MAR 2016
CONTENTS
GSCENE magazine ) www.gscene.com
BAR BROADWAY
t @gscene f GScene.Brighton PUBLISHED BY Peter Storrow TEL 01273 749 947 EDITORIAL info@gscene.com ADS+ARTWORK design@gscene.com
EDITORIAL TEAM Graham Robson, Sarah Green, Gary Hart, Gus Gustafson, Alice Blezard, ARTS EDITOR Michael Hootman SUB EDITOR Graham Robson DESIGN Michèle Allardyce
FRONT COVER MODEL Kath Hopkins MAKEUP www.beautymoi.org PHOTOGRAPHY Alice Blezard www.hiddenpeople.net
BAR BROADWAY ZONE BAR
NEWS 6 News
CONTRIBUTORS Jaq Bayles, Jo Bourne, Nick Boston, Suchi Chatterjee, Craig Hanlon Smith, Enzo Marra, Netty, Carl Oprey, Eric Page, Del Sharp, Rory Smith, Gay Socrates, Brian Stacey, Glen Stevens, Craig Storrie, Duncan Stewart, Roger Wheeler, Mike Wall, Kate Wildblood.
SCENE LISTINGS 26 Gscene Out & About 30 Brighton & Hove 44 Solent listings
PHOTOGRAPHERS Alice Blezard, James Brooks, Chris Jepson, Graham Hobson, Michael Hootman, James Ledward, Ian Andrew Mager-Playford, Mark Nortcliffe
ARTS LEGENDS
Morgan Fabulous and Victoria Vanity visit a new look Revenge
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51 ENJOYING IT BOTH WAYS?
INFORMATION
52 DOWN TO EARTH
60 Classifieds 62 Service Directory 63 Advertisers’ Map
FEATURES
22 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Alice Blezzard asks what role does it play in today’s society?
24 MORGAN FABULOUS
Introducing Morgan; drag queen, superhero or social idol?
29 A NEW LOOK REVENGE Robin Noble says Why Bisexuality is Not All Fun!
SUBLINE
Arts News Classical Notes Art Matters Page’s Pages
REGULARS
© GSCENE 2016 All work appearing in Gscene Ltd is copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated on the page concerned. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an electronic or other retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers. The appearance of any person or any organisation in Gscene is not to be construed as an implication of the sexual orientation or political persuasion of such persons or organisations.
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Eric Page chats to award winning funeral directors Cara Mair and Sarah Clarke about Arka Original Funerals
Dance Music DJ Profile: Lonesome M Geek Scene Shopping Craig’s Thoughts Hyde’s Hopes Glen’s Homely Homily Charlie Says Netty’s World Queenie’s Strip Service Sam Trans Man Duncan’s Domain LGBT Police Liaison
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BLAGSS’ FOOTBALL TEAMS PLAY SUSSEX FA TEAMS DURING 'FOOTBALL v HOMOPHOBIA' MONTH
ANDREW PARKER
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Football v Homophobia, staged a month of action last month with matches played between men’s and ladies football teams at Brighton Lesbian and Gay Sports Society (BLAGSS) and teams from Sussex County FA. BLAGSS has around 400 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) members who participate in sports as varied as badminton, cricket, cycling, football, golf, orienteering petanque-boules, running, sailing, squash, table tennis, tennis, tennis virgins, ten pin bowling, walking and yoga. Elliot Toms, who organises the football team, added: "I am a geologist, we have a civil engineer, lawyer, doctor and builder all aged between 20 and 53 playing for us. "Homophobia still exists in football. It is appalling, especially when you consider there will be children at games who will hear these comments. Our aim is to raise awareness that homophobia still exists in football and quite simply it shouldn't." ) Football v Homophobia, now an established international initiative, runs every February and opposes homophobia in football at every level – from grassroots to professional clubs. The aim of the initiative is for football to take a clear stand against homophobia so that everyone can enjoy the beautiful game while football leads the way in removing discrimination and prejudice based on gender identity and sexual orientation. In an exciting game against Sussex Country FA on February 1 at Lancing football ground, BLAGSS men controlled much of the first half of play against Sussex Country FA XI. Aaron Keens put BLAGSS ahead before Sussex FA scored three goals on the trot. A spectacular header in the second half by Colin Maplesden was not enough to even the game, which Sussex FA won 3-2. Man of the match
was sweeper and the oldest player on the pitch Paul Gustafson. Not to be outdone, BLAGSS women played a Sussex FA team at Lancing Football ground on February 15 as part of the month of action, scoring a resounding 10-3 victory. The fixture was the first ever and hopefully will become an annual event showing that homophobia in football is being tackled at a grassroots level and to show that the LGBT communities and women are welcome in football and have a positive contribution to make. Mathew Major, Sussex County FA chairman, said: "Football is for everyone in Sussex, and I am delighted that BLAGSS have now affiliated with us. Yes, there are still some people in society who may hold negative views, but one would hope that is a minority view in 2016."
At the moment BLAGSS football teams only play friendly games and are not enrolled in a competitive league. The men's team travelled to Munich at the end of November 2015 to play in the World AIDS Day Football Tournament, organised by Munich Street Boys, where they achieved a respectable ninth place in a lineup of 14 international LGBT football teams. Following their success, the BLAGSS ladies team are looking to enter more competitive events in the coming season. Plans are also coming together for the Pride Diversity Games from July 22-24 which will include sporting disciplines including football, golf, badminton, tennis, rugby, cricket and much more! For more information about BLAGSS, view: www.blagss.org
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LOLA LASAGNE
GOLDEN HANDBAG AWARDS 2016 ) The Golden Handbag Show, Brighton's annual Gay Oscar award ceremony will take place on Sunday June 12 at the Brighton Metropole Hilton Hotel. Now in their 21st year, The Golden Handbags celebrate everything positive and uplifting about the LGBT scene in Brighton and Hove. Who is a top and who is a bottom? What is your favourite bar and which is your favourite voluntary sector organisation are questions that get answered on the night in spectacular hollywood fashion. This year’s awards will once again be raising money for local good causes and all voting will take place online only. The evening will be hosted by Lola Lasagne and the lineup of artists appearing will be announced shortly. VIP tables seating 12 people cost £240, go on sale from Tuesday March 1 and will be released on a first come first served basis. To book a table email: info@gscene.com or telephone 01273 749 947. If you’re not lucky enough to be invited onto a VIP table, unreserved single tickets for £20 can be purchased from Prowler, 112 St James Street, Brighton from Tuesday, May 2. ) The legendary Golden Quiz Night which officially launches the online voting is at Charles Street on Tuesday, April 26. Get a team together and win the first Golden Handbag of the season. Entry is £25 for a team of 8 players with all proceeds going to local good causes. To book your place email: info@gscene.com
MISS JASON RECEIVES AWARD FROM SUSSEX POLICE ) Jason Sutton aka as entertainer Miss Jason has been presented with a special community award by Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp from Sussex Police acknowledging the help he gave police officers during a bomb scare at the start of the Brighton & Hove Pride Parade in 2015. The start of the Pride Parade was delayed by two hours while police investigated a suspicious package strapped to a lamppost outside the Brighton Hotel, opposite the Bandstand on Brighton seafront. Jason who had been hosting a Pride breakfast at the Brighton Hotel, kept the crowds outside calm and entertained while police investigated the package and then evacuated the crowd while bomb squad officers carried out a controlled explosion. The package turned out to be a pinhole camera intended to take photographs over an extended period of time. The citation on the award, read: "Miss Jason is thanked by Sussex Police for assisting in the evacuation of a large number of people during Brighton & Hove's Pride 2015 celebrations following the discovery of a suspicious package. Miss Jason displayed great professionalism and helped to ensure a calm and organised evacuation putting the safety of the local community first." Chief Super Nev Kemp, said: "My officers reported that Miss Jason was a considerable help in keeping people calm and in a good mood during the long wait to establish if the package was dangerous. We did not want to let his contribution in keeping the crowd good-tempered and safe go unrecognised." Miss Jason added: "It was so camp my dears! I had a wonderful time keeping everyone entertained in the long wait to establish how serious the situation was. Everyone played their part and the most important thing is that no one was hurt, everyone had a great day and I am very happy to have played my part."
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BRIGHTON & HOVE CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
BLACK VALENTINE’S PARTY RAISES £201.75 FOR THE RAINBOW FUND
Caroline Lucas, Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, FGM campaigner Nimco Ali and community organiser Emily Wright will be joining a panel discussion to explore some of the key issues affecting women today. You can join a women’s history walk around the Pavilion Estate, the stomping ground of headstrong princesses, era-defining queens, writers, artists and businesswomen.
Free workshops that can be booked on the day include Women’s Self-Defence, Beatboxing with UK champion Bellatrix, Sing Your Heart Out with Aneesa Chaudhry, Creative Writing with Evlynn Sharp and Women’s History. There will also be a room showing all-day films. Browse the information stalls, enjoy the entertainment or learn some new skills.
The added bonus was that BBW raised £201.75 on the day for the Rainbow Fund, who make grants to small LGBT/HIV organisations in ANEESA CHAUDHRY
) In March, pop artist Lez Ingham will be showcasing her new collection of paintings at Taylor-West & Sloan, the new optometrists in Hove. Real Eyes: Realise will be on display to the public from March 8 for five weeks. For this exhibition Lez has referenced vintage 1960s comic and movie poster images featuring multilayered, tongue-in cheek humour with a twist of irony in bright kaleidoscope colour. Taylor-West & Sloan have an amazing collection of stylish frames from around the world along with state of the art optometrist equipment. Real Eyes: Realise exhibition by Lez Ingham, Taylor-West & Sloan Optometrists, 80 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2EB, Tuesday March 8 for 5 weeks, 9.30am–6pm. Closed Sunday and Monday
The BBW team extend special thanks to Steven Lee, Ian Sinclair and DJ Screwpulous at Subline, the Sea Serpents Rugby Team who celebrated England's win against Italy in Rome in the bar and all the horny men that made the party so great. The next BBW event is the Easter Quiz at the Camelford Arms on Thursday, March 24 from 7pm with the quiz starting at 9pm. For all BBW info, view: www.brightonbearweekend.com
BEAR-PATROL COLLECTION TINS APPEAL REACHES 500 TARGET!
The Early Childhood Project will keep the 0-12 year olds amused with their allday children’s activities. Or, pamper yourself with low-cost holistic therapies and retreat to the café bar to relax over tea and cake. Prepared to be entertained, inspired and empowered!
REAL EYES: REALISE
Brighton & Hove who provide effective front line services to LGBT+ people in the city.
APPEAL FOR COLLECTING TINS FOR SUSSEX BEACON REACH 500
BELLATRIX
In the exhibition area, Brighton Dome’s flagship outreach project Miss Represented will have jewellery-making and collage workshops alongside their retrospective work. In Dead Reckoning, artist Bern O'Donoghue presents 3,771 miniature boats, each one bearing witness to the death in 2015 of a migrant or refugee who attempted to cross the Mediterranean in their efforts to reach Europe.
) Brighton Bear Weekend (BBW) made an exciting return to Subline on Valentine’s Day for a Black Valentine’s Party. BBW's first Sunday afternoon event of the season was a success with many men in leather, rubber and even more in black and rubber. Graham Munday, Chair of BBW, said: “It was good to see so many regular faces, old faces and new faces on old faces enjoying the delights of a Sunday afternoon party in the bowels of Subline.”
Bear-Patrol asked supporters to donate just £2 each to cover the cost of buying one collection tin and reached their target of buying 500 new tins on February 19. The Sussex Beacon have now ordered the new tins, which will be labelled by Bear-Patrol volunteers, and they will be delivered in early March. If you want a new tin in your venue or business, email: info@bearpatrol.org.uk
) Bear-Patrol, the social networking group for bears and their friends launched a new community fundraising project to purchase a new batch of collection tins to help further promote the services of the Sussex Beacon and to increase the amount of tins circulated in the local community. The new tins are white and will include security chains and the Beacon's new logo which is due to be rolled out in April 2016.
Danny Dwyer, organiser of BearPatrol, said: "These new collection tins will also help to replace some of the older tins which are now tired and/or damaged and as always we thank you for your support."
DANNY DWYER
Host for the day, UK Slam! champion, Rachel Nwokoro, will be introducing an impressive line-up on the main stage including Brighton’s all-women a capella choir, We Bop; female ukulele band, Qukulele; and Beatbox Champion Bellatrix, who will be belting out foot-stomping tunes alongside other dance, music and poetry performances.
CAROLINE LUCAS MP
RACHEL NWOKORO
) Brighton Women’s Centre and Brighton Dome will celebrate the 105th International Women’s Day (IWD) with an action-packed day of entertainment, films, workshops, exhibitions, discussions, history tours and children’s activities. IWD celebrations will take place at the Brighton Dome, Church Street, Brighton on Saturday, March 5, from 10am to 4pm.
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NEW ADVOCACY SERVICE FOR TRANS COMMUNITIES
RADIO REVERB’S HIV HAPPY HOUR IS TOP OF THE PODS!
) MindOut, the LGBT mental health project, and Healthwatch Brighton & Hove are to jointly set up the city’s first Trans Advocacy Service. Jointly funded by Brighton & Hove Clinical Commissioning Group and Brighton & Hove City Council, the service will provide person-centred advocacy support for the trans communities in Brighton & Hove.
) The podcast of Radio Reverb’s HIV Happy Hour has reached the No One spot in the LGBT: Society and Culture category of Podomatic. The radio show is not only listened to by Brighton locals, but nationally and all over the world, with a growing following in the US. The programme, presented by Paul Thorn and Martin Chatfield, is broadcast on Radio Reverb 97.2fm and is streamed globally via their website. The aim of the show is to challenge the negative thinking that people with HIV often hold about themselves, and make the most of life.
The Advocacy Service will offer advice, information, representation and case work support on all issues related to trans care pathways, including services and treatment at the Gender Identity Clinic and: Primary and secondary health care; Social care; Legal issues; Family and relationships; Employment; Housing; Hate crime, harassment and bullying; Diagnosis; Treatment options, referral systems and waiting times as well as health issues not related to the trans care pathway
HELEN JONES
Research into the mental health needs of trans people shows that 84% of respondents experienced suicidal distress, dropping to 3% post-transition, demonstrating a clear indication of the life-saving potential of prompt and timely support. Helen Jones, Director of MindOut, said: ”We are so pleased to be able to provide much-needed, dedicated support for trans communities. We look forward to working closely with local trans groups and organisations to meet growing needs.”
DR SAM HALL
Nicky Cambridge, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Brighton & Hove, added: “Healthwatch is delighted to be part of this project. We will ensure that the issues being raised by trans people accessing services are raised at local and national levels so that systems improve and change permanently. We will do this with the community who have faced institutional prejudice and discrimination for far too long.”
PAUL THORN
All MindOut services are free, independent, impartial and confidential.
show very much and are pleased to know that people like it. More importantly we hope that it’s making a difference to people’s lives.”
The HIV Happy Hour is broadcast live on Thursday at 7pm, and repeated on Presenter Paul Thorn, Tuesday at noon and Wednesday at 9am. To catch up with the Podcast, said: “This is view: www.hivhappy.co.uk/ absolutely thrilling. Martin and I both The HIV Happy Hour is supported by a enjoy making the grant from the Rainbow Fund.
BRIGHTON BEAR WEEKEND MERCHANDISE NOW AVAILABLE AT PROWER
Dr Sam Hall, Chair of the Clare Project and Trans Alliance representative, said: “This is a fantastic example of how the Trans Needs Assessment can be used as a springboard to achieve equality of access to services for Brighton & Hove’s trans residents and service users. We look forward to working with MindOut to ensure that the best possible use is made of this new service.” For more information about MindOut, view: www.mindout.org.uk/
ME SOCIETY LAUNCH NEW WEBSITE
COLIN BARTON
ME sometimes follows a viral infection or trauma and affects around 6,000 adults and children across Sussex, including a significant number of the LGBT+ community, some of whom are virtually housebound and in need of care. Colin Barton, Sussex ME Society Chairman and former bar manager, said: ”We have seen much progress over the years both in the recognition and treatment of the illness but there is still some way to go before those affected receive services equal to that afforded to those with other neurological disorders”. To view the new website, view: www.measussex.org.uk
) Merchandising for Brighton Bear Weekend in June is now available at Prowler, 112 St James Street. This year's popular logo, designed by Fergus Salder, features three bears and Brighton Pavilion, presenting two icons in one. T-shirts, costing just £12, are available in red and black in sizes from small to 3XL and there is a new line of black polo shirts, costing £15, with sizes from small to 2 XL. All money raised from sales will go to the Rainbow Fund who give grants to LGBT/HIV organisations in Brighton & Hove providing effective frontline services to LGBT people in the city.
Graham Munday, Chair of Brighton Bear Weekend, says: “It's great to be working with Prowler Brighton. It gives a chance for people to pick up and try on our clothing. It’s very convenient for people in Brighton and you save by not having to pay for postage. Don't forget you can always buy online at www.brightonbearweekend.com" GRAHAM MUNDAY
) The charity that supports those in the region affected by Myalgic Encephalopathy (ME) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has a new website designed to cover the latest local and national news and developments in an easily understood format. The organisation, soon to mark its 30th year, is supported by some of the leading medical professionals in the field who contribute regularly to the charity’s work.
Brighton Bear Weekend will take place from June 17-19, 2016. For more information, view: www.brightonbearweekender.co.uk
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WIN £300 AT BRIGHTON BEAR WEEKEND EASTER QUIZ ) At Brighton Bear Weekend (BBW) headquarters they often think of chocolate, bears and sometimes chocolate bears. So to keep minds occupied, BBW will be hosting a quiz and when better than the Thursday before Easter on March 24 at the Camelford Arms. The quiz will start at 9pm and Mark Flood, the manager of the Camelford, will be your quiz master for the night. Questions will be set by Brighton Bear Weekend Chair, Graham Munday, so expect chocolate, religion and maybe a bit of naughtiness. It is recommended you book a table as the bar is always busy for quizzes. Why not make it a full evening out and eat at the Camelford before the quiz? To make a reservation call 01273 622386. It's just £2 to enter and the top prize is £300 in cash. Join a team or build your own with friends. On the night there will be a raffle and all money from the quiz and raffle will go to the Rainbow Fund who give grants to local LGBT/HIV organisations providing effective frontline services to LGBT people in Brighton & Hove.
MINDOUT FOR THE LAUGHS RETURNS! the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus and more. The venue, St George’s Church in Kemptown, is fully accessible and will have a licensed bar. Go along, take your friends and enjoy a fun-filled evening while raising vital funds for LGBTQ mental health charity MindOut! ) Due to popular demand, the comedy cabaret extravaganza supporting MindOut, the LGBT mental health charity, is returning on Thursday, March 17, showcasing great comedy with a good dose of musical entertainment thrown in. The line-up includes award-winning Zoe Lyons. If you haven’t had the chance to catch her before at one of her sold out performances, or if you missed her on BBC’s Live at the Apollo, this is the perfect opportunity to see her live.
MindOut for the Laughs, is at St George’s Church, Kemptown, Brighton, on Thursday, March 17. Doors open at 6.30pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets: £12/ £10 concs from: www.bit.ly/laughs2016 ZOE LYONS
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Compere for the evening is Spice who will also lend his vocal prowess.
BRIGHTON BEAR WEEKEND TEAM UP WITH GIN & BEAR IT! ) Brighton Bear Weekend (BBW) are teaming up with Gin & Bear It to supply liquid refreshment at this year's bears’ picnic on June 18 at Dorset Gardens from 1pm. Aaron Burns and John Azzopardi are Gin & Bear It and together they serve drinks from their 1968 Morris Minor, Aubrey, who they’ve cleverly fitted out with optics rigs and a pop-up bar created from vintage luggage in keeping with the age of their beloved car. Aaron said: "We are so excited to be a part of the BBW picnic, and look forward to meeting loads of great people and giving something back to our community, something we always love doing.” John added: “BBW is a great opportunity to have a fantastic time with members of our community while raising money for an extremely worthy cause. The work that the Rainbow Fund does is so important and to be able to support this is an honour.” Graham Munday, Brighton Bear Weekend Chair, said: "This is amazing to have Gin & Bear It join us, Aaron and John who will be serving the drinks for you are so friendly and professional. They will be joining us and all the volunteers from Lunch Positive who will be providing food, tea and coffee for the picnic on June 18."
The evening will be featuring the hilarious Debra-Jane Appelby, the sparkly talented Dolly Rocket, the entertaining Sally Vate, members of
NEW MONTHLY LGBTQ PUB CRAWL ROUND THE GAY VILLAGE ) A new monthly LGBTQ Pub Crawl, visiting some of Brighton's famous gay bars and pubs, will meet at the Marine Tavern every third Friday of the month from 8pm. Go along, meet new people and enjoy
Brighton's best-loved LGBTQ venues into the early hours of the following morning. Bars on the route will be offering free shots and the event is free for everyone to attend. So mark in your diaries, Friday March 18 starting from 8pm at the Marine Tavern in Broad Street. Pubs being visited include Queens Arms, Poison Ivy, Bar Broadway and Bulldog to name a few.
Brighton Bear Weekend will take place from June 16-19. For more information, view: www.brightonbearweekend.com
This is a great chance to make new friends and visit bars you might not normally visit alone in the company of the lovely Stephanie Von Clitz and the outrageous Linda Bacardi who will be your accompanying drag guides for the evening’s fun. A wild night out is promised for everyone.
The Rainbow Fund make grants to LGBT/HIV organisations in Brighton & Hove providing effective frontline services to LGBT people in the city.
For up to date information, check out the Facebook group.
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) New research reveals harassment and bullying of LGBT+students and staff continues to be a problem in colleges and universities. Sixty per-cent of students have witnessed bullying based on sexual orientation, with one in 10 saying they see it every day, warns a new report. The report, looking at bullying of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LBGT+) staff and students, also found that 17% of staff have experienced name-calling at work, and one in 10 had been threatened or intimidated. Pride and Prejudice in Education was produced by the National Union of Students, the Equality Challenge Unit, the Learning and Work Institute, the Skills Funding Agency, the University and College Union and the Forum for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Equality. It calls on universities and colleges to provide good quality training and support for staff. It also recommends that institutions develop an inclusive curriculum, have zero tolerance for harassment of LGBT+ students and take action to prevent students dropping out due to discrimination.
ROBBIIE YOUNG
Key findings from the report include: • 60% of respondents had witnessed a learner acting negatively towards people because of their sexual orientation at least once. One in 10 respondents saw or heard this behaviour every day. • 51% of lesbian and gay students and 59 per cent of non-binary students had experienced homophobic or transphobic name-calling. • 47% of non-binary students have seriously considered dropping out of their course, compared with 35 per cent of respondents on average. • 17% of staff respondents had experienced biphobic, homophobic or transphobic name-calling at work. • 13% had been harassed, one in 10 had been threatened or intimidated and 3% had been physically assaulted. • 11% reported that they had experienced another kind of biphobic, homophobic or transphobic bullying. • 78% of respondents said they did know who to go to in their place of work if they experienced bullying. • 52% of staff said that no sexual orientation or gender identity equality training was provided for staff or learners where they worked. Robbiie Young and Fran Cowling, National Union of Students LGBT+ officers, said: “It’s deeply concerning to see how widespread the bullying and harassment of LGBT+ students is. Every student should feel safe while at college or university. They shouldn’t have to face name-calling and other bullying, or have to consider dropping out of their course because of the way they are treated by other students. NUS will be working with students’ unions to implement the recommendations in this report to create learning environments that are inclusive and welcoming for all LGBT+ students.”
CLARE PAVITT
HELEN CARR
Helen Carr, University and College Union head of equality, added: “While much is being done to address bullying and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity in colleges and universities, there’s no getting away from the fact that it’s still a problem. The findings in this survey are consistent with a recent House of Commons report on transgender equality that called for better, and more readily available, training. While there’s greater awareness of the issue and better structures in place to deal with bullying, this has not translated into incidents being properly dealt with or even reported.” Clare Pavitt, Equality Challenge Unit senior policy adviser, said: “The experiences of LGBT+ staff in higher education appear to have improved from when we conducted similar research in 2008. However, there are still significant concerns that need addressing. The fact staff are still suffering physical attacks because of their sexual orientation is unacceptable. The recommendations in this report are sensible and achievable and ECU will work with higher education institutions to help them be delivered.”
