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NOV 2013
CONTENTS
GSCENE magazine A BAR: REMEMBERING RUSSELL 12 MONTHS ON
PUBLISHED BY Peter Storrow TEL 01273 722457 EDITORIAL info@gscene.com ADS+ARTWORK design@gscene.com EDITORIAL TEAM James Ledward, Graham Robson ARTS EDITOR Michael Hootman SUB-EDITOR Graham Robson DESIGN Michèle Allardyce
FRONT COVER MODEL Tombe Harvey facebook.com/tombe.harvey.3 PHOTOGRAPHY Manel Ortego manelortega.co.uk Facebook: photomanelortega Twitter: @manelortega
DOLLY PARTEM’S LAST SUNDAY SERVICE @ LONDON HOTEL
CONTRIBUTORS Jaq Bayles, Jo Bourne, Nick Boston, Suchi Chatterjee, Craig Hanlon Smith, Enzo Marra, Netty, Carl Oprey, Eric Page, Kat Pope, Del Sharp, Keith Sharpe, Gay Socrates, Darren Sole, Brian Stacey, Glen Stevens, Craig Storrie, Duncan Stewart, Roger Wheeler, Mike Wall, Morham White, Kate Wildblood
PHOTOGRAPHERS Phil Bailey brightonmoments.co.uk, C, Chris Jepson, Michael Hootman, James Ledward, James Rose (London Hotel), Quickpicsonline: www.facebook.com/Quickpicsonline
© 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.
NEWS 5 News
SCENE LISTINGS
FEATURES 8 PRIDE... A DEEPER LOVE
32 Brighton Listings 48 Solent Listings
ARTS
Alice Booth on her storytelling project with HIV+ people
54 58 60 64
24 WORLD AIDS DAY DIARY
REGULARS
James Brooks tells it from the heart
23 SPEAKING VOLUMES A guide to what’s on locally for World AIDS Day
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.
26 LUNCH POSITIVE
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.
28 KRISSIE DUCANN - THIS IS ME!
Gary Pargeter on the solidarity of the lunch club for HIV+ people
27 THE SUSSEX BEACON Simon Dowe on why services for HIV positive people still matter James Ledward talks to Krissie about her new book This Is Me
29 SOUTHAMPTON PINK BALL Pictures from Southampton fundraiser which raised £11,000
30 SRI LANKA Alan Stables tastes the gay delights of Sri Lanka
53 BOY GEORGE - THIS IS WHAT I DO Dean Stockings talks to Boy George about his new album
59 OSKA BRIGHT FILM FESTIVAL 2013 The first and only international film & digital media festival managed and promoted by learning disabled artists
CHARLES STREET
DOLLY PARTEM’S LAST SUNDAY SERVICE @ LONDON HOTEL
www.gscene.org @gscene GScene.Brighton
Arts News & Listings Film reviews Art Matters Classical Notes
5 Letters 51 Dine With Morham 52 Dance Music 52 DJ profile: Grant Knowles 62 Geek Scene 66 Shopping 67 Craig’s Thoughts 68 Heart & Sole 69 Duncan’s Domain 69 Homely Homily 70 Sharp Words 71 Netty’s World 71 Queerying Queenie 72 Charlie Says 73 Lunch Positive 73 Brighton MCC 74 Sam The Trans Man
61 GAY PHOTOGRAPHERS NETWORK
INFORMATION
John Drennan on the success of the gay photography group
75 Services Directory 76 Classifieds 78 Advertisers’ Map
63 BRIGHTON: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL Glenn Stevens discusses his contribution to the book
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND LETTERS TO: GSCENE, 111 WESTERN ROAD, HOVE, BN3 1DD OR EMAIL: info@gscene.com
THANKS SUBLINE Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) Brighton would like to say a massive thank you to the all the staff, customers and contestants at Subline for Mr Subline 2013 on Friday, October 4. The evening was a great success with Wilma Fingerdo hosting, David Fawcett being crowned this year’s winner, and £455 raised to support THT’s local services. Thanks again, Ross Boseley, THT
LET’S GET OUR PRIORITIES RIGHT!
This dependency on a mental health diagnoses can also be seen with the benefits system of the In reply to your editorial comments about a ‘something for welfare state. If an individual receives a benefit that gives that nothing culture’ and community person a ‘lifestyle’ that person tickets for Pride in October may have an investment in their Gscene. diagnoses to maintain that life Firstly, I do a bit of voluntary style; there would be no point in work and I do not expect to be recovery if financially you are given freebies just because of this. I volunteer because I believe worse off. in what I am doing, not for what On several occasions I have had a discussion with a patient who I hope to gain from it. However, assumes I am better off financially there is another aspect of because I am working. Yet when the ‘something for nothing we have compared that person’s culture’. benefits to my take home wage, I have worked in mental health for over ten years and I have seen the response has been ‘why should what this culture can do to those I get better?’ Even if it is in the care plan of a person suffering who suffer with enduring mental health problems – there becomes from an enduring mental health condition to go to an event like an expectation. This expectation Pride, they should pay the price can sometimes lead to the that everyone else is paying – institutionalisation of an welcome to the real world. If individual and make them dependent on their diagnoses. In you’re a volunteer or a worker for an organisation there is no reason mental health, if you keep why you shouldn’t be paying full offering freebies such as free tickets to Pride and other similar price for your ticket as well. Finally, I agree we should be events/things an individual may concentrating first and foremost lose sight of the real world; on raising more money at Pride for becoming more and more worthy organisations like MindOut dependent on services and more so they can continue their dependent on the mental health worker/system. You might as well fantastic work and stop have kept the old institutions like any freebie culture getting out of hand. St Frances open where the mentally ill lived their whole life Stephen Ashby at the hospital.
MAYOR LAUNCHES GEMS’ NEW LOGO Councillor Denise Cobb, the Mayor of Brighton & Hove accompanied by her son Robert, attended the GEMS annual dinner, which was this year held at the Imperial Hotel in First Avenue, Hove on Friday, October 18. GEMS used the evening to launch their new logo designed by Peter Amos and the Mayor gave a short speech saying how important the organisation was to older gay men and how important it was that organisations like GEMS existed in Brighton & Hove with its ageing LGBT population. Everyone enjoyed a delicious three course meal following by a raffle and carriages at 10pm.
CAN YOU HELP? Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard is examining some of its staff roles and salary arrangements. We would like a better sense of salary scales for workers engaged in community consultation and engagement work. If your organisation employs someone in this role, would it be possible to please send information about the following? • The salary range that was offered for this post when recruited for • The current salary of the worker • A copy of the job description. We understand that this is
(commercially) sensitive information and will treat it as such. We will only use it internally and not release it further. In addition, as I work closely with people employed in such roles locally, please do feel free to instead send details directly to the Director of Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard: natalie.woods@switchboard.org.uk Any help much appreciated - this will be really useful in enabling us to do a fair and informed assessment. Nick Douglas, LGBT HIP
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ticketed format for the event is delivering a healthy surplus and allowing LGBT charities to benefit from grants administered by the Rainbow Fund. “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 2015.
) Following reports in the Daily Mirror (Monday, September 30) about the proposed removal of the annual grant from the council's main budget, the Brighton & Hove Gay Business Forum extended an invitation to the leaders of the city's three main political parties to attend their next Forum meeting and explain why they are prepared to put at risk Brighton's biggest diversity event and largest pro rata generator of income from any city event, which benefits businesses both straight and gay in Brighton & Hove. The £25,000 grant to Pride has been in the council's main budget for some years and is essential to the cash flow of the annual parade and festival. In 2011-12 organisers claim only £10,000 of the £25,000 grant was handed over to them. Gscene understands that the Pride organisers in 2012-2013 received none of this grant to fund the Pride Parade or Festival in Preston Park. On November 29, 2012 the Leader of the Council, Jason Kitcat told the Argus that “a one off £25,000 grant would remain to support the annual celebration of the LGBT community for 2013/14", adding that "In its current form we're not sure it (Pride) needs it.”
CLLR GEOFFREY BOWDEN
Gscene has asked the council for a detailed statement of how the Pride grant was distributed in 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 and to whom. A response has been unforthcoming and a Freedom of Information request has been lodged with the council for a detailed answer. Cllr Geoffrey Bowden, the Chair of the council’s economic development and culture committee, said: “We are massive supporters of Pride and are particularly pleased that the
“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. “Other support we give Pride includes: • not charging a fee for the use of Preston Park, as we do for other events • not charging a fee for Madeira Drive nor for the suspension of parking bays incurred by the Parade route • additional cleaning on the Parade route at no cost to the organisers • many hours of officer time devoted to ensuring the safe delivery of the event. “We also still provide grants to small scale LGBT organisations wishing to take part in the Parade as we have done for many years.” Before being elected to office in May 2011 Cllr Bowden was a volunteer press officer and board member of Pride (South East). He was involved with Pride during the stormy period in 2009-2010 when decisions made by the Pride board, including the employment of a Chief Executive they could not afford and engagement of a new production company to run Preston Park, eventually led Pride to cease trading in March 2012 with debts of over £200,000 which were caused through rising production costs and general mis-management. Charity Commission records indicate that Cllr Bowden resigned from the Pride in October 2010, well before the charity ceased trading. However, the Pride board at the time, which was chaired by Robert Clothier aka Lady James, secured a £20,000 crisis loan from Brighton Council which remained unpaid when Pride (South East) ceased trading in March 2012. Pride 2013 has been universally recognised as the most inclusive Pride for many years. One of the
Warren Morgan, leader of the Labour and Cooperative Group, said: “The Conservative-led Coalition Government is cutting around £25 million from the council's funding every year for the next four years. This has fundamental implications for what our council does in terms of providing public services and support for local communities.”
CLLR WARREN MORGAN
The future of the Brighton Pride Community Parade in 2014 has been put in doubt by the Green administration’s decision to withdraw the annual £25,000 grant to the organisers of Brighton Pride, a not for profit Community Interest Company.
Pride organisers, Paul Kemp, was nominated as Achiever Of The Year in the recent Argus Achievement Awards and the citation read out on the night of the awards reflected the view that Pride 2013 was the best and most inclusive event ever in the eyes of Argus readers.
Geoffrey Theobald, leader of the Conservative Group on the City Council, 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 met with the Pride organisers last week and am pleased to say that the Conservative Group on Brighton & Hove Council supports their call to reinstate the Council grant for next year, and if necessary will move an ammendment at the Budget Council meeting to achieve this.”
CLLR GEOFFREY THEOBALD
REMOVAL OF PRIDE GRANT WILL PUT PRIDE PARADE IN DOUBT
VALUE OF PRIDE TO THE CITY? To compare the Greens financial commitment to other events in the city, Gscene asked Brighton & Hove City Council how much support the Brighton Festival and Brighton Fringe received annually from the council. A council spokesperson said: “We give £10,000 a year to the Brighton Fringe through our three-year discretionary grant programme. Funding for the Brighton Festival is not arranged through our discretionary grant programme. “Our Festival funding of £611,554 a year is part of the total funding that goes to the Brighton Dome and Festival Ltd linked to a legal agreement we have with that organisation. “The Festival’s economic impact on the city is around £20m per year. It makes a massive and vital contribution to our tourism sector as well as the wider cultural life of the city. So we believe this represents extremely good value for money.” Brighton Council 's own figures indicate that pro rata, the Brighton Festival receives £26,589 a day in grant funding for their 23-day festival which according to the council's own figures brings in £869.000 a day to the local economy. Estimates of the value of the Pride spend to the city vary between £7-11 million for the Pride weekend,
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WWW.GSCENE.COM which is spent in hotels, bars, shops, clubs and restaurants, both straight and gay. The City Council have revealed to Gscene that for the last two years the council's grant to the Brighton Festival has been index linked at 3.72% in 2012/13 and 2% for 2013/14. They have also confirmed that funding to the Brighton Festival was not index linked in 2011-2012. The Greens took control of the city council in May 2011. Official police estimates of attendance at Brighton Pride this year was 160,000. Official online Pride ticket sales show that 90.8% of online ticket sales came from outside a BN postcode, indicating the percentage of visitors coming to the city from outside of Brighton. When pressed by Gscene, the present Pride organisers, Brighton Pride CIC, denied they have a surplus of funds in their account to seed fund next year’s event pointing out that the £1 a head donated to the Rainbow Fund was ring-fenced in their overall budget as an expense and was not paid out of any surplus as suggested by Cllr Bowden in his statement. Brighton & Hove Council have confirmed to Gscene that both the Brighton Marathon and Sussex Half Marathon do not get charged for their use of Madeira Drive as these fees are part of their 'in kind' support for the two events. Brighton Pride CIC is a not for profit Community Interest Company and donated £43,000 to deserving LGBT causes this year. A spokesperson for Pride, said: “The directors of Brighton Pride Community Interest Company (BPCIC) are disappointed that the annual grant previously awarded by Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) to the organisers of Pride was withdrawn in 2013. However, we recognise the financial support that BHCC continue to provide to LGBT community organisations through the three year Strategic Grants and Pride Day Grants Schemes. “In 2014 and beyond we look forward to working with the council to explore alternative funding sources that secure the success of the LGBT Community Parade in 2014. With the continued support of BHCC we will also be bringing forward exciting new proposals for the further development of Pride weekend.” A spokesperson for the Gay Business Forum, said: “It will be very interesting to hear the reasons why the leaders of the political parties feel this grant can be removed without any consultation with the LGBT community at large. The Pride Parade is essential to the international visibility of the city, the well being of the LGBT Community in Brighton & Hove and our LGBT business community. We must do everything in our power to convince the politicians that the grant remains in place so that the Pride Parade continues next year and we continue to give the city its biggest spectacle and pay day.” In August Stonewall, the LGB equality charity publish a new report Gay In Britain which identifies how politicians and public service providers continue to fail LGB people in Britain today. To read the report, view: http://gscene.com/stonewall-gay-in-britain/
GSCENE COMMENT - HERE WE GO AGAIN? ) After years of successive Brighton Pride organisers getting it wrong, the present Pride organisers have created a model that delivers a good event for the city and in the process raises money for deserving LGBT/HIV organisations. It is ironic that Cllr Geoffrey Bowden, a former Pride trustee, is now the council's political lead on issues affecting Pride. He got it wrong when he sat on the Pride board and with the statement he has issued justifying the Greens decision to cut the grant to Pride he is getting it wrong again. In doing so he is putting the future of Brighton Pride as a fundraising event for the LGBT community at risk. Neither Cllr Bowden or the city council have seen the accounts of Pride 2012 or 2013 so how either can talk about surplus and sustainability in his statement is a mystery to me. The fact that Pride were able to handover £43,000 to LGBT good causes has nothing to do with any surplus. £1 a head from every ticket sold was ring-fenced as a cost for Pride in their own budget. If the event had been damaged by rain on the day, that £1 from any tickets sold would still have gone to our groups and organisations. It is a fixed expense in the budget, a cost to Pride. This year Pride organisers sold 34,000 tickets for the park and they also handed over a further £10,000 from fundraising events during the year such as Doggie Pride, the Art Show ICONS in the Jubilee Library, various shows during the Pride Arts Festival and fundraising events in the gay venues. This is the first time the community has seen any of this fundraising money. The Rainbow Fund grants panel meets this month to decide which grant applications have been successful and how the money will be distributed. What Brighton Pride have created is a fundraising model guaranteed to raise money for deserving causes. It is unique and needs a few years of stability and support to bed down and find its feet before any talk of cuts in grants. In London, the Greater London Authority (GLA) have come up with their own interesting model. A contract to organise Pride for a fixed period of years has been granted which identifies exactly what the GLA's financial commitment to the
event is over the fixed term and what the GLA expects to get back in return. This financial arrangement is generous and has given London Pride organisers stability and the ability to plan and set budgets knowing that each year they are not going to be challenged by a rival Pride bid or have their grant cut. Brighton Council's reluctance to explain fully what the grant allocated to Pride in 2012 and 2013 was actually used for is unhelpful. In his statement Cllr Bowden suggests that the Pride grant was allocated to the Street Party. Without the main Pride event there would be no street party. It is financial suicide to fund what has become, especially on the Saturday night, a 'piss up' in St James’ Street at the expense of the main fundraising event on Preston Park, which this year needed cash flow support right up until the day of the event and raised, unlike the street party a substantial amount of money for LGBT/HIV organisations. The future of the street party needs addressing. It is a problem for the city and should not be laid at the feet of the Pride organisers for resolution. Some people have questioned why the budget for this year’s Pride was more than the previous year. The answer is very simple; the main stage. Stars like Alison Moyet, Paloma Faith and the Sugababes do not come cheap, neither does the cost of the main stage structure itself. The decision to have a main stage was taken by Pride organisers in order to drive ticket sales up, which increases the number of £1 per head benefits going to deserving LGBT organisations. Pride ticket sales in 2012 were 31,000; in 2013 they were 34,000. What other festival whether grant funded or not by the city council can demonstrate what they put back into the community as well as how they benefit in such a transparent and open way? Anyone organising a Pride event needs to know exactly where they stand, especially regarding landlord’s consent and grant funding. This needs to be in place now, not next February when the council budget gets agreed. Only by Brighton & Hove City Council agreeing to a fixed term contract, something like the GLA solution, will these type of issues be sorted and we stop the annual uncertainty over the city's biggest event. James Ledward
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PRIDE...
