AUG 2020 CONTENTS GSCENE magazine D www.gscene.com T @gscene F GScene.Brighton

PUBLISHER Gscene Magazine CIC EDITORIAL [email protected] ADS+ARTWORK [email protected] EDITORIAL TEAM Jaq Bayles, Rory Finn, Graham Robson ARTS EDITOR Michael Hootman SUB EDITOR Graham Robson DESIGN Michèle Allardyce FRONT COVER COVER STARS Gscene Pride covers PRIDE 2010

CONTRIBUTORS Simon Adams, Jo Bourne, Nick

Boston, Brian Butler, Billie Gold, PRIDE 2009 Richard Jeneway, Craig Hanlon-Smith, Samuel Hall, Frances Hubbard, Laurie Lavender, Alf Le Flohic, Enzo Marra, Eric Page, Emma Rylands, Socrates, Michael Steinhage, Glenn Stevens, Netty Wendt, Roger Wheeler, Kate Wildblood

PHOTOGRAPHERS Creag Aaro, Steven Chantrey, Chris Jepson, Nick Ford, Michael Hootman, Frances Hubbard, Jack Lynn, Neil Masey, Simon Pepper

PRIDE 2006

FEATURES

16 TRANS PRIDE ONLINE PRIDE 2008 Graham Robson chats to Sarah Savage about the highlights of Trans Pride © GSCENE 2020 All work appearing in Gscene Ltd is 18 BREXIT IS COMING... NEWS copyright. It is to be assumed that the Cat Walker asks is it time to leave the UK? copyright for material rests with the 3 News magazine unless otherwise stated on the page concerned. No part of this publication 19 MOVING TO may be reproduced, stored in an electronic or Fabio Dragotta and his partner sought gay sanctuary in Britain ARTS other retrieval system, transmitted in any 48 Arts News form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, 20 WE ARE FABULOSO! photocopying, recording or otherwise without 52 Classical Notes the prior knowledge and consent of the Jaq Bayles talks to Paul Kemp about Pride’s three-day online festival publishers. 22 THE GAY DAY BEFORE PRIDE 53 All That Jazz The appearance of any person or any 53 Arts Matters organisation in Gscene is not to be construed Alf Le Flohic looks back at the founding years of Brighton’s gay movement as an implication of the or 56 Page’s Pages political persuasion of such persons or 23 GLF - SO MUCH MORE THAN ‘SO-GAY’ organisations. Craig Hanlon-Smith charts the history of the original gay activists REGULARS 24 30 YEARS OF 46 Turn Back the Pages Maibh Shiels asks Allsorts worker Reuben Davidson: how far have we come? 60 Shopping 25 REVOLUTION AND EVOLUTION 61 Craig’s Thoughts Jaq Bayles takes a look back over Prides past 62 MindOut 26 MEMORIES OF 63 Wall’s Words People share their memories and photos of Prides past and present 63 Gay Socrates 40 LGBTQ+ VENUES 64 Golden Hour Which of our LGBTQ+ venues are returning and what do they have planned? 64 Stuff & Things 51 OSKA BITES - LOVE BITES 65 Village MCC Oska Bright Film Festival celebrates Pride with some short films that explore the intersection of queerness and disability 65 Laurie’s Allotment 66 Scene It, Done It 54 BEARING WITNESS Artist Josef Cabey talks about his work and its heightened importance in INFORMATION today’s political climate 66 Classifieds 58 THE SCOOP ON THE SCOOP 67 Services Directory Cat Walker reveals the trials and tribulations of getting her debut novel published this year 68 Advertisers’ Map

MICKLOS PRIDE 2001 MICKLOS DAILY NEWS UPDATES ON 3 WWW.GSCENE.COM )

BRIGHTON PRIDE SOAPBOX THE LEDWARD CENTRE, - CHANGING OUR LGBTQ+ LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY FUTURES WITH PASSION ) Gscene and Brighton & Pride have together AND CULTURAL CENTRE arranged a series of talks on Zoom for the week leading up to Brighton & Hove Pride Weekend, with keynote Community help is needed with an exciting new LGBTQ+ speakers Peter Tatchell, Sam Hall, and Kamari Romeo. The talks will also be livestreamed on the Gscene community project in the heart of Brighton & Hove Facebook: and www.facebook.com/Gscene.Brighton/ available on YouTube within a few days. Each talk will be followed by the opportunity for you to join in the discussion, and to ask questions. JAMES LEDWARD KAMARI ROMEO KAMARI ROMEO ) Black trans actor, poet and activist A Guide To Intersectional Activism A practical guide to anti-racism with the focus on black ) After years of searching and negotiating, “The space will be known as The Ledward women, black LGBTQ+ and black disabled one of the late James Ledward’s dreams Centre, LGBTQ+ Community & Cultural 7.30pm, Tuesday, July 28, 2020 looks about to come true. Centre. D To register (free) go to https://bit.ly/3fHWi9L The benefits of an LGBTQ+ Community “They say ‘It takes a village’ but now that we Centre were first mooted in the Count Me In have almost certainly secured the premises, Too report ten years ago. James, along with ‘it’s going to take a community’ to realise the Chris Gull, chair of the Brighton Rainbow project. It really will be all hands to the deck, Fund, started looking in earnest for suitable and we’re now asking everybody who would premises four years ago, and at last it looks as like to be involved in this exciting venture to though the perfect place has been found. let us know what they can offer, as volunteers where possible, both in creating it and then Subject to contracts being signed and being part of the team.

necessary change- of-use permissions granted, PETER TATCHELL those premises are in Jubilee Street, right next “Moving on we will need trustees for the door to Jubilee Library. Community Interest Company that we’ve PETER TATCHELL formed, a working party to include those who ) Veteran LGBTQ+ rights campaigner and activist can help in planning, project managing, Queer Liberation: Why LGBTQ+ Equality Is Not Enough architects, designers, project managers, The need to transform society rather than just seek equal

CHRIS GULL accountants, fundraisers, builders, shopfitters, rights within the flawed hetero-dominated status quo and volunteers who can bring time, energy and 7.30pm, Wednesday, July 29, 2020 life experience to move this all forward. D To register (free) go to https://bit.ly/32whtYT “If you can help, please complete this short form at: https://bit.ly/3eRHGnd and we’ll get in touch with you. “Please put the word around.”

Chris Gull said: “As time has gone on the

potential of what this new centre could contain JUBILEE LIBRARY has grown. We are envisioning a community

café, LGBTQ+ bookshop, exhibition foyer, DR SAM HALL studio theatre, meeting room/cinema, classrooms, office for Gscene, community DR SAM HALL ) GP, trans rights campaigner and Gscene contributor radio station... so it’s grown from a community Gender: A Tool Of Oppression centre to be more. 7.30pm, Thursday, July 30, 2020 D To register (free) go to https://bit.ly/3jnvXQD 4 ) DAILY NEWS UPDATES ON WWW.GSCENE.COM RADIOREVERB FUNDRAISER: BITTER SOUR PRESENTS: PRIDE ON AIR 2020 CULT - A MAGICAL PRIDE ) RadioReverb, ‘The Sound of Your City’, is set to celebrate Brighton & Hove Pride with Pride on Air 2020 on Saturday, August 1 from 8am on 97.2FM, DAB+ or via www.radioreverb.com. Bringing together Brighton's diverse and inspirational LGBTQ+ community, this full day of programmes is dedicated to all things Pride and all money raised on the day will be split between RadioReverb and the Brighton Rainbow Fund, which gives grants to local LGBTQ+/HIV organisations that deliver effective frontline services to LGBTQ+ people in the city. ) Grab your wands and your spell Cleopatra, Vlad Von Kitsch, Members of the community have the books for Bitter Sour Presents: Oedipussi Rex, Paul Aleksandr and chance to appear on air by sending voice CULT - A Magical Pride on Rose Gould. recordings of their Pride stories. Some Facebook on Saturday, August 1 Cherry Fakewell, says: “It’s the questions to get you started: What does Pride mean to you? How are you from 8pm, free but Paypal future and being queer and celebrating Pride this year? What is your favourite memory of Pride? For the donations encouraged on the night. chance to be broadcast to Brighton & Hove, simply record yourself on WhatsApp LGBTQ+ has been outlawed. We’ve or any voice recording app and email it to [email protected] before Broadcast on co-host Count all been driven underground and the Thursday, July 30 with the subject line PRIDE STORIES. No swearing please! Addiction's Facebook fan page ONLY way to conquer the bad is to @CountAddiction, join some of the delve into the spells of the occult. From 8am on Saturday, August 1 country's top alt performers for an Come my pretties, for this is one till 2am on the morning of Sunday, immersive, magical Pride show, ritual you won’t want to miss.” August 2, RadioReverb will be including: co-host Cherry Fakewell F For more info, visit: highlighting LGBTQ+ voices and and special guests Zorana Dawn, www.facebook.com/events/293175 stories with a mix of music and Melanin Monroe, Mandrake, Roxie 058401621/ speech from RadioReverb's broadcasting talent, including: • Sapphist Inspiration: poetry, skits, monologues and recordings of ALFIE ORDINARY’S COLOURING BOOK Sapphic women from history by the performers, including Dolly Rocket,

Sapphic Voices team; SAPPHHIC VOICES LEANNE MCKENZIE &KATIE LAMBERT Miss Jason and Davina Sparkle. • Producer of HIV Hour, Josh Sharp, joins forces with the Brighton Bear Weekend for a It will be available for free (Alfie is series of interviews and mini-mixes from DJs suggesting you make a donation to Rob C, Neil Borrett and Josh himself; The Brighton Rainbow Fund) as a • Interviews with leading LGBTQ+ organisations digital download for you to colour in with RadioReverb director and host of the on your device or print at home.

Politics Show, Geoffrey Bowden; ALFIE ORDINARY The Brighton Rainbow Fund gives • Ear Candy with a look at the virtual drag show ) To help you celebrate Brighton & grants to local LGBTQ+/HIV groups CULT: A Magical Pride; HIV HOUR, JOSH SHARP Hove Pride from home this year that deliver effective frontline services • Music to soundtrack your day from English Disco Lovers, and live and raise money for The Brighton to LGBTQ+ people in the city. programmes from Ears Wide Open and Slipstreem Worldwide Beats; Rainbow Fund, local Drag Prince D To download your book, visit: • More programmes TBC. Alfie Ordinary and illustrator www.alfieordinary.com Phoebe Kirk have put together a Chris Gull, chair of Brighton Rainbow Fund, said: “Wow! D For more info and to donate, visit: colouring book featuring a selection How brilliant that RadioReverb is raising funds for us to www.rainbow-fund.org distribute to local LGBTQ+ and HIV projects as grants to of Brighton's most fabulous drag ensure that their work can continue. This is a tough year for all charities and organisations, and we’re so grateful to all the RadioReverb listeners for your generosity. We promise

CHRIS GULL that every penny will be spent.” Ben Noble, a director at RadioReverb, added: “RadioReverb has always had close connections with the city's LGBTQ+ community as part of our mission to give a platform to under-represented voices. Sadly, the lockdown this year is likely to mean a substantial drop in funding for the Brighton Rainbow Fund, which distributes grants to local LGBTQ+ charities and community groups. This fundraiser is our way of giving support back to the community, amplifying their stories as we showcase some of our talented LGBTQ+ presenters.” ) RadioReverb: Pride on Air 2020, Saturday, August 1 from 8am, 97.2FM, DAB+ or at www.radioreverb.com D For more info on the Brighton Rainbow Fund, visit: www.rainbow-fund.org DAVINA SPARKLE DOLLY ROCKET DOLLY DAVINA SPARKLEE MISS JASON Hovertravel PrideExperience Hovertravel year’s IWPride,includinga receive apairofVIPticketsfornext occasion. Fiveluckypostswilleach means tothemanddress upforthe tell themwhatIsleofWightPride from previous pridesontheIslandor page ( community topostonitsFacebook pandemic, organisers are invitingthe was cancelledduetothecoronavirus While thisyear’sIsleofWightPride by be supported July 17 Pride willtakeplaceon to announcenextyear’sIsleofWight special visittotheislandlastmonth Wight Pride ) OF ISLEWIGHTPRIDE2021 JASONREVEALSDATEMISS regular onlineshowbroadcast from duringlockdown withher entertained ) FOR BRIGHTONRAINBOWFUND DAVINA SPARKLE RAISES£300INTOTAL

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6 ) DAILY NEWS UPDATES ON WWW.GSCENE.COM ALLSORTS OF SURVIVORS’ NETWORK RECEIVES ) Allsorts Youth Project has released a new Coming Out resource, written by EMERGENCY FUNDING BOOST and for young people who are , gay, bisexual+ (LGB+) or unsure of their ) Katy Bourne, Police & sexual orientation. Crime commissioner (PCC), Ryan Gingell, Allsorts’ Brighton & Hove project manager and successfully secured £700,000 of writer/collator of the resource, said: “In today’s world, there are emergency funding for Sussex after many ‘out’ LGB+ children, young people and adults. However, the government announced a package most of us are still living in and growing up in communities of £20m to support victims and PCC KATY BOURNE survivors of domestic abuse and where the norm is to be straight/heterosexual. We know that the available for those in need. We’re sexual violence.

RYAN GINGELL reality for many people will be very different to the assumptions already seeing more people coming that are made about them so the young people of Allsorts Youth Project wanted to Survivors’ Network, which supports forward for help and, as lockdown come together and share their stories, ideas and tops tips about what sexual survivors of sexual violence and abuse restrictions loosen further, we must be orientation and coming out means to them.” in Sussex, was one of 21 local support prepared for an even greater influx. services to receive a grant. The charity With 45% of LGBTQ+ students having been bullied at “Survivors’ Network is a wonderful was awarded £30,718.77 to deliver school for being LGBTQ+, and 52% having reported to example of many organisations in vital services for survivors in Sussex, regularly hear homophobic language at school Sussex working hard to ensure that supporting them through potentially ( School Report, 2017), it is clear that though victims do not suffer in silence during increased trauma during lockdown. society has come a long way, there is still much work to this pandemic and beyond. This money The funding also facilitates a safer be done in changing the hearts, minds and attitudes will help them to recoup and expand return to delivery of services, and towards LGB+ people, and in reassuring LGB+ young their valuable services so they can supports existing services that have people that they are not alone. Allsorts’ new resource continue to provide vital support to our been stretched during the pandemic. also provides a wide array of coming out stories from most vulnerable.” young people through to staff members. One Allsorts Jay Breslaw, who If you have been a victim of crime you youth president says: “If I had one piece of advice to give my younger self, it would accepted the grant can find details of help and support on be to not be scared; it’s okay to take your time with coming out and if it changes award on behalf of the Safe Space Sussex website: over time that's totally okay and you are 100% valid!” Survivors’ www.safespacesussex.org.uk D To read or download Allsorts of Coming Out alongside Allsorts’ various Network, said; resources for LGBTU+ children and young people, visit “We’re delighted If you have JAY BRESLAW www.allsortsyouth.org.uk/resources/toolkits-booklets-guides to have been experienced sexual D For more info on Allsorts, visit: www.allsortsyouth.org.uk awarded this grant from the PCC. With violence at any point If you’re aged 5-25, LGBTU+ and need support, email [email protected] this generous funding we will be able in your life, or are to increase the safety of our service supporting someone provision and better support survivors who is a survivor, MINDOUT FREE MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING all across Sussex.” Survivors’ Network can support you through counselling, ISVA support and Commending Survivors’ Network on FOR LGBTQ+ VOLUNTARY SECTOR WORKERS their twice-weekly Helpline. its successful bid, PCC Bourne said: ) MindOut, the LGBTQ+ mental health charity, is running free mental health D training workshops for LGBTQ+ voluntary sector workers during August. “Many of our local support services To find out more about their work, have struggled financially through visit: www.survivorsnetwork.org.uk, Wednesday, August 5, 10am–12pm: Mental Health 101 lockdown, having to rapidly adapt their email [email protected] with trainer Chris Barker. This workshop is an introduction to services to ensure help remains N or call 01273 203380. mental health for LGBTQ+ workers and volunteers with no formal experience in the mental health field. Learning outcomes include: greater understanding of LGBTQ mental health; RIDE WITH PRIDE

CHRIS BARKER increased knowledge and skills in responding to mental health needs; compare ‘recovery’ and ‘medical’ models of care; and ) Pride Out, an inclusive LGBTQ+ practice using recovery focused language. cycling group which welcomes all ethnicities, gender identities, Thursday, August 13, 3-5pm: Mindfulness Practices for sexualities, ages and abilities, has Self-Care with trainer Josetta Malcolm. In this interactive launched a branch in London and this has included cyclists from all over workshop you will explore what self-care is, why we need it South East England and is inviting the country asking if we put on rides in and how we can use it to support mental, emotional and you to join its Facebook group to chat their region. This got me thinking about physical health. Explore the importance of self-care to balance with other rainbow riders and share whether we could put on bike rides in

work and life. Learning outcomes include: learning a range of JOSETTA MALCOLM pictures and selfies of your social London and the South East. In the techniques to increase our self-care, which will allow us to distancing bike rides. coming months, after lockdown, we look after our mental health and wellbeing; creating a simple plan for embedding hope to organise some trial group rides these practices into our daily lives to bolster our wellbeing for the future. Richard Hearne, chair of Pride Out, to see what demand is like. Don’t forget said: “We recognise that LGBTQ+ to tell your friends about this group if The sessions are open to anyone working or volunteering in the LGBTQ+ voluntary cycling has been underrepresented in they like to cycle or you think they may community and social enterprise sector. There are 20 places per workshop. the UK for far too long. Since launching like to start – there’s no better time.” Individuals can book on to a course (first and second choice). If you have to an LGBTQ+ inclusive and friendly cancel let them know in advance so the space can be offered to another person. cycling group in the North West in D To get involved, visit D To book onto a course, email: [email protected] 2019, we’ve been overwhelmed by the www.facebook.com/groups/prideout D For more info, visit: http://ow.ly/dG8T50AuNCb response of cyclists and encouragement southeast/ D For more info on MindOut, visit: www.mindout.org.uk from large organisations including D For more info, email: Stonewall, Cycling and British Cycling; [email protected] DAILY NEWS UPDATES ON GSCENE 7 7 WWW.GSCENE.COM )

BHCC LAUNCH FUND FOR BAME COMMUNITY GROUPS ) A fund for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community groups in Brighton & Hove was launched last month by Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC). The Engagement Fund, part of the BHCC’s Communities Fund, which supports local community groups, voluntary organisations and not-for-profit social enterprise, will support projects that improve the wellbeing of BAME residents and promote fairness. A total of £25,000 is currently available and groups can apply for grants of up to £2,000 to help with running costs and activities. Cllr Carmen Appich, chair of BHCC’s Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee, said: “This funding is specifically aimed at improving wellbeing and promoting JUST CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF BGMC fairness for BAME communities in the city as part of our work to tackle inequality. Coronavirus has had a disproportionate ) The wait is over. lockdown. Whether it was the company Brighton Gay impact on BAME residents and shone a light on the inequalities (BGMC) recorded its of their pets, teddy bears, or erm... Men’s Chorus endured by BAME residents. Our city is super-diverse, and I first video from home last month – an toiletries?! Really hope you enjoy it as CILLR CARMEN APPICH want to make sure that our BAME community groups have access to funding they uplifting version of much as we did making it and if you Just Can’t Get need. As well as having a specific funding stream dedicated to BAME groups, using , performed to bring some joy do, please share.” Enough feedback from community and voluntary sector partners, officers have reviewed the and fun to living rooms during the Y To see the video, visit: application process to make it as accessible as possible.” coronavirus pandemic. BGMC said: https://youtu.be/yn_yVD_DVsU “We asked our members what they The fund is open to organisations which: D For more info, visit: just couldn't get enough of during the • Are BAME led and/or have a predominantly BAME membership www.brightongmc.org • Have an annual income of £20,000 or less

• Aim to improve wellbeing, build cohesion or promote fairness The deadline for application is Friday, September 11, 2020. Support and advice EXPLORE GRIEF THROUGH CREATIVE will be available to help groups interested in applying for a grant. WRITING WITH SWITCHBOARD D To apply, visit: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/life-events-and- communities/community-and-voluntary-sector-support/communities-fund ) LGBT Switchboard will once again be hosting a Grief Meets – Exploring Grief Through Creative Writing workshop over Zoom with DINOS ARISTIDOU guest Dinos Aristidou bringing some new material to enable participants to explore their grief on Monday, August 3 from 6.30pm. After the success of the previous workshop, Switchboard is offering at Mayflower Theatre, Southampton another opportunity for anyone 2017-18 and has written for the LGBTQ+ to explore experiences of Nuffield, Southampton, Contact in grief and loss through writing. In the Manchester and two commissions for workshop, you will take part in a Forest Forge Theatre Company. His variety of creative writing exercises work on reflection, self-care and and reflective activities to unlock compassion, brings together his ‘Art inspiration and provide different of Kindness’ research and projects at perspectives on your experiences. the Bethlem Royal hospital, with international schools worldwide and No previous writing experience with Community Union. He is required. Participants who wish to may currently writer and artistic director of share any writing they produce but this the New Writing South Hear Us Out is not required or expected. project, a celebration based in the Here’s what participants said about the South East of older LGBTQ+ real life last workshop in June: “I found the stories and creativity. session powerful and healing.” “Thank you for the wonderful workshop. I really got a lot from it.” “Dinos is a sensitive and intuitive facilitator who created a safe and D To join the workshop, email Jackie: confidential space for me to share my grief.encounters@.org.uk feelings.” You will be sent the ZOOM link prior to Dinos Aristidou has written and the workshop. directed for the stage in the UK and D For more info on LGBT Switchboard, overseas. He was writer-in-residence visit: www.switchboard.org.uk 8 ) DAILY NEWS UPDATES ON WWW.GSCENE.COM

INTERNATIONAL GAY RUGBY SAYS BAN CAMPAIGN WORLD RUGBY DRAFT OF REVISED ‘abhorrent’ practice in 2018 and since then the British public has been waiting GUIDELINES FOR expectantly, not least the LGBTQ+ ATHLETES IS FLAWED community… Let’s end it now. Let’s finish what was pledged two years ago ) International Gay Rugby (IGR) has directly addressed the transgender and and ban conversion therapy for all non-binary rugby-playing community with the message ‘You will always be LGBTQ+ and gender diverse people, welcome to play rugby’, following reports that ongoing work to update World of all ages – until you do, torture will Rugby guidelines would exclude transgender women from the game. MATTHEW HYNDMAN & HARRY HITCHENS continue to take place on British soil.” ) Ban Conversion Therapy, a campaign founded by Harry Hitchens D To see full letter and signatories, visit: and Matthew Hyndman to bring public www.banconversiontherapy.com/the attention to the issue of conversion -letter therapy in the UK and ensure a Ban Conversion Therapy works closely comprehensive ban which fully protects with the nation’s leading LGBTQ+ the LGBTQ+ community, sent a letter to charities and human rights organisations Liz Truss MP, minister for women & to deploy campaigning activities which equalities, last month urging for a ban of urge governments into effective action. conversion therapy in the UK. The letter, which was signed by a number of public figures, musicians, Following a meeting of stakeholders from across the sporting world in February MPs and religious leaders, including 2020, attended by IGR, a first draft of revised guidelines for transgender athletes Tim Sigsworth, CEO of Albert in rugby has been circulated to National Unions for feedback. This draft was Kennedy Trust; Sir Nick Partridge, D For more information, visit supposed to remain confidential, however it was leaked to a news outlet by an HIV activist; and Susie Green, CEO of www.banconversiontherapy.com, unknown source. IGR has stated proposed guidelines, if implemented, would , said: “Theresa May, as prime email [email protected] or follow on introduce significant barriers to entry for transgender athletes when compared to minister, vowed to eradicate this Twitter @banctorg the current policy adopted in 2019. The change, it says, is based on studies of transgender people who have athletic training that is not specific to rugby experience. The proposal does state that World Rugby is willing to fund extra RAINBOW HONOURS PRIDE POWER LIST 2020 research in this area. Jake Graf, writer, director, actor, trans IGR goes on to say that in general, the proposal seeks to implement an irrational advocate. standard without suitable research. These guidelines, geared towards elite rugby Rainbow Honours says: “The Pride Power players, will, according to IGR, significantly affect amateur rugby players, who List is the definitive guide to those in the comprise the overwhelming majority of rugby participants in the world. ) Rainbow Honours has published LGBTQ+ community and our allies who The proposal also contains commitments to work towards an ‘open’ category of the Pride Power List 2020, which are dedicated to working towards true mixed-gender rugby union. IGR has stated it is firmly opposed to any measures celebrates people who do everything in LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion. based on a 'fundamentally flawed' Separate but Equal principle that would their power to make LGBTQ+ life that Although the United Kingdom enjoys exclude transgender athletes from playing contact rugby. IGR has stated it will little bit brighter. This year’s list some of the most progressive equality continue to actively work to keep transgender athletes’ boots on the pitch. comprises publicly nominated legislation on the planet, workplace equality, equal marriage and the right to Karl Ainscough-Gates, chair of IGR, said: LGBTQ+ individuals who’ve made a adopt children – while important – have “It’s very surprising to see the restrictive difference over the past 12 months not been able to wipe out . turn that this review of the guidelines has through campaigning, speaking at taken, especially with the lack of research international events or writing for “Homophobic and transphobic hate that has been conducted. Rugby has always publications across the globe. crimes are on the rise; Twitter is often been a sporting role model for diversity and Top of the Pride Power List 2020 is a cesspool of gay hatred and parents are inclusion. We will be working with World Ben Hunte, who was appointed the openly objecting to their children being Rugby to uphold those commitments and BBC’s first ever LGBTQ+ taught that not all relationships involve ensure that rugby remains a welcoming and correspondent in 2019, marking a one man and one woman. That’s why open environment to transgender athletes. watershed moment for reportage on the Pride Power List is more important today than ever.” “To anyone transgender or non-binary who sexuality and gender. Also making the

KARL AINSCOUGH-GATES is doubting whether rugby is a sport for list: Phyll Opoku-Gyimah, co-founder D For more info and to see the full list, them after reading these reports, our message is very clear - Come and play of UK Black Pride; Mzz Kimberly, visit www.pridepowerlist.com rugby with us! You will always be welcome in IGR.” trans singer and actress; Nancy Kelley, chief executive of Stonewall; IGR is calling on World Rugby to immediately repudiate and disavow the Ian Green, chief executive of THT; proposed change in policy, which it states goes against the principles of the Holly Greenberry, founder and co- 2018 agreement – an agreement that was brought about after an inclusive chair of UK; Natasha Walker, planning process involving Megan Anyadwe and Verity Carl Smith who co-chair of LGBT Switchboard; and represented IGR. IGR also calls on World Rugby to recommit itself to the existing Hannah Graf, the highest-ranking agreement and to move forward with IGR as full partners. transgender officer who became the D For more info on IGR, visit https://igrugby.org Army’s Transgender Representative as

part of the Army LGBT Forum, and HANNAH & JAKE GRAF DAILY NEWS UPDATES ON GSCENE 9 9 WWW.GSCENE.COM )

LIB DEMS TABLE BILL FOR ‘X’ INTERMEDIA UK WRITES OPEN LETTER GENDER OPTION ON PASSPORTS TO PM SUPPORTING TRANS COMMUNITY ) InterMedia UK, an LGBTQ+ network group for people working across all ) Ahead of International Non- areas of the media spectrum, which aims to support a more LGBTQ+ inclusive Binary People’s Day on Tuesday, media industry, has written an open letter to prime minister Boris Johnson to , Liberal Democrat equalities July 14 express its support of the trans community following reports that the spokesperson Christine Jardine government intends to strip back planned reforms to the Gender Recognition presented a Private Members’ Bill in Act (GRA). the House of Commons to require the Government to introduce an ‘X’ gender the dignity of recognising their With some of the UK’s biggest media companies option on passports. Jardine’s Non- identities. Introducing an ‘X’ gender involved, include Disney, Discovery, NBC gender-specific Passports Bill, option on passports is a relatively Universal, Endemol Shine UK, Financial supported by Stonewall, would small change that would make a big Times and more, the open letter is an opportunity “require the secretary of state to make difference to so many people’s lives. I for the media industry to express its support for non-gender-specific passports find it utterly incomprehensible that and safeguard the rights of trans employees and available to non-gendered, non-binary this Conservative government still colleagues, and also an opportunity to enact and other people who do not identify refuses to follow the example of so active allyship. many other countries and make this as, or exclusively as, male or .” The letter: change. This change would bring the UK into line with other countries such as “Liberal Democrats will always stand Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, up for the rights and dignity of trans, Dear Prime Minister, Denmark, Germany, India, intersex and non-binary people. We We, as a collective of organisations from the media and entertainment Netherlands and New Zealand that must combat the hostility and industry, are writing to express our support of the trans community. already include non-binary gender that prevents too many options on passports, as well as 18 people from living freely and fulfilling As it stands, the UK is a global leader in LGBTQ+ equality – and the US states that allow residents to mark their potential.” government has been right to work closely with businesses to advance gender ‘X’ on their driving licence. equality on the world stage. We all strive to be trans-inclusive Nancy Kelley, organisations and believe that a diverse workforce, including trans In 2016, parliament’s cross-party chief executive of employees, offers greater business success. With this in mind, we would Women & Equalities Committee said Stonewall, added: be opposed to any policy or legislation changes that impact the trans that “the UK must follow Australia’s ‘It’s vital that non- community negatively. lead in introducing an option to record binary people are gender as ‘X’ on a passport.” able to have their Trans people have always been able to use single-sex facilities that match their gender, and the codified this. Additionally, it has However, the government refused to NANCY KELLY gender recognised implement that recommendation. In on official documents, including been widely reported that the 2018 public consultation on GRA reform March, the Court of Appeal ruled that passports. Travelling abroad can shows up to 70% of respondents agreed that it was appropriate to remove the Home Office’s refusal to introduce present many challenges for non- additional barriers to trans people being able to identify and live an ‘X’ gender option is not unlawful. binary people, and trans communities authentically. more widely, who can face intrusive Christine Jardine Failing to honour the government’s commitment to implement the questions and difficulties at passport said: consultation findings, and even increasing restrictions on trans people’s “There are control. That’s why we urge the hundreds of ability to live authentically, benefits no one. It would mean changes to government to include an ‘X’ category working environments that would make it hard for trans and non-binary thousands of people on passports, so non-binary people in the UK who do not people to focus on their work, preventing them from being able to travel can have documents that reflect who safely, and inhibiting them from operating in society. identify as they are.’ CHRISTINE JARDINE exclusively male or We hope that we can continue to be part of discussion about the future of D female, but the Conservative For more info on Stonewall, visit: trans equality in the UK, working together to make progress for the trans government still refuses to give them www.stonewall.org.uk community and ensure our businesses maintain the diverse perspectives 10 ) DAILY NEWS UPDATES ON WWW.GSCENE.COM