GOVERNMENT REJECTS COMPULSORY SEX EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS ) Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) condemns government decision on Sex and Relationships Education. The Government has rejected calls for mandatory sex education in schools to be made compulsory, from the government’s chief medical officer, three cross-party committees of MPs and the children’s commissioner. The announcement, not to make Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) and Sex and Relationships Education (SRE) statutory, was made two months later than expected, by Education Secretary Nicky Morgan, who had originally promised to report by the end of last year. Instead, she announced the Government will work with a group of leading head teachers and practitioners to improve PSHE, but this will not include statutory status, and is hardly likely to have the breadth or scope to tackle Ofsted’s finding that 40% of PSHE teaching is not of sufficient quality. NICKY MORGAN
LGBT+ STUDENTS AND STAFF CONTINUE TO BE BULLIED IN COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
Shaun Griffin, Executive Director External Affairs at THT, said: “The government missed its own deadline in reply to the Education Select Committee on PSHE, and now reveals itself to have completely ignored that report, and the recommendation of no less than four chairs of parliamentary committees. Quite incredible. Confusingly, in its letter the government expresses concern around the variable quality of PSHE provision, yet rejects the obvious solution. If PSHE and SRE is made compulsory in all schools, it will be treated as other subjects, with teachers getting the training they need, and enough time being allocated in timetables for quality lessons. SHAUN GRIFFIN
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“Countless reports have shown the value of statutory PSHE including a strong link to good academic performance. It is quite astonishing that the government should disregard the advice of its own committee and mounting external evidence that the current system doesn’t work. We have failed young people in our country with inadequate and unrealistic SRE, and we now look set to fail many more.” Contrary to the Government’s current assertion that the vast majority of schools already make provision for PSHE and SRE, this is only obligatory in the 40% of secondary schools which are maintained. This excludes the growing number of academies and free schools, let alone primary schools. THT, campaigns for universal statutory status for SRE in all schools as part of the Sex Education Forum. Ruth Hunt, Stonewall CEO, reacting to the news, said: "We are disappointed with the Government’s decision not to make PSHE statutory and inclusive in schools. High-quality PSHE has a key role to play in making sure all young people have the information they need to stay safe, healthy and prepared for life in 21st century Britain. Lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) young people overwhelmingly tell us they are not receiving the information they need to make safe, informed choices about their wellbeing, including online. We are however pleased that consideration will be given to reviewing sex and relationships education (SRE). Existing guidance was developed at a time when teachers were prevented from talking about LGBT issues in school at all, and so we strongly encourage new guidance which reflects the experiences of LGBT young people." RUTH HUNT
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LGBT SMALL GROUPS BECOMES A CONSTITUTED ORGANISATION ) On Saturday, February 20, 15 smaller LGBT and HIV community groups formally came together to create a newly constituted organisation called LGBT Small Groups, which has been formed from participants of the former LGBT Small Groups Network. The new organisation will meet regularly to facilitate cooperation and support between the individual community groups that are members, share information, help promote the work of its member groups, and enable capacity building.
GARY PARGETER
LGBT Small Groups has been founded by a diverse range of smaller local LGBT and HIV community groups, including Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum, BLAGSS, Brighton Bothways, Brighton GEMS, Clare Project, FTM Brighton, Lunch Positive, MCC Brighton, Older & Out, Peer Action, Rainbow Chorus, Rainbow Families, Trans Alliance, Trans Pride, and Village Church. Between these groups over 300 people volunteer to deliver services and support and provide hundreds of community and health & wellbeing events, to at least 3,500 people every year. Gary Pargeter, Acting Chair, says: “LGBT Small Groups is an exciting development for all of us involved in leading and running smaller local community groups. For the last two years we’ve been meeting as an informal network to cooperate and support each other, and are now at exactly the right place to become formally constituted. “The community groups who have formed LGBT Small Groups will meet together at least four times a year, focussing on cooperating and advancing the success of the work we deliver by our individual organisations to our service users, and the wider LGBT community. Our member community groups are truly inspirational, the work they carry out unique and the fundamental involvement of volunteers are a testament to the skills, passion and commitment everyone has. Just look at how many people volunteer and are supported or involved in the services provided – it’s an amazing contribution by our community, for our community.”
TRANS ADVOCACY WORKER 21 hours per week £22,500 pro rata Registered Charity No 1140098 (£13,500 per annum) _______________________________________ Join our busy LGBTQ Advocacy Service. You will help us set up this pioneering service for Brighton & Hove’s Trans communities in partnership with the Trans Alliance. You will be providing advice, information and advocacy case work for all issues affecting trans lives. You will need good experience of trans care pathways, mental health and community development. This post is funded until March 2017. _________________________________________ For an application pack: please see www.mindout.org.uk or send a large SAE to: MindOut, Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG Closing date: Thursday 24th March Interviews will be held: Monday 4th April _________________________________________
LGBT Small groups will soon be launching its new look website. In the meantime you can find out more at www.lgbt-groups.org or email info@lgbt-groups.org
SIMON FANSHAWE OBE
WERE YOU AT UNIVERSITY IN BRIGHTON OR KENT IN 1966? ) The BBC have commissioned a series of regional documentaries about 1966. Broadcaster Simon Fanshawe OBE is making the one about the South East and will be looking at the year through the lens of the Universities of Kent and Sussex. He wants to speak to a lesbian or gay man who remembers what it was like to live in Brighton in 1966. If you can help email Simon at: simon@duckcorp.co.uk ) A group of older gay men celebrated Valentine's Day together with Sunday lunch organised by Keith Kerr on February 14 at the Waterfront Hotel on Brighton seafront.
At(or on Asuch Crossroad? a long, endless road that you wish there was a crossroad?)
Life Coaching could help you in setting, and realising goals, whether they relate to relationships, health, career, business or emotional challenges.
I work with people (and businesses) of all ages, genders, and sexualities, and have been involved in the LGBT community in Brighton for nearly 40 years. I have a special interest in the challenges experienced by LGBT baby boomers.
If you'd like to make that first step to making changes, I offer a free, hour long introductory session.
Dr Christopher Gull TEXT: 07530636636 EMAIL: christopher@gaylifecoachbrighton.com WEBSITE: GayLifeCoachBrighton.com
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RUMOUR HAS IT... RAISES £205.17 FOR RAINBOW FUND
WAYNE DURANT & CHARLES CHILD
evening, shaking their buckets while encouraging everyone to have fun.
DR BRIGHTONS CELEBRATE SEVEN YEARS AT THE TOP! ) On Saturday March 5, Charles Child and his team at Doctor Brightons will be celebrating their 7th birthday 'gaying' it up on Brighton seafront. Charles took over the reigns of the bar in 2009 and was joined in 2010 by the barman with the dirtiest laugh in Brighton, Wayne Durant, who arrived hot from managing the Bulldog.
Charles and Wayne both agree that one of the highlights of the last seven years was the Reunion Party last month, hosted by the evergreen Stephanie Starlet which brought many old faces back out onto the scene for a night of nostalgia, great music and serious dancing. The team at Dr Brightons are regular supporters of LGBT/HIV organisations and in 2015 raised £3,687.46 for the Rainbow Fund to distribute to LGBT/HIV organisations delivering effective front line services to LGBT people in Brighton and Hove. Their next fundraiser is on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2 to raise money for the Ride4Rhinos project which is part of TIA Volunteers and the TIA Charitable Foundation who are raising money for anti poaching units in South Africa and working to rebuild a South African village to become self sustainable.
QUEENS ARMS RAISES OVER £1,000 FOR RAINBOW FUND ) Barry Nelson, manager at the Queens Arms on George Street, hands over a cheque for £1,044.00 to Chris Gull, Chair of the Rainbow Fund. The money was raised during Barry's Birthday bash at the Queens Arms, on Sunday, January 31. The Rainbow Fund give grants to LGBT/HIV groups who provide effective services to LGBT people in the city.
Plans for the future include extending the popular 241 cocktails range with a new range of cocktails coming out soon and the return of legendary DJ Josh the Barber with a regular spot at the bar.
You will find Dr Brightons at 16-17 King's Rd, Brighton BN1 1NE. Happy hour and 241 cocktails are all day Sunday to Friday and 1 till 7 on Saturday. Free game of pool when you buy a round of drinks during happy hour and DJ Tony B plays live every Saturday night from 9.30pm. The bar is open Monday-Thursday 3pm-12am; FridaySaturday 1pm-2am and Sunday 1pm-12am.
BARRY NELSON & CHRIS GULL
Charles said: “I chose to raise money for the Rainbow Fund last year because through their independent grants programme they make sure that the money goes to organisations with the most need. It is the fairest way to make sure that smaller groups who provide such great services don’t get squeezed during the present cutbacks.”
JOSH THE BARBER
TONY B, STEPHANIE STARLET & CHARLES CHILD
After seven years they are still packing them in with their winning formulae of great value cocktails during the week, music from top DJs at weekends, and their unique handmade shots including Werther's original, pear drops and drumstick sweets infused with vodka served every day of the week. They are one of the few gay bars offering a pool table which remains a popular attraction at the pub.
Rumour has it... the next soiree is at Funfair on Good Friday, March 26. Doors open at 10pm and the party goes right through until 4am. The warm up party is in Dr Brightons who are offering 2 for 1 cocktails and a free shot with each queue jump ticket. When they say free shot this is an ) Rumour has it... the new club night appropriate time to put money in the charity bucket. Entry to the club is free for the LGBT clubbers was a huge between 10–11, this is another success at Funfair on January 29, raising £205.17 for the Rainbow Fund appropriate time to put your money in the charity bucket!! in the process. Organisers were taken aback by the numbers attending on opening night which resulted in people having to queue outside in the cold and rain to gain entry. This has been remedied and for future parties you can get fast track entry by going to Facebook.com/rumourhasitbrighton and following the links, while the foyer of the club has also been altered to make entry quicker and more efficient. Once again the promoters will be collecting for The Rainbow Fund who The promoters would like to say a through their independent grants massive thank you to everyone who programme make grants to LGBT/HIV supported their ‘conscience clubbing’ organisations in Brighton & Hove concept and donated so generously to the Rainbow Fund. Sexy door hostess's providing effective front line services to LGBT people in the city. In other words Britney Fierce and Gia Massacre the money goes to those organisations were relentless in keeping everyone reminded of the charitable nature of the most in need.
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FAN GROUP MARK LGBT HISTORY MONTH AT AMEX STADIUM
BRIGHTON BASED GAY RUGBY TEAM PLAYS FIRST COMPETITIVE MATCH
) To celebrate LGBT History Month, two 10-metre-long banners were unfurled by football fans in the stands at the Amex Community Stadium as the Albion and Bolton teams came onto the pitch at the beginning of their Football League Championship game on February 13.
stands and in football fandom. They attend games at other stadiums displaying their banners challenging prejudice and bigotry, presenting a positive, inclusive football environment that is safe and welcoming to all fans.
The banners welcomed all LGBTQ fans to Brighton and Hove Albion games and the Amex Stadium.
Football v Homophobia Month of Action, a European campaign, and we, the fan group, wanted to play a visible part in that month and to make a good strong positive message as part of the campaign, as a lot of terms used can be negative around anti-homophonic language and behaviour. We wanted to turn it into a positive thing, thus the welcoming banner."
A spokesperson for the group said: "This was also about the
) Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents RFC played their inaugural match at Hove Rugby Football Club on February 20 against The Kings Cross Steelers 4th XV. Despite the miserable weather almost one hundred friends and supporters turned out in the muddy conditions to cheer both teams on, creating the opportunity for gay men to play rugby together in Brighton and Hove for the first time. After a shaky start the Sea Serpents settled down and in the second half gained more possession. The Steelers came out winners 25-0 with all the points being gained from tries, there were no conversions.
After the match, the Sea Serpents enjoyed themselves at the Bar at Hove Rugby Club before moving on to entertain their guests from London at the Camelford Arms who are sponsoring the team. For more information about the Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents, RFC, view www.pitchero.com/clubs/brightonandhoveseaserpents
The fan group North Stand Kollective, who were behind the huge banners, are well-known for using the Amex stands to promote a message of inclusivity. They are at the forefront of challenging homophobia and racism in the
NEWS HEADER )
Unisex Hairsalon 18 St Georges Road, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1EB
01273 623 408
GSCENE 19 The LGBT Community Safety Forum is an independent group of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans* (LGBT) volunteers in Brighton & Hove. For more info visit: lgbt-help.com
REPORT IT!
If you would like to report a Hate Crime or Incident with us via our Anonymous Third Party reporting service ‘Report It’ please email info@lgbt-help.com or call 01273 855620 REMEMBER always dial 999 in an emergency • Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum is is a member of The LGBT Community Groups Network and funded by the Rainbow Fund and Police Crime Commissioner. • Listening Ear Service provided by the Samaritans. • This Advert was paid for with a grant from the Rainbow Fund. BRIGHTON & HOVE
LGBT COMMUNITY GROUPS NETWORK
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HOMELESS HOTELS FROM HELL - DANIEL’S STORY! DANIEL HARRIS
After three years, Brighton & Hove Council overturned their earlier decision not to home Daniel Harris and accepted they have a care of duty to him and he is in priority need.
house where I was paying £300 a month. In total I have to pay £900 a month to live here. I tried to commit suicide last year when everything got too much. I am in recovery and have a history of not eating well, this room only has a microwave. The bed is not fit to sleep in and the mattress is stained with what looks like urine. The ceiling is falling apart and I am now seriously doubting a way forward in my life, I simply cannot afford to pay those rates and am considering quitting my job. I am not allowed visitors so I will be on my own a lot. I was told today that I should feel privileged as most people get moved 30 miles away, I should feel privileged that I am staying in the city that my family have lived in for over 300 years, I am privileged for needing support in terms of my medical condition? Based on my calculations on £800 a month rent x 60 rooms in total that's £540,000 that vulnerable people are paying to this Private Landlord annually. Please support me by signing my petition asking the council to give me a secure property that meets my needs. By supporting this petition you will be supporting other homeless people as I will ask the council to review their policy for placing vulnerable people in privately owned accommodation which is a detriment to their health."
) Last month the Council's Housing Department put Daniel into emergency housing which he says is not fit for purpose and he has challenged local Councillors and the Head of Housing for Brighton & Hove City Council, Tracey John, to spend a night in the type of property they are putting vulnerable people, many with mental health issues, into.
HERE IS DANIEL’S STORY: "Having been homeless and sofa surfing for three years, Brighton & Hove City Council finally overturned a decision stating I was in fact in priority need and rightly so accepted a duty of care. Today I was emergency housed at Percival Terrace in Brighton & Hove, there are over 60 rooms in this
privately owned accommodation. In order for me to be housed and not street homeless I accepted the property. I am suffering from a mental illness and in particular from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, following sexual abuse I suffered as a six-year-old boy. I didn't have an advocate with me at the meeting with the council and feel I have been pushed into a decision which is unlawful and took advantage of the vulnerable position I am in right now. I am suffering from chronic anxiety and depression, however I am having counselling which I missed today in order to move. The rent on this self-contained room is £28 a day, I have to pay a further £50 a month for utilities and Council Tax. I have worked out I am actually £600 worse off each month moving from my friend's
Daniel is calling for a review of his application to the council and his circumstances in particular with regards to the historic sexual abuse which Brighton & Hove Children Services refuse to investigate to help him get the answers and move on with his life. To sign Daniel’s online petition, view: https://www.change.org/p/homeless-hotels-fromhell-my-story-brighton-hove-city-council-wastingmoney-by-paying-private-limited-companiesmillions-from-housing-benefits-for-substandard-cells Gscene have asked Tracey John, the Council's Head of Housing, if he will be taking up Daniel's challenge and spending a night in his room or a similar one where vulnerable people are being placed by the council’s housing department. No reply has been forthcoming. Cllr Warren Morgan leader of the council when asked if he would signposted us to Cllr Meadows Labour’s chair of housing.
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BLAGSS’ 18TH BIRTHDAY ) BLAGSS, (Brighton Lesbian and Gay Sports Society) celebrated their
18th birthday at the end of January with a dinner dance at the Sussex Cricket Club. One-hundred members were treated to a sumptuous three course sit down dinner followed by classic disco and line-dancing. A raffle raised ÂŁ505 for MindOut, the LGBT mental health charity who are BLAGSS's adopted charity for the year. Prizes were donated by local businesses, including: Nick Rivett Sport, Hove; Florian the Florist, Hove; Prowler, Kemptown; Pallant of Arundel; PJ Foster, Tennis Coach; Sussex County Cricket, Hove; Camelford Arms, Brighton; Velvet Jacks, Brighton; and Hollingbury Golf Course. BLAGSS has more than 400 members of all different shapes, sizes, ages and abilities who participate in sports as varied as Badminton, Cricket, Cycling, Football, Golf, Orienteering, Petanque-Boules, Running, Sailing, Squash, Table Tennis, Tennis, Tennis Virgins, Tenpin Bowling, Walking and Yoga. BLAGSS aim is to encourage LGBT people to play sport to enrich their lives and promote health and fitness while developing sporting talent in the LGBT community. For more information about BLAGSS, view: www.blagss.org
of the issues that women face by celebrating women who have fought against it in amazing and inspirational ways. Marking IWD in this way can help to break some of the negative stigma that has become attached to women’s rights movements. Focusing on achievements made by women around the world doesn’t take away from the seriousness of the obstacles and oppression that many women still face, but it does make IWD more accessible, increasing the scope for intersectionality.
PLEDGING FOR PARITY: WE’RE ALL ROLE MODELS International Women’s Day has been around since the early twentieth century, and we’ve come a long way. But what role does it play within today’s society, and do we still need it? By Alice Blezzard ) International Women’s Day (IWD) began early in the 1900s, when inequality and oppression saw women begin to campaign for change. In a turbulent society, industrialisation and the rise of radical ideologies led to women becoming more vocal in calling for parity. Since then, much of the disparity women faced at that time has become almost unimaginable to young women living within modern society in the UK today, and some have even said that IWD is no longer needed. But are they right? Do we still need it? The answer is simple: of course we do. The fact that anyone feels as though the fight for women’s rights is a battle that has already been won is, in many ways, true testament as to how far we have come. It isn’t, however, an accurate reflection of current society even here in the UK. Although much of the world has seen a massive change in societal thoughts around women’s equality, parity is not something that has yet become established. Women are able to have a family and go to work, and at work there are more women present in boardrooms. But women are still faced with an increased risk of poverty, as well as a higher chance of experiencing domestic and sexual violence. Women are still largely underrepresented within business and politics, and the gender pay gap is still very much in existence. The fight for equality is far from over, and parity is something that some experts have said we won’t see within this century. Many believe that intersectionality is key to achieving equality, as marginalisation is something that is still faced by many. A lot of the inequalities faced by women and raised on IWD are similar to obstacles faced by people
within the LGBT community every day, but there isn’t much in the way of historical links between women’s rights campaigning, and the fight for LGBT rights. Women’s rights and the rights of the LGBT community are not exclusive; and in fact women’s rights and LBT rights are one and the same. Women aren’t being empowered at all if it’s not inclusive, and yet intersectionality doesn’t seem to be something that’s given the acknowledgment it perhaps should when the subject of women’s rights is discussed; instead it becomes a ‘them’ and ‘us’ kind of scenario. The growth of IWD around the world offers a glimpse of hope for those nations where women’s rights are not as equal as they are here in the UK. The day has taken its place in many different cultures, and is marked and celebrated around the world in a multitude of different ways – whether that’s celebrating women’s political and social achievements, raising awareness of the many struggles that women still face worldwide or simply wearing a purple ribbon. In some regions the more hardhitting political associations take a back seat, and instead the day has become an occasion to celebrate the women in your life in a manner more similar to Mother’s or Valentine’s Day. Many IWD celebrations come together to celebrate female role models, raising awareness
This year’s main IWD event in London will play host to many well-known female role models, from celebrities to political activists and refugees. As younger generations look to public figures and celebrities more and more, the importance and influence of role models within the public eye increases. This can be especially true for young LGBT people, who may find that LGBT role models are not present within their everyday lives. During adolescence and beyond, role models are incredibly important to building a healthy and positive sense of self. Having someone to look up to, who openly identifies as LGBT or as an ally, can make a huge difference at what can prove to be a difficult time. This same openness also works to promote equality, by contributing to societal acceptance of diversity. The visibility of LGBT people in the public eye has grown massively in recent years, and as LGBT role models become more and more visible within the mainstream media, their value only grows. Typical and harmful stereotypes are slowly being eroded, and space for diversity is growing in the process. This year’s IWD campaign theme is ‘Pledge for Parity’, and calls for people of all genders to come together to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women worldwide. By promoting inclusivity, IWD aims to no longer be seen solely as a political campaign confronting society, but instead as what it is: a day for human beings who are campaigning for equality, irrelevant of gender. With this in mind, this IWD let’s celebrate our female and LBT role models, and maybe even the role model within ourselves.
“Women are still largely underrepresented within business and politics, and the gender pay gap is still very much in existence”
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WEIRD, CONTEMPORARY AND UNIQUE - TRAUMFRAU AT ENVY ) Traumfrau, Brighton’s most unusual queer night, runs monthly from a different venue, in February it was above Charles Street at Envy. Expect to step into a colourful reality, where you can dance until the late hours, watch unapologetic drag queens and incredible performers, be part of a show, enter a painting competition, play a game, dance some more and meet the most social and interesting people. From outdoor festival-like parties, with fire pits, a pool, and food, to club nights, performances, and great DJs, no two Traumfrau parties are ever the same. All are an unforgettable experience. An intellectual dancefloor for the unusual crowd. Bizarre and enlightening. Forget everything you know about a gay club, butch up your camp, and camp up your butch, break all binaries, wear whatever you want, or very little, scr*w the pressure of having to be anything else than what you want. The Allergic Disco (Screw Romance) non-Valentine’s party at Charles Street on Valentine's weekend was a night dedicated to friendship and non-packaged love… Rubyyy Jones - international Queen of Queerlesque, sex educator, and révolutionnaire - was live on stage to amuse and inspire the assembled multitude. DJ Alex Spinks banged out house, disco and pop while DJ Solomon Onyemere provided a little leftfield electro and post-punk experience.
24 GSCENE But it wasn’t until I discovered drag that all my insecurities started to disappear and a different me started to shine. I have abuse and death threats made against me on social media, abuse shouted at me while on the tube, people staring and making remarks about the way I look and people laughing in my face, all because of my look. It’s not a nice thing to experience and it’s a good job I have a thick skin.
BEING MORGAN FABULOUS In a way, being a drag queen for me is like being a superhero, I put on my costume to inspire change, promote awareness and defend the vulnerable, but unlike a superhero I don’t wear a costume to disguise myself, says Morgan Fabulous. ) I’m the same person in and out of drag, confident, courageous, and benign. My drag persona Morgan Fabulous is an extension of my personality; it’s an outlet for my creativity and desire to be different. When I’m not in a pair of heels I enjoy doing regular things like going to the gym, socialising, gaming and spending time with my partner. I’m covered in tattoos and I’ve got stretched ears which may be seen as a barrier when looking for a job or can potentially limit your career choices, and to a certain extent that’s true, but that’s also something I feel strongly about. I think that having the right attitude, respecting others and being kind can break through negative opinions associated with aesthetic stereotyping. When I’m in drag I don’t shave my beard, I enhance it. Throughout history beards have been linked with notions of masculinity, male courage and virility. A beard is a statement and even more so when you pair it up with a dress and a nice pair of heels. I enjoy being Morgan and it’s given me the confidence to try things that I wouldn’t normally do. I entered an alternative modelling competition as I wanted to challenge myself and represent a different type of model that you wouldn’t normally see in a fashion magazine. I would love to appear as the face of a clothing brand and blur the line between male and female fashion models.
I was involved in a TV series where I was stripped of my drag identity and camouflaged into the background. People were only seeing me as a canvas; there was nothing to judge me on apart from the paint that was being applied to my body, none of it representing who I was. It was a great experience on many levels. Until that point in my life, only a few people have seen the process in reverse and being filmed removing all my clothes and makeup was something I actually looked forward to doing.
I’m not blaming people for having opinions on a subject they know nothing about, and the reason they don’t know anything about it is because it isn’t covered enough in the media and they may have never experienced it firsthand. To some people, seeing me walk down the street is like seeing an alien from another planet, some can’t control their initial reaction and some don’t know how to react. If I saw an alien I’d want to find out more about it before I made a decision on whether to welcome it to our planet or not. I wish people would give me the benefit of the doubt and realise I come in peace. All they need to do is initiate a friendly gesture, an act of kindness or return a smile and the world would be a better place for everyone no matter who they are. So I’m going to continue dressing in whatever I feel fabulous in and giving people a visual experience that they may not have had yet and will never forget. Hopefully I’ll spark bravery and curiosity in people who’ve been waiting for the time when dressing how you want will be accepted and praised rather than being judged and stereotyped. It’s an ongoing battle but together we’ll reach our goal, being strong and being patient will tear down those walls of discrimination that we’re all trapped behind. So the message I’m trying to convey is a simple one: be kind to one another, don’t judge people on their appearance and respect our differences even if you don’t understand them.