A DEEPER LOVE BY JAMES BROOKS
Why should we have a Pride? There are times when I think about Pride and wonder what it is all for. The mere thought of it all is enough to make me crumple with exhaustion. Whether it's a solitary weighing up the pros and cons in my head, the obligatory wine-fuelled debate triggered by “have you heard the latest on Pride?�, or hearing some of the sniping remarks coming from the sidelines. It's a perennial paradox. I remember attending Brighton Pride long before the term 'flamboyant spectacle' was coined by the mainstream media - back in the days when a march was a march (to nowhere in particular as it happened). Back in the days when the park event consisted mainly of evaluating glances over at other people's picnic hampers while struggling to decipher the words of a local cabaret entertainer balancing on precarious temporary staging. I've been tentatively involved in Pride for the past ten years. In fact I met my hubby at a Pride meeting back in 2003. Huw was on the committee, had just designed a new website for Pride and I bluntly told him it was rubbish and that REALBrighton should do it. I moved in a few months later. REALBrighton continued to poke its nose in with a talented designer friend creating a whole new look and logo for the event (doing away with WordArt forever) and The Lovely Sam (it's his name you know) along with a talented team of volunteer photographers capturing iconic images that were to grace the pages of magazines the world over. My contribution was to run the information point on the park - a task which makes me shudder to think about even to this day. But that's another story - 2003 was a vintage year. Pride in Brighton & Hove became a charity soon after and I thoroughly approved. The reasoning behind charitable status was a solid one - to give the organisation clear objectives and protect the event from becoming any one person's plaything. There were stories abound of organisers from other Prides disappearing into the sunset in dubious circumstances and leaving events in the lurch, and in some cases bereft of funds, so it seemed like a sensible move. It also seemed plausible that it would help to attract much needed sponsorship in it's more formal setup - in fact Manchester, London and other Prides followed suit. The good intention was definitely there. But then we all know about good intentions. Since then, goodness knows the event has had something of a chequered history. It's been a tale of finance questioning, disagreements, unsavoury headlines, a split community, doubt over its continued existence, more disagreements, changes in trusteeship, laddered tights, questionable decision making, angry meetings (that just lacked the pointy hats and pitchforks to make them medieval), more doubts, stolen lipliners, more disagreements - in fact all the ingredients of an unfeasible soap opera. Indeed, I do believe the words "get out of my pub" have been used on more than one occasion. However, despite all the drama, the event itself managed, somehow, to continue its ascendancy to a festival of epic proportions for such a small and sometimes bitchy seaside town like Brighton. In fact it became something like a runaway train, hurtling unstoppably on, which made balancing the books pretty much impossible. It doesn't take a mathematical genius to glance over the bucket receipts and the attendance figures to see that only a fraction of those attending were putting their hand in their pocket - the problem was possibly the 'biggest
free Pride in Europe' marketing strap-line. Because there is no such thing as a free event. While little old ladies were stuffing notes into the bucket on the parade, over at the park, LGBT people were actively avoiding or pushing past the bucket collectors. Seen with my own eyes, I was tempted to rip off their sequins, smudge their makeup or openly criticise P!nk, and that was just the Gs. A ground-hog day of an annual cycle emerged over Pride. Post-event came the well-spun headlines of 'Best Ever Pride!', a few months later came the 'Pride in Financial Crisis' and a 'Pride in Peril' plea to the community. Then a public meeting. Then silence descended. Once Halloween, Christmas and New Year were over, the bickering hubbub began again in earnest with divides between the gay businesses. Then, once Easter and May Day bank holidays were over it all went quiet again. Fast forward three months and the city was awash in rainbow flags. Well that's how it seemed to me. However, things came crashing down in 2011, the year that Preston Park became a ticketed event. The reasons for this disaster are just too numerous to list, but let's just say that very bad decision making and a seemingly vindictive handling of contracts and contractors played a lead role in this particular tragedy. The hard work and goodwill of so many people laid to waste. Unfortunately, charitable status did nothing to prevent this. In 2012 the event was saved by a Community Interest Company. I was very sceptical about the event passing into the hands of any sort of company, and particularly one run by businesses. However, I was wrong. The event needed to be treated as a business for it to work. For the first time in many a year, there were funds raised from the event available to donate to local LGBT charities. Those who had left or were ousted were back and had the grace not to do the 'told you so' dance.
This year saw the funds raised over the past two years rise to over ÂŁ70k. That is something we can be truly proud about. This year saw the emergence of a political element too, with awareness raising over a number of issues, not least the developing situation in Russia and the impact it has on Eastern European states, along with continued anti-LGBT human rights atrocities around the world. Again, this is a giant step forward and my congratulations go to Paul Kemp, Dulcie Danger, David Hill and their team (together with all the artists and DJs who gave their time for nothing) for turning Pride around. Indeed, all our heartfelt thanks should go to the all-new Brighton Pride for their hard work and dedication. In any fairytale, this would be where I would write "and they all lived happily ever after". But I suppose we live in the real world and it's something of a disappointment, albeit expected, that the moaning over Pride continues. So, after my potted history of Pride it's time for me to jump on my soapbox with my handy hints for you to fully enjoy Pride. Here goes: 1. Pride will never be everything to everyone. If you think you are being under-represented, then get involved and constructively find ways to represent yourself, rather than sniping and griping. Any suggestions should be made constructively and realistically - I'm still waiting to hear whether I can have a free marquee with bar and stage for just me and my mates. 2. If you don't like the Park, don't go. I don't like huge crowds of people or queueing for drinks, so I don't go. It doesn't make Pride any less important or relevant. It is what it is. Why try to put a dampener on many thousands of people's enjoyment? If you don't like any of it (I can sympathise - I live on the seafront and have to deal with weekend upon weekend of loud and pointless motor rallies), it isn't that difficult to avoid.
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3. If you think the Parade isn't as good or there weren't as many big floats as in previous years then perhaps have a quick root about google and find out how much a lorry costs to hire, how much insurance is, how much time, effort and money it takes to put on a travelling show and then think again. You could get one together yourself. I dare you. 4. If you can't afford £12 for the early-bird ticket, again, don't go. I quite fancy a holiday in the Bahamas, but I don't expect anyone else to pay for it. 5. Let's build on the political messages we can convey over Pride - there are people who need our help, awareness to be raised. I'm up for it, are you? 6. If you're a business and have the audacity to fly the rainbow flag over Pride weekend, then put some money towards it. You have the opportunity to make a stack of cash over Pride, so look on it as an investment. Otherwise, you're a fraud and you know it (and so should everyone else). 7. Similarly, if you're a business in the St James’ Street area and make money over Pride, then pay your dues to the Street Party organisers. The Street Party may well be a necessity on safety grounds after such a large event, but it costs money to put on which has to be found. All you really have to lose is the two days it will take you to count out your bumper takings after the weekend. 8. If you're a Local Authority who uses Pride as a flagship event in it's marketing bumph, don't take away funding. The £25k is a drop in the ocean to you, but can be put to very good use by Pride. 9. Pride is an infinite loop of community, local scene businesses and Pride. Without any one of the three elements, there is no Pride. I think it's something worth remembering. My only tiny personal suggestion for Pride would be to have fuller details of all the gay bars and clubs, along with community group information on their website. A small point that I hope is taken in the spirit it is offered. Happy to lend a hand on that - I've got a bit of experience in that area. Pride is a great opportunity to showcase our city as a year-round gay destination! 10. If you think there should be a Straight Pride, then I'm afraid there's no hope for you. My Pride has always been about the anticipation a few days before. The tents going up in the park. The gay businesses putting up great swathes of rainbow fabric outside their venues. The secrecy over what people plan to wear. The visitors arriving, who don't usually enjoy the opportunity to be out with such abandon, revelling in a new found freedom. The floats and participants making their way to the start of the Parade in the morning as people take their places along the route. Last minute make-up tips. The frozen smile as someone else turns up in the same outfit. The seeing all your friends, acquaintances and complete strangers and wishing them a 'Happy Pride!'. The smiling. I still get goosebumps. They say that you only really miss something when it is gone. We came very near to losing Pride and we should all do our very best to make sure that doesn't happen again. It's been a bitter-sweet year for LGBT people on a global scale. Some of the big moves forward are fantastic, but the barbaric treatment of LGBT human beings that continue and are actually on the rise are truly horrifying. So, in answer to the question I pose at the beginning; we should have a Pride because we can.
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WEST END STAR ‘PULLS A CRACKER’ FOR THE BEACON ) Claire Sweeney, actress and West End star, will be appearing with the Brighton Gay Men's Chorus at their Pull A Cracker Christmas show at the Brighton Dome on December 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 appearing in the first series of Celebrity Big Brother. She will be joining the chorus in their third 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" CLAIRE SWEENEY
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!
) St John's School and College and Komedia Brighton are presenting a night of oddball comedy to raise funds for new sensory equipment at their school and college for some of their most needy students.
RESOUND ) Resound, Brighton & Hove male voice group, will debut their professionally filmed music video of Billy Joel’s classic song The Longest Time at 7.30pm on Sunday, December 1 2013 at Legends, Marine Parade, Brighton. The public are welcome to attend the launch event where donations will be accepted for MindOut, Brighton & Hove’s LGB&T mental health project.
St John's is a special needs charity based in Brighton who provide education, care and therapy to young people with learning disabilities between the ages of 7-25. Heading their line-up they have internationally renowned comedian Francesca Martinez, who you will know from her appearance in Extras, as well as Grange Hill and Russell Howard's Good News. FRANCESCA MARTINEZ
PHOTOGRAPH BY NICK FORD
FUNDRAISER FOR ST JOHN'S AT THE KOMEDIA
Supporting Francesca is Jen Brister and Steve Day - all hosted by WitTanks (in)famous Naz Osmanoglu. All money goes directly to the benefit of the students of St John’s. Tickets are £12 and available directly from the Komedia website at: www.komedia.co.uk/brighton/
Aspiring to find innovative ways of giving audiences the quirky, witty, and humorous performances they’ve come to expect, Resound recently partnered with industry professionals to record a version of Billy Joel’s 1984 hit single The Longest Time. Filmed in black and white, the video is a playful take on an old favourite and an authentic introduction to Resound’s individual members. Sneak peeks and outtakes will be posted on Resound’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/resoundmalevoices in the weeks leading up to December 1. “We had such fun putting this project together and are excited about presenting it to a wider audience,” said Swedish-born opera singer and vocal coach Stefan Holmström, Resound’s Musical Director. Resound is a male voice ensemble founded in 2011 and based in Brighton & Hove. They perform a diverse repertoire from 16th century rounds to West End musical numbers and work to develop vocally individually and as a musical group. For more info see: www.resoundmalevoices.org
Paul Charlton, chairman of the 85 strong choir for gay and gay friendly men, said: “With the help of our fans, we have been able to raise in excess of £5,000 for our friends at the Sussex Beacon at each of our previous Dome shows. We are hoping to at least match the same amount at this years show and every ticket we sell will add to the total amount raised. So please come along an join in the fun!” This year has been a big success for the chorus, having won the Manchester Amateur Choral Competition in February and being awarded a coveted Golden Handbag after being voted by the local community as Brighton & Hove's Favourite LGBT Social/ Leisure Organisation in June. 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_brighton_gay_ mens_chorus/ or Dome Box Office: 01273 709709.
