Gscene - December 2013

CONTENTS

DEC 2013 GSCENE magazine www.gscene.org @gscene GScene.Brighton

GOULS ON TOP @ REVENGE

CHARLES STREET HALLOWEEN PARTY

PUBLISHED BY Peter Storrow TEL 01273 722457 EDITORIAL info@gscene.com ADS+ARTWORK design@gscene.com EDITORIAL TEAM James Ledward, Graham Robson, Olivia Hall-Smith ARTS EDITOR Michael Hootman SUB-EDITOR Graham Robson DESIGN Michèle Allardyce

BETTY LA LA’S

FRONT COVER MODEL Stuart and Charlie Martin PHOTOGRAPHY Manel Ortego manelortega.co.uk Facebook: photomanelortega Twitter: @manelortega

NEWS 8 News

CONTRIBUTORS

SCENE LISTINGS

Jaq Bayles, Jo Bourne, Nick Boston, Suchi Chatterjee, Nick Douglas, Craig Hanlon Smith, Enzo Marra, Netty, Carl Oprey, Eric Page, Steph Scott, Del Sharp, Keith Sharpe, Gay Socrates, Darren Sole, Brian Stacey, Glen Stevens, Craig Storrie, Duncan Stewart, Roger Wheeler, Mike Wall, Morham White, Kate Wildblood

32 Brighton Listings 48 Solent Bournemouth Listings

ARTS 54 58 59 60 62

PHOTOGRAPHERS Phil Bailey ukmomentcatcher.com, Michael Hootman, James Ledward, Liam Cottam @ Quick Pics Photos www.facebook.com/Quickpicsonline?fr ef=ts & www.quickpicsonline.com, Ian Mager-Playford, Natasha ParkerSmall, Portraits4Fun, Toms Udris

REGULARS

© GSCENE 2013 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.

PROWLER BRIGHTON IN STORE PRE CHRISTMAS PARTY

FEATURES

10 DYKEGATE Sussex Uni’s LGBTQ student group ban the word ‘dyke’ from Facebook 26 SIMON KIRBY MP James Ledward provides a mid-term report card on Simon Kirby MP 27 BRIGHTON GEMS Moving forward with the Gay Elderly Men’s Society 28 LGBT SUBSTANCE MISUSE CRI’s Gary Smith on taking forward the LGBT substance misuse project

SUBLINE 3RD BIRTHDAY PARTY

Arts News Art Matters Classical Film Reviews Book Reviews

29 THIS IS KRISSIE! Krissie DuCann launches her new book This Is Me at the Queens Hotel 55 PRISSY LIPS Graham Robson talks to Crysi de Milo of alt-cabaret duo Prissy Lips 57 TOMMY STEELE The song & dance man tells James Ledward about his new show, Scrooge!

6 Letters to the Editor 51 Come Dine With Morham 52 Dance Music 52 DJ Profile: Bozzy Bear 61 Geek Scene 64 Shopping 65 Craig’s Thoughts 66 Sharp Words 67 Wall’s Words 67 Gay Socrates 68 Changing Attitude 69 Addicted 69 Choir Boys 70 Charlie Says 71 LGBTQ Life Research Hub 71 Trans Scribe 72 Sam The Trans Man 73 Twisted Guilded Ghetto 73 Lunch Positive 74 MindOut

INFORMATION 75 Services Directory 76 Classifieds 78 Advertisers’ Map

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Paul Kemp of BPCIC said: “We hope to expand the programme of LGBT cultural events and explore new elements to maximise the use of the park event infrastructure by creating a weekend of fundraising activities. These may include a comedy performance on the Friday and the possibility of a Sunday afternoon 'Proms on the Park' style event.

Plans are very much in the exploratory stage but it is our intention that any future developments would broaden the entertainment offering of Pride weekend to appeal to a greater cross-section of Brighton's diverse communities.”

WITHDRAWAL OF ANNUAL GRANT PUTS PARADE IN JEOPARDY Concerns remain about the withdrawal of the council’s annual grant of £25,000 from the council's main budget. Pride organisers have told the council the withdrawal of the grant could put the parade in jeopardy. The Conservative Group supported by Labour attempted to table a motion to have the Pride grant reinstated but Cllr Geoffrey Bowden, the committee Chair, ruled that the grant in 2013 was not a grant it was a transitional contigency fund and ruled the ammendment out. The Conservative Group will take the ammendment to the next Policy and Resources Committee for consideration. Cllr Theobald said to a meeting of Gay Businesses last week that if Labour support the ammendment the grant will be reinstated.

CLLR GEOFFREY BOWDEN

Here is what the politicians have to say: Geoffrey Bowden, Green councillor, said: “We are massive supporters of Pride and are particularly pleased that the ticketed format for the event is delivering a healthy surplus and allowing LGBT charities to benefit from grants administered by the Rainbow Fund.

“This year's Pride's fundraising initiatives broke all previous records, so far generating £43,103 for donation to local LGBT and HIV causes. Indeed, in the face of the continuing squeeze on funds from central government to local authorities such as Brighton & Hove, it is essential that major events such as Pride become sustainable.

“Pride CIC has demonstrated that it has a financially sustainable model, which we applaud. We continue to

work closely with Pride organisers to ensure the longer term future of the event and are currently looking at proposals for 2014. We are also proposing to grant landlord's consent for the organisers to stage the parade and event in the park for three years. The impact of such a move will be to provide the organisers with greater stability and strengthen their position to bring on board long term sponsor support.

“The £25,000 we set aside this year was a ringfenced contingency fund in case it was needed to ensure the viability of the event. Some of this was used to ensure the safety of the Gay Village Party. The Pride event itself did not require any support from the contingency fund beyond some assistance around managing cash-flow.

“While Pride is self financing, the authority continues to make very significant contributions of support, this year worth nearly £64,000. We also still provide grants to small scale LGBT organisations wishing to take part in the Parade as we have done for many years.”

Geoffrey Theobald, Conservative councillor said: “I am a great supporter of the Pride festival and have always tried to do what I can to help if difficulties arise. I recently met with the organisers and I am pleased to say that the Conservative Group supports their call to reinstate the grant which enables the annual parade through the city to take place.

CLLR GEOFFREY THEOBALD

PAUL KEMP

) Pride 2014 will be on Saturday, August 2.

Brighton & Hove Council granted Landlord’s Consent last month to Brighton Pride Community Interest Company (BPCIC) to use Preston Park for the weekend starting Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 3, 2014. The council have suggested to Pride organisers they make use of the infrastructure on the park all weekend to make the event more sustainable and help control overhead costs.

“Brighton & Hove's Pride is an internationally renowned event which, last year, was attended by 160,000 people and contributes an estimated £13.5 million to the local economy, in other words, money in

Warren Morgan, Labour councillor, said: “Pride is an essential event in the city's calendar bringing millions to the local economy, and we are totally committed to do all we can to ensure its long-term future. The council currently provides support through fees it waives and helping to meet other costs.

I've met with Pride leaders to look at ways of ensuring Pride can get through the next three years and become a sustainable, self-funding event.

CLLR WARREN MORGAN

TORIES FIGHT ON TO REINSTATE PRIDE GRANT!

the pocket for our local businesses and traders. It also generates significant sums of money for local LGBT and HIV good causes - over £43,000 last year. In an ideal world the whole of Pride would be self-financing but this is such an important event for the city that this grant is a relatively small price to pay for its continued success.”

“I'd like the city council to be able to help Pride and events like it, but over £100 million in government cuts to our funding in the next four years makes that very difficult.”

James Ledward, editor of Gscene Magazine, concluded saying: “After years of losing money Pride has been run for the last two years by people who have financial acumen and are keen to produce an event for the city which benefits LGBT organisations that can demonstrate they are providing effective front-line services to the LGBT community.

“The model needs to be given the chance to prove it is sustainable and this won't happen by removing a grant that is essential to its cash flow. All that will do is put the Pride parade at risk in 2014.”

JAMES LEDWARD

DATE FOR PRIDE 2014 ANNOUNCED:

Brighton & Hove City Council have still not provided to Gscene evidence of where the annual grant to the organisers of Pride was allocated in 2011 and is the subject of a Freedom of Information Request. The council have also not seen the accounts of Pride to enable them to say the organisation is now sustainable.

NEW SPONSOR FOR BRIGHTON GAY MEN’S CHORUS ) The UK’s largest funeral director The Cooperative Funeralcare has struck a deal with Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus. The chorus, which currently has around 85 members, is the largest gay chorus outside of London. Funeralcare’s sponsorship agreement will allow the choir to flourish in its core objectives, expand its presence and impact within Brighton & Hove, as well as allowing it to participate in exciting projects further afield in 2014.

Paul Charlton, Chairman for Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, said: “Our trustees are extremely grateful for the Co-operative Funeralcare’s generous support. The chorus strongly identifies with the Co-operative’s guiding values of selfhelp, democracy, equality and solidarity. In particular, we believe our objectives to be closely aligned with one of the Co-operative’s key focal areas – keeping communities thriving.”

Sam Kershaw, Operations Director South, The Cooperative Funeralcare, added: “We are delighted to be the main sponsor for the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus. Music of all types is synonymous with funerals and can help to reflect a person’s life. In addition, The Co-operative is a keen supporter of the LGBT community, being ranked third in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index of the top 100 Nationwide Employers. This year we’ve supported a number of LGBT Pride events including Brighton, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff.”

Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, which is a registered charity, operates an 11-month calendar, of three seasons, each of which culminates in a one or two night show. This year’s winter season, finishes with Pull A Cracker on December 7 at The Brighton Dome featuring guest star Claire Sweeney.

For more information about the chorus and to buy tickets for Pull A Cracker: www.brightongmc.org

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WWW.GSCENE.COM PRIORITY FOR LOCAL LGBT GROUPS & FRONTLINE SERVICES

PAUL ELGOOD

RAINBOW FUND ANNOUNCES RECORD FUNDING FOR LOCAL LGBT AND HIV GROUPS THANKS TO BRIGHTON PRIDE

Paul Elgood, Chairman of the Rainbow Fund, said: “I would like to thank the many fundraisers who made these grants possible. In particular the support from Pride can be seen directly benefitting the local LGBT and HIV voluntary sector.

The Rainbow Fund offers an independent and needsled mechanism to ensure that the funds donated go out to the local causes who need it the most.

“We are here predominately for the volunteer-led LGBT and HIV community groups and charities, providing front-line support. They are our highest priority and this is reflected in many of the grants that we have made.

“We are delighted to be supporting new groups and projects this time; including the Clare Project, who work with people exploring their gender identity, and a new project on housing support from MindOut. “We do not directly fundraise ourselves but rely on groups, individuals and businesses who support us through high profile events and fundraising in LGBT venues.

) In what will be seen as a significant end of year boost to the local LGBT and HIV voluntary sector, the Rainbow Fund has announced its autumn grants round, giving out over £46,000 in grants to the community groups who need it most locally.

PAUL KEMP

Brighton Pride made a significant donation to the fund of over £41,000, raised through ring-fenced funding of £1 per ticket, making this the biggest Rainbow Fund grants round ever.

Paul Kemp, Pride Director, said: “A vibrant voluntary sector is essential for all communities to develop. I hope that these grants to local LGBT/HIV organisations providing front-line services to the community will enable them to continue to make the lives of LGBT people in Brighton & Hove much easier.”

FUNDING FOR MORE PROJECTS The Rainbow Fund has continued funding some of its core groups, including Allsorts for its trans youth work; Lunch Positive for its volunteer-led lunch project; the LGBT Community Safety Forum for its advocacy work with victims of hate crime; and Brighton GEMS, the Gay Elderly Men’s Society.

However, the increase in the funding donated this year means that the Rainbow Fund is also funding

new groups and projects for the first time. the Clare Project is being funded for its work on speech therapy and psychotherapy; Peer Action will receive a large grant for its health and wellbeing activities for people living with HIV; and a new housing advice project from MindOut will receive support in addition to its mental health service.

“We can’t support every group who applies, every time, but in this grants round we have literally spent every penny we are currently holding, and so we will be asking for the support of the community again next year. I would also like to thank the independent advisory grants panel for their time and expertise once again.”

Subject to final agreement by Sussex Community Foundation and any grant conditions, the approved grants are:

LOCAL LGBT FUNDRAISING

• Allsorts - £5,000 for a youth engagement worker to support the Transformer group for young Trans* people • Clare Project – £4,640 to extend for psychotherapy and speech therapy sessions for Trans* people • Brighton GEMS - £4,000 towards support costs for befriending & support work for older gay men • LGBT Community Safety Forum - £7,000 towards hate crime advocacy • LGBT Switchboard - £2,500 towards clinical supervision for counsellors • Lunch Positive - £7,000 towards food, venue hire and lunch club running costs for people with HIV • MindOut – £7,000 towards peer support groups and housing advice for people with mental health issues • Peer Action - £5,000 for health and wellbeing activities for those living with HIV • Sussex Beacon - £4,000 towards a new occupational therapy project The remaining funds were earmarked for a feasibility study to develop a funding needs assessment of all LGBT organisations, the services they provide and their future grant needs.

The Rainbow Fund autumn 2013 grants round is made possible thanks to fundraising from: Brighton Pride, Brighton Bear Weekender, Legends, Tony Chapman, Queen’s Arms, A Bar, Charles Street, David Raven, James Ledward, the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus and many others.

David Harvie, of the Brighton Bear Weekender, concluded: “From us here at Brighton Bear Weekender, we are so glad to lend our support to the Rainbow Fund. We love how the fund works to help all parts of the gay community in and around Brighton & Hove.

“We know the Rainbow Fund will use the money to help fund vital services and programs that are so needed and greatly help our community, whether the money we raised is used to help raise awareness of HIV or help people living with it.

The Rainbow Fund provides grant funding to the local LGBT voluntary sector. It does not fundraise directly but benefits from a number of high profile events and activities. There are no salaries, expenses or office hire costs associated with the fund, except in terms of the professional advice it receives in terms of administrating the fund by the Sussex Community Foundation. All panel members are volunteers and give their time freely.

To find out more about the work of the Rainbow Fund, view: www.rainbow-fund.org

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JACK DIXON

3.12.1939 - 6.10.2013 ) Jack Dixon was born in Huddersfield out of wedlock and brought up in a local orphanage. During his early years a lady wanted to adopt him but she was considered too old by the authorities. Jack was always unhappy about that. During his later years Jack returned home to try and find out more about his family. Sadly, he was unsuccessful.

OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF MSPS VOTE FOR SCOTLAND’S EQUAL MARRIAGE BILL

The 1950s found him in the army in Cyprus where he was the only solider in his group to survive an explosion which affected his hearing for the rest of his life. After discharge from the army he worked at Pinewood film studios both in catering and as a chauffeur. He often told the story about how he drove the Hollywood actress Bette Davis to the Ritz Hotel for afternoon tea and she complained because they served the jam in pyrex instead of a cut-glass dish.

Equality campaigners are celebrating as Scotland’s equal marriage bill passed its first vote in the Scottish Parliament by an overwhelming majority of 98 for and 15 against. ) The Equality Network, the Scottish LGBT equality charity that runs the Equal Marriage campaign, welcomed the vote, which saw 98 MSPs vote in favour of the Bill and 15 vote against, as a huge step towards a fairer and more equal Scotland.

TOM FRENCH

Tom French, Policy Coordinator for the Equality Network, said: “The Scottish Parliament voted by an overwhelming majority to back same-sex marriage and uphold the principle that we should all be equal under the law. This vote is a huge step forward which will send out a strong message that LGBT people are equal and valued members of our society. While there is still more work to do to improve the bill and ensure it becomes law, LGBT people across the country will be celebrating this significant milestone in the journey towards full equality.”

Before the vote, the Equality Network held a final rally outside the Scottish Parliament, joined by supporters, same-sex couples, faith leaders, and leading MSPs from across the political parties including Alex Neil MSP, the

Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for the Bill.

Now that the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill has passed its stage one vote it will return to the Scottish Parliament’s Equal Opportunities Committee who will consider amendments before MSPs vote on a final version of the Bill at stage three early in 2014.

Opinion polls have shown consistent public support for same-sex marriage across Scotland.

The most recent poll, conducted in June 2012

by Ipsos MORI on behalf of the Equality Network, showed record support with 64% of Scots in favour of same-sex marriage, and just 26% opposed. Separate polls over the past three years by Populus, YouGov, Angus Reid, and the independent Scottish Social Attitudes Survey, have all shown similar levels of support.

Equal marriage is fast becoming an international norm with countries like Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain and Portugal already having same-sex marriage. The UK parliament passed same-sex marriage legislation for England and Wales earlier this year, and Ireland has announced it will hold a vote in 2015.

LGBT PEOPLE MURDERED

BY THE NAZIS REMEMBERED ) Cllr Mike Jones laid a wreath for LGBT people who lost their lives during the second world war at the remembrance day service on Sunday, November 10, which took place at the War Memorial on the Old Steine in Brighton.

The text on the wreath read: “In remembrance of the tens of thousands of LGBT men and women who were persecuted, tortured and

murdered in concentration camps throughout Europe by Nazi Germany.

“In remembrance too of LGBT persons who have served and died for their country past and present. We Will Remember Them.”

Jack proved very good at catering and organising events. He became the manager of The Golden Galleon restaurant on the A259 near Cuckmere Haven where he trained many people in the skills of catering and serving the public.

Jack was a great socialiser and was associated with many organisations including GEMS (Gay Elderly Men's Society) who he appeared with annually on top of the Mayor's open top bus during Brighton Pride dressed in his pink suit. Nothing gave Jack more pleasure than to see all the people cheering, which he said brought home to him how things had changed since he was a younger man. He also marched on the London Pride Parade, again something that gave him immense personal pleasure.

Through his involvement with CAFFMOS (Contacts and Friendship For Men Over Sixty), he attended monthly lunches in Brighton and their annual weekend away in Blackpool. He took great pleasure in attending the annual disco of TAGS (The Aran Gay Society) in Littlehampton and always caused a stir when he arrived in his pink suit.

During his final years, when his health was failing, Jack spent much of his time in the A-Bar where he would take lunch. He was a gentleman of the old school, always immaculately dressed, and the management of the A-Bar organised for him to be cremated in his favourite pink suit.

Jack was cremated on November 14 at the Woodvale Crematorium in Brighton.

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ANGER AS SUSSEX UNIVERSITY LGBTQ STUDENT GROUP BANS USE OF THE WORD 'DYKE' ON THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE

recent years and proved highly popular, as well as making a political statement.”

Facebook friends of the performers were not slow in making their views known on Facebook.

EVERYDAY TERM

A row broke out last month between the LGBTQ student group at Sussex University and two local lesbian artists...

Their new show Bah! Humbuggers (Or Dyke The Halls), described as an evening of hardly festive fun, words and music, was programmed to play at the Emporium in Brighton on December 1 and 2 and the Hideaway in London on December 15.

The proceeds from the London show were to benefit the Kids' City organisation who provide out of school activities for children in Wandsworth and Lambeth.

CELEBRATING DYKE CULTURE Rose said: “My first thought was 'you've got to be kidding me'. I've been a self-defined out and proud dyke activist for 34 years, marching and campaigning for gay rights before it became a trendy social event. At City Limits, I was the UK's first ever journalist hired solely to cover dyke culture and politics. Much of my journalism and books have been about unearthing and celebrating dyke culture and history. And now I'm being told that a word and definition, steeped in our history and reclaimed by lesbian women, is taboo and 'violates safe space'. It's staggeringly ignorant, beyond insulting and politically-correct censorship gone mad.”

HILARIOUS!

To help publicise the shows the performers posted the event on the Sussex LGBTQ Facebook page.

Emily Weaver, chair of Sussex LGBTQ group, contacted the performers saying: “I am contacting you today as we are going to remove your post regarding Bah Humbuggers on our timeline. We have a safe space policy in place on our page and unfortunately the word ‘Dyke’ violates this policy.

“As a society we pride ourselves on promoting a safe space which means everyone should be able to participate in a safe environment. We find ourselves in a situation where members of the society felt uncomfortable with having an event posted which included the term Dyke.

VG LEE

) Rose Collis and VG Lee are both popular and highly-respected writers and performers. Rose's onewoman show, Trouser-Wearing Characters has been a national and international hit over the last 18 months, while Lee was shortlisted for the Stonewall Writer of the Year in 2012. Both are currently in the running, respectively, for Planet London's Arts Event of the Year and Author of the Year awards.

“As a society we are bound to providing a safe space by the student union guidelines and we never take deleting a post lightly, however in certain circumstances for example, when we feel safe space is being violated this is a necessary step. We do not have a problem with your event, just the word included in the name. We are happy for you to repost your event without the word Dyke if you wish to. I apologise if this causes an inconvenience.”

ROSE COLLIS

BAH HUMBUGGERS

VG Lee added: “As well as being an author, I am also a comedian and would find the email from Sussex LGBTQ hilarious, if it was not so insidious. I am not aware that ‘Dyke’ is a banned word. I realise that there will always be someone who is unhappy with an assigned name.

Personally I don’t much like being called a ‘lezzer’, but someone using it wouldn’t pose a threat to me.

This appears to be censorship because of personal taste or the view of a few. That is not sufficient reason to ask us to remove the word that I personally cherish!”

Rose continued: “Apparently, according to their Stalinist view of the world and queer politics, no woman is allowed to define herself as a 'dyke' because it makes space 'unsafe'. Interestingly, they had no problems with the word 'buggers'."

“For decades, millions of women around the world have been proud to define themselves as 'Dykes'. In fact, in several major cities - including San Francisco and London - 'Dyke Marches' have been re-born in

Gscene columnist, Kate Wildblood, a mature student and fabulous dyke wrote on her blog, Perfect Distractions: “The word dyke isn’t a long lost description of folks like me who find sustenance and sauce in the arms of women. It’s a term used everyday. By us queers and, yes, those who have a problem with us in playgrounds, on school buses, in the street, in life.”

The chair of the LGBTQ asked Gscene to remove her name from our online story as she had not given us "permission to use it". We declined.

THE STUDENTS RESPONSE IN FULL: To all those concerned: We would like to apologise to those offended by the actions recently undertaken on the Sussex LGBTQ Society Facebook page. Having discussed issues regarding discursive reappropriation at length, we decided that the policy of safe space interacted with this reappropriation in various and, at times, problematic ways, and while we welcome conversation concerning the issue, we would like to express the rationale behind this decision-making process at this point in time.

Early in the semester, society members expressed an issue with an advertisement that utilised and began the work of reappropriating the word ‘fag’, and given the triggering nature of such a term, we, as a society, determined that the usage of such a word, though noble in its efforts towards reclamation, was best left off the page. Considering the word’s ability to call to mind times of oppression, abuse, and discrimination, this reappropriation troubled the society’s primary goal of maintaining a safe space.

However, recognising the subjective nature of such a stance, and also mindful of the diverse ages and cultural backgrounds of our group’s members, the decision was made that the Facebook page was not the proper place for continued reappropriation. For many of our members, such terms are associated with painful memories from a youth not long gone.

Therefore, as both ‘dyke’ and ‘fag’ had occasioned complaints from our society’s members, we decided to remove them at this point.

While the Sussex LGBTQ Society is deeply concerned and passionate about issues within the wider LGBTQ community, it is the welfare of our group’s members that must remain our first and foremost concern. Similarly, as the Facebook page is a reflection of the society, its members, and their beliefs, we felt that this decision, though difficult to make, best reflected this commitment to a safe space. As a society, we welcome continued discussion of issues regarding reappropriation, and we have been considering hosting an event centred upon this topic, which will be discussed later.

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Although we believe debate and sympathetic conversation are inherent values to our society, the Facebook page is not the intended place in which these conflicting viewpoints are meant to meet.

Finally, we encourage our society’s members to selfidentify in whichever way best reflects their understanding of self, and we do hope that our members from a variety of identities will aid us in our attempt to comprehend more fully this issue and the best means by which to proceed.

Our aim is not censorship, and this February, during LGBTQ History Month, we are planning to host a discussion on issues concerning reappropriation. At the moment, members of the aforementioned group that have begun reclamation of ‘fag’ have politely offered to come and speak, and we hope that others who have begun reclamation of ‘dyke’ might be willing to do the same. At this point in time, we hope to include a variety of identities, students, faculty members, and individuals within the greater queer community in order to hold a civil, progressive, constructive, and informative conversation.

Lastly, and as stated previously, we welcome input from our group’s members as a means of better creating a safe space policy that seeks to accomplish the tremendous task of protecting all of its members.

During the past several years, the society has held debates similar to the one mentioned above regarding the use of the word ‘queer’, and this has greatly aided our ability to support our selfidentifying queer students. While we stand by the difficult decision we have made, this decision is open to transformation and change if we feel that it continues to abide by the safe space policy and also reflects the beliefs of our members as well. We hope that our openness to continued discussion and adaptation, combined with our efforts to continue supporting a safe space, will allow us to improve our ability to interact with and support our members, our allies, and our friends and peers in the greater LGBTQ community.

We respectfully ask that further communication is not directed at individual group or committee members. If any questions, complaints, or other comments need to be made, then we welcome feedback at sussexlgbtq@gmail.com.

If you would like to find out more information on the safe space policy please visit our website: http://sussexlgbtq.weebly.com/safespace-policy.html Thankfully, The Sussex LGBTQ Society

BAH! HUMBUGGERS BAH! HUMBUGGERS (OR DYKE THE HALLS), Emporium, London Road, Brighton, Sunday, December 1 & Monday, December 2, doors open 7.30pm, show at 8pm, tickets £12/£10. To book online and get a 5% discount, view: http://emporiumbrighton.com/bahhumbuggers

JAQ BAYLES

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DYKEGATE Jaq Bayles asks – is the removal of a poster from an LGBTQ Facebook page because it contains the word ‘dyke’ an hysterical reaction to something clearly intended as a bit of seasonal fun?

) Hey, let’s have some fun – it is that time of year after all. Put your hands up if you identify as a poof, queer, fag, dyke, lezzer. Give us a cheer if you embrace those words as part of your culture, if you don’t mind when someone calls you that in the street because you own the word.

Wasn’t that fun? Not if you’re a member of Sussex University’s LGBTQ group, apparently – with the exception of ‘queer’, which is part of its name. To that particular group of people, the word ‘dyke’ is ‘offensive’ and ‘triggering’ and was deemed insulting enough to warrant the removal of a poster from its Facebook page on the grounds that it violated its ‘safe space’ policy.

One would assume then, that said poster was some kind of attack on the lesbian community, or at the very least that it was using the word ‘dyke’ in a derogatory fashion.

Not so. Rather it was a humorous tagline to a festive show by lesbian authors and performers Rose Collis and VG Lee, as in ‘Dyke the Halls’. It was a play on words by two women who self-identify as ‘dykes’, carrying on a long tradition in the gay world of risque wordplay and the equally long tradition by any number of so-called ‘minority’ groups of reclaiming words that have been used by others as insults in order to strip them of their power.

Regardless of the fact that the word ‘dyke’ has long been reclaimed by the wider lesbian community (I have on my bookshelves a series of comic books from the early 1990s called Dykes to Watch Out For

by Alison Bechdel), I appreciate that many lesbians would resent having the word flung at them by nonlesbians with intent to insult. But this is clearly not the case. So why did the university group feel the need to remove the post?

‘DYKE’ OFFENDED SOME MEMBERS The LGBTQ society defended its decision thus: “We have not removed an opinion piece, or a member’s comment/statement, neither have we told members that we are not allowing them to identify as dyke or express that they are dykes. What we did do is remove a poster, of which we have no obligation to allow on our page, because the word ‘dyke’ being used in the poster offended some members, members which we have a duty to protect as a university society which caters to LGBTQ individuals from various country of origins and ages who may have different interpretations and lived experiences.”

fought for decades to diffuse.

Let’s consider what the Urban Dictionary has to say on the matter: “Dyke - Although originally a derogatory term for lesbians, it is now often used with pride by lesbians themselves, especially the younger and hipper lesbian crowd… In fact some dykes resent being called a lesbian, as they feel it is much less cool than being called a dyke.”

DECADES OF PROTEST DISMISSED Now, I have no idea of the age or level of hipness of those people who felt offended by the terminology, but I do know that I feel offended that decades of protesting, marching and campaigning by so many thousands of women – and men – can be so lightly tossed aside because one word doesn’t sit well with a few.

The world is a different – and safer – place for gay people now thanks to the fight most people who faced coming out in the 1980s (and before) were confronted with. They stood up for themselves, they battled blind prejudice with reason and human rights arguments and they paved the way to a society that today – despite some clear opponents – is more accepting of gay people and their lifestyles For a gay group to undermine the achievements of this work in the area of semantics by caving into what sounds like a hysterical reaction to something clearly intended as a bit of seasonal fun is puzzling at best – dangerous at worst.

The group justifies its response to ‘dykegate’ on its website: “We applaud that individuals are able to choose their own labels instead of relying solely on those a heteronormative society try's (sic) to enforce, and we are thankful for the hard work of those who came before us who fought for liberation and the reclamation of words once used negatively towards members of the LGBTQ community and fully support those who continue to do so.

“We now understand that it was simply being used in a humorous manner, but when a complaint is made we have to decide an action.”

I’d suggest that you’d need to have had a humour bypass NOT to have understood it was “being used in a humorous manner” before that fact was pointed out to you. And it might have been pertinent to consider the kind of backlash such an action was likely to incur.

By all means stay safe, Sussex University LGBTQ group, but you might want to consider that if the Call me old-fashioned, but it strikes me that by taking thousands of gay rights campaigners over the years had taken that option, you might not now be in a down this post the society has handed back to the position to do so. word ‘dyke’ the negative power that women have

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WWW.GSCENE.COM SAMARITANS RECEIVE MORE THAN 500,000 CALLS A YEAR FROM MEN TO DISCUSS ISSUES SURROUNDING THEIR SEXUAL ORIENTATION ) New figures released by the Samaritans identify that more than one in ten calls (10.9%) they receive for help from men talked about issues surrounding their sexual orientation. This compares with only one in 40 (2.4%) similar calls from women according to the latest snapshot survey of branches in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

MARIA ANTONIOU

A spokesperson said: “We get more than five million calls a year, although many of them are so-called ‘snap-calls’ where there is no actual conversation. It takes a few tries for some people to pluck up the courage to speak.”

Maria Antoniou, interim Chair at Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard, said: “The Samaritans exist to help people at times of severe distress or when they are having suicidal thoughts - and that is how they advertise themselves. The ways that Samaritan volunteers are inducted and supported reflects the level of need they deal with - which can include people committing suicide while they are on the phone. Switchboard on the other hand deals with less urgent situations, and caters for people in less severe circumstances who are not at the end of their tether, but mostly need someone to talk a problem over with - and that is how we advertise ourselves. It is concerning if stats are showing that LGBT people are increasingly seeking out a crisis service."

ALLSORTS AWARDED SANTANDER FOUNDATION GRANT TRANSBRITANNIA THE EVIL TWIN ) Helen Marie Carter, one of the current Pride Ambassadors and author, is staging a one-woman show at the Marlborough Theatre on Tuesday, December 10 at 7pm. Entitled TransBritannia : The Evil Twin, Helen will explain about Gender Dysphoria which she says many people don't understand

about and then read from her forthcoming controversial book Out of a Sense of Pride, which tells her story, that of a young boy entering the dangerous and volatile world of transvestism in Guernsey in 1964. Tickets are £8 from the Marlborough in advance or £10 on the door on the night.

Samaritans have pointed out to Gscene that Samaritans is not just a ‘crisis’ service. Indeed only 20% of the calls they receive are from people with suicidal feelings. The other 80% are from people who are not suicidal but who, “need someone to talk a problem over with”. The Samaritans don’t advertise themselves as a service for people “with suicidal thoughts or severe distress”. They make it clear that they are available around the clock, every day of the year to listen to anyone, at any time, with any kind of problem they might want to talk about. You don’t have to be suicidal to call them. The Samaritans believe that if people can talk over their problems before they become suicidal then they might never get to that stage and they don’t want to discourage anyone from calling them if they think their problems are not severe enough.

The accounts for Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard for the year ending March 2012 logged at the Charity Commission show that they received 900 calls during the year (average 2.5 calls a day).

CATHERINE JOHNSTON

For the period ending March 2012 the same account show Switchboard received £63,895 in grants, £2,316 in donations, £1,458 from fundraising events and £6,152 from counselling activities to deliver their service, which according to the accounts also included 213 counselling hours.

Catherine Johnston, Chief Executive of Samaritans, said: “Samaritans is there for everyone, gay or straight, at any time. We are absolutely confidential and we don’t make judgements. Whatever your problem, call us and we’ll listen to anything you need to say.”

To contact Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard, call: 01273 204 050 between 5–9pm on Monday to Friday and 5–7pm on Saturday and Sunday.

You can leave a message at any other times for a volunteer to call you back.

LATEST TV: QTUBE TALKS TO FOX ABOUT BEING TRANS* IN BRIGHTON ) Episode 6 of Latest TV's gay programme QTube is on YouTube.

In the show, broadcast from Legends Basement Club, Jonesy and Torsten talk to Fox, star of My Transsexual Summer and Alice about the My Genderation project and being trans* in Brighton & Hove. Cameras follow the students during LGBT Freshers week with Torsten looks back at the recent Queer in Brighton conference held at Sussex University. In The Symposium, Michael, Robert, Mike and Geoff ask why some straight women can be homophobic. To view the show: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yi4 jbwQpz-0&feature=youtu.be

) Allsorts LGBT Youth Project has received a £5,000 grant from the Santander Foundation to fund a series of activities for lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans* young people aged 16-25 living in the Brighton, Hove and Sussex area. The grant was provided from the Foundation’s Community Plus initiative which provides grants of up to £5,000 for projects that help disadvantaged people in local communities.

The funding will go towards a summer programme to ensure that clients have somewhere safe and friendly to go in the summer holidays. They can have fun, get support and learn about themselves in such a way as to come out of the programme more confident and relaxed about their identity and with a whole set of new friends.

Additionally, the funding will also cover the creation of a resource that they can give to their carers/parents when they ‘come out’.

This will help their carers/parents understand what is happening and support their children through this difficult time.

Moreover, the grant will pay for 28 Peer Education sessions in schools and colleges to tackle homo, bi and transphobia.

Craig Banes of Santander Foundation, said: “Community Plus allows our staff and customers to nominate local charities that are most in need of assistance. We are delighted to be supporting the Allsorts LGBT Youth Project and hope the donation makes a real difference to local people.”

Jess Wood MBE, Allsorts Project Director, said: “We are thrilled that Santander are offering us this amazing grant. It is going to make a real difference to our capacity to create safe spaces for LGBT young people in our community.”

JESS WOOD MBE

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The Community Plus fund provides grants of up to £5,000 to small, local charities with funding available to cover salaries, equipment or materials.

For more information, view: www.allsorts.org.uk

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WORKING FOR THE COMMUNITY IN ST JAMES’ STREET ) Community activists, local businesses and the council’s street lighting manager were joined last month by The Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership, a local councillor and the police for an unusual but important event during Halloween. St James’ Community Action Group (SJCAG) organised a street inspection of lighting throughout the St James’ Street area. Following on from the significant achievements achieved with improved lighting last year on St James’ St, the team concentrated its efforts on the side streets.

Assurances were received from council officers that specific attention would be given to additional/enhanced lighting in New Steine Mews, the area adjoining the Peace Park in Dorset Gardens, Steine Street and the car park adjacent to Cavendish Street. The missing column on the High Street is to be installed and new white lighting introduced on Chapel Street and Rock Place.

The Community Action Group urges all local residents to report sites that require attention either directly to the council or via the SJCAG at sjcag2012@gmail.com

KEMPTOWN CARNIVAL ACCOUNTS REVEAL DEBTS OF £12,000 ) Cllr Geoffrey Bowden, chaired the AGM of the Kemptown Carnival on Tuesday, October 29 at the Crypt Community Centre in the basement of St George’s Church. Approximately 12 people attended.

Accounts revealed debts of £12,000. Total income for 2012-13 was £30,000, leaving a shortfall of £10,000 on the budget. This was due largely to a lack of sponsorship which was budgeted at £10,000 but only £500 was forthcoming.

Total expenses were £38,000 leaving a deficit of £8,000 on the 2013 event, which grew to £12,000 following debts from the 2012 event being rolled over.

Major creditor is the event manager who is owed £6,000.

Cllr Bowden, a former trustee of Brighton Pride and chair of the council's Economic Development & Culture Committee declared that this year’s Kemptown Carnival was a "fine example of a community event".

A few traders and one or two residents have suggested staging next year’s Kemptown Carnival on May bank holiday, Monday (May 26) rather than on the first Saturday in June (June 7). Cllr Bowden said he does not want to take such an important decision without residents having their say first. To have your say, view: www.surveymonkey.com/s/K2Y2V8L. All responses are strictly anonymous.

Cllr Bowden hit the headlines last month when in justifying the Green Administration’s decision to remove the annual grant to Brighton Pride he suggested that Pride had a surplus and that the organisations finances were sustainable. It emerged that Cllr Bowden had not seen the Pride accounts and his statements were misleading. The organisers of Pride deny they have a surplus and insist that without the council grant of £25,000 they cannot fund the annual Pride Parade in 2014.