I have no issues with people seeing me without makeup and it’s something that I hadn’t seen before other than my reflection. Seeing the transformation on TV was a real eye-opener. It was so surreal to be standing naked in the middle of a busy market, I should have felt exposed but it was the opposite, I felt totally invisible and I could barely see myself on the monitor as the paint gradually made me disappear into the background. Last month I modelled for an anti-bullying campaign, which was a project very close to my heart and something I was honoured to be part of as I haven’t always been this confident. Throughout my school and teenage years, like a lot of people, I was bullied and teased about being gay and being different which made it even more difficult to admit to myself. It wasn’t until the age of 21 that I came out and realised I didn’t care what people thought and it was from that point that put me on the path to becoming who I am today.
HOPE Fundraiser For THT ) Morgan is appearing at the HOPE Fundraiser For THT at the Synergy Centre, 78 West St, Brighton, Sunday, March 27, 6pm–midnight. Tickets: £7 adult, family of 4 adults £20, VIP tickets £25, all available on the door on the night.
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BOUTIQUE
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DANCE MUSIC BY QUEEN JOSEPHINE & KATE WILDBLOOD
ALBUMS ) Spring is on its way and we’re blossoming into our fave time of year. Yep, Brighton with sunshine. It doesn’t get much better. Fill yourself with the joys of spring this March with the life-affirming Baron Retif & Concepcion Perez’s Navettes on Musique Large. Filtered-funkinfused disco and soulful grooves await you. Or head over to the warmth of New Jersey as Deep88 delivers some right fine Italoflavoured house with The Black Album on 12 Records.
As are our March marvels. Every time Joey Negro hits the studio you’re guaranteed something special and Remixed With Love By Joey Negro Vol.2 on Z Records is just that. Genius disco retakes that have had us spinning in sequins since it first dropped our way. As has the exquisite Unfug’s The Deep Sea & Its Rivals on Gibbons Records. Techno with soul, enchanting, engaging and highly addictive. Purchase and grin.
This month’s must-play is Dinamo Azari’s Estranged on Others worth a The Vinyl nod and a spring Factory. wink include the Stepping on from Azari & I, this is soulful hungry as hell as Dinamo heads to adventures of the gritty underbelly of the house Zona’s Peace, scene and comes up smiling. The Love & perfect distraction – however long Understanding spring may take in coming. Enjoy. on 70x7 Records and the slo-jam Catch Wildblood & Queenie at Home Service@Patterns on boogie that’s Sunday March 6, 6pm-12am, and that man monkz’s outstanding Columbusing on RadioReverb 97.2FM & DAB on Delusions of Grandeur. Too, too on March 13 at 5pm. perfectdistractions.com good.
WILDBLOOD & QUEENIE’S MARCH MARVELS ) EL NINO ANDRES She Understood Duke Ellington Jackie Brown Feel the warmth, feel the disco, feel the Duke love. ) FOLD Tracksuits & Tennis Shoes AUS Music House and disco sample heaven as Fold continue to thrill. ) DETROIT Swindle In Reverse Heist Recordings In Reverse EP action that hits the button. As they do. ) FABIAN KASH Berlin Oh Stockholm A timely reminder to book those plane tickets. ) FATTY MOMBASSA Weak Friday Fox Recordings Stand out track from the brilliant Sounds from the Den Vol.2. ) HAWKES & BLAKE Love Precipitation / Flip A Coin AUS Music Timothy Blake and Marquis Hawkes deliver a disco-infused delight. ) ALEK SOLTIROV Sometimes La Musique Fantastique Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air. Honest. ) ATELLA ft O Martin Mechanical Sparrow Eskimo Recordings Majestic Norwegian melodies anyone? ) SEBASTIEN FAUVEL Obsession (Faze Action remix) Follentez The funk gets well and truly cooked in this FA wonder. ) SATIN JACKETS ft Emma Brammer We Can Talk Eskimo Recordings As crisp as a March morning with added spring sunshine. Nice.
DJ PROFILE: LONESOME M Fancy a change of rhythm to get you springing into March? Feel like doing some new dancefloor moves?? Well now’s the time to increase your repertoire with the wonderful DJ Lonesome M… Where can we see/hear you DJ these days? I do a monthly night called Diablo at The Bee’s Mouth, Western Road. It’s a fantastically unusual venue – like a trip down the rabbit hole into a world of eccentric décor and interesting clientele. They specialise in Belgian and craft beers which is great as I’m a total beer geek. Diablo is on the first Saturday of every month from 9pm and it’s free to get in. You can sometimes catch me guest DJing at some of Brighton’s rockabilly nights (Brighton Rumble Rockabilly Club, Rollin’ Dynamite, etc). My own club night, Frockabilly, still exists, but only as one-off specials. However, I also produce and present a weekly radio show, Frockabilly Radio, on Brighton’s Radio Reverb. As far as I know, it’s the only female-fronted rockabilly radio show on FM radio in the whole of Europe (possibly even the world!). The show goes out live every Wednesday night at 7pm. DJ style? I play rockabilly and rockin’ blues, mostly on 7” vinyl. Rockabilly has its roots in both hillbilly and rhythm & blues and was an early version of the rock ‘n’ roll that was later somewhat sanitised for mainstream audiences. As many of my records are between just one and two minutes long my style tends to be fast and furious! Tune that fills your dancefloor? At rockabilly clubs there are three main dances; the Jive, the Bop and the Stroll. A good DJ plays a mix of jivers, boppers and strollers throughout the night. If the dancefloor is empty, I normally throw on a few boppers. One that’s pretty much guaranteed to get some rockabilly boots a-stampin’ is Big River by Johnny Cash (my copy represents the best 10p I ever spent at a car boot fair!). Best ever gig? When I first started Frockabilly I set out to do two things; open up the rockabilly scene to queer people, and open up the queer scene to a different kind of music. Over the past couple of years I’ve played two brilliant gigs which made me feel I’ve achieved both those aims, at least in part. In 2014 I DJ’d at Europe’s biggest rockabilly festival, The Rockabilly Rave, and in 2015 I played at Brighton Pride. Perhaps music can change things…! Tell us a secret? I’m not lonesome and my real name doesn’t begin with M.
DJ LONESOME M’S CURRENT TOP FIVE ) WARREN SMITH I’ve Got Love if You Want It Sun ) ALICE JAYNE meets The Sirocco Bros Hoo Doo Rollin Records ) JAKE CALYPSO & HIS RED HOT Call Me Baby Chickens Records ) CHARLIE HIGHTONE Hangover Blues Sleazy ) THE DEUCES WILD I’m In a Whirl Speciality
GSCENE 29
MORGAN & VICTORIA CHECK OUT THE NEW LOOK REVENGE! By Morgan Fabulous ) Victoria Vanity is a 20-something yearold drag queen who I’ve recently become friends with. We met at a Lip Sync competition that runs every Tuesday at Bar Revenge in Brighton. The competition is for anyone who wants to get up on stage and reinvent themselves as the popstar they always wanted to be without the task of singing. We’d both entered a few times as we hadn’t quite made it to the final. It was a great experience because through my life I’ve suffered from social anxiety and find it difficult to put myself in situations where I could embarrass myself or be made a fool of. The competition helped me overcome some of these feelings and each week I grew a little more confident. Drag has taught me a lot about myself and I still learn from it. Victoria and I became regulars there and after the competition ended we arranged to go out for drinks. I’ve a lot of respect for Victoria as she knows who she is even at a young age and isn’t afraid to express herself through make-up and fashion. I saw her one day in town across the road, sporting an androgynous casual day wear look, perfectly applied make-up and carrying a designer handbag. She looked like she meant business as she paraded down St James’s Street, like she was on a catwalk. She is undeniably tenacious and had entered the competition eight times before getting to the final. It’s that kind of dedication that motivates you to succeed and I often wish that I had that kind of determination. To a certain degree I think we can all learn a lot from the Victorias of this world. Their seemingly carefree life style, the un-paralleled confidence to be a man, wear make-up and carry a handbag, hold down a job and still go out partying four nights a week and to live her life without consequence. As we get older we take on more responsibility and prioritise our outgoings but do we do it to the extreme where our previous lifestyle choices seem precarious? Last month, on Victoria’s birthday, we met in town for a few drinks and introductions before we headed off to the new look Revenge. I hadn’t been to Revenge for around three years, and was a little apprehensive. Having gotten used to going to the same place for so long, with the same clientele, I’d forgotten what going somewhere different had felt like. There was a great atmosphere in Revenge, everyone seemed to be having a fabulous time, celebrating life and dancing the night away to the soundtracks of their lives. The sound system and lighting effects had been replaced along with the curved wall round the old dance floor giving the impression of a much bigger club. There are now seven luxury VIP booths off from the main floor which you can hire, offering an optional escape from the dance floor if you’re in need of a retreat or to socialise a little.
I’ve noticed with some club-goers these days a lack of consideration for others. Revenge is a great place to let your hair down and forget about the rest of the world, but like any nightclub it suffers from inconsiderate people throwing empty bottles and glasses on the floor. Alcohol affects different people in different ways and for some their consideration for others goes down the drain with their self-respect and ability to stand. Maybe tolerance for that is something that goes hand in hand with being in your 20s and dance floor etiquette is a thing of the past. I’m always considerate and if I do accidentally bump into someone or spill my drink on them I always apologise. The majority of us have experienced similar affects from alcohol at some point in our lives, and alcohol has certainly got the better of me on a few occasions so I’m in no way judging anyone for having a few too many drinks but I will certainly think twice about wearing my best white dress when out clubbing in future. But all that aside, and moving on very quickly, I felt accepted in the company of this generation’s party goers. There was a diverse selection of people there, all with their unique style and yet somehow unified by the music. I spoke to a lot of friendly people during the evening and the crowd seemed quite attitude-free. I felt there was a very positive atmosphere on the dance floor which was very liberating. Could it be that this generation is more accepting of the different variety of people we have in Brighton? Even though I spend my time amongst the LGBT community there have been occasions where my style and lifestyle choices have been questioned, but not once at Revenge did I witness or face any negativity. The night was coming to an end and I had spent my taxi money on drink so it was a short walk home in my heels. Thought for the day: Did spending time with Victoria and the 20-something crowd shift my perspective on what was important and give me a new taste for partying or was I just regurgitating an already digested past? Answers on a postcard please.
30 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM BAR 7 + BAR BROADWAY
MARCH
BAR 7 CRAWLEY
BAR BROADWAY
) 7 Pegler Way, Crawley, RH11 7AG, Tel: 01293 511177, www.7crawley.co.uk ) OPEN Sun, Tue & Wed 6pm–12.30am, Thur–Sat 6pm–2.30am
) 10 Steine Street, BN2 1TE, Tel: 01273 609777, www.barbroadway.co.uk ) OPEN Mon-Thur 6pm-1am, Fri 5pm–3am; Sat 4pm-3am; Sun 4pm–1am. ) EASTER OPENING HOURS: Thur (24) 5pm-3am; Fri (25) & Sat (26)
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Sat (26) is the BAR 7 ANNUAL BEACH PARTY with DJ Lewis Osborne, holiday resort décor, holiday-inspired cocktails and holiday fancy dress encouraged from 9pm. ) REGULARS Thur is TOTAL REQUESTS with DJ Jazzy Jane from 9pm. ) Fri is 7 UPSTAIRS with DJs spinning tunes all night from 9pm. ) Sat is 7 SINS with DJs Lewis Osborne & Ben Castle from 9pm, free entry before 11pm. ) Sun is KARAOKE with Jane from 8pm. ) Tue is CREWSDAY cabin crew night with DJs from 9pm.
Information is correct at the time of going to press. Gscene cannot be held responsible for any changes or alterations to the listings
TUESDAY 1
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm l BAR REVENGE Karaoke with Liz 9pm l MARINE TAVERN Quiz & Curry 7.30pm l REVENGE DJs Toby & Trick 11pm
WEDNESDAY 2
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Fresh! 9pm l BAR BROADWAY A Voice for Broadway: Voice of Broadway 2016 9pm l BAR REVENGE Lip Sync for your Life: Crystal Lubrikunt 9pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 11am l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch 2-3.30pm l CHARLES ST Silly Willy Wednesdays with Drag With No Name 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS An Audience With Sally Vate 9.30pm l SUBLINE Happy Hump Day 9pm
THURSDAY 3
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Total Request Thursdays: DJ FRESH Princess 9pm l BAR BROADWAY It’s All Fun & Games with Sally Vate 9pm l BAR REVENGE FOMO warm-up 9pm l CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Quiz 9pm l CHARLES ST Mad Cow’s Tea Party: Ms Joan Bond, DJs Lee Jeffery & Ruby Roo 9pm l MARINE TAVERN Throwback Thur 8pm
4pm–4am; Sun (27) 4pm-3am
JASON THORPE
DJ LEWIS OSBOURNE
LISTINGS
) ONE FOR THE DIARY This time last year, Bar Broadway went on a search for The Voice Of Broadway 2015, which saw seven contestants compete for a place in the final and the chance to win a diary of gigs and time in a recording studio. Last years winner was Jason Thorpe, a former musical theatre performer, and now assistant manager at Bar Broadway (such is his love for a good musical). Since the win last year, Jason has performed at the Fireplace Sessions multiple times, formed a singing duo with Tabitha Wild (Wet & Wild) who regularly performed at A-Bar and the Zone. He also performed at the Bar Broadway Pride Village Party stage, lunchtime cabaret during Brighton Fringe, and a Bedford Tavern fundraiser. Not only has been asked to perform with a 7-piece jazz band, but March sees his debut with Wain Douglas (Kara Van Park), and then in May he’ll be dabbling in a spot of lunchtime Cabaret during Brighton Fringe, where he will perform a one-man show, Tell Him On A Sunday, of songs from Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Tell Me On A Sunday with a gay twist. And all if this comes as a result of winning the title of Voice of Broadway 2015!
This year's competition, hosted by Jason (you could say he’s gone full circle!), will have auditions every Wed at 9pm during March, then the weekly competition starts throughout April & May, with the final being held on the spring Bank Holiday Mon. Alasdair Jarvie, Bar Broadway’s owner, says: “Think you have what it takes to be the next Voice Of Broadway? Get down on Wednesday nights to grab the opportunity!” l PARIS HOUSE Live music: Fleur de Paris 8pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: Christopher Howard 9.30pm l REVENGE FOMO: DJs 11pm l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Quiz: £150 jackpot 7.30pm
FRIDAY 4
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Upstairs 9pm l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 5pm l BAR REVENGE Club warm-up 9pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Glitter: DJ Steve Lush 11pm l BOUTIQUE i-Candy: DJ Thierrie & giveaways 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Fri Club 6pm l CHARLES ST Fruity Friday Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm l DR BRIGHTONS House Rules: DJ Nick Hirst 9.30pm l GROSVENOR BAR Mysterry’s karaoke 8.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 8pm l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: Baga Chipz 9.30pm l REVENGE Level 1: New York Strip: Celeb Brother’s Tiffany Pollard + host Crystal Lubrikunt; level 2: Anthem with DJ Toby Lawrence 10.30pm l SUBLINE Steam 9pm
PICS FROM BEDFORD TAVERN
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 31
BEDFORD TAVERN ) 30 Western St, Hove, BN1 2PG, Tel: 01273 739495 ) OPEN Daily from 12pm. ) FOOD Sunday Roasts served every Sun from 12.30pm; Supper Club every
Mon with a free meal with your first drink purchase from 6pm.
ADAM BROOKS
) EASTER BANK HOLIDAY It's back! Once again the Bedford plays host to
Brighton's annual EASTER BONNET PARADE and CHARITY DRAG RACES (register by Sat 5 to take part) to help raise funds for the Sussex Beacon on Sun (27). Western Street in Hove will be closed to traffic from 12pm when the bar opens and betting begins. The Bonnet Parade kicks off at 2pm and everyone young and old is invited to create a bonnet to parade in front of Brighton & Hove's Mayor, who will then judge the winner! After the Parade there’s an afternoon of Drag Racing from 3pm. This annual spectacle, now in its 7th year, promises to be the biggest and campest yet where you could win a fantastic prize if your Drag Runner wins. There is entertainment from JB at the Bedford's piano at 5pm and the infamous PIANO BINGO at 6pm. Enjoy a bevy of talent at the BEDFORD EASTER CABARET show from 8pm, which includes local stars along with some of London's top entertainers. Adam Brooks, manager, says: “Easter is the highlight of our calendar that is not only a unique fun filled day for all but one that raises funds for such a great cause.”
SATURDAY 5
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Sins 9pm l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm l BAR REVENGE Sweet Revenge warm-up 9pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm l BEDFORD TAVERN The Drag Ball 7pm l BOUTIQUE se-XXY: DJ Klipz, shot drops & giveaways 10pm l CHARLES ST Fierce: DJs Lil Alex, Grant Knowles, Leeroy 9pm l DR BRIGHTONS 7th Birthday Party: DJ Tony B 9.30pm l GROSVENOR BAR Cabaret: Stephanie Von Clitz 9.30pm l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJs 7pm l MARINE TAVERN Saturday Squeeze Disco 8pm l PARIS HOUSE Live jazz 4pm; TC’s Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: Lola Lasagne 9.30pm l REVENGE Level 1: Sweet Revenge: DJs Missy B & Patch; level 2: R-Haus 10.30pm l SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
SUNDAY 6
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Jane’s karaoke 8pm l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions pres: Jennie Castell 8.30pm l BAR REVENGE Sunday Funday: Micklos hosts giant board games & karaoke 8.30pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire 11pm l BEDFORD TAVERN Sunday roasts 12.30pm; Piano Bingo 5pm l BOUTIQUE Mother’s Day Special with kids’ face-painting 1pm
SUNDAY PIANO BINGO
ROASTS from 12.30pm, PIANO BINGO at 5pm ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
MONDAY SUPPER CLUB
FREE SUPPER from 6pm with drink purchase ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
SAT 5th DRAG BALL
The night to register for EASTER DRAG RACES ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
SAT 19th CABARET
with KARA VAN PARK at 9.30pm ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
EASTER SUNDAY 27th
ANNUAL EASTER BONNET PARADE & DRAG RACES
Easter Bonnet Parade at 2pm, Drag Racing at 3pm Evening: Piano Bingo & Cabaret (fundraising for Sussex Beacon)
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 30 Western St, Brighton 01273 739495
32 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM BRIGHTON SAUNA +BOUTIQUE
MARCH
LISTINGS
BRIGHTON SAUNA
BOUTIQUE
) 75 Grand Parade, BN2 9JA, Tel: 01273 689966 www.thebrightonsauna.com ) OPEN Mon–Thur 10–1am; Fri 10am then 24 hours through till 1am on Mon
) 2 Boyces St @ West St, BN11AN, 01273 327607 www.boutiqueclubbrighton.com ) OPEN daily from 1pm–very late ) FOOD all day, every day till midnight ) DRINK PROMOS Mon–Fri, bottles of Moet £50 & Veuve £60. Fri & Sat: five J-
Put the Spring back in your step and bask in the warm welcome from the Brighton Sauna Boys, who aim to bring you a great sauna experience, with a smile and a friendly attitude at all times, no excuses for things not working and no mess or dirt! Is this your first visit to a sauna? Maybe you’re nervous, or you've got lots of questions? The Brighton Sauna boys get asked all the time by people if they'll be safe if they're young or inexperienced, if someone will show them around, whether they'll fit in if they're bigger or hairy, or whether they'll be welcome if they're older. Once inside you'll be greeted by friendly staff who will make sure you know where everything is. The venue is modern, clean, and well presented, with free filter coffee, tea, chilled, filtered water, towels, use of a locker, internet with three computers and super-fast WiFi. You will be safe at all times, and won't be pushed into anything you don't want to do. Some even just come for the facilities, and nothing more. The Brighton Sauna boys promise: “You won't regret a visit to a sauna for men, and you can't start at a better place than ours. So be brave, take the plunge, and come along to see us. Or call and speak to one of our friendly staff for further advice.” and, due to popular demand, every Sun 12pm–close. You'll be given a small towel for your drips, and you can have a regular towel to shower with before you leave, but NO towels can be worn at all on these days. The Brighton Sauna boys say: “Some try to hide their bits behind the small towel! Seriously guys, let it all hang out, no matter what you've got down below... nobody cares. It's all about letting it all hang out, and feeling free! What better way to chill out at the end of the weekend than having everything on show, and letting it all hang out, so to speak. Give it a try - it's a fantastic day.” l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 12pm l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash, Free Food & Raffle 5pm; roasts & select menu 12pm–till gone l CHARLES ST Cabaret: Titti La Camp 7.30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8.30pm l DR BRIGHTONS Showtunes Sunday 1pm l LEGENDS BAR Cabaret: Topping & Butch 3.30pm; roasts 12–3pm l MARINE TAVERN Sunday roasts 126pm; Open Mic Drag with Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: Kara Van Park Clitz 6pm & 9.30pm l SUBLINE Guilty Pleasures: DJ
Screwpulous 9pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS The Jazz Roast 3pm; Sunday roasts 1-6pm
MONDAY 7
l BAR BROADWAY The Just After Work Big Showbiz Quiz 6.30pm l BAR REVENGE Mon MashUp Student & Industry Night: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm l CHARLES STREET Studio 150 10.30pm l LEGENDS BAR Cabaret: Maisie Trollette & Dave Lynn 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Monday Madness 8pm
) REGULARS Sat is CLUB SE-XXY with superstar DJ Klipz, free shots at 1.30am & 2.30am, and giveaways/ themes: Spring Warm-Up Party & VIP booth giveaway (12) and free karaoke session for everyone all night (19). Entry free till 10pm, £3 guest list till 11pm, £5 after. ) Fri is ICANDY with VIP booth giveaways and DJ Thierrie spinning your favourite tunes. Free before 10pm, £3 guest list till 11pm, £5 after. Sing your heart out in a karaoke suite, ideal for a staff party, a birthday, whatever! Contact Rebecca on 07583 028735 to book a suite today!
TUESDAY 8
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm l BAR REVENGE RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8: Lydia L’Scabies 8pm; Karaoke downstairs with Liz 9pm l MARINE TAVERN Quiz & Curry 7.30pm l REVENGE DJs Toby & Trick 11pm
WEDNESDAY 9
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Fresh!: DJ Jazzy Jane 9pm l BAR BROADWAY A Voice for Broadway: The Voice of Broadway 2016 9pm; The Two Harmonies@The Gods: Keith Pemberton & Jason Lee 8pm l BAR REVENGE Lip Sync for your Life: Crystal Lubrikunt 9pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 11am
l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch 2-3.30pm l CHARLES ST Silly Willy Wednesdays with Drag With No Name 9pm l PARIS HOUSE Live jazz: Aurora 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS An Audience With Sally Vate 9.30pm l SUBLINE Happy Hump Day 9pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Open Mic with The Purple Shoes 8.30pm
THURSDAY 10
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Total Request Thursdays: DJ FRESH Princess 9pm l BAR BROADWAY Is What It Is@The Gods: stand-up & sketch comedy 8pm; It’s All Fun & Games: Sally Vate 10pm l BAR REVENGE FOMO Warm-up 9pm l CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Quiz 9pm l CHARLES ST Mad Cow’s Tea Party: Ms Joan Bond, DJs Lee Jeffery & Ruby Roo 9pm
DJ TIERRE
) EASTER WEEKEND Fri (25) is GOOD FRIDAY I-CANDY with DJ Thierrie, regular drink deals and free creme eggs from 11pm ) Sun (27) is the EASTER SUNDAY ALL-DAY PARTY with Easter bunnies, regular drink deals & free chocolate shots on arrival from 1pm ) Mon (28) is EASTER MONDAY BANK HOLIDAY with an Easter Egg Hunt and regular drink deals.
DJ KLIPZ
) REGULARS The Brighton Sauna NAKED DAYS are every Wed from 11–1am
Bombs for £5 and 2-4-1 selected cocktails.
PICS FROM CAMELFORD ARMS
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 33
CAMELFORD ARMS ) 30-31 Camelford St, BN2 1TQ, Tel: 01273 622386, www.camelfordarms.com ) OPEN daily from 12pm. The most dog-friendly pub in town. ) FOOD Mon–Sat 12–9pm; Sunday roast & select menu 12pm–till gone; Wed
seniors' lunch 2–3.30pm, two courses £7.50. ) EASTER WEEKEND Fri (25) is the GOOD FRIDAY CLUB from 6pm with food,
including hot cross buns, till 9pm. Sun (27) is Easter Sunday with delicious roasts & free Easter Eggs 12pm–till they're gone; then it's the BEAR BASH with free food & a raffle at 5pm. ) ONE FOR THE DIARY It’s that time again! Thur (24) is the BRIGHTON BEAR
WEEKEND (BBWE) EASTER QUIZ & RAFFLE with a £300 cash prize up for grabs from 9pm; entry £2 per person and all the money raised on the night from the Quiz & Raffle will be donated to the Rainbow Fund. Mark Flood, the manager of the Camelford, will be asking the questions set by BBWE’s own Graham Munday, so expect chocolate, religion and maybe a bit of naughtiness!
