appreciate the world-class ar tists, DJs and per for mers suppor ting the event including Fatboy Slim, Katy B, Blue, Boy George, Sam Bailey, Alison Moyet, Paloma Faith and the winners of Britain's Got Talent 2014, Collabro
As well as winning the Sussex Life Tourism Ambassador Award in 2014, for the last two years, Brighton Pride CIC has had a fundraising purpose and smashed their targets, raising over £110,000 for the R ainbow Fund to distribute in grants to LGBT/HIV organisations who deliver front line ser vices to LGBT people in Brighton & Hove through their independent grants programme
A spokesperson for Pride said: “We are thrilled to hav e been granted consent from the city council to organise Pride in the City until 2020 T he agreement allow s us to continue to dev elop par tnerships that help us build on the success and sustainability of Pride
"Campaigning to highlight global L GBT communities and community fundraising is at the cornerstone of ev er y thing w e do and w e are extremely grateful for the continued suppor t of community, Brighton & Hov e City Council, Sussex Police and East Sussex Sussex Fire Ser v ice
"2015 w ill see Brighton Pride celebrate their 25th anniv ersar y of Pride in the city and w ill be the biggest Pride celebration to date”
Pride in 2015 will take place over the weekend of August 1 & 2, 2015
Brighton Pride CIC ’s company accounts will be finalised and made available for scr utiny from mid-December Headline totals and costs will be published in the Januar y issue of Gscene
IRISH DRAG QUEEN RECEIVES HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Gay activist R or y O'Neill, aka drag queen Panti, was presented with a Humanitarian Award as par t of the Winter Pride Ar t Awards last month
) Winter Pride was moved and inspired by Panti’s Noble Call speech at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin following a performance of James Plunkett's 1913 Lockout drama, The Risen People Rory delivered his memorable speech, which was widely circulated on Youtube, after the Irish Broadcaster RTE redacted comments made by Rory on the Saturday Night Show on Januar y 11, 2014, in a debate defining homophobia in modern Ireland RTE later issued an apology for Rory's comments and paid out over 80,000 Euros in damages to members of the Iona Institute Catholic Lobbying group
In making the award, Winter Pride said they believe that emotive speeches of the kind given by Rory help to make a positive change in bigoted attitudes towards members of the LGBT community
The winners of the awards were announced at a dazzling ceremony at Tobacco Dock in East London on Saturday, November 15
Overall Performance Ar t Award went to Kimatica for SIMULACRUM "A Contemporary Ritual" at a ceremony attended by, among others, sculptor Frances Segelman, Queen of Harps Catrin Finch, Made in Chelsea star Ollie Locke, Lucian Freud's muse and model Sue Tilley, Olympian Goldie Sayers, and X Factor's Lucy Spraggan
Irish broadcasting personality Brendan Cour tney hosted the ceremony with introductory speeches by Winter Pride founder R ebecca Paisis and BBC Ar t Correspondent Brenda Emmanus, who talked about diversity and equality in the ar ts
ATTENTION ALL MEN!! DO YOU WANNA DANCE FOR A GOOD CAUSE?
) GRRR! FOR MEN, a one-off special fundraiser organised by the Brighton Bear Weekender guys, arrives in town on Saturday, December 13 at Envy above Charles Street GRRR! is a men-only club night that promises great funky house music from DJs Josh the Barber & Gar y Watts, drinks promos and a fantastic cruisy atmosphere What a great way to kick star t your Christmas celebrations
GRRR! For Men at Envy, upstairs at Charles Street, Marine Parade, Brighton is on Saturday, December 13 at 10 30pm
Cost: £4 before 11 30pm, £5 after All proceeds go to the R ainbow Fund
Make
The Shelleys, an English country hotel set in the heart of Lewes is fully licensed for Civil Ceremonies and Weddings with every package designed to your own requirements
We offer Weddings, Civil Partnerships and events to themed occasions for the more adventurous with our in-house Cake Designer, Florist, Venue Stylist and Events Planner ready to support you on your big day
Please ask for Natalie on
or visit: www.the-shelleys.co.uk
MICHAEL CASHMAN LEADS 2014 STONEWALL AWARD WINNERS
Ugandan activist Pepe Julian Onziema was named Hero of the Year at the annual Stonewall Awards in London last month
) Enter tainer of the Year went to Emmerdale’s Alicya Eyo, Liz MacKean of Dispatches scooped Journalist of the Year, while Lord Cashman and Lynn Featherstone MP shared the award for Politician of the Year
Ugandan activist Pepe Julian Onziema was voted Hero of the Year by thousands of Stonewall suppor ters for his tireless work campaigning for equality for LGBT people despite threats of violence Pepe has previously been named Global Citizen by the Clinton Global Initiative for his human rights advocacy work
More than 500 people, including celebrities, spor ts stars, politicians and writers, joined host Julian Clar y at the ceremony to honour those who’ve made a positive contribution to the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people (LGBT)
Emmerdale’s Alicya Eyo took home the accolade of Enter tainer of the Year for her por trayal of lesbian character Ruby Haswell and her advocacy as an openly-lesbian role model
Stonewall founder Lord Cashman was jointly named as Politician of the Year alongside Liberal Democrat Home Office minister Lynne Featherstone When presenting the award, Labour leader Ed Miliband paid tribute to Michael Cashman’s par tner, Paul Cottingham, who passed away in October He praised them both for their
work to promote equality in both Britain and around the world
The Older Lesbian, Gay and Trans Association (OLGA) was named Community Group of the Year by Stonewall suppor ters for their work to suppor t older members of the LGBT community The group received a cheque for £5,000 –provided by State Street – to continue their work
Channel 4’s Liz MacKean was named Journalist of the Year for the hard-hitting Dispatches documentary Hunted that exposed the brutal treatment of gay people in Putin’s Russia while the i newspaper was named Publication of the Year for its repor ting of gay issues throughout the year, including coverage of the Sochi Winter Games and Thomas Hitzlsperger’s coming out Pride House scooped this year’s Spor ts Award for their work to suppor t LGBT athletes and fans during this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow Being gay is illegal in 42 of 53 Commonwealth countries – making it vital to send a powerful signal to visitors and athletes from around the world
This year’s judging panel, featured: Baroness Barker, Charlie Condou, Jonathan Har vey, Paris Lees and Dr R anj Singh
R uth Hunt, Stonewall Chief Executive, said: "Stonewall’s 2014 award winners really do demonstrate the passion, commitment and diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people and their allies, who together make the world a better place
"Our Hero of the Year, Pepe Julian Onziema, is a global beacon of hope who inspires and influences so many people - not just those in his home country of Uganda, but all those fighting for equality around the globe "
The winners were:
Hero of the Year (suppor ted by E ON) Pepe Julian Onziema; Broadcast of the Year (suppor ted by Bloomberg) Pride; Enter tainer of the Year: Alicya Eyo (Emmerdale); Journalist of the Year (suppor ted by Bloomberg): Liz MacKean; Politician of the Year: Lord Cashman and Lynne Featherstone MP; Publication of the Year: i; Spor ts Award of the Year (suppor ted by Paddy Power): Pride House; W riter of the Year: Sarah Waters; Community Group of the Year (suppor ted by State Street): OLGA (Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans Association); Adver t of the Year: London Pride and Barclays (#FreedomTo)
INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY PUBLISHES 15TH RAINBOW LIST
) Local broadcaster Kathy Caton jumped 37 places on the annual list of influential LGBT people published by the Independent on Sunday Campaigners and politicians feature heavily on this year's list, with new entr y, actor tur ned politician and member of the House of Lords, Michael Cashman, at number one
Once Colin Russell from EastEnders, and as such half of the first gay kiss on mainstream British TV, Michael was a founder of Stonewall in 1989 and has consistently campaigned for LGBT rights, this year being appointed by Ed Miliband as the Labour Par ty's special envoy on LGBT issues worldwide.
He is joined by Suran Dickson, CEO of Diversity R ole Models, a charity dedicated to putting an end to homophobic bullying in schools, at number 10 and leader of the Scottish Conser vative Par ty, R uth Davidson, at number 4.
Others featuring on the list for the first time include musician Sam Smith (7); prominent member of the UK and US Christian community Vicky Beeching (3); Olympic bronze medalist Tom Daley (15); the UK’s first Muslim drag queen Asif Quarashi (86); and the Mercur y Prize-nominee and ground-breaking poet Kate Tempest (90)
Local broadcaster Kathy Caton who fronts the Out in Brighton Show on Radio Reverb is one of the few people from Sussex to feature on the list She rose from 81st last year to 45th this year. Kathy is on the board of BBC Pride and helped create Brighton Trans*formed, a book that documents the lives of Brighton & Hove’s transgender community Paris Lees who came first last year dropped to second place this year.
Curated by a panel of judges, the Rainbow List highlights both those in the spotlight and the unsung heroes who are dedicated to making a difference. Members of the public are invited to put for ward anyone they believe deser ves recognition for the work they car r y out in this field
The top ten on the list of 101 people were as follows: 1st Michael Cashman; 2nd Paris Lees; 3rd Vicky Beeching; 4th R uth Davidson; 5th Evan Davis; 6th Sue Perkins; 7th Sam Smith; 8th R uth Hunt; 9th Casey Stoney; 10th Suran Dickson
To view the full list, view: www.independent.co.uk/news/people/therainbowlis t/rainbow-list-2014-1-to-100-9848457.html
OLDER & OUT VISIT BLUEBELL RAILWAY
) Members from Older & Out took a trip on the Bluebell R ailway in Sussex last month Older & Out provides an informal, warm and friendly gathering space for older LGBT people at the Somerset Day Centre in Kemptown on the second Friday of each month
Their next social meeting is on Friday, December 12, from 1pm-3pm at the Somerset Day Centre, 62 St James's St, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 1PR
IMPROVING END OF LIFE CARE FOR LGBT PEOPLE
) Thinking about the end of our lives is difficult for most people For many, the ideal is to be comfor table, suppor ted and surrounded by loved ones, but this ideal may be harder to achieve for members of the LGBT communities Some LGBT people feel uncomfor table talking to their healthcare providers about their sexuality or gender history, which can lead to greater isolation in the late stages of life
A new study funded by Marie Curie and led by King’s College London is being launched to examine the experiences of LGBT people as they approach the end of their lives It is hoped that the study will help to improve the care that LGBT people receive when facing a life-limiting illness (such as cancer, neurological conditions, hear t, lung or liver disease)
People who identif y as LGBT can experience discrimination from their healthcare providers, or may not feel confident to share their sexual identity, or gender history, with them This can have a negative impact upon their experience of care, it may also mean that par tners or chosen family are not involved in decision making, or may miss out on the suppor t that they need
While many research studies have explored the experiences of illness and care for different ethnic and cultural minority groups, the LGBT communities have received less attention The gay men’s health charity GMFA is a par tner in the study, which is looking to recruit people who identif y as LGBT, and who are facing a life-limiting illness
Par ticipation will involve an in-depth interview with a researcher to explore your experiences of care as someone who identifies as LGBT, and to find out how that care could be improved The findings will be used to develop leaflets and online information resources for patients, par tners, friends, chosen or biological families and community groups to improve awareness of the care and suppor t that is available to them These will be distributed through media sources, in suppor t centres nationwide, online and will also be used in the professional training of healthcare providers
The study is recruiting nationwide If you identif y as LGBT and are facing a lifelimiting illness and would like to share your experiences, view: www kcl ac uk/lsm/research/divisions/cicelysaunders/research/living/acces s/index aspx or telephone: 020 7848 5521
LUNCH POSITIVE THANK THEIR M.A.C. VOLUNTEERS
) M A C Cosmetics have helped Lunch Positive, the HIV lunch club throughout the last year by providing a team of employees who volunteer at the Friday lunch club and help with fundraising They attended their last session on Friday, October 31 where a celebration meal was prepared by the team, and shared with Lunch Positive members and volunteers
During the last year 12 M A C employees have given 170 hours of their time at Lunch Positive When not volunteering, in their paid roles with M A C they have been involved in selling the Viva Glam range of cosmetics, the proceeds of which all contribute to their companies global AIDS Fund
Gar y Pargeter, Lunch Positive Volunteer Project Manager, said:
“M A C volunteering this year has made a huge difference to us They’ve been a fantastic team, hardworking, kind, enthusiastic and ready to get involved in everything They’ve helped in all areas at the lunch club, prepared food for fundraising events, and also cooked, served and helped clear up at our Community Café at Pride It’s been rewarding for everyone, and great fun! Our own volunteers have really enjoyed working alongside new people, and our members have seen at first hand
the understanding, empathy and supportiveness that exists from people who want to get to know and help our community Many people commented on the active challenge to HIV stigma as a result of M A C being so actively involved in our work We’ve made good friends, and are sure that will continue Our huge thanks to everyone involved!"
Lunch Positive’s next new monthly Sunday lunch club is on Sunday, December 7 Doors open at 1.45pm, lunch is at 2 15pm
The weekly Friday lunch club will be open as usual on Friday, Dec 5 and 12pm The annual Christmas Lunch that brings together members and volunteers for a traditional Christmas meal together is on Friday, December 19 The lunch club will be closed on Boxing Day, Friday, December 26, but is running an extra Winter Warmer session on Saturday, December 27 for people to go along and share a buffet lunch and afternoon tea This provides an impor tant chance for people to get together during the Christmas season, which for many can be isolating and lonely Thanks to donations of food, Lunch Positive is also able to offer emergency food parcels to people with HIV in financial hardship over the Christmas period People can enquire about this whilst at the lunch club, or through their suppor t workers or clinicians
Lunch Positive is manned entirely by volunteers, and the organisers would like to thank those who give their time throughout the year, and over the festive season For more information about Lunch Positive, view: www.lunchpositive.org
MINDOUT NEEDS YOU!
MindOut, the Brighton & Hove-based LGBT mental health project, are looking for people to run the half marathon in Brighton on Sunday, Februar y 22 to raise funds for the project MindOut is an awardwinning, project providing mental health services in East Sussex and a national online peer suppor t service It is run by and for LGB&T people with experience of mental health issues
Jason Saw, MindOut’s Team Leader, who is himself running, said: “A t MindOut we are proud of the team spirit and
camaraderie we create for our runners Advice on training and fitness is offered and we ensure that we support the people who run for us
“Sponsorship raised is a key part of our funding each year and I’m looking forward to welcoming new runners to our team to help us reach our target of £20,000 Running in an event like this can be an enormous personal achievement as well as an opportunity to support MindOut’s existing mental health services ”
Anybody interested in joining Team MindOut, should email: jason.saw@mindout.org.uk or call Jason on 01273 234839
MAYOR LAUNCHES ADULT PANTO 2015: THE MAGICAL ROAD TO OZ
) Stars from the annual Alternative Adult Panto were at Pinocchio's last month for the launch of the 2015 adult panto The Magical R oad to Oz They were joined by the Mayor and Mayoress of Brighton & Hove, Cllr Brian Fitch and his fabulous wife Nora, who sold raffle tickets to benefit the Mayor's chosen charities this year: The Argus Appeal, Mar tlets and Brighton Housing Trust
The evening was hosted by broadcaster Mike Mendozza and enter tainment was provided by singers Jason Lee and Chris Howard who will both be appearing in the panto
Sue Addis and Pinocchio's restaurant sponsored the meal and wine and diners present included politicians, business leaders, local personalities and actress Carol Cleveland who starred in Monty Python's Flying Circus
The Adult Panto runs from Januar y 28 to Februar y 8 at the Brighton Dome Studio Theatre and stars Miss Jason as Dorothy, Phil Harlequeen as the Good Fairy, Lee Tracey as the Wicked Witch of Brighton, Wezley Sebastian as The Wizard and Madame Mystic, Allan Jay as The Scarecrow, Jason Lee as the Tin Man, Marc Yarrow as Toto, Chris Howard as the Cowardly Lion, and Brian R alfe as himself and the Magic Board The show is written by Andrew Stark, directed by Lee Tracey, stage managed by Mike Medway, with musical direction provided by Lawrence Knight
The Alternative Adult Pantomime: The Magical R oad to Oz at the Brighton Dome Studio Theatre, New Road, Brighton, Wednesday, Januar y 28 to Sunday, Februar y 8, 5pm and 8pm daily No show Monday, February 2 Tickets: £20 To book, view: www brightondome org Special meal deal shows at Pinocchio's at 5pm: Januar y 28 & 29; Februar y 3, 4 & 5
BEAR PATROL TO ABSEIL 'OVER THE RAINBOW FUND'
) Danny Dwyer is organising a Bear Patrol charity abseil down the Spinnaker Tower in Por tsmouth on Saturday, May 30, 2015 Soaring 170 metres above Por tsmouth Harbour and the Solent, the Spinnaker Tower is taller than the London Eye, Blackpool Tower, Big Ben and is firmly established as a national British icon A world class visitor attraction, the much-admired, elegant viewing Tower stands proud over one of the most fascinating seascapes in the world Situated on the waterfront at Gunwhar f Quays, it offers amazing 350º panoramic views of Por tsmouth Harbour, the historic Naval Dock Yards, the South coast and the Isle of Wight, with views stretching out for up to 23 miles – breathtaking by day and a glittering sea of lights by night There are three viewing decks to explore including the Cafe in the Clouds at 105 metres above sea level, plus a gift shop and Waterfront Cafe on ground level
A maximum of for ty bears and their friends will be allowed to abseil down
the side of the tower to raise funds and awareness for the Brighton based R ainbow Fund who make grants to LGBT/HIV organisations providing front line services to LGBT people in Brighton & Hove Gscene joined Danny Dwyer on a visit to Por tsmouth in September to make the arrangements for what promises to be a spectacular day out
The cost of the Abseil is £100 person which includes a 12 5% donation which goes direct to the Rainbow Fund plus a minimum requirement to raise £100 of sponsorship per person also for the Rainbow Fund A non-refundable deposit of £30 is required to register your place with the remaining £70 payable by, Februar y 28, 2015 Although numbers abseiling are limited to 40 people there is no limit to the number of suppor ters and spectators allowed to go along and cheer people on
The weight limit to take "The Ultimate Spinnaker Experience" and abseil 100 metres down the side of this iconic building is 21st / 130Kg / 286 lbs For more information, view: www.facebook.com/events/1512052 262351553/ For more information about the Spinnaker Tower, view: www.spinnaker tower.co.uk
HOVE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
) Celebrate the magic of Hove during the festive season with R esound Male Voices who will be presenting their next concer t, Hove for the Holidays, at 7 30pm on Saturday, December 13 at St Andrew’s Church in Waterloo Street, Hove Resound will be joined by the R ebelles, a female vocal group in its debut performance, and a quar tet of musicians
The choirs, both led by Stefan Holmström, opera singer and vocal coach, will be performing their own rendition of Perry Como’s Home for the Holidays and a joint arrangement of the classic Fairytale of New York Resound will also sing two Canadian folk songs, a traditional Swedish carol and Mor ten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium in a rare version for male voices along with a few of their favourites like Mr Sandman and Hey! Eugene The Rebelles will sing several 1930s/40s close-harmony songs including Chattanooga Choo-Choo and Dream a Little Dream of Me Everyone is invited to go along for what promises to be an atmospheric evening in one of Hove’s most beautiful settings
Hove for the Holidays with R esound Male Voices and the R ebelles at St Andrew’s Church, Waterloo Street, Hove, Saturday, December 13, 7.30pm You can purchase tickets online from their website: www.resoundmalevoices.org or from any member of the choir for £12/£10 in advance
) Despite the immediate withdrawal of Facebook postings attacking the Queens Arms that generated a storm in a receptacle rather larger than a teacup, frayed tempers and heated gossip continued! To steer the matter into calmer waters, the apology required was very positively shown by James from Poison Ivy who kindly made a donation to the Pattaya Orphanage which had had mud slung at it and we have been asked to publish a copy of the respective cheque which is shown here
Brighton & Hove LGBT Trust & Confidence Survey 2013/14
Counting on you to tell us what matters!
The LGBT Community Safety Forum is an independent group of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgendered (LGBT) people in Brighton & Hove The aim of our group is to ensure effective accountability between the LGBT communities of Brighton & Hove and the statutory authorities, including Sussex Police and Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC).
This short survey is about your trust in the Police and Council services (including the Partnership Community Safety Team), and your confidence in reporting issues around abuse, discrimination and your safety within Brighton & Hove This includes educational establishments, care services, private business or home
This questionnaire is confidential. There are 19 questions about your experiences followed by optional questions all about you.
To complete the survey visit www.lgbt-help.com/t-c-survey-13-14 For printed copies of the survey email info@lgbt-help.com or call 01273 231189.
Survey closes 31st January 2015. Survey funded by:
CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED FOR TRANSGENDER AND INTERSEX RIGHTS IN SCOTLAND
New campaign calls for reform of gender recognition law in Scotland and an end to unnecessary ‘normalising’ surgeries on intersex children
NEW RESEARCH PROJECT ASKS WHAT MAKES LIFE LIVEABLE FOR LGBTQ PEOPLE
) A new campaign was launched in Edinburgh last month calling for legal equality for transgender and intersex people in Scotland The Equal R ecognition campaign was launched by the Scottish Transgender Alliance and the Equality Network, the Scottish LGBTI equality charity, and includes a call for the Scottish Government to change the law to recognise a third gender in Scotland
Currently transgender people who do not identif y as male or female, but rather have a non-binary gender identity, have no legal recognition of their gender unlike in other countries including Australia, Denmark, Malta, India, Nepal, Pakistan and New Zealand where a third gender is given recognition
Intersex people – who are born with bodies which cannot be classified as clearly male or female – are often denied basic human rights by being subjected to genital surgeries in early childhood that damage and traumatise them for life These interventions may sterilise an individual, often leave deep scarring, and can cause loss of sensation Therefore the campaign calls for intersex children to be protected from unnecessary genital surgeries while too young to give or withhold their own informed consent
The campaign also calls for reform of the Gender Recognition Act 2004 to make it easier for transgender and intersex people to have the gender they live as, legally recognised The charity says that transgender people in Scotland are currently forced to under take a humiliating psychiatric assessment simply in order to have the gender they live as reflected on their bir th cer tificate
Over 150 transgender and intersex people from across the country joined the charity to launch the campaign in the biggest push for transgender and intersex rights to date in Scotland An online petition was also launched
To sign the petition, view: www.scottishtrans.org/sign-now/
LGBT HEALTH WALKS
) The December Healthwalk, organised by the city council for LGBT people and their friends, is on Sunday, December 7 The Christmas Jumper Walk star ts from Charles Street Bar on Marine Parade at 2pm and goes to Queen’s Park and back Wear a festive jumper, a bit of tinsel or full drag
For more details view: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/healthwalks
) An international research project led by the University of Brighton will explore “what makes life liveable” for LGBTQ people The L iveable L ives project will bring together academics and activists in the UK and India to identif y innovative ways to create positive social change in the everyday lives of LGBTQ people
The 18-month project, backed by £193,087 of funding from the Economic & Social R esearch Council, will be delivered by Dr Katherine Browne of the University of Brighton and Dr Niharika Banerjea of the University of Southern Indiana in the USA, in par tnership with Sappho for Equality, the Indian sexuality rights organisation
Dr Katherine Browne, Assistant Head of the University of Brighton’s School of Environment & Technology, said: “ We know from our previous research that LGBTQ people can face
discrimination and inequality in all areas of life While introducing legislation and policies to address these inequalities can make a difference, it’s only one step we can take to improve the quality of LGBTQ people’s everyday lives
“The Liveable Lives project will work closely will LGBTQ people to understand their experience of daily life and understand what action is needed to make their lives more liveable Our aim is to provide an academic basis for sexuality rights activists LGBTQ people around the world ”
Liveable Lives is one of 13 projects funded by the Economic & Social Research Council as par t of its 2014 transformative research initiative It is a par ticipatory research project that will use a number of innovative ways to engage LGBTQ people including workshops, street theatre and the development of a mobile app
For more information about the Liveable Lives project, view: www facebook com/groups/liveablelives/ Twitter: @liveablelives
NEW ME BRAIN SCAN STUDY FINDINGS
) Sussex ME Society, the charity that works for 6,000 people across the country
affected by Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), has welcomed impor tant new research into the illness The study by scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine has discovered differences in the brains of healthy people and people with ME
Dr Michael Zeineh and Dr José Montoya compared brain images of 15 ME patients and 14 healthy volunteers Dr Zeineh said: “Using a trio of sophisticated imaging methodologies, we found that ME patients’ brains differ from those of healthy subjects in three distinct ways "
The images revealed that compared to those of the healthy volunteers, the brains of ME patients consisted of:
• less white matter
• abnormality in nerve fibres in the right hemisphere
• the thickening of grey matter at the front and back of the brain
Dr Montoya said: “This study was a start: it shows us where to look "
Stanford University is now planning a substantially larger study, suppor ted by the CFS Fund housed in the Stanford Depar tment of Medicine’s Division of Infectious Diseases
Colin Bar ton, Sussex ME Society Chairman, said: “This study is incredibly important as it could lead to greater understanding of the illness If a diagnosis of ME can be made simpler by a brain scan, patients will be able to receive advice and treatment much earlier that was a topic discussed by doctors at our recent conference "
During the autumn, Hove Town Hall was packed with around 150 people with ME including many from the LGBT community along with NHS professionals from across the region, when the Sussex ME Society staged its ME Practice & Research conference which was opened by Caroline Lucas the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion
For more information about ME, view: www measussex org uk
BEAR PATROL HIBERNATION DINNER FUNDRAISER
) Danny Dwyer and Bear Patrol raised more than £9,000 at their annual Hibernation fundraising dinner last month in the Paganini Ballroom at the Old Ship Hotel Guests of honour were the Mayor of Brighton Cllr Brian Fitch and his wife Nora, the Mayoress, who both gave suppor tive speeches praising the fundraising work of Bear Patrol After a three course meal enter tainment was provided by among others Jason Lee, Miss Jason, Jennie Castell and Krissie Ducann, the dinner was hosted by Mysterr y and the auction conducted by Alistair Appleton Next years Hibernation Dinner is on Sunday, October 25
BIGGINS
STEALS THE SHOW AT SUSSEX BEACON 'SPOOKTACUL AR' FUNDRAISER
) Actor and presenter Christopher Biggins stole the show at The Halloween Horror Show and fundraising ball staged on behalf of The Sussex Beacon at the Brighton Metropole Hilton The Ball, which took place on Saturday, November 1, included a dinner show version of The Rocky Horror Show with Biggins, who was in the original film, playing the role of narrator Biggins said: "I was absolutely thrilled to host the event and for a cause so close to my heart We had spectacular fun and it was a night to remember for a very, very long time "
The Ball was attended by the Mayor of Brighton & Hove Councillor Brian Fitch, Mayoress Nora Fitch, as well as representatives from local businesses in the city The Sussex Beacon worked with leading enter tainment design agency the E3 Group to produce the Ball which raised in excess of £25,000
Photographs by Graham Franks Photography
PEER ACTION DEC DIARY
MON 1ST WORLD AIDS DAY
6pm: New Steine Gardens, candlelit vigil
MON 1ST CREATIVE WRITING COURSE
In association with Speaking Volumes, exhibition of work at the Jubilee Library as part of World AIDS Day Creative Writing drop in class returns in the new year, see website for details
TUE 2ND/ 9TH/ 16TH SWIMMING
12:20: lunch time swim at Kemptown swimming pool, £4
TUE 2ND/ 9TH/ 16TH YOGA
6pm: with Dan Noquet, Hampshire Lodge, St James’ St, £3
SAT 13TH PEER ACTION XMAS QUIZ
7 30pm: with Adam (Bedford Tavern Landlord) Crypt, St Georges Church, Kemptown Test your general knowledge, guess mystery flavours, enjoy free buffet & drinks and enter our raffle to win some really naff prizes! Cash prize £50 for winning quiz team. Tickets £5 available online: www.peeraction.co.uk
Please note Peer Action’s, holistic therapies and meditation classes, Bingo and Social Games night will be taking a break this month and returning in the New Year
Peer Action would like to thank everyone who has supported them in 2014 and look forward to continuing offering their wide range of health and social activities in 2015 Peer Action are planning activities for next year; is there anything you would like us to add to the Peer Action Diary? Perhaps a social activity? More therapies? More trips or nights out? You can drop us a few ideas quickly and even anonymously on the website by following this link: http://www peeraction co uk/contact For info about events see: www peeraction co uk
AIDS & HIV
Paul Thorn looks at AIDS & HIV today
) Today, HIV for many in the UK is a manageable condition Those who are on antiretroviral treatment are encouraged to live as near to normal lives as possible, including going to work if they can Yet, the one thing that hasn’t changed for people surviving with the virus is the stigma they still experience and feelings of anxiety and isolation that are known to be associated with having HIV Dealing with the day-to-day challenges that everyone has to face, irrespective of having the virus or not, plus the added mental, emotional and physical hurdles of having HIV, is a lot for anyone to handle. Being HIV-positive has become much more invisible today because of treatment. We don’t really see people who are visibly ill because of it anymore. It has become a much easier secret to keep, if that is what someone has to, or wants to do. It could be argued that being HIV-positive is a more anonymous affair than ever and as a consequence increasingly hidden and isolating for many
All of us who are gay, lesbian, trans*, have experienced feelings of being different. We all remember when we discovered that there were others, just like us out there and maybe it felt like we had ‘ come home’. For many this feeling of belonging is short lived when we discover, and I use the term ‘community’ loosely in this context, that the community is not as supportive as we hoped it would be The same goes for the HIV community, and the prejudices held by some with the virus to others who are also coinfected with other infections such as hepatitis C, or TB, or towards those who have the added burden of mental health issues to deal with I know this for a fact to be true having experienced HIV/TB co-infection myself and having bipolar disorder Controversial to say, but the community alone is not enough.