NEW CHOIR NEED SINGERS ) A recently formed LGBT and straight friendly chamber choir require more altos, tenors and basses to make music together. They sing a classical repertoire and meet Tuesday/Friday evening near Seven Dials in Brighton. An ability to read music is essential. For more info email Erika: erikaschilsky@hotmail.com
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3 IN 4 PEOPLE DON'T REPORT HATE CRIME TO THE POLICE ) Major new polling by Stonewall, the LGB equality charity, shows that lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people remain at serious risk of suffering violent abuse and intimidation in Britain. Homophobic Hate Crime: The Gay British Crime Survey 2013 looks in detail at the experiences and extent of homophobic hate crimes and incidents in Britain.
BRIGHTON & HOVE ANTI-HATE CRIME VIGIL, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 CLLR GEOFFRY THEOBALD
Frances Coates provided BSL sign language; and the following speakers each said a few words: Ed Wheelan (MindOut); Cllr Bill Randall (Deputy Mayor Brighton & Hove); Nancy Platts (Labour Prospective Parliamentary candidate for Kemptown & Peacehaven); Cllr Geoffrey Theobald (leader of the Conservative Group); Caroline Lucas (Green MP for Brighton Pavilion); Elly Hargreave (Sussex Beacon); Gary Pargeter (Lunch Positive); Dr Sam Hall (Clare Project); Ed Wheelan (MindOut); Jo Rowland Stuart (Regard); Nick Douglas (LGBT HIP); Ian Chisnall (Churches Together in Sussex); Geo Leonard (LGBT Switchboard); Maurice McHale Parry (Hankie Quilt Project); Suchitra Chatterjee (Hate Crime Case Worker Sussex Police); Peter Castleton (Brighton & Hove Community Safety Manager); Rory Smith (LGBT Caseworker).
Rev Michael Hydes from the Metropolitan Community Church opened the Vigil with a prayer;
SUCHITRA CHATTERJEE SUSSEX POLICE
GARY PARGETER LUNCH POSITIVE
REV MICHAEL HYDES
The LGBT CSF wish to thank Sharon Kent and Graham Stephenson at B&Q Shoreham who arranged for a large marquee to be donated to the forum enabling them to facilitate their outdoor community events whatever the weather.
Alex Marshall, Chief Executive of the College of Policing, said: “The results of this Stonewall survey provide a significant opportunity to review and improve how the police respond to homophobic hate crime. There’s still more to do and we are committed to working with forces, police and crime commissioners and wider stakeholders to ensure we play our part in delivering a better service for victims of homophobic hate crime.” The research was launched at a seminar at New Scotland Yard on October 15, addressed by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe. Stonewall has also launched a practical guide for police forces on how to protect LGB people. Protecting Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual people: A Practical Guide For Police Forces, sent to all police forces, Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners, sets out simple and practical steps that police forces can take to enable them to better serve LGB people. To read the results of the survey: www.stonewall.org.uk/hatecrime
RUTH HUNT
Speakers from the LGBT voluntary sector, statutory sectors and local political leaders gave speeches, there was a minute’s silence, and hot drinks and biscuits were supplied by the THT Outreach Team. Messages of support were received from Simon Kirby MP; Katy Bourne, Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner; actress June Brown MBE; and Purna Sen, the Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Brighton Pavilion. To read their messages, view: www.lgbt-safety-forumbrighton.com
DR SAM HALL CLARE PROJECT
Ruth Hunt, Stonewall Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Despite radical steps to make police forces more accountable to the public these figures show deeply disturbing levels of violence and intimidation still faced every day by LGB people in Britain. The fact that two thirds of gay people who experienced a hate crime or incident didn’t report it to anyone shows the scale of the challenge facing our criminal justice system.”
ALEX MARSHALL
The LGBT CSF is an independent community forum of volunteers working with the community and statutory authorities to address and improve safety issues in Brighton & Hove.
ED WHEELAN MINDOUT
Worryingly, more than eight in ten (85%) gay people who suffered a hate crime or incident reported harassment, insults or intimidation.
CAROLINE LUCAS MP
NANCY PLATTS
) The Brighton & Hove Anti-Hate Crime Vigil, organised by the Brighton & Hove Community Safety Forum (LGBT CSF), drew around 100 people to the Old Steine on Saturday, October 19 to remember those who have been lost and those who continue to be affected by hate crime. Vigils took place simultaneously in cities all over the country to mark the day the three nail bomb attacks took place in London in 1999 on April 17, 24 and 30.
The polling of 2,500 people, conducted by YouGov for Stonewall, shows that hate crime remains a serious issue across the country. One in six (17%) LGB people have experienced a hate crime or incident in the last three years. One in ten (10%) of those who experienced a homophobic hate crime were physically assaulted with almost one in five (18%) victims threatened with violence or the use of force.
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RECLAIM THE NIGHT BRIGHTON ) Last year over 500 people came together to take a stand against gender-based violence in Brighton & Hove. Join them once again at 6pm on Saturday November 16 at Brighton Station to Reclaim the Night in Brighton and show those who "deny us the right to walk the streets without fear that they are not welcome in the city". Reclaim the Night Brighton is open to people of all genders. The march is trans* inclusive and those working in the sex industry are welcomed to join the fight for safer streets. Families are also welcome. A buddy system will be in place for those who don't want to walk alone. If you would like to be allocated a buddy to attend the event with, send a Facebook message to Brighton Feminist Collective or email: brightonfeministcollective@gmail.com The march starts at Brighton Train Station and ends at the rally point at the Jubilee Library in Brighton town centre, which is a fully accessible venue. The line-up of speakers and entertainment will be announced closer to the event. This year Traumfrau are hosting the Reclaim the Night After Party at Latest Music Bar. The event is for over 18s only. Despite best efforts, organisers were unable to find a fully accessible venue for the after party. The first floor of this venue is wheelchair accessible, but there are no accessible toilets. If you'd like to get involved in organising/stewarding post a message on Facebook, or email: brightonfeministcollective@gmail.com or go along to one of their meetings every Thursday between 7-9pm at the Brighton Feminist Collective. If you want to donate go to: www.gofundme.com/42kuz0 To watch a short video about last year’s march and the Brighton Feminist Collective: www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlGWALzxb-w
100 ARTISTS FOR WORLD AIDS DAY ) 100 Artists For World AIDS Day returns again this year due to popular demand to raise awareness of World AIDS Day 2013 on December 1. Artists are invited to submit their works for consideration. This original pop-up event started in 2008 and has changed format and location each year. Hundreds of artists of all ages and mediums have exhibited at previous 100 Artists exhibitions to raise awareness of WAD and HIV & Aids. This year's event will be held in the Founders Room at The Dome in Church Street and the exhibition runs from December 1- December 8. Contact the Dome for daily opening times) 100 Artists is a self-funding project giving artists an opportunity to come together to help raise awareness for HIV/AIDS, and to network and exhibit new work while supporting a worthwhile cause. Twenty per-cent of any art sales and all profits from the event itself are being donated to the Sussex Beacon. The Hankie Quilt will also be hung on display during the exhibition. Send samples of your work (no more than three images) and/or a link to your website to hizze13@gmail.com. The work shown at this stage doesn't have to be the image you would ultimately like to submit if accepted. Artists will be informed by email if their application has been successful and given further instructions. If you are accepted a ÂŁ10 submission fee is required to cover event production costs. The format for submission to the exhibition (once you have been selected) is a strict 40cm x 40cm (including any frame) and it must be wall-hangable. One piece of work per artist. The theme is open. Organisers would like to see 'fresh' work at this stage, preferably work produced specifically for the show.
We are an independent LGBT Forum working with the Community to address and improve safety issues in Brighton & Hove. We hold quarterly public meetings. Please sign up for our news letter at: www.lgbt-safety-forum-brighton.com/newsletter
HAVE YOU BEEN THE VICTIM OF HATE CRIME? DID YOU REPORT IT? DID YOU RECEIVE ANY SUPPORT? We want to hear from you - contact info@lgbt-safety-forum-brighton.com For more information about us please visit our website:
lgbt-safety-forum-brighton.com
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ALLSORTS LGBT YOUTH PROJECT WINS NATIONAL AWARD ) Young People’s Voice (YPV), the LGBT youth campaigning and engagement project at Allsorts Youth Project, has won the volunteering category of the British Red Cross Humanitarian Citizen Awards 2013. The awards, supported by Canon, were held at the Bishopsgate Institute in central London on Saturday October 5, and were open to young people under the age of 26 from across the UK. The group of young volunteers represents LGBT youth by promoting awareness of their issues and rights in the wider community and engaging with young people on a number of platforms to get their voices and experiences heard. YPV goes into schools to deliver anti-LGBT bullying workshops to educate young people about the impact of bullying and the importance of creating safe environments for LGBT youth to come out. YPV recently led a positive images campaign, displaying the resulting posters in community and educational settings. Over the past two years the group has set up several online campaigns for Bisexual Visibility Day and International Day Against Homo/Bi/ Transphobia, which were particularly successful. In February they put on the first LGBT Children, Young People and Families Day themed on celebrating togetherness and are planning an even bigger event next year. Sam Thomas, LGBT Youth Engagement Worker who nominated the group for the award, said: “Both collectively and individually, the young volunteers’ vision, dedication and commitment has been outstanding.” Representing the group at the awards were Lucas Abdecain, 22, and Shane Murray, 19. Lucas said: “We weren’t expecting to win at all. There are some fantastic people here. This award means that all of our work tackling LGBTphobia through campaigns, events and peer education have been recognised and appreciated by a highly prestigious organisation. I am very proud to have had the opportunity receive the award in behalf of all the young people that have volunteered hundred of hours of their time and have changed lives.” Shane added: “We are bringing up a generation of young people who understand the effects of this bullying, and empowering them to tackle it in schools. The work we do is life-changing for a lot of young people in the area” For more information about youth volunteering and to get involved, email: samthomas@allsortsyouth.org.uk or view: www.allsortsyouth.org.uk
DO YOU KNOW A LOCAL LGBT CHARITY THAT COULD BENEFIT BY RECEIVING £5,000?
LUNCH POSITIVE FEATURES IN FARESHARE VIDEO ) Lunch Positive is a weekly lunch club for people living with and affected by HIV. Every Friday the charity provides a safe social space for people to meet, share a freshly cooked A thn meal and find peer support. Lunch Positive kitchen volunteers feature in a new short video to fundraise for FareShare – a charity which re-distributes food stocks from supermarkets and food suppliers, and which is essential to providing the service. The video shows Lunch Positive volunteers preparing food and talking about food poverty and its effects. The video can be viewed on the Lunch Positive website home page together with details of how to join the service.
) Grants of up to £5,000 are available through Brighton University's partnership with Santander.
Staff and students at the University of Brighton can nominate local charities to give them a chance to receive between £500 and £5,000 from the Community Plus Fund at the Santander Foundation.
For more information, view: www.lunchpositive.org
The Fund covers equipment, materials or salaries that benefit more than 10 local disadvantaged people. There is a short nomination form and you will need to give information about what the funds are for, who will benefit, and how.
WAD LUNCH ) Lunch Positive is holding a special World AIDS Day Lunch on Friday, November 29. Along with members and volunteers, guests from partner organisations have been invited as a special thank you for the support they have given the charity all year. To coincide with World AIDS Day, the charity’s annual evaluation, report and supporters certificates will be available to people coming along, and will be published on the website Gary Pargeter, Volunteer Project Manager, said: "We’re looking forward to holding this special lunch, which we hope will reflect the message of World AIDS Day – Remembrance, Hope and Solidarity. It’s been an incredibly busy year for us, and it’s due to the support members and volunteers give one another, and contributions of the wider public and our partner organisations that we’re able to say that the service makes such a positive difference to people’s lives. We’re especially keen to call out to people who might not have come along for a while, and who think they’ve left it too long! It’s a pleasure to see people whenever the time is right for you. We’re always here, and you’re always valued and welcome at any time. Try and join us at this poignant time in our community’s calendar.” For more information view: www.lunchpositive.org
Get in touch by Saturday, November 2 at the latest by emailing: k.a.browne@brighton.ac.uk
DR KATH BROWNE
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Dr Kath Browne from the LGBTQ Life Research Hub, said: “The LGBTQ Life Research Hub is keen to nominate an LGBT charity for this Santander award. We have had fantastic relationships with LGBT groups in Brighton and we think this is an unmissable opportunity.” Nominations will be considered by the Santander Foundation and the successful charities will be announced on Monday, December 16. The fund is only for registered UK charities, and is not available to individuals, not for profit organisations, Community Interest Companies, amateur sports clubs, political activity or one-off events or conferences To find out more information on the partnership between Santander and the University of Brighton, view: www.brighton.ac.uk/alumni/fundingopportunities/uobsantanderagreement/
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LGB&T MENTAL HEALTH PROJECT _________________________________________
SELF ESTEEM
TASTER COURSES IN EAST SUSSEX
NEWHAVEN
WEDNESDAY 20th NOVEMBER 2pm-4pm
HASTINGS
WEDNESDAY 27th NOVEMBER 2pm-4pm
Come along and explore self esteem and wellbeing _________________________________________ Contact us to find out more and to book a place
01273 234839 info@mindout.org.uk www.mindout.org.uk Registered Charity No 1140098
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) A group of the UK’s leading HIV charities have released a joint statement outlining their position on Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a new HIV prevention strategy that is currently being trialled in the UK. It involves people who do not have HIV taking a daily dose of one or two of the drugs that are used to treat HIV. Studies suggest that this can prevent infection if the user is exposed to HIV.
Faced with continuing high rates of HIV transmission amongst gay men in the UK, the charities believe we need to see additional effective prevention options introduced, such as PrEP, so that more gay men are able to reduce their HIV risk. Currently, Public Health England and the MRC Clinical Trials Unit are running a UK trial of PrEP, called the PROUD study, for gay and bisexual men who are at a high risk of infection. The group has created the statement in a bid to raise awareness around PrEP and provide gay and bisexual men with clear, accurate information. It covers why researchers are conducting a trial of PrEP in the UK, how effective it is, and under what circumstances PrEP could be used to reduce new infections. To see the full document: www.proud.mrc.ac.uk/news.aspx. The charities who collaborated on the statement are GMFA, the Lesbian and Gay Foundation, NAM, National AIDS Trust, Terrence Higgins Trust and Yorkshire MESMAC. For more details on the PROUD study, view: www.proud.mrc.ac.uk
HELP COLIN TO RAISE MONEY FOR LUNCH POSITIVE IN THE BRIGHTON MARATHONS
COLIN BENTLEY
) Colin Bentley is a supporter of Lunch Positive, the HIV charity who provide a healthy meal for people who are HIV positive every Friday at the Dorset Gardens Methodist Church in Kemptown. He is running both the Brighton Half and Full Marathons to raise funds for the charity in 2014. Colin took up running to improve his health and fitness and now wants to use this to help this frontline HIV charity carry on with their essential service to HIV positive people. Colin said: “The Brighton half and full marathons 2014 are not far away and I will be running both for Lunch Positive, which is one of the smallest charities and gives some of the most needed help. It provides a safe place for positive people to get together, share their experiences and gain support, whilst providing a nutritious lunch for next to nothing. I think this is a much needed service and want to raise as much as I can to help them maintain their great service."