GRAHAM MUNDAY
Graham Munday says: “Here at BBWE headquarters we are often are thinking of chocolate, bears, and sometimes chocolate bears! So to keep our minds occupied we are hosting a Quiz and what better time than the Thursday before Easter weekend. We do suggest booking a table as it does get full and it's a great place to eat so having dinner there is also a great choice!” ) REGULARS Thur is Quiz Master Mark’s £300 BIG CASH QUIZ at 9pm with nibbles, fun rounds and many prizes. ) Fri: the FRIDAY CLUB at 6pm. ) Sun: the BEAR BASH at 5pm with free food and a raffle.
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback Thur 8pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: TBA 9.30pm l REVENGE FOMO: DJs 11pm l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Quiz: £150 jackpot 7.30pm
FRIDAY 11
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Upstairs 9pm l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 5pm l BAR REVENGE Pop Tartz warm-up 9pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Glitter: DJ Steve Lush 11pm l BOUTIQUE i-Candy: DJ Thierrie & giveaways 10pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm l CHARLES ST Fruity Friday Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm l DR BRIGHTONS Funky Friday: DJ Nick Hirst 9.30pm l GROSVENOR BAR Mysterry’s karaoke 8.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 8pm l PARIS HOUSE DJ Meryl 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: TBA 9.30pm l REVENGE Level 1: Pop Tartz; level 2: Festival: DJ Bader 10.30pm l SUBLINE The Big Scrum sportskit night 10pm
34 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM CHARLES STREET & ENVY + DOCTOR BRIGHTONS
MARCH
LISTINGS
CHARLES STREET BAR
DOCTOR BRIGHTONS
) 8 Marine Parade, BN2 1TA, Tel: 01273 624091, www.charles-street.com ) OPEN daily from 12pm. ) FOOD Mon–Sat 12–8pm.
) 16-17 Kings Rd, BN1 1NE, Tel: 01273 208113 www.doctorbrightons.co.uk ) OPEN Mon–Thur 3pm–midnight; Fri & Sat 1pm–2am; Sun 1pm–midnight. ) HAPPY HOURS all day Sun–Thu; 1pm till close Fri; 1–7pm on Sat. Cocktails
Monday (28) is BANK HOLIDAY CABARET with Danny Beard, Drag Idol UK Winner 2015, from 7.30pm.
DANNY BEARD
Danny, a vocalist who performs chart hits, musicals and big diva songs, will be bringing lots of glitter, drinking plenty of skittle bombs, spouting out big vocals and working his Scouse charm to make this a Bank Holiday to remember! Danny says: “I’m fairly new on the cabaret scene, having performed live in Brighton only once before and I’ve only been on ‘the scene’ for approx 8 months. It’s fair to say I'm a total newbie, but I’m majorly excited to be holding a Bank Holiday Monday residency throughout 2016 at Charles Street. Since winning Drag Idol it’s been crazy 7/8 months! I am working all over the UK and absolutely loving it. From what I have seen, Brighton’s gays expect more, and that’s a good thing - you guys know what you want and you get it!! Some of the best acts in the UK work in Brighton regularly, so the bar is set very high! “My first experience at Charles Street was a truly amazing one, the crowd was up for a good time and I even got a standing ovation. If you have never seen me before, you might just like it! And if that’s not enough to make you wanna come, it’s a Bank Holiday Monday so just another excuse to have a few tipples.” ) REGULARS Wed is SILLY WILLY WEDNESDAYS with the ever-fabulous Drag
With No Name hosting a night of games and camp competitions from 9pm. Expect lots of teamwork, there may well be a ‘chair’ and it’s all going to be incredibly silly! ) Sun is CABARET with local and national stars from 7.30pm: Titti La Camp (6), the Charlie Hides Show (13) and Miss Penny (20).
SATURDAY 12
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Sins 9pm l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm l BAR REVENGE Sweet Revenge warm-up 9.30pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm l BOUTIQUE se-XXY Spring Warm-Up: DJ Klipz, shot drops & giveaways 10pm
l CHARLES ST Fierce: DJs Lil Alex, Grant Knowles, Leeroy 9pm l DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Saturday: DJ Tony B 9.30pm l GROSVENOR BAR Cabaret: Topsie Redfern 9.30pm l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJs 7pm l MARINE TAVERN Saturday Squeeze Disco 8pm l PARIS HOUSE Live jazz 4pm; TC’s
BOGOF all day Sun–Fri and till 7pm on Sat. Free pool with every round every day. ) EASTER BANK HOLIDAY Fri (25) is the GOOD FRIDAY PARTY with DJ Josh the Barber at 9.30pm. ) Sun (27) is JOSH THE BARBER
) EASTER BANK HOLIDAY Thur (24) is the MAD COW EASTER SPECIAL with Joan Bond's Egg Hunt from 7.30pm. ) Good Friday (25) is with topless bunny boys behind the bar from 7.30pm. ) Easter Sunday (27) is CABARET with Drag With No Name tearing up the Charles Street stage from 7.30pm. ) Easter
EASTER SUNDAY BANK HOLIDAY REFLEX with DJ Adam Rice spinning 1980s classics at 8pm. ) ONE FOR THE DIARY Sat (5) is DR BRIGHTON’S 7TH BIRTHDAY with DJ Tony B at 7.30pm.
) REGULARS Fri (4) is HOUSE RULES with DJ Nick Hirst spinning the best decadent house tunes from 9.30pm. ) FUNKY FRIDAY is with DJ Nick Hirst spinning some of the coolest tunes on the block from 9.30pm. ) SEXY SATURDAY is with DJ Tony B sexing up your weekend with cracking tunes from 9.30pm. ) SHOWTUNES SUNDAY is every Sun from 1pm.
Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: Martha D’Arthur 9.30pm l REVENGE Level 1: Sweet Revenge: DJs Missy B & Patch; level 2: R-Haus 10.30pm l SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
SUNDAY 13
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Jane’s karaoke 8pm l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions pres: Elton John Tribute 8.30pm l BAR REVENGE Sunday Funday: Micklos hosts giant board games & karaoke 8.30pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Valentine’s Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm l BEDFORD TAVERN Sunday roasts 12.30pm; Piano Bingo 5pm l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 12pm l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash, Free Food & Raffle 5pm; roasts & select menu 12pm–till gone l CHARLES ST Cabaret: Charlie Hides’
Show 7.30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8.30pm l DR BRIGHTONS Showtunes Sunday 1pm l LEGENDS BAR Cabaret: Lizzy Drip 3.30pm; roasts 12–3pm l MARINE TAVERN Sunday roasts 126pm; Open Mic Drag with Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Double Cabaret: Dave Lynn 6pm & 9.30pm l SUBLINE Guilty Pleasures: DJ Screwpulous 9pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Jazz Roast 3pm; Sunday roasts 1-6pm
MONDAY 14
l BAR BROADWAY The Just After Work Big Showbiz Quiz 6.30pm l BAR REVENGE Monday MashUp Student & Industry Night: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm l CHARLES STREET Studio 150 10.30pm l LEGENDS BAR Cabaret: Maisie Trollette & Dave Lynn 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Monday Madness 8pm
36 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM DON’T TELL MAMA + GROSVENOR
MARCH
LISTINGS
DON’T TELL MAMA (DTM)
GROSVENOR
) 75a St George’s Road, Kemptown, Brighton, BN2 1EF Tel: 01273 911910
) 16 Western Street, Hove, BN1 2PG, www.thegrosvenorbar.com ) OPEN daily from noon–late.
www.donttellmama.co.uk ) OPEN Wed–Sun from 8pm from Wed (16). ) MEMBERSHIP Free membership during Launch Week everyday from 8pm. ) EASTER BANK HOLIDAY Monday (28) is the EASTER BANK HOLIDAY AFTERNOON CREWS from 3pm.
Serge, host, says: “One of my biggest dreams was always to run my own bar, something like The Quinquina back in Toulouse, a tiny ‘Cheers’ with a kink and Guy made it happen for me. I hope you will come and join me on this new adventure! Intimate, stylish, friendly and reasonably priced, D.T.M will fast become one of Brighton’s hidden gems!”
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Sat (26) is Mike’s Big Birthday Bash with cabaret from Lola Lasagne at 9.30pm then Davina Sparkle from 10.30pm.
) REGULARS Wed & Thur is M.O (MEN ONLY). Thur (17) is the ST PATRICK’S
DAY SPECIAL with a free shot of Jameson’s on arrival. Fri is the HIT ON FRIDAY! men-only night, the perfect way to kick off your weekend! Sat is CLUBT, a noattitude evening for T-Girls, their friends and their admirers. LAZY SUNDAY is menonly and the perfect way to end the weekend!
TUESDAY 15
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm l BAR BROADWAY Beyond the Footlights: Tanya Hyde, Jon Moore & Kara Van Park 8pm l BAR REVENGE RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8: Lydia L’Scabies 8pm; Karaoke downstairs with Liz 9pm l MARINE TAVERN Quiz & Curry 7.30pm l REVENGE DJs Toby & Trick 11pm
WEDNESDAY 16
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Fresh!: DJ Jazzy Jane 9pm l BAR BROADWAY A Voice for Broadway: Voice of Broadway 2016 9pm l BAR REVENGE Lip Sync for your
Life: Crystal Lubrikunt 9pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 11am l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch 2-3.30pm l CHARLES ST Silly Willy Wednesdays with Drag With No Name 9pm l D.T.M Launch Week: M.O (men only) 8pm l PARIS HOUSE Live jazz: Sara Oschlag 8pm l QUEEN’S ARMS An Audience With Sally Vate 9.30pm l SUBLINE Happy Hump Day 9pm
THURSDAY 17
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Total Request Thursdays: DJ FRESH Princess 9pm
MYSTERRY
SERGE
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Wed (16)–Sat (19) is LAUNCH WEEK with a free glass of bubbly on arrival and free membership everyday from 8pm. Sat (19) is the Official LAUNCH PARTY with bubbly on arrival and a small buffet from 8pm.
DAVINA SPARKLE
) EASTER WEEKEND Sun (27) is the EASTER BONNET PARADE and DRAG RACES on Western Street, raising vital funds for the Sussex Beacon from 12pm. Western Street in Hove will be closed to traffic from 12pm when betting begins. The Bonnet Parade will kick off at 2pm and Brighton & Hove's Mayor will be on hand to judge the best bonnets so you’d better get crafting! Following the Parade there will be an afternoon of Drag Racing from 3pm. This annual spectacle is now in its 7th year and there’ll be fantastic prizes on offer if your Drag Runner is victorious!
) REGULARS Sat is CABARET time with stars of the local and national drag scene entertaining from 9.30pm: Stephanie Von Clitz (5), Topsie Redfern (12) and Miss Jason (19) ) Fri is KARAOKE with the ever-glamorous Mysterry from 8.30pm. Mysterry says: “I love hosting karaoke at the Grosvenor! It's great to hear the punters singing and I like having the chance to try out new stuff. Come along and join us, it's an attitude free zone, all friends together!”
l BAR BROADWAY It’s All Fun & Games St Patrick’s Day Special: Sally Vate 9pm l BAR REVENGE Paddy’s Day Special & Club Warm-Up 9pm l BOUTIQUE St Patrick’s Day Street Party 7pm l CAMELFORD ARMS St Patrick’s Day Guinness Party & £300 Big Cash Quiz 9pm l CHARLES ST Mad Cow’s Tea Party: Ms Joan Bond, DJs Lee Jeffery & Ruby Roo 9pm l D.T.M Launch Week: M.O (men only) 8pm l MARINE TAVERN Throwback Thur 8pm l PARIS HOUSE St Patrick’s Day Murphy’s Party 5pm l QUEEN’S ARMS St Patrick’s Day
Cabaret: Miss Jason 9.30pm l REVENGE FOMO Paddy’s Day 11pm l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS St Patrick’s Day Guinness Party & Quiz: £150 jackpot 7.30pm
FRIDAY 18
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Upstairs 9pm l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 5pm l BAR REVENGE Club Warm-Up 9pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Glitter: DJ Steve Lush 11pm l BOUTIQUE i-Candy: DJ Thierrie & giveaways 10pm l CAMELFORD ARMS Fri Club 6pm l CHARLES ST Fruity Friday Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm l DR BRIGHTONS Funky Friday: DJ Nick Hirst 9.30pm
PICS FROM LEGENDS BAR + LEGENDS BASEMENT CLUB
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 37
MARCH
LISTINGS
LEGENDS BAR
LEGENDS BASEMENT CLUB
) 31-34 Marine Parade, BN2 1TR Tel: 01273 624462, www.legendsbrighton.com ) OPEN daily from 11am–5am ) FOOD Mon–Sat 12–5pm; Sunday lunch served 12–3pm
) 31-34 Marine Parade, BN2 1TR Tel: 01273 624462, www.legendsbrighton.com ) OPEN Wed & Fri–Sun from 11pm.
) EASTER BANK HOLIDAY Easter Sun (27) is CABARET with Davina Sparkle
LIZZY DRIP
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Catch Lizzy Drip bringing old-school drag and a touch of timeless glamour to the Legends stage on Sun (13) from 3.30pm. With over 30 years treading the boards, Lizzy’s show is a unique blend of comedy impersonations, puppetry and lightning costume changes. Make sure you get there early to secure a seat and enjoy a delicious, belt-busting Sunday roast, served till 3pm!
The award-winning performer says: “My show is old-school drag, that is to say miming dressed as larger than life characters and never trying to fool the audience into thinking it's a real woman! It's a quick-change show, a pastiche of famous divas using animated costumes and some audience participation. “I left drama school in the mid 1970s and did really well performing straight roles for a while, then after performing in panto in Bridlington a camp old queen in the cast said 'you should put a drag show together'. I did just that and entered a talent show in Blackpool, won my heat, then the final. The prize was an 18-week summer season at the Lion Cabaret Bar! I've been working ever since and am now in my 36th year! “Legends is one of my favourite venues, in fact anywhere I have worked in Brighton has been great. The audience here are so welcoming and really appreciate the entertainment that is put on. If you haven't seen Lizzy before come along to Legends for the brand new show! If you have... come anyway! I love seeing you! Xxx” ) REGULARS Sun is CABARET with a whole host of local and national stars rom 3.30pm: Topping & Butch (6) and Lola Lasagne (20).
l D.T.M Launch Week: Hit On Friday! 8pm l GROSVENOR BAR Mysterry’s karaoke 8.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 8pm l PARIS HOUSE DJs Funk Food 4pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: Miss Penny 9.30pm l REVENGE Spice World - Spice Girls Special 10
SATURDAY 19
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Sins 9pm l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm l BAR REVENGE Sweet Revenge warm-up 9pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm l BEDFORD TAVERN Cabaret: Kara Van Park 9.30pm l BOUTIQUE se-XXY: DJ Klipz, shot drops, free karaoke & giveaways 10pm
DJ CLAIRE FULLER
at 3.30pm. Bank Holiday Mon (28) is CABARET with JLo feat Miss Jason & Lola Lasagne at 3.30pm; then it’s Maisie Trollette & Dave Lynn at 9.30pm.
) EASTER BANK HOLIDAY Easter Sunday (27) is the POP!CANDY BANK HOLIDAY SPECIAL with DJ Claire Fuller spinning a fun and camp mix of pop/chart remixes from 11pm. Claire is a Brighton-based DJ with over 20 years of experience behind the decks playing most genres of music although her main love is commercial dance/chart remixes and mash ups. Not only is she approachable and friendly, but also she knows how to read a crowd and get that ‘hands in the air’ party vibe going! DJ Claire, whose main love is seeing the crowd’s reaction to the music she plays, says: “Pop!Candy has grown and developed its own fan base and is busy, camp and fun every Sunday – but this time with added Easter flare!” ) REGULARS Wed is ICE with DJ Claire Fuller spinning chart/house/r&b from 11pm. ) Fri is GLITTER with DJ Steve Lush spinning chart/disco classics remixed from 11pm. ) Sun is POP!CANDY with DJ Claire Fuller spinning sugar
coated pure pop from 11pm. l CHARLES ST Fierce: DJs Lil Alex, Grant Knowles, Leeroy 9pm l DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Saturday: DJ Tony B 9.30pm l D.T.M Official Launch: clubT (T-Girls, admirers & friends) 8pm l GROSVENOR BAR Cabaret: Miss Jason 9.30pm l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJs 7pm l MARINE TAVERN Saturday Squeeze Disco 8pm l PARIS HOUSE Live jazz 4pm; TC’s Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: Mary Mac 9.30pm l REVENGE Sweet Revenge: DJs Missy B & Trick on level 1; R-Haus on level 2 10.30pm l SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm
SUNDAY 20
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Jane’s karaoke 8pm
l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions pres: Gilly B 8.30pm l BAR REVENGE Sunday Funday: Micklos hosts giant board games & karaoke 8.30pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm l BEDFORD TAVERN Sunday roasts 12.30pm; Piano Bingo 5pm l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 12pm l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash, Free Food & Raffle 5pm; roasts & select menu 12pm–till gone l CHARLES ST Cabaret: Miss Penny 7.30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8.30pm l DR BRIGHTONS Showtunes Sunday 1pm l D.T.M Lazy Sunday: men only 8pm l LEGENDS BAR Cabaret: Lola Lasagne 3.30pm; roasts 12–3pm l MARINE TAVERN Sunday roasts 126pm; Open Mic Drag with Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm
38 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM MARINE TAVERN + PARIS HOUSE
MARCH
LISTINGS
MARINE TAVERN
PARIS HOUSE
) 13 Broad St, BN2 1TJ, Tel: 01273 905578, www.marinetavern.co.uk ) OPEN daily from 12pm. ) FOOD Daily from 12-9pm; Sunday roasts served 12–6pm, £5.95 each or two
) 21 Western Rd, BN3 1AF, Tel: 01273 724195, www.parishousebrighton.com ) OPEN daily from 12pm. ) FOOD daily from 12pm–close.
for £10; Tue is Curry Night with curry for £1 served 7.30–9pm; free corned beef hash every Wed from 5pm.
) EASTER WEEKEND Friday (25) is GOOD FRIDAY DISCO with DJ Havoxx spinning r&b/Motown/funk & soul from 9pm with free entry. ) Sunday (27) is Easter Sunday with food & free Easter Eggs served from 12pm. ) Monday (28) is Easter Monday with food served all day.
STEPHANIE VON CLITZ
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Unleash your inner diva every Sunday at OPEN MIC DRAG, a chance for professionals or first timers to perform on the Marine Tavern stage, with Stephanie Von Clitz from 9pm. Turn up on the night in drag (or book your slot at the bar in advance), perform for 10 minutes, and receive £10. Get there early to enjoy one of the Marine’s infamous Sunday roasts, served 12–6pm, then drink as much as you like for £20 from 9pm, just pick up a wristband at the bar.
Stephanie says: “The first Open Mic Drag was so much fun from start to finish! If there is anyone else that would like to perform then please come along and release your inner diva. There is also a chance for one lucky winner to take their place, and strut their stuff, on our Pride stage on Broad Street in August so it's worth entering! See you there, lovers!”
l QUEEN’S ARMS Double cabaret: Davina Sparkle 6pm & 9.30pm l SUBLINE Cum in Your Pants: DJ Nude, underwear party 9pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Jazz Roast 3pm; Sunday roasts 1-6pm
MONDAY 21
l BAR BROADWAY The Just After Work Big Showbiz Quiz 6.30pm l BAR REVENGE Monday MashUp Student & Industry Night: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm l CHARLES STREET Studio 150 10.30pm l LEGENDS BAR Cabaret: Maisie Trollette & Dave Lynn 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Monday Madness 8pm
TUESDAY 22
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm l BAR REVENGE RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8: Lydia L’Scabies 8pm; Karaoke downstairs with Liz 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Quiz & Curry 7.30pm l REVENGE DJs Toby & Trick 11pm
WEDNESDAY 23
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Fresh!: DJ Jazzy Jane 9pm l BAR BROADWAY A Voice for Broadway: The Voice of Broadway 2016 9pm l BAR REVENGE Lip Sync for your Life: Crystal Lubrikunt 9pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 11am l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch 2-3.30pm l CHARLES ST Silly Willy Wednesdays with Drag With No Name 9pm l D.T.M M.O (men only) 8pm l PARIS HOUSE Live music: Karandash 8pm l QUEEN’S ARMS An Audience With Sally Vate 9.30pm l SUBLINE Happy Hump Day 9pm
) REGULARS Wed is free live music from 8pm: jazz & French chanson with
Aurora (9), jazz vocalist Sara Oschlag (16), Eastern European folk from Karandash (23) and jazz piano from the Al Scott Trio (30). ) Thur (3) is free live chanson from the 1930s–50s with Fleur de Paris at 8pm. ) Fri is with DJs from 9pm: DJ Havoxx (4), Meryl (11) and Funk Food (18). ) Sat: live jazz at 4pm; then TC'S JOYFUL NOISE with DJ Kenny at 9pm, free entry.
l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Open Mic with The Purple Shoes 8.30pm
THURSDAY 24
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Total Request Thursdays: DJ FRESH Princess 9pm l BAR BROADWAY It’s All Fun & Games with Sally Vate 9pm l BAR REVENGE FOMO Warm-up 9pm l CAMELFORD ARMS Brighton Bear Weekend’s £300 Big Cash Quiz, Raffle & Fundraiser for the Rainbow Fund 9pm l CHARLES ST Mad Cow’s Easter Tea Party: Ms Joan Bond’s Easter Egg Hunt + DJs Lee Jeffery & Ruby Roo 9pm l D.T.M M.O (men only) 8pm l MARINE TAVERN Throwback Thur 8pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: Miss Jason 9.30pm l REVENGE FOMO Easter: DJs 11pm l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Quiz: £150 jackpot 7.30pm
FRIDAY 25 l l l l
BAR 7@CRAWLEY 7 Upstairs 9pm BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 5pm BAR REVENGE Club warm-up 9pm BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Glitter: DJ Steve Lush 11pm l BOUTIQUE Good Friday i-Candy: DJ Thierrie, creme eggs & giveaways 10pm l CAMELFORD ARMS Good Friday Club with hot cross buns 6pm l CHARLES ST Good Friday Fix: DJ Leeroy & topless bunny barboys 9pm l DR BRIGHTONS Good Friday Special: DJ Josh the Barber 9.30pm l D.T.M Hit On Friday!: men only 8pm l GROSVENOR BAR Mysterry’s karaoke 8.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 8pm l PARIS HOUSE DJ Havoxx 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Good Friday Cabaret: Drag With No Name 9.30pm l REVENGE Level 1: Pop Tartz Easter Special; level 2: Fat Lip: DJ Fifi 10.30pm l SUBLINE Barcode Berlin 2016 Show case 3pm; Easter Friday: Crucify 9pm
SATURDAY 26
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Annual Beach Party: DJ Lewis Osborne, holiday decor & fancy dress encouraged 9pm l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm; Giggle @The Gods Easter Special: live comedy 8pm l BAR REVENGE Sweet Revenge warm-up 9pm
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 39
40 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM QUEENS ARMS + REVENGE
MARCH
CASSIDY CONNORS
LISTINGS
QUEENS ARMS
REVENGE
) 7 George St, BN2 1RH, T: 01273 696873, www.thequeensarms.wix.com/thequeensarms ) OPEN 4pm Tue–Fri; 2pm Sat & Sun.
) 32-34 Old Steine, BN1 1EL, Tel: 01273 606064, www.revenge.co.uk ) OPEN Tue from 11pm, Thur, Fri & Sat from 10.30pm.
) EASTER BANK HOLIDAY Good Friday (25) is CABARET with Drag With No Name at 9.30pm. ) Easter Sunday (27) is with darling of the stage, Cassidy Connors, performing songs from the American songbook with a live band at 6pm and again at 9.30pm. Cassidy’s creator and all-round entertainer, Wezley Sebastian, has been treading the boards for over 10 years as a professional dancer, choreographer, singer, actor, club host and drag artiste, and can be often seen working with a classic jazz band! When he’s not channelling Billie Holliday, he’s known for his witty vocal impersonations of artistes like Cher, Liza Minnelli, Tina Turner, Louis Armstrong and Judy Garland. Wezley, who created the role of Miss Understanding in the original London cast of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert alongside Jason Donovan, has toured internationally with his various cabaret shows including The Cassidy Connors show, Trashville Tennessee and with his band, who perform jazz classics which complement Wezley’s inimitable vocals.
) DISCOUNT ENTRY Buy a drink at Bar Revenge on Thur, Fri & Sat to pick up discounted entry passes for Club Revenge.