For many years HIV organisations and voluntary groups have tried to address the stigma and isolation that people living with the virus face Although the landscape of HIV has changed remarkably we still need these organisations. It’s fanciful to suggest that because we can effectively manage the natural course of the virus with antiretroviral treatment that there is now no need for these organisations and charities. In addressing the stigma and isolation that many with HIV still experience THT South (amongst other projects) is engaging those who are 50 years + with their Silver Dreams project. The Sussex Beacon continues to adapt to assist in the mental, emotional and physical well-being of HIV survivors and the newly diagnosed; a very different remit from which the organization was originally created for Lunch Positive provides a safe place for people to socialise and have a meal once a week, an essential service and lifeline for many now that there is no drop-in centre of the like provided by Body Positive and Open Door in days gone by Peer Action continues to reach out to those with the virus, offering a variety of social events in a supportive environment and many alternative treatments such as massage on a sliding scale Other non-HIV specific organisations, for example Mind Out, continue to help people irrespective of their HIV status with their mental health challenges.
As we mark World AIDS Day on December 1, and remember those who didn’t make it to these new days of hope, it must be remembered that the fight is not over yet. Maybe we are in the final chapters of the story? I wouldn’t like to say, but in the meantime we must continue to support in every way possible the HIV organisations and charities, both funded and voluntary, to address the stigma and isolation that those with the virus still face today. We have to also ensure their future capabilities to deal with any unforeseen challenges of being HIV-positive and treatment, and continue to assist those surviving with the virus for all our tomorrows.
) Paul Thorn was nominated by Stonewall for Journalist of the Year 2014. His new book HIV Happy, published by E-M-Press, will be available on Amazon Kindle from January 5, 2015. To find out more visit www.hivhappy.co.uk
WORLD AIDS DAY EVENTS
The Brighton & Hove World AIDS Day Par tnership are organising a series of events in Brighton & Hove to mark World AIDS Day on Monday, December 1 The par tnership includes: Lunch Positive, the Sussex Beacon, Gscene Magazine, Sussex Ecumenical HIV Chaplaincy, Peer Action, BHCC Par tnership Community Safety Team and THT Brighton
MEMORIAL SPACE
) NEW STEINE GARDENS: Mon, Dec 1, 4pm Volunteers and staff from the par tnership will be at New Steine Gardens from 12pm providing a safe and welcoming space for people to leave keepsakes, photos or messages of hope or remembrance at the memorial They will be available to collect any new names of those we have lost to be added to the list of names and to give information on the vigil and the day’s events Refreshments will also be available from the World AIDS Day Café marquee close to the memorial
CANDLELIT VIGIL
) BRIGHTON AIDS MEMORIAL CANDLELIT VIGIL, New Steine Gdns: Mon, Dec 1, 6-7pm Everyone is welcome to attend the remembrance event of those we have lost to HIV/AIDS in Brighton & Hove There will be a reading of the names and a candlelit vigil Spaces will be available for anyone seeking quiet moments of reflection New names to be read (in addition to those in previous years) can be added to the list during the day at the World AIDS Day Café marquee in New Steine Gardens
Thanks to the Camelford Arms for offering free hot beverages before and after the vigil for anyone attending and to the New Steine Hotel for their ‘behind the scenes’ suppor t
POSITIVE HOPE
) SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE & SOLIDARITY, The Sanctuar y (top floor) Dorset Gardens Methodist Church: Mon, Dec 1, 7 30-8 30pm After the Candlit Vigil, continue to remember loved ones Churches Together in central Brighton and Sussex HIV Chaplaincy invite ALL to join them in a service of remembrance for those who have 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 Refreshments from 6.45pm
CONCERT
) WORL D A IDS DAY CONCERT: WE A L L L IV E TOGETHER, St Mar y’s Church, St James St: Mon, Dec 1, doors open 7pm, concer t at 7.30pm with performances by the Brighton Belles Women’s Chorus, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, R ainbow Chorus, R esound Male Voices and Qukelele
Funds raised from the concer t will be donated to Lunch Positive, the weekly lunch club for people with and who are affected by HIV Lunch Positive volunteers will be serving home-made mince pies and mulled wine
Tickets cost £5, available online at www BrightonWADconcer t info or in person from Prowler on St James’ Street It’s highly recommended to buy tickets in advance, but a small number will be available on the door
TRAINING
) LUNCH TIME HIV AWARENESS TRAINING: THT, 61 Ship St: Mon, Dec 1, 12 30-1 30pm: An update and refresher about HIV in 2014
GET FIT THE SÁSTA WAY
James Ledward tries out a new approach to fitness and general well being
) The poster on the wall while you exercise says it all - ‘Sweat is fat crying!’
Sásta is a new health, fitness and weight loss programme on offer at Brighton Marina
I’m sixty years old, out of condition and haven’t done any regular exercise for 10 years or more Throw bad diabetic control and a dodgy liver into the mix and the prognosis isn’t great Like all weight reduction programmes sásta makes the usual promises of weight loss but for me this programme has proved to deliver much more
I’ve been diabetic for 10 years, I’m insulin dependent and suffer from poor diabetic control After just three weeks on the programme my overall diabetic control level improved by 15%. My total body fat reduced by 3.4%, I had an 8lbs loss of fat mass,my visceral fat levels reduced by 10% and my all round general fitness improved considerably.
Thirty minutes in the patented sásta pod brings my sugar levels down by 5 points WITHOUT FAIL each time I use the machine and a thirty minute session on the floor brings the sugar levels down even further giving me more energy for the rest of the day.
When you start the programme your weight,
fat mass, muscle mass, fat%, water%, visceral rating (fat around the vital organs) and metabolic age are taken and then monitored at your weekly weigh in session.
On the programme my overall weight didn’t reduce at first as the fat converted to muscle but the shape of my body especially the size of my arse, hips and lower waist changed considerably.
You have your sásta session in a friendly unit in Brighton Marina, just behind the Subway sandwich shop! There is nothing worse when you ’ re overweight than going to a gym and being intimidated by well endowed muscle Marys pumping those fitness machines. Sásta is personal and friendly. The trainers are very experienced, encouraging and very helpful. Your session at sásta falls into two halves.
The patented running pod: You spend thirty minutes in the patented pod which is a conventional running machine sealed in a pod. You wear a tight suction suit and during the session the speed of the machine varies, the incline varies and a vacuum engages which makes you work harder, improving cardiovascular, increasing stamina and energy levels, while improving your breathing and reducing your body fat.
The Floor Exercise:
The session in the pod is followed by a 30 minute exercise and body sculpting floor session using light weights. You’re monitored during both parts by a personal trainer who checks your progress all the time. Not having done any exercise for years I was sore after my first few sessions, however, by session four I was getting used to the routine Just remember - no gain without some pain!
Sásta is not just an exercise programme, it has five complimentary components:
• Client Consultation
• Pod Exercise
• Low GL Meal Plan
• Body Sculpting Programme
• One-to-One Personal Trainer
Each component is important to get the most out of the programme For me personally, sásta has had a spectacular impact on my diabetic control, reducing the level of my blood sugars across the board, giving me more energy and allowing me to reduce the amount of insulin I inject daily Thirty minutes in the pod
GUARANTEES my sugar levels come down by a minimum five points at every session. When your average sugar level is over 12 this is very welcome, it’s improved my daily stamina levels no end and I’m also sleeping much better.
For the first time in years I have muscles developing in my arms, legs and stomach and I’ve become more mobile, which considering I’ve used a walking stick for most of the last year, has made a big difference to my all round general mobility and general well being.
It’s important that you keep to the Low GL meal plan, which for me was the hardest part of the programme. Lots of water and no alcohol for the first two weeks of the regime are recommended. Enough said!
“By session four I was getting used to the routine. Just remember no gain without pain!”
Sásta in Gaelic means ‘happy’ or ‘content’ and the programme promotes lifestyle changes The nutrition plan is based on a Low GL (Glycaemic Load) intake, which is all about the sugar and carbohydrates in food Just keep to the many tasty meals and snacks in the food plan menu book that you ’ re given when you register Sásta offers a money back guarantee that within your first month you’ll lose a clothes size or you get a 100% refund of your fee
To download a voucher for a free demonstration, view: www.sastafitness.net
As with any fitness regime, if you ’ re unfit and out of condition, you should consult your doctor before starting the sásta programme
BY JAMES LEDWARD
RICKSHAW
36 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AB
Tel: 01273 911811, www.rickshaw-oriental.com
Open: Mon-Thu 12-10.30pm; Fri & Sat 12-11pm; Sun from 12pm
) Rickshaw offers a unique dining experience, serving Asian fusion cuisine from five countries in one single venue. You can sample Chinese cuisine in the Beijing Suite, Japanese cuisine in the Tokyo Lounge, Indian cuisine in the Indian Summer Hall, Thai cuisine in the Bangkok Bar and Korean cuisine in any one of those four dining rooms Relax in the traditional Tokyo Lounge and enjoy some sushi, while your partner eats some Chinese or Indian dishes at the same table
Before eating, enjoy a classic cocktail I tried the Oriental Summer (£7), a spectacular cocktail with vodka mixed with Amaretto, Southern Comfort, orange juice and a splash of grenadine syrup Cocktails on the menu cost just £6 or £7, with the top of the range Bitter Champagne cocktail costing £9 All cocktails were well-mixed, beautifully presented, great value and highly recommended
For starters we had Pork Ribs Gangjeong (£7) - marinated pork ribs in sweet chilli garlic sauce Quite delicious The large and juicy New Zealand mussels in Green Thai Sauce (£7) were recommended by the management and were a revelation, complemented by the mild green sauce For a flavour of Japan we tried the Japanese Goyza (£6)crispy dumplings of chicken or vegetables served with Japanese sauce. If you want both chicken and vegetables tell the waiter when ordering. The dumplings were crispy and the sauce spot on. For our final starter we tried Salt Pepper Chilli Squid - squid lightly coated in flour and finished with sea salt, ground black pepper, spring onion and sliced chilli. The squid was tender and the batter light and tasty.
For the main courses my dining guest went with the recommendation of the management and tried the Fillet Steak Signature Dish (£19); a six ounce piece of the high quality fillet beef, served sliced and rare (unless you order otherwise) and covered with a dense, mild green sauce and a rice of your choice. It was stunning, the beef was perfect and my only observation was that some people might prefer the green sauce served separately on the side so they can choose exactly how much they want or don't want on the beef
I had the Thai Sea Bass (£14) - a crispy sea bass fillet topped with Thai herbs and sauce, garnished with basil leaves, fresh green peppercorn, grachai, lime leaves and brown rice This was seafood at its best with the mild flavour of the fish perfectly teased out by the selected herbs. Between us we shared a Korean Bibimap (£11) - rice served in a hot stone bowl with a variety of cooked vegetables and finished with a choice of toppings of marinated chicken, teriyaki mushrooms or prawns. This was my favourite dish of the evening, Korean cuisine at its very best!
For desert we somehow found room for the Banana Fritters (£7), which were served with ice cream and honey, and the Hot Chocolate Pot (£5) - a provocative coriander and red chilli chocolate pot ganache. Both puddings ticked all the boxes and my guest, a food critic from Barbados, said the Hot Chocolate Pot was the best desert she had sampled in many moons.
We washed each dish down with a glass of Prosecco Brut di Valdobbiadene (£23) - a light fresh and elegant wine with a slightly lemony and crisp palate. House Wine costs £15 and the wine list included a good selection of wines from Italy, France and South America, ranging in price from £18-£79
Service was first class, and the staff were polite and chatty without being intrusive. As well as offering a great allround dining experience, Rickshaw is an ideal place to meet for a cocktail, drink before the theatre or to have a meeting during the afternoon Between 11 30am and 6 30pm each day you can try the Oriental Fusion Tapas deal which offers a selection of tapas dishes at £4 each or four dishes for £12. If you like sushi there is a Sushi Mixed Platter at £7 and £12, or a sharing platter at £20. Check out the website for some great value Christmas deals.
INFINITY FOODS KITCHEN
50 Gardner Street, Brighton, Tel: 01273 670743
Open: Mon-Fri 10.30am-5pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-4pm
) Infinity Foods Café was the first and original veggie and vegan cafe in Brighton opening in November 1998 with a real buzz
Now back with a blast, the newly renamed Infinity Foods Kitchen opened its doors in October. Not only has the whole interior been redesigned but so has the food! The interior now has a fresh, clean look with sustainable wood and hemp seating upstairs for a relaxed lunch over-looking Gardener Street Downstairs the kitchen has a new counter with a quick till area at the front
A take away fridge next to where you walk in is packed with goodies: sandwiches, paninis made with Infinity Bakery ciabatta, bento boxes, mezze boxes Everything ready to grab and go for a speedy healthy lunch or snack The counter along the left side is filled with hot daily specials, jacket potatoes, thali, soup, salads, dips and much more, all veggie, vegan and organic
But don’t miss the breakfasts with the special offer for Gscene readers (see coupon below): vegan pancakes with maple syrup and fresh fruit, veggie and vegan cooked breakfasts and more available for a delicious start to the day
Lunch club every Fri 12–3pm; Sunday lunch 1st Sun of the month
) Food poverty exists despite media stories persuading us otherwise. 3,500 people in Brighton & Hove can’t afford to feed themselves or their families. Low pay, high rents, expensive fuel and household bills. Reduced welfare support, inadequate housing benefits, withdrawal of emergency support. Poor housing, rogue landlords and inadequate cooking facilities. Poor health, lack of physical stamina and support at home. Loneliness, low mood, depression and poor mental health Homelessness, rough sleeping and restricted spaces to shelter These are causes of food poverty for growing numbers of people in our city; a city that behind the gloss of flourishing business and industry, cultural activity, housing development, university growth and tourist attractions is still a place of social and financial inequality, exclusion and uncertainty for many
Whenever the inevitable expose of food banks appears on TV I watch with keen interest Of course it's frustrating to see people misuse the system and benefit where they have no need But don't let that obscure the far greater number of people who have genuine difficulty feeding themselves Have you ever been hungry? Not just waiting for your next meal, but truly hungry? So hungry that you feel physically weak and in pain – with an empty fridge and no money to buy food for several days, or longer? So emotionally depleted because you aren't in a position to meet your basic needs? At our community service we get to know the people who come along, talk about their circumstances, understand at first hand the challenges that many have, and witness the distress this can cause. Actually, most people are reluctant to ask for help. Please don't buy into sensational media and take the comfortable stance that the problem isn't as great as it is For the numbers of people who seek support, consider the many more that don't, who aren't counted, and suffer as a consequence
So, Christmas approaches, a time of celebration and excess for many. It's as good a time as any to remind ourselves that many will be facing the weeks ahead, and beyond, just like any other - with worry and uncertainty about eating regularly For people with HIV, we’d ask you to remember we ’ re here to help We'd like to thank our volunteers for their hard work and creativity They feed up to 60 people each week, a healthy three-course meal that costs less than £100 in total to produce Fareshare Brighton donate food stocks to us every week, without which we wouldn’t exist Above all, we hope you'll join with us and consider the causes of inequality and food poverty, and what we can do to change this.
Lunch Positive provides a weekly Friday lunch club for people with HIV Fareshare Brighton distributes excess food from catering suppliers and supermarkets to charities. www.faresharebrightonandhove.org.uk/
BY JAMES LEDWARD
BEDFORD TAVERN
30 Western Street, Hove, Tel: 01273 739495
Open 12pm daily, Sunday lunch served from 12pm till gone
) I took the opportunity to try out the food at two pubs in Hove last month, enjoying Sunday lunch at the Bedford Tavern and a Saturday night dinner at the Iron Duke in Waterloo Street.
I’ve sampled Sunday lunch at many venues over the last few months, but few have ticked the 'value for money' box as the food served by Aaron at the Bedford Tavern. The main course is priced at £8.95 with desert at £3 and a glass of wine with your meal costings just £1.
I chose the eight hour slow cooked belly pork with crispy crackling. It was cooked to perfection, as were the seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and roast potatoes. The stuffing in particular was quite special. Too often Sunday lunches are spoilt with soggy vegetables and hard roast potatoes No problems here Perfect vegetables to complement the best belly pork I have had for many, many moons
My dining partner unusually had two vegetarian options to choose from He chose the beetroot sausages with feta and roasted fennel and vegetables He said it was delicious and a welcome change from the usual nut roasts offered on Sundays as the vegetarian option by most restaurants and bars
Other main courses on offer included the vegan option, roast vegetable filo parcels with butternut squash, and for lovers of meat, roast chicken wrapped in smoked bacon, roast leg of lamb with garlic and thyme and topside of beef with mustard and pepper crust
For desert my guest chose the warm chocolate pudding served with ice cream which he said was "perfect" and I tucked into the selection of cheese and biscuits which were served soft and breathing Both deserts were excellent value at £3
Everything was washed down with a glass a house red wine costing just £1 The food was really first class, beautifully presented and great value for money We had a wait for the main course but were kept up to date on the delay which kept us very happy Sunday lunch is served from noon till gone Get there early to guarantee a table as it is not possible to make a telephone reservation
IRON DUKE
7 Waterloo Street, Hove Tel: 01273 734806
Food: Mon–Thurs 12–3pm and 5–9.30pm; Fri & Sat 12–9.30pm; Sun: 12pm till gone
) The Iron Duke is a unique venue boasting a small theatre and established restaurant to complement the bar. The restaurant has a new chef Russell Tisbury running the food franchise and when we visited at 6pm on a Saturday night last month the bar was already full and bustling.
My dining partner started with a peperonata brushetta with melted goats’ cheese, balsamic reduction, pesto and dressed leaves (£4.95). He reported it was delicious, in fact one of the best starters he had sampled for some time. I chose the Thai infused crab cake, a little pricey at £6.95, but nevertheless very tasty and not too spicy. A soup of the day at £3.95 was the final choice on the starters menu.
For the main course I plumped for the 12 hour slow cooked pork belly (£11.95) with herbs and garlic, roast potatoes, glazed roots, kale, caramelised apple compote and jus. Perfectly cooked, not too dry and beautifully presented. The gravy was to die for and was perfect for serving with pork belly.
My partner chose the Reef and Beef, which included pan seared ribeye steak topped with garlic king prawns served with hand cut chips and dressed leaves. He asked for it to be served medium rare and they got it spot on. He is still waxing lyrical about the quality of the meat and we will be returning very soon for an encore and to sample the lamb, bean and chilli burritos and the beer battered halloumi.
Both courses were really substantial leaving us no room left for a desert. Deserts on offer were sticky toffee pudding served with butterscotch sauce and vanilla seed ice cream and warm gooey brownie served with chocolate sauce and vanilla seed ice cream. The diners on the next table sampled both deserts and assured us they were very satisfactory
Apart from the main meals, menu burgers are available at £8.95 (toppings £2.50 extra). Filled ciabattas at £7.95 are just £5 from noon-3pm from Monday to Friday The bar offers a very good selection of wines with the house wine at £13.95
GIGGLING SQUID
129 Church Rd, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 2AE Tel: 01273 771991 Open daily: 12–4pm and 6–10.45pm
) The Giggling Squid in Hove has re-opened after it suffered £150,000 worth of storm damage following a summer storm in July. The 80 cover, two floor restaurant opened in 2009, introducing the concept of Thai Tapas to the UK. The group now have restaurants in Crawley, Tunbridge Wells, Henley-on-Thames, Reigate, Stratford-upon-Avon, Marlow, Horsham and Sevenoaks, with more planned for opening in early 2015 in Chichester, Bristol and Salisbury Owners Pranee Laurillard, and her husband Andy, hope to open 50 sites across the country by 2018 The expansion has come against a backdrop of one of the worst economic downturns in a generation, having created the concept in what remains the country’s most competitive dining scene outside London – that of Brighton & Hove
Hove will host Giggling Squid’s first Thai gourmet evening on Monday, January 26 with a six course tasting menu at £35 per head There will also be the option of ordering the menu with different paired wines for each course at £49 per person Wines will be selected by Toby Peirce of Brighton & Hove-based Quaff Wines, who supply all Giggling Squid
restaurants nationally Quaff has designed a wine list which shows a combination of the wines customers expect to see, such as Pinot Grigio and Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, with more aromatic and exotic styles Following extensive taste trials, Quaff has introduced fruit-driven New World wines with an, ‘ easy going’ tempranillo from Spain and an Argentinian Malbec which is proving especially popular with regulars. Giggling Squid is also running a competition to win a fabulous holiday to Thailand including return flights and accommodation For more information about the competition, view: www.gigglingsquid.com
Giggling Squid has established a strong reputation for its authentic, rustic and fresh Thai cooking with the emphasis on street food and coastal specialities The food is prepared by master Thai chefs using fresh ingredients, sourced locally where available with much of the fish being landed at Shoreham Harbour.
The lunch menu offers a choice of six Tapas-style ‘tasting sets' that allow diners to sample several different dishes in at a single sitting, costing between £9.25 and £11.50 with 16 individual dishes priced under £4.50. ‘Big’ dishes with rice cost £6.75 to £8.50, while ‘combi’ meals with starters are priced between £6.75 and £7.95. The evening menu is more extensive with over 50 dishes available. Signature dishes include: Thai green chicken curry, prawn satay, spring rolls, tom yum soup, prawn ma kham, sea bass fillet, lamb shank massaman curry and my own personal favourite, salt and pepper squid.
25 YEARS OF BRIGHTON PRIDE
Kate Wildblood reflects on Brighton Pride’s forthcoming 25th anniversar y celebrations and the exciting new community histor y project BrightonPride25.
) In 1991 we were years away from equality There was no equal age of consent, we couldn’t serve in the armed forces or adopt, civil partnership and same-sex marriage were decades away and we were protesting against Section 28, government legislation that banned local authorities from promoting homosexuality and “teaching the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”. And yet we weren’t pretending. Our pride in our sexuality was very real for us and about to become an important part of LGBT life in our city.
The first Brighton Gay Pride took place in 1973 on Saturday July 7, 1973 with a march from Norfolk Square to the Ship Hotel, followed by a Gay Dance at the Royal Albion Hotel and a Gay Picnic on the beach on the Sunday But it wasn’t until 1991 that the Brighton Pride we know today began
One of the organisers, Dani Ahrens, recalls its protest-fuelled beginnings “We (Brighton Area Action against Section 28) had been organising an annual march from Hove Town Hall to Brighton Town Hall for a few years, at first (in 1988) to protest at the passage of Section 28 into law, and then to mark the
anniversary of that event. By 1991, we felt that the focus on Section 28 didn't really fit what we had created. Our resistance to this law, and its effects, had built a community that was strong, angry, and full of creativity We wanted to move forward and claim our rightful place in the city, not continue to look back and identify ourselves with an attack on us ”
Those fours days of Pride in 1991, with its creative and inclusive mix of protest, film, art, history, live music, cabaret, clubbing and a Pink Picnic at Preston Park announced to the city that Brighton Pride was here to stay Alf Le Flohic remembers what it brought to the city’s LGBT community “There was a new sense of direction – we may have failed to stop Section 28, but we were determined to reclaim the one thing that law was supposed to stop us having - pride in being lesbian and gay people”.
BrightonPride25 will tell the story of our Pride through main stage videos on Preston Park and public installations within the city. Brighton Pride Managing Director Paul Kemp said: “As Pride reaches this milestone anniversary of Pride in our city, the BrightonPride25 project hopes to celebrate our shared history and recognise the trailblazers and community organisations, the brave campaigners, activists, artists, club promoters, performers and Pride-goers who have been part of shaping the Pride movement in Brighton & Hove over a quarter of a century We believe passionately that Pride should have purpose Campaigning to highlight global LGBT communities and community fundraising is at the cornerstone of everything Pride represents
and we hope BrightonPride25 will continue to reinforce this message We're extremely grateful to Alf Le Flohic and Kate Wildblood for agreeing to work with Pride on this exciting community project.”
“I’m so proud that my adopted home town has kept the Pride flag flying for so many years, ” said Alf about Pride’s 25th anniversary “The UK has come a long way but there are still global bullies who would love to turn the clock back on our human rights. Every Pride has helped someone to accept who they are and know they are loved for it. Brighton has played a solid part in all that change and it's time to celebrate what we have all achieved. It's really exciting to be a part of this project, celebrating the dedicated politicos, performers and party-goers who have made Brighton Pride the unique celebration of love and liberation that it is today ”
Since 1991 I’ve watched Brighton Pride blossom by campaigning, celebrating and, most importantly, connecting communities. It brings so many aspects of our city together –charitable, voluntary, political, business, allowing us to achieve so much together From its glitter to its grit, from the partying to the fundraising, Brighton Pride has become the most fabulous jewel in Brighton’s crown and the BrightonPride25 project will enable us to remember how we got here and fire us up as we move forward From those early days of Queer on the Pier and days out on The Level to the park life of Preston Park and campaigning for the Freedom to Live, Brighton Pride is has a history worth knowing and a history we should all be proud of.)