Gary Pargeter, Volunteer Project Manager, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Colin for his support – and this is the first time we have had anyone run in both marathons for us – it’s very exciting! Please support him as much as you can to recognise his efforts and to raise as much as possible to help provide our service to a growing number of people with HIV.” For more information, view: www.lunchpositive.org
HIV CHARITY RECEIVES SMALL GRANT ) Lunch Positive, the HIV charity that provides a healthy meal every Friday for people who are HIV positive, has been awarded £2,000 from the Cooperative Community Fund to help towards the cost of venue hire to deliver the weekly HIV lunch club. Gary Pargeter, Volunteer Project Manager, said; “We’re delighted to have received this funding. We rely on funding from a range of trusts and foundations, all of which is awarded annually and increasingly often uncertain. The Co-operative has supported us since we started in 2009, and we’re proud that our service identifies with its core values of self-help, self-responsibility, equity and solidarity. Lunch Positive continues to see new and increasing numbers of people who make it a thriving social space.” GARY PARGETER
HIV CHARITIES MAKE POSITION CLEAR ON 'PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS'
The lunch club is upstairs at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church every Friday between noon-3pm. Lunch is at 1pm and costs £1.50. For more information view: www.lunchpositive.org
OLDER & OUT 2 ) It’s all about getting together! After their first successful Older & Out on September 21 when 33 older LGBT people were in attendance, Jules Deines from the Somerset Day Centre is organising a follow up event on Friday, November 29 from 13pm. If you identify as an older lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, undecided, then go along to Somerset Day Centre, 62 St James’s Street, (car park off Lavender Street), Brighton, BN2 1PR. For more information call 01273 699000 Mon-Thurs.
KEMPTOWN MP ATTENDS HIV GROUPS’ PUBLIC FORUM ) Simon Kirby, the Conservative MP for Kemptown and Peacehaven, was guest speaker at the Peer Action Public Forum on September 27 at the Friends’ Meeting House in Brighton. Simon, who is the ViceChairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on HIV/AIDS, praised the group for its unique role in Brighton and the support that it offers to people living with HIV.
He said: “In my role as MP for Brighton Kemptown I am lucky enough to meet with lots of fantastic people and organisations who do so much to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic. I think Peer Action Group plays a unique role in the city in the way that it not only promotes health and wellbeing, but also helps people living with the disease by building a strong network of support for people who really need it. “The way that the group has grown is testament to the important role that it plays, and I am delighted that Peer Action is expanding to incorporate a women’s group, a heterosexual men’s group and also tackle issues surrounding co-infection and Hepatitis C. I was delighted to attend the forum and listen to some of the issues that were raised. I look forward to continuing to work with Peer Action and to support them however I can.” The purpose of the evening was for people to see the work that Peer Action are engaged in and to give trustees at Peer Action ideas for what activities clients might want to support in the future. At the moment the group stages quiz nights, visits to attractions, film nights, yoga classes, meditation classes and swimming classes for both men and women who are HIV positive or have Hep C. For more information about Peer Action: www.peeraction.co.uk
APOLOGIES ) Last month we ran a story on Stuart Haynes’ swim to raise money for his friend Rebecca Richards who suffers from marfan syndrome. We mis-named the illness and apologise for any distress caused. For more information about marfan syndrome, view: www.marfan.org
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Only local interest in the nominations is in the Publication of the Year category where Richard Smith's Fagburn.com blog is nominated. Richard, an experienced journalist and former deputy editor of Gay Times, has been writing his blog since April 2010. Acknowledged as Britain's leading homosexual libertarian communist-absurdist thinker, Fagburn is for a ruthless gay criticism of everything existing. Richard is up against The Mirror, Huffington Post.co.uk, Architects’ Journal and Metro, The Independent’s Grace Dent, Attitude magazine columnist Paul Flynn and Tim Montgomerie of The Times are all shortlisted for the Journalist of the Year award. Winners from these categories will be chosen by a celebrity judging panel including Skunk Anansie star Skin, Richard Madeley, Matthew Parris, Jeanette Winterson and Will Young. Voting is currently taking place for three other categories (Stonewall Community Group of the Year, Hero of the Year and Bigot of the Year) by Stonewall supporters across Britain. Writer of the Year nominees include James Wharton for his moving memoir Out in the Army, Damian Barr for Maggie & Me and Neil McKenna for Fanny & Stella: The Young Men Who Shocked Victorian England. Sports presenter Clare Balding, openly-gay football star Robbie Rogers, explorer Sarah Outen and Arsenal FC football team are all shortlisted for the Sports Award category. For the first time there will be an Advert of the Year category which celebrates advertising campaigns that have included gay people and their families. Nominees for the first Advert of the Year award include Amazon, Barclays, Mamas & Papas and Natwest.
SUSAN CALMAN
Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive, said: “This year has been a momentous year for legal equality in Britain, with equal marriage provoking both vitriol from some and inspiring courage in others. The Stonewall Awards are a fantastic opportunity for us to recognise those who have positively improved the lives of gay people around the world."
) Paul Kemp, one of the directors of Brighton Pride CIC, was a top three nomination in the Achiever of the Year category at this year’s Argus Achievement Awards last month. The awards took place on Sunday, October 6 at the Theatre Royal, Brighton at a glittering award ceremony to celebrate the county's finest. Newsreader and Argus Appeal patron, Nicholas Owen, hosted and present 19 awards celebrating everything from the best teacher and school in the county to those who have contributed the most to sport and culture. Argus readers submitted nominations in the categories earlier in the year then Argus editor, Michael Beard, and the awards sponsors, selected their winner and runners up. Paul Kemp is one of the city's most experienced club and event promoters. His association with Brighton Pride
Susan Calman, Awards Host, added: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be hosting this year’s Stonewall Awards. It’s an incredible opportunity to recognise the individuals who have strived tirelessly to make Britain and the world a better place." The eighth annual Stonewall Awards ceremony takes place on Thursday, November 7 at the V&A in London. Tickets cost £198 and are available from: www.stonewall.org.uk/awards or call Maria Anna Petrou on 0207 593 2294.
MISS JASON'S BIG WEEKENDER CHRISTMAS CRACKER BENDER ) Miss Jason, three times winner of the Golden Handbag Entertainer of the Year award, is hosting a Weekend Bender in Eastbourne at The Lions Mansion Hotel on the weekend of Friday, November 8 with friends Tammy Twinkle, Kevin Cruise, Sandra, Sally Vate, Titti La Camp, Charlie Hides TV featuring Kandi Kane and Santa Cruise and the All Star Twinky Boyz. For the price of your ticket (£149 per person) you get three days and two nights of all-in entertainment at the hotel, bed and breakfast, gala diners and a farewell lunch. To book tickets, call: 01273 911207
as supporter and operator goes back 20 years. He changed the face of clubbing in Brighton in 1989 with the ground breaking Club Shame and followed this in 1992 with one of the UK's iconic club nights Wild Fruit, which is still running 21 years later. He delivered along with the Pride Team what has been acknowledged as the most successful and diverse event ever staged in the city. This has not stopped the Green administration on the City Council considering removal of Pride’s annual £25,000 grant in 2014.
LOCAL BROADCASTER ON INDEPENDENT’S ‘PINK LIST’ ) A Brighton broadcaster has been named by a national newspaper as one of the most influential LGBT people in the UK. Kathy Caton, producer and presenter of Radio Reverb's Out in Brighton, appeared as one of the 101 most influential people in the Independent on Sunday's annual Pink List. Out in Brighton is the only LGBT radio show on the city's airwaves, featuring a range of subjects from theatre to health. Out in Brighton has listeners in Taiwan, Brazil and beyond, featuring in-depth interviews and musicians such as the Chalkwell Ladies Drum ‘n’ Bass League. Kathy helps run the LGBT staff network BBC Pride and the crossindustry InterMedia network. Kathy, said: “I'm KATHY CATON
RICHARD SMITH
) Stonewall, the LGB equality organisation, has announced the final shortlists for the eighth annual Stonewall Awards ceremony to be held on Thursday, November 7 at the V&A, in London. This year’s ceremony, hosted by Susan Calman and supported by Gender Gap, Google, the Inclusive Foundation, Square Peg Media and Paddy Power, celebrates those who have made a positive impact on the lives of LGB people in Britain over the last 12 months.
PRIDE ORGANISER NOMINATED IN ARGUS AWARDS
PAUL KEMP
ANTONY COTTON, ADELE ROBERTS AND RICHARD SMITH NOMINATED FOR 2013 STONEWALL AWARDS
absolutely delighted to be named on the Pink List with such an amazing collection of people. I've loved being able to use Out In Brighton to get LGBT voices and stories on air that you don't get to hear on mainstream media - I've met amazing activists, community workers, artists and musicians through doing the show - it's a privilege to help get those voices heard." Melita Dennett, Director of RadioReverb, said: “I’m pleased that Kathy has been acknowledged for her work in giving a voice to people marginalised by mainstream media, She's developed an engaging show which deals sensitively and intelligently with subjects like living with HIV, LGBT arts and culture and stories from trans people told in their own words." Paris Lees, Channel 4 and Radio 1's first trans woman presenter, topped the list with TV and radio presenter Clare Balding and Human Rights Campaigner Peter Tatchell sharing joint second place. To see the complete Pink List, view: www.independent.co.uk/news/people/ne ws/the-independent-on-sundays-pinklist-2013-8876183.html Out in Brighton is broadcast every Wednesday 5-6pm on 97.2FM in Brighton & Hove and online at www.radioreverb.com
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CLAIRE PARKER
) RadioReverb recently started what is believed to be the UK’s first regular show by and for trans* people on FM in the UK. The show is presented by trans stand-up comedian and activist Claire Parker. Time 4 T features interviews, news and music, and will broadcast monthly on 97.2FM in Brighton & Hove and online at www.radioreverb.com on the third Sunday of the month and be repeated the following Monday at 8am, Wednesday at 2pm and Thursday at 3am. Claire said; “I am really excited and privileged to be hosting Time 4 T. Representation of trans people is a passion of mine and I firmly believe that we (trans*) should be doing the representing. Someone recently challenged me with, ‘If you want a thing done well do it yourself’, so I am. I firmly believe that it’s now Time 4 The T in LGBT to be heard across the air waves.” Claire recently project managed with the BBC Writers Room, the Trans* Comedy Award, a £5,000 award for a positive trans* themed comedy script sitcom as well as supporting the Brighton Transformed project. The October show was a Pink List special with journalist Juliet Jacques and trans* politician Sarah Brown appearing via Skype. RadioReverb also has its own weekly dedicated LGBT show, Out In Brighton, presented by Kathy Caton who appears in the new Independent on Sunday‘s annual Pink List of the 100 most influential LGBT people in the UK. RadioReverb is also the broadcast partner in QueenSpark Books’ groundbreaking oral history project Brighton Transformed, which captures the stories of trans* people in Brighton & Hove. www.facebook.com/BrightonTransformed
PARTY AT PROWLER! ) A lot has happened in the eight years since Prowler Brighton opened its doors. Competition has come and gone and, like most other businesses, it experienced trading wobbles due to the recession. But things are now really on the up, and the future looks bright. As a way of saying thank you to the Brighton & Hove gay community, and so the new manager Pete Booth can officially bid everyone a warm welcome, the team are holding a party in-store on Thursday, November 21 from 5–8pm. These guys take their fun seriously, so they have confirmed that super-hot porn stars Adam Dacre and Matteo Valentine will be there in the flesh, to schmooze, entertain and pose for pictures with the crowd. Being a party, of course there will be plenty of free drinks and, as an
MATTEO VALENTINE
UK’S FIRST DEDICATED TRANS* FM RADIO SHOW
ADAM DACRE
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added bonus, everything purchased during the event will be reduced by 15% (excluding sale items and event tickets). Save the date for what’s going to be a great evening. See you there! Prowler Brighton, 112-113 St James’s Street, Brighton. Tel: 01273 683 680.
LAS IGUANAS TREAT LUNCH POSITIVE VOLUNTEERS TO LUNCH ) Mexican restaurant Las Iguanas in Jubilee Street, Brighton, donated a thank you meal to Lunch Positive volunteers on Wednesday, October 9, in recognition of their commitment, support of the HIV community and fundraising efforts. Las Iguanas has been a long-term supporter of Lunch Positive, providing volunteers Christmas meals, raffle prizes and fundraising collection boxes. Gary Pargeter, Volunteer Project Manager, said: “We’d like to thank all the staff at Las Iguanas for their on-going support, and the fantastic meal we shared at the restaurant yesterday. It means a great deal to have the support of the wider community in valuing our work and the contributions of volunteers.
We have 25 volunteers, who regularly gift over 80 hours in total each week supporting people who use the lunch club and one another. It’s rare we all have the opportunity to sit together and share a meal. The food and hospitality were fantastic. Thank you Las Iguanas." Lunch Positive is a charity and they provide a hot meal to people who are HIV positive every Friday at the Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, St James, Street, Kemptown. For more info about Lunch Positive, view: www.lunchpositive.org For more info about Las Iguanas, view: www.iguanas.co.uk
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WWW.GSCENE.COM NEW BOOK REVEALS HOW EQUALITY LAWS DID, AND DIDN'T, PROGRESS LGBT RIGHTS ) Ordinary in Brighton?: LGBT, Activisms & the City, the first academic study of LGBT life the city of Brighton & Hove, discusses how equalities legislation was experienced on the ground in the New Labour era (1997-2010) by LGBT people. It examines the impact of UK equalities initiatives on the lives of LGBT people and LGBT activism, and presents that alongside many positive changes, there are LGBT people who still feel marginalised and excluded in contexts such as support services and on the scene. It reveals that place matters in how social change happens: although Brighton was feted as the gay capital of the UK, it did not fulfil this ideal for all LGBT people. This failing to match the city’s branding and legislative requirements provided a bargaining tool that LGBT activists used to press for more progressive policies and practice. The book draws on the voices of LGBT people who lived, worked and socialised in the city, using data and testimony from questionnaires, focus groups and interviews gathered as part of the award-winning Count Me In Too project, which ran from 2005 to 2010. It charts the development of this innovative project in which LGBT people worked with service providers to gather, analyse and present evidence that would promote positive change for LGBT people.