Wezley says: “Catch me at the Queen’s Arms over Easter where I’ll be performing the gems and the jewels from the Great American Song Book. Expect Gershwin to Porter, Herman to Sondheim and all the classics that Ella, Billie, Louis and Lena gave us over the golden years!” ) REGULARS Thur is CABARET with top local and national acts at 9.30pm:
Christopher Howard (3), Lola Lasagne (10), St Patrick’s Day with Miss Jason (17) and Miss Jason (24 & 31). ) Start your weekend every Fri with CABARET at 9.30pm: Baga Chipz (4), Sally Vate (11) and Miss Penny (18). ) Sat is top CABARET at 9.30pm: Lola Lasagne (5), Martha D’Arthur (12), Mary Mac (19) and Miss Jason (26). ) Sun is a double helping of CABARET at 6pm & 9.30pm: Kara Van Park (6), Dave Lynn (13) and Davina Sparkle (20) ) Wed is AN AUDIENCE WITH SALLY VATE at 9.30pm. Sally says: “Clap, laugh, listen and just enjoy! If you love having a laugh then come and join me, sometimes you need to take a step back and not take life too seriously!”
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm l BOUTIQUE se-XXY: DJ Klipz, shot drops & giveaways 10pm l CHARLES ST Fierce: DJs Lil Alex, Grant Knowles, Leeroy 9pm l DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Saturday: DJ Tony B 9.30pm l D.T.M clubT: T-Girls night 8pm l GROSVENOR BAR Mike’s Big Birthday Cabaret: Lola Lasagne 9.30pm;
Davina Sparkle 10.30pm l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJs 7pm l MARINE TAVERN Saturday Squeeze Disco 8pm l PARIS HOUSE Live jazz 4pm; TC’s Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: Miss Jason 9.30pm l REVENGE Sweet Revenge Easter Wonderland: DJs Missy B & Sam DMS on level 1; R-Haus on level 2 10.30pm
) EASTER BANK HOLIDAY Saturday (26) is SWEET REVENGE EASTER WONDERLAND with Easter-themed entertainers and decor, DJs Missy B & guest Sam DMS chart music on level 1 and R-Haus with house tunes on level 2! ) Sunday (27) is the FOMO EASTER SPECIAL with DJs Missy B & Fifi spinning pop/r&b/house/bass/punk/ cheese from 11pm, selected drinks £2.50. ) ONE FOR THE DIARY ‘Hold Tight!’ on Fri (18) for SPICE WORLD, a Spice Girls-themed party from 10pm. Dedicated to when Sporty, Ginger, Baby, Scary & Posh ruled the world (and the waves) with Girl Power, Revenge will be Spicing up the Night with some of the best 90s tunes and the unforgettable songs you grew up to! Dressing up is more than recommended (LBD optional!), and there’ll be Spice Girls masks, 90s inflatables, T-Shirt giveaways, a photobooth & props, plus thousands of lollipops putting that Zig-a-Zig-ah into your night! For tickets visit: https://www.fatsoma.com/spice-world or skiddle.com/e/12663811
l SUBLINE In the Cave 9pm
SUNDAY 27
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Karaoke 8pm l BAR BROADWAY Fireplace Sessions pres: Lascel Wood 8.30pm l BAR REVENGE Sunday Funday: Micklos hosts giant board games & karaoke 8.30pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Easter Sunday Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm l BEDFORD TAVERN Easter Bonnet Parade, Drag Races & Sussex Beacon Fundraiser: Street Party 12pm; Bonnet Parade 2pm; Drag Race 3pm; JB@the Piano 5pm; Piano Bingo 6pm; Cabaret 8pm l BOUTIQUE Easter Sunday Special: Easter bunnies & chocolate shots 1pm l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 12pm
l CAMELFORD ARMS Easter Sunday Bear Bash, Free Food & Raffle 5pm; roasts & select menu 12pm–till gone l CHARLES ST Easter Cabaret: Drag With No Name 7.30pm l DR BRIGHTONS Easter Bank Holiday Reflex: DJ Adam Rice, 80s night 9pm l D.T.M Lazy Sunday: men only 8pm l GROSVENOR Easter Bonnet Parade, Drag Races & Sussex Beacon Fundraiser 12pm l LEGENDS BAR Easter Sun Cabaret: Davina Sparkle 3.30pm; roasts 12–3pm l MARINE TAVERN Sunday roasts 126pm; Open Mic Drag with Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm l PARIS HOUSE Easter Sunday with Easter eggs & food 12pm l REVENGE Sweet Revenge Easter Wonderland: DJs Missy B & Sam DMS on level 1; R-Haus on level 2 10.30pm
DJ MISSY B
) VIP BOOTHS Club Revenge has been totally transformed in their major new refit and you can now hire a Luxury VIP booth for the evening from £125.
7 GEORGE STREET BRIGHTON 01273 696873
http://thequeensarms.wix.com/thequeensarms
WEDNESDAY 9.30PM AN AUDIENCE WITH
SALLY VATE THURSDAY 9.30PM
MISS JASON 3 CHRISTOPHER HOWARD MAR
10MAR LOLA LASAGNE
Easter Weekend! 25 MAR GOOD FRIDAY
DRAG WITH NO NAME
26 EASTER SATURDAY MAR
MISS JASON
27 MAR EASTER SUNDAY DOUBLE SHOW 6 & 9.30PM
CASSIDY CONNORS WITH A LIVE BAND
FRIDAY CABARET 9.30
PM
4 MAR BAGA CHIPZ 11 MAR SALLY VATE 18 MAR miss penny 25MAR DRAG NO NAME
SATURDAYCABARET 9.30
PM
5 MAR LOLA LASAGNE 12 MAR MARTHA D’ARTHUR 19 MAR MARY MAC 26MAR MISS JASON
SUNDAY
DOUBLE CABARET AT 6PM & 9.30PM
6 MAR KARA VAN PARK 13 MAR DAVE LYNN 20 MAR DAVINA SPARKLE 27MAR CASSIDY CONNORS WITH A LIVE BAND
42 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM SUBLINE + ZONE BAR
MARCH
LISTINGS
SUBLINE
ZONE BAR
) 129 St James' St, BN2 1TH, Tel: 01273 624100, www.sublinebrighton.co.uk ) OPEN Wed–Sun from 9pm.
) 33 St James’ St, BN2 1RF, Tel: 01273 682249, www.zonebar.co.uk
DJ SCREWPULOUS
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri (11) is THE BIG SCRUM Sportswear Night from 10pm, entry £5 in sportswear, £7 otherwise. ) REGULARS Sat is MEN’S ROOM with DJ Screwpulous bringing the tunes from 9pm. Sun is GUILTY PLEASURES with DJ Screwpulous from 9pm. Sun (20) is the CUM IN YOUR PANTS Underwear Party with DJ Nude from 9pm, entry is free for members, £5 otherwise.
l QUEEN’S ARMS Easter Sunday Cabaret: Cassidy Connors with a live band 6pm & 9.30pm l SUBLINE Easter Sunday Bank Holiday: Resurrection 9pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Easter Sunday Jazz Roast 3pm; Sunday roasts & free Easter eggs 1-6pm
MONDAY 28
l BAR BROADWAY The Just After Easter Big Showbiz Quiz 6.30pm; The Fireplace Sessions pres: Wain Dougles (Kara Van Park) & Jason Thorpe 8.30pm l BAR REVENGE Monday MashUp Student & Industry Night: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm l BOUTIQUE Easter Monday Special: Easter egg hunt 1pm l CHARLES STREET Easter Monday Cabaret: Danny Beard 7.30pm; Sally’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8.30pm
l D.T.M Easter Monday Afternoon Crews: men only 8pm l LEGENDS BAR Bank Holiday Monday Cabaret: JLo feat Miss Jason & Lola Lasagne 3.30pm; Maisie Trollette & Dave Lynn 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Easter Monday Madness 8pm l SUBLINE Easter Monday Club Silencio: vaudeville & avant-garde night 8pm
TUESDAY 29
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Crewsday: DJ Lewis Osborne 9pm l BAR REVENGE RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8: Lydia L’Scabies 8pm; Karaoke downstairs with Liz 9pm l MARINE TAVERN Quiz & Curry 7.30pm l REVENGE DJs Trick & Toby 11pm
SHARON BARR
) EASTER BANK HOLIDAY Good Friday (25) is the BARCODE BERLIN 2016 SHOWCASE with the latest styles of hot fetish wear and the chance to try on a few from 3pm, all over 18s welcome! After you’ve stocked up on your leathers, head to CRUCIFY – “because all the tasteful names were gone!” – from 9pm, entry £3/£5. ) Sat (26) is IN THE CAVE from 9pm, entry £3/£5. ) Easter Sunday (27) is the RESURRECTION Bank Holiday Special from 9pm, entry £3/£5. ) Easter Monday (28) is CLUB SILENCIO, which sees Subline turned into a funfair of vaudeville and the avant-garde from 8pm with the show from 9pm. Expect classy trash, B-movie monsters, comedy, fortune-tellers, live art, music, film and donuts, all for a mere £4.50.
) OPEN daily from 10am. Closed Sun (6) to Sun (13) ) ONE FOR THE DIARY From Sun (6) to Sun (13), the Zone will be closed for a major refurbishment to celebrate 10 YEARS of first class entertainment and one of the friendliest atmospheres right in the heart of the gay village. Sharon Barr, owner, says:“Thank you to everyone, staff, customers and performers, for making these last 10 years so memorable! We’re going all out with the décor so we hope you’ll be impressed! Here’s to the next 10 years!”
WEDNESDAY 30
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Fresh!: DJ Jazzy Jane 9pm l BAR BROADWAY A Voice for Broadway: Voice of Broadway 2016 9pm l BAR REVENGE Lip Sync for your Life: Crystal Lubrikunt 9pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 11am l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch 2-3.30pm l CHARLES ST Silly Willy Wednesdays with Drag With No Name 9pm l D.T.M M.O (men only) 8pm l PARIS HOUSE Live jazz: Al Scott Trio 8pm l QUEEN’S ARMS An Audience With Sally Vate 9.30pm
THURSDAY 31
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Total Request Thursdays: DJ FRESH Princess 9pm l BAR BROADWAY It’s All Fun & Games with Sally Vate 9pm l BAR REVENGE FOMO Warm-up 9pm l CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Quiz 9pm l CHARLES ST Mad Cow Tea Party: Ms Joan Bond, DJs Lee Jeffery & Ruby Roo 9pm l D.T.M M.O (men only) 8pm l MARINE TAVERN Throwback Thur 8pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: Miss Jason 9.30pm l REVENGE FOMO: DJs 11pm l SUBLINE Brace Yourself 9pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Quiz: £150 jackpot 7.30pm
THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS ) 59 North Rd, Brighton, BN1 1YD, Tel: 01273 608571, www.3jollybutchers.com ) OPEN 12pm on Mon–Sat, 1pm on Sun. Private function room available. ) FOOD Mon–Fri 12–9pm; Sat 12–8pm; Sunday roasts 1–6pm. ) EASTER BANK HOLIDAY Sun (27) is the EASTER JAZZ ROAST from 3pm;
roasts & free Easter Eggs from 1pm. ) ONE FOR THE DIARY Thur (17) is the ST PATRICK'S DAY GUINNESS PARTY with a quiz and a £150 cash prize at 7.30pm. ) REGULARS Wed (9 & 23) OPEN MIC with Purple Shoes at 8.30pm. ) Thur QUIZ NIGHT with £150 prize at 7.30pm. ) Sun is JAZZ ROAST at 3pm, free entry.
GSCENE 43
44 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM LONDON HOTEL SOUTHAMPTON
SOLENT
l HAMPSHIRE BOULEVARD 1 Hampshire Terrace, Southsea TEL: 2392 297509 l OLD VIC 104 St Paul’s Rd, Southsea TEL: 02392 297013, www.oldvicportsmouth.co.uk
SOUTHAMPTON
l ISOBAR 100c St Mary’s St TEL: 02380 222028 l LONDON HOTEL 2 Terminus Terr, SO14 3DT TEL: 02380 710652, www.the-london.co.uk OPEN: Mon-Wed 12-11pm, Thur 12-12.30am, Fri & Sat 12-1.30am, Sun 12-11.30pm FOOD: Mon-Sat 12-3pm; Sun roasts 12-3pm l TITANIC Simnel St, SO14 2BE TEL: 023 8021 1879, www.thetitanicpub.co.uk l EDGE Compton Walk, SO14 0BH TEL: 02380 366163, www.theedgesouthampton.com
THURSDAY 10
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am l OLD VIC karaoke 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm l LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising with Martha D’Arthur 8.30pm
FRIDAY 11
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Get Some: DJs 10pm l LONDON HOTEL Fairylea Friday: DJ Ruby Roo 8.30pm; cabaret: Beverley Ballcrusher 10.15pm
SATURDAY 12
PORTSMOUTH l OLD VIC Quiz 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE video jukebox 11pm
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am l OLD VIC DJs all night SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE The Big One: DJs 10pm l LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Dazza 9pm
WEDNESDAY 2
SUNDAY 13
TUESDAY 1
SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Bar 150: DJs & karaoke 10pm
THURSDAY 3
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am l OLD VIC karaoke 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm l LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising with Martha D’Arthur 8.30pm
FRIDAY 4
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Get Some: DJs 10pm l LONDON HOTEL Fairylea Friday: DJ Ruby Roo 8.30pm; cabaret: Kevin Cruise 10.15pm
SATURDAY 5
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am l OLD VIC DJs all night SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE The Big One: DJs 10pm l LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Neil Sackley 9pm
SUNDAY 6
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pounded: DJ 11pm l LONDON HOTEL London Podium: Tanya Hyde & Davina Sparkle 8pm; roasts 12-3pm
MONDAY 7
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pounded: DJ 11pm l LONDON HOTEL London Podium: Kara Van Park & Martha D’Arthur 8pm; roasts 12-3pm
MONDAY 14
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE DJs 11pm
TUESDAY 15
PORTSMOUTH l OLD VIC Quiz 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE video jukebox 11pm
WEDNESDAY 16
SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Bar 150: DJs & karaoke 10pm
THURSDAY 17
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am l OLD VIC karaoke 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm l LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising with Martha D’Arthur 8.30pm
FRIDAY 18
) EASTER Fri (25) is GOOD FRIDAY FAIRYLEA with DJ Ruby Roo from 8.30pm; then Tiara Thunderpussy live on stage 10.15pm. ) Easter Sun (27) Kara Van Park & Rose Garden on the LONDON PODIUM from 8pm. ) ONE FOR THE DIARY Sat (26) is GUILTY PLEASURES with DJ Lucinda Lashes from 9pm; then 2 Shoes live on stage from 10pm. ) REGULARS Fri FAIRYLEA with DJ Ruby Roo high camp/pure cheese at 8.30pm;
CABARET at 10.15pm: Kevin Cruise (4), Beverley Ballcrusher (11) and Mary Mac (18). ) Sat GUILTY PLEASURES with DJs from 9pm: Neil Sackley (5), Dazza (12) and Claire Fuller (19). ) SUNDAY NIGHT ON THE LONDON PODIUM with guest hosts Tanya Hyde (6) and Kara Van Park (13 & 20) at 8pm and guest cabaret at 9pm: Davina Sparkle (6), Martha D’Arthur (13) and Wilma Fingerdo (20). ) Thur is KARAOKE CRUISING with hosts Martha D’Arthur (3, 10, 17 & 31) and Lucinda Lashes (24) at 8.30pm.
SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pounded: DJ 11pm l LONDON HOTEL London Podium: Kara Van Park & Wilma Fingerdo 8pm; roasts 12-3pm
MONDAY 21
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE DJs 11pm
TUESDAY 22
PORTSMOUTH l OLD VIC Quiz 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE video jukebox 11pm
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am
SUNDAY 27
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pounded: DJ 11pm l LONDON HOTEL Easter Sunday London Podium: Kara Van Park & Rose Garden 8pm; roasts 12-3pm
MONDAY 28
SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Bar 150: DJs & karaoke 10pm
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE DJs 11pm
THURSDAY 24
TUESDAY 29
FRIDAY 25
SUNDAY 20
l OLD VIC DJs all night SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE The Big One: DJs 10pm l LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Lucinda Lashes 9pm; cabaret: 2 Shoes 10pm
WEDNESDAY 23
SATURDAY 19
WEDNESDAY 9
SOUTHAMPTON
) 2 Terminus Terr, SO14 3DT, Tel: 02380 710652, www.the-london.co.uk ) OPEN daily from 12pm. ) FOOD Mon–Sat 12–3pm; Sunday lunch 12–3.30pm.
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Get Some: DJs 10pm l LONDON HOTEL Fairylea Friday: DJ Ruby Roo 8.30pm; cabaret: Mary Mac 10.15pm
PORTSMOUTH l OLD VIC Quiz 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE video jukebox 11pm
SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Bar 150: DJs & karaoke 10pm
LONDON HOTEL
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am l OLD VIC karaoke 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm l LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising with Lucinda Lashes 8.30pm
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am l OLD VIC DJs all night SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE The Big One: DJs 10pm l LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Claire Fuller 9pm
TUESDAY 8
WILMA FINGERDOO (SUN 20)
PORTSMOUTH
MARTHA D’ARTHUR (THUR 3, 10, 17 & 31)
LISTINGS
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Get Some: DJs 10pm l LONDON HOTEL Fairylea Friday Easter Special: DJ Ruby Roo 8.30pm; cabaret: Tiara Thunderpussy 10.15pm
SATURDAY 26
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am
PORTSMOUTH l OLD VIC Quiz 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE video jukebox 11pm
WEDNESDAY 30
SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Bar 150: DJs & karaoke 10pm
THURSDAY 31
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am l OLD VIC karaoke 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm l LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising with Martha D’Arthur 8.30pm
GSCENE 45
GEEK SCENE COMICS & GAMES BY CRAIG STORRIE
COMICS ) Whilst it may have taken a few false starts, DC are finally getting round to having their Justice League assemble up on the big screen with it all starting in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice released this month. After numerous stand-alone films were cancelled, such as Joss Weadon’s Wonder Woman and David S Goyer’s The Flash, Warner Bros tried to get their big seven heroes together for a brand new start back in 2007 in the film Justice League: Mortal. Every part was fully cast and it was even to be directed by Mad Max creator George Miller. Sadly after numerous put backs, such as the 2008 writers’ strike and the film having to be moved from Australia to Canada due to the Australian Government refusing Warner Bros the right to film there, the movie was put on hold for the foreseeable future and eventually cancelled. Fast-forward to 2013 and after the success of Man of Steel, David S Goyer was hired by Warner Bros to write both a sequel to Man of Steel and a Justice League film as well as hiring Zack Synder to direct both films. Whilst the Justice League film will be split into two parts, coming out both in 2017 and 2019 respectively, the sequel would be retooled into a film that would introduce Superman to Batman and Wonder Woman as well as many characters that would form part of the Justice League, planting seeds which will come to fruition in the actual Justice League film later down the line. That movie is Dawn of Justice, a film that is basically Batman and Superman not seeing eye to eye and beating the ever-loving crap out of one another. No doubt this will be sorted by the end of the film somehow and will eventually lead to their famous friendship. Dawn of Justice will be the second film of the DC Extended Universe after Man of Steel and followed by Suicide Squad later this year. David S Goyer has taken inspiration for the film from the now famous Batman limited series The Dark Knight Returns and it certainly shows with its dark gritty visuals right down to even using the same design for the older Batman’s iconic Batsuit. In this new film, Batman is now an ex-vigilante who gave up crime fighting after the death of his ward and sidekick, Robin, at the hands of the evil Joker. He takes it upon himself to come out of retirement after seeing first-hand the raw power that Superman possesses. He travels to Metropolis to see if Superman can be trusted and, if not, he means to take him down and put him out of the picture for good. With all this going on others are rising and making their place known in the world from the villainous Lex Luthor, who also means to bring down Superman, to the powerful king of Atlantis Aquaman and the demigoddess Wonder Woman aka Diana Prince.
GAMES ) As any regular readers of this column will know, I love me some Street Fighter. I’ve been there since day one and have managed to play every single entry in the series, even the ones hardly anyone remembers such as the EX series. It is one of my most treasured gaming franchises so imagine my fevered excitement when Street Fighter V was finally confirmed to be released in February of 2016! Not only that but it would only be exclusively available on the Playstation 4 and Microsoft Windows. No offence to the Xbox lovers out there but I cannot abide fighting games using that controller as I find it cumbersome and not as responsive as the Dualshock 4; but that is just my preference. As with all numbered entries in the series, Street Fighter V carries on the side-scrolling one-on-one gameplay of its predecessors with a few changes. The super-combo bar is now the EX gauge which is similar to the one introduced in Street Fighter III. This bar is filled when the fighter lands attacks on their rival and can be used to perform EX versions of normal special moves making them stronger or saved up to perform a fighter-specific Critical Art. These super-moves can cause massive damage as well as being both beautiful and deadly to watch. Gone are the focus attacks of Street Fighter IV replaced with a new system revolving around the new V-Gauge. The VGauge slowly fills up when the player is attacked and can be utilised in three different ways. V-Skills are character-specific special attacks that can help to build the V-gauge faster if successfully performed. For example, if timed correctly Ryu can use his V-Skill to parry any incoming attack, very much like the parry system from Street Fighter III. V-Reversals allow fighters to use a portion of the gauge to counter whilst being attacked; it can also act as a combo-breaker if timed correctly. Finally V-Triggers use the whole of the gauge to trigger a unique ability such as Ken gaining flaming normal attacks which cause more damage or Chun-Li moving faster so her moves score extra hits. All in all it is a clever and intuitive system that can really turn the tide of battle if used strategically. The game features 16 characters at launch with four being completely brand new to the series. Unlike previous entries into the series new characters and stages will be developed and added into the game via regular updates. These new additions will have to be purchased in one of two ways: by using ‘Fight Money’, which is earned through gameplay and is not unlike the coins in Super Smash Bros, or by using ‘Zenny’ which is purchased using real-world money. Street Fighter V truly looks stunning with brilliant character and stage design as well as having amazing music and sound effects to boot. It could even be regarded as the best entry in the series, given enough time!
46 GSCENE Comedy Roadshow). Featuring headliner Diane Morgan, Andrew Doyle and Pippa Evans.
ARTS
B Y MIC HA E L HO O TMA N
BRIGHTON CENTRE
Chaudhry, Creative Writing with poet Evlynn Sharp and Women’s History talk. Other highlights include live performances from Qukulele, a capella choir We Bop
QUKULELE
Kings Rd, Brighton, Box office: 0844 847 1515 ) WET WET WET (Tue 1). Marti Pillow and the band sing their greatest hits. ) PETER ANDRE (Fri 11). Singer and reality TV star sings classics Mysterious Girl and material from his new album Come Fly With Me. ) COLLABRO (Sat 12). Britain’s Got Talent winners perform with support from A J Brown and special guest Catriona Murray.
and beatbox Champion Bellatrix; a panel discussion exploring key issues affecting women today with MP Caroline Lucas, FGM campaigner Nimco Ali and local activist Emily Wright chaired by Razia Aziz; Women’s history walks around the Pavilion Estate; Miss Represented jewellery making and collage workshops; artist Bern O’Donoghue’s installation Dead Reckoning with 3,771 miniature boats representing the death of a Theatre Royal, New Rd, Brighton, Box office: 08448 717650 migrant or refugee who attempted ) END OF THE RAINBOW (Mar 29–Apr 2). Join Judy Garland as she ) LITTLE MIX (Mon 14). The group to cross the Mediterranean in 2015. makes her explosive London come back at the height of the swinging ) HAIR PEACE (7.30pm, Sat 5). A play hits from their two platinum sixties. This funny and emotionally charged play finds the once charming and funny exploration of albums DNA and Salute. glittering star sparring with her new fiancé, her devoted accompanist, where exactly hair extensions come ) JASON DONOVAN (Wed 23). and her own demons. Filled with Garland’s legendary tenacity, razorfrom, by Victoria Melody. Solo tour of his debut 1989 sharp wit and once-in-a-generation voice. Featuring Garland’s most ) KATHERINE RYAN KATHBUM album Ten Good Reasons. memorable songs The Man That Got Away, Come Rain Or Come (8pm, Sat 5). Razor sharp and Shine, The Trolley Song and of course Somewhere Over The Rainbow. hilariously funny Canadian returns IWD @ BRIGHTON DOME Stars Lisa Maxwell (Loose Women, The Bill), Gary Wilmot (Me & My with new show. Church St, Brighton Girl, Chicago) and Sam Attwater (EastEnders, Dancing on Ice). ) THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES Box office: 01273 709709 The Dome celebrates International (7.30pm, Sun 6). Directed by Angela El-Zeind, this special Women's Day 2016 with special benefit performance is presented as performances and events... part of a global initiative for ) MISS REPRESENTED: RETROSPECTIVE (free, Fri 4 – Wed women survivors of violence to rise 9). Outreach project working with and demand an end to violence. young women in Brighton presents a retrospective of their work, with new additions around Being Female. ) TWELVE ANGRY WOMEN ) BEYOND THE FOOTLIGHTS (8pm, (7.30pm, Fri 4). An outraged fusion ALL THE NICE GIRLS of drama, poetry, prose, art and The Brunswick, 1-3 Holland Road, Tue 15) Mrs Moore, Tanya Hyde and Kara Van-Park are no strangers music with contributions from Hove, East Sussex, BN3 1JF to Musical Theatre, getting there Yasmin Ali, Sara Clifford, Rowena ) BEHIND THE LINES: ALL THE was a different story... £10. Easton, Suhayla El Bushra, Belona NICE GIRLS (4pm, Sun 20 & Sun 27). A tribute to pioneering lesbian ) GIGGLE @ THE GODS (8pm, Sat Greenwood, Carol Leeming, Edana ) SANDI TOKSVIG LIVE! Minghella, Chloe Moss, Joanna variety stars Gwen Farrar and Nora 26) with six stand-up comics, £3. POLITICALLY INCORRECT (Tue 8). Neary, Deanna Rodger, Sarah Blaney in Music Hall, Variety and Toksvig, comedian, novelist, actor, BENT DOUBLE Naomi Lee and Chris Taylor. Revue by the LGBT theatrical duo Komedia, Gardner St, Brighton ) INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY broadcaster, university chancellor, Ali Child and Rosie Wakley. Ali and (inter)national treasure finds OPEN HOUSE (10am–4pm, Sat 5). Child says, “Too often depictions of Box office: 08452 938480 herself in the startling position of ) BENT DOUBLE (Sun 6). A gayBrighton Women's Centre lesbian romance on TV end in having co-founded the UK’s fastest tragedy. Our show celebrates lesbian friendly, irreverent night of fun and celebrate the 105th International growing political party, the frolics hosted by Zoe Lyons (Mock Women’s Day with a day of love, then and now, in a witty, Women’s Equality Party. She is The Week and Michael McIntyre’s entertainment, films, workshops, joyous, nostalgic, musical way.” celebrating the launch of the party exhibitions, discussion, history tours, children’s activities, low cost with a fundraising tour of a BAR BROADWAY holistic therapies hosted by Rachel uniquely witty evening of her The Gods, 10 Steine St, Brighton stand-up, stories and fascinating Nwokoro (UK SLAM! Champion). ) THE TWO HARMONIES (8pm, facts. Sandi will entertain us solo Some of the free workshops that Wed 9), Keith Pemberton and can be booked on the day include: for the first half of the evening and Jason Lee Howlett cover a range Women’s Self Defence, Beatboxing in the second will introduce some of genres from classical to rock, £3. with UK champion Bellatrix, Sing special guests and special ideas ) IT IS WHAT IT IS (8pm, Thu 10) behind this exciting new venture. Your Heart Out with Aneesa free comedy and sketch show. SANDY TOKSVIG
BEYOND THE FOOTIGHTS
DIANE MORGAN
ALL THE NICE GIRLS
END OF THE RAINBOW
EMPORIUM
MORGAN FABULOUS
88 London Rd, Brighton thelittleboxoffice.com/emporium ) THE TEMPEST (Mon 7–Mon 28). Prospero, Duke of Milan, usurped and exiled by his own brother, holds sway over an enchanted island. He is comforted by his daughter, Miranda, and served by his spirit, Ariel, and his deformed slave, Caliban. When Prospero raises a storm to wreck his perfidious brother and his confederates on the island, his long contemplated revenge at last seems within reach. Imbued with a spirit of magic and supernatural, the play is Shakespeare’s late great masterpiece of forgiveness, generosity and enlightenment.