FIRST SAME-SEX COUPLE TO MARRY IN PARIS LGBTQ+ & ALLIES MARCH NORTHERN IRELAND CRITICISE FAILURE FOR EQUALITY AND JUSTICE TO DELIVER FULL MARRIAGE EQUALITY Lives Matter and chanted “Everybody ) Sharni and Robyn Edwards-Peoples, the first same-sex couple to legally hates the police”. marry in Northern Ireland, have criticised the region’s secretary of state, Emma Vallée-Guillard said the rally Brandon Lewis MP, for the delay in allowing same-sex weddings in churches and took place in response to calls made conversion of existing civil partnerships to marriages. The couple issued a call for by several groups and that it was urgent action by the secretary of state, on the one-year anniversary of the House important to mark the event. “Pride, in of Commons’ vote to extend same-sex marriage to Northern Ireland, which the beginning, was a riot,” she said, passed an amendment from Conor McGinn MP on Thursday, July 9, 2019. referencing the Stonewall riot in New York in 1969. This year marks the 51st Same-sex civil marriage became legal in Northern Ireland on Monday, January ) Three-thousand LGBTQ+ people anniversary of that first Pride gathering. 13, 2020, and the first wedding took place on February 11 when Sharni Edwards and allies marched though Paris last Giovanna Rincon, director of and Robyn Peoples married in Carrickfergus. However, couples who wish to month calling for equal rights and Acceptess-T, which defends

have a religious ceremony as part of their wedding, or who wish to convert their PIC CAP racial justice. The march took place a transgender people, said: “The danger civil partnership to a marriage, are still not able to do so – the only part of the UK week after the original date for Paris of rolling back our fundamental rights is or Ireland where this is the case. Campaigners are calling on the secretary of state Pride 2020, which like many other very present and the epidemic has to lay new regulations in parliament and introduce these changes as a matter of Prides around the world has been revealed multiple factors of exclusion, urgency. Weddings in Northern Ireland can take place indoors from Friday, July postponed due to Covid-19. discrimination and violence.” 10, the Stormont Executive has agreed. A diverse crowd marched behind a 2020, organised by banner which declared “Our pride is Inter-LGBT, is now scheduled for political”. A number of marchers Saturday, November 7, 2020. carried banners in support of Black

HULLABALOO QUIRE RAISE £2,458 FOR WATER AID Paul Diello, Dorothy Oger, Rosie Bergonzi, Adrienne Thomas, Michael James Parker, Katrina ROBYN PEOPLES AND SHARNI EDWARDS Quinn, Bela Emerson, Dryadic, Sharni Edwards-Peoples, said: “We loved having our big day back in February Chris & Moussa Sylla, Gil Savage, surrounded by the people we love. It was a dream day for us and we want everyone Liz Walker and Terry McDonnell. to have the same chance to enjoy that feeling. But, by not laying the necessary Hullabaloo Community Quire said: “It regulations at parliament, the secretary of state is stopping many couples from was a wickedly watery night with choir being able to plan their own big day.” ) It’s not been an easy term for members singing from in their bathtubs Robyn Edwards-Peoples, said: “As we emerge from lockdown, and with Hullabaloo Community Quire since and under umbrellas, poetry readings in weddings now permitted, there will be a lot of couples hoping to have long-awaited lockdown, but under the guidance of rivers, dancers drenching their garden, wedding days. But same-sex couples like us, who want to have a religious creative captain Kirsty Martin, the visits to the seaside and swimming ceremony or who want to convert their civil partnership, can’t even plan a date for choir produced an online cabaret show pools and loads more.” their weddings at the moment.” last month that has attracted over 700 views and helped to raise £2,458 (and Under government plans, same-sex couples in Northern Ireland should be able to counting) for Water Aid. get married in a religious ceremony where the church or other faith groups wish to offer such weddings, but no church would be compelled to offer same-sex weddings. Live Stream!, which premiered on Similar arrangements are already in place in the rest of the UK and Ireland. There Thursday, July 16, took the place of are more than 1,200 same-sex couples in Northern Ireland who currently have civil what would have been the second Sing partnerships. Plans should allow same-sex couples with an existing civil for Water, which is an annual singing partnership to convert this to a marriage through a simple administrative process. event where choirs across the country Hullabaloo is now busy planning for its help to raise money for Water Aid. autumn term, which begins on Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland director of Amnesty International, part of the Monday, September 14, 7–8.45pm. campaign for marriage equality, added: Hullabaloo made two brand new choral Love Equality “A year on from the historic Everyone who loves to sing is welcome videos, its first in fact, for the event. vote by the House of Commons to extend same-sex marriage to Northern Ireland, to join. There are no auditions and all the government needs to stop this inexplicable hold-up and end the uncertainty and The choir performed a Sing for Water songs are taught by ear. inequality for hundreds of couples. We urge the secretary of state to use the favourite, Singing in the Rain, and remaining two weeks before summer recess to lay the necessary regulations in dedicated the Simple Minds 1980s Y To watch the show, visit: parliament.” classic Don’t You Forget About Me www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiaO2 to members of the choir still in WpMDrI&feature=youtu.be The Love Equality campaign for equal civil marriage in Northern isolation. Ireland is led by the Rainbow Project, Here NI, Amnesty D To donate to Water Aid, visit: International, Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Cara-Friend, Hullabaloo was joined by poets, www.justgiving.com/fundraising/hul and NUS-USI. musicians, singer-songwriters, labalooquire-livestream percussionists and dancers, including D D For more details, visit: For more info on the Love Equality campaign, visit: www.loveequalityni.org Robb Johnson, 3 Bucket Jones, www.hullabalooquire.org

GSCENE 11 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE HAIR REPLACEMENT UK’S FIRST SILVER PRIDE BY OLLIES THE BARBERS Craig Burton, organiser and FoD If you’re suffering from hair loss, Ollies the Barbers in Hailsham, a drive of founder, said: “Older LGBTQ+ people only 30 minutes or so from Brighton, offers the expertise, care and attention are twice as likely to be living alone, to improve your self-esteem with the NEU Hair 4 Men Hair Replacement and six times more likely to suffer Systems. Ian Meacher, who has been a barber for more than 25 years, from mental health issues, often tells Gscene how it works and the great results you can expect. related to loneliness and isolation. We At Ollies, we have a team of three strongly believe inter-generational barbers - me, Connor Neal and friendships and events like Silver ) Donna Smith. NEU Hair 4 Men is an The UK’s first Silver Pride took Pride are vital to help tackle these innovative, non-surgical hair place on Saturday, July 25 and problems. Lockdown has exacerbated replacement system made with 100% Sunday, July 26 to celebrate older the issues of isolation and loneliness, human hair and guaranteed to give LGBTQ+ people and help tackle but we’re determined to make sure you a younger and fresher look. loneliness and isolation. Famous faces the older generations have a reason For more info, visit www.neuhair4men.co.uk in the virtual event included Miriam to celebrate and socialise online. At Ollies, we’re here to help and look after you through the entire process. , , Margoyles Carol Vorderman We offer a FREE consultation, where my fully trained wife Liz Hibbard will Divina de Campo, The Sundaes, discuss your requirements, your lifestyle, as this will determine the type of Berlinda Scandal & Michelle base you will need, the process and the costs involved. If you want to Eagleton, aerial dancer Aerial Mel, proceed, we will colour match your hair and do a glue patch test. Gaydio's Jessie Brooke, BBC’s Owain Wyn Evans and Olly Woodcock, vocal group The Sunday Boys, actor David Bedella, fashion designer Ben de Lisi, Britain's Got Talent's Rob King, music artist and Channel 4 presenter Jsky and TV Vet Dr Paul Manktelow. The event also featured drag make-up, mental health masterclasses, live DJ sets and “2020 marks 50 years since the first performances from choirs, musicians, Pride march; it’s important we dancers and storytellers. remember the sacrifices the older LGBTQ+ community made for us. They took to the streets to campaign After your consultation we’ll see you again you in a week’s time when the and fight for our rights, and paved the transformation begins… We’ll cut your hair into the style you want - a picture may help - and then we explain how to look after your hair system way to enjoy life as we do today. and give you a booklet with top tips and more info. Hosting an online celebration for them is the least we can do. Silver Pride is Every four weeks you’ll need maintenance. Here we remove your hair all about championing inclusion and system, wash and clean it and exfoliate your scalp and cleanse, clipper the celebrating and connecting with our hair that has grown and reapply your system and recut. If you look after your hair system, it can last up to six months. older communities. It’s a celebration of LGBTQ+ history, our freedom of expression and recognition of the normally costs £795 Money raised will help event organiser battles the older community faced for NEU Hair 4 Men Friends of Dorothy (FoD), a social us – and the battles they continue to but we are offering it for just £595 enterprise with groups in Leeds and face.” Manchester, provide valuable For more info, give us a call on D 01323 842026 lifelines for the older LGBTQ+ www.friendsofdorothy.org.uk T Follow @ friends_dorothy or pop into Ollies the Barbers, 26 High St, Hailsham, BN27 1BJ community. F Ollies the Barbers 12 ) DAILY NEWS UPDATES ON WWW.GSCENE.COM

Andrew Lumsden, 78, said: “We insist on gathering in plain sight every year because for 2,000 years we were told to be invisible. This is the 50th calendar year in which we’ve walked the walk in London. We who were there in 1971 and 1972 walk now on behalf of our contemporaries who are too unwell, locked-down or far away, to join us. Many have already gone to LGBTQ+ heaven. And we walk in honour of the young who are fighting in every country around the world. We think of LGBTQ+ people in Hong Kong, Poland, Chechnya, Brazil and Indonesia, who seek the dignities that ought not be denied to anyone.” Stuart Feather, 80, said: “ was the cosmic big bang beneath heterosexual and gay society with its call to come out – be visible – break the taboo. From revolutionary chaos emerged two driving issues: misogyny and feminism. And two questions: what does it mean to be lesbian or gay, and how do we liberate ourselves? Based on the English revolution and the Quaker idea that ‘my word is my bond’, LGBTQ+ liberation will be the work of generations before there is general acceptance that without harm to others, my sexuality, my chosen gender, is my bond with society and no-one’s business but my own.” CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF PRIDE Twelve of the last surviving activists from the London Gay Liberation Front (GLF), 1970-74, some in their 70s and 80s, marched in London on Saturday, June 27 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of GLF and to reclaim Pride with political demands.

) This year’s parade on Some of the GLF veterans on the march commented: Saturday, June 27 had been cancelled because of Ted Brown, 70, said: “GLF stemmed out of the coronavirus pandemic but GLF veterans Stonewall 1969, which was a riot that took place marched anyway, on the same day, along the same after centuries of oppression against LGBTQ+ John Lloyd, 67, said: “From the outset, GLF had an route, that the official was due to follow. people. We proved that the authorities will not listen internationalist perspective. In 1973, Peter and myself The march was coordinated by Peter Tatchell who unless we fight back, make a noise and cause a represented GLF at the World Youth Festival in was an activist in GLF, which was formed in 1970 disturbance, as Black Lives Matter is doing now.” communist East Berlin, which was attended by over and ignited the modern LGBTQ+ protest movement 100,000 young people from all over the world. We in the UK. Nettie Pollard, 70, said: “Fifty years ago, the GLF spoke out for gay liberation and staged LGBTQ+ said come out, change ourselves and revolutionise The veterans and 40 supporters each wore face protests. Despite being attacked by members of our the world. Joining with other oppressed groups is the masks and observed social distancing. They began own British delegation, our interventions for the first only way to work towards real change. Rights can so outside the BBC and followed the planned official time put LGBTQ+ rights on the agenda of the left, easily be taken away again. Liberation must mean Pride route down Regent Street, Piccadilly Circus and social democratic, liberal and trade union movements freedom, including sexual freedom, for everyone. At Haymarket to Trafalgar Square, where there were in the UK and other countries.” Pride 2020, GLF still believes in revolution.” speeches from GLF veterans. Peter Tatchell, 68, said: “GLF did not seek equal Putting politics back into Pride, the five demands of rights within a flawed, unjust status quo. It campaigned the GLF Pride march were: for the transformation of society to end straight 1. End UK detention and deportation of LGBTQ+ supremacism and stood in solidarity with all other asylum seekers; oppressed people. A similar agenda of radical social 2. Let people define their own gender, not doctors or change is needed now, as the UK faces the threats of the state; Covid-19, economic meltdown, institutional racism, 3. Mandatory LGBTQ+ education in every school; climate destruction and the demonisation of trans 4. Religion! Hands off women’s and LGBTQ+ bodies; people. We support Black Lives Matter and the just 5. Solidarity with Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ demands of black communities and black LGBTQ+ people of colour worldwide. people, like we did in the early 1970s.” The GLF march coordinator, Peter Tatchell, 68, was The march expressed its solidarity with LGBTQ+ one of about 40 people who helped organise the UK’s people in the UK and worldwide. Oppression for none. first Pride march in London in 1972. He has Liberation for all. attended every Pride in London parade since then. D Photos © ChrisJepson.com This was his 49th. ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

CO-FOUNDER AND COO OF COLLAZON – ‘GRAHAM’ Presented by Amanda Patterson – Business Research Support Officer, City Business Library

What does equality mean to you? Have you ever felt enrich their personal goals and how it can support out of place, overlooked or demeaned because of their ambitions.” something about you? Does your workplace have a “Collazon lives and breathes diversity. As an diversity policy? Is it in place to make a difference or LGBTQ+ founder myself I know that until companies as a box-ticking exercise? What can you do about it? have representatives from all diversity groups in their Graham spent many years working in a corporate leadership, they will never be able to bring true Starting your own business? environment in leadership positions, often being equality into their workforce.” Employees are more The City Business Library (CBL) can asked to support diversity policies, drive strategy for likely to work for an organisation that has a robust equality and undertake employee engagement LGBTQ+ strategy at the heart of its business. connect you to resources, networks surveys – not for true equality or diversity, but to Consumers and employees have more information at and events to help you. Whether you develop a positive image for the brand. Graham their fingertips about the brands that they want to are looking for a dedicated business asked himself: “Is this really the point of diversity? work for, meaning that, more often than not, a strong advisor to help you write your own No!” He thought, “a resounding no!” potential employee could find out more about the diversity strategy into your business culture of the business before starting a new job. plan, network with other founders or “Everyone supported diversity on the surface,” says Graham, “but when working within the business I For Graham, starting a business as an LGBTQ+ research diverse businesses, we didn’t see non-LGBTQ+ live and breathe diversity, founder required help. “A lot of positive change has can hook you up. many of the board members were male, straight and happened throughout recent decades, but there is Learn more on the CBL website. caucasian – so I questioned where is the diversity more to come. You have a unique opportunity as an There are business one-to-ones, and how do I truly fit into this organisation? Board LGBTQ+ founder to support this change and reach members and other leadership would be reluctant to out to LGBTQ+ mentors. Help is always there if you market research resources, spend money on investing in LGBTQ+ initiatives, need it, and hopefully one day you can help another seminars, networking and events. they would only want to support Pride so they could young LGBTQ+ founder in an even more diverse Make positive change in the world, include the rainbow in their company banner and world.” one business as a time. drive their business and their brand. The LGBTQ+ “If you’re a freelancer looking to work in a positive community deserves more.” www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/CBL environment, Collazon can quickly match you to Graham set up his business, Collazon, to match projects, start-ups and companies. For start-ups, global opportunities to freelancers, with true equality Collazon can match you to dedicated, diverse at its centre. “Collazon’s ethos and passion is experts.” Collazon is designed to manage and committed to creating a practical, simple, fair and ensure a mutually beneficial relationship. effective services trading platform across a global Find out more about us on: community, with a specific focus on diversity,” Website: Graham says of his business. “The future of work is www.collazon.com Email: . changing; we really need to listen to people as to [email protected] Linked In: how and where they want to work, how work can www.linkedin.com/company/collazon/ 14 ) DAILY NEWS UPDATES ON WWW.GSCENE.COM MORE TO ME THAN HIV THT, NAT & PREPSTER RESPOND TO ) More to Me than HIV is a project that aims to break down the stigma that has BUDGET CUT TO PREP IN ENGLAND historically been attached to this virus. Glenn Stevens, one of the project co- ) The Department of Health (DoH) in England but this significant cut to the ordinators, talks about the stigma that stops many people from being open about told local authorities in England last PrEP budget for local authorities is their HIV status. month that the budget for rolling out hugely concerning. Sexual health When I saw my piece in last month’s Gscene to HIV prevention pill PrEP has been cut services are already on their knees and promote the More to Me Than HIV project, I was by £5m, which follows the slashing the budget by almost a third will extremely proud, but a small part of me was filled announcement in March that PrEP undoubtedly limit local authorities’ ability with anxiety; but why should I feel this way? I’ve been access would be uncapped in England to deliver PrEP to those who need it. The on effective antiretroviral therapy since the early from April of this year. health secretary promised proper PrEP access as part of the commitment to end 1990s, but having lived through the period before Since then, the rollout of PrEP in HIV transmissions within the next decade there was any treatment, watching friends die of Aids, or from the toxicity of early England has been delayed by the but is now rolling back on what was medication AZT, those memories of uncertainty can still creep in and unnerve. Covid-19 pandemic. Local authorities promised. With this in mind, I can imagine that for the group of people who HIV hasn’t had a are now able to proceed, but the budget significant impact on their lives, when they hear the words HIV or Aids they will committed by the DoH has been cut “England’s sexual health services are recall the time when the only information out there was Aids = Death, which was from £16m to £11m for PrEP provision already overstretched and under-funded, only compounded by the tabloid press who went above and beyond in spreading until end of March 2021. This which is why proper resourcing for the misinformation about how HIV could be transmitted. Perhaps because HIV is not significant cut to the budget will impact delivery of PrEP is crucial to its success. part of their lives, this is their recall on what HIV is still about. It is this on the delivery of equitable access to While those currently accessing PrEP are misunderstanding that perpetuates HIV stigma and one that needs to be stamped PrEP and will hamper efforts to fulfil the unlikely to be affected the roll out is out with re-education. government’s commitment to ending supposed to ensure significantly more HIV by 2030. people can benefit from it for HIV The one thing that stops many people from being open about their HIV status is prevention over the coming months. This the stigma, stigma that comes from outdated ideas about what HIV is and how it cut to the first year’s budget before can be passed on. Let me make this perfectly clear, people living with an HIV+ that’s even started means PrEP will not diagnosis who are on an effective antiretroviral therapy cannot pass the virus on, be fully utilised. put simply: Undetectable = Untransmittable. “PrEP is highly effective at stopping HIV People living with HIV, and on effective treatment, can expect to get older and get and extremely cost effective when on with living their lives. Not that living with HIV doesn’t have a whole set of compared with a lifetime of HIV challenges, but having an HIV diagnosis should not be the defining thing about us, treatment. It’s disappointing that we’re we are so much more than those three little letters and that is what is at the core of In response to the announcement, HIV once again fighting for its potential to be this project. organisations Terrence Higgins Trust maximised in England.” We understand that to speak openly about our HIV+ status may be an (THT), National AIDS Trust (NAT) and For more info, visit: released a joint statement: uncomfortable step to make, but it’s through this project we feel we can break PrEPster D www.tht.org.uk down the stigma associated with HIV by showing that we aren’t ashamed of our “We welcome the DoH’s work to begin D www.nat.org.uk status, it’s something we live with but that isn’t a label that defines who we are. the roll out of uncapped access to PrEP D https://prepster.info Through this photo project we will show that we are: determined, resilient, funny and capable, we are chefs, beauticians, builders, mothers, fathers, grandparents, artists, listeners, musicians, carers, writers, and so the list goes on. So for those HEALTHWATCH BRIGHTON & HOVE REPORT living with HIV, we ask you to show us who you are beyond your HIV status; check out the website, upload three photos, one portrait of yourself and two photos that ) Healthwatch Brighton & Hove, “We face the challenges of the year to show another part of what makes you, you, along with three, positive descriptive a local consumer champion for come with an optimistic attitude, and words. Together we can combat HIV+ stigma and resign it to the history books health and social care, has launched hopes for better times.” where it belongs. its Annual Report for 2019-2020, The NHS and social care are 'open for which details activities before and For more info, visit: http://moretomethanhiv.life business' but with massive challenges: during the coronavirus pandemic as or email [email protected] Follow: T F I moretomethanhiv growing waiting lists with many well as usual activities and main services compromised for years ahead; projects, and describes how some 40% of care homes in the city report projects were suspended and then Covid-19 outbreaks; patients per GP in CLARE PROJECT SUPPORTS rapidly changed to respond to the Brighton remain very high; telephone, Covid-19 challenge. PILOT OF TRANS HEALTH HUB text, online and video consultations ) The Clare Project, the transgender support and social David Liley, CEO of Healthwatch with GPs and hospital doctors set to group, has announced it is supporting the pilot of a new Trans Brighton & Hove, said: “The self- rise and become routine. Most people Health Hub on Tuesdays from 11.30am–2.30pm at Brighton Health & sacrifice and dedication of care staff, welcome the added convenience, with Wellbeing Centre (BHWC). The Trans Health Hub’s aim is to improve access to NHS employees, volunteers and key high patient satisfaction ratings; healthcare and support for trans, non-binary, intersex and gender-variant (TNBI) workers has been an inspiration. We emotional support and mental health people aged 16+. The Trans Health Hub will be free, confidential and you don’t want to say thank you and keep safe to services likely to face massive demand need to be registered with BHWC. all those brave people. During this year following Covid-19. and through the virus period we’ve The Clare Project says: ‘We’re delighted to support the pilot of a new Trans Health remained fully active; our board, Hub in Brighton – more details to TBA, but please get in touch with enquiries.’ volunteers and staff have continued D with a full programme of work. We’ve For more info about the Trans Health Hub, email: [email protected] D To see the full Annual Report, visit: D remained financially stable and our For more info on the Clare Project, visit www.clareproject.org.uk https://tinyurl.com/Healthwatch2020 staff team has been strengthened. GSCENE 15

POSITIVE TIMES WITH THE LUNCH POSITIVE TEAM ) Since lockdown in late March, Lunch Positive has provided a range of essential frontline services to people with HIV. These have included regular delivery of cooked food and groceries together with telephone and online befriending. The charity has supported over 100 people every week, with over 6,000 meals prepared and delivered so far! Since April volunteers have given over 3,000 hours of their time towards this community response, and these services will continue until at least the end of the year.

As the year has progressed and measures for social gatherings have evolved, VOLUNTEERS Lunch Positive now plans to reopen its doors, expected to happen in late August. The HIV lunch club will reopen as a café style drop-in for people with HIV, with increased space over two floors at Dorset Gardens Methodist NEEDED! Church. This will incorporate special measures and arrangements for being Covid-secure, including table service. MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO In addition to this safe and supportive socialising at the Friday Lunch Club, Lunch 100s OF PEOPLE THIS YEAR Positive will also be developing a range of new social activities. These will incorporate ...... special arrangements for gathering and social distancing, whilst still bringing people ) Wide range of roles together in a friendly and supportive environment. Activities will include film club evenings, outdoor events and picnics, and a return of the popular supper ) gatherings. But it doesn’t end there! As part of this Positive Times project Various days and funded by National Lottery, Lunch Positive will also introduce a much needed new HIV buddying project. This will help people with HIV connect and support shifts available each other in practical ways, especially important in these changing and often ) challenging times. No experience necessary There is a call-out to everyone who has previously used Lunch Positive or who – full training given might be newly interested. The team at Lunch Positive are available to talk on the phone, video and email. They are ready to answer questions on how things ) Travel expenses paid will work, and to support people to come along or get involved, especially important after so many months of people having reduced social contact and ) limited social opportunities. Great team to work with! The volunteering programme is also open to everyone, and is now actively recruiting. Volunteering at Lunch Positive is all about helpfulness and community, with a wide range of roles, lots of support and being part of a For info about different volunteering roles welcoming and friendly team! email Please get in touch if you would like to know more about Lunch Positive’s [email protected] plans, are interested in coming along or getting involved, or if you would like advice, help and support in attending the Covid-secure venue. We’re here and or call 07846 464384 ready to help however we can! D For more info on Lunch Positive, visit: For more info, to sign-up for updates, www.lunchpositive.org and to access support D or email: [email protected] N or call 07846 464384 visit www.lunchpositive.org F or follow: www.facebook.com/lunchclubfriends/ KAT KAI KOL-KES KAT TILLY CARTER & THE HOME COUNTIES CARTER & THE HOME TILLY MUD HOWARD PROTEON SOL PROTEON ST LUCIFER SARAH SAVAGE AND FILIP CANHA; LAURA DALE ON SCREEN DALE AND FILIP CANHA; LAURA SAVAGE SARAH RAINBOW CHORUS PRINCE OF PERSIA GRAY FROM CLARE PROJECT GRAY

River’s Rodents and Reptiles, animal handler, TRANS PRIDE BRIGHTON & HOVE said: “It was lovely to have the opportunity to entertain and educate everyone with Coco the Online, Saturday, July 18, 2020 Tortoise and Myrtle the Guinea Pig. I've really missed going out doing animal handling sessions. Thank you for including River's Rodents and ) Trans Pride Brighton (TPB) has been Rainbow Chorus (RC), Brighton & Hove’s fully Reptiles in TPB.” F @riversrodentsandreptiles sowing the seeds of change in Brighton, inclusive LGBTQ+ choir, opened the event with Hove and beyond since 2013. Due to the a heart-warming video concert created by RC, Chloe Wing Art & Music, artist and singer/ coronavirus pandemic, this year’s TPB was RC+ and MD Aneesa Chaudhry, featuring a songwriter, said: “I was so happy to be a part of cancelled but, not to be deterred, the special musical message to the trans something so compassionate and diverse. TPB this organisers put together TPB Online on community along with highlights from year was such a lovely and loving show that was Saturday, July 18, which was supported by concerts from the last few years. supportive, nurturing and human, which is exactly Clare Project, the transgender support and what we really need right now to portray, voice Ed Borgars from RC said: “We’ve always been social group, and celebrated trans voices and out and express.” D www.chloewing.com proud to support TPB every year, either by rights with a contribution from TPB co- singing on the main stage or by our members Dee Chanelle & The In-Laws, pop/dance/funk founder Fox Fisher, footage from past TPBs taking part in the march. This year we band, said: “It’s an honour to be part of TPB and an outstanding line-up of TNBI performers welcomed the opportunity to help TPB put on Online. The community have much to celebrate streaming with pride and solidarity. an online version of their usual Trans Pride now more than ever as trans visibility has Sarah Savage, TPB trustee, said: “Our stage show by making a compilation video of increased though the media and social networking volunteers are delighted with the success of past performances, with personal contributions with positive and supportive response. There’s still TPB Online. I’m so proud of all the work they from many of our members.” a lot of work to be done and together we can put in and how they adapted as a team to D www.rainbowchorus.org.uk make the world a fair and safe place for the trans deal with and overcome the challenges of the community. Here's looking forward to next year's Other performers included: River’s Rodents & last couple of months. I’d like to thank all TPB, bigger and better than ever!” Reptiles, Prince of Persia, Laura Dale, Mud those who supported our live stream, F @deeandtheinlaws Howard, Dee Chanelle & The In-Laws. Bek especially those who re-hosted, shared and Haynes, Proteon Sol, Bee & The Jackrabbit, The Spirits, punky/fusion duo, said: “It's been a commented. Big shout-out to Jamie Raynes, Yvy DeLuca, Tilly Carter & The Home highlight for us over the past few years to get the the team from his YouTube channel, Counties, Kat Kai Kes-Kol, The Mollusc opportunity to play at TPB. The experience of JammiDodger and the wholesome community Dimension and Chloe Wing Art & Music. taking part online is very different to being on that sprung up during the event.” GSCENE 17 DEE CHANELLE & THE IN-LAWS BEE AND JACKRABBIT SJ FROM SWITCHBOARD RIVER’S RODENTS AND REPTILES RIVER’S RODENTS CHLOE WING THE MOLLUSC DIMENSION THE MOLLUSC THE SPIRITS YVY DELUCA - BOLLYWITCH BEK HAYNES

stage in Brunswick Square. Less nerve-racking PLEASE DONATE but still awe-inspiring to see all of the power ) TPB is now able to take quick and easy grassroots, non-commercial community event and beauty in our diverse community. There donations by text message to cover the cost run entirely by unpaid volunteers. We depend was such an eclectic mix of artists showing of appearance fees for performers and enable on donations, grants and community how truly varied and diverse we all are. the annual event to bounce back in 2021. contributions to secure the infrastructure we “It's been an increasingly difficult period for need for TPB to happen each year. Please trans people in the UK since Trans Pride last To donate £2, text TRANSPRIDE to 70085. spread the word, and donate if you can, to year. Attacks and ignorance in the media on a If you’re able to donate more (max of £20), support us in our mission to make TPB the daily basis. To celebrate how truly beautiful, text TRANSPRIDE (space), and then the event our community deserves.” unique and powerful we all are, I think these amount - 5, 10 etc – to 70085. When you make a donation via Givey, the are the things that keep us moving forward In addition to this, TPB has launched a charity receives 100% and it’s completely during the difficult times.” fundraiser through Givey, the fundraising secure. They never share your email address with D www.thespirits.uk platform for small charities and local third parties except the charity you donate to. The Mollusc Dimension, absurdist musical communities which takes no fee, meaning D To donate via Givey, visit: storyteller, said: “As an East-Asian QTPOC, it 100% of your donation goes to the cause. www.givey.com/transpridebrightononline was truly a precious privilege be given space Sarah Savage, added: “This year we’re to share stories with TPB Online. Queer, trans fundraising to cover the cost of appearance MORE INFO and intersex people have always been around, fees for our lovely performers and to make D www.transpridebrighton.org, but until we decolonise education and minds sure we bounce back in 2021. TPB is a totally F @TransPrideBrighton T @TPrideBrighton and hearts are raised to be open, visibility is a survival tool and an act of love.” D www.themolluscdimension.com Robin from alt-folk duo Bee & Jack Rabbit, said: “TPB has always been an opportunity for trans people and our allies to be together, to hold space for each other, to remember those we’ve lost all while showcasing the passion and talent our community has, and so it made sense to move TPB Online – didn’t stop for coronavirus!” F @Beeandjackrabbit 18 GSCENE

experienced a lot of anxiety around who would be eligible and what paperwork was necessary. Would it be binding? The Windrush Scandal was evoked. We applied online and after a few nail- biting minutes got it with no bother, but the journey had taken its toll and it’s still not clear that this is the end of it all. Does settled status confer on you the same rights as a UK citizen? Both myself and my wife noticed the changes in society after the Brexit vote. We’re bringing our son up to be bilingual, Czech and English, and we both found ourselves feeling more self- conscious about speaking to him in Czech in public. We heard about incidents of violence on public transport in London. The guy fixing a new window in our house told us that he thought being bilingual was ‘great’ but that people should speak in English in front of English- BREXIT IS COMING... speaking people because otherwise they’d think they were talking about them behind their backs. Since lockdown we’ve hardly been out, but is all IS IT TIME TO LEAVE THE UK? this anti-‘foreigner’ sentiment going to ramp up Novelist and research consultant Cat Walker has a again once society restarts in Covid 2.0 mode? Czech wife with whom she has a son. She opens up on The powerful ‘You clap for me now’ poem and her fears about what Brexit might mean for her family video, and the #BlackLivesMatter protests have probably polarised people’s opinions even more. And it’s obviously not just xenophobia that’s “All UK citizens have the right to be treated I digress. Besides the birth and marriage been ramped up, but racism, classism, fairly and equally regardless of their gender, certificates, this time we also need to carry homophobia, transphobia, religious intolerance race, age, religion, sexual preferences, political attestation forms for each country and and other right-wing, nationalist tendencies. persuasion or any disability that they may potentially get coronavirus tests. And you can It’s basically stirred up ancient tribal feelings of hating the ‘other’ – people who are ‘not like us’. have. UK citizens must respect the rights of bet it will be one form for me, a UK citizen, their fellow citizens even if they find their way and another for my wife, a Czech citizen. of life objectionable or offensive.” Imagine then what it’s going to be like when Life as a UK Citizen, aboutimmigration.co.uk we actually Brexit? Will I have to go to a “It’s obviously not just different queue to my wife when we travel ) In the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, xenophobia that’s been abroad? Who will my son (UK passport) have Brexit seems a world away - something in the to go with? We’re desperate to get him a ramped up, but racism, past that has now faded into insignificance. Czech passport so that he can have dual But the truth is that in a few short months, classism, homophobia, nationality and thus legally run amok between on December 31, 2020, we will, finally, exit the two queues as is his toddler wont. transphobia, religious Europe. What will this mean for the many thousands of European citizens who have Why doesn’t your wife just get UK citizenship intolerance and other made lives here in the UK? and make everything easier, you ask? Why right-wing, nationalist should she? I retort. Citizenship means taking Right now, my family is trying to negotiate a language test and a ‘UK life’ test of the most tendencies” travelling to the Czech Republic this summer obscure historical, political, geographical and so that our little boy can visit his sporting facts you’ve never heard of; being Grandmother, who he hasn’t seen for eight assessed to be of ‘good character’; and paying I worry about our future as a European rainbow months. We’re driving to minimise the risks of nearly £1,500 for the privilege. Just for ‘fun’ I family. I know that living in Brighton means we contact with others, which means travelling did a portion of the test this morning and got often don’t experience the kind of through France and Germany on our way to 71% - that’s a fail. others face in less cosmopolitan areas of the Czech. And that means added bureaucracy. country. We live in a lovely kind of protective Compare and contrast this with many Brits’ We already faced the prospect of increased bubble. But what if that bubble bursts? I don’t woeful knowledge of both their own country scrutiny because we are a lesbian couple, and want us to have to live somewhere where we and the rest of the world. I mean a LOT of obviously our son is not biologically related to feel uncomfortable walking down the street people think that Czechoslovakia still exists, both of us. So we always have to travel with being ourselves – not being able to hold hands when in fact the Czech Republic and Slovakia his birth certificate and our marriage and speak whichever language we want to. gained independence in 1993. certificate, and usually end up having to My wife and her Czech and Slovakian friends explaining “whose child he is”. When the whole Brexit thing first blew up, all have started to talk about moving ‘back home’ my wife’s Czech and Slovakian friends living in Once we were stopped in an airport and told after being here all of their adult lives. If we did the UK were panicking that they needed to that “only his mother” could go with him to this for more than five years my wife could lose get citizenship or some form of leave to the passport desk. We are both his mothers, her settled status and not be allowed to come remain. There was a lot of anxiety and we replied, which one of us did they want? back and live here. The thought of being forced checking Google daily for updates. Eventually My son bears my surname but was born of to move abroad fills me with a huge sadness and the government brought in the new ‘settled my wife, so which one counts more as his makes me feel that my country, the United status’ scheme at a cost of £65. There was ‘mother’? Eventually the guy realised what a Kingdom, has truly failed to live up to its uproar. The government did a U-turn under plonker he was being and let us all through. promises of providing a safe place to call home public pressure and made it free. Still, people for all. GSCENE 19