CELEBRATE! MINDOUT AND MENTAL HEALTH ) MindOut, the LGBT mental health project, celebrated a year in the life of MindOut at the Dorset Gardens Methodist Church on Wednesday, October 16. All aspects of their work were profiled and then service users gave short talks about why MindOut was important to them. It was powerful stuff, but the message from each one was very clear: MindOut is a lifeline to many LGBT people with mental health problems and has created within the project a community of people who give each other support and most importantly helps service users develop their confidence. Each speaker, though clearly nervous and at times emotional, was magnificent! Cllr Denise Cobb, the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, disregarded her prepared speech and spoke from the heart thanking each speaker for sharing their story with everyone present and acknowledging the vital contribution MindOut makes to the lives of so many LGBT people in Brighton & Hove. Awards were presented by Project Director, Helen Jones, and Chair of the trustees Kate Webb to the
following: Phil Brooke for all his excellent work for the Advocacy Project; Andrew Doig for all his brilliant work as company secretary, allotment and cookery volunteer; Karen Sharman/Dolly Rocket for all her support at their fundraising events; Steph Scott and The Clare Project for all their support with MindOut outreach to the trans community; The Camelford Arms for all their fundraising for MindOut; Mike Gaunt for all his work as a trustee, marathon runner and cup cake supremo; Vikki Hayward-Cripps for all her work and support as a MindOut trustee; James Ledward for all his media support for mental health Lunch Positive, the award-winning HIV charity who provide a healthy meal every Friday for people who are HIV positive, produced a lavish buffet and the Rainbow Chorus, conducted by their musical director Aneesa Chaudhry, sang a selection of their favourite numbers to finish off the evening. A great event highlighting the services offered by MindOut, an organisation that is open and transparent about their activities and the services they offer. www.mindout.org.uk
Ordinary in Brighton? is co-written by Dr Kath Browne, the lead researcher on the project and Reader in Human Geography at the University of Brighton, with Leela Bakshi, an LGBT activist who has worked with Dr Browne on geographies of sexualities research in Brighton. Both live in the city and worked with local LGBT community organisations alongside developing the research project and writing this book. They say: “This book reflects on learning from the stories, hopes and views entrusted to the Count Me In Too research project, and develops thinking, linking and extending the research literature, whilst seeking to honour the contributions of those who took part.” Members of the public are invited to the book launch where people connected with the project will speak about the book. The launch is on November 23 at the Friends’ Meeting House in Ship Street, Brighton, starting at 3pm. Everyone is welcome. The book is framed for academics and activists with interest in research and theories. To read the publishers’ overview of the book: www.ashgate.com/isbn/9781472412942 For more information on the Count Me In Too project, view: www.countmeintoo.co.uk
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THE KEEP THE FUTURE OF OUR LGBT HISTORY ARCHIVE ) Following the announcement earlier this year on the Brighton Our Story website that the charity were unable to continue their work, there was a widely publicised public meeting on October 7 at the Marlborough in Prince’s Street to discuss the future of an LGBT archive for the city. Those present heard that there would soon be an opportunity to access material about Brighton & Hove's LGBT history at The Keep, a new East Sussex Archive, due to open in Falmer in November. Much of the Ourstory archive has now been deposited at The Keep, where it will be catalogued and maintained as a separate LGBT history collection.
DAVID RAVEN BIRTHDAY GALA RAISES £8,494.90 ) David Ravens 80th Birthday Gala at the Theatre Royal in August made a profit of £8,494.90 after hire fees for the Theatre Royal and general expenses had been paid out. David chose to share the money between the Sussex Beacon and the Rainbow Fund with each receiving cheques for £4,247.45. David said: “I want to thank everyone who made the Gala possible and in the process gave me one of the greatest nights of my life. Thank you all so very much.”
It's great news that so many sources about queer history will become available to researchers in the not too distant future, and that East Sussex County Record Office, who will be managing The Keep, welcome the input of the LGBT community into how the collection develops, and how it is catalogued. More information about volunteering opportunities will be available soon. The meeting decided to set up a steering group of people from the LGBT community, so that our views can be communicated about issues like what the collecting policy should be, and so that exhibitions could be organised by the LGBT community in liaison with The Keep, to make these precious records of our past accessible to all. The following were chosen by the meeting as a steering group to get the LGBT archive group going, by drafting its initial mission statement, and applying to become a community interest company: Melita Dennett, Jill Gardiner, Tina Huggins, James Ledward, and Rachel Whitbread, Jane Wuster, and a student from Brighton University Queer History Hub. This steering group will keep in touch with the wider community - watch this space, or contact LGBTarchive@yahoo.com if you'd like to get email updates or to offer to help.
RAINBOW FUND BENEFITS FROM LOCAL FUNDRAISING ) The Rainbow Fund has recently been supported by two community fundraising events: The Queen’s Arms raised £285.52, Charles Street's 9th Annual Cabaret raised £351.03. Paul Elgood, Rainbow Fund Chairman, said: “We would like to thank the organisers and performers at these events who did so much to put together these tremendous occasions for the community. This money will go towards our grant funding, directly benefitting local LGBT and HIV groups who provide front-line services to the community.” The Rainbow Fund is a grants panel of the Sussex Community Foundation, and distributes funding to small, volunteer-led LGBT and HIV/AIDS community groups. The Rainbow Fund benefits from a number of high profile events each year. There are no salaries, office overheads or expenses related to the Fund, except for the professional advice it receives from the Sussex Community Foundation to ensure the safe and transparent distribution of funds. Applications closed on October 11 for the latest round of Rainbow Fund grant funding. Decisions will be made by the end of November.
SOUTHAMPTON DRAG RACE RAISES £3051.41 ) A drag race staged on September 7 by the Titanic Bar in Southampton and organised by Sonia Marmite raised £3051.41 for Cancer Research UK. Pictured: Paul Brown aka Sonia Marmite, Bridgett Vane local fundraising manager Cancer Research UK and Martin Geer, landlord of the Titanic Bar. Twenty eight men and two women entered the race. Debenhams in Southampton made up the guys and prizes were donated by Perfum Shop, High Street Cafe, Southampton Council, Marlands, Ocean Gift Shop and boots and t shirt @ Asda.
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BEAR PATROL RAISE NEARLY £6,000 FOR THE SUSSEX BEACON ) Danny Dwyer and Bear Patrol organised a Hibernation Luncheon at the Holiday Inn on Brighton Seafront on Sunday, October 13. More than 160 people attended the three-course luncheon and were joined by the Deputy Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Cllr Bill Randall and his wife. The event raised £6,236.07 for the Sussex Beacon who will use the money to decorate one of the corridors in their in-patient unit on the first floor. The event was hosted by Mysterry with entertainment provided by vocalists Adam Betteridge, Krissie DuCann, Jennie Castelle, Pooh La May and David Raven aka Maisie Trollette who was accompanied on keyboards by Josh Mills. The auctioneer for the evening was Mark Stacey, the presenter of BBC's Flog It who successfully managed to empty people’s pockets of their cash.
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SPEAKING VOLUMES Alice Booth tells Gscene about the storytelling project that works with people living with HIV to decrease ignorance and stigma by allowing the life stories and experiences of HIV positive people to be heard. ) Speaking Volumes is a storytelling project for HIV positive people in Brighton. The idea of the project is to give a voice to people living with HIV, without them needing to publicly disclose their status. It is being run by arts and health practitioner Alice Booth, in association with Brighton’s queer-arts producing organisation, Pink Fringe.
people about their lives. However, these events are short-lived and only people who are willing to speak publicly about their experiences will be heard. The difference with Speaking Volumes is that it has longevity the books can be listened to many times, and stories of people who wish to remain anonymous can still be shared. As World AIDS Day approaches it is important to hear the positive stories and celebrate the medical advances that are turning HIV into a manageable condition. However, it is also crucial that we remember that there is still so much stigma surrounding the virus, and the negative impact this can have on people’s lives.
“The books can be listened to many times, and stories of people who wish to remain anonymous can still be shared”
As part of Speaking Volumes, participants living with HIV will attend creative workshops, which use art and drama techniques to explore identity and their life journey. They can then have their story recorded, and this is put onto an mp3 player hidden inside a hollowed-out book. Personalised dust-jackets are created for each book, with a sketch of the storyteller on the front, drawn by local artist Jake Spicer. These sketches will be naturalistic or abstract depending on whether participants want to reveal their identity. Following this process, the shelf of Speaking Volumes will be on display in Brighton’s Jubilee Library from April 7, 2014. There, members of the public can come and listen to the stories and experiences of local people living with HIV and gain new insights into this complex condition. The stories will also be available to listen to online at www.speakingvolumesproject.org. The idea for the Speaking Volumes project was inspired by the popular Human Libraries that take place all over the world, where members of the public interview marginalised
Projects like Speaking Volumes are important, as not only do they help to increase understanding about the realities of living with HIV, they will also help challenge the unhelpful stereotyping which so often surrounds the disease. By presenting the individual and human stories behind the label ‘HIV positive’ we can help dispel ignorance and fight stigma. One participant in the project said 'it feels like we have been waiting for this opportunity for years’. If you are HIV positive, living in or near Brighton and would like to share you story as part of the Speaking Volumes Project, there is still time to get involved.
Portrait workshop On November 24 there will be a portrait workshop with artist Jake Spicer. This workshop uses simple art techniques to explore self-image, and you need no previous artistic experience to take part.
Storytelling workshop On November 30 there is a storytelling workshop with Alice Booth, which will help prepare you to share your experiences. Both workshops run from 11am–4pm and are entirely free. If you are interested in taking part or would like more information, email alice@speakingvolumesproject.org www.speakingvolumesproject.org www.pinkfringe.org.uk
VOLUNTEER HERO Paul Thompson is a volunteer with Terrence Higgins Trust ) Earlier this year during Volunteers’ Week, Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) in Brighton nominated Paul Thompson as their Volunteer Hero. Paul volunteers and helps the charity put together hundreds of condom packs for local outreach sessions in the Brighton area. Ross Boseley, Health Promotion Coordinator for THT in Brighton, said: “We want to say a massive thanks to Paul for the many hours he spends putting together our condom packs with information and resources. “People might not always think about those people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make the work we do in Brighton possible. Condom use is at the heart of our HIV prevention message, and without the contribution of people like Paul, we would simply not be able to do the work we do to help people in Brighton to protect themselves from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. “Paul is a true unsung hero and we would like to say a huge thanks for donating his time so generously.” Paul said: “Over the early years of the HIV epidemic, my partner and I lost many friends to AIDS, and many more of our friends are living with HIV today. Me and my partner are both lucky that we are both negative. But we can also see that, in every single instance where HIV has touched the lives of those we know and love, THT has been there to provide support. I decided I wanted to help in anyway I could to help the charity deliver its local services. “Packing up the condom packs is only a small part in the effort to tackle HIV, but I hope that the work has helped to get the message out there that people can protect themselves from the virus.” www.tht.org.uk
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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 up to the minute information, join their Facebook page World Aids Day - Brighton & Hove at www.facebook.com/worldAIDSdayBH
EXHIBITIONS ) THT OPEN EVENING: THT, 61 Ship St, Tuesday, Nov 19, 6-8pm. THT’s Brighton office will host an open evening including presentations about local services. Anyone is welcome to attend the free session which will include a buffet. ) THT LUNCHTIME HIV UPDATE: THT, 61 Ship St, Wednesday, Nov 27, 12.30-1.30pm. Staff and volunteers from THT will give an overview of HIV in 2013. Free and informal session open to everyone who would like to learn more about HIV and the latest developments in a national context. Q&A after the event. ) 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.
remembrance at the memorial. Lunch Positive will be providing warm drinks. More info: Gary Pargeter on 07846 464384 or info@lunchpositive.org
CANDLE LIGHT VIGIL ) 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 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
) 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.
MEMORIAL SPACE ) 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
) 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 FRIDAY NOVEMBER 8 ) A-BAR: CABARET FUNDRAISER 8.30pm hosted by Misty Lee in aid of the Sussex Beacon. ) BEDFORD TAVERN: Shirley-A-Thon 8pm to benefit the Sussex Beacon.
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 14 ) CRABTREE & EVELYN: 22 East Street, BTN Fundraiser to benefit THT. An opportunity to buy early Christmas presents, watch Christmas lights being turned on with champagne, canapes and a raffle of Crabtree & Evelyn goodies. Tickets cost £10 from THT offices. Everyone gets a goody bag.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 29 ) LUNCH POSITIVE WORLD AIDS DAY THANK YOU LUNCH: for partner organisations, volunteers and supporters of Lunch Positive. For more info: www.lunchpositive.org
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 30
) 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 (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.
CONCERT
) BRIGHTON BRING & BUY SALE: The Sussex Beacon Homeware Store, 72-73 London Rd, Brighton from 11am-3pm. ) REVENGE: RED PARTY: raising money for the THT from 10.30pm.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 1 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
) 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. ) BAR7@CRAWLEY: WORLD AIDS DAY FUNDRAISER & 1ST BIRTHDAY PARTY: Cassidy Connors and guests from 6pm. ) QUEENS ARMS: ALL DAY WORLD AIDS DAY FUNDRAISER for the Sussex Beacon
TUESDAY DECEMBER 3 ) NEW STEINE BISTRO: SUPPER CLUB in aid of the Sussex Beacon, for reservations call: 01273 681546 / 695415
26 GSCENE to consider or take up training, other interests and paid work. There are a wide range of partner organisations we work with, some closely throughout the year and others as need and opportunity arises. At a time when coping with HIV can also mean coping with a whole range of other life issues it's important our resources are diverse, and that includes access to a wide range of other services.
