CONTENTS
APR 2015 GSCENE magazine
DARREN’S BIRTHDAY @ CHARLES STREET
) www.gscene.org
t @gscene f GScene.Brighton
EDITORIAL TEAM Graham Robson, Sarah Green, Gus Gustafson, Simon Hart ARTS EDITOR Michael Hootman SUB EDITOR Graham Robson DESIGN Michèle Allardyce
BRIGHTON BEAR WEEKENDER QUIZ AT CAMELFORD ARMS
CHARLES ST
PUBLISHED BY Peter Storrow TEL 01273 749 947 EDITORIAL info@gscene.com ADS+ARTWORK design@gscene.com
FRONT COVER MODEL Nathan Jones PHOTOGRAPHY Alice Blezard
CONTRIBUTORS
BAR BROADWAY QUEENS ARMS
Jaq Bayles, Jo Bourne, Nick Boston, Suchi Chatterjee, Craig Hanlon Smith, Enzo Marra, Netty, Carl Oprey, Mitchell Orriss, Eric Page, Del Sharp, Keith Sharpe, Rory Smith, Gay Socrates, Brian Stacey, Glen Stevens, Craig Storrie, Duncan Stewart, Paul Thorn, Roger Wheeler, Mike Wall, Morham White, Kate Wildblood
PHOTOGRAPHERS Revenge images Josh Hiatt, Queens Arms images Graham Hobson, Michael Hootman, James Ledward, Toms Udris,
NEWS 6 News
SCENE LISTINGS 34 Brighton 46 Solent listings
© GSCENE 2015 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.
DAVE & TIM DOUGLASS LONG WERE MARRIED AT HANGLETON MANOR
ARTS
FEATURES
26 BLAGSS
Brighton Lesbian and Gay Sports Society goes from strength to strength
28 GET YOUR KIT ON
BLAGSS Football Team brings the beautiful game to LGBT community
28 ISHIGAKI
Your local, friendly LGBTQ martial arts club
29 FROM SITGES WITH LOVE 32 BEAR PATROL Danny Dwyer, a fundraising phenomenon!
REVENGE
Relax in the mountains away from the party crowd
50 Arts News 51 Art Matters 52 Classical
REGULARS 47 Dance Music 47 DJ Profile: Little Rob 48 Shopping 53 Geek Scene 54 Craig’s Thoughts 55 Wall’s Words 55 Gay Socrates 56 Changing Attitude 57 Twisted Gilded Ghetto 57 LGBT Police Liaison 58 Charlie Says 59 Sam The Trans Man 60 Dad & Daddy 61 MindOut
INFORMATION 62 Advertisers’ Map 63 Classifieds
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AMERICAN EXPRESS® BECOMES FATBOY SLIM WAIVES FEE FOR GOLD PARTNER OF PRIDE 2015 BRIGHTON PRIDE APPEARANCE
) Fatboy Slim (AKA Norman Cook), international superstar DJ, recording artist and local boy made good, returns to headline Brighton Pride's biggest ever dance big top in Preston Park on Saturday, August 1. More Brighton than the beach he lives beside or the Seagulls he cheers on, Norman is prouder than anyone to be part of Brighton Pride 2015. Everyone’s favourite big beat maestro is returning to Pride and is waiving his fee to help Pride beat last year's fundraising target, which benefits local LGBT/HIV organisations delivering effective front-line services to LGBT people in Brighton & Hove. Global phenomenon Fatboy Slim is bringing his uniquely Brighton sounds back home to the Pride Festival for a Wild Fruit Big Top finale you’ll never forget. Right Here, Right Now! His last Brighton Pride performance in 2012 was a sensation, as thousands of Pridegoers joined him in an epic celebration of house, disco and loved-up beats. What else would you expect from a world-class superstar DJ and producer who’s topped every chart going, won
Mike Whyte, Vice President, Merchant Services of American Express, said: “We’re immensely proud to be continuing our partnership with Brighton Pride and we’re looking forward to celebrating their 25 years of incredible work, raising awareness and funds for the LGBT community.”
Paul Kemp of the Brighton Pride Community Interest Company, said: “An annual Pride event has been part of the summer landscape in Brighton & Hove since 1991. Twenty-five years on, there has never been a more exciting time to be involved with Pride. We’re delighted that American Express is again on board and as a Gold Partner this year. Support from partners is crucial to deliver what has become one of our city’s most lively and best-attended events and as such, achieves significant fundraising targets that make a huge difference to local LGBT causes.” 2014’s Brighton Pride raised a record-breaking £64,000 for LGBT groups in Brighton & Hove. Beneficiaries included the Allsorts Youth Project, Lunch Positive, Peer Action, Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum, MindOut, Peer Action, GEMS, Sussex Beacon, LGBT Switchboard and the Clare Project.
BRIGHTON PRIDE TICKETS ) The Brighton Pride Festival is on Preston Park on Saturday, August 1 from noon-10pm. Tickets for Brighton Pride: Early Birds sold out; £16 advance (first release); advance £18.50/£21 (£25 on the day). Joint tickets available for Pride Festival and Village party. To book tickets online, view: www.brightonpride.org/tickets.php
Paul Kemp, Pride Director, said: “Norman's always been a great supporter of the city and Pride. The 25th Anniversary Pride is a landmark year for Pride and we’re thrilled he's agreed to waive his fee to help support Brighton Pride and celebrate 'Pride in our City’. We’ve come a long way together and Fatboy Slim will ensure we celebrate our community's amazing achievements in true Brighton Pride style, giving us a Pride with a purpose in 2015.”
FREEMASONS RETURN TO PLAY PRIDE WILD FRUIT BIG TOP Grammy-winning, global charttopping DJs promise to deliver Brighton Pride a set to remember. FREEMASONS
PAUL KEMP
The financial services company is a proud supporter of the LGBT community. A Stonewall 2015 Workplace Equality Index Top 100 Employer, the American Express Pride employee network was recently named Stonewall Network Group of the Year (2015), in recognition of its work promoting diversity and inclusion both inside the organisation and within the local community.
countless awards and performed at the London 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony, Ultra Music Festival, Brighton’s Big Beach Boutique 2, his beloved Albion’s Amex Stadium, Glastonbury, Detroit Movement Festival, Salvador Carnival in Brazil, Bestival, the House of Commons and atop the Great Wall Of China? Norman said: “There are many reasons I love my home city. Our tolerance and encouragement of alternative lifestyles is one of my favourites; it’s a pleasure for me to join in celebration of our LGBT communities in the fruitiest way I know how.”
NORMAN & PAUL PRIDE 2012 PIC BY CHRIS JEPSON
) The LGBT community event, the UK’s biggest Pride festival, is a spectacular showcase of Brighton’s diverse communities. This year it marks its 25th anniversary in the city and is expected to attract huge numbers of participants and spectators from across Sussex. As in previous years, American Express will be entering a float in the LGBT Community Pride Parade. Employees (including members of the company’s award-winning Pride UK LGBT employee network) will be on board, getting into the carnival spirit and lining the route with family members and friends.
FATBOY SLIM
American Express, the city’s largest private sector employer, has become the Gold Partner of Brighton Pride 2015, which will take place on the weekend of August 1-2, 2015.
) The Freemasons, world class producers and one of the globe’s most successful DJ acts, return to the Pride Wild Fruit Big Top on August 1 to celebrate the city’s spectacular 2015 Brighton Pride Festival in Preston Park. The
They have toured the world, remixed the likes of Beyonce, Kylie, Whitney Houston, Kelly Rowland, Shakira, Faith Evans, Jamiroquai and worked with legendary vocalists including Katherine Ellis and Sophie EllisBexter. They are back where they belong in the massive 12,000 capacity Pride Wild Fruit Dance Tent, so it’s time to put your hands in the air and have only love on your mind, Brighton Pride style.
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NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR PRIDE AMBASSADORS 2015
) Brighton Pride will be bringing the world to Preston Park this summer to celebrate Pride in the City with a spectacular Carnival of Diversity. This year the Urban Dance Tent will be curated by Urban World Events, a unique collaboration between some of the most ethnically diverse club events in the UK. The internationally-acclaimed clubs joining Pride and the Urban World Dance Tent will include Work, the UK’s premier urban LGBT club night that has hosted 1,000-capacity events at Heaven, Hidden and Area playing the best in R&B, hip-hop, soca, afrobeat and bashment and whose promoter, the infamous Patrick Lilley, has a long history of community activism raising funds for the Peter Tatchell Human Rights Campaign, and serving on the board of UK Black Pride. The Urban World Dance Tent will also host Urban Desi, the UK’s most exciting ‘gaysian’ club night celebrating an exciting mix of bhangra, Bollywood, giddha and desi. Plus, Brighton Pride will be welcoming Exilio, the UK’s exciting LGBT Latino dance club known for its world-class nights of reggaeton, salsa and meringue. The soundtrack of Urban World will reflect the tastes of its component clubs Work, Urban Desi and Exilio with an added Brighton Pride carnival twist ensuring that it’s one of the most diverse and celebratory areas on Preston Park.
) Want to be a Pride Ambassador in 2015 and represent your community at the front of the Pride Parade? Following the outstanding success of the Pride Ambassadors programme in 2013 and 2014, nominations have now opened for electing Pride Ambassadors for 2015 to help celebrate and deliver the Pride theme, Carnival of Diversity. Last year’s retiring Pride Ambassadors are: • Maria Baker: Ambassador for the Black & Ethnic Minority Community • Nicole Gibson: Trans* Ambassador • Michael (Greenbeard) Nelson: Older People's Ambassador • Jenny Bennett: A volunteer at LGBT Switchboard for 30 years
PRIDE AMBASSADORS 2014
URBAN WORLD
URBAN WORLD BRINGS DIVERSITY TO PRESTON PARK
) Hercules & Love Affair, the critically acclaimed house, disco and pop music collective, will perform at the Brighton Pride Festival at Preston Park on Saturday, August 1. Andy Butler’s ever-evolving musical collective combines dance grooves with tales of emotional triumph to create a tough yet soulful sound. Add the unique vocal talents of Brit-nominee John Grant, Belgian singer Gustaph, the deep gospel of Rogue Mary and the smoky voiced virtuoso that is Krystle Warren and you have the perfection that is Hercules & Love Affair. From the early Blind days that kept Hercules & Love Affair’s 2011 debut album Blue Songs on the top of the critics must-hear charts, to 2014 when Butler and Co’s 3rd album The Feast of the Broken Heart saw the band return in dazzling form with singles including Liberty, provocative anthem My Offence and one of pop music’s most honest moments, I Try To Talk to You, Hercules & Love Affair have ensured critical acclaim and adoration around the globe.
Email your nominations to: info@gscene.com
JESS GLYNNE JOINS MAIN STAGE LINE-UP
JESS GLYNNE
HERCULES & LOVE AFFAIR
HERCULES & LOVE AFFAIR AT PRIDE
If you want to nominate someone who you think goes the extra mile to help LGBT people in Brighton & Hove or is someone you want to see represent the LGBT community at the front of the Pride Parade, send an email with the name of the person and why you’ve nominated them to info@gscene.com. Whoever receives the highest number of nominations in each of the next four months will be appointed a Pride Ambassador for 2015. The first Pride Ambassador will be announced in the May issue of Gscene. The Pride Ambassadors programme is sponsored and administered by Gscene Magazine.
) Jess Glynne, double Brit-nominee and Grammy Award-winner, whose distinctive and evocative vocals on Clean Bandit’s No 1 platinum dance smash Rather Be and Route house-flavoured My Love hit the top spot, will be performing live on the Brighton Pride Festival main stage on Saturday, August 1. 2015 looks set to be an amazing year for Jess as she follows up her No 1 hits for Clean Bandit and Route 94 with her own new solo material that encompasses soul and hip hop influences alongside brooding cellos, pert piano, impish strings and spot on production, her YouTube smash Home, new single Hold My Hand and forthcoming album on Atlantic Records deliver an irresistible slice of 21st husky hip-pop-soul perfection.
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WWW.GSCENE.COM SAFETY FORUM ORGANISE LGBT HUSTINGS AHEAD OF LOCAL & NATIONAL ELECTIONS
STONEWALL EQUALITY WALK, 2015
) The Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum is STONEWALL EQUALITY WALK 2014
hosting LGBT Hustings ahead of this year's elections in May. The hustings for the Westminster elections will be held at the Queens Hotel, 1-3 King's Rd, Brighton, BN1 1NS, Monday, April 13, 7–9pm. Simon Kirby, the sitting Conservative MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven, Caroline Lucas, the sitting Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, Peter Kyle, the Labour parliamentary candidate for Hove & Portslade, and Paul Chandler, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven, have all confirmed their attendance. The hustings for the local elections will also be held at the Queens Hotel, on Tuesday, April 21 from 7–9pm. This will be your opportunity to ask questions of your local ward councillors on local issues. Both hustings will be independently chaired by Chris Gull, chair of the Rainbow Fund, and are organised by the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum as part of the LGBT Community Groups Network calendar of events. The hustings are open to candidates of all political parties to attend after they declare their intention to stand after April 9. The hustings events are open to everyone and the venue is fully accessible. If you have any access needs, email: access@lgbt-help.com, call: 01273 231189 or text: 07827 811454. For up to date information on the hustings and who will be attending, view: www.lgbt-help.com/events/hustings
PCC OPENS TEMPORARY OFFICE FOR LGBT CSF ) Katy Bourne, the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Sussex Police, cut the tape to open the temporary office of the LGBT Community Safety Forum (LGBT CSF) on Wednesday, February 25. The Commissioner was joined by Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp, the Divisional Commander for Brighton & Hove; Peter Kyle, the Labour parliamentary candidate for Hove & Portslade; and Billie Lewis the elected chair of the LGBT CSF. To contact the LGBT CSF, call: 01273 231189 or text 07827 811454 or email: info@lgbthelp.com
SAFETY AWARENESS TRAINING WORKSHOP
PARTICIPANTS AT LGBT CSF SAFETY AWARENESS
) The LGBT Community Safety Forum (LGBT CSF) held a Safety Awareness Training Workshop on Wednesday, March 11 at the Queens Hotel in Brighton. The workshop was run by Simon Powell from Ishigaki, the LGBTQ martial arts group, who took those present through basic techniques in self-defence and gave tips on how to avoid trouble on the streets. The workshop was funded by the Police Crime Commissioner’s Safer in Sussex initiative. Veronica, one of those attending, said: “I had an amazing time at the workshop. I would recommend everyone to attend the next one as you can learn some life-saving skills and how to increase your confidence in everyday situations. Seriously don’t miss the next one!”
) Registration is now open for Stonewall’s annual Equality Walk, which returns to the city on Sunday, May 10 from noon. Taking in the sights of the historic Brighton seafront, the 10k or 3k challenge is perfect to do with friends, family or workmates to raise money to help Stonewall bring an end to bullying and discrimination. Since 1989, Stonewall has helped campaign to achieve full legal protection for LGB people in the UK. But there's still lots to do to ensure that all workplaces, schools and neighbourhoods are safe and
supportive to all people, no matter their gender identity or sexual orientation. The Equality Walk is open to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. You'll enjoy live music, food, entertainment and more. Registration is £15 and children aged 12 and under can take part for free. The walk begins at noon, starts and ends at Brighton's Royal Pavilion Gardens where there will be a garden party until 6pm. To register online, view: www.equalitywalk.org.uk
HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD!
) “Lights, Camera, Action!” This June, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) will be rolling out the red carpet as hundreds of charity supporters transform the 26th annual Walk for Life into a Hollywood Walk of Fame. The charity is calling for action heroes, child stars, and sirens of the silver screen to take part in the 10km sponsored walk around central London on Sunday June 7, to help raise funds for people living with HIV in severe financial need. The circular route starts and ends at Bloomsbury Square Gardens, winding its way through the City of London, across Tower Bridge and along the South Bank, before heading north over Waterloo Bridge back to the finish line. Participants are encouraged to put their own stamp on the Hollywood theme, whether that
means donning Indiana Jones’ famous fedora, slipping into Dorothy’s ruby slippers, or simply getting gussied up in their Tinsel Town finest. Paparazzi-shy walkers are welcome to go incognito too. The walk begins at 11am and takes around two to three hours to complete. At the finish line, participants will be given a medal, which unlocks a range of special offers at bars and restaurants in central London. Registration costs £10 per person, which helps THT cover the costs of the event. To sign up and start fundraising, view: www.walkforlife.co.uk or call 020 7812 1665. Walk for Life was founded in 1989, when HIV charity Crusaid set up the event to raise awareness of HIV. In 2010, Crusaid merged with THT, who have been running Walk for Life since.
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BEARS RAISE £350 FOR RAINBOW FUND
FINAL CALL FOR BEAR PATROL ABSEIL DOWN THE SPINNAKER TOWER IN PORTSMOUTH LGBT/HIV organisations providing front line services to LGBT people in Brighton & Hove.
) It was a full house at the Camelford Arms on March 5 for the Brighton Bear Weekender (BBWE) Quiz. The Flying Weasels, team line-up of Gav Orton, James Duggan, Alexi McCreedy, Oli Peart, Gavin Roffe and Mark Whelan not only won the quiz but also scooped the £300 bonus prize donated by the Camelford Arms. Mark Flood, manager of the Camelford Arms, expertly held the evening together asking questions set by Graham Munday from BBWE.
THE FLYING WEASELS
) Danny Dwyer is organising a Bear Patrol charity abseil 100 metres down the side of the iconic Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth on Saturday, May 30 to raise money for the Rainbow Fund.
The evening raised a brilliant £350.10 for the Rainbow Fund who give grants to LGBT/HIV organisations providing front line services to LGBT people in the city. Raffle prizes donated included: Afternoon tea for two at The Emporium with bubbles; Bear ceramic from Chris Murphy Ceramics; £20 gift card from Prowler; Eau de Toilette & Dinner for four at the Camelford Arms. The next quiz night on Thursday, June 18 will get BBWE off to a great start! For more information about BBWE, view: http://brightonbearweekender.co.uk/events/
THE BUSHES SPRING CLEAN INITIATIVE
Situated on the waterfront at Gunwharf Quays, the world class visitor attraction offers amazing 350º panoramic views of Portsmouth Harbour, the historic Navel Dock Yards, the south coast and the Isle of Wight, with views stretching out for up to 23 miles – breathtaking by day and a glittering sea of lights by night.
There are a few places remaining for the abseil, which costs £100 person and includes a 12.5% donation which goes directly to the Rainbow Fund, plus a minimum requirement to raise £100 of sponsorship per person also for the Rainbow Fund. A non-refundable deposit of £30 is required to register your place. Weight limit is 21st / 130Kg / 286 lbs to take the Ultimate Spinnaker Experience and abseil 100 metres down the side of this iconic building. For more info about the abseil: www.facebook.com/bearpatrolpage
A maximum of 40 bears and their friends will be allowed to abseil down the side of this iconic building to raise funds and awareness for the Brightonbased Rainbow Fund who give grants to
COUNCIL AGREES PORTSMOUTH PRIDE PARADE ROUTE
) It's that time of the year when THT arrange a Dukes Mound spring clean! They are looking for volunteers to give them a helping hand on Saturday, April 25 from 1-5.30pm to clear up mess left from nocturnal cruising activities. Litter pickers and spades will be provided as well as refreshments and snacks to keep everyone going during the afternoon. If you are interested in helping, email: ross.boseley@tht.or.uk or call: 01273 764208
) Portsmouth's first Pride Parade will take place at noon on Saturday, June 20 with a promise to bring colour to Portsmouth City Centre. The Parade will start and finish in Victoria Park, leaving the park via the entrance next to the Stanhope Road car park, then turning towards the Stanhope Road pedestrian crossing on to Commercial Road and up towards the main shopping area. At the Jubilee Fountain there will be music and entertainment, then the parade will progress around the fountain, and take the same route back to Victoria Park.
David Lee-Bastable, Pride Chair, said: "Everyone is welcome to take part. We want to see lots of families joining in the fun by waving their rainbow flags and blowing their whistles. Pride is an opportunity to celebrate the best of our community and to promote the ideals of equality and diversity in the Portsmouth area and beyond." DAVID LEE-BASTABLE
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For free tickets to enter Victoria Park and more information about Portsmouth Pride, view: www.PortsmouthPride.co.uk
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POLARI FIRST BOOK PRIZE 2015 - CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
YOUNG WRITERS’ COMPETITION ) Stonewall, the LGBT equality charity, has launched its first Young Writers’ competition for budding authors aged 14 to 17. Young people are invited to submit short stories and poems that support the theme of ‘LGBT Equality: Changing Hearts & Minds’. Entries will be judged by best-selling author S J Watson (Second Life and Before I Go to Sleep), poet Dean Atta and Stonewall CEO Ruth Hunt.
The closing date for submissions is May 1 and the longlist will be announced in July, followed by the shortlist in September. The winner will be revealed at the London Literature Festival at the Southbank Centre in October. Societe Generale sponsor the prize, while partners include WH Smith Travel and Square Peg Media, publishers of g3 and Out in the City.
DIRIYE OSMAN
The Polari First Book Prize was launched in 2011 and in 2013 it was named LGBT Cultural Event of the Year in the Co-op Respect Loved By You Awards. Last year Somali-British writer Diriye Osman won with his short story collection, Fairytales for Lost Children.
S J WATSON
) Submissions are being sought for this year’s Polari First Book Prize, now in its fifth year. The Polari Prize is for a first book which explores the LGBT experience. It’s open to any work of poetry, prose, fiction or non-fiction published in English by a writer born or resident in the UK within the 12 months of the deadline for submissions (this year February 1, 2015). Traditionally published works must be submitted by the publisher and self-published works in both print and digital formats should be submitted together with a letter explaining why the book was self-published.
Judges this year include: chair Paul Burston (author, journalist and host of Polari literary salon); Rachel Holmes (author and former Head of Literature & Spoken Word at the Southbank); Suzi Feay (literary critic); Bidishe (writer, critic and broadcaster); VG Lee (author and comedian); Alex Hopkins (writer and editor);
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
) The Royal College of Nursing (RCN), in collaboration with Public Health England (PHE), have launched a toolkit to guide nurses and other health professionals in the prevention of suicide in lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) young people. The toolkit has been developed in recognition of the higher risk of suicide for LGB young people highlighted by METRO Youth Chances research. It aims to equip nurses to support LGB young people and reduce the risk of suicide.
This is your chance to find out more about the candidates in the next elections, why they’re running and what they’ll do if they’re elected. It’s also your chance to ask the candidates about why they should be elected and why you should vote for them. Candidates Confirmed so far:
) Simon Kirby ) Caroline Lucas ) Peter Kyle
HOTEL BRIGHTON BN1 1NS
The venue is fully accessible, however, if you have any access needs please email access@lgbt-help.com, call 01273 231189 or text 07827 811454 This event is organised by the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum as part of the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Groups Network calendar of events.
For more information visit: lgbt-help.com/events/hustings B RI G H TO N & H O V E
LGBT COMMUNITY GROUPS NETWORK
Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum is is a member of The LGBT Community Groups Network and funded by the Rainbow Fund and Safer in Sussex
R GREG USSHER
LOCAL MPS MONDAY 13TH APRIL 2015 LOCAL COUNCILLORS TUESDAY 21ST APRIL 2015 Both events take place at:
Entrants can submit their work into two categories: poetry or short stories. A winner will be picked from each category, and prizes include a £150 book token. Two runners-up from each category will receive £50 book tokens. The deadline for entries is May 22, 2015, and the winners are expected to be announced on June 15, 2015.
TOOLKIT FOR YOUNG LGB PEOPLE
ELECTION HUSTINGS
10AM-3PM QUEENS
The competition has been funded by S J Watson, Nic Ib and the Shelagh Anne Venning Trust, which was set up by Stonewall Ambassadors Kath Gotts and Maureen Chadwick (Chad), in memory of Chad’s sister.
Dean Atta has written about For more information on the homophobia in hip-hop and his own experiences of growing up gay. He has competition and how to enter, view: www.stonewall.org.uk/youngwriters been commissioned to write poems for the Damilola Taylor Trust and the
For details of how to submit a book for this year’s prize, email: paulburston@btinternet.com
Debates will be independently chaired. All welcome.