After years of sacrifices we could finally get married. When we registered our notice, we couldn’t believe how easy and smooth it could be. In Italy they would have laughed in our faces or made us feel uncomfortable about it. We realised how things should work everywhere, making that choice free of worries or . While planning our wedding, the most difficult task was convincing some family members to put aside their religious beliefs and participate in our special day. Facing my father was one of the hardest things for me, especially since we never communicated much. Firm on his convictions, he didn’t approve my “choice of life”, but agreed to come. My in-laws, instead, refused the whole idea of our union, adding another wound to my partner’s heart. It was very depressing to discover after 12 years that they still didn’t accept us as a couple. That time we faced the battle with the right arsenal. A whole troop was by our side: our friends and my family, who proved to be very supportive. My CAN MOVING TO BRIGHTON husband-to-be found another family to count on. When they joined us in England to celebrate our CHANGE YOUR LIFE? wedding, seeing them so involved demonstrated Italian-born Fabio Dragotta and his partner sought gay to me the love they felt for us. This experience somehow opened up my father’s horizons, who sanctuary in Britain, and found a life they could barely couldn’t help being moved when we read our have imagined in Brighton vows. Also our nephews and nieces, aliens to our reality, learnt to know it and understand it.

) Sometimes a boarding-pass is just a piece discover myself and get out of the den where of paper, other times it turns into the golden I was hiding. I met people with whom I could ticket to a new life. express myself freely and my shield slowly crumbled, leaving its traces, like scars, but Until four years ago I led a secret life that allowing others to finally know the real me. I thought would remain so forever. Being homosexual in Italy, given I’m from the south When I met my hubby, he came from a harsh and belong to a Catholic family, was a daily environment. His parents made him feel wrong challenge. In such a background, people’s about himself for years, trying to ‘fix’ him prejudice feels like a mark on your skin; being through psychological aid and religious true about yourself might result in brainwashing. Through Prides, protests and denigration or, worse, violence; not to family confrontations, we fought to be mention the persistent concern of losing your recognised as a couple and obtain the rights job, friends and family. At the time, living in we claimed; but only when we decided to the UK’s gay capital with a husband would venture abroad, Italy began to see the dawn have seemed impossible to me. Italy wasn’t of a change. Some time ago, my niece wrote about LGBTQ+ open to gay marriage, it’s not totally yet. love in a school paper, and for me that’s like Bristol became our new challenge. Even if leaving a mark, a legacy that can help them In a discriminatory society, even accepting was more easily accepted there, grow in the acceptance of what’s different from myself was a step that required courage. the stigma we carried from the past never left their world. It’s like laying a brick in the When you’re not fully aware about your us. We had residues of that angst, as if we construction of a new generation that will be sexuality, having no one to relate with is like still couldn’t be completely honest about more open to dialogue and diversity of all kinds. walking blindly down an unknown road. ourselves. Settling in a country so different Feeling like an alien, the grim thought of from ours wasn’t easy, and Brexit only If I could go back, I wouldn’t change a thing. taking that weight off my shoulders often undermined our confidence in the future. Buying that golden ticket before, I would have paid me a visit. How could I go on with my We feared losing everything we had achieved. probably missed a lot. It’s been a difficult path, life with that sword of Damocles always On the verge of surrendering, we decided to but it made me who I am. I’m proud of what I hanging over my head? So I put on a mask move to Brighton. Here we perceived a totally gained and I fought tooth and nail for it. and followed the pack, to please a father with different aura; a city that was welcoming, Sometimes it seems like a never ending war, but old-fashioned visions about manliness and a alive, open-minded. It turned out to be the it’s in the battle that you discover the warrior family that based their concept of best decision we ever made. inside yourself. homosexuality on the stereotypes seen on TV. I spent years hoping that things would change, raising a protective shield, leaving no “Settling in a country so different from ours wasn’t room for people to see who I really was. University became not only a means of easy, and Brexit only undermined our confidence in personal enrichment, but an opportunity to the future. We feared losing everything we’d achieved” 20 GSCENE

trans activists to discuss the specific challenges faced by some of the LGBTQ+ community. “Everyone we spoke to was really receptive to the idea and all appreciated how important Pride is to the mental health of the LGBTQ+ community. Of course, some couldn’t make it due to other commitments or the restriction of geography, but nobody came back with an outright ‘no’.” How did you decide on the lead presenters? “We were very keen to use presenters who already have a connection with Brighton & Hove Pride and Zoe Lyons has been a great supporter for many years. Stephen Bailey is an amazing LGBTQ+ comedian and we have been trying to get to work with him for ages so this was the ideal opportunity to create the perfect dream team. Kathy Caton has also been a fantastic supporter of Pride and the whole LGBTQ+ WE ARE FABULOSO! community in Brighton & Hove, and with her broadcasting experience at the BBC and was an obvious choice.” Brighton & Hove Pride’s 30th anniversary get behind and support this vital fundraising should have been the biggest and best parade event for the Brighton Rainbow Fund.” How are you involving the community? and party the city has ever seen, with “It’s certainly been more challenging to reach How did you adapt your offices for filming? headliners Mariah Carey and the Pussycat far and wide within our community, but “Brighton is known for throwing spectacular Dolls lined up alongside a host of local and thankfully we’ve had an amazing response from events and we knew immediately that we had international entertainers. The main stage our local LGBTQ+ performers to take part. As well to live up to that expectation for our virtual was to be backed by a variety of dance and as interviews and performances, we’re planning a events too, so rather than rolling out ‘kitchen performance tents – but we all know what virtual parade and have reached out to all the cabaret’ we transformed our main office space happened next. Undeterred, the small Pride community groups who participate in the parade into a studio and invited artists in to record. team put their heads together and started to participate or to send messages of support. working on a virtual event to ensure they “It’s all done within the current social All those charities and community groups who could still attempt to raise much-needed funds distancing guidelines and we’re really happy would usually have lit up our streets with for LGBTQ+ communities and include those with the quality of the footage and variety of fabulous floats and outfits can still take part in communities in the celebrations. artists, activists and politicians who have and highlight the amazing diverse heart of given up their time to come in.” Brighton & Hove.” Pride managing director Paul Kemp What acts will be appearing? talks about putting the “We Are FABULOSO! will live stream over three AFTER THE EVENT event together and the days, with a warm-up show in the evening of The Pride office is currently not fully operating Pride team’s hopes for Friday, July 31 followed by the main event for and our small team of three are managing the the three-day digital five hours on Saturday, August 1 and a cancellation of Pride and the delivery of digital

PAUL KEMP PAUL festival. highlights show on Sunday, August 2. We also Pride 2020. have a number of warm-up events and house ) At what point did you decide to create a We aren’t currently in a position to start parties to get people in the mood. virtual event? planning for Pride 2021 until later in the year “Once the pandemic started to take hold it “We’ve recorded some amazing performances when hopefully we’ll know more about how quickly became clear that our usual model for from LGBTQ+ artists who usually appear on the Pride 2021 might look. the Pride celebrations wouldn’t be viable, but Legends Cabaret Stage, the Cocoa Butter I’m also mindful that at this time there’s a lot we felt it important that there was a festival Club’s BAME Stage and in QueerTown, and of uncertainty around what ‘the new normal’ of some kind. From surveys we have have been trawling our extensive archive for may look like as we come out the other side of conducted, for many people Pride is the only exclusive, never-before-seen footage from the this pandemic. time of the year when they can mix and meet main stage. We have also received some with other LGBTQ+ people and feel part of a amazing video messages and performances I’m of course aware of and acknowledge recent community. Obviously a virtual event isn’t the from across the globe, including Billy Porter, and continuing developments, and the same as participating in a colourful parade or and more. emerging political environment, and we’ll hanging out in the park with mates, soaking continue to listen to local community feedback “We did an initial broad reach-out for artists up the sun and watching amazing LGBTQ+ as well as reviewing and acknowledging the at the beginning but obviously, due to the artists, but we hope it will still provide the issues taking place here in the UK and around travel restrictions, could only really shoot UK- contact and support that many isolated and the world as we pick up our planning for 2021. based acts in our studio. We’re tremendously marginalised communities need and crave.” thankful that many of our international Pride will commit to having more face-to-face Who was involved in the planning process? friends have either sent footage or given us engagement as we progress with planning Pride “We have a very small core team and at the permission to show exclusive clips of their 2021 as and when it is safe to do so, or moment most are on furlough, so we’re Pride performances. continue to use virtual platforms to facilitate working with a few key freelancers and some these sessions, and give proper consideration “We’ve also recorded some great segments of our contractors, who have really got behind and the attention required to address these with local politicians talking about what Pride supporting the digital festival. We must really very important issues and hopefully have a means to them, a hilarious game show hosted thank all the contributors and performers who better understanding of any positive actions by Lola Lasagne and interviews with BAME and supported us and really hope that the public that can be taken forward. GSCENE 21

BRIGHTON & HOVE PRIDE DIGITAL FESTIVAL – ONLINE FRIDAY, JULY 31 • SATURDAY, AUG 1 • SUNDAY, AUG 2 Subscribe Now: www.youtube.com/PrideTVNetwork

Brighton & Hove Pride has announced the full schedule for the weekend’s online event, sending out “a massive thank you to all the artists who have given us permission to screen some amazing never-seen archive footage from the Brighton & Hove Pride main stage or submitted new content to stream”. & Chic, Years & Years, Jess ) 11pm: After parties: Brüt, Polyglamorous, Glynne, Billy Porter, Todrick Hall, Pabllo Dulcie Danger & King K and Jean Paul Vittar, House Gospel Choir, Bright Light Bright Gaultier presents Fat Tony.

Light, Björn Again, and loads more have LOLA LASAGNE come on board to help Pride support its ) 6-7pm: Norman Cook (), fundraising for the Brighton Rainbow Fund. SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2020 Pabllo Vittar, Bryan Chambers, Drag Juice THE SUNDAY SESSION, 8–11pm Y Free to view. Subscribe here: gameshow, Lola Lasagne, Son of a Tutu, ) 8-9pm: Hosts Stephen Bailey & Zoe Lyons www.youtube.com/PrideTVNetwork Rose Garden, Mary Mac, Spice, Alfie present from the PrideTV Network studio in Ordinary, Kara Van Park and Sophie Cook. FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2020 Brighton with Katherine Ellis, Ty Jeffries, WARM UP SHOW, 7–10pm ) 7-8pm: Dave The Bear, Peter Tatchell, Kathy Caton, Fox Fisher, Sarah Savage, Alice Kathy Caton, Peter Kyle MP, Denny, , Lucy Spraggan, Paul ) 7-8pm: Hosts Stephen Bailey & Zoe MP, Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP, MXMToon, the Diello, Hannah Brackenbury, Alfie Ordinary, Lyons present from the PrideTV Network Cocoa Butter Club, Jordan Charles and Sadie Joe Black, Miss Disney, Miss Hope Springs, studio in Brighton with Alfie Ordinary, Sinner. Davina Sparkle. Kathy Caton, Peter Kyle MP, Caroline Lucas MP, Lloyd Russell-Moyle MP, Nova Twins, ) 8-9pm: Mzz Kimberly, Chrissy Darling, ) 9-10pm: Drag Juice gameshow Part 2, Rosie Jones, Joy Crookes, Andrea Walker, L Devine, DJ Affy, Layton Williams, The Fickle Friends, Lascel Wood, Dolly Rocket, Alice Denny, Rasmussan, Mayor of Prancing Elites and Billy Porter. The Powder Room, Chiyo, Lola Lasagne and Brighton & Hove, Cllr Alan Robins, and more. more ) 9-10pm: Years & Years (2017), Todrick Hall, House Gospel Choir, Björn Again and ) 10-11pm: The Powder Room and The Glory. Jess Glynne. Full content plus extras will be available to view ) 10-11pm: Bright Light Bright Light, after the show. Nile Rodgers & CHIC and more. Y www.youtube.com/PrideTVNetwork ALICE DENNY ALICE ) Warm-up party 8-10pm: Jean Paul Gaultier presents Fat Tony

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 THE MAIN EVENT, 5–11pm ) 5-6pm: Hosts Stephen Bailey & Zoe Lyons present from the PrideTV Network studio in Brighton, featuring: A Virtual Pride Community Parade with archive parade footage, Katherine Ellis, Dame Amy and Kate Wildblood. 22 GSCENE 1972 GAY DAY COURTESY OF BISHOPSGATE INSTITUTE, LONDON OF BISHOPSGATE COURTESY DAY 1972 GAY

Allowing for what was probably a late night, Saturday began with a “ March starting THE GAY DAY BEFORE PRIDE from Norfolk Square, Western Road at 2.30pm. Alf Le Flohic looks back at the founding years of We shall march down to the seafront and along Brighton’s gay movement to the fish market opposite the Ship Hotel, distributing leaflets as we go.” (SGLF newsletter) That was to be followed by another disco ) On a windy afternoon in October 1972, a end to their treatment as psychiatric cases, (obviously), which was held at the Royal Albion small group of people gathered between the to reject all we have been told to feel about Hotel, with tickets costing 50p each. Sunday was piers on Brighton seafront. There were roughly ourselves. We want only one thing – that the a gay picnic back on the beach to the west of 20 of them with an assortment of banners, love of a homosexual should be treated on the the Palace Pier. According to Gay News the dance badges and a great deal of courage. This was same basis as the love of a heterosexual, so at the Royal Albion was “highly successful”, the Sussex Gay Liberation Front (SGLF) and that all people in our society can realise their attracting 200 people, and the SGLF were they were there to make a point. full potential”. “undeterred by Brighton Council’s rather pathetic refusal to allow them to hold dances on Mark Rowlands, one of the founding The 1972 Gay Day (pictured) specifically corporation property”. members, remembers “we followed King’s Road campaigned for an equal age of consent. along to the Palace Pier and round into the At that time it was 21 and came with a host SGLF member Bob Apps booked venues for SGLF . We did our best to make our of conditions: only in private accommodation and even managed to arrange a couple of dances presence felt. “Give us G”, someone yelled. (not hotels), no one else be present in the in the Royal Pavilion dining room, with the “Give us an A. Give us a Y. What does that building (even in a different room). kitchen becoming a bar for the evening. Fellow spell?” “GAY”, we tried to roar. “And what is member Doug Coupe said: “Bob was a very brave The march was originally intended to move Gay?” “Good!”” man and overcame many difficult confrontations, down Western Road into the main shopping not least in his dealings with local authority area but, at the last minute, officials re-routed representatives who at that time did not conceal “It was the beginning of it for fear that “the gays’ banners might cause their disapproval of gay people.“ a breach of the peace.” (Gay News) a whole notion that you Unfortunately the turnout for Gay Pride had “On Brighton’s Lower Esplanade a gang of eight been disappointing as SGLF spokesman Graham could be lesbian or gay or nine youths began jeering and a scuffle Philips told Gay News: “many homosexuals in and not be ashamed” broke out. Police intervened, but no arrests ‘responsible jobs’ steered clear of the demo march were made.” (Argus) for fear of being publicly identified and perhaps Not to be deterred, the SGLF decided to sacked as a result.” SGLF started life in January 1971, comprised organise a bigger event for the following year. On a side note, that very thing happened to of students and staff at the University of London had had its first Gay Pride march on Doug Coupe. He was a teacher in the local area, Sussex, along with and from July 1, 1972, the nearest Saturday to the but after being outed he had “a very difficult the town. Co-founder Simon Watney anniversary of the on June 28, time, for years”, until he left the job. remembers "The idea that one is Glad to be 1969, so it made sense for Brighton to follow Gay may sound terribly naïve today, but it was suit. Graham Phillips told Gay News that nevertheless the beginning of a whole notion that you “the march was one more step towards getting could be lesbian or gay and not be ashamed, Brighton’s Gay Pride in 1973 was a whole homosexuality accepted.” and stand up for yourself. It gave people weekend of events, starting with a disco at So when you celebrate Pride, think about the confidence." the Stanford Arms (now The Joker) on Friday, July 6, the regular meeting place for the SGLF. people that came before you, before me, who The GLF wanted “to bring homosexuals That was followed by a midnight wedding had the guts to stand up for who they were, together in a different atmosphere, away from between John Roman Baker and Graham when violence and abuse were frequently the the ghetto, away from isolation, to bring an Wilkinson on the beach. consequences, they did it anyway. GSCENE 23

the brothers in gay liberation will have to be prepared to sacrifice that degree of male THE GLF - SO MUCH chauvinism and male privilege that they still all possess.” MORE THAN ‘SO-GAY’ Today the phrase ‘toxic masculinity’ is bandied about across social media, including by some Craig Hanlon-Smith charts the history of the original who then display the very behaviours they claim gay activists to protest, it is sure to find its way on to a T-shirt near you very soon. The direction the GLF took was to see straight male hegemony as ) The Gay Liberation Front (GLF) first met in satisfaction? Equality is itself an intellectually the oppressor, yes of , but also of women a basement at the London School of described construct that in many ways cannot and that the sisterhood of women was critical Economics on October 13, 1970, and initially and perhaps should not be achieved. to the movement. comprised 19 people. Meetings continued in Betterment and equality aren’t the same thing. secret as the authorities of the day saw the Addressing the issue The GLF also understood that it couldn’t do movement in the same way they examine of traditional gender this alone and aligned with other liberation underground terrorist cells today. Often roles, the GLF movements, those of women, black people, meetings were arranged with short notice and manifesto states: the Irish, who were vilified on these shores in in venues including market warehouses in the “By our very 1970 and for many years after, but they also dead of night to avoid detection. To think of a existence as gay championed working-class freedom. Readers network of individuals communicating without people, we challenge may be familiar with the film Pride, which any form of contemporary means to begin these [gender] roles. champions the LGBTQ+ movement’s support of their revolution is as secretive and daring as it It can easily be seen the 1980s miners’ strike, culminating with the is inspiring. But their manifesto is often that homosexuals miners marching in Pride London in 1985 in mistaken as a statement on gay rights when it don’t fit into the solidarity with us. was so much more. Peter Tatchell defines stereotypes of those early writings as a “pioneering, far- The GLF of course went much further. While masculine and feminine and this is one of the sighted agenda for both social and personal critical of working-class misogyny and the main reasons why we become the object of transformation”. Quite the promise. queer suppression from the left of politics suspicion, since everyone is taught that these through what came to be known as and only these two roles are appropriate… homophobia, the GLF saw itself as playing a popular morality, art, literature and sport all major role in the freedom of all people reinforce these stereotypes. In other words, this through anti-imperialist and anti-capitalist society is a sexist society in which one’s movements. While some of these agendas are biological sex determines almost all of what one in discussion and protest today, the mass- does and how one does it; a situation in which marketing of Anarchy and Extinction Rebellion men are privileged, and women are mere T-shirts on the high street plays to a token adjuncts of men and objects for their use, both political agenda embracing a feeling of sexually and otherwise.” activism, while embracing the fabric of We often think of the gender debate, which is capitalism and feeding its belly. The GLF was very much alive across our contemporary social never for sale. media channels, but that has become about a Most importantly, the grassroots movement of self-definition. Non-binary is itself a defining those early days in the 1970s argued that label and can be bought at a discount clothing queer people needed allies, most notably retailer in our online and high street stores.

PETER TATCHELL PIC BY CHRIS JEPSON CHRIS BY PIC PETER TATCHELL women, and embraced the feminism movement. Token politics but feeding the belly. The manifesto was not defined or developed From the GLF manifesto: “As we cannot carry On the date of the London Pride march in July from an intellectual perspective, or from an out this revolutionary change alone, and as this year, some of the original activists from equality agenda prescribed by government the abolition of gender roles is also a 1970 marched through London, their politics departments, nor did the early GLF have the necessary condition of women’s liberation, we raw and as clear as when they first painted support of corporate sponsored charities will work to form a strategic alliance with the their placards 50 years ago. Together, and in championing what we now call (among other women’s liberation movement, aiming to solidarity and without a sponsor in sight. In the definitions) the LGBTQ+ community or agenda. develop our ideas and our practice in close name of the liberation and emancipation of all It was created by grassroots activism quite inter-relation. In order to build this alliance, people. We thank them. literally underground and driven by the belief in the betterment of life for queer people. Queer was an adjective developed in mainstream society as a slur, the GLF took hold of it and turned the idea of being queer into a powerful changemaker.

While the GLF was calling for an end to LONDON 1971 GLF DEMO heterosexist discrimination, equal rights was not the focus. Peter Tatchell: “Equality was a far too limiting agenda. It went beyond mere equal rights; seeing society as fundamentally unjust and seeking to change it, to end the oppression of queers – and straights.” How many hard-won ‘equal-rights’ now feel empty and without the promised sparkle of 24 GSCENE

less prejudice than the rest of the UK, too, which is just another thing to be proud of. Reuben isn’t the only one to attest to this either – the Stonewall School Report of 2017 highlighted how the south east had the lowest percentage of LGBTQ+ pupils being bullied in schools, with almost 20% fewer being bullied than in some other parts of the UK. The statistics speak for themselves, but Reuben says even in the south east Brighton stands out as being more inclusive than other areas. As to be expected with Allsorts being a youth support group, Reuben has intimate knowledge of the experience of LGBTQ+ students, and tells me: “The experience of young people at school [in HOW FAR HAVE WE REALLY West Sussex] highly differs to the experience of young people in Brighton schools. I think it’s COME IN 30 YEARS OF QUEER? always a mixed experience of coming out [but] 2020 marks 30 years of Brighton & Hove Pride. Maibh Shiels, a largely, young people in Brighton have a more positive experience of coming out than the student of Journalism at the University of Sussex, asks how young people of West Sussex do, but obviously much progress has been made in the city in that time that always depends on the young people

themselves, and also their identity, and their friend group and their year group.” ) While the Pride flag flies in Brighton, people with extremist views towards other However, he suggests that might have things weren’t always as bright as they now minority groups also impacts the LGBTQ+ something to do with Brighton being a city: seem, and still may not be. As we celebrate community negatively.” “Cities generally have a more progressive what Brighton & Hove Pride is calling 30 Years Since the vote on Brexit in 2016, there has atmosphere [whereas] rural areas might struggle Of Queer, it’s time to revisit the past, see how been a further rise in toward those more with HBT. West Sussex and East Sussex are far we’ve come, and establish how far we still who are LGBTQ+, showing that HBT is not a large counties which are very rural, and the have to go. While Brighton is now a city full problem that is going away, but in fact atmosphere feels different in those places.” of pride, that doesn’t mean it is entirely free worsening. So, how much have the 30 Years Of Either way, the south east, and Brighton from prejudice – rainbows aren’t all sunshine Queer really done for queer people? especially, is embracing and accepting the and no rain. LGBTQ+ community more than anywhere else in They have allowed people to come out and be Brighton & Hove Pride’s 2020 event, and its the UK. While HBT is still existent in the UK, it proud. While the statistics show a rise in the 30th anniversary celebrations, have had to be is less prevalent in Brighton. number of hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people, postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but they also show a rise in the number of people the 30-year anniversary will still be celebrated who identify as LGBTQ+, which might explain next year. I spoke to Reuben Davidson, a “The UK may still have a which the crime statistics are on the increase. worker at the LGBTQ+ youth support group Reuben himself acknowledges: “Being out and Allsorts, to see if the progress made in those problem with HBT, but proud will always incite a response. Pride, as 30 years was worth celebrating. an event, can incite quite strong responses Brighton is fighting it, and Reuben feels that “we still have a way to go”. from people who normally wouldn’t have an fighting for the LGBTQ+ Allsorts has been fighting homophobia, opinion about the LGBTQ+ community.” and transphobia (HBT) for 20 of community, and has It’s clear that in the 30 Years Of Queer and in these 30 Years of Queer, and it hasn’t all been the many years before, people such as Reuben been for over 30 years” Pride celebrations and festivals. Reuben was fought for LGBTQ+ rights, and the community honest with me about the challenges that hasn’t only grown stronger, but much bigger, both the organisation and he personally have Brighton is certainly proud, and even though with people feeling comfortable to identify faced: “I’ve experienced quite a lot of the event has been postponed there is no themselves as part of it. While that may not transphobia and homophobia. There [are] still doubting that whenever Pride does happen it always evoke positive responses, there is a problems with HBT in Brighton & Hove, and will be one for the history books, with cabaret whole community and many support groups, across the country, and across the world.” tents, queer theatre, dance tents, spoken word, including Allsorts, that are there for those and much more, including performances from a There is no denying that HBT is an ongoing who face HBT and in Brighton, at least, that host of queer artists who span the 30 years of problem in Brighton, and the UK generally, much makes a huge difference. I asked Reuben Brighton & Hove Pride’s existence. There is and perhaps even a growing one, with how he thought we compared to the rest of undoubtedly much to celebrate. The UK may still instances of hate crimes motivated by sexual the UK, and he admits we differed somewhat. have a problem with HBT, but Brighton is orientation and steadily “In Brighton there’s less likely to be overt HBT fighting it, and fighting for the LGBTQ+ increasing year on year in the eight years such as physical attacks – I think that’s less community, and has been for over 30 years now. preceding 2019. likely because of the culture of the city being As Reuben puts it: “We’re dedicated, committed quite inclusive of LGBTQ+ on the whole... I Reuben spoke to the challenges caused by the to tackling HBT, and I think the city as a whole think microaggression is still certainly an surge in extremist views over the past few is receptive of that.” issue.” years, particularly the growing hostility Brighton has definitely come far in our 30 Years towards immigrants, admitting: “Extremist So, while it’s clear Brighton isn’t yet of Queer, and if that’s not a reason to be proud, views are spilling out to [affect] other completely free from prejudice, there’s no I don’t know what is. minority groups as well [as towards doubting it does have pride, and has had for immigrants]. Providing political platforms to 30 years now. It seemingly has more pride and ) For more info, visit: www.allsortsyouth.org.uk GSCENE 25

In 2004 Pride gained charitable status with an aim to educate on issues affecting LGBTQ+ REVOLUTION people and to make grants available to voluntary and charitable groups, and at that time higher- profile performers joined the roster of local and AND EVOLUTION LGBTQ+ performers, but money problems dogged Jaq Bayles takes a look back over Prides past the event. The entry fee to the park was introduced in 2011 but in 2012 the organisation went bust and new management took over. be misremembering, but they were certainly a far cry from the glitz, glamour, sparkle, shine and corporate backing of more recent festivals, the last of which attracted an estimated 300,000 people to Pride events around the city. Since 1997 Pride has been held on the first FATBOY SLIM BY CHRIS JEPSON CHRIS SLIM BY FATBOY weekend of August, but the original May date ) We've come a long way, as we’re reminded was set to allow Pride From there Pride has grown and flourished, with in the lyrics of Praise You by Fatboy Slim, who to coincide with the a broadening out of performance spaces made his Pride debut at the Wild Fruit Dance , and reflecting the diversity of the communities Tent in 2012 on Preston Park. Yet there still the 1991 event throughout Brighton and the event becoming a remains a long way to go, even 30 years after included an Alternative major highlight of the city’s year. Brighton Area Action Against Miss Brighton show took to the streets to protest the banning of hosted by Lily Savage Personally I miss the days when the park was councils and schools from “promoting the and Simon Fanshawe more lightly populated, making it easy to teaching of the acceptability of homosexuality in Brighton Station car alternate swiftly between Women's Tent and as a pretended family relationship”. Introduced park. Main Stage with the certain knowledge of under Margaret Thatcher’s government in bumping into familiar faces at every turn, but The change in date didn’t guarantee any 1988, Section 28 didn’t end in the UK until evolution has to happen. Pride attracts better weather – there have been occasions 2003, but the Brighton protests were the thousands of tourists to the city, contributing when a relentless deluge has attacked the day, foundation for the Pride we know today, if a massively to the economic health of Brighton & delighting those who suggest the sun only very different animal back then. Hove and raising to date more than £920,000, shines on the righteous but failing to dampen supporting hundreds of community organisations the spirits of festival-goers. with grants through the Brighton Rainbow Fund, Pride Social Impact Fund and Pride Cultural Development Fund. It may not be here in body this year but its spirit lives on and the online event has worked hard to involve community groups and provide entertainment for all. However you celebrate your Pride in 2020, keep safe and remember why As Alf Le Flohic pointed out five years ago in it exists. Brighton may be celebrated for its Pride 25 – The Pride: “Pride inclusivity but it is far from being representative Over the years Pride has diversified in line in 1991 was very homemade but very ambitious of much of the rest of England, let alone the with the communities it represents, and with a festival of events around town over the world. We’ve come a long, long way, but we following the entry into the parade in 2001 of May bank holiday, ending in a Pink Picnic in haven’t yet arrived. Preston Park.” a group of self-identified trans people in an open top bus, the T was added to LGB, making MORE INFO The event was back at Preston Park the the event specifically inclusive of Brighton’s D Alf Le Flohic: Pride 25 – The History of following year, but in 1993 it ended with a growing trans community in all Pride in Brighton Pride www.brighton-pride.org/history- Pink Picnic in Queen’s Park and in 1994 and Brighton & Hove publications, press releases of-brighton-pride/ 1995 migrated to The Level. I always think of and websites. Of course, many still miss the D www.gscene.com/news/putting-the-t-in- The Level gatherings as just featuring a drag Gay – or any other defining word or acronym – lgb-at-brighton-pride-2002/ queen on the back of a flatbed lorry and two prefacing Pride, but that word alone has come D www.pride-events.co.uk/brighton-pride- dykes with a trestle table – I may, of course, to be synonymous with LGBTQ+ communities history/ the world over. BELEZA SCHOOL OF SAMBA 26 “There’s still some waytogo inthe UKfor true Why isPridein2020soimportant? along toourmusic. It’s anamazing feeling.” “It hastobespectatorssinging and dancing Favourite Pridememory? own floateversince.” loved itsomuch thatwe’veperformed onour on the Brighton &Hove Albion FCfloat. We “Our firstPride wasin2015and weperformed When was your first Pride? playing them for fun.” will bebrushing uponourPride tunes and “We hope tostartrehearsing againsoonand ) SUSSEX STEELCREATIVE DIRECTOR LEE NELSON but 2018wasaveryspecial yearfor usasit “We’ve joined the Parade for overfiveyears, When was your first Pride? activities toall inthe LGBTQ+ community.” families’ perceptions of normal children’s link toyoung LGBTQ+ boysand girlsand their games, etc. We were hoping tobring acloser game everybody wins’ –board games, family costumes inspired bykids’ games. ‘Sambaisa “We hadanew theme planned, bringing ) BELEZA SCHOOLOFSAMBA LEANDRO BELEZA What are your plansfor Pride2020? What were your plansfor Pride2020?