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NEW POLICE RESPONSE TO HELP PREVENT HATE CRIME IN BRIGHTON ) Two Brighton girls have been advised by police on issues relating to homophobia after they admitted verbally abusing men they assumed to be homosexual in Brighton & Hove.

The girls, aged 16 and 17, were traced by police after a man complained after suffering homophobic abuse at Madeira Drive, early one morning in June 2013.

Both girls admitted their conduct and, with the agreement of the man, police arranged a special briefing session for each of the girls, to give them an understanding of the effects of their behaviour, using statements from victims of specific hate crimes.

LOCAL LAWYER APPEARS ON LIST OF BEST LAWYERS AND LAW FIRMS ) Philip Warford, managing director of Renaissance Legal, a Sussex-based law firm, has been listed as a Ranked Lawyer in the directory of best law firms and lawyers published by Chamber & Partners.

PC RICH BRIDGER

Community Resolution (CR) has been available in Sussex since January 2011 and is a nationally recognised, victim focused, out of court disposal option. It can provide victims with the opportunity to tell offenders about the real impact of their crime, to get answers to their questions and to receive reparation. It gives offenders the chance to understand the real consequences of what they've done and to do something to repair the harm.

PC Rich Bridger, LGBT liaison officer, said: “This new briefing package, which we can adapt to fit the circumstances of other individual hate crime cases, was developed with the help of Stonewall, and the local Allsorts Youth Group, but will only be used in minor cases and with the full agreement of the aggrieved person.

“It consists of a powerpoint presentation taking the offender through facts about the reaction of LGBT victims when faced with crime and anti-social behaviour, and the way in which they can feel particularly vulnerable and distressed by such experiences. We then ask the offender to explain how they react to these realities.

“CR allows police officers to offer victims an alternative way of dealing with usually low level crime and anti-social behaviour, without having to go through the formal criminal justice system. But it is important to remember that this is not the only option open to police and victims. Prosecutions, along with all other criminal justice disposals remain available and are much more frequently used, and can also be used if the CR process is unsuccessful.

“We hope that this new initiative to tackle some hate crime incidents will over time give offenders a real insight into the impact of their behaviour, and will prevent future incidents from happening.”

The victim, a local man who does not wish to be identified, said: “I’m happy that the police have supported us as a community. The Community Resolution process educates offenders and sends a clear message out there that this sort of behaviour is unacceptable.”

THE INDIRECT EXPERIENCES OF ANTI-LGBT HATE CRIME ) The University of Sussex are attempting to understand how hate crimes and hate incidents against LGBT individuals have an impact on other LGBT people. To do so, they are asking participants to complete an anonymous survey which asks them for their knowledge of and reactions to hate crimes and hate incidents against LGBT people.

The survey, which should take no longer than 30 minutes to complete, will help them to understand the widespread effects of hate crimes and hate incidents which will enable them to work with LGBT associations and organisations, together with the police and Criminal Justice System, to implement initiatives that will help victims of hate crimes and hate incidents, and LGBT communities in general. You will also be given contact details and links to organisations that can help you recognise and report a hate crime and provide support if you, or someone you know, is a victim of a hate crime or incident.

Chambers & Partners, who have been ranking the best law firms and lawyers since 1990, is widely recognised as the principal directory for those needing to find the most appropriate legal representation.

Philip, who has been ranked under the Private Client section for Brighton and its surrounding areas, said: “The selection process is carried out by in house researchers conducting indepth telephone interviews with myself, my clients and other professionals I work with.

“Renaissance Legal was only formed in 2010, so this is a real testament to how far we’ve come in such a short space of time.

“I’m particularly delighted that I’ve been recognised for the work I do with disabled people and their families as so few firms provide this specialist service.”

For more information on Renaissance Legal, view: www.renaissancelegal.co.uk

In return for your participation you - or a charity of your choosing - will be entered into a prize draw for a top prize of £100. All information collected will be kept strictly confidential and survey respondents will remain completely anonymous. You can withdraw from the study at any point without any explanation, however as the study is anonymous it will be difficult to withdraw your responses once you have finished the survey and submitted your answers.

The research group is from the University of Sussex and includes Professor Rupert Brown (Psychology), Dr Mark Walters (Law), and Dr Jenny Paterson (Psychology).

The research is funded by the Leverhulme Trust and has received ethical approval from the University of Sussex Sciences & Technology Cross-Schools Research Ethics Committee.

To complete the survey, view: www.surveymonkey.com/s/LGBTHateCr imes

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WILL YOUNG AND STONEWALL TEAM UP TO TACKLE HOMOPHOBIC LANGUAGE

NEW GUIDANCE FOR LGBT PEOPLE WANTING TO BE PARENTS ) In a ground-breaking new book released by the Equality Network, LGBT people share their personal experiences of becoming parents.

) Stonewall, supported by Will Young and Mumsnet, has launched a new flagship campaign to tackle homophobic language in schools. The campaign comes exactly ten years since the repeal of Section 28 and is in response to research showing that 99% of LGB young people hear phrases such as "that’s so gay" or "you’re so gay" and that 84% are distressed when they hear this homophobic language. Polling by Mumsnet also shows that 68% of parents don’t know if their child’s school has policies in place to tackle the problem.

Sixty-five people told their stories in interviews and surveys, including their experiences of donor insemination (whether through a clinic or at home), co-parenting, adoption and surrogacy.

The book meets a need for case-studies to help other LGBT people who would like to become parents.

LGBT Pathways to Parenthood was compiled by Heather Walker for the Equality Network, in partnership with LGBT Youth Scotland and LGBT Health & Wellbeing.

TIM HOPKINS

Will Young, who is supporting Stonewall’s campaign said: “The word ‘gay’ is currently used as one of the worst insults by young people of all ages. It’s clear from the shocking levels of self-harm and suicide among gay young people that we’re failing an entire generation. It’s time to take a stand and put a stop to this deeply damaging use of homophobic language.”

Justine Roberts, founder of campaign partners Mumsnet, added: “We should all be challenging our children's use of homophobic language and simply shouldn't tolerate phrases like ‘that's so gay’ which are in everyday use in school playgrounds. Parents, working with schools, really can stamp out this type of language which is demeaning, hurtful and offensive to so many.”

Ruth Hunt, Stonewall’s Deputy Chief Executive, concluded: “We know that many people who casually use the term ‘That’s so gay’ don’t intentionally mean to be offensive. But the reality is that their words cause hurt and distress. That’s why we’re launching this flagship campaign so teachers and parents have the resources to tackle the problem head on. We want every young person, teacher and parent in Britain to challenge this language and change the culture of our schools.”

Stonewall is distributing copies of the new posters and guidance to 2,500 secondary schools - half of all secondary schools in Britain. Mumsnet and Stonewall are also asking individuals to get involved by writing to or tweeting their local schools as well as challenging their own children’s use of homophobic language. For more information, view: www.stonewall.org.uk

DATE FOR LESBIAN LIVES CONFERENCE 2015 ANNOUNCED ) The theme for the 2015 Lesbian Lives Conference will be Lesbian Feminism/s Now and it will be hosted by University of Brighton LGBT and Queer Life Research Hub in conjunction with the Women’s Studies Centre, University College Dublin on February 20 & 21. More details to follow, but for now put the date in your diary!

RUTH HUNT

JUSTINE ROBERTS

WILL YOUNG

The hard-hitting new campaign, fronted by Will Young, uses new posters and guidance to address the misuse of the word ‘gay’. Posters, sent to schools across Britain, state clearly: 'Gay. Let’s get over it’. The posters are accompanied by new guidance for both pupils and teachers to enable them to challenge the derogatory use of the word ‘gay’.

Tim Hopkins, Director of the Equality Network, said: “The need to become a parent can be overwhelming. It’s challenging enough if you simply can’t find the right partner, worse if you have fertility problems. Being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender raises a whole raft of extra practical and emotional issues. This book tells a range of very human stories about the hope and despair, the struggles and successes of trying to have a child. It also says a lot about love and the complexities of relationships. I’d like to thank all the LGBT people who contributed, some very bravely, in order to help others who are thinking of embarking on the same journey.”

LGBT Pathways to Parenthood is available free as a pdf, from the Equality Network’s website.

To download, view: www.equalitynetwork.org/parents/ It is also available as a 215 page A4 printed book, price £11.16 from Amazon.

PCC PUBLISHES GUIDANCE NOTE ON REPORTING TRANS* ISSUES ) The Press Complaints Commission (PCC) have published a guidance note for newspaper editors on the researching and reporting of transgender issues.

The guidance is intended to assist editors preparing coverage of trans* issues and to inform members of the public about how the PCC can assist with concerns about intrusion, harassment, and discriminatory or inaccurate coverage. The guidance covers issues including using the correct pronouns, the terminology of gender transition, and special considerations that apply in cases involving children.

In preparing the guidance the PCC consulted members of the public and relevant community groups to ensure that it was accurate and reflected the real problems that trans* people have faced in dealing with press attention and press coverage, as well as their views about how press coverage could improve to ensure greater public understanding of their community.

The guidance also includes information and contact details about organisations that can provide expert advice to editors, as well as examples of complaints to the PCC on these issues.

Charlotte Dewar, Director of Complaints & Pre-Publication Services, said: “The experience of gender dysphoria and the process of gender transition can in some instances make individuals and their families incredibly vulnerable. We hope this guidance will be a valuable resource for journalists covering stories on this sensitive subject, and ensure that members of the public facing these issues are aware of how we can help when problems do arise.”

CHARLOTTE DEWAR

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To read the note in full, view: www.pcc.org.uk/advice/editor ials-detail.html?article=ODcwOQ==

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THROUGH HER EYES ) Through Her Eyes, is a short film campaign started by a transgender woman from North Somerset. The film is attracting attention for its unusual and innovate portrayal of trans* life, and aims to take the audience into the mind of a trans* woman, showing them what it is like to see the world through her eyes.

We see her face discrimination, abuse, and her own demons in the same way many trans* women do, each and every day. Production of the film is currently well underway, and the public campaign is now live and picking up steam.

The project aims to create a greater level of empathy and understanding between the general population, and the trans* community. Through this understanding, they hope that people will become more accepting and thoughtful when addressing trans* issues, or encountering a member of the trans* community.

This project is created by trans* people, to help improve the lives of members of the trans* community. It is people standing up for themselves, and saying we will actively try and make a change - in this case, to the way trans* people are portrayed through the media. What the film makers want is simple: A more honest portrayal of transgender individuals in film/TV, and more empathy and understanding towards the transgender community.

The public campaign is quickly building momentum and has passed its minimum level of funding. In the process the project is receiving a growing volume of coverage within the LGBT community through social media and the web; people are rallying round this small but inspiring project.

Organisers are now looking to push on, and see just how far they can go. The more resources and support they receive, the better their chances are of really helping people and inspiring change.

Being filmed and produced in November and December they aim to premiere the film in spring 2014, in a range of locations. It will also be hosted online, free to watch, and accompanied by a range of transgender information and resources.

LINKS TO THE PROJECT Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLAKSD7WUSQ Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/1607874694/through-her-eyes-0 Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Through-HerEyes/451919361583632 Tumblr: http://throughhereyesfilm.tumblr.com/ Wordpress: http://throughhereyesfilm.wordpress.com/

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LONDON COUNCILS BACK THREE YEAR HIV PREVENTION PLAN

LUNCH POSITIVE NEWS WAD GRANT FUNDING ) This year’s World AIDS Day Candlelit Vigil was staged with grant funding from the Queen’s Park Community Fund and the Community Development Foundation.

Lunch Positive, the HIV lunch club, was awarded £1,985 in recognition of the events importance to the local community.

) A new three-year programme for HIV prevention in London has been backed by leaders of all 33 London boroughs.

Members of London Councils’ Leaders committee agreed last month that a limited number of key HIV prevention services aimed at gay men and African communities, including condom distribution and some outreach work, will be delivered on a London-wide basis from next year. They have allocated up to £3.4million from public health budgets to set up and run the programme until 2017.

The decision follows a needs assessment, commissioned by London Councils, which brought together the latest evidence on what works in HIV prevention, including the views of service users.

London boroughs account for 18 out of 20 local authorities with the highest diagnosed prevalence rate of HIV in the country. New diagnoses of HIV rose by 8% in London from 2,615 in 2011 to 2,832 in 2012, reversing a downward trend since 2003.

CLLR TERESA O’NEILL

Since taking over responsibility for public health in April, boroughs have spent at least £5million, individually and in small collective groups, on commissioning a wide range of services tailored to local communities. The London-wide programme will sit alongside and complement these locally-commissioned projects.

Cllr Teresa O’Neill, London Councils' Executive member for health, said: “It is alarming to see such a sharp rise in HIV diagnoses, but London boroughs have been quick to act. We commissioned a needs assessment in order to find out more about what was happening, which groups were involved and what services worked best. Local authorities are well-placed to prevent the spread of HIV as they can commission services on a local level, tailored to the needs of their communities and links them into other services.

DR YVONNE DOYLE

“However, we have recognised that there are some cases where it is more effective to work together on a London-wide basis. Our aim is to increase sexual health awareness and end the spread of this chronic illness that blights the lives of thousands, through cost-effective, targeted and well managed services.”

Dr Yvonne Doyle, London regional director for Public Health England, added: “HIV continues to be a major public health problem in London and this is an unprecedented opportunity for leaders in the city to change the direction of this complex epidemic. HIV does not respect geographical boundaries and this new London-wide approach in certain areas to tackle the infection could add great value to existing local initiatives.

PAUL WARD

“Men who have sex with men and black African heterosexuals remain the groups with the highest HIV prevalence in London and it is important that there are cohesive and collaborative services across the city to support them. Reaching people most at risk of contracting HIV, promoting messages about HIV prevention, ensuring easy access to testing with seamless transition to high quality care for people who test HIV positive, coupled with services that foster positive attitudes, increase knowledge and encourage healthy behaviours, are all key features of an effective HIV prevention programme.”

Paul Ward, Acting Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “We are delighted that London Councils have committed to fund a new pan-London HIV prevention programme, which we have argued the need for. We know there are at least ten thousand people with undiagnosed HIV in London currently. That is ten thousand too many. London needs a city-wide plan to stop the spread of HIV and this decision to fund coordinated action provides a muchneeded boost to the effort to bring HIV in the capital under control.”

THE HANGLETON & KNOLL LGBT CHRISTMAS SOCIAL ) The Hangleton & Knoll LGBT Christmas Social will take place at Noble House, Portland Road in Hove on Friday, December 13 at 7pm.

In the past year the group have organised many social events including a summer 'Pink Nic', Line Dancing, 80s Dance Extravaganza and other social opportunities for LGBT residents to come together and make new friends.

Lulu Russell, group member, said: “This one promises to be proper festive. We are hoping to attract new members to the group, which was set up to involve LGBT people in our community who want to meet each other and increase the visibility of LGBT people in our neighbourhood.”

Claire Johnson, Hangleton & Knoll Project Community Worker, added: “Our LGBT group is so friendly and supportive and last year over 25 people came to the Christmas do.”

The Hangleton & Knoll LGBT Group were the first neighbourhood LGBT organisation to set up in the city in 2012, supported by Community Development Charity the Hangleton & Knoll Project.

For more information email Claire Johnson at: claire.johnson@hkproject.org .uk

Gary Pargeter, Volunteer Project Manager, said: “We’re grateful and delighted to have received this funding for such an important and meaningful event. We have been able to buy new equipment including a marquee, signage, matting to make the grass more accessible for wheelchair users, and cover the purchase of candles and small equipment hire. A condition of the funding is that we are able to match the amount awarded with the value of volunteering for the event. This year a collective of volunteers from the World AIDS Day Partnership will volunteer and gift their time which has the equivalent value of £2,100."

XMAS OPENING TIMES ) Lunch Positive will be open throughout the Christmas period. In addition to the regular lunch club on Fridays there will be a Christmas Lunch Celebration on Friday, December 20 and a Christmas Lunch Buffet on Friday, December 27.

Gary Pargeter added: “We know that Christmas time can be particularly difficult for some people, particularly if we are lonely or isolated. We hope that people will join together with us over the Christmas period and help make this time easier and more enjoyable. As it’s the end of a very busy year, I’d also like to thank everyone who has supported us and especially our team of 25 volunteers who have shown huge commitment and enthusiasm and generously given up their time to make the lunch club happen week-on-week.”

COMMUNITY REPORT ) Lunch Positive published its annual Community Report online on World AIDS Day – December 1. The report gives insight into the need for and growth of the service, a summary of results from recent service use, volunteering evaluations and feedback from partner organisations. Together with the report is a Thank You Certificate for the vital support given by the wider community.

To view the report visit the What’s Happening section on the Lunch Positive website: www.lunchpositive.org

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STONEWALL AWARDS: ANTONY COTTON HEADS UP WINNERS ) Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton was among the big winners at last month’s Stonewall Awards, held at the V&A in London and supported by Gender Gap. He was commended for his decade of walking the nation’s favourite cobbled street as a proud gay role model.

ANTONY COTTON

In a landmark year for equality Baroness Stowell was named as Stonewall’s Politician of the Year for her unstinting work to secure marriage for same-sex couples. The Conservative Peer was applauded for her deft handling of the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill in the House of Lords.

Nearly 500 people, including celebrities, sports stars, politicians and writers, joined host Susan Calman at the ceremony to honour those who’ve made a positive contribution to the lives of Britain’s 3.7 million gay people.

LORD ALLI

Stonewall supporters overwhelmingly voted US TV evangelist Pat Robertson as 2013’s Bigot of the Year – the award reserved for an individual who has gratuitously caused hurt and offence to gay people around the world. Robertson, a long standing and vocal opponent of equality, hit headlines in August by saying that gay men viciously spread HIV when shaking hands by using ‘special rings’.

Thousands of Stonewall supporters voted to name Lord Alli and the Russian LGBT Network as joint Hero of the Year. Lord Alli has been a tireless advocate for equality since he became the first openly gay member of the House of Lords 15 years ago. He was instrumental in successfully navigating equal marriage through the House of Lords this year.

The Russian LGBT Network was recognised for its courageous work to support gay people in Russia despite gay ‘propaganda’ bans and ever increasing hostility. In a statement the Russian LGBT Network said that Britain’s ‘journey from Section 28 to marriage equality inspires us as we campaign against those who seek to deny us our fundamental human rights’.

The Quaker LGBT Fellowship was named Community Group of the Year by Stonewall supporters for their long-standing commitment to equality. The group was presented with a cheque for £5,000 to continue their work to promote equality and religious freedom.

OLIVIA ROBINSON OF MAMAS & PAPAS WITH AWARD FOR ADVERT OF THE YEAR, GRACE DENT WITH AWARD FOR JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR AND BARONESS STOWELL WITH AWARD FOR POLITICIAN OF THE YEAR

Wales’ only gay-friendly rugby club, the Cardiff Lions, beat tough competition to take home the Stonewall Sports Award of the Year, supported by Paddy Power, in recognition of their grassroots work supporting gay people in sport and defying stereotypes.

Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive, said: “In a landmark year for equality the Stonewall Award winners really do exemplify the very best of Britain. Each and every one of our winners has made the world a better place for gay people and will continue to inspire millions of people through their work.”

Sam Jones, CEO of Stonewall Award 2013 supporters Gender Gap, said: “We’re incredibly proud to support the Stonewall Awards. The individuals and organisations recognised this evening have campaigned tirelessly to make the world a better place. That’s a vision and a mission we share at Gender Gap.”

L-R: DEREK ANDREWS, KEN ASHWORTH & CHRIS ROBY

EASTBOURNE RAINBOW CELEBRATES SECOND ANNIVERSARY ) Eastbourne Rainbow, AGE Concern's social group for LGBT people in Eastbourne aged 50+, celebrated a very successful second year last month.

The group’s monthly afternoon meetings with guest speakers and monthly coffee mornings have continued to be very well attended all year.

Group members together with others now also organise a social evening every Wednesday at the Da Vinci Hotel in Eastbourne, which has also proved to be very popular.

In addition the group has made several visits to the theatre, cinema, once to the Towner Gallery, a Christmas afternoon tea as well as taking part in Stonewall’s 10th Equality Walk in Brighton, raising over £350.

FULL LIST OF AWARD WINNERS • Hero of the Year (supported by Gender Gap): Lord Alli and the Russian LGBT Network • Broadcast of the Year: CBBC’s Marrying Mum & Dad • Entertainer of the Year: Antony Cotton (Coronation Street) • Journalist of the Year: Grace Dent (The Independent) • Politician of the Year: Baroness Stowell of Beeston • Publication of the Year: Metro • Sports Award of the Year (supported by Paddy Power): Cardiff Lions • Writer of the Year: Damian Barr (Maggie & Me) • Community Group of the Year (supported by Square Peg Media and the Inclusive Foundation): Quaker Lesbian & Gay Fellowship • Advert of the Year: Mamas & Papas • Bigot of the Year: Pat Robertson For more information, view: www.stonewall.org.uk/what_you_can_do/events /2595.asp

The group are also involved in committee work with outside agencies such as the police, East Sussex Adult Social Care to highlight issues and concerns of older LGBT people, and they are helping in the development of an LGBT Befriending Service at AGE Concern.

In the coming year they look forward to welcoming new members and they look forward to strengthening links with similar groups in London, Brighton and Hastings.

For more details about Eastbourne Rainbow and its activities see: www.eastbournerainbow.org.uk Call 07516 670 654 or leave a message.

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MARI HANNAH

PAUL BURSTON

MARI HANNAH

WINS POLARI FIRST BOOK PRIZE 2013 ) Mari Hannah, author of The Murder Wall, was named last month as the winner of The Polari First Book Prize 2013 at the Purcell Room on London’s South Bank. Mari received a cheque for £1,000 from Vincent Francois, chair of the UK LGBT Network, and regional head of Audit, Societe Generale. The Murder Wall is Mari Hannah’s debut novel and the first in the DCI Kate Daniels series.

We are an independent LGBT Forum working with the Community to address and improve safety issues in Brighton & Hove. Please sign up for our news letter at: www.lgbt-safety-forum-brighton.com/newsletter

e WISHING YOU ALL e

The Polari First Book Prize, now in its third year, is for a first book which explores the LGBT experience. The prize is open to books written by authors born or residing in the UK and published in English within twelve months of the deadline for submissions (this year February 1, 2013). Self-published works in both print and digital formats are also eligible for submission. The prize is supported by Square Peg Media, publishers of g3 and Out In The City magazines.

A VERY SAFE CHRISTMAS & PEACEFUL NEW YEAR

Paul Burston, chair of the judges, said: “The Polari First Book Prize isn't only for literary fiction, but for books which explore the LGBT experience. Some of those books may be literary, others may be commercial. Traditionally, commercial fiction has shied away from LGBT themes and characters. This year’s winning book features a lesbian detective operating in a tough milieu traditionally dominated by men. It's thrilling, entertaining and a hugely promising debut from an exciting new voice in crime fiction.”

www.lgbt-safety-forum-brighton.com/support-groups

Also on this year’s shortlist were Tony Hogan Bought Me An Icecream Float Before He Stole My Ma by Kerry Hudson (Chatto & Windus), The Sitar by Rebecca Idris (self-published), Catching Bullets: Memoirs of a Bond Fan by Mark O’Connell (Splendid) and The Tale of Raw Head and Bloody Bones by Jack Wolf (Chatto & Windus).

The judging panel consisted of author, journalist and host of Polari, Paul Burston (chair); Bidisha, writer, critic and broadcaster; Suzy Feay, literary critic; Rachel Holmes, author and former Head of Literature at the Southbank Centre; VG Lee author and comedian; and Joe Story-Scott, books buyer.

POLARI UP NORTH ) In an exciting move for the Polari Literary Salon, Mari Hannah will be appearing at the first ever Polari event north of Watford, at the Huddersfield Literature Festival on Saturday, March 8, 2014. Paul Burston will host the event which will feature Mari Hannah, Keith Jarrett and VG Lee. The Polari Literary Salon launched in 2007 in the upstairs room of a pub in Soho and is ‘London’s peerless gay literary salon’ (Independent on Sunday). Now, Polari is housed at the Southbank Centre where monthly events showcase the best in established, new and up-and-coming LGBT literary talent and performance.

For more information about the Polari Literary Salon, view: www.polariliterarysalon.co.uk/Polari/Homepage.html

RESEARCHER NEEDS YOUR HELP ) Claire Herbaux is a journalist in her third year at the University of the West of England in Bristol. She is working on a feature on the challenges that same-sex couples face when trying to have children with a look to the changing attitudes and what effect the changing of the marriage laws has on attitudes in general. She wants to find couples to speak to who are in the process of having a child (by any means such as adoption, IVF, surrogacy) and are willing to explain the struggles they have, the options they have, how the process works, where they found support and what the issues are they had to consider.

If you can help Claire, email: claire2.herbaux@live.uwe.ac.uk

Best wishes from all at the team: Billie, Maria, Nick, Paula, Garry, David, Natasha, Little David, Amanda, Jo, Luke and Alex For a list of local support groups please visit

For more information about us please visit our website:

lgbt-safety-forum-brighton.com

PEER ACTION DECEMBER DIARY SUN 1ST: WORLD AIDS DAY Please visit Peer Action’s Website for a list of events.

SAT 7th: CHRISTMAS QUIZ (£50 cash prize), buffet and raffle, Crypt Community Centre, St George’s Church, Kemptown; £5 (please buy tickets from our website).

FRI 13th: ANTONY’S FILM NIGHT Billy’s Hollywood Kiss for more details please visit: www.peeraction.co.uk/activity/filmnight

TUES 3rd, 10th, 17th: SWIMMING One hour session, Kemptown swimming pool.

TUES 3rd, 10th, 17th: YOGA One hour session, 6pm, £3 with Dan Noquet, all abilities welcome.

New venue: Hampshire Lodge, Hampshire Court, Upper St James St.

WED 18th: BINGO with Ian, Gala Bingo Hall, Eastern Road. Meet inside the main doors, 6.15pm for early bird session, 7pm for main event £10. (New comers need to register so arrive early to process application form).

FRI 27th: SPECIAL GAMES NIGHT with Chris & Julia at the Barley Mo Pub, Kemptown. Join other peers for fun games and a drink (game playing not compulsory).

• There are no therapy sessions this month - they will return on 25th Jan 2014.

• Peer Action’s Women’s Group welcomes all women affected by HIV to get involved.

• Peer Action welcomes all those affected by HIV/co-infections and are always keen to hear from those who would like to volunteer their time, suggest new activities.

For more information please visit: www.peeraction.co.uk

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RUGBY STARS CLAIM MANY GAY PLAYERS LIVE A LIE

STONEWALL LAUNCHES GLOBAL DIVERSITY CHAMPIONS PROGRAMME

) Gareth Thomas, the first openly gay international rugby player, has spoken out about his up-coming Hollywood biopic, stigma against homosexuals in sport and the 2014 Russian Winter Olympics.

THE BRIGHTON WOMEN’S CENTRE 40TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

The rugby legend announced that he was gay in 2009, becoming one of the first openly homosexual male athletes in any major sports team in the world. That year Gareth was also voted the most influential gay person in the UK by topping the Independent on Sunday Pink List.

Pre-production has recently begun on his Hollywood movie and speaking on Sportlobster TV, Gareth, who won 100 caps for his country, confirmed that Oscar-nominated Mickey Rourke will definitely play his part. Gareth said: “Mickey has had a lot of stick for his image in the past, but he’s been training really hard to play this role. He is the right person for the part because he cares about who I am, he is not someone who just wants to win an award.”

While the majority of filming is set to take place in Wales, South Africa and France, the rugby scenes will be filmed separately to ensure they look convincing. Gareth continued: “Unlike other films, we’re going to be careful to get the rugby looking right."

However, to Gareth, it is the message of the film that is the highest priority: “This movie isn’t about the money – it is about acceptance in sport for everyone. People take courage from my story in all walks of life and this is what matters.”

MARTINA NAVRATILOVA

Gareth’s story is not dissimilar to Martina Navratilova, the lesbian tennis star who won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, 31 major women's doubles titles and 10 major mixed doubles titles along with a myriad of other achievements.

Gareth said: “I met Martina Navratilova once, she told me that when she played at Wimbledon early in her career, just after she had publicly come out, many in the crowd actually sat on their hands when she came on court. However, she overcame these perceptions and became one of the most popular and successful players of all time.”

GARETH THOMAS & JAMES HASKELL

England and Wasps flanker, James Haskell, also speaking on Sportlobster TV says that to avoid similar negative reactions, some rugby players are hiding their sexuality. He said: “Statistically there must be gay rugby players out there but I don’t know of a single one. I feel bad for anyone who struggles to be true to who they are, as no one should have to live a lie. The fact a rugby player may say they prefer men to women does not have any relevance to the sport.”

Regarding questions raised about upcoming sporting events planned in countries where there are laws in place against homosexuality such as Russia where the 2014 Winter Olympics are being staged in Sochi and Qatar who are due to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup, Gareth has strong views: “If I was part of a squad going to these countries – I would go there as a gay man and be the best at what I was doing and prove that their laws can not stop me at being the best I can be in my sport. These athletes only have one chance to be the best and nothing, not even laws against homosexuality, should hold them back.”

To view the interview on Sportlobster TV, view: www.youtube.com/sportlobster

) The Brighton Women’s Centre (BWC) will be starting the celebrations of their 40 year anniversary in 2014 with a fundraising concert featuring vocalist Claire Martin and The Montpellier Cello Quartet at The Old Market, Hove on Thursday, December 19 at 7.30pm.

Next year BWC aim to raise £40,000 to support their vital work in supporting women with vulnerabilities in Brighton & Hove, giving them resources and tools for independence and empowerment in a safe, women only space.

BWC offer services including counselling, groupwork, open access drop-ins, holistic therapies, volunteer training and self development courses. BWC is the central point of location for the Inspire Project (a partnership with Brighton Oasis Project, Rise, Survivor's Network and Threshold BHT).

Inspire works with women at all stages of involvement in the Criminal Justice System.

BWC welcomes all women, regardless of ethnicity, sexuality, age or religion.

) Stonewall, the LGBT equality charity, has launched its Global Diversity Champions Programme, a best practice forum for organisations that employ people around the world. The programme will work with international companies to ensure that their lesbian, gay and bisexual staff, regardless of which country they operate in, can perform.

It is currently illegal to be gay in 78 countries and only 59 countries protect gay people from discrimination in employment based upon their sexual orientation. This presents a unique challenge for global organisations committed to treating their gay staff fairly and building a workplace where all staff feel able to perform at their best.

The programme will allow members to share ‘in country’ best practice as well as offering an array of benefits including an exclusive seminar programme and dedicated resources on global workplace topics.

Supported by diversity software specialists Gender Gap, the new programme brings together the expertise of ten major founding partners: Barclays, BP, Citi, Freshfields, Google, IBM, P&G, RBS, Simmons & Simmons and Thomson Reuters and will build on the tried and tested model of good practice sharing and benchmarking to accelerate improvements.

LAURA DOUGHTY

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Laura Doughty, Stonewall Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We know that people perform better when they can be themselves.

“For gay staff in countries where they don’t enjoy equality this can be incredibly difficult and brings a unique set of challenges.

Claire Martin and The Montpellier Cello Quartet (pictured above), The Old Market, 11A Upper Market St, Hove, Thursday, December 19 at 7.30pm. Tickets: £20/£16 concs. To book view: www.theoldmarket.com/ai1ec_ event/clairemartin/?instance_id=21445

“Stonewall’s Global Diversity Champions Programme will help international organisations respond effectively to these challenges and help them create workplaces where everyone can perform to their full potential - regardless of their sexual orientation or where they are in the world as well as supporting gay people ‘in country’."

For more information on Stonewall’s Global Diversity Champions programme, view: www.stonewall.org.uk/at_work/global_di versity_champions_programme/default. asp

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WWW.GSCENE.COM MINDOUT PUB QUIZ AT CAMELFORD ARMS

) To celebrate the UK’s Marriage (Same-Sex) Act finally coming into law in 2014, Icehotel in partnership with Discover the World and VisitSweden UK, are offering same-sex couples a once in a lifetime, truly intimate, personalised wedding at the Icehotel in Sweden. This great giveaway coincides with the launch of VisitSweden’s LGBT tourism presence on the social networking sites Facebook and Twitter. The pages aim to provide fans and followers with up to date information on what’s hot for LGBT tourists visiting Stockholm, Gothenburg, West Sweden, Malmo, Skane and Swedish Lapland.

The prize, sponsored by Swedish Lapland specialists Discover the World and Icehotel, includes charter flights for two, three complimentary nights at Icehotel (including one night’s stay in a unique ice room), a personalised wedding consultation with Icehotel’s wedding concierge and some amazing added extras to make your celebration truly special. Discover the World will arrange your flight on their special charter and can also help book in any guests that you want to share your special day with at preferential rates.

Couples from all over the world visit Jukkasjärvi to pledge their love for each other. Already married or civil-partnered couples go to Icehotel to have their union blessed in the celestially beautiful ‘ice church’ rebuilt each year (as is the hotel itself) by a different artist in the icy landscape. The serenity, purity and onoff design beauty of this setting make wedding vows and memories all the more lasting. The wedding night can also be something truly special. Couples can spend the night surrounded by artwork made of ice and snow, by artists from all over the world who are not professional ice sculptors, but architects, graphic designers and film-directors. In the morning you will be awakened with a cup of hot lingonberry juice.

At the Icehotel it never gets colder than –5 to -8ºC, regardless of the fact that the outdoor temperature sometimes drops down to -30º. You sleep in a thermal sleeping bag on a bed built by ice blocks, a wooden frame and a mattress topped with reindeer skins. It is rebuilt each winter from scratch, reincarnated into a new design by a different creator.

To enter the competition go to: www.visitswedenlgbt.com For more information about Discover the World and Icehotel, view: www.icehotel.co.uk

LUCY SPRAGGAN LIVE AT REVENGE! ) Lucy Spraggan is performing a live set at Revenge on Friday, December 6. Spraggan, who has recorded two top 40 albums, signed a record deal with Columbia Records and played the Women’s Performance Tent at Brighton Pride 2013, will perform a unique blend of acoustic, folk and hiphop tunes including Lighthouse and Last Night (Beer Fear).

Drink deals include £2.50 Jagerbombs & double-up on spirits for £1 all night. Lucy Spraggan Live, Revenge Club, Brighton, Friday, December 6 at 10.30pm. Tickets: £6.

MindOut Pub Quiz Fundraiser, Camelford Arms, Camelford Street, Wednesday, December 4 at 8pm.

CINDERS PANTO ) The Emporium Brighton is set to bring the magic of panto back to Brighton with a performance of Cinders from Friday, November 22 to Saturday, January 4, 2014.

Written by Nigel Fairs, the show promises to deliver bucket-loads of slapstick silliness, damsels in distress, wicked boo-able villains, stunning costumes, tear jerking songs, jaw dropping sets and awesome dance routines.

Inspired by the original story of Cinderella, the show stars Justine Martin as Ella, Lucy Bundy as the Baroness & Fairy Godmother, Robin Kuhr as the Prince, Natalie Sexton & Lucy Mepsted as the wicked Stepsisters, and Nigel Fairs, whose extensive credits include EastEnders and Doctor Who, as the Baron.

NIGEL FAIRS

WIN YOUR GAY WEDDING AT THE ICEHOTEL IN SWEDEN

) There is a Pub Quiz Fundraiser at the Camelford Arms on Wednesday, December 4 at 8pm.

This is part of the week-long event Out and About for MindOut, where they will be raising awareness about mental health stigma in popular LGBT venues around Brighton.

Go along, form a team, and help MindOut raise both money and awareness!

Suitable for age 3years+. Running time is approx. 2hours, including interval. Emporium, 88 London Road, Brighton, BN1 4JF. Matinee 2pm; evening 7pm. For tickets view: www.emporiumbrighton.com/cinders

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GAY CATHOLICS URGED TO TELL THEIR STORIES ) The John Wijngaards Catholic Research Centre’s new website is providing an independent space to document the experiences of Catholics who have had their lives and faith challenged by the Vatican’s current teachings on contraception, homosexuality and access to communion for the divorced and remarried.

Miriam Duignan, a member of the JW Catholic Research Centre team, said: "These issues are particularly significant for younger Catholics who often have great difficulty in reconciling their faith with the Vatican's attitudes to contraception and homosexuality."

The website will pass along the views expressed on the platform to Church representatives ahead of the Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops focusing on the family in October 2014. The Synod of Bishops aim to address the serious challenges of the social and spiritual crisis in today’s world. Their deadline for investigating views on many of the key issues is December 6, which campaigners for modernising Church attitudes believe unreasonable and potentially stifling to debate.

John Wijngaards, a Catholic Scholar, author and director of an international faith formation centre charity, is heading the JW Catholic Research Centre team. He said: “The deadline is inadequate if the Church and its Bishops are serious about addressing these fundamental topics.