S J Watson, a Stonewall Ambassador, said: "I’ve been a Stonewall Ambassador for three years and was thrilled to be asked to judge this writing competition. Changing Hearts & Minds is an important theme to reflect how much progress has been made for LGB&T equality, and I look forward to seeing how our young entrants capture that in their writing.”
National Portrait Gallery, and was named one of the most influential LGBT people in 2012 by the Independent on Sunday’s Pink List. Dean Atta said: "LGB&T equality is an issue that so many young people feel passionate about, and this competition gives them a great platform to communicate that. I’m a huge advocate of Stonewall’s work and am thrilled to be a part of this with them."
Dr Greg Ussher, METRO Chief Executive, said: “We welcome this initiative from the RCN and PHE to help reduce the frighteningly high risk of suicide for LGB young people and those questioning their sexuality (LGBQ). We work with young people everyday who are struggling with their sexual identity and the effects of homophobia and biphobia. It is the very reason we undertook our Youth Chances
research, which the RCN recognises in its report. “METRO Youth Chances highlights the massively increased rates of mental health problems for LGBQ young people including increased risk of depression, suicidal thoughts and self-harm. 44% of LGB young people report thinking of suicide and half self-harm. The rates for trans* young people are even higher. “Urgent action is needed to attend to this crisis. We urge professional bodies, commissioners, central and local government and service providers to use the evidence from METRO Youth Chances to make a difference to the lives of LGBQ and trans (LGBTQ) young people. The RCN toolkit is an example of how this can be done. “We look forward to the development of the RCN toolkit for preventing suicide for trans young people. We hope that the mental health needs of LGBTQ young people are addressed in the report of the Department of Health’s Children and Young People's Mental Health Taskforce published at the end of March.”
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RON MARTIN 1926–2015
MAYOR THANKS ENTERTAINERS ) Cllr Brian Fitch, the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, and the Mayoress, his wife Nora, thanked local entertainers and fundraisers at the Mayor’s Parlour in March for all the fundraising they do for LGBT and HIV organisations in Brighton & Hove. He told them that during his year in office he had come to appreciate the enormous contribution they make in helping LGBT and HIV voluntary sector organisations finance the services they deliver. The Mayor’s office manager Martin Warren added a few personal words explaining how when he was young his visits to watch the drag queens perform in local gay bars was his main connection with the ‘gay community’. James Ledward, editor of Gscene, thanked the Mayor and Mayoress on behalf of the entertainers and said they had been the perfect team during their year in office illustrating how important the joint roles of Mayor and Mayoress is to the city. He said that without the generosity of the entertainers the LGBT/HIV voluntary sector would struggle to continue delivering their services. He said: “In 20 years editing Gscene I can never remember an entertainer saying no to a request to help at a fundraiser. The entertainers are the backbone of this community and I hope that everyone appreciates the significance of their contributions over the years.”
PEER ACTION APRIL DIARY
YOGA: TUE 7TH/14TH/21ST/28TH 17.45 With Dan Noquet, Hampshire Lodge, St James’ Str, £3.50
SWIMMING: TUE 7TH/14TH/21ST/28TH 12:30 ALSO FRI 3RD/10TH/17TH/24TH 10:45 Fun swims with Ian at Kemptown Swimming Centre, £4
) Throughout his latter years Ron could be found most days taking afternoon tea firstly at Freddie's café on St James Street’s and subsequently at Charles Street where we shared tea and biscuits. Friends knew where to find him at this time, and his amiable nature ensured he always made new friendships and acquaintances. Ron was born in London, his father was a railway union official and his mother a seamstress for various West End stores. During WWII the family were evacuated to Dover and then on to Wales. He was called up to the army late in the war but was released on health grounds. Ron spent his working life in catering, employed in various Joe Lyons Corner Houses in the West End and at what sounds like a pretty disreputable hotel in Earls Court (late entrance through the basement kitchen). He then worked mostly on railway company dining cars of which his
memories and tales were legion, including his favourite story of a certain Royal Princess who, on a long journey to an official engagement, became bored with being alone in a first class compartment and came to the kitchen car for a chat and joined in the washing up. As dining cars disappeared, his final job was at the newly formed British Telecom as a telephone operator. Ron came to live in Hove 27 years ago as, at that time, many of his London circle of friends were doing. Unfortunately he contracted severe flu just before Christmas and died on January 13 of pneumonia complications. Friends old and new celebrated his life and memory at Down's crematorium in a touching service on February 10. Ron will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by them all. Ray Gregson
HOLLISTIC THERAPIES: SUN 12
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13.50 ONWARDS At the Sussex Beacon, 10 Bevendean Rd, BN2 4DE
BINGO SOCIAL: FRI 17TH
18.30 Early game with Ian, at the Gala Bingo, Eastern Rd, £10
GUIDED MEDITATION: TUE 14 /28 TH
TH
19.15 Drop in with Helen, Hampshire Lodge, Upper St James’ St, Free
HOLLISTIC THERAPIES: SAT 25TH 13.50 ONWARDS At the Terrence Higgins Trust, 61 Ship St
SOCIAL GAMES NIGHT: WED 29TH FROM 19.30 With Chris & Julia, at the Barley Mow Pub, Kemptown Peer Action is a group for all those affected by HIV and provides a range of holistic and social activities to help break down the isolation, build new friendships and share interesting experiences. We’re looking for volunteers to help trustees with some day-to-day tasks that keep Peer Action running. Help out as little or as much as you want, sharing your time with fellow peers is extremely rewarding, worthwhile and fun. If you’re interested, please reply to: peeractionmail@gmail.com For info about events see: www.peeraction.co.uk Or our f Facebook page: www.facebook.com/peeraction
BRIAN RALFE R.I.P. ) Brian Ralfe, impresario and producer of the adult pantomime, passed away while on holiday in Egypt in March. Arrangements to repatriate Brian’s body to his family in Brighton are underway but as we go to press it has not been possible to announce the final details. Once funeral arrangements have been agreed they will announced on the Gscene website: www.gscene.com Brian’s friend Lee Tracey has agreed to write Brian’s obituary which will be published in the May issue of Gscene.
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SHEILA MCWATTIE 1956 -2015 candlelit bedroom always echoed to the sounds of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, with a waft of incense in the air.
) My long-standing friend and former partner Sheila McWattie, who has died suddenly and painlessly from a brain aneurism, aged 58, was driven by her passion for people, her love of language and storytelling and her lesbian feminist politics. Sheila thrived on making a positive difference and her journey is landmarked with much evidence of this. Born in Paisley, to Dorothy and Jim McWattie, Sheila was a passionate and proud Scot. Recently she instigated a gathering of Scottish friends on the eve of the Scottish referendum, arriving at our home, complete with a pot of heather, a tin of shortbread, and of course sharp, intelligent insights in to the pros and cons of becoming independent. Sheila returned regularly to spend time with her mum in Dunoon and friends in both Paisley and Glasgow and regarded the Isle of Skye, where she’d spent time as a young woman, as her spiritual home, and where, at her request, her ashes will be scattered. Attending John Neilson secondary school, Sheila excelled in English and demonstrated an obvious gift for languages, whilst her friends teased her, gently calling her ‘Swottie McWattie’ but she just laughed and studied some more. She was never a straightlaced intellectual though, rather a rebellious teen growing up in the 1960s who smoked behind the bus shelter and occasionally skipped school to lie in the park with her best friend Fiona and plan their next adventure. She sat in cafés with friends after school, putting the world to right, and she and her dad argued endlessly about Labour Party politics. Her
Sheila grew in to a keen wordsmith: never mincing her words, often breaking silences and holding court at parties with fabulous stories, always textured with her keen gifts of observation and humour. A great and avid writer, she kept a journal for almost five decades, generated reams of quality poetry and accomplished a novel, Ted, as yet unpublished. Her sister Jill recalls, how as kids, every weekend when they set their off for their caravan at the seaside in Croy Bay in Ayrshire, Sheila would always be loading up the car with piles of books, pens and notebooks to take with her, later capturing the adventures of the day, in her journal, by torchlight, under the blankets. Her early days spent in her much loved Isle of Skye found her with friends, sharing a passion for socialism, often churning out copies of The West Highland Free Press, in a caravan, through the night. Most recently, Sheila was a highly respected freelance sub-editor and featurewriter at William Reed Business Media and, through her empathy, had the keen ability to get to the heart of what people were trying to communicate whilst maintaining sharp attention to detail of language. She achieved an MA in Creative Writing at Sussex University and many people in the community of Brighton and Hove benefitted as a result: Sheila worked till her death as a creative writing tutor, latterly at Creative Future and in previous years at Brighton Women’s Centre (BWC), and Brighton & Hove Unemployed Workers Centre and is remembered by many as a woman who made writing accessible to people, particularly to those for whom school/formal education hadn't "worked", or those who felt they “weren't creative". She worked in the field of Housing for many years in Edinburgh, London and Brighton supporting mostly single homeless women, in to safer, more secure accommodation, always going the extra mile, always working hard for social justice, with warmth and kindness. When Sheila arrived in Brighton in 1996, it took a while for her to get used to the fact that this LGBT Nirvana seemed so much less diverse and accepting than she’d anticipated. She went on to meet other lesbians who felt similarly isolated and in true McWattie fashion, reflected on what she could do to bring about positive change: she became a volunteer at BWC and significantly contributed to making it a safe and often creative space for women to meet. In 2000 Sheila studied journalism and it suited her activist instincts to acquire the tools to communicate effectively with the press, thus getting BWC more clearly on the map. Sheila chaired Brighton & Hove International Women’s Day (IWD) group for four years, keeping women’s issues alive and to the fore; with a committee of local women, she helped coordinate Pride Women’s Performance Tent, with Nicky Mitchell and Al Start, showcasing a diverse range of women performers and offering a comfortable space for women to gather on the day. It
feels absolutely fitting that the Pride Committee have announced their plan, since Sheila’s death, to dedicate the women’s tent to her and it will now be known as The Sheila McWattie Tent. Travelling was always on Sheila’s radar and her tales always a joy to listen to: meeting a soul mate Lesley in 1974 in Brussels at an international folk club and their hitch-hiking trip from Rotterdam, through Germany, Austria, Italy, Yugoslavia and France, with no tent pegs for their tent; Lesbos in the early eighties where a hotbed of lesbians gathered living and loving in benders on the beach impressed young baby dykes like me; her appreciation of the stillness of her friend’s beautiful garden in France, the wildness of Orkney when she visited Fiona and the thrill of her epic train adventure across America are vivid in my mind. Her sister Jill said, “Sheila had the marvelous gift of finding a common interest with people and finding the value in the simplest of things: from the antique dolly she bought on eBay for her great niece Emmi, which she was planning to sew clothes for, to her friendship with Rupert the Whippet, to the Christmas party in mum’s village in Scotland where she took photos of the women doing the Hokey Cokey.” Sheila invested a lot in her relationships, loving her family and friends in an everyday tangible way and was so proud of her nephews, Steven, Kyle and Ryan and held her mum Dorothy, her sister Jill and brother in law Alan in a very special place in her heart. Sadly, she did not get to meet her great niece Emmi but was so thrilled at her birth and very much looking forward to getting to know her. In her friendships she was ever seeking expansiveness and authenticity, was often challenging in her honesty, abundant in the gifts she gave, including her fierce loyality, generous spirit, integrity, brilliant sense of humour, her ability to push boundaries and skill at being present, her keen listening ear, wisdom of the crone and playfulness of the child. Sheila was a woman who offered space, reassurance, and kindness, which helped make a difference for so many of us. Sheila recognised vulnerability as a strength and when over the last few years she bravely faced the challenges of cancer, was quietly confident in asking for and receiving help from her family and friends. Sheila also enjoyed her own company, a spiritual woman who, in her quieter moments, tended enthusiastically to her myriad of plants growing on her teeny balcony, sat sipping chai at her kitchen window, appreciating the changing of the seasons, meditated and chanted at the local Buddhist Centre, took delight in raindrops running down her window pane, and regularly walked to St Ann’s Well Gardens to sit on a bench and marvel at the big sky or the sparkling sun-kissed sea. Sheila was a brilliant communicator, networker, weaver of people and as her wonderful ceremony to celebrate her life proved, even in death, as in life, Sheila brought old friends together, sparked new connections, caressed old wounds and reminded us all that life is precious, as we carried her in, to the pipers playing The Skye Boat Song. Fiona Thomson
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“The work your organisations do on a range of LGBT issues such as equalities, community safety, health and well-being, HIV, older people, social networking, sports and recreation, and arts and culture are vital to ensuring fairness and equal opportunity for all. I hope your meeting goes well. I look forward to keeping in touch and I am sorry again that I can’t be with you in person tonight. If I can be of any assistance in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me."
The Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Cllr Brian Fitch, and his wife Nora, the Mayoress, congratulated the groups on successfully developing the space without any financial help from the City Council and encouraged all the groups present to concentrate their future efforts on finding business partners to work with to help support them and their work. There was no senior council officer present to hear his encouraging words.
Local councillors present included Green councillors Cllr Phelim MacCafferty, Cllr Stephanie Powell and Andrew Wealls.
PETER KYLE & GILES YORK THE CHIEF CONSTABLE
Groups taking part in the evening were introduced by Viv Woodcock from Brighton Lesbian & Gay Sports Society (BLAGSS) and included: BLAGSS, Clare Project, FTMB, LGBT Community Safety Forum, LGBT Network, Lunch Positive, Older and Out, Peer Action, Rainbow Chorus, Rainbow Families, Trans Alliance, and Village Church. All had information stalls demonstrating the nature of the front-line services they provide to the wider LGBT and HIV community in Brighton & Hove. Rainbow Chorus provided the musical entertainment and Lunch Positive provided the excellent buffet.
NANCY PLATTS & BILLIE LEWIS
Simon Kirby had Parliamentary duties but sent along a message of support to be read out: “I’m sorry not to
Gary Pargeter, Community Works LGBT Rep and facilitator for the network, said: “Thank you to everyone who came along to support the work of our community groups and the network. Smaller groups are often overlooked when thinking about the support provided in our community. The work they do is much needed and has true impact, especially as it is
PEER ACTION
Politicians present included Peter Kyle, parliamentary Labour candidate for Hove & Portslade, Nancy Platts, parliamentary Labour candidate for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven, and Clarence Mitchell, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion.
LGBT CSF
The Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Groups Network is an independent network of 16 smaller LGBT groups and organisations with an annual income of £35,000 or less who meet to develop their capacities to reach, involve and support the LGBT and HIV communities in Brighton & Hove. The work the groups deliver includes: LGBT equalities, community safety, health and well-being, HIV, older people, social networking, sports, recreation, arts and culture. For more information, view: www.lgbt-groups.org
OLDER AND OUT
) The purpose of the evening was to give decisionmakers in the city the opportunity to see the new Shared Space that has been created by the Network for small groups to share. Gary Pargeter, facilitator for the network, welcomed everyone and explained that the space has been provided rentfree to the groups by a charity accommodation initiative, with all overhead costs, including heating and lighting, being provided free of charge except for telephone and internet.
provided by members of our community, for our community. The value of this peer-led activity is immense. This should be celebrated and supported as widely as possible. We all had a fantastic evening meeting and talking to our guests, and heard some inspiring feedback. We’re looking forward to a productive year ahead, running our groups, developing the network and asking people to support our call to action – a working space that will provide a home of our own to work, collaborate and share resources.”
GEMS
GARY PARGETER, MAYORESS, MAYOR & VIV WOODCOCK FROM BLAGSS
be able to join you at your meeting, but my Parliamentary duties mean I have to be at Westminster today. I’m very proud to represent such a diverse constituency as Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven and I stand four-square with my LGBT constituents. Amongst many issues, I worked hard on the recent same-sex marriage legislation to help steer it to the statute book, I’ve been pleased to campaign against the deportation of LGBT people who might face imprisonment or even death if their sexual orientation is discovered by the authorities in their countries of birth, and I have worked hard to ensure that HIV funding and prevention have been high on the Department of Health’s agenda.
FTM BRIGHTON
Giles York, the Chief Constable of Sussex, Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp, the Commander for Brighton & Hove, and Katy Bourne, the Police & Crime Commissioner for Sussex Police, attended an Open Evening for the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Groups Network at Prestomex House on Wednesday, February 25.
RAINBOW CHORUS
POLICE CHIEFS ATTEND 'OPEN EVENING' FOR SMALL LGBT/HIV GROUPS
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HAND IN HAND LGBT CHOIR FESTIVAL IN JUNE 2015
continue to sing with them in the future. One of his wishes was to take the chorus to perform in Australia and, although it hasn’t happened to date, the board hope that John will be singing with them if they realise his dream.
JOHN HAMILTON
) Brighton Gay Men's Chorus and the Rainbow Chorus are hosting the Hand in Hand UK & Ireland LGBT Choir Festival this summer over the weekend of June 12-14. The festival will bring together LGBT choirs from all over the UK and Ireland to sing, socialise and celebrate, whilst helping raise funds for a number of local charities, including the Sussex Beacon and Lunch Positive.
NEW CHAIRMAN FOR ACTUALLY!
PHOTO BY PETE STEAN
) John Hamilton, founder and chairman of the Actually Gay Men's Chorus (AGMC), is leaving the board after nine years of service. John, the handsome bass singing from the back row of the chorus, has also pulled pints at the Bulldog on St James's Street for the last few years.
On Saturday June 13, there will be workshops and performances, and a number of the choirs will be performing at the Hand in Hand LGBT Choir Festival Concert at 7.30pm in the Brighton Dome Concert Hall with tickets on sale to the general public. On Sunday, June 14, musical directors, chairs and committee members from the choirs will be offered the opportunity to network, brainstorm, and share issues in a number of short meetings. Other delegates will take part in seaside 'flashmobs' in nearby venues including the seafront. By lunchtime, everyone will get together again for a leisurely LGBT picnic in the park before bidding their fond farewell. The Co-Chairs for the Hand In Hand Festival, Paul Charlton (Chairman of Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus), and Finola Brophy (Chair of the Rainbow Chorus), said: "We’re delighted to be organising this unique event bringing together the best LGBT choirs from all over the UK and Ireland. Don't miss the 'Hand in Hand' Concert at Brighton Dome - your chance to be part of an amazing choral experience never seen before here in Brighton. Singing classical and traditional music through to classic gay anthems the high standard and diversity of the music and the choirs will astound and impress you. We're raising money for local charities too, so come and join us for a thrilling evening.” The Hand in Hand LGBT Choir Festival Concert is at the Brighton Dome on Saturday, June 13 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10/£14/£17. To purchase online visit: www.brightondome.org or call the box office: 01273 709709. If you’re a member of an LGBT choir in the UK or Ireland, and would like to take part, view: www.handinhandbrighton.org
GLOW = GAY LESBIAN OR WHATEVER! ) GLOW Choir Brighton is a natural voice community choir for LGBTQ people and their straight allies to come together in song. All voices are welcome, from experienced singers to shower divas and absolute beginners! No auditions, no judgement, and no limits! GLOW Choir sing acappella songs of passion, protest and celebration from across the globe. Everything is taught by ear, so there is no need to be able to read music. The choir is led by renowned Natural Voice leaders Hannah Rose Tristram and Kirsty Martin. The new term starts Wednesday, April 22 from 7-9 pm at BHASVIC, 205 Dyke Road, BN3 6EG. This term also includes the opportunity to take part in Hand in Hand LGBTQ Choir Festival celebrating LGBTQ choirs from all over the UK and Ireland! For more information, view: http://glowchoir.weebly.com www.facebook.com/pages/GLOWchoirBrighton/
He started AGMC in 2005, and from very humble beginnings the chorus grew both in numbers and reputation. He was instrumental in the transition of the chorus to a Community Interest Company (CIC) and was a key figure in the album recording deal with Universal Records in 2011. The enthusiastic, supportive group of men who now sing for AGMC are a testament to the hard work and dedication he has put in over many years. John was made a lifelong member of the chorus in 2014 and the board hope he will
At showtime, John’s pride for the chorus was always evident. He would enthuse about the achievements of the chorus members with anyone else who would listen. He was always very hands-on in his leadership and had a style that made things happen no matter what. Under his leadership the chorus has raised thousands of pounds for charities through regular concerts, even posing naked with other chorus boys to raise money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Filling John’s large boots since Christmas has been newly elected chairman and chorus tenor Bill Kelly, who is looking forward to carrying on John’s great work in the future. For more information about AGMC, view: www.actuallygmc.org
NEW MUSICAL DIRECTOR FOR BRIGHTON BELLES WOMEN’S CHORUS MARC YARROW
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the LGBT choirs in Brighton is so exciting - the collaboration prospects are never ending! Watch this space!"
The Brighton Belles are always open to new members and remain a nonaudition singing group. They meet in ) Brighton Belles Women’s the chapel of the Royal Sussex Chorus have secured the services County Hospital on Mondays at of Marc Yarrow, Musical Director of 7.30pm. The Belles aim is to make as Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus. Marc much money for charity as they can, will be assisting the Belles with whilst making great music, forming musical direction, voice training and friendships and having fun. Warning: general fabulousness. Marc said: rehearsals may contain hysteria and “I'm thrilled to be working with the badly behaved singing women. Brighton Belles, a chorus that really deserves their time in the spotlight! For more information about the The Belles are so welcoming and in Belles, see their facebook page: http://tinyurl.com/BrightonBelles 15 years of conducting choirs, I've or email: never worked with a group so wolfiebrightonbelles@gmail.com willing to learn! Working with 2 of
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WHO’S THAT GIRL? Aneesa Chaudhry is a force of nature, a force to be reckoned with!
PROWLER BRIGHTON COMES OF AGE ) It’s hard to believe, but this month Prowler Brighton is celebrating 10 years since it opened its doors on St James’s Street in the heart of the Gay Village. Previously the St James’s Convenience Store (remember that?), Prowler Brighton was the first venture outside of London by Millivres Prowler Group (MPG), the company behind Gay Times, DIVA and Expectations.
ALEX SILVERS
NICK NORTH
To mark the anniversary, the gang at Prowler are laying on some special treats in-store all day on Saturday, April 18. For starters, all purchases on April 18 will be 10% off (except event tickets), but everyone going into the store between 2-5pm will also get to rub shoulders with not one but two delicious porn stars – Nick North and Alex Silvers. Nick has achieved rapid fame via his sexy antics working with Alphamale, Tim Tales and particularly Lucas Entertainment, while many of you many recognise Alex’s name from Boys on the Prowl, BulldogXXX, Euroboy, Eurocreme and Hard Brit Lads. We’ve been told there will be other tasty treats in store for us, which you’ll find out about on the day. Simon Topham, MPG’s CEO, said: “We’re immensely proud to have been part of the Brighton & Hove gay scene for the last 10 years. Whilst Prowler Brighton is very much part of our globally recognised company, we also see ourselves very much as a community business. I am really looking forward to meeting local business people and customers alike on April 18, so I can personally thank them for their support.” Prowler is at 112-113 St James’s Street, Brighton, BN2 1TH, Tel: 01273 683 680. For more information, view: www.prowler.co.uk
MPG TEAMS UP WITH STONEWALL
SIMON TOPHAM
Ruth Hunt, Chief Executive of Stonewall, said: “I’m delighted with this partnership and look forward to working with MPG on our forthcoming campaigns. Having MPG on board to provide us with their support and reach will be great for us going forward.” Kim Watson, Media & Marketing Director, commented: “We look forward to working on some great campaigns in partnership with Stonewall and the diverse communities we’re able to reach.” Simon Topham, CEO for MPG, added: “We’re delighted to be working closely with Stonewall again in an important year of change for both organisations.”
RUTH HUNT
) Millivres Prowler Group (MPG), the UK’s most established LGBT media, retail and distribution business, has made Stonewall its newest charity partner. MPG, via its magazines Gay Times and DIVA, stores Prowler and Expectations, and through its unprecedented audience reach, will help Stonewall with campaign awareness and fundraising initiatives over the next year, mainly through editorial, advertising, digital marketing and in-store support.
ANEESA CHAUDHRY
) Aneesa grew up in a creative Asian household where she sang in the Central Berkshire Girls' Choir, conducted by the legendary choral arranger Gwyn Arch, her inspiration to become a conductor of choirs herself!