SOLIDARITY One of the messages of World AIDS Day is solidarity, and something we hold at the core of our work in everything we do throughout the year. Here are some of the reflections on how solidarity has made an impact on individuals who use Lunch Positive and our organisation this year. ) People come along to Lunch Positive for many reasons and over time as we get to know one another we hear a wide range of perspectives of how HIV affects our lives, and how other difficulties or challenges in life affect how we live with HIV. The thing that helps overcome these challenges, strengthens and joins us together is the desire and ability to spend time with one another in a space where HIV is a given, and we don't need to be fearful about what we say, or how it might be perceived. We don't necessarily need to talk about HIV, but unlike everyday life elsewhere we can talk freely without fear of disclosing our status, worries and uncertainties or issues around our health. For many of us it's about “Having a place of our own, a community which we create for our own benefit and others”. For a growing number of new members, it's about meeting other people with HIV, learning and understanding how being HIV+ can be manageable, less fearful and not define 'who you are'. For some of us, especially newly diagnosed, talking informally with others helps overcome the fear of our diagnosis, a decline in our health, or what we first see as a bleak and unhopeful future. It helps us cope, find hope and move on. We've been told: “It was the first place I'd come where other HIV+ people were. I had preconceptions like everyone else. When I saw how normal everybody was it made me feel better about myself. “ For some people HIV is the single most isolating factor in our lives, and we know that isolation causes loneliness and can lead to depression and poorer mental health. Someone recently told us “Last year I decided to let people know about my HIV status – so it was like coming out all over again. Lunch Positive helped me – it's part of the jigsaw puzzle of where I am now compared to then.” Many people who lunch go on to volunteer, and some decide to join us as volunteers from
their first visits. When we start to talk about people's interest in volunteering we inevitably hear about some people's experiences of being HIV positive in the workplace. Some are affirmative, with understanding employers who rightly accept and make no issue of the fact, but there are still others with experiences of bullying, fear of disclosing their status and being unable to take time off to attend hospital appointments when needed. People sometimes tell us they feel 'lucky' that they have an understanding employer. It shouldn't be about luck but for some it seems to be. Stigma and fear of stigma is still out there. We shouldn't assume that because it has diminished in our own community that it has everywhere else. Where people can fit volunteering into their working lives we hear “I wish it could be like this at work” and “now this is what teamwork is really like”.
The test of those partnerships is the response to our members’ needs and our organisation’s willingness to support one another, extend ourselves and help one another. It's been a good year for working with others. Including the regular visits we have from other HIV organisations such as THT we're pleased to have signposted and promoted social groups like Peer Action, we have had visits from Sussex Beacon, developed closer links with them and started regular conversations about the changing needs and support of our HIV community. We've had very successful visits from MindOut whose work is of great interest and benefit to many of our members; and have joined with that organisation in many of its health and wellbeing events. Gary Smith, the LGBT Brief Intervention Worker, and Heather Leake Date from the Ecumenical Chaplaincy have visited regularly and provided a huge degree of support to their clients, our members and volunteers. It's a real testament to the strength of our community that we can talk amongst our organisations and think about what we can do for one another, rather than what the difficulties might be.
“It's a real testament to the strength of our community that we can talk amongst our organisations and think about what we can do for one another, rather than what the difficulties might be”
And the wider community has continued to get behind us too. Thank you to you all! It's made a huge difference to our work that word of our service has spread; more people have heard about us and come along for support. Our profile and funds have been raised through involvement with other HIV and LGBT organisations and groups. We've worked with BLAGSS, Bear Patrol, Bear Weekender, existing and new pubs and bars, and had the support of many local LGBT businesses. Pride this year was a success story for us, a great experience of volunteering and teamwork, and the Pride organisers were instrumental in making that opportunity happen. Dorset Gardens Methodist Church has helped us with improvements in using the building and continued to value and support the work we carry out there.
For people volunteering there's a sense of belonging to a supportive and cohesive group which they tell us is difficult or impossible to find elsewhere. We aim to ensure volunteering is about mutual benefit, which differs for individuals but always means making it enjoyable! It's encouraging that for many, people tell us that the experience of volunteering with a supportive group helps them carry on more easily in their 'other jobs' and for some it's helped them find confidence
So much of what we do, how it helps people and our community is spread by word of mouth, and it’s people who are harder to reach we're always trying to meet and engage with. If you have friends, acquaintances, colleagues or know someone who's HIV and is looking for a safe place to feel accepted, who might enjoy sharing a healthy meal, and who would benefit by being with others then please tell them about Lunch Positive. Stand by us and our community. Together, in the things we do, we all make a difference. www.lunchpositive.org
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THE SUSSEX BEACON Simon Dowe, CEO of The Sussex Beacon, tells Gscene why services for HIV positive people are still needed.
) The Sussex Beacon is half way through a strategy review process. This means we are looking at how to best deliver services to meet future need. We are working in an environment where the understanding and management of HIV is continuing to develop. When our care centre opened in the early 1990s, the rate of deaths related to AIDS in the UK was growing. Four people a week died of AIDS related illnesses at our centre at that time. Thanks to advances in drug treatments, we now mainly care for people coping with the challenges of living with HIV. This different landscape brings different issues, one example being that people are living much longer, however this can often be with complex health and emotional needs arising from the side effects of HIV medication itself as well as living with the virus.
“Outside London, Brighton has the highest proportion of people living with HIV”
As we plan for the future we are making steady progress and will implement our new strategy from early next year. Looking forward means we are also looking back too. In this, our 21st anniversary year, we mark the incredible support from you, our local community, in making The Sussex Beacon the truly special place it has been. We remember each and every individual who we have supported in their journey with HIV. We plan to be here to continue to offer support for as long as it is needed.
What we do The Sussex Beacon offers specialist care and support for men, women and families affected by HIV. We operate 365 days a year to help people manage the everyday realities of living with this challenging and life-long illness. Our 10-bed Inpatient Unit helps people manage the complex conditions associated with HIV. This can include initiating new drug therapies or struggling with some of the extreme side effects of anti-retroviral drug regimes. We provide medical, emotional and social support along with physiotherapy and occupational therapy. We also offer end of life care. Our Outpatient Unit for health management offers psychological support such as anxiety and sleep management and treatment. We run services for women and families and a regular day service for socially isolated people with complex medical conditions associated with HIV.
Why The Sussex Beacon is needed HIV remains a serious, life-changing, lifelong condition with, as yet, no cure. HIV is unlike any other illness. People report chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia, depression, social isolation and side effects from medication. Long-term use of medication used to treat HIV often ages peoples’ organs prematurely by around 15 years – this can lead to more complex health needs sooner in life. The picture now is of a dedicated centre supporting people of all ages – the older age group now being the ones who have lived with the virus many years longer than first anticipated at the time of their diagnosis. The side effects of HIV medication and effects of the virus itself can cause further complications including heart disease, earlyonset dementia and cancer. Psychological and social issues are also common such as difficulty finding employment and family and relationship breakdown. Many of these issues are exacerbated by the stigma of HIV. Outside London, Brighton has the highest proportion of people living with HIV. Diagnoses continue to rise. In 2012 there were 100,000 people living with HIV in the UK, 26% of these are estimated to be undiagnosed. Our service users face additional disadvantage, most are on low incomes, struggling with mental health or housing issues and most of our women are from minority ethnic communities. Lots of our women are diagnosed HIV positive during pregnancy; they may have young children or be living with trauma following rape or fleeing conflict.
Please support us • We desperately need donations, especially furniture, for our London Road charity Home Store. Call 01273 680 264 to arrange FREE collection of your unwanted furniture. • Run Brighton Half Marathon for us. This event is organised by us and is our largest annual fundraiser. www.brightonhalfmarathon.com/charities • Facebook: thesussexbeacon • Twitter: @sussexbeacon
KRISSIE - THIS IS ME! Local entertainer Krissie DuCann talks to James Ledward about her new book This Is Me, the proceeds of which will raise vital funds for the Sussex Beacon.
Krissie remembers the period affectionately, “They were fantastic times touring in the 1960s. Everyone did it because they really loved the music and travelling together. There was none of this stardom, ego thing we get today. The camaraderie was totally fantastic.” She moved on to become a solo singer, signing with Polydor Records and having success with the single I Wanna Give. Krissie says: “In the industry I was known as the problem singer. Record executives said I had a fantastic voice and could sing but when it came to marketing me, I was not good looking enough.” Undeterred at being undermined, Krissie spent many of her early years fundraising for charitable causes. “I felt with this voice I had a gift,” she says, “and I wanted to use it to help others.” She had a daughter to the actor Norman Rossington, then in 1972 she gave birth to a son who was mentally disabled and epileptic. She turned her attentions to raising money for Children in Need and in 1975 her son was featured on the Children in Need poster. When he reached the age of five, he was able to go to the Dysart School in Kingston, Surrey, where they lived at the time. In those days, special schools were not high on the government’s agenda for funding, so Krissie threw herself full time into raising money for
the school using her career and contacts to produce charity shows all over the country. Her efforts raised money for a swimming pool and a new roof for the school. In the following years she became one of the main fundraisers for Lighthouse London (now a branch of THT) and formed the all-woman band KDC to raise money for both the Dysart School and the Lighthouse. She pulled in help from her many show business contacts and friends, including Kiki Dee, June Brown, Polly Perkins, Pam St Clement, Randy Crawford and Sting. Sir Elton John was particularly kind and matched pound for pound everything that Krissie helped raise from his Elton John Foundation. Since settling in Brighton with her civil partner Bel, they have both made many friends in the city and become passionate supporters of the Sussex Beacon. JASON PALMER & PAT CRUISE
) To many in Brighton she is known as the little lady with the big voice. Krissie DuCann has an impressive pedigree in show business. She started singing in a skiffle band in 1958 when she was just 14, then in 1964 she formed a soul band called Cadillac and toured the country with Pink Floyd, Amen Corner, The Nice and Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix became her lover, as did Peter Cook.
“Getting it all down in writing has been very therapeutic for me... the process was painful but I feel stronger now” A few years ago Krissie decided she would like to write a book about her life, not so much about the stars and her show biz stories but more about her struggles keeping her family going and being mother to a mentally disabled and epileptic child. Finally last year she got together with Maureen Ratcliffe who is the ghost writer on Krissie's new book This Is Me. “Getting it all down in writing has been very therapeutic for me. It was something I had to do. Maureen has been like a psychiatrist to me. At times
KRISSIE & BILLY WALKER
KRISSIE & PAM ST CLEMENTS KRISSIE & JUNE BROWN
KRISSIE & CHARLIE WILLIAMS
JIMI HENDRIX
28 GSCENE
the process was painful but I feel stronger now. I learnt that I did not really like myself, but putting it all down in print has helped me see the good things I have done as well as the bad. It has been very cathartic.” Krissie has spent a lifetime fundraising for worthy organisations and the proceeds from the sale of this book will go the Sussex Beacon. "It was the sole reason I wrote the book. I love the place and I want more than anything else to help them and see them carry on their great work." In order to help her get the book printed the following sponsors have helped with the costs of the printing: • Sharon Barr (Zone Bar, Brighton) • Gerry Breen (Coward's Guest House, Brighton) • Barry Nelson & Justin Manning (The Queen's Hotel, Brighton) • Neil Jackson & Bruce Rowley (Tree Lodges, Sodwana Bay, South Africa (living in Brighton) • Georgina Ayres from Hertfordshire • Lady Maria Dolan of Somerset This Is Me costs just £7.50 and is available from 112 Church Street, opposite the Dome, and the Zone Bar in St James’ Street. Krissie is launching the book with a book signing and a short ‘Audience with’ at the Queen’s Hotel, 1-3 Kings Road, Brighton on Sunday, November 3 at 5pm. Everyone is welcome!
SOUTHAMPTON PINK BALL RAISES £11,000 ) The final Pink Ball in its present format took place at The Grand Harbour Hotel, Southampton on Saturday, October 5 and was organised by The London Hotel, a former winner of the Golden Handbag Award for Best Out of Town Venue. This annual fundraising Gala Dinner has been widely considered the most lavish and glamorous LGBT event in Hampshire for the past five years. This year's gala raised £11,000 which will be shared between the The Countess Mountbatten Hospice Charity and Ben Cohen’s Stand-up Foundation. The total raised by the Pink Ball over the last five years comes to just over £80,000. Entertainment on the evening, which had a 1940s theme, was provided by Karen Dalton, Drag With No Name, Good Old ‘Elsie’ and featured the debut performance of The Southampton Male Voice Choir. The gala was hosted by Jason Palmer, who presented the auctions, raffles, silent auctions, cup cake buying and 'Name the Teddy' all ably assisted by Pat Cruise who made her final appearance on stage before sailing off into the sunset aboard the Slippery Queen in search of... well, something!!!
KAREN DALTON
THE STILL MOVING DJS TOM & MARTIN
GOOD OLD ELSIE
JASON PALMER & PAT CRUISE
DRAG WITH NO NAME
THE SOUTHAMPTON MALE VOICE CHOIR
30 GSCENE It’s not only the setting and rooms that are outstanding, the service is too. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff, and they will go out of their way to ensure you have a pleasant stay here. From the early hours of the morning they are sweeping and cleaning, all to make sure that everything is spotlessly clean. Breakfast is how you want it – from fruit platters containing passion fruit, papaya, mango and banana to the full English breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, plus toast, butter, jam and marmalade.
SRI LANKA Sugar and spice and everything nice - that’s what Sri Lanka is made of... Alan Stables tastes the gay delights of Sri Lanka ) What do you want out of a holiday? If it’s friendly, quality service, the sun, and a stone’s throw from an international port, then you can’t go wrong with Negombo in Sri Lanka. Some 20 minutes by taxi from Colombo International Airport, you will find the jewel in the crown of Negombo, an eight room exclusively gay boutique hotel called Dickman Resort (www.dickmanresort.com). It’s an exclusive hotel with swimming pool, pool table and bar, but what differentiates this hotel from others are the levels of service and attention to detail.
There’s nature around too. We saw four tortoises and a friendly squirrel, which came out to play. Whilst shorts are de rigor during the day, you are better off wearing trousers in the evening as there may be a few midges. switches and mini-bar. Not only are there tea and coffee making services in the room, but you can order your pot of tea free of charge anytime throughout the day. That’s bliss for you tea drinkers out there. The bathrooms have papaya-scented soap and scented shampoo sets from Ayur, whilst the rooms have candles and flowers too. The beds have split tennis balls on the corners to prevent you from hurting yourself on the edges. It’s this type of attention to detail that other hotels trying to imitate the standards simply do not reach.
The guest rooms, named after colours such as aqua, green and blue, look out onto the pool, so as you open your doors in the morning you are greeted by a tranquil pool with deck chairs waiting to entrance you out into the sun. Two patio doors at water level flank a mirror at the centre of the pool giving an optical illusion that the swimming pool extends through the patio doors. Very clever. The rooms come with all mod cons: TV, video player, air-conditioning, remote control light
The owner, Dickman, or Dick for short, a tall Dutch guy, has chosen his staff well. They are courteous at all times. Shahan, the receptionist, will sort out your internet connection; the manager Damith will ensure that everything is right for you; Rishan cooks you the breakfast; and the house boy, Mahenda, will clean your room. Many other boys are around doing pool chores, cleaning, and night security. The resort also hosts various special parties throughout the year including Christmas, New Year and St Valentine’s.