These are key issues affecting and blighting so many people’s lives, their voices need to be heard. The current teachings are based on a misguided interpretation of natural law which was nurtured by medieval theologians. They have no place in a 21st century Catholic Church” The opportunity offered by the John Wijngaards Catholic Research Centre is unquestionably rare. To contribute, view: www.johnwijngaards.org/

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WWW.GSCENE.COM LOCAL DENTAL HYGIENIST TO WALK FROM SCOTLAND TO BRIGHTON TO DRAW ATTENTION TO MOUTH CANCER ) In the UK, one person is dying every five hours from mouth cancer, which kills more people than testicular or cervical cancer put together.

CHRISTINA CHATFIELD

STEVE SPEIRS

Christina Chatfield, award-winning local dental hygienist, is aiming to draw attention to the issue by walking from Kirriemore in Scotland to Brighton in order to raise awareness of mouth cancer and to publicise widened access to dental care.

On the walk, which starts in Kirriemore on May 19, 2014, she will be raising money for the British Dental Health Foundation, Your Smile and Mouth Cancer Action Month charities.

Actor Steve Speirs is a patient of Christina and is supporting her campaign. He said: “I'm backing this campaign as I was genuinely staggered to hear that more people die of mouth cancer than cervical and testicular cancer put together. This sort of ignorance has to be addressed. We can't rely upon ‘word of mouth’, so lets get the word of the mouth out there! Awareness of the fact may encourage someone to regularly visit their dentist and may indeed mean that lives can be saved.”

Christina launched her campaign last month with a reception at The Emporium art venue on London Road, Brighton. Christina said: “I would be delighted if you could support me in this venture. I owe my start in the business of dentistry to a small practice in Kirriemuir and I am now a practice owner on the high street of Brighton. It has been a long journey - around 500 miles in fact! Walking and talking are two things that I can do (one quicker than the other) to help get two very important messages out to the general public.

“The first message is about mouth cancer. I was shocked to learn that more people die of mouth cancer than testicular and cervical cancer put together. Why is that? Because most people are diagnosed at stage 4 mouth cancer due to late detection as they have not seen a dental professional until too late, many through fear and anxiety.

“That takes me on to my next message, Direct Access. Direct Access gives people more choice and more options from whom they access dental care. The law changed on May 1, 2013 but who knows about it? Hopefully a lot more people by June 19, 2014.

“The more people I shock with the stats the more help I am getting. People such as the actor Steve Speirs, who is a patient of mine, immediately asked if there was anything he could help me with. Yes of course there is, you can support financially or even join me on the walk for a few miles.”

For more information about the walk, view: www.500miles4smiles.org www.twitter.com/500miles4smiles

THINK BEFORE YOU BUY THAT SMILE! ) I didn’t realise the mine field I was entering when I decided to get my teeth whitened. The deals on offer ranged from £100 to £500, all guaranteeing perfect results. I decided to look a bit deeper before choosing where and who to go to.

Teeth whitening has become a popular treatment, but over the last 10 years there’s been confusion over who can legally provide the service and whether this constitutes a cosmetic or a dental procedure. It is hardly surprising that consumers are confused as to who can provide it, where they can provide it, and what products can be used.

At the end of 2012 the position had been clarified by a European Directive which allows only dentists, dental hygienists, or dental therapists, registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), to use gels up to 6% hydrogen peroxide (HP) directly on patients. Products that contain less than 0.1% HP can be supplied directly to the consumer over the counter.

There is a huge body of evidence to show that the only product that will safely and effectively whiten teeth is HP. It needs to be over 3% to have any long term lasting effect on the internal colour of the tooth. HP can be delivered directly from HP gel, or by gels that break down into HP (carbamide peroxide or sodium perborate).

Some non-dental establishments do employ qualified registered dental professionals to visit regularly and provide tooth whitening for their clients, and these practitioners have to adhere to very strict rules designed to ensure patient safety, or risk being struck off the GDC register.

Six questions you should ask when booking teeth whitening treatments in non-dental settings (for examples hair and beauty salons): 1) Who is going to perform the whitening? (ask for their full name) 2) Ask for their GDC number 3) Check that the person who will be treating you is on the GDC register. Go to www.gdc-uk.org and click onto ‘check your dental professional is registered’ and search by either GDC number or full name.

4) Ask for the name of the product that is going to be used in your mouth.

5) Ask what the strength of the gel is (this will be a percentage). Dental professionals can use up to 6% HP (or 18% carbamide peroxide – which breaks down to 6% HP) 6) Ask about what protocols are used for cross-infection control.

The GDC, who regulate the dental profession and ensure patient safety, have reaffirmed the legal stance that tooth whitening is the “business of dentistry”, and can therefore only legally be carried out by the GDC-registered dental professionals described above.

Over the years a significant number of nondental professionals have been providing teeth whitening in non-dental settings, some unaware of the new regulations and what they mean. What the new EU directive does mean is that they cannot legally purchase or use HP releasing products over 0.1%. Some will believe that they can continue by using a gel that has less than 0.1% or using a non-HP, but this concentration is ineffective in whitening teeth, and that other non-HP gels (such as chlorine dioxide) can cause enormous permanent damage to teeth and gums.

Those providing whitening who aren’t dental professionals registered with the GDC do not legally have access to the gels which will work, and aren’t covered by the stringent regulations to ensure the highest standards of cross-infection control for example.

To get my teeth whitened I decided to use the Dental Health Spa on Queen’s Road and chose the Zoom White Speed (EU Compliant) whitening system which costs £325. The process is simple. You go in and have a mould made of your teeth and gums.

When the mould is ready you go back in for an hour’s appointment. The whitener is put into the mould and administered to you for an hour. You just lay back and have a snooze while the HP does its job. There are other cheaper treatments available that may suit your budget such as In Tray Whitening at £199, but what is most important is that all whitening treatments administered at the Dental Health Spa follow a consultation with a dentist. Don't take chances with having your gums damaged by using unlicensed practitioners on the high street.

To book an appointment call 01273 710831 www.dentalhealthspa.co.uk/index.html

GSCENE 25

BRIGHTON & HOVE WORLD AIDS DAY EVENTS The Brighton & Hove World AIDS Day Partnership are organising a series of events in Brighton & Hove to mark World AIDS Day on December 1. The partnership includes: Bear Patrol Social Group, BHCC Partnership Community Safety Team, Lunch Positive, The Sussex Beacon, Gscene Magazine, Sussex Community NHS Trust, Sussex Ecumenical HIV Chaplaincy Peer Action, Avert and THT Brighton.

For latest information, join their Facebook page World Aids Day - Brighton & Hove at www.facebook.com/worldAIDSdayBH

addition to those in previous years) can be emailed to susshivchap@gmail.com by November 27, or add to the list during the day at the Memorial Space in New Steine.

More info: Ross Boseley 01273 764200 or ross.boseley@tht.org.uk

POSITIVE HOPE ) SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE & SOLIDARITY, Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, Sun Dec 1, 7pm. After the Candle Light Vigil, the Sussex HIV Chaplaincy invite ALL to join them in a service of remembrance for those who have died and solidarity for those living with HIV/AIDS. An opportunity for prayer and reflection in a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, for those with some faith or none.

Rev Michael Hydes fom Brighton MCC will be preaching. More info: Revd Heather Leake Date, Sussex Ecumenical HIV Chaplaincy, on 07867 773360 or susshivchap@gmail.com

CONCERT

AIDS Memorial plaque installed ahead of World Aids Day The artist behind 'Tay', Brighton & Hove's Aids Memorial sculpture, Romany Mark Bruce, joined the Rainbow Fund grants panel to mark the installation of a new information plaque for the memorial in the New Steine, installed ahead of World Aids Day. Paul Elgood, Rainbow Fund Chairman said: “Tay - the iconic Aids Memorial has very much become part of our community, with people taking it to their hearts. When we originally commissioned this stunning piece of art, we were so lucky to work with the hugely talented local artist Romany Mark Bruce. The new plaque provides information on the sculpture and was funded by the Rainbow Fund.”

'Tay' - the Brighton & Hove Aids Memorial was unveiled by Mr David Furnish in October 2009 and paid for by money raised from community events.

EXHIBITIONS ) RISE LIVING LIBRARY: Jubilee Library, Friday Nov 29 from 1–4pm. THT staff and volunteers will be participating in the ‘Rise Living Library’ a unique event where members of the public can speak informally with ‘people on loan’. Members of THT’s Positive Voices group will be on hand to talk about what it’s like to live with HIV. ) WORLD AIDS DAY EXHIBITION: including THE RED RIBBON DRESS: Jubilee Library, Nov 27- Dec 5, 2–5pm. There will be a message wall for people to post personal messages of hope, remembrance and reflections of HIV and Aids.

More info: Cath Mattos on 01273 694222. ) 100 ARTISTS FOR WORLD AIDS DAY: The Founders Room, Dome Foyer, The Dome, Sun Dec 1–Sun Dec 8 (check with Dome for opening times). 100 artist come together to raise awareness of World AIDS Day. 20% of any sales will be donated to the Sussex Beacon.The Hankie Quilt will also be on dispay.

) THE WORLDS LARGEST RED RIBBON: The Level, Sun Dec 1 at 2pm Caroline Lucas MP and volunteers from a number of local and international HIV organisations are coming together to unveil the world's largest AIDS ribbon on World AIDS Day!

MEMORIAL SPACE

) WORLD AIDS DAY CONCERT: WE ALL LIVE TOGETHER St Mary’s Church, St James St, Sun Dec 1, doors open 2.30pm concert at 3pm.

Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus for the first time brings together all Brighton’s LGBTQ Choirs for an afternoon of music and mulled wine.

Featuring the Actually Gay Men’s Chorus, Actually Gay Women’s Chorus, Brighton Belles Gay Women’s Chorus, Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, Qukelele, Rainbow Chorus, Resound and children of the Theatre Workshop. Tickets £5 available from: www.tickets.brightongmc.org Concert in support of Lunch Positive

HEALTH ) NATIONAL HIV TESTING WEEK CLINICS: THT, 61 Ship St: Monday Nov 25–Friday Nov 29, 10am-8pm daily. Free, confidential, rapid HIV testing without prior appointment.

FUNDRAISERS SUNDAY DECEMBER 1 ) CHARLES STREET: WORLD AIDS DAY CABARET SPECIAL: Lizzie Drip 7.30pm, Sally Vate’s Rock & Roll Bingo 8.30pm, any money not won will be donated to THT.

) NEW STEINE GARDENS, Sun Dec 1, 4pm.

Volunteers from Lunch Positive will be in New Steine Gardens from 4pm providing a welcoming place for people to leave keepsakes, photos or messages of hope or remembrance at the memorial. Lunch Positive will be providing warm drinks.

More info: Gary Pargeter on 07846 464384 or info@lunchpositive.org

) BAR7@CRAWLEY: WORLD AIDS DAY FUNDRAISER & 1ST BIRTHDAY PARTY: Cassidy Connors and guests from 6pm.

CANDLELIT VIGIL

) QUEENS ARMS: ALL DAY WORLD AIDS DAY FUNDRAISER for the Sussex Beacon

) BRIGHTON AIDS MEMORIAL CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL, New Steine Gdns, Sun Dec 1, 6-7pm.

All are welcome to attend the remembrance event of those we have lost to HIV/AIDS in Brighton & Hove for a reading of names and a candle light vigil. New names to be read (in

) CAMELFORD ARMS: BEAR PATROL, SANTA PATROL: Hosted by Mysterry. from 2pm.

Fundraiser for Peer Action ) LEGENDS: RESOUND MALE VOICES LAUNCH THEIR NEW VIDEO, THE LONGEST TIME, fundraiser for MindOut. From 7.30pm.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 3 ) NEW STEINE BISTRO: SUPPER CLUB in aid of the Sussex Beacon, for reservations call: 01273 681546 / 695415

26 GSCENE He serves as the Vice Chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for HIV/AIDS and a check of his parliamentary activities reveals he has tabled a number of written parliamentary questions on LGBT issues since 2010. He recently took up the issue of the rights of LGBT people in Russia and has long campaigned against the deportation of LGBT people to countries where they could face criminal action.

Parliamentary Activities Simon has been recently appointed as a Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Foreign Office and previously carried out the same role in the Department for Culture, Media & Sport where he successfully lobbied for games to be staged at the Amex Stadium in Brighton during the Rugby World Cup. He has secured a £2m investment in local railways and has been lobbying ministers hard to release the £420m funding for the redevelopment of the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

SIMON KIRBY With just under two years to go until the next General Election, James Ledward has compiled a mid-term report card on local Kemptown MP Simon Kirby. ) For many LGBT people in 2009, the thought of having a Conservative MP back representing the constituency of Kemptown and Peacehaven after 13 years of Labour control was not appealing. However, even though Labour delivered many legislative gains to benefit LGBT people during their years in power between 1997–2010, in Brighton they somehow failed to engage with the LGBT community enough and those gay votes that moved to them in 1997, moved back in 2010.

The reasons for this are complex, but the lack of implementation locally of the main headline finding in Brighton & Hove Council's 2008 Equality Review for an independent Whistle Blowing Policy for Council Workers, by the Labour administration at the time, did not go down well with many in the LGBT community in Brighton & Hove. They failed to stand up to council offices on the issue and in doing so lost many votes for the party from the LGBT community and those on the left generally.

Name: Simon Kirby Year elected: 2010 Constituency: Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven Party: Conservative Majority: 1,328

LGBT Credentials Since before his election success in 2010, Simon Kirby took a close interest in local and national LGBT issues, in a way you would not

necessarily expect from a Conservative MP. I heard his passionate defence of equal marriage at the Equal Marriage debate organised by Changing Attitude Sussex at St Mary’s Church in Kemptown in June. It was impressive, it was sincere and most importantly had a profound effect on many people in the audience.

He played a pivotal role in bringing forward the government’s Equal Marriage legislation where he worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure the government got their numbers on the key votes. Now that the legislation is on the Statute Book he is looking forward to weddings starting next summer and he hopes the first marriage will be here in Brighton.

Local Activities Simon has been a regular supporter of LGBT events in Kemptown, taking part in Stonewall’s Brighton Equality Walk on four occasions as well as taking part in the Brighton Pride Parade and supporting both IDAHO Day and Hate Crime Vigil events organised by the LGBT Community Safety Forum.

He has had a stand at the Kemptown Carnival, attended numerous local meetings, including the inaugural meeting of the St James’ Street Community Action Group and has also been spotted pulling pints in Legends in his efforts to highlight the importance of bars and clubs to the city's wider communities and night time economy.

Accessibility Since being elected, Simon has held regular constituency advice surgeries at a number of locations, including Dorset Gardens Methodist Church and the Kemptown Crypt.

Final Report First and foremost Simon has proven himself to be a hard working constituency MP, who can be regularly found supporting local community events and who has been a pleasantly strong campaigner on LGBT issues.

GSCENE 27 Despite having endorsed the Labour candidate for Kemptown & Peacehaven at the last election as being the best choice for LGBT Brighton & Hove, I have since been well impressed with Simon's firm up front support on LGBT issues. He is not a tribal party politician and has demonstrated a willingness to work with local councillors from other parties on behalf of local residents.

His press machine is relentless and the group of advisors around him is truly reflective of the demographic of the unique constituency he represents. He understands that 'gay people' transfer into 'gay votes', a similar lesson learnt by the conservative group on Brighton & Hove City Council in recent times.

BRIGHTON GEMS Gscene finds out how the Gay Elderly Men’s Society (GEMS) are moving forward together

However, his position on Europe, immigration and travellers does not sit comfortably with many in the LGBT community. In attracting LGBT voters back to the Conservatives he has had a fine line to walk in not upsetting his traditional Conservative voters. He seems to have got that balance just about right.

Over the coming months I’ll continue to monitor his work and I’d encourage anyone living in the Kemptown constituency to contact him with any concerns they have.

After all, we should make use of all our public representatives and make them earn their keep.

Get In Touch There are five ways to contact Simon: • Write: Simon Kirby MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA • Email: simon.kirby.mp@parliament.uk • Telephone: 0207 219 7024 • Follow on: twitter.com/#!/simonkirbymp • Facebook: www.facebook.com/simonkirbyMP

Regular Surgeries Simon holds regular surgeries at the following locations across the constituency: Moulsecoomb, Rottingdean, Telscombe, Saltdean, Peacehaven, Woodingdean, East Brighton and Queen's Park.

Surgeries are by appointment only. If you would like to make an appointment either contact the office on 0207 219 7024 or email simon.kirby.mp@parliament.uk with details of the issue you would like to discuss.

) This year has been a busy year for the Gay Elderly Men's Society (GEMS).

Following the departure of Peter Otto in June after 16 years of service to the group, GEMS has renamed itself Brighton GEMS, designed a new logo and have established a new four man volunteer admin team to run the organisation and deliver a range of activities to the membership.

The team consists of Robert Douglas, an artist and former interior designer to the stars, who in his youth styled the homes of David Frost and Paul McCartney to name a few; Peter Amos, formally in advertising but now a full time artist; Stephen Grainger, a former communications officer in the banking industry; and Wolf Boecher, a tour rep who still takes parties of German visitors all over the UK.

The work of GEMS was recognised in 2011 when they were awarded the Queen's Award for Voluntary Services to the Community.

Membership to GEMS is free, however the organisation relies on support and donations from members.

Brighton GEMS has no religious allegiances and meet regularly for a social get together from 7-10pm on the last Friday of each month at the Dorset Gardens Methodist Church in Kemptown. Guest speakers regularly address the group on issues ranging from safety to health and exercise.

Day trips to stately homes, gardens, museums and the theatre have proved very popular while the walking group has proved an extremely healthy activity for members.

Brighton GEMS is a group for the over 50s which was formed to enrich the lives of older gay men who reside in Brighton & Hove, giving them the opportunity to socialise and meet new friends. They aim to celebrate, empower and support the independence of all gay men over 50 in Brighton & Hove, to reduce isolation and provide a safe environment for them to meet and socialise.

) Brighton GEMS meet from 7-10pm on the last Friday of each month at the Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, Dorset Gardens in Kemptown.

For more information call: 07970 861755 or email: brightongems@aol.com or view: www.brightongems.co.uk

28 GSCENE people I work with it takes over their lives until it gets too much and something breaks.

I think it gets normalised but actually it can become a real problem as it affects everything from relationships to work and people then put themselves in increasingly risky situations.

Gary continues: ”It’s been a really satisfying year supporting some incredibly determined people to get their lives back on track. It’s a real privilege seeing someone through their journey and come out the other side much happier with their lives. It’s remarkable what people can achieve when they put their mind to it”

“The LGBT service has helped me sort my life out, I’ve got so many problems I never would never have believed there was a service for people like me” Service user

GARY SMITH James Ledward talks to Gary Smith, recruited

by CRI to take forward the LGBT substance misuse project in Brighton & Hove ) In October 2010 CRI, a social care and health charity working with individuals, families and communities across England and Wales that are affected by drugs, alcohol, crime, homelessness, domestic abuse and antisocial behaviour, recruited Gary Smith to take forward the LGBT substance misuse project commissioned by the Primary Care Trust (PCT). The remit of the project is to increase the numbers of LGBT people accessing treatment for alcohol and substance misuse. This post provides specialist outreach intervention through joint working with LGBT partners across the city.

Approximately 70% of the clients referred into treatment by the LGBT worker have no prior experience of treatment.

“I wouldn’t have used CRI’s service if there wasn’t a LGBT worker there - Gary never told me what to do, he just supported me in the right way” Service user

Community outreach forms the basis of the model used by Gary. This has involved joint working alongside Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), the Sussex Beacon, Lunch Positive, MindOut, Rise and has continued his attendance at the LGBT Safety Forum. More recently Gary has been working closely with sexual health services to support people who need help and advice around their drug or alcohol use.

The work focuses on supporting individuals to access treatment services where necessary as well as advice, information & signposting.

Those individuals that require further structured interventions have presented more complex needs, including: mental health, HIV, poly drug use, experience of sexual abuse and domestic violence. To this end the outreach worker has been developing links with key service providers in order to facilitate a joined up approach to more complex clients.

Gary Smith says: “The project has gone from strength to strength over the last three years.

What is interesting is that the service has spread through word of mouth rather than anything else. As people take control of their lives and move on they tell their friends and then they get in touch and we start working together. Sometimes drugs and alcohol are just seen as part of the scene but for the

Case Study: Jason When I first met Gary I was in the lowest, darkest place I had been in my life. It was just after a suicide attempt. I was also selfharming and regularly injecting anything between 10 to 15 times daily. In our first meeting, to see where I was, Gary asked me to do a test which had a score from 1 to 20 to see how I felt about my mental health, physical health, and quality of life. On the quality of life, I scored a 0 which I truly felt as I had become numb and felt no hope, or any potential left in my life.

Gary and the service he provided at CRI gave me a safe and non-judgemental environment to start to tackle and work through the issues in my life that had led me to become lost and self-destructive.

I was provided with many options of support, from one-to-one, to seeing a counsellor, using the things on offer like, holistic treatments and a lunch for people struggling with HIV to come and support each other together.

The main thing that helped me most however was Gary's attitude and the way in which he conducted his sessions with me providing soft methods of getting me to discuss and see things that I had been unable to face about myself and my life, and allowing me to work through these with him. He helped me steady my own way down my path to recovery. This was crucial and at no time did he tell me what to do or what to think. He allowed me to come to the realisations of the things I needed to face and change by myself, which

GSCENE 29 empowered a long lasting self-confidence so that I would be able to stand on my own when fully recovered.

I feel the service offered by Gary and the THT is crucial with people trying to recover from substance misuse issues, especially now as there are so many people injecting on the gay scene. I myself have seen this first hand and this is a problem that is only going to increase with tragic circumstances.

What the service offers is a place for people with these issues to discuss and work their way out of the encompassing and isolating world of substance misuse, with someone who is not a user, but does not judge you. They become your link back to society.

Especially if you find yourself down this path, everyone you become associated with is a user so your perspective becomes warped from the normal everyday world of people who are thriving and living a healthy, productive and fulfilling life.

Since my journey with Gary he has not only helped me with just the substance misuse itself, but deeper issues about how I perceive myself and my life, and how I can achieve anything I want. I had no self-confidence or respect for myself before I started seeing Gary, for all intents and purposes I hated myself and my life intensely and my inability to have the strength to live it the way I wanted. I was physically, mentally and emotionally crippled.

From the dark place I was in when I started, so much has changed for me in so many positive ways. One of these being that when Gary and I feel the time is right, I myself now have found my own vocation in my life, which is to help people who are in the situation I was in and work in the same area that Gary himself does. I plan to volunteer and train to give back what was given to me.

“It was good to see Gary working in the community and he visited me when I was in the hospital, which was brilliant. this made me trust him and I was able to speak freely without the fear of being judged” SERVICE USER

CRI • Monday–Friday 9am–5pm • Wednesday late opening until 8pm • Saturday 10am to 1pm 11 St George's Place, Brighton, BN1 4GB Tel: 01273 607575 Email: dip.brighton@cri.cjsm.net http://cri.org.uk/hrs_brighton

THIS IS KRISSIE! ) Friends came from near and far for the launch of Krissie DuCann's book THIS IS ME at the Queens Hotel last month. Some old faces, some new faces, some old faces on new faces, they were all there and what a great evening was had by all. Krissie signed copies of her book, sang a few songs and told a few stories, though, we never did get to the bottom of how good Jimi Hendrix was in bed. The lady does not kiss and tell it seems.

Seriously, there was a lovely feeling in the room and hopefully loads of money was raised for the Sussex Beacon who are receiving the income from the sales of the book. If you didn’t buy your copy on the night you can buy the book from Church Street and Zone Bar; it costs just £7.50 and will make a great Christmas present. The following people sponsored the printing of the book and made publication possible: Sharon Barr (Zone Bar), Gerry Breen (Coward's guest house), Barry Nelson and Justin Manning (Queens Hotel), Neil Jackson & Bruce Rowley, Georgina Ayres and Lady Maria Dolan.

30 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

PICS FROM A-BAR, BAR 7 CRAWLEY + BTN SAUNA

DECEMBER

LISTINGS

A-BAR

n XMAS Tue (24) is the JASON ABRAHAM'S JAZZ NIGHT at 10pm. n Wed (25), bar open 8pm–midnight for Xmas Day. n Thur (26), kitchen closed for Boxing Day. n NYE Tue (31) is NEW YEAR'S CABARET with Trudi Styles & Piano Man at 10pm. n Wed (1) Jan, limited food served noon–5pm. n REGULARS Wed is the OPEN MIC PIANO BAR with Mark Hodge; sing your favourite tune with Mark or just listen at 8.30pm. n Fri is LIVE MUSIC at 9pm. n Sat is Pre-Club with drink promos. n FOOD bar food served Mon–Sat noon–7pm (last orders 6.30pm); Golden Handbagaward winning Sunday roasts served from noon–5pm (last orders 4pm), to book call 01273 696691. n DRINK DEALS double-up on spirits for an extra £1.50 on Fri & Sat. Wed & Thur are cocktail nights from 9pm; buy one get the other half price. n OPEN Sun–Thur noon–midnight; Fri & Sat noon–2am. Unrivalled sea view, large heated smoking terrace and all big sport events. n BULLDOG DJ Slip Matt 6pm; DJ Grant 10pm; karaoke 9pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS World AIDS Day: free hot drinks for those attending Memorial Service SUNDAY 1 all day; Sunday roasts & selected menu noonn A-BAR Sunday roasts: bookings 01273 till gone; Bear Patrol Xmas Lunch; Bear Bash 696691 noon-5pm; open noon 5pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY 1st Birthday Party & n CHARLES ST World AIDS Day Cabaret World AIDS Day Cabaret Fundraiser: Cassidy Special: Lizzy Drip 7.30pm; Sally Vate’s Rock & Connors, Maisie Trollette, Davina Sparkle & Roll Bingo, all none-won monies donated to more 6pm THT 8.30pm; Sun lunch noon-7pm n BAR REVENGE World AIDS Day Fundraiser n 112 CHURCH ST Sunday Roast noon-late; feat Staff Auction & Karaoke Queens with open noon LouBag & Smithy 8pm; open noon n DR BRIGHTONS Hangover Therapy; open n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: 1pm DJ Claire Fuller 11pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n BEDFORD TAVERN Sunday roast 12.30pm; n LEGENDS BAR Sunday roasts noon-3pm; World AIDS Day Piano Bingo 5pm; open noon cabaret: Topping & Butch 3.15pm; open 11am n BETTY LA LA’S Sunday roasts: bookings n MARINE TAVERN open 1pm 01273 693444 noon-till gone n MARLBOROUGH open noon Information is correct at the time of going to press. Gscene cannot be held responsible for any changes or alterations to the listings

n POISON IVY cabaret 5.30pm; karaoke; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS World AIDS Day Charity Event: host Drag With No Name, Mary Mac & cabaret stars; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN Sunday roasts 12-5pm; Piano Bar 1.30pm; open noon n SUBLINE Come in Your Pants: DJ N.U.D.E, underwear party 9pm n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live jazz: The Jazz Roast 3pm; open noon n ZONE live music: Gabriella Parish 5pm; karaoke 7pm; open 10am MONDAY 2 n A-BAR bar food noon-7pm; open noon n BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz: cash prizes 8.30pm; open noon n BEDFORD TAVERN Mon Club; open noon n BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; open noon n CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Medication Mon; open 3pm

n ENVY Studio 150: student night 10pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR cabaret 9pm; food noon5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH open noon n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Pete & Kamp Kevin’s karaoke 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am TUESDAY 3 n A-BAR bar food noon-7pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY open 6pm n BAR REVENGE VIP Tue: Harry’s Karaoke, DJ Fifi, win drinks/VIP cards/bar tabs 8pm; open 12 n BEDFORD TAVERN Theatre Bar; open noon n BULLDOG Poptastic: DJ Lee; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; open noon n CHARLES ST Dog Tails; food noon-10pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Twisted Tue; open 3pm

BAR 7 CRAWLEY

n ONE FOR THE DIARY Sun (1) 1ST BIRTHDAY PARTY & World AIDS Day Cabaret Fundraiser with Cassidy Connors, Maisie Trollette, Davina Sparkle & more. n XMAS Fri (20) is XMAS PARTY with DJ Magic & drink offers. Tue (24) XMAS EVE PARTY. Closed Wed (25) Xmas Day & Thur (26) Boxing Day. n NYE Tue (31) is NEW YEAR’S EVE CABARET with Tammy Twinkle. n REGULARS Sat is PARTY NIGHT, drink promos, DJs: Waynsierudeboy (7), Baga Chipz (14), Matty (21) & Claire Fuller (28). n Sun is Ray & Tyler’s KARAOKE, sing to win a shot. n Tue & Wed: happy hour 6–9pm. n Thur PARTY NIGHT with DJ. n Fri is PARTY NIGHT DJs: Cozmo (6), Diva (13), Waynsierudeboy (27). n OPEN Sun, Tue & Wed 6pm–12.30am; Thur–Sat 6pm–2.30am. Closed Mon. n www.7crawley.co.uk

BRIGHTON SAUNA

n XMAS Tue (24), open as usual for XMAS EVE. n Wed (25) NAKED DAY and Xmas Dinner served at a reasonable price; open 11am–11pm. n Thur (26), open 11am–11pm for Boxing Day. n NYE Open 24 hours from 10am on Tue (31)–1am on Thur (2) Jan. n Wed (1) Jan is NAKED DAY. n REGULARS Every Wed is NAKED DAY all day, no towels to be worn. n DRINKS licensed bar 7 days a week; Sun–Thur 11–1am and Fri & Sat 11–2am. n OPEN For opening hours and listings visit: www.thebrightonsauna.com

32 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

PICS FROM BETTY LA LA’S + BULLDOG

DECEMBER

LISTINGS

BULLDOG

n XMAS Tue (24) is XMAS EVE with DJ Grant in the bar at 10pm; Amy’s KARAOKE is upstairs at 10pm. n Wed (25) Xmas Day, open noon–3pm & then 7pm–late. n Thur (26) is Boxing Day with DJ Grant in the bar at 10pm; Amy’s KARAOKE is upstairs at 10pm; venue open till 7am. n NYE Tue (31) is the start of the 48-HOUR NON-STOP NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY with DJ Marcia at 10pm; Amy’s KARAOKE is upstairs at 10pm. Venue closes Thursday (2) Jan at 2am. n REGULARS Tue is POPTASTIC with DJ Lee. Wed is DIVA RUSH with DJ Marcia, all drinks £1.99 when selected artist is played and the traffic light turns to green, 10pm–2am. n Thur is RELEASE with DJ Grant Knowles at 10pm. n Fri is with DJ Grant Knowles at 10pm, and then CABARET in the top bar at midnight: Cassidy Connors (6), Sandra (13), La Voix (20), Son of a Tutu (27). n Sat is with DJ V John at 10pm, DJ Lil Alex at 3am, and KARAOKE upstairs at 10pm. n Sun is with DJ Slip Matt at 6pm, DJ Grant Knowles at 10pm, KARAOKE Is upstairs at 9pm. n Mon is DJ Marcia’s GLITTER BALL with 70s & 80s tunes at 10pm. n DRINK DEALS Mon & Tue 3–7pm & 11pm–midnight; Wed 3–7pm; Thur 3–7pm & 10pm–midnight; Fri 3–7pm & drinks £1.99 9pm–midnight; Sat 10pm–midnight; Sun all day–midnight. Drinks include: pints from £1.95, double spirit & mixer from £2.30, bottles from £1.85 (Terms & conditions apply). Times and offers may differ over Xmas & New Year. n OPEN daily from 11am–very late. www.bulldogbrighton.com n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR food 12-5.30pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm; open 12 n MARLBOROUGH Rock/Paper/Scissors n POISON IVY Bar 150 karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS sing-along with Peter & friends 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n REVENGE Naughty Pop 10.30pm n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live music 7.45pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am

n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n SUBLINE Backlash: retro night 9pm n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Big Cash Quiz 7.30pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am

THURSDAY 5 n A-BAR bar food noon-7pm; cocktail night; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Party Night: DJ 6pm n BAR REVENGE Girls On Top warm-up 9pm; open noon n BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant 10pm; open WEDNESDAY 4 11am n A-BAR open mic with Mark Hodge 8.30pm; n CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Quiz bar food noon-7pm; cocktail night; open noon 9pm; food noon-3pm & 6-9pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY open 6pm n CHARLES ST Mad Cow’s Tea Party: Ms n BAR REVENGE Spice is Nice: DJ Dana; Joan Bond, tea pot cocktails, ‘drink me’ shots, open noon fab decor, tunes & win bar tabs 8pm; open 12 n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 Claire Fuller 11pm n POISON IVY Miss Penny’s Xmas Cracker n BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day: no towels Karaoke; open 11am 10-1am n ENVY Mad Cow’s Tea Party: Ms Joan Bond, n BULLDOG Diva Rush: DJ Marcia 10pm; tea pot cocktails, ‘drink me’ shots, fab decor, open 11am tunes & win bar tabs 8pm n CAMELFORD ARMS Pub Quiz Fundraiser n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon for MindOut 8pm; seniors lunch 2-3.30pm; reg n LEGENDS BAR food 12-5pm; open 11am food 12-3pm & 6-9pm; open noon n MARINE TAVERN open noon n CHARLES ST Cabaret Carousel: Mrs Moore n MARLBOROUGH Raffle Fundraiser for LGBT 9.30pm; food noon-8pm; open noon Switchboard 8pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n POISON IVY cabaret 9.30pm; karaoke; open n DR BRIGHTONS Cocktail Clinic; open 3pm 11am n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n QUEEN’S ARMS Fag Machine: alt cabaret n LEGENDS BAR food 12-5pm; open 11am night 9pm; open noon n MARINE TAVERN open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & n MARLBOROUGH Dutch Courage: open mic 6-8.30pm; open noon 8pm; open noon n REVENGE Girls on Top: DJs 10.30pm n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n SUBLINE Leathered 9pm n QUEEN’S ARMS Midweek Mash-Up n ZONE karaoke 5pm; open 10am Karaoke: Betty Swollocks 9pm; open noon

FRIDAY 6 n A-BAR live music 9pm; bar food noon7pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Cozmo 6pm n BAR REVENGE Shameless warm-up 9pm; open noon-6am n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Friday Night Live with Lady La Rue: 2 floor party, DJ Lee Harris in club 11pm n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon n BULLDOG DJ Grant Knowles 10pm; Cassidy Connors midnight; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; Friday Club 6pm; open noon

BETTY LA LA’S

n CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm; food noon-7.45pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST cabaret: Krissie DuCann 9pm; food noon-late; open noon n DR BRIGHTONS Funky Fri: DJ Nick Hirst 9.30pm; open 1pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n FUNKYFISH CLUB Xmas Comedy: 3Course Xmas dinner, compere Louise Stevenson, acts Pierre Hollins & Dave Thompson, £35; Back to the 80s 10pm n LEGENDS BAR Friday Night Live with Lady La Rue, 2 floor party 9pm; DJ Lee Harris in club 11pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am

n XMAS Tue (24) is XMAS EVE CABARET with Tammy Twinkle at 9pm. Wed (25): Xmas Lunch served, call 01273 693444 to book. n REGULARS Sun (15) is the 3-Course CABARET SUNDAY ROAST with Jason Lee at 3pm; £19.95, call 01273 693444 to book. n FOOD British/French menu served through the week; breakfasts on Sat & Sun from 9.30am; Sunday Roasts served noon–till gone, one course £12.95, 2-courses £16.95, 3courses £19.95, call 01273 693444 to book.