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positive aboutthe future.” protect allof ourmembers. We are very guarantee wesurvivethese challenges and working hard withaplanthatwillfirstly “We don't know. At the moment we’re just What doesthefuture holdfor your group? throughout the year.” world for the betterand savelives community groups thathelp change our to supportthe amazing charities and “There's stillsomuch todo and westillneed Why isPridein 2020soimportant? and Aphrodite tothe Pride Parade.” like lastyearwhen webrought the Greeks remembering some of ourprevious parades, “To share and enjoydigital Pride together, What are your plansfor Prideweekend? Saturday Parade wasperfect.” moments throughout the weekend butthe the Pride Parade. We haveunforgettable of the Drums inBrazil's carnival,joined usat made historyasthe firsttransgender Queen “2018 wasalsothe yearCamilaPrins, who Favourite Pridememory? community.” & SambaRoyalty, supporting ourLGBTQ+ We paraded withthe theme Brighton Royalty Carnival happened and wefelt trulyblessed. samba school. Since then ourbaptisminRio was the firstyearweparaded asanofficial performance highlights of the year. ” continue toperform atPride asit’sone of our the joyof playing steelpan.We’ll certainly “To introduce asmany peopleaspossible to What doesthefuture hold? face persecution for being LGBTQ+.” equality and many peoplearound the world

SUSSEX STEEL response from the crowd wasamazing.” of BLAGSS in2016,for the firsttime. The “Marching through the cityinthe parade aspart Favourite Pridememory? themselves’.” everyone happy, feeling safetobe‘just “The colours, the vibrancy of the parade and When was your first Pride? few drinks.” “A quieter Pride, meeting upwithfriends for a ) CHAIR BLAGSS JOHN MOORE the social interaction withfriends.” are allowed. As wellassportourmembers miss and the rest are keen torestart assoonthey “Some BLAGSS sportshavebeenabletorestart What doesthefuture hold? not asfortunate asus.” demonstrating thistothe worldwhere many are forefront of gayrights inthe UKand event inourcity, and tocontinue tobeatthe “It isimportant tocelebrate Pride, the biggest Why isPridein 2020soimportant? What are your plansfor Pride2020?

BLAGSS SUSSEX STEEL GSCENE 27 ACTUALLY GAY MENS’ CHORUS GAY ACTUALLY

CHRIS TIPPETT Actually, it is impossible to pick a favourite. ACTUALLY GAY MEN’S CHORUS From the honour of taking our debut album GUILLEN FRANCISCO ) What have you planned for Pride 2020? performance to the main stage, to being “Pride has kicked off early at Actually GMC surprise guests of Dave Lynn and singing FRANCISCO GUILLEN

with a fun LGBTQ+ themed quiz night via Hava Nagila in four-part harmony. BRIGHTON GAY MEN’S CHORUS ) “I love Pride and dressing up. I always try to Zoom and some filming preparations as we “The sweetest memory - one of our Pride get to the Ford tent and have my picture taken. are excited to join the virtual We Are concerts was halted for a marriage proposal It’s become a ritual. But most of all singing on FABULOSO! Pride parade. (thankfully the answer was yes); and the the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus float. I’ll miss it funniest - the boys performed an ABBA “In normal circumstances, of course, we this year. So next year let’s make it bigger! x” would be in final rehearsals about now for medley, complete with Miss Jason taking to our annual Pride concerts. Actually Fabulous, the stage dressed as Agnetha.” our 15th anniversary concerts, have been What are your plans for Pride weekend? postponed to 2021. We will still be meeting “There will no doubt be socially distanced to rehearse weekly but in these challenging merriment supporting our re-emerging times we equally spend time together LGBTQ+ bar scene, or for those now socially online for the welfare of our cautiously exiting Covid shielding, perhaps a members and that of our wider Actually takeaway pint from our friends at the family.” Southern Belle, to raise an alfresco toast to When was your first Pride? friends no longer with us this year.” “Our members all have different experiences Why is Pride in 2020 so important? of their first Pride. Luca, Jack and Chiddy “Pride encourages us to reflect on the have recounted stories of more recent Pride history of struggle and the lives of our

party celebrations, while Bill was there at LGBTQ+ siblings who were at the forefront of GUILLEN FRANCISCO the first: the civil rights movement, both in the US “My first Pride was in London and we and the UK. This experience of otherness is travelled from Liverpool in 1972 and slept on why the Black Lives Matter movement SIMENON HONORÉ

the floor of Euston Station until the Tubes resonates with us. In acknowledging that GLF VETERAN ) started. We joined the first ever Pride parade racism exists within the LGBTQ+ community, “As a GLF veteran, the explosive excitement of from Embankment. We were the Liverpool and understanding that otherness is Gay Pride in the early 1970s is my enduring representatives of the Campaign for intersectional, we hope to make Actually an memory. We were breaking new ground, often in Homosexual Equality (CHE), and we were so even more welcoming place.” the face of opposition not only from the proud to march with the guys from all over establishment but from others in the LGBTQ the world along with UK to make a What does the future hold for Actually community who statement to the government. The police GMC? were afraid we moved us away from Downing Street and “More of the same. Our rehearsals and socials were "upsetting Parliament Square. The unity of us all, will remain virtual until it is safe for all our the apple cart", straight and gay, men and women, was a members to meet – but we simply cannot which indeed we thrill to be part of. We were all so grateful to wait to sing together again. Plans are afoot were. GLF were like be part of it and have the world watching already for our Christmas programme, which the 'shock troops' us, and a bit shocked by the bold, positive is always a highlight of the year for who punched a attitude of us all. The news reported on the audiences and members alike and we will hole in the telly, a concern about what our families announce more details later in the year.” consensus that we

would think; the chant was ‘We're Proud to Fancy joining us? New members always HONORÉ SIMENON could be 'tolerated' Be Gay!’ - a very new word, very different welcome! Drop us a line on social media as long as we were 'discreet'. Changes in the law from the words that were used in the past.” F T @ActuallyGMC came later. The first barrier to break was a psychological one and that, I think, was GLF's What’s your favourite Pride memory? For more info, visit: D www.actuallygmc.org/home historical contribution to our movement. That is “There are so many Pride memories for my Pride.” 28 GSCENE RAINBOW CHORUS CHRIS GULL & JOHN SAIES CHRIS CAROLINE PEARCE loves to do the most, and that is to sing CHRIS GULL RAINBOW CHORUS together. THE BRIGHTON RAINBOW FUND ) What are your plans for Pride 2020? “The Rainbow Chorus is run by committee, a ) “I remember many Prides – London, “Even though the official events of Pride small group of volunteers who throughout Brighton, Berlin... Section 28 marches to 2020 have been cancelled, I still feel it’s these hard times have managed, along with picnics in the park. This is one that I have really important to mark the date. So this the musical team, to organise weekly virtual photographic evidence for, and is from about year I’ll be meeting, at a safe distance of rehearsals, monthly RC+ sessions, part-funded 1994 I think. I was chair of a charity called course, with some friends in a Brighton park by the Brighton Rainbow Fund, and coordinate Brighton Cares, which was basically a hardship to wave flags, sing and have a picnic.” a Friday night virtual pub, the Rainbows fund for people affected by Aids/HIV. When was your first Pride? Return, where members can log on to chat or “Our logo was a heart, with a Brighton Pavilion “My first Brighton Pride was in 1996 and it join in a virtual pub quiz. The Rainbow Chorus Dome on top of it. My partner Gary designed soon became a must in my diary. I was feels it’s more important than ever to keep the logo, and then designed and made this eventually able to move here six years ago going and be there for all its members, some version to be worn. John Saies volunteered to and that’s when I joined the Rainbow Chorus. of whom are very isolated. I’d personally like walk the route wearing the logo, while I They have a float in the parade every year to say a big thank you to them all and I look carried the bucket to collect along the way. and I’ve loved being involved in the creative forward to a time when we can all meet up This looks like Preston Street, maybe St James’ process and being on the float.” and sing again and, of course, start to plan Street, or London Road... and seems deserted... the float for next year’s Pride.” I don’t know why.” What’s your favourite Pride memory? D www.rainbowchorus.org.uk “My first Pride was in London in 1989. I had watched previous Pride marches from the sidelines but never felt brave enough to take part, but when Section 28 became law I was galvanised into action to stand up, stand out and protest. With a few friends we made banners and took to the streets. It was truly one of the most liberating days of my life. “My best memories of Pride are feeling able to hold my girlfriend’s hand in public for a whole day, the empowerment of being with other LGBTQ+ people en masse, the colours, the fun and the laughter. “ Why is Pride in 2020 so important? “Pride is just as important today as always. We must remain visible – to be seen and keep LAURA JANE STEPHENS being seen. The hard-fought equalities that SOCIALLY ORGANIC have been achieved over the years can so ) “Brighton & Hove Pride is like my easily be taken away and for me it’s more Christmas, it embodies all I love about living important than ever to be seen as a trans in our beautiful city. The Pride parade is my ally. The LGBTQ+ fight is not over as no one is favourite event of the year. I love street equal until we’re all equal.” photography, capturing the beauty of the moments and seeing the same faces with What does the future hold for the Chorus? their ever-more awesome outfits as the years “At the time of writing it’s hard not being go by. The city comes to life with a pulse of able to do the thing that the Rainbow Chorus its own.” GSCENE 29 GSCENE READERS MIKE QUINN ) “I love the shot of a couple of friends leaving Bar Broadway at the end of Pride - it had been such a good day, everyone was happy and it was great to catch up with some faces I hadn't seen for a while. I just thought this pic kinda summed up the end of the weekend as the sun was setting, the streets were clearing and everyone was going home happy.“

DREW B ) “Last year was my second time at Brighton & DREW B Hove Pride but it was the first time me and my husband attended a Pride event as a married couple and it meant a lot to us. Not only did we celebrate our first Pride as husband and husband, but it was also the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment which led to us being able to be married to each other.” GARY HUNT-FRENCH ) “Me, my husband, sister and sister-in-law, having a brilliant Pride 2019.” GARY HUNT-FRENCH GARY LYNN DUNCAN ) “Our straight mate at her first Brighton & Hove Pride last year.” LYNN DUNCAN LYNN 30 GSCENE SHARON MUNNINGS BRIGHTON HOUSING TRUST (BHT) ) “Being part of the Pride community parade gives BHT staff, supporters, clients and tenants the pleasure of connecting with the community in an incredible way and to openly and proudly pledge our commitment to reducing stigma and celebrating diversity in its many forms. We absolutely love seeing the reaction of the crowd and the happiness, colour and energy which drives the whole day. As our 2019 open-top bus banner says, we are Proud to be BHT, and either as allies and/or proud members of the LGBTQ+ community, we stand in unwavering solidarity with LGBTQ+ people in the UK and around the world.” POLYGLAMOROUS PRIDE PARTY PICS BY JACK ALFIE JACK BY PICS PRIDE PARTY POLYGLAMOROUS BRIGHTON HOUSING TRUST HOUSING BRIGHTON

POLYGLAMOROUS PRIDE 2019

ROBBY DEE PHOTOGRAPHER ) “Proud memory backstage capturing Lola Lasagne, his hard work that goes into organising and hosting the Cabaret tent in Preston Park. Another year coming to an end.” LOLA LASAGNE PIC ROBBY DEE ROBBY PIC LOLA LASAGNE GSCENE 31

no scene and you certainly didn’t want to be walking down the street wearing anything that would bring attention to you as a young gay boy (although I often did, and paid a price for it), so seeing everyone being themselves at Pride for the first time

PAUL DIELLO PAUL was a real moment for me.” Favourite Pride memory? “There are so many. Performing on the main stage in 2014 was definitely a PAUL DIELLO highlight. Running the Queer Town stage in QUEER TOWN HOST Preston Park since 2018 has been a ) What are you bringing to Pride 2020? fantastic experience, working closely with “My section of the televised Pride show We the Pride team has been a dream job, they Are FABULOSO! is called Queer Town, which really are a wonderful bunch and I have is also the name of the bespoke area and such admiration for what they bring to this city every year.”

stage I’ve curated and hosted in the park & MR GREENBEARD OSARO for the previous two years. I’ve hand-picked Apart from tuning into Virtual Pride,

some fantastic local cabaret and musical what are your plans for Pride weekend? OSARO SINGER ) artists from the LGBTQ+ community, who are “I’m definitely going to get a few friends “Since 2006 Brighton & Hove Pride has been an all extremely talented at what they do, together to sit in the garden (at a social integral part of my life. My relationship with and including Alfie Ordinary, Miss Disney, Joe distance of course) and watch the show perspective of Pride has changed over the years Black and Hannah Brackenbury. I also over a few drinks and celebrate together in depending on my involvement. My first Pride was brought a couple of my own band members our sparkliest outfits.” watching/clubbing/partying, the atmosphere was and performed a short set of my original electric and at last I felt at home celebrating with a material.” Why is Pride in 2020 so important? larger community. I’ve marched, performed on floats “Pride is even more important in 2020 as (once one broke down, we had to be pushed off the How was the filming and was it difficult there are so many people out there who main route on to a side street... Well… we carried to perform without a big audience? aren’t in great home situations, who may on regardless and started our own street party). I’ve “I loved it. I’ve done quite a bit of local TV be living with unsupportive parents or helped to manage and perform in tents (Calabash) in work so am quite used to filming without family members, possibly subjected to Preston Park, sang in clubs, at an audience. The set that the Pride team physical violence as well as emotional a fashion show as well as the have created for We Are FABULOSO! is just abuse, and they haven’t been able to Official Pride Street Party on wonderful and it’s the first thing I’ve done escape or get as much outside support due numerous occasions. I achieved out of the house since lockdown, so it was to lockdown. Virtual Pride is a reminder to one of my ambitions to perform extra special.” those people that they aren’t alone, that on the main stage while my When was your first Pride? there is support out there and they are part music videos showed on the “My first Pride was in the early 2000s when of a community. I think it’s wonderful that large screens. I often look back I first moved to Brighton and I’ve been Brighton & Hove Pride has put this show with a smile and ask myself: back every year since. I remember just together and I’m so honoured to be part of ‘Did this really happen?’ being completely wowed by the acceptance, it.” PERFORMING ON THE MAIN OSARO 2012 STAGE “Pride has enabled me to understand my identity. As the freedom, the confidence, the beauty. I D www.pauldiello.com a person of colour I didn’t have any role models, so came from Worthing, which at the time had F /pauldiellomusic T /pdiello if I in some way can inspire others to believe in themselves then that’s my job well done. On a visit to Birmingham I was thanked by three young people who said that they enjoyed my music and performances at Brighton & Hove Pride. It was a humbling experience for me to see how my presence lifted their spirits. “I respect the ethos of Brighton & Hove Pride, helping to raise the global struggle of our extended family. When I went Istanbul I decided to go to the only openly in the city. The staff recognised me from online LGBTQ+ press and thanked me for visiting. We sat and talked about our experiences of being gay. and they told me they received death threats purely for being openly gay and for working in an openly gay environment. Naturally I hugged them and said that they weren’t alone and had my KATHY MURRAY love, support and respect. At this point their eyes GSCENE READER welled up with tears. ) “I was on the Gscene cover with a man “Living in Brighton I feel very privileged and will with an amazing headdress. I was attending endeavour to work towards equality, not only here Pride with friends who lived in Brighton. but on a global scale whenever I get the My brother, known locally as Pink Peter, opportunity. Long may we march with PRIDE.” lived there until he died a few months earlier. That Pride was so meaningful to me.” #Pride #Diversity #Acceptance #Equality #Representation 32 GSCENE

RAINBOW FAMILIES ) What are your plans for Pride 2020? “Rainbow Families has always had a place at Pride. Families of all kinds come out to celebrate. Although MICHELE ALLARDYCE the park hasn’t always been child friendly, for the GSCENE DESIGNER past few years there has been a family area and this ) “My first Brighton Prides were the ones cooking vats of food for the Lunch Positive has been greatly enjoyed by all families. where a few hundred people marched Pride community café; and taking photos through town with their banners and ended for Gscene so there would be at least some “This year, we will be watching and enjoying Virtual with a Pink Picnic in Preston Park (1991 & representation of the lesbians. Pride. Some of our children’s schools have been 1992), in Queens Park (1993), and The “In 1995, when I was celebrating Pride Month. It’s Pride every day in our Level (1994 & 1995). world.” putting on queer club “Over the years since 1991 I’ve enjoyed night Housewife’s When was your first Pride? taking part in Pride in one way or another: Choice with Queen Jo “In 2014 Rainbow Families joined the Disco-themed designing Pride party flyers and Pride and Kate Wildblood, we Pride parade for the first time in many years. We programmes; drumming with XiXi at took part in the Pride elected to walk half the parade length with our Shameless Hussies; DJing at Pride parties march dragged up as children and buggies. The Pride parade team helped with Queen Jo, Kate, Affy Wajid, Fiona and ‘glamorous’ housewives. us leave the parade on London Road where we peeled Bettina, for Wild Fruit, Housewife’s Choice, Dressed in a bright pink full-length evening off for a picnic at The Level. Room 101, Sophie’s Girlfriend and dress, Gloria Swansn style pink turban and “The 2014 event was such a success we worked with Calabash; DJing and drumming in Preston silver slingbacks, I pushed my hostess the Pride team to make the 2015 Pride even more Park at the Calabash tent with Affy, Pushy trolley from the Peace Statue to The Level, family friendly and we C and Geoffrey Williams; drumming with unfortunately losing a wheel somewhere walked the full parade Flo, Al Start, Invisible Plane and Clarkie in along Western Road… At the end of the day and joined the fun in the Women’s Performance tent when it was I cursed and grimmaced all the way back to the family tent. We have run by Al Start, Nicky Mitchell and the late Hove, on my own, feet rubbed raw and marched every year Sheila McWattie; playing with Brighton barely in control of the now three wheeled RAINBOW FAMILIES since then and in 2019 School of Samba and with Barulho for the trolly. Even by Brighton standards I must had our first Rainbow B&HCC LGBT Workers’ Forum in the parade; have looked a right sight!” Families Pride Bus, which the kids loved to bits.” Favourite Pride memory?

“All the kids and adults FLO 2001 loved the bus at Pride last year. It saved little legs. It meant the adults could relax; we didn’t have to carry everything that a child needs for the parade route. The kids absolutely loved throwing sweets from the open top bus and squirting people with water pistols from the top.” Why is Pride in 2020 so important? “Rainbow Families has been around as long as people have, and Pride and visibility are important every year. It’s important for the world to see that families are special and full of love, no matter what kind they are.” ROOM 101 PRIDE PARTY What does the future hold? CLARKIE @ WOMEN’S PERFORMANCE TENT 2006 “Rainbow Families is all about providing a social network for our families to grow up in, allowing parents and children to meet and play with families like theirs. Post-lockdown we will be back to arranging events where families can connect and build friendships through activities for all age ranges, soft play, socials, camping and activities for older kids, like water sports at Hove Lagoon and dry slope skiing at Knockhatch.” AL START BAND 2008 BAND AL START DRAG WITH NO NAME LEGENDS CABARET TENT 2014 BY CHRIS JEPSON and one year, in particular, Chorus co-founder “We putlotsof pride and effort into ourfloats Favourite Pridememory? We got nothing butpure joyand love.” outpouring of lovefrom those inthe but whattookusbysurprisewasthe like dressing upasacowboy?It wasgreat fun Brokeback Mountain week and took part inourfirstparade with our that yearwehadourfirstconcert during Pride BrightonGMC. We formed inJanuary 2005,and even better, why it'sgood tosing with singing, why it'sgood tosing inagroup and, giving outinformation onthe virtuesof year. We alsohaveastallinthe Pride Park, arrangements and choreography updated each Community Parade withuniquemusical during Pride, and wetake partinthe “One of ourthree shows ayearisproduced Tell usaboutBrightonGMC’s first Pride... postpone the show tillnext year.” the current situation we'vedecided to share withour friends and fans, butinlight of warming stories thatwewere soexcited to some amazingly touching, funny and heart- stories from ourmembers. We havecollected various aspectsof coming out,withpersonal LGBTQ+ lives. It wouldhavereflected onthe educated audiences aboutthe experiences of show, which carried amessage and hopefully “This yearwewanted tocreate abig joyous ) MEN’S CHORUS BRIGHTON GAY

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Pride Social ImpactFund. We hope peoplewill fundraiser for the Brighton RainbowFund and gorgeous glitter-filledoutfits!Pride isavital talking extravagant and unapologetically And, ifpastyearsare anything togo by, we’re have wornonourfamously outrageous floats. several members towatchinwhatthey would parties toget involvedin.We’re expecting there willbeafewsocial-distanced watch- “We’re veryexcited towatch What are your plansfor Prideweekend? outrageous costumes.” make upfor itwithenergy, coloursand had tointroduce aheight limitsonow we Community Float again,butalsothe organisers but itwasworthit.ThatyearwewonBest from allourmembers todecorate itstwotiers, double-decker bus. It tookenormous effort lorry they hired wasmassive, tallerthana we wanted tomake Julie A we were going torepresent year’s Pride theme, The Musicals. Afterall,if it wastime toenter abigger floatfor that Silvio Grasso, withtwoother members, decided support localcharities, projects and community still donate generously asfunds willhelp

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SOUND OF MUSIC FLOAT PRIDE 2007 BGMC PRIDE 2019 PIC SIMON PEPPER Tim Nail and assistant music director Jack which includes music director and accompanist chorus director, Joe Paxton, and hismusic team, (this iswhen the ginand wine come out).Our online training module, and Zoom social activities smaller break room for different voice parts, includes ourregular Tuesday rehearsal, with developed the Virtual BrightonGMC, which “We adapted veryquickly tothe pandemic and What doesthefuture hold? and never taken away.” the rights thatwere fought for are safeguarded, we're alsoreminded tobevigilant. To make sure we celebrate ourequality and achievements, and movement? We thinkitshould beboth.At Pride be aparty/celebration orshould itbeapolitical lives. Everyyearthe question arises:should Pride able toexperience, without fearof stigma ortheir choice; it'sahuman right thateveryone should be killed for who they love. Falling inloveisn’ta legally imprisoned, oppressed, and, insome cases, there are stillcountries where peoplecanbe it wasthen. It's essential toremind peoplethat march inJuly1973.Pride isasimportant today as demonstration inOctober1972and afullPride the US and Pride beganinourcitywithagay “The firstPride marches were organised in1970 Why isPridein2020soimportant? the current climate.” groups thatwillneed support more thaneverin will callthe year-long celebration SweetSixteen!” only beenpostponed, and maybe next yearwe project inBrighton &Hove. So,ourplans have producing ayouthLGBTQ+ schools engagement Ensemble toengage withmore events and the Chorus, including establishing aChorus we’re busyplanning new exciting adventures for this yearholds for community choirs like ours, Brighton Dome. Although westilldon't know what have culminated inafantastic show atthe celebrated our 15th Anniversarywhich would about ourmembers. Thisyearwewouldhave Their Pitches', however there’s nothing 'basic' Advanced Music Theory' and 'Basic B*tches Learn Little Madonna Needs To Know', 'Bushy Bears them: 'Vocal Technique ForDivas:WhatEvery couldn't help having alittlefunand wenamed beginners and advanced levels. Ofcourse, we modules onVocal Training and Music Theory for Simmonds, devised three 12-weektraining F D @ www.brightongmc.org brightongmc PHIL STARR & MAISIE TROLLETTE PRIDE 2002 PIC CHRIS JEPSON

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MICHAEL HYDES VILLAGE MCC PASTOR

ANDREW RAMAGE church is and how real, lived faith is fully NIGEL NASH MCC BRIGHTON PASTOR inclusive, loving and supportive. I hope we ONE BODY ONE FAITH ) “For me, Pride has always been the biggest have, over the years, helped people to see ) What are your plans for Pride 2020? event of the year in Brighton & Hove. It’s the true face of Christianity, not the twisted “Our group walks with the banner Christians At something MCC Brighton looks forward to, version all too often portrayed by people Pride. Because visibility to us is important, plans for and thoroughly enjoys. The church with phobic viewpoints. including a good mix of clergy and congregations, has been attending Pride every year since “One of the reasons that Pride 2020 is so it’s difficult for us to virtually portray this, except 2002, including the year we had a giant pink important, maybe even more important than in using pics of last year. We’ll still celebrate and vicar on the float, which was way before my previous years, is this bringing together of proclaim our message of a fully inclusive church. time. When I became the pastor of MCC the huge diversity we have here in Brighton The Christians at Pride banner is sent from Pride to Brighton I began looking at Pride, and in & Hove. Now more than ever this message is Pride around the country. Linking with other Prides particular the parade, differently. It became needed, with tensions at breaking point, is very moving and important. Centrally organised an opportunity to highlight the importance people feeling isolated, restrictions on by One Body One Faith.” of inclusion and embracing diversity. everything and people being suspicious of or “MCC Brighton works with the street even hostile towards those they see as community of Brighton & Hove, so we invited different to them. members of that community to join us in the “The Pride message of inclusivity and the parade. The parade became our focus as it beauty of diversity is vital. I’ve always allowed us to raise awareness of the work we believed that we’re all uniquely beautiful do, to give people an opportunity they’ve creations and it’s the variety of creation that never had before and to demonstrate that gives it beauty and strength. We each have community means everyone. Each year we something to offer the world, something that made small, handheld placards with positive is uniquely US and that should be not only messages on – one of my favourites was one welcomed but celebrated and embraced. with pictures of two babies, from our That’s why Pride 2020 needs to happen and LESBIAN & GAY CHRISTIANS, PRIDE 2007 CHRISTIANS, LESBIAN & GAY congregation, saying Made with Love. has a particularly important role to play in When was your first Pride? One of my favourite memories of Pride was the current crisis. MCC Brighton is taking part in the video messages as part of Pride 2020 “About 15 years ago, and then our banner was the lady dressed as a dominatrix who stepped ‘Lesbian & Gay Christians & Your Friends, Praying for out of the crowd to spank me during the because people need to hear that being their true selves is not only welcome but is also a an Inclusive Church’. My memory is the reaction of a parade. There I was, clergy collar and all, small number of church leaders, who weren’t in being lightly paddled by a woman in leather powerful message to those who want the world to conform to their view of how things favour of our participation in the parade. I also girdle and stockings, must have been quite a remember protest groups along the route, and the sight. should be. Diversity is a beautiful thing, which gives the world its colour. police having to cordon off a small group of “Although the parade is, for many of us, the religious protesters for their own protection. We highlight of Pride weekend, we also have a “During Pride weekend, MCC Brighton will be remained confident in our inclusive message, that stall in the park and at other Pride events. holding a Pride Sunday worship service at LGBTQ+ people are all welcome in our churches.” This has allowed us to have many great The Level. We do all our services outdoors making them accessible to everyone, with no Favourite Pride memory? conversations with people about faith and “My favourite is being with some young people who sexuality. It allows us to reach out to those exceptions. Community, Inclusivity, Diversity, a world-changing trinity.” were attending Pride for the first time, and felt able who have been hurt by churches in the past to walk with and carry our Christians at Pride and give them a whole new view of what D www.mccbrighton.org.uk MAURICE PARRY HANKIE QUILT HANKIE QUILT MAURICE PARRY PRIDE 2012 PARRY MAURICE HANKIE QUILT