After training as a barrister and undertaking vocal training with some of the UK's best jazz artists, Aneesa set up www.thevoicebox.biz to promote vocal development for individuals. She believes that everyone can use their voice to create a great sound with the right encouragement and environment, be it for public speaking and presenting or performing on stage. Currently she works with singers, actors and employees of corporates to help people develop their public speaking and singing voices and she runs singing workshops at festivals both at home and abroad. As a performer she’s sung with some of the most respected players on the jazz scene and performed at some of the most prestigious venues. She performs regularly at the National Theatre Music Pitch and at jazz and world music festivals including the Isle of Wight International Jazz Diwali Festival, Ealing Jazz, Birmingham International Jazz Festival, Rhythm of the Earth World Music Festival and has given sell out performances at London jazz venues, including Pizza on the Park Jazz Club. Aneesa also works in her band Bliss Art with some of Slovenia and Croatia's top musicians. Since moving to Brighton she has become a familiar face on both the live music and LGBT community scene including singing at old people’s homes and for charities including RISE and MindOut. Aneesa has popped up everywhere, as a voice coach for the Trans
Community, on BBC Sussex and Radio Reverb, to name a few. She loves travelling with her music but taking some time to contribute to the community she lives in is what matters most to her. After being asked to sing at a number of more personal events, including funerals, wakes and memorials, she set up www.musicforfunerals.org where she discusses directly with people about what songs they’d like her to sing at their funerals. She finds that families get huge satisfaction from being able to talk openly about a difficult yet inevitable part of life. After her last show in Brighton, Andrew Kay from Latest TV, wrote: “Her voice is extraordinary in so many senses, range, tone, style proving that this is not simply a voice of fashion, and there are plenty of those around, but a real voice full of real musical talent and skill – weapon quality! Aneesa is a pure talent, a chameleon chanteuse… it would be bland and dull to simply say that Aneesa Chaudhry is bloody brilliant!” Aneesa’s recent gigs have been completely sold out. James Ledward, editor of Gscene Magazine, said: “The venue was packed to the rafters. I could have listened to her sing all night. She is the full package, sassy and engaging. Her voice is secure over her complete register, while her ability to bend notes gives a wonderful Eastern flavour to her performance. Her articulation is drilled down and precise. You can understand every word she sings." Aneesa is also the Musical Director of the Rainbow Chorus, Brighton's only LGBT-mixed choir. Under her leadership the chorus has risen in number from around 30 members to nearly 80. She has also recently been headhunted to set up and run a choir for the Martlets Hospice, which consists of patients, carers, staff, family, friends and volunteers. Hear Aneesa perform with Bliss Art on April 26 or catch her singing jazz on July 5, both at the Brunswick in Hove. To book tickets online, view: www.thebrunswick.net To contact Aneesa email: aneesa@aneesachaudhry.com or call: 07957 395 293. For more info about Aneesa, view: www.reverbnation.com/aneesachaudhry
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GAY PAIRING ARE TO BROADCAST GAY GAMES AMBASSADOR ATLANTIC ROW LIVE IN WORLD FIRST DEFENDS WEIGHTLIFTING TITLES ) The Atlantic Tempest rowing team, comprising two gay men, is set to share its adventure of a lifetime live with the world. Nick McCulloch, 39, from Brighton and Tom Parker, 28, from Bristol will be taking part in this year’s Talisker Atlantic Challenge - a race to row across the Atlantic from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua.
The transatlantic adventurers hope to raise £1 million for three outstanding charities: • Sussex Beacon will use the funds to help educate schoolchildren about HIV and support their campaign to fight the stigma of the virus. • They are also helping Barnardo’s to combat child exploitation and aid support workers in protecting children from abuse and manipulation. • Finally, the team are supporting Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal to enrich and enhance the quality of life for children. The team is also looking for heroes to help get them to the start line. For just a £20 donation, any supporter can submit a selfie that will appear on the boat and travel across the ocean with them as an Atlantic Tempest Hero. Nick McCulloch said: “We’re incredibly excited and proud to be undertaking this challenge of a lifetime and to be sharing it live with everyone, but we need help. We need heroes to allow us to move onto funding these invaluable charities. Help us by donating and sending in a selfie to join us on the boat and keep us company on our gruelling journey.”
CHRIS MORGAN
) Gay Games Ambassador, Chris Morgan, has successfully defended his British Deadlift Championship titles. Chris was lifting in the British Single Event Championships, held in Stafford, England, and made lifts of 220 kilos followed by 250 kilos and then 260 kilos to win British titles in Masters 1 (40+), Open (all age groups) and also the Overall Best Lifter Award. Chris said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have won my fifth ‘best lifter’ title and to have won my seventeenth British Championship title. I’m now looking forward to representing England and Great Britain in my eleventh World Championship final". “The competition was the biggest ever organised in the history of the British Drug Free Powerlifting Association (BDFPA), with a total of 400 lifters. It’s wonderful to see the interest in drug free lifting growing
Out from Under a Rock runs at Brighton Rocks Bar, 6 Rock Place, Brighton, BN2 1PF, till June 8.
24 hours per week £15,039pa pro rata (£10,312)
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For details and application pack please see: www.mindout.org.uk or email: info@mindout.org.uk or send a large SAE to: MindOut, Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG Closing date: 5pm, Wednesday 22nd April 2015 Interviews held on: Tuesday 28th April 2015
The next Gay Games will take place in Paris, France from August 12 to 18, 2018. For more info, view: www.paris2018.com
tackled in this large collection of ink works. If you liked the designs Phil did for AussieBum you’re going to love this show.
ADMINISTRATOR
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Chris will next be lifting at the World Single Event Championships being held on June 12, 13 and 14 at Telford Innovation Campus (Telford) of Wolverhampton University. For more info, view: www.bdfpa.co.uk
OUT FROM UNDER A ROCK
To donate and view the different benefits of being an Atlantic Tempest Hero, view: www.igg.me/at/athero%20. You can also find them on Twitter and Facebook by searching for Atlantic Tempest.
Experienced, part time Administrator sought to join LGBTQ team to be responsible for office systems, data input, reception, social media, organising meetings and events, publicity and promotion. All posts subject to satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check.
Chris has been one of the UK’s leading openly gay athletes since starting his powerlifting career at the Gay Games in Amsterdam in 1998. During his 17-year career he has represented England and Great Britain a total of 23 times, taking a total of 25 international medals, and has been World Champion seven times, European Champion three times, British National Champion 17 times and has won six Gay Games gold medals.
CHRIS MORGAN
TOM PARKER (LEFT) & NICK MCCULLOCH (RIGHT)
A world first in ocean rowing, the team has partnered up with Marine Camera Solutions and will be broadcasting live online 24/7, allowing spectators and supporters to track every one of their one million strokes in HD quality during their 3,000-mile journey. This technology will give supporters the unique opportunity to follow Nick and Tom live with every push and pull as they burn over 20,000 calories a day during their gruelling three months at sea. Four built-in cameras, operated by the team back at the base, will provide stunning perspectives of the boat as well as infrared night vision and sound to capture every moment of the journey, transmitted via satellite technology.
each and every year within the BDFPA.”
) Phil Corbett’s Out from Under a Rock at first glance looks like a collection of possible cartoon video game characters. Phil comes from a background in kids’ TV and game design after all. But upon closer inspection, these cute images are riddled with really dark undertones. Bizarre living pastries, multi-headed birds and cats struggling with online dating are just some of the subjects
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Running If running (plus upper body exercises) is your thing then our running group invites you to start your weekend by working up a good sweat. Although they run around Preston Park with passion every Saturday morning, they don’t forget to replace all the calories they burn by eating sinful cakes afterwards. They certainly aim to make the sessions as sociable as possible and there won’t be anyone with a whip to make you run a marathon (you still can run if you want to).
Walking
BLAGSS SPORTS GROUPS Brighton Lesbian & Gay Sports Society goes from strength to strength ) Dating back to 1997, Brighton Lesbian & Gay Sports Society (BLAGSS) is one of the oldest and strongest LGBT sports groups in Brighton & Hove, Sussex and beyond. Proud to emphasise the social and friendly aspect of various sports activities, we have around 500 members and we welcome anyone to take part, regardless of sexual orientation, in any of our weekly sports sessions as long as you are open-minded and non-judgemental. Being competitive, very sporty or even fit is not and has never been a requirement to enjoy our activities. Our members are all different shapes, sizes, ages and abilities, and participate in sports as varied as badminton, cycling, darts, football, golf, horse riding, petanque boules, orienteering, rock climbing, running, squash, table tennis, tennis, ten-pin bowling and walking. We always welcome new ideas and help to start up new groups, and try our best to make the choices more varied and accessible. Membership is only £12 a year, plus venue fees for individual sessions.
Ten-Pin Bowling Winning our Annual BLAGSS Bowling Extravaganza trophy again this year, our bowling group is one of the friendliest groups in town. Meeting twice every month for a fun game and a gossip afterwards, the group focuses on the social and fun side of casual bowling. They, however, take competitions seriously when necessary. No experience is essential to join, and they’re ready to welcome and help beginners.
Golf Our golf group is another strong and friendly gang. They have a range of golfers from beginners to low handicappers, and they have
a burning desire to introduce golf to a wider LGBT crowd. They operate a handicap system, which enables those who are not members of a golf club to have a Society handicap and ensures fairness for our golf days and competitions.
Football Passionate about fighting against homophobia in football, our football group is definitely the one to try if you feel like kicking balls (pardon the pun!). They played against Sussex County FA in February 2015 to aid the Football v Homophobia initiative and have agreed to make this event an annual fixture. Playing every week in Kemptown, our football group is waiting for you to join forces with them. They’re keen to recruit more women as well.
Orienteering Fresh, energetic and very enthusiastic, our newest group says ‘hello!’ to everyone who is into navigation. Charting new terrains with maps and compasses, our orienteering group organises joint events with Southdowns Orienteers. BLAGSS also organises taster and introductory sessions to bring new people into orienteering.
Badminton Our social badminton group play mixed doubles games. Members who play badminton include relative beginners and those who play competitively, so we’re able to put together interesting games for most skill levels.
Tennis Tennis sessions at Hove Park courts on Wednesdays from 11am-1pm, and Sundays from 11am-1.30pm. More tennis is available with a BLAGSS singles league, and our two teams playing competitive doubles matches
Being one of our most attended groups, our walking group has evolved into letting different members organise and lead different walks each time. Long walks, short walks, circular walks, walking weekends, walking abroad… you name it. Whizzing around East and West Sussex, they might even be walking around where you live. Just like our running group, they prefer to reward themselves with a good pub lunch afterwards. Did we tell you that they are a social group?
Join Us! Are you still not convinced? Come and see for yourself. With around 700 different sporting and social meetings each year, BLAGSS is the area's largest not-for-profit organisation of its kind. Different social events such as Pub Quizzes, Ice Skating and Crazy Golf sessions are set up across the entire membership. Each of our sports groups organise their own individual socials as well. BLAGSS is a great way to meet new people, keep fit, and have fun. Included with your membership, you can get discounts at certain local retailers in Brighton & Hove. You just have to show your membership card.
Free 1-day membership offer We also offer a FREE 1-Day Membership (excluding session fees that might apply). All you have to do is pick a sports group, message the organiser on our website and turn up on the day. This offer is only valid once and for one group of your choice. BLAGSS also organises special events to raise money for LGBT charities in Brighton & Hove. Each year we are aligned with a charity, and all the money we collect is given to fund that charity’s services. Lunch Positive, Switchboard, MindOut and many others have been given donations. We’re certainly looking forward to meeting you.
info ) BLAGSS membership is only £12 a year, plus venue fees for individual sessions. You can follow our activities on social media: f facebook.com/blagss t @team_blagss t http://twitter.com/team_blagss
BLAGSS BOWLING TOURNAMENT ) Twenty-five LGBT community groups and businesses took part in the annual BLAGSS ten-pin bowling tournament at the Brighton Marina Bowlplex in February. The tournament is one of the highlights on the LGBT community calendar and one of the few events that brings LGBT community groups and businesses together each year. BLAGSS Bowling Team came out winners with 272 points, while BLAGSS Tennis Team came second with 251 points and the Camelford Arms came third with 249 points. Top scoring male bowler was Chris from the Camelford Arms Team and the top scoring female bowler was Lesley from the BLAGSS Bowling Team. The organisation BLAGSS are supporting in 2015 is Allsorts Youth Project and a bucket collection raised more than ÂŁ140 for them.
28 GSCENE
ISHIGAKI Your local friendly LGBTQ martial arts club ) Ishigaki is taken from the Japanese words meaning ‘stone’ and ‘wall’ and the club have been active with ju-jitsu classes in Brighton for over 15 years. Unlike some other martial arts, ju-jitsu uses self-defence and the word means ‘gentle art’. Learning this new skill will teach you how to defend yourself. You learn how to use opponents’ energy and aggression against themselves. Ju-jitsu teaches unarmed techniques useful in selfdefence, such as blocks, strikes, throws and kicks, all specifically targeted at an opponent’s more vulnerable areas.
GET YOUR FOOTBALL KIT ON! BLAGSS Football exists to bring the beautiful game to the south coast’s LGBT community.
The dojo (training space) is friendly, giving you the opportunity to train with like-minded people, have fun and make new friends. Ju-jitsu is accessible to all levels of fitness and all genders and the skills that you learn will help to increase your confidence and self-esteem, making it beneficial both physically and mentally.
) For some, memories of cold winters in ridiculous shorts, freezing toes, and being the last in the line to be picked may have put you off. Perhaps you enjoy the game but not some of the narrow-minded views. Whatever your background, BLAGSS are here for you! We hold football sessions on Thursday evenings from 6–8pm at Brighton College, right in the heart of Kemptown. Sessions are mixed for men and women, and divided by ability. Subs are £3, just turn up with your trainers. For the newbie, kicking a ball might seem pretty weird, but we’ll do everything we can to help you fall in love with the beautiful game! For the more current player, we have members of all abilities and regularly arrange competitive 5-aside through to 11-aside fixtures home and away. There is something for everyone! For more information, view: blagss.org/football
It's official: you can play football! ) Football is evolving, on the terraces and in the changing rooms. The LGBT community is part of it, and BLAGSS Football rep Elliot Toms explains how and why… Football is such a core part of the nation’s cultural life that it can contribute towards tackling the spectre of homophobia in the wider society. LGBT people can play a positive role in football, and conversely the positive role football can play in our community. Both can benefit immensely. LGBT footballing organisations in the UK date as far back as 1989. There is a national LGBT supporters group and league, Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN), and three regional leagues in London (LUL) the Midlands (MUL) and South West (SWGL). Internationally, there is a worldwide association (IGLFA) offering an annual championship, whilst other major LGBT sporting events include football tournaments such as the Gay Games, the Euro Games and the OUT Games. Gay and gay-friendly football clubs exist on every continent, and BLAGSS runs our own LGBT club here in Brighton. BLAGSS FOOTBALL DREW 0-0 WHEN THEY PLAYED SUSSEX COUNTY FA DURING FOOTBALL V HOMOPHOBIA MONTH EARLIER THIS YEAR
For those who want to, there is a system of coloured belts or ‘kyu’ grades. As your techniques improve, you have the opportunity to grade to the next level, opening up a new range of moves and giving you a better understanding of how ju-jitsu works. You can see your training through to culminate in a black belt or ‘dan’ grade. If you have a competitive leaning, there are opportunities to take part in competitions both nationally and internationally. This includes ground fighting, sparring, demonstration weapons and kata. This is an opportunity to show how great your skills are. Ishigaki members have been to Germany, France and the USA taking part in the Gay Games and Pink Power. People go to Ishigaki for several reasons: an interest in martial arts and self-defence; to increase confidence; to be in an environment that supports and understands them; to make new friends and for their high training standards and tuition. Coaches are fully qualified and insured. The success of ju-jitsu is due to the supportive and fun atmosphere in their classes and social gatherings which include regular visits to the pub after training. Evan was looking for a new experience when he chose to try to Ishigaki: “I picked the most ‘out of my comfort zone’ new experience and contacted the club for my free trial lesson. It was my first step into a martial arts club. I expected to find sporty people in their prime but I found a mix of ages, shapes and sizes. They had one thing in common; they made me feel welcome. At first I just went on Sundays and then when I was hooked, twice a week. Now I’m training for my black belt. I can only say that it’s due to the continued support of my senseis and training partners.” You don’t need any previous martial arts experience or have to be sporty. You train and learn at your own pace.
Over a quarter of a century later, dedicated gay supporters groups are also springing up at some top-flight clubs across the country, such as at Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham and Norwich. Brighton & Hove Albion’s own supporters group (BHASC) have been proactive in tackling homophobic abuse, particularly through the efforts of Sarah Watts who sadly passed away earlier this year. Portsmouth FC publicly supported this year’s Football vs Homophobia campaign, and Everton FC were at the forefront of the Stonewall Rainbow Laces initiative.
Ishigaki info There are two training sessions a week in Brighton: ) Fridays, 7–8.45pm, LA Fitness, Tower Point, North Road ) Sundays, 4–6pm, Kicks Martial Arts Centre, 185 Lewes Road It’s £8 per session (£4 concessions) and the first lesson is free ) For more info visit: www.ishigaki.org.uk ) or call Sandy: 07984 883772
GSCENE 29 Compact en-suites have traditional green tiles, brass fittings and simple showers. Take your breakfast in the charming red dining room or al fresco beneath the pergola on the terrace before taking your first dip of the day in the pool. In the evenings enjoy romantic candlelit dinners beneath the stars while relaxing with drinks from the outdoor honesty bar, or alternatively, head out to Sitges, just 10 minutes away for fine restaurants and buzzing nightlife.
Hotel Masia Sumidors HOTEL MASIA SUMIDORS
) Carretera de Vilafranca km 4.6 08810, Sant Pere de Ribes, Barcelona, Spain ) Tel: +34 938 96 20 61 ) www.sumidors.com ) Email: info@sumidors.com
FROM SITGES WITH LOVE! Relax in the mountains just 10 minutes from the town centre. Hotel Masia Sumidors are offering Gscene readers a 25% discount and a free bottle of Cava if they book directly via their website before May 31, using the code ‘GSCENE’.
SITGES
) Experience the fabulous views, swim in the sparkling pool and share candlelit dinners at the lovely old Catalan Masia just 10 minutes from Sitges and within easy reach of Barcelona and the international airport. Pine forests and vineyards stretch into the distance while birds soar overhead. Sitges and Barcelona are just a short drive from this lovely 400-year-old, nine-room Catalan Masia but the tranquility feels absolute.
Cosy, antique-filled bedrooms are spread across the main house and a couple of outbuildings; all have rustic stone floors, carved doors and beamed ceilings, while the largest suite has a luxurious four-poster and a private terrace all of its own.
) Sitges remains one of the premier worldwide destinations for a gay party crowd of all ages. It is well established on the international LGBT tourist circuit and just 20 minutes away from Barcelona by train which runs every 15 minutes from Sants railway station. Beautiful beaches, international restaurants and a huge choice of gay bars and clubs are the trademark of this party town on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Sitges is famous for its carnivals, parties and International Film Festival. ) For full details of the International Bears Meeting (April 30–May 5), Gay Pride Sitges (June 18–22), and a list of restaurants, bars and beaches, view www.gscene.com and check out the travel section.
It's in a blissfully remote spot, surrounded by the Garraf Natural Park and standing within a palm-filled Mediterranean garden with a pool and bar overlooking valleys while vineyards stretch out for as far as the eye can see. On arrival, sip a welcome glass of Cava and admire the sublime views. They are quite simply breathtaking.
HOTEL MASIA SUMIDORS
Hotel Masia Sumidors is a secret hideaway just outside Sitges giving you an escape from the party crowd that tend to take over the town centre. Relax by the pool during the day and in the evening take the 10 minute drive to Sitges where you can dine at fine restaurants, drink at gay bars and dance at gay clubs until the early hours of the morning.
REVENGE
CAMELFORD ARMS
ZONE
MARINE TAVERN
CAMELFORD ARMS
BAR REVENGE
BULLDOG
QUEENS ARMS
BULLDOG
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GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
MARINE TAVERN
DR BRIGHTONS
LEGENDS
DR BRIGHTONS
LEGENDS
DR BRIGHTONS
CHARLES STREET
LEGENDS
CHARLES STREET
LEGENDS
GSCENE 31
32 GSCENE visited and interviewed by the accessors it created a huge buzz in the community and whether they win an award or not the fact that they have been recognised for what they have achieved is wonderful in itself. In 2015, Bear-Patrol continues to move forward organising social and challenge events, gatherings, day trips, weekend breaks and fundraising opportunities for everyone to enjoy and they always welcome new members who are willing and enthusiastic about becoming part of a Community Social Network. There is no formal membership as such as everyone is welcome to join Bear-Patrol and people can join in with activities when and where they want to.
BEAR-PATROL A FUNDRAISING PHENOMENON! Danny Dwyer created Bear-Patrol in May 2008 and since then it’s raised a phenomenal amount of money for the Sussex Beacon and other good causes in Brighton & Hove.
As for their fundraising, the group raised a staggering £88,847.26 from January 2011 up to December 2014 and as they approach April, 2015, they are on target to raise £100,000, a magnificent achievement for a small community group which just shows what can be done when people work together in the interests of the wider LGBT/HIV communities to achieve something special and realise their dreams. Main fundraising events in 2014 included the Brighton Half Marathon, a sky dive, the Brighton Marathon and the Hibernation Luncheon at the Old Ship Hotel.
DANNY DWYER
utilising contacts and social skills. I chose the Sussex Beacon as our main beneficiary as they helped me immensely through my early diagnosis as well as helping many people that I know in the community who have subsequently joined the Bear-Patrol group to be a part of it all and bring light into their life.
) 2008 was not a good year for Danny. He was at an all time low, feeling isolated and not knowing where he was going or where he belonged. He had recently been diagnosed with HIV and like many newly diagnosed people, he lost his way for a while. Danny said: “Surely I couldn't be the only person feeling this way? I felt there was a lack of social networking and support between people in the LGBT community and something had to be done to improve this. I wanted to create a way of bringing everyone together, where there was no stigma regardless of identity, disability, sexual preference, colour, religion or HIV status." Bear-Patrol was born. At first the group was mainly social and as members started to join they clearly felt a sense of being a part of something special, attending events that BearPatrol organised and creating new friendships within the group and wider communities. Initially fundraising wasn’t the central focus of the group, in fact Bear-Patrol didn't start fundraising until December 2010. Danny said: “We began to realise that people could enjoy themselves and fundraise at the same time by pooling ideas together, creating events and
“I probably wouldn't be where I am today without the Sussex Beacon, which is why I’m so passionate about not only fundraising for them but also doing my best through the Bear-Patrol to keep awareness of their services fully in the community eye and accessible to people that would, could and do benefit from their support and services.” Over the years Bear-Patrol have organised many events for people to take part in, be a part of and enjoy, whether there is a fundraising element or not. Members take part in the Brighton Half Marathon, they organise an annual sky dive, there are challenge events such as their climb up Mount Snowdon, an annual Hibernation Luncheon, a Christmas party, day trips to various places of interest, quarterly meet and greets for members to develop their friendships, an annual camping trip, cabaret nights in local entertainment venues, various running events, Brighton Pride, bring and buy sales, the list goes on and on. In 2014 Bear Patrol received a nomination for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. To receive the nomination at all was a huge achievement in itself but when the group was
For their next big project, Bear-Patrol will be abseiling down the iconic Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth on Saturday, May 30 to raise funds for the Rainbow Fund who give grants to small LGBT/HIV organisations providing effective front line services to the LGBT/HIV communities in Brighton & Hove. There are still a few places left, for more information, view: facebook.com/events/1512052262351553/
Bear-Patrol info To join Bear-Patrol: f facebook.com/groups/bearpatroluk Follow Bear-Patrol's community page: f facebook.com/bearpatrolpage
34 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM A BAR + BAR BROADWAY
APRIL
LISTINGS
PETER OTTO'S BIRTHDAY AT A BAR
A-BAR
BAR BROADWAY
) 11-12 Marine Parade, BN2 1TL, 01273 696691, www.abarbrighton.co.uk ) OPEN Sun–Thur 12pm–12am, Fri & Sat 12pm–2am ) FOOD Mon–Sat 12–4pm; Sunday roast 12–5pm
) 10 Steine Street, BN10 8GA, Tel: 01273 609777, www.barbroadway.co.uk ) OPEN Sun-Thur 4pm-1am; Fri & Sat 4pm-3am
DJ NEIL MASEY
SANFRANDISCO on Sunday (5) with superstar DJs Mick Fuller, Affy Go Bang, Rob Richards and Neil Masey spinning an eggcellent set of tunes on two turntables from 5pm till late. This strictly old school vinyl session turns back the clock and celebrates those heady days and sweaty nights! No CDs, no laptops, no USBs... Just 100% vinyl! DJ Neil Masey said: “Largely speaking we’ll be playing soul and Affy usually plays the disco side of soul with a 1970s New York feel. If you’re serious about your soul and you want to listen and dance to authentic music, there's only one place to be!”