PICS FROM CAMELFORD ARMS

GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 33

CAMELFORD ARMS

n WAD Sun (1) there will be free hot drinks served all day for those attending the Memorial Service, which will be followed by the BEAR PATROL XMAS LUNCH. n XMAS Tue (24) is Xmas Eve with food served noon–9pm. n Wed (25): closed for Xmas Day. n Thur (26) is the XMAS AFTER-PARTY all day, followed by the BOXING DAY QUIZ at 9pm; food served noon–9pm. n NYE Tue (31) is NEW YEAR'S EVE with free entry & food noon–6pm. n Wed (1) Jan is the NEW YEAR'S HANGOVER PARTY with Bloody Marys & food noon–7PM. n ONE FOR THE DIARY Wed (4) PUB QUIZ Fundraiser for MindOut at 8pm. n REGULARS Thur is the £300 BIG CASH QUIZ at 9pm. THUR (19) is the £300 BIG CASH XMAS QUIZ at 9pm. n The Friday Club is at 6pm. n Sun (1) & (15) is The Bear Bash at 5pm. n FOOD Wed is SENIORS' LUNCH with two courses for £5.50 served 2–3.30pm; home-cooked menu & manager's specials served Mon–Fri noon–3pm & 6–9pm; Sat noon–7pm; Sun roasts & selected menu served noon–till gone! n OPEN daily from noon. The Camelford is the most dog-friendly pub in town. n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH DJ Shelly Mack 9pm n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Camp Attack: Stacey Star, Sissy Sucs & karaoke 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open 11am n REVENGE Lucy Spraggan Live 10.30pm n SUBLINE Steam 9pm n ZONE live music: Eva La Diva 9.30pm; open 10am SATURDAY 7 n A-BAR Pre-club music; food noon-7pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Waynsierudeboy 6pm n BAR REVENGE Sweet Revenge Warm-Up 9pm; open noon-6am n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Lee Harris 11pm n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon n BULLDOG DJ V John 10pm; DJ Lil Alex 3am; karaoke 10pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-7pm; open noon n CHARLES ST Boys In The Bar: all-male DJs Jonesy, Lil Alex, Grant Knowles, Leeroy on rotation 9pm; food noon-7.45pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B 9.30pm; open 1pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n FUNKYFISH CLUB Old School Sat: Sussex Beacon fundraiser, DJ Sean Quinn 10pm n LEGENDS BAR Pre-Fusion 7pm; food

noon-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH Shook Up Sat 9pm n PARIS HOUSE live jazz 4pm; TC’s Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm; open noon n POISON IVY afternoon karaoke & Betty Swollocks’ karaoke till midnight; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS live music: Paul Quinton Smith 4.30pm; Stacey Star Farewell Show 7pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food 12-6pm; open 11am n REVENGE Sweet Revenge: DJs 10.30pm n SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm n ZONE cabaret: Maisie Trollette 9.30pm; open 10am SUNDAY 8 n A-BAR Sunday roasts: bookings 01273 696691 noon-5pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Ray & Tyler’s karaoke 6pm n BAR REVENGE Acoustic Sunday: live music 4pm; Karaoke Queens: LouBag & Smithy 8pm; open noon n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm n BEDFORD TAVERN Sunday roasts 12.30pm; Piano Bingo 5pm; open noon n BETTY LA LA’S Sunday roasts: bookings 01273 693444 noon-till gone n BULLDOG DJ Slip Matt 6pm; DJ Grant 10pm; karaoke 9pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS Sunday roasts & selected menu noon-till gone; open noon

34 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

PICS FROM HALLOWEEN PARTY @ CHARLES STREET & ENVY

DECEMBER

LISTINGS

CHARLES STREET BAR

n WAD Sun (1) is the WORLD AIDS DAY SPECIAL with cabaret from Lizzy Drip at 7.30pm; then it's Sally Vate's ROCK & ROLL BINGO at 8.30pm, with all none-won monies going to Terrence Higgins Trust. n XMAS Tue (24) is Sally Vate’s XMAS ROCK & ROLL BINGO with guaranteed £100 jackpot, mince pies, cabaret & DJ Ruby Roo playing camp Xmas tunes; food served till 6pm, open till 1am. n Wed (25), closed for Xmas Day. n Thur (26) is MAD COW XMAS TEA PARTY, fab décor, tea pot cocktails, 'drink me' shots, pumping tunes, hostess Ms Joan Bond at 8pm; drinks from £1, win a bar tab for the night, free entry, bar open 5pm for happy hour. n NYE Tue (31) is the NEW YEAR’S EVE ANGELS & DEMONS 2-FLOOR SPECIAL with hostess Ms Joan Bond, DJs & Heaven & Hell décor till 5am; tickets free b4 10pm/ £5 b4 midnight/£8 after/£5 q-jump tickets available from the bar now. n Wed (1) Jan is NEW YEAR’S DAY CABARET CAROUSEL with Mrs Moore at 9.30pm; open 5pm. n REGULARS Wed is CABARET CAROUSEL with Mrs Moore (4 & 18) and Bitch’n Sync feat Rose Garden & Mitzi Macintosh (11). n Thur is MAD COW TEA PARTY with Alice in Wonderland décor, tea pot cocktails, 'drink me' shots, pumping tunes & hostess Ms Joan Bond at 8pm; drinks from £1, win a bar tab for the night, entry £1. n FRUITY FRIDAY FIX is with DJ Leeroy dance & funky house, plus discounted cocktails, at 9pm. n Sat is BOYS IN THE BAR all-male DJ line-up including Jonesy, Lil Alex, Grant Knowles & Leeroy on rotation at 9pm, free entry! n Sun CABARET at 7.30pm: Nan (8), Sandra (15), Mitzi Macintosh (22) and Lady Imelda (29); TRANNY ROCK & ROLL BINGO with Sally Vate and a rolling jackpot at 8.30pm. n FOOD new menu served noon–8pm and till 10pm on Tue; two for £6.95 on selected mains, 2-4-1 gourmet hotdogs at Dog Tails on Tue. n Sunday Lunch: home roast beef, chicken or veggie served noon–7pm, £6.95, or two for £10. n DRINK DEALS Afterwork happy hours: all drinks 50% off Mon–Sat from 5–9pm, till 8pm on Thurs, on Sun 8.30pm-close. All deals excl sparkling wine & cocktails & not in conjunction with other offers. n Cocktails: New cocktail menu served in December; two for £8 on Tue 6pm–close and on Fri 9pm–close. n OPEN daily from noon. Times differ over Xmas & New Year. n www.charles-street.com n CHARLES ST cabaret: Nan 7.30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate, roll over jackpot 8.30pm; Sun lunch noon-7pm n 112 CHURCH ST Sunday Roast noon-late; open noon n DR BRIGHTONS Hangover Therapy; open 1pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR Sunday roasts noon-3pm; cabaret: La Voix 3.15pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open 1pm n MARLBOROUGH open noon n POISON IVY cabaret 5.30pm; karaoke; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Super Duper Sun hosted

by Sissy & Betty Swollocks: karaoke 4.30pm; cabaret: Son of a Tutu 6pm; X Factor Live 8pm;

karaoke 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN Sunday roasts noon5pm; Piano Bar 1.30pm; open noon n SUBLINE Come in Your Pants: DJ N.U.D.E, underwear party 9pm n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live jazz: The Jazz Roast 3pm; open noon n ZONE live music: Back Beat 5pm; karaoke 7pm; open 10am MONDAY 9 n A-BAR bar food noon-7pm; open noon n BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz: cash prizes 8.30pm; open noon n BEDFORD TAVERN Mon Club; open noon n BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm; open 11am

ENVY @ CHARLES ST

n XMAS Thur (26) is MAD COW XMAS TEA PARTY with fab décor, tea pot cocktails, 'drink me' shots, pumping tunes & hostess Ms Joan Bond at 8pm; drinks from £1, win a bar tab for the night, free entry. n NYE Tue (31) is the NEW YEAR’S EVE ANGELS & DEMONS 2-FLOOR SPECIAL with hostess Ms Joan Bond, DJs & Heaven & Hell décor till 5am; tickets free b4 10pm/£5 b4 midnight/£8 after/£5 q-jump tickets available from the bar now. n REGULARS Mon is the STUDIO 150 student night with singles or bottles for £1.50 all night, entry £1.50. n Thur is MAD COW TEA PARTY with Alice in Wonderland décor, tea pot cocktails, 'drink me' shots, pumping tunes & hostess Ms Joan Bond at 8pm, drinks from £1, win a bar tab for the night, entry £1. n www.charles-street.com

n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; open noon n CHARLES ST food 12-8pm; open 12 n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Medication Mon; open 3pm n ENVY Studio 150: student night 10pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR cabaret 9pm; food 12-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH open noon n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Pete & Kamp Kevin’s karaoke 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am

n BULLDOG Poptastic: DJ Lee; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; open noon n CHARLES ST Dog Tails; food noon-10pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Twisted Tue; open 3pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR food 12-5.30pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm; open 12 n MARLBOROUGH Cheeseday; open noon n POISON IVY Bar 150 karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS sing-along with Peter & friends 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon TUESDAY 10 n REVENGE Blow Out!: student night, door n A-BAR bar food noon-7pm; open noon money to Sussex & Brighton LGBT societies n BAR 7@CRAWLEY open 6pm 11pm n BAR REVENGE VIP Tue: Harry’s Karaoke, DJ n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live music: The Fifi, win drinks/VIP cards/bar tabs 8pm; open 12 Pickin’ Circle 8pm; open noon n BEDFORD TAVERN Theatre Bar; open noon n ZONE open 10am

36 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

PICS FROM CHURCH STREET + DR BRIGHTONS

DECEMBER

MAISIE TROLLETTE & POOH LA MAY (13)

LISTINGS

CHURCH STREET

n XMAS Christmas Day Lunch on Wed (25). To book call Collin on 01273 606864. n NYE Tue (31) is the PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY with free entry from 8pm–1am. n ONE FOR THE DIARY FRI CABARET at 9pm: Krissie DuCann (6), Double Trouble feat Maisie Trollette & Pooh La May (13) and Jason Lee (20). n FOOD specials served Mon–Sat noon–late, buy two lunches for £10; Golden Handbag-winning Sunday lunches served noon–late. n OPEN Find the secret beer garden, it's the perfect place for a drink and a smoke!

All private parties catered for. Call Collin on 01273 606864 for more details.

WEDNESDAY 11 n A-BAR open mic with Mark Hodge 8.30pm; bar food noon-7pm; cocktail night; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY open 6pm n BAR REVENGE Spice is Nice: DJ Dana; open noon n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon n BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day: no towels 10-1am n BULLDOG Diva Rush: DJ Marcia 10pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS seniors lunch 23.30pm; reg food 12-3pm & 6-9pm; open 12 n CHARLES ST Cabaret Carousel: Bitch’n Sync 9.30pm; food noon-8pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late; open noon n DR BRIGHTONS Cocktail Clinic; open 3pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR food noon-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH Dutch Courage: open mic 8pm; open noon n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Midweek Mash-Up Karaoke: Betty Swollocks 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n SUBLINE Backlash: retro night 9pm n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Big Cash Quiz 7.30pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am THURSDAY 12 n A-BAR bar food noon-7pm; cocktail night; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Party Night: DJ 6pm n BAR REVENGE Girls On Top warm-up 9pm; open noon

n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon n BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant 10pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Quiz 9pm; food noon-3pm & 6-9pm; open noon n CHARLES ST Mad Cow’s Tea Party: Ms Joan Bond, tea pot cocktails, ‘drink me’ shots, fab decor, tunes & win bar tabs 8pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late; open noon n POISON IVY Miss Penny’s Xmas Cracker Karaoke; open 11am n ENVY Mad Cow’s Tea Party: Ms Joan Bond, tea pot cocktails, ‘drink me’ shots, fab decor, tunes & win bar tabs 8pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR food 12-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH open noon n POISON IVY cabaret 9.30pm; karaoke; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Fag Machine: alt cabaret night 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n REVENGE Girls On Top Xmas Party: DJs 10.30pm n SUBLINE Leathered 9pm n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS comedy 8pm; open noon n ZONE karaoke 5pm; open 10am FRIDAY 13 n A-BAR live music 9pm; bar food noon7pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Diva; open 6pm n BAR REVENGE Shameless warm-up 9pm; open noon-6am n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Friday Night Live with Lady La Rue: 2 floor party, DJ Peter Castle in club 11pm

DR BRIGHTONS

n XMAS Fri (20) – Sun (22) is the XMAS PARTY WEEKEND with DJ Nick Hirst on Sat and DJ Tony B on Sun, both at 9.30pm. n NYE Tue (31) is NEW YEAR'S EVE MASQUERADE BALL with DJ Tony B at 8.30pm, open 3pm–4am. n REGULARS FUNKY FRIDAY with DJ Nick Hirst at 9.30pm, free entry. n SEXY SATURDAY with DJ Tony B is at 9.30pm, free entry. n DRINK DEALS from Sun–Thur all day and Fri & Sat from 1–7pm: Fosters & Carling £3.15 a pint, large Smirnoff & mixer £4, large Smirnoff & energy drink £5. Buy two cocktails for £11 from Sun–Thur. n Free game of pool every day with every round of drinks purchased during happy hour. n OPEN Mon–Thur 3pm–midnight; Fri & Sat 1pm–2am; Sun 1pm–midnight. n Reservation areas available for private parties midweek and weekends. n www.doctorbrightons.co.uk

n BEDFORD TAVERN Krazy Kamikaze Karaoke 8.30pm; open noon n BULLDOG DJ Grant Knowles 10pm; cabaret: Sandra midnight; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; Friday Club 6pm; open noon n CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm; food noon-7.45pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST cabaret: Double Trouble (Maisie Trollette & Pooh La May) 9pm; food noon-late; open noon n DR BRIGHTONS Funky Fri: DJ Nick Hirst 9.30pm; open 1pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n FUNKYFISH CLUB Xmas Comedy: 3-Course Xmas dinner, compere Lenny Peters, acts Julie Jepson & Mike Gunn, £35; DJ Virgil 10pm n LEGENDS BAR Friday Night Live with Lady La Rue, 2 floor party 9pm; DJ Peter Castle in club 11pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH Army of Two 8pm n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Camp Attack Xmas WarmUp: cabaret & hosting from Stephanie Von Clitz + music & karaoke 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open 11am n REVENGE Shameless: DJs Trick & Lee Harris 10.30pm n SUBLINE Nightmare Before Christmas 9pm n ZONE live music: Gabriella Parish 9.30pm; open 10am SATURDAY 14 n A-BAR Pre-club music; food noon-7pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY cabaret: Baga Chipz &

DJ Magic; open 6pm n BAR REVENGE Sweet Revenge Warm-Up 9pm; open noon-6am n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon n BULLDOG DJ V John 10pm; DJ Lil Alex 3am; karaoke 10pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food 12-7pm; open 12 n CHARLES ST The Boys In The Bar: all-male DJs Jonesy, Lil Alex, Grant Knowles, Leeroy on rotation 9pm; food noon-7.45pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open12 n DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B 9.30pm; open 1pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n FUNKYFISH CLUB Old School Sat: DJ Sean Quinn 10pm n LEGENDS BAR Pre-Fusion 7pm; food noon5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH Shook Up Sat 9pm n PARIS HOUSE live jazz 4pm; TC’s Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm; open noon n POISON IVY afternoon karaoke & Betty Swollocks’ karaoke till midnight; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Auntie Robbie 4.30pm; Betty Swollocks’ Karaoke 6pm; Ultimate Party & Jeremy Kyle Experience: Stacey Star, Sissy, Kamp Kevin 9pm; open 12 n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-6pm; open 11am n REVENGE Sweet Revenge: DJs 10.30pm n SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm n ZONE cabaret: Tammy Twinkle 9.30pm; open 10am

PICS FROM FUNKY FISH BAR & CLUB

FUNKY FISH

n XMAS Fri COMEDY CHRISTMAS CRACKER, 3 course Christmas dinner, comic acts and dancing (6) compere Louise Stevenson, acts Pierre Holland & Dave Thompson, (13) compere Lenny Peters, acts Julie Jepson & Mike Gunn (20) compere Julie Jepson with Eden Rivers headliner TBA. Tickets £35, n NYE Tue (31) is the NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY with DJs Sean Quinn & Antony playing funk, disco, dance, club classics & party anthems from 8pm–4am; adv entry £7.50/£10 on the door. n ONE FOR THE DIARY Sat (7) is the OLD SCHOOL SATURDAY SUSSEX BEACON FUNDRAISER with DJ Sean Quinn playing the hottest hits from the 70s/80s/90s at 10pm, entry £5. n REGULARS Fri is with DJ Virgil playing disco, club classics, dance & pop at 10pm; drink specials, free entry. n Fri (6) is BACK TO THE 80S with the same drink promos. n OLD SCHOOL SATURDAY is with DJ SEAN QUINN playing the hottest hits of the 70s/80s & 90s at 10PM, entry £5. n DRINK DEALS FRI drink specials include Jagerbombs £2.50, selected shots £2, bottles from £3, double up on spirits £1.50 n OPEN Funky Fish Bar is open daily from noon. n www.funkyfishclub.co.uk

SUNDAY 15 n A-BAR Sunday roasts: bookings 01273 696691 noon-5pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Ray & Tyler’s karaoke 6pm n BAR REVENGE Acoustic Sunday: live music 4pm; Karaoke Queens: LouBag & Smithy 8pm; open noon n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm n BEDFORD TAVERN Festive Fundraiser for Brighton’s Rough Sleepers: Xmas Lunch 12.30pm; cabaret & Piano Bingo 5pm n BETTY LA LA’S 3-Course Cabaret Roast: Jason Lee, £19.95, bookings 01273 693444 3pm n BULLDOG DJ Slip Matt 6pm; DJ Grant 10pm; karaoke 9pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS Sunday roasts & selected menu noon-till gone; Bear Bash 5pm; open noon

n CHARLES ST cabaret: Sandra 7.30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate, roll over jackpot 8.30pm; Sun lunch noon-7pm n 112 CHURCH ST Sunday Roast noon-late; open noon n DR BRIGHTONS Hangover Therapy; open 1pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR Charity Event: host Jennie Castelle 3.15pm; Sunday roasts noon-3pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open 1pm n MARLBOROUGH open noon n POISON IVY cabaret 5.30pm; karaoke; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Super Duper Sun hosted

by Sissy & Betty Swollocks: karaoke 4.30pm; cabaret: Peggy Wessex 6pm; X Factor Final Live 8pm; karaoke 10pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN Sunday roasts noon5pm; Piano Bar 1.30pm; open noon

GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 37

38 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

PICS FROM HALLOWEEN @ LEGENDS BAR + LEGENDS BASEMENT CLUB

DECEMBER

LISTINGS

LEGENDS BAR

n XMAS Tue (24) is A BIG OLD GAY XMAS EVE PARTY till late. n Wed (25) is A LEGENDARY XMAS till late. n Thur (26) is BOXING DAY CABARET with Maisie Trollete at 3.15pm. n NYE Tue (31) is the NEW YEAR’S EVE COUNTDOWN with DJs Peter Castle, Ben Castle & Claire Fuller playing the best of 2013 over 2 floors till 5am; entry £5 from 8pm. n Wed (1) Jan is NEW YEAR’S DAY CABARET at 3.15pm. n ONE FOR THE DIARY Sun (15) is a CHARITY EVENT hosted by Jennie Castelle at 3.15pm. n REGULARS Mon CABARET is at 9pm. FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE over 2 floors with Lady La Rue, DJ Peter Castle, Lee Harris (6), and drink deals. n Sat is Pre-Fusion with DJs at 7pm. n Sun CABARET at 3.15pm: Topping & Butch (1), La Voix (8), Nicolette Street (22), Lizzy Drip (29). n FOOD including gourmet burgers, salads, specials and cream teas served Wed–Mon noon–5pm, Tue noon–5.30pm. n Lisa's Sunday Roasts served noon–3pm with top quality locally sourced meat, poultry & vegetarian options. n DRINK DEALS Happy 3 Hour Drink Promos: Mon–Fri 6–9pm, select drinks £2.50. n OPEN daily from 11am–5am. Heated smoking area, free entry and all day terrace. www.legendsbrighton.com n SUBLINE Come in Your Pants: DJ N.U.D.E, underwear party 9pm n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live jazz: The Jazz Roast 3pm; open noon n ZONE live music: Stone & Street 5pm; karaoke 7.30pm; open 10am MONDAY 16 n A-BAR bar food noon-7pm; open noon n BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz: cash prizes 8.30pm; open noon n BEDFORD TAVERN Mon Club; open noon n BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; open noon n CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Medication Mon; open 3pm n ENVY Studio 150: student night 10pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR cabaret 9pm; food noon5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Pete & Kamp Kevin’s karaoke 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food 12-2.30pm & 68.30pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am

TUESDAY 17 n A-BAR bar food noon-7pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY open 6pm n BAR REVENGE VIP Tue: Harry’s Karaoke, DJ Fifi, win drinks/VIP cards/bar tabs 8pm; open 12 n BEDFORD TAVERN Theatre Bar; open noon n BULLDOG Poptastic: DJ Lee; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; open noon n CHARLES ST Dog Tails; food noon-10pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Twisted Tue; open 3pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR food 12-5.30pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm; open 12 n MARLBOROUGH Rock/Paper/Scissors; open noon n POISON IVY Bar 150 karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS sing-along with Peter & friends 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n REVENGE Naughty Pop: DJs Trick & Alex Baker 11pm n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live jazz 7.45pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am

LEGENDS BASEMENT CLUB

n FREE ENTRY to the Basement Club every day. n XMAS Tue (24) is A BIG OLD GAY XMAS EVE PARTY with DJ Claire Fuller spinning pop/classic tracks at 11pm. n Closed Wed (25) for Xmas Day. n Thur (26) is BOXING DAY ICE with DJ Claire Fuller chart/house/r&b at 11pm. n NYE Tue (31) is the NEW YEAR’S EVE COUNTDOWN with DJs Peter Castle, Ben Castle & Claire Fuller playing the best of 2013 over 2 floors till 5am; entry £5 from 8pm in the bar, club open 9pm. n Wed (1) Jan is the ICE RECOVERY PARTY with DJ Claire Fuller chart/house/r&b at 11pm. n REGULARS Wed is ICE with DJ Claire Fuller chart/house/r&b; £2 drink deals all night, special shots £1.50. n FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE is over 2 floors with Lady LaRue, DJ Peter Castle, Lee Harris (6), & drinks from £1.50. n Sat is FUSION with DJ Peter Castle house/chart sounds. n Sat (7) is with DJ Lee Harris. n Sun is POP!CANDY with DJ Claire Fuller recent/classic pop tracks, drinks from £2. n OPEN Wed & Fri–Sun 11pm. Closed Mon, Tue & Thur. Opening times differ over Xmas & New Year. n Legends will host your Christmas party from £150, call 01273 624462 for more info. n www.legendsbrighton.com

WEDNESDAY 18 n A-BAR open mic with Mark Hodge 8.30pm; cocktail night; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY open 6pm n BAR REVENGE Spice is Nice: DJ Dana; open noon n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon n BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day: no towels 10-1am n BULLDOG Diva Rush: DJ Marcia 10pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS seniors lunch 23.30pm; reg food 12-3pm & 6-9pm; open 12 n CHARLES ST Cabaret Carousel: Mrs Moore 9.30pm; food noon-8pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Cocktail Clinic; open 3pm

n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR food noon-5pm; open 11 n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH Dutch Courage: open mic 8pm; open noon n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Midweek Mash-Up Karaoke: Betty Swollocks 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n SUBLINE Backlash: retro night 9pm n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Big Cash Quiz 7.30pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am THURSDAY 19 n A-BAR bar food noon-7pm; cocktail night; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Party Night: DJ 6pm

PICS FROM LEGENDS BASEMENT CLUB + MARINE TAVERN

GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 39

DECEMBER

LISTINGS

MARINE TAVERN

n XMAS Tue (24): open till 2am for Xmas Eve. n Wed (25): open 8pm–1am for Xmas Day. n Thur (26): open till 2am for Boxing Day. n NYE Tue (31) is a NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY with free entry till 3am. n ONE FOR THE DIARY Tue is NAT’S QUIZ at 9pm. n DRINK DEALS Wed & Thur 7–11pm: pints of Carlsberg & Stowford Press £3, plus buy a single spirit and get the mixer free. n OPEN Mon–Sat noon, Sun 1pm.

n BAR REVENGE Girls On Top warm-up 9pm; open noon n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon n BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant 10pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Xmas Quiz 9pm; food noon-3pm & 6-9pm; open 12 n CHARLES ST Mad Cow’s Tea Party: Ms Joan Bond, tea pot cocktails, ‘drink me’ shots, fab decor, tunes & win bar tabs 8pm; open 12 n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n POISON IVY Miss Penny’s Xmas Cracker Karaoke; open 11am n ENVY Mad Cow’s Tea Party: Ms Joan Bond, tea pot cocktails, ‘drink me’ shots, fab decor, tunes & win bar tabs 8pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR food 12-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH open noon n POISON IVY cabaret 9.30pm; karaoke; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Fag Machine: alt cabaret night 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n REVENGE Girls On Top: DJs 10.30pm n SUBLINE Leathered 9pm n ZONE karaoke 5pm; open 10am FRIDAY 20 n A-BAR live music 9pm; bar food noon7pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Xmas Party: DJ Magic 6pm n BAR REVENGE Shameless warm-up 9pm; open noon-6am n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Friday Night Live with Lady La Rue: 2 floor party, DJ Peter Castle in club 11pm n BEDFORD TAVERN Krazy Kamikaze

Karaoke 8.30pm; open noon n BULLDOG DJ Grant Knowles 10pm; cabaret: La Voix midnight; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; Friday Club 6pm; open noon n CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm; food noon-7.45pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST cabaret: Jason Lee 9pm; food noon-late; open noon n DR BRIGHTONS Xmas Party Weekend: DJ Nick Hirst 9.30pm; open 1pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n FUNKYFISH CLUB Xmas Comedy: 3Course Xmas dinner, compere Julie Jepson, acts Eden Rivers & tba, £35; DJ Virgil 10pm n LEGENDS BAR Friday Night Live with Lady La Rue, 2 floor party 9pm; DJ Peter Castle in club 11pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH DJ Kool Hertz 9pm n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Camp Attack: Stacey Star, Sissy Sucs & Kamp Kevin 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open 11am n REVENGE Shameless: DJs Trick & Lee Harris 10.30pm n SUBLINE Steam 9pm n ZONE cabaret: Stone & Street 9.30pm; open 10am

Man: bookings 01273 693444 8pm n BULLDOG DJ V John 10pm; DJ Lil Alex 3am; karaoke 10pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-7pm; open noon n CHARLES ST The Boys In The Bar: all-male DJs Jonesy, Lil Alex, Grant Knowles, Leeroy on rotation 9pm; food noon-7.45pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Xmas Party Weekend: DJ Tony B 9.30pm; open 1pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n FUNKYFISH CLUB Old School Sat: DJ Sean Quinn 10pm n LEGENDS BAR Pre-Fusion 7pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH Shook Up Sat 9pm n PARIS HOUSE live jazz 4pm; TC’s Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm; open noon n POISON IVY afternoon karaoke & Betty Swollocks’ karaoke till midnight; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Trudi Styles & Piano Man 4.30pm; Betty Swollocks’ Karaoke 6pm; Ultimate Party & Jeremy Kyle Experience: Stacey Star, Sissy, Kamp Kevin 9pm; open 12 n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-6pm; open 11am n REVENGE Sweet Revenge: DJs 10.30pm n SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm n ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 9.30pm; open 10am

SATURDAY 21 n A-BAR Pre-club music; food noon-7pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Matty B 6pm n BAR REVENGE Sweet Revenge Warm-Up 9pm; open noon-6am n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon n BETTY LA LA’S An Evening with the Piano

SUNDAY 22 n A-BAR Sunday roasts: bookings 01273 696691 noon-5pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Ray & Tyler’s karaoke 6pm n BAR REVENGE Staff Xmas Carol Concert 4pm; Karaoke Queens: LouBag & Smithy 8pm; open noon n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm

n BEDFORD TAVERN Xmas Lunch 12.30pm; Festive Piano Bingo 5pm; open noon n BETTY LA LA’S Sunday roasts: bookings 01273 693444 noon-till gone n BULLDOG DJ Slip Matt 6pm; DJ Grant 10pm; karaoke 9pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS Sunday roasts & selected menu noon-till gone; open noon n CHARLES ST cabaret: Mitzi Macintosh 7.30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate, roll over jackpot 8.30pm; Sun lunch noon7pm n 112 CHURCH ST Sun Roast noon-late; open noon n DR BRIGHTONS Xmas Party Weekend; open 1pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR Sunday roasts noon-3pm; cabaret: Nicolette Street 3.15pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open 1pm n POISON IVY cabaret 5.30pm; karaoke; open 11am

42 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

PICS FROM PARIS HOUSE, POISON IVY + QUEENS ARMS

DECEMBER

LISTINGS

PARIS HOUSE

n XMAS Closed Wed (25) for Xmas Day & Thur (26) for Boxing Day. n NYE Tue (31) is KENNY'S NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY till very late. n Wed (1) Jan: open noon. n REGULARS Sat is free live jazz at 4pm; then it's TC'S JOYFUL NOISE with DJ Kenny at 9pm, free entry. n FOOD platter of French food to share & large carafe of wine £15. n OPEN daily from noon. n www.parishousebrighton.com n QUEEN’S ARMS Super Duper Sun hosts Sissy & Betty Swollocks: karaoke 4.30pm; cabaret: Drag With No Name 6pm; karaoke 7.30pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN Sunday roasts 125pm; Piano Bar 1.30pm; open noon n SUBLINE DJ N.U.D.E’s XXXmas Underwear Party: buffet 9pm n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live jazz: The Jazz Roast 3pm; open noon n ZONE live music: JJ & Company 5pm; karaoke 7.30pm; open 10am

n ENVY Studio 150: student night 10pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR cabaret 9pm; food noon5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH open noon n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Pete & Kamp Kevin’s karaoke 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am

MONDAY 23 n A-BAR bar food noon-7pm; open noon n BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz: cash prizes 8.30pm; open noon n BEDFORD TAVERN Mon Club; open noon n BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; open noon n CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Medication Mon; open 3pm

TUESDAY 24 n A-BAR Xmas Eve: Jason Abraham’s Jazz Night 10pm; bar food noon-7pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Xmas Eve; open 6pm n BAR REVENGE Girls on Top Xmas Eve Party 8pm; open noon n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS A Big Gay Old Xmas Party: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm-4am n BEDFORD TAVERN Xmas Eve Cabaret: Spice 8.30pm; open noon n BETTY LA LA’S Xmas Eve Cabaret: Tammy Twinkle 9pm

QUEENS ARMS

n XMAS Tue (24) is the XMAS EVE CAMP ATTACK with music & karaoke hosted by Sissy; open noon–midnight. n Wed (25) is XMAS DAY CABARET with Dave Lynn at 10pm; open 8pm–midnight. n Thur (26) is BOXING DAY KARAOKE with Betty Swollocks at 8pm, then it's CABARET with Miss Tanya Hyde at 10pm; open noon– midnight. n Sat (28) is the Peter & Friends Xmas Show. n NYE Tue (31) is NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY hosted by Betty Swollocks with cabaret from Maisie Trollette, music, karaoke, poppers and Big Ben on screen; tickets £7.50 until Dec 20, £10 after, open noon–7pm then 8pm–2am. n Wed (1) Jan is NEW YEAR'S DAY HANGOVER PARTY & Karaoke at 9pm; open 3pm–midnight. n ONE FOR THE DIARY Sat (7) is the STACEY STAR FAREWELL SHOW. n REGULARS See listings. n OPEN daily from noon

POISON IVY

n XMAS Wed (25) is non-stop XMAS DAY KARAOKE, open 11–2am. n NYE Tue (31) is NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY with Spice's non-stop karaoke, regular drink prices & free entry, open till 2am. n REGULARS Thur is Miss Penny's XMAS CRACKER SHOW. Karaoke 7 nights a week with interactive karaoke books and hosts Gloria Hole, Betty Swollocks, Misty Lee & Spice. n Tue is BAR150 with £1.50 drinks. Male pole dancers every weekend. n Sun is CABARET at 5.30pm. n DRINK DEALS Six pick & mix shots for £5. Happy hours: 11am–7pm Tue–Sat; all day Sun & Mon. n OPEN daily from 11am. n BULLDOG Xmas Eve: DJ Grant 10pm; Amy’s top bar karaoke 10pm; open 11am n BRIGHTON SAUNA Xmas Eve; open 101am n CAMELFORD ARMS Xmas Eve: food 129pm; open noon n CHARLES ST Xmas Eve: Sally Vate’s Xmas Rock & Roll Bingo Special: £100 jackpot, mince pies; cabaret; DJ Ruby Roo; food noon-6pm; open noon-1am n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Xmas Eve; open 3pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR A Big Old Gay Xmas Eve Party; food noon-5.30pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN Xmas Eve: Nat’s Quiz 9pm; open noon-2am n MARLBOROUGH Night B4 Xmas Charity Lucky Dip; open 1pm n POISON IVY Bar 150 karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Xmas Eve Camp Attack: host Sissy, music, karaoke, free mince pies; open noon-midnight n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n REVENGE Naughty Pop 10.30pm n SUBLINE Xmas Eve; open 9pm n ZONE Maisie Trollette’s Xmas Carol Sing-aLong 8pm; open 10am

WEDNESDAY 25 n A-BAR Xmas Day; open 8pm-midnight n BAR 7@CRAWLEY closed for Xmas Day n BAR REVENGE Xmas Day Karaoke: free mince pies & chocolates; open 7pm n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS closed n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon-3pm n BETTY LA LA’S Xmas Lunch: call to book n BRIGHTON SAUNA Xmas Day: Naked Day & Xmas Dinner; open 11am-11pm n BULLDOG Xmas Day; open noon-3pm & 7pm-late n CAMELFORD ARMS closed for Xmas Day n CHARLES ST closed for Xmas Day n 112 CHURCH ST Xmas Day Lunch: call Collin on 01273 606864 to book; open noon n DR BRIGHTONS closed for Xmas n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR A Legendary Xmas; open 115am n MARINE TAVERN Xmas Day; open 8pm-1am n MARLBOROUGH closed for Xmas Day n PARIS HOUSE closed for Xmas Day n POISON IVY non-stop karaoke; open 11-2am n QUEEN’S ARMS Xmas Day Cabaret: Dave Lynn 10pm; open 8pm-midnight n REGENCY TAVERN open noon n SUBLINE closed for Xmas Day n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS closed for Xmas n ZONE Xmas Day; open 10am-2pm

44 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

PICS FROM BAR REVENGE + HALLOWEEN GOULS ON TOP @ REVENGE

DECEMBER

LISTINGS

LUCY SPRAGGAN LIVE FRI DEC 6

BAR REVENGE

n WAD Sun (1) is the WORLD AIDS DAY FUNDRAISER with a Staff Auction and Karaoke Queens feat LouBag & Smithy. n XMAS Sun (22) is the STAFF XMAS CAROL CONCERT at 4pm. n Tue (24) is the XMAS EVE PARTY with Girls on Top DJs & drinks from £2.49. n Wed (25) is XMAS DAY KARAOKE with free mince pies & chocolate; open 7pm. n Thur (26) is Boxing Day Girls on Top Warm-Up; open 2pm. n NYE Tue (31) is the NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY with Girls on Top DJs & free entry till 6am. n Wed (1) Jan is NEW YEAR’S DAY PARTY with Bloody Marys; open 2pm. n REGULARS Wed is new SPICE IS NICE with DJ Dana. n Thur is the Girls on Top Official Warm-Up at 9pm. n Fri is the Shameless Warm-Up with DJ Alpha at 9pm. n Sat is the Sweet Revenge Warm-Up at 9pm. n Sun (8 & 15) is ACOUSTIC SUNDAY with live music at 4pm; KARAOKE QUEENS with LouBag & Smithy is then at 8pm. n Mon is QUIZ WITH LIZ with cash prizes at 8.30pm. n Tue is VIP KARAOKE with Harry & DJ Fifi at 8pm; win drinks, VIP cards and bar tabs in the club. n DRINK DEALS 2-4-1 cocktails Sun–Fri 5–9pm; drinks from £1.99 & get half price and reduced wines noon till late on Wed; from £1.50 Thur after 7pm; from £2.49 Fri, Sat & Sun; Jagerbombs £1.99 on Sat; all shots £1.99 Sun–Wed. Deals may differ over Xmas & New Year. n OPEN Open daily from noon–2am & till 6am on Fri & Sat. Free Revenge discount passes on Thur; buy a drink and get free entry into the club on Fri & Sat before midnight. n www.revenge.co.uk

THURSDAY 26 n A-BAR Boxing Day: kitchen closed n BAR 7@CRAWLEY closed for Boxing Day n BAR REVENGE Boxing Day Girls on Top warm-up 9pm; open 2pm n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Boxing Day Ice: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm-3am n BEDFORD TAVERN closed for Boxing Day n BULLDOG Boxing Day: DJ Grant 10pm; Amy’s top bar karaoke 10pm; open 11am n BRIGHTON SAUNA Boxing Day; open 11am-11pm n CAMELFORD ARMS Boxing Day: Xmas After-Party all day; Boxing Day Quiz 9pm; food noon-9pm; open noon n CHARLES ST Mad Cow’s Tea Party Xmas Special: Ms Joan Bond, tea pot cocktails, ‘drink

me’ shots, fab decor, tunes & win bar tabs 8pm; open 5pm n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Boxing Day; open 3pm n ENVY Mad Cow’s Tea Party Xmas Special: Ms Joan Bond, tea pot cocktails, ‘drink me’ shots, fab decor, tunes & win bar tabs 8pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR Boxing Day Cabaret: Maisie Trollette 3.15pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open 12-2am n MARLBOROUGH Xmas Recovery; open 1pm n PARIS HOUSE closed for Boxing Day n POISON IVY Miss Penny’s Xmas Cracker Show; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Boxing Day: Betty Swollocks’ karaoke 8pm; cabaret: Miss Tanya

REVENGE

n XMAS Thur (12) is the GIRLS ON TOP XMAS PARTY with all-girl DJs, drinks from £1.50 and entry free/£3/£4. n NYE Tue (31) is NEW YEAR'S EVE ICE PARTY with all-star DJs playing house anthems v credible pop over two floors, plus ice sculptures, laser show & pyrotechnics at 9pm; entry free b4 10pm/£10 after. n ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri (6) is LUCY SPRAGGAN LIVE with £2.50 Jagerbombs & double up for £1 all night; entry £6. n REGULARS Sat is SWEET REVENGE with DJs; all drinks £2.50 before midnight, Jagerbombs £2.50 all night, double up for £1.50 all night, entry free/£5. n Tue is NAUGHTY POP with DJs Trick & Alex spinning 90s & 00s tunes; £1.50 shots, all other drinks £2, entry £3, £2 NUS. n Tue (10) is BLOW OUT! student night with door money donated to Sussex & Brighton LGBT societies; entry £3/£2. n Thur is GIRLS ON TOP lesbian night, all-girl DJs, drinks from £1.50, entry free/£3/£4. n Fri is SHAMELESS with DJs Trick & Lee Harris playing fresh pop & guilty pleasures; entry free/£5. n DRINK DEALS All drink specials exclude champers & doubles (excl doubling up). n OPEN 10.30pm Tue, Thur, Fri & Sat. Free entry passes available through the week from Bar Revenge or from www.revenge.co.uk n BULLDOG DJ Grant Knowles 10pm; cabaret: Son of a Tutu midnight; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; Friday Club 6pm; open noon n CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm; food noon-7.45pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12n n DR BRIGHTONS Funky Fri: DJ Nick Hirst 9.30pm; open 1pm FRIDAY 27 n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n A-BAR live music 9pm; bar food noon-7pm; n FUNKYFISH CLUB DJ Virgil 10pm open noon n LEGENDS BAR Friday Night Live with Lady n BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Waynsierudeboy La Rue, 2 floor party 9pm; DJ Peter Castle in 6pm club 11pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am n BAR REVENGE Shameless warm-up 9pm; n MARINE TAVERN open noon open noon-6am n MARLBOROUGH Betwixtmas Pre-NYE Party n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Friday Night 8pm Live with Lady La Rue: 2 floor party, DJ Peter n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am Castle in club 11pm n QUEEN’S ARMS Camp Attack: music & n BEDFORD TAVERN Krazy Kamikaze Karaoke karaoke hosted by Stephanie Von Clitz 9pm; 8.30pm; open noon open noon

Hyde 10pm; open noon-midnight n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n REVENGE Girls on Top: DJs 10.30pm n SUBLINE Leathered 9pm n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS closed for Boxing Day n ZONE Boxing Day; open 10am-2pm

46 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

PICS FROM THE SUBLINE 3RD BIRTHDAY PARTY + THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS

DECEMBER

LISTINGS

SUBLINE

n XMAS Sun (22) is DJ NUDE’S XXXMAS UNDERWEAR PARTY with a buffet & cheesy tunes. n Tue (24): open from 9pm for XMAS EVE, free entry for members. n Closed: Wed (25) for Xmas Day. Thur (26): open from 9pm for Boxing Day. n NYE Tue (31) is the NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY; £5 entry for members, tickets available from bar. Closed Wed (1) & Thur (2) Jan. Regular hours resume Fri (3) Jan. n ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri (13) is the NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. n REGULARS Sat is MEN'S ROOM with DJ Screwpulous, members get cheap drinks and free entry till 11pm. n Sun is COME IN YOUR PANTS underwear party with DJ N.U.D.E. n Wed is BACKLASH retro tunes and prices, including selected drinks £3 all night for members. n Thur is LEATHERED with free lockers. n OPEN Wed, Thur, Fri & Sat from 9pm, Sun from 8pm, Wed & Thur from 9pm.