) Play your part in BrightonPride25 and contribute your memories, photos and footage by uploading your photos and adding your memories via
TUESDAY 9.30PM SALLY VATE’S GAME SHOW
WEDNESDAY 9.30PM MAISIE TROLLET TE
THURSDAY 9.30PM
4 DEC ADOR A DIX
11DEC MS MOORE
18DEC LITTLE COSMIC
25DEC MAISIE TROLLETTE
SATURDAY 9.30PM
6DEC SANDR A 1 3 DEC BAGA CHIPZ
20DEC LOLA LASAGNE
27DEC JASON LEE
S U N DA Y 2 SHOWS - 6PM & 9.30PM
FRIDAY 9.30PM 5 DEC MYR A DuBOIS
12DEC MARTHA D’ARTHUR
19 DEC BEAR PATROL 26DEC CASSIDYCONN
7DEC DAVE LYNN 14DEC BETTY SWOLLOCKS She’s back at the Queens Arms! accompanied by COLIN BL ANCHFLOWER Camp Music Singalong XMAS SHOW
21DEC TOPSIE REDFERN
28DEC K AR A VAN PARK
CHRISTMAS IS A DR AG AT THE Q A !
WED 24 DEC MISS JASON 9.30PM CHRISTMAS EVE SPECTACULAR THU 25 DEC MAISIE TROLLETTE 9.30PM CHRISTMAS DAY PARTY FRI 26 DEC CASSIDY CONNERS 9.30PM BOXING DAY PARTY
WED 3 1 DEC NYE TIAR A THUNDERPUSSY 9.30PM & 11.45PM & DJ LITTLE ROB HUGE NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY
A-BAR
) XMAS Wed (24) xmas eve KARAOKE & CABARET with Trifari & Linda Bacardi at 8pm Thur (25) Trifari’s xmas day KARAOKE at 7pm; opens 6.30pm ) NYE Wed (31) SANFRANDISCO New Year ’s Special with DJ Mick Fuller & guests at 9pm, free entry
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Sat (6) SHAKE UP THE SCENE Cherr y xmas Special with DJ RPXX & Black Cherr y R affle with prizes at 8pm, donations to NAPAC ) REGUL ARS Sat SANFRANDISCO with DJ Mick Fuller at 8pm ) Sun (21) BURNING OF THE CLOCKS Samba night at 8pm ) Wed OPEN MIC PIANO BAR at 8 30pm
) FOOD bar food Mon–Sat 12–4pm; Golden Handbag award winning Sunday roasts served 12–5pm (last orders 4pm), to book call 01273 696691
) DRINK DEALS house wine £12 every day; double-up on spirits for extra £1 50 all day, every day; Sun–Thur, buy one cocktail get the other half price all day
) OPEN Sun–Thur 12pm–12am; Fri & Sat 12pm–2am; xmas day opens 6 30pm Unrivalled sea view, large smoking & sun terrace www abarbrighton co uk
Information is correct at the time of going to press Gscene cannot be held responsible for any changes or alterations to the listings
BARS
l A-BAR 11-12 Marine Parade, BN2 1TL
Tel: 01273 696691, www abarbrighton co uk
Seafront bar with sun terrace & food
OPEN: Sun–Thur 12pm–12am, Fri & Sat
12pm–2am; xmas & New Year open as normal except xmas day open from 6 30pm
DRINK PROMOS: all day, every day
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY
7 Pegler Way, Crawley, RH11 7AG
Tel: 01293 511177 www 7crawley co uk
Bar & lounge with top cabaret
OPEN: Sun & Wed 6pm–12 30am, Thur–Sat 6pm–2 30am; open 8pm-4am xmas eve, closed xmas day & Boxing day
DRINK PROMOS: Wed 6–9pm, Thur all night
l BAR BROADWAY 10 Steine Street, BN10 8GA, Tel: 01273 609777
OPEN: Sun-Thur 4pm-1am; Fri & Sat 4pm-3am; 6pm-1am over xmas, from 4pm on NYE
DRINK PROMOS: Mon & Tue all day; Wed-Sun 4-8pm
l BAR RED Marine Parade, BN2 1TL
Tel: 01273 698331 www funkyfishclub co uk
Seafront facing bar, mixed clientele
l BAR REVENGE 32-34 Old Steine, BN1 1EL
Tel: 01273 606064, www revenge co uk
Seafront bar with DJs & live music
OPEN: Sun-Wed 12pm-1am; Thur 12pm-2am; Fri & Sat 12pm-6am; reg opening xmas eve, Boxing day & NYE; closed xmas day
DRINK PROMOS: Mon-Sun, day & night
l BEDFORD TAVERN 30 Western St, BN1 2PG, Tel: 01273 739495, Friendly, traditional pub in
BAR 7 CRAWLEY
the hear t of Hove
OPEN: 12pm daily; open 12-3pm xmas day, closed Boxing day
l BULLDOG 31 St James's St, BN2 1RF
Tel: 01273 696996 www bulldogbrighton com
Two floor venue with DJs & cabaret
OPEN: daily 11am–very late; open 11am-late
xmas eve, 12-3pm xmas day, 11-7am Boxing day; NYE open 42 hrs, closes Fri 2 Jan at 5am
DRINK PROMOS: Mon, Tue, Thur 4–8pm & 11pm–12am; Wed 4–8pm; Fri 4–8pm & 9–11pm; Sat 10pm–12am; Sun all day–12am
24-hr student discount every day
l CAMELFORD ARMS
30-31 Camelford St, BN2 1TQ
Tel: 01273 622386, www camelfordarms com
Dog friendly, traditional pub
OPEN: daily from 12pm; open 12pm xmas eve, Boxing day, NYE & NY day; 12-3pm & 8-11pm
xmas day
l CHARLES ST 8 Marine Parade, BN2 1TA
Tel: 01273 624091, www charles-street com
Bar with food, top cabaret, DJs & sun terrace
OPEN: daily from 12pm; xmas eve 12pm-1am, closed xmas day, 5pm-2am Boxing day; 12pm5am NYE, 5pm-2am NY day
l DR BRIGHTON’S 16-17 Kings Rd, BN1 1NE, Tel: 01273 208113 www doctorbrightons co uk
Dog-friendly seafront bar, DJs & pool table
OPEN: Mon–Thur 3pm–12am, Fri & Sat 1pm –2am, Sun 1pm–12am; closed xmas day; open 3pm-4am NYE; 5pm-midnight NY day
DRINK PROMOS: Sun–Thur all day, Fri & Sat 1–7pm
l GROSVENOR BAR
16 Western St, Hove, BN1 2PG
) XMAS Sat (20) XMAS PARTY with DJs at 8pm Wed (24) XMAS EVE PARTY with DJs at 8pm, closes 4am ) NYE Wed (31) NYE-THEMED PARTY with DJs at 8pm, closes 4am ) REGUL ARS Thur is BOOGIE NIGHTS with DJ Claire Fuller at 9pm Fri is with DJs at 10pm, free b4 11pm, £3 after Sat is with DJs at 10pm, free b4 10pm, £3 after Sun is KARAOKE at 7 30pm, free entry ) DRINK DEALS Wed 6–9pm, Thur all night
) OPEN Wed Sun from 6pm Closed xmas day & Boxing day www.7crawley.co.uk
BAR BROADWAY
) WORLD AIDS DAY Mon (1) free mulled wine for vigil attendees, After Work BIG SHOWBIZ QUIZ £1 per head entry to Rainbow Fund at 6 30pm ) XMAS Mon (22) After Work Big xmas Showbiz Quiz at 6.30pm; prizes for best xmas jumper, £50 bar tab for winner ) Wed (24) music clips 2pm ) Crackers & xmas music overload xmas Day from 6pm Broadway Jukebox on Boxing Day from 6pm ) NYE Wed (31) Scottish NYE Broadway Hogmanay kilts, sporran, create your countdown at www barbroadway co uk at 4pm, free entry ) Thur (1) Jan Black Bun & Madeira Cake at 4pm ) REGUL ARS Mon After Work SHOWBIZ QUIZ fundraiser for R ainbow Fund at 6 30pm; rollover jackpot, £50 bar tab for winner ) Tue SING-ALONG MOVIE night, popcorn, 7pm ) Wed FIREPLACE SESSIONS at 8.30pm: Corrine Williams (3), Jo Bluenotes (17) ) Thur OPEN MIC, drink promos for performers at 9pm, to pperform email info@barbroadway co uk ) Fri & Sat BROADWAY JUKEBOX at 4pm – tweet songs to @barbroadwayuk with #jukebox Fri live pianist Mark R ussell at 10 15pm ) Sun FIREPLACE SESSIONS at 9pm: Lascel Wood (7), Denise Black & Mark R ussell’s Black on Broadway (14), David R aven & Josh Mills (21), TBA (28)
) DRINK DEALS Mon & Tue all day; Wed–Sun 4–8pm; bring NUS card on Thur for happy hour all night; 2 cocktails for £10 on Sun 5–7pm Industry night Mon, get an Industry Discount Key Ring for discounts all night on your drinks ) OPEN Sun–Thur 4pm–1am, Fri & Sat 4pm–3am ) www.barbroadway.co.uk
www thegrosvenorbar com
OPEN: Thur-Sun from 1pm; closed Mon; xmas: open 12-3pm
DRINK PROMOS: Tue-Sat 1-5pm
l IRON DUKE 3 Waterloo St, Hove, BN3 1AQ, Tel: 01273 734806 www irondukebrighton co uk
Pub, guesthouse, kitchen & theatre
OPEN: 12pm-late every day
l LEGENDS BAR 31-34 Marine Parade, BN2 1TR, Tel: 01273 624462, www legendsbrighton com,
Bar with regular DJs, cabaret, food & seafront facing sun terrace
OPEN: daily 11–5am; xmas & New Year regular opening hours apply
DRINK PROMOS: Mon-Thu 5-9pm; Fri 12-11pm
l MARINE TAVERN 13 Broad St, BN2 1TJ Tel: 01273 905578, www marinetavern co uk
Friendly bar with regular quiz nights
OPEN: daily from 11am; 12pm-2am xmas eve, xmas day & Boxing day; 12pm-4am on NYE,
12pm-3am on NY day
DRINK PROMOS: Wed & Thur 7-11pm
l PARIS HOUSE 21 Western Rd, BN3 1AF
Tel: 01273 724195 www parishousebrighton com
French style cafe/bar
OPEN: daily from 12pm; closed xmas day, open 3pm Boxing day, open 3pm NY day
l POISON IVY 129 St James' St, BN2 1TH
Tel: 01273 604076, Drag hosts & karaoke nightly
OPEN: daily from 11am; all day xmas day
DRINK PROMOS: Tue, Thur, Fri & Sat all night; all day & night on Sun
OPEN: 4pm Tue-Fri; 2pm Sat & Sun; closed every Mon; xmas: open from 7pm
l ROYAL OAK 46 St James’s St, BN2 1RG Tel: 01273 621093, Dog friendly bar, cask
BRIGHTON SAUNA
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Get a Golden Ticket when you visit between 6pm–1am every Mon, Tue & Thur to enter the monthly prize draw (drawn on first Mon of the month) and you could win £250 cash ) REGUL ARS Wed & Sun is NAKED DAY all day, no towels to be worn
) DRINKS licensed bar 7 days a week; Sun–Thur 11–1am and Fri & Sat 11–2am
) OPEN Right through xmas/New Year ) www thebrightonsauna com
BULLDOG
) MEMBERSHIP Free entry for members only, door charge for non-members For membership visit www.bulldogbrighton.com/membership-application
) XMAS Wed (24) XMAS EVE PARTY, DJ Grant in main bar 10pm, AMY’S KARAOKE in top bar 10pm Fri (26) BOXING DAY PARTY with DJ Grant in main bar 10pm; CABARET in top bar with Son of a Tutu at midnight, KARAOKE after ) NYE Wed (31) 48-Hour Non-Stop NYE PARTY with DJ Marcia at 10pm and Lil R ob at 3am; ASH’S KARAOKE is in the top bar at 10pm
) REGUL ARS Tue POPTASTIC at 10pm Wed DIVA RUSH with DJ Marcia, all drinks £1 99 when select ar tist plays & traffic lights go green, 10pm–2am ) Thur RELEASE with DJ Grant Knowles at 10pm ) Fri DJ GRANT KNOWLES at 10pm; DJ Marcia hosts CABARET upstairs at midnight: Laquisha Jonz (5), Cassidy Connors (12) and Miss Penny (19) ) Sat is DJ V John at 10pm, DJ Lil Alex at 3am, KARAOKE upstairs at 10pm ) Sun KARAOKE at 9pm, DJ Grant Knowles at 10pm ) Mon DJ Marcia’s GLIT TER BALL 70s/80s tunes 10pm
4–8pm & drinks £1 99 9–11pm; Sat 10pm–midnight; Sun all day–midnight;
3–7pm & 10pm–midnight on xmas eve, all day Boxing Day; NY Happy hour:
3–7pm Drinks include: pints from £1 95, double spirit & mixer from £2 30, bottles from £1 85 (Terms & conditions apply)
) OPEN daily from 11am–ver y late; 11am–late xmas eve, 12–3pm & 7pmlate xmas day, 11–7am Boxing day; NY closes 5am on Fri 2 Jan ) www bulldogbrighton com
conditioned ales, cabaret, food & beer garden
OPEN: Mon–Thur 12–11pm, Fri & Sat 12pm–1am, Sun 12–10 30pm
l SUBLINE 129 St James s St, BN2 1TH
Tel: 01273 624100, www sublinebrighton co uk
Cruising bar, regular DJs & themed nights
OPEN: Wed–Sat from 9pm, Sun from 8pm; closed xmas day, 29th, 30th & NY day
DRINK PROMOS: Wed & Sat
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS
59 Nor th Rd, Brighton, BN1 1YD
Tel: 01273 608571 www 3jollybutchers com
Dog-friendly central food pub
OPEN: Mon–Sat from 12pm, Sun from 1pm; closed xmas day, open 12-6pm Boxing day, from 3pm NY day
l ZONE 33 St James’ St, BN2 1RF
Tel: 01273 682249, www zonebar co uk
Friendly bar, live music, karaoke & cabaret
OPEN: daily from 10am; open 10-1 30am xmas eve, 10am-3pm xmas day, 10-1 30am Boxing day; 10-3am NYE 10-1 30am NY day
DRINK PROMOS: every day and night
CLUBS
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Nightclub below Legends Bar & Hotel
www legendsbrighton com
OPEN: Wed & Fri–Sun from 11pm; 11pm-4am
xmas eve, 11pm-3am xmas day & Boxing day; NYE 9pm-5am, NY day 11pm-3am
ENTRY : free entry daily
DRINK PROMOS: Wed, Fri & Sun all night
l ENVY Nightclub above Charles Street
www charles-street com
l FUNKYFISH CLUB 19 Marine Parade, BN2 1TL, Tel: 01273 698331 www funkyfishclub co uk
DJs 70s/80s/90s funk/soul classics
OPEN: Fri & Sat 9pm-late
ENTRY : Fri free, Sat £5
DRINK PROMOS: Fri & Sat all night
l REVENGE 32-34 Old Steine, BN1 1EL Tel: 01273 606064 www revenge co uk
Club with top DJs & PAs (student friendly)
OPEN: Tue from 11pm, Thur, Fri & Sat from 10 30pm; closed xmas day & Boxing day
ENTRY : Tue: £1 with a flyer/£2 without; Thur: free b4 11 30pm with flyer/£4/£3 NUS; Fri & Sat: free b4 12am with flyer/£5 without/£4 NUS
DRINK PROMOS: Tue, Thur, Fri, Sat all night
SAUNAS
l THE BRIGHTON SAUNA 75 Grand Parade BN2 9JA, Tel: 01273 689966 www thebrightonsauna com
Gay sauna with licenced bar
OPEN: Mon-Thu 10–1am, Fri 10am then 24 hours to Sun night 1am; open through xmas & New Year
ENTRY : standard £15, weekend pass £20 (3 days), under 25s £5 Mon-Thur
LICENCED BAR: Sun–Thu 11–1am, Fri & Sat 11–2am
CAMELFORD ARMS
CHARLES STREET BAR
) WORLD AIDS DAY Mon (1) WAD CHARITY CABARET FUNDRAISER for Sussex Beacon with host Drag With No Name and Lola Lasagne, Mrs Moore, R ose Garden, Sally Vate, Cassidy Connors & more 7.30pm; Bar 150 after ) XMAS Wed (24 QUIZ WITH NO NAME xmas eve special with Drag With No Name, fun & prizes at 9pm Fri (26) FRUITY FRIDAY FIX Boxing day special with DJ Leeroy at 9pm
) NYE Wed (31) CIRCUS CIRCUS NYE PARTY with Big Top décor, hostess Joan Bond, free entry b4 10pm, £4 advance tickets from the bar include glass of bubbly at midnight Thur (1) Jan is the MAD COW NEW YEAR’S DAY special at 9pm
) WORLD AIDS DAY Mon (1) free hot drinks all day for Vigil attendees; WAD raffle at 7.30pm, all money raised from raffle & food sold on day to Sussex Beacon
) XMAS Fri (26) is the XMAS AF TER -PARTY all day from 12pm
) NYE Wed (31) NYE PARTY at 8pm, free entry Thur (1) Jan HANGOVER PARTY all day from 12pm; then it’s the £300 BIG CASH QUIZ at 9pm
) REGUL ARS Thur £300 BIG CASH QUIZ at 9pm ) FRIDAY CLUB is at 6pm
) Sun (7 & 21) BEAR BASH at 5pm; free raffle every Sun at 5pm
) FOOD Wed SENIORS' LUNCH, 2 courses for £5 50 2–3 30pm; home-cooked menu & manager's specials Mon–Fri 12–3pm & 6–9pm; Sat 12–9pm; Sunday roasts & select menu 12pm–till gone! ) 12–9pm Mon 22, Tue 23, xmas eve, Boxing day & NY day; 12–7pm Sat 27; 12–6pm NYE
) OPEN daily from 12pm; 12pm xmas eve, 12–3pm & 8–11pm xmas day, from 12pm Boxing day
l TBS2 84-86 Denmark Villas Hove BN3 3TJ
Tel: 01273 723733, www tbs2 com
Gay sauna in Hove with licenced bar
OPEN: 10am-11pm every day of the year; xmas & New Year: open as normal ENTRY : £14 standard, £10 with VIP memship, £20 weekend pass, £5 under 25s every day
FOOD
l A-BAR Tel: 01273 696691
FOOD: Mon–Sat 12–4pm; Sun roast 12–5pm
l BAR REVENGE FOOD: free pizza on Sunday l BEDFORD TAVERN Tel: 01273 739495
FOOD: Sunday roasts from 12 30pm; 3 course
xmas dinner Sun (14) from 12 30pm
l BET TY LA LA’S 22 St James’ St, Brighton, BN2 1RF, Tel: 01273 693444, www bettylalas com
FOOD: Tue–Sun 12pm–late
l CAMELFORD ARMS Tel: 01273 622386
FOOD: Mon–Fri 12–3pm & 6–9pm; Sat 12–9pm; Sunday roast & select menu 12pm–till gone; seniors' lunch Wed 2–3 30pm; 12-9pm Mon 22xmas eve & Boxing day; 12-7pm Sat 27; 12-6pm NYE; 12-9pm NY day
l CHARLES ST Tel: 01273 624091
FOOD: Mon–Sat 12–8pm; Sun lunch 12–7pm
l IRON DUKE Tel: 01273 734806
FOOD: Mon–Thurs: 12–3pm and 5–9 30pm, Fri & Sat: 12–9 30pm Sun: 12pm till gone
l LEGENDS BAR Tel: 01273 624462
FOOD: Mon–Fri 12–3pm; Sat 12-4pm; Sun lunch 12–3pm; book now by telephone b4 19 Dec for 5course xmas day lunch
l MARINE TAVERN Tel: 01273 905578
FOOD: 12-9pm
l NEW STEINE BISTRO
10/11 New Steine, Brighton, BN2 1PB Tel: 01273 681546, www newsteinehotel com
FOOD: every eve 6–9 45pm for last orders
l PARIS HOUSE Tel: 01273 724195
FOOD: French platters every day
l ROYAL OAK Tel: 01273 621093
FOOD: Mon–Fri 12–3pm & 6–9pm; Sunday roasts
12pm-gone xmas Day lunch: 12-6pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Tel: 01273 608571
FOOD: daily 12–3pm & 6–9pm; Sunday lunch from 1pm
MONDAY 1
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY World AIDS Day: free mulled wine to vigil attendees & Showbiz Quiz
Fundraiser for Rainbow Fund 6.30pm
l BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8 30pm
l BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS World AIDS Day Raffle
Fundraiser for the Sussex Beacon 7 30pm
l CHARLES STREET World AIDS Day Charity
Cabaret Fundraiser for Sussex Beacon: host Drag
) REGUL ARS Wed QUIZ WITH NO NAME xmas Run with Drag With No Name, games & £100 jackpot at 9pm ) Thur MAD COW TEA PARTY with hostess Joan Bond at 9pm, entry £1 ) FRUITY FRIDAY FIX with DJ Leeroy, dance/funky house, at 9pm ) Sat BOYS IN THE BAR with DJs inc Lil Alex, Grant Knowles & Leeroy, free entry ) Sun CABARET at 7 30pm: R ose Garden (7), Mitzi Macintosh (14), Lizzy Drip (21), Drag With No Name (28); Tranny R ock & R oll Bingo with Sally Vate and rolling jackpot at 8 30pm ) Mon STUDIO 150 student night at 10pm ) FOOD 12–8pm Mon–Sat; two for £6 95 on select mains, 2-4-1 gourmet hotdogs at Dog Tails on Tue Sunday Lunch: 12–7pm, £6 95, or two for £10 ) DRINK DEALS All drinks 50% off Mon–Sat from 5–9pm (inc xmas & New Year); from £1 50 at Studio 150 on Mon; from £1 and win a bar tab for the night on Thur; Sun from 8.30pm, after show All deals excl sparkling wine & cocktails & not in conjunction with other offers Cocktails: two for £8 on Tue & Fri 9pm–close ) OPEN daily from 12pm ) 12pm–1am xmas eve, closed xmas day, open 5pm –2am Boxing day; 12pm–5am NYE, 5pm–2am NY day www charles-street com
With No Name + Lola Lasagne Mrs Moore Rose Garden, Sally Vate, Cassidy Connors & more
7 30pm; Studio 150 10pm
l LEGENDS BAR A Drag of Games: games night with Baga Chipz or Drag With No Name 9 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Mon Madness 9pm
l POISON IVY karaoke: guest host 7pm
l ZONE Rachel’s Manic Mon World AIDS Day
Fundraiser + Rachel & Mar ty’s Big Fat Quiz WAD Fundraiser 7pm
TUESDAY 2
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY Singalong Movie night 7pm
l BAR REVENGE Wheel of For tune Karaoke: Nathan & Dana 8pm
l BULLDOG Poptastic 10pm
l MARINE TAVERN Nat s Quiz 9pm
l POISON IVY Bar150: Betty Swollocks karaoke 7pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate’s Games Show 9 30pm
l REVENGE Drop Out: DJs Trick & Dana 11pm
WEDNESDAY 3
l A-BAR open mic piano bar 8 30pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions: Corrine Williams 8 30pm
l BAR REVENGE Crash: DJ Dana 7pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire
Fuller 11pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 11am
l BULLDOG Diva Rush: DJ Marcia 10pm
l CHARLES ST Quiz With No Name xmas Run: Drag With No Name 9pm
l LEGENDS BAR Lola & Dave’s Midweek Menopause 9 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Boudoir: trans* night 9pm
l POISON IVY Stephanie Starlet’s Amateur Strip Night + Gloria Hole’s karaoke 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Maisie Trollette 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Fag Machine: alt night 9pm
l ZONE Mar ty’s Quiz 7 30pm
THURSDAY 4
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Boogie Nights: DJ Claire Fuller 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY open mic 9.30pm
l BAR REVENGE FOMO warm-up 9pm
l BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Quiz 9pm
l CHARLES ST Mad Cow’s Tea Par ty: Ms Joan Bond, tunes 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback Thurs 8pm
l POISON IVY Stacy Swallows’ karaoke par ty with top cabaret 9 30pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Adora Dix 9.30pm
l REVENGE Wild West FOMO: DJs 10.30pm
l SUBLINE Leathered 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Let’s Get Quizzy 7 30pm
l ZONE Tom Tom: 80s club night 7 30pm
FRIDAY 5
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJs 10pm
l BAR BROADWAY Broadway Jukebox 4pm; pianist Mark Russell 10 15pm
l BAR REVENGE DJ Alex Baker 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fastforward: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
ENVY CHARLES STREET
) TRAUMFRAU Fri (12) is the TRAUMFRAU FAMILY QUEERMAS with DJs, live performances, ar ts & crafts, live ar t, and a Christmas market with local, ethical and hand made cards, food, clothes & toys that aren’t for kids at 10pm Tickets: £6 from www.wegottickets.com/event/298111 or £7 on the door
) GRRR! Sat (13) is the GRRR! FOR MEN FUNDRAISER for the Rainbow Fund organised by the Brighton Bear Weekender with DJs Josh the Barber & Gar y Watts spinning funky house music, drink promos inc £2 pints & a cruisy atmosphere at 10 30pm; £5 entry, £4 b4 11 30pm, men-only
l MARINE TAVERN World AIDS Day Fundraiser & Disco 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE Funk Food 9pm
l POISON IVY non-stop karaoke noon; Camp Attack 7pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Myra Dubois 9 30pm
l REVENGE GOT pres Clique: all-girl DJs on level 2; X Factor Fridays level 1 10 30pm
l SUBLINE Steam 9pm
l TBS2 CumUnion International Sex Par ty 11pm
l ZONE cabaret: Stone & Street 9 30pm
SATURDAY 6
l A-BAR Shake up the Scene Cherry xmas Special: DJ RPXX + Black Cherry raffle 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJs 10pm
l BAR BROADWAY Broadway jukebox 4pm
l BAR REVENGE DJ Fifilicious 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Lee Harris 11pm
l BEDFORD TAVERN West End Wendy’s Disney Special 8 30pm
l BULLDOG DJ V John 10pm; DJ Lil Alex 3am; DJ Grant K nowles 3am; karaoke 10pm
l CHARLES ST The Boys In The Bar: DJs Lil Alex, Grant Knowles, Leeroy 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B 9 30pm
l FUNKYFISH CLUB Old School 10pm
l LEGENDS BAR pre-club DJs 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN X Factor live 7pm;Marine Late: DJ Little Rob 1am
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz 4pm; TC’s Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm
l POISON IVY karaoke noon; Camp Attack 7pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Sandra 9 30pm
l REVENGE Sweet Revenge: resident DJs & LED box bar 10.30pm
l ROYAL OAK cabaret: Lola Lasagne 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Gabriella Parish 9 30pm
SUNDAY 7
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 4pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY karaoke 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions: Lascel Wood 9pm
l BAR REVENGE Sun Funday 12pm; Karaoke: Trick/Dana & Lou Bag 7 30pm
DR BRIGHTONS
) XMAS Fri (19)–Sat (20) XMAS PARTY WEEKEND with DJs Nick Hirst on Fri & Tony B on Sat at 9.30pm
) NYE Wed (31) NYE BLACK & WHITE BALL with DJ Tony B at 9pm ) REGUL ARS Thur (11) Culture Club & Alison Moyet special 80S NIGHT with DJ Adam Rice at 7pm ) FUNKY FRIDAY DJ Nick Hirst at 9 30pm, free entry
) SEXY SATURDAY with DJ Tony B at 9 30pm, free entry ) Reservation areas available for private par ties midweek and weekends
) DRINK DEALS from Sun–Thur all day and Fri & Sat from 1–7pm: Fosters & Carling £3 30 a pint, Smirnoff & mixer £3 20, large Smirnoff & energy £5, large wines £4 30 2-4-1 cocktails Sun–Fri 3–9pm NYE happy hour till 7pm Free game of pool every day with every round of drinks purchased during happy hour
) OPEN Mon–Thur 3pm–midnight; Fri & Sat 1pm–2am; Sun 1pm–midnight; 3pm–midnight on xmas eve; closed on xmas day; 3pm–midnight on Boxing day; NYE open till 4am, open as usual on NY day ) www doctorbrightons co uk
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BEDFORD TAVERN Piano Bingo 5pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 12pm
l BULLDOG karaoke 9pm; DJ Grant 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Raffle & Bear Bash 5pm
l CHARLES ST cabaret: Rose Garden 7 30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate 8 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Topping & Butch 3.30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Big Afternoon session 3pm
l POISON IVY karaoke noon; cabaret 5 30pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Double Cabaret: Dave Lynn 6pm & 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Guilty Pleasures: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Jazz Roast 4pm
l ZONE cabaret: Jason Lee + Masha & Mar ty’s karaoke 6pm
MONDAY 8
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY After Work Showbiz Quiz & Industry Night 6 30pm
l BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8 30pm
l BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm
l CHARLES STREET Studio 150 10pm
l LEGENDS BAR A Drag of Games: games night with Baga Chipz or Drag With No Name 9 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Mon Madness 9pm
l POISON IVY karaoke: guest host 7pm
l ZONE Rachel’s Manic Mon 10am
TUESDAY 9
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY Singalong Movie night 7pm
l BAR REVENGE Wheel of For tune Karaoke: Nathan & Dana 8pm
l BULLDOG Poptastic 10pm
l MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm
l POISON IVY Bar150: Betty Swollocks karaoke 7pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate’s Games Show 9 30pm
l REVENGE Drop Out: DJs Trick & Dana 11pm
WEDNESDAY 10
l A-BAR open mic piano bar 8 30pm
l BAR REVENGE Crash: DJ Dana 7pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 11am
l BULLDOG Diva Rush: DJ Marcia 10pm
l CHARLES ST Quiz With No Name xmas Run: Drag With No Name 9pm
l LEGENDS BAR Lola & Dave’s Midweek Menopause 9 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Boudoir: trans* night 9pm
l POISON IVY Stephanie Starlet’s Amateur Strip Night + Gloria Hole’s karaoke 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Maisie Trollette 9.30pm
l SUBLINE Fag Machine: alt night 9pm
l ZONE Mar ty’s Quiz 7 30pm
THURSDAY 11
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Boogie Nights: DJ Claire Fuller 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY open mic 9 30pm
l BAR REVENGE FOMO warm-up 9pm
l BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Big Cash Quiz 9pm
l CHARLES ST Mad Cow Tea Par ty: Joan Bond, tunes 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Culture Club & Alison Moyet
special: DJ Adam Rice 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback Thurs 8pm
l POISON IVY Stacy Swallows’ karaoke par ty with top cabaret 9 30pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Ms Moore 9 30pm
l REVENGE FOMO Santa’s Sack: DJs 10.30pm
GROSVENOR BAR
) XMAS Wed (24) is the XMAS EVE PARTY at 9pm ) NYE Wed (31) NYE PARTY & CABARET with Maisie Trollette at 9pm, free
l SUBLINE Leathered 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live music: Bad Bad Whisky 8pm