Information is correct at the time of going to press. Gscene cannot be held responsible for any changes or alterations to the listings
WEDNESDAY 1
l A-BAR Open mic: Maria Dunn 8.30pm l BAR BROADWAY Stephanie Starlet’s Name that Showtune Bingo 7.30pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm l BOUTIQUE BAR Jazz Boutique: Sebastian Ginaux 6.30pm l BULLDOG Diva Rush: DJ Marcia 10pm l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch 23.30pm l CHARLES STREET Drag With No Name
hosts the Quiz With No Name 9pm l LEGENDS BAR Lola & Dave’s Midweek Menopause 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Boudoir: trans* night 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Brighton’s Got Talent 9.30pm l SUBLINE Fag Machine: alt night 9pm
THURSDAY 2
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Chaos with Cozmo 9pm l BAR BROADWAY Open mic 9pm l BAR REVENGE Throwback Thur 9pm l BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant 11pm l CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Quiz 9pm l CHARLES ST Mad Cow’s Tea Party Easter Special: Ms Joan Bond, DJs Lee Jeffery, Ruby Roo + Easter egg hunt 9pm l MARINE TAVERN Throwback Thurs 8pm l PARIS HOUSE Live music: Fleur de Paris 8pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Don’t Miss Jason 9.30pm l REVENGE FOMO Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: DJs, oompa loompas, decor & a chocolate fountain 10.30pm l SUBLINE Leathered 9pm l ZONE End of Barrel Game 7pm
FRIDAY 3
l A-BAR Good Friday live entertainment: Sophie Causbrook 9.30pm
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Take a game of chance, an old television gameshow, and the effervescent hostess Stephanie Starlet, and you’ve got NAME THAT SHOW TUNE BINGO every Wednesday from 7.30pm. It’s free entry, free to play, and features multiple fantastic prizes, just get there early to take advantage of the Bar Broadway happy hour from 4–8pm. To play, grab yourself a bingo dabber (for the cards, not your face) and match your card to the showtunes playing on the gilded screen. There’s two cards to play at a time, and the winners of each round go through to the Name That Showtune finale, where they can win a bar tab if they can guess the tune is seven seconds or less.
STEPHANIE STARLET
) ONE FOR THE DIARY You’d be hopping mad to miss the BIG EASTER
All-round party girl Stephanie Starlet, hostess for the night, is associated with many club nights in Brighton and further a field. Having worked the doors greeting and selecting, hosting and performing, she compered nights for The Ministry of Sound, Miss Monneypennies, Brighton’s Zap, Honey Club, Audio, and, of course, Wild Fruit and its offspring nights, to name just a few. She has also regularly put on huge Brighton Gay Pride events, including Beach Parties with DJs, the Sharp Boys. DJing work led her to the club night Erotica Cha Cha at Charles Street and as a resident DJ at Revenge. After hosting the after party at the Brit Awards, Stephanie is keen to bring her sense of style and fun to Name that Showtune Bingo at Bar Broadway.
Stephanie says: “It's a great night out where the customers can sing along as they play along and win fantastic prizes, like bottles of vino and then go on to play the 'name that tune' play off and win even bigger prizes! It's totally free to play so come on down!” l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Good Friday Traffic Light Party with Sandra 9pm l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm l BAR REVENGE Clique warm-up: DJs 9pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Good Friday Fastforward: DJ Peter Castle 11pm l BEDFORD TAVERN Kamikaze karaoke 9pm l BOUTIQUE CLUB i-Candy: DJs 10pm l BULLDOG 111-Hour-Long Weekend: DJ Marcia’s Big Gay Disco 9pm; cabaret: Titti La Camp + DJ Grant 12am l CAMELFORD ARMS Good Friday Club 6pm l CHARLES ST Good Friday Fix: DJ Leeroy, hunky ‘bunny boys’ & Easter eggs 9pm l DR BRIGHTONS Funky Good Friday: DJ Nick Hirst 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 8pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: Lola Lasagne 9.30pm l REVENGE GOT pres Clique: all-girl DJs on level 2; Pop Tartz on level 1 10.30pm
l SUBLINE New Season Barcode Berlin 4pm; Crucify: DJ Srewpulous 10pm l ZONE Good Friday cabaret: Gilly Bee 9.30pm
SATURDAY 4
l A-BAR Sanfrandisco: DJ Mick Fuller 8.30pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Beach Party: DJ WaynsieRudeBoi 9pm l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm l BAR REVENGE Sweet Revenge warm-up: DJs 9pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Lee Harris 11pm l BOUTIQUE CLUB SE-XXY: DJs 10pm l BULLDOG 111-Hour-Long Weekend: DJ V John + karaoke 10pm; DJ Lil Alex 3am l CHARLES ST The 5th Drag Ball - The Debutant’s Ball: host Joan Bond, prizes & tunes 9pm l DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B 9.30pm
PICS FROM BEDFORD TAVERN
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 35
BEDFORD TAVERN ) 30 Western St, Hove, BN1 2PG, Tel: 01273 739495, www.bedford.com ) OPEN daily from 12pm ) FOOD Sunday lunch served 12.30pm ) ONE FOR THE DIARY Don’t miss the annual EASTER BONNET PARADE and
ADAM BROOKS
DRAG RACES, in partnership with the Grosvenor, in aid of the Sussex Beacon on Sunday (5). From 12pm, Western St between the Bedford and the Grosvenor will be closed and betting opened for the Drag Races. Bet on the Drag Queen you think will win and your bet will be transferred to the prize draw with prizes such as a 5* break in London with Taj Hotels. Everyone is encouraged to attend wearing an Easter Bonnet, so get crafting and join the parade at 1.30pm, which will again be judged by the Mayor of Brighton & Hove and his fabulous wife Nora, the Mayoress. The Drag Races kick off at 2.30pm with the Drag King Race, followed by heats of the Drag Queen Egg & Spoon Race. At 5pm it’s a good old knees-up with JB on the piano, followed by an Easter special of PIANO BINGO from 6pm. At 8pm it’s Spice and guests with an Easter edition of WEST END WENDIES; then it’s charity karaoke. Adam Brooks, the Bedford’s manager, says: “We’re unable to have the hog roast this year due to a whinging neighbour, however we do up to have an outside bar to help deal with the expected large attendance. This is a community event where everyone young or old can get involved - all you need is a bonnet! The day certainly doesn't take itself seriously but raises much needed money for the Sussex Beacon. Last year, despite the torrential rain, it was our busiest one yet, so imagine what it will be like if the predicted Easter heat wave strikes!” l GROSVENOR BAR Cabaret: Krissie DuCann 9.30pm l LEGENDS BAR pre-club DJs 7pm l MARINE TAVERN Marine Late: DJ Little Rob, 80s disco 1-3.30am l PARIS HOUSE Live jazz 4pm; TC’s Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: Myra Dubois 9.30pm
l REVENGE Sweet Revenge: DJs on level 1; R-Haus: DJs on level 2 10.30pm l SUBLINE Fag Machine Easter Parade: DJs Sam Culpeck & Oli Spleen 4pm; In the Man Cave: DJ Screwpulous 10pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Holophonic Sounds: DJ Bagpuss 5pm l ZONE Cabaret: Baga Chipz 9.30pm
BAR 7 CRAWLEY
SANDRA
) 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 ) ONE FOR THE DIARY Get yourself into gear at the TRAFFIC LIGHT PARTY shag tag with cabaret from Sandra, ‘the Whore of Hampstead Heath’, on Good Friday (3) from 9pm. Pay a fiver to get in, nab a sticker from the bar and hit cruise control! From 11pm catch all-round wild child Sandra belting out hit songs and make sure you join in as it’s a commonly known fact that the more responsive the audience the moister she becomes, so keep a damp cloth handy!
SUNDAYS
ROASTS from 12.30pm PIANO BINGO at 5pm
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FRIDAYS
KAMIKAZE KARAOKE from 9pm ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
SUNDAY 5th APRIL
ANNUAL EASTER BONNET PARADE & DRAG RACES
Street closed from noon, Easter Bonnet Parade at 1.30pm (all welcome to join) followed charity Drag Racing, Cabaret, Piano Bingo and Karaoke (Raising money for Sussex Beacon)
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
SUNDAY 12th APRIL
ADAM’S MARATHON MELTDOWN
Join the Bedford cheerleaders to encourage runners inc Landlord Adam followed by Marathon Meltdown + special PIANO BINGO
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
SATURDAY 25th APRIL WEST END WENDIES
SPICE recreates his favourite West End shows at 9.30pm
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 30 Western St, Brighton 01273 739495
36 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM BOUTIQUE + BULLDOG
APRIL
LISTINGS
BOUTIQUE
BULLDOG
) 2 Boyces St @ West St, BN1 1AN, Tel: 01273 327607,
) 31 St James's St, BN2 1RF, Tel: 01273 696996 www.bulldogbrighton.com ) OPEN Mon–Wed 11–2am; Thur 11–3am; Fri 11–7am; Sat 11–8am; Sun 11–3am. Open for 111-hours non-stop over Easter Weekend from 11am on Fri (3)–7am on Mon (6).
www.boutiqueclubbrighton.com ) OPEN daily from 5pm–late Sun–Thur; from 4pm–late Fri & Sat
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Hidden between West St and Middle St, once you've
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Lucinda Lashes, one of the south coast’s most outrageous drag acts, is appearing in the Bulldog’s CABARET bar upstairs with DJ Marcia on Friday (17) at midnight. Expect the unexpected as the ‘un-PC’ Lucinda sings a bit of everything, including show tunes mixed with a bit of pop, in her ‘unique feminine way’, tells jokes and most of all encourages everyone to have a bloody good time! Lucinda, who fell into drag after taking part in a cabaret contest, is just one of the acts performing upstairs in the Bulldog’s spacious cabaret bar, which hosts topflight cabaret every Friday at midnight. Every drink is £1.99 from 9–11pm so get there early to nab a comfy seat and your favourite tipple! Following the glittering show, head downstairs to hear some cracking tunes from resident DJ Grant, who’ll get you on your feet dancing till 7am.
If you’re feeling run-down by Wednesday then JAZZ BOUTIQUE will lift you up, recreating Ronnie Scott’s in Brighton, with table seating, food at the table and top live music from 6.30pm. On Wednesday (1) catch Sebastian Ginaux, regarded as one of the most exciting gypsy jazz guitar players in the world, for a rare, one off performance. He’ll be joined by Parisian rhythm player Mathieu Chatelain and George Trebar on bass. Standing tickets are £14.50, seated tickets are £25/£20. To book call 07583 028 735 or email: becky@boutiqueclubbrighton. Alistair, Boutique’s owner, said: “The younger crowd don’t feel the need to go to a ‘gay’ (only) venue anymore, which is where Boutique comes in. It gives them and people of all ages an alternative and it seems they like the place and the welcome they receive. The i-Candy and SE-XXY club nights are becoming increasingly ‘poly-sexual’ with an older age profile range.“
SUNDAY 5
2.30pm; pianist JP 5pm; piano bingo 6pm; cabaret: Spice & guests + West End l A-BAR Big Easter Sanfrandisco: DJs Wendies & karaoke 8pm Mick Fuller, Affy Go Bang, Rob Richards & l BULLDOG 111-Hour-Long Weekend: Neil Masey 5pm; Sunday roasts 12-5pm Easter Cabaret: Dave Lynn & Maisie Trollette l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Karaoke Final 9pm 5pm; DJ Grant 10pm l BAR BROADWAY Easter Sunday: live l CAMELFORD ARMS Easter Sunday piano with Mark Russell 5pm; Fireplace Bear Bash, Free Food & Raffle 5pm; roasts Sessions: Paul Chirnside 6.30pm; Gio & select menu 12pm–till gone Rotunno 7.30pm; Said the Ghost 9.30pm l CHARLES ST Easter Sunday cabaret: l BAR REVENGE Sunday Funday: Micklos Drag With No Name 7.30pm; roasts hosts giant board games & karaoke 8pm 12–7pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Easter l DR BRIGHTONS Easter Sun Reflex: DJ Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm Adam Rice, 80s night 8pm l BEDFORD TAVERN Annual Easter l GROSVENOR BAR Annual Easter Bonnet Bonnet Parade & Drag Races in aid of Parade & Drag Races in aid of Sussex Sussex Beacon with outdoor bar: Easter Beacon 12pm bonnet parade 1.30pm; charity drag races l LEGENDS BAR Easter Sunday Cabaret:
LUCINDA LASHES
SEBASTIAN GINAUX
found Boutique Club, Brighton you will have discovered one of the city’s most exclusive clubs with one of the best party atmospheres in town. The opulent and fashionable nightclub is seeing more and more LGBT people of all ages go through its doors and it’s no surprise with such a fantastic line-up and great drink specials all day, every day, including 2-4-1 cocktails, five Jaeger Bombs £5 and four shots £10. Boutique morphs from a very smart Bar concept with candles on tables into a late night club with great drink deals every Fri from 10pm with i-CANDY, the place to be if you want treat after treat, great tunes and sweet deals, and every Saturday from 10pm with SE-XXY, a night with top DJs spinning stellar tunes and offering all the essential ingredients to make one unforgettable night; something unique with personal touches of luxury and elegance.
Lucinda says: “I love the Bulldog as it's a late venue with great staff and there’s always a good turn out. My songs are very eclectic and my vocal range makes people wonder if it’s actually me singing! They think I mime, which I don’t. “I enjoy chatting with the audience and like the odd vodka and diet coke now and again (hint hint!). “Drag queens should be very bright, colourful and flamboyant. Some of my dresses are expensive but one of my favourites cost 50p from a charity shop in Shirley. “I take the mickey out of people, tell stories about myself which are mostly true but camped up a bit and sing. It’s all as it comes out of my mouth. I’ve never worked off a script. It’s all adrenalin pushing it out. It’s a big buzz, scary but nice.”
Martha D’Arthur 3.30pm; roasts 12–3pm l MARINE TAVERN Big Afternoon Session 3pm; roasts 12-7pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Double Cabaret: Topsie Redfurn 6pm & 9.30pm l REVENGE FOMO Bank Holiday Special 11pm l SUBLINE Resurrection (aka Zombie Jesus) 9pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS The Jazz Roast 3pm; Sunday roasts 1-6pm l ZONE Easter Sunday karaoke 7.30pm
MONDAY 6
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm l BAR BROADWAY Easter Monday Showbiz Quiz 6.30pm; On the Spot Live Music: host Chris Marsh 9pm l BULLDOG 111-Hour-Long Weekend: DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm l CHARLES STREET Bank Holiday cabaret: La Voix 7.30pm; Sally Vate’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8.30pm; Studio 150 10pm
l LEGENDS BAR Easter Monday cabaret: JLO (Miss Jason & Lola Lasagne) 3.30pm; Miss Jason’s Easter Monday Madness 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Mon Madness 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: Dave Lynn 6pm
TUESDAY 7
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Trollied-Dollies Airport Night: DJ Lewis Osborne 8pm l BAR BROADWAY Voice of Broadway 8pm l BAR REVENGE RuPaul’s Drag Race Screening with Lydia L’Scabies 8pm; Wheel of Fortune Karaoke with Liz 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Davina Sparkle’s Big Quiz 9.30pm l REVENGE Dropout: DJ Trick 11pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Open mic 8pm
PICS FROM CAMELFORD ARMS + CHARLES STREET
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 37
APRIL
LISTINGS
CAMELFORD ARMS
CHARLES STREET BAR
) 30-31 Camelford St, BN2 1TQ, Tel: 01273 622386, www.camelfordarms.com ) OPEN daily from 12pm ) FOOD Mon–Fri 12–3pm & 6–9pm; Sat 12–9pm; Sunday roast & select menu
) 8 Marine Parade, BN2 1TA, Tel: 01273 624091, www.charles-street.com ) OPEN daily from 12pm ) FOOD Mon–Sat 12–8pm; Sunday roasts served 12–7pm, £6.95.
12pm–till gone; seniors' lunch Wed 2–3.30pm
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Powder your wig and sharpen those heels for the fifth ANNUAL DRAG BALL, which this year is entitled the Debutants’ Ball, on Saturday (4) from 9pm with Joan Bond hosting drag debauchery, glittery giveaways and beautiful trophies for those who dare to drag! Throw your weaves to the wind, and join wigilicious boys in heels or girls manning it up in beards, boots and bulges! Will it be tantrums and tiaras or lipsticks at dawn? Will you be Dragzilla or the Belle of the Ball? To get the party started it’s happy hour from 5–9pm and a DJ playing all the hits!
perfection for those with a real appetite, served in comfortable ‘pub’ surroundings. Start off with delicious homemade soup with crusty roll & butter (£4.90) or graze with a mate (eat for two!) with Sharing Platters (meat/cheese/both: 2 items £6.90/4 items £11.90), which come with crusty local bread, olives and peppers. Or why not get stuck into a plate of Nachos ‘covered in all the usual messy stuff’ (small £6.80/ large £8.80). The Camelford is renowned for its man-sized portions so leave space for your main meal: a succulent 8-ounce Steak Baguette & Chips (£13.50), hearty homemade Sussex Stew of chunky meat & veg with garlic bread or creamy mash (£10.90), or see in spring with a refreshing Chicken, Bacon & Avocado Salad (£10.40). If it’s a classic you’re after the Camelford Classics menu with meals for £9.90 everyday, includes a free drink Mon–Wed. Chow down on a gourmet burger (prime beef, chicken or veggie) served with chips, salad and onion marmalade, indulge in a hearty homemade pie (tender Venison and red wine (+£1.70) highly recommended!) served with chips or mash, peas or beans and lashings of thick gravy, or add some spice to your life at Curry Corner with traditional Chicken Tikka Masala, Beef Madras, Red Thai Prawn or Veggie served with garlic & coriander naan bread, rice and chutney. Any weekend isn’t complete without a Sunday lunch so make sure you book a table to munch your way through one of the Camelford’s award-winning roasts served with all the trimmings: roasties, seasonal and roasted veg, Yorkshire pud and gallons of yummy gravy. Roasts include: sirloin or rib of beef, lamb, pork, chicken, gammon or vegetarian nut roast. Many items off the regular menu are also served on Sunday so you won’t be without choice and if you’re feeling sinful then take a peak at the boards to finish off your meal with a moreish pudding! Whatever you choose, you will not be going home hungry!
WEDNESDAY 8
l A-BAR Open mic: Maria Dunn 8.30pm l BAR BROADWAY Stephanie Starlet’s Name that Showtune Bingo 7.30pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm l BOUTIQUE BAR Jazz Boutique 6.30pm l BULLDOG Diva Rush: DJ Marcia 10pm l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch 23.30pm l CHARLES STREET Drag With No Name hosts the Quiz With No Name 9pm l LEGENDS BAR Lola & Dave’s Midweek Menopause 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Boudoir: trans* night 9pm
MS JOAN BOND
MARK BANKS, DANIEL ILISKOVIC & WOJCIECH PRZYDALSKI
) ONE FOR THE DIARY The Camelford offers unpretentious food cooked to
Ms Joan Bond, the Hostess with the Mostess, says: “I can't believe it's been five years! The first Drag Ball was for a bit of fun, an excuse for everyone to dress up and let their hair down, or up! And it just grew from there - the night not the hair, haha! “This year it’s a Debutants’ Ball, so there’ll be lots of hooped skirts and of course more bling than you can find at Tiffany's. Also, rumour has it that the 'Queen' herself will be presiding over the events of the night. In the past we've had the Queen, Marie Antoinette, and Lady BinLady who always has a couture frock made out of bin liners. We also had a girl who shaved her own hair to glue on her face for a beard very clever! It doesn't matter what you wear as long as it's high camp and you enjoy yourself! Our staff members always dress up for the occasion, and even our general manager Chris dresses up. He looks so good in drag I might be out of a job! “It doesn't have to be expensive. Pop into a charity shop and snap up some real good bargains, while helping out a good cause. You never know you may just leave with more than you came with!“
l QUEEN’S ARMS Brighton’s Got Talent 9.30pm l SUBLINE Fag Machine: alt night 9pm
l MARINE TAVERN Throwback Thurs 8pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Don’t Miss Jason 9.30pm l REVENGE FOMO: DJs 10.30pm l SUBLINE Leathered 9pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Let’s Get Quizzy: £150 jackpot 7.30pm l ZONE End of Barrel Game 7pm
THURSDAY 9
FRIDAY 10
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Chaos with Cozmo 9pm l BAR BROADWAY Open mic 9pm l BAR REVENGE Throwback Thur 9pm l BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant 11pm 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 A-BAR Live entertainment: Peter Davies 9.30pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJs 10pm l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm l BAR REVENGE Anthem warm-up: DJs 9pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fastforward: DJ Peter Castle 11pm l BEDFORD TAVERN Kamikaze karaoke 9pm l BOUTIQUE CLUB i-Candy: DJs 10pm
l BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Big Gay Disco 10pm; cabaret: Cassidy Connors + DJ Grant 12am l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm l CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm l DR BRIGHTONS Funky Fri: DJ Nick Hirst 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 8pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: Cookie Monster 9.30pm l REVENGE Anthem: DJs Lee Jeffery & Sammy G on level 2; Pop Tartz on level 1 10.30pm l SUBLINE Steam 9pm l ZONE live music: Collusion 9.30pm
SATURDAY 11
l A-BAR Sanfrandisco: DJ Mick Fuller 8.30pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJs 10pm
38 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM DOCTOR BRIGHTONS + GROSVENOR
APRIL
DOCTOR BRIGHTONS
GROSVENOR
) 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
) 16 Western St, Hove, BN1 2PG, www.thegrosvenorbar.com ) OPEN daily from noon–late
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Step back in time and dance yourself dizzy at the EASTER SUNDAY REFLEX on Sunday (5) with DJ Adam Rice spinning the best 1970s and 1980s tunes designed to get those hands in the air from 8.30pm! Make sure you join the conga all the way to the bar where it’s happy hour till close and cocktails are BOGOF till 9pm.
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Miss Pooh La May, the glamorous sex kitten from with ‘the voice of an angel’, will be taking to the Grosvenor stage on Sat (11) from 9.30pm.