Closed Mon & Tue. n www.sublinebrighton.com n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open 11am n REVENGE Shameless: DJs Trick & Lee Harris 10.30pm n SUBLINE Steam 9pm n ZONE cabaret: Back Beat 9.30pm; open 10am

SUNDAY 29 n A-BAR Sunday roasts: bookings 01273 696691 noon-5pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Ray & Tyler’s karaoke 6pm n BAR REVENGE Sunday Funday; Karaoke Queens: LouBag & Smithy 8pm; open noon n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: SATURDAY 28 DJ Claire Fuller 11pm n A-BAR Pre-club music; food noon-7pm; n BEDFORD TAVERN Sunday roasts open noon 12.30pm; Piano Bingo 5pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Claire Fuller 6pm n BETTY LA LA’S Sunday roasts: bookings n BAR REVENGE Sweet Revenge Warm-Up 01273 693444 noon-till gone 9pm; open noon-6am n BULLDOG DJ Slip Matt 6pm; DJ Grant n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ 10pm; karaoke 9pm; open 11am Peter Castle 11pm n CAMELFORD ARMS Sunday roasts & n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon selected menu noon-till gone; open noon n BULLDOG DJ V John 10pm; DJ Lil Alex n CHARLES ST cabaret: Lady Imelda 3am; karaoke 10pm; open 11am 7.30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate, n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-7pm; roll over jackpot 8.30pm; Sun lunch 12-7pm open noon n 112 CHURCH ST Sun Roast noon-late; n CHARLES ST The Boys In The Bar: all-male open noon DJs Jonesy, Lil Alex, Grant Knowles, Leeroy on n DR BRIGHTONS Hangover Therapy; open rotation 9pm; food noon-7.45pm; open noon 1pm n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B n LEGENDS BAR Sunday roasts noon-3pm; 9.30pm; open 1pm cabaret: Lizzy Drip 3.15pm; open 11am n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n MARINE TAVERN open 1pm n FUNKYFISH CLUB Old School Sat: DJ n MARLBOROUGH Santa’s Sunday Session; Sean Quinn 10pm n POISON IVY cabaret 5.30pm; karaoke; n LEGENDS BAR Pre-Fusion 7pm; food open 11am noon-5pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Super Duper Sun hosts n MARINE TAVERN open noon Sissy & Betty Swollocks: karaoke 4.30pm; n MARLBOROUGH Shook Up Sat 9pm; open cabaret: Sandra 6pm; karaoke 7.30pm; open noon noon n PARIS HOUSE live jazz 4pm; TC’s Joyful n REGENCY TAVERN Sunday roasts noonNoise: DJ Kenny 9pm; open noon 5pm; Piano Bar 1.30pm; open noon n POISON IVY afternoon karaoke & Betty n SUBLINE Come in Your Pants: DJ N.U.D.E, Swollocks’ karaoke till midnight; open 11am underwear party 9pm n QUEEN’S ARMS karaoke 4.30pm; Betty n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live jazz: The Swollocks’ Karaoke 6pm; Peter & Friends Xmas Jazz Roast 3pm; open noon Show 9pm; open noon n ZONE live music: Collusion 5pm; karaoke n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-6pm; open 7.30pm; open 10am 11am n REVENGE Sweet Revenge: DJs 10.30pm MONDAY 30 n SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous n A-BAR bar food noon-7pm; open noon 9pm n BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz: cash prizes n ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 9.30pm; open 8.30pm; open noon 10am n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pre-NYE Party: DJ Peter Castle 11pm-3am

n BEDFORD TAVERN Mon Club; open noon n BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; open noon n CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Medication Mon; open 3pm n ENVY Studio 150: student night 10pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR cabaret 9pm; food noon5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH open noon n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Pete & Kamp Kevin’s karaoke 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am TUESDAY 31 n A-BAR NYE Cabaret: Trudi Styles & Piano Man 10pm; bar food noon-7pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY NYE Cabaret: Tammy Twinkle; open 6pm n BAR REVENGE NYE Party: Girls on Top DJs,

free entry till 6am; open noon n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS NYE Countdown: DJs Peter Castle, Ben Castle & Claire Fuller over 2 floors till 5am; entry £5 from 8pm in the bar; open 9pm n BEDFORD TAVERN NYE Fancy Dress Party; open noon n BULLDOG 48-Hour Non-Stop NYE Party: DJ Marcia 10pm; Amy’s top bar karaoke 10pm; open 11am n BRIGHTON SAUNA New Year 24 Hour Opening; open 10am n CAMELFORD ARMS NYE Party: free entry; food noon-6pm; open noon n CHARLES ST NYE Angels & Demons TwoFloor Party: host Ms Joan Bond, DJs, Heaven & Hell decor, tickets free b4 10pm/£5 b4 12/£8 after/£5 q-jump tickets from bar; open 12-5am n 112 CHURCH ST Priscilla Queen of the Desert NYE Party: free entry 8pm-1am; food noon-late; open noon n DR BRIGHTONS NYE Masquerade Ball: DJ Tony B 8.30pm; open 3pm-4am n ENVY NYE Angels & Demons Two-Floor Party: host Ms Joan Bond, DJs, Heaven & Hell decor, tickets free b4 10pm/£5 b4 12/£8 after/£5 q-jumper tickets available from the bar; open till 5am

THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS

n XMAS Closed Wed (25) for Xmas Day & Thur (26) for Boxing Day. n NYE Closed Wed (1) Jan for New Year's Day. n REGULARS Tue (10) is live bluegrass and old-time country with The Pickin Circle at 8pm, free entry. All other Tue (excl 24) is live music at 7.45pm, free entry. n Wed is the BIG CASH QUIZ at 7.30pm. n Sun is THE JAZZ ROAST at 3pm, free entry. n FOOD served noon–3pm & 6–9pm; two burger meals £15. Private function room available for parties call 01273 608571. n OPEN daily from noon. n www.3jollybutchers.com

PICS FROM THE ZONE

GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 47

ZONE

n XMAS Tue (24) is Maisie Trollette's XMAS CAROL SING-ALONG at 8pm. Wed (25) & Thur (26), open 10am–2pm. n NYE Tue (31) is Sally Vate's NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY from 9pm–3am; free entry. n REGULARS Fri is live entertainment at 9.30pm: Eva La Diva (6), Gabriella Parish (13), Stone & Street (20) and Back Beat (27). Sat CABARET at 9.30pm: Maisie Trollette (7), Tammy Twinkle (14), Sally Vate (21 & 28). Sun is live music at 5pm: Gabriella Parish (1), Back Beat (8), Stone & Street (15), JJ & Company (22) and Collusion (29); karaoke follows at 7.30pm. n DRINK DEALS promos every Mon–Wed, day and night. n OPEN daily from 10am. n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n FUNKYFISH CLUB NYE Party: DJ Sean Quinn & Antony 8pm-4am; adv tickets £7.50/£10 on the door n LEGENDS BAR NYE Countdown: DJs Peter Castle, Ben Castle & Claire Fuller over 2 floors till 5am; entry £5 from 8pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN NYE Party: free entry till 3am; open noon n MARLBOROUGH Frockabilly NYE Party: Under The Sea Specil with vintage 1950/60s r&r/r&b/rockabilly with DJ Lonesome M, free; 8pm-late n PARIS HOUSE Kenny’s NYE Party; open noon-very late n PHOENIX BRIGHTON Traumfrau NYE Extravaganza: DJ Bunty, Italian Folk Aperitivo, free Italian food, Italian live folk music, vocal improv work shop, Sonic Twister, In loco art making, photo-booth, tickets £7/£9 7.30pm n POISON IVY NYE: non-stop karaoke with Spice, free entry; open 11-2am n QUEEN’S ARMS NYE: host Betty Swollocks, cabaret from Maisie Trollete, music, karaoke, poppers & Big Ben on the screen; open 127pm then 8pm-2am; tickets £7.50 till Dec 20/£10 after. n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n REVENGE NYE 2-Floor Party: DJs, ice sculptures, laser show, pyrotechnics, free entry b4 10pm/£10 after 9pm-6am

n SUBLINE NYE Party: £5 for mems 9pm n ZONE Sally Vate’s NYE Party 9pm-3am WED 1 JAN n A-BAR limited food noon-5pm n BAR 7@CRAWLEY open 6pm n BAR REVENGE New Year’s Day Bloody Mary Party; open 2pm n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice Recovery Party: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm n BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day: no towels n BULLDOG 48-Hour Non-Stop NYE Party n CAMELFORD ARMS New Year Hangover Party; food noon-7pm; open noon n CHARLES ST New Year’s Day Cabaret Carousel: Mrs Moore 9.30pm; open 5pm n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS New Year’s Day; open 3pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR New Year’s Day Cabaret 3.15pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n PARIS HOUSE New Year’s Day; open noon n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS New Year’s Day Hangover Party & Karaoke 9pm; open 3pm-midnight n REGENCY TAVERN open noon n SUBLINE closed n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS closed for New Year’s Day n ZONE open 10am

PICS FROM THE EDGE SOUTHAMPTON

48 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

SOLENT

LISTINGS PORTSMOUTH

n HAMPSHIRE BOULEVARD 1 Hampshire Terr, Southsea Tel: 02392 297509 Open: Sun 9pm-2am, Mon 9pm-2:30am, Tue closed, Wed & Thur 7pm-2am, Fri & Sat 7pm-3am, cabaret bar & club n OLD VIC 104 St Paul’s Rd, Southsea Tel: 02392 297013 www.oldvicportsmouth.co.uk Open: Mon-Fri: 11am till late, Sat: 5pm-late, Sun: noon-12,30am. Regular cabaret, food n TROPICS SAUNA 2 Market Way Tel: 02380 296100 www.tropics-sauna.com Open: 7 days a week, 11am-10pm

SUNDAY 1 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am n OLD VIC Sun lunch 1-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Refuel: DJ Liam Searle 11pm n LONDON HOTEL World AIDS Day Fundraiser: host Miss Penny & Lucinda Lashes, cabaret from Eva La Diva & Wilma Fingadoo 7pm; Sun lunch noon-3.30pm; open noon MONDAY 2 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm TUESDAY 3 PORTSMOUTH n OLD VIC Quiz 8pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Mates Rates: video jukebox 11pm n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm WEDNESDAY 4 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD open till 2am n OLD VIC NUS night 7pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Bar 150: DJ Lady Bex, Liam Searle, Cheeky Pete’s karaoke & WKD giveaways 10pm n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm THURSDAY 5 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am n OLD VIC karaoke 8pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Pop! feat S Club 7’s Jo O’Meara: DJ Neil Sackley 11pm n LONDON HOTEL Xmas Karaoke Cruising: Lucinda Lashes 9pm; food noon-3pm FRIDAY 6 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; party till 2am SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Get Some: DJs Lady Bex, Lohands, Rob Davies 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Fairylea: DJ Ruby Roo & cabaret: Sandra 10pm; food noon-3pm

SOUTHAMPTON

n ISOBAR 100c St Mary’s Street Tel: 02380 222028 Open: Mon 5–11pm, Tue 3pm-11pm, Wed-Sat 3pm-12, Sun 4pm-12 n LONDON HOTEL 2 Terminus Terrace Tel: 02380 710652 www.the-london.co.uk Open: Mon-Wed noon-11pm, Thur noon12.30am, Fri & Sat noon-1.30am, Sun noon11.30pm. Friendly cabaret venue, serves food. n EDGE Compton Walk Tel: 02380 366163 www.theedgesouthampton.com Open: Tue, Thur & Sun 11pm-3am; Wed, Fri & Sat 10pm-5am. Stylish club on 2 floors & 3 bars n PINK BROADWAY SAUNA 797/80 East St, Tel: 02380 238804 www.pink-broadway.com Open: Sun-Thur noon-10pm, Fri & Sat noonmidnight

SATURDAY 7 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE The Big One: 3 bars, reg & guest DJs 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Tiny + Aaron Alexander 10pm; food noon-3pm SUNDAY 8 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am n OLD VIC Sun lunch 1-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Fundays: DJ Liam Searle 11pm n LONDON HOTEL Miss Penny’s Xmas Market; cabaret: Topping & Butch 8pm; Sun lunch noon-3.30pm; open noon MONDAY 9 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm TUESDAY 10 PORTSMOUTH n OLD VIC Quiz 8pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Mates Rates: video jukebox 11pm n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm WEDNESDAY 11 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD open till 2am n OLD VIC NUS night 7pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Bar 150: DJ Lady Bex, Liam Searle, Cheeky Pete’s karaoke & WKD giveaways 10pm n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm THURSDAY 12 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am n OLD VIC karaoke 8pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Pop!: DJ Neil Sackley 11pm n LONDON HOTEL Xmas Karaoke Cruising: Lucinda Lashes 9pm; food noon-3pm FRIDAY 13 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; party till 2am

EDGE SOUTHAMPTON

n XMAS Tue (24) is the XMAS EVE PARTY with Xmas tunes, cheer & cocktails at 10pm; open 10pm–3am, free entry. n Wed (25): closed for Xmas Day. n NYE Tue (31) is the NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY featuring resident DJs across 3 rooms from 9pm–6am; tickets £7 for mems/£10 for others. n Wed (1) Jan is the RECOVERY BAR150 with DJ Lady Bex, Liam Searle & CHEEKY PETE’S KARAOKE; all drinks £1.50, WKD giveaways, £3 entry. n REGULARS Sun is REFUEL with DJ Liam Searle, WKD Cocktail Cones, £2 doubles, £1.25 drinks; entry free before 11.30pm, £2 after. n Mon (23 & 30) is POP! with DJ Neil Sackley, XXL cocktails & pop video anthems at 11pm, £1 entry. n Tue is MATES RATES with video jukebox, 25% off all drinks for members, £2 Bombs and free entry. n Wed is BAR 150 with DJs Lady Bex & Liam Searle, CHEEKY PETE’S KARAOKE & win a case of WKD at 10.30pm; all drinks £1.50, entry free–£6. n Thur is POP! with video DJ Neil Sackley playing pop tunes; XXL cocktails, entry £1. Thur (5) is an appearance from S Club 7’s Jo O’Meara, entry £2. n Fri is GET SOME with DJs Lohands, Lady Bex, Rob Davies, £10 fishbowls & £2.50 drinks; entry £1–£6. n Sat is THE BIG ONE with resident DJs and guests Phil Marriott (14) & Lee Harris (21); entry free–£6. n OPEN Mon (23 & 30), Tue, Thur & Sun 11pm–4am; Wed, Fri & Sat 10pm–5am. Entry times may differ over Xmas and New Year. Closed Mon (excl 23 & 30). n www.theedgesouthampton.com

SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Get Some: DJs Lady Bex, Lohands, Rob Davies 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Fairylea: DJ Ruby Roo & cabaret: Sam Solace 10pm; food noon-3pm

SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE The Big One: 3 bars, reg DJs & guest Phil Marriott 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Lucinda + Benji 10pm; food noon-3pm

SATURDAY 14 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm

SUNDAY 15 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am n OLD VIC Sun lunch 1-5pm; open noon

PICS FROM THE LONDON HOTEL SOUTHAMPTON

LONDON HOTEL SOUTHAMPTON

n WAD Sun (1) is the WORLD AIDS DAY FUNDRAISER with hosts Miss Penny & Lucinda Lashes plus cabaret from Wilma Fingadoo & Eva La Diva at 7pm; donations on the door, all monies donated to local HIV charities. n XMAS Tue (24) is XMAS EVE CABARET with Davina Sparkle at 9.30pm. n Closed Xmas Day. n Thur (26) is BOXING DAY CABARET with Sally Vate at 9.30pm; doors 6pm. n Fri (27) is the FAIRYLEA XMAS PARTY with Ruby Roo. n NYE Tue (31) is CRUISING INTO THE NEW YEAR with Lucinda Lashes & Eva La Diva at 7.30pm; tickets £10, last orders 3am. n Wed (1) Jan open 3pm. n REGULARS Sun is MISS PENNY’S XMAS SUNDAY MARKET with cabaret at 8pm: Topping & Butch (8), Son of a Tutu (15), Drag With No Name (22) and Nan (29). n Thur (5, 12 & 19) is XMAS KARAOKE CRUISING with Lucinda Lashes at 9pm. n Fri is FAIRYLEA with DJ Ruby Roo and CABARET at 10pm: Sandra (6), Sam Solace (13), Ruthie T (20). n Sat is GUILTY PLEASURES with DJs & vocalists at 8.30pm: DJ Tiny & Aaron Alexander (7), DJ Lucinda & Benji (14), DJ Neil Sackley & James Bedford (21) and DJ Dazza (28). n FOOD traditional pub food served Mon–Sat noon–3pm; Sunday lunch served noon–3.30pm. n OPEN daily from noon. n www.the-london.co.uk

SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Refuel: DJ Liam Searle 11pm n LONDON HOTEL Miss Penny’s Xmas Market; cabaret: Son of a Tutu 8pm; Sun lunch noon-3.30pm; open noon MONDAY 16 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm

TUESDAY 17 PORTSMOUTH n OLD VIC Quiz 8pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Mates Rates: video jukebox 11pm n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm WEDNESDAY 18 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD open till 2am n OLD VIC NUS night 7pm; food noon-5pm

GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 49

50 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

SOLENT

LISTINGS SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Bar 150: DJ Lady Bex, Liam Searle, Cheeky Pete’s karaoke & WKD giveaways 10pm n LONDON HOTEL food 12-3pm; open 12 THURSDAY 19 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am n OLD VIC karaoke 8pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Pop!: DJ Neil Sackley 11pm n LONDON HOTEL Xmas Karaoke Cruising: Lucinda Lashes 9pm; food noon-3pm FRIDAY 20 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; party till 2am SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Get Some: DJs Lady Bex, Lohands, Rob Davies 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Fairylea: DJ Ruby Roo & cabaret: Ruthie T 10pm; food noon-3pm SATURDAY 21 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; DJs all night SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE The Big One: 3 bars, reg DJs & guest Lee Harris 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Neil Sackley + James Bedford 10pm; food 12-3pm

SUNDAY 22 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am n OLD VIC Sun lunch 1-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Refuel: DJ Liam Searle 11pm n LONDON HOTEL Miss Penny’s Xmas Market; cabaret: Drag With No Name 8pm; Sun lunch noon-3.30pm; open noon MONDAY 23 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Pop!: DJ Neil Sackley 11pm n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm TUESDAY 24 PORTSMOUTH n OLD VIC Quiz 8pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Xmas Eve Party 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Xmas Eve Cabaret: Davina Sparkle 9.30pm; food noon-3pm WEDNESDAY 25 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD open till 2am n OLD VIC NUS night 7pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE closed n LONDON HOTEL closed

THURSDAY 26 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am n OLD VIC karaoke 8pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Bar 150: DJ Lady Bex, Liam Searle, Cheeky Pete’s karaoke & WKD giveaways 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Boxing Day Cabaret: Sally Vate 9.30pm; open 6pm FRIDAY 27 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; party till 2am SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Get Some: DJs Lady Bex, Lohands, Rob Davies 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Fairylea Xmas Party: DJ Ruby Roo 10pm; food noon-3pm SATURDAY 28 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; DJs all night SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE The Big One: 3 bars, reg & guest DJs 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Dazza 10pm; food noon-3pm SUNDAY 29 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am

n OLD VIC Sun lunch 1-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Refuel: DJ Liam Searle 11pm n LONDON HOTEL cabaret: Nan 9pm; Sun lunch noon-3.30pm; open noon MONDAY 30 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Pop!: DJ Neil Sackley 11pm n LONDON HOTEL closed TUESDAY 31 PORTSMOUTH n OLD VIC Quiz 8pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE New Year’s Eve Party: resident DJs, 3 rooms, tickets £7 mems/£10 others 9pm-6am n LONDON HOTEL Cruising into the New Year: Lucinda Lashes, Eva La Diva, tickets £10 7.30pm-3am WED 1 JAN PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD open till 2am n OLD VIC NUS night 7pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Recovery Bar 150: DJ Lady Bex, Liam Searle, Cheeky Pete’s karaoke & WKD giveaways 10pm n LONDON HOTEL open 3pm

GSCENE 51

COME DINE

WITH MORHAM

BY MORHAM WHITE

THINGS I’D LIKE FOR CHRISTMAS Possibly totally impractical, but what the…!

SITE SPECIFIC My local hostelry, The Crescent, has a lovely garden, totally packed out when the sun shines, but I find the interior a tad depressing. It’s an enormous space and a make-over could be costly, so why not paint the chairs a variety of pastel colours: pink, blue, cream and green? A significant visual impact without being too expensive; such fun and ever so camp... How about it boys, when you’re not walking the dogs ?

One of my favoured breakfast outlets, on the seafront west of Regency Square, the New Club is the ‘sea view’ element of the Old China Garden. Any opportunity for an alfresco experience and I’m there, but the view is of railings, with parked bikes, an electrical box and a bright blue wheelie bin full of fish waste from the operator next door, eeew!

What to do? A number of outlets on New Road have mobile hedges, so a wheelie on the seafront to ameliorate the view whilst punters gaze out to sea? An expense I know, but anything to enhance that outlook.

If you have a view, your clients will notice… the grubby windows! I recall a window seat in The Coalshed, looking out on Boyce’s Street with a wine bottle and cans on the street and a gloomy wall opposite.

My thoughts were tidy the street and talk to the Primary School opposite. Offer their Parents’ Group free use of the Party Room, get them in as regulars to enjoy your space and negotiate with the Headmaster a ‘paint and box planting job’ for the drab street wall, et voila!

ANYONE COULD DO THIS...

Some ideas to encourage folk out, once a quarter, monthly, weekly...

Idea No 1: An Audience With… Evening. Not a pre-prepared stage event, but a supper event or nibbles, with a restricted number of tables (8 tables of 6) plus your guest (and partner), i.e. 50 in for a fun evening of chat. Raffle prize for one of the tables booking themselves in with their Question, which is a discussed at the table, with a brief response to the whole room. Guest and partner get fed and watered, so minimal cost, and we get an excuse to go out and meet a new face.

Invitees could be the GBF chair, editor of Gscene, leads of THT, Switchboard, the Rainbow Fund or even local councillors, heavens!

BYOC James Ledward discovers Brighton’s best kept secret! ) It is Brighton's best kept secret. So secret in fact we couldn’t find it on our visit for their press night. B.Y.O.C (Bring Your Own Cocktail), Brighton's first bar that sells no alcohol, is tucked away discreetly in Meeting House Lane; just look out for the grass in the entrance to this unique addition to Brighton's exclusive drinking haunts.

The concept is simple. You can't just drop in for a drink, you have to go online and make a reservation for a two hour session costing £20 per person. For that you get a romantic candlelit setting, stylish furniture and expert staff who are brilliant at their jobs. Not just good mixers but very good conversationalists also.

You take along your own favourite tipple, perhaps a bottle of Grey Goose or a bottle of the finest 100-year-old malt whiskey, then leave yourself in the hands of one of their expert mixologists who will create an exotic cocktail experience that you won’t forget.

We stuck with vodka all night, which was mixed with a variety of juices including orange, grapefruit and beetroot expertly fused with chillies and even chocolate. BYOC is all about flavour so don't skimp on the alcohol you take with you. Treat yourself, take a premium brand and let the mixologists do the talking. No amount of words I write will do justice to the experience so go and see for yourself.

Idea No 2: Bars Sign Up A Group... I know the Amsterdam and the Camelford support the Gay Football Team, but who supports THT, Switchboard, BLAGSS and all those other LGBT clubs and groups? It must be in the managements’ interests to devise a means of getting those club members out and about for LGBT club socials!

Idea No 3: A Supper Club... or whatever excuse you can dream up!

Being a bit of a loner, I run a mixed tennis morning, (10am, Tuesday and Thursday, opposite the TA on Dyke Road - all welcome), for an hour on court for the unfit (like me) and an hour in Café On The Park.

I’ve been on at the operator to reduce the number of tables, increase the seating and provide indoor buggie parking for mums. Sadly, whilst one room has been reorganised, there are still too few seats and no indoor parking - who would risk leaving a buggie outside, out of sight?

Idea No 3: Help A Manager run a Morning Coffee or Afternoon Tea club, once a week… Alex? Oooh, cake and gossip, what a thrill!

I’m a sensitive soul and often, as a solitary eater, I choose a venue according to the impact of the surroundings - hence many trips to the countryside where I can enjoy alfresco eating by the smart lawns and tennis courts of Wickwoods Country Club. You don’t have to be a member to enjoy the restaurant and the pricing and menu are both keen and simple. A big bonus when so many in town try too hard to be too clever. I’m far too precious, obviously. Sadly at my age, I just don’t care, or is it that I care too much…

Happy Christmas to you all!

In the basement bar there’s a small six-seat cinema where you can watch old black and white movies, lounge around on one of the luxury leather sofas, people watch or listen to the old gramophone while you sip a cocktail that’s been created specially for you.

Whether it’s a romantic night out for you and your partner, an after theatre drink or a party for a small group of friends, remember you have to go online to make a reservation before turning up. It’s exclusive, it’s different and there’s nothing quite like it in Brighton.

BYOC open Tues–Sat, 6pm–midnight, for reservations: www.byoc.co.uk

52 GSCENE

DANCE

MUSIC

BY QUEEN JOSEPHINE & KATE WILDBLOOD

BEST OF 2013 'Tis the season to be traditional and it’s traditional that we knock out a list of the finest of 2013. ) Longplayers wise we’ve been kept grinning by the glory of Deetron’s Music Over Matter, Stimming’s, erm, Stimming, David Bowie’s masterpiece The Next Day and the stunning Face To Face by Quenum. ) Compilation cuteness came in the form of Danny Howell’s Balance 024, Classic Through The Eyes Of: Severino and Honey

Dijon adventures, Breach’s DJ Kicks, Subb-an’s Rebel Rave 3, Traxx – The House That Garage built on Needwant and Defected’s house action with Noir and MK. ) Online it’s all been about Lee Garrett on Mixcloud, The Boiler Room (oooh Kim Ann Foxton we love you) and Thomas Gandey’s Cloudcasts. Yep 2013 has been a right regal corker. Here’s to another 12 months of aural beauty.

Happy Christmas and a very sound New Year.

For all things Wildblood & Queenie: www.perfectdistractions.com

WILDBLOOD & QUEENIE’S WONDERS OF 2013 ) ADAM SHELTON ft Francesca Lombardo Mirrors (Terrace mix) One Percussion perfection as the bass insists you wiggle your finer bits ) THOMAS GANDEY Love Is Love (original) Blacksoul Music Simply the finest strung out house record of the year ) DEMARZO Connect Yourself Hot Creation Someday all 5am soundtracks will be made this way ) DONNA SUMMER Sunset People (Hot Chip dub edit) Verve Everything we love about Brighton expressed in one glorious re-edit ) UP YOURS Make Love (Kris Di Angelis remix) Up Yours Severino, Hifi Sean and Kris combine to deliver one sexy MF ) FRANCESCA LOMBARDO What To Do Crosstown Rebels We adore wasting our time with our deep house crush of 2013. ) GREEN VELVET Bigger Than Prince (Hot Since 82 remix) Circus Is there anything finer than this purple house strut? ) DAFT PUNK feat Pharrell Williams Get Lucky Columbia Perfect pop that gave summer 2013 the robotic moves it deserved ) BONAR BRADBERRY 3two5 (Mario Basanov remix) Needwant If you’ve not dived into Bonar yet, this is the time. A true house beauty ) JAMES WELSH Craven Futureboogie A tune that gets you deep, deep, deep inside ) SE-SA v RUDIMENTAL Waiting All My Life (Maze & Masters boot) A Wild Fruit moment that brought Brighton Pride together perfectly ) STEVE SILK HURLEY The Word Is Love (Alfred Azzetto remix) S&S The one-stop loved up DSD tune that delivers goosebumps every time ) PBR STREETGANG ft Danielle Moore C With No Name Futureboogie A deep house saucepot of a tune that had us hooked from first play ) LANA DEL REY Summertime Sadness (Asadinho main vocal mix) RVS One word: Tune! ) FUNKY FAT Jealousy (Severino Remix) Hot Creation Oh Seve, you are spoiling us with your remix perfection ) SHINY OBJECTS Higher Ground (Maxxi remix) Smoke N Mirrors In the words of Mr Marshall, Maxxi you are lovely, lovely my dear ) EJECA Together (Terrence Parker's Motor City Soul Mix) Needwant Proving life is always better with a little Italo piano ) DETROIT SWINDLE The Break Up (original) Heist Recordings Perfect disco sampling ensured this preferred brain worm status ) JAYMO & ANDY GEORGE Remember (original) Moda Black Hands in the air. All deeply like ) MARSHALL JEFFERSON & House Of Virus Lowdown (original) Skint A Queen needs some filthy beats when she hits 50 don’t you know!

DJ PROFILE How on earth does it happen? One minute it’s “which shorts today?” the next it’s time to start dusting off the baubles! But hey, let’s get into the festive spirit! Trim those trees and hear about someone whose decks need to be in your halls. Queenie chats with the lovely DJ Bozzy Bear about two upcoming events that need your support, a little penchant for Shirley and why Susan Boyle only seems like a good idea when you’ve had a few!

Where can we catch you playing over the festive period? I’ve heard there’s a little charity event coming up that sounds exciting! Yes, at 11am on November 30, I'm playing at the Sussex Beacon's Bring & Buy Sale at their Home Shop on London Road. DJs Queen Josephine and Kate Wildblood will be joining me on the decks and we’ll be playing anything and everything, including bits of vinyl that are donated on the day.

DJing style? Very much old school, revived and remixed with a mix of up-to-date dance tunes. It always depends on the crowd and the venue.

Favourite song of all time and a festive fave too? I Feel Love by Donna Summer - a timeless classic that can be played at any venue. Yuletidewise it’s got to be Last Christmas by Wham! Cheesy, but everyone loves it!

Which song always fills up/rescues your dancefloor? Classic tunes like Show Me Love by Robin S or Where Love Lives by Alison Limerick Ultimate dream gig – either at Xmas or anytime? I’d love to DJ in a Pride tent and I’d love to have played at Heaven nightclub in the 1980s.

Tune you wish you’d never played? I once played a remix of Susan Boyle - big mistake! Why? I must have had too many sherries!

Guilty pleasure? A bit of drum & bass and a dose of Shirley Bassey.

Best ever gig? I warmed up for the Freemasons during Pride 2009. That was a fantastic buzz!

Tell us a yuletide secret! I'll be dressing up in leather at the Christmas Bear Weekender Saints & Sinners fundraiser at Subline on November 30.

CURRENT TOP 5 TUNES ) DISCLOSURE feat AlunaGeorge White Noise (extended mix) Island ) PET SHOP BOYS feat Example Thursday (Eddie Amador mix) X2 ) JOHN NEWMAN Love Me Again (Freemasons mix) Universal/Island ) DUKE DUMONT feat A*M*E Need U 100% (original) Blasé Boys Club ) JESSIE WARE Running (Disclosure Mix) PMR Recordings The Sussex Beacon Bring & Buy Sale, Saturday, November 30, Sussex Beacon Home Store, 72–73 London Road, Brighton from 11am–3pm.

Brighton Bear Weekender and Bear Patrol present Saints & Sinners, Saturday, November 30, Subline, 129 St James Street, Brighton from 8pm-late. Fundraising for The Rainbow Fund.

GSCENE 53 beaten will start lighting fires! I am inspired by imperfect beauty and decadent felonies, the cult of celebrity, the kind of electronic faith in the WHY? Generation, the worm in the apple pie, depression, mental illness, psychosis, addiction... and revenge. I wave my dirty laundry and my lowest moments around because as songs they no longer have power over me. We own them. They are our Land.

You recently performed at the Queen’s Arms and Sticky Mike's. Describe the live show to us, and what people can expect…

PRISSY LIPS Graham Robson talks to Crysi de Milo, one-half of Sussexbased alternative cabaret duo PrissyLips, about music, influences and waving their dirty washing in public.

At the moment we’re playing intimate acoustic gigs, just guitar and vocal and tons of spirit!

The band mantra is 'be real, be raw and give it all' and that’s what we can promise you. It’s sometimes enchanting, sometimes chaotic but always human and eternally grateful for the chance and for your ears! When I perform it's like an out-of-body experience so maybe you should come and see for yourself. The show at Sticky Mike's (with Saints of the Lot) ended with my friend Lees singing Rebel Girl while I squirted cream at the crowd and rolled on the floor.

What’s next for PrissyLips?

How did PrissyLips come about?

What are the band’s dynamics?

PrissyLips was formed from the ashes of the cabaret band Torch Song Tragedies that my guitarist Reuben Drake and I formed in 2012.

It was a disaster! We played cover versions and had a script; it was so fake and painted!

The duo dynamic, especially in a live scenario, is like f***ing for the crowd; he's the fingers and I'm the mouth. We have a psychosexual/intellectual bohemian kind of relationship; it's intense, sometimes hard work, but always rewarding. Reuben is a musical prodigy. Any instrument he picks up he can play and he can always find the right mood or texture. I have been writing and collating my thoughts for years now. This is a big belch of our dirty secrets and salacious rumours right in the face.

So PrissyLips is more organic?

It’s a reaction to when living becomes desperate. It's an antithesis to all the current banal McMusic that Cowell is pumping into the world. It's the voice of the beaten generation.

It's the culmination of 10 years in a metaphorical straitjacket. It just had to happen. There was no other choice. It's my catharsis and my therapy.

What’s the story behind the name?

It's a joke. Prissy means prim and proper and respectable, which let's face it we are not.

Also it means to be easily disgusted - which I am quite often but mainly at the global state of emergency. It's ironic. We’re a mess of punk ethos and no rules. It's also important to have a reference to lips as people comment on mine all the time, without fail. We went through several changes: I wanted to call us Dogshow at one point. I'm glad that one didn't stick.

How did you get together?

I met Reuben about four years ago when we were both f***ed-up self-destruct-buttonpressers and we embarked on a crazy trainwreck of a relationship and this is where we ended up. I used to stalk him too.

When did you decide to form the band?

Later. We realised that combining our talents would be either interesting or glorious or both.

You can see us at Fag Machine at Queen’s Arms on December 5 which, if the last time we played there is anything to go by, will be very special and have that air of magic about it.