BILL PUDDICOMBE activities and events and go along to those SUSSEX BEACON in person or virtually. I’d hope to spend time ) What are your plans for Pride 2020? catching up with friends and trying to find “We’ve been discussing with partners how we some of that Pride spirit and joy, even can run some appropriate activities on Pride without the big event at Preston Park.” weekend. Both our shops will be open on the Why is Pride in 2020 so important? Saturday and may run promotions with other “2020 has been a year full of shocks and venues nearby. Our Pride windows are always seismic changes. Pride is such a big part of a strong feature of the weekend. We are just Brighton’s year and I know that Brightonians HANKIE QUILT PRIDE 2012 BY CHRIS JEPSON CHRIS PRIDE 2012 BY HANKIE QUILT preparing our entry for the Virtual Parade. I always find a way to make it a special day. know that we are all looking for ways to It’s a time to warmly celebrate our city as preserve the spirit of the occasion, even if the home of LGBTQ+ people as a significant some of the events are not happening.” and influential community.” When was your first Pride? What does the future hold? “I am new to Brighton and my first Pride was “The Sussex Beacon has been working in 2018. A group of us walked the parade throughout the Covid-19 period. Our hospital route with banners. The weather was perfect, has provided care to people living with HIV, and I most remember the amazing energy as well as some patients who we admitted from the crowds lining the streets. It was the for a period to make room in acute wards. overwhelming sense of being part of something important and special.” “We’ve been building on our strengths in recent years. We’ve been making some major Favourite Pride memory? improvements to the building and expanding “On last year’s parade, our group were just the range of services we provide. We’re happy reaching the turn from Queen’s Road into to see the Brighton Half Marathon launch on banner. It was clearly a very important step North Road, when I spotted two guys from July 13, as we run the event and it’s another for them and very moving to be walking with Christchurch, New Zealand, who I hadn’t seen big occasion in Brighton’s calendar. in about 25 years. It was great to see them people joining us for the first time. Very “We’ll be here to provide support and care inspiring and emotional ” again. People from all over come to the best Pride celebration in the world.” for people facing the challenges of living What are your plans for Pride weekend? with HIV for as long as we are needed.” What are your plans for Pride weekend? “We will watch the virtual Pride and encourage D www.sussexbeacon.org.uk all our members to positively reference it in “I’ll wait and see where the Beacon has their churches and communities, so the message is not lost, despite current circumstances.” VINCE LAWS POET, ARTIST, PERFORMER, CAMPAIGNER Why is Pride in 2020 so important? “Even though we’re not able to physically meet, our message of inclusion is needed as much as ever this year. These are politically challenging times across the world, so the full inclusion of all LGBTQ+ people is so important and vital a message, when our rights and freedoms can still be challenged. We must never take the progress we’ve made for granted.” What does the future hold? “We’re hosting a monthly Sexuality, Gender & Faith Group to discuss all aspects of these issues. We’re also linking up with members of other faiths, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, to show our solidarity with LGBTQ people of all faiths.” D For more info, email [email protected] D www.onebodyonefaith.org.uk BTTC 36 GSCENE TONY FARAWAY SECAMB ) “Highlight of the year for Pride in SECAmb - the ambulance service’s LGBTQ+ network.” SECAMB THT 2017 THT 2015 THT CARRY ON WITH BARBARA WINDSOR2005 THT CARRY ON WITH BARBARA MARC TWEED TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST (THT) CENTRE MANAGER ) “Brighton & Hove Pride is one of the highlights of our year and we’re still determined to mark this important occasion for the LGBTQ+ community here in the city. Lockdown has been a really isolating and tough time for many of us, so staying connected and supporting one another really matters. For Pride 2020, I’m proud that THT will be taking part in the virtual We Are FABULOSO Pride parade. We've recorded a special video that celebrates the huge progress made in the fight against HIV: people living with HIV and on effective treatment can’t pass it on. “We’ve also produced a short film about trans sexual health, which was screened on Trans Pride and is available on our YouTube channel. Trans people in Brighton & Hove have the right to feel safe and supported and it's important we all do our bit, particularly as this year's celebrations come at a time of reports that the UK government is considering rolling back its commitment to trans rights, including proposals that trans people be excluded from 'single-sex spaces’. This is despite the existing protections in the Equalities Act. “We’ve also produced a set of videos focusing on health and wellbeing for the LGBTQ+ BAME community in the city, which will be available via our local social media channels. “Over the weekend, we’ll be out and about around open spaces in Kemptown, offering any information and support people might need. While the streets of Brighton might feel a little different during this year’s Pride, there’s still lots happening and many reasons to feel proud.” F @THTBrighton and F @THTBABME I Insta: @babmebrighton TANYA LEVINE GSCENE READER Y Youtube: https://bit.ly/THTBTNvideo GSCENE 37 DAVINA SPARKLE Our presence helps to reduce mental stigma DRAG ARTISTE and raise awareness and promotes LGBTQ+ mental health as a community concern. “MindOut service users join us on the bus – many would be unable to attend or take part in Pride due to issues of accessibility or mental health. One year a service user in their 70s came along, they’d never been to Pride before as they were unable to cope JASON SAW with the crowds and the noise and thought MINDOUT SERVICE MANAGER that because of their age they’d be unwelcome. Being supported to attend the ) When was your first Pride? parade really did mean the world to them, “My first Pride was in Brockwell Park, London. they felt included and part of a community As a 19-year-old gay man my experiences of and they told me that it was the happiest SPARKLE & DAVINA LOLA LASAGNE homophobia and seriously they’d ever felt about being gay. I think this affected my self-esteem and self-worth, to is probably my favourite Pride memory.” the point of crisis. I felt very alone, I was very alone - I actually hated myself. I What are your plans for Pride weekend? remember joining the march and feeling “The online festival looks exciting, so I overwhelmed emotionally; happy, proud, imagine a mix of this and celebrating with a powerful, safe... feelings very alien to me at few special people in my life.” the time. By the time I reached the park I Why is Pride in 2020 so important? cried. I think I cried because I had a sense “Lockdown has been so very difficult for of confidence never felt before and I didn’t many LGBTQ+ people, especially those of us want it to end, I didn’t want to go back to living with mental health concerns. Pride hating myself or feeling unsafe, I wanted to PRIDE 2017 SPARKLE DAVINA 2020 will be an opportunity to come stay proud. together virtually as a community and to “The sense of belonging for me is incredibly feel a little less isolated and a bit more important, as is spending the time with connected. Increased mental health issues people I care about and love. It makes me during the pandemic are such a concern, and thoughtful and reflective and gives me Pride for MindOut is an opportunity to licence to have fun, celebrate my gay life promote our services and to let people know and, most importantly, scream, shout and that we are here if they need our help or protest for LGBTQ human rights and equality.” support.” What does the future hold? “We aren’t going anywhere – we’re well established and confident in what we do and there’s need for our services, now more than ever. However, it’s fair to say that we’re a bit worried from a financial point of view. As a charity we still rely heavily on the generosity of people in the community and the support of the Brighton Rainbow Fund, which helps to fund some of our key suicide prevention

MINDOUT BUS PRIDE 2010 MINDOUT BUS services, counselling and group work. Favourite Pride memory? “We adapted fast to lockdown, developing “I often work at Pride now – it’s important new services and support interventions, for MindOut to have a presence in the parade which we have been able to deliver remotely. and in the park. There’s so much love and Our future aim is to build on the success of support for our bus in the parade, people do running services remotely and to continue to really cheer when they see us, many engage

run these and other remote services once PRIDE STREET PARTY @ QUEENS ARMS SPARKLE & DAVINA LYNN DAVE with us on the day and talk to us about their things return to normal – whatever that may or a loved one’s mental health and many look like.” people make contact after Pride, telling us how important it was to see us on the day. D www.mindout.org.uk BEAR PATROL PRIDE 2014 PIC CHRIS JEPSON CHRIS PRIDE 2014 PIC BEAR PATROL WILD FRUIT PRIDE 2007 PIC REAL BRIGHTON WILD FRUIT PRIDE 2007 PIC DYKES ON BIKES PRIDE 2002 PIC CHRIS JEPSON CHRIS ON BIKES PRIDE 2002 PIC DYKES 38 GSCENE GSCENE READERS

JB CLAPHAM BTTC PRIDE 2018 BTTC

TIM HOLTAM London Road in 2018 and everyone BRIGHTON TABLE TENNIS CLUB absolutely loving it. We had so much fun, FOUNDER & DIRECTOR it was absolutely incredible.” ) What are your plans for Pride 2020? “We will celebrate LGBTQ+ rights at BTTC Why is Pride in 2020 so important? and online for Pride 2020. We can't wait to “People need to feel love and connection, be back bigger and stronger in 2021.” particularly after the past few months of disconnect.” When was your first Pride? “BTTC first took part in the parade in 2018. What does the future hold? I just remember the feeling of love “We want to do more table tennis with more people and celebrate the diversity JB CLAPHAM throughout the city as we marched through a sea of 300,000 people cheering us on.” of our members. We have a really successful relationship with BLAGSS and Favourite Pride memory? we’re planning to set up sessions with MIKE COOKSON-TAYLOR “BTTC player Leo smashing ping pong balls Allsorts. So, watch this space.” out of his wheelchair into the crowd on D www.brightontabletennisclub.com MIKE COOKSON-TAYLOR

LUNCH POSITIVE COMMUNITY CAFÉ 2018 LUNCH POSITIVE COMMUNITY CAFÉ 2016 JAMIE HEWARD GARY PARGETER LUNCH POSITIVE SERVICE MANAGER ) “Since 2011, Lunch Positive’s involvement at Pride

has been a Community Café at Preston Park. Every HEWARD JAMIE year over 30 volunteers have given hundreds of hours to prepare and stage the café, working hard - some volunteering for 16-hour days. It’s always been a

huge amount of fun, great to be together celebrating LUNCH POSITIVE COMMUNITY CAFÉ 2016 and also doing something meaningful for our community, and has raised thousands of pounds to support people with HIV!” D www.lunchpositive.org LUNCH POSITIVE COMMUNITY CAFÉ 2014 LUNCH POSITIVE COMMUNITY CAFÉ 2010 GSCENE 39 GSCENE READERS

DAWN DRAPER What are your plans for Pride weekend? SWITCHBOARD “Myself and a few friends are organising our own little Pride celebration – what ) What are your plans for Pride 2020? this will be we do not know yet.” “Switchboard had planned to have an open-top bus in the parade as we our Why is Pride in 2020 so important? STEPHEN STEVENS celebrating our 45th anniversary, but we “It is a time to come together to are busy planning how we join the Virtual celebrate our identities, culture and the STEPHEN STEVENS ) “The man came out the crowds... everyone gasped... Pride event as it is important that we still progress we have made as a LGBTQ+ I thought ‘here we go, married at last’. It was a friend continue to celebrate everything LGBTQ.” community. It is also a time when we can (married straight) from Plymouth to surprise me. At the highlight what still needs to be changed When was your first Pride? end of the Pride parade, champagne for Hannah and me.” “My first ever Pride was in 1985 in Kennington Park, London I think. I will never forget the feeling like you had taken over London and how great it felt to be in the majority. “ SWITCHBOARD PRIDE 2009 SWITCHBOARD

and challenged, especially as homophobia SWITCHBOARD PRIDE 2005 SWITCHBOARD and transphobia have not gone away.” What does the future hold? RICHARD FACER “Switchboard is 45 years old this year and ) “Gutted that we can’t Pride with everyone this year. still going from strength to strength, Here’s last year’s pictures unicorn day. Best memory of though very different from the the day Grace Jones passing us in the shoulders of the Favourite Pride memory? befriending service it started out as. We security guard and saying ‘I love it’ when she saw our “Joined the march on a beautiful sunny will continue to work to understand and outfits.” Richard Facer from Bournemouth with day when the Pride event was held on the respond to the needs of all LGBTQ+ husband Paul and fag hags Lucy and Helen. Southbank in 1987 (I do miss the sense communities through listening, informing of it being a protest march), then ended and developing services we offer.” the afternoon listening to k.d. lang as we had never heard of her before.“ D www.switchboard.org.uk

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GSCENE 41 BAR BROADWAY CAMELFORD ARMS CAMELFORD ARMS BAR BROADWAY CAMELFORD ARMS BAR BROADWAY CAMELFORD ARMS BAR BROADWAY

BAR 7 CRAWLEY BAR BROADWAY BEDFORD TAVERN E 7 Pegler Way, Crawley, RH11 7AG E 10 Steine Street, Brighton BN2 1TE E 30 Western Street, Brighton BN1 2PG D www.bar7crawley.co.uk N Tel: 01273 609777 F @ barbroadwayuk N Tel: 01273 739495 F @ Bar7Crawley D www.barbroadwayuk.co.uk F @ BedfordTavernBrighton ) The heart of LGBTQ+ Crawley is back. You ) Bar open. Tables and reupholstered stools have been ) Not open yet so check Facebook for updates. In can now visit the Lounge Bar, where there is repositioned, and a yellow brick road has been added to the meantime, check the Facebook page for mad- table service only. The Bar 7 team says: “Yessss, help you all follow the new social distancing guidelines. cap online events. Adam and Team Bedford say: we're back bitches! We have had a little make- Before you visit, check the new ‘appless app’ (just need “We’re desperate to get our Bedford family back over, we have deep cleaned and we are Covid browser) to make your visit effortless while remaining together in our beloved Beddy, but we have a duty compliant. We can't open the nightclub and will safe. The app allows you to book a table, pre-order and of care to our fabulous staff and customers. struggle with the limited space in the Lounge, so pay for drinks from the table, contact members of staff, Implementing social distancing within such an we need your support.” virtually queue for the toilet and call a taxi. The Broadway intimate venue will be challenging. We will update Jukebox will be added soon for convenience. The Bar you with any changes. We wish all the best to our Broadway team says: “We can’t wait to have you back to fantastic local venues that did reopen on July 4 and listen to the lullabies of Broadway.” we hope to be able to join you soon. Lots of love.” 42 GSCENE GROSVENOR BAR CHARLES STREET TAP GROSVENOR BAR CHARLES STREET TAP GROSVENOR BAR CHARLES STREET TAP GROSVENOR BAR CHARLES STREET TAP

BULLDOG ALL NEW CAMELFORD ARMS CHARLES STREET TAP E 31 St James's Street, Brighton BN2 1RF E 30-31 Camelford Street, Brighton BN2 1TQ E 8 Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1TA N Tel: 01273 696996 N Tel: 01273 622386 N Tel: 01273 624091 F @ CharlesStreetTap F @ BulldogBrighton F @ TheCamelfordArms I @ camelfordarms D www.craft-pubs.co.uk/charlesstreettapbrighton D ) Not open yet so check Facebook for updates. email [email protected] ) Open for drinks and food with a new menu of small D Sam Pink and the team say: “July 4 was the second www.camelford-arms.co.uk plates, pizzas, burgers, mains, sub sandwiches, sides and anniversary of when we took over and created the ) Now open for drinks and food from 12–8pm, and desserts. See full menu at: https://bit.ly/TPK-MENU. All New Bulldog Brighton and we would have loved award-winning Sunday roasts at 12pm. Bookings Order direct to your table via app: https://bit.ly/MyPub- to celebrate with you all… But, with the thoughts of not necessary but recommended, especially if eating. Apple, http://bit.ly/MyPub-Android. We Love Quiz on the safety of our staff and customers, we’ve decid- Also back is Ben’s Quiz on Thursday at 8pm. Email Thursday at 8pm is free, with prizes on the night and ed to hold back until the risks are lower and we can to book a table or send a message on Facebook or national cash prize up to £1,500. Visit www.welove- open up safely and welcome you all back in true All Instagram. Take advantage of the government’s Eat quiz.co.uk for details. Booking in advance essential. New Bulldog style… We will announce our reopen- Out To Help Out scheme in Aug with 50% off food Charles Street team says: “We’re ready to welcome you ing date ASAP. All our love, Sam Pink and the All (up to £10 off food and non-alc drinks) every Mon, back, but some things have changed, we’ve introduced a New Bulldog Brighton team x” Tue and Wed. The Camelford crew says: “We really few measures to make sure you can sip safely.” For look forward to seeing you all again. xx” details, visit https://bit.ly/welcome-back-TPK GSCENE 43 LEGENDS MARINE TAVERN LEGENDS MARINE TAVERN LEGENDS MARINE TAVERN MARINE TAVERN LEGENDS

THE EDGE FALLEN ANGEL HAMPSHIRE BOULEVARD E Compton Walk, Southampton, SO14 0BH E 24 Grafton Street, Brighton BN2 1AQ E Hampshire Terrace, Portsmouth PO1 2QN N Tel: 023 8036 6163 F @ FallenAngelBrighton N Tel: 023 9229 7509 F I @ EdgeBoxSoton I @ fallen_angel_brighton/ F @ HBnightclub D www.hbnightclub.co.uk ) Not yet open, but The Edge team has ) Will reopen, but not sure when. Fallen Angel team ) The refurbished bar and covered terrace is open with posted an update on Faceboo: “As a nightclub, say: “Check FB and Insta for updates. In the meantime, table service (max 8 people): Sun 5pm–1am, Wed & we must wait till we’re instructed to open and here’s to wishin’, hopin', thinkin', prayin', plannin' and Thur 7pm–1am, Fri 7pm–3am, Sat 3pm–3am. HB we’ll continue to monitor the situation and dreamin’ to see you all very soon... Lots of love.” is only offering table service and won’t be operating as a assess the services we can provide as the nightclub with space to dance. Book a table for Cherry’s rules change. We look forward to welcoming GROSVENOR BAR Bingo with cash prizes, every Thursday at 7pm. The you all back, when it’s safe to do so. Please E 16 Western Street, Brighton BN1 2PG Sunday Social Cabaret will have top acts in the new- support each other as much as you can, and N Tel: 01273 438587 look garden at 5.30pm. The HB team says: “There will as safely as you can. Stay tuned to our FB, F @ www.thegrosvenorbar.co.uk be drag acts, music and everything a houseparty doesn’t Twitter and Insta for updates and things to ) Open daily from 1–11pm with Drag Bingo every offer on stage in our new-look garden. We’ve measures keep you smiling. For now, Stay Kind and Stay Thur. The Grosvenor team says: “It’s like coming back in place to keep both you and our staff safe. Check FB for Fabulous, with love from everyone at The from a holiday and climbing into your own bed. We’ve announcements. We can’t wait to see you.” Edge.” got new drapes on stage. Who do we want to see first?” 44 GSCENE

REGENCY TAVERN QUEENS ARMS

REGENCY TAVERN QUEENS ARMS QUEENS ARMS

REGENCY TAVERN REVENGE QUEENS ARMS

LEGENDS BAR & CLUB MARINE TAVERN REGENCY TAVERN E 31-34 Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1TR E 13 Broad Street, Brighton BN2 1TJ E 32/34 Russell Square, Brighton BN1 2EF N Tel: 01273 624462 F @ LegendsBrighton F @ marinetavernbrighton N Tel: 01273 325652 F @ trtbrighton D www.legendsbrighton.com ) The bar is now open daily from – . D www.regencytavern.co.uk 12pm 1am ) The bar and terrace are open till very late and ) Open from 12pm for food, drinks and entertainment food is served till 5pm. Frank's fantastic roasts, on the big screens. There’s a one-way entrance and exit including a tasty vegetarian special, are back on THE RAILWAY CLUB which the Regency asks everyone to adhere to. There are E Sunday from 12.30-4pm. Call in advance to book 4 Belmont, Dyke Road, Brighton BN1 3TF limited tables so call or message on FB to reserve a N your table. The hotel is open and taking bookings Tel: 01273 328682 table for up to six people. Sunday Roasts served 12- F via the website or Facebook by clicking Book Now. @Railway-Club-Brighton-129870610360892 6pm. Louie, Simon, Leah and the Regency Tavern team When you visit on Friday, Saturday and Sunday ) Open from 5–10pm on Mon–Fri, (closed Sat & say; “We have screens on the bar and between tables to from 5pm, you’ll be guided to your table by the Sun). The Railway Club team says: “We’re very protect you and our staff. We’ll take your order at your maître d', who is none other than Jason Sutton aka pleased to announce we’re open. All of the measures table and ask you to pay by contactless or card. If you Miss Jason. Jason says: “Can’t wait to see you all at we’ve implemented are for everyone’s safety and pro- bring your four-legged friends, we ask that they stay on Legends. Bit of a soft thing to say but being there at tection. Revised opening times until further notice.” To the lead. Our priority is our customers and we’ll do the weekend felt like coming home. Big love MJ x.” see measures being taken, visit the Facebook page. everything we can to keep you safe. Lots of love. x.” GSCENE 45 VELVET JACKS VELVET LE VILLAGE LE VILLAGE VELVET JACKS VELVET LE VILLAGE VELVET JACKS VELVET REVENGE LE VILLAGE

REVENGE BAR & CLUB SUBLINE LE VILLAGE E 32-34 Old Steine, Brighton BN1 1EL E 129 St James's Street, Brighton BN2 1TH E 2/3 High Street, Brighton BN2 1RP N Tel: 01273 606064 D www.sublinebrighton.co.uk N Tel: 01273 676075 F @ RevengeBrighton D www.revenge.co.uk F @ sublinebrighton F @ thevillagekemptown ) Revenge Bar is open: Mon–Thur 12pm–2am, ) Hopes to reopen at the end of Aug, check FB for ) Now open with full cocktail menu, a stunning Fri 12pm–4am, Sat 11am–5am, Sun 11am–3am updates. Owner Steve is giving the club a new look beer garden and drag hosts at the weekend. New with table service (no advance bookings), takeaway and a new name! Floors are being levelled, fixtures food menu and themed nights will be launching service and drag hosts; Lydia L'Scabies, Daphne, removed, and the space is being filled with seating. soon, check Facebook for more info. Call to book & . See When the club reopens, it will offer table service. a table for drinks. Tayris Mongardi Rob From Finance Facebook for guidelines and updates. Bar Revenge says: “We can't wait to welcome you back and give VELVET JACKS ZONE BRIGHTON you a socially distanced air kiss.” E 50-52 Norfolk Square, Brighton BN1 2PA E 33 St James's Street, Brighton BN2 1RF ) Revenge Club isn’t open yet but the Powder N Tel: 07720 661290 F @velvetjacksbrighton F @ www.zonebrighton.co.uk Room is planning ahead: (Nov 13), ) Now open for table service, or take drink outside, ) No definite date yet but aiming for late July or Cheryl Hole & Blu Hydrangea (Dec 18), Gigi but no drinking at the bar. Jackie says: “Please stay early August as a fair bit needs doing before it Goode (Jan 23) and Miss Vanjie & Silky Nutmeg one metre apart, even when you’re tipsy. And be nice. can safely reopen. Ganache (Mar 27). It's all we have right now.” 46 GSCENE

get grants from statutory funders at present. The fund is administered by the Sussex TURN BACK THE PAGES Community Foundation. In the next few weeks Gscene has been published every month for over 27 a panel of LGBTQ+ people will be announced to years, and is a rich chronicle of the history of our oversee the grant giving process. LGBTQ+ communities, in and around Brighton & Hove. “Just five years ago fundraising from our Chris Gull raids the archives… LGBTQ+ businesses in Brighton & Hove in a single year for local LGBTQ+ and HIV organisations topped £100,000. Last year I found it difficult to track £15,000 raised by commissioning power through to local GPs, the local LGBTQ+ business community for our has the potential to marginalise services for LGBTQ+ and HIV voluntary sector. Many those most in need, especially in the LGBTQ+ businesses are still fundraising, but for community, and puts in danger organisations anything other than LGBTQ+ and HIV that rely on ‘health funding’ to survive. organisations. Privately, businesses are saying Everyone will be in the same boat, not just to me that they’re happy to fundraise but want LGBTQ+ organisations. We fought hard to to know that the money they raise is safe and create these services and we must fight hard not going on overheads. to ensure they survive in the short term while national government attempts to bring the “The one thing I can guarantee all local economy back on track.“ businesses is that the Sussex Community Foundation is a reputable charity with an The Rainbow Fund established record of grant giving. The “For many years I’ve thought it was important Rainbow Fund will have an independent grant that we centralise our community fundraising giving panel of LGBTQ+ people who will set the in case of such a funding crisis happening. criteria for the grants and also recommend For most of the last year I’ve supported the what grants are given. Members of the grants development of the Rainbow Fund. This is a panel will consist of local professional LGBTQ+ completely independent fund, managed by people equipped with wide ranging skills and the Sussex Community Foundation, an experience in the LGBTQ+ and HIV voluntary experienced grant giver in Sussex, to make sector. funds available to LGBTQ+ specific and HIV “The Rainbow Fund is entirely independent of organisations who provide frontline services any LGBTQ+ business or voluntary sector to LGBTQ+ people. The Rainbow Fund at Sussex AUGUST 2010... interest and grant applications will be decided ) Five months into the Conservative/Liberal Community Foundation is a charitable fund for solely on the basis of merit and meeting the Democrat coalition government, and two years the benefit of the LGBTQ+ community in grants criteria, which is set by the from the global financial meltdown (aka the Brighton & Hove and maintains the Brighton independent grants committee. Most banking crisis), James Ledward had some & Hove Aids Memorial. importantly, the Rainbow Fund has no news. Regular readers of our look back to 2010 “After successfully signing off the fundraising overheads or wages, just paying the Sussex will know that Pride that year was... for the Aids Memorial, the Sussex Community Community Foundation a small commission for contentious. Foundation kindly agreed to convert the Aids their help. Memorial Fund into a more general fund to Funding Cuts “Now there is around £20,000 in the fund and enable the Community to raise money for our “Pride has not been the only negative cloud the first grants round will be in October this LGBTQ+ Voluntary Sector and HIV/Aids on the LGBTQ+ horizon in Brighton & Hove year. To secure the future of our LGBTQ+ organisations, especially those who struggle to these last few months. The full impact of organisations this fund needs to grow quickly.“ government cuts on statutory bodies who fund our local LGBTQ+ organisations is starting to filter through and the long-term future of UPDATE: these organisations could be in question. So The Brighton Rainbow Fund is ten years “We’ve spent years building a support network old. James’ vision has borne fruit. Thanks of LGBTQ+ organisations providing frontline not only to local businesses and individual services to young, old, and sick LGBTQ+ donors, but also to community fundraising people. These organisations are seen events such as Pride, Bear Patrol, and nationally as champions in their respective Brighton Bear Weekend. The amounts raised fields, but none of them are safe from the cuts have increased year on year, and once they that are now starting to happen. reached £100,000 a year there was an amicable parting from the Sussex Community “Allsorts Youth Project, MindOut, Spectrum, Foundation since they too recognised that the LGBT Community Forum and Brighton & the 10% service fee constituted a significant Hove LGBT Switchboard are all ‘LGBTQ+ amount of money that could be going to specific’ organisations that depend heavily on frontline services. In 2013 a Community grant funding from Brighton & Hove City Interest Company was set up, again with Council and the Department of Health through minimal overheads, and in 2019 the Rainbow the present Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). Fund achieved charitable status. (There was “The decision of the Tory/Lib Dem coalition an existing charity called the Rainbow Fund, Government to scrap the PCTs (even though so the name was changed to the Brighton there was nothing about this in either of their Rainbow Fund). manifestos), devolving much of their GSCENE 47

AUGUST 2010 As the world reacts and reflects on the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent Black Lives Matter protests, we look back ten years to this news piece. BEYOND LABELS ) Big Up at GMFA presents Black & Gay in the UK: Rising Against the Challenges of Homophobia, Racism and HIV/AIDS, a free event in London that will feature a screening of the documentary film Beyond Labels in August at The Rich Mix, London. Directed by Jaime Sylla, the film explores the black gay male experience in London across the generations – from Gay Lib pioneer Ted Walker to the Oh WoW Boys, two young black gay men and modern-day YouTube stars. Produced by GMFA, ) Yes, The Amsterdam had a sauna in 2005 the gay men’s health charity, Beyond Labels (is it still there?) premiered at the 2010 London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. AUGUST 2005... Jaime Sylla, the project manager for GMFA’s Big A couple of news pieces from August 2005. Up project, which creates sexual health interventions for black gay men in London, ) Phil Starr taking possession of Starr’s Hotel said: “In making the film, it became increasingly on New Steine. Phil was hugely popular on the apparent that the lack of positive black gay role Brighton and London scenes, and was thrilled models can affect how black gay men see to take up residence. Sadly, Phil died suddenly themselves and can limit their future aspirations. just a few months later. His funeral was epic While there is still much to overcome, I hope and was followed at the beginning of 2006 by a that the experiences of those featured in ‘Beyond large tribute show at The Dome. Labels’ will inspire others to thrive, shine and live For those of us who remember him, this happier, healthier lives.” YouTube tribute will bring happy memories. For those who never saw Phil, this what all the fuss was about. Y https://youtu.be/CtywDuyitfY We’ll come back to those in future archive features.