Adam says: “The night is a total 'guilty pleasures'; it's not cool, it's fun; it's tongue in cheek, it's what the 1980s were... Expect classics from Donna Summer, Footloose, Kylie, Queen, ABBA, Grease and Dirty Dancing to name a few. There's also plenty of one-hit wonders - some that I’m sure people would rather forget! It’s all about fun, laughter & having a good time... And I only play songs from the 1970s & 1980s despite being told I need to get with the times!” l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm l BAR REVENGE Sweet Revenge warm-up 9pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm l BOUTIQUE CLUB SE-XXY: DJs 10pm l BULLDOG DJ V John + karaoke 10pm; DJ Lil Alex 3am l CHARLES ST The Boys In The Bar: DJs Lil Alex, Grant Knowles, Leeroy 9pm l DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B 9pm l GROSVENOR BAR Cabaret: Pooh La May 9.30pm l LEGENDS BAR pre-club DJs 7pm l MARINE TAVERN 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 on level 1; RHaus: DJs on level 2 10.30pm l SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Holophonic Sounds: DJ Bagpuss 5pm l ZONE Cabaret: Sally Vate 9.30pm
SUNDAY 12
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm; Sunday roasts 12-5pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Karaoke 7.30pm
POOH LA MAY
ADAM RICE
LISTINGS
Pooh La May, who was created by the Grosvenor’s manager Collin Day while working as a door whore at Revenge, says: “Expect glamour, fun, flamboyance and a little, or maybe a lot, of campness. I have the voice of an angel, and expect lots of audience participation! “I’ll be singing show tunes and a bit of swing, again with audience participation. Also my look has changed after 15 years of wearing a black wig, I’m now blonde with dark roots! “It’s my first time performing at the Grosvenor since becoming manager, but we have a fab mix of clientele and I’m really looking forward to it!”
l BAR BROADWAY Live piano: Mark Russell 5pm; Fireplace Sessions: Sophie Causbrook 7.30pm l BAR REVENGE Sunday Funday: Micklos hosts giant board games & karaoke 8pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm l BEDFORD TAVERN Adam’s Marathon Meltdown 10.30am; roasts from 12.30pm; Piano Bingo 5pm l BULLDOG DJ Grant 10pm l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash, Free Food & Raffle 5pm; roasts & select menu 12pm–till gone l CHARLES ST Cabaret: Martha D’Arthur 7.30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate 8.30pm: roasts 12–7pm
l LEGENDS BAR Cabaret: Lucinda Lashes 3.30pm; roasts 12–3pm l MARINE TAVERN Big Afternoon Session 3pm; roasts 12-7pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Double Cabaret: Davina Sparkle 6pm & 9.30pm l SUBLINE Guilty Pleasures: DJ Screwpulous 9pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Jazz Roast 3pm; Sunday roasts 1-6pm l ZONE Cabaret: Stone & Street 6pm
MONDAY 13
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm l BAR BROADWAY Just After Work Showbiz Quiz 6.30pm; On the Spot Live Music: host Chris Marsh 9pm
40 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM LEGENDS BAR & BASEMENT CLUB
APRIL
LISTINGS
LEGENDS BAR
LEGENDS BASEMENT CLUB
) 31-34 Marine Parade, BN2 1TR Tel: 01273 624462, www.legendsbrighton.com ) OPEN daily from 11–5am
) 31-34 Marine Parade, BN2 1TR Tel: 01273 624462, www.legendsbrighton.com ) OPEN Wed & Fri–Sun from 11pm. Free entry to the club every day
) FOOD Mon–Sat 12–5pm; Sunday lunch served 12–3pm
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Take to the dancefloor at ICE every Wednesday with DJ
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Don’t miss J-LO, the brainchild of two of the UK’s top
Claire Fuller melting the dancefloor with chart, house and r&b tunes until the early hours. Brighton-based DJ Claire is very approachable and has over 19 years of experience behind the decks playing most genres of music, although her main love is commercial dance/chart remixes and mash ups. Claire really knows how to read a crowd and get that ‘hands in the air’ party vibe going. She has performed to over 30,000 people at Brighton Pride in 2012/2013/2014, and even won a coveted Golden Handbag Award for Best Brighton DJ!
Jason says: “The name (J’LO) was Lola's idea; she's the clever one you know, it means Jason and Lola. However, I can't stand Jennifer Lopez, she gets on my tits dear, but as I said it was Lola's idea and over the years I’ve found it best not to argue with my sister so I put my feelings about Miss Lopez to one side. Working with Lola is fun! I enjoy her wit and she also has the same wicked streak that I do. She is slightly more politically correct than me so I try to make her say naughty things. It works some times and she gets really cross with herself, which makes me giggle. What do I bring that Lola doesn’t? GLAMOUR! The more raucous the crowd the more I like it! I’ll leave the crowd control to her as she was a cattle herder when she was a girl! Come along and see what happens, we’re both strong girls and like to get our own way. It's a battle of wills all the time with us. Tell me dear, which one of us would you put your money on?” Lola says: “It's a joy working with Jason, but if she brings the glamour to the duo, I bring the rose-coloured glasses she obviously wears when looking at her reflection! We tend to go on stage and 'wing it' - we know what we're starting with and then we see what happens. The first time we worked Legends together Reece said it was like an hour long LSD trip, but a very entertaining one! Given our tastes in music and comedy, I find Jason very easy to follow and vice versa. We know when one of us is going to tell a gag and are prepared to follow it up if we can. Legends is always a joy to work and has been part of our lives for many years. The audience are a very knowledgeable crowd and always ready to be entertained. We're known as J-LO as, like the singer, I'm sexy and Jason has a big arse!” l BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm l CHARLES STREET Studio 150 10pm l LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason’s Monday Madness 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Mon Madness 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Davina Sparkle’s Big Quiz 9.30pm l REVENGE Drop Out: DJ Trick 11pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Open mic 8pm
TUESDAY 14
WEDNESDAY 15
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Trollied-Dollies Airport Night: DJ Lewis Osborne 8pm l BAR BROADWAY Voice of Broadway 8pm l BAR REVENGE RuPaul’s Drag Race Screening with Lydia L’Scabies 8pm; Wheel of Fortune Karaoke with Liz 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm
l A-BAR Open mic: Maria Dunn 8.30pm l BAR BROADWAY Stephanie Starlet’s Name that Showtune Bingo 7.30pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm l BOUTIQUE BAR Jazz Boutique 6.30pm l BULLDOG Diva Rush: DJ Marcia 10pm l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch 23.30pm
CLAIRE FULLER
LOLA & MISS JASON - J-LO
drag queens, Lola Lasagne and Miss Jason, shaking up the scene at a special cabaret session on Easter Monday (6) from 3.30pm. Make the most of your final day of freedom and push tomorrow’s work to one side with the resurrection of the gruesome twosome who’ll be tearing the house down with songs, witty banter and a fair few surprises to ensure your Easter weekend goes out with a bang!
Come and let Claire melt those mid-week blues away and don’t forget to warm your cockles with some of the best drink deals on the scene, including selected shots £1.50, Becks bottles £2 and house spirit & mixer £2.
l CHARLES STREET Drag With No Name hosts the Quiz With No Name 9pm l LEGENDS BAR Lola & Dave’s Midweek Menopause 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Boudoir: trans* night 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Brighton’s Got Talent 9.30pm l SUBLINE Fag Machine: alt night 9pm
THURSDAY 16
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Chaos with Cozmo 9pm l BAR BROADWAY Open mic 9pm l BAR REVENGE Throwback Thur 9pm l BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant 11pm 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 l QUEEN’S ARMS Don’t Miss Jason 9.30pm l REVENGE FOMO: DJs 10.30pm l SUBLINE Leathered 9pm l ZONE End of Barrel Game 7pm
FRIDAY 17
l A-BAR Gio’s Soul Sessions 9.30pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJs 10pm l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm l BAR REVENGE Doggy Style warm-up: DJs 9pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Fastforward: DJ Peter Castle 11pm l BEDFORD TAVERN Kamikaze karaoke 9pm l BOUTIQUE CLUB i-Candy: DJs 10pm l BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Big Gay Disco 10pm; cabaret: Lucinda Lashes + DJ Grant 12am l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm l CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm l DR BRIGHTONS Funky Fri: DJ Nick Hirst 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Jukebox Disco 8pm l REVENGE Doggy Style on level 2 with DJ Fifi & friends; Pop Tartz on level 1 10.30pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: Son of a Tutu 9.30pm l SUBLINE Steam 9pm l ZONE Cabaret: Miss Jason 10pm
SATURDAY 18
l A-BAR Sanfrandisco: DJ Mick Fuller 8.30pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJs 10pm l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm l BAR REVENGE Sweet Revenge warm-up 9pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm l BOUTIQUE CLUB SE-XXY: DJs 10pm l BULLDOG DJ V John + karaoke 10pm; DJ Lil Alex 3am l CHARLES ST The Boys In The Bar: DJs Lil Alex, Grant Knowles, Leeroy 9pm l DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B 9.30pm
PICS FROM MARINE TAVERN + QUEENS ARMS
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 41
APRIL
LISTINGS
MARINE TAVERN
QUEENS ARMS
) 13 Broad St, BN2 1TJ, Tel: 01273 905578, www.marinetavern.co.uk ) OPEN daily from 12pm–1am. Open till 3.30am on Sat (4).
) 7 George St, BN2 1RH, Tel: 01273 696873, www.thequeensarms.wix.com/thequeensarms ) OPEN 4pm Tue–Fri; 2pm Sat & Sun
) FOOD Mon–Sat from 12-9pm; Sunday roasts served 12–7pm
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Become Brighton's next Gay Icon at BRIGHTON’S GOT TALENT every Wednesday from 9.30pm, where you can win the chance to perform at this year’s Brighton Pride in the Cabaret Tent on Preston Park and the St James’s Street Party Cabaret Stage, set to take place Sat (1) and Sun (2) August. Show the world how thrilling, diverse and original LGBT Brighton talent is by dancing, singing, or dragging your way onto the Brighton Pride stage. Whether you’re from the mainstream or totally ‘off the wall’, the QA want you! If you’re not much of a performer then you, as the audience, will decide who gets to take to the Brighton Pride stage. Heats will take place every Wednesday before the winner is crowned at the grand final, (date to be announced). The QA’s discerning audience (and some of Brighton’s most familiar faces) will decide your fate so make sure you polish your act for this once in a lifetime opportunity. To showcase your act, head over to the QA’s Facebook page to download an application form or pop in and pick up a form from the bar.
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Step back in time to the 1980s on Saturday (4) for the
Landlord Lee Cockshott says: “I wanted to do something different with great music, disco lights, smoke and dark zones. It’s kind of ‘cruisey’ and has proved very popular. We’re putting the fun back into drinking!” l GROSVENOR BAR Cabaret: Sally Vate 9.30pm l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJs 7pm l MARINE TAVERN Disco 8pm l PARIS HOUSE Live jazz 4pm; TC’s Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: Martha D’Arthur 9.30pm l REVENGE Sweet Revenge on level 1; RHaus: DJs on level 2 10.30pm l SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Holophonic Sounds: DJ Bagpuss 5pm l ZONE Cabaret: Kara Van Park 9.30pm
SUNDAY 19
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm; Sunday roasts 12-5pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Karaoke 7.30pm l BAR BROADWAY Live piano: Mark Russell 5pm; Fireplace Sessions: Tony Tyler 7.30pm
l BAR REVENGE Sunday Funday: Micklos hosts giant board games & karaoke 8pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm l BEDFORD TAVERN roasts from 12.30pm; Piano Bingo 5pm l BULLDOG DJ Grant 10pm l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash, Free Food & Raffle 5pm; roasts & select menu 12pm–till gone l CHARLES ST Cabaret: Mitzi Macintosh 7.30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate 8.30pm: roasts 12–7pm l LEGENDS BAR Cabaret: La Voix 3.30pm; roasts 12–3pm l MARINE TAVERN Big Afternoon Session 3pm; roasts 12-7pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Double Cabaret: Dave Lynn 6pm & 9.30pm l SUBLINE Guilty Pleasures: DJ Screwpulous 9pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS The Jazz Roast 3pm; Sunday roasts 1-6pm l ZONE Cabaret: Jason Lee 6pm
PARIS HOUSE ) 21 Western Rd, BN3 1AF, Tel: 01273 724195, www.parishousebrighton.com ) OPEN daily from 12pm ) FOOD daily from 12pm–close. ) ONE FOR THE DIARY Thur (2) live chanson & swing 8pm with Fleur de Paris. ) REGULARS Sat free live jazz at 4pm; TC's Joyful Noise with DJ Kenny at 9pm
CAPTAIN BAZ
LEE COCKSHOTT
men-only party MARINE LATE from 1am, with an extended licence till 3.30am. Every first Saturday of the month knock on the Marine Tavern’s door at 1am to enter a night that recreates the long-forgotten ambience of a typical 1980s gay bar, in the 21st century, in the heart of the gay village! DJ Little Rob guarantees to set the dancefloor alight with a poptastic mix of tunes and his cheerful personality, spinning the best of the 1980s from the Pet Shop Boys to Kate Bush and a smattering of HiNRG. To really push the 1980s theme mobile phones are banned and drink promos include 3 shots for £5 and house doubles for £4 and there’s free entry all night!
Since the QA’s refurbishment, it has repositioned itself as a destination venue for LGBT tourists to visit and more importantly as a comfortable option for local people to see the best of local and national cabaret. Barry, the QA’s manager, says: “The competition is open for anyone and everyone, young and old (although 18+), male or female. It can be any talent - singing, poetry, dancing or magic! People have many different talents and that is what the competition is about. The prize will be to perform over the Brighton Pride weekend in the cabaret tent in the park and the street party cabaret stage. If you feel you have a talent and want to show it off then this is for you!”
MONDAY 20
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm l BAR BROADWAY Just After Work Showbiz Quiz 6.30pm; On the Spot Live Music: host Chris Marsh 9pm l BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm l CHARLES STREET Studio 150 10pm l LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason’s Monday Madness 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Mon Madness 9pm
TUESDAY 21
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Trollied-Dollies Airport Night: DJ Lewis Osborne 8pm l BAR BROADWAY Voice of Broadway Semi-Final 8pm l BAR REVENGE RuPaul’s Drag Race Screening with Lydia L’Scabies 8pm; Wheel of Fortune Karaoke with Liz 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm
l QUEEN’S ARMS Davina Sparkle’s Big Quiz 9.30pm l REVENGE Drop Out: DJ Trick 11pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Open mic 8pm
WEDNESDAY 22
l A-BAR Open mic: Maria Dunn 8.30pm l BAR BROADWAY Stephanie Starlet’s Name that Showtune Bingo 7.30pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm l BOUTIQUE BAR Jazz Boutique 6.30pm l BULLDOG Diva Rush: DJ Marcia 10pm l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch 23.30pm l CHARLES STREET Drag With No Name hosts the Quiz With No Name 9pm l LEGENDS BAR Lola & Dave’s Midweek Menopause 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Boudoir: trans* night 9pm
42 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM BAR REVENGE + REVENGE
APRIL
BAR REVENGE
REVENGE
) 32-34 Old Steine, BN1 1EL Tel: 01273 606064, www.revenge.co.uk ) OPEN Sun-Wed 12pm-1am; Thur 12pm-2am; Fri & Sat 12pm-6am
) 32-34 Old Steine, BN1 1EL, Tel: 01273 606064, www.revenge.co.uk ) OPEN Tue from 11pm, Thur, Fri & Sat from 10.30pm. Open Sun (5) from 11pm
) FOOD hotdogs served all day & night on Sunday
for Easter Bank Holiday FOMO
) ONE FOR THE DIARY After a greatly anticipated million years, RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE is back and this time on the giant projector screen upstairs at Bar Revenge every Tuesday at 8pm with the ‘Parasite Princess’ herself, Lydia L’Scabies. Each week will bring new open discussion after each episode, picking apart each of our loved and loathed queens of the season. Who knows, if you love them enough you may even see them at the Powder Room in Club Revenge!
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Don’t suffer from the ‘Fear of Missing Out’ at FOMO every Thursday from 11pm with a refreshed DJ line-up, themed nights, £1 drinks promos, massive giveaways and free entry on the Facebook guest list. FOMO features the UK’s finest DJs to ensure the soundtrack of the night delivers on its promise of “big beats, bad ass basslines and mashed up bangers”.
Lydia says: “It's really chilled and we proposed the idea because it was popular in other towns. People are there for the unity, as well as the discussion! There's popcorn and 2-4-1 drinks at the bar so by the end of all the dramatics it's a good set up for the rest of your night! Presently, the one to watch is Max, whose look is really well referenced! I clocked her Ebaying her old outfits and thought ‘what a clever bitch’. There’ll be lots of observation-based gossip on the night, and people are invited to talk through/at/with me about five highlights of that episode, Not only that but occasionally I'll let slip about something (AAA Girls at the Powder Room) and the like, oops! We welcome all, from the fabulously dressed to the pyjama'd and over the weeks we have a few special things in mind in the approach of the season!” l QUEEN’S ARMS Brighton’s Got Talent 9.30pm l SUBLINE Fag Machine: alt night 9pm
THURSDAY 23
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Chaos with Cozmo 9pm l BAR BROADWAY Open mic 9pm l BAR REVENGE Throwback Thur 9pm
l BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant 11pm 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 l QUEEN’S ARMS Don’t Miss Jason 9.30pm l REVENGE FOMO: DJs 10.30pm
DJ MISSY B
LYDIA L’SCABIES
LISTINGS
DJ Missy B, who has headlined girls’ nights in every major city and continues to set dancefloors on fire with her highenergy style, says: “Expect great music first and foremost we’ve worked hard to get the tunes spot on across both floors, with a great mix of pop, r&b, drum & bass, pop/punk, house and quirky classics thrown in to keep you on yourr toes! Keep an eye out for our theme nights - so far we’ve done a huge funfair, Wild West, Fifty Shades of Gay, and the now infamous chav night! The crowd is a mixed, diverse bunch - they’re super friendly and there to have a great time! There are lots of sexy guys and girls; it’s a visual treat! The clue is in the name and you’re really missing out by not coming. There’s a real party vibe, people go crazy and are pretty wild, whilst still keeping just enough dignity to wake up with the next morning!”
l SUBLINE Leathered 9pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Let’s Get Quizzy: £150 jackpot 7.30pm l ZONE End of Barrel Game 7pm
FRIDAY 24
l A-BAR live music: Paul Diello 9.30pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJs 10pm l BAR BROADWAY Jukebox 4pm l BAR REVENGE Fat Lip warm-up 9pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fastforward: DJ Peter Castle 11pm l BEDFORD TAVERN Kamikaze karaoke 9pm l BOUTIQUE CLUB i-Candy: DJs 10pm l BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Big Gay Disco 10pm; cabaret: Topsie Redfern + DJ Grant 12am l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm l CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm l DR BRIGHTONS Funky Fri: DJ Nick Hirst 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Pre-Scrum drinks 8pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: Baga Chipz 9.30pm l REVENGE Fat Lip: DJ Fifi on level 2; Pop Tartz on level 1 10.30pm l SUBLINE The Big Scrum Sportskit Night: DJ Little Rob 9pm
l ZONE Live music: Stone & Street 9.30pm
SATURDAY 25
l A-BAR Sanfrandisco: DJ Mick Fuller 8.30pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJs 10pm 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: West End Wendies with Spice 9.30pm l BOUTIQUE CLUB SE-XXY: DJs 10pm l BULLDOG DJ V John + karaoke 10pm; DJ Lil Alex 3am l CHARLES ST The Boys In The Bar: DJs Lil Alex, Grant Knowles, Leeroy 9pm l DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B 9.30pm l GROSVENOR BAR Cabaret: Jason Lee 9.30pm l LEGENDS BAR Pre-club DJs 7pm l MARINE TAVERN Disco 8pm l PARIS HOUSE Live jazz 4pm; TC’s Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Cabaret: Kara Van Park 9.30pm l REVENGE Sweet Revenge on level 1; RHaus: DJs on level 2 10.30pm
7 GEORGE STREET BRIGHTON 01273 696873
http://thequeensarms.wix.com/thequeensarms
TUESDAY 9.30PM
DAVINA SPARKLE’S
BIG QUIZ NIGHT WEDNESDAY 9.30PM
FRIDAY 9.30
PM
3APR LOLA LASAGNE 10 APR COOKIE MONSTAR 17 APR SON OF A TUTU 24 APR BAGA CHIPZ
SATURDAY 9.30
PM
WIN THE CHANCE TO PERFORM AT BRIGHTON PRIDE CABARET TENT & ST JAMES’S STREET PARTY CABARET STAGE
THURSDAY 9.30PM
DON’T MISS JASON
EASTER WEEKEND CABARET EVERY DAY
FRI 3APR 9.30PM LOLA LASAGNE SAT 4APR 9.30PM MYRA DUBOIS DOUBLE CABARET SUNDAY 5 APR 6 PM & 9.30 PM TOPSIE REDFERN BANK HOLIDAY MON 6 APR 6 PM DAVE LYNN
4 APR MYRA DUBOIS 11 APR MISS JASON 18 APR MARTHA D’ARTHUR 25APR KARA VAN PARK
SUNDAY
2 SHOWS 6PM & 9.30PM 5 APR TOPSIE REDFERN 12 APR DAVINA SPARKLE 19APR DAVE LYNN 26APR CASSIDY CONNORS
44 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM SUBLINE + ZONE
APRIL
LISTINGS
SUBLINE
ZONE BAR
) 129 St James' St, BN2 1TH, Tel: 01273 624100, www.sublinebrighton.co.uk ) OPEN Wed–Sat from 9pm, Sun from 8pm. Easter opening from 4pm on Fri
) 33 St James’ St, BN2 1RF, Tel: 01273 682249, www.zonebar.co.uk ) OPEN daily from 10am
(3) and Sat (4).
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Start your Easter Weekend with a bang on Good Friday (3) with dynamic Brighton-based vocalist Gill Bee, one of the hottest acts on the cabaret circuit, who will be performing a special set at the Zone from 9.30pm. Bring your dancing shoes and get out of your seat, for what promises to be a night of party anthems and sing-along classics!
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Get your kit on (or off!) for Brighton’s biggest sportkit
Big Scrum resident DJ Little Rob says: “I got my first set of vinyl decks when I was 15 and I started mixing trance and hard house, before branching out to funkier sounds. As they say, the rest is history and here I am today having won awards for my DJing and I also have some exciting gigs coming up especially over Pride. We had the launch party for Big Scrum in February, so this will be my second gig there. The launch was great and the atmosphere was surprisingly light and fun, people were really enjoying themselves! It's a mix of young and older guys from all parts of the scene, who come along to socialise with other like-minded guys and of course you get some people just in casual gear that simply come down for the great atmosphere. And of course there are many hotties! “Music-wise it will be a mix of commercial house with a bit of deep/funky house. As the night goes on I get a bit tougher with the tunes. Don't be shy, everyone is very welcoming and it’s up to you whether you just want to have a drink and meet new friends or get involved in the sporty action!” l SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Holophonic Sounds: DJ Bagpuss 5pm l ZONE Cabaret: Sally Vate 9.30pm
SUNDAY 26
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm; Sunday roasts 12-5pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Karaoke 7.30pm l BAR BROADWAY Live piano: Mark Russell 5pm; Fireplace Sessions: Corrine Williams 7.30pm l BAR REVENGE Sunday Funday: Micklos hosts giant board games & karaoke 8pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm l BEDFORD TAVERN roasts from 12.30pm; Piano Bingo 5pm l BULLDOG DJ Grant 10pm l CAMELFORD ARMS Bear Bash, Free Food & Raffle 5pm; roasts & select menu 12pm–till gone l CHARLES ST Cabaret: Myra Dubois 7.30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate 8.30pm: roasts 12–7pm l LEGENDS BAR Cabaret: Davina Sparkle
3.30pm; roasts 12–3pm l MARINE TAVERN Big Afternoon Session 3pm; roasts 12-7pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Double Cabaret: Cassidy Connors 6pm & 9.30pm l SUBLINE Come In Your Pants: DJ Nude 8pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS The Jazz Roast 3pm; Sunday roasts 1-6pm
MONDAY 27
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm l BAR BROADWAY Just After Work Showbiz Quiz 6.30pm; On the Spot Live Music: host Chris Marsh 9pm l BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm l CHARLES STREET Studio 150 10pm l LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason’s Monday Madness 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Mon Madness 9pm
TUESDAY 28
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Trollied-Dollies Airport Night: DJ Lewis Osborne 8pm l BAR BROADWAY The Final of Voice of Broadway 8pm
GILLY BEE
DJ LITTLE ROB
night THE BIG SCRUM on Fri (24) with DJ Little Rob mixing a sexy set from 9pm. Expect hot lads in sporty clobber, and a friendly, no-nonsense atmosphere meaning you won’t be left on the bench. Entry is a fiver for those in sportkit, and £7 otherwise.