MindOut returns for a fun filled evening showcasing great comedy and musical entertainment. The compere for the evening is Spice and line-up includes award winning Zoe Lyons, Debra-Jane Appelby, Dolly Rocket, Sally Vate and members of the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus. Come along, bring your friends and enjoy a fun-filled evening while raising vital funds for LGBTQ mental health charity MindOut! The venue is fully accessible with a licensed bar. Tickets: £12/£10, available online: www.bit.ly/laughs2016 For more information email info@mindout.org.uk
St George’s Church, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1ED ) MINDOUT FOR THE LAUGHS (7.30pm, Thur 17). The comedy cabaret extravaganza in support of
WANTING THE MOON Dukebox Theatre, The Iron Duke, 3 Waterloo St, Hove, BN3 1AQ. ROSE COLLIS WANTING THE MOON (7.35pm, Thurs 24). Another chance to catch this one-woman play written and performed by Rose Collis. Clemence Dane, playwright, artist and screenwriter, is asked by
her friend Noel Coward to revive her acting career and play the famous role he created for her: Madame Arcati in Blithe Spirit. As she prepares to answer him, she reflects on their long relationship and memorable episodes from her chequered career. Tickets £8/£6 at: www.hovegrown.org.uk/productio n/wanting-the-moon/
PINK FRINGE
Marlborough Theatre, 4 Princes St, Brighton, Box office: www.brownpapertickets.com ) KING OF THE FRINGE: HEAT 2 (Fri 11). Brighton’s only drag king competition is back and tougher than ever! It’s time for bois to become men as they battle it out over three heats to make their way to the final. The Kings will get a chance to strut their stuff before the extra special judges decide who HOPE FUNDRAISER The Synergy Centre, 78 West St, deserves a place (and a shot at the Brighton, www.thesynergycentre.org £100 prize money) in the grand finale in Brighton Fringe. Expect ) HOPE: A Fundraiser for THT bulging biceps, protruding (6pm–midnight, Sun 27). Staged packages, fierce facial hair, all by SP Productions at multimedia community art centre and café bar slathered in sass as we try to find the next King of the Fringe! hosted by Misty Lee with acts including porn star Danny Chase IWD @ TRAUMFRAU (Hard Brit Lads), Sammy Silver, Wagner Hall, 9 Russell Place, Trudi Styles & The Pianoman, Brighton, www.traumfrau.co.uk Miss Sugar, Dozy Queen, Stan ) INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY Munro Davies, Bambi Boo, EXTRAVAGANZA (9pm-3am, Sat Strawberry Whip, Miss Golden Cox, Morgan Fabulous, Miss Chanel Lamon, Miss Gin and Stephanie von Clitz. There will also be a raffle. Tickets: £7 adult, family of 4 adults £20, VIP tickets £25 all available on the door on the night.
MINDOUT FOR THE LAUGHS
12). TRAUMFRAU and PINK FRINGE have teamed up again to create a night long queer festival. Dancing, shows, live art, food and installations in Brighton's most unusual al fresco venue with DJs, live art, performers, immersive experiences, a garden, a party, a disco, food, fire, outdoor dancing, indoor dancing, garden shows, all at one huge queer party. From 9–10.30pm it’s open decks so BYO CDs and have a go at being a Traumfrau DJ! Followed by DJs Lianne Hall (Berlin) and Jenna (Spellbound/Eight Miles High), with live performances throughout the night from a fine selection of renegade artists: Stacy Makishi, Ira Brand, Paula Varjack and Emma Frankland. Tickets £8 / £13 from Marlborough or www.brownpapertickets.com/even t/2509647. Carer/chaperone can get a free ticket online via the tickets link. For other accessibility needs please email traumfraubrighton@gmail.com
ROSE COLLIS
ZOE LYONS
GSCENE 47
BETWEEN WORLDS Language Learning Centre, Arts A, University of Sussex, BN1 9RH ) As part of the Language and Culture Series 2015/2016, MARIA JASTRZᶒBSKA, poet and author of At The Library Of Memories and Dementia Diaries will be talking with Jeremy Page (5pm, Tues 15) about her new book CEDRY Z WALPOLE PARK, growing up and living in more than one culture and the impact on her writing. Wine served from 5pm. Free event, all welcome. What makes a Polish writer Polish or a British writer British? Is it the language they employ? Or what they write about? Can poetry transcend identity? Should it aim to? Is there such a thing as universality? Writer John O’Donoghue says of Maria’s work: ‘There’s a subtlety and seeing-round corners perspective to her poems that could be Polish, could be queer or could be pure Jastrzębska.’ Maria Jastrzębska is a Polish-born poet, editor and translator. She is the author of six poetry collections, including At The Library of Memories (Waterloo Press, 2013), and a literary drama Dementia Diaries which toured with Lewes Live Literature in 2011. She was coeditor of Queer in Brighton (New Writing South, 2014). Her work is frequently anthologised, most recently in Hallelujah for 50ft Women (Bloodaxe, 2015), and features in the British Library project Poetry Between Two Worlds. Her selected poems, Cedry z Walpole Park/The Cedars of Walpole Park, have been translated into Polish by Anna Błasiak, Paweł Gawroński and Wioletta Grzegorzewska and published in a dual language collection (K.I.T, Stowarzyszenie Żywych Poetów, Faktoria series, 2015). www.mariajastrzebska.wordpress.com
REVIEWS ) To mark International Women’s Day, I’ve looked back at my columns for the last year or so, looking out for women performers, composers and conductors. Out of around 40 CDs reviewed, just four feature women composers, and about 10 have female lead performers (that doesn’t include women in mixed chamber ensembles and groups). None feature women conductors. So what’s going on here? Now I clearly have my part to play here, as I have choice over the CDs I review – although in my defence, I sought to review two CDs by one female composer, Cheryl FrancesHoad, after hearing one of her works performed live in the Proms. And perhaps herein lies the key – exposure is often achieved best through concert performances, often via the championing of wellknown performers. On this occasion, it was The Tallis Scholars who had commissioned a new work for their Prom concert.
Brown’s programme for women conductors at Morley College is now in its third year, so hopefully we will continue to see more women on the podium. But then there’s still a way to go – shortly before Alsop appeared at The Last Night of the Proms, conductor Vassily Petrenko said in an interview that ‘a cute girl on a podium means that musicians think about other things’. But what of composers? Well, recently, 17-year-old Jessy McCabe launched a campaign when she discovered that Edexcel’s A-level music syllabus featured 63 male composers and no women. Her campaign persuaded them to include five works by female composers as a result. The BBC’s Ten Pieces project for schools included one work by Anna Meredith in its first year, aimed at primary school children, and in the second year, targeted at secondary level, a piece by Anna Clyne has been included.
BARBARA HANNIGAN
BREMF
KALA RAMNATH
ALICE COOTE
MIRGA GRAŽINYTė-TYLA
FIONA SHAW
Well, in the 2016 Brighton Festival, Alice Coote returns to sing Angel in The Dream of Gerontius by Elgar, with the Brighton Festival Chorus and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO), conducted by Edward Gardner. And while we’re At Glyndebourne, Fiona Shaw’s on the CBSO, they’ve recently great production of Britten’s The announced that 29-year-old Rape of Lucretia won plaudits all round. Then of course our very own Lithuanian conductor Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla will be taking over Brighton Early Music Festival (directed by two women, Clare Norburn and Deborah Roberts) dedicated the whole of last year’s festival to the theme of Women: Enquirers, Muses, Enchanters. We heard music by women composers including Élisabeth Jacquet de La from Andris Nelsons as Music Guerre, Hildegard of Bingen, Director in September 2016. Chiara Margarita Cozzolani and Currently at the Los Angeles Barbara Strozzi, among others. Philharmonic, Gražinytė-Tyla had Women performers included Dame already gone down well with Emma Kirkby, harpsichordist Carole Cerasi, Clare Norburn and audiences and the musicians in Birmingham, and was apparently Belinda Sykes with Joglaresa. the unanimous choice to take over But the outstanding triumph of the baton. the 2015 Brighton Early Music Also in the Brighton Festival, Festival (BREMF) was surely their staging of the first surviving opera Indian violinist and composer Kala Ramnath will be performing The by a woman, Francesca Caccini’s Seasons of India, her own piece La Liberazione di Ruggiero for Indian violin and orchestra Dall’isola di Alcina. The with the Philharmonia Orchestra. production by Susannah Waters, And talking of live performances, when I look back over the last year directed by Deborah Roberts, was a great success, placed in the top in Brighton, it has in fact been a good year for women. In the 2015 ten classical music events of the year by The Guardian. And great Brighton Festival, mezzo-soprano Alice Coote performed her exploration of gender identity in Being Both, a programme of Handel arias for male and female And BREMF Co-Director, Clare characters. Soprano and conductor Norburn, brings her play, Breaking Barbara Hannigan sang and the Rules, about the composer conducted the Britten Sinfonia in Gesualdo, performed by an actor a concert of Mozart, Haydn and and the Marian Consort. The play Stravinsky. And violinist Isabelle news – a recording of the was piloted at BREMF in 2013, and performance will be broadcast on Faust gave stunning performances was a hit then, so it’s great to see Sunday 8 March, International of the complete cycle of Bach’s it returning in a new and reworked Women’s Day, on BBC Radio 3’s version to Brighton. She is also Early Music Show. I urge you to writing a play about Galileo for the listen in! Monteverdi String Band and the Deborah Roberts also conducted Marian Consort, which will and performed with Musica premiere at BREMF this year. Secreta, the Celestial Sirens Meanwhile, further afield, despite (both all-women ensembles) and the Brighton Festival Youth Choir having left as Principal Conductor
of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in 2008, Marin Alsop is a regular on UK concert platforms, and made history in 2013 as the first female conductor of The Last Night of the Proms. Her partner, Kristin Jurkscheit, is a horn player and also director of the WOW (Women of the World) Baltimore festival. And conductors Alice Farnham and Andrea ALICE FARNHAM
CLASSICAL NOTES B Y NIC K B O STO N
ANNA MEREDITH
in a programme directed by herself and Laurie Stras, about Lucrezia Borgia’s daughter Leonora d’Este, with the first modern performances of music potentially by her. And Sonatas and Partitas. This is not to again, she directed and sung in a consort of music by Strozzi, mention a good proportion of Caccini and Cozzolani, with the women performers at festival BREMF Consort of Voices, later lunchtime concerts, and at other broadcast on BBC Radio 3. chamber concerts throughout the year. So coming up in the next year?
MARIN ALSOP
48 GSCENE
But when was the last time you heard a work by a woman on the programme of a mainstream orchestra? International classical listings and review website, Bachtrack (www.bachtrack.com) looked at the statistics from over 25,000 concerts worldwide in 2014 and found only five female composers in the top 260 – and
GSCENE 49
ART MATTERS B Y E NZO MA RRA
To find out more about women composers, BREMF have helpfully set up a page on their website dedicated to women composers. There’s information about some key early music composers, but also links to a range of sources of general information about female composers worth checking out. www.bremf.org.uk/womencomposers More reviews/comment/events at: www.nicks-classicalnotes.blogspot.co.uk Twitter: @nickb86uk Email: nbclassical@hotmail.co.uk
For March I’ve found a quartet of exhibitions all located an easy train ride away from Brighton, I hope you’re able to create time to wander around the various displays at each gallery.
TOWNER
BORIS GODUNOV
CINEMA ) Bryn Terfel, with John Graham-Hall and John Tomlinson in Mussorgsky’s Boris Godunov, is live from the Royal Opera House (Mon 21). ) Puccini’s Manon Lescaut (Sat 5) from the Metropolitan Opera with Kristine Opolais and Roberto Alagna. In local cinemas Duke’s at the Komedia & Odeon in Brighton, Cineworld Eastbourne, and the Connaught Cinema, Worthing. Check times/dates.
PALLANT HOUSE 9 North Pallant, Chichester, PO19 1TJ http://pallant.org.uk ) JOHN PIPER: THE FABRIC OF MODERNISM (Sat 12 March–Sun 12 June). John Piper was one of the leading Modern British artists of the 20th century, best known for his paintings of Britain’s romantic heritage, including churches, country houses and wartime ruins. Through over 80 works, this major exhibition is the first to focus on John Piper’s textile designs, shown alongside related paintings and other studies to demonstrates how Piper’s designs were intricately connected with his wider work. Marking the 50th anniversary of the installation of the artist’s celebrated altar tapestry in Chichester Cathedral, many of the studies for this important example of religious art will be on show.
CONCERTS BRIGHTON DOME & CORN EXCHANGE BTN FESTIVAL CHORUS
Church Street, Brighton, 01273 709709, www.brightondome.org ) The Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Howard Shelley (2.45pm, Sun 6), perform Brahms’ Variations On A Theme by Haydn and Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No 2 with Shelley on piano, and Mendelssohn’s Symphony No 3 (The Scottish). ) They return (2.45pm, Sun 20) conducted by Barry Wordsworth, to perform Willam Alwyn, Bernstein’s Symphony No 2 (The Age of Anxiety), with Rob Clark on piano, and Vaughan Williams’ Sea Symphony, with Brighton Festival Chorus. ) The Heath Quartet (11am, Sun 27) perform Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Ravel.
) RADICAL CRAFT: ALTERNATIVE WAYS OF MAKING (Sat 12 March–Sun 12 June) combines Outside In’s (www.outsidein.org.uk/) 4th triennial open art exhibition and Craftspace’s touring exhibitions programme. It will showcase UK creativity by artists who define themselves as facing barriers to the art world for reasons including health, disability, social circumstance or isolation. The craft works selected through this open call out will be displayed alongside pieces by historically renowned and invited contemporary Outsider and self-taught artists.
ALL SAINTS CHURCH Hove, www.ssomusic.co.uk or via Dome Box Office ) The Sussex Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mark Andrew James (7.30pm, Sat 5), perform Smetana, Sibelius and François Borne’s Fantasie Brillante On Themes from Bizet’s Carmen, with Daniel Shao (flute).
SUSSEX FLUTES
ST LUKE'S CHURCH
BRODSKY QUARTET
Sussex Downs College, Lewes, www.nylewes.org.uk ) The Brodsky Quartet (7.45pm, Fri 18) perform Borodin, Shostakovich and Beethoven.
ZIMMERSTEWART GALLERY
Queens Park Rd, Brighton, www.stlukesconcerts.webeden.co.uk ) Volt & Potenza piano duo (7.30pm, Fri 11) perform Schumann, J C Bach, Grieg, Rachmaninov, Poulenc and commissioned work by Philip Martin (b. 1943) ) All-female group Sussex Flutes (7.30pm, Fri 18) perform music by contemporary Brighton composers, including Peter Copley, Barry Mills and Phil Baker.
ALICE WALTER
NICHOLAS YONGE SOCIETY
Devonshire Park, College Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4JJ www.townereastbourne.org.uk ) ANNUAL SCHOOLS 2016 (Thu 24 March–Sun 5 June), presents an exhibition which initially emerged from dialogue with teachers six years ago and has grown into one of the largest professional exhibitions of school age students’ work held in the UK. Each year, a theme is chosen which relates to the Towner Gallery collection and the participating schools are shown works which relate to the chosen theme. This year’s theme is Walking The Line, exploring how drawing and mark-making is the starting point for expressing ourselves. The children have taken inspiration from the artworks and worked collaboratively to create their own responses.
JOHN PIPER
So if you think classical music is all by dead white men performed by living white men, well, perhaps that’s still often the case (my listings for this month will confirm this…). But things are hopefully changing, and as I began by saying, the key is exposure and the support of performers and concert programmers. And maybe we’re doing better than some places here in Brighton, with imaginative
programming at the Brighton Festival and the out and out championing of women in music at BREMF – long may this continue!
ANNUAL SCHOOLS 2016
Sofia Gubaidulina, the top, only scraped in at No 132! Judith Weir, the Master of the Queen’s Music (yes, Master), makes it to No 219. Oh, and back to conductors, their statistics show just five women in the top 150, with Marin Alsop leading the women at No 42.
29 Tarrant Street, Arundel, www.zimmerstewart.co.uk ) INTRODUCING ALICE WALTER & DAVID AUBORN (Sat 5–Sat 26) presents a showcase of two emerging artists, both recently graduated painters from Brighton University who studied under Tom Hammick. Both painters producing abstract expressionistic works, informed by an element of implied representation. Alice Walter's paintings use repeated imagery and symbols, tools she uses to edge towards feelings of familiarity or intimacy. David Auborn's works are similarly abstract, but more textural and earthy, reflecting the physicality of life and our place in it. At a micro-level showing individual cells and at a macro level representing large buildings.
50 GSCENE
PAGE’S PAGES B O O KS B Y E RIC PAG E
) THE DEVASTATION by Melissa Buzzeo. This book-long poem/prose/ performance book gripped me and wouldn’t let go. It feels like a soft poetical echo of ‘By Grand Central Station I laid down and wept’ but watery and full of eddies and submerged currents of meaning and has all of that metaphorical lightning and utterly sublime and profound writing that shocks you into a moment’s clarity. Buzzeo’s use of words is simply stunning, in all senses of the word and I found myself sitting still just re-rolling sentences across my mind to see their effects. Her central premise of using language to express the things which language can’t’ express is balanced with such a noble, fine grace as to sometimes appear impossible to sustain itself but rather than crash, it soars under its own grace. Buzzeo’s writing can be winding and appear longer than it is, it’s an odd talent she has and this story about two lovers who survive the ‘Devastation by laying on the bottom on the ocean’ is political, ecological and philosophical and all three plaited in some highly original ways. Very difficult to write about, utterly transporting to read, this is the poetry book to cherish this year.
) THE INFORMANT by Susan Wilkins (Pan Macmillan). Set in London and Essex, this is a thrilling edge-of-your-seat story of ruthless criminals, corrupt cops, obsessive love and villainy on both sides of the law. Drug-fuelled teenage tearaway, Kaz Phelps, took the rap for little brother Joey over a bungled armed robbery and went to jail. Released six years later, clean, sober and driven by a secret passion for her lawyer, Helen, she wants to escape the violence and abuse of her Essex gangster family and put the past behind her. Joey is a charming, calculating psychopath. When he murders an undercover cop, DS Nicci Armstrong is determined to put
him behind bars. She doesn't realise that her efforts are being sabotaged by one of their own and the Met is being challenged at the highest level. The final test for Kaz comes when her cousin, Sean, gets out of jail. He is a vicious, oldschool thug and wants to show Kaz who is boss. Kaz may be tough enough to face down any man, but is she strong enough to turn her back on her family and go straight? ) UNDER THE UDALA TREES by Chinelo Okparanta (Houghton Mifflin). Ijeoma comes of age as her nation does. Born before independence, she is eleven when civil war breaks out in the young republic of Nigeria. Sent away to safety, she meets another displaced child and they fall in love. They’re from different ethnic communities and also both girls. When their love is discovered, Ijeoma learns that she’ll have to hide this part of herself but there is a cost to living inside a lie. Under the Udala Trees uses one woman’s lifetime to examine the ways in which Nigerians continue to struggle toward selfhood. Even as their nation contends with and recovers from the effects of war and division, Nigerian lives are also wrecked and lost from taboo and prejudice. This story offers a glimmer of hope - a future where a
about what it means to be LGB today (no mention of trans) and uses this to illuminate her ideas; that being gay is choice and a seriously considered alternative to the heteronormative experience; and that modern gay life has given up on changing the world and making it a better, less patriarchal place. I agree with this and found her controversial arguments offered up with conviction, evidence and her trademark academic precision refreshing. Her candid approach to this subject gives an incisive shake up of all gay things close to our woman might be able to shape her hearts. I loved this, it reminds me life around truth and love. Inspired of the discussions and arguments I have with my closest lesbian friends. by Nigerian folktales and terrible war, this searching, powerful debut ) THE ROYAL HEART by Greg about the dangers of living and McGoon (Avid Readers). Once upon loving openly is full of heartbreaking prose and characters who a time, in a faraway land, an heir to the throne is born and the King will stay with you long after you has a son to follow in his finish this firestorm of a book. footsteps. But life isn’t all it ) STRAIGHT EXPECTATIONS by appears. Family love triumphs over Julie Bindel (Guardian Books). doubt and together they grow From picket line to picket fence stronger. This powerful children's what does it mean to be gay book tells the story of a prince who today? More than four decades transforms into a princess, after the start of the gay liberation movement, lesbians and gay men can legally marry, adopt children, and enjoy the same rights and respect as heterosexuals... or can they? Julie Bindel, ‘out’ lesbian since 1977, tracks the changes in the gay community and asks if fighting for the right to marry has achieved genuine progress. Her central argument that the gay rights movement has swapped, bargained and offered up its radicalism for conformity, acceptance and belonging is compelling. Drawing on her own becoming her authentic self on her and fellow activists’ experiences 16th birthday. The story, with she shows how the gay movement richly detailed illustrations by J has moved from being critical and Orr, reminded me of the books that demanding to cosying up to and I read as a child, but with an becoming part of the mainstream. implicit LGBT theme. The story of Bindel surveyed a large group Princess Lyric and her search for truth feels authentic with universal themes of love, acceptance and leadership. This triumphant, transformative story is one of finding your own true self and then becoming it. It’s a most traditionally styled fairytale featuring a transgender character and the first in a series that McGoon plans to create, detailing the lives and stories of LGBT characters in a fairytale framework. It’s as delightfully fun, engaging and satisfying from an LGBT perspective as G Maguire, author of Wicked, who this reminded me of. Great fun!
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“It’s assumed that we have a choice, a choice with whom we have sex, and that we should really not have chosen a same-sex partner” they will change through time is, of course, impossible to detect. That does not stop us falling in love with them, and the very act of doing so may, for many years, obscure our gender-awareness or feelings of sexuality.