The film looks into the life experiences of a group of men who have often been historically rendered invisible and stigmatised by the communities they belong to because of their sexuality and race. Focusing on the lives of black gay men of different ages, it explores how racism, homophobia, HIV, migration and other issues can directly impact the construction of a healthy identity. The screening will be followed by a discussion panel with some leading figures in the black gay community, a Q&A session with members of the audience and refreshments. The documentary is available to view on: Y YouTube: https://youtu.be/rireSSuEX8Q 48 GSCENE

GILBERT & GEORGE QUIT THE ROYAL ACADEMY ) Gilbert & George, the perennial enfants terribles of the art world, ARTS NEWS have quit the prestigious Royal Academy of Art (RA) after the RA decided not to go ahead with an exhibition of their work. The duo had been led to believe an exhibition was planned and gave interviews in PALLANT HOUSE GALLERY February mentioning a forthcoming show at the RA, the gallery of ) Pallant House Gallery in Chichester has acquired a series of which is based in Piccadilly, London. Gilbert & George were the first paintings depicting the first gay kiss and drag ball in British theatre. duo in the RA’s 250 year history to be elected as academicians as a The five works by British artist Leonard Rosoman R.A (1913-2012) sole entity with one vote. “It is extraordinary that we’ve been able to have been acquired from the estate of the artist’s widow Roxanne risk extreme artwork for 40 years,” said Gilbert in February. “You have to Wruble Rosoman (1937-2018) through the Acceptance in Lieu Scheme. be an outsider to do art, you can’t be normal.” An RA spokeswoman expressed regret that Gilbert & George were leaving the RA: “The RA is forced to make decisions about who to show and when. Not all academicians can have an exhibition.” The visual and conceptual artists always exhibit jointly and have provoked strong reactions to their work over the years. They first gained their reputation with a joint self portrait, George The C**t and Gilbert The S**t, in

, 1967-8 1969. For a long time they sidestepped questions about their relationship but did have a civil partnership in 2008. George Passmore, 78, first met Gilbert Prousch, 76, in 1967 at St Martin’s School of Art in London. At the THE DRAG BALL NO. 2 NO. BALL THE DRAG time Gilbert, originally from Italy, was married to a woman, the artist Patricia Stevens, with whom he had a son and daughter. As artists they reacted against approaches to sculpture then dominant at St Martin’s, which they believed were elitist and

LEONARD ROSOMAN, poor at communicating outside an art The five paintings, created as part of Rosoman’s A Patriot For Me series, context. Their strategy was to make are based on John Osborne’s controversial play of the same name, themselves into sculpture, so which was first performed at the Royal Court in 1965. While the play sacrificing their separate identities to was initially banned by the Lord Chamberlain’s office for its homosexual art and turning the notion of creativity content, a legal loophole was exploited which turned the theatre into a on its head. In 1986 they won the private club for the play’s duration. It would help pave the way for the Turner Prize. Gilbert & George are 1968 Theatres Act, which abolished censorship of theatre. represented by the White Cube Gallery in London, which has not commented Simon Martin, Pallant House gallery director, said: “We are thrilled to on the departure from the RA. acquire Leonard Rosoman’s A Patriot For Me paintings. Not only are they among his finest works, but they have a particular significance to LGBTQ+ In 2018, Brighton Museum and history, to the history of British Library hosted an exhibition of their theatre and visual art, representing a work which explored themes including

time when Britain’s social and sex, faith and identity. MUSEUM BTN EXHIBITION, ROOMS GILBERT & GEORGE, ARTIST cultural history was on the cusp of a I During lockdown Gilbert & George have been posting a weekly pivotal shift.” online diary: www.instagram.com/explore/tags/gilbertandgeorge/ Rosoman attended the first performance of his friend Osborne’s exploration of gay life – inspired by ARTISTS’ OPEN HOUSES WINTER FESTIVAL the true story of the disgraced PORTRAIT WITH CANDELABRA PORTRAIT ) Brighton & Houses strand, which will include Austro-Hungarian army officer, Hove’s Artists’ virtual tours of artists’ houses and Colonel Redl – returning every Open Houses (AOH) studios and online galleries. It will evening for a fortnight to create new extended continue online from November drawings by torchlight. Two years Winter Festival will 2020 until March 2021.

LEONARD ROSOMAN, later these drawings would form the take place over the weekends from apsis of Rosoman’s series of 40 paintings and gouaches. Dominated by Judy Stevens, festival director, November 21 till December 13, two major paintings on the play’s famous ‘drag ball’ scene, these large said: “We’re delighted to announce 2020. Artist registration for the canvases show a bustling stage filled with cross-dressed men, a a new four-week Winter AOH Festival four-week festival is open from development of Rosoman’s interest in multi-figure composition. after the necessity of cancelling the now up until Friday, August 28, May Festival. Many AOH artists have and it will amalgamate the annual Edward Harley OBE, chairman of the Acceptance in Lieu Panel, added: found the lockdown period very Christmas Festival in addition to “I am delighted that this series of paintings by Leonard Rosoman has fruitful, allowing time to explore showing work from many artists been brought into a public collection through the Acceptance in Lieu new ideas and ways of working – and makers who were scheduled to scheme. These pictures represent some of the most important works from many have produced really exciting exhibit at the May 2020 festival, Rosoman’s career, based on John Osborne’s controversial A Patriot For Me, and inspiring new work.” a play that broached the shift of sexual attitudes of the 1960s. I hope which was cancelled due to the that this example will encourage others to use the scheme and continue coronavirus pandemic. D For more info and to register, to support our national collections.” visit: www.aoh.org.uk Alongside the main AOH Festival or email [email protected] D For info and reopening dates and times, visit: www.pallant.org.uk will be a new Virtual Open GSCENE 49 JARMAN AWARD Brian Butler looks at the shortlist for the 2020 Jarman film prize

) The Film London Jarman Award is a Adrian Wootton, chief executive of Film prestigious annual prize which recognises London, said: “With the impact of Covid-19 and supports the most innovative UK-based being felt so deeply by artists and artists working with moving image, and exhibitors, we are more proud than ever to celebrates the spirit of experimentation, present this year’s Jarman Award and help imagination and innovation in the work of raise the profile of this important body of emerging artist filmmakers. Launched in original work that questions the world 2008 and inspired by visionary filmmaker around us.“ Derek Jarman, the Jarman Award is unique The Award has a reputation for spotting within the industry in offering both rising stars of the UK art world. Previously financial assistance, worth £10,000, and the shortlisted artists include Charlotte rare opportunity to produce a new moving Prodger, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Duncan image work. Campbell, Monster Chetwynd, James Afro-surrealism, Hollywood imbalances and Richards, Luke Fowler, Elizabeth Price and LGBTQ+ history are all explored in the 13th Laure Prouvost, all of whom went on to be edition by the six shortlisted nominees for shortlisted for or win the Turner Prize. the 2020 Derek Jarman film-making prize, The Film London Jarman Award is presented which have just been unveiled. There’s also by Film London in association with Arabic sci-fi, flying paint and a journey Genesis Cinema and Whitechapel Gallery. through the black techno scene. STAGE MOTHER The first UK film release to feature trans actress Mya Taylor hits the big screen

IN MY ROOM ) STAGE MOTHER, a new LGBTQ+ film, released

HUB TONES when cinemas reopen, will be the first UK film release to feature trans actress Mya Taylor since her award-winning debut in Tangerine (2015). QUINLAN & HASTINGS, JENN NKRUMAH HERE FOR LIFE ZIMMERMAN & ACKSON ZIMMERMAN & ACKSON & LIND IN VITRO SANSOUR Jenn Nkiru looks at Afro-surrealism and electronic music in Rebirth Is Necessary, Hub The film tells the story of a conservative Texas Tones and Black to Techno, while Michelle MORE INFO mother (Jacki Weaver) who inherits her recently Williams Gamaker uses the language of D For more info: www.filmlondon.org.uk deceased son’s drag club in San Francisco and Tinseltown to look at racial imbalances. D For more info about Derek Jarman, grows to understand his community while Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings visit: www.jarman-film-book.com battling to save the venue he and his partner explore LGBTQ+ culture in In My Room, and worked so hard for. Larissa Sansour combines her Palestinian To watch trailers for some of the background with sci-fi in In Vitro. Andrea shortlisted films, visit: In this raucous, racy new environment, she Lula Zimmerman and Adrian Jackson look V Jenn Nkiru Hub Tones: begins to open up and find new meaning for her at working class communities on the www.vimeo.com/429240580 life, even becoming a mother-figure to the club’s margins in Here for Life. Project Artwork, an V Jenn Nkiru Black to Techno: flamboyant performers… until a surprise visit artist-led group that works with children, www.vimeo.com/429240319 threatens to upend her new life. young people and adults, also features. V Andrea Luka Zimmerman and Directed by Thom Fitzgerald (GLAAD Media- Adrian Jackson, Here for Life: The winner will be announced on November winning The Hanging Garden, and The Event and www.vimeo.com/428482510 24. In the weeks before you can view the 3 Needles tackling the Aids crisis), and starring V Hannah Quinlan and Rosie Hastings, shortlisted films on the Whitechapel drag icon Jackie Beat, Stage Mother hits In My Room: www.vimeo.com/428467717 Gallery website: www.whitechapelgallery.org cinemas on July 31 and everywhere On Demand V Larissa Sansour and Søren Lind, In and there will be a weekend of online on August 21. Vitro: www.vimeo.com/428067360 screenings on November 14 and15. 50 GSCENE PONYBOI The award-winning film created by and starring out intersex artist River Gallo makes cinema history

) Ponyboi is the world’s first narrative film in history to be created by and starring FROM DOWNTON an ‘out’ intersex artist. The film was run at 40 film festivals, including Tribeca Film TO EUROVISION Festival and won Grand Jury Prize of Best Dan Stevens loves versatile roles. Short Film. By Paul Wright

Ponyboi was directed by GLAAD award- winning filmmaker, actor and intersex ) Best known for his role as activist River Gallo and Caribbean- Matthew Crawley in Downton American filmmaker Sadé Clacken Joseph. Abbey, Dan Stevens continues to display his dramatic versatility in the upcoming Netflix comedy Eurovision Song Contest: The Story Of Fire Saga. Starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams as Icelandic singers Lars and Sigrit who face ridicule for representing Iceland in the world’s most popular singing contest, Dan In 2019, Gallo received the Rising Star co-stars as their rival Alexander Lemtov, a singer Award at the GLAAD Media Awards. They from a Russian republic with an identity in flux. were named one of the Most Exciting Queer Dan said the research for the role opened his People to Follow by Out Magazine, and eyes to the perils faced by LGBTQ+ people in made Paper Magazine’s list of 100 People many territories. “It’s unbelievable that there are Taking Over 2019. They were also the cover still countries that don’t acknowledge the

PONYBOI star of 2019 Autumn/Winter issue UK existence of certain sexualities: it seems mad to Hunger Magazine shot by Rankin. Gallo me. There are artists in so many countries who recently co-starred in Love, Victor on Hulu, can’t admit it [being LGBTQ+], because they’d be

RIVER GALLO RIVER GALLO a spin-off of the film Love, Simon. in danger. But the best thing about Eurovision is MORE INFO that it’s a haven and a celebration. It champions Y To watch Ponyboi, visit youtube channel [LGBTQ+ rights]. Omeleto TV: He went on: ”Lemtov is from Chechnya. I looked www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELcdw8LbGpM up Kadyrov’s and Putin’s attitude to gay people, Y To watch other Omeleto films, visit: and we didn’t want to belittle that danger in any www.youtube.com/channel/UCTMt7iMWa way. We wanted to get it right and hit the right 7jy0fNXIktwyLA notes. Noting the initial reaction to his character, D www.ponyboithefilm.com Dan added “After some of the trailers, people T @ponyboi_film wondered if a Russian villain wasn’t very F PonyboiFilm progressive, but I think once people see the film I @ rivergallo they’ll realise that wasn’t the case.” SADÉ CLACKEN JOSEPH CLACKEN SADÉ It was executive produced by British actors In the film Lemtov is “the anti-hero. He’s an Stephen Fry, Academy Award-winning obstacle for Lars. Lars wants to be Lemtov and actress Emma Thompson, and intersex there’s tremendous jealousy and he worries he’s executive producer Seven Graham. going to steal Sigrit. It was more interesting, though, that he wasn’t there to woo her. He has “As an intersex activist, I made Ponyboi out his issues with his identity and what he’s able to of a desire to empower people. I wanted to admit to.” empower. I wanted to portray a beautiful intersex character, so that for the first time 2020 is proving a busy year for the popular actor. audiences would see themselves in our As well as being a cover star for Attitude struggles and triumphs. I now believe more magazine, he has two more films due for release. than ever stories from artists of colour and This summer he stars in the horror/thriller The the LGBTQ+ community are vital to our Rental, then in the autumn culture.” he stars alongside Judi Dench in a retelling of Gallo, along with Joseph, are both CEOs Noel Coward’s beloved and co-founders of multi-media production Blithe Spirit. house Gaptoof Entertainment in Los Angeles, which focuses on intersectionality D Eurovision Song and creating inclusive spaces for POC, Contest: The Story Of Fire LGBTQ+, and womxn narratives. Saga is available on Netflix GSCENE 51 LOVE BITES Oska Bright Film Festival, the world’s leading learning disability film festival produced by Carousel, takes its programme to the small screen with Oska Bites, regular programmes of award-winning short films from the 2019 festival.

HELLETT MATTHEW

) Presented with additional content and the conversation about Down’s Syndrome and drag, Matthew continues: “Mattie and me did a tour chance to watch together live on Facebook, all encouraging us all to embrace our inner diva.” of ‘in conversation’ events talking about what it means to be queer learning-disabled the films featured in Oska Bites are made by, Enid & Valerie by Matthew Kennedy and filmmakers. The medium of film has helped me, or feature in lead roles, people with learning Vitoria Bastos is “a short venture into the it’s been a form of expression for who I am and disabilities, autism or Asperger’s. These are dreams of lone spinster, Valerie, where she what I represent. We’ve got to keep these outstanding films that show often meets Enid (a witch). Could this be the start conversations going, especially now in this undiscovered talent and new voices. of an unlikely friendship?” Covid-19 situation. To celebrate Brighton & Hove Pride, they present Love Bites on Thursday, August 6 at “You don’t hear enough stories about learning- 7pm, live on Facebook and then on the Oska disabled LGBTQ+ in the media, this is why we Bright website. Programmed by Matthew have to make our own stories, I’m proud of Hellett, who initiated the Queer Freedom Queer Freedom and the impact that it has had. LGBTQ+ strand of the festival, Love Bites is a “This year I’m missing Brighton & Hove Pride pairing of films that explore the intersection LOST ONES big time! I hope these films can bring a bit of of queerness and disability, followed by a love Lost Ones by Maria Castillejo Carmen, Maëlle colour and passion into our lives and help us story in the most unlikely of circumstances. Grand Bossi and Elizabeth Silveiro, is about celebrate together, they are all about love and a “supermarket at the end of the day. While a acceptance, loving each other, your friends few customers are finishing their groceries, your family and yourself.” a hooded intruder breaks into the store.”

ENID & VALERIE MORE INFO Matthew Hellett explains why the Queer ) LOVE BITES is on Thursday, August 6, 7pm. Freedom LGBTQ+ strand of the festival is so F Tune in on Facebook /oskabright live important: “I had the idea for the Queer D and on https://oskabright.org/oskabites Freedom strand back in 2017. It opened up contacts for me including a creative OSKA BRIGHT 2021 The programme features screenings of Born To partnership with Mattie Kennedy, an LGBTQ+ ) Oska Bright wants your films for the next Dance With An Extra Chromosome, Enid & learning disabled filmmaker and writer from edition of Oska Bright Film Festival. The team Valerie and Lost Ones. Matthew Hellett will Glasgow.” are looking for bold, beautiful and brilliant talk about the Queer Freedom festival strand; stories from filmmakers from around the world. appear in a Q&A with queer-femme film-maker They welcome any genre and accept feature and activist Mattie Kennedy; have a chat with films and shorts under 20 minutes. Drag Syndrome, the world's first drag troop D For more info, visit: www.oskabright.org featuring drag queens and kings with Down's Oska Bright Film Festival is produced by Syndrome; and give an introduction to Lost Carousel, an arts charity that helps learning Ones, which won the Oska Bright 2019 Best disabled artists develop and manage their International Film award. MATTIE KENNEDY MATTIE creative lives, true to their voice and vision, Born To Dance With An Extra Chromosome Mattie Kennedy said: “Finding out about Oska challenging expectations of what great art is by Nikolay Nikolov is about Drag Syndrome, Bright was how I discovered learning disability and who can create it. D “superstars who have entirely changed the film, I immediately felt at home.” For more info, visit: www.carousel.org.uk DRAG SYNDROME DRAG 52 GSCENE

forms the centrepiece of the first and played here on the sopranino, disc. Vicens’ own pieces again with that bright, trumpet-like CLASSICAL NOTES complement the programme well, sound. From there, we enter the BY NICK BOSTON and her Creation (or the nation of world of Handel, and the glorious creatures) is the most striking, Ode for the Birthday of Queen with its vibrating harmonic clashes Anne (Eternal Source of Light ringing harmonics and expeditions and ethereal whistling. Of the Divine), originally for voice and REVIEWS to the very limit of the top string. other contemporary pieces, Carson trumpet, here a duet for sopranino ) ADRIAN BRADBURY & OLIVER Bradbury’s technique is equally Cooman’s (b.1982) dancing Nova and soprano sax (both played by DAVIES Operatic Fantasies dazzling, yet however showy the Cantiga: Rondeau is very McChrystal), creating a beautifully (Meridian CDE84659). Donizetti pyrotechnics get, he always returns effective, as is Olli Virtaperko’s blended sound. There’s more was a close neighbour and friend to a simple, warm tone for the (b.1973) touching Lamento of of the Piatti family, and the young lyrical melodies. We get five Ananias. Ivan Moody’s (b.1964) Alfredo Piatti (1822-1901) was numbers from Verdi in the Inperaytriz De La Ciutat Joyosa is Rimembranze del Trovatore and an interesting enough here, the piano has a little more to improvisatory exploration, whereas do, sometimes ‘singing’ the aria Prach Boonidkulchok’s (b.1985) beneath the cello’s filigree strangely titled Squonk Diptych is decoration. The Capriccio sur des more inventive, and it’s second airs de Balfe finishes the disc, part Chacona, with its unraveling drawing on three joyously lyrical GERARD MCCHRYSTAL rhythms, knocks and squeaks is the Handel, with the sensuous aria, arias from Balfe’s operas. In these piece that stretches the bounds of Cara Sposa, Amante Cara, Dove strange times, these beautiful the instrument most. I wouldn’t Sei? from Rinaldo, and a Violin melodies, decorated with such necessarily recommend listening to Sonata. The aria is given to the virtuosic abandon and performed the two full discs back to back, sopranino, which McChrystal makes exposed to opera from an early so effortlessly, provide the perfect but this is an expertly performed sing with plaintive passion, while age, so when he embarked on his balm. and conceived project, well worth the soprano sax takes the Sonata, solo cello career in his early 20s, exploration. with McChrystal tastefully he created Fantasies that drew on ornamenting Handel’s simple lines, well-known operatic melodies to ) GERARD McCHRYSTAL Solas particularly in the Adagio. There are show off his virtuosic flair. In their (First Hand Records FHR93). two more contemporary works here. second volume of these Operatic Hearing familiar repertoire on an Green, From Darkness Into Light, Fantasies, cellist Adrian Bradbury unexpected instrument can add by Barbara Thompson (b.1944) and pianist Oliver Davies give us something refreshing, so I was opens with gently lilting spread four Fantasies based on Donizetti looking forward to exploring organ chords, before the soprano operas, as well as one from Verdi, saxophonist Gerard McChrystal’s sax enters with a beautifully new collection, Solas (the Gaelic melismatic line souring over the word for light). He is accompanied top, twisting and turning. A Brief throughout by the organ, played ) CATALINA VICENS Organic Story of Peter Abelard by James Creatures (Counsouling Sounds Whitbourn (b.1963) is a set of SOUL0139). For Catalina Vicens’ variations on a hymn tune, with latest recording, Organic Creatures, more rhythmic energy and varied

ADRIAN BRADBURY she takes us back to the organs of interplay between organ and and one from operas by Michael the 12th-14th centuries. This two- soprano sax. The disc concludes William Balfe (1808-1870). In the disc set includes music by with the arrival of the darker alto Introduction Et Variations Sur Un Hildegard of Bingen, Pérotin, saxophone. Firstly, the Choral Thème De Lucia Di Lammermoor, Dunstaple and Isaac, as well as Phrygien by French composer the theme is taken from the opera’s many anonymous works. These are Jehan Alain (1911-1940), a climactic dramatic final aria, and interspersed by compositions by contemporary of Messiaen sadly after an introduction of his own Vicens herself, as well as lost at an early age in the Second invention, Piatti takes us through by Christian Wilson, and most of contemporary composers including World War. Dark and sombre, increasingly virtuosic variations, the repertoire is performed on the Ivan Moody and Olli Virtaperko. McChrystal’s alto sax here is always exploiting the anguish and lesser heard (at least in a solo Heinrich Issac’s (c.1450-1517) mournful and full of soul, setting grief of the original aria. Bradbury context) sopranino and soprano stately Si Dormiero and Pérotin’s up the mood well for the final tackles the virtuosic demands with saxophones. They open with (fl.c.1200) twisting and turning piece, Purcell’s When I Am Laid In panache, and brings out that sense Sonata No. 1 by Leonardi Vinci Organum: Alleluia are delightful, Earth from Dido And Aeneas, to of anguish in plaintive tones. The (1690-1730), originally for flute, but it is perhaps some of the which the alto’s melancholic tone is Rondò sulla Favorita, from but here McChrystal’s high anonymous works here that are the beautifully suited. Overall, this is a Donizetti’s La Favorite, and the trumpety sopranino sax, with a most intriguing, including the great selection, and in particular, Souvenir de L’Opera Linda Di bright and energetic flair. The highly virtuosic and more as a showcase for the higher Chamounix, are packed full of Adagio from Haydn’s String substantial 14th century gem, members of the sax family, this is great melodies. In the days before Quartet No. 1 follows, with a Chominciamento Di Gioia which highly recommended. recordings, these delightful reverent opening on the organ, showpieces would have delighted followed by the melody ringing out MORE INFO audiences and provided a great on the rich soprano sax, and For more reviews, comment and boost for popularising the great McChrystal’s tone here is events, visit: opera hits of the day. The Parafrasi touchingly warm. The Sonata No. N nicks-classical- sulla Barcarola del Marino Faliero 6 by Nicolas Chédeville (1705- notes.blogspot.co.uk takes the virtuosity to new heights 1782) is a delightful Baroque T @nickb86uk with dazzling scale passages, miniature, originally for recorder, ) CATALINA VICENS CATALINA [email protected] GSCENE 53 ALL THAT JAZZ ART MATTERS BY SIMON ADAMS BY ENZO MARRA

REVIEWS MAKE YOUR MARK ) KAHIL EL’ZABAR ft DAVID MURRAY: Spirit Groove (Spiritmuse). With the galleries gradually beginning to open and welcome us in to be Percussionist Kahil El’Zabar and saxophonist David Murray first face to face with the artworks, the art world is making its first small recorded together in 1989, but why they haven’t worked together steps to something that resembles their past use. I know you probably more often is a great mystery, given aren’t ready for such outside excursions yet, but they’ll be there for their personal chemistry, for they’re when you’re able to make that leap. The mass of internet-based a perfect match. Throughout this exhibitions having kept us going so far, allowing us to experience excellent set, El’Zabar’s Afrocentric beyond the realities of daily life. rhythms and spiritual grooves are Whether you’re an artist or someone who feels the need to experience highlighted by Murray’s soulful how others react to the world via drawn, painted, photographed, performances on both tenor and videoed or other conjured up statements, the role of the arts to calm, bass clarinet. Where El’Zabar sets inform, educate, challenge or delight you, has never been of so much the scene, Murray tells the story, relevance to our current generation of eager ears and eyes. setting out a strong narrative on each track. Bassist Emma Huff is a I’ve been fortunate to be notable presence throughout, as is able to keep myself pianist Justin Dillard. El’Zabar’s vocals bring Gil Scott-Heron to mind, occupied and mostly sane his loose approach to the lyrics working well against the shifting through the restraints of rhythmic accompaniment, but it is his percussion you come to hear, lockdown, painting and making much out of often limited resources. Few people get as much drawing the time and out of a kalimba or thumb piano as he does. He doesn’t so much push worries away. The activity a rhythm forward as unroll it, letting it flow where it may. Which of creating something, perfectly suits this set of uplifting soulful grooves and impassioned anything, whether it’s a jazz, an ideal antidote for our troubled times. masterpiece or a stepping stone to something ) DIASPORA MEETS AFRO HORN: greater, has comforted me A Music of the Spirit/Out of Sistas’ as well as countless others. Place (Self-released). This clumsily titled set is actually the joyous If you can dig out that product of Ahmed Abdullah, long- discarded rather dusty time trumpeter for the wondrous watercolour box, those ENZO MARRA Sun Ra Arkestra (Sistas’ Place is the slightly rumpled sheets of paper, the remnants of acrylics you forgot Brooklyn music venue where he has about, just playing with them, discovering what they can do, what you been musical director for some two want them to do, can fill hours with something that the pre-packaged decades). The mix of music is much screen fodder can not ever offer. what we would expect from an The action of creating something new and unexpected, a physical and Arkestra stalwart, with an opening joyous romp in Accent, righteous mental experience which can help you process what’s happening, what musical poetry on Eternal Spiralling Spirit, and the ebullient has happened, how you see yourself in the world, each mark leading to Magwalandini by singer Miriam Makeba, a 9/8 South African township the next and the next. The final statement a journey you ventured on jive. Inevitably, the shadow of Ra looms large, with three Ra originals. that day from the confines of four walls or if you are fortunate, a The concluding Reminiscing allows everyone to have a good blow to garden expanse. end proceedings on a high. MP3 downloads and recording streams of this joyous set are available from all the usual outlets. The actions of needing to exhibit them and have them wider seen, wider experienced, an urge you don't need to fall into if you are not ) NAT KING COLE: The Complete Nelson Riddle Studio Sessions overly bothered about such things. The mere action of interacting with (Music Milestones). And to end in complete contrast, in 1950 the materials, transforming great jazz pianist and latterly popular singer, Nat King Cole, began them, leading them towards working with the equally great arranger and orchestrator, Nelson a different appearance, Riddle, best known for his work with Frank Sinatra. The partnership allowing yourself to become lasted a decade, and is lost in your head, in the commemorated on this fine eight- ways a brush stroke can be CD set. Some of the 216 songs here applied, in the ways colours are famous – Unforgettable, Mona will react to each other, are Lisa – others unknown, but they are the true initial joys derived all sumptuous and smooth, for Cole from even the most was the ultimate professional, never hesitant first attempt. putting a foot wrong or singing a ENZO MARRA poor note, while Riddle always Even if you’re unsure about what you’re doing or why you’re doing it, provided the perfect just doing it can be enough, can allow your mind to settle on accompaniment. The gem, however, something separate from the outside world, a place I’ve always felt the is hidden on CD4, where Cole just plays piano against a rhythm need to return to and allow myself to see what I can learn from each section and orchestral backing, a fine reminder that Cole was a great hint and clue that I’m given as I work away on paper or on canvas. If keyboard talent before he came a famous singer, the musical father of such simple drives and needs can aid me, I’m sure that a little bit of so many jazz pianists working today. personal discovery will also help you through these unusual times. 54 GSCENE @online.persona - AUSTRALIA JOSEF CABEY

for art school half his interview was about art and the other half about his idol. BEARING WITNESS “I saw Grace Jones and she was completely different to any black female performer out As a gay black man, Josef Cabey has always used his art there. There were soul singers like Diana Ross to make sense of the world around him. He talks to Jaq and she rejected all that, she was playing with Bayles about his work and its heightened importance in gender – she’s almost a work of art in herself. today’s political climate. Her freakiness was inspiring a young man who was freaky himself. I collect Grace Jones.” Josef has recently been posting some of his ) He has “made artwork from the day dot” and Artist Josef Cabey found the relevance of previous work on Instagram “because it speaks as a teenager trying to get to grips with being his body of work suddenly brought into sharp to what’s going on now completely”. gay he created a lot of work that hid his focus in the wake of the Black Lives Matter He adds: “I’m a black man in a white world and feelings in symbolism, but these days it’s more movement. “The majority of my work is based it speaks to this, the whole thing about racial grounded in realism. “Now I do what I want.” on those things,” says the London-born profiling. I’ve experienced this in Brighton and Brighton resident. “When I’m creating art I His young life still influences his paintings on the gay scene. The weird thing is hearing make it for myself then think about how it and he points to Boy On The Pink Donkey as people say ‘I had no idea it was like this’ – black might be perceived in the world. It’s self- harking back to his childhood. He says: “It’s people have always known it’s like this.” therapeutic, trying to make sense of what’s my Smalltown Boy painting, it’s about going One series of paintings, The Witness Said, has going on around me as a black gay man. The off into the world. It’s one I sold and miss. It’s proved particularly pertinent. Josef describes the fact I’m black and gay in itself puts me in a a favourite because it does speak very directly series on his website as interrogating his own double minority, and I ask myself how I can to my childhood and other people going on a political and social identity within a particular reflect that in my work.” journey once they have discovered their place and time, that place being Brighton & sexuality.” Josef, who studied graphic design and Hove, that time being now. illustration, works mostly in acrylics and often He also likes to pay tribute to black LGBTQ+ “The work takes real life instances and illustrates incorporates text in his paintings, while icons. “That’s an ongoing project,” he says. them in a manner that on the surface displays a referencing his childhood and black LGBTQ+ “As a young kid growing up with my sexuality level of humour but also makes a very serious experience. He says his work has been and my creative self rapidly developing I felt point about racial bias and how black men are described as “often quirky, decorative and different.” often negatively perceived when going about highly colourful, but that often contains an everyday pursuits in everyday human situations. He is unashamedly “somewhat obsessed” with undercurrent that disturbs the joke, pointing at Things that white people take for granted. deeper themes of race, class and sexuality”. Grace Jones, saying that when he interviewed “I’m a black man in a white world and it speaks to this, the whole thing about racial profiling. I’ve experienced this in Brighton THEN THE BOY SAID GRACE THEN THE BOY SAID and on the gay scene. The weird THE BOY ON PINK DONKEY thing is hearing people say ‘I had no idea it was like this’ – black people have always known it’s like this” PRIDE - A DEEPER ASSUMPTION I'LL SHARE MY DREAMS AND MAKE YOU SEE STAND

The images contain printed descriptive text that “Bizarrely I’m hopeful because this is the first exploits a style of language used in the media time in my lifetime that the issue has been to when reporting suspicious or criminal behaviour.” the fore. So many organisations and establishments, which haven’t been known for In the painting Heritage Tomatoes the their diversity have been putting out descriptor is as follows: “The man who is statements and it’s going to be difficult to thought to be black was seen apparently backtrack from that. Time and again we see shopping for heritage tomatoes in the Brighton black men being shot by police and the next branch of Waitrose. He was also said to be meme or hashtag comes along then it’s all wearing a badge with a picture of Yoko Ono forgotten. This has caused such a backlash I [another of Josef’s heroes].” hope it will change something.” Josef wanted the paintings to highlight the microaggressions that many people exhibit towards black people, black men in particular. QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS: Which artists do you most admire? “It’s all about fear. Fear of the other.” “I was quite into surrealism and loved the work TOMATOES HERITAGE The artist, who was born and bred in of Salvador Dali. I’m a huge fan of Titian, who multicultural Hackney, jokes that when he and painted huge, quite religious paintings. Also his partner first moved to Brighton they would Matisse. Basquiat and Keith Haring. Betye Saar, play “spot the black person and laugh about it. Kerry James Marshall, Kara Walker, Kehinde Then one weekend we spotted ten”. He Wiley, Pipilotti Rist. Yoko Ono I love – she’s so acknowledges that things have changed a lot underrated in the shadow of John Lennon.” and he is a member of various black networks, What are your favourite galleries? including the black history group, although he “MOMA (NYC), Stedelijk (Amsterdam) and Yerba still quite often finds he is the only black Buena (San Francisco).” person at work (Brighton University library). Has there been an arts movement you’d like His summer break plans, in line with those of to have been part of? most people, have been trashed by the “The Harlem Renaissance Arts (Richard Bruce pandemic. “This year has been a bit crap. I lost Nugent/Augusta Savage/Langston Hughes/Zora my mother at the beginning of the year. I had Neale Hurston). I would like to have lived in quite a lot of plans, including artistic ones, the 297 House in Harlem in the 1920s when all which came to a halt because I was going these people came together and created the through grief. As part of that grieving process Harlem Renaissance. It was not a desireable I planned lots of fab events for the summer, time to be black.” which also came to a halt because of Covid-19. “So I am going to use the time at home to How do you relax? continue my artwork, and I’m probably going “Because I am so completely passionate and to revamp my website to add in more nerdy about disco music, I enjoy conversing DANCING explanatory things.” with DJs in the virtual world, as well as creating disco edits of favourite tracks to share To the question of what keeps him awake at MORE INFO online. I also love watching Schitt’s Creek, night Josef responds: “The situation now, the Josef is exhibiting in the online Pride House of Flowers and RuPaul’s .” enormity of having a life that doesn’t matter. exhibition in August as part of SEAS For the obvious people black lives do not Do you have a guilty pleasure? (Socially Engaged Art Salon) D matter, for many other people they don’t “I love Olivia Newton John – it’s more of a https://seasbrighton.com/ (details TBA) D matter enough. guilty secret.” www.josefcabeyart.com D www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MattysArtStudio 56 GSCENE