Long term, PrissyLips is gaining two new members next year and will be the sl*t you can't get rid of on the music scene in Brighton.

We’ll keep ramming ourselves down your throats until you listen. Expect more music, videos and we have a couple films in the pipeline. We are gonna ride this thing until the wheels fall off, teeth bared and toting revolution.

What do you play?

We play post-apocalyptic new-wave protest songs on a battered acoustic guitar, with lyrics shaped from love letters, suicide notes, death threats and sh*tlists. Our sound is steeped in grunge and neo-folk and occasionally glam, but we have no rules and are ever evolving.

Who are your musical influences?

Alternative female rock, riot grrrl, old-school rock & roll, grunge, 1970s glam, 1980s trash, new wave/no-wave, art rock, punk, indie, 1990s, vintage, classical, gloom rock, blues, redneck campfire anthems, doo wop, the mashed potato, jitterbug, rockabilly, and all those legendary women (Marianne Faithfull, Courtney Love, Patti Smith). I surround myself sonically with beautiful, real, raw voices.

Reuben translates this into our songs, adding a healthy mix of avant-garde jazz and youthful optimism.

Where do you search for inspiration?

I am inspired every damn day. When you live in a country run by crooks and liars, the

Catch PrissyLips at Fag Machine at the Queen’s Arms on December 5 at 9pm.

• www.facebook.com/prissylips • www.youtube.com/user/PRISSYLIPS • www.soundcloud.com/prissylips Photos by: Toms Udris

54 GSCENE

WORLD AIDS DAY CONCERT St Mary's Church, St James's Street, Brighton Box office: http://tickets.brightongmc.org ) WORLD AIDS DAY CONCERT: WE ALL LIVE TOGETHER (Sun 1). An afternoon of music and mulled wine in aid of Lunch Positive, which features all of Brighton's LGBT choirs: Actually Gay Men's Chorus, Actually Gay Women's Chorus, Brighton Belles Gay Women's Chorus, Brighton Gay Men's Chorus, Qukelele, Rainbow Chorus, Resound and the children of The Theatre Workshop and hosted by Neil Bartlett, OBE. The concert starts at 3pm and finishes in time for the Vigil and the Reading of the Names at 6pm.

TOMMY STEEL

Kings Road, Brighton Box office: 0844 847 1515 www.brightoncentre.co.uk ) MICKY FLANAGAN: BACK IN THE GAME TOUR (Sat 7).

“Excellent, funny and poignant” The Observer; “Side-splitting” The Sunday Times.

Pop and rock highlights include: DEACON BLUE (Sun 1); WET WET WET (Mon 9); STATUS QUO (Fri 13); JOOLS HOLLAND (Sat 14); JLS (Mon 16); BOYZONE (Tue 17–Wed 18); UNION J (Thu 19); BOOTLEG BEATLES (Fri 20).

DIVERSITY (Sun 15), who normally incorporate several genres of music from classical to hip-hop into their eye-catching routines have performed live to over 1 million people across the world. ) SCROOGE (Dec 23–Jan 4).

Tommy Steele stars as Ebenezer in Leslie Bricusse's musical adaptation of Dickens' Christmas classic. Features stunning sets and costumes, illusions created specially by magician Paul Kieve

(acclaimed for the magic effects in the Harry Potter films) and a score which features the Oscar nominated hit Thank You Very Much.

88 London Road, Brighton www.emporiumbrighton.com ) BAH! HUMBUGGERS (OR DYKE THE HALLS) (Sun 1–Mon 2). Rose Collis and VG Lee present an evening of hardly-festive fun, words and music. Collis will serve up personally prepared songs and stories; VG Lee, author, comedian

DOME Church Street, Brighton Box office: 01273 709709 www.brightondome.org ) PULL A CRACKER WITH BRIGHTON GAY MEN'S CHORUS: A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (Sat 7).

Special guest star Claire Sweeney (Brookside/ Celebrity Big Brother) joins the chorus for a concert in aid of the Sussex Beacon. This year the show has a nostalgic style associated with the Christmas Special TV shows that have glued us to our screens over the years.

The audience is promised an unforgettable night of songs, laughs and slightly premature celebration including classic favourites such as It’s Raining Men, The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year and a rather camp Christmas medley! ) PEACHES DOES HERSELF (Sat 14, 7pm). From bedroom musician

PEACHES

BRIGHTON CENTRE

EMPORIUM

and generally non-festive person, will be reading, talking and musing on just when she first realised she preferred cheese and pickled onion sandwiches to a turkey with all the trimmings.

Both authors will be available at the bookstall for a mince pie and a mingle after the show. ) CINDERS (Nov 21–Jan 4). Full of colourful characters, thrilling theatrical effects and sumptuous costumes, Cinders is the perfect escape from the winter weather for all the family. No pantomime would be complete without slapstick silliness, a damsel in distress rescued by her dashing Prince and a truly wicked, booable villainess, and Cinders has these by the glittery bucketful! ) RAGROOF TEA DANCE - PANTO TIME (Sun 1) The Ragroof Players’ very own Cinders will go to the Christmas Panto Tea Dance! See the Ugly Sisters merrily waltzing, have a trot around the dancefloor with the cheeky Buttons, and learn some snazzy moves with the help of Ragroof’s Fairy Godmother.

Everyone is welcome and Ragroof encourages everyone to learn the steps of both lead and follow so

FUNKY FISH CLUB Marine Parade, Brighton www.funkyfishclub.co.uk ) COMEDY CHRISTMAS CRACKER offers a three-course Christmas dinner, top professional comedy acts and club night. (Fri 6) has compere Louise Stevenson with acts Pierre Hollins and Dave Thompson; (Fri 13) compere Lenny Peters with Julie Jepson and Mike Gunn headlining; (Fri 20) compere Julie Jepson with

Eden Rivers and headliner tba.

Monthly Funny Friday Comedy nights are back at the beginning of 2014. Tickets £35 in advance from www.funkyfishclub.co.uk or call 01273 698331 ) BRIGHTON COMEDY COURSE SHOWCASE presents 2013 comedy graduates (Thur 12) putting their new skills on show.

KOMEDIA Gardner Street, 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 Paul Sinha, “One of the bravest stand

PAUL SINHA

BY MICHAEL HOOTMAN

you choose what you want to be, rather than be dictated to by gender! Advance booking essential to secure your table.

JULIE JEPSON

ARTS

to electro rock star, follow Peaches’ rise in her first film, weaving her music into an invented biography, based on misconceptions around Peaches’ shocking image. With her amalgamation of rock and electro, suggestive yet intelligent lyrics and subversive live shows, Peaches has helped make the mainstream a more sexually progressive place.

“An impressively bold statement from its director-star… the taboos she celebrates and subverts onstage make for funny, frank, full-frontal entertainment” Hollywood Reporter

ups I have ever seen, a thoroughly recommended act” - Funny.co.uk, plus Mae Martin (Russell Howard's Good News) and Maureen Younger “Engaging and funny” Three Weeks. ) TINA C - WHERE THE HELL WERE YOU? (Tue 17). Country music singer, multi-Grammy awardwinner and global icon for peace, Tina C presents a show of comedy,

blues with Hawaiian hilarity, seasonal silliness, special guests and songs old and new, from Doris Day to Icona Pop via Salt'n'Pepa!

Dropping by to share the fun is Aneesa Chaudhry “A vocalist with satire and song that skewers a very special quality. Cheeky, huge America and holds it up for talent and great fun!” Time Out examination. America as she is 2013; Lily Fortune, burlesque right now, post-Obama, with her artiste extraordinaire… prepare to power waning, but confidence blush!; and holding the show flagging only slightly. “The political person's Barry Humphries” together - Sarah Wilkins. Tickets £6, www.latestmusicbar.co.uk or - The Guardian. www.qukulele.co.uk. ) HAVE A WORD (Tue 10). LGBT LATEST MUSIC BAR arts, literary and performance Manchester Street, Brighton, event features poetry, comedy, www.latestmusicbar.co.uk photography, history, politics and ) THE QUKULELE CHRISTMAS a charity raffle to benefit the SPECIAL (8pm, Mon 9). Following last year’s sell-out show, Brighton’s Sussex Beacon. Speakers include: Gerry Potter (performance poet); favourite 10 strong ukulele band Chris Chalmers (author writer); return this festive season with Anny Knight (writer comedian; their own brand of mashups and The Chocolate Box Theatre mayhem. Banish those winter

transportation and sex-positive culture. The public submits short films expressing their ideas on bikes and sex and the program has films from the last two years.

THE OLD MARKET Includes films from nine countries, Upper Market Street, Hove two Feminist Porn Award-winning Box office: 01273 201800 directors and countless expressions www.theoldmarket.co.uk ) PATRICK WOLF (Mon 16). In the of sexuality plus live performances last 10 years Wolf has collaborated from host Miss Poppy Cox. with musicians such as Buffy St ) FROCKABILLY: UNDER THE SEA Marie, Angelo Badalamenti, Patti SPECIAL (9pm, Tue 31) There’ll be Smith and Marianne Faithfull and New Year bubbles of an altogether recently sold out two nights at the different kind to celebrate New Sydney Opera House. On this tour Year with saucy sirens and ship Patrick will be playing piano, the tenor guitar, harp, viola, kantale, theremin and re-introducing electronics into his live set.

Company; Dolly Rocket (cabaret performer singer diva); and music

by Josh The Barber.

LONESOME M

TINA C

GSCENE 55

MARLBOROUGH THEATRE 4 Princes Street, Brighton www.brownpapertickets.com ) TRANSBRITANNIA : THE EVIL TWIN (Tues 10) Helen Marie Carter’ reads from her book Out Of A Sense Of Pride, which tells her story, that of a young boy in the dangerous and volatile world of transvestism in Guernsey in 1964. £8 adv/ £10 on door. ) BIKE SMUT: BACK IN THE SADDLE TOUR (Thu 12) is an international touring film festival celebrating human-powered

wrecked pirates, deep sea divers, mermaids, mer-men and mer-bois.

Radio Reverb’s DJ Lonesome M plus special guests spin 1950s/60s rockabilly, r&b, swing and rock&roll plus the usual sweet treats and a free shot of Tuaca at midnight.

And there’s no door charge so dive right in! frockabilly.co.uk radioreverb.com/shows/frockabilly

To enter the bake off call 01903 233035 or email info@brightonbakeoff.co.uk.

The Christmas Craft Fayre features stalls selling pottery, jewellery, crafts and Christmas cards, plus tea, coffee and lots of cakes! Who will be crowned Brighton Bake Off 2013 Christmas Champion?

ARTS

BY MICHAEL HOOTMAN

PRISCILLA DIVAS

BRIGHTON COMEDY COURSE

CHRISTMAS FAIRS

New Road, Brighton Box office: 08448 717 650 ) PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT (Dec 17 – Jan 5). Direct from the West End and starring Noel Sullivan the show is the heartwarming, uplifting adventure of three drag queens who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they had ever dreamed of. Features hits including It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, Hot Stuff, Finally, Boogie Wonderland, Go West, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, and I Love The Nightlife.

) THE BIG BRIGHTON CHRISTMAS FAIR 2013 at Sallis Benney Theatre, Grand Parade Brighton (noon, Sun 8) has over 40 stalls of locally hand-made goodies including ceramics, jewellery, textiles & printmaking, hand-made

PRISCILLA: NOEL SULLIVAN

THEATRE ROYAL

CAROL CONCERTS ) THE SUSSEX BEACON CAROL CONCERT (7.30pm, Tues 17) at St Paul’s Church, West Street, Brighton, BN1 2RE. ) T’WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (7.30pm, Mon 23) at St Andrew’s Church, Waterloo Street, Hove, promises to be a fun evening with both traditional and more unusual musical choices, featuring Actually Gay Men’s Chorus and Actually Gay Women’s Chorus. www.actuallygmc.org

soaps, candles and delicious homebaked cakes. Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and listen to the carol singers whilst you buy some unique, hand-crafted gifts made by wonderful local makers.

Entry: adults £1, free for children and University of Brighton students with valid ID (NUS etc). ) BRIGHTON BAKE OFF 2013 CHRISTMAS FAYRE (2pm, Sun 8), at the Unitarian Church, New Road, Brighton, is fundraising for the Sussex Beacon with a very special bake off with judging at 3pm.

They've introduced a Beginners category for those who like to bake but can't decorate! Entry is £5 for beginners and £20 for amateurs.

) Graduates from the Brighton Comedy Course showcase their new skills (Thurs 12) at the Funky Fish Club, Marine Parade. The acts will have completed an eight-week course in stand up comedy. “This course teaches aspiring comedians stage techniques, timing, confidence and delivery and also how to write and structure material” says Louise Stevenson, founder of Brighton Comedy Course

LOUISE STEVENSON

56 GSCENE

and a comedian of 14 years. “I teach in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere though everyone works hard, it should be a great evening.”

The course is also ideal for improving confidence, public speaking and presentation skills.

The next stand-up comedy course starts Tue 4, Feb 2014. Limited spaces, so book early. For more info brightoncomedycourse.com; email brightoncomedycourse@yahoo.co .uk; or call 07428 093 364.

PULL A CRACKER THE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ) CLAIRE SWEENEY, actress and West End star, is appearing with the BRIGHTON GAY MEN'S CHORUS at their PULL A CRACKER Christmas show at the Brighton Dome (Sat 7). Claire, originally known for her TV role as Lindsey in Brookside, has had a long and varied stage career, playing some of the most coveted roles in the West End including Roxie Hart in Chicago and she appeared in the first series of Celebrity Big Brother. She will be joining the chorus in their 3rd year at the Brighton Dome raising money for the Sussex Beacon.

Claire said: “Having heard so much about them, I'm absolutely thrilled to have been asked by the boys at Brighton Gay Men's Chorus to join in the fun at their Christmas Special in the fabulous Brighton Dome. I'm equally delighted that we will also be raising funds for such a fantastic charity as the Sussex Beacon, which does so much good work for people living with HIV and AIDS” This year, Pull A Cracker: The Christmas Special, has a nostalgic theme associated with classic Christmas Special TV shows and will include classic favourites such as It's Raining Men, The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year and a rather camp Christmas medley!

PULL A CRACKER: THE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL with Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Brighton, 7.30pm, Saturday, December 7, tickets £10/£15/£18 (concessions £2 off).

To book tickets, visit: www.brightongmc.org; or from the Dome: http://brightondome.org/event/3982/pull_a_cracker_with_brigh ton_gay_mens_chorus/; or Dome Box Office: 01273 709709.

GSCENE 57 young I took myself in hand from the age of 43. I work out five times a week, I play squash regularly and have a good diet. I’m the same weight now as I was at 43. I have concentrated on building up my lung capacity and that gives me the stamina to handle a role like Ebenezer.”

He continued: “You spend your life waiting for the big roles to come along and Scrooge is just that role, it is the role of a lifetime for a song and dance man like me.”

TOMMY STEELE - MR SONG AND DANCE MAN James Ledward chats to his mother’s idol ) I grew up with a poster of Tommy Steele on the wall of the family home in Liverpool.

My mother idolised him. After getting over the gushing introductions when we met at the Brighton Centre last month, Tommy went on to tell me how he has got to the grand age of 76 and is still able to be on stage for over two hours each night starring in the musical Scrooge, based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Thomas Hicks was born in Bermondsey, London in 1936. He was a sickly child, the second of seven children and spent much time in hospital up to the age of four. He had pneumonia three times, bronchial pneumonia twice and was never out of the hospital for more than three months at a time. However he was no shrinking violet and lived the rough and tumble life of a young man in London during the blitz years.

After leaving school, where his storytelling skills were widely recognised by his headmaster, he joined the merchant navy to travel the world and in his words: “learn about life and develop his writing skills”.

His ship sunk off the coast of Nova Scotia where he was hospitalised yet again, this time for nine months with spinal meningitis. In hospital he acquired a guitar and when he returned to sea he started writing songs and entertaining the crew. In 1956 he returned to London to look after his mother and started performing skiffle in the café bars in Soho where he was discovered and signed by Decca Records. He became recognised as the UK's first real teen idol and rock ‘n’ roller, dubbed as Britain's answer to Elvis Presley. He topped the UK charts in 1957 with Singing The Blues along with his group the Steelmen who he had 10 top 30 hits with before he went on to develop his career as a solo singer, actor, writer and sculpture.

Tommy's return to the Palladium last year to reprise the role sent him into the record books once again as the star to have headlined more performances than any one else at London's most famous theatre. The UK's most famous song and dance man brings the production to the Brighton Centre starting Monday, December 23 and running until Saturday, January 4.

Based on Charles Dickens’ heartwarming story A Christmas Carol, Scrooge! The Musical is the perfect heart-warming family treat with stunning sets and costumes, illusions specially created by magician Paul Kieve (acclaimed for the magic effects in the Harry Potter films) and a fantastic musical score which features Leslie Bricusse’s Oscar nominated hit Thank You Very Much. Without a large scale traditional Christmas Panto this year this is as good as it gets. Join Ebenezer, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future and a whole host of Dickensian characters in the award-winning, international smash hit musical Scrooge! Direction is by Bob Tomson with sets designed by Paul Farnsworth, illusions by Paul Kieve, choreography by Lisa Kent and musical direction by Stuart Pedlar.

Hollywood movies followed including leading roles in The Happiest Millionaire and Finian's Rainbow and countless award-winning stage musicals such as Half a Sixpence, Hans Andersen and Singin' in the Rain. The legendary Gene Kelly taught him to dance for his appearance in the musical New York, New York, and he went on to dance with both Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire.

I asked him what medium he enjoys best when working? He said: “First and foremost, the stage. I am a show off and to show off I need an audience to work with each evening.

I live for the applause, I live for the audience, it’s what keeps me going. Working on films and TV is less rewarding. You stand around for hours just to get one shot.”

During Scrooge he is on stage for more than two hours each evening. It’s a major part for any actor to play never mind a 76-year-old 'song and dance man'. I asked where he gets his stamina from. He said: “After all the problems I had with my health when I was

) Scrooge! The Musical, Brighton Centre, Monday Dec 23 – Saturday Jan 4, 2014. ) Adult tickets from £24.50, children from £12.50. Family tickets available Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and Saturday evening performances (2 adults & 2 children) from £74. ) Box office: 01273 293131 ) www.brightoncentre.co.uk

58 GSCENE

ART

100 ARTISTS FOR WORLD AIDS DAY

M AT T E R S PHOENIX BRIGHTON 10–14 Waterloo Place, Brighton, www.phoenixarts.org ) Beginning with the ART JUNKY INDOOR MARKET, (11am–5pm, Sat 7 & Sun 8; Sat 14 & Sun 15), which celebrates and showcases local arts, crafts, music, vintage, fashion, jewellery, bric-a-brac amongst other delights.

Usual features of this special market include DJs playing weird and wonderful tunes to get people dancing in the aisles, children’s activities to keep little ones happy and creative, and the warm and welcoming Art Junky Café serving up homemade goodies. Each day will have new and varied stallholders, so you may want to drop in more than once to see new faces and original gifts which will be perfect for Christmas gifts, or as deserved treats for yourself. Entry: £1, children under 10 free.

Founders Room, The Dome, Brighton, www.thirteenart.com ) 100 ARTISTS FOR WORLD AIDS DAY (Sun 1–Sun 8) produced by artist and art director Hizze Fletcher via Thirteen Art Productions features a wide selection of artists including Romany Mark Bruce, Jess Eaton, Kitty Finegan, Vince Laws and Manel Ortega. The event has raised funds for and awareness of HIV and its charities include THT, the Rainbow Fund and the Sussex Beacon. 20% of any art sales at the 100 ARTISTS exhibition will be donated to the Sussex Beacon.

SALLY COCHRANE, 2 KNOYLE ROAD

This December enjoy some creative distractions from the festive frivolities and excesses.

VINCE LAWS HUMAN

BY ENZO MARRA

BOTY CUBASI

PALLANT HOUSE 9 North Pallant, Chichester, PO19 1TJ http://pallant.org.uk ) PAULINE BOTY: POP ARTIST & WOMAN will be on show (now until Sun, Feb 9 2014). One of the few female artists associated with the British Pop Art movement of the 1960s, Boty has been largely overshadowed by her male pop counterparts since her untimely death aged just 28. This exhibition, which comes to Chichester from Wolverhampton Art Gallery features paintings, collages and ephemera from public and private collections, including rarely seen pieces that have not been exhibited for 40 years. The exhibition follows her artistic progression from early experimentation with various media such as painting and stained glass to a series of sexually and politically-charged paintings and collages, exploring themes of female sexuality, gender, race and politics, and contemporary events such as the Cuban missile crisis and the assassination of JFK.

WORLD AIDS DAY EXHIBITION Jubilee Library, Jubilee Street, Brighton ) World AIDS Day Exhibition including the Red Ribbon Dress (2–5pm, Wed Nov 27 until Wed 4 Dec).

CHRISTMAS ARTISTS OPEN HOUSES www.aoh.org.uk/xmas2013-home ) The CHRISTMAS ARTISTS OPEN HOUSES (weekends, Sat Nov 3–Sun Dec 15) offer the chance to buy beautiful, unusual and original Christmas gifts direct from the artists and makers in the warmth and comfort of their own homes. Over three weekends, you can follow the Christmas Artists Open Houses trail all over Brighton & Hove and beyond to find unique Christmas presents for friends, family or for yourself! Many open houses offer mince pies or mulled wine while you browse - check the Artists Open Houses catalogue for more details.

This exhibition places Boty's work alongside Pallant House Gallery's extensive collection of Pop Art. Key works in the exhibition include The Only Blonde in the World (1963), My Colouring Book (1963), It's a Man's World II (1965-6), BUM (1966) and Untitled (Self Portrait) (c.1955). See website for admission prices. ) Also in the same gallery in room 11 you can view the National Open Art Competition Winners (Tue 3–Sun 15). This year the competition was judged by art critic Brian Sewell; artist and printmaker Dr Barbara Rae; gallerist Michael Hoppen; senior partner of competition sponsor TOWRY, David Middleton; and James Green, Assistant Director at Stephen Friedman Gallery. See website for admission prices.

PHILOMENA HARMSWORTH BILLS, LEWES

BOTY BUM

Boty's premature death of cancer in 1966, aged just 28, cut her career short and her works were not exhibited for nearly 30 years. While her glamorous persona and high-profile connections such as her marriage to the actor and literary agent Clive Goodwin have endured, until recently, her work has been largely overlooked.

NEW STEINE HOTEL 10 & 11 New Steine, Brighton, www.newsteinehotel.com ) PHILOMENA HARMSWORTH returns to the New Steine Hotel with her exhibition Kith & Kin (until Jan 19, 2014). Her latest series of paintings echo that atmospheric time when people gather, movement is impressionistic to capture fleeting moments of hustle and bustle. Additionally the much admired boats return as tiny little square delights - a perfect Christmas present! www.philomenaharmsworthart.co.uk www.aoh.org.uk

GSCENE 59 ) The Hickox Legacy series continues, with a re-release including three works by BENJAMIN BRITTEN (1913-1976) - his Cantata

BY NICK BOSTON Misericordium, and two shorter works, Deus In Adjutorium Meum, also sets Tennyson, May Byron and anonymous Elizabethan texts. and a Chorale after an Old French Carol. These are sandwiched The most well known, The Blue ) Sir CHARLES VILLIERS between the Requiem Da Camera Bird, receives an accomplished STANFORD (1852-1924) was born

by GERALD FINZI (1901-1956) and performance, with a crystal clear in Dublin, and was one of the Two Psalms by GUSTAV HOLST solo from Natalie Hyde. The founding professors of the Royal (1874-1934). The late Richard Swallow (lightly reflective) and College of Music in London.

Hickox, conducted the City of The Haven (dark and atmospheric), However, his London Sinfonia, and The Britten more Coleridge settings, are two music has always Singers in these recordings from sensitively performed here. A few been of the songs feel somewhat dated overshadowed by now, not least the sycophantic the success of hymn to Queen Victoria, Out in the his pupils, such as Holst and Vaughan Williams. He Windy West. However, Stanford shows how far the genre can be left a considerable body of music, including seven symphonies, but it stretched, with ambitious double choir textures in On Time, similar is for his sacred choral music that he is best known. The Birmingham to his well-known double-choir Magnificat. The voices are strong, Conservatoire Chamber Choir, full of energy and precision, and conducted by Paul Spicer, has well drilled. Occasionally, the recorded 25 of his secular higher voices are a little strident, partsongs, which equally deserve 1991. Finzi's Requiem Da Camera, without the mellower tones that to be better known. The variety dedicated to his teacher who was more mature voices would bring. shown here comes from the killed in action in 1918, is as much But these are enjoyable different texts and changes in performances, making this a great of a protest against the pointless of Stanford’s style over the 20 years collection of Stanford’s partsongs, war as Britten's later War Requiem, these songs span. His settings of and deserves to be performed more many not previously available on Mary Coleridge are the most often. Britten's Cantata CD. Somm SOMMCD0128 interesting and successful, but he Misericordium came hot on the heels of his War Requiem, the success of which explains why this later work hasn’t achieved the same status. Yet it follows the War BRIGHTON DOME Requiem remarkably well, being Church Street, BN1 1UE, Box Office: 01273 composed for a ceremony to 709709, www.brightondome.org commemorate the 100th ) JOHN WILSON brings his orchestra to Brighton anniversary of the Red Cross. It (3pm, Tues 3), for That’s Entertainment, a tribute receives a solid performance here, to the Golden Age of the MGM Musicals. with John Mark Ainsley (tenor) and Stephen Varcoe (baritone) as ) The BRIGHTON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, soloists. The two Holst psalms that conducted by Barry Wordsworth (2.45pm, Sun 8), complete the disc, although well performs Humperdinck and Tchaikovsky, with performed, seem slightly out of Vasko Vassilev playing Tchaikovsky’s Violin place in the company of Finzi & Concerto.

Britten's weightier, solemn works. ) The BRIGHTON FESTIVAL Chandos CHAN10783X YOUTH CHOIR and the ) Finally, a disc LONDON GALA ORCHESTRA of piano join BRIGHTON FESTIVAL CHORUS (4pm, Sun 15), transcriptions of for their annual Christmas Concert. orchestral works

by FREDERICK BRIGHTON CORN EXCHANGE DELIUS (1862Church Street, Box Office: 01273 709709, www.brightondome.org 1934). In the late 19th and early ) The HEATH QUARTET is back in Brighton again (11am, Sun 15), to 20th centuries, the transcription of perform Schubert, Tippett and Beethoven, in the Strings Attached orchestral works for piano solo, or Coffee Concert Series. duet had become very popular. In ST JOHN SUB CASTRO CHURCH the days before mass availability of Abinger Place, Lewes, BN7 2QA recordings, this was often the only ) THE BAROQUE COLLECTIVE SINGERS launch way people could ‘hear’ the works with a concert (7.30pm, Sun 15) including music at home that they had perhaps

by Bach, Poulenc, Whitacre and Britten, and a heard performed in the concert hall, première of a new carol by Ed Hughes. They are and domestic piano playing was a joined by Alison Bury (violin) and Nick Houghton significant form of home (organ/piano), and conducted by John Hancorn. entertainment. In this second

NOTES REVIEWS

ALISON BURY

VASKO VASSILEV

JOHN WILSON

CONCERTS

volume of transcriptions for two pianos, pianists Simon Callaghan and Hiroaki Takenouchi perform five works, all in transcriptions made by friends and fellow composers of Delius. Paris – The Song Of A Great City has a great feel of the cafés, dance halls and night clubs of Paris, jazz harmonies and rhythms mixed with lyrical, atmospheric nocturnal scene painting. Summer Night On The River is the second of Two Pieces For Small Orchestra, the first being the well-known On Hearing The First Cuckoo In Spring. Delius’ amanuensis, Eric Fenby said of this piece: ‘One can almost see the gnats and dragonflies darting over the waterlilies, and the faint white mist hovering over willow-tressed banks and overhanging trees’. The Song of the High Hills, for wordless chorus and large orchestra is a wonderful work, and Percy Grainger’s transcription inevitably cannot fully capture the magic here, but nevertheless, it does manage to communicate the sense of joy and wonder in nature. Overall, these are fascinating takes on the orchestral works, and the range of colours and textures achieved by the two pianists here in these delightful performances is highly impressive.

Somm SOMMCD0129

CINEMA Two screenings from the Royal Opera House this month, both live. ) First, Peter Wright’s classic production of Tchaikovsky’s THE NUTCRACKER (Thu 12) ) And then a new production of Wagner’s PARSIFAL, with a cast including Simon O’Neill, Gerald Finley, Angela Denoke and Willard White (Wed 18).

NUTCRACKER

CLASSICAL

In a range of local cinemas, including: Duke’s at the Komedia, Brighton, the Odeon Cinema, Brighton, Cineworld Eastbourne, and the Connaught Cinema, Worthing. Check for times.

Reviews, comments and events: nicks-classical-notes.blogspot.co.uk Email: nbclassical@hotmail.co.uk

60 GSCENE

FILM

BY MICHAEL HOOTMAN

FLOATING SKYSCRAPERS Dir: Tomasz Wasilewski Stars: Mateusz Banasiuk, Marta Nieradkiewicz, Bartosz Gelner Plot: A young man discoves his homosexuality while his girlfriend is determined not to lose him.

Word on net: 'A plaintive cry for gay rights and familial acceptance.” ) “Erotic and often rises to the giddy heights of an ecstatic, intimate pure cinema.” ) “The first Polish LGBT film.” ) “Convincingly staged and acted... further consolidates the budding auteur as a name to watch on the Eastern European scene.”

an older client.

Word on net: “It's the kind of film that's not afraid to acknowledge that people are fundamentally mysterious.” ) “A nuanced, emotionally temperate study of a precocious youth.” ) “An erotic odyssey with a social conscience, but it's all a little dull and impenetrable.”

ALSO OUT

KLOWN desire.” ) “A monumental cinematic achievement that must be experienced by anyone passionate about film.”

THE FAMILY CARRIE Dir: Kimberly Peirce Stars: Chloë Grace Moretz, Julianne Moore, Gabriella Wilde Plot: A shy girl sheltered by her deeply religious mother unleashes telekinetic terror on her small town after being pushed too far at her senior prom. A 're-imagining' of the Stephen King classic.

Word on net: “Not atrocious - just flat, uninspired and compromised by the kind of mindless teen-movie ‘humanism’ that De Palma so punkishly spat on.” ) “Not even a strong performance can save this failing reboot.” ) “Lifeless, dull, sanded-down... another unsurprising, irrelevant movie.”

Dir: Luc Besson Stars: Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dianna Agron Plot: A notorious mafia clan is relocated to Normandy under the witness protection program, where

fitting in soon becomes challenging as old habits die hard.

Word on net: “Deliberately offkilter, cheerfully violent, hit-andmiss effort with just enough moments of inspiration.” ) “A love letter to Scorsese constructed with all the grace of Mr Bean.” ) “Curiously airless, weightless and tonally uncertain, this mafia comedy falls flat.” ) “Deadly combination of broad characters and a rambling narrative.”

JEUNE & JOLIE BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR Dir: Abdellatif Kechiche Stars: Léa Seydoux, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Salim Kechiouche Plot: Adele's life is changed when she meets Emma, a young woman with blue hair, who will allow her to discover desire...

Word on net: “The most explicit organ in this movie, believe it or not, is the heart.” ) “A creative and well-acted story about the explosive firepower of sexual

Dir: François Ozon Stars: Marine Vacth, Géraldine Pailhas, Frédéric Pierrot Plot: The portrait of a 17-year-old girl who begins working as a prostitute, eventually developing something of a relationship with

Mega Sweepstakes Marketing prize.

Word on net: “Payne's overview of America is extraordinarily, multifariously profound.” ) “A wistful ode to small-town midwestern life and the quixotic dreams of stubborn old men.” ) “Not just a beautiful or great film but an essential one for our time.” ) “A straightforward road trip with embracing sense of melancholia.”

Dir: Mikkel Nørgaard Stars: Frank Hvam, Casper Christensen, Marcuz Jess Plot: In order to prove his fatherhood potential to his pregnant girlfriend, Frank 'kidnaps' her 12-year-old nephew and tags along on his best friend's debauched weekend canoe trip.

Word on net: “Ultra-raunchy, sometimes hilarious.” ) “At best, a sly dismantling of familiar comedy template built on male cluelessness and female responsibility.” ) “Proves Hollywood hasn't a monopoly on stupid, obnoxious comedy.”

) HOMEFRONT looks like it hopes to cash in on the whole Breaking Bad vibe with a former DEA agent moving his family to a quiet town, where he soon tangles with a local meth druglord. Co-stars James Franco and Jason Statham, with a screenplay by Sylvester Stallone.

) Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper star in David O Russell's mafia thriller AMERICAN HUSTLE. Bale plays a conman forced to work for an unpredictable FBI agent. ) THE HARRY HILL MOVIE stars the TV comic along with guest stars such as Julie Walters, Matt Lucas, Sheridan Smith and Jim Broadbent. ) ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEGEND CONTINUES has Will Ferrell returning as Ron Burgundy who goes to New York to take its first 24-hour news channel by storm.

NEBRASKA Dir: Alexander Payne Stars: Bruce Dern, Will Forte, June Squibb Plot: An aging, booze-addled father makes the trip from Montana to Nebraska with his estranged son in order to claim a million dollar

FILM C O M P E T I T I O N ) FILM COMPETITION After the surprisingly brilliant The Hobbit, its sequel, THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG, has Bilbo and his friends battling the fearsome dragon. ) To win two tickets to the Odeon Brighton send the answer to the following question to Gscene Film Competition, 111 Western Rd, Hove, BN3 1DD: Christian Bale starred in which 2002 film about dragons trying to take over the Earth? ) NOVEMBER COMPETITION: Prometheus.

GSCENE 61

GEEK

SCENE

BY CRAIG STORRIE

COMICS This year has seen so many great storylines within the world of comics that it is hard to choose which ones you should read above all others.

Below is my list of the best storylines from the past 12 months and why exactly you should be reading and adding them to your prized collections. ) First up we have the fantastic Death of the Family arc; arguably the best storyline of the past 12 months. When DC rebooted their universe with the New 52 following the Flashpoint event, readers were presented with a world that was in most instances vastly different to the world and continuity that existed before. The Batman books opened with the Joker being apprehended by the Dark Knight and carted off to Arkham Asylum. Whilst there the Joker has his face removed by the Dollmaker and disappears for a whole year both in universe and real world time leaving behind only his sliced off face.

Returning to Gotham after a year on the run, the Joker reclaims his decaying face from the Gotham Police Department and crudely re-attaches it using straps and pins leaving him looking much more terrifying and insane than ever before.

His aim is to rid both himself and Batman from their attachments so that they can go back to the way they were originally - “the best hero and villain that they could be”. Written mainly by the Batbooks’ latest writer Scott Synder, the story cleverly winds in and out of all the current Batman titles with the Joker seemingly everywhere at once. Each issue, whether part of the main plot line or a tie in, cleverly builds up the dread and tension and slowly towards the inevitable confrontation between Batman and his arch enemy.

Whilst the conclusion may be a bit anticlimatic, the art, writing and direction of the whole storyline is fantastic and stunningly clever at times. Synder has managed to create possibly the Joker’s greatest story arc since Alan Moore’s landmark Killing Joke and his redesign is both shocking and massively creepy. The issue where his face is literally decaying off of his skull complete with hordes of flies is deeply disturbing and completely memorable. ) On the Marvel side of things we have the awesome All New X-Men. Stunningly written by Brian Michael Bendis, All New X-Men takes the concept of the original five X-Men being brought to the present and running with it. Seeing the original five with the future X-Men is a brilliant visual and the inevitable conflicts that arise are both engaging and understandable. Most of the focus is quite rightly on Jean Grey, a young woman who has been brought to the future to find out that she has died not once but twice! Her speech declaring that the original five are staying in the present shows her to have both the qualities of a leader and a strong will that will not sway when she has made up her mind.

GAYMING Well it’s that time of year again. Time to deck the halls, eat and drink way too much and spend it with your nearest and dearest. It is around Christmas that most of us inevitably have to experience awkward silences with the whole household watching the multitude of boring Xmas specials without talking! This year however, why don’t we change all that and mix things up a little? Below are, I think, the best games for which ever type of person you will be with over the Christmas period. So why not read on and maybe spend some time and money on yourself this year?

) Single player: You can’t go far wrong with the excellent Batman: Arkham Origins. Even if you don’t like comics, this is a deep, rewarding and fantastic experience that details one of the earliest missions for the Arkham universe version of Batman which takes place exclusively on Christmas Eve. Throw in extensive challenge maps, truly innovative online multiplayer and future downloadable content and you have a game that will keep you occupied for a very long time. ) Next up we have Assassins Creed 4: Black Flag. Taking place before the events of the third entry of the series, Black Flag sees you control Edward Kenway, a powerful pirate who also happens to be the grandfather of Assassins Creed 3’s protagonist Connor. Amazing graphics, huge explorable locations, both above and below the sea, and intuitive controls help to make a fantastic game that deserves to be in your collection. ) For all of you out there who haven’t bought it yet, just do yourselves a favour and treat yourself to the fantastic Grand Theft Auto 5. This fifth entry of the multi-award winning series blows everything that has come before it out of the water. The story itself is epic and is spread out over three unique playable characters whilst the online mode is both fun and rewarding. It is a game that is both technically brilliant and deeply rewarding.