Gilly says: “I do a real party repertoire so the Zone is the place to go. I sing anything from 50s rock & roll to the latest tunes like Uptown Funk, and I love to get people up dancing and having a good time. The Zone has a really friendly atmosphere and the staff are lovely. I've been a regular there for many years and I think even if you walked in on your own you wouldn't feel lonely as people there would make you feel welcome.”
l BAR REVENGE RuPaul’s Drag Race Screening with Lydia L’Scabies 8pm; Wheel of Fortune Karaoke with Liz 9.30pm l MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Davina Sparkle’s Big Quiz 9.30pm l REVENGE Drop Out: DJ Trick 11pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Open mic 5pm
WEDNESDAY 29
l A-BAR Open mic: Maria Dunn 8.30pm l BAR BROADWAY Stephanie Starlet’s Name that Showtune Bingo 7.30pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm l BOUTIQUE BAR Jazz Boutique 6.30pm l BULLDOG Diva Rush: DJ Marcia 10pm l CAMELFORD ARMS Seniors’ lunch 23.30pm l CHARLES STREET Drag With No Name hosts the Quiz With No Name 9pm l LEGENDS BAR Lola & Dave’s Midweek Menopause 9.30pm
l MARINE TAVERN Boudoir: trans* night 9pm l QUEEN’S ARMS Brighton’s Got Talent 9.30pm l SUBLINE Fag Machine: alt night 9pm
THURSDAY 30
l A-BAR Trifari’s karaoke 6pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY Chaos with Cozmo 9pm l BAR BROADWAY Open mic 9pm l BAR REVENGE Throwback Thur 9pm l BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant 11pm 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 l QUEEN’S ARMS Don’t Miss Jason 9.30pm l REVENGE FOMO: DJs 10.30pm l SUBLINE Leathered 9pm l ZONE End of Barrel Game 7pm
THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS ) 59 North Rd, Brighton, BN1 1YD, Tel: 01273 608571, www.3jollybutchers.com ) OPEN Mon–Sat from 12pm, Sun from 1pm, Private function room available. ) FOOD Mon & Tue 12–3pm & 5–9pm; Wed, Thur & Fri 12–9pm; Sat 12–8pm;
Sunday roasts served 1–6pm. Easter Monday, food served 12–9pm. ) ONE FOR THE DIARY Tue is OPEN MIC with free drinks for players from 8pm. ) REGULARS Thur (9 & 23) is LET'S GET QUIZZY with £150 cash prize at 7.30pm. ) Sat is HOLOPHONIC SOUNDS with DJ Bagpuss playing electronica, exotica and beyond at 5pm, free entry. ) Sun is the JAZZ ROAST at 3pm, free entry.
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 45
PICS FROM LONDON HOTEL SOUTHAMPTON
46 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
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 l TROPICS SAUNA 2 Market Way, PO1 4BX TEL: 02380 296100, www.tropics-sauna.com OPEN: 7 days a week from 11am
SOUTHAMPTON
l ISOBAR 100c St Mary’s St TEL: 02380 222028 Modern bar, decked garden l LONDON HOTEL 2 Terminus Terr, SO14 3DT TEL: 02380 710652, www.the-london.co.uk Friendly bar with regular cabaret, DJs & food 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 123.30pm DRINK PROMOS: Mon-Wed all day l TITANIC Simnel St, SO14 2BE TEL: 023 8021 1879, www.thetitanicpub.co.uk OPEN: daily fom 12pm FOOD: Mon 12-3pm; Tue-Sat 12-3pm & 6-8.30pm; Sunday roast 12-3pm l EDGE Compton Walk, SO14 0BH TEL: 02380 366163, www.theedgesouthampton.com Club with 2 floors & 3 bars l PINK BROADWAY SAUNA 797/80 East St TEL: 02380 238804, www.pink-broadway.com
WEDNESDAY 1
SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Bar 150: DJs & karaoke 10pm l LONDON HOTEL food 12-3pm
THURSDAY 2
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am l OLD VIC karaoke 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm l LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising: Sally Vate 8.30pm; food 12-3pm
FRIDAY 3
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Get Some: DJs 10pm l LONDON HOTEL Fairylea: DJ Ruby Roo & Drag With No Name 9pm; food 12-3pm
SATURDAY 4
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 + Sam Solace 8.30pm; food 12-3pm
SUNDAY 5
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE DJ 11pm l LONDON HOTEL Extended London Podium: Ria Osbourne 5.30pm; Mary Mac presents 8.30pm; Cassidy Connors 9.30pm; roasts 123.30pm
MONDAY 6
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm l LONDON HOTEL food 12-3pm
TUESDAY 7
PORTSMOUTH l OLD VIC Quiz 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE video jukebox 11pm l LONDON HOTEL food 12-3pm
MARY MAC (SUN)
PORTSMOUTH
SALLY VATE KARAOKE CRUISING (THU)
LISTINGS
WEDNESDAY 8
SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Bar 150: DJs & karaoke 10pm l LONDON HOTEL Girls on Top TV/TS evening 8pm; food 12-3pm
THURSDAY 9
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am l OLD VIC karaoke 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm l LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising: Sally Vate 8.30pm; food 12-3pm
FRIDAY 10
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Get Some: DJs 10pm l LONDON HOTEL Fairylea: DJ Ruby Roo & Topsie Redfern 9pm; food 12-3pm
SATURDAY 11
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am l OLD VIC DJs all night SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE The Big One: DJs 10pm l LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Tiny 8.30pm; food 12-3pm
SUNDAY 12
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pounded: DJ 11pm l LONDON HOTEL The London Podium: Mary Mac presents Dave Lynn 8pm; roasts 123.30pm
MONDAY 13
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE DJs 11pm l LONDON HOTEL food 12-3pm
TUESDAY 14
PORTSMOUTH l OLD VIC Quiz 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE video jukebox 11pm l LONDON HOTEL food 12-3pm
LONDON HOTEL
) 2 Terminus Terr, SO14 3DT, Tel: 02380 710652, www.the-london.co.uk ) OPEN daily from 12pm. www.the-london.co.uk ) FOOD served Mon–Sat 12–3pm; Sunday lunch 12–3.30pm. ) ONE FOR THE DIARY Easter Sunday (5) is an EXTENDED EVENING on the LONDON PODIUM with Ria Osbourne at 5.30pm, Mary Mac presents at 8.30pm, and then Cassidy Connors at 9.30pm. ) REGULARS ) Fri is FAIRYLEA with DJ Ruby Roo, high camp/pure cheese & cabaret at 9pm: Drag With No Name (3), Topsie Redfern (10), Kevin Cruise (17) and Miss Penny (24). ) Sat is GUILTY PLEASURES with DJs and CABARET from 8.30pm: Neil Sackley & guest Sam Solace (4), Tiny (11), Lucinda Lashes & guest Saski (18) and Dazza (25). ) SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE LONDON PODIUM features Mary Mac and CABARET at 8pm: Dave Lynn (12), Karen Dalton as ‘Nan’ (19) and Tanya Hyde (26). ) Thur is KARAOKE CRUISING with Sally Vate at 8.30pm.
SATURDAY 18
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am l OLD VIC DJs all night SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE The Big One: DJs 10pm l LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Lucinda Lashes & Saski 8.30pm; food 12-3pm
SUNDAY 19
TUESDAY 21
SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Bar 150: DJs & karaoke 10pm l LONDON HOTEL food 12-3pm
THURSDAY 16
WEDNESDAY 22
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am l OLD VIC karaoke 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm l LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising: Sally Vate 8.30pm; food 12-3pm
FRIDAY 17
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Get Some: DJs 10pm l LONDON HOTEL Fairylea: DJ Ruby Roo & Kevin Cruise 9pm; food 12-3pm
SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Get Some: DJs 10pm l LONDON HOTEL Fairylea: DJ Ruby Roo & Miss Penny 9pm; food 12-3pm
SATURDAY 25
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 8.30pm; food 12-3pm
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pounded: DJ 11pm SUNDAY 26 l LONDON HOTEL The London Podium: Mary PORTSMOUTH Mac presents Karen Dalton as ‘Nan’ 8pm; roasts l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am 12-3.30pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pounded: DJ 11pm MONDAY 20 l LONDON HOTEL The London Podium: Mary PORTSMOUTH Mac presents Tanya Hyde 8pm; roasts 12l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am 3.30pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm MONDAY 27 l LONDON HOTEL food 12-3pm PORTSMOUTH PORTSMOUTH l OLD VIC Quiz 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE video jukebox 11pm l LONDON HOTEL food 12-3pm
WEDNESDAY 15
SOUTHAMPTON
SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Bar 150: DJs & karaoke 10pm l LONDON HOTEL food 12-3pm
THURSDAY 23
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am l OLD VIC karaoke 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm l LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising: Sally Vate 8.30pm; food 12-3pm;
FRIDAY 24
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am
l HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm l LONDON HOTEL food 12-3pm
TUESDAY 28
PORTSMOUTH l OLD VIC Quiz 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE video jukebox 11pm l LONDON HOTEL food 12-3pm
WEDNESDAY 29
SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Bar 150: DJs & karaoke 10pm l LONDON HOTEL food 12-3pm
THURSDAY 30
PORTSMOUTH l HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am l OLD VIC karaoke 8pm SOUTHAMPTON l EDGE Pop!: DJ 11pm l LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising: Sally Vate 8.30pm; food 12-3pm
GSCENE 47
DANCE
MUSIC
BY QUEEN JOSEPHINE & KATE WILDBLOOD
ALBUMS Spring has finally sprung, bunnies are bouncing, the sap is rising and the tunes are filled with sunshine. Yes, our favourite time of year has arrived and the soundtrack is glorious. No fillers, just spring thrillers. ) First the magnificent Joe Le Bon’s House Music Love Music on Moods & Grooves. Take a journey onboard this stylish Berlin-bound house train and you will be forever wiggling.
) Sensations we can’t help but salute this month are Eelke Kleijn, Prok & Fitch and Boris for Toolroom Live 02 on Toolroom Records. With house this enchanting you just know we are going to have sensational summer (and Brighton Pride!) ahead.
) As you will if you indulge in a little of Dave DK’s captivating Val Maira on Kompakt. Quality electronica for the quality lover.
) Next the truly inspirational fabric 81 mixed by Matt Tolfrey on fabric. Always one to get excited about, Matt Tolfrey delivers a perfect compilation, making memories and refreshing parts you never knew needed the Tolfry touch. Magic.
) Other adventures in sound worth noting this month include the brilliant Markantonio’s Musichemistry on Analytic Trail.
) As is Rebel Rave 4 from Matthew Styles on Crosstown Rebels. With a track list that includes Eats Everything, Jamie Jones, Cassius, Dixon, Tale Of Us, Maceo Plex and Herbert you know there is a party to be had with the Rebels. As always. Enjoy.
) And the must groove that is Jazzy Eyewear’s 10 Years Of Jazzy Eyewear Pt 2 on So Sound Recordings.
Catch Wildblood and Queenie at Wild Fruit presents Fabulous and on Radio Reverb’s Home Service. www.perfectdistractions.com
DJ PROFILE: DJ LITTLE ROB Now the nights have a spring in their step it follows that the party should be bouncing about like mad. This month, Queenie catches up with DJ Little Rob and reckons his nights are going to be full of Easter promise… What’s your DJ name? Little Rob, because I knew a few other Robs and I was always the shortest… so not what you guys always think ;-) Where can we catch you DJing? I’ve played top Brighton venues: the Bulldog, Revenge, Legends, every Thursday at BLOC Members Club (Next door to Revenge), Boutique and I play a lot in London. I’ve also played great nights such as Marine Late at the Marine Tavern and The Big Scrum at Subline. There’s much more in the pipeline and I’m very excited about this Pride! All will soon be revealed! DJ style? Most my gigs vary in style/genre due to the night. At Marine Late I play 80s & HI-NRG, at Perfume Garden I play hard house & trance. The style I play out on a regular basis is house & commercial. Favourite tune ever? Hmmmm… it has got to be Marmion Schoneberg (Marmion remix) because of my raver days at Tidy. Also it was the last song played at Trade at Turnmills, which is still very close to my heart. Tune which always fills your dancefloor? Zoe Badwi’s Release Me never fails do get the crowd moving.
WILDBLOOD & QUEENIE’S APRIL 12”s ) WOOZEE Fine Without You Club Soda Records Several “Wooh!”s + “come on baby’ samples = tune greatness. ) HNNY Solsidan / Alby EP Let’s Play House Let the sunshine in! ) MIGUEL MIGS The Melody (Original) Salted Music Another class production with true Soul (II Soul). ) RALPH LAWSON presents Lost in Time Hold Over Me No.19 Music Deep divine beats to keep a hold of you till dawn. ) Man Without A Clue Get Out Of My House OFUNSOUNDMIND They so do have a clue – beats of the devilish kind. ) Ricardo Baez Butoh (David Jach Remix) Exotic Entertainment Forbidden Colours EP that has us in a sweet dancefloor sweat. ) Satoshi Tomiie Thursday, 2am Abstract Architecture New Day Album sampler that has us smiling all day long. ) wAFF Connected Hot Creations Dirty groove demanding attention. Just as we like it. ) Pete Dafeet Wife (Extended Mix) Lost My Dog Piano loveliness returns for a house masterclass from Mr. Dafeet. ) Superlounge ft Jinadu & Forrest Ghost Of Time Culprit Aching beauty from one of the UK’s finest.
Ultimate dream gig? I’d love to DJ at Dance Valley in Holland… I get goosebumps when I see video clips of the crowds! Some of my DJ heroes have played there too! Tune you wish you’d never played? It’s got to be that song from the Disney film Frozen. I even get asked at house gigs to play it! Everywhere I was I heard it and the craze went on for ages with people singing ‘let it go’ at you. Especially that Monkey character. Guilty pleasure? Ooooh well I have a few and they are Spice Girls, Bewitched, Steps… and Danni Minogue’s All I Wanna Do. Best ever gig? I can't decide between the two, but main stage Trafalgar Square for London Pride or Maspalomas Gay Pride where I’ve played to a crowd of about 30,000. Absolutely immense! Tell us a secret? I still have my teddy bear from when I was a born, though I don’t sleep with him like I did when I was a child…
CURRENT TOP FIVE ) GIORGIO MORODER Right Here Right Now (7th Heaven Remix) RCA ) BEVERLY KNIGHT Soul Survivor (Bimbo Jones) Hurricane ) UMEK & GROOVEBOX Cause And Effect Toolroom ) PHILIP GEORGE Wish You Were Mine All Around The World ) HARDSOUL & DIRTY FREAK Just Another Face Apartment 63
48 GSCENE
SHOPPING WITH MICHAEL HOOTMAN
) Gorilla Dining Plate, £9.99 (England at Home, 22b Ship St, Brighton, 01273 205544) ) Andrew Christian new season swimwear from £33.50; Emporio Armani underwear and vests from £30 (Prowler, 112-113 St James's St, Brighton, 01273 683680)
) Bird Sculpture, £109 (Papillon, 23 Ship St, 01273 774478)
) Ron the Koala Cushion, £35 (Edited, 3 Gardner St, Brighton, 01273 604006, editedbrighton.com) ) Neon Pink Wire Candle Holder, £20 (Oliver Bonas, 14 Bond St, 01273 721167) ) Moomin Enamel Saucepan, £22.50 (Pussy, 3a Kensington Gardens, Brighton, 01273 604861)
) Cruelty-free Spanish Fig & Nutmeg range from £6 (Merlin And Ellis, 9 Manchester St, Brighton, 01273 623560, merlinandellis.net)
) THE IMITATION GAME (DVD & BluRay). In 1939 MI6 recruits Cambridge mathematics alumnus Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch) to crack Nazi codes, including Enigma, which cryptanalysts had thought unbreakable. Turing's team, including Joan Clarke (Keira Knightley), analyse and ultimately break the coded messages. A celebration rather than a tragedy this story covering the immense assistance given to the British war effort by gay genius Alan Turning and his growing obsession with his work and his (overblown) affection for Knightley’s character. Mostly true to fact the film takes some huge liberties too. Pity there was no really gayness in it, but you can’t have it all. A compelling performance by Cumberbatch none the less.
50 GSCENE PENNY ARCADE
ARTS
BRIGHTON CENTRE
on Waterloo Street. Book tickets online at: www.actuallygmc.org
selections from her most acclaimed works proves. The show is an improvisational evening woven from highlights from ten of her funny and insightful full-length works: Bitch!Dyke!Faghag!Whore!, Bad Reputation, LaMiseria, Love, Sex and Sanity, and New York Values. 'Arcade is a wonder to behold; she manages to entertain, absorb and broaden the audience simultaneously. Beg, steal a ticket' Newsweek.
St Andrew's Church, Waterloo St, Hove, www.actuallygmc.org ) ACTUALLY GAY MEN'S CHORUS: I GOT RHYTHM (7.30pm, Sat 18). Brooklyn bursts into Brighton as Actually Gay Men’s Chorus pay tribute to the city that doesn't sleep. Their latest show, I Got Rhythm, finds the boys brushing off their tails for an evening of music and song celebrating the dreams that made New York iconic. Featuring, amongst others, songs of Leonard Bernstein and Irving Berlin, this show promises the best of Broadway and more recent music from the movies of Manhattan. The Chorus is delighted to welcome back their own symbol of Liberty, Maisie Trollette, who will be performing and presenting on the night whilst guest soprano Karen Orchin will be making her St Andrew's debut, all under the baton of Musical Director Jason Pimblett. Money raised from this show will once again be supporting Inclusion For All and the important work that they do to address homophobic bullying in schools. Tickets: £12/£10 concs are available from the Bulldog on St James’s Street or the Iron Duke
Komedia, Gardner St, Brighton Box office: 0845 293 8480 ) BENT DOUBLE (Sun 1). An irreverent night of fun and frolics hosted by Zoe Lyons (Mock The Week and Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow). Headliner: Jo Caulfield
JO CAUFIELD
'Acid-tongued and quick-witted' The List. With support from Suzi Ruffell: ‘... great, lovely stage persona, hugely likeable and definitely one to watch’ Time Out and Robert White 'mildly terrifying, but very funny' The Scotsman.
EMPORIUM 88 London Rd, Brighton thelittleboxoffice.com/emporium ) SEASIDE CELLULOID is a season of films set in Brighton comprising: MONA LISA (Fri 10), a classic BAFTA winning crime drama of the Ivor Novello Inspiration starring Bob Hoskins and Michael Award, is currently touring with Caine and directed by Neil Jordan; Jools Holland, following 2013's triumph of his award-winning Ten QUADROPHENIA (Sat 11), the most Plagues song cycle and subsequent famous Mods and Rockers movie, with classic scenes shot across album release. Brighton, loosely based on The Who's rock opera of the same name PENNY ARCADE and starring Phil Daniels, Leslie Marlborough Theatre, 4 Princes Ash and Toyah Wilcox; 20,000 St, Brighton, Box Office: DAYS ON EARTH (Sun 12), a fictive www.brownpapertickets.com ) PENNY ARCADE: THE GIRL WHO 24-hour period in the life of KNEW TOO MUCH (Thu 16–Fri 17). Australian musician, songwriter, Arcade, the queen of underground author, screenwriter, composer and performance, is unwavering in her actor Nick Cave. ) WHAT THE BUTLER SAW (Apr quest to entertain, challenge and expand both herself and audiences 21–May 9). Joe Orton's final play is a hilarious farce which revolves as this programme of integrated MARC ALMOND
ACTUALLY GAY MEN’S CHORUS
HAVE A WORD Latest Music Bar, Manchester St, Brighton, 01273 623560 ) HAVE A WORD (Sat 18). The LGBT literary salon features Jonathan Kemp reading from his
BENT DOUBLE
MARC ALMOND The Dome, New Road, Brighton, Box office: 01273 709709 ) MARC ALMOND (Tue 21). The iconic singer and performer has announced a full UK tour to follow the release of his much awaited new record The Velvet Trail. Almond, who released a 4 track EP in 2014 with collaborations including Jarvis Cocker (Pulp) and Carl Barat (The Libertines, Dirty Pretty Things), will perform a mix of old and new material. The eclectic artist, last year’s recipient
around Dr Prentice, a psychiatrist attempting to seduce his attractive prospective secretary, Geraldine Barclay. A near faultless piece of theatrical invention.
JONATHAN KEMP
Kings Rd, Brighton, www.brightoncentre.co.uk Box office: 0844 847 1515 ) MICHAEL FLATLEY’S LORD OF THE DANCE: DANGEROUS GAMES (Thu 2–Sun 5). With all the visceral precision and thrills of the original, this show features new staging, new costumes and choreography. With 40 of the world’s most outstanding young performers directed by Michael Flatley, and new music by composer Gerard Fahy, this latest iteration combines the best of tradition with all the excitement of new music and dance. Flatley is scheduled to dance in the Brighton Shows. ) McBUSTED (Tue 7). Now armed with a superb debut album, and a massive new single Air Guitar. ‘Ludicrously enjoyable...tonight’s trip back in time has conjured an unexpectedly bright future’ The Guardian. ) MICHAEL BALL (Tue 14). For more than 25 years Michael has been at the top of his game starring in musical theatre productions in the West End and on Broadway winning critical acclaim, a devoted following and awards for his stage work and recording career.
just released novel Ghosting and Al Brooke reading from The Gift of Looking Closely, the story of a suicide, a mother, and a daughter. Tickets £5, advance booking essential on 01273 623560. Supporting the Sussex Beacon.
PRODUCT The Old Market , Upper Market St, Hove. Box office: 01273 201801 ) PRODUCT (Fri 24). Torrid scenes of passion; the dark spectre of international terrorism; big, big explosions. Julia is a hot young starlet looking for her next big role. Has Leah (Olivia Poulet The Thick Of It, In The Loop, Outnumbered, Sherlock) got the perfect script to save her from B-movie hell? Written by Mark Ravenhill, the critically acclaimed writer of Show 6, Ten Plagues with Marc Almond, Shopping & F***ing, Some Explicit Polaroids, Mother Clap’s Molly House and the slightly less criticallyacclaimed Vicious. 'This ferocious revival is a reminder of how thrilling Ravenhill’s work can be. It boasts an absolutely killer performance by Olivia Poulet' Time Out.
OLIVIA POULET
LORD OF THE DANCE
B Y MIC HA E L HO O TMA N
GSCENE 51
Go Back to the Bond Age. When an evil despot sets out to snatch our scoring secrets and crack the code of CAMP, our heroes take on all comers. And, after all, nobody does it better…! It’s the first show the Chorus will be performing in this, their 10th Anniversary year. Paul Charlton, Chorus Chairman, said: “It’s hard to believe that it’s 10 years since Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus was first conceived - when a group of friends decided to get together in someone’s living room to sing and have fun. We’ve come a long way
since then, with highlights including appearing on BBC’s Last Choir Standing in 2008, becoming a registered charity in 2010, performing our first full house show at Brighton Dome Concert Hall in 2011 alongside our patron June Brown, and winning the Manchester Amateur Choral Competition in 2013. We hope and look forward to continue singing together, supporting each other, and entertaining our fans and supporters long into the future!" Brighton Gay Men's Chorus presents: Back to the Bond Age at St Bartholomew’s Church, Ann Street, Brighton, Fri 1 & Sat 2 May, doors open 7pm for 7.30pm start. Tickets: £12/£10 concs are available online from March 22 at: www.brightongmc.org ) Also, as part of their 10th Anniversary celebrations, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus have joined with the Rainbow Chorus to invite all the LGBT choirs from around the UK and Ireland to Brighton for the HAND IN HAND LGBT CHOIR FESTIVAL this summer which will take place over the weekend of June 12-14, including workshops, performances and a major public show at Brighton Dome Concert Hall (Sat, June 13).
ART MATTERS B Y E NZO MA RRA This month I have sourced a triptych of creative experiences in Brighton and close by, starting with a group show in Brighton...