) PHIL STAMPER THE GRAVITY OF very little intellectual mass or US (Bloomsbury). This YA romance emotional weight to the narrative, PAGE’S PAGES novel is set in a world of high but that doesn’t detract from what, BOOK REVIEWS BY ERIC PAGE physics and astronomy and at heart, is a sweet read. features a pilot/astronaut father in www.bloomsbury.com/us/the- a high-profile NASA project. Our gravity-of-us-9781547600151/ ) DAN GLASS UNITED QUEERDOM (Zed Books). The Gay Liberation hero, Carl, is wrenched from his Front (GLF) ran an anarchic campaign that permanently changed the ) DAN WEBBER GENRE FLUID highly successful social media face of Britain. Inspired by the Stonewall uprisings, the GLF demanded (Big White Shed). This neat book influencer life to one where he is 'Absolute Freedom For All' worldwide. Although many people believe of poetry from comedian/poet expected to fit in, keep quiet and queers are now free and should assimilate into a wider Webber is a delight. These poems let the ‘adults’ in the room have heteronormative world, Dan Glass shows that the fight is far from are unreliable; they seem to be fun, all the control. His family literally over. He has written for years silly, throwaways, but then they get moved into a reality TV show about LGBTQ+ equality and his grab at us, holding us tight, following the progress of the passionate strategic anger and dragging us with them as they fall, astronauts and their Mars mission. focused pressure for change is the deep, deep down. Webber’s prose This doesn’t quite go to plan. Carl throbbing pulse of this book, can be unexpectedly exhilarating. can’t lose his social media habit keeping the narrative beat strong The shock of the new, which turns and also falls for the son of and driving this ship of queer out to be an old, old story we’ve all another astronaut, Leon. The book hope foreword at ramming speed. lived. These poems pick apart the explores how living in the full gaze It’s enjoyable to read a book relentless labels which are attached of the internet impacts on mental about the ascent of queers that to the LGBTQ+ communities and health and also how much creative has such passion for real equality also the ones we pick up and wrap written into it. No dry reflection ourselves in, nothing is spared on how we got here, this book is Webber’s slightly left-field forensic a hefty thud of evidence thrown examination of vanity and down into our laps. He reflects in performances of man’ity. Exploring an intersectional mirror and finds hook ups, internet dating, gay a lot of gay (white) men wanting. men’s insecurity, struggles with Using weaponised drag and an mental health and striving for almost unbearable truth we peer wholesomeness, this is a small through this dark Glass and see a possible future. He tells that we are book with a wide remit. Webber part of a much larger chain of events, that things are still in progress, pulls it off. I want my poetry to that hard-won rights need attention and to rise in solidity with our have some sense to it, an arc which community is not only honourable but utterly necessary for our gives the book a centre of gravity survival. United Queerdom grabs fistfuls of amazing stories from the for the swirling twirling words to past 50 years of LGBTQ+ rights and strife and waves them in your face, revolve around. sometimes lacking a real focus but always getting the point across. Queer history IS protest, and this book uncovers the back-breaking, glamorous and raucous hard work of those who rebelled against injustice and became founders in the story of queer liberation. If you energy, presentation and touched need to educate your friends a bit more about intersectional equality, up fakery goes into presenting the this is the fun book to do it, effectively. ‘everyday life’ as content for the www.zedbooks.net/shop/book/united-queerdom/ ravenous appetite of reality TV or social media platforms. It also looks at where loyalty really lies ) LEWIS LANEY THE LITTLE and explores ethical ideas of social BOOK OF PRIDE (Dog 'n' Bone). investment in an honest way. It’s This little tome is a neat pocket- an old-ways of doing things verses sized hardback which gives an disruptive and highly successful overview of Pride, and is split into new media narrative with a queer four chronological parts, Before love story thrown in. Although I Pride, First Pride, Pride Rises and found it an unconvincing romantic Keeping Pride Alive, with a handy narrative, quite what these two appendix at the end. Laney is young men have in common or careful to make sure that all when they work on their intimacy I’m fickle, demanding, distrustful. communities across our LGBTQ+ is never explored, it’s all a bit Webber sees through me, hears the /QTIPoC are represented, given Insta-Love, but their unapologetic soft clamouring for seduction and equal voice and credit, and there queerness is refreshing and the honesty, the almost suffocated is a far-reaching synopsis of both curious mix of personality types murmurs for tenderness and serves queer history and the rites of Pride means these two young lovers us poem after poem with a and LGBTQ+ rights across the finish, forming a rainbow when have to find ways to negotiate muscular, relentlessly throbbing, world. With profiles of key the book is closed - superb frequently. They are happy though, blood pounding heart. He does that protagonists, quotes and feel-good attention to camp detail and the and the promise of seeing fulfilling thing I adore in poems, the words messaging, The Little Book of Pride book is filled with colourful happy relationships is an come back, unbidden at ordinary proves that size definitely doesn't illustrations. Bringing a smile is important one for younger LGBTQ+ times, blushing, prodding us to matter by squeezing everything what this little book is all about, a readers. Stamper’s prose is consciousness, those of us who you need to know about Pride into great gift for anyone missing Pride engaging and hops along at an only send kisses when we’re horny. 144 pages. There is also a and its infinite, affirming variety interesting pace, but for a book www.bigwhiteshed.co.uk/copy-of- beautiful, glittery fore-edge foil this year. with gravity in its title, there is there-are-no-photographs GSCENE 57 AN EXPLORATION OF QUEER CULTURE AND ACTIVISM IN CHINA ARTS BOOKS ) QUEER CHINA: LESBIAN AND GAY LITERATURE AND VISUAL CULTURE UNDER POSTSOCIALISM (Routledge) is a new analysis of queer culture in contemporary Chinese art and literature and how it is YOU BROUGHT YOUR OWN LIGHT driving political and social activism, published by the pioneering ) YOU BROUGHT YOUR OWN LIGHT, a book of transgender portraiture University of Nottingham media studies scholar Dr Hongwei Bao. showcasing the work of award-winning photographer Allie Crewe, is It’s an accessible book that examines the latest artistic and cultural being published by Axis Projects Publishing. The book is produced by production in China – from gay/comrade literature, to lesbian painting Alan J Ward and brings together and girls’ love fan fiction, gay papercutting art, live theatre, digital 26 of Allie’s revealing transgender films and experimental documentaries. The book reveals a vibrant portraits, including the image of picture of queer communities and Grace, a doctor, which won the cultures, from their inception in BJP Portrait of Britain 2019. post-Mao China to the A series of 12 of the portraits decriminalisation of homosexuality were initially exhibited in in 1997 and the ongoing Manchester at an event sponsored campaign for legal recognition of by Sparkle, the national same-sex relationships and transgender charity, and this LGBTQ+ rights. book now brings the portraits together, continuing Allie’s journey as a Queer China is the result of a political artist exploring social issues of the day using photography to decade-long multi-disciplinary give a voice to those often denied power; becoming a campaigner by research undertaken by Hongwei giving visibility to other people’s narratives. Bao. It breaks new ground and You Brought Your Own Light is the first published book of Allie’s work brings a non-Western perspective and has been created with the support of Arts Council England and to the wide variety of artistic includes words from friend and collaborator Olivia Fisher. activity currently reflecting LGBTQ+ life in contemporary China. The book weaves together original, historical and archival research, analysis of texts, media and discourse, with extensive interviews and ethnography. Dr Bao said: “I’ve set out to de-Westernise and cultural studies of LGBTQ+ communities in China and East Asia more widely. I wanted to show how crucial a role the artistic culture of these communities plays in queer politics – the two aspects are to a large extent mutually dependent. I argue that political activism and social movements are not just about agitation, lobbying and mass mobilisation – community-based cultural and artistic production is just as integral to the political and legislative process. The literature and visual culture of Chinese LGBTQ+ communities can have a profound impact on wider popular culture, helping to disrupt rigid beliefs and traditional ways of thinking about all identities and their places in society.”

JAIMIE - CREDIT; ALLIE CREWE - CREDIT; JAIMIE WREN - CREDIT: ALLIE CREWE WREN - CREDIT: Allie’s new work includes a series of portraits to help change the CHANGING MINDS narrative of domestic violence in conjunction with Safe Lives. She ) CHANGING MINDS is a graphic was also commissioned by the NHS for STILL I RISE, which celebrated novel-style educational tool to help Black History Month, and Unseen Community, a project tackle the harassment of women and commissioned by Proud 2b Parents exploring the LGBTQ+ parenting girls as part of a unique zero- narrative. tolerance strategy being pioneered Allie Crewe says: “Stories of throughout Nottinghamshire. It’s transformation fascinate me, been created by language and especially when they are women’s criminology experts from the stories. I love to photograph University of Nottingham and teenagers, trans women, women Nottingham Trent University, with surviving illness or escaping Nottingham-based graphic art violent marriages. It is not just company Dawn of the Unread, run the physical changes that draw me by James Walker, and artist Kim but how our internal, emotional Thompson. lives change too. To take a Changing Minds is the latest part of a package of educational resources person’s image is, in part, self- commissioned as part of the Misogyny Hate Crime Report published in

ALLIE CREWE portrait. I am representing 2018. This research showed that 87% of people questioned believed it women, exploring their narratives and interweaving them with my own.” was a good idea to make misogyny a hate crime in Nottinghamshire. D To purchase a copy, visit: www.allie-crewe.uk/store Changing Minds is available online as a free download: D You can watch a film about Allie Crewe and how she works by https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/lipp/documents/misogyny-dotu- visiting https://vimeo.com/431524286 comic-final.pdf 58 GSCENE

published in 1974. “I really loved it because the guy was travelling with his son but it was also the experience of his philosophical journey. He had a mental illness, was battling his own inner demons and working those things out.” In The Scoop, published by Red Door Press, the main character, Casey Jones, “chucks in her job, contacts her old schoolfriend, Danny, and they plan a pilgrimage of sorts to find some real meaning in their lives. What she didn’t plan for was an extra passenger in the shape of Danny’s estranged 12-year-old son, Ari, who has problems of his own”. The story is described as an “intense rollercoaster ride through Europe and Asia’s most beautiful and dangerous places, allowing the history and culture they encounter to change the way they see the world, and each other”. Cat didn’t want the book to be “just a fun route, a jolly jaunt in an ice cream van,” and says: “It’s ended up being topical in a way I never thought it would be. The central premise is to be yourself, be a good person, find your identity. There’s a lot of stuff about accepting other people even when they are very different to ourselves, when you’re travelling through other countries looking at different histories. “The world is quite a small place in the sense that people are people and everyone has their own place in the world. There’s that bit in Desiderata [the 1920s prose poem by Max Ehrmann] about being a child of the universe – we all have a right to be here. A lot of the book’s message is around belonging.” CAT WALKER WEARING PENGUIN SHIRT FROM GFW CLOTHING WEARING PENGUIN SHIRT FROM GFW CLOTHING WALKER CAT Cat wanted the book “to be the story that it was and the main character just happens to be gay THE SCOOP ON THE SCOOP and has a backstory”. Her heroine has felt outside of society, struggling with religious Cat Walker started her debut novel in 2006 and it was parents and her time coming out. “Anyone published this year. She reveals to Jaq Bayles the trials, reading it would see that this a normal life tribulations and tenacity needed to complete such a project experience for an LGBTQ+ person. As has come to the fore with Black Lives Matter, they go through life with a slight out-of-placeness. I wanted it to be about acceptance of self and She started writing a ‘blog’ – “basically ) When the French poet, novelist and others.” dramatist Victor Hugo gave us the quote: emails” – stories of things that happen to “Perseverance, secret of all triumphs,” he people when they are travelling alone, and “One of the big messages is to follow your could well have been talking about Brighton’s some of her friends told her she should write a dreams and my big dream was to get it Cat Walker and her journey to becoming a novel based on her adventures. “At first I published. I was not expecting all the rejection published novelist. thought I would just collate some emails,” letters, but then discovered that Zen had been she says, then adds wryly “but that was just rejected more than a hundred times. But as the Cat’s novel, The Scoop, was published on wrong. So I started developing the characters letters mounted up I thought perhaps it needed March 26, just after the Covid-19 lockdown I wanted to explore.” editing,” she laughs. announcement – not the best timing for publicising anything, especially when the very She felt inspired by Zen And The Art Oof With trying to get the book published having outlets that would normally be its shop Motorcycle Maintenance, the fictionalised been on her New Year’s Resolution list “for years window were closed – but she actually started autobiography of Robert M Pirsig, first and years” it seemed to be getting less likely. writing it in 2006. “I’d always wanted to write a novel but had “The best case scenario never had the patience or inspiration,” says is it becomes a proper Cat, who is also remembered for writing bestseller, I sell the film Honeybees: The Musical - the world’s first lesbian field hockey musical. “I went rights and become a writer travelling in 2006. I hesitate to say to it was full-time. I’d like Phoebe to find myself because that’s the terrible Waller-Bridge to play the middle-class cliché of taking a late gap year, but my job was going nowhere and my main character but she’s relationship was going nowhere.” a bit too tall and quirky” GSCENE 59

But a couple of years before turning 50, she put her foot down. “I decided it’s been ridiculous and I needed to commit time to it or forget it. PORTRAITS TO THE WALL I basically rewrote, re-edited, crafted and tried Rose Collis announces the reprint of her ground- to focus on sending it to small, local and independent publishers.” She came across Red breaking first book about historic lesbian lives Door Press in Sussex, whose “philosophy is to try to take on books that the industry would have published before it focused on bestsellers and 1994 my reputation as an author - and, the Richard & Judy Book Club”. Cat continues: since 2012, as a stage artist who has “I had really decided that was it and then I’d performed in Australia and New Zealand - either self-publish or forget the whole thing.” has become greatly enhanced and I've received many inquiries about Portraits To One day about nine months ago she realised she The Wall from overseas. hadn’t heard back from the publishers and gave them a nudge, only to be told they had already “Plus, this year is the 80th anniversary of sent a request to see the full manuscript, which the death of Selma Lagerlóf and the 30th she had never received. So she duly sent it in anniversary of the death of Eve Balfour - then: “They invited me for a meeting at their two significant figures in their respective offices in Haywards Heath and I hadn’t done any fields who deserve to be remembered and research about what I should be asking them – I re-discovered.” spent the whole meeting just grinning at them.” This new paperback edition includes the Top comic and Brighton resident Zoe Lyons gave entire original text, and also features a the book an endorsement and all was looking new preface, plus reviews and new cover. good for that March 26 launch. Then, of course, Rose Collis is a nationally and came lockdown, with public bookshops having to ROSE COLLIS internationally critically acclaimed author, close. A half-launch took place on Facebook but ) playwright, historian, performer, producer, Cat wasn’t able to do any of the signings or To mark the 80th anniversary of the workshop leader and journalist. Her work public events that had been planned. But that death of Selma Lagerlöf, the first woman spans five decades and includes full-length hasn’t stopped the book flying off the shelves to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature, and short biographies, stage plays, social and Gscene’s Eric Page gave it a glowing review Seaford-based writer and performer Rose and cultural histories, journalism, short in our last issue. Collis is re-issuing her acclaimed first book, Portraits To The Wall: Historic fiction, online content, exhibitions, So what next, now she’s achieved the original Lesbian Lives Unveiled, as a pay on lectures, apps, workshops, literary talks dream? “The best case scenario is it becomes a demand (POD) paperback. and educational tours. proper bestseller, I sell the film rights and become a writer full-time. I’d like Phoebe Waller- First published in 1994, the book is an Bridge to play the main character but she’s a bit internationally acclaimed celebration of too tall and quirky. If I had the time and lesbian lives often concealed by history. opportunity I’d love to write another book but It rediscovered the lives and loves, consorts the fact I have a two-and-a-half-year-old and and concerns, passions and politics of a run my own business means I have zero spare diverse range of British and European time. The one thing I have achieved in lockdown women, including: composer Dame Ethel is writing a 25-line poem.” Smyth, who wrote the suffragette song, March Of The Women; Frances Power Cobbe, writer, suffragist, founder of the “A wonderful tale National Anti-Vivisection Society who went of journeys, both to school in Hove; Edy Craig, actress, geographical and writer, feminist and daughter of Ellen Terry, emotional, that will who established Smallhythe Place and the keep you entertained at Barn Theatre; and Maureen Colquhoun, every turn... Cat Walker who was a member of Shoreham District is a brilliant storyteller” Council, Adur District Council and West Zoe Lyons Sussex County Council, and was the first ‘out’ lesbian MP. MORE INFO Rose Collis says: “After getting the Cat Walker, The Scoop, Red Door Press paperback rights back last year, I was D www.reddoorpress.co.uk/books/the-scoop/ hoping to re-issue it then for its 25th I thescoopbycatwalker birthday, but ill-health prevented that, so it's a little overdue. Cat’s Peregrine Nation, May 2020 has been MORE INFO included in the bestselling anthology Poems For “It's been out of print for more than 20 D For more info about Rose, visit: A Pandemic: Voices From The Front Line Of A years and, since then, the interest in www.rosecollis.com Global Epidemic (Harper Collins) raising money UK/European lesbian history has grown D To buy Portraits To The Wall, (£9.99), for NHS Charities Together. Her poetry has been exponentially, although too much of it visit: www.amazon.co.uk/Portraits-Wall- included in Niederngasse, Poetic Voices, The confined to the academic world for my Historic-Lesbian- Sidewalk’s Edge and Clean Sheets and she has a liking. These are some of the points I Unveiled/dp/B08C9CYYL6/ref=sr_1_1?d book of love poetry, Holding My Breath To Keep address in my new preface. child=1&keywords=rose+collis+portraits The Love Inside (Trafford Publishing). “Re-issuing it as a POD on Amazon &qid=1593948980&s=books&sr=1-1 T @CatWalkerAuthor worldwide is the perfect solution: since D www.catwalkerauthor.com 60 GSCENE SHOPPING WITH MICHAEL HOOTMAN

) Pride Diesel T-Shirt, £44; Pride Silicone Gentleman’s Enhancer, £21.95 (Prowler, 112-113 St James's Street, Brighton, 01273 603813)

) Ursula Earrings by Lou Taylor, £60 (Pussy, 3a Kensington Gardens, Brighton, 01273 604861)

) ) Terracotta Vase from £17.50 (Abode, Handblown Hourglass 32 Kensington Gardens, Brighton, 01273 621116) from £12 (Dowse, 27 Gloucester Road, Brighton)

) Flamingo Plate, £9.99 (England at Home, 22b Ship Street, Brighton, 01273 205544) 61 GSCENE GSCENE 61

see Chris Jepson’s photographs of the 50th anniversary march of the original GLF march in London this July. To see a small but energised group of people remembering why we were marching in the first place and holding placards proclaiming “we are the radical roots of Pride”. Now that deserves a ‘yassss queen’. One year ago London felt chaotic at the annual Pride event which winds its way through the capital city. Yes it’s amazing that so many come to see the parade and take part in our ‘Pride’, but the runaway corporate juggernaut dominates and the only floats visible are those large enough and expensive

KYLIE @ PRIDE 2019 PICS BY CHRIS JEPSON CHRIS BY KYLIE @ PRIDE 2019 PICS enough to tower above the hundreds of thousands of somewhat disinterested revellers snorting laughing gas for kicks. CRAIG’S THOUGHTS One highlight for me in Brighton 2019 was to be asked to co-host the BBC Sussex After the Fall: Bring Back the Pride. commentary of the Pride parade. Armed with By Craig Hanlon-Smith mic in hand, I spent two hours asking people what Pride meant to them and why they were @craigscontinuum here celebrating. In most cases it felt like an opportunity to reconnect with the people, the purpose and the pride. Only one reveller said he was only here to go to the park to watch ) In August 2019 I sat in my garden the However, LGBTQ+ Pride events with exclusive Katy Perry. Perhaps he’s still waiting. Friday afternoon before Pride, and from across ticket categories and social tiering do not pay the railway lines that separate our house from homage to our roots. They piss on them. In this spirit of paring back and reconnecting Preston Park, I listened to with our purpose, it’s a joy to see the online Hundreds of thousands of dollars paid to these soundcheck. We had a silly little dance around trailers for the Fabuloso event on Saturday artists to grace us with their presence while the garden as we prepared for friends to arrive August 1, the day the parade and park event our drag and cabaret performers are hoofing for the weekend festivities and on the would have taken place. Local artists, drag their wares up and down inside a tent for a Saturday night thoroughly enjoyed the Kylie queens, comedians, singers, cabaret couple of vodkas and a cheesy Wotsit. My extravaganza. It wasn’t dissimilar to her performers bringing a Brighton focused line- highlight of Brighton & Hove Pride 2019 was Glastonbury show beamed into our living up to our annual celebrations, a welcome Lola Lasagne introducing the Pride film from rooms some four weeks prior, but a good 30 diversion from the online ‘upset’ and the main stage and using the opportunity to minutes longer and with some occasional disappointment that Mariah is not GaGa. inform senior members of the Conservative shout-outs to Brighton & Hove Pride. At least Party that she would see them next Tuesday. The not insignificant reduction of rainbow this pop princess knew where she was. Je ne sais pas pourquoi. Amen. memorabilia across our (online) high street There were also a couple of times during her stores is a statement in itself. The shops are And now this. The Covid-tastic cancellation of performance as I looked at her face on the big doing what they are supposed to, trying to life as we knew it. Public concerts, festivals screen that I felt she was grateful and make money. They just want to sell as much as and of course large public events such as Pride understood that without the gays there would possible to as many as possible and when the all cancelled until further notice. Mariah’s rider be no Kylie career in 2019, more than 30 years hoardes aren’t rocking up for an event-based nothing more than a few bullet points on her since her first appearance. My only weekend, there just isn’t the point. They don’t assistant’s iPhone. We’ll never know if her disappointment was that it wasn’t Madonna, really give a hoot about your gay, lesbian, closing number on stage in a Preston Park although to her credit she had performed the bisexual, trans or queer ass and neither does August would have been that blasted headliner set at the New York Pride on the Mariah. Christmas song. But are these reasons to be pier, at the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall sad? Where’s the online freebie from a rainbow- riots, around the time Kylie was donning her soaked studio dressed in a Brighton & Hove wellies at Glasto. It isn’t a laughing matter that events and Pride T-shirt just for the cause? And gay boys organisations employing thousands find Kylie seemed grateful but there was nothing in gay boys gay boys… Kylie wine? Stop it with themselves grinding to a halt and unable to the way of a politically charged air punch or the Instagram taste tests from your special meet their financial obligations, and while crowd-pleasing acknowledgement of our Kylie-Wine-Presentation set. She just wants perhaps not for Pride Inc and those it respective journeys. And while Madonna in your pounds, she’s done with the pride. employs, this is an opportunity for Pride as an New York did the opposite and gave more ideal. It’s back to basics. I was overjoyed to But we, are not. The best is yet to come. political speech than song including her recognition at having been “embraced by Queer Nation”, most of those at the Pride Island event in NYC had paid thousands of dollars to be there. Just like the rich queens “I mean no discredit to these astonishing in Brighton who pay hundreds to enter artists and supporters of our community. Preston Park via the Manor Gardens. Here’s hoping you don’t trip up over a discarded However, LGBTQ+ Pride events with exclusive bottle of Veuve Clicquot and choke on a pansy. ticket categories and social tiering do not I mean no discredit to these astonishing artists and supporters of our community. pay homage to our roots. They piss on them” 62 GSCENE

“I moved to Brighton from London literally two days before my first Brighton & Hove Pride in 2017. My friends jumped at the chance to celebrate with me; a few from Ireland and a few from London. So I had FIVE people staying in my cramped studio apartment. We didn't care. I couldn't believe how much the whole city got involved with Pride, I remember feeling like the whole of Brighton had exploded with rainbow flags. I felt so elated at how much love and acceptance was on show, I really felt like I belonged here. Pride can be strange when I feel like I 'should' be feeling things I'm not always feeling, but I'm so incredibly grateful that I live in a part of our world where we can be free to be loud, out and proud!” “My funniest Pride memory with MindOut is the time I crawled right under the bus before the parade started, to tie up the banners. I just had my legs sticking out behind the bus (with silver heels, of course). A colleague came along and thought I'd been run over!” “Pride is a celebration of our fight. We’re here to radically love who we are and our community and share in our joy. However, it’s also a time to remember those who aren’t so lucky and need our support and solidarity. Now and always, Pride is a protest.” “I’ve been part of Pride celebrations in Brighton for more than 30 years. I’ve seen Pride change from a few hundred brave souls in the late 1980s and early 1990s to hundreds of thousands in pre- MINDOUT lockdown years. Pride is so important, as a protest The MindOut team have been reminiscing about Brighton and making visible the lives of all LGBTQ+ people. It’s a time to celebrate our communities, to create Pride, what it means to us, how much we’ll miss being on communities, to do our best to be as inclusive as the streets this year. Pride means so much to us personally we can. And that means inclusive of we who have experience of mental health issues. Pride gives us and professionally, what follows is a flavour of that. a platform to talk about mental health, to celebrate our survival, to help us to thrive, to get ) “What I love about Brighton & Hove Pride is “A decade ago, at 15, I was a newly out the word out that MindOut is here for us all.” it caters for everyone. When I was younger I bisexual. I was absolutely terrified of being at “I’m always so proud of the MindOut bus at Pride. could be found downing Jägerbombs in the Pride, around so many other people that Its such a great way to show that people with dance tents, misbehaving in Legends and would empathise with my experience, but it mental health issues can take part, can be out, eating pie and chips on St James’ St at 4am. was an incredible time. I remember watching can be included and celebrated. I love it when Last year I did a yoga class in the fitness tent, the parade and being in awe at not being people in the crowd cheer us on. I just want listened to some poetry, donated to a guide alone. I'm going to really miss seeing more people to feel it’s okay to say I have mental dog charity and was home in bed before Kylie everyone at Pride this year, but can’t wait to health problems and that its ok to ask for help.” finished her set. Young or old, LGBTQ+ or ally, be with you all again next summer.” there’s something at Pride for everyone. Now I MindOut will be celebrating, virtually, on have two kids I miss being able to wander Saturday, August 1. We will be on a digital bus, if between the tents checking out the different not a real one with wheels! performances, but I’ve discovered a different side to Pride. Being part of Brighton & Hove Rainbow Families has opened up a whole different world. I feel very lucky to be part of MINDOUT INFO such a fun and supportive network of LGBTQ+ If you would like to talk about any mental parents and we proudly march in the parade health related issues in your life, at Pride or at with our children every year. any time, please do contact us. All of our services are offering online support and we’re “My wife and I first took our daughter to Pride starting a new telephone befriending project when she was three weeks old. It’s a shame our for people who’d rather not use digital services. son who was born in March will miss his first Pride but we’ll dress him up in extra rainbows All of our services are independent, impartial, in 2021 to make up for it. It’s really important non-judgemental and free (except for our for the kids to grow up appreciating diversity; affordable counselling service). to know that LGBTQ+ families are celebrated. You can see our website www.mindout.org.uk There’s something very lovely about thousands or phone us on 01273 234839 of people cheering our rainbow family.” or email [email protected] GSCENE 63 WALL’S WORDS GAY WISDOM BY ROGER WHEELER BY GAY SOCRATES

AM I PROUD? HOW THE FEMININE GOT DRAGGED BACK INTO MY WAY OF BEING… ) The word pride is frequently on our lips, it’s worth examining the actual meaning of the word. We can all take pride in something we ) Back in 1960, the working class world I was born into knew nothing have achieved, our appearance or just how clever we are. This could beyond a very strictly regulated . I had a penis so I was a be confused with conceit, egoism or even vanity. It can even describe boy - Simples! a group of lions. In the context of August in Brighton it used to be But I was a girly boy. I wanted to be a mother and to become a Gay Pride, happy memories of Preston Park, a wonderful friendly housewife. It made me sad that these options weren’t open to me. party, and it was free! I envied girls and their ability to attract sexy men. I wanted to wear Times have changed, for many good reasons it started to cost money make-up and once dusted my face with some foundation powder from a to attend the event and then the Gay name was dropped. We all heard discarded compact of my mother’s. My dad noticed immediately, “Wash the reasons for this unfortunate decision, but for Michael and I that that muck off your face!” A few months later I patted a bit of talcum heralded the start of the end of the event that powder on my cheeks then forgot about it. Again my dad spotted it we knew and loved. and with disgust said, “What have you done to your face? Wash it off and don’t let me ever see you do that kind of thing again!” But let’s think about exactly what we (and by that I mean the LGBTQ+ So I was efficiently detected as a potential gender transgressor and community) have got to be proud of? rapidly knocked back into line. I quickly learned that some of my Michael and I had many long and speech patterns, mannerisms and gestures could be identified by others occasionally quite strong discussions as ‘girly’ and were therefore potentially dangerous signifiers of on this subject with the wonderful differentness. I felt this girlishness was somehow related to my secret James Ledward. He didn’t agree with attraction towards men and so for the sake of my social survival it us at all, but good friends can disagree, needed to be eradicated from how I presented myself to the world. and we did. Our point was that we didn’t Thus began the extended performance of a macho-ish false self. The feel particularly proud of being gay, why voice had to be lower and gruff with no squeals or screeches. Hands should we, we just were. Mike was very proud of had to be anchored in pockets. The walk became a cocky lolling his exceptional professional rise in his career and the many awards he swagger with a man-spreading gait suggestive of a need to avoid had earned. In my turn I was both proud of him and his scissoring an imaginary pair of big balls between my meaty thighs. achievements and my own contributions to our home and doing what I was pretty convincing to the point that I almost believed it myself! I could to support him. Neither of us felt particularly proud of our Even beyond the age of 20 when I came out as gay, the straight- sexuality, we felt that there is nothing to be proud of, it’s something acting-ness was firmly ingrained and remained so until I met the Faeries. we were born with.