l ZONE Tom Tom: 80s club night 7 30pm
FRIDAY 12
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJs 10pm
l BAR BROADWAY Broadway Jukebox 4pm; pianist Mark Russell 9 30pm
l BAR REVENGE DJ Alex Baker 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fastforward: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BEDFORD TAVERN Karaoke 8.30pm
l BULLDOG DJ Grant 10pm; DJ Marcia + guest
Cassidy Connors midnight
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Funky Fri: DJ Nick Hirst 9 30
l FUNKYFISH CLUB I Love 80/90s 10 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN disco 9pm
l POISON IVY karaoke noon; Camp Attack 7pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Mar tha D’Ar thur 9.30pm
l REVENGE The Powder Room pres Latrice Royal 8pm; X Factor Fridays 10 30pm
l SUBLINE Steam 9pm
l TRAUMFRAU@ENVY Traumfrau Family Queermas: DJs, live performances, arts & crafts, live art, and a Christmas market 10pm
l ZONE live music: Paul Diello 9 30pm
SATURDAY 13
l A-BAR Sanfrandisco: DJ Mick Fuller 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJs 10pm
l BAR BROADWAY Broadway jukebox 4pm
l BAR REVENGE DJ Fifilicious 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BULLDOG DJ V John 10pm; DJ Lil Alex 3am; DJ Grant Knowles 3am; karaoke 10pm
l CHARLES ST The Boys In The Bar: DJs Lil Alex, Grant Knowles, Leeroy 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B 9.30pm
l ENVY Brighton Bears Weekender GRRR! For Men, fundraiser for Rainbow Fund, DJs Josh the Barber & Gary Watts 10 30pm
l FUNKYFISH CLUB Old School 10pm
l LEGENDS BAR pre-club DJs 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN disco 9pm; X Factor live 7pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz 4pm; TC’s Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm
l POISON IVY karaoke noon; Camp Attack 7pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Baga Chipz 9 30pm
l REVENGE xmas Disney par ty: resident DJs & LED box bar 10 30pm
l ROYAL OAK cabaret: Krissie DuCann 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live music: The Informers 8pm
l ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 9 30pm
SUNDAY 14
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 4pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY karaoke 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions: Denise Black & Mark Russell 9pm
l BAR REVENGE Sun Funday 12pm; Karaoke: Trick/Dana & Lou Bag 7 30pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BEDFORD TAVERN Festive Piano Bingo 5pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 12pm
l BULLDOG karaoke 9pm; DJ Grant 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Raffle 5pm
l CHARLES ST Mitzi Macintosh 7 30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate 8 30pm
Thur (25) A Ver y Specal xmas day from 11am Fri (26) A VERY MAISIE Boxing day with Maisie Trollette at 3.30pm ) NYE Wed (31) NYE COUNTDOWN to 2015 with DJs Peter Castle, Ben Castle & Claire Fuller on 2 floors playing the best tracks of 2014, tickets £5 from 8pm Thur (1) Jan is NY day CABARET with Miss Jason at 3 30pm
) REGUL ARS Mon is A DRAG OF GAMES with Baga Chipz or Drag With No Name & games at 9 30pm ) Wed is Lola & Dave’s MIDWEEK MENOPAUSE at 9 30pm ) Sat pre-club DJs at 7pm ) SUN CABARET at 3 30pm: Topping & Butch (7), Sandra (14), Mrs Moore (21) and Lizzy Drip (28)
) FOOD Mon–Fri 12–3pm; Sat 12–4pm; Sunday R oasts 12–3pm top quality locally sourced meat, poultry & vegetarian options Call 01273 624462 b4 Dec 19 to book your 5 course xmas day lunch; £75 pp, served with a glass of champers
) DRINK DEALS Mon–Thur 5–9pm, pints Grolsch £2 50 & double spirit & mixer, £4; wine promo: Fri 12–11pm, buy any bottle of quality wine and get 2nd half price
) OPEN daily from 11–5am Free entry, all day smoking terrace ) Regular opening hours over Christmas and New Year ) www legendsbrighton com
l QUEEN’S ARMS Betty Swollocks & Colin
Blanchflower’s Xmas Singalong 6pm & 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Guilty Pleasures: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Jazz Roast 4pm
l ZONE Masha & Mar ty’s karaoke 7 30pm
MONDAY 15
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY After Work Showbiz Qui & Industry Night 6 30pm
l BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8 30pm
l BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm
l CHARLES STREET Studio 150 10pm
l LEGENDS BAR A Drag of Games: games night with Baga Chipz or Drag With No Name 9 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Mon Madness 9pm
l POISON IVY karaoke: guest host 7pm
l ZONE Rachel’s Manic Mon 10am
TUESDAY 16
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY Singalong Movie night 7pm
l BAR REVENGE Wheel of For tune Karaoke: Nathan & Dana 8pm
l BULLDOG Poptastic 10pm
l MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm
l POISON IVY Bar150: Betty Swollocks karaoke 7pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate’s Games Show 9.30pm
l REVENGE Dropout: DJs Trick & Dana 11pm
WEDNESDAY 17
l A-BAR open mic piano bar 8 30pm
M A R I N E T A V E R N
) WORLD AIDS DAY Fri (5) is a WAD fundraiser & disco, 9pm–extra late 3.30am
) XMAS Tue (23) NAT’S XMAS QUIZ at 9pm ) Thur (25) XMAS DAY DISCO at 8pm, closes 2am ) Fri (26) all-day BOXING DAY DISCO at 9pm
) NYE Wed (31) NYE PARTY; no tickets required, 8pm–4am
) REGUL ARS Fri & Sat DISCO 9pm; ) Sat (6) DJ Little R ob’s 80s GAY BAR, Hi-NRG music 1am–3 30am; Sat (6) & (13) X Factor on big screens 7pm ) Sun
BIG AF TERNOON SESSION 3pm ) MONDAY MADNESS at 9pm ) Tue NAT’S QUIZ, free buffet 9pm ) Wed BOUDOIR for trans* community & admirers 9pm
) THROWBACK THURSDAY you’re the DJ!
) FOOD 12–9pm daily
) DRINK DEALS Fri & Sat from 9pm, Thur free Sourz shot with every drink at 8pm
) OPEN daily from 11–1am; Fri (5), Sat (6) and Sun (7) until 3 30am; xmas
eve, xmas day & Boxing day 12pm–2am; NY day open till 3am
L E G E N D S B A S E M E N T C L U B
) FREE ENTRY to the club every day, excluding NYE ) XMAS Wed (24) BIG GAY XMAS EVE PARTY with DJ Claire Fuller, xmas pop & classics ) Fri (26) BOXING DAY PARTY with DJ Peter Castle ) Sat (27) XMAS FUSION with DJ Peter Castle ) Sun (28) XMAS POP!CANDY with DJ Claire Fuller ) NYE Wed (31) NYE COUNTDOWN with DJs Peter Castle, Ben Castle & Claire Fuller on 2 floors, best of 2014 at 9pm, £5 ) Thur (1) Jan NY RECOVERY PARTY with DJ Claire Fuller, char t/house/r&b
) REGUL ARS Wed ICE with DJ Claire Fuller, char t/house/r&b Fri FASTFOWARD with DJ Peter Castle, dance/char t ) Sat FUSION with DJ Peter Castle, Lee Harris (6) house/char t ) Sun POP!CANDY with DJ Claire Fuller, recent/classic pop
) DRINK DEALS select shots £1 50/£2 deals all night Wed; promos inc £1 50 shots on Fri; £2 drinks on Sun Regular drink promos over festive period may differ/not apply ) OPEN Wed & Fri–Sun 11pm ) 11pm–4am xmas eve, closed xmas day, 11pm–3am Boxing day ) 9pm–5am NYE, 11pm–3am NY day
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions: Jo Bluenotes 8.30pm
l BAR REVENGE Crash: DJ Dana 7pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked day 11am
l BULLDOG Diva Rush: DJ Marcia 10pm
l CHARLES ST Quiz With No Name Xmas Run: Drag With No Name 9pm
l LEGENDS BAR Lola & Dave’s Midweek Menopause 9 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Boudoir: trans* night 9pm
l POISON IVY Stephanie Starlet’s Amateur Strip Night + Gloria Hole’s karaoke 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Maisie Trollette 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Fag Machine: alt night 9pm
l ZONE Mar ty’s Quiz 7 30pm
THURSDAY 18
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Boogie Nights: DJ Claire Fuller 9pm
l BAR BROADWAY open mic 9 30pm
l BAR REVENGE FOMO warm-up 9pm
l BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Xmas Quiz 9pm
l CHARLES ST Mad Cow’s Tea Par ty: Ms Joan Bond tunes 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback Thurs 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE Fleur de Paris 8pm
l POISON IVY Stacy Swallows’ karaoke par ty with top cabaret 9 30pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Little Cosmic 9 30pm
l REVENGE FOMO Bad Xmas Jumper: DJs 10 30pm
l SUBLINE Leathered 9pm
l ZONE Tom Tom: 80s club night 7 30pm
FRIDAY 19
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJs 10pm
l BAR BROADWAY Broadway Jukebox 4pm; pianist Mark Russell 9 30pm
l BAR REVENGE DJ Alex Baker 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fastforward: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BEDFORD TAVERN Karaoke 8 30pm
l BULLDOG DJ Grant 10pm; DJ Marcia + guest Miss Penny midnight
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
l CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Xmas Par ty Weekend: DJ Nick Hirst 9 30pm
l FUNKYFISH CLUB I Love 80/90s 10.30pm l MARINE TAVERN disco 9pm l PARIS HOUSE Funk Food 8pm l POISON IVY non-stop karaoke noon; Camp Attack 7pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Bear Patrol charity night 9 30pm l REVENGE Fat Lip: DJs Dana & Fifilicious,
SATURDAY 20
P O I S O N I V Y
) XMAS Open all day xmas day ) NYE Free entry to the NYE PARTY at 7pm ) REGUL ARS KARAOKE 7 nights a week ) Mon KARAOKE with guest host 7pm ) Tue BAR150 with Betty Swollocks’ KARAOKE SHOW at 7pm ) Wed TABOO, Stephanie Starlet’s Amateur Strip Night, prizes, complimentary shots & shower pole dancing round 8pm ) Thur is Stacy Swallows’ KARAOKE show; CABARET at 9 30pm ) Fri & Sat CAMP AT TACK with Gloria Hole, non-stop KARAOKE, pole dancers, laser show 7 30pm ) Sun KARAOKE at 12pm; CABARET at 5 30pm
) DRINK DEALS over 70 happy hours a week: all day & night Mon; £1 50 all night Tue; 2-4-1 cocktails Wed; 2 bottles for £5, vodka slush puppy & coke £2 50 Thur; £1 drinks Fri & Sat; happy hour 11am–midnight Sun Shots £1 during karaoke ) OPEN daily from 11am Open all xmas day http://tinyurl.com/poisonivyba
l DR BRIGHTONS Xmas Par ty Weekend: DJ Tony B 9 30pm
l FUNKYFISH CLUB Old School 10pm
l LEGENDS BAR pre-club DJs 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN disco 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz 4pm; TC’s Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm
l POISON IVY karaoke noon; Camp Attack 7pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Lola Lasagne 9 30pm
l REVENGE Sweet Revenge: resident DJs & LED box bar 10 30pm
l ROYAL OAK cabaret: Jason Lee 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Topsie Redfurn 10pm
SUNDAY 21
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 4pm; Burning the Clocks Samba night 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY karaoke 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions: David Raven with Josh Mills 9pm
l BAR REVENGE Sun Funday 12pm; Karaoke: Trick/Dana & Lou Bag 7 30pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BEDFORD TAVERN Piano Bingo 5pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked day 12pm
l BULLDOG karaoke 9pm; DJ Grant 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Raffle & Bear Bash 5pm
l CHARLES ST cabaret: Lizzy Drip 7 30pm;
P A R I S H O U S E
Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate 8 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Mrs Moore 3 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Big Afternoon Session 3pm
l PARIS HOUSE Xmas carols with Gabrielle 6pm
l POISON IVY karaok noon; cabaret 5 30pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Topsie Redfurn 6pm & 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Xmas Underwear Par ty: DJ NUDE 9pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Jazz Roast 4pm
l ZONE Masha & Mar ty’s karaoke 7 30pm
MONDAY 22
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY Xmas-theme Showbiz Quiz, Xmas Jumper Night & Industry Night 6 30pm
l BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8 30pm
l BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm
l CHARLES STREET Studio 150 10pm
l LEGENDS BAR A Drag of Games: games night with Baga Chipz or Drag With No Name 9 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Mon Madness 9pm
l POISON IVY karaoke: guest host 7pm
l ZONE Rachel’s Manic Mon 10am
TUESDAY 23
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY Singalong Movie Night 7pm
) XMAS Sun (21) is XMAS CAROLS with Gabrielle at 6pm
) NYE Wed (31) NYE PARTY with DJ Kenny at 9pm, free entry
) REGUL ARS Thur (18) live chanson & swing Fleur de Paris 8pm ) Fri (5) & (19) Free Food Funk 9pm ) Sat live jazz 4pm; TC's Joyful Noise with DJ Kenny 9pm
) FOOD platter of French food to share & large carafe of wine £15
) OPEN daily from 12pm ) Closed xmas day; open from 3pm Boxing day ) Open from 3pm on NY day ) www.parishousebrighton.com
Q U E E N S A R M S
) XMAS Wed (24) is Miss Jason’s XMAS SPECTACULAR at 9 30pm ) Thur (25) is Maisie Trollette’s XMAS SHOW at 9 30pm ) Fri (26) is Cassidy Connors boxing day show at 9.30pm ) NYE Wed (31) is the huge NYE PARTY and CABARET with DJ Little R ob & Tiara Thunderpussy’s double show at 9.30pm & 11.45pm ) REGUL ARS Sun is DOUBLE CABARET at 6pm & 9 30pm: Dave Lynn (7), Betty Swollocks & Colin Blanchflower’s Camp Xmas Singalong (14); Topsie R edfurn (21), Kara Van Park (28) ) Tue is Sally Vate’s GAME SHOW cash prizes, 9 30pm ) Wed with Maisie Trollette at 9 30pm ) Thur CABARET 9 30pm: Adora Dix (4), Ms Moore (11), Little Cosmic (18) ) Fri CABARET at 9 30pm: Myra Dubois (5), Mar tha D’Ar thur (12); Bear Patrol charity night (19) at 9.30pm, ) Sat CABARET 9.30pm: Sandra (6), Baga Chipz (13), Lola Lasagne (20), Jason Lee (27)
) OPEN from 4pm Tue–Fri; 2pm Sat & Sun ) From 7pm on xmas day ) From 5pm on NYE ) http://thequeensarms wix com/thequeensarms
l BAR REVENGE Wheel of For tune Karaoke: Nathan & Dana 8pm
l BULLDOG Poptastic 10pm
l MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Xmas Quiz 9pm
l POISON IVY Bar150: Betty Swollocks karaoke 7pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate’s Games Show 9 30pm
l REVENGE Drop Out: DJs Trick & Dana 11pm
WEDNESDAY 24
l A-BAR xmas eve karaoke & cabaret: Trifari & Linda Bacardi 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY xmas eve par ty: DJs 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY xmas eve: music clips 2pm
l BAR REVENGE Crash: DJ Dana 7pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Big Gay xmas
eve Par ty: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BEDFORD TAVERN cabaret: Spice 9 30pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked day 11am
l BULLDOG DJ Grant & Amy’s karaoke 10pm
l CHARLES ST Quiz With No Name xmas eve
Special: Drag With No Name 9pm
l GROSVENOR BAR xmas eve par ty 9pm
l LEGENDS BAR Lola & Chase’s Merry Midweek
R O Y A L O A K
Menopause 9 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN xmas eve 8pm
l POISON IVY Stephanie Starlet’s Amateur Strip Night + Gloria Hole’s karaoke 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Miss Jason’s Xmas Spectacular 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Night Before DJ Screwpulous 9pm
l ZONE xmas eve cabaret: Maisie Trollette 10pm
THURSDAY 25
l A-BAR Trifari’s Xmas karaoke 7pm
l BAR BROADWAY crackers & Xmas tunes 6pm
l BULLDOG xmas day 7pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Xmas day 12pm
l LEGENDS BAR A Very Special Xmas 11am
l MARINE TAVERN Xmas Disco 8pm
l POISON IVY xmas day all day
l QUEEN’S ARMS Maisie Trollette 9 30pm
l TBS2 Naked day 10am
l ZONE xmas day 10am
FRIDAY 26
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJs 10pm
l BAR BROADWAY Broadway Jukebox 6pm
l BAR RED DJ 9pm
) XMAS Fri (26) is Boxing day CABARET with Jason Lee at 9pm
) NYE Wed (31) is Pooh La May’s NYE PARTY at 8pm, free entry
) REGUL ARS Sat CABARET at 9 30pm: Lola Lasagne (6), Krissie DuCann (13), Jason Lee (20) and Pooh La May & guests (27)
) FOOD served by Golden Handbag-winning chefs: Mon–Fri lunch menu 12–3pm & evening menu 6–9pm; Sunday roasts served 12pm–till gone Book now for the xmas day 5-course lunch, served 12–6pm
) DRINK DEALS A wide selection of local cask conditioned ales served daily
) OPEN Mon–Thur 12–11pm; Fri & Sat 12pm–1am; Sun 12–10 30pm
D E C E M B E R
I S T I N G S
B A R R E V E N G E
) XMAS Fri (26) BOXING DAY SPECIAL with DJ Alex Baker at 9pm
) NYE Wed (31) pre-par ty for Revenge’s HOLLYWOOD NYE PARTY at 7pm
) REGUL ARS SUNDAY FUNDAY free board games, Wii & pool at 12pm; KARAOKE with DJs Trick/Dana & LouBag at 7.30pm ) Mon QUIZ WITH LIZ big prize, rolling jackpot at 8 30pm, £1 pp ) Tue WHEEL OF FORTUNE KARAOKE with Nathan & Dana 8pm ) Wed CRASH with DJ Dana char t faves/alt anthems 7pm Thur FOMO warm-up 9pm ) Fri DJ Alex Baker at 9pm Sat DJ Fifilicious char t/urban at 9pm
) FOOD free pizza on Sun
) DRINK DEALS BOGOF cocktails Thur–Sun 5–9pm; select drinks £2 Mon & Tue; drinks as low as 70p on Wed Stock Exchange fluctuating drink prices; select drinks £1 50 Thur; from £2 50 Sat & Sun, roll the dice Sun to win a free drink
) OPEN daily from 12pm; open till 6am on Fri & Sat ) Open as usual on xmas eve; closed xmas day ) www revenge co uk
l BAR REVENGE DJ Alex Baker 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BULLDOG DJ Grant 10pm; DJ Marcia & guest
Son of a Tutu midnight
l CAMELFORD ARMS Xmas After-Par ty 12pm
l CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix DJ Leeroy 9pm
l LEGENDS BAR A Very Maisie Boxing day: Maisie Trollette 3.30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Boxing day disco 9pm
l POISON IVY karaoke noon; Camp Attack 7pm
l ROYAL OAK cabaret: Jason Lee 9pm
l SUBLINE Steam 9pm
l ZONE Boxing day karaoke & tunes 10am
SATURDAY 27
l A-BAR SanFranDisco: DJ Mick Fuller 8pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJs 10pm
l BAR BROADWAY Broadway jukebox 4pm
l BAR RED Old School 9pm
l BAR REVENGE DJ Fifilicious 9pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Xmas Fusion:
DJ Peter Castle 11pm
l BULLDOG DJ V John 10pm; DJ Lil Alex 3am;
DJ Grant Knowles 3am; karaoke 10pm
l CHARLES ST Boys In The Bar: DJs Lil Alex, Grant Knowles Leeroy 9pm
l DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B 9 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR pre-club DJs 7pm
l MARINE TAVERN disco 9pm
l PARIS HOUSE live jazz 4pm; TC’s Joyful
Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm
l POISON IVY karaoke noon; Camp Attack 7pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Jason Lee 9 30pm
l REVENGE Sweet Revenge: DJs 10 30pm
l ROYAL OAK cabaret: Pooh La May & guests 9.30pm
l SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
l ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 9 30pm
SUNDAY 28
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 4pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY karaoke 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions: 9pm
l BAR REVENGE Sun Funday: 12pm; Karaoke:
Trick/Dana & Lou Bag 7 30pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Xmas
Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l BEDFORD TAVERN Piano Bingo 5pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 12pm
l BULLDOG karaoke 9pm; DJ Grant 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Raffle 5pm
l CHARLES ST Drag With No Name 7 30pm;
Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo Sally Vate 8 30pm
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Lizzy Drip 3 30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Big Afternoon Session 3pm
T H R E E J O L L Y B U T C H E R S
) REGUL ARS Thur LET’S GET QUIZZY, £150 jackpot 7 30pm (4); live rockabilly with Bad Bad Whisky at 8pm (11) ) Sat (13) live blues & soul from The Informers at 8pm, free ) Sun is the JAZZ ROAST at 4pm ) FOOD 12–3pm & 6–9pm, two burger meals £15 Sunday roast from 1pm ) OPEN 12pm on Mon–Sat, 1pm on Sun; ) Closed xmas day; open 12–6pm Boxing day; from 3pm NY Day ) Private function room for par ties, 01273 608571
R E V E N G E
) WORLD AIDS DAY Sat (29) RED PARTY raising money for Sussex Beacon with DJs; £1 b4 12am with a pass/£5/£4 NUS ) XMAS Sat (13) XMAS DISNEY PARTY Disney characters & anthems 10.30pm ) Thur xmas theme FOMO: Santa’s Sack presents (11), free in Bad Xmas Jumper (18)
) NYE Tue (30) Industr y NYE par ty for staff working NYE, 11pm ) Wed (31) HOLLYWOOD GLAM NYE par ty, 6 all-star DJs on 2 floors, red carpet, paparazzi, celeb lookalikes, pyrotechnics 9pm; £10 adv Qjump www revenge co uk, free b4 10pm
) REGUL ARS Fri (5) Girls on Top CLIQUE level 2; X FACTOR FRIDAY act most recently voted off on level 1 10 30pm; (12) POWDER ROOM Latrice R oyale doors 8pm, show 9pm, from £6;(19) FAT LIP alt/pop/ punk/metal with DJs Dana & Fifilicious level 2; level 1 X Factor’s 4th place contestant 10.30pm ) Sat SWEET REVENGE, resident DJs messed-up pop level 1, bouncy house level 2 10.30pm, £1 b4 12am with pass/£5/£4 NUS ) Tue DROP OUT DJs Trick & Dana old/new pop, £1 with flyer/£2 ) Thur (4) Wild West-themed FOMO, DJs, hay bales, cowboys & rodeo-related madness; free b4 12am with Facebook guestlist/£4/£3 NUS ) DRINK DEALS bottles of Fosters & shots from £1 50 & all main-line drinks £2 Tue; £1 drinks b4 m’night then all drinks £1 during song after FOMO alarm Thur; double-up for £1 on all main-line spirits, from £2 50 Fri; double-up for £1 50, all main-line drinks £2 50 b4 12am & Jagerbombs £2 50 all night Sat All drink specials exclude champers & doubles (excl doubling up) ) OPEN 11pm Tue, 10.30pm Thur, Fri & Sat ) Closed xmas day & Boxing day
) Discount entry passes from Bar Revenge orwww revenge co uk
l POISON IVY karaoke noon; cabaret 5.30pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Double Cabaret: Kara Van Park 6pm & 9 30pm
l SUBLINE Taint Xmas & Taint New Year: DJ Nude 8pm
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Jazz Roast 4pm
l ZONE cabaret: Stone & Street + Masha & Mar ty’s karaoke 6pm
MONDAY 29
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm
Z O N E B A R
l BAR BROADWAY Just After Xmas Showbiz Quiz & Industry Night 6.30pm
l BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8 30pm
l BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm
l CHARLES STREET Studio 150 10pm
l LEGENDS BAR A Drag of Games: games night with Baga Chipz or
) WAD Mon (1) R achel’s MANIC MONDAY fundraiser, donate 20p for your fave song 7pm; R achel & Mar ty’s BIG FAT QUIZ fundraiser, £100 prize, £3pp donated to THT ) XMAS Wed (24) xmas eve CABARET with Maisie Trollette at 10pm Fri (26) Boxing day KARAOKE with tunes at 10am
) NYE Wed (31) NYE PARTY with Sally Vate at 8pm; raffle after midnight
) REGUL ARS Fri LIVE at 9.30pm: Stone & Street (5), Paul Diello (12), Jennie Castell (19) ) Sat LIVE at 9.30pm: Gabriella Parish (6), Sally Vate (13) & (27), Topsie R edfurn (20) ) Sun KARAOKE with Masha & Mar ty, CABARET at 6pm: Jason Lee (7), Stone & Street (28) ) DRINK DEALS all day and night through the week ) OPEN daily from 10am ) Xmas eve 10pm–1 30am, xmas day 10am–3pm, Boxing day 10–1 30am ) NYE 10–3am, NY day 10–1 30am ) www zonebar co uk
S U B L I N E
) XMAS Sun (21) DJ Nude’s XMAS UNDERWEAR PARTY, festive Hi-NRG tunes
8pm, members free ) Wed (24) NIGHT BEFORE with DJ Screwpulous & the Subline boys, celebrate the bir th of Nazarene at 9pm ) Sun (28) TAINT T’aint Christmas & T’aint New Year with DJ Nude at 8pm, members free
) NYE Wed (31) NYE PARTY, DJs, 9pm, early bird tickets £5, £8 on the night
) REGUL ARS Sun GUILTY PLEASURES with DJ Screwpulous at 9pm ) Wed FAG MACHINE LGBTQ alt night, live music ) Thur LEATHERED, free lockers ) Fri STEAM, free b4 11pm ) Sat MEN'S ROOM with DJ Screwpulous; members free till 11pm
) DRINK DEALS selected drinks £3 on Wed for members, cheap drinks on Sat
) OPEN Wed, Thur, Fri & Sat from 9pm, Sun from 8pm ) Closed xmas day Closed for New Year’s Day www.sublinebrighton.com
TUESDAY 30
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm
l BAR BROADWAY Singalong Movie night 7pm
l BAR REVENGE Wheel of For tune Karaoke: Nathan & Dana 8pm
l BULLDOG Poptastic 10pm
l MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm
l POISON IVY Bar150: Betty Swollocks karaoke 7pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Sally Vate’s Games Show 9.30pm
l REVENGE Industy: staff NYE par ty + Drop Out with DJs Trick & Dana 11pm
l ROYAL OAK Pooh La May’s Quiz & Curry Night 8pm
WEDNESDAY 31
l A-BAR NYE Sanfrandisco: DJ Mick Fuller & guests 9pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY NYE par ty 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY A Broadway Hogmany Scottish NYE-themed par ty 4pm
l BAR REVENGE NYE warm-up: DJ Fifilicious 7pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS NYE Countdown to 2015: DJs Peter Castle, Ben Castle & Claire Fuller over 2 floors 9pm
l BEDFORD TAVERN NYE Denim & Diamonds par ty 8pm
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 11am
l BULLDOG 48-Hour Non-Stop NYE Par ty: main bar: DJ Marcia 10pm; Lil Rob 3am; top bar:
Amy’s karaoke 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS NYE par ty 8pm
l CHARLES ST Circus Circus NYE par ty: Big
Top decor & host Ms Joan Bond 8pm
l DR BRIGHTONS NYE Black & White Ball: DJ Tony B 9pm
l FUNKYFISH CLUB NYE Disco Inferno: DJs 10pm
l GROSVENOR BAR NYE par ty/cabaret: Maisie
Trollette 9pm
l LEGENDS BAR NYE Countdown to 2015: DJs
Peter Castle Ben Castle & Claire Fuller 8pm
l MARINE TAVERN NYE par ty 8pm
l PARIS HOUSE NYE par ty: DJ Kenny 9pm
l POISON IVY NYE par ty 8pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS NYE par ty/cabaret: DJ Little
Rob & Tiara Thunderpussy 9 30pm & 11 45pm
l REVENGE Hollywood NYE Par ty: DJs over two floors, dancers & pyros 9pm