Notable mentions: Pokemon X/Y (3DS), Dead Rising 3 (Xbox One), Killzone (PS4), Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD (Wii U) ) Multiplayer: The best of the party bunch this year is undoubtedly Super Mario World 3D for the Wii U. It improves on the classic Mario formula by adding in the four player mode from the latest 2D entries but with each of you controlling one of four characters each with their own benefits ala Super Mario Bros 2. The levels and worlds take their inspiration from Super Mario Land 3D on the 3DS with each level being viewed from an isometric point of view. Throw in new abilities (the extremely fun cat suit being a particular highlight), beautiful graphics, music and challenging levels and you have a game that will last much longer than just the Xmas period!

Notable mentions: Lego Marvel Super Heroes (All Platforms), Just Dance 2014 (All Platforms) Have a very Merry Christmas and see you all in the New Year!

62 GSCENE

ARTS

It is the story of an irresistible, irrepressible heroine, a dysfunctional family you can't help but adore, the absurdities of the 1980s and the fierce bonds that tie people together. Told in an original foul mouthed and laugh-out-loudfunny voice, it launches itself headlong into the middle of one of life's great fights, between the pull of the past and the freedom of the future. And our delightful spunky utterly unreliable narrator Janie Ryan, born and bred for combat, is ready to win.

BOOKS B Y E R I C PAG E

) THE ELEMENTS OF ELOQUENCE

by Mark Forsyth (£12.99, Icon Books Ltd) In an age unhealthily obsessed with substance, this is a book on the importance of pure style. Mark Forsyth gives us his idiosyncratic, erudite and brilliantly funny new book into turning the perfect English phrase.

From the King James Bible to advertising slogans, Mark Forsyth explains the secrets that make a phrase - such as ‘Tiger, tiger, burning bright’ or ‘To be or not to be’ – memorable and also unpicks how and why we use them.

In his inimitably entertaining and witty style he takes apart famous lines and shows how you too can write like Shakespeare or Oscar Wilde. Whether you’re aiming for literary immortality or just an unforgettable one-liner, The Elements of Eloquence proves that you don't need to have anything to say - you simply need to say it well. A lesson half the queens in Brighton would do well to learn. ) THE CHARIOTEER by Mary Renault (£8.99, Virago Modern Press) This positive, sincere, and heartfelt classic novel has just been reissued. The Charioteer is a 1953 gay war novel by Mary Renault and was hugely influential and popular when first published.

This reissue gives us another opportunity to look at Renault’s book from the comfort of our more tolerant times. With an affectionate introduction by the actor Simon Russell Beale, the book launches us back into this perfectly pitched period piece. It’s a peek into a twilight world that no longer exists in Britain

although many will remember it, most fondly. It’s a bit dusty and old fashioned in parts but that just adds to its charm and as it unwinds slowly and inexorably you will be delighted. This is a book that stays with you, and apart from being so beautifully written with flowing prose rippling off the pages, is also a monumental work in gay literature. Its love story and realistic portrayal of the choice between chaste innocence and the distinct pleasure of experience is unmatched and you can’t get better than that. Buy it if you’ve never read it, buy it if you have and enjoy it again. ) TONY HOGAN BOUGHT ME AN ICE CREAM FLOAT BEFORE HE STOLE MY MA by Kerry Hudson (£12.99, Random House) Tony Hogan tells the story of a Scottish childhood of filthy council flats and B&Bs, screeching women, feckless men, fags and booze and drugs, the dole queue and bread and marge sandwiches.

) MALARKY by Anakana Schofield (£11.99, One World) “A wickedly funny and wonderfully deranged literary debut introducing a brilliant new voice in contemporary Irish fiction” It’s a tightly written and intimate story with the narrator taking us through various events in her life,

all centred around the deaths of her husband and son, but not in any particular order. The book, deeply personal and funny as hell, is set in modern rural Ireland and echos the slow pace of change, quietly marking the modern with strangeness. It’s more of the story of a memory and is both startlingly vivid and hallucinogenic on occasion. I loved it. ‘Our Woman’, who talks us though her life with, and after, the deaths is an authentic voice of a certain type of Irish Woman, seemingly content until a chance meeting volcanically changes her life view. It’s a treat to read something so well crafted and ‘our woman’s’ forlorn but flamboyant voice has stayed with me long after I finished the book. ) BEARDS: AN UNSHAVED HISTORY by Kevin Clarke (£49.99, Bruno Gmunder) The gay view on men's beards...

In his new book, Kevin Clarke, bestselling author of Porn - From Andy Warhol to X-Tube, shows us beards from the gay perspective.

In addition to his view on the clones of the 1970s and their recent return, there are interviews and facts about beards as well as photographs showing how erotic a man's beard can be. Clarke takes us on a sexy photo tour of his view on history of the beard trend; the beard as an expression of the modern man and the tribes he aspires to be apart of.

The essays examine facial hair from a queer perspective and the 256 pages of photos range from great historical ones, hot men kissing, to a solo happy ending.

This is a great coffee table book, or bedside book for those who like something with a lot of style, quality content and some interesting commentary too. ) POSEIDON-T by Franze (£14.99, Bruno Gmunder) “Poseidon is the star of his rugby team and his fans love him.

Especially the young Gonzalo, who dreams of meeting Poseidon in more than one way. One day, at the big game, his dream comes true, only it's different than he thought because aliens are attacking Earth…”

GSCENE 63 If you don’t know Franze’s work then check him out, he’s the coolest gay graphic novel illustrator and his drawings are as hot and erotic as they are touching or funny. He’s got a real gift for capturing gay men in all their glory and in Poseidon he’s chosen a very fun story familiar to us all, the crush we all had on the hetro hunk of our dreams.

Franze’s last work was Black Wade the superb pirate saga and here he does the same, satirises these well loved genres with a loving eye whilst still keeping it erotic enough to interest us hard to please gay boys; oh and he’s funny too.

There’s a cool anime for it here: http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2 013/04/26/poseidon-t-byfranz/

) JUST BE KIND by Persia West Persia's new book comes out of her long years of speaking, writing and consulting on Diversity and Human Rights issues, locally in Brighton and the UK, as well as across Europe. As she says on the back cover, it took her a lifetime to get this simple.

For all LGBT people, in fact for anyone at all, the essential approach of kindness has real power. When I took this on board myself, I found that it really was, as the subtitle says, one way to change my world. Understanding of others is not always possible, nor necessary, I can just be kind anyway, no matter what.

) TIE ME UP! THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO BONDAGE by Stephen Niederwieser (£12.99, Bruno Gmunder). Bondage for everybody! Stephan Niederwieser’s relaxed style and focus on pleasure are the perfect combination for this introduction to bondage, a book that’s sure to

This surprisingly simple, but not always easy message is powerfully expounded in the book, and richly illustrated with examples. I find the writing clear and elegant, always interesting, often touching, and very relevant to how all of us from any kind of minority want to be treated, and treat others. benefit both the rank beginner The book has fifteen short and the experienced practitioner. chapters, each looking deeply This is a laid back how-to guide, into a different aspect of the which isn’t limited to the mere power of Just be Kind, for game of in-and-out, but along example The Manly Art of with practical tips, offers Kindness, which comes from extensive reflection on what’s Persia's own trans insights into going on mentally and physically the nature of men and women. before, after, and during sex. With Just be Kind seems a good place lots of quality photos and to begin - at Christmas, or any diagrams it covers everything you other time of the year - to change need to know about the most the world. Our own worlds of important accessories & toys, course, because, as Persia writes, about different kinds of knots and we always have to begin at home how to tie them securely. You’ll if we want to see change in the find all the tools you need to let way people treat us. go of your inhibitions and get the Recommended. biggest bang from your bondage Christian Bergmann experience and possibly pep up your Boxing Day.

CHRISTMAS AT PROWLER Prowler have a selection of 2014 calendars and fiction and photo books to make your Christmas stocking bulge this year! (112-113 St James's Street, Brighton, 01273 683680) www.prowler.co.uk

Bear Men (£13.99)

Stallions (£13.99)

Dick Of The Month (£13.99)

Naked Fur (£13.99)

Red (£39.99)

Zack: The Art (£19.99)

Joe Oppedisano J/O (ask in store)

Hombres (£39.99)

64 GSCENE iPad Carrying Case - each one is handmade in Brighton using inner tubes and bike parts, £69 (Eco Logic Cool, 46 Sydney St Brighton, 01273 606077)

SHOPPING WITH MICHAEL HOOTMAN

BRIGHTON & HOVE CALENDAR 2014 The Brighton & Hove Calendar 2014, now its 14th year, has been published by North Laine Photography featuring 32 pages with 60 photos of Brightonians enjoying themselves at local events such as Brighton Pride. Shots, ranging from the fun, to the artistic, to the classy, to the cheesy, include Simon Anderson’s star trails over The Chattri, Finn Hopson’s Devil’s Dyke filled with mist and the front cover by Anne Marie Morris capturing a gull descending on her tray of chips, its mouth gaping wide open with both eyes looking straight down the barrel of the lens.

The Brighton & Hove Calendar 2014 (£6.99) is available from: www.thebrightonexperience.com; North Laine Photography - outside Snooper's Paradise, (7-8 Kensington Gardens); North Laine Photography outside Nat West Bank, inside Churchill Square; and City Books, 23 Western Road, Hove.

BRIGHTON BOARD GAME BN1 is a board game all about Brighton that sees 25 players diving into the quirks, strangeness and charm of this unique city. How it's played is up to you - follow the tourist trail, explore off the beaten track, discover local characters and celebrities, go shopping, look for parties and festivals or just sit in a park busking.

This is the 2nd edition of the game, and for every copy sold between now and Christmas on the website, £5 will be donated to FareShare Brighton & Hove, a community food organisation that provides for food banks around the city.

As this is the season for board games, organisers hope to generate funds at a time when the need for their services is at its greatest. Available at outlets across Brighton & Hove and www.bedsitgames.co.uk.

Underground Biscuit Tin, £9.99 (in house space, 28 Gloucester Road, Brighton, 01273 682845) Chillsner stainless steel rods which, after being frozen, screw into beer bottles for instant chilling, £25 per pair (England at Home, 22b Ship Street, Brighton, 01273 205544) Wooden Robot Nutcracker, £15.95 (Pussy, 3a Kensington Gardens, Brighton, 01273 604861) Measuring Peacock from 1/4 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, £15 (Edited, 3 Gardner Street, Brighton, 01273 604006, editedbrighton.com)

Bad Santa Hat £1.50; Candy Posing Pouch £5.20; So Gay Mug £8.50; Bell £5; Willy Hoopla £4.75; Mugs from £5.95; Cream-Filled Willies £5.50; Christmas Decorations from £1.50; Gift Bags from £1.95; Gift Wrap £1.75 per sheet; Santa’s Bitch Eyemask £3.90; Christmas Pudding Nipple Tassels £4.50; Christmas Willy Warmer £5.25; Christmas Cards £2.50 each or 4 for £9; new jewellery range from £16; books from £16 (Prowler, 112-113 St James's Street, Brighton, 01273 683680)

GSCENE 65

CRAIG’S THOUGHTS A WINTER’S TALE NO PAIN, NO GAIN

BY CRAIG HANLON-SMITH Jesus Christ it’s Christmas.

And as the X Factor finalists lit up the night sky like an angelic host in waiting, the shepherd's tending their flocks barely glanced skyward through lack of interest, and instead buried their heads into the flea bitten woolly bottoms of their sheep, knowing that like all supermarket Christmas television campaigns, this festive marauding of tuneless forgettables too would soon pass.

And lo Joseph and his Mary once again trundled into town aboard a donkey looking for a place to rest their weariness pregnant with anticipation. (Does anyone still remember this story?).

fun-run wearing a comedy spongy costume – one can get away with pretty much anything.

A decree was now forever spread across the land for all the vulnerable to forever hold dear: Never trust a man you don't know who comes bearing gifts and if it happens to be wearing a gold track pant, shoot him.

There was however an abundance of kings who might as well have slain the first born throughout the land for all the good they were doing. Of course Joseph's carpentry business was beginning to demonstrate the green shoots of success, but no sooner had he crafted a table and chairs out of a local yew tree he would have to set fire to them to keep his family warm this winter.

All the King Herods and all the King's men all over the known world, were in a flap to discover that the arch-angel Ms Brooks was not the only sneaky-peak with an ability to hack mobile phones (allegedly, there's a trial going on which we're not allowed to report on unless of course it's leaked by a very naughty boy who shall be pardoned only in Venezuela or Russia: those political bastions of social democracy and fairness).

Having trekked hundreds of miles barefoot essentially in search of a polling station, they were unsure as to whether there would be room in the local inn, as all hostelries appeared to be adopting a new policy of 'no bookings allowed'. This was not to be confused with the notifications of yesteryear: 'no Irish, no blacks, no way', as in these days of equal opportunities the entire populace was out in the cold not just the gays and/or freaks.

The biggest King Herod of them all (why were they all called Herod for goodness sake and what is it with Royal babies and a lack of original names? You missed an opportunity there Middleton, we could have had King Duane perhaps even with an apostrophe) - had been spying on them all from afar. He wanted to kill all the first borns first, and was having a reasonable stab at it using model aeroplanes across the Middle East, but no-one seemed to mind much except a few shepherds in a field on the outskirts of Bethlehem or some other Palestinian type outpost, and they don't even know what a Big Mac is so what does it matter?

A two-hour queue in the autumn rain was considered by most innkeepers to be a cheap marketing tool and both Joseph and his Mary were surprised to see the inhabitants of the known world falling for it.

And so as Mary dilated a full nine centimetres and began to push forth the son of mankind without pain relief, she thought, like the rest of us through the mists of a strained sweaty sadist grimace that something that hurts this much has got to be a force for good. Right?

Even the donkey shook his head in pity at the fools of Christendom, and thought to himself “once we've found a manger in which to sl*t drop this saviour of mankind, I'm ringing out for Dominoes - but not the pizza you understand; the game. For even dominoes is less tedious than lining up by the bins in the rain for an over-priced burger and a deep fried cocktail.” But the donkey, like the innkeepers, understood better than most, that people are generally stupid.

Once the exhausted yet originators of festive cheer found their way into a stable, they were disappointed at the absence of livestock. The chickens, pigs and token horse had been replaced with a cycle path, recycling communal bin and a parking meter - all of which were horribly ignored. But this unsettling development could not shake our Mary's resolve - for she was to give birth to the Christ child, a king for all men, a soldier of peace and saviour of sin “So swivel on that Kate and Carol Middleton," she thought “with your Georgie Porgie Pudding and for goodness sake eat a pie”.

She may not have been quite so exhilarated had she known that her impending firstborn would be first nailed to a bit of 2 x 4 and then made the centre piece of a Lloyd-Webber musical; still, at least no-one would invade a country or invoke war in his name, God forbid and thank heaven for small mercies.

There could have been a point where some wise men took a role in our festive tale but there were none left. There were many men the populace had thought to be wise but it was a knockout to discover they had only showered gifts upon those for whom they had fixed it in exchange for sexual favours. There were those in authority across the land who had enabled such antics, but in the name of charity and a

66 GSCENE

SHARP WORDS OFF THE HOOK DEL SHARP DEVELOPS A NEW LANDLINE PERSONA Any unscheduled phone call from my mum fills Sharp Words with dread. I’m ashamed to admit it, but it rarely harbours good news except perhaps for a Happy Birthday, which is invariably followed by a pronouncement of how I’m not getting any younger, which always makes my day.

The latest call though came with the stern disclaimer that she was only speaking to me as a mother (like she communicates in any other way) and then she followed on with some pretty high drama exclamations about the huge amount of porn shops that she had spotted around the town, followed by dire warnings in a dropped broken and gulping whisper of ‘Don’t go down that route my girl, it’ll be the ruin of you’.

I blinked guiltily at my (closed) laptop for some minutes before I realised she was actually talking about pawn shops, then as silently as I could, poured a restorative glass of wine and tried to focus on the resumed advice bellowing in my ear.

She gets fixated on any current scaremongering stories in the media and then automatically applies them to me. If there’s no story in the papers then she’ll just scare herself anyway. Over the years I’ve had to convince her that I’m not a drug user or smuggler, shoplifter, prostitute, gangster, liar, smoker, not going to prison, up to my eyeballs in debt, that I don’t go outside with wet hair, or drink more than a bottle of wine a month.

“As silently as I could, poured a restorative glass of wine and tried to focus on the resumed advice bellowing in my ear” Actually, I’m no stranger to a couple of these sins from time to time, but after deciding that a white lie really does serve another person rather better than my own indulgent self, and also that I’m far too old to be scolded, I think I manage to juggle being indignant and shocked at the accusations in almost the right amounts. The long silences that she reciprocates with are I hope not disbelief but do worry me sometimes.

Lately I’ve found that I’m becoming rather more adept at lying on the phone to complete strangers too. Even after being reluctant to be rude to cold callers and meekly answering their questions and surveys however inconvenient it was because of feeling sorry for them and knowing what a miserable job it is, I am sometimes just too busy. Now when I’m asked for by name I deny being me or indeed any member of my family to the most persistent ones and I’ve found that they just hang up! I’ve also politely asked them to call back in an hour promising to talk and they never do call.

In a way, It’s been very empowering. Now I’m not constantly on the phone I find I have so much more useful time at home. I’ve bleached the grouting in the bathroom, dusted the cobwebs from the ceiling, baked lavish cakes, sewn several new outfits and built a (small) extension. All in the time it would take me to respond to a fortnight’s

worth of scoring from one to ten the latest model of car or a conservatory I’ve never even heard of. I used to find myself forming quite valid opinions about them in an effort to please, so much so that I often wished I had both just to check if I was right all along.

Actually my landline persona had developed so much so that It can pick and choose who It gets to talk to these days and we’re really very different. It reads a newspaper I would never even open and is on the verge of subscribing to (not if I can help it). It is toying with the idea of a new kitchen I could never afford and It has worryingly started to plan a will writing service with god knows who just because It liked the sound of her voice. These days I am often no more than a mere wavering hand puppet to pick up the insistent yelling machine and babble the devil talk that is probably selling me a second mortgage in a timeshare in Brigadoon via The Love Boat.

“Actually my landline persona has developed so much so that It can pick and choose who It gets to talk to these days and we’re really very different” Meanwhile in the real world I’ve been finding myself on the phone for rather too many other reasons lately, such as chasing up the whereabouts of a new mobile phone. I decided to get one without the sticky up aerial that dug into my hip, which for all these years I thought looked so good attached to my belt, and so decided on one a bit smaller that I can put in my pocket.

But spending three days talking to the provider and courier and deciding that one of them has definitely been less than truthful about where the precious treasure actually was being delivered to has worn me out. I’d rather learn Morse code and did in fact mention this in my rather subdued attempt at a facetious comment but it was lost on someone whose knowledge of Twitter is far greater and relevant than the Victorian tip tapping technology known by the crazy wittering ‘older generation’ they have to listen to.

Which reminds me that it must be time to call Mother Sharp and get a little honest normality back into my life.

GSCENE 67

WALL’S

WORDS

GAY

WISDOM

BY MIKE WALL

BY GAY SOCRATES

AN ATHEIST CHRISTMAS

THE RELIGIOUS DESTINY OF OUR TRIBE: QUEER GENDER-F**K SPIRITUALITY

A little boy is talking to a priest (I know this is a bit risky these days!) and asks him “If I did not know about God and sin, would I go to hell?” The priest responds “No, not if you did not know” The little boy thinks for a moment and then says “So why did you tell me?”

I grew up in Ireland and was raised as a Catholic. I was brought up to believe that Christmas was about God and the birth of Jesus. But of course as time went by I grew up and started to doubt all of that brain washing that I received. I think I was about 12 when I first discovered that Christmas was actually a pagan holiday that had been hijacked by the Christians.

Yule is one of the traditional Celtic fire festivals and marks the return of the light after the longest night of the year and it has been around much longer than Christianity. The Christians chose to celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th as they could see that people already celebrated this time of year and so, as they had always debated the exact date of Jesus’ birth they stole this time of year as their own.

“They could see that people already celebrated this time of year and so, as they had always debated the exact date of Jesus’ birth they stole this time of year as their own”

When I was very young my parents taught me that our family were members of an exclusive club. As such we knew what was what! We knew what was good and knew what was bad. If we were nice, then, when our lives came to an end, the “very essence of who we were” would receive an invite to a fabulous party from a kindly old Father Christmas kind of a bloke. If not then we were toast!

If we could follow a few simple rules then lifetime membership was assured. Fine and dandy until I discovered that I was ‘intrinsically disordered’- still ‘loved’ by the membership as a transgressor but acknowledged to be engaged in unacceptable practices and headed for the incinerator. My crime? I was a male lover of men.

Sadly the faerie tale with the happy ending beyond the grave blew up in my face. The club waited patiently for me to do the honourable thing but I refused to crawl away in shame.

Instead I rejected the whole nonsense of it all and signed up as a Five Star member of the club which dedicated itself to affirming the ridiculousness of every tenet of that exclusive club. There was no ‘good’, no ‘bad’, no ‘very essence of who we are’, no kindly old bloke, no party, no incinerator! There was a scientific explanation for everything and anything considered to be inaccessible to scientific enquiry was simply decidedly dodgy.

I managed for a few years until ‘the very essence of who I was’ began to feel ignored, neglected and undernourished. Unscientifically I identified this aspect of myself as my Spiritual Nature and set about looking at how to tend to its special needs. None of the popular exclusive clubs wanted to help me. I learned the technique of meditation and found that a state of mindfulness allowed some breathing space for what came next.

I began to see that to fulfil my potential I needed to find ways of exploring and developing BOTH my Spiritual Nature AND my Queer Self in ways that had, until then, seemed impossible.

So, can a now confirmed atheist celebrate Christmas?

Well, I do, but it is not for any religious reasons. I enjoy this time of year because it often means that you meet up with friends and drink and eat too much. I enjoy the fun and the merriment and for me it is about the passing of one year and the beginning of a new one. I hate the winter so as Yule arrives, it also brings with it the hope of the days getting longer. I also think about the friends and family that have died during the year and that unfortunately this year I will not have the joy of hearing and seeing them. It is a good time to remember the good times that we shared.

I am aware that there are a lot of gay Christians and I am happy for them to celebrate this time of year in a different way to me. As long as they do not push their beliefs on me they can do what they like.

In the same way that I would not try to covert someone to be an atheist I do not want them to try and convert me. Whatever your reasons for having parties, it can only be a good thing. Having fun and frolics helps to avoid going completely mad due to the relentless darkness. Christians don’t have the monopoly on Christmas. This time of year gives everyone a chance to blow off a little steam, spend time with friends, have too much of everything and just have fun.

So for whatever reasons you celebrate this month, have a great time and enjoy it. Get the tree out, spend too much money on presents that nobody really needs and get drunk. I started with a joke so I should probably finish with one: What's an atheist's favourite Christmas movie? "Coincidence on 34th Street" Happy Whatever!

I would need to manifest and become the church I was seeking.

And finally I would learn that my Spiritual Nature IS my Queer Self!

The word religion derives from the latin word religare which means to bind. It is only relatively recently in the history of western religion with its attacks on pagan earth respecting traditions and its slaughter of catkeeping witch-faggots that queers have been demonised by religious groups More enlightened ancient cultures used to recognise their sexuality and gender variant members as ‘two spirit’ or ‘walkers between worlds’.

They were simply respected for their giftedness. From the margins it is second nature to understand conflict and heal it. Ancient queer priestpriestesses were afforded sacred roles in the creation of tribal ritual, which served in the re-binding of the communal spirit with itself and the divine.

Let us all therefore reclaim our ancient heritage as Queer Spirit Warriors! Let us joyously manifest Queer Genderfuck Spirituality! May the Church of Queer heal the wounds of our global village!

A(wo)men

68 GSCENE

KEITH SHARPE WHAT IS TRUTH? DR KEITH SHARPE, CHANGING ATTITUDE SUSSEX, LOOKS AT HOMOSEXUALITY IN THE BIBLE There are something over three quarters of a million words in The Bible.

Which words do you think are the most important? My answer is the three little words spoken by Pontius Pilate as he condemned Jesus: ‘What is truth?’

We are now into that season which celebrates the birth of the one who claimed: ‘The reason I was born and come into the world is to testify to the truth’ (John 8:31-32), and who later in his life would declare: ‘I am the way, the truth and the life’ (John 14:6).

Ultimately truth is the only thing that matters. We need to know the way things really are. It is what the scientific quest is about. Better to rely on secure and true knowledge about the physical world than myths, folklore and superstition. And in the human world the truth about people is equally vital. We LGBT folk above all know what it is like to live with lies, falsehoods and deception. We know how important it is that the truth about ourselves is told.

The truth about me is that I have been homosexual for as long as I can remember, to all intents and purposes for my whole life. In primary school even before puberty I can recall the attraction of male classmates. And despite my best endeavours to persuade myself otherwise this never changed. Later when my teenage peers were obsessed by their desire for females I was only obsessed by my desire for them. I feigned interest in girls but felt absolutely nothing for them sexually, however much I might enjoy their company. I wasted a vast amount of time and energy in trying to convince myself that I could force myself to change, but it was an illusion. The truth is that I was, am, and always will be gay.

And the truth about the world is that homosexuality has been part of every known human society and culture. The forms it has taken might vary but there has never been a society where it is unknown. Equally, we know now that homosexuality is endemic in the natural world too.

The work of Bruce Bagemihl for example has shown us just how ubiquitous homosexuality is amongst animals.

“The truth about the world is that homosexuality has been part of every known human society and culture” And some of the greatest human beings who have ever lived have been homosexual. Think of Plato and Socrates, the greek philosophers; Michaelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, giants of the Renaissance; Alexander the Great and Lawrence of Arabia, great military leaders; composers such Tchaikowsky and Benjamin Britten. In our own day people such as Gareth Thomas who captained the British Lions rugby team and now works for children’s charities inspire huge admiration.

The truth is therefore that being homosexual is a naturally occurring human minority variant, like being left handed. But western society in general and the Christian church in particular has been very slow to understand this. For most of the past 2,000 years the Christian church has persecuted homosexuals. It is noteworthy that it has also

persecuted left handed people. They were declared to be servants of the Devil, and their disposition to use their left hand seen as a satanic mark. They were literally ‘sinister’, latin for left, because all that was good and right was right. Jesus sits on the right hand of the Father after all.

Hate was preached against them and they were perceived as abnormal and a threat to decent people. The parallel with homosexuality is striking. Left handed people were faced with much the same stark choice: pretend you are not what you are or face social exclusion and worse. And of course you could be ‘cured’ by being forced to use your right hand. As with homosexuality, when the ‘cure’ failed it was your fault for being hopelessly and incorrigibly sinful. The whole syndrome is there. Even once ‘cured’ into right handed normalcy you might still get found out using your left hand, and be denounced, humiliated and destroyed.

This is how it has been for gay people and the Church has sought to justify its persecution of homosexuals with a handful of isolated Biblical texts. The first thing to say is that if God really hated homosexuals as much as some Christian leaders say he does then you really would expect a much clearer, more coherent and less ambiguous statement in The Bible. There are essentially only three small texts in this vast tome which can be interpreted as in any way critical of homosexual people.

Firstly there is the Old Testament book of Leviticus which has two verses that say ‘lying with a male as with a woman is an abomination’ and if you do this you should be put to death. We need to notice straightaway that this is not a condemnation of homosexuality because there is no reference to lesbian behaviour. This is actually a condemnation of men not doing what men are supposed to do. That is why it is an ‘abomination’ like shellfish, pork, menstruating women and clothes made out of more than one fabric. All of these things break boundaries.

Fish are supposed to have fins and scales. Shrimps do not fit this idealised view and so are an abomination. Land-based animals should have cleft hooves and chew their cud. Pigs do not do this and are an abomination. Males should penetrate. If they are penetrated then they are an abomination.

The horror then is not a revulsion at the sexual act per se but at the breaking of purity rules. All of this is irrelevant to us now. Evangelical Christians happily eat prawn cocktails and wear mixed fabrics. They therefore have no basis on which to pick out the single case of ‘lying with a man’. Furthermore in the New Testament both Jesus and Peter repudiated all the purity laws. It is scandalous that these texts are still dragged out by homophobic Christians to justify their prejudice.

The two other texts are written by St Paul. In Romans he argues that homosexuality is a punishment for idolatrous behaviour. Quite frankly this is nonsense. Idolatry means little nowadays but even if you take it to mean, say, hedonistic behaviour it is ludicrous to claim that people become homosexual because of wildly living it up. There are plenty of heterosexual bohemians and plenty of homosexuals who lead quiet and reflective lives. In Corinthians 1 he apparently includes homosexuals in a list of people who will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Problem is he does not use the usual word for ‘homosexual’ so nobody can be sure what he actually meant.

The Truth is there is no condemnation of homosexuality in The Bible and no justification for the Church’s homophobia. At Christmas it is more important than ever to proclaim this Truth.

OPEN AND WELCOMING CHURCHES Changing Attitude Sussex is committed to telling the truth about Christian teaching on homosexuality, and works for the full inclusion of LGBT people in every province of the Anglican Communion and more widely in all Christian Churches.

For more information, view: www.changingattitudesussex.com and www.thegaygospels.com

GSCENE 69

ADDICTED

BY GRAHAM HAMILTON

CHOIR

BOYS

BY MARK ELSWORTH

BRUISED KNEES

REAL COMMUNITY IN ACTION

I don’t think of myself as a religious person. And yet, I quite often get on my knees to give thanks.

I was brought up Catholic and my earliest memories involve religion. My father came from an Irish/Welsh family of Catholics, and consequently had a life long love of ritual and song, while my mother became Catholic when she married Dad and had the evangelical zeal of the convert. I remember, every Sunday, being stuck at the back of the church while I was force fed chocolate buttons and forbidden from running to the altar to shout to my two older brothers, both altar boys who lorded their superior status over me. Even then I thought it was all a bit weird and wasn’t quite sure why I was there.

The problem with religion is not whether Jesus existed or not. He did. After visiting the Turin Shroud at Malaga Cathedral, whilst we were living out there, it seemed irrefutable that an incredible man had once lived and had been persecuted for his beliefs and tortured to death. The exhibition was amazing: it was like CSI for Christ.

Also I believe that Buddha and other notable prophets once walked around our globe.

Maybe not in the same manner as Lady Gaga struts about naked on the stage at G.A.Y, but maybe with same degree of reverence and fascination.

No, for me, the main problem with religion is man himself.

It was man who wrote down the laws as he saw them and then used their interpretations to rule others through fear and wars. It was man who decided which behaviours he wanted to instil within his society, and he used the ‘Word of God’ to enforce these.

“It was man who decided which behaviours he wanted to instil within his society, and he used the ‘Word of God’ to enforce these” In some ways this does have its modern-day compensations.

God is apparently less judgmental of gays now and we can all queue up and have our services and put money into his bank account. I wonder on which day he sat up on his fluffy cloud and phoned down to man to say, ‘You know what? I’ve decided there really isn’t anything wrong with you humans embracing others with the same genitalia. Go ahead and have your weddings. Why not throw your spermatozoa together in a cup and have a few babies too? You have my blessing.’

I never heard the words coming down myself; perhaps he sent them by email?

It seems strange to me that we don’t all embrace nature more. It is an ever visible, powerful force around us and yet many of us seem to forget it, or worse, think we should learn how to control it. How many campaigns have we heard about ‘Saving the World?’ All these advocates are really concerned about is saving our species’ and not the planet we inhabit. Recycling is a waste of time. If you want to help save the planet (and our species as well), then: heterosexuals please have no more than two babies, to replace yourselves, and homosexuals adopt or foster from the huge pool of unwanted children out there rather than procreate yourselves.

It is nature which will expel our species into extinction or onto further planets. It was nature which gave me my appetites and behaviours. And it is nature which is forcing me down onto my knees again to give thanks.

“It felt like the community to which I belonged by birth wasn’t so keen on having me as a member Go forward a few years and I remember the smell of the priest’s breath as he pulled back the partition in the confessional – an unappealing mix of unfiltered cigarettes and whisky. Confession always seemed a bit weird too. I wasn’t going to tell the priest what I’d really been doing (or worse, thinking) as I knew he’d tell Mum, and so I made up some misdemeanours and was rewarded with a breakneck rendition of four Hail Marys and an Our Father. No one ever did anything about what were rumoured to be the priest’s misdemeanours though. This was the 1970s after all but still... weird...

And underpinning all this, always, was the sense that the church somehow didn’t include me. Occasionally, and with magnificent hypocrisy, the priest would talk about the sins of the flesh and linger a little too long on what I was already thinking about. I don’t remember gay issues being discussed by my parents but I do recall my mother’s horror at the idea that she or her friends could somehow have been ‘tempting’ lecherous Father X. My parents moved away, I came out, and they treated me with the decency and compassion that I expected and still appreciate, but it felt like the community to which I belonged by birth wasn’t so keen on having me as a member. The new priest knew there was something different about me, but no enquiries were ever made about my relationships/partners/life generally. I wasn’t bothered, I’ve always been fairly self contained, but I knew I was being edged out of the fold. I would have to find my own community.

Mum and Dad are dead now, but their sons knew how proud they were of us all. None of us go to church anymore but we have all found communities: mine is within the chorus, which is full of supportive, funny and loving men. And we are part of a wider community which will be singing, with all the gay choirs in Brighton, in St Mary’s Church, Kemptown on World AIDS Day at 3pm, during the rather aptly named concert We All Live Together. Come and see a real community in action!

Pull A Cracker with Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus: The Christmas Special is at the Brighton Dome, 7.30pm, Saturday, December 7. For tickets, view: www.brightondome.org. For more information about Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus: www.brightongmc.org

70 GSCENE

CHARLIE SAYS HOTLINE TO HEAVEN CHARLIE BAUER PhD ON CONNECTING WITH THE NEW GOD IN TOWN Of the countless reasons why religion and homosexuality don’t mix, the most striking is the use of language around the thorny imagery of what people do to each other in bed. Or in the bushes. Or in the sauna.

Apparently, the Catholic Church - the greatest finger pointer, even of the 21st century, must have some idea of what we queers get up to.

Surely those naughty thoughts and images must predicate every argument and damnation they have about being Queer? After all, homosexuality is a sin that would have to be first ‘imagined’ by everyone in this particular belief system – a system whose wealth has been syphoned around what are referred to as ‘the areas of systematic abuse of the unrepresented’ All, apparently, by God’s own representatives themselves.

The first childhood seduction is the Church itself. The building, the effect on the senses, the candlelight, the shadows; images of love, beauty and pain juxtaposed within the same version of religious iconography, the confusion that results. The profusion of writhing naked bodies, Christ being merely one, only compound this confusion of the carnal and the spiritual.

But religious imagery and terminology have been proven to be the most potent of marketing tools. As a system of control with its roots embedded firmly in the 5th century, Christianity hasn’t done that badly at all. Speaking from my post-capitalist pulpit, I can trace its diversification into all forms of power, from the broken Nazi crucifix, the Swastika, chosen for similar reasons, to the burning crosses of the KKK (Angry ‘hot’ anonymous Christians).

Of course, of all the major methods of obtaining our information, Facebook in particular doesn’t rely on cow-towing to the great god Zuckerberg - he merely observes with passing glances as the Shakespearian and Machiavellian narratives play out around him. And since everything is stored, we no longer have the need to confess or even be corrected. In fact, the NSA and GCHQ assure us about the element of ‘freedom’ from having to defending ourselves. Nevertheless, both Zuckerberg and Jobs between them command(ed) more respect than Christ and God the Father combined.

Do these gods have a doctrine? Are the Christians rebelling against Zuckerberg for usurping godly control? Of course not. Did Steve Jobs have an adverse or negative opinion of homosexuality? I very much doubt it – as long as everyone accessed their depravities on a piece of his hardware, he couldn’t give a flying pixel. The new god technology had already moved on from what people do or don’t do with their bodies – the real currency lies in what they do with their minds. It’s a bit like Descartes never died - I tweet therefore I am. After all, they can already guess what the Homos do with their bodies by their behaviour and what they say online. Euck – close that window for gawd’s sake - the world’s looking in at us.

I think the writer Christopher Bryant nailed it recently when he stated that homosexuality is a fact of nature whereas Christianity is a lifestyle choice. This is the final inversion of a system of control that has gone on far too long already. Technology has played its part by expanding this system of thought, from the original AOL queer ‘Romper Rooms’ which gave voices a new internationalism, to proving that the Turin shroud could have once a table cloth in a brothel.

“Homosexuality is a fact of nature whereas Christianity is a lifestyle choice” Christopher Bryant

Now we’ve arrived at the god to end all gods. Actual (not ‘spiritual’) surveillance by an omniscient form that requires no belief for its operating system - other than the purchasing of expensive hardware for a system that does not require fear but compliance. We now genuflect to the techno computer god where you air your confessionals openly and are required to have them distributed and reinterpreted across the cyber heavens.