ENJOYING IT BOTH WAYS? Why Bisexuality is Not All Fun by Robin Noble ) One of the things which annoys me about (particularly) British society is its general inability to cope even with the naked human body. In Brighton, where the World Naked Bike Ride takes place every year, photographed by hundreds of happy folk with cameras at the ready, (and, of course, the well-patronised naturist beach), you might not believe that there’s still a problem, but strip off anywhere else, at almost any other time, and you would soon discover there is. That being the case, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised by the inability of so many even to discuss sexuality, which is basically the fun we can have with those bodies. If you just happen to be bisexual, there are many occasions when you meet that inability, or certainly when you meet a complete lack of comprehension, even on the part of other members of the LGBT community. There can be an occasional, slightly puritanical reaction, something along the lines of: “Well, it’s hardly a problem for you, is it, you can have sex with anyone you like“. Somehow, you can sense that that freedom is somewhat disapproved of. With others, the disapproval becomes rather clearer, at least for the male bisexual. It’s assumed that we have a choice, a choice with whom we have sex, and that we should really not have chosen a samesex partner. That faint undercurrent, the basic disapproval of homosexuality which still lurks under much
of an apparently liberal society, comes to the surface when confronted with the bisexual. There’s something they don’t like about us ‘choosing’ a same-sex partner. If we were simply, unabashedly, wildly gay, we would probably now get away with it, they would feel that we “cannot help it“, that is “how we are“. What’s particularly annoying and unfair about this is that such judgmental folk forget one thing: that particularly unnecessary and dirty trick played on the human being of any sexuality or gender. I am referring of course to our peculiar tendency to fall in love. For some lucky folk it’s all wonderful. That intoxication may last until the end of their lives - or, more likely, and equally happily, it will slowly transform into a deep and tender regard for each other, which, one hopes, will endure as long. So far so good, but for many it leads to completely unsuitable unions, to years of misunderstanding and misery all round. I suspect that many members of the trans community will be able to relate to this, but we bisexuals suffer too. The problem is that we seem quite unable to select the person with whom we fall in love. For most of us, especially perhaps in the late teens or early twenties when we start doing it, the choice of partner may be rather limited. Their sexuality (let alone anything deeper and more complex) may be unguessed, and how
Eventually, however, that first flush of obsession fades. It may not be replaced with anything longer-lasting, and so, in time, many of us become unstuck - a process which may have many causes, not all of them by any means related to incipient sexuality. I suppose I should mention in passing the number of guys who are said to marry girls in order to hide their homosexuality, perhaps for social or career reasons. I’m sure that must happen, but I have to say that most of the folk whom I have met, did fall genuinely in love with their female partner, and thoroughly enjoyed what are described as ‘normal marital relations’. This may, of course, be partly a problem of my generation, or even the one after me. For the sake of clarity, I’m now 65, and our generation, and even that of my children, tended (throughout Britain as a whole) to go and get married, even, heaven knows, then to have children. Ten years later, many of us might, in fact, be saying, “Well, that was a big mistake“. But not many people will readily accept the idea that no-one should get married or have children until they have been together for ten years, and really know what the other person is like. To make matters worse, for some reason which I don’t understand, many male bisexuals tend to fall in love, when young, with girls... and perhaps much later, with men. That is, very approximately, what I did, and I have met many like me, formerly married, with children. The trouble is that our simplistic, and judgmental society then decides to put us in a pigeon-hole which they think they can understand - we are obviously gay, and were, obviously, lying all through the years of marriage and bringing up children. This attitude, if repeated often enough, and especially to those children, can be deeply hurtful and lead to years of misery. That is the experience of many bisexuals, and I’ve known some who’ve taken refuge in alcoholism because of it, or through fear of it. Ultimately, that can kill. Being bisexual is not necessarily all fun.
52 GSCENE portrayal of my life, cardboard coffin and a good old-fashioned booze up afterwards. What funeral arrangements make you cringe? C: It saddens me to hear of people’s negative experiences in relation to funerals. S: When splits in families spill out when people are arranging or (even worse) at the funeral.
Eric Page chats to award-winning local funeral directors, Cara Mair and Sarah Clarke, of ARKA Original Funerals
What funerals inspire you? C: Funerals that are heartfelt, real and true to the person who died and the people left behind. S: I think when it fits right, everybody is different and therefore every funeral needs to be different. Tell us about your national awards? The Funeral Director of the Year Award from the Good Funeral Guide was amazing! A complete surprise, and a really great honour as it’s a team effort. Does where you live affect what you offer? C: Brighton has fully embraced the way that we work. I think we’re considered freaks when we venture out of Sussex (not that we mind). S: The city is the home of the most creative people; we embrace difference here so it’s much easier to create really beautiful funerals. Your shops have quite a specific tone... C: Let’s be honest it is not hard to bring style to an industry where most premises hide behind a dusty velvet curtain and a window headstone display.
S: Our shops are challenging to some and inspiring to others, we provoke thought and hopefully make people feel comfortable when they come through the door.
SEAGRASS COFFIN
) What got you into the death industry? C: After my mother died I arranged her funeral; I came out the other side questioning the choice and involvement that the bereaved can have. S: The vicar at my mother’s funeral got her name wrong, one of my best friend’s died and her funeral whitewashed any mention of her long life as a courageous lesbian. These experiences make you angry, make you want to do things better. My best friend Cara ran a brilliant funeral company, we went for a drink and the rest is history!
You’ve pioneered a very organic bespoke style, what’s your drive? C: This ties in with our lifestyle beliefs and our love of the planet, and empowering people to plan a farewell for a loved one truly respecting the life that they lived. S: Seeing the difference that a bespoke funeral can make is very inspiring. We have a natural approach, we come from the earth and that’s where we will all return, the less chemical involvement the better! How do you give back to the LGBT community in the city? S: We keep saying about having a float at Pride, although funerals and the carnival atmosphere aren’t natural bedfellows. When was the last time you cried? C: I was horseriding through the Ashdown Forest and it was a beautiful cold day and tears came; with happiness S: Yesterday I went to see my mother’s grave in Plymouth. I’m welling up as I type this but it was a good thing to do. Even as funeral directors it can be a struggle sometimes to embrace our own pasts. What is the biggest misconception about your profession? C: That by law a funeral director is needed and that a funeral director knows best. S: The death industry is all about misconceptions – a lot of people are afraid of talking about death, and so when someone close to them dies they become vulnerable. How will your own funeral be? C: I love horses but would rather a horse and cart, I love the idea of a windswept hill and a pyre but think I’d be buried. S: Hopefully good music, a fair but honest
What’s your typical working day? We’re on call 24/7 so a day can start any time. You never know what a day may bring: gently collecting someone who has died from their home, hospice or hospital; supporting someone to wash and dress their loved one; delivering a coffin to someone’s home for them to paint; maybe visiting charity shops to look for containers that would be suitable to hold ashes; meeting people to make arrangements; writing notes and phoning and emailing to book things. Any new projects in the pipeline? C: We held Brighton’s First Death Festival in conjunction with the Modern Funeral Company and Copperdollar. It’s a free community event for people to come together and explore the hidden world of death. S: We’re planning another event this May at Woodvale: Crème de la Crem (details TBC)
DEATH FESTIVAL
DOWN TO EARTH
How has being LGBT influenced your choices? C: I first started working in the funeral world within the traditional male role, as a chauffeur bearer. It was hard being a woman in that environment, let alone gay. I moved on from there ready for the challenge that I knew working in this field would bring. S: Ooh I think being gay is a blessing, we’re all very lucky to be gay and live here! It could be a death sentence in a lot of places in the world. We serve the whole community but I hope are trusted by our LGBT community to be a safe, caring business to work with.
What’s your favourite death joke? From Spy Monkey’s production of Stiff: How to answer the phone at a funeral director’s: “Good Morning, we’re mourning”
ARKA Original Funerals ) 136 Islingword Rd, Brighton BN2 9SH, 01273 621444, info@arkafunerals.co.uk www.arkafunerals.co.uk ) Info on the next Brighton Death Festival: www.arkafunerals.co.uk/brighton-deathfestival/
Competition One lucky Gscene reader can win Smoke Gets in Your Eyes and Other Lessons from the Crematory by Caitlin Doughty by answering this question: Name two of the natural, sustainable materials that ARKA funeral urns can be made of? Answers to info@gscene.com with ARKA Original Funerals Competition in the subject line
GSCENE 53
SHOPPING WITH MICHAEL HOOTMAN
) DEEP RED (Arrow blu-ray). Perhaps director Dario Argento’s finest work, his 1975 giallo stars David Hemmings as a pianist living in Rome who witnesses the murder of a famous psychic. He soon teams up with a reporter to try and find the murderer’s identity. Visually it’s amazing, a frenzied fever-dream with bravura direction making up for what it lacks in narrative clarity. Arrow’s presentation comes with both the director’s original cut and the 20minute-shorter international version.
) VALENTINO (BFI blu-ray). On paper it certainly looks intriguing: a biopic of the silent star directed by Ken Russell and starring Rudolf Nureyev. On the screen, however, it’s something of a disaster. Russell directs with the subtlety and psychological insight of a hyperactive seven-year-old. The script seems to be a collection of snappy retorts which don’t quite work, its 1920s Hollywood is poorly realised, and despite its occasional tone of near-hysteria it’s actually rather boring. Nureyev isn’t great, but certainly better than I’d feared. On the plus side the costumes are nice.
) Jane Foster Lion Bag, £30 (Pussy, 3a Kensington Gardens, Brighton, 01273 604861)
) Eight Note Cards and Envelopes, £3.99 (Pen to Paper, 4 Sydney Street, Brighton, 01273 676670)
) Trinket Tray, £10 (Edited, 3 Gardner Street, Brighton, 01273 604006, editedbrighton.com)
) Tiger Wall Vase, £34.95 (Papillon, 8 Union Street, Brighton 01273 720333)
) Stage Door Light, £69.99 (England at Home, 22b Ship St, Brighton, 01273 205544)
Resistance for both her undercover work and her service as a Sub-Lieutenant in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force.
CRAIG’S THOUGHTS Salt and Pepper: the civil rights activism of a black bisexual, or: everybody wants to dance like Josephine Baker by Craig Hanlon-Smith @craigscontinuum ) Diversity awareness is not an uncommon feature in our 21st century calendars. Black History Month, LGBT History Month, International Women’s Day. Day? Girls, you want to pull your finger out, even the bullies get a week. But Josephine Baker straddles them all - a Civil Rights campaigning black bisexual female dancer whose career spanned for 50 years until her death in 1975. It’s quite possible that early 20th century convention drove Baker to keep her lesbian relationships under wraps, but confirmed by her son Jean-Claude Baker, one of her 12 adopted children, in his book Josephine: The Hungry Heart that, although married several times, Josephine Baker had many lesbian lovers. Her son describes that in modern terms she was what we could call a bisexual: “In those days if one of the [chorus] girls by preference was gay, she would be called a bull dyke. The girls would all stay together and develop lady lover friendships. You have to put her back into the context of the time in which she lived”. Amongst Baker’s many female lovers was the (also married) Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, although this relationship is conspicuous in its absence in her son’s account. In my February interview with Ty Jeffries (aka Miss Hope Springs), Ty revealed that his Godmother had once been Baker’s lover. What is certain is that when Baker felt uncomfortable in one of her four marriages, she thought nothing of ending the relationship and walking away from a conventionally stable arrangement. From an early age, she was the money behind her romantic partnerships and always had both the capital, and independent will, to stand alone. When Baker first graced the stage in the 1920s in her late teens, she’d left a life in segregated America cleaning houses and babysitting children for rich white American families. Baker would acutely experience the racial divisions of the United States throughout her life. Her child-minding days were littered with constant reminders not to kiss the children on account of her race, but years later, once her star had
well and truly risen in Europe, she returned to America in the late 1930s determined to capitalise on her European celebrity. Despite having a starring role in the legendary Ziegfield Follies, the New York Times, sensing the distaste of the US audiences for a black star turn, described Baker as a flop and “Negro Wench”. She completed her engagement heartbroken and returned to a Europe that, thanks to the rise of the German Nazi Party and its charismatic leader Adolf Hitler, was about to undergo some major changes of its own. Despite arriving back in Europe shaken by the experience in her homeland, Josephine was not about to let Hitler tramp all over her beloved adopted Paris without a personal commitment to protect the French. Her career had excelled in France, and her celebrity status seemed unstoppable once she began performing at the Follies-Bergère. Her racial origin was in no way inhibiting in 1930s Europe and she became one of the most photographed women in the world, alongside silent film ingénues Mary Pickford and Gloria Swanson. (Swanson would go on to star in the legendary Sunset Boulevard some 30 years later, a film largely criticising the Hollywood machine that had made her, then cast her aside as she became too old for 1920s Hollywood and silent films gave way to ‘talkies’). Josephine herself starred in films as well as dancing revues in the 1930s, and became so wealthy she was able to buy an estate in rural France and move her entire extended family into it, from St Louis in America. She now considered France her permanent home, and as the Nazis invaded in May 1940, Baker joined the French resistance by night whilst officially performing for the French and allied troops by day. After the war ended, Baker was awarded the Legion of Honour and Medal of the
Undeterred by her pervious experience and spurred on by her post-Hitler bravery and state recognition, Baker returned to a United States in the grip of racial protests and civil disturbance. Upon being refused entry to a popular elite New York club, Baker took her racial equality fight to the media, writing scathing responses to established newspaper columnists pedalling state-supported racism. Her wartime experiences had lit a fire in her belly that she wasn’t about to let any prosegregation pundit extinguish. She was about to show the world that deep down everyone wanted to dance like Josephine Baker. What had changed after some 25 years since her last rejection by the US media and public alike, was the weight of her celebrity reputation and showbiz royalty prowess. She marched on Washington in 1963 alongside Martin LutherKing and spoke to cheering crowds describing the racial mix before her as “Salt and Pepper. Just as it should be”. And despite being booked by US promoters and a box-office draw for both black and white audiences, she would refuse to perform if the audience was in any way segregated and on many occasions, walked out of theatres moments before a performance if she saw evidence of an in-house segregation policy or culture. She was the draw, and she used her power to not only make a point but to instigate immediate and lasting change. During her 50s and 60s, Baker, who hadn’t had any children of her own, decided that she wanted to demonstrate to the world that people of all nationalities could live as one family, under one roof, that they “could still be brothers”, and she adopted 12 children of all backgrounds that she proclaimed “The Rainbow Tribe”. She toured the children around with her as she continued to perform, publically demonstrating how happily her multi-cultural children were living together. Baker was still performing as she neared her 70th year and the audience at Carnegie Hall in New York, who had 40 years before stormed out of her performances, were now so welcoming that she broke down on stage and wept with joy. She returned to Paris in 1975 for a 50th career anniversary series of performances, but a few days after her triumphant opening night, attended by Princess Grace [Kelly] of Monaco, she suffered a cerebral haemorrhage in her sleep and died aged 68. Baker’s funeral in Paris was attended by over 20,000 and she was honoured by a state 21 gun salute, a fitting end for a woman whose career and political commitments earned her true international legendary status.
“Baker joined the French resistance by night whilst officially performing for the French and allied troops by day”
GSCENE 55
HYDES’ HOPES
HOMELY HOMILY
BY REV MICHAEL HYDES
BY GLENN STEVENS
UNSUNG HEROES
A FORMIDABLE LADY
) In the Church, an Icon is a picture painted under the influence of the Holy Spirit through which you can connect with the reality of God. In my life icons are those people that serve the same function, in whose lives I can see God working in the world.
) Lily Tomlin is probably best know for her camp films, 9-5 and Big Business, but she is also a brilliant stand-up, character comedian and my favourite famous lesbian.
In my own congregation there's Mary, Ann, Linda, Jaz, Jean, Wendy, Sarah, another Wendy, Nicki, Jan, Vicky, and others who I have the privilege of knowing, and they are all heroes to me. I know it sounds like I'm brown-nosing but I'm being absolutely honest. The reality is that from Katherine Hepburn to Ellen there's lots of celebrities that have undoubtedly done much for the lesbian community, but I haven't met any of them. I don't know what personal price they paid or how much courage they needed to make a difference; but my friends here in Brighton – I know a little of what it's cost them.
“There's lots of celebrities that have undoubtedly done much for the lesbian community, but I haven’t met any of them... but my friends here in Brighton – I know a little of what it’s cost them” Mary supports the most vulnerable in our community. Ann is a cornerstone of our church and, with Mary and Jaz, was instrumental in forming the charity Sleepsafe. Linda works tirelessly in the Church and with the rough sleepers in Brighton. And their stories are not unusual. Each and every one of the women I listed above, and many others, give of themselves in ways that make a difference. They administer a crisis fund, work with children in Gambia, give tirelessly to an NHS hospital without the support or recognition they deserve, support a local hockey team, an LGBT choir, or serve the community in other ways that are essential but often unseen. It’s these same women who can tell you stories of the 1960s and the women's liberation movement; and if you don't understand the relationship between the groundbreaking work that they've done over the years and the marriage equality we now enjoy then you haven't been paying attention. And of course it's not just the women in my congregation. There are other women that I work with in the community. Working, often unpaid, for LGBT Switchboard, or Pride, or Gscene, or on behalf of the homeless, or those living with a disability, or the LGBT deaf community, BME community, and many, many more. Quiet heroes, lesbian and bisexual women making a difference. And not without personal cost. These women have suffered. Sometimes quietly in situations that choked the spirit, or publicly as they've dared to be the change that's needed. Either way they have often lived and worked with the choking acrid smoke of prejudice. Real heroes. My icons. An Icon is a work of art through which you are connected with the extraordinary, with the supernatural, with God. When I spend time with these women God shines through. They're not perfect, but they are brave and true. More often than not they don’t know what a difference they make or see the value of their presence. My Gift is that I do see their value, and thank God for them. Who are my lesbian icons? They're all around me.
Tomlin first broke into comedy on the last week of 1965 but it would be decades later before she would speak openly about her own sexuality. In these more enlightened times when someone ‘comes out’ it positively lights up the array of social media accounts, but back in the 1970s coming out was considered a death knell for anyone in the public eye to declare themselves as a happy homosexual. Tomlin’s sexuality was not a secret to those she worked with as she was in an open, long-term relationship with her partner, writer Jane Wagner, but Tomlin had never publicly ‘come out’. Then in 1975 she was offered the front page of Time Magazine, a game changer for anyone’s career. However, Tomlin declined when she was told the headline would read: ‘Yep, I’m gay’. Tomlin would later say, “I was more insulted than anything. I felt it was a bribe: ‘We need a gay person, and we’ll take anybody!” Tomlin was also advised by her good friend, LGBT activist Vito Russo, that the time was not right for her to come out as it may be detrimental to her career. Tomlin did make the front cover of Time two years later, but this time focusing on her career. As for the ‘gay headline’ It would take another 22 years before Time would go with the ‘Yep, I’m gay headline’, this time asking Ellen DeGeneres to grace the front page. Unfortunately, even with the passing of two decades, Russo’s warning to Tomlin would come true for Ellen, who would see her career suddenly stall for three years. Interestingly, with another two decades passed, DeGeneres is now one of America’s most iconic lesbians, with a fan base that crosses the board… one questions if Tomlin’s career would have been allowed to blossom in those less tolerant times as seen through the Tomlin narrated documentary, The Celluloid Closet, based on Vito Russo’s book of the same name. Fast-forward to present day and Tomlin’s sexuality is most certainly no longer an open secret. Tomlin cemented her 42 year relationship with Wagner and married on New Year’s Eve of 2014 and they now share a Facebook page. Career-wise, at the age of 75, Tomlin has now come full circle, with her 2015 film, Grandma, in which she plays a lesbian in the title role; a role that would never have reached the mainstream back in 1970, let alone her TV comedy reuniting her with Jane Fonda in the new Netflix comedy, Grace & Frankie, in which both women find themselves thrown together when their husbands fall in love with each other. Over the last 55 years Tomlin has been making us laugh and raising her voice of support on LGBT issues from a whisper to a shout, making this formidable comedian my favourite famous lesbian.
56 GSCENE built a wall, hoping that they’d all just disappear behind it. Which of course, they didn’t. The Scots, being the crafty little Celts we know they are, saw the opportunity before them and set up trading stations between the mile forts, throwing across and bartering whatever they could. Eventually, the first black economy was established - all because of a dictator in a solitary and centralised point of power somewhere else.
CHARLIE SAYS Stuck between hell and a hot place! By Charlie Bauer Phd http://charliebauerphd.blogspot.co.uk
) It’s not the fact that one is fast approaching middle-age that prompts me to write this, I’m not going to bitch the younger generation, but being snatched away between the baby-boomers and Millennials has had its own breed of problems. For a kick-off there is the banking crisis that nobody seems to want to talk about (my house went up 40k last year and all that), in fact they all seem to be in denial.
most point of the Empire and they were over it all. It’s almost like the Romans phoned it in. Not too unlike today’s prefabricator going to a foreign land where they mark out a plot, then get local builders to put together a building when it arrives in sheets on the back of a truck. Each building looking the same, each one no different from the other, scattered around the planet. By the same companies.
Then there’s the baby-boomer grandparents who are giving the hipster grandkids all the money because they are getting zilch interest and have been for years - and the little tykes are going to get it all anyways. The only caveat being that they have to buy property because everything else out there is a crap bet.
However, unlike Fuengirola, when the Romans came back to test the roads nearly one hundred years later, under another emperor, Hadrian, what did they find? Well they didn’t find any roads, that’s for sure... They in fact found nothing - just a group of layabout Celts flipping them the bird and asking WTF they think they are, bandying their orders around to all and sundry.
So, hipster grandkids go buy the house and push all prices up along that road just that little bit further. Adding to another false economy of ever-increasing house prices and the subtler unregulated market of the homelessness / street economies - a subeconomy if you will. Something very similar to the Cold War black economy or, if you want to go further back to the beginning, the Romans and the Celts. You see, these types of economies have been operating for millennia. When the Romans arrived in bonny Scotland, they didn’t conquer because they didn’t need to. They just showed the stoopid Celts what a road was. And a wheel. And said they’d be back when they’d made some infrastructure to ride their chariots on. It was the Northern
Of course the Romans were mightily pissed off and so built a wall to stop this widespread lack of enthusiasm for some dictator lording it up over a thousand miles away. They couldn’t exactly call on the Saxons to rise up, they needed peace in the colonies – and this was after all the Holy Roman Empire. So they just
Like any colonialisation, the farthest reaches are the last to be considered and this becomes the downfall. This is always the same when there is a land grab of this nature. Which is really not unlike the current housing market. The farther-most regions will require additional scrutiny. Because it isn’t going to be the middle management fodder that will revolt. It will be the disenfranchised homeless, tempest tossed to the far edges of society - then moved yet again, that’ll turn. Of course this is only until somebody somewhere decides to fight back. Up until then, it’s just a time-tested theory. But since the electoral processes have fallen in the West not only do rogue governments get to play out their wet financial dreams of cuts and oppression (there, I’ve said it) but Theresa May is making sure that we all feel watched, so we’ll tow the line without ever raising our heads. The other side issue – the old ‘Orwellian kids down the hall’ trick – is that nobody, particularly the Millennials, would ever dream of diverging or going against, those that are not just their employers, but their heartfelt gods. Their bosses and their bosses’ bosses. Sound familiar? Okay, enough of the Orwellians for a moment, but the kids at Apple would never dream of disclosing information they’ve been sworn to keep tight hold of in order to work in the hippest store on the high street. Like what ‘Apple’ tests they have to carry out in the back. Or the girl from the bank at the other end of the phone who, when a disaster occurs because of a recent unknown colleague ineptitude, responds with ‘I’m sorry to hear that, Sir’ or ‘I can only apologise for my colleague’s mistake…’ And that’s it. The end of the issue. With no care about reputation - because reputations don’t make any money - but with a hubris and arrogance of protecting the big league from the increasingly powerless proles, like us.
“Since the electoral processes have fallen in the West not only do rogue governments get to play out their wet financial dreams of cuts and oppression but Theresa May is making sure that we all feel watched, so we’ll tow the line without ever raising our heads”
GSCENE 57
NETTY’S WORLD
STRIP SERVICE
BY NETTY WENDT
BY QUEEN JOSEPHINE
BILLIE JEAN, CHALLENGER OF DEMONS ) When I was very young, I played tennis over our garden fence with Martin, the boy next door. He insisted I was ‘Yvonne Goolagong’, and he was ‘Billie Jean King’. It took me years to realise ‘Billie’ was a woman. Martin, wanting to play as a female, was rare. These were the Sexist Seventies, an era when my Mum couldn’t rent a TV set from ‘Radio Rentals’ until the shop received her husband’s written permission. One of the highest grossing TV programmes was The Benny Hill Show, and men who should have gone to prison for sex crimes, occupied the most high-profile and powerful positions in the country. Women were routinely ridiculed; successful ones were goaded and sometimes threatened. No surprise then that in 1973, 55-yearold ex-Wimbledon champion and male chauvinist pig Bobby Riggs claimed women tennis players were so inferior, even a man of his age would beat them. Having despatched the under-confident top player Margaret Court in straight sets, he then challenged Billie Jean King to the much-hyped ‘Battle of the Sexes’. Imagine the self-esteem of women around the world when Billie Jean stepped up and beat him 6-4 6-3 6-3, walking away with the $100,000 prize pot! Less then a decade later, she was back in the headlines but for all the wrong reasons. Whilst divorcing her husband, Billie Jean’s long-term lesbian affair with her secretary was exposed. I remember the champion crying at a press conference, how keenly I felt the shame of her admitting her lesbianism to the baying crowd. All her endorsements and sponsors disappeared overnight. She was financially ruined. She had inadvertently become the first openly gay high-profile female athlete in the world. The pressure should have killed her, but she was no stranger to overcoming adversity.