If you want to pamper yourself with a spa treatment, besides the in-house masseur, both Jasmine Villa and Body Zone are recommended. Both will collect you from the hotel, take you to their premises, and return you back to the hotel. It is best to ask the receptionist to sort this out and other tourist information, such as visiting the other major attraction of the island Kandy (2½ hrs drive away), Galle (pronounced “goal” by the locals) or the capital Colombo. Negombo is the fourth largest city in Sri Lanka with a population of 128,000 inhabitants. The
GSCENE 31 the Dutch in 1644. There is a Dutch fort, which was constructed in Negombo in 1672, and is now utilised as a prison. The Dutch were also responsible for the canal from Colombo to Puttalam in the north, passing through Negombo and still present today. With the decline of the cinnamon trade, the British took over in 1815 and their influence spread throughout Sri Lanka until independence in 1948.
Negombo was first populated by the Moors in the 7th and 8th centuries as they dominated the spice trade, then the Portuguese and then
For restaurants it is hard to beat Lord’s Restaurant (www.lordsrestaurant.net). A starter will cost around 750 rupees (£3.50), and main dishes double that. With an international selection of dishes from Sri Lankan cuisine to salads, curries, seafood platters, vegetarian and meats, it is hard to
DICKMAN HOTEL STAFF
city itself is a small beach town with the one main street containing hotels, bars, restaurants and tourist shops selling leather goods, batik-style clothing and several gem stores all authorised by the respective gem and jewellery authorities to ensure authenticity. Getting about is easy too as tuktuks (small three wheel transport vehicles), will take you from one end to the other for a couple of pounds. The tuktuk drivers though are excellent salesman and will try to sell you all types of services and tours. Locally they will show you the Catholic churches (90% of the people in the area are Catholic and proud of their religious beliefs), the Buddhist temples, the fish market, or take you to Negombo town some 3 kilometres away. Whilst much has been done to clean up the Negombo beach area, you will be approached from supposed teachers of deaf children to poor fishermen. They have one aim in mind and that is to extract some money from you to support their meagre income.
Temperature wise, the average annual minimum temperature is 24ºC with average maximum annual temperature of 30ºC. The high season is November to March, with the low, monsoon season being from May to August.
go wrong. Under the management of the philanthropist Martin Fullerton, you can get to read his life story too. Walk further into the Lord’s complex and you can have a free fish foot spa, as well as see an art gallery hosting local artists. For nightlife there are several gay friendly bars in the area such as Tastees Banana, and especially Serendib on Fridays and Saturdays after 11pm. The local beer is called Lion, and look out for the witty posters advertising the No 1 Sri Lankan beer. I was not however impressed by Rodeo Bar when the barman tried to short change me. Having said that, Negombo is full of people wishing you a good day, and if you are single, somebody will come up and chat with you. It is that friendly.
All in all if you are looking for a relaxing holiday with attentive service and excellent restaurants, but do not mind missing out on the clubbing, then Negombo could be that dream holiday that you always wish you had but never yet taken. I would also recommend it for singles just as much as I would for couples. Try it and you will see.
GETTING THERE • British Airways flies three times a week from London Gatwick Airport for £575 return. www.britishairways.com • Also check out the local airlines SriLankan Airlines www.srilankan.com
PRICES AT DICKMAN RESORT At Dickman Resort, the prices for single occupancy range from 85 to 115 euros (£72 to £97) per night, whilst doubles range from 95 to 125 euros (£80 to £106) per night. Prices depend on the type of room you book and time of year. There is an extra surcharge of 25 euros (£21) per room per night for the top peak season from December 24 to January 2. Prices include that huge breakfast. Prices quoted do not include the 5% service charge. Note: if you have an overnight guest, you are only charged for the extra breakfast. For more information, view: www.dickmanresort.com
32 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM A-BAR, BAR 7 CRAWLEY + BRIGHTON SAUNA
NOVEMBER
LISTINGS
A-BAR
n ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri (8) is the CABARET FUNDRAISER in aid of Sussex Beacon with host Misty Lee at 8.30pm. 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. Sat is Pre-Club with drink promos. n FOOD bar food served Mon, Tue, Thur & Fri noon–3pm; Wed & Sat noon–7pm; Golden Handbag Award winning Sunday roasts served from noon, last orders 3pm, to book call 01273 696691. Mooi Caribbean restaurant and take away Sun–Sat 4–10pm, closed Wed; 10% off for 2 people, bottle of house wine £8. 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.
Information is correct at the time of going to press. Gscene magazine cannot be held responsible for any changes or alterations to the listings FRIDAY 1 n A-BAR live music 9pm ; bar food 123pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; open 12 n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Halloween Cabaret: Sandra’s Sanatorium + DJ Magic 6pm n BAR REVENGE Shameless Halloween 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 Rocky Horror Cabaret: Spice & Sally Vate 8.30pm; open noon n BETTY LA LA’S International Menu Launch n BULLDOG DJ Grant Knowles 10pm; cabaret: La Voix midnight; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 6-9pm; 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: Davina Sparkle 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 Back to the 80s 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 Normanton Street 9pm; open noon n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Camp Attack: Stacey Star, Sissy Sucs & karaoke 8pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open 11am n REVENGE Shameless Dare to Scare Halloween Party: DJs Lee Harris, Trick 10.30pm n SUBLINE Steam 9pm n ZONE live music: Back Beat 9.30pm; open 10am SATURDAY 2 n A-BAR Pre-club music; food noon-7pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Rob Davis 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 The Boys In The Bar: allmale 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: 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; open noon 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; Ghost Walk Tour 7pm; Kamp Kevin: games, karaoke, Jeremy Kyle Experience 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-6pm; open 11am n REVENGE Vampires v Zombies Halloween Party: DJs 10.30pm n SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm n ZONE cabaret: Tammy Twinkle 9.30pm; open 10am SUNDAY 3 n A-BAR Sunday roasts: bookings 01273 696691 noon-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 410pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Ed & Tyler’s karaoke 6pm n BAR REVENGE Sunday Funday; Karaoke Queens: LouBag & Smithy 8pm; open noon n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm n BEDFORD TAVERN Sunday roasts 12.305pm; cabaret: Mrs Moore 5.30pm; 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
BAR 7 CRAWLEY
n ONE FOR THE DIARY Sun (1) Dec is Bar 7's 1ST BIRTHDAY PARTY & WAD FUNDRAISER with host Cassidy Connors & cabaret acts. n REGULARS Sat is PARTY night: drink promos &DJs: Rob Davis (2), Cozmo (9), WaynsieRudeBoy (16 & 30) & Missy B (23). n Sun KARAOKE with Ed & Tyler, sing to win a shot. n Tue, happy hour 6–9pm. n Wed DRAG BINGO with Lady Ty. n Thur is PARTY night with a DJ. n Fri is PARTY night with DJs Magic (1, 15 & 29) & Claire Fuller (8 & 22), cabaret: Sandra's HALLOWEEN SANATORIUM (1), Lucinda Lashes (15), Miss DQ (29). n OPEN Sun, Tue & Wed 6pm–12.30am; Thur–Sat 6pm–2.30am. Closed Mon. www.7crawley.co.uk
BRIGHTON SAUNA
n REGULARS Every Wed is NAKED DAY all day, no towels to be worn. n DRINK DEALS licensed bar 7 days a week; Sun–Thur 11–1am and Fri & Sat 11–2am. n OPEN For all listings visit: www.thebrightonsauna.com
PICS FROM BETTY LA LA’S
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 33
BETTY LA LA’S
n ONE FOR THE DIARY: Thur (21) is LA LA'S 1ST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION with a Charity Quiz & Auction raising money for LGBT Switchboard. Call 01273 693444 to book your team. n REGULARS: Sun (17) is the monthly 3-Course CABARET SUNDAY ROAST with Tammy Twinkle at 4pm; £19.95, to book call 01273 693444. Sat from (9) is AN EVENING WITH THE PIANO MAN at 8pm. n FOOD: Fri (1) sees the launch of the Gastronomic International Menu with a French twist, inspired by Head Chef Hubert. British/French menu served through the week; breakfasts served Sat & Sun from 9.30am; Roasts served from noon–till gone on Sun, one course £12.95, two courses £16.95, three courses £19.95, call 01273 693444 to book.
n CAMELFORD ARMS Sunday roasts & selected menu noon-till gone; Bear Bash 5pm; open noon n CHARLES ST Halloween Cabaret: Rose Garden 7.30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate, roll over jackpot 8.30pm; Sun lunch 12-7pm n 112 CHURCH ST Sun 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: Lucinda Lashes 3.15pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open 1pm n MARLBOROUGH Slightly Odd Sun 3pm; open noon n POISON IVY cabaret 5.30pm; karaoke; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS drag host karaoke 4.30pm; cabaret: Mzz Kimberley 6pm; drag host 7.30pm; X Factor Live 8pm; drag host 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: Collusion 5pm; karaoke 7.30pm; open 10am MONDAY 4 n A-BAR bar food noon-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; open noon n BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8.30pm; open noon n BEDFORD TAVERN Mon Club; open 12 n BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 6-9pm; open noon n CHARLES ST food 12-8pm; 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: Miss Jason 9pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH Go yer own Way 5pm; open noon n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Kamp Kevin’s karaoke 8pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am TUESDAY 5 n A-BAR bar food noon-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; 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 noon n BEDFORD TAVERN Theatre Bar; open 12 n BULLDOG Poptastic: DJ Lee; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 6-9pm; open noon n CHARLES ST food noon-10pm; open 12 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 noon-5.30pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm; open noon n MARLBOROUGH Cheese Day; 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 10.30pm
34 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM THE BULLDOG + CAMELFORD ARMS
NOVEMBER
LISTINGS
BULLDOG
n ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri is with DJ Grant Knowles at 10pm, and then CABARET in the top bar at midnight: La Voix (1), Lady Imelda (8), Tilly (15), Davina Sparkle (22) and Fanny Dazzle (29). n REGULARS 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 Tue is POPTASTIC with DJ Lee; (26) is REGGAE with DJ Micklos at 9pm. n Wed is DIVA RUSH with DJ Marcia, all drinks £1.99 when selected artist is played and traffic light turns green, 10pm–2am. n Thur is RELEASE with DJ Grant Knowles at 10pm. n HAPPY HOURS Mon & Tue 3–7pm & 11pm–midnight; Wed 3–7pm; Thur 3–7pm & 10pm–midnight; Fri 3–7pm & drinks £1.99 10pm–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). n OPEN daily from 11am–very late. n www.bulldogbrighton.com n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live music 7.45pm; open noon n ZONE Carrie O’Kay’s Karaoke; open 10am WEDNESDAY 6 n A-BAR open mic with Mark Hodge 8.30pm; bar food noon-7pm; cocktail night; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Lady Ty’s Drag Bingo 6pm n BAR REVENGE 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: Myra Dubois 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 12-5pm; 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 7 n A-BAR bar food 12-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; 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 12 n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Thirsty Thur; open 3pm n ENVY Mad Cow’s Tea Party: Ms Joan Bond, 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 Goths on Top: DJs 10.30pm n SUBLINE Leathered 9pm n ZONE Carrie O’Kay’s Karaoke; open 10am FRIDAY 8 n A-BAR cabaret fundraiser for Sussex Beacon: host Misty Lee 8.30pm; bar food 123pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm n BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Claire Fuller 6pm n BAR REVENGE Shameless warm-up 9pm; open noon-6am n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Friday
CAMELFORD ARMS
Night Live with Lady La Rue: 2 floor party, DJ Peter Castle in club 11pm n BEDFORD TAVERN Shirley-a-thon Sussex Beacon Fundraiser: karaoke, Shirley Bassey fancy dress encouraged 8.30pm; open noon n BETTY LA LA’S An Evening with the Piano Man: bookings 01273 693444 8pm n BULLDOG DJ Grant Knowles 10pm; cabaret: Lady Imelda midnight; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 6-9pm; 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 Funky Fri: DJ Nick Hirst 9.30pm; open 1pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n FUNKYFISH CLUB Thank Funk It’s Friday: DJ Antony 10pm
n ONE FOR THE DIARY Sun (3) & (17) is THE BEAR BASH at 5pm. n WORLD AIDS DAY Sun (1) December there will be free hot drinks served all day for those attending the Memorial Service. n REGULARS Thur is the £300 BIG CASH QUIZ at 9pm. n The FRIDAY CLUB is at 6pm. n FOOD Wed is SENIORS' LUNCH wtwo courses for £5.50 served 2–3.30pm; home-cooked menu & manager's specials served Mon–Fri noon–3pm & 6–9pm; Sat noon–7pm; Sunday roasts & selected menu served noon–till gone! n OPEN daily from noon. The most dog-friendly pub in town.
