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Allsorts releases new podcast
Project to utilise Brighton city centre’s empty stores is underway
wanted to do it the ‘old way’. We were very firm and said it’s about inclusion. My sexual orientation was a way to make a stand and do it a different way.”
BEN
The latest episode, Allsorts of Community, reflects on what it means to be part of a community. It begins with an insightful interview with Allsorts training & education manager Ben, who talks passionately about his work at Allsorts and his role as co-founder of the Brighton Kop, the official Liverpool FC supporters’ club for Brighton and Sussex.
Ben shares his experiences of being a gay man involved so closely in the football world. Having founded the Brighton Kop with his partner, inclusion has been central in facilitating a safe space for all Liverpool supporters in their community. Ben says: “Football is a sport I love... I chose to openly and proudly be gay and who I am. It has come with challenges, in the early days of setting up there were people who
One young person says: “I’ve been going to Allsorts for two or three years. I feel like I am understood, that I am being treated equally. I have made some amazing friends. It’s a very strong community and I like it.” Another comments: “I feel like the support elements of community have been heightened during lockdown. A lot more people in our communities have been struggling and it’s good to know and people are still finding ways to be there for each other.” This thought-provoking and heartwarming episode of Allsorts of Thoughts is neatly rounded off with a touching reflection on community from community volunteer Riley, and another Felice’s Faves segment, reviewing LGBTQ+ media. To catch up on Allsorts of Thoughts, visit https://anchor. fm/allsortsyouthproject. D For more info on Allsorts, visit www.allsortsyouth.org.uk.
) Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) and Brilliant Brighton, a not-for-profit organisation formed of 517 retail, leisure and hospitality businesses within the city centre, have teamed up to make use of vacant premises within Brighton city centre. The temporary project aims to utilise empty properties by offering short-term pop-up shop opportunities to those looking to host their own store, restaurant, cafe or deli, but don’t want a long-term commitment. The project hopes to also engage local artists to dress windows and create eyecatching window displays in empty properties – not only to improve the appearance of unused units, but to also ‘Brighton’ up the city, and showcase the city’s thriving creative scene. Commissions of £500 will be granted for up to five artists to create art displays in five empty properties across the city centre. Shelley Welti, media officer for Brilliant Brighton, said: “While Brighton’s vacancy rate is less than the national average, we are noticing vacant premises’ numbers throughout the city centre slowly increasing. We’re pleased to have partnered with BHCC to utilise empty units – with either short-term pop-up shops or by making them more attractive with artwork installations by local artists. We’d love to hear from landlords, businesses and artists who’d like to be involved with the project.”
SHELLEY WELTI
series of podcasts made by and for LGBTQ+ young people, released by Sussex-based charity, Allsorts Youth Project, which listens to, supports and connects children and young people (5-25) who are LGBTQ+ or exploring their gender identity and/or sexual orientation.
BHCC, which owns a number of properties in Brighton city centre, is also offering its empty retail and hospitality units for art organisations to use on a cost-only basis, for a minimum six-month term. CLLR MARTIN OSBORNE
) Allsorts of Thoughts is a
This engaging interview is followed by a series of moving Q&As with Allsorts Young People. LGBT+ Youth Support Worker, Jo, who has supported the young people in creating Allsorts of Thoughts since its launch in 2019, asks the young people if they feel part of any communities, and how those communities have been affected by Covid-19 lockdown.
“Brighton & Hove is known for its innovation and talent and this project will not only provide new uses for empty buildings, it will help people struggling to find a platform during the pandemic and revive city centre shopping areas ready to welcome the safe return of visitors.” For more info and to get involved in the project, visit www.brightonpopupshops.co.uk or email Shelley at admin@brightonbid.com.
International Women’s Day event
Scene makes Feedspot’s list of the best LGBTQ+ mags Feedspot’s list of the 35 best LGBTQ+ magazines on the web. Scene said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have made the list! “Scene is a real labour of love; we will never stop reporting on the issues that matter to our LGBTQ+ communities.” D To see the full list, visit: https://
blog.feedspot.com/lgbt_ magazines/ D To see more LGBTQ+ news, visit: www.scenemag.co.uk f Gscene.Brighton t SceneLGBTQ
ANEESA CHAUDHRY
) Scene magazine has made
Cllr Martin Osborne, co-chair of Brighton & Hove’s Tourism, Equalities, Communities and Culture Committee, added: “We’re pleased to have the opportunity to offer creative people in the city new spaces to showcase their work and try out new business ideas.
) International Women’s Day is on Monday, March 8, so to mark the occassion Aneesa Chaudhry, who you may know as MD of LGBTQ+ inclusive choir The Rainbow Chorus, is organising an online Celebration of Women event on Sunday, March 7 from 3pm. A percentage of the proceeds from tickets will go to domestic violence charity, Rise. Expect live singing, inspirational & motivational speaking and a safe and inclusive space to listen and discuss topics for a couple of hours.
If you’d like to perform something at the event, message Aneesa on Facebook @aneesavoicebox D For tickets/more info, visit: www.facebook.com/events/253045592943281/