“We now genuflect to the techno computer god where you air your confessionals openly and are required to have them distributed and reinterpreted across the cyber heavens” It was an obvious extension of this for crypto-hippies like Steve Jobs, to incorporate similar religious language into Apple’s own ‘System of Control’ - the Macintosh. At its inception, inappropriate computer terminology like ‘icon’ and ‘font’ were bandied about and are still in use today. Back then, if two computers were to communicate with each other they had to be ‘blessed’ first – the equivalent of obtaining a WiFi password today. Now of course we have Mac Temples in every city where we can talk to genius priests as the cult spreads without end.

What we are seeing now (via the new holy father) is apparently a corporate disowning of homo-hating by the Catholic Church. This isn’t because all those poor boys were actually once ordained because they were gay; but rather that inclusivity for a dying system needs all the help and financial support it can muster. The race for mind control has finally been lost by Christianity and won by technology. And as soon as a new hateful sect appears over the course of a decade or so, a counter movement can crush it in a single computer posting. Praise the lords.

Anyway, I have no responsibility over a Christian’s lifestyle choice, just leave me with what is, and always has been, a totally natural sexual identity. However I chose to define that.

Find Charlie at: charliebauerphd.blogspot.com IMRU @ KPFC 90.7 FM (Los Angeles)

GSCENE 71

LGBTQ

LIFE RESEARCH HUB

BY SEARLE KOCHBERG

TRANS

SCRIBE

BY NICK DOUGLAS

JEWISH LGBTQ IDENTITIES IN LONDON

GOODBYE, FAREWELL, AUF WIEDERSEHEN, GOODBYE

Laura Vaughan (a Professor of the Built Environment at UCL) has found that because Jewish Londoners self-identify as ‘other’, we have a heightened awareness of where we are in public places in the city.

Other researchers have argued that a similar dynamic exists for those of us within the lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer (LGBTQ) communities: that we too have a keen awareness of the rules governing the various places that we go.

While this may be the month of glad tidings and goodwill to all men, it seems this only extends to the affluent within the LGBT community.

Commentators were recently debating the accessibility of a community event. One vocal participant responded to the criticism that it was priced out of the reach of some LGBT people as follows (I'm paraphrasing but I'm confident that the sentiment is accurate): ‘Tough! If you can't afford it, don't come’. Delivered with a spiteful, mocking comment.

In my work I refer to the performance of identity as a juggling act, because the assertion/struggle of identity that each of us goes through demands a personal juggling act, a performance that includes our class, ethnic, sexual and gender identities. A ‘progressive’ Jewish gay man might be inclined to consider for instance when it might be easier for him to be visibly gay rather than Jewish on the streets of London.

“The assertion/struggle of identity that each of us goes through demands a personal juggling act, a performance that includes our class, ethnic, sexual and gender identities” My current research project My Jewish London asks liberal Jewish gay men to give insights into their personal experiences of Jewish London by taking me on a walk, they choose the route. In this research, my friends – my ’family’ of gay liberal Jewish men - are filmed by me on their chosen street walks. The philosophy behind my methodology is that the filmed walks allow people to think about a Jewish gay place, bringing together different parts of their life experience in both recognised and unpredictable ways. My hope is that this documentary collaboration between filmmaker and subject takes on the form of a real time meditation, that will opens up new ‘places’ to think about how to represent our complicated identities on film.

Allied with this research is a project called Rainbow Jews which documents for the first time the faces, voices and experiences of Jewish LGBTQ pioneers in the UK, from the 1970s to the present. The archive will be available to the public from February 2014 onwards through a free touring exhibition, accompanying screenings, a website (www.rainbowjews.com), a booklet and an educational resource pack for secondary schools. After the exhibition, the Rainbow Jews archive will be permanently available at both the London Metropolitan and London School of Economics archives.

If you would like more information on either My Jewish London or Rainbow Jews, please feel free to email me. Rainbow Jews is still actively seeking volunteers to help collect its stories and launch its exhibition. Searle.kochberg@gmail.com

LGBT QUEER LIFE RESEARCH HUB The LGBT Queer Life Research Hub aims to bring together research related to contemporary sexualities and gender identities and to support researchers working within this field and to capitalise on links with community groups, the voluntary and statutory sectors, and others to develop LGBTQ community-based research in tandem with scholarly research. Email: lgbtq@brighton.ac.uk

Now I believe passionately in free speech. I believe in the right of free citizens to speak their minds even if it offends me to my very core (which this does). I don't believe in censorship, I think it far better to challenge a (crass) argument than to stifle it.

So, firstly, is this a specifically trans* issue? Yes, because local research shows that trans* people tend to have considerably lower incomes than nontrans LGB people. Check out Count Me In Too for the evidence. But more than that, I would like to ask you when it became acceptable within the LGBT community to hate and mock poor people? Whatever the rights and wrongs of the argument, and put the right wing double speak term 'economic exclusion' on it if you like, we're talking about people expressing that they were too poor to participate in an LGBT community event and being spitefully dismissed and mocked for it.

The evil offspring of vicious Thatcherism and commercial greed, you would think that such a sentiment would be roundly condemned by right-thinking LGBT people. But as far as I can tell, these sentiments have been met with at best apathy and at worst keen support. Well I repudiate it. I declare it despicable and immoral and I distance myself from it utterly. I will not join in the chorus of people whose fear in a politically manufactured period of austerity leads them to turn on the most excluded and marginalised. I have nothing but contempt for such views.

“How about we start listening to poor LGBT people instead of dismissing and despising them?

There's a nasty stereotype about gay men: their pockets brimming with all those disposable pink pounds have no time in all the shopping, clubbing and shagging to care about social justice, after all it's such a drag! It just gets in the way of the party! And that's just what this is, a nasty stereotype. Some of the most tireless workers for social justice I know are gay men. But when these kind of 'I'm alright Jack, sod the rest of you' sentiments get expressed, this is what people leave themselves looking like: a tired, selfish, spiteful stereotype. So what's the answer? Here's a radical idea. How about we start listening to poor LGBT people instead of dismissing and despising them? Together, we might be able to find some constructive solutions so we can all join in what the LGBT community and culture has to offer.

On a final note, this will be my last column for Gscene. It's time for pastures new for me to pursue some personal projects. So, I'd like to thank the Gscene team and say that if I have occasionally made you think in a new way about trans* issues, that feels like time well spent. Good wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

72 GSCENE

SAM THE TRANS MAN WHAT I BELIEVE WHY MY FAITH KEEPS ME AFLOAT BY DR SAMUEL JAMES HALL I am a transman and a Catholic. It’s almost as difficult to be ‘out’ as trans* in the Catholic Church as it is to be ‘out’ as a Christian in the LGBT community. The tension I feel is sometimes unbearable, like a steel plate down the centre of my being which divides me into two completely separate beings, and whom I struggle to integrate into one.

But struggle on I do, because it is only in integration that I can reach my full potential as a human being. I am vocal about my trans* status in the Church, partly because I am determined that others who come after me will not suffer in the same way, and partly because I need to find a way to be me in the eyes of God, in the church I love. I am equally vocal about being a Christian in the LGBT community, because to keep that hidden would be another lie, and I am sick of those.

Christianity is lifeblood to me. Raised in a strict Catholic family, I could just as easily have fallen away from the practice of my faith, as many have done for so many reasons, but I didn’t. Haven’t. At a young age and at many significant moments since the first I have experienced the divine, accessed the spiritual realm, touched the macrocosm and known, just known, that there is something, or someone, a whole lot bigger than me out there.

Call it God, positive energy, karma, the Universe, or higher power, for me, the connection with the divine is something sublime and irreplaceable. It is the foundation of faith, belief, certainty. It is the reason I can cope with life.

Faith is not religion, however. Religion is the practice of something, a set of rules and regulations that give structure, comfort and shape to a life of faith. It’s not essential to practice religion in order to maintain any kind of faith, nor is it necessarily true that you need faith to practice a religion. This is a cause of confusion and misunderstanding for many who stand on the sidelines of organised religion and look on in puzzlement. How can they believe that, if, as a consequence they do this to them.

“It’s not essential to practice religion in order to maintain any kind of faith, nor is it necessarily true that you need faith to practice a religion” This is why so many in the LGBT community are disenfranchised from their religion. They have been judged, ostracised, evicted and left out in the cold. And worse still, they have often done this to themselves.

Our own self-hatred is often the cause of the rift in the first place. I learned this when I was eventually brave enough to go back to my church and come out as transgendered. I was embraced lovingly by many, many people, far more than the few who rejected me. I know this is not the experience of others, and certainly has not been in the past. Christianity has been very slow to catch up with society in terms of welcoming LGBT folk.

Being transgendered is also essential to my being. It’s who I am. I cannot help that I was born with a male brain in a female body (my words to describe the extraordinary reality I live in), any more than I can help my looks, parentage, or the circumstances of my birth. It has taken me more than 40 years to come to terms with this and embrace it, and to a large degree that is because of my religious background.

One of the fundamental tenets of the Catholic faith is that of the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman as the building block of society and of families. For years I understood this as my only sphere of reference, and refused to question the truth or integrity of this view. It was only as a result of my own journey of selfemancipation, forced to encounter the reality of [not-fitting] that I was able to even begin to embrace the wider picture.

The first step is painful - known in psychological speak as ‘cognitive dissonance’ - the experience of my life being so very much at odds with my fundamental beliefs caused mental and emotional anguish.

How can I match up what I believe in with what is happening to me when the two are completely divergent? Either I have to change my beliefs to fit the truth of who I am, or I have to change who I am to conform to the beliefs I have held for my whole life. I had tried the latter. For the last 30 years I had tried to conform to my own and others’ expectations, and forced myself to live as a woman. Now it was time to adjust my value set.

This is hard work. We don’t realise how very deeply ingrained our beliefs are, how fundamentally important our value set. This applies to anyone, religious or not, Christian or Muslim, atheist, Buddhist or Jew, practicing or lapsed; the circumstances of our lives lead us to form a set of morals and values by which we choose then to live our lives.

Changing them because our circumstances force a deep-down rethink… Well that can take years. And it does. Good psychotherapy helps, and a willingness, an openness to challenge and change if necessary. Most helpful of all though, is a little faith. That “all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well”.

(Julian of Norwich)

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.

CLARE PROJECT meets every TUESDAY at DORSET GARDENS METHODIST CHURCH Dorset Gardens (off St James St) Brighton BN2 1RL from 2.30–5.30pm except on the first Tuesday of each month, when there is an optional meal out in the evening preceded by the drop-in from 5–7.30pm.

More details can be found on the website www.clareproject.org.uk or find on us facebook under Clare Project.

Email clareprojectinfo@gmail.com

GSCENE 73

TWISTED

GILDED GHETTO

BY ERIC PAGE

LUNCH

POSITIVE WWW.LUNCHPOSITIVE.ORG

BAH, HUMMBUGGERY!

LONELY THIS CHRISTMAS?

This cold, bleak, Christmas Eve, all Brighton is quiet. Working late Henry Double-Dip is about to get a visit. Let’s get one thing clear, Milky is as dead as Cher’s career and yet, as Henry turns he sees movement. He sees the ghost of Harvey Milky. Milky looks like a leather daddy in a K-hole in a seedy basement club, a wig pulled down to hide the hideous bullet hole in his head. “Hello Henry you squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, covetous, old hottie” says the ghost. “We’re going out tonight, just like we used to, and you’ll meet three spirits; none of them gin.“ The ghost reached out and grabbed Henry’s arm, who shuddered at the clammy claw that grabbed him with its frozen grip and pushed him through the wall.

Feeling low thinking about this Christmas season? You're not alone.

Christmas adverts on the television evoke emotional responses to have fun, enjoy ourselves, to spend more money. Whilst people are planning Christmas parties, sending good wishes and wrapping gifts, many are isolated, struggling or crying on the inside. Maybe you're one of them? I was, for many years.

“Hey Honey Child, I am the Drag Queen of Christmas Past, we are off into your past. See that laughing man dressed like a reindeer kissing the sexy Latino? That’s you, drunk and having a ball, surrounded by dykes, queers and trans friends, fighting for your rights and dancing the night away. You hope in your heart, marching for your right to love who you liked.“ DoubleDip smiled, remembering those fun days, before he’d moved to Brighton and opened his Media Agency. He sighed and felt the warmth and heard the laughter of his fondly remembered friends and wondered where they were all now.

“This was you,” said the Drag Queen before melting into the shadows leaving Henry uncomfortably aware of being watched by a huge black muscled guy whose feet didn’t touch the ground. “Hey,” said the man “I’m Bunny the Gym Queen of Christmas Present, your second spirit. Let’s party.” The street shattered into a million shards of disco ball and they appeared in a club, filled with muscled men, shirts off, eyes rolling back, jaws chomping, all dancing spasmodically. Henry recognised most of them as fuck buddies and friends doing the chem weekender thing, the thing he’d been doing himself for 20 years. “See how similar they are, polished maintained bodies, empty drug fucked minds, desperate hungry bodies,” said Bunny yawning. “Let’s smoke.” they wafted onto the balcony filled with the same sweating men, and looked down in the street. Some women worked from a van, feeding the homeless. Henry recognised one of them, his friend Jennifer, she’s held such promise. He turned the other way and saw a women weighted down under Lidl bags scurrying up the hill. Some drunk men shouted nasty, cruel, hurtful words. Scared, she slipped on the icy pavement and they kicked, hitting her leg and she fell. Blows and abuse rained down on her defenceless huddled form. No one helped, and the men, spitting on her, walked off laughing. It was mindless drunken violence. Henry was shocked, Bunny just shrugged and said; “That was Susanne, you knew her as Clive; your best queer friend. He struggled for a few years then decided to change, moved to Brighton took the brave step of living as a woman, as she’d always wanted to.”

Harvey Milky stepped out of the wall, smiled, and said “Equality for one and all!” before laughing and fading into the smoke.

Henry was horrified; he’d loved Clive who’d been so kind and deep, but was restrained by Bunny who said “I’m out of space, the story ends here, there’s no time for a third spirit, the Young Queer of Christmas Yet to Come, or a happy ending, but that’s a story and this is reality, this is the world we’ve built, we can only change the future.” He vanished.

Henry sobbed wondering when he’d become so hard, uncaring and selfish and made some quiet promises to himself as he crossed towards the sobbing form on the ground.

Off you go readers, into the cold night, just remember to be Exquisite and never explain.

In an attempt to cope, I tried everything that we're advised not to! I partied hard, only to feel even more alone in the crowd. I over-indulged to experience quick highs followed by long and painful lows. I kept things to myself and tried to experience the Christmas other people thought I should have, rather than talk about or find ways to have one which suited and was good for me.

Trying to keep up with what we learn and are told Christmas is supposed to be is pressure enough in itself. If you're someone who thinks Christmas is the best thing ever invented, remember many people don't, and many of us want the choice to easily decide how and whether we'll be part of it or not. It can be kindness to think about others and involve people we know in our festivities. But it can sometimes be a greater kindness to understand when people say “I'd rather not” they really mean it! Asking, respecting and finding ways to help people do what they feel is good for them are valuable gifts. It might not be what you had planned, but it could possibly be more welcome than the presents you've already wrapped and labelled. If you're feeling the pressure already, try and find the voice to express how you truly feel to someone who will listen and hear what you're saying. If you don't have a friend or acquaintance who can offer this, look for a group or organisation that can. People who provide a listening ear have often experienced similar thoughts or feelings, and genuinely want to help.

You might be surprised, and comforted, to know that there are lots of people who also know this can feel a difficult time of the year.

I've dipped in and out of Christmas for the last few years. My partner died just five days before. For the first few years I tried doing the usual things, but the 'empty chair' was still there, and sticking to what had previously been enjoyable and comforting didn't work anymore. In fact it made things worse. I’m fortunate to have learned that avoiding unnecessary pressure, finding outlets to talk, learning to be comfortable in my own company, and thinking about the light at the end of the tunnel, is less damaging than trying to keep up with everyone else’s festive expectations. It's a bit of a cliché, but other than the lead up to the big day (which very few of us are alone in being able to avoid) Christmas is over in a few days. For those of us who find it difficult, it passes, and 'normal' life resumes.

So that's the next big question. If Christmas is all about kindness and giving, and good will towards our fellow beings, why is it we celebrate these approaches so extravagantly in December, and possibly not so throughout the rest of the year? If Christmas brings greater acceptance, tolerance and consideration of others, if we don't already, can't we make it our mission to do that on every other day? Let's try!

• Lunch Positive is open over the Christmas period: Friday, Dec 20 is our Christmas lunch; Friday, Dec27 is our Christmas buffet.

Help, advice and support available over the Christmas period includes: • Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard helpline 01273 204050.

• Details of availability on www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton.

• Brighton & Hove Samaritans offer 24-hour confidential emotional support: call 01273 772277; text 07725 909090; email jo@samaritans.org; or view: www.brightonsamaritans.org Lunch Positive is a lunch club for people with HIV which runs every Friday from Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, Dorset Gardens, Brighton. To find out more about joining or becoming a volunteer visit • www.lunchpositive.org • or call 07846 464384

74 GSCENE

“People who have a spiritual understanding of life in the absence of a religious framework are vulnerable to mental disorder” #1 An interesting study has found that while religious people are less likely to experience mental health issues, so too are those without any spiritual life. The most unhappy are those with a spiritual awareness or spiritual yearning who do not belong to a religious system. For many LGB&T people this is the case, especially if the religious system you might have valued has no room for you.

The type of mental health issues that the spiritually non-religious are more likely to experience include dependence on drugs, abnormal eating attitudes, anxiety, depression, phobias and neuroses.

RELIGION AND MENTAL HEALTH When is religion, belief, and faith good for mental health and how and when does it represent a negative influence on our sense of wellbeing as LGB&T people?

It’s commonplace to think that religious belief is good for happiness: belonging to a tradition, participating in valued rituals, having confidence in something above and beyond and having a sense of meaning all sound lovely, and probably are for those who believe and who ‘fit’.

As LGB&T people, many of us have the experience of being brought up with religious practice and belief which rejected our identities and experiences, told us we were sinning, punished us, abused us. Personally I’m talking about the Church of England here, as that is my experience. Some of us may have been lucky enough to have grown up as Quakers, Buddhists, liberal Jewish, liberal Muslim, Methodist, liberal Hindu or even Shamans! Of course some organised religion can be affirmative and inclusive.

Expressed beliefs may also have divided us from each other: the singling out of gay men for particular disapproval, the ignoring of lesbian sexuality as not worthy of mention, the toleration and dismissal of bisexual identities, let alone the blaming of trans* people for all the ills of the world and a greater threat than global warming (I kid you not, this was the substance of some old Pope’s New Year address to his millions and millions of followers).

So is it any wonder that many of us may be a tad disillusioned with the worlds of organised religion, be seeking something other, seeking for meaning, salvation, a good life? Many of us may find that religion is what has stopped or prevented real spiritual growth, and may have contributed directly to our experiences of poor mental health.

For the benefit of our mental health maybe we should be actively seeking religious affiliation that does positively regard our sexual orientation and our gender identities. In Brighton we have options. For example in buddhism, eg the LGB&T meditation group, in Methodist practice eg Dorset Gardens Methodist Church.

This also goes some way towards an understanding of why Christmas can be such a painful time for some of us: big celebration in the Christian homonegative world, just for starters. Christmas time is one big commercial fest, but it does have a spiritual message: generosity, kindness, charity, love. Let’s hope we can find those in our hearts, with or without religion to aid us! #1 Religion, spirituality and mental health: results from a national study of English households by Michael King et al British Journal of Psychiatry

MINDOUT SERVICES MindOut offers free, confidential, non- judgemental, independent mental health support. We provide advocacy, advice and information, peer group support, peer mentoring, wellbeing courses and events, anti-stigma campaigning and an online support service.

If you would like to talk about anything to do with mental health please email info@mindout.org.uk or call 01273 234839.

If you would like to contact our online chat service please see our website www.mindout.org.uk for opening times

GSCENE 75

SERVICES

DIRECTORY LGBT SERVICES t ACCESS 4 ALL

LGBT disabled people’s forum. Safe, welcoming, support, activities, awareness.

Tel: 07981 170071 or access4all@fsmail.net

t ANYTHING BUT…

Youth social support group for LGB or unsure under 26, every other Wed. Tel: 01424 724150 or 01424 447033

t ALLSORTS YOUTH PROJECT

Drop in for LGBT or unsure young people under 26, Tues 5.30-8.30pm. Tel: 01273 721211 or info@allsortsyouth.org.uk, www.allsortsyouth.org.uk

t BRIGHTON & HOVE POLICE

Report all homophobic and transphobic incidents to: • The Sussex Police 101 (for emergencies 999) email: LGBT@sussex.pnn.police.uk tweet: @policeLGBT • LGBT Officer PC Rich Bridger on 101 ext 550727 • LGBT caseworker Rory Smith on 101 ext 550727 or 07775 546548 • Facebook Brighton LGBT Police

t BRIGHTON & HOVE LGBT SAFETY FORUM Independent LGBT forum working with the Community to address and improve safety issues throughout Brighton & Hove. info@lgbt-safety-forum-brighton.com www.lgbt-safety-forum-brighton.com

t BRIGHTON & HOVE LGBT SWITCHBOARD

Phone Helpline, Hate Crime reporting, Counselling service, Proud2connect (relationship counselling in partnership with Brighton Relate). www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton • Helpline from 5pm daily: Tel: 01273 204050 • Services info 01273 234009 • email brighton.manager@switchboard.org.uk • or brighton.admin@switchboard.org.uk

t BRIGHTON OURSTORY PROJECT

Oral history projects including shows, exhibitions, books, support to researchers Tel: 01273 207757 or 01273 328592 or www.brightonourstory.co.uk

t BRIGHTON WOMEN’S CENTRE

Info, counselling, drop-in space, support groups.

Tel: 01273 698036 or www.womenscentre.org.uk

t FTM BRIGHTON

Social/support group for all female-to-male trans people.

Every 3rd Sat of the month, 6-8pm, THT Office, 61 Ship St, Brighton, BN1 1AE. For info visit: www.ftmbrighton.org.uk or contact info@ftmbrighton.org.uk

t GEMS (GAY ELDERLY MEN’S SOCIETY)

Social group for mature gay men, meet 7–9pm every last Fri of month at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church Hall Tel: 01273 385000 or info@gems-bh.org.uk www.gems-bh.org.uk

t LESBIAN LINK BRIGHTON

Local social group offers friendship, social events, meets 1st Thursday at The Regency Tavern 7.30pm Tel: 07594 578035 (eve) www.lesbianlinkbrighton.co.uk

t LESBIAN & GAY AA

12 step self-help programme for alcohol addictions. Sun 7.30pm, Chapel Royal, North St, Btn (side entrance).

Tel: 01273 203343 (general AA line)

t LGBT NA GROUP

Brighton based LGBT (welcomes others) Narcotics Anonymous group every Tue 6.30–8pm, Millwood Centre, Nelson Row, Kingswood St. Tel: NA Helpline 604604

t LGBT MEDITATION GROUP Meditation & discussion, every 2nd & 4th Thur, 5.30–7pm, Anahata Clinic, 119 Edward St, Brighton.

Tel: 07789 861367 www.bodhitreebrighton.org.uk

t LUNCH POSITIVE

Lunch club for people with HIV to meet, make friends, find peer support in safe environment. Every Fri, noon–2.30pm, Community Room, Dorset Gdns Methodist Church, Dorset Gardens, Brighton. Lunch £1.50.

Tel: 07846 464384 or www.lunchpositive.org

t MINDOUT

Independent, impartial info, guidance for LGBT people with mental health problems. 24 hr confidential answerphone: Tel: o1273 234839 or info@mindout.org.uk www.mindout.org.uk

t RAINBOW FAMILIES

Support group for lesbian and/or gay parents Tel: 07951 082013 or info@rainbowfamilies.org.uk www.rainbowfamilies.org.uk

t VICTIM SUPPORT

Practical, emotional support for victims of crime.

Tel: Brighton 01273 234009 or Hove 01273 439942

HIV PREVENTION TREATMENT & CARE SERVICES t AVERT

Sussex HIV & AIDS info service, available by phone Tel: 01403 210202 or email confidential@avert.org

t BRIGHTON & HOVE CAB HIV PROJECT

Money, benefits, employment, housing, info, advocacy.

Appointments: Tue-Thur 9am-4pm, Wed 9am-12.30pm Brighton & Hove Citizens Advice Bureau, 1 Tisbury Rd, Hove, Tel: 0845 1203710 www.brightonhovecab.org.uk

t CLINIC M

Free confidential testing & treatment for STIs including HIV. Hep A & B vaccinations. Out Patients Dept of Royal Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Rd, from 6-8m.

Tel: 01273 664721 www.brightonsexualhealth.com

t LAWSON UNIT

Medical advice, treatment for HIV+, specialist clinics, diet & welfare advice, drug trials. Tel: 01273 664722

t SUBSTANCE MISUSE SERVICE

CRI / Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust. Open access drop in, assessment, support, advice, info on drug & alcohol issues Tel 01273 607575. LGB&T worker provides confidential, non judgemental outreach service. Support for people over 18 wishing to address substance misuse Tel 07717 774 658

t SUSSEX BEACON

24 hour nursing & medical care, day care.

Tel: 01273 694222 or www.sussexbeacon.org.uk

• Positive Voices: volunteers who go to organisations to talk about personal experiences of living with HIV. • Fastest (HIV Testing): walk-in, (no appointment) rapid HIV testing service for men who have sex with men. Pre & post test discussion with clinical staff. Results in an hour.

10 men max tested per session. Mon: 6–8pm.

(Full sexual health screen available) • Sauna Fastest at The Brighton Sauna (HIV Testing): walk-in, (no appointment) rapid HIV testing service for men who have sex with men. Pre & post test discussion with clinical staff. Results in 30 minutes.

Wed: 6–8pm. (STI Testing available) • Face2Face: confidential info & advice on sexual health & HIV for men who have sex with men. Face-2-face or phone. Up to 3 one hour appointments.

• Specialist Training: wide range of courses for groups/ individuals. Specific courses to suit needs.

• Counselling: from qualified counsellors for up to 12 sessions for people living with/affected by HIV • Informed Passions: Expert Volunteers project to identify & support sexual health needs of local men who have sex with men and carry out wide-ranging field research in B&H on issues affecting men’s sexual health. Extensive training provided.

• Lounge (Group for Gay Men Living with HIV): fortnightly peer support group for gay men.

• What Next? Thurs eve, 6 week peer support group work programme for newly diagnosed HIV+ gay men.

• HIV Support Services: info, support & practical advice for people living with/affected by HIV. • Volunteer Support Services: 1-2-1 community support for people living with or affected by HIV. • HIV Welfare Rights Advice: Find out about benefits or benefit changes that may affect you.

Advice line: Mon–Thur 1:30-2:30pm.

1-2-1 appointments for advice and workshops on key benefits.

For more info about these FREE services go to the THT office, 61 Ship St, Btn, Mon–Fri, 9.30am–5.30pm Tel: 01273 764200 or info.brighton@tht.org.uk

t TERRENCE HIGGINS EASTBOURNE

Covering East Sussex, Services: Health Promotion Outreach, free condoms, lube, sexual health info & advice; HIV Health Coach, short term support for people living with HIV; counselling; Positive Grants; Face-2-Face 1-2-1 support & advice on sexual health, HIV; Condom Male: free condoms by post; Fastest: 1 hour HIV tests; Positively Social: group for people living with HIV; Volunteering.

Dyke House, 110 South St, Eastbourne, BN21 4LZ, Tel: 01323 649927 or info.eastbourne@tht.org.uk

t WARREN BROWNE UNIT

Free confidential tests & treatment for STIs inc HIV. Hep A & B vaccinations. Shoreham based. Tel: 01273 461453

NATIONAL HELPLINES t BROKEN RAINBOW

LGBT Domestic Violence Helpline, Mon 2-8pm, Wed 10-1pm, Thur 2-8pm Tel: 08452 604460

t LONDON LESBIAN & GAY SWITCHBOARD

t TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST SERVICES

Tel: 02078 377324

• Venue Outreach: info on HIV, sexual health, personal safety, safer drug/alcohol use, free condoms/lubricant for men who have sex with men.

• The Bushes Outreach Service @ Dukes Mound: advice, support, info on HIV, sexual health, personal safety. Free condoms, lube, tea/coffee from Outreach van parked next to ‘The Patio’ at the Bushes.

• Netreach (online Outreach in Brighton & Hove): info/advice on HIV/sexual health/local services.

THT Brighton Outreach workers online @ Gaydar: Thur 7–10pm, Sat 6pm-12am, chatroom HEALTH INFO THT • Condom Male: discreet, confidential service posts free condoms/lube/sexual health info to men who have sex with men without access to commercial gay scene in East Sussex.

Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat & Sun 4-10pm Tel: 0800 1696806

t POSITIVELINE (EDDIE SURMAN TRUST) t MAINLINERS Tel: 02075 825226

t NATIONAL AIDS HELPLINE 08005 67123

t NATIONAL DRUGS HELPLINE 08007 76600 t THT AIDS TREATMENT PHONELINE Tel: 08459 470047

t THT DIRECT Tel: 0845 1221200

76 GSCENE

DEC 2013

CLASSIFIEDS

CALL 01273 722457 BY 12TH DEC TO GUARANTEE ADVERT PLACEMENT

BUILDERS, CARPENTERS, ELECTRICIANS, DECORATORS, RUBBISH CLEARENCE, SOLAR, TILES

E L E Brighton C T Rbased ICAN For all your electrical requirements No jobs too small, rewire, phone points etc.

Call Barry for free advice on

01273 624610 / 07889 730640 barry.butcher2@ntlworld.com

Electrical Mechanical Services

paintworks GAY PAINTER & DEC ORATOR * * * *

Competitive Rates Interior / Exterior Artexing / Coving Quality & Reliability Guaranteed

HOME 01273 589329 MOBILE 07973 839214 over 15 years experience

Est 1990

RAINBOW DECOR

07749 471497

CITB Qualifie d

Guaranteed Work carried out by Gay Professional Man •Painting & Decorating •Tiling •Kitchens/ Bathrooms fitted •General plumbing MOST OTHER TRADES UNDERTAKEN

MT CARPENTRY & BUILDING

• LOFT CONVERSIONS • EXTENSIONS • BRICKWORK • PAINTWORK • DECORATING • INSURANCE REPAIRS

FREE ESTIMATES

CALL MICK: 01273

383 767 MOBILE: 07939 581 791

GSCENE 77

DEC 2013 PROFESSIONAL

CLASSIFIEDS

CALL 01273 722457 BY 12TH DEC TO GUARANTEE ADVERT PLACEMENT

COUNSELLING, MASSAGE, TREATMENTS, SEXUAL HEALTH GSCENE SUGGESTS READERS SHOULD ALWAYS VERIFY THERAPISTS QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

AN AD THIS SIZE COSTS £35 + VAT CALL

01273 722457

SUSSEX DIVE CLUB TRY DIVE

£15

training courses & Gift certificates available

www.sussexdiving.co.uk

TO ADVERTISE IN GSCENE

CALL 01273 722457 CHAT LINES

WHILST EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF STATEMENTS IN THIS MAGAZINE WE CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE VIEWS OF CONTRIBUTORS, ERRORS, OR OMMISIONS, OR FOR MATTERS ARISING FROM CLERICAL OR PRINTERS ERRORS, OR AN ADVERTISER NOT COMPLETING A CONTRACT

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1 A-BAR 11–12 Marine Parade, 688825 2 BAR REVENGE 7 Marine Parade, 606064 6 CAMELFORD ARMS 30-31Camelford St, 622386 7 CHARLES ST BAR 8-9 Marine Parade, 624091 11 LEGENDS BAR 31-34 Marine Parade, 624462 33 NEW STEINE BISTRO 12a New Steine, 681546 14 PARIS HOUSE 21 Western Rod, 724195

l COMMUNITY

30 SMOKEYS 123-125 Kings Rd, 323888 19 THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS 59 North Rd, 608571

44 BRIGHTON WOMEN’S CENTRE 72 High St, 698036 www.womenscentre.org.uk 45 LUNCH POSITIVE l SAUNAS Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, 41 BRIGHTON SAUNA 07846 464384 75 Grand Parade, 689966 www.lunchpositive.org 42 TBS2 SAUNA 46 MINDOUT 84-86 Denmark Villas, Hove, 723733 Community Base, 113 Queens Rd 234839 www.mindout.org.uk l LEGAL & FINANCE 46 SWITCHBOARD 43 ENGLEHARTS Community Base, 113 Queens Rd 49 Vallance Hall, Hove St, Hove, 204411 204050 (5–11pm)

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38 JUSTIN LLOYD (Kemptown) 118 St James’ St, 315612 39 JUSTIN LLOYD (City) 111 Western Rd, Hove, 315613

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35 PROWLER 112 St James’ St, 683680 36 SUSSEX BEACON Charity Shop 130 St James’ St, 682992 37 SUSSEX BEACON Home Store 72-73 London Rd, 680264

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1 AMSTERDAM 11–12 Marine Parade, 688825 25 AMBASSADOR HOTEL 22-23 New Steine, 676869 26 AVALON HOTEL 7 Upper Rock Gardens, 692344 27 CAVALAIRE HOTEL 34 Upper Rock Gardens, 696899 28 COURTLANDS HOTEL 19-27 The Drive, Hove, 731055 29 COWARDS HOTEL 12 Upper Rock Gardens, 692677

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30 GRANVILLE HOTEL 124 Kings Rd, 326302 31 GULLIVERS HOTEL 12a New Steine, 695415 32 HUDSONS 22 Devonshire Place, 683642 11 LEGENDS HOTEL 31-34 Marine Parade, 624462 33 NEW STEINE HOTEL 10/11 New Steine, 681546 34 QUEENS HOTEL 1/3 Kings Rd, 321222

l CLUBS

11 BASEMENT CLUB (below Legends) 31-34 Marine Parade, 624462 8 ENVY (above Charles St Bar) 8-9 Marine Parade, 624091 21 FUNKY FISH @ New Madeira Hotel 19-23 Marine Parade, 01273 698331 22 DIGITAL 187-193 Kings Road Arches www.aeonevents.co.uk 23 REVENGE 32-34 Old Steine, 606064 24 WILD FRUIT @ SHOOSHH 214 Kings Road Arches www.aeonevents.co.uk

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1 A-BAR 11–12 Marine Parade, 688825 2 BAR REVENGE 7 Marine Parade, 606064 3 BEDFORD TAVERN 30 Western St, 739495 4 BULLDOG TAVERN 31 St James’ St, 696996 5 BRIGHTON TAVERN 99-100 Gloucester Rd, 680365 6 CAMELFORD ARMS 30-31Camelford St, 622386 7 CHARLES STREET BAR 8-9 Marine Parade, 624091 8 CHURCH STREET 112 Church St, 606864 9 DR BRIGHTON’S 16 Kings Rd, 208113 10 GROSVENOR 16 Western St, 770712 11 LEGENDS BAR 31-34 Marine Parade, 624462 12 MARINE TAVERN 13 Broad St, 681284 13 MARLBOROUGH 4 Princes St, 570028 14 PARIS HOUSE 21 Western Rod, 724195 15 POISON IVY 129 St James St 16 QUEENS ARMS 7 George St, 696873 17 REGENCY TAVERN 32-34 Russell Sq, 325652 18 SUBLINE 129 St James St, 624100 19 THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS 59 North Rd, 608571 20 ZONE 33 St James’ St, 682249

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UNDER OFFER WITHIN 5 DAYS. First floor balcony apartment on Third Avenue. Consisting of entrance hallway with useful utility cupboard, living/dining room, modern kitchen, two double bedrooms, one with en-suite shower room, and bathroom. In excellent decorative order and the attention to detail is second to none.

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Buy & sell with the experts.

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Four of our favourite properties this week. Visit our website at justinlloyd.co.uk to view all our properties.

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Sussex Square, Brighton

£ 245,000

UNDER OFFER WITHIN 12 DAYS. One bedroom third floor flat in a converted period house overlooking the New Steine Gardens, which are set back from Marine Parade in an exclusive part of Kemp Town.

The accommodation comprises: entrance hallway, living room, separate kitchen, double bedroom and bathroom.

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“Very helpful - any queries I had were dealt with quickly.”

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UNDER OFFER WITHIN 11 DAYS. Superbly presented one bedroom apartment on the first floor. Sussex Square is one of the most sought after addresses in Brighton due to the private access to the beautiful Kemp Town Enclosures.

Comprising: entrance hallway, living room, kitchen, double bedroom and bathroom.

Vendor Comment, October 2013.

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Grand Parade, Brighton

£ 285,0000 UNDER OFFER WTHIN 7 DAYS. This fourth floor apartment is a perfect city centre pad for someone seeking a modern and comfortable home. Comprising: entrance hallway, living room/kitchen leading onto a curved south facing balcony, two double bedrooms both with fitted wardrobes and one with en-suite bathroom, and a family bathroom.

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Highly Commended Real Estate Agency East Sussex

Call us now 01273 692424

Kemp Town 118 St James’s Street, Brighton BN2 1TH

The International Property Awards 2013-2013

Email info@justinlloyd.co.uk

City 111 Western Road, Hove BN3 1DD

Visit justinlloyd.co.uk

Hove 176 Church Road, Hove BN3 2DJ

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