PICS FROM CHARLES STREET + ENVY
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 35
NOVEMBER
LISTINGS
CHARLES STREET BAR
n ONE FOR THE DIARY Sat (30) is WHITE WINTER WONDERLAND PARTY with hostess Joan Bond, DJ Lil Alex and prizes for the best white outfit. n WORLD AIDS DAY Sun (1) Dec 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 THT. n REGULARS Wed is CABARET CAROUSEL with Myra Dubois (6 & 20) and Bitch'n Sync (13 & 27). n Thur is MAD COW'S TEA PARTY: 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 with DJ Leeroy spinning the best in dance & funky house at 9pm, plus discounted cocktails. n Sat is BOYS IN THE BAR with DJs Jonesy, Lil Alex, Grant Knowles & Leeroy on rotation at 9pm, free entry! n Sun CABARET at 7.30pm: Rose Garden's HALLOWEEN SPECIAL (3), Drag With No Name (10), Titti La Camp (17), Lady Imelda (24); TRANNY ROCK & ROLL BINGO with Sally Vate and rolling jackpot follows at 8.30pm. n FOOD new menu served noon–8pm and till 10pm on Tue; two for £6.95 on selected mains, 2-for-1 gourmet hotdogs on Tue. 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 1/3rd off Mon–Sat from 5–9pm, till 8pm on Thurs, on Sun after the show till close. Cocktail deals on Fri from 9pm. All deals excl sparkling wine & cocktails & not in conjunction with other offers. n OPEN daily from noon. www.charles-street.com
ENVY @ CHARLES ST
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’S TEA PARTY: Alice in Wonderland décor, tea pot cocktails, 'drink me' shots, pumping tunes & hostess Joan Bond at 8pm, drinks from £1, win a bar tab for the night, entry £1. n www.charles-street.com
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 open noon n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Camp Attack: Stacey Star, Sissy Sucs & karaoke 8pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open 11am n REVENGE Shameless: DJ Trick & Lee Harris 10.30pm n SUBLINE Steam 9pm n ZONE live music: Stone & Street 9.30pm; open 10am SATURDAY 9 n A-BAR Pre-club music; food noon-7pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Cozmo 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 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 noon-late; open noon 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 noon-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH Shook Up Sat 9pm; open noon 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: Pasty Cline & guests 4.30pm; Betty Swollocks’ Karaoke 6pm; Ghost Walk 7pm; Kamp Kevin: games, karaoke, Jeremy Kyle Experience 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-6pm; open 11am n REVENGE Sweet Revenge: DJs 10.30pm n SUBLINE Third Birthday Party 9pm n ZONE cabaret: Gabriella Parish 9.30pm; open 10am
n 112 CHURCH ST Sun 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: Lola Lasagne 3.15pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open 1pm n MARLBOROUGH Slightly Odd Sun 3pm; open noon n POISON IVY cabaret 5.30pm; karaoke; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS drag host karaoke SUNDAY 10 4.30pm; cabaret: Sandra 6pm; drag host n A-BAR Sunday roasts: bookings 01273 7.30pm; X Factor Live 8pm; drag host karaoke 696691 noon-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 49pm; open noon 10pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN Sunday roasts noonn BAR 7@CRAWLEY Ed & Tyler’s karaoke 5pm; Piano Bar 1.30pm; open noon 6pm n SUBLINE Come in Your Pants: DJ N.U.D.E, n BAR REVENGE Sunday Funday; Karaoke underwear party 9pm Queens: LouBag & Smithy 8pm; open noon n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live jazz: The n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: Jazz Roast 3pm; open noon DJ Claire Fuller 11pm n ZONE live music: Jennie Castelle 5pm; n BEDFORD TAVERN Sunday roasts 12.30- karaoke 7.30pm; open 10am 5pm; Piano Bingo 5pm; open noon n BETTY LA LA’S Sunday roasts: bookings MONDAY 11 01273 693444 noon-till gone n A-BAR bar food noon-3pm; Mooi n BULLDOG DJ Slip Matt 6pm; DJ Grant Caribbean food 4-10pm; open noon 10pm; karaoke 9pm; open 11am n BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8.30pm; open n CAMELFORD ARMS Sunday roasts & noon selected menu noon-till gone; open noon n BEDFORD TAVERN Mon Club; open noon n CHARLES ST cabaret: Drag With No Name n BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm; 7.30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate, open 11am roll over jackpot 8.30pm; Sun lunch noonn CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 67pm 9pm; open noon
36 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM CHURCH STREET + DR BRIGHTONS
NOVEMBER
LISTINGS
DR BRIGHTONS
n ONE FOR THE DIARY FUNKY FRIDAY with DJ Nick Hirst at 9.30pm, free entry. SEXY SATURDAY with DJ Tony B 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. 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. www.doctorbrightons.co.uk
CHURCH STREET
n ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri CABARET at 9pm: Davina Sparkle (1), Jason Lee (8), Lola Lasagne (15), Krissie DuCann (22) and Santa Patrol featuring Jason Lee (29). n FOOD specials served Mon–Sat noon–late, buy two lunches for £10; Golden Handbag-winning Sunday lunche served noon–late. It's time to start spoiling yourselves for Christmas Day lunch. Let us do the work for you! Contact Collin on 01273 606864 for more details. All other private parties catered for! n OPEN daily. The secret beer garden is perfect for a drink and a smoke! n CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late; open noon n DR BRIGHTONS Medication Mon; open 3pm n ENVY Studio 150: student night 10pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason Does Legends 9.30pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH Go yer own Way 5pm; open noon n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Kamp Kevin’s karaoke 8pm; open noon
n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am TUESDAY 12 n A-BAR bar food noon-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; 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 noon n BEDFORD TAVERN Theatre Bar; open noon n BULLDOG Poptastic: DJ Lee; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm &
6-9pm; open noon n CHARLES ST 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 cabaret: Miss Jason 9pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm; open noon 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 music: The Pickin’ Circle 8pm; open noon n ZONE Carrie O’Kay’s Karaoke; open 10am WEDNESDAY 13 n A-BAR open mic with Mark Hodge 8.30pm; bar food noon-7pm; cocktail night; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Lady Ty’s Drag Bingo 6pm n BAR REVENGE 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 noon-3pm & 6-9pm; open noon 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
PICS FROM FUNKY FISH
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 37
FUNKY FISH
n ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri (1) is FUNNY FRIDAY compered by Louise Stevenson with comedians Karen Blott, Pam Ford, Eden Rivers & Joe Rowntree at 7.30pm, entry £10 online or call Louise 07828 093 364; BACK TO THE 80s follows with the best tunes from the decade, free entry, & drink promos at 10pm. n REGULARS Fri is with DJ Virgil playing 70s-00s & now at 10pm, free entry. n OLD SCHOOL SATURDAY is with DJ Sean Quinn playing the hottest hits of the 70s/80s/90s at 10pm, entry £5. n OPEN Funky Fish Bar open daily from noon. www.funkyfishclub.co.uk
THURSDAY 14 n A-BAR bar food 12-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; 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 DR BRIGHTONS Thirsty Thur; open 3pm 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 PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Remi Harris Trio 9pm; 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 THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS comedy 8pm; open noon n ZONE Carrie O’Kay’s Karaoke; open 10am FRIDAY 15 n A-BAR live music 9pm ; bar food 123pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; open noon
38 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM LEGENDS + LEGENDS BASEMENT CLUB
NOVEMBER
LISTINGS
LEGENDS BAR
n ONE FOR THE DIARY Sun (17) is Legends' 21ST BIRTHDAY PARTY with cabaret at 3pm, 6pm & 9pm and £2.50 drinks all day. n REGULARS Mon CABARET is at 9pm: Miss Jason (4 & 11), Dave Lynn (18) and Lola Lasagne (25). n Thur is A West End Show with Glam Jam (Lady Imelda & CJ) at 9pm. n FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE over 2 floors with Lady La Rue, DJ Peter Castle and drink deals. n Sat is Pre-Fusion with DJ sounds at 7pm. n Sun CABARET at 3.15pm: Lucinda Lashes (3), Lola Lasagne (10), Drag With No Name (24). n FOOD including gourmet burgers, salads, specials and cream teas served Wed–Mon noon–5pm, Tue noon–5.30pm. Lisa's Sunday Roasts served noon–3pm with top quality locally sourced meat, poultry, vegetarian options, plus a free glass of house wine if meal ordered before 1pm. n DRINK DEALS happy 3 hour drink promos: Mon–Fri 6–9pm, selected drinks £2.50. n OPEN daily from 11am–5am. Heated smoking area, free entry and all day terrace. n www.legendsbrighton.com n BAR 7@CRAWLEY cabaret: Lucinda Lashes + DJ Magic 6pm n BAR REVENGE Birthday Weekender: 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 Little Rob 10pm; cabaret: Tilly 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: Lola Lasagne 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 Thank Funk It’s Friday: DJ Antony 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 9pm; open noon n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Camp Attack: Stacey Star,
Sissy Sucs & karaoke 8pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open 11am n REVENGE Birthday Weekender with Shameless Lotto Madness, DJs Trick & Lee Harris 10.30pm n SUBLINE Steam 9pm n ZONE live music: Jayne Watson 9.30pm; open 10am SATURDAY 16 n A-BAR Pre-club music; food noon-7pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Waynsierudeboy 6pm n BAR REVENGE Birthday Weekender: 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 Man: bookings 01273 693444 8pm 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; open 12
LEGENDS BASEMENT CLUB
n FREE ENTRY to the Basement Club every day. n REGULARS Wed is ICE with DJ Claire Fuller playing chart, house & r&b; £2 drink deals all night, special shots £1.50. n FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE with over 2 floors with Lady La Rue, DJ Peter Castle. Sat is FUSION with DJ Peter Castle house & chart sounds. Sat (2) is with DJ Lee Harris. n Sun is POP!CANDY with DJ Claire Fuller recent & classic pop tracks, spirit & mixer £2, selected bottles £2.50. n OPEN Wed & Fri–Sun 11pm. Closed Mon, Tue & Thur. n Legends will host your Christmas party from £150, call 01273 624462 for more info. n www.legendsbrighton.com 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: Misty Lee & guests 4.30pm; Betty Swollocks’ Karaoke 6pm; Ghost Walk 7pm; Kamp Kevin: games, karaoke, Jeremy
Kyle Experience 9pm 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food 12-6pm; open 11am n REVENGE Birthday Weekender: Sweet Revenge: DJs 10.30pm n SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm n ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 9.30pm; open 10am SUNDAY 17 n A-BAR Sunday roasts: bookings 01273 696691 noon-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 410pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Ed & Tyler’s karaoke 6pm n BAR REVENGE Sunday Funday; Karaoke Queens: LouBag & Smithy 8pm; open noon
PICS FROM LEGENDS BASEMENT CLUB + MARINE TAVERN
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 39
NOVEMBER
LISTINGS
MARINE TAVERN
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 from noon, Sun from 1pm.
food noon-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH Go yer own Way 5pm; open noon n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Kamp Kevin’s karaoke 8pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am TUESDAY 19 n A-BAR bar food noon-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; 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 noon n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: 7.30pm; open 10am n BEDFORD TAVERN Theatre Bar; open noon DJ Claire Fuller 11pm n BULLDOG Poptastic: DJ Lee; open 11am MONDAY 18 n BEDFORD TAVERN Sunday roasts 12.30n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 6n A-BAR bar food noon-3pm; Mooi Caribbean 5pm; Piano Bingo 5pm; open noon 9pm; open noon food 4-10pm; open noon n BETTY LA LA’S 3-Course Cabaret Roast: n CHARLES ST food 12-10pm; open noon n BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8.30pm; open Tammy Twinkle, £19.95, bookings 01273 n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 noon 693444 4pm n DR BRIGHTONS Twisted Tue; open 3pm n BEDFORD TAVERN Mon Club; open noon n BULLDOG DJ Slip Matt 6pm; DJ Grant n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm; 10pm; karaoke 9pm; open 11am n LEGENDS BAR food noon-5.30pm; open open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS Sunday roasts & 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 6select menu 12-till gone; Bear Bash 5pm; n MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm; open 9pm; open noon open noon noon n CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon n CHARLES ST cabaret: Titti La Camp n MARLBOROUGH Cheese Day; open noon 7.30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate, n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n POISON IVY Bar 150 karaoke 7pm; open roll over jackpot 8.30pm; Sun lunch noon-7pm n DR BRIGHTONS Medication Mon; open 3pm 11am n ENVY Studio 150: student night 10pm n 112 CHURCH ST Sun Roast noon-late; n QUEEN’S ARMS sing-along with Peter & n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon open noon friends 9pm; open noon n LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Dave Lynn 9pm; n DR BRIGHTONS Hangover Therapy; open 1pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR Legends’ 21st Birthday Party: cabaret 3pm, 6pm & 9pm; Sunday roasts noon-3pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open 1pm n MARLBOROUGH Slightly Odd Sun 3pm; open noon n POISON IVY cabaret 5.30pm; karaoke; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS drag host karaoke 4.30pm; cabaret: Lola Lasagne 6pm; drag host 7.30pm; X Factor Live 8pm; drag host 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
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 Carrie O’Kay’s Karaoke; open 10am WEDNESDAY 20 n A-BAR open mic with Mark Hodge 8.30pm; bar food noon-7pm; cocktail night; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Lady Ty’s Drag Bingo 6pm n BAR REVENGE 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 noon-3pm & 6-9pm; open noon n CHARLES ST Cabaret Carousel: Myra Dubois 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
42 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM PARIS HOUSE, POISON IVY + QUEENS ARMS
NOVEMBER
LISTINGS
PARIS HOUSE
n ONE FOR THE DIARY Sun (24) live music with Area Code 273 at 6pm. n REGULARS Thur (14) is live JAZZ with the Remi Harris Trio at 9pm, free entry. n 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. www.parishousebrighton.com 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 21 n A-BAR bar food 12-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; 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 BETTY LA LA’S 1st Birthday Celebration & Fundraiser for LGBT Switchboard: Charity Auction & Quiz, bookings 01273 693444 n BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant 10pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS £300 Big Cash Quiz
QUEENS ARMS
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 12 n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Thirsty Thur; open 3pm 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 West End Show: Glam Jam 9pm; 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 Carrie O’Kay’s Karaoke; open 10am
n ONE FOR THE DIARY Wed (27) is MR GAY QA 2013 with celeb judges and £100 cash prize; enter at the bar. n REGULARS Sat CABARET is at 4.30pm and Sun CABARET at 6pm; all cabaret is followed by KARAOKE, the GHOST WALK is on SAT at 7pm, the X FACTOR LIVE is on Sun at 8pm. For full line-up see the listings. n OPEN daily from noon.
POISON IVY
n REGULARS 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. n Thur is CABARET at 9.30pm. n Male pole dancers every weekend. n Sun is CABARET at 5.30pm. n DRINK DEALS 11am–7pm Tue–Sat; all day Sun & Mon. Six pick and mix shots for £5. n OPEN daily from 11am.
FRIDAY 22 n A-BAR live music 9pm ; bar food 12-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Claire Fuller 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: Davina Sparkle 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: 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 Thank Funk It’s Friday: DJ Antony 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 Holy Moly 9pm; open 12 n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Camp Attack: Stacey Star, Sissy Sucs & karaoke 8pm; 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: Collusion 9.30pm; open 10am
SATURDAY 23 n A-BAR Pre-club music; food noon-7pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Missy 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 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 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 noon-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH Shook Up Sat 9pm; open noon 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: Cosmic Stars 4.30pm; Betty Swollocks’ Karaoke 6pm; Ghost Walk 7pm; Kamp Kevin: games, karaoke, Jeremy Kyle Experience 9pm; open noon
44 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM BAR REVENGE + REVENGE
NOVEMBER
LISTINGS
REVENGE
BAR REVENGE
n ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri (1) is the SHAMELESS HALLOWEEN warm up. Fri (15)–Sat (16) is the REVENGE BIRTHDAY