“How keenly I felt the shame of her admitting her lesbianism to the baying crowd. All her endorsements and sponsors disappeared overnight” Back in the 1950s when her name was Billie Jean Moffet, which sounds more bunny rabbit than super woman, she lost continually to players like 45-year-old Dorothy ‘Dodo’ Cheney (tennis players had brilliant names back then). This was because her idol Maureen ‘Little Mo’ Connolly informed her she would amount to nothing. Nice. Billie Jean recovered, then won an astonishing 39 Grand Slam titles. She’s responsible for making the doddery old crocs who run Wimbledon pay equal prize money to men and women. She founded the Women’s Tennis Association, Life magazine named her “one of the most important Americans of the 20th Century”. She works tirelessly for the Elton John AIDS Foundation and LGBT rights. President Obama awarded her the Medal of Freedom, her nation’s highest honour. Her partner Ilanna Kloss has been singing Billie Jean is my lover for nearly 30 years and they divide their time between Chicago and New York; how idyllic. Meanwhile, Martin my old tennis partner is a lorry driver living in Kent and married with three kids. He fondly remembers his brief time in the sun when he was Billie Jean King. I do so love a happy ending.
58 GSCENE
SAM TRANS MAN
As I mentioned earlier, however, increased visibility and recognition can all lead to a worsening of discrimination and harassment. This ‘zeitgeist’ certainly has its detractors, and there are high-profile opponents to the socalled ‘transgender movement’. This is a misnomer. Transgender Equality Movement - yes; Trans activism - yes; Transgender rights - yes; but not ‘transgender movement’. As though we were somehow picking and backing a battle to ) So 2016 is well underway and I’m phenomenally hardships and perils of trans living in the UK be allowed to ‘be’ trans. No, no, no! We’re trans. today. Again, at risk of repeating myself, the busy and likely to remain so for the next two It’s a real thing. What we want is recognition greater hardships lie with those who identify as years whilst I pursue my new career as a GP. that we are valid humanbeings with lives and female but were born male-bodied, and to a I’m trying to keep my commitments to the loves and highs and lows just like anyone else, world of trans activism to a minimum but I find large extent those who identify as non-binary and we deserve to be treated with the same in some way. The former because they’re the it hard. I’ve said this before but I’m not afraid degree of respect as cisgender people are. to repeat it - I believe that if you have a voice subject of ridicule, discrimination and All of which brings harassment, and the latter because they don’t you should use it. There are so many people me to my lesbian who don’t have the opportunity to speak up or feel they belong at all in the gender binary icon. I pick Ruth speak out, and it seems to me that those of us and yet they have no choice in this, any more Hunt, CEO of than someone who does identify with the gender who can and do, should continue to do so Stonewall. Since binary but has the wrong body to show for it. wherever and whenever possible. she took the helm None of us, in fact, have any choice about our Someone mentioned the word ‘zeitgeist’ the of that esteemed ‘transiness’. What we do have a choice about is other day, in reference to all things trans. I organisation, she has single-handedly turned its how far, if at all, we take transition. Everybody have to confess that in my ignorance I had to attitude towards trans people by 180°. The has a point at which they’ll feel they’ve done go and look the word up. I was delighted to trans communities in this country needed some enough. It’s all about being comfortable in discover the following definition “the defining considerable persuading that Stonewall could spirit or mood of a particular period of history as your own skin. For me, nothing short of full and should take up our cause and fight medical transition will do, but for many, shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time”. I alongside us for trans equality. The history of think this is true. The last few years have seen stopping short of this at some point, or not rejection was long and deeply felt. even starting, is perfectly acceptable. There’s an explosion in interest and popularity of all no right or wrong, no such thing as ‘not trans things trans-related. Everyone wants to know enough’, just identifying where you’re one of us, count us as a friend, or be an ally. comfortable on the gender spectrum and Well, not everyone, but more of that later. finding ways to feel that in your body and in There are trans people in acting roles, your relationships with others and with the represented in the media, working in all areas world. of government and the public sector, and across Language is also continually evolving. Recently, many different professions. Many are quietly The riots for which the organisation was named getting on with their jobs, doing what they do a survey for school-age kids (15/16 year olds) were famously started by trans women of colour, gave them 23 different options to choose from to the best of their ability. Some are bravely a group who remain at huge risk of all manner stepping out and being open about their trans in terms of gender identity. There are many of transphobia today, including murder. It more, but this questionnaire used a selection. history, inspiring the rest of us to stand tall seemed so ironic then that Stonewall refused to The more descriptors you use, the more likely and be proud. We’re becoming more visible by engage in the battle for transgender rights until the day it seems. In the last fortnight I’ve been people are to find something that works for 2015. We used to joke “it’s actually called them. And if they don't find a word or phrase asked to comment on national TV and local Sonewall, since there is no ‘T”. However, under that fits, they will make one up, which radio about various aspects of trans living and Ruth’s excellent steerage, this credible and eventually gets absorbed by the trans our needs in the wider community, and this successful organisation is now getting behind community and used by others for whom it month two of us are running a comprehensive the trans fight for equality and recognition with resonates. This kind of openness about trans training day for local GPs, which I’m sure will great promise. Stonewall is well funded, well issues is invaluable. Schoolchildren struggling be well attended. regarded and has political clout; we need all the with their gender identity can take some solace allies we can get and this is a very promising At last people are curious, not in a ‘circus freak’ from this - there is understanding and development. way, but genuinely wanting to know about the enthusiasm out there to get this right.
Despite life getting in the way, Dr Samuel Hall has a voice and he isn’t afraid to use it!
“We used to joke ‘it’s actually called Sonewall, since there is no ‘T’”
TUESDAY 2.30–5.30PM
WEEKLY MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING SUPPORT GROUP
DORSET GARDENS METHODIST CHURCH
FOR NON-BINARY TRANS PEOPLE
CLARE PROJECT meets every at
Based in central Brighton, the
CLARE PROJECT WEEKLY DROP-IN is a safe and confidential space to explore issues around gender identity. Facilitated peer support is an important element, as well as providing access to low-cost psychotherapy and speech therapy.
Dorset Gardens (off St James Street) Brighton BN2 1RL Except 1st Tues when there’s an optional meal out preceded by the drop-in from 5–7.30PM
Please see website for further details
www.clareproject.org.uk f Clare Project clareprojectinfo@gmail.com
GSCENE 59
DUNCAN’S
POLICE LGBT
BY DUNCAN STEWART
BY PC SARAH LAKER & RORY SMITH
GRATITUDE
STAND UP!
) On a cold wet Sunday morning I had an hour to spare before a birthday lunch party for an old friend in Tewkesbury so I made my way to the Abbey and sat at the back of the nave. The building is a solid Norman masterpiece with elegant interior decoration and built on a scale that is strangely relaxing with none of the daunting grandeur of some of our magnificent cathedrals. The vicar, dressed in his ornate costume, urged the members of a small elderly congregation, plus a red setter irritated by the incense, to thank the Lord for His gifts. He didn’t seem to be getting much response and the whole event seemed a bit dispirited but it did feel like the perfect space in which to contemplate.
) Anyone can be an icon if they want to be that role model, that individual that others look up to. We should all aspire to be that person and aspire to be that role model or icon for our community. In our own ways we try to be role models. For LGBT History Month, PC Laker was one of many police officers who proudly wore rainbow laces to show support for LGB&T and against hate and discrimination.
DOMAIN
When I reached the lunch party I was surprised by the presence of a wheelchair-bound vicar who gave a simple grace: “For food and friends we give thee thanks O Lord. Amen”. Surprising, because I know that our host is a fellow non-believer, but the sentiment needed saying – I am grateful for our long friendship and the excellent lunch that followed. One of the problems of atheism, and there are I believe many benefits, is that it does not provide a space or a destination for gratitude on those occasions when Fortune smiles on you. To what, and where, do you give thanks for good outcomes? This thought has crossed my mind on many occasions but it has stayed with me for some days now after a day in which I had two encounters with the rhetoric of religion. There is so much to like about church music, the language of the Bible, the fabulous buildings and indeed the good intentions of holy men that should not be rejected just because the supernatural element is, to me, unbelievable, I doubt many people would reject the social benefits of obeying Ten Commandments. Best not to murder your neighbour, steal his car or seduce his partner etc. These core beliefs of those who belong to any of the three main Abrahamic faiths are almost identical but the fragmentation of what could be a single tolerant religion into warring sects is frighteningly and murderously absurd. Freud described it perfectly as “the narcissism of small differences”.
“The core beliefs of those who belong to any of the three main Abrahamic faiths are almost identical but the fragmentation of what could be a single tolerant religion into warring sects is frighteningly and murderously absurd” I must also admit that I occasionally find the complexity or beauty of Nature so amazing that I start to doubt it could be achieved by Natural Selection but Darwin always wins in the end. My feelings about gratitude are that it is a frame of mind that needs to be consciously adopted because it raises the quality of one’s life “Gratitude to gratitude always gives birth” was Sophocles’ view. It also needs to be spread about. “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and then not giving it” because our good experiences are encouraging for others as of course are the warning tales of the pits into which we have fallen. So practise gratitude and avoid becoming a sad-faced old curmudgeon!
LIAISON TEAM
Who are our female icons? We drew up a list of some of our favourites, including: Martina Navratilova, who was not only a smashing tennis player but also campaigned for gay and lesbian rights despite the sporting world being one of the last bastions of homophobia; and musicians k.d. lang and Tracy Chapman, who both give hope to thousands of young gay and bi women. It’s hard to imagine that less than a hundred years ago, women were disenfranchised and not allowed to vote, which is such a key part of citizenship, so we pay our respects to the likes of Emmeline Pankhurst. At the recent LGBT Community Safety Forum meeting we discussed the topic of hate crime, the wording around hate crime and how to report matters to police whether in person or anonymously. We all agreed that ‘official’ definitions were full of jargon and sometimes difficult to understand. A hate crime is any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a personal characteristic (i.e. being gay). Hate crimes can include verbal abuse, threats of and actual physical attacks. For example; being shouted at in the street, being lunged at in an aggressive manner, to being hit and physically injured. But it also can include other crimes like graffiti, nasty messages or theft. There is no specific hate crime law, but instead any law can be broken in a way that especially hurts gay, lesbian, bi and trans people. Galop, the LGBT hate crime charity based in London, have produced a handy guide about laws that cover hate crime which is really worth a read. Find it at www.galop.org.uk It’s really important that if you’ve been victim or witness to anti-LGBT incidents, that you tell us so we can do something about it. Report it. Don’t be a bystander. Be that icon or role model and be that person standing up for the community. Let’s stand up to hate crime.
JANUARY STATS: There were 17 anti-LGBT hate crimes in January, including: harassment, threatening neighbours, verbal abuse in the street and assault. There were several instances of malicious communications, (letters, texts or electronic messages) being sent in an abusive way. Of note, there was a serious assault on two males that took place near Dukes Mound in the early hours of Saturday 23 January. We’re appealing for witnesses, so if you have any information, please call 101 quoting 212 23/01/16.
CONTACT INFORMATION ) We both have Facebook profiles and a page – our usernames are: PC Sarah Laker and LGBT Caseworker Rory Smith, and Brighton & Hove LGBT Police Team. We tweet @PoliceLGBT. Social media should not be used for reporting incidents – please call us on 101, or if it’s an emergency, 999.
60 GSCENE
MAR 2016
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GSCENE 61
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62 GSCENE
SERVICES DIRECTORY LGBT SERVICES ) ACCESS 4 ALL LGBT disabled people’s forum. Safe, welcoming, support, activities, awareness. Tel: 07981 170071 or email stevenwithn@talktalk.net
) ALLSORTS YOUTH PROJECT Drop-in for LGBT or unsure young people under 26, Tues 5.30-8.30pm. Tel: 01273 721211 or email info@allsortsyouth.org.uk, www.allsortsyouth.org.uk
) BRIGHTON & HOVE POLICE Report all homophobic and transphobic incidents to: • The Sussex Police 101 (for emergencies 999) email: LGBT@sussex.pnn.police.uk tweet: @policeLGBT and @pclaker • LGBT Officer PC Sarah Laker on 101 ext 550727 • LGBT Caseworker Rory Smith on 101 ext 550217 or 07775 546548 • Facebook: Brighton LGBT Police
) BRIGHTON & HOVE LGBT SAFETY FORUM Independent LGBT forum working with the community to address and improve safety issues in Brighton & Hove. info@lgbt-safety-forum-brighton.com www.lgbt-safety-forum-brighton.com
) BRIGHTON & HOVE LGBT SWITCHBOARD Help-line with email & webchat facility from 5pm daily on Tel: 01273 204050. • LGBT specialist face to face low cost counselling service, • LGBT Older peoples' project, • LGBT HIP engagement project. • Volunteering opportunities call Tel: 01273 234009. www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
noon–2.30pm, Community Room, Dorset Gdns Methodist Church, Dorset Gardens, Brighton. Lunch £1.50. Tel: 07846 464384 or www.lunchpositive.org
) MINDOUT Independent, impartial info, guidance for LGBT people with mental health problems. 24 hr confidential answerphone: 01273 234839 or info@mindout.org.uk www.mindout.org.uk
) PEER ACTION Regular low cost yoga, therapies, swimming, meditation & social groups for people with HIV. peeractionemail@gmail.com or www.peeraction.co.uk
) RAINBOW FAMILIES Support group for lesbian and/or gay parents. Tel: 07951 082013 or info@rainbowfamilies.org.uk www.rainbowfamilies.org.uk
) SOME PEOPLE Social/support group for LGB or questioning aged 14-19, Tue, 6-8pm, Hastings. Call/text Nicola Tel: 07974 579865 or email Neil or Nicola: somepeople@eastsussex.gov.uk
) VICTIM SUPPORT Practical, emotional support for victims of crime. Tel: 08453 899 528
) THE VILLAGE MCC Christian church serving the LGBTQ community. Sundays 6pm, Somerset Day Centre, Kemptown Tel: 07476 667353, www.thevillagemcc.org
HIV PREVENTION, CARE & TREATMENT SERVICES ) AVERT Sussex HIV & AIDS info service, available by phone Tel: 01403 210202 or email confidential@avert.org
) BRIGHTON & HOVE CAB HIV PROJECT
Info, counselling, drop-in space, support groups. Tel: 01273 698036 or visit www.womenscentre.org.uk
Money, benefits, employment, housing, info, advocacy. Appointments: Tue-Thur 9am-4pm, Wed 9am-12.30pm Brighton & Hove Citizens Advice Bureau, Brighton Town Hall. Tel: 01273 733390 ext 520 or www.brightonhovecab.org.uk
) FTM BRIGHTON
) CLINIC M
Social/peer support group for FTM, transmasculine & gender-queer people. Every 3rd Fri of month, 7-9pm at Space for Change, Windlesham Venue, BN1 3AH. For info email info@ftmbrighton.org.uk or visit www.ftmbrighton.org.uk
Free confidential testing & treatment for STIs including HIV, plus Hep A & B vaccinations. Claude Nicol Centre, Sussex County Hospital, on Weds from 5-8pm. Tel: 01273 664721 or www.brightonsexualhealth.com
) GEMS (GAY ELDERLY MEN’S SOCIETY)
Medical advice, treatment for HIV+, specialist clinics, diet & welfare advice, drug trials. Tel: 01273 664722
) BRIGHTON WOMEN’S CENTRE
Social group for mature gay men, meet 7–10pm every last Fri of month at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church Hall. Tel: 01273 385000 or info@gems-bh.org.uk www.brightongems.com
) LAWSON UNIT
) SUBSTANCE MISUSE SERVICE
Thur 7–10pm, Sat 6pm-12am, chatroom HEALTH INFO THT. • Condom Male: discreet, confidential service posts free condoms/lube/sexual health info to men who have sex with men without access to commercial gay scene in East Sussex. • Positive Voices: volunteers who go to organisations to talk about personal experiences of living with HIV. • Fastest (HIV Testing): walk-in, (no appointment) rapid HIV testing service for men who have sex with men. Pre & post test discussion with clinical staff. Results in an hour. 10 men max tested per session. Mon: 6–8pm. (Full sexual health screen available) • Sauna Fastest at The Brighton Sauna (HIV Testing): walk-in, (no appointment) rapid HIV testing service for men who have sex with men. Pre & post test discussion with clinical staff. Results in 30 minutes. Wed: 6–8pm. (STI Testing available). • Face2Face: confidential info & advice on sexual health & HIV for men who have sex with men. Face-2-face or phone. Up to 3 one hour appointments. • Specialist Training: wide range of courses for groups/ individuals. Specific courses to suit needs. • Counselling: from qualified counsellors for up to 12 sessions for people living with/affected by HIV. • Informed Passions: Expert Volunteers project to identify & support sexual health needs of local men who have sex with men and carry out field research in B&H on issues affecting men’s sexual health. Extensive training provided. • Lounge (Group for Gay Men Living with HIV): fortnightly peer support group for gay men. • What Next? Thurs eve, 6 week peer support group work programme for newly diagnosed HIV+ gay men. • HIV Support Services: info, support & practical advice for people living with/affected by HIV. • Volunteer Support Services: 1-2-1 community support for people living with or affected by HIV. • HIV Welfare Rights Advice: Find out about benefits or benefit changes. Advice line: Mon–Thur 1:30-2:30pm. 1-2-1 appts for advice & workshops on key benefits.
) TERRENCE HIGGINS EASTBOURNE Dyke House, 110 South St, Eastbourne, BN21 4LZ, Tel: 01323 649927 or info.eastbourne@tht.org.uk • HIV Services support for HIV diagnosis, managing side effects, sex and relationships, understanding medication, talking to your doctor, finding healthier lifestyle. Assessment of support needs and signposting on to relevant services. Support in person, by phone or email. • Support for people at risk of HIV confidential info and advice on sexual health and HIV for men who have sex with men. Up to 3 one hour appointments depending on need. Sessions in person or on phone. • Web support & info on HIV, sexual health & local services via netreach and myhiv.org.uk • Positive Voices: volunteers who go to organisations to talk about personal experiences of living with HIV. • Positively Social Informal peer support groups for people living with HIV, monthly meets in Eastbourne & Hastings.
Local social group offers friendship, social events, meets 1st Thurs at Regency Tavern, 7.30pm. Tel: 07594 578035 www.lesbianlinkbrighton.co.uk
CRI / Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust. Open access drop-in, assessment, support, advice, info on drug & alcohol issues. Tel 01273 607575. LGB&T worker provides confidential, non-judgemental outreach service. Support for people over 18 wishing to address substance misuse. Tel 07717 774 658
) LESBIAN & GAY AA
) SUSSEX BEACON
12-step self-help programme for alcohol addictions. Sun 7.30pm, Chapel Royal, North St, Btn (side entrance). Tel: 01273 203343 (general AA line)
24 hour nursing & medical care, day care. Tel: 01273 694222 or www.sussexbeacon.org.uk
NATIONAL HELPLINES
) TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST SERVICES
) LGBT NA GROUP
For more info about these free services go to the THT office, 61 Ship St, Brighton, Mon–Fri, 9.30am–5.30pm. Tel: 01273 764200 or info.brighton@tht.org.uk • Venue Outreach: info on HIV, sexual health, personal safety, safer drug/alcohol use, free condoms/lubricant for men who have sex with men. • The Bushes Outreach Service @ Dukes Mound: advice, support, info on HIV, sexual health, personal safety. Free condoms, lube, tea/coffee from Outreach van parked next to ‘The Patio’ at the Bushes. • Netreach (online Outreach in Brighton & Hove): info/advice on HIV/sexual health/local services. THT Brighton Outreach workers online @ Gaydar:
LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline, Mon 2-8pm, Wed 10-1pm, Thur 2-8pm Tel: 08452 604460
) LESBIAN LINK BRIGHTON
Brighton-based LGBT (welcomes others) Narcotics Anonymous group every Tue 6.30–8pm, Millwood Centre, Nelson Row, Kingswood St. Tel: 0300 999 1212
) LGBT MEDITATION GROUP Meditation & discussion, every 2nd & 4th Thur, 5.30–7pm, Anahata Clinic, 119 Edward St, Brighton. Tel: 07789 861367 or www.bodhitreebrighton.org.uk
) LUNCH POSITIVE Lunch club for people with HIV to meet/make friends, find peer support in a safe environment. Every Fri,
) WARREN BROWNE UNIT Free confidential tests & treatment for STIs inc HIV. Hep A & B vaccinations. Shoreham based. Tel: 01273 461453
) BROKEN RAINBOW
) LONDON LESBIAN & GAY SWITCHBOARD Tel: 02078 377324
) POSITIVELINE (EDDIE SURMAN TRUST) Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat & Sun 4-10pm Tel: 0800 1696806
) MAINLINERS Tel: 02075 825226 ) NATIONAL AIDS HELPLINE 08005 67123 ) NATIONAL DRUGS HELPLINE 08007 76600 ) THT AIDS TREATMENT PHONELINE Tel: 08459 470047
) THT DIRECT Tel: 0845 1221200
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26 QUEENS HOTEL 1/3 Kings Rd, 01273 321222 www.queenshotelbrighton.com
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33 JUSTIN LLOYD (Kemptown) 118 St James’ St, 01273 692424 www.justinlloyd.co.uk 27 CLINIC M Claude Nicol 21 AVALON HOTEL 34 JUSTIN LLOYD (Brunswick) 7 Upper Rock Gdns, 01273 692344 Abbey Rd, 01273 664721 111 Western Rd, 01273 692424 www.brightonsexualhealth.com/node/11 www.justinlloyd.co.uk 22 GULLIVERS HOTEL 12a New Steine, 01273 695415 28 DENTAL HEALTH SPA ) FOOD www.gullivershotel.com 14–15 Queens Rd, 01273 710831 www.dentalhealthspa.co.uk 23 HOTEL PELIROCCO 1 A-BAR 10 Regency Sq, 01273 327055 29 THT BRIGHTON 11–12 Marine Parade, 01273 696691 61 Ship St, 01273 764200 www.abarbrighton.co.uk 24 HUDSONS 22 Devonshire Place, 01273 683642 7 CAMELFORD ARMS ) SHOPS 30-31 Camelford St, 01273 622386 11 LEGENDS HOTEL www.camelford-arms.co.uk 31-34 Marine Parade, 01273 624462 30 PROWLER 112 St James’ St, 01273 683680 www.legendsbrighton.com 8 CHARLES STREET BAR 8-9 Marine Parade, 01273 624091 31 SUSSEX BEACON Charity Shop 25 NEW STEINE HOTEL www.charles-street.com 130 St James’ St, 01273 682992 10/11 New Steine, 01273 681546 www.sussexbeacon.org.uk www.newsteinehotel.com 35 CUP OF JOE 28 St George’s Rd, 01273 698873 www.cupofjoebrighton.co.uk 11 LEGENDS BAR 31-34 Marine Parade, 01273 624462 www.legendsbrighton.com EDWARD 12 MARINE TAVERN ST 13 Broad St, 01273 681284 www.marinetavern.co.uk 25 NEW STEINE BISTRO 12a New Steine, 01273 681546 24 www.newsteinehotel.com 13 PARIS HOUSE 21 Western Road, 01273 724195 www.parishouse.com 15 REGENCY TAVERN 32-34 Russell Sq, 01273 325652 www.regencytavern.co.uk 17 THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS 6 39 59 North Rd, 01273 608571 18 www.three-jolly-butchers.co.uk
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) SAUNAS 36 BOILER ROOM 84 Denmark Villas, 01273 723733 www.theboilerroomsauna.com 37 BRIGHTON SAUNA 75 Grand Parade, 01273 689966 www.thebrightonsauna.com
) LEGAL & FINANCE 38 ENGLEHARTS 49 Vallance Hall, Hove St, 01273 204411
) COMMUNITY 39 BRIGHTON WOMEN’S CENTRE 72 High St, 01273 698036 www.womenscentre.org.uk 40 LUNCH POSITIVE Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, Dorset Gardens, 07846 464384 www.lunchpositive.org