INK_D GALLERY 96 North Rd, Brighton, BN1 1YE, www.ink-d.co.uk ) Following on from the gallery's London Art Fair success they have been running a special two part two month show. The first 2D group show included works from the artists Pure Evil, Tom French, Matt Smith, Jake Wood-Evans, Ian Hodgson, Magnus Gjoen, Sarah Shaw, me and others. Back with a Bang, the 3D group show (until Mon 27), includes artists featured in the first part who were invited to submit work for the second, even if they’re not typically known for their 3D work. An opportunity to see new and original work from artists experimenting with new techniques and mediums, as well as those already recognised for their multi-dimensional pieces including Dan Baldwin ceramics, Matt Smith embroidery, RYCA pop art-inspired sculptures and exciting neon creations from Andy Doig, new pieces from me, Graham Carter, Maria Rivans, Req, Hutch and others. MARIA RIVANS
BGMC
) BRIGHTON GAY MEN’S CHORUS will be bringing their new show BACK TO THE BOND AGE to the Brighton Fringe Festival (Fri 1 & Sat 2 May). Guns! Gags! Gizmos! Be shaken, stirred and seduced by the heady cocktail that is the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus as they
UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON ART GALLERY Grand Parade, Brighton, http://arts.brighton.ac.uk ) ELEMENTS OF ARCHITECTURE: WALL OF WINDOWS (until Fri 10) is an exhibition by the Brooking National Architectural Museum displaying a plethora of windows from the United Kingdom, dating back to the 1800s from the Brooking National Architectural record. Architecturally, windows are disappearing throughout the world, as our interest in comfort is forcing us to destroy the things we would most want to preserve, as we strive for better heating and insulation. The exhibition looks under a microscope at the fundamentals of our buildings, used by any architect, anywhere, anytime with a selection of the most revealing, surprising, and unknown moments from the history of windows in the United Kingdom. Rem Koolhaas said of the Brooking collection: “I am incredibly happy that there are collection in the world that have the dedication to a single curiosity and really purse the whole idea of collecting.”
ZIMMER STEWART GALLERY 29 Tarrant St, Arundel, www.zimmerstewart.co.uk ) ELAINE PAMPHILON: NEW PAINTINGS (Fri 3–Sat 25). Elaine, painter and harpist, studied at the Royal Academy of Music and started painting in the mid-1980s at Homerton College, Cambridge after encouragement from her husband, the sculptor Christopher Marvell. Her paintings are recognisable with their vibrant colours and naive, almost folk-art style. She says "To make a painting look simple and spontaneous is difficult. The more I paint, the less I need on the canvas... I love walking and am always making mental notes about colours, shapes, lines and textures, or it can be something completely visually unrelated, an emotional reaction to being in that specific space." Elaine will also be at the gallery for an evening of harp music (6-8pm, Fri 17). Her paintings are exhibited throughout the UK in galleries in London (Medici), Bath (Adam Gallery), Holt (Bircham Gallery) and Dartmouth (Ainscough Gallery). ELAINE PAMPHILON
COMING SOON...
52 GSCENE slightly tongue-in-cheek fun – Pärt was mildly mocking the Icelandic way of organising family names (the work was commissioned by the City of Reykjavík). There are some delightfully simple textual Sonatina, actually a transcription by Gertler of an original solo piano settings here, such as I Am the True Vine, and The Woman with the work. In its three short Alabaster Box. As well as the bellmovements, he crams in five like quality of the perfectly different folk tunes, including Bagpipes and a Bear Dance. A great blended sopranos, the basses also disc of endlessly fascinating music, deserve mention for their rich tone excellently performed by Ehnes and and anchoring drones. A stunning release, and a fitting 80th birthday friends. Chandos CHAN10820 present. Gimell ) As a tribute to ARVO PÄRT ) Chinese pianist Xiayin Wang (b.1935) in his 80th year, The has recorded three American Piano Tallis Scholars have released an Concertos with the Royal Scottish album of his music, entitled National Orchestra, conducted by Tintinnabuli, which is Pärt’s own Peter Oundjian. GEORGE composition technique, formed GERSHWIN’s (1898-1937) Concerto after he experienced a block in in F major will probably be the composing in the early 1970s. He best-known work here, but the disc turned to early, particularly medieval music for inspiration, and begins with the Concerto, Op. 38 by SAMUEL BARBER (1910-1981), his new style combined simple before the short two-movement meditative harmonies with the Concerto by AARON COPLAND clustered overtones bells make (1900-1990), concluding with the when struck. The Tallis Scholars have recorded eight of Pärt’s most Gershwin. The Barber Concerto is the latest work here, composed in significant acappella works here, 1962, and it is in the last the most well-known being his movement especially, in 5/8 time, setting of the Magnificat, which that jazz rhythms come to the fore. they precede on the disc with his It is an incredibly challenging work Sieben Magnificat-Antiphonen (Seven Magnificat Antiphons). The for the pianist, and Wang is completely on top of its demands. Tallis Scholars’ pure sound is well The central movement has a suited to this music, and the typically sad extended lyrical melody, whereas the first movement is more confidently
CLASSICAL NOTES B Y NIC K B O STO N
students. They draw on a whole range of folk traditions, but also make extensive use of canon, as well as bitonal harmonies and unexpected dissonances to shake up their seeming simplicity. Rarely longer than a minute each, these spiky miniatures make for a surprisingly rewarding listen, as the folk melodies fly by one after the other. The two violinists are perfectly blended, to the extent that you will be hard pressed to know who is playing which line. The disc begins with Contrasts, a trio for violin, clarinet and piano, and for this Ehnes is joined by Michael Collins (clarinet), and Andrew Armstrong (piano). Bartók swaps around our preconceptions of the instruments here, often giving the jazzier lines to the violin, and the folk melodies to the clarinet, especially in the opening Recruiting Dance movement. Again in the last movement he marries complex Bulgarian folk rhythms with jazz. The middle movement Relaxation has a strange otherworldly feel, not least because of the unusual retuning of the strings of the violin required. Collins excels in his virtuosic cadenza in the first movement, and Ehnes responds with equal élan to his cadenza in the finale, Fast Dance. In between, Ehnes and Armstrong perform the
Copland’s in 1925, is so much more successful, a joyous exploration of jazz, blues and dance. Occasionally Wang could perhaps relax into the idiom a little more, although in the slow movement there is more of a sense of style. Overall, it’s the Barber – both the work and the performance – that wins out on this disc. Chandos CHSA5128 Reviews, comments and events: nicks-classical-notes.blogspot.co.uk Email: nbclassical@hotmail.co.uk
APRIL CONCERTS ST LUKE'S CHURCH
sopranos in particular produce an appropriately ringing sound. Most of the works were written for larger choral forces, but The Tallis Scholars bring an intensity which means that the sudden fortissimi perhaps doesn’t create the wall of sound we might expect, but still achieves a sense of power – the climax of the Magnificat is a case in point. Rhythmic interest is rare in Pärt, with the sixth MagnificatAntiphon, and the curiosity of ‘Which Was the Son of…’ standing out. In the latter piece, a daring setting of the genealogy of Christ, so basically just a list of names, Pärt actually achieves considerable interest in varying the textures and The Tallis Scholars relish the
Queens Park Road, Brighton. www.stlukesconcerts.webeden.co.uk ) Pianist Stephen Gutman performs Rameau, Debussy, Chabrier and Ravel (7.30pm, Fri 10). Then guitarist Sam Brown performs a range of music from the Italian Renaissance to the present day (7.30pm, Fri 24).
SAM BROWN
) Violinist James Ehnes has reached his third volume of chamber works for violin by BÉLA BARTÓK (1881-1945), and this disk is dominated by the Fortyfour Duos for Two Violins, for which he is joined by Amy Schwartz Moretti. The Duos were intended for students of the instrument to play either with their teacher or with fellow
APRIL CINEMA In a range of local cinemas, including: Duke’s@Komedia, Brighton, the Odeon Cinema, Brighton, Cineworld Eastbourne, and the Connaught Cinema, Worthing. Check for times and dates.
CITY OF MAHOGANY
REVIEWS
strident. Wang and the RSNO under Oundjian judge these contrasts well. His short two-movement Concerto has a bluesy first movement, followed without break by a ‘snappy number’, as Copland referred to it. His attempts at humour here, with its swaggering, almost drunken feel, I’m afraid just don’t work for me, and the competent performance from Wang and the RSNO doesn’t convince otherwise. The Gershwin Concerto, composed one year earlier than
) The Rise And Fall Of The City Of Mahagonny, with music by KURT WEILL and libretto by BERTOLT BRECHT, live from the Royal Opera House (Wed 1). Cast includes Christine Rice, Anne Sofie von Otter and Willard W. White, conducted by Mark Wigglesworth. ) Also, MASCAGNI’s Cavalleria Rusticana and LEONCAVALLO’s Pagliacci with Eva-Maria Westbroek and Patricia Racettte from The Metropolitan Opera. (Various dates in April).
GSCENE 53
GEEK SCENE COMICS & GAMES BY CRAIG STORRIE
COMICS ) This month sees the release of Avengers: Age of Ultron, one of the most anticipated films of the last decade and the sequel to the highest grossing superhero film of all time. Written and direct by Joss Weadon, and taking its name from the 2013 Marvel Comics crossover, Age of Ultron brings back all the heroes from the last Avengers film and adds in some new blood in the form of super-powered twins, Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). This time, however, they are going to need all the help they can get when they have to go up against the villainous and terrifying AI known as Ultron (James Spader). In celebration of what is bound to be another landmark super hero film, I wanted to give a bit of a backstory on Ultron so you can go into the movie not totally blind and know at least some of the motivations behind one of the Avengers’ most dreadful enemies. The character first appeared in Avengers #54 back in 1968 but his appearance was kept in shadow under the code name of the Crimson Cowl. It wasn’t until the next issue that we discover the real culprit behind the attack on the Avengers is actually Ultron or Ultron number 5 as he likes to refer to himself. Although he is eventually defeated by the Avengers it is revealed in flashback form that he is the father and inventor of the Avengers’ member the Vision, whose brain patterns were based on another Marvel character, Wonder Man. The Vision rebels against his original program and instead of destroying the Avengers, he becomes one of them which is a constant annoyance to Ultron. Through further flashbacks we finally see who created Ultron, none other than Hank Pym, founding Avenger and the original Ant-Man (or Yellow Jacket or Giant Man or even the second Wasp as he has been known). Gradually the robot gained sentience and developed a hatred for his ‘father’ and by extension all other humanoids. After brainwashing Pym into forgetting he created the evil AI, Ultron rebuilt itself five times and declared war upon his father, his fellow Avengers and humanity itself. Although thwarted time and time again, Ultron always seems to survive complete destruction coming back stronger and more powerful than before, each time adding a new number to his title. Ultron even created himself a mate in the form of the robot Jocasta, her name taken from the legend of Oedipus; this being a reference to Ultron’s own Oedipus’ complex with his creator and father, Hank Pym. Her brain waves were based on Pym’s wife, Janet Van Dyne, aka the Wasp, further developing his Oedipus complex. Like her semi-brother before her, Jocasta betrayed Ultron and eventually joined with the Avengers. Ultron has become one of the greatest super villains and arch enemies of the Avengers and indeed in Marvel Comics and rightly so. If anyone can do Ultron justice it’s Joss Weadon!
GAMES ) As this month sees the return of the Avengers to the silver screen, let us delve into the greatest video games to feature the Avengers! If you read this column every month you’ll know how much I love my retro gaming, so first up we have the rather aptly titled Captain American & The Avengers. Developed and released by Data East in 1991 for the arcades, the game features up to four players simultaneously in a side-scrolling fighting/shooting game. Players can choose from Captain America, Hawkeye, Iron Man and a rather oddly coloured Vision as they set out to defeat an army of super villains headed by the Red Skull. It is a fun little game that doesn’t take long to complete, but it’s fast, frantic and with other players is a blast to play. There were home ports released on the SNES, MegaDrive, Gameboy and Game Gear but if you can, download an emulator to play the original arcade game as it is the best version available. Whilst the next game isn’t truly an Avengers game, it is the first time you can play as the big three (Cap, Iron Man and Thor) and embark on a quest to defeat the World Eater himself, Galactus. I am of course talking about the sublime fighting game that is Ultimate Marvel v Capcom 3. Being able to create your own team of Avengers and have an all-out brawl against other heroes and villains really cannot be beat. Choosing the big three also causes them to yell out “Avengers Assemble!” as they arrive on screen causing a geek-gasm to every
comic fan out there. Being able to also utilise other Avengers such as Wolverine, Dr Strange and Hawkeye (who uses Ant-Man in his Ultra move) makes this the best Avengers game out there that deep down isn’t a true Avengers game at all! The most recent game I’ve chosen is the Kinect and Wii U game Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth. Even though it was released to tie into the release of the 2012 Avengers movie, the story actually revolves around the Secret Invasion storyline featured in the comics back in 2008, which chronicled the long-term alien invasion of the shapeshifting Skrulls. The gameplay is in 2.5D, viewed by players from a third-person perspective of the controlled character. The gameplay was best described in this review: “Fans of fighting games or of the Marvel Universe are going to love the extensive combinations of characters, motion-controlled moves and competitive gameplay.” Featuring modes ranging from the usual Arcade and Versus to the extensive Challenge mode where players can unlock new characters and costumes. Whilst many might be put off by the motion controls on the Kinect, it is a thrilling experience to fight as Magneto and knock Iron Man up into the stratosphere as you beat down on old shell head! Notable mentions: Marvel Ultimate Alliance 1 & 2 and Marvel Avengers Alliance on Facebook and iOS.
54 GSCENE
CRAIG’S THOUGHTS CLOSING TIME? IF THEY BUILD IT, YOU WON’T COME. OUR DISAPPEARING HERITAGE BY CRAIG HANLON-SMITH @craigscontinuum ) Arriving in Brighton as either a resident, regular or sporadic visitor, the scent of change sits as heavy as a mist on the spring sea breeze. Aside from the migraine-inducing pneumatic drills, said breeze is choked with brick dust, molten tarmac and the frustrated impatience of gridlocked traffic. In short there's development at every turn. A daily visit to London isn’t much different albeit on a much larger scale. Tourist T-shirts emboldened with the London skyline barely survive the season before a new skyscraper in the shape of a kitchen implement or steel vegetable appears, and should possibly include 43 construction cranes as standard. We are on a building roll which shows little sign of slowing down but every indication of accelerating beyond recognition. Change is inevitable, redevelopment often necessary and the lay people amongst us can but hope the architects and town planners have neither been out on the sauce nor find themselves lining their back-packs or those of a close relative building contractor, with the spoils of corruption. The signs are not always promising, in Brighton we only need glance at the Odeon Cinema and adjacent nightclub to appreciate that change does not always indicate progress or sensitivity, and should you find a spare five minutes at the end of your googling fingertips, take a peek at what used to sit on the site of Boots opposite the clock tower on the corner of North Street. If you do not feel ice begin to form around your soul then you have either died, or you work for the council. I am overcome with sadness when I think about it. But there is a development plan much closer to our hearts than a pulverised Victorian cinema or chargrilled Pier structure. The Yard Bar in Soho is under threat. There are a number of alarm bells ringing at the proposed plans, including the removal of ancient stonework and the addition of a glass canopy that would change the nature of the venue for ever, but for my money it will be the construction of residential properties above the current site. Those in favour of the development and responding to the online #SaveTheYard campaign will try to allay the hysterics with a simple statement that there are no plans to close to bar. Whilst this is true, it really is not that simple. The Blind Tiger Club (previously Hector’s House and the Norfolk Arms) in Brighton had been a live music venue since 1854 when it eventually had to close its doors in 2014. That's 160 years of live music that is no more. A resident moving into an apartment above the venue (that's an apartment ABOVE a live music venue) sparked the final round of complaints which not only hammered the final nail in the coffin of this legendary venue, but bound the dying relative in duct tape and stood cackling gleefully as the muffled remains were hurtled at the crematorium furnace with a wild and gay abandon. Residents moving into recently renovated and refurbished properties joined in the ceremonial head kicking and Brighton & Hove Council removed the live music licence. Ladies and Gentlemen, the day the music and the venue died. Man Bar on Charing Cross Road, formerly 79 CXR, ceased trading in January this year following a similar story. The management and owners of the venue had battled with recent complaints from new residents as to the noise levels coming from these venues and for a time Westminster City Council took away the entertainment licence insisting the venue only play background music and not host DJ or live events.
Once the licence was eventually returned before the festive period the damage was done and the management were unable to recover the lost takings. But these stories are of much more significance than the annoyance of new neighbours and their ignorance in signing a tenancy agreement for a property that backs onto a nightclub. Whether gay bars and clubs in Soho, or music venues in Brighton, these spaces are part of a cultural landscape and heritage that has shaped who we are and who our next generation of musicians, socialites and wider community members will be. Our venues were never (just) about pulling a one-nighter or securing a longer term arrangement, they were safe spaces, houses of common repute where we could form friendships and build a society from the human foundations up. A place for us in which to belong and grow as men and women alike whatever our persuasion.
“A resident moving into an apartment above (that’s an apartment ABOVE a live music venue) sparked the final round of complaints which hammered the final nail in the coffin” #SaveTheYard appears to be gathering momentum but with an apparent faceless desire to turn Soho into a residential hotspot for the rich and powerful, how much influence will 2,500 online signatures eventually have on a cash hungry developer or irate resident? And these venues are busy. We are not talking about derelict boozers without a friend in the world abandoned to rack and ruin, The Yard is packed on any given night of the week and prior to its financial woes so was Man Bar/79 CXR on high days and holidays. So next time you’re out and about in your favourite watering hole in Brighton and you and the dog are the only buggers in there – take a moment to read that postage stamp size planning notice strapped to the lamppost across the street. Does it matter? Will anyone care? Judging by the lack of public interest in a very public arson attack on the West Pier, probably not. And if you’re one of the delightful locals who takes little interest in that scandal, when it comes to complaining about the concrete monstrosity of the i360 that may or may not destroy the seafront, but will certainly change the shape of it forever, take it from me: if you don’t like it, keep your mouth shut. Update: on March 10, Westminster City Council refused current proposed changes to The Yard Bar on grounds of the historical relevance of the original building and its importance to Westminster and London.
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WALL’S WORDS
GAY WISDOM
BY MIKE WALL
BY GAY SOCRATES
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE FOR THE IRISH
THE SPORT OF SACRED SAUNA SEXERCISE
Next month on May 22, Ireland will be holding a referendum where voters will decide whether to approve same-sex marriage. Over the last couple of decades Ireland has developed a reputation for being a tolerant and inclusive nation. Gone are the years of catholic oppression and in comes a new and open republic.
I have a friend who claims that his favourite sport is ‘sauna sexercise’. It’s probably my favourite sport too! And although gay saunas have their many detractors I’ve come to the conclusion that, for me, with the right frame of mind, the gay sauna is probably one of the best venues not only for a thorough sex workout but also for the possibility of some sacred sexual intimacy.
I’ve been looking at the polls and it seems that over two thirds of voters would back gay marriage. It would be truly wonderful for my marriage to be recognised back in my homeland. Even a former Irish Minister, Pat Carey, who was a Minister for Equality until 2011, has come out in recent months in order to urge voters to vote in favour of the new legislation. It’s a shame that he wasn’t openly gay prior to now, but I have to admire his courage to do it now and I’ve a lot of respect for him for doing it. Pat Carey isn’t the only one either. The Minister for Health, Leo Varadkar has also come out publicly. Varadkar has stated that his sexuality isn’t something that defines him and has said that he just wants to be an equal citizen in his own country. However I’ve also noticed that a campaigning group have launched an attack on gay people. The Alliance for the Defence of the Family & Marriage (ADFAM) are making ludicrous claims that homosexuals are more likely to get cancer, die younger and are more likely to abuse children. I was absolutely horrified when I read this. How can people still make a link between gay people and paedophiles? This group state that they are an initiative to promote and defend the traditional family and that marriage between a man and a woman is the best way to protect children. I find this to be quite shocking as I don’t think raising children to be scared of other people’s sexuality is the right way of going about this in the 21st century.
“The Alliance for the Defence of the Family & Marriage (ADFAM) are making ludicrous claims that homosexuals are more likely to get cancer, die younger and are more likely to abuse children” Still, I think that the majority of people will see through these blatant shock tactics and vote the right way. I think that most Irish people feel that two people that love each other should be able to get married and spend the rest of their lives together. The world will not come to a sudden end. Children will not suddenly feel that they will be abused just because the two guys next door have just got married. I hope that when this law is passed it’ll give more people the strength and courage to come out. A ‘yes’ vote will say to the world that Ireland is a truly inclusive nation where all people are respected and treated equally. I’ll be so happy when my countrymen and women will be able to avail of the same rights as I have living in the UK. Watch this space!
So how do I approach the Holy Temple of Sacred Sexercise? Here are my five tips on the sport of sacred sauna exercise: ) I don’t go to the sauna expecting anything other than a better than average chance of giving love, of that love being received, and, as a result, finding myself in communion with another bloke and thereby with The Divine. Namaste: the deity within me worshiping the deity within him worshiping the deity within me. ) I attempt to cultivate a simple acceptance of every single body present at any particular time. For me, sauna encounters are an opportunity to engage in unconditional love. So, no approach is rejected and there is no sense of being too old, too young, too fat, too hairy, or, believe it or not, too well hung! In the sauna I’m not looking for a movie star, a trophy or a lifelong lover. I’m simply reveling in the amazing nature of naked male sexuality, much as I would be reveling in the amazing nature of arboreal energy in some ancient woodland. (A tree however is much happier to be unconditionally hugged than is your average bloke in a sauna)
“Cultivate a simple acceptance of every single body present at any particular time... sauna encounters are an opportunity to engage in unconditional love” ) Personally I’m not big on hunting and I’m more comfortable being pursued. However if it seems that someone is intent on being sought I can dance that dance too! With hunting, though, there is always the risk of a rejection and here again the frame of mind is crucial. If someone seems interested and then changes their mind that’s cool. If someone seems to be wanting to hurt me with their rejection I can’t take that personally. Instead I get a chance to feel compassion for the mixed-up-ness going on for that person. I’m a big believer that the most important relationship anyone has, is the relationship they have with themselves. Anyone hanging around a sauna attempting to hurt others with their rejections is likely to be struggling. Worthy of a gentle blessing and a fairly wide birth! ) I approach (and expect to be approached by) my potential sacred lovers in a way which is respectful of emotional, psychological and physical safety. So just as I would not wish to knowingly emotionally or psychologically unsettle a lover, I would also endeavour to safeguard their physical safety too. Erotic touch can be so many things within the realm of safer sex. ) Finally, remember if you’re going to give yourself a treat, give yourself the gift of unconditional love because (unless you encounter me in the sauna) you can be sure as hell no one else is going to give it to you!
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KEITH SHARPE EAT RIGHT! FUDGE, BACON & EGGS BY DR KEITH SHARPE CHANGING ATTITUDE SUSSEX
) The Church of England is famous for its compromises. The notion of an 'Anglican fudge' has passed into the language as shorthand for the way our National Established Church manages to avoid taking too strong a line on anything and so avoid upsetting anybody. Protestant evangelical churches on the one hand may go pruriently seeking out sins for condemnation everywhere, and the Roman Catholic Church on the other hand may set out in the most excruciatingly minute detail a whole canon of dogmatic rules which must be obeyed. But the Church of England sails on like the proverbial stately galleon with a sort of 'maybe this, maybe that' attitude that allows everybody to think it is in agreement with them. The apocryphal conviction that you can believe almost anything and be a member of the Church of England has some real truth in it. Personally I think this very English approach has much to commend it. I’m a great admirer of Anglicanism. Surely it’s a great achievement over the past 500 years to have held together in a single communion people of extremely divergent theological views, who elsewhere on the European continent were slaughtering each other with bloodthirsty ferocity. There’s a great deal to be said for moderation. You can mock it Rowan Atkinson style, but it’s often better to say less rather than more, better to allow people to hold private beliefs than to have inquisitions for orthodoxy, and better to focus on those things held in common rather than those which divide. This tradition goes back to the first Queen Elizabeth and her religious dilemma. She of course inherited her position as Head of the Church of England from her father, Bluff King Hal, Henry VIII. But in between their two reigns the country had gone back and forth between protestantism and catholicism, with much blood spilt, and religious conflict plagued the land. The eventual Elizabethan settlement and the 39 Articles of Faith set the course for Anglicanism along what might be called a middle way for the succeeding centuries up to the present day.
BISHOP ALAN WILSON
It is in this tradition and spirit that the present Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, is trying to achieve what he calls 'good disagreement' over the gay issue. Unfortunately in this endeavour he’s up against another foodstuff: bacon and eggs. As Alan Wilson, the Bishop of Buckingham and one of our great supporters, has pointed out there are different levels of commitment required in the making of bacon and eggs. The chicken may have to give up what is really precious to her but that’s nothing compared to what the pig has to do. For the pig it’s very very personal. It’s his life. He has to give what he is. So when anti-gay evangelical Christians sit down with gay people to debate the Church’s teaching on homosexuality this disproportionality must always be borne in mind. For the evangelicals it is a matter of doctrine, of fine points of biblical analysis, of theological theory; for us gay people it’s our whole lives. It’s not just a debating point. It’s who we are and in many countries even whether we are to live or die. Seen in this context 'good disagreement’ scarcely begins to address our situation as gay people, especially seen in the worldwide context of the Anglican communion where many bishops actively support appalling attacks on the rights and lives of LGBT people.