l ROYAL OAK Pooh La May’s NYE par ty 8pm
l SUBLINE NYE par ty: DJs 9pm
l ZONE NYE par ty: Sally Vate & raffle 7 30pm
THURSDAY 1 JAN
l BAR BROADWAY New Year’s Day Black Bun & Madeira Cake 4pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS NY Recovery
Par ty: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS NY Day hangover party
12pm; £300 Big Cash Quiz 9pm
l CHARLES ST NY Day Mad Cow Tea Party 9pm
l LEGENDS BAR NY Day cabaret: Miss Jason
3 30pm
LONDON HOTEL SOUTHAMPTON
) REGUL ARS Fri is FAIRYLEA with DJ R uby R oo at 9pm, CABARET 10.30pm: Sandra (5), R ose Garden (12), R uthie T (19) and Nan (26) ) Sat is GUILTY PLEASURES with DJs at 8.30pm: Neil Sackley & guest Jacquii Cann (6), Tiny (13), Lucinda & guest Eva Iglesias (20) and Dazza (27) ) SUNDAY MARKET from 8pm with Tanya Hyde and CABARET: Topping & Butch (7), Sally Vate (14), Lucinda Lashes (21) and Tanya Hyde (28) ) Thur is KARAOKE CRUISING with Sally Vate at 8 30pm ) FOOD served Mon–Sat 12–3pm; two course Sunday lunch served 12–3 30pm; New Year ’s Day with food served 12 30–3pm, ) OPEN daily from 12pm Christmas opening times: 12pm–midnight Xmas Eve, 6pm–1am Boxing Day Closed Xmas Day, Mon (29) & Tue (20); NY Day closes 4pm ) www the-london co uk S
) XMAS Tue (23) is LUCINDA’S XMAS KARAOKE at 8 30pm ) Wed (24) is XMAS EVE CABARET with Mar tha D’Ar thur at 9 15pm ) Fri (26) is a special BOXING DAY FAIRYLEA with R uby R oo & CABARET with Nan at 6pm ) NYE Wed (31) is the COCKTAILS & DREAMS NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY with DJ Lucinda Lashes & special guest Sam Solace; tickets £10, doors at 7 30pm, closes 3 30am ) Thur (1) Jan is New Year ’s Day with food served 12 30–3pm, closes 4pm
BOURNEMOUTH
l BAKERS ARMS
77-79 Commercial Rd, BH2 5RT, TEL: 01202 555506
l BAR VENTANA at CUMBERL AND HOTEL East Overcliff Dr, BH1 3AF, TEL: 01202 556529
797/80 East St TEL: 02380 238804, www pink-broadway com
MONDAY 1
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK Karaoke Queens: Lucinda Lashes 9pm
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm
TUESDAY 2
PORTSMOUTH
l OLD VIC Quiz 8pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE video jukebox 11pm
WEDNESDAY 3
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK DJs Ami, Jay & Bailey
PORTSMOUTH
l OLD VIC NUS night 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Bar 150: DJs & karaoke 10pm
THURSDAY 4
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK Miss Jason’s Bona Balls Bingo with DJ Grace Lightning 8pm
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am
l OLD VIC karaoke 8pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising: Sally Vate 8.30pm
FRIDAY 5
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK Drag hostess & DJ Lucinda Lashes
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Get Some: DJs 10pm
l LONDON HOTEL Fairylea: DJ Ruby Roo 9pm; cabaret: Sandra 10.30pm
SATURDAY 6
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK DJs & video wall
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am
l OLD VIC DJs all night
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE The Big One: DJs 10pm
l LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Neil Sackley & guest Jacquii Cann 10pm
SUNDAY 7
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK Sunday Service: Lea Mar tin & CJ 3pm; Drag DJ & hostess Cassie 9pm; cabaret 10pm
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Pounded: DJ 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL Sun Market: Tanya Hyde + Topping & Butch 8pm
MONDAY 8
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK Karaoke Queens 9pm
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm
TUESDAY 9
PORTSMOUTH
l OLD VIC Quiz 8pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE video jukebox 11pm
WEDNESDAY 10
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK DJs Ami, Jay & Bailey
PORTSMOUTH
l OLD VIC NUS night 7pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Bar 150: DJs & karaoke 10pm
THURSDAY 11
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK Miss Jason’s Bona Balls Bingo with DJ Grace Lightning 8pm
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am
l OLD VIC karaoke 8pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising: Sally Vate 8 30pm
FRIDAY 12
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK Drag hostess & DJ Lucinda Lashes
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Get Some: DJs 10pm
l LONDON HOTEL Fairylea: DJ Ruby Roo 9pm; cabaret: Rose Garden 10 30pm
SATURDAY 13
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK DJs & video wall
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am
l OLD VIC DJs all night
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE The Big One: DJs 10pm
l LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Tiny 10pm
SUNDAY 14
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK Sunday Service: Lea Mar tin & CJ
3pm; Drag DJ & hostess 9pm; cabaret 10pm
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Pounded: DJ 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL Double Gig Sun: Tanya Hyde + LSally Vate 8pm
MONDAY 15
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK Karaoke Queens 9pm
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm
TUESDAY 16
PORTSMOUTH
l OLD VIC Quiz 8pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE video jukebox 11pm
WEDNESDAY 17
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK DJs Ami, Jay & Bailey
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Bar 150: DJs & karaoke 10pm
THURSDAY 18
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK Miss Jason’s Bona Balls Bingo with DJ Grace Lightning 8pm PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am
l OLD VIC karaoke 8pm SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising: Sally Vate 8 30pm
FRIDAY 19
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK Drag hostess & DJ Lucinda Lashes
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Get Some: DJs 10pm
l LONDON HOTEL Fairylea: DJ Ruby Roo 9pm; cabaret: Ruthie T 10 30pm
SATURDAY 20
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK DJs & video wall
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am
l OLD VIC DJs all night
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE The Big One: DJs 10pm
l LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Lucinda + guest Eva Iglesias 10pm
SUNDAY 21
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK Sunday Service: Lea Mar tin & CJ 3pm; Drag DJ & hostess 9pm; cabaret 10pm
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Pounded: DJ 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL Double Gig Sun: Tanya Hyde + Lucinda Lashes 8pm
MONDAY 22
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK Karaoke Queens 9pm
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm
TUESDAY 23
PORTSMOUTH
l OLD VIC Quiz 8pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE video jukebox 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL Lucinda’s Xmas Karaoke 8.30pm
WEDNESDAY 24
l LONDON HOTEL Xmas Eve with Mar tha D’Ar thur 9 15pm
THURSDAY 25
l LONDON HOTEL closed
FRIDAY 26
l LONDON HOTEL Boxing Day: Ruby Roo & Nan 6pm
SATURDAY 27
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK DJs & video wall
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am
l OLD VIC DJs all night
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE The Big One: DJs 10pm
l LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Dazza 10pm
SUNDAY 28
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK Sunday Service: Lea Mar tin & CJ 3pm; Drag DJ & hostess 9pm; cabaret 10pm
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Pounded: DJ 11pm
l LONDON HOTEL Tanya Hyde 8pm
MONDAY 29
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK Karaoke Queens 9pm
PORTSMOUTH
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm
TUESDAY 30
PORTSMOUTH
l OLD VIC Quiz 8pm
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE video jukebox 11pm
WEDNESDAY 31
BOURNEMOUTH
l DYMK DJs Ami, Jay & Bailey
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Bar 150: DJs & karaoke 10pm
l LONDON HOTEL NYE: Cocktails & Dreams with DJs Lucinda Lashes & special guest Sam Solace 7 30pm
dr.a.g. bookthefilm edition
) dr.a.g. by Christopher Logan (bookthefilm Publishing) The world's most glamorous coffee table book returns centre stage for an encore just in time for Christmas, with 20 new faces and photographs. The introduction to this magnificent 'piece of art' reminds us that in the early days of theatre, male actors played both the male and female roles and were known as either dr.a.g. (dressed as a girl), or dr.a.b. (dressed as a boy). “Drag has become a diverse form of expression that challenges, entertains and educates by pushing boundaries, while embracing beauty, comedy and glamour ” The performers in this new edition are evidence of that very diversity captured by some of the world’s top photographers working today This new edition has 20 exclusive new images, and represents a wide spectrum of drag icons, including Jeffree Star, shot by photographer Austin Young; Jimmy James as Marilyn Monroe by photographer Walter Melrose; Larry Edwards as Tina Turner by photographer Ninon Nguyen; and closes with wonderful images of the legendary Jim Bailey photographed by Richard Armas and Peter Palladino While most of the artists are from the US and Canada, there are a few from Europe, Australia and South America
The career of author and editor, Christopher Logan, began in Hollywood and eventually landed him on the big screen, in the Nia Vardalos and Toni Collette drag comedy, Connie & Carla. Christopher said: “Early drag was campier. It was more about poking fun at iconic Hollywood divas. Today’s drag is more outrageous. They strive to be celebrities in their own right. As long as drag continues to push boundaries, I believe there is room for all varieties. These are amazing performers, make up artists, stylists, and photographers They are examples of how good drag can be when artists take the time to learn the craft and respect it ”
First and foremost this book is an important historical record of recent and contemporary history The quality of the images is breathtaking and the printing (produced in China) is top dollar It’s a first class production, something the authors and collaborators should be immensely proud of and clearly a ‘labour of love’. One small criticism, I think it would benefit from having a contents page or index at the back to make navigation easier. That aside, the book has wall to wall pages of images that are individual pieces of art and will make a perfect Christmas present for lovers of the art of dr.a.g.
Dr.a.g is £27.50 in UK shops or $39.99 from: www.bookthefilm.com
competition
) Gscene has one copy of the book to offer as a competition prize Send your answer to the following question on a postcard to: dr.a.g. Competition, Gscene Magazine, 111 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1DD Question: In which city and in what year was Jim Bailey born?
S H O P P IN G
) THE THIEF OF BAGDAD (Eureka blu-ray) Douglas Fairbanks stars in a prime example of Hollywood moonshine. Fairbanks is the eponymous criminal who forsakes his evil ways after falling in love with a princess whose hand he can win only by undergoing a series of dangerous tasks. Its production design is kitsch rather than atmospheric, the special effects are often charmingly naive but it's still fascinating to see one of cinema's first fantasyadventure epics in such a pristine version And Carl Davis' score, based on Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade, is hauntingly beautiful
) INTOLERANCE (Eureka blu-ray) This must be the cineaste's release of the year, a stunning two-disc presentation of DW Griffith's silent masterpiece Starring Lillian Gish, the film's four storylines span two millennia and its settings include Babylon, Judea at the time of Jesus, the America of 1916 and 16th century France. The orchestral score is by Carl Davis and extras include two feature-length films by Griffith that act as companion pieces to the main film, a documentary about the movie and a 56 page booklet containing vintage and modern reports, reflections and essays.
) Glass Robot Santa Decoration, £11.99 (E at Home, 22b Ship St Brighton, 01273 205
) Reindeer Centrepi
£22 (Papillon, 23 Shi Street, 01273 774478)
) Bone China Moneybox, £24.95 (in house space, 28 Gloucester Road, Brighton, 01273 682845)
) Christmas at Prowler! Gifts galore starting from £1 (Prowler, 112-113 St James's Street, Brighton, 01273 683680)
) The Brighton & Hove Calendar 2015 (£6.99) is the last one to be produced by its originator Nigel Swallow whose first one, sold the from a fly pitch outside an empty funeral parlour on Kensington Gardens in 2001, sold out in six weeks It continues to sell in large numbers - to hang on walls all over the city and posted around the world as a gift to those who once lived here and hold a special place in their heart for their exhome One customer sends the calendar to 50 different countries Next year Finn Hopson, who recently opened Brighton Photography Gallery in the new Creative Quarter by the West Pier, is taking over the reins.
The 2015 calendar is available from: North Laine Photography (outside Snoopers’ Paradise) 7-8 Kensington Gardens, BN1 4Al; North Laine Photography (opposite NatWest Bank, inside Churchill Square) BN1 2RG; Brighton Photography, Creative Quarter (by the West Pier); brightonphotography.com; City Books, 23 Western Rd, Hove, BN3 1AF.
C A L E N D A R C O M P E TITIO N
Gscene have three calendars to give away Send the answer to the following question on a post card to: Brighton & Hove Calendar Competition, Gscene Magazine, 111 Western Rd, Hove, BN3 1DD Question: What company published the Brighton & Hove Calendar since 2001?
DANCE MUSIC
BY QUEEN JOSEPHINE & KATE WILDBLOOD
ALBUMS
That was the year that fabulously was, one the Ouch House won’t forget and perfectly soundtracked by the understated but never underrated. Treat the ears of those you love with our wonders of 2014. Go get. Queenie insists.
) For those who like kooky, it’s the majestic Metronomy’ s Love Letters on Because Music, The Blue Collection on Eskimo Recordings, one play of Atella’ s The Monster will make your heart sing, or dip into PillowTalk’ s Je Ne Sais Quoi on Wolf+Lamb, electronica of the blissful kind
) 2014 was a year of right decent comps with 10 Years of Crosstown Rebels and Get Lost VII mixed by Craig Richards on Crosstown Rebels, Moda Black Vol III, Needwant:5Years, Late Night Tales complied by Bill Brewster for Nightshift and Fabric 76: Deetron - must-hear labels of 2014 on fine form. Sankeys 20th Anniversary Album by Darius
Syrossian had us begging for the beast bigger than Prince and our compilation of the year is the phenomenal adventures of La Fleur on Watergate 16 We almost wore out our play button!
) Add the wiggling wowser of Detroit Swindle Boxed Out on Dirt Crew, Huxley’ s impressive longplaying debut Blurred on Aus/!K7, the disco debauchery of Horse Meat Disco IV on Strut and the enchanting Hercules & Love Affair’ s The Feast Of The Broken Heart on Moshi Moshi and you have a sweet treat of a musical selection box.
) Album of the year is the joyous The Night Is Young by The 2 Bears on Southern Fried. A true celebration of this thing we call life that had us skipping to the woods in search of bear love. Connect to them and connect to life Have a disco fabulous New Year Catch Wildblood & Queenie at Traumfrau Family Queermas Drama Disco www.perfectdistractions.com
WB & QJ’S BEST OF 2014 12”s
) THE 2 BEARS Not This Time Southern Fired
The woman done wrong song just got bear real Perfection
) HORSE MEAT DISCO Candidate For Love (Feelin' Love dub) Z Records
One day all tunes will be made this way and Kate won’t stop grinning
) HERCULES & LOVE AFFAIR I Try To Talk To You Moshi Moshi
Those lyrics That voice That piano That beautiful That simple
) LA FLEUR Stella Watergate Records
House deep yet delightful, a playful wonder we can’t get enough of
) GAY MARVINE Lost In Music (Original Mix) Solardisco Records
Mr Green completed our Pride celebrations with this anthem.
) MIA DORA Jezebel Glasgow Underground
It’s all about a groove. Oh and that sponge of a bassline.
) PHIL WEEKS It's The Inside That Counts Robsoul Recordings
Nothing made Queenie get her DSD wiggle on like this beauty.
) HERCULES & LOVE AFFAIR ft K Warren My Offence Moshi Moshi
The tune that made it okay to swear outrageously in public. Love it.
) BRODANSE Nobody Walks (original) Danse Club Records
Divine tune that’s as moody as hell (just how Wildblood likes it)
) HNNY Tears (original) Local Talk
Audio stamped all over it, ta for many glorious years & hangovers Mr H
“Once I played Black Lace’s Superman which I hadn’t heard for years. The humour was lost and I ended up with a room full of confused ravers swaying uncomfortably!”
DJ PROFILE: DAVID ETHICS
With DSD in hibernation, Queen Josephine catches up with fellow DJ David Ethics to hear what he’s up to this winter
Where can we catch you DJing? The best place to find me is at Rebel Rabble at various venues or on Trickstar online radio Wednesday, 6–8pm.
DJ style? I love to have a good dance especially if a big group of people join in with me! I’m quite adaptable as I have a wide taste in music, but you'll generally hear big party house tunes and long mixes from me.
Favourite tune ever? I always struggle with this question but I'm going to go with DJ Misjah & DJ Tim Access. A life-changing tune!
Tune which always fills your dancefloor? It really depends on where I'm playing, but for over a year I've found Sharam Jey & Kolombo’s Non Stop! never lets me down.
Ultimate dream gig? The Zion rebel rave in the cave (Matrix, Reloaded) Not an ideal world but hey!
Tune you wish you’d never played? When I was a teenager I used to drop some pretty obscure tracks in the middle of a banging set Once I played Black Lace’s Superman which I hadn’t heard for years The humour was lost and I ended up with a room full of confused ravers swaying uncomfortably. Next question...
Guilty pleasure? It's got to be Chas & Dave I’m instantly transported back to the lounge where we grew up, jumping up and down on the overly distasteful orangey brown 1980s style floral settee with my bother and sisters. More for the nostalgia than anything else.
Best ever gig? The first time I played in the main room for Good Times in Cambridge – having been a regular there for years it was not only a privilege but a personal goal of mine
Tell us a secret? I travelled around South America in 2010 with a few CDs and fellow traveller (Jess from Bristol) became my ‘ manager ’ and convinced various bar and club owners/promoters that I was a big shot DJ looking for venues for part of my South American tour I ended up DJing in some ‘interesting’ places including 'Route 36', La Paz, Bolivia.
CURRENT TOP FIVE
) MIRCO CARUSO Systematic (Original) Go Deeva
) MARK LOWER & JAZZYFUNK The Love We Share (Original) Nurvous
) HECTOR COUTO Don’t Need You (Original) Roush
) LUAHAUS & KABALE Und Liebe Hiphouse (Original) Rejected
) ZAKI & SAISON Give Me Light (Original) Suara
DAVE LYNN - NO DOOR MAT
… LIFE INSIDE THE DRAGON’S DEN
After 40 years in sequins and stilettoes, Dave Lynn talks to Craig Hanlon-Smith about the life and loves of a legendar y Drag Queen.
) November 2014 marks the 40th anniversary of the legendary Dave Lynn’s first venture into the world of drag. In early 2015 Dave plans a unique theatre performance to celebrate his life as a cabaret artiste, a performance he is scripting himself complete with well-known music and film clips We spent an unseasonably warm October morning reliving the highs and lows of 40 years in a frock and I began by asking Dave how it felt to be approaching such a land mark celebration:
“I think my family are more surprised than I am Aside from this, I’ve never been able to hold down what you might call ‘ a proper job’ When I started [drag] I was still at school I’d always had the urge to be an actor and my primary school suggested to my parents that they send me to a stage school. Coming from a Jewish background there was a Zionist grant available but although my parents were wonderful people and always supportive, I think in those days they were incredibly protective and considered me too sensitive for a career in show business,” (he roars with laughter at this) “Even I didn’t know it was possible to make a career out of it ”
How did the foray into drag come about?
“I was a naughty lad at [secondary] school I was eventually expelled for being caught in the toilets with a girl, they thought we were having sex, ” (laughs), “ we were smoking, but the girl I was caught with, her dad was a regular at the Black Cap in Camden (say no more) and so we went there too Eventually she encouraged me to enter a talent
competition and that was November 12, 1974. I had a family party piece at the time to entertain the relatives and my mum lent me the costume for the competition I was obsessed with Liza Minnelli who had recently been in the film Cabaret and so that was my look – all borrowed from my mum!”
Were your parents relaxed about that?
Lending you women’s clothes to perform in?
“At that time I certainly didn’t make any connection with the performing and being gay – perhaps these days we’d know sooner – but not then. And yes, they even came to the first contest. I can remember peering through a curtain dressed in my Liza wig and winking at my dad. My mum thought that he was being picked up by a prostitute. My parents came to see me work throughout their lives and everyone on the scene knew them. It was so unusual that I think some punters had difficulty believing that they were really my mum and dad But you know I actually think they helped a lot of people When I told my parents that I was gay my dad said ‘ we know!’ and that was the end of it They used to talk to everyone and I know some guys then went home and spoke to their own parents ”
Did success come immediately for you or did it take time?
“No one was more surprised at my success than I was At first I was part of a double act with my then lover As with most drag just starting out we were a mime act Double D, and we ate fire (laughs). That worked for about ten years but then you have to change to keep
pace with what people want I was lucky to get so much work hosting – you really learn how to connect with an audience when you have to talk to them and that’s where the comedy came from I got a gig at Heaven which was supposed to last six weeks. I was there for five years. I used to go out into the audience and literally talk to them; some established acts thought I was mad to do that. I can remember people telling me that moving out inside the audience like that was dangerous, but it worked. I used to run brash takes on TV game shows like The Generation Game and then with other acts bastardised versions of stage musicals and film Lily Savage and I performed our own version of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane and that was a great success ”
What’ s changed in the drag and gay scene? “It’s almost like The Wizard of Oz to me – back then was the black and white section and then it suddenly became colour you know? It was all much more underground then and of course now it isn’t There is also such a wealth of talent now and a lot of it good; you really have to up your game. On a Sunday I’d scour the papers for gossip to include in my shows, now what’s in the papers isn’t so funny anymore and not really drag material. Also we know so much more about the world now and so much more quickly. I don’t wish I was born later but I’m thrilled to have seen the changes and I like the freedom that we have now to go anywhere we want.”
Twelve years ago you appeared on Channel 4’s Faking It where you were chosen to be the drag expert to turn a serving member of the Royal Navy into a convincing drag act. Was this was the beginning of what seemed to be a run of television appearances?
“That certainly opened up a lot of doors and to some extent was a strange time too. Spence (Brittany Ferry in Faking It) and I were asked to do all sorts, once appearing at the Royal Ballet Christmas Party, line dancing with Darcey Bussell, can you imagine? (laughs) But
years before that, I had appeared on Bob Says Opportunity Knocks [with Bob Monkhouse]
Initially they wouldn’t let me perform in drag and I had to sing If I Were A Rich Man from Fiddler [On The Roof] as a man During the cutaway section for the audience ‘clapometer’ I then reappeared in full drag singing Old Man River I was 28 From that I got my first panto jobs and again as a man, not the Dame or Ugly Sister, I was usually the bad guy – Abanaazar and the like. I remember being in a show called Narnia with Christopher Biggins and someone suggested I should go back to stage school and train – I actually wound up teaching there too; cabaret.
“Coming out of that period in the mid-1990s The Trollettes and Lily were massive and there was a lot of call for drag. Again, I performed with Michael Topping (of Topping & Butch) in a double act, Dave Lynn and Malitza, and I first came to Brighton in panto with Barbara Windsor I rented a flat on Madeira Drive and never left!”
I’ve seen you perform many times both in and out of drag, on television, stage and beer crates in the back of East End boozers. What do you consider as career highlights?
“I was working in a pub in Greenwich, which was considered to be the graveyard for drag queens and I was followed around for a while by the friend of a guy I knew who was a teacher who wanted to be a writer That was Jonathan Harvey who wrote Beautiful Thing. When they called me and asked me to be in the film I thought they were joking. I’d not seen the play and had no idea how important it already was and would yet be still.
“I can remember the day we filmed asking my parents to come along as I thought we’d be an hour – we were there all day. In between takes I was ad-libbing and doing my act really to keep everyone entertained, the punters were
just the regular pub crowd that they used in the film. Most of my improvised routine they kept in the film and when it came out I was proud to have been part of such a landmark cultural event. From that I was offered lots of TV, including Coronation Street. I have to say on The Street I was terrible.”
How so?
“Can you imagine? I’d spent my life watching that show with my mum and family, it was completely overwhelming; the sets that you recognise and everyone there is famous. I was so wooden (laughs). Faking It came later but it certainly helped I turned up for an EastEnders casting and another act turned and said to me ‘If you ’ ve turned up there’s no point in the rest of us being here’ I think I pissed off the gay scene during that time as I was getting parts on TV and from those more theatre work By the time I signed up for Dragula in London I had to turn down a lot of regular bookings and residences and the attitude of the scene was a little ‘ you need to decide what you want Dave’.”
So does that bring us on to the low spots? “I haven’t finished telling you about the highlights yet!”
He laughs but he’s deadly serious, as serious as he can be whilst heartily laughing along to his remembrance of everything from The Weakest Link to Silent Witness. Dave is fiercely engaging company but warm with it and I get the distinct feeling that once you were on board he’d have your back.
When you were approached to help cast The Boys/Girls In The Band and the producer Kevin Wood asked you to help find seven actors who would double up as drag queens you had a different idea!
“I said no!” (laughs), “but I’ll find you seven drag queens who can act That wasn’t an easy sell Not to the producers but to the other acts! They took some persuading I can tell you, but I was proud of that show and of everyone in it as with Diamond I’ve performed that part three times now That wasn’t me on that stage that was me trying to be her and understand who she was She was a real character and I loved her.”
You’re a positive force - has it all been fabulous? Have there been tough times?
“The whole Barrymore episode was tough, but
“I can remember peering through a curtain dressed in my Liza wig and winking at my dad. My mum thought that he was being picked up by a prostitute”
that was just unfortunate - a time and a place thing; I just happened to be there Cheryl Barrymore wrote in her book that I outed him because he wouldn’t have me on his TV show, but it just wasn’t like that I was there, he was there and essentially he got on to my stage. I was just holding my own as he was a formidable opponent and it was my gig. It’s just not the sort of publicity that you want.”
“Losing my parents was very hard. They were such a part of everything that I did, they were my friends. I miss calling them, showing them my dresses.”
When you’re in a situation like that how do you put on a frock, make-up, wig and turn up in a pub to sing showtunes?
“Well, I don’t. I’m such a part of my act that in those circumstances it’s better to say I’m taking a couple of weeks off. Although the scene was great. The Governor at the Gloucester said after my Dad died ‘if you just want to sing a couple of songs and go that’s fine’ but in a way that kindness also makes you more emotional And AIDS,” (seems lost for words for a moment),
“ my mum said to me: ‘ you ’ ve never lived through a war Dave but I would rather have lived through any war than through AIDS’ I can remember being on stage and looking out over a gay audience that was just bewildered and of course dying. We lost so many people.”
Forty years on stage - describe to us the Dave Lynn Experience!
“Old School. I used to think that was an insult but my niece assures me it isn’t.” (Laughs).
“Glamour, a fun evening out, more glamour and perfect, perfect make-up. If it’s not perfect I’ll take it off and start over. You know most of all? I love those charity gigs we all do as a group. All the acts together; Maisie, I love Maisie, Lola and Miss Jason are my dearest friends, we have more fun off stage than on! I have some great friends who’ve kept my feet on the ground My wonderful Tamzin, we met 15 years ago and she’s just been fantastic And I love the audience, working with them, through them, getting to know them I’m like a drag queen welcome mat Dave Lynn the welcome mat ”
more info
) Dave Lynn appears alongside Russell Grant in Cinderella at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre from December 12 2014 to January 4 2015. ) @DameDaveLynn ) @craigscontinuum
) DIVERSITY (Sun 7) After wowing audiences last winter with their Limitless arena tour, Diversity have announced Limitless – The Reboot, a fully improved and updated version of their critically acclaimed show.
) JEFF WAYNE’S MUSICAL VERSION OF THE WAR OF THE WORLDS (Sun 14–Mon 15). Starring Callum O'Neill, conducted by Jeff Wayne, also features Oscar-winning actor Liam Neeson in 3D holography plus live on stage: Jason Donovan, Westlife’s Brian McFadden, X Factor 2005 winner Shayne Ward, Les Miserables’ Carrie Hope Fletcher, X Factor 2013’s Joseph Whelan, 36-piece ULLAdubULLA Strings and nine-piece Black Smoke Band ) Music highlights: MADNESS (Sat 6); ALFIE BOE (Tue 9); CHRISTMAS WITH THE RAT PACK (Wed 10); THE HUMAN LEAGUE (Fri 12); JOOLS HOLLAND (Sat 13); STATUS QUO (Sat 20)
) LEE MACK (Mon 22) The multi-award winning star of Not Going Out and Would I Lie To You? is going back on the road with his first live tour in four years. Expect his trademark brand of high energy banter, well-crafted gags and sharp one-liners.
) THE INDELICATES & POG IN CONCERT (Wed 10). Tales of everyday disappointments set to a frenzied folk punk soundtrack.
) LAUGHABLE (Thu 11). Monthly show for leading comedians, circuit regulars and the best newcomers to try out new material Featuring Matt Crosby (Pappy's)
) IMPROVISED DOUBLE-BILL: KATY &D RAC /THE HEE-HA'S (Fri 12) The Hee Ha’s perform fastpaced improvised comedy scenes, sketches and songs inspired from audience shout-outs. ‘Howled with laughter ’ Latest 7. Katy & Rach create magical theatre that combines the humour and spontaneity of improvised comedy with the character-driven richness and emotional complexity of modern theatre
) MR SUSIE'S LAST CHANCE CABARET (Sat 13) The loveable but clueless alien has one hour to save cabaret here on earth It's a shame he has no idea what cabaret is Part cabaret, part surreal character-comedy, this is a whirlwind of a show.
signing by Marco Nardi
Tickets: £12, £10 concs (Children under 12 half price) Book online: www rainbowchorus org uk, buy from choir members or on the door.
EMPORIUM
88 London Road, Brighton www.emporiumbrighton.com
) SLEEPING BEAUTY (Dec 5–Jan 17). As the nights draw in and the winds turn chill, Emporium bring you a world of winter wonder with their brand new interpretation of everybody's favourite ) THE SPACE (Mon 8) Unique, Brighton-based entertainment and arts event hosted by Lisa Holloway with exclusive special guest interviews - this month director Ben Wheatley and halfof-Orbital Paul Hartnoll join Lisa on the sofa.
) OFF THE CUFF (Sat 20) Quickfire comedy from popular stalwarts of Brighton's improv scene, Off The Cuff twists the audience's suggestions into comic gold
BLAME IT ON THE BAUBLES!
St George's Church, St George’s Rd, Kemptown, Brighton, www.rainbowchorus.org.uk
) THE RAINBOW CHORUS present their Christmas offering, Blame it on the Baubles! (7.30pm, Sat 13). The Rainbow Chorus is the only LGBT-mixed choir in the south of England outside of London They aim to provide an enjoyable and supportive environment for LGBT members to sing together, make new friends, develop their community spirit, individual talents and confidence Through performance, the Rainbow Chorus also raises the profile of the LGBT community in Brighton & Hove as well as providing top quality entertainment. The choir is conducted by their musical director, Aneesa Chaudhry, with accompanist Mojca Monte and
FRIDA FRIDAYS
The Marwood Cafe, 52 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AF www.fridafridays.ticketsource.co.uk
) FRIDA FRIDAYS BACK TO BERLIN (7.30pm, Fri 12) Frida Fridays present a starkly powerful, un-tinseled, sled-free, quality December evening with songs of the 1920/30s by Brecht & Weill. Fräulein Adrienne and Herr Hayward perform songs by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht, in a stylish cabaret at the schräge and wunderbar, the Marwood Café Doors open 7 15pm, performance starts 8 15pm, pünktlich! For an unmissable Abend, tickets in advance at: www.fridafridays.ticketsource.co.uk
) BENT DOUBLE (Sun 7). An irreverent night of fun and frolics hosted by Zoe Lyons (Mock The Week and Michael McIntyre's
Comedy Roadshow), headlined by Loretta Maine 'A fantastic wreck of a human being and a great comedy conception' (Chortle co uk); with support from Joe Lycett 'Rising talent Joe Lycett already possesses the confidence and relaxed, homely charm of an old campaigner' The Times and Laura Lexx, Chortle Student Comedy Award Finalist 2009.
) SPELLBOUND (Sat 20) The '80s club night for people who HATE '80s nights, with Jenna Allsopp and Simon Price playing alternative classics like Siouxsie, Soft Cell, Stray Cats, Smiths and Specials (and that's just the eSSes) The CRE - Campaign for Real Eighties - starts here!
) SPELLBOUND ALTERNATIVE EIGHTIES NYE PARTY, (10pm-3am, Wed 31) Jenna Allsopp and Simon Price countdown to midnight with songs chosen using Spellbound bingo.
) MISS HOPE SPRINGS - NOW IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME (Mon 22) Written and performed by Ty Jeffries, live at the piano comedy cabaret chanteuse Miss Hope Springs swings the festive season with her sizzling musicians on bass and percussion Bringing you an award-winning all-original
repertoire of cheery cha cha chas, heartwarming torch songs and finger snapping pop all served with a sequinned frosting of Vegas glitz ‘Hysterical A bevy of witty original songs ’
) TINA C (Sun 28) Yuletide celebration show promises to be the ultimate office party – sincere, non-denominational, profoundly moving religious experience all wrapped up with some jawdropping country songs and a whole mess of American lovin’ plus seasonal songs like Ho Ho Ho Down and My Dog Died at Xmas
LESBIAN MURDER MYSTERY
Underground Theatre, Grove Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4TL www.brownpapertickets.com/eve nt/844025
) THE LEZZWOOD PLAYERS are heading over to Eastbourne this Christmas (7-10 30pm, Sat 20) so get on down to the Lezzwood Saloon for a spectacular Murder Mystery lesbian extravaganza where you, the audience help solve the mystery, sing along to your favourite country and western songs, line dance, win prizes with sassy pistol packin mamas Clit Westwood, Connie Lingus, Dolly Partem, Emmeline Spankhurst and Titty Galore, Sheriff Catchum & Dee Luscious
Tickets £10 bucks (+booking fee)
MARLBOROUGH THEATRE
4 Princes St, Brighton www.brownpapertickets.com
) BOOGALOO STU CRIMPLENE MILLIONAIRE (7.30pm, Wed 17). Derek and Bev invite you to play Crimplene Millionaire, the 1970s board game that style forgot. Your hosts roll back the years to a predigital world of Mateus Rosé, Brut 33, fondue and butterscotch Angel Delight where you can compete for top prizes (subject to availability) Tickets: £6 adv/£8 on the door
QUKULELE XMA S SPECIAL
Latest Music Bar, Manchester Street, Brighton www.wegottickets.com
) QUKULELE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
(8pm, Wed 10) Banish those winter blues with Hawaiian hilarity, seasonal silliness, songs old and new with special guests: sensationally silly songstress
Hannah Brackenbury ‘If Victoria Wood and Tim Minchin had a love child ’ and compere beyond compere Maria Jastrzebska
Tickets: £6 in advance (for info email info@qukulele co uk)
SHAKE UP THE SCENE
A-Bar, 11-12 Marine Parade Btn ) SHAKE UP THE SCENE WINTER CHERRY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (8pm-2am, Sat 6) Special guest performance by royal appointment DJ RPXX (Ladypoof) plus launch of first ever Black Cherry Raffle with spectacular prizes and the
usual games and shenanigans with a Christmas Twist Donations go to NAPAC (National Association of People Abused in Childhood)
THEATRE ROYAL
New Road, Brighton Box office: 08448 717 650
) THE FULL MONTY (Mon 8–Sat 13). Simon Beaufoy's adaptation of his film centres on a group of
unemployed Sheffield steelworkers who find the only way to make ends meet is by setting up as a group of strippers. With songs from the film by Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones, this award-winning production direct
from London’s West End stars Gary Lucy, Andrew Dunn, Louis Emerick, Rupert Hill, Martin Miller and Bobby Schofield ‘Every inch a whopping hit Ticks all the right lunchboxes – Uproariously entertaining’ The Daily Telegraph.
TRAUMFRAU
Envy, Marine Parade, Brighton www.wegottickets.com/event/298111 ) TRAUMFRAU FAMILY QUEERMAS (Fri 12) Fear not the festivities this year queers, your Traumfrau family is throwing you a feast and it's not a roast dinner Join their holy holidays feast of music and performance Dance to forget about the shopping you haven't done, the work drinks you would rather not attend, and the inevitable questions your auntie asks you every single year. It's a show. It's a disco. It's a market. Features live performances, DJs, a local market and a collective DIY art project.
contemporary, present day It’s going to be amazing - I genuinely can’t wait!”
Whilst keeping the show fresh and current, the first half ‘That was then…’ has a touch of nostalgia with contemporary music and costumes spotlighting the glamour and traditions that audiences have come to love and expect over the years from Holiday on Ice, including incredible footage of world champion Olympic stars who have performed in Holiday on Ice shows over the generations
PL ATINUM
Holiday on Ice returns to UK for exclusive Brighton appearance
) Sequins, feathers and high camp mean only one thing to lovers of ice skating The world's longest running and most popular ice extravaganza, Holiday on Ice, returns to the Brighton Centre in January with their 70th anniversary show PLATINUM starring Dancing on Ice winner, X Factor runner up and top hottie hunk, Ray Quinn Platinum, a tribute to 70 years of Holiday on Ice productions, which have appeared at the Brighton Centre since 1978, opens on Tuesday, January 6 for a oneweek exclusive UK run. All the traditional elements and tricks will be there as the performers take you through the history of figure skating accompanied by a soundtrack ranging from electro and waltz, to swing, gospel and samba It’s a unique experience, which will enchant audiences of all ages
Starring in this year ’ s production is Ray Quinn, who shot to national prominence in 2006 when he was runner up to Leona Lewis in the third series of X Factor His debut album Doing It My Way went to number one in the national charts in its first week of release, going platinum in its second week
After completing the X Factor tour, Ray embarked on his own solo tour in 2007 before going on to win the fourth series of Dancing on Ice in 2009 when he was partnered by international ice skater Maria Filippov
Ray returned for the ninth and final series of Dancing on Ice in 2014 to partner Maria Filippov in the All Stars series, featuring all the previous winners over the years Cheeky chappie Ray who lost two stone in 8 weeks for the show, wowed the audience in the final with a topless routine showing off his tanned, ripped body, winning him legions of new gay fans.
His West End theatre credits include playing Danny Zuko in Grease, Billy Kosteki in Dirty Dancing, and national tours of Legally Blonde and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice. Ray said: “I'm so thrilled to be a part of Holiday on Ice Platinum. It is the 70th year celebration show, so extra special! Holiday on Ice is such an all-time family favourite and for me to be back on the ice is really exciting The show is going to bring so much together from past, traditional shows to the more
The second half ‘This is now!’ explodes with modern scenes and accompanying music that stay faithful to every tradition of a Holiday on Ice production Whilst the music may have a hip sound and the costumes look like they have come from the latest Paris catwalk, the skating still takes centre stage.
The show's Brazilian finale will feature the traditional light up of the glamorous finale costumes, while the display of firework ensures the ovations will continue for years to come as future generations continue their love affair with Holiday on Ice.
Platinum features some of the world’s most talented skaters: Rohene Ward (USA), Daria Perminova & Evgeny Belyanin (RUS), McKenzie Crawford (CAN), Stanislav Vederski & Viktoria Matsiuka (UKR), Andrey Gryazev (RUS) and novelty aerial act Lykov Dmytro & Liannoi Kyrylo (UKR)
In these days of austerity there are few opportunities to see big touring productions such as Holiday on Ice For years their annual visit each January was a Brighton institution Make sure you take in this year ’ s show and keep this type of live entertainment coming to the city for years to come.
info + competition
) PLATINUM for one week from Tuesday January 6, 2015 at the Brighton Centre. Book tickets online at: www.brightoncentre.co.uk or call the box office: 0844 847 1538
) Gscene have three pairs of tickets to give away. Send the answer to the following question on a postcard to Holiday on Ice Competition, Gscene, 111 Western Rd, Hove, BN3 1DD: What year did Ray Quinn come second to Leona Lewis in the X Factor?
REVIEWS
) The Brahms Clarinet Quintet is my all-time favourite chamber work So settling down to a performance by the Brodsky Quartet together with clarinettist of the moment, Michael Collins promised much.
But first, the Brodsky Quartet opened with the second String Quartet Brahms composed just three String Quartets, and he was 40-years-old before he published the first two, Op. 51. The second String Quartet in A minor, Op. 51 No 2 is on the whole, the lighter and more lyrical of the pair, although darkness lurks in the thoughtful slow movement, and in the weighty yet lively Hungarian dance influenced finale. The Brodskys give a fine performance, nothing remarkable, but giving due weight where required, and a lighter touch, for example, in the alternating Allegretto Vivace section of the third movement However, there is definitely a feeling of this being a curtain raiser for the main event, the Clarinet Quintet It is a masterpiece of nostalgia, sadness and at times, exquisite beauty. This is a more laid-back performance from Collins and the Brodskys than some – their take emphasises the introspection and reflection, and less so the dramatic outbursts of frustration, even anger that are there in the music Their tempi throughout are relaxed, which is a consistent Brodsky characteristic So I missed the moments of passion, particularly in the turbulent second movement However, Collins’ warm, honeyed tone gives a sense of late summer turning to autumn, matched by the rich, fullbodied string playing from the quartet. The poignant return of the music from the first movement is played with great sensitivity and pathos. So overall, a fine performance, but not quite hitting all the right buttons for me Chandos CHAN10817
) Back in February I reviewed a disc of Franco-Flemish renaissance music sung by the all-male Italian
ensemble Odhecaton, and their latest disc tackles the strange and wonderful world of Carlo Gesualdo (1566-1613). He is almost more famous for having murdered his wife (who was also his first cousin) and her lover, than for his unusual and strikingly chromatic music, so it’s always good to see new recordings of his music As with their previous disc, the soundworld is different from what we are used to from many English early music ensembles. On this disc the singers are joined in some pieces by instrumentalists and the viol group Ensemble Mare Nostrum, and the blend of sounds is extraordinary, to the extent that at times, separating the sound of the counter-tenors from the cornett is not always easy This mix of textures, as well as the insertion of several short organ pieces, makes for a varied programme The works on this disc come from Gesualdo’s first book of Sacrae Cantiones, and there isn’t space to go into detail about all the pieces here. Highlights include the weird falling harmonies in Deus, refugium et virtus, and the subtle mix of singers and instruments in Tribulationem et dolorem and Dignare me laudare te But if you want to discover more about Gesualdo’s music, this is a great place to start Ricercar RIC343
technical difficulties is that we occasionally lose an edge of danger, important in such a passionate work The passion rises in the slow movement however, and she is supported by some beautiful playing from the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, especially from the wind section. Sir Andrew Davis and the orchestra then fill out the disc with a selection of orchestral works by Sibelius, some better known than others The most substantial is the enjoyable Karelia Suite, rooted in Finnish folk music from the region bordering Russia, and Sibelius’ strong belief in the freedom of Finland from Russian rule. Davis and the orchestra give a rousing performance, and their Finlandia is also strong, with rich and stirring orchestral tones. The highlight, however, is their performance of one movement from Sibelius’ Lemminkäinen Suite (a shame we couldn’t have all four), The Swan of Tuonela The conversation between solo cor anglais and cello, over muted divided strings, is one of Sibelius’ most inspired creation, and the soloists here (Hege Sellevåg, cor anglais, and Jonathan Aasgaard, cello) make a fine job of it. The popular Valse Triste is accompanied by the less wellknown Valse Lyrique and Andante Festivo, all receiving strong performances. Chandos CHSA5134
CONCERTS
ST LUKE’S CHURCH
CINEMA
) Christopher Wheeldon’ s ballet, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is being broadcast live from the Royal Opera House (Tues 16), and repeated in cinemas on other dates thereafter Music is by Joby Talbot
) You can also see Wagner’ s Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg, from The Metropolitan Opera The cast includes Johan Reuter, Johan Botha and Annette Dasch Various
dates in December, in a range of local cinemas, including: Dukes at Komedia and Odeon Cinema, Brighton, Cineworld Eastbourne, and the Connaught Cinema, Worthing Check times and dates
Reviews, comments and events: nicks-classical-notes.blogspot.co.uk Email: nbclassical@hotmail.co.uk
Queen’s Park Road, Brighton, www.stlukesconcerts.webeden.co.uk
) Violinist Jennifer Pike has carved out a great career already, having been the youngest winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year back in 2002, aged just twelve In her performance here of one of the last great Romantic concertos, the Concerto for Violin and Orchestra, Op. 47 by Jean Sibelius (18651957), she demonstrates incredible musical maturity, combined with an effortless virtuosity There isn’t a flicker of difficulty as she negotiates the challenges of cadenza passages in the first movement, and the fiendish octaves and harmonics of the finale are rock solid The only cost of such effortless command of the
) Francina Moll Salford (violin) and Nathan Tinker (piano) perform Ravel, Ysaÿe and Prokofiev (7 30pm, Fri 5)
BRIGHTON DOME
Church St, Brighton, 01273 709709, www.brightondome.org
) The Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Richard Balcombe, perform (2 45pm, Sun 7) a varied programme of British and British-inspired music, including Mendelssohn, Butterworth, Arnold, Coates and Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending with the orchestra’s leader, John Bradbury (violin). They return (2.45pm, Wed 31) for a New Year’s Eve Viennese Gala, conducted by Stephen Bell, with soprano Susana Gaspar.
) Brighton Festival Chorus are joined by the Brighton Festival Youth Choir, the London Gala Orchestra and mezzo-soprano Juliette Pochin, conducted by James Morgan (4pm, Sun 14) for their annual concert of Christmas music, from traditional to modern.
) The Apollon Musagète Quartet perform Górecki, Szymanowski and Dvořák, in the Strings Attached Coffee Concert Series (11am, Sun 14) at Corn Exchange.
Plot: A middle-aged businessman gets more than he bargained for when cruising in the Gare du Nord.
Word on net: “Compassionately conflicted views of gay male sexuality and inter-European immigration.” ) “A frightening home-invasion drama, a tender love story and a tense hide-and-seek thriller.” ) “A strangely alluring film which seamlessly combines paradoxical genres and elements.”
MY OLD LADY
Dir: Israel Horovitz
Stars: Kevin Kline, Kristin Scott
Thomas, Maggie Smith
Plot: An American inherits an apartment in Paris that comes with an unexpected resident.
Word on net: “Director may have made a questionable decision in adapting this particular play for the screen, but his casting was flawless.” ) “Affecting, even if many of the revelations and highvoltage speeches occur at predictable moments ” )
“Sometimes betray its theatrical origins but it's still an enjoyable romp ”
NO GOOD DEED
Dir: Sam Miller
Stars: Taraji P Henson, Idris Elba, Leslie Bibb
Plot: An unstable escaped convict terrorises a woman who is alone with her two children
Word on net: “It's a little dumb (okay, maybe more than a little), but is an otherwise brisk, efficient thriller.” ) “With strong cast should have yielded more... trite third act reveal only further sours the wasted potential.” )
“Promises little but, to its credit, it largely lives up to that promise.”
WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS
Dir: Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi
Stars: Jemaine Clement, Taika
Waititi, Jonathan Brugh
Plot: Three vampires share an apartment and have to struggle with paying the rent, getting on with flatmates and being immortal bloodsuckers
Word on net: “Mockumentary about the undead keeps the genre alive and well ” ) “From a desiccated husk of a genre rises one of the year's funniest films ” ) “Does it have a new thought, a new energy? I would say yes, even without the driving force of a real story.” ) “An instant classic ready for enduring cult success. ”
Plot: A group of high school teenagers and their parents attempt to navigate the many ways the Internet has changed their relationships, their communication, their self-image, and their love lives
Word on net: “Attempts to pirouette between behavioural
levity and dark melodrama, yet it often falls flat ” ) “The film is so enamored of its own facile ironies that it fails to go anywhere with its observations.” ) “An overwrought movie that refuses to express itself in a measured, reflective manner. ”
ELECTRICITY
Dir: Bryn Higgins
Stars: Agyness Deyn, Lenora Crichlow, Christian Cooke
Plot: A journey seen through the eyes of a young woman with epilepsy that brings extraordinary hallucinations as she searches for her long lost brother Word on net: “Sense-swamping rush of Electricity is never less than pleasurable, and Deyn carries off her first major role with modest aplomb.” ) “Self-consciously stylish portrait of a troubled young woman. ” ) “Deyn shows real spark as the wilful, wounded heroine of
offbeat British drama.” ) “Engaging story spearheaded by its magnetising leading lady... a beautifully sculpted film with an honest message. ”
THE GRANDMA STER
Dir: Wong Kar Wai
Stars: Tony Chiu Wai Leung, Ziyi Zhang, Jin Zhang
Plot: The story of Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi, Jonathan Brugh martial-arts master Ip Man, the man who trained Bruce Lee Word on net: “You leave this deeply flawed, deeply beautiful film with no doubt that you've seen an indisputable cinematic grandmaster in action.” )
“Beautiful but troubled, achieving in stretches the director's signature dreamy mood but dragged down by narrative confusions ” ) “Bears all the extravagant style perfectionist filmmaker Wai can muster, but suffers from a sketchy biography that lurches along.”
ALSO OUT...
) Brando Sings! There's a rerelease for classic musical GUYS AND DOLLS, an adaptation of Damon Runyon's stories. Also stars Jean Simmons and Frank Sinatra. ) After Aronofsky's Noah, Ridley Scott brings us EXODUS: GODS AND KINGS. Moses (Christian Bale) rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses, setting 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues
) Tim Burton's BIG EYES stars Amy Adams as Margaret Keane, an artist whose work had phenomenal success in the 1950s, and the subsequent legal difficulties she had with her husband, who claimed credit for her works
FILM C O M P E T I T I O N
) The trilogy comes to its hopefully thrilling conclusion with THE HOBBIT: THE BATTLE OF THE FIVE ARMIES. Bilbo and Company are forced to be embraced in a war against an armed flock of combatants and the terrifying Smaug To win two tickets to the Odeon Brighton send the answer to the following question on a postcard along with your address to: Gscene Film Competition, 111 Western Rd, Hove, BN3 1DD: Wagner's Ring Cycle, an inspiration for Tolkien, had a magical ring forged by which dwarf?
November Competition: GRAVITY
Amongst all the seasonal preparations and celebrations, I’m sure you’ll find some time for the creative opportunities I’ve sourced for you!
) Beginning with Painting with Light - Video Sculptures (Sat 6–Wed 10) The gallery opens daily 11am–5pm, with a preview event on Fri 5 from 6 30–8 30pm Alex May’ s practice artistically explores the boundary between the physical and digital by making works that fuse sculpture and digital video projection to create immersive and experimential narrative experiences, themed around how we perceive ourselves and the world around us through digital technology. Having created Painting With Light, a digital video mapping software, which allows individuals to have the ability to ‘paint’ with digital video footage in real-time via a data projector onto physical sculptures For this exhibition May will create a new installation stemming from a participatory workshop with artists May has performed with Painting with Light at Tate Modern and Watermans, and is a Visiting Research Fellow: Artist in Residence in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire and a sessional lecturer on the Digital Media Arts MA at the University of Brighton.
ARTISTS OPEN HOUSES
www.aoh.org.uk/home
) SEXUAL METAMORPHOSIS: AN ANTHOLOGY OF TRANSSEXUAL MEMOIRS by Jonathan Ames (£8.99, Gay’s the Word bookshop, order at 0207 278 7654). In Sexual Metamorphosis, Ames presents the personal narrative of 16 gender pioneers: Christine Jorgensen, the first celebrity transsexual, greeting
a chance meeting she travels instead to London. In the present day, Martin, a redundant banker learns that Anna is one of his ancestors. Employed at an LGBT outreach centre in Soho, Martin embarks on a personal journey of learning, where he has to eventually confront his own demons Five stories, five people, mysteriously connected by a gold sovereign
The book explores the determination of the human spirit and different aspects of love. The book questions how our own lives are affected by the people we meet and the choices that we make, and how the seemingly random acts of fate may not be so random at all... This multi-layered novel will appeal to readers who enjoy fantasy fiction Stevie Henden’s first novel made me cry, it was so sweet, this one left me with a huge warm smile, A great fairy-tale for the festive period
) The Artists Open Houses 2014 Christmas Festival takes place during the three weekends (Nov 29–Dec 14). Twice a year artists and makers open their houses and studios, providing art lovers the chance to browse and buy original artwork direct from the artist. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of art including jewellery, ceramics & textiles, paintings, sculpture, printmaking, photography and many other media, whilst also being able to chat directly with the artists The brochure is available online and in print
USHER GALLERY
1 Danes Terrace, Lincoln, www.paintingdetail.com
) One you may not be able to visit is a show I’m in (detail) in Lincoln (Dec 19–Apr 19, 2015) Featuring the work of 118 international artists who’ve each selected a close-up from one of their paintings, these details have been printed and displayed together to give both a glimpse into the artworks and to create a huge collage of images. The exhibition was first presented at H-Project Space in Bangkok, before being reconfigured at Transition Gallery in London. The exhibition was curated by Andrew Bracey, artist and curator, based in Lincolnshire, who is currently Programme Leader of MA Fine Art and MA Contemporary Curatorial Practice at the University of Lincoln
) I’m also involved in DelicARTessen 13 at the Galeria Esther Montoriol in Barcelona (www.montoriol.com), which is a group show of small works (now until Jan 21) No pressure to get to this one, but if you find yourself in the area
thousands of well-wishers from the stage of Madison Square Garden; Caroline Cossey, former model and Bond girl, being outed in the tabloids; novelist and English professor Jennifer Boylan discussing her impending transformation with her heartbroken spouse and supportive yet confused colleagues. The result is a fascinating and compulsively readable book, filled with anguish, introspection, and courage
) THE AMAZING TALE OF ANNA HIMMEL AND THE GOLD SOVEREIGN by Stevie Henden (£9.99) In 1878, Anna plans to emigrate to New York, but through
) COLT HAIRY CHESTED MEN (£49.99, photo book from www.brunogmuender.com). As every man has a hard spot for a
Colt Man, what could be better for Xmas than this collection of some of their best models, in candid and behind-the-scenes poses? COLT is iconic and one of the most prestigious porno studios with a long tradition and a huge following. Hairy Chested Men collects the hottest and hairiest models of the famous erotica brand Previously unreleased behind the scenes footage and exclusive iconic COLT photos make the book an absolute essential for fans and lovers of hairy chests This is a thick and hefty gift, and Bruno Gmuender’s usual high quality publication is perfect for slamming down on the coffee table and letting the admiring glances roll in.
GAMES
) Well it’s time to deck the halls, eat and drink too much with your nearest and dearest and experience awkward silences with the whole household watching the multitude of boring Xmas specials without talking! So let’s look at the best games you could be playing over the festive period with or without your family being involved!
A SSA SSINS CREED: UNITY
What’s better than one bad ass assassin running around 18th century Paris during the French Revolution I hear you cry? Why four bad ass assassins, I reply! Taking the role of Arno Dorian, you ’ re tasked with finding out about your unknown past whilst battling against hordes of the Templar order: the natural enemies of the Assassins. As well as a deep and rewarding main plot line, which borrows a lot from many sources including the forbidden love of Romeo and Juliet, Unity is the first of the series to have multiplayer co-operative missions which help enrich the Assassins Creed universe. Being the first of the series only on next gen consoles, Unity is truly beautiful to behold with a photorealistic 18th century Paris recreated with stunning accuracy. It is an amazing experience traversing the roof tops of Paris before scaling Notre Dame and viewing the city like a French Batman
ALIEN ISOLATION
Set 15 years after the events of the first Alien film, the game follows Amanda, the daughter of series heroine Ellen Ripley Amanda, whilst investigating the disappearance of her mother, gets transferred to the space station Sevastopol where an Alien has secretly infested the station It’s up to you to find out what happened to Ripley as well as trying to escape the clutches of the deadly and unpredictable Alien. The storyline is fantastic and engrossing and the AI on the Alien itself is amazing and difficult to second guess because it never does the same thing twice. So be prepared to die a hell of a lot!
SUPER SMA SH BROS
Every time a new Nintendo console is released the public wonder two things: when we will get a new Mario Kart game and is there a new Smash Bros game coming out? Thankfully both questions were answered this year with the fantastic Mario Kart 8 and the awesome Super Smash Bros for Wii U and 3DS just in time for Christmas! The latest instalment of the Smash Bros series features almost 50 characters, including guest combatants like Pac Man and Megaman, beautiful and complex battle arenas ripped from Nintendo’s massive library of games and a deep and rewarding fighting system that never feels unresponsive Smash Bros is the perfect game to play with your family and friends this Christmas with up to four players on screen at a time battling for supremacy and the winner making the losers do the washing up!
COMICS
) As all the film adaptations of comic books draw upon certain famous stories or a mix of different lesser known ones to create a brand new mythology and as we look towards the future and the coming of many new Marvel movies including Avengers: Age of Ultron next year, I wanted to highlight a few Avengers stories that should be read to grasp a better understanding of where the future of Marvel’s film mythology might head.
Back in 1989, after three consecutive years of ‘event’ comics revolving around the X-Men, the Avengers finally got their turn with the Acts of Vengeance crossover. Thor’s brother Loki assembles a team of supervillains to attack the Avengers after inadvertently forming the team years earlier. This new team causes the Avengers some trouble with in-fighting mainly between Magneto (a holocaust survivor) and The Red Skull (one of Hitler’s most loyal Nazi officers) causing the new team to fall apart Co-written by superstar Chris Claremont and some art by John Romita Jr, AoV is a nice tight story that sees many mix ups between bad guys and heroes that have never met whilst also telling a self-contained story that sees some match-ups you never thought you’d see
Last year many storylines finally had their payoff in the universewide crossover Avengers v X-Men Even though the two major stories that reached their conclusions were 2005’s House of M and 2007’s Messiah Complex, it all began within the pages of 2004’s Avengers: Disassembled. One night the Avengers are attacked at home in their mansion on several different fronts with no explanation for what is happening. Only after the deaths of long-time members Ant-Man (Scott Lang), Vision and Hawkeye was it revealed by Doctor Strange that the person responsible for the attack was none other than Wanda Maximoff; the Scarlet Witch, who had been unknowingly driven insane by the loss of her children years before Believing that the Avengers 'took' her children away and seek to do so again she lashes out and after being stopped by the Avengers, was collected by her father Magneto and taken to safety This leads straight into the House Of M with Wanda using her reality warping powers to reduce the mutants of the world down to 200 and therefore changing the X Comics for nearly seven years. Whilst it’s not fantastically written it sets up so many different future storylines that it needs to be read The art on the other hand is action-packed and fantastically drawn as well as feeling emotional when people start dying
) Notable mentions: Bloodlines, Kang Dynasty, Infinity War and Secret War
CRAIG’S THOUGHTS SILENT-ISH NIGHT
A GAY IN A MANGER
BY CRAIG HANLON-SMITH
@craigscontinuum
And lo, although Joseph and his Mary could scarce believe a full 12 moons had passed over another four seasons, it was indeed that festive time once more and our first borns up and down the land would toddle off to play their part in The Greatest Story Ever Told wearing a tea towel on their head.
This festive time around, our Mary was not the only womb casket to be blessed with child as Princess Katherine of Windsor had once again surrendered her modesty to the holy spirit in the shape of an aptly named Prince Willy. Fortunately she didn’t have to hike her house of McQueen skirts up over the back end of a donkey led through the desert by her husband in search of a stable, but she was reported to have been sick quite a lot which was an indicator that she was either just like us or impersonating the marital patterns of her mother-in-law. Perhaps the true explanation was that she was just as sick of those primary colour A-line frock coats as we were and there wasn’t actually a baby at all. Still, there’s nothing quite like an impending birth story to warm our cockles and especially after the ropey year the populace across the land had endured at the hands of those who might know better
When Joseph and his Mary eventually arrived in the sleepy village of Brighthelm, finding a room in which to rest their weary heads was the least of their worries They were immediately put to work by a local dignitary named after a chocolate bar who insisted they start collecting household rubbish, as those who were in the employ of the authorities no longer wanted to or something and were last seen running off to the hills to impersonate sheep or shepherds Perhaps both No one really knew Either way, Brighthelm now revelled in the stench of uncollected refuse not unlike a diseased manger Two-thousand years on since the birth of a Christ-child and look how far we ’ ve come.
Joseph, his Mary and all in Judea, were not the only residents to find themselves subject to a census North of the border, locals had become extremely hot under the collar at the prospect of breaking up the union Not since the Americans and British invented Israel and dumped it in the Middle East had we seen an indigenous population so exercised in what may come to pass. It didn’t. But as the winning side had relied upon the help of a fallen King and his bumbling gentiles running a campaign that had been positively abbreviated to ‘No’, the forthcoming election in spring was largely expected to be chaos. Still, an unlikely leader had emerged from amongst the ignorant, and true to form the
United Kingdom appeared to be taking him to their hearts Perhaps we would all soon have our independence after all Discard the ties and bonds we had spent 70 years building since the end of the WW2 and royally tell the rest of Europe to go f*** , I beg your pardon it is Christmas; stuff itself. Still, if we’d made little progress in two millennia, what hope was there in three quarters of a century?
Several former arch-angel Gabriel types, who had once spent many a Saturday night lighting up the skies far and wide over Christendom, and bringing joy to the world or at least middle England, had fallen spectacularly from grace. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen or at least Jake The Peg would never be the same again.
One such prophet whom for many middle-aged heavy set women over the age of 60 actually was thought to be the messiah, recently found his angel wings plucked by Herod’s troops in search of a first born or so. Despite rifling through his Mistletoe And Wine no charges had as yet been brought, not that this had stopped the publically funded national broadcasting association from flitting about the skies themselves impersonating an angel of high moral aptitude.
The same organisation that had spent the best part of three decades enabling underage sex with the vulnerable and voiceless by the sick and twisted that even Jesus would have had trouble forgiving. Whoever next we thought, along with ‘Just who did have his hand up Basil Brush?’ Still, perhaps to detract us from their failings or to remind us of a time when we shared a more perfect day, a whole host of angels were once again amassed across the night sky to remind us that God only knows where we’d be without a publically funded paedophile And to think of the names we used to call the gays, when right under our children’s noses
Still, things could only get worse King Herod (take your pick) and his counterparts were publically outraged and horrified at the violent tendencies of some deluded nomadic types who had decided to win friends and alienate people through means of kidnap and internet broadcast executions The world was appalled that four white men from Europe and America had recently been beheaded and so the leaders of the white folk began blowing them up That these monsters had been hacking the heads off hundreds of Muslims they didn’t much like the look of for months beforehand remained largely unnoticed; but like Ebola, once it began to affect the pale faced amongst us, it was almost certainly time to act or at least threaten to one day.
Joseph and his Mary would undoubtedly have been better off in the year dot as in the year of our Lord 2014 Mary would have been publically stoned, hanged or twitter share beheaded for conceiving a child in the Middle East out of wedlock, and Joseph extradited to a part of Cuba the Americans owned for having brown-ish skin and a beard.
And to think, at this time of year, every year, in our primary schools, our under nines re-enact this story as part of our ongoing belief that 2,000 years ago Christ the saviour is born. Christ the saviour is born. God rest ye merry Gentlemen, let nothing you dismay.
CHARLIE SAYS LIVE WITH IT!
WHAT MAKES ME A MURDERER
BY CHARLIE BAUER PhD
Here I am reading about the furore surrounding the ‘investigative journalist, TV producer and authority figure’, Stephen Jimenez, who has spent ten years interviewing people about the crucifixion of 21year-old Matthew Shepard Spending all that time seemingly trying to prove that even though Matthew was gay, he was not killed because of it.
Some coincidence, because last week, two young men - obviously gay because they were singing songs from Wicked on the back of a Manchester tram - were followed by 15 thugs and beaten to a pulp. Had they been singing football songs they may have been sparedshow tunes were apparently a good gay reason to beat the crap out of someone. This follows a litany of liberal-left bashing beginning with my broadcasting associate, Bill Maher. Gosh, the US neo-com (unists) and UK terrafeminists are so tetchy.
Matthew Shepard, whose memory Obama signed the Matthew Shepard Anti-Hate Act in 2009 for; Matthew Shepard whose legacy is about hate crimes irrespective of gender; Matthew Shepard, who up until the recent publication of Stephen Jimenez’s, The Book of Matt: Hidden Truths About The Murder Of Matthew Shepard, was the poster boy for homo hatred, having been both gay and crucified This same book uncovered that one of his executers was gay and there was, shock, drugs involved on all sides. (See how evil these male homos really are) That Matthew Shepard was from an affluent family, (he had it so good - what’s he doing sucking dodgy chode?) He was apparently gang raped by men in Morocco (not a potential for all gay men by virtue of the way some of us have sex?). And the beat goes on…
Now, co-inky-dinky, this week I’m off to see Party Monster and the new documentary which highlights the life and the release from prison of gay male gay murderer Michael Alig, the original club kid, who killed his lover and drug dealer Angel Melendez in 1996 A ketamine death A male, sex drug death Tut tut
Maybe living as outsiders is to blame - and I stand alongside my gay, male, murdering brothers here - don’t forget, everyone ’ s equal in the sauna Whether Matthew Shepard was rich or, whether he courted dangerous gay men, or whether he took drugs is therefore not in question
Just maybe it’s because he grew up gay, not just male, that made him buy all the drugs in the first place and hang out with the degenerate low-lifes and those degenerates Perhaps, just perhaps, he had a crap life irrespective of the privilege - because he was gay Maybe, it was his life as a gay man that lead to his murder by another gay man Maybe it was Matthew’s closet life in Saudi and the lonely journey many gay men seem to have that lead to his execution Because this
is what both Matthew Shepard and Angel Melendez actually represent whether they had been executed by their assailants or by Aileen Wuornos (as tricks), Myra Hindley (as children), Karla Homolka (“It was my husband who killed my sister”), Rosemary West (“It was all my husband’s doing”), Mary Bell (But I’m still a child myself), Ruth Ellis (he deserved to die because he didn’t love me), or Margaret Thatcher (Murderer of hope and perfectly placed to add more women to her cabinet…)
The mystery remains. Can women and homosexual men be as cruel and evil as heterosexual, homophobic, racist, misogynists? Interesting. You decide You can see with all the evidence above that we are all culpable
Perhaps, given the permanent lack of acceptance of male homosexuality, Matthew’s death was the result of drug use? Tsk - of course it was Drugs are, and have been, a way of coping with the shackles of life sometimes before you even get to live it Matthew had a crucifix on his back the moment he knew he was gay To reduce this life history into gender blame is an execution in itself
“Can women and homosexual men be as cruel and evil as heterosexual, homophobic, racist, misogynists? Interesting”
This book states a plethora of terrible accusations that so many of my fellow gay travellers live with and refuse to deny. Firstly, gay men take significant sexual risks – yes to that. It states that Matthew was HIV+ at the time of his death (Is this really still used as a hate salvo about gay men ’ s sexual practice?) So he, was a drug fuelled, disparate, HiFIve queer who courted execution
Then, there was apparently a shipment of Crystal Meth that they wanted to steal from Matthew Hang on, a drug fuelled, 21-yearold, desperate, HIV+, drug dealer supporting his habit This sounds like a place many of my gay brothers are, or have been in at some point This goes with the fabric of many gay men ’ s lives. Apparently, according to Jimenez, “This does not make the perfect poster boy for the gayrights movement.” Oh, I think it does, Stevie.
All of this is the apparently justifiable reason why Matthew died Because of his life as a gay man. Because of the trajectory so many gay men take during their sometimes shitty time on this planet. The price of being removed from the male/female heteronorm.
These lives (my life) according to some haters - both male and female, is good enough reason not to support advocating services for the protection of young gay men. Like not giving money to Band Aid because we ’ ve just found out that not every child in Africa is starving. Or perhaps that every recently dead Palestinian baby is a dead jihadist.
I’m both Matthew and his murderer. Live with it.
www matthewshepard org/
ANTISOCIAL MEDIA
A few months ago I wrote a piece about the bitter bitches of Brighton and I was amazed with the feedback that people gave me It would seem that a lot of people I know have experienced some form of defamation of character by evil queens who seem to have little else in their lives I ask again why do some feel the need to try and destroy other people’s lives?
I recently had the horrible experience of having to look at Twitter For reasons I cannot go into I had to spend a couple of days reading tweets It seems to me that there are a lot of people out there that have nothing else to do but spend hours vomiting out pointless drivel for the world to see It occurs to me that some people have so much hate in their heads that the only way they can deal with it is to spew out a series of words demonstrating their obvious lack of ability to deal with reality.
As you have probably guessed I am not a fan of social media I can see why some people enjoy it and use it to stay in touch with family and friends, but it does nothing for me I am very careful about the data that I share. There used to be a time when the idea of organisations or governments collecting personal data about individuals was not acceptable. These days, people willingly publicise their whole lives on Facebook and Twitter Just looking at a few tweets I quickly realised that some individuals just use it to rant and rave about the most trivial of things It truly is the diarrhoea of the devil It is such a shame that the internet is being used by some as a vehicle for hate rather than for the sharing of information A lot of the time they don’t even make sense. To me it just looks like a series of words with ‘@’ and ‘#’ dotted in between. The words often don’t even create a sentence. My advice is #getalife!
“There used to be a time when the idea of organisations or governments collecting personal data about individuals was not acceptable. These days, people willingly publicise their whole lives on facebook and twitter”
This is the kind of thing that is regurgitated across the internet. People spend hours of their lives either writing nonsense or attacking other people or organisations It is truly very sad that individuals have not got more going on in their lives that they can spend so much time engaging in this sickness I sincerely hope that there comes a time when this becomes extinct I can understand the reasons why Twitter is used for marketing purposes or for charities to promote their work in order to gain funds but when these sites are used purely for vindictive reasons that makes me mad and sad
So I ask you all, please stop using the internet to create such nonsense Go for a walk, get a hobby, do anything else rather than engage in this dangerous and basically pointless exercise The world has so much to offer
Oh and by the way #happychristmasandhappynewyear
THE DANCE OF THE CIS-ISH FAERIE
So, here’s the thing! Biologically I’m a bloke. Psychologically I can identify as a man So that would make me a cisgendered male However I’m also able to identify as a woman Not so that ‘I feel like a woman trapped in a man ’ s body’ but enough that I enjoy inhabiting feminine attire and relating/being related to, at least partially, as female From a gender world view I don’t fit into the cis world and I don’t fit into the trans* world Cis men find my drag puzzling and unnecessary Trans women resent my ability to pass as cis and don’t accept me into their fold either. Maybe, just as bisexuals often complain that from a sexuality point of view they’re not at home in either the gay or straight world, I, from a gender point of view, am at home in neither the cis nor the trans* world.
Maybe there could be a word for it - bigendered? Or cis-ish?
I’ve just returned from the US. I went to a gay nightclub in the Castro district of San Francisco where I allowed my feminine a degree of expression...
Green velveteen poncho with the pink fringe
Blue ripped denimette lycra tights
Peers over half-moon leopard print framed specks
A brightly coloured plastic butterfly quivering on the brim of the Dark brown floppy top-hat textured with light faun bobbles.
No bosom swells the green fabric
Just the sturdy shoulders of a masculine frame.
A definite bulge in the crotch of those skin-tight blue jeans
And substantial manly thighs there too
Who is this grotesque come to ruin the night at the Badlands Castro Bar?
“Nice Poncho, Honey”
“Wow-those jeans”
The bouncer braces, sensing imminent danger.
The bartender, with eyes conceding discomfort, attempts nonchalance
But knocks over glasses as he delivers the requested soda
Around the dance floor sneers and elbowing
Saying “Look, what the cat dragged in”
“This bar ‘ain’t for folk like you ”
“Why don’t you stick with yo ’ own kind”
But the siren calls of the diva deities and their dancing dollies
Beam down from the plasma walls of this coliseum
And the straight-acting boys (Pissed, stoned and almost wasted
Usually reluctant to have their sissy invoked)
Are anaesthetised enough now to access at least a caricature of their pansy nature
The Dance effervesces rare breaths of oxygen into a testosterone driven femininity suffocating world
Even the trans lads take a few panting gasps as they wiggle their hips and lip-synch to Kylie
So here the cis-ish Faerie dances The Dance Dances with the space between the backs of disgusted dancers
Dances with the Mascinine-Femculine divine within Dances as a laugh in the face of the disapproving Dances a prayer that the “Loved Feminine” become manifest in all ourselves
That the “Hated, Despised, Repressed Feminine” be seen, acknowledged, understood And gently embraced with love!
Dances it all to Oblivion!
Dances it all to Eternity!
Dances it all to The Cosmos!
B Y MIKE WA LL
K E ITH S H A R P E
BEING FRANK
THERE IS ALL TO PLAY FOR BY DR KEITH SHARPE, CHANGING ATTITUDE SUSSEX
Back in September an extraordinary event occurred. All of the bishops of the Church of England met together for two days to discuss 'human sexuality' – code of course for the real concern of the meeting: homosexuality Surely this has happened many times before I hear you say, so why is it extraordinary?
Well of course you are right. But what made this pow wow so special and unusual was that as part of the proceedings the bishops were required to sit down in small groups and talk to each other openly and frankly about their own personal experience of sexual desire and sexual relations This has certainly not happened before
How did it come about? Well you may recall that a few months back the Pilling Report was published, named after the chairman of the committee which over a two-year period investigated different Christian groups' attitudes towards LGBT people The report's main proposal was that there should be a national 18-month process of 'facilitated conversations' about homosexuality to feed ultimately into a reassessment of the Church's teaching
episcopal diversity 'reflected the diversity of experience and view held by the country as a whole' We don't think it does because only a minority of bishops are pro-gay whereas survey after survey has shown that the public are overwhelmingly in favour of treating LGBT people equally, and a large majority is in favour of same-sex marriage.
We recalled that before the meeting the Coalition had been asked to name some people to write documents and create resources to facilitate the bishops' conversations Indeed part of the purpose of the September meeting was to road test these resources for subsequent use across the country. We named some distinguished and eminent pro-gay academics such as Professor Adrian Thatcher from Exeter University. We could only say that we lamented the fact that not one of the people we named had been asked to help. Instead we discover that four papers were commissioned from writers not known, to say the least, for their active campaigning for the rights of gay people, or indeed their own experience of being gay This for us was an offence against the basic principle that 'there should be no talking about us without us'
It hardly needs saying that if the topic under discussion were the place of black people in the Church respecting this principle would be seen as self-evidently necessary
So the Archbishop of Canterbury appointed a 'reconciliation tsar' to head up this process (and also much else besides, including the issue of women bishops) He is David Porter, who comes to the job with experiences of reconciliation through 'facilitated conversations' in Northern Ireland as part of the peace process It was Mr Porter who insisted that if bishops are to take the lead in running the national programme of 'facilitated conversations' and encourage participants to reveal their feelings openly and honestly then they must first demonstrate the capacity to speak honestly and openly with each other about their own sexual history and experience
So what actually happened? Unfortunately we don’t really know because the discussions were held behind closed doors. There was some hope that the call by the courageous but sadly lone voice of the Bishop of Buckingham, Alan Wilson, for the dozen or so gay bishops honestly to ‘out’ themselves with integrity would be answered I am afraid to say this doesn’t seem to have occurred
However there was one very positive outcome for the LGBT community. In the press release issued by the C of E after the meeting there was an acknowledgement that their lordships did not agree with each other There is significant episcopal dissent from current church teaching ('homosexual conduct is sinful') and active disagreement over same-sex marriage This has never been officially admitted before This admission is important for two reasons Firstly it marks a move on the part of the whole institution towards greater transparency and openness Secondly it seriously weakens the hierarchy's attempt to present the C of E's current position as unified, authoritative and definitive.
The national LGBT Anglican Coalition, which is the umbrella grouping of the major LGBT Anglican organisations, has sent a letter to David Porter about this meeting and about the imminent process of 'facilitated conversations. It so happens that I’m currently one of the co-chairs of the Coalition, and I was therefore centrally involved in the drafting of this letter. We said that we were glad to see that the Church now recognised that not all bishops subscribe to the official line, but we didn’t agree with the part of the statement which said that this
“Papers were commissioned from writers not known for their active campaigning for the rights of gay people, or indeed their own experience of being gay... for us an offence against the basic principle that 'there should be no talking about us without us”
Similarly four people were invited to talk to the bishops for 10 minutes about their life experiences These was a transsexual, a lesbian, a gay man who chooses to live a heterosexual lifestyle and is married to a woman, and a gay priest No explanation was given as to how these people were chosen or in what sense they represented the LGBT community One of them described the process as 'little more than tokenism'. They had some opportunity to interact with the bishops but weren’t allowed to stay for the rest of the meeting.
We said that whilst we acknowledged there might be some value in this exchange it was hardly an example of best practice, and yet again one couldn’t imagine it being done in the case of ethnic diversity.
The main point of our letter though was to express the hope that these shortcomings of the arrangements for the bishops' meeting would not be repeated in the plans being drawn up for the national 'facilitated conversations'.
David Porter has been very gracious in his reply to us and quickly offered to meet us to discuss our concerns Hopefully this bodes well for a more balanced approach to the conversations to come Let us hope so. For LGBT Christians there is all to play for.
OPEN AND WELCOMING CHURCHES
Changing Attitude Sussex is committed to telling the truth about Christian teaching on homosexuality, and works for the full inclusion of LGBT people in every province of the Anglican Communion and more widely in all Christian Churches.
For more information, view: www.changingattitudesussex.com and www.thegaygospels.com
DAD & DADDY MAKE MERRY!
HOW TIMES
HAVE CHANGED BY SYD SPENCER
) The other night, whilst sat in our lounge, sandwiched between our two kids, Bradley informed me that he’d already started thinking about what he’d like Santa to bring him this year The list was obviously long and included Barbie, Maleficent, Lego and art stuff Katy, not one to be left out, also keenly reeled of her list of wants, which included a mobile phone, a laptop, make up and a crop top!
I quickly explained to her that she had no chance of a crop top and little chance of any of the other things and told both of them to have a rethink “But before you do that guys, can you tell me why we have Christmas? What are we celebrating?” I asked Katy, always the first to demand an audience, said: “Ooh I know, I know.”
So the story of Christmas began and it sounded a bit like this:
Our nine-year-old said that Santa was around before Jesus was born but only made toys for the children of the North Pole. Then when baby Jesus came into the world he saw the bright star in the sky and heard about the birth. Santa visited the baby – she said at this point that she isn’t quite sure whether he was one of the three wise men or not - and he brought gifts. She then went on to say that Jesus and Santa became friends and “I’m pretty sure that Jesus went with Santa to deliver presents but now to all children.”
Bradley then added, “I know who else was a wise man! There was Santa, and Frankenstein and another.” Bradley pondered for a while, the thought process was clearly etched on his forehead; “Ooh I know, it was a girl, I think she was called Mary?”
“Don’t be so silly,” said Katy, “Mary was his mum. ” “Oh yeah,” Bradley thought some more “Was it Myrtle?” Katy shook her head in disbelief “Myrtle is from Harry Potter silly, moaning Myrtle, remember?” Bradley laughed
Katy got comfortable before continuing my lesson on the origins of Christmas “It was a man, not a woman, ” she continued, “and his name was Mer or Merv, I think that is short for Mervin? I don’t know, anyway he brought the gift of coal ”
“I bet Jesus had a Barbie too,” Bradley added Again Katy gave her younger brother a disapproving look and corrected him; “Bradley, Barbie dolls came along in the time of the Tudors, I think ”
I jumped in at this point to clarify the developing story of Christmas “So Santa was delivering presents before Jesus was born but only in his country, and then when he heard of his birth he came and visited Jesus
and brought a present He visited with a man named Merv and Frankenstein and Merv brought coal, Jesus and Santa became friends and started to deliver presents to all children across the world, is that right?”
“Yes, but when Jesus died on the cross in a town called Gymnasium, I think, Santa got the Easter Bunny to start making Easter eggs ” Katy continued to provide her wisdom I corrected her about the name of the town by telling her it was Jerusalem
“Why Easter eggs?” I asked
“Because Jesus was taken off the cross and came to life, I think that’s called erection and everyone was happy.”
“Yeap,” piped up Bradley.
Hearing the word erection come from my daughter sent the coffee I was drinking spurting out in a spray, covering our poor dog Charlie who had been asleep at my feet.
Katy then said something that I thought was very interesting and pretty wise for a nine-year-old: “I’m not really sure that this is right though because I have a Muslim friend and a Sikh friend at school and they don’t believe in what we said. My Sikh friend celebrates something in November and January but not on Christmas day. Muslims do believe in Mary and her having baby Jesus but I don’t think they celebrate Christmas either? I think Christmas should be about love. I think it should be about saying thank you to our parents and teachers for helping us all year. Religion is very confusing, there is so much of it.”
Wise words I think from a child growing up in a community that is completely different from the one I knew as a child. For me it was simple in the 1970s: the majority of people were Christian. At the age of nine I don’t remember having any real knowledge of other religions.
So, whatever you celebrate, whether it’s the birth of Jesus or not, whether it’s just a time to get together with those that you love and share presents and good times, enjoy it and enjoy those around you.
We are not a Christian family but Kevin and I celebrate our two kids. For the last three years the kids have wanted to give something back; last year they saved their December pocket money and donated it to a children’s charity abroad, this year they want to buy presents for the children of Brighton who have to spend Christmas Day in hospital. It is quite something to see these kids wanting to give a little back As Katy once said: “Me and Bradley are very lucky now Dad ”
“Jesus and Santa became friends and delivered presents to all children across the world, is that right?”
“Yes, but when Jesus died on the cross in a town called Gymnasium, I think, Santa got the Easter Bunny to start making Easter eggs.”
NOTES ON A MENTAL HEALTH UTOPIA
What would make for a mentally healthy future?
) In the future I’d like to see a reduction in the rates and incidence of mental health issues, suicide and self-harm for LGB&T people I’d love to read a research report which didn’t confirm the current vast inequalities where LGB&T people are two to three times more likely to have depression and anxiety and where we are up to seven times more likely to think about taking our own lives than the rest of the population.
Locally, I’d like to see a Brighton & Hove LGB&T centre; lots of space, a place where groups could meet, a place for socialising, educational and creative, somewhere to seek support, information, safety, fun. That way we could do far more mental health prevention without it being under the term ‘mental health’, which can be so off putting.
In the future we’ll have secure funding for LGB&T community services and community groups. We’re blessed in Brighton to have a great range of thriving, active, vital services, but they all hang on by a shoe string! By secure, I mean knowing that the resources you need to run the services and activities which benefit and enhance our communities’ health and wellbeing are reliable for three years Well, okay, at least a year!
Let’s have an end to heterosexist and cisgender normative assumptions across the whole wide world Lazy prejudice is incredibly harmful; active, conscious prejudice is incredibly harmful, there will be none in the future
An end to stigma about mental health Everyone everywhere, LGBT or not, will be open, compassionate, keen to listen, keen to understand, able to empathise, emotionally literate and committed to addressing stigma wherever they encounter it, whether they experience mental health issues or not.
In order to make that happen, there would be
a national network of LGB&T-run support services Similar to MindOut, developed locally to meet the needs of the various LGB&T communities around the country, these services would work to support, empower, publicise and promote mental health needs. They would work with mainstream health providers to ensure that all healthcare would be LGB&T affirmative. All healthcare would leave you in no doubt, from the moment you walk in the door, that you ’ re more than welcome as an LGBT person, that you won’t encounter a shred of heterosexism, homophobia, biphobia or transphobia or cisgenderism anywhere, anytime
Much closer to home, and in the very near future, what I’d like to see is a massive team of runners in the Brighton Half Marathon in February, helping to raise much needed funds for LGB&T mental health in Brighton & Hove You could support the team by running, fundraising, sponsoring our team, or coming to our range of events over the next few months You could donate raffle prizes as well
Last year we had a team of 28 runners in the Brighton Marathon We asked the team how running had affected them, here are the results
Over 60% of the team said that due to taking part:
• They felt more positive and confident about being LGB &/or T
• They were taking better care of themselves in general
• Their mood in general had significantly improved
• Their self-confidence and self-esteem had improved
• They were sleeping better
• Their stress levels had decreased
Of those who had experience of depression, there was strong agreement that depressive feelings had lessened. The vast majority of the
runners reported increased awareness of positive mental health and well-being
So running will not only help to support LGB&T services but could also make a massive difference to your own mental health, to how you live your life
FUTURE MINDOUT EVENTS
) Managing Stressful Lives, 10am–3pm, Saturday December 20, central Brighton
Take a break from the stress of daily life, a safe LGBT place to learn from each other top tips for making life less stressful. Treat yourself to some ‘ you time’ before the rush of the festive season takes over!
) Coping with Winter Blues, 10am–3pm, Saturday January 17, central Brighton
We can all suffer from those long, dark days. Shed some light on your life in the winter with other LGBT people in a safe, warm environment
Both these workshops are free and confidential. For more info and to book a place, contact Simon Campbell on 01273 234839 or email simon.campbell@mindout.org.uk
If you would like to know more about our work, or if you have mental health experiences you would like to discuss with us, or if you would like support from any of our services then please do get in touch.
) Our online service is open out of hours, see the website for opening times. This is an instant, confidential chat service run by trained volunteers. Talk to them about anything at all.
) Our advice, information and advocacy services offer telephone and/or in person support from an out LGBT mental health worker who can help you find services and support, help you plan and negotiate getting what you want and need
) Our peer support group work service runs a range of weekly groups where you can meet with other LGBT people with experience of mental health issues and share, learn from, learn with and develop how you manage your mental health
) Our well-being service offers a range of groups and workshops throughout the year on mental health topics including self-esteem, living well, personal safety, first aid, suicide prevention and mindfulness meditation
MINDOUT SERVICES
) All MindOut’s services are run by and for LGB&T people who have experience of mental health issues. All our services are free, confidential, non-judgemental and independent.
) Do contact us to find out more, email info@mindout.org.uk, ring us on 01273 234839 and see our website www.mindout.org.uk
THE AXE MAN COMETH…
Stories must be an ice-axe to break the seas of hope frozen inside our soul, fear has made us stagnant and the perma-frost of imposed & cruel austerity frozen our blood hard like iron But cold iron is useful too
The green is cut and brought inside; trees rise and are ornamented; a galaxy of twinkling lights adorn every lintel; ledge and hat brim; the streets hum with tension and consumption; palaces are decorated with pleasure domes of ice and everywhere people worry about the future ‘Tis Christmas time again, that magical time of potential and pleasure when every quivery queer delights in festive frivolity and noone notices the crumbling cities or young people slowly dying of cold on the streets Mothers shuffle by them frantic with anxiety, silent with concern, stilled by the slow concerns of providing when their cupboards and purses are empty. Their tears freeze and shatter before they can irrigate their souls. The only thing full is our hearts so we can give love, wrapped and unconditional, filled with the joy of human contact.
Looking out the steamed-up window, into the cold winter night I wonder when such a heartless mean brutal world was thought a place for this United Magic Kingdom and us refulgent Queers to thrive. When did the light give up and let the darkness win? Then they start their wretched droning again, the massed monotonous nagging of the rich, the ranting of the powerful, the dismissers of the weak Protected by their wealth, they piss on the inequality around them, laughing at the old, punching the sick, spiting in the face of the poor. Their sense of entitlement is repulsive; we have even stopped wanting to be like them, their mean dank shadows of greed spread like a blanket of pestilence across the land, blotting out opportunity, snuffing out potential, closing off the chance to make things better unless you are of their own braying selfish brood
Muttering to himself the great shameful Chancellor said ‘You can’t blame the axe for the noise made by the chicken you are about to slaughter ’ Then in an ostentatious way he started to sharpen the edge of his great savage blade
Huddled against the cold, trembling with the fear of the future the axe swished closer and closer, edging like an Edgar Allan Poe cleaver, whistling past the last remnants of hope and charity, then with an almighty hideous clunk, down it fell, chop, chop, chop, followed by an agonising twisted, deathly scream
Phew! The axe, after all that swishing, menacing and mincing around had worked its way loose off the handle and fallen onto the fat Chancellor’s foot, chopping it clean off at the ankle, severing a major artery Moaning, he bled to death, unrepentant to the last for his meanness, un-mourned
The Christmas lights twinkled in the pool of crimson congealing blood, a few flakes of snow fell and slipping the tiny pot of Vaseline into my back pocket I skated away, off into the New Year, glitter falling from my wheels Hope is never silent so be exquisite and never explain
I HOPE...
It’s a constant conundrum. Research consistently shows that there is huge under-reporting of hate crimes and incidents by those who have been victim or witness to it But how do we persuade people to report LGBT prejudice to the police or council?
In the past, different initiatives have yielded differing results. Some of you may remember the old True Vision reporting packs that you could pick up in scene venues Some of you may remember that it had a sister website by the same name (which, ironically got copied by anti-gay religious activists to promote an entirely different and opposite message) The ‘good’ website is still there (www.reportit.org.uk) and provides for making both anonymous and third party reports of any kind of hate or prejudice-based crime or incidents
Some of you may have used this in the past I have (before I worked for the police) Sadly my report never made it through due to a colossal lack of understanding about gender identities of LGBT people There was a gender question, it was mandatory, it was binary Sigh So whatever I had to report never got reported The good news is that finally, with the help of community friends (I’m looking at you Switchboard volunteers), it has now been changed.
My vision of LGBT future is a mix of all of the above changing That in the near future we all report incidents to police so that the situation might be remedied. That we can send a message to perpetrators that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable.
The other day I attended a seminar with art students at Northbrook College who have been tasked with producing media to promote reporting of hate incidents. It was an enlightening afternoon, as there is always more to learn about the nature and impact of hate. Two things stuck with me: firstly that we are made to feel different by the majority for being ourselves; and secondly, that by producing material about hate crime, by talking about it, reporting it, shows that it is unacceptable.
Over time, that changes attitudes. So we need to keep talking about who we are and be proud of that. And we need to keep raising our voices to show that it is unacceptable to be attacked or discriminated against because of who we are. Obviously, for the longer term future, my hope is that none of this is necessary. My future would be one of mutual respect and understanding
Finally, my future would also include not being required by the state to declare our gender at every turn. That gender would be a personal thing rather than a mandatory delineation to divide us up roughly into two categories Police are notorious at doing this, but awareness of gender variance in the force is improving Helped a lot by the trans* community activists who have been engaging with us
THIS MONTH’S FIGURES
) In October we are investigating: two reports of transphobic (both verbal abuse) and 13 reports of homophobic hate (6 Public Order offences, 3 ABHs, 1 common assault, 2 harassment, and verbal abuse towards NHS staff)
CONTACT INFORMATION
) We both have Facebook profiles and a page – our usernames are: PC Rich Bridger and LGBT Caseworker Rory Smith, and Brighton and Hove LGBT Police Team. We tweet @PoliceLGBT. Social media should not be used for reporting incidents – please call us on 101, or if it’s an emergency, 999
B Y P C RIC H B RIDG E R & RO RY SMITH
SAM THE TRANS MAN
LOVE BITES
DR SAMUEL JAMES HALL ON TACKLING THE ROOT CAUSE OF PREJUDICE
) I swam a kilometre in the pool last night Thank god for the Trans* Swimming Sessions that the council have organised It isn’t something that most people need to think about, but ask any trans* person what the biggest obstacle is to living a peaceful life, and they’ll probably say “toilets” This single issue causes us more anxiety than anything else, and of course extends to changing rooms and other sexsegregated facilities Early in transition the problem is especially acute. We don’t feel confident and often don’t ‘ pass ’ well enough to brave the toilets we feel comfortable in, and we struggle with the alternative option of continuing to use the facilities of the gender we ’ re trying desperately to leave behind.
I always felt like an imposter in women ’ s toilets and changing rooms, but at least I looked as though I belonged there. Using men ’ s facilities has flipped that on its head - now I felt like I was in the right place, but worried that I looked like an imposter. When I first transitioned and felt brave enough to use men ’ s toilets I was terrified of being ‘outed’ or bullied. That fear has completely abated now, partly because I’m rarely mistaken for a woman, and partly because I’ve got used to and feel comfortable in little boys’ rooms The only time I struggle is when I go with my son, who is young and innocent and just occasionally calls me ‘ mum ’ in public If he does that by accident in a motorway service loo well I can’t say how that might make me feel but it won’t be pretty
So you see going swimming really isn't that straightforward Where do I change? And what will people think of my strange rash vest? Are there cubicles? Communal showers? What if someone challenges me? All these questions and more No wonder a lot of trans* people don’t access gyms or other leisure facilities Regular exercise becomes a problem I used to be a member of the lovely Esporta (now Virgin Active), but when I started transitioning, I made enquiries about somewhere to change that would feel safe They suggested that I suspend my membership for a couple of years. Helpful.
“It’s fear that drives people to say hateful things and take action that appears cruel. It’s fear that leads people to discriminate”
A primary school in Peacehaven has recently installed gender neutral toilets in a new build They cite behaviour and hygiene as being advantages of not segregating primary school children when it comes to toilet facilities I agree with this We don’t have segregation in our homes, and men and boys toilets are universally disgusting. I know I’m more conscious of leaving a tidy loo seat because I share my toilets at home with girls. They’re so much more hygienic! I don’t think it’s just me - is it? The headmistress also came out in support of transgender children for whom gender neutral toilets are a godsend. I remember the distress I felt as a five-year-old being forced to use the wrong loos at school. Brighton & Hove City Council are committed to installing gender neutral facilities whenever new toilets are built in public spaces, and that’s a marvellous step in the right direction
Sadly however, there are and probably always will be people who object. There was a pretty unpleasant and transphobic column in the Brighton &
Hove Independent last month in response to the Peacehaven Primary School’s decision It prompted a quick response from the trans* community and highlights how much education still needs to be done We’re currently forming a community group to address this The Trans* Alliance Brighton is a new forum for the community to work together, share information and support new initiatives. The forum will promote equality for trans* people in Brighton & Hove by engaging with statutory, third sector and other LGBT organisations. One of the key ways to achieve this will be through a comprehensive Trans* Awareness Training package, designed and delivered by members of the community. This is desperately needed. It’s so easy to get complacent when you ’ re immersed in a community and feel supported, as I hope a lot of trans* folk are beginning to in Brighton The reality is that out in the ‘real’ world (I use the word ‘real’ tongue in cheek), where people have no need to think about such complexities as gender identity, there is genuine ignorance
I’ve said this before and I’ll continue to say it: I truly believe that most people are ignorant rather than hateful, and that the manifestation of ignorance is often fear It’s fear that drives people to say hateful things and take action that appears cruel It’s fear that results in prejudice and ostracisation It’s fear that leads people to discriminate It’s important to grasp this concept Fear is the translation of the Greek word ‘phobia’, and its diametric opposite is philia or ‘love’ The only successful and long-term solution, the only way to meet transphobia head on, is with love. I know it’s a bit Gandhi-esque, but I personally believe that passive resistance is the third way. It’s not combative, nor does it mean lying down and being trampled on or taking a kick in the face. It’s about standing strong and standing our ground, it’s about a peaceful protest, and it’s about accepting people’s ignorance with an attitude of love. That in itself is a driver to make change happen. When we ’ re angry and combative, we create more barriers, more misunderstanding. When we ’ re open and accepting, we make ourselves vulnerable, but we also teach people about who we are We’re human, we ’ re brave, we ’ re strong and we ’ re loveable It’s a powerful tool - let’s use it
Based in central Brighton, the Clare Project weekly drop-in is a safe and confidential space to explore issues around gender identity. Facilitated peer support is an important element, as well as providing access to low-cost psychotherapy and speech therapy
CLARE PROJECT meets every TUES from 2.30– 5.30pm at DORSET GARDENS METHODIST CHURCH Dorset Gardens (off St James St) Brighton BN2 1RL
Except 1st Tues when there’s an optional meal out preceded by the drop-in from 5–7.30pm
COFFEE MORNING
at CHAPEL ROYAL North Street, Brighton, BN1 1EA SAT 27 DEC from 11am–1pm
Welcoming all trans & questioning people to this event which will run every 4th Saturday of each month
More details: www.clareproject.org.uk Or find on us facebook under Clare Project Email clareprojectinfo@gmail.com
SERVICES DIRECTORY
LGBT SERVICES
) ACCESS 4 ALL
LGBT disabled people’s forum Safe, welcoming, suppor t, activities, awareness Tel: 07981 170071 or email stevenwithn@talktalk net
) ALLSORTS YOUTH PROJECT
Drop-in for LGBT or unsure young people under 26, Tues 5 30-8 30pm Tel: 01273 721211 or email info@allsor tsyouth org uk, www allsor tsyouth org uk
) BRIGHTON & HOVE POLICE
Repor t all homophobic and transphobic incidents to:
• The Sussex Police 101 (for emergencies 999) email: LGBT@sussex.pnn.police.uk
tweet: @policeLGBT
• LGBT Officer PC Rich Bridger on 101 ext 550727
• LGBT Caseworker Rory Smith on 101 ext 550727 or 07775 546548
• Facebook: Brighton LGBT Police
) BRIGHTON & HOVE LGBT SAFETY FORUM
Independent LGBT forum working with the community to address and improve safety issues in Brighton & Hove info@lgbt-safety-forum-brighton com www lgbt-safety-forum-brighton com
) BRIGHTON & HOVE LGBT SWITCHBOARD
Phone helpline, hate crime repor ting, counselling service, Proud2connect (relationship counselling in par tnership with Brighton Relate) www switchboard org uk/brighton
• Helpline from 5pm daily: 01273 204050
• Services info: 01273 234009
• email: brighton manager@switchboard org uk
• or brighton admin@switchboard org uk
) BRIGHTON WOMEN’S CENTRE
Info, counselling, drop-in space, suppor t groups Tel: 01273 698036 or visit www womenscentre org uk
) FTM BRIGHTON
Social/peer suppor t group for FTM, transmasculine & gender-queer people Every 3rd Fri of month, 7-9pm at Space for Change, Windlesham Venue, BN1 3AH For info email info@ftmbrighton org uk or visit www ftmbrighton org uk
) BRIGHTON GEMS (GAY ELDERLY MEN’S SOCIETY)
Social group for mature gay men, meet 7–10pm every last Fri of month at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church Hall Tel: 01273 385000 or info@gems-bh org uk www brightongems com
) LESBIAN LINK BRIGHTON
Local social group offers friendship, social events, meets 1st Thurs at Regency Tavern, 7 30pm Tel: 07594 578035 www.lesbianlinkbrighton.co.uk
) LESBIAN & GAY A A
12-step self-help programme for alcohol addictions Sun 7 30pm, Chapel Royal, Nor th St, Btn (side entrance) Tel: 01273 203343 (general AA line)
) LGBT NA GROUP
Brighton-based LGBT (welcomes others) Narcotics Anonymous group every Tue 6 30–8pm, Millwood Centre, Nelson Row, Kingswood St Tel: 0300 999 1212
) LGBT MEDITATION GROUP
Meditation & discussion, every 2nd & 4th Thur, 5 30–7pm, Anahata Clinic, 119 Edward St, Brighton Tel: 07789 861367 or www bodhitreebrighton org uk
) LUNCH POSITIVE
Lunch club for people with HIV to meet/make friends, find
peer suppor t in a safe environment Every Fri, noon–2 30pm, Community Room, Dorset Gdns Methodist Church, Dorset Gardens, Brighton Lunch £1 50 Tel: 07846 464384 or www lunchpositive org
) MINDOUT
Independent, impar tial info, guidance for LGBT people with mental health problems 24 hr confidential answerphone: 01273 234839 or info@mindout org uk www mindout org uk
) PEER ACTION
Regular low cost yoga, therapies, swimming, meditation & social groups for people with HIV peeractionemail@gmail com or www peeraction co uk
) RAINBOW FAMILIES
Suppor t group for lesbian and/or gay parents Tel: 07951 082013 or info@rainbowfamilies org uk www.rainbowfamilies.org.uk
) SOME PEOPLE
Social/suppor t group for LGB or questioning aged 14-19, every Tues, 6-8pm, Hastings Call/text Nicola Tel: 07974 579865 or email Neil or Nicola: somepeople@eastsussex gov uk
) VICTIM SUPPORT
Practical, emotional suppor t for victims of crime Tel: 08453 899 528
HIV PREVENTION, TREATMENT & CARE SERVICES
) AVERT
Sussex HIV & AIDS info service, available by phone Tel: 01403 210202 or email confidential@aver t org
Brighton & Hove Citizens Advice Bureau, 1 Tisbury Rd, Hove Tel: 0845 1203710 or www brightonhovecab org uk
) CLINIC M
Free confidential testing & treatment for STIs including HIV, plus Hep A & B vaccinations Claude Nicol Centre, Sussex County Hospital, on Weds from 5-8pm Tel: 01273 664721 or www brightonsexualhealth com
) LAWSON UNIT
Medical advice, treatment for HIV+, specialist clinics, diet & welfare advice, drug trials Tel: 01273 664722
) SUBSTANCE MISUSE SERVICE
CRI / Sussex Par tnership Foundation Trust Open access drop-in, assessment, suppor t, advice, info on drug & alcohol issues Tel 01273 607575
LGB&T worker provides confidential, non-judgemental outreach service Suppor t for people over 18 wishing to address substance misuse Tel 07717 774 658
) SUSSEX BEACON
24 hour nursing & medical care, day care Tel: 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, 9 30am–5 30pm Tel: 01273 764200 or info brighton@tht org uk
• Venue Outreach: info on HIV, sexual health, personal safety, safer drug/alcohol use, free condoms/lubricant for men who have sex with men
• The Bushes Outreach Ser vice @ Dukes Mound: advice, suppor t, info on HIV, sexual health, personal safety Free condoms, lube, tea/coffee from Outreach van parked next to ‘The Patio’ at the Bushes
• Netreach (online Outreach in Brighton & Hove): info/advice on HIV/sexual health/local services
THT Brighton Outreach workers online @ Gaydar: Thur 7–10pm, Sat 6pm-12am, chatroom HEALTH INFO THT
• Condom Male: discreet, confidential service posts free condoms/lube/sexual health info to men who have sex with men without access to commercial gay scene in East Sussex
• Positive Voices: volunteers who go to organisations to talk about personal experiences of living with HIV
• Fastest (HIV Testing): walk-in, (no appointment) rapid HIV testing service for men who have sex with men Pre & post test discussion with clinical staff Results in an hour 10 men max tested per session Mon: 6–8pm (Full sexual health screen available)
• Sauna Fastest at The Brighton Sauna (HIV Testing): walk-in, (no appointment) rapid HIV testing service for men who have sex with men Pre & post test discussion with clinical staff Results in 30 minutes Wed: 6–8pm (STI Testing available)
• Face2Face: confidential info & advice on sexual health & HIV for men who have sex with men Face-2-face or phone Up to 3 one hour appointments
• Specialist Training: wide range of courses for groups/ individuals Specific courses to suit needs
• Counselling: from qualified counsellors for up to 12 sessions for people living with/affected by HIV
• Informed Passions: Exper t Volunteers project to identif y & suppor t sexual health needs of local men who have sex with men and carry out field research in B&H on issues affecting men’s sexual health Extensive training provided
• Lounge (Group for Gay Men Living with HIV): for tnightly peer suppor t group for gay men
• What Next? Thurs eve, 6 week peer suppor t group work programme for newly diagnosed HIV+ gay men
• HIV Suppor t Ser vices: info, suppor t & practical advice for people living with/affected by HIV
• Volunteer Suppor t Ser vices: 1-2-1 community suppor t for people living with or affected by HIV
• HIV Welfare Rights Advice: Find out about benefits or benefit changes Advice line: Mon–Thur 1:30-2:30pm 1-2-1 appts for advice & workshops on key benefits
) TERRENCE HIGGINS EA STBOURNE
Dyke House, 110 South St, Eastbourne, BN21 4LZ, Tel: 01323 649927 or info eastbourne@tht org uk
• HIV Ser vices suppor t for HIV diagnosis, managing side effects, sex and relationships, understanding medication, talking to your doctor, finding healthier lifestyle Assessment of suppor t needs and signposting on to relevant services Suppor t in person, by phone or email
• Suppor t for people at risk of HIV confidential info and advice on sexual health and HIV for men who have sex with men Up to 3 one hour appointments depending on need Sessions in person or on phone
• Web suppor t & info on HIV, sexual health & local services via netreach and myhiv org uk
• Positive Voices: volunteers who go to organisations to talk about personal experiences of living with HIV
• Positively Social Informal peer suppor t groups for people living with HIV, monthly meets in Eastbourne & Hastings
) WARREN BROWNE UNIT
Free confidential tests & treatment for STIs inc HIV Hep A &