Today in this high-tech social media world, there is one good thing to be found in ‘Pride’: it has given many the courage to ‘come out’. “A part of me that had been frozen Living as we do in the soft south east, we may not be aware that homophobia still exists, almost everywhere. Even in supposedly gay began to thaw out. This presentation Brighton you run a risk, no matter how slight, if you hold your of me wasn’t seen by the Faeries as partner’s hand in some parts of town. So arguing against myself, Pride does have a place, if it helps just one frightened person tell disgusting but was celebrated and everyone what they are and who they are then it’s a good thing. appreciated”

“Pride does have a place, if it helps Then, at the age of 49, at a Faerie Gathering, I put on a wig, a dress and some make-up. It was such a transformation that no-one seemed just one frightened person tell to recognise me. A part of me that everyone what they are and who had been frozen began to thaw out. This presentation of me wasn’t seen they are then it’s a good thing” by the Faeries as disgusting but was celebrated and appreciated. What a We also used to enjoy the parade before it became so commercial relief it was to no longer be policing with large international companies jumping literally on the band myself, to be allowing free rein to wagon to prove just how inclusive they were, which in reality they any whim or style of being without weren’t. Michael and I must both hold hands up and plead guilty to fear of reprimand. this charge of commercialisation. Seeing the need to help, we These days I’m unable to see myself persuaded our respective employers to join in, take stands and enter as a conventional gay cis-male. To the parade. In some ways the large national companies we worked for others I seem ‘cis’ so I tend to get were forced to acknowledge their lack of inclusivity, something that pushed away from the trans end of they would never freely admit. the cis/trans spectrum. So Pride exists and I wish it luck, it may not be for me, I am But I know there’s something odd obviously well past my Pride date, but it gives a lot of pleasure to about my gender so now it gets to thousands of people, whether virtual or not. So am I proud? No not be described as ‘ciss-ish’ (and - for the record - when it comes to particularly. Don’t forget that the Amsterdam event is still called Gay pronouns, although I tend to be referred to as ‘he’, I do prefer to be Pride, but that’s a different story. seen in all my plurality as ‘they’!) 64 GSCENE GOLDEN HOUR STUFF & THINGS BY BILLIE GOLD BY JON TAYLOR

LIFE IN FULL COLOUR SMILE AND WAVE ) Pride this year has perhaps been one of the most pivotal moments ) What can you say about Pride that hasn't been said already? Not of our collective history. When I attended my very first Pride, I was much. However you choose to look at it, someone's looked at it like nowhere near out. I remember watching the parade go by with the that already. Whether you see it as a political march or a fun time arm of my then boyfriend around me, in awe of the colours and with your mates, or something in between the two, it's already been collective emotion that, at that time, belonged to a community that I covered. Which leaves the personal experiences of Pride that could be did not, yet. And however much I felt like I was undercover at that potentially new and interesting. So, what are my experiences of Pride? time, looking at a community I knew I was a part of, I remember Will they be new and interesting? Let's find out. wondering how long it would take for me to be found out, and now I I've mainly been at Brighton & Hove Pride as part of Brighton Gay wish it was sooner. Men's Chorus (BGMC), where I've strutted my stuff on our floats in

various colourful outfits. Ah, the floats! Put together by the same people every year and every year they ask for help from everyone else “I remember watching the parade go by for construction and decoration of it, receive little assistance and with the arm of my then boyfriend around then see the finished float packed with members on the day itself. 'Where were you lot when we were building this thing?' They ask... me, in awe of the colours and collective Ah, memories! emotion that, at that time, belonged to a community that I did not, yet”

For some people, coming out came gradually, the “I’ve always known” type of responses to a young gay person revealing who they are making it not easy but loving. My coming out story was not like this. Years after I knew I was a lesbian, at a fairly late age of 27, my need for telling people who I was was violent and quick. It happened after a particularly bad relationship with a man, and breaking free of such a thing made it almost impossible to do it softly, as if screaming hanging out of a Brighton window that I’m gay would permanently shut the door to that type of pain for me, and in a way, doing it that way, it did. I fell in love at a wonderfully inappropriate moment, and I often wonder if this is how a lot of people discover their sexuality within themselves. It was that moment that I remember vividly, standing in the shower and realising that nothing about life would ever be the same, as if all the grey had washed off me and now I was living life We've run out of fuel for the generator on the float a couple of times. in full colour. It made me think of the first parade I saw, and I knew That's fun! We play music on our floats that we 'sing' along to so a if I was going to change my life and live authentically for myself, I noisy generator is essential. When the music cuts out so does our would do it as loud as humanly possible. 'performance'. The crowd do not like this. They usually yell 'SING!' at us a lot when this happens. You just want to melt into the floor From that first Pride to the most when it does ‘cause there's nowt you can do about it. All you can do recent, almost everything has is smile and wave. changed. Last Pride I stood on a stage in front of 2,000 plus There's usually discussions each year about whether the Parade (TM) people, in the midst of a is getting too commercialised with too many corporations taking part. celebration of love and life that is 'Not enough local business and too much big business' is usually the mine to live too. From wishing I complaint. To begin with, it's bloody expensive to put on a float so was part of the crowd, to some can’t afford to do so. Also, if corporations decided not to take eventually being a voice within part, by gum we'd let them know how we felt about that wouldn't them. we? 'Why aren't (insert company name here) taking part in the Pride Parade this year? Where's your representation for your LGBTQ+ Lesbian representation is still employees? Don't you care about gay rights?' and so on and so on. woefully underrepresented pretty We complain that they take part and we'd complain if they didn't. To much everywhere, and the way I get a better balance between corporates and local colour, I suggest figure it, if I can inspire just one the following... At the start of the parade have two community floats, young gay woman to start living then one corporate. Follow this pattern ‘til there's just corporate left her truth and celebrate herself, at the back. I think people would rather see groups like BGMC than that’s Pride done right. Tesco so stack the deck in the local group’s favour. Done. I'm full of Essentially we celebrate Pride all over the world not just to remember good ideas. and continue the struggle for basic human rights, but to send a loud I see the theme for the Parade next year is 'Rainbows'. Gosh! What an message to everyone who thinks it's not safe, or it's not the time to utterly original and never done before idea! Revolutionary! Must have live authentically. Feathers and glitter is one thing, but the message taken hours to come up with that! No doubt our float will be packed that there is a family waiting for you at the other end of self with them and a fun time will be had. Will there be more help to realisation is what Pride means to me. build it? Will we run out of fuel again? Watch this space! GSCENE 65 HYDES’ HOPES LAURIE’S ALLOTMENT BY REV MICHAEL HYDES BY LAURIE LAVENDER

HOW’S YOUR HEAD, HUN? SOME BUMPER CROPS ) Have you been watching and her home-based ) Hello to all you fellow horticulturalists! You never can tell what is programme, How's Your Head, Hun? It's fun, and a bit of a tonic when going to happen, as much as we all like to try to second guess the everything seems so serious. And right now life feels pretty serious. weather - it always has something up its sleeve. This year, after a very Just a few months ago, when we went into lockdown, there was a dry spring, we’ve had wind and rain (albeit intermittent). moment of “I can't do this”, which quickly turned to “How do I do this?” We put together an online service, reached out to folk, ran errands, helped with shopping, and tried to support the community the best ways we could. And none of it has been easy. Some folk have been very poorly with lengthy hospital stays, others have struggled with mental health problems. And we've all lost loved ones. “How's your head, hun?” It's not good. At the beginning of the pandemic there was a bit of panic, but then coping took over and the reality of lockdown hit. It was easy to follow the rules because they were simple, and it was easy to spot those who were flaunting the rules and steer clear.

TOMATOES ONIONS Some crops are doing well and others decidedly less so. We’ve had bumper crops of broad beans, but to be honest my peas are pitiful. On the other hand my onions are mighty fine, which could be because I put them in at the tail end of last year rather than early this year. I’m already planning my next crop for September planting. VIGIL IN REMEMBRANCE OF JAMES FURLONG, IN REMEMBRANCE OF JAMES VIGIL WAILS & DAVID JOE RITCHIE-BENNETT And I was so busy I'd forgotten about homophobia, hate crime, and We’ve had a good crop of terrorism. But then in Reading three gay men were enjoying time in lettuce (various types), new the park: David Wails, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and James Furlong, when chard is fresh and tasty (old they were stabbed to death in broad daylight. The police are calling it chard is dug up and a terrorist incident, but I don't hear anyone on the news talking about decomposing as we speak). hate crime. The Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum held a Tomatoes are doing well having vigil in Dorset Gardens to remember them and mourn our loss. Each of been en plein air since those beautiful men were victims of hate. I'm missing 'Pride' so much. conception. New potatoes LETTUCE & POTATOES (Charlotte) are plentiful and “How's your head, hun?” It's not good. I don't know about you, but I've tasty with butter and fresh mint, or as a potato salad, or roasted whole had enough. I want everything to be 'normal again', except I also don't with a sprinkling of smoked paprika. I also tend to roast in sesame oil want things to go back to the way they were. I want a new normal. for a ‘nuttier’ flavour. One without racism and denial. One without hate and fear. One without homophobia and transphobia. One that prizes equality and Our fruits are bountiful as well, roots out inequality. One where a life is more important than an we’ve alpine strawberries on our economic downturn. One where I can hug again. I dream about hugs. muesli and the blackcurrants add piquancy to Tina Thyme’s rhubarb and ginger crumble. I never know “I want a new normal... One without hate if I prefer my crumble with cream, and fear. One without homophobia and ice cream or custard, or all three (crème fraîche is the healthy transphobia... One where I can hug again” option). There’s still time to cultivate What we need is more love in the world. (All you need is love). spring onions, radishes and herbs Even the smallest expression of love changes the world a little bit. for late summer salads.

And perhaps, if we want to change the world for the better, then only HERBS love is going to work. That's what the Kingdom of God is, it's love at LAURIE’S TOP TIPS work. The real self-sacrificing love that insists we treat others the way ) August is really the last month for planting green manure, which we want to be treated.Only Love can create a world without racism and you can then dig in in October/November before it flowers. Buckwheat denial. Only Love can create a world without hate and fear. Only Love is good for poor soil, crimson clover for light/sandy soil, white clover can create a world without homophobia and transphobia. Only Love can will suit most types, fenugreek for well-drained soil, and field beans for create a world that prizes equality and roots out inequality. One where heavy soil. We buy ours from Kings Seeds, other providers are available. life is more important than economics. One where I can hug again. One ) Keep feeding your tomatoes with Tomorite and Miracle Grow where I feel proud to be a part of a society that cares - from its (doesn’t change it into wine!). grassroots to the government in power. Donald the Weed King (Queen?) is in charge while we’re away. “How's your head, hun?” It's getting there. But it's going to need a lot Happy harvesting, Laurie Lavender. Pictures by Tina Thyme. more love in the world before it'll be right. 66 GSCENE SCENE & DONE IT CLASSIFIEDS BY MICHAEL STEINHAGE Email [email protected] by AUG 10 to guarantee placement

LOCKDOWN LIES ELECTRICIANS / LGBTQ CHURCH ) So I’m trying to wrap my head around this here column, but life RENEWABLE TECH has been locked down so long, I can’t even remember what slacks are okay to wear when I pop to Tesco’s, as opposed to spending the THE VILLAGE whole day at home ‘cleaning’, or whether I have to sign into Netflix METROPOLITAN or Microsoft Office on a Wednesday morning, or in fact when even COMMUNITY CHURCH IS Wednesday. Rooted in and serving LGBTQ communities We’re all corona-confused. And we’ve all become liars. Little liars. Meeting at The Somerset Day Centre So let’s open up about those little lockdown lies, like “I’ve 62 St James St, Brighton BN2 1PR enjoyed home schooling the kids tremendously. Such precious Sundays at 6pm Tel: 07476 667 353 • thevillagemcc.org time!” Said no gay parent ever. “Why do they still need to know SOH CAH TOA?”, or “They do long division completely different now, they’ve changed it all!”, or “Right. School’s out. Where is PROFESSIONAL Mummy’s grown-up Ribena?” We won’t admit such thoughts to the others, even when they’re in the exact same boat. And how do you tell your partner, who’s fortunate enough to go to work three days a week, that you too have had a busy day? On Zoom calls all morning, and then a webinar in the afternoon. No, he doesn’t need to know about your two hour lunch sitting in the sun in Preston Park. Why make him jealous, he’s had a very busy day, key working for the nation. How do you tell everyone that yes, you have been drinking more certainly, but you’re totally committed to four sober days a week. Three minimum. Okay two. Whatever, why do they even need to know that you’ve cracked open the Sauvignon at 2pm today? They were out for a run, which you know because it’s been posted on Facebook. But… were they WHILST EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THE telling the truth? Doubt it, ACCURACY OF STATEMENTS IN THIS MAGAZINE WE CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE VIEWS OF CONTRIBUTORS, we’re probably square. Are ERRORS, OR OMMISIONS, OR FOR MATTERS ARISING FROM CLERICAL OR PRINTERS ERRORS, OR AN ADVERTISER NOT there any clean wine glasses COMPLETING A CONTRACT by the way? And don’t even get me started on the baking! Yes, we all got a bit excited that we had this extra time to make banana bread, and we shared our photos proudly, but the novelty is long gone. The smell of baking KEEPING YOU CONNECTED powder, oh it makes me sick! Home cooking? “Well we treat ourselves to a Deliveroo just now and then”. And then again and WITH LGBTQ+ BRIGHTON & HOVE then some more. SUSSEX AND BEYOND!

“Yes, we all got a bit excited that we had this extra time to make banana bread, and we shared our photos proudly, but the novelty is long gone”

But hang on, I went off on a complete tangent! I’m sure I already wrote about the lockdown last time, In Apriljumay or roundabout then. Did I? Is it still July or already Halloween, what am I even doing when, by the time this issue hits your screens, all this will be old news. Wasn’t there something… oh yes, that’s it! It’s the yearly Pride issue and I was meant to write something inspiring about that! Accept my apologies. I have 50 words left, so have a VISIT: D beautiful Pride and make sure you do celebrate (safely), whether www.gscene.com you just hang a little flag over the balcony or host a drag night FOLLOW: F GScene.Brighton T Gscene on your driveway. I’ll be in the Park with a cooler, hoping the sun stays as out as I am! JOIN: F Gscene LGBTQ+ Communities Group GSCENE 67

● MINDOUT advice only (no assessments), Fri 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm. SERVICES Independent, impartial services run by and for LGBTQ • Gary Smith (LGBT* Support) 07884 476634 people with experience of mental health issues. 24 hr or email [email protected] DIRECTORY confidential answerphone: 01273 234839 or email For more info visit weblink: [email protected] and out of hours online chat pavilions.org.uk/services/treatment-recovery-options/ www.mindout.org.uk ● SUSSEX BEACON LGBT SERVICES ● NAVIGATE 24 hour nursing & medical care, day care or ● ALLSORTS YOUTH PROJECT Social/peer support group for FTM, transmasculine & 01273 694222 www.sussexbeacon.org.uk Drop-in for LGBT or unsure young people under 26 gender queer people, every 1st Wed 7-9pm & 3rd Sat of ● TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST SERVICES month 1-3pm at Space for Change, Windlesham Venue, Tues 5.30–8.30pm 01273 721211 or email For more info about these free services go to the THT BN1 3AH. [email protected], www.allsortsyouth.org.uk https://navigatebrighton.wordpress.com/ office, 61 Ship St, Brighton, Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm ● or ● BRIGHTON & HOVE POLICE PEER ACTION 01273 764200 [email protected] • Venue Outreach: info on HIV, sexual health, personal Report all homophobic, biphobic or transphobic incidents Regular low cost yoga, therapies, swimming, meditation & social groups for people with HIV. safety, safer drug/alcohol use, free condoms/lubricant to: 24/7 assistance call Police on 101 (emergencies 999) or for men who have sex with men Report online at: www.sussex.police.uk [email protected] www.peeraction.net • The Bushes Outreach Service @ Dukes Mound: LGBT team (not 24/7) email: [email protected] ● RAINBOW FAMILIES advice, support, info on HIV & sexual health, and free • LGBT Officer PC James Breeds: Tel: 101 ext 558168 Support group for lesbian and/or gay parents condoms & lube [email protected] 07951 082013 or [email protected] • Netreach (online/mobile app outreach in Brighton & ● BRIGHTON & HOVE LGBT SAFETY FORUM www.rainbowfamilies.org.uk Hove): info/advice on HIV/sexual health/local services. Independent LGBT forum working within the communities ● RAINBOW HUB THT Brighton Outreach workers online on Grindr, Scruff, to address and improve safety and access issues in Information, contact, help and guidance to services for & Squirt Brighton & Hove. For more info: 01273 675445 LGBT+ communities in Brighton, Hove and Sussex at • Condom Male: discreet, confidential service posts free or admin@-help.com or www.lgbt-help.com Rainbow Hub drop in LGBT+ one-stop shop: 93 St James condoms/lube/sexual health info to men who have sex ● Street, BN2 1TP, 01273 675445 or visit with men without access to East Sussex commercial gay BRIGHTON & HOVE LGBT SWITCHBOARD scene • LGBT Older Peoples' Project www.therainbowhubbrighton.com • Positive Voices: volunteers who go to organisations to • LGBT Health Improvement and Engagement Project ● SOME PEOPLE talk about personal experiences of living with HIV • LGBTQ Disabilities Project Social/support group for LGB or questioning aged 14-19, • Fastest (HIV testing): walk-in, (no appointment) rapid • Rainbow Café: support for LGBT+ people with Dementia Tue 5.30-7.30pm, Hastings. Call/text Cathrine Connelly HIV testing service open to MSM (Men who have sex • Volunteering opportunities 01273 234 009 0797 3255076 or email [email protected] with Men). Anyone from the African communities, male Helpline hours: Wed & Thur, 7–9.30pm; trans-only ● TAGS – THE ARUN GAY SOCIETY and female sex workers and anyone who identifies as webchat on Sun 3–5pm: call 01273 204 050 Trans or non-binary. We now offer rapid 15 minutes Social Group welcome all inEast & West Sussex Areas. email [email protected] results for HIV/Syphilis: Mon 10am-8pm, Tues-Fri Call/Text 07539 513171 www.tagsonline.org.uk webchat switchboard.org.uk/helpline 10am-5pm, Thurs 10am-8pm (STI testing available) www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton ● VICTIM SUPPORT • Sauna Fastest at The Brighton Sauna (HIV testing): ● BRIGHTON ONEBODYONEFAITH Practical, emotional support for victims of crime walk-in, (no appointment) rapid HIV testing service for Formerly The Gay Christian Movement. Contact: Nigel Nash 08453 899 528 men who have sex with men, results in 20 minutes: Wed: 6–8pm (STI testing available) [email protected] www.onebodyonefaith.org.uk ● THE VILLAGE MCC • Face2Face: confidential info & advice on sexual health Christian church serving the LGBTQ community. Sundays ● BRIGHTON WOMEN’S CENTRE & HIV for men who have sex with men, up to 6 one 6pm, Somerset Day Centre, Kemptown 07476 667353 Info, counselling, drop-in space, support groups hour appointments www.thevillagemcc.org 01273 698036 or visit www.womenscentre.org.uk • Specialist Training: wide range of courses for groups/

● LESBIAN & GAY AA individuals, specific courses to suit needs 12-step self-help programme for alcohol addictions: HIV PREVENTION, CARE • Counselling: from qualified counsellors for up to Sun, 7.30pm, Chapel Royal, North St, Btn (side entrance). & TREATMENT SERVICES 12 sessions for people living with/affected by HIV 01273 203 343 (general AA line) • What Next? Thurs eve, 6 week peer support group ● AVERT work programme for newly diagnosed HIV+ gay men ● LGBT COCAINE ANONYMOUS Sussex HIV & AIDS info service 01403 210202 • HIV Support Services: info, support & practical Meeting every Tues 6.30-8pm, 6 Tilbury Pl, Brighton, BN2 or email [email protected] advice for people living with/affected by HIV 0GY, CA isn’t allied with any outside organisation, and ● BRIGHTON & HOVE CAB HIV PROJECT • HIV Welfare Rights Advice: Find out about benefits neither endorses or opposes any causes. or benefit changes. Advice line: Tue–Thur 1:30- Money, benefits, employment, housing, info, advocacy. Helpline 0800 6120225, 2:30pm. 1-2-1 appts for advice & workshops on key Appointments: Tue-Thur 9am-4pm, Wed 9am-12.30pm www.cocaineanonymous.org.uk benefits Brighton & Hove Citizens Advice Bureau, Brighton Town Hall. www.sussexcocaineanonymous.co.uk, ● TERRENCE HIGGINS EASTBOURNE 01273 733390 ext 520 or www.brightonhovecab.org.uk • on HIV, sexual health & local ● LGBT NA GROUP Web support & info ● services via netreach and myhiv.org.uk Brighton-based LGBT (welcomes others) Narcotics CLINIC M Free confidential testing & treatment for STIs including HIV, • Free condom postal service contact Grace Coughlan Anonymous group every Tue 6.30–8pm, Millwood Centre, plus Hep A & B vaccinations. Claude Nicol Centre, Sussex on 07584086590 or [email protected] Nelson Row, Kingswood St. 0300 999 1212 County Hospital, on Weds from 5-8pm. ● SEXUAL HEALTH WORTHING ● LGBT+ MEDITATION GROUP 01273 664 721 or www.brightonsexualhealth.com Free confidential tests & treatment for STIs inc HIV; Hep A Meditation & discussion, every 2nd & 4th Thur, 5.30–7pm, ● & B vaccinations. Worthing based 0845 111345645 Anahata Clinic, 119 Edward St, Brighton. LAWSON UNIT Medical advice, treatment for HIV+, specialist clinics, diet 07789 861 367 or www.bodhitreebrighton.org.uk & welfare advice, drug trials. 01273 664 722 NATIONAL HELPLINES ● LUNCH POSITIVE ● ● Lunch club for people with HIV. Meet/make friends, find MARTIN FISHER FOUNDATION NATIONAL LGBT DOMESTIC ABUSE HIV Self testing kits via digital vending machines available peer support in safe space. Every Fri, noon–2.30pm, HELPLINE at galop.org.uk and 0800 999 5428 from: The Brighton Sauna, Subline, Prowler, Marlborough Community Room, Dorset Gdns Methodist Church, Dorset ● SWITCHBOARD 0300 330 0630 Pub and The Rainbow Hub Gdns, Brighton. Lunch £1.50. martinfisherfoundation.org ● POSITIVELINE (EDDIE SURMAN TRUST) 07846 464 384 or www.lunchpositive.org ● SUBSTANCE MISUSE SERVICE Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat & Sun 4-10pm 0800 1696806 Pavillions Partnership. Info, advice, appointments & referrals ● MAINLINERS 02075 825226 ● MCC BRIGHTON . Drop-in: Richmond House, Richmond Rd, ● Inclusive, affirming space where all are invited to come as 01273 731 900 NATIONAL AIDS HELPLINE 08005 67123 Brighton, Mon-Wed & Fri 10am-4pm, Thur 10am-7pm, Sat ● they are to explore their spirituality without judgement. NATIONAL DRUGS HELPLINE 08007 76600 10am-1pm; 9 The Drive, Hove 01273 680714 Mon & Wed ● 01273 515572 or [email protected] THT AIDS Treatment phoneline 08459 470047 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm, Tue & Thu 10am-4pm, info & www.mccbrighton.org.uk ● THT direct 0845 1221200 OLD S HOR HOVEOVE STTATIONATIO EHA M RD GSCENE ADVERTISERS’ MAP D Y K ELM GROVE RD E 16 37 R D D L O ISLIN GOLDSM BRIGHTON N GWO ID RD D RD SEVENN STATION O RD

VILL N DIAALSLS S RD SO VE U R E THOV RI D ER W ST SACKVILLE RD T TRAFALGAR ST E S E D L RRD

THE D GE S R DY O EN KE E GE UEEN D H RD Q R D K R 19 R CHURCH RD R D A P D NO S RT E H RD N AND E 38 D E PAL L ME U L 29 RIA Q SQ D RA UARE R HO HOVE ST R VE PA E A 20 I 30 L D C ND PE HU R 1ST 14 T 9 RC D WES H L T RD S ER T 33 N RD GRAG W 10 CCLOCK HFIE KINGSWA 4 MON Y ED ES TTOWTOWER NE WA RD ST R N F ORT H S ST T KINGS 26 17 EA RD STERN RD ) EST 32 ST JAM BARS & PUBS W ES S LD STEINE TREET 28 31 1 AFFINITY BAR O 23 129 St James’s St, 14 PARIS HOUSE 27 M 34 www.affinitygaybar.co.uk 21 Western Rod, 01273 724195 ARIN www.parishouse.com WEST PIER E PARAD 8 2 AMSTERDAM BAR & KITCHEN E 11-12 Marine Parade, 01273 688 826 15 QUEEN’S ARMS www.amsterdambrighton.com 7 George St, 01273 696873 3 BAR BROADWAY www.theqabrighton.com BRIG HTO 10 Steine Street, 01273 609777 N MA 16 RAILWAY CLUB BRIGHTON PIER RINA www.barbroadway.co.uk 4 Belmont, Dyke Rd, 01273 328682 ) FOOD > 4 BEDFORD TAVERN 17 REGENCY TAVERN 2 AMSTERDAM BAR & KITCHEN 30 Western Street, 01273 739495 32-34 Russell Sq, 01273 325 652 11-12 Marine Parade, 01273 688 826 5 ALL NEW BULLDOG 18 SUBLINE www.amsterdambrighton.com 31 St James’ St, 696996 129 St James’s St, 01273 624100 6 CAMELFORD ARMS #bulldogBTN www.sublinebrighton.co.uk 30-31 Camelford St, 01273 622386 26 HILTON BRIGHTON METROPOLE www.camelford-arms.co.uk 1 Kings Rd, 01273 775 432 6 CAMELFORD ARMS 19 THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS www.hilton.com 30-31 Camelford St, 01273 622386 59 North Rd, 01273 608571 7 CHARLES STREET TAP 14 PARIS HOUSE www.camelford-arms.co.uk www.three-jolly-butchers.co.uk 8-9 Marine Parade, 01273 624091 21 Western Road, 01273 724195 11 LEGENDS HOTEL www.charles-street.com www.parishouse.com 31-34 Marine Parade, 01273 624462 7 CHARLES STREET TAP 20 VELVET JACKS www.legendsbrighton.com 8-9 Marine Parade, 01273 624091 50 Norfolk Square, 07720 661290 23 CUP OF JOE 17 REGENCY TAVERN www.charles-street.com http://tinyurl.com/VelvetJacks 28 St George’s Rd, 01273 698873 32-34 Russell Sq, 01273 325 652 24 NEW STEINE HOTEL www.cupofjoebrighton.co.uk 19 THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS 10/11 New Steine, 01273 681546 8 FALLEN ANGEL 21 LÉ VILLAGE www.newsteinehotel.com 24 Grafton St, 07949590001 2-3 High Street, 01273 681634 9 GIU & SU CAFÉ & WINE BAR 59 North Rd, 01273 608571 www.three-jolly-butchers.co.uk 27 QUEENS HOTEL 9 GIU & SU CAFÉ & WINE BAR 22 ZONE 2 Church St, BN11UJ F I /giuandsu/ www.giuandsu.com/ 20 VELVET JACKS 1/3 Kings Rd, 01273 321222 2 Church St, BN11UJ 33 St James’s St, 01273 682249 www.queenshotelbrighton.com F I /giuandsu/ www.giuandsu.com/ www.zonebrighton.co.uk 11 LEGENDS BAR 50 Norfolk Square, 07720 661290 http://tinyurl.com/VelvetJacks 10 GROSVENOR BAR 31-34 Marine Parade, 01273 624462 ) HEALTH & BEAUTY 16 Western Street, 01273 438587 ) CLUBS www.legendsbrighton.com 21 LÉ VILLAGE 28 BARBER BLACKSHEEP 12 MARINE TAVERN 2-3 High Street, 01273 681634 11 LEGENDS BAR 11 BASEMENT CLUB (below Legends) 18 St Georges Rd, 01273 623408 31-34 Marine Parade, 01273 624462 31-34 Marine Parade, 01273 624462 13 Broad St, 01273 681284 ) wwww.barberblacksheep.com www.legendsbrighton.com www.legendsbrighton.com www.marinetavern.co.uk HOTELS 29 DENTAL HEALTH SPA 12 MARINE TAVERN 7 ENVY (above Charles St Tap) 24 NEW STEINE BISTRO 25 GULLIVERS HOTEL 12a New Steine, 01273 695415 14–15 Queens Rd, 01273 710831 13 Broad St, 01273 681284 8-9 Marine Parade, 01273 624091 12a New Steine, 01273 681546 www.dentalhealthspa.co.uk www.marinetavern.co.uk www.charles-street.com www.newsteinehotel.com www.gullivershotel.com 30 VELVET TATTOO 50 Norfolk Square, 07720 661290 http://tinyurl.com/VelvetJacks

) SEXUAL HEALTH 31 CLINIC M Claude Nicol Abbey Rd, 01273 664721 www.brightonsexualhealth.com/node/11 32 THT BRIGHTON N EDWARD 61 Ship St, 01273 764200 IO ST L IL ) AV SAUNAS T P E S 33 BRIGHTON SAUNA AL RE EN Y 15 75 Grand Parade, 01273 689966

RO www.thebrightonsauna.com S ST EET ARD E G NO C TR E N S C ) RT EET SHOPS RI E LA H P E G RSET TR ST U 34 BARBARY LANE R O S E P N D H 95 St George’s Rd, Kemptown EO IR G G I H AVE H 35 PROWLER NS ST JA 40 S’ 112 St James’ St, 01273 683680 M O E 36 ES’ S 21 1 TREET 39 EV 36 SUSSEX BEACON Charity Shop D 5 JAM 130 St James’s St, 01273 682992 18 22 35 ST 37 SUSSEX BEACON Home Store 72-73 London Rd, 01273 680264 3 41 www.sussexbeacon.org.uk 12 U ) LEGAL SERVICES OLD STEINE 38 ENGLEHARTS REET 49 Vallance Hall, Hove St, 01273 204411 ST 24

AIDS STEINE STREET STEINE

ORD ) CHARLES STREET CHARLES 6 BROAD STREET MEMORIAL

F 25 COMMUNITY MANCHESTER STREET MANCHESTER

MADEIRA PLACE E 39 BRIGHTON WOMEN’S CENTRE

7 AC 72 High St, 01273 698036 2 L GARDENS CAMEL www.womenscentre.org.uk P

MARINE PARADE K 2 40 LUNCH POSITIVE

11 ROC Dorset Gardens Methodist Church,

NEW STEINE Dorset Gardens, 07846 464384 www.lunchpositive.org NEW STEINE OWER ROCK

L MADEIRA DRIVE 41 RAINBOW HUB 93 St James’s St, 01273 675445 www.therainbowhubbrighton.com BRIGHTON PIER