It really is asking a lot of gay people of faith to accept that they can be in communion with homophobes whose understanding of Christianity entails the compulsory enforcement of heterosexuality or celibacy and the persecution of homosexuals. And we know that if these people had political power they would do exactly that. We know this because they’ve been out to Africa and to the Carribean and actively campaigned for just such legislation. Regular readers of this column will recall that Andrea Minichiello Williams of 'Christian Concern’, shamefully one of the Chichester Diocese’s members of General Synod, went out to Jamaica to tell the government there not to repeal its barbaric law which punishes any homosexual act with ten years prison with hard labour.
“For the evangelicals it’s a matter of doctrine, of fine points of biblical analysis... for gay people it’s our whole lives. It’s not just a debating point. It’s who we are and in many countries even whether we are to live or die” So here is the dilemma: is the bacon and eggs compatible with the fudge? What the Archbishop really means by 'good disagreement’ is trying to find a way in which we can agree to disagree and still live together in communion with each other within a single church. This presumably contrasts with bad disagreement where one or other side ends up walking away. In the past good disagreement has been possible on various issues because both sides could agree on the central tenets of Christian belief and accept that what they disagreed about was not absolutely central to that faith. Thus a fudge could be conjured up that would enable each side to feel that their views had been respected somehow. Such a fudge though is difficult for us bacon rashers because it’s difficult to see how we can stay in a church which in the 21st century condemns us in the same fearful language used in medieval times. That has to change. And while it is not life threatening for the evangelical eggs many of them genuinely believe that immortal souls are at risk if the Church changes its teaching to what they perceive as heresy. They think accepting homosexuality as normal human behaviour threatens the Gospel. The Anglican evangelical group Reform recently said: “We cannot accept an outcome in which ...we accommodate two separate beliefs, with one part of the Church calling for repentance over sexual sin (homosexuality) and another declaring God's blessing on it. This is tantamount to asking us to accept a redefinition of what will and will not lead to salvation, as though there could be two gospels, equally valid.” In the end I suspect what Justin Welby really wants is a situation akin to the remarriage of divorcees – those priests who believe in it can do it, those who don’t don't have to. I think we bacon rashers could live with that, and for all their screaming and indignation so, eventually, will many eggs.
OPEN AND WELCOMING CHURCHES Changing Attitude Sussex is committed to telling the truth about Christian teaching on homosexuality, and works for the full inclusion of LGBT people in every province of the Anglican Communion and more widely in all Christian Churches.
GSCENE 57
TWISTED
POLICE LGBT
GILDED GHETTO
LIAISON TEAM
BY ERIC PAGE
BY PC SARAH LAKER & RORY SMITH
MELODIC MUSICAL MACKEREL!
WHAT IS HATE CRIME?
Growing up in the looming mountain shadows of Mynydd Machen & Twmbarlwm, I turned to music to stay sane. The mountains crushed the tiny sliver of valley between what we then called home. Forested, often cloud topped and merciless in their hogging of the light I would look out onto them while playing my mother’s Hammond organ; churning out the theme of Lloyd George or Imagine by John Lennon, the organ had a Bossa Nova button!
Hate crime is a term we throw about a lot. But what does it actually mean? Is it against the law to hate? The answer isn’t straightforward. The law certainly could do with improvement and at what point do we permit freedom of expression to become a freedom to hurt others?
I played organ, violin and grappled with the glockenspiel, although this hadn’t stopped my father from enrolling me into the local Silver Marching Band as I was the only one strong enough to carry the damned thing while whacking it with the mallet. The silver band had a splendid uniform, rather dated but ultra-camp; midnight blue trousers with metallic silver stripes up the leg and jackets with burnished collars and metallic epaulettes; this was the closest I’d come to drag and my proto-gayness twitched at the effects of the light on the Glockenspiel and my epaulettes. Nowadays I’d be on the Autistic Spectrum but in the wonderful old pre-Thatcher years when no one had an issue or nut allergy I was just talented!
“My mother, with an eye for a bargain, snapped up all 30 pairs of elasticated nylon midnight blue trousers” My mother would invite the local workmen in for tea as I worked the organ from the frenzy of requests, they would fill in the football pools as I played Elvis, the Beatles or some light classical music that I thought would better them, which often brought sighs and the sextants and road diggers would gently join their voices in a subtle tremor of tenors and tears. Then tragedy struck and they won the pools! It was a disaster, my folks bought a posh caravan in Porthcawl, Jack the Dash generously donated money for a new uniform for the Silver Band and my mother, with an eye for a bargain, snapped up all 30 pairs of elasticated nylon midnight blue trousers. Oh the shame; while marching the trousers were perfect, blending in with the other marchers, all flashing and glinting together like a shoal of melodic musical mackerel, but, oh woe!, were all different sizes. Some short and very wide, some so long and tight the elasticated waist cut into my puppy fat, or almost stopped me breathing, or had to be twisted into a knot to stop them falling down like a silly midnight blue clown. How I hated those trousers, all 30 pairs of them. I conspired to ruin them, burn them, tear them, rip, rend and split them, slash their shameful silver stripes, gash, lacerate and slit that almost indestructible thick municipal nylon until I could arrive home, in rags, before my mother would go and get another pair, twice the size or half as small and present them to me. That summer of hell. Two long years it took me to reduce every pair to rags, years of humiliating shame, even today a glockenspiel makes me shudder but I look away, smile and be exquisite and never explain.
My job isn’t to debate the whys and wherefores of hate crime legislation and the big questions about free speech facing our society. But it is my job to help you report hate crime to the police. Under-reporting of anti-LGBT incidents is still a huge issue. I think it is fair to say that every one of us has experienced a hate incident against us, and if not to us personally, we know someone who has. A friend, a member of your choir, the guy who drinks in the same bar as you, even the people we look up to in our community. Yet for some reason we don’t think it’s important enough to share with police and to potentially get something done about it. So what is hate crime? Simple definition is: Any criminal offence which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice; based on: a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation, transgender identity, race, religion or disability. You don’t need to decide whether a criminal offence has been committed. That is for the police to investigate. And even if no crime has been committed, we can still record it as a hate incident. There are many reasons why people don’t want to come forward. If you are unsure about whether to report something, come and speak to us. We can give you advice, including information about your rights and what to expect from the police and the criminal justice system. Hate crime is taken seriously by the police and our partners. If you are a victim of hate crime you are entitled to an enhanced service under the Victim Code. Should a case go to court and the suspect is found guilty, the judge has the power to increase the sentence of the perpetrator to reflect the hate element. We know it’s not easy to come forward. We have good working relationships with LGBT Switchboard and the LGBT Community Safety Forum who can provide extra support and make a report on your behalf, so there’s no need to keep it to yourself. Some people think ‘hate’ is a strong word. Perhaps we don’t like to think that there are some people out there that dislike so strongly something that is the core of who we are. It’s not a perfect term, but I challenge you to come up with a better one. One thing is for sure: it’s not love that drives the perpetrator.
THIS MONTH’S STATISTICS ) We have eight homophobic hate crimes and one transphobic non-crime hate incident. Crimes include attempted robbery, theft, harassment, threats to kill, fear and provocation of violence, and causing harassment, alarm or distress. Several of these crimes were also categorised as being domestic abuse.
CONTACT INFORMATION ) We both have Facebook profiles and a page – our usernames are: PC Sarah Laker and LGBT Caseworker Rory Smith, and Brighton and Hove LGBT Police Team. We tweet @PoliceLGBT. Social media should not be used for reporting incidents – please call us on 101, or if it’s an emergency, 999.
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CHARLIE SAYS FLOG IT! THE INDISCREET CHARMLESSNESS OF THE BOURGEOISIE BY CHARLIE BAUER PhD http://charliebauerphd.blogspot.co.uk ) Don’t you just love it when the papers warn us about the spreading denizens of skid row and the shunting of the mobile masses, making way for the new homeowners? Land where the homeless slept one week, as if by magic, becomes worth millions overnight. Ah, the alchemy of the wasteland. What’s actually happening is that ‘skid rows’ across the world are growing. But somehow not morphing into the surrounding areas - they use exactly the same footprint but grow at an ever-expanding rate. And as these communities become even more of an ‘eyesore’, more middleclass homeowners encroach on the areas like vultures (I so wish we had bought here 10 years ago…) and so the homeless are relocated yet again. Of course the problem with this expansion is that the space just turns it into a ghetto, with people on top of more people, and then eventually disbanded by law. (Actually, so we don’t see that eyesore from our new dining room window - call the council!) Of course these same people wouldn’t have touched Hackney or Streatham 10 years ago. Hackney et al was filled with the low-lives they so desperately needed to avoid. Hackney now represents to the bottom rung of society the same thing that Rachman once did to the residents of Notting Hill - two black and mixed-race areas which were considered slums in the 1950s. So, where did those first generation diaspora communities go? ‘Oh, elsewhere…’ comes the clarion call from the nouveau bourgeois. It was the same in Harlem in New York when all those white people bought up the brownstone cold-water, walk-ups in the 1990s, then waited up to 10 years before the areas became gentrified by oiling palms at City Hall. They were actually waiting for their investments’ ‘change of use’ contracts - from crack-house to banker-palace - before they would consider moving in. Most bought off-plan, that is before they’d even seen the property. It happens all the time, however not on houses built 100 years ago. “Go to Harlem? Just give me the floor plan and I’ll see you in 10 years!” In the UK, the embourgeoisement of the land-grab is now reaching saturation. It seem that there will be no financial crash leading to more homes for the poor. There will just be now a sprawling mass of middle-classness, which will look to the average eye to be ‘progression’. Meanwhile, we won’t consider where all the homeless people have gone. We passively watch on as all that 20th century social reform turns to béchamel before our very eyes. This sinking back into bourgeois entitlement or ‘The Bourgeois Zeitgeist’ as the poet Gerry Potter aptly calls it, will not follow through. He’s right when he says these ersatz values permeate every single crevice of our very existence. And then to think the media have got it all wrong, the homeless and the born poor don’t even want this so-called mobility, they just want the money; their money! ‘Step aside Cameron, I think that’s my money you’re spending…’ Unfortunately, like the Suffragette movement and the anti-slavery drive that preceded it, the change will only come from the compassion of bourgeois consciousness. And usually from a solitary soul, be it Wilberforce or Pankhurst. This bourgeois barm cake was firmly in place at the end of the 19th century, before the middle class was even invented, and was reinforced
with the growth of capitalism. It has become again the zeitgeist - the spirit of the age, to hoard both capital and property, but this time it’s different. Back then, the spectre of modernist thought, radical socialism and global social reform were bubbling under. Now sadly, they’re not. Social reform translated into the hubris for middle-class people to own their own homes and spread out to the suburbs. Then, along came that damn working-class aspirationalism - aspiring to some outdated middle-class model which of course only bankrupted them. Hell’s legs - the nastiest trick in the book is to sell you something you already own. Just like Thatcher did in her reign of terror. Culturally, we are in a cesspit of mainstream blandness where it’s going to take a coagulation of millions to make up a single unit of vital force. (cf Quentin) At least, that is, in the mainstream. What may happen, something that wont be seduced by the bourgeois zeitgeist, will be the movement of artists, writers and poets; just as there was Van Gogh, Genet and Lorca - those who refuse to be bought off simply because they are the ones who put their heads on the line. This is unless they too are bought out by Saatchi; like Hirst with his diamonds and Tracey with her peculiar brand of McFeminism.
“The nastiest trick in the book is to sell you something you already own. Just like Thatcher did in her reign of terror” In the late 19th century the writer Emile Zola mentioned that he’d had it up to the back teeth with all the shite on the stage – nonsense that only luxuriated in the profits of industrial progress. He announced publically that he wouldn’t get through another summer with the constant round of cheap pap of Boulevard Theatre thinly disguised as culture. However, toward the end of that summer, Henrik Ibsen premiered his new play Ghosts and things drastically changed. Ghosts is the fine story of a bourgeois family and inherited venereal diseases. In this case, the bourgeois audience left their own lavish dining rooms in opulent Oslo and witnessed a staged version of their own lives but this version, vile, rancid and decaying under the strains of its own heredity. This symbolism summed up the culture and the zeitgeist perfectly and became the rock that eventually cracked the mirror. And after this play, this piece of art, things were never to be the same again.
GSCENE 59
SAM TRANS MAN FIGHTING FIT! IT CAN BE HARD TO KEEP FIT WHEN YOU’RE TRANS* BY DR SAMUEL JAMES HALL ) I’ve held off writing my column this month. I’m not exactly sure why. I usually try and stick to the theme, not least because it gives a framework and context. But I am struggling with sport. Many trans* people have difficulty with sport. There are lots of reasons for this; it’s not easy to continue playing a team sport, for instance, if you have transitioned. Transwomen may not be accepted or allowed to play in a women’s team for example, and there have been instances of trans* people being excluded from competitive sport due to hormone use. Then there is the perennial issue of changing rooms. I’ve talked about toilets before, one of the things that really tortures us before during and sometimes after transition. The constant fear of being outed, ridiculed, excluded or worse hangs over trans* folk, many of whom simply avoid toilets in public spaces completely. Imagine these fears quadrupled when faced with a gender-specific changing room at the gym or swimming pool. It’s a nightmare that many trans* people would rather not face. Of course there are solutions. Often it’s a matter of bravado and confidence to walk into a gender-specific environment. How we carry ourselves, how self-confident we appear and what we have lined up in terms of a reply if challenged. It’s often not as bad as one might expect. Lots of our public facilities have gender neutral changing rooms anyway, and sometimes the fears are misplaced, or born of a deeper insecurity about taking one’s rightful place. However, the fact remains that there are plenty of places where it’s impossible to use the facilities if you are transitioning, and feel caught somewhere between the binary. I used to be a member of a very posh gym just outside of Brighton (no names mentioned, but feel free to guess). A few years ago, in a moment of sheer courage, I went to customer services and told them I was planning to transition medically. I really felt like an imposter in the female changing rooms, but was way too early in my journey to get away with using the men’s. I still looked and sounded female. They were singularly unhelpful - said that there wasn't anything they could do except suspend my membership for a year. Suggested I come back when I was passing as male… Well at least I saved myself £70 a month when I cancelled my membership. What I do now is go to the gym (a different one) ready changed, and come home to shower afterwards. But that’s a bit grim, and I’m more limited in when I can go as a result. I think many trans* people don’t even bother trying, because it is simply too excruciating. Gyms are quite intimate spaces with bodies on show - so for those of us who suffer from dysphoria, it’s all a bit painful.
Of course there are LGBT-friendly groups and spaces, but as we know even some of these need trans* awareness training to be fully inclusive. There are so many things that trans* people are excluded from simply through lack of awareness and sensitive planning. Over the past few years we’ve been running weekly trans*-only swimming sessions with the support of the council, and this accessible space has been a great springboard for many to get back in the pool and get some exercise. A safe and non-judgemental environment, with gender neutral changing rooms, and the peace of mind and solidarity which comes from doing something with other people who are struggling with the same issues. It’s a relief, it really is. There are also groups who have sorted out their own leisure activities such as regular walking and a roller-derby team. I think it gets easier if you’re medically transitioning. Over time I’ve stopped doubting myself or where I belong, and for the main part would be quite happy to assert my rights in a male-only space. I haven’t had to do this yet though, nor have I been challenged in any way, so I don’t really know how I would react, how frightening it would be to encounter transphobia in a place as intimate as a changing room. What I do know is that it will never be straightforward. I cannot completely undo what nature has dealt me. Even with all the surgery I’ll be battle-scarred, with tell-tale signs of my struggles written on my body. For transmen the scars from chest surgery are easy to spot, and many avoid exposing their chests in public for fear of being ‘outed’. I’ll be recovering from surgery to my chest as you read this, so it’s early days for me. I have a sense that I’ll feel inclined to want to strip down to the waist at every appropriate opportunity, simply for the sheer joy of it, but I also know that I’ll bear the evidence, the price I pay for being truly me, etched into my skin.
“I don’t really know how I would react, how frightening it would be to encounter transphobia in a place as intimate as a changing room” I want to be proud of who I am, of the obstacles I have and am overcoming in my quest to achieve congruence between my body and my brain. But I’m also fearful of the reality that cannot be changed. I was born female-bodied, assigned female at birth, and have lived 90% of my life as a woman. A disguise that was effective and helped me to both hide and conform. I no longer desire to stay hidden, it was killing me. So I’m slowly emerging as the man I am, piece by painful piece, and the attendant psychological changes are a profound blessing in my life. My mental health is stable, I feel exposed to the world as the person I truly am, and I no longer feel ashamed of myself. It’s ironic that the further I travel to the margins of society, the more ‘normal’ I feel. The more I’m seen as myself, the less acceptable I become.
CLARE PROJECT meets every
TUESDAY 2.30–5.30PM 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 METHODIST CHURCH 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
VOICE & SINGING THERAPY with Aneesa Chaudhry, Voicebox, Musical Director of Rainbow Chorus. Please see website for further details
www.clareproject.org.uk f Clare Project clareprojectinfo@gmail.com
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DAD & DADDY TIME FLIES! THEY GROW UP SO FAST! BY SYD SPENCER ) You often hear people making comments about how children grow up too fast these days, how more should be done to stop this, how it’s a different world than when we were growing up - and it’s all true and slightly terrifying. But what I have learnt over the last three years is that there is very little parents can do about any of it outside of the home. A trip into town subjects the kids to a barrage of adverts that are selling sex every bit as much as the clothes, the perfume, or the pop stars that they listen to who pose with their breasts pushed so far forward I can’t help think how much they will regret that fake posture in the years to come when their backs cause them so much pain. And then there’s the guys, not one of them seem to be able to tuck their tshirts in properly, midriffs of solid muscle on display to everyone, let alone their inability to do their button fly up!
“A trip into town subjects the kids to a barrage of adverts that are selling sex every bit as much as the clothes, the perfume or the pop stars that they listen to” My daughter’s pop magazine, aimed at 8 to 13 year-olds, had an article on kissing boys last month! I didn’t realise this at the time of purchase, but a few days later, on a Saturday morning, I soon found it while I was enjoying a few minutes’ peace with a nice mug of tea. Both of the kids were upstairs reading their magazines as I relaxed in the lounge when suddenly Katy’s voice invaded my peace with a question that I still can’t erase out of my mind; “Dad do you probe with your tongue when kissing Daddy?”, she waved the page in my face. I snatched it away and looked, the title read “FIVE WAYS TO KISS BOYS SO THEY COME BACK FOR MORE!” Now maybe old age is catching up on me but I don’t remember Smash Hits or Number One magazine ever informing me about such things back in the 1980s in between interviews and pop giveaways.
Recently Katy informed us that four of her friends have android phones at school and after I told her she wasn’t having one there has been a constant droning background noise in our house of how unfair it is that we won’t let her have one, that she’s nearly 10 now and that’s like almost a teenager. A couple of weeks ago all four of us were sat having dinner and as usual we asked the kids how their day at school had been and their favourite part. Bradley excitably told us about the art lesson he had and that his favourite part was lunch time as they had cheesy Pasta, his favourite. Before Katy had even spoken I should have known something was about to be shared that I wouldn’t enjoy hearing because she cleared her throat with a very theatrical “Ahem” and started with a “Well…” “Well, today we had science. I love science,” she started, “and today we learnt about where babies come from.” My toes curled and I placed my knife and fork down and looked straight at her, preparing myself for what was about to come next. “We learnt that the baby grows inside the mother for 9 years.” “Months,” I corrected, secretly relieved that she had skipped the actual physical side of how Baby comes to be in the mother’s tummy in the first place. “Oh yes, months,” she continued, “and it’s in her womb which is in her belly.” “Great,” I jumped in, “Does anyone want more?” I offered out the dish of potatoes, distraction being my weapon of choice. Kevin then asked her; “So did you talk about how the baby is made?” I shot a glare of how dare you towards him but it was too late, she heard him. Katy stood up and shared; “No Daddy but I already know that the man puts his sausage in her doughnut hole and then moves really fast!” At which point Bradley joined in as they both gestured with their hands what we had been told and laughed out loud. The thing is there is little we can do about what the kids learn from each other or what they see when out or what pops up on the telly. We can only do so much and do it as best as we can, we try to edit what they experience, see and read, but sometimes we fail, things slip past us and then, when that happens, we can be sure that the kids will definitely let us know about it. I do worry that they will lose their innocence too soon but it’s a battle that we can’t win. I feel like King Canute as I try frantically to fight off the very fast approaching teenage years and all that brings. Memories of my confusing pubescent years taunt me, flashes of mistakes made and discoveries explored fill me with dread. As dads we work hard now to develop a relationship with our kids of communication and openness so we can tackle what comes our way. It is promising that our daughter already doesn’t have any problems throwing any personal questions at us and long shall that last because with that, as a family, I feel we will survive the world and it’s challenges pretty unscathed, I hope.
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EXERCISE WORKS! Get moving for good mental health. ) Quick Q&A: Which is better at relieving anxiety: a warm bubble bath or a 20-minute jog? You might be surprised at the answer. The warm and fuzzy chemicals that are released during and after exercise can help people with anxiety disorders. Hopping on the track or treadmill for some moderate-to-high intensity aerobic exercise can reduce anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins, which create feelings of happiness and euphoria. Studies have shown that exercise can alleviate symptoms for people who are clinically depressed. For some people, exercise can be as effective as anti-depressant pills in treating depression. Don’t worry if you’re not exactly the gym-rat type — getting a happy buzz from working out for just 30 minutes a few times a week can instantly boost overall mood. At MindOut we practice what we preach and this year, MindOut had a team of 12 who took part in this year’s Sussex Beacon Half Marathon. The team was led by Jason Saw, MindOut’s Team Leader, and they have so far raised a brilliant £4,500. All of the money raised will go towards helping us continue to support LGBTQ people with experience of mental health issues. The services we offer include advice and information, advocacy, peer support group work, well-being courses
and workshops, peer mentoring and an instant online out of hours chat service. This year’s team were Jason Saw, Kyle Mclaughlin, Mike Gaunt, Zoe Lyons, Gavin Riley, Rob Stokoe, Vince Lance, Andrew Crossey, Colin Maplesden, Sam Milford, Tom Levett and Andrew Tate. Rob Stokoe says; “I’m so proud of myself for running the half marathon, I honestly never thought I would be able to do it. Jason encouraged me and helped me to train, I’m so pleased that he did. I’ve raised over £1,100 for MindOut, which is amazing. I know first-hand how this money will support MindOut’s services, which are so important. To be honest, I wouldn’t be here today without the support I’ve had from the project and this has been my way of giving something back” Being able to run for a good cause has really enhanced the well-being of all of our team of runners. They all gave their time and effort to train as well as to raise funds. Please do support them yourselves, all donations mean a lot to us! There’s still time to donate money to individual runners or to the team by visiting our donation page: https://brightonhalffull2015.everydayhero.c om/uk/mindout-marathon-half-marathonrunning-team
ABOUT MINDOUT SERVICES If you would like to know more about our work, or if you have mental health experiences you would like to discuss with us, or if you would like support from any of our services then please do get in touch. ) Our online instant chat service is open out of hours, see the website for opening times. This is a confidential one-to-one service run by trained volunteers. ) Our advice, information and advocacy services offer telephone and/or in person support from an out LGBTQ mental health worker who can help you find services and support, help you plan and negotiate getting what you want and need. ) Our peer support group work service runs a range of weekly groups where you can meet with other LGBTQ people with experience of mental health issues and share, learn from, learn with and develop how you manage your mental health. ) Our well-being service offers a range of groups and workshops throughout the year on mental health topics including self-esteem, living well, personal safety, first aid, suicide prevention and mindfulness meditation.
MINDOUT SERVICES All MindOut’s services are run by and for LGB&T people who have experience of mental health issues. All our services are free, confidential, non-judgemental and independent. ) info@mindout.org.uk ) 01273 234839 ) www.mindout.org.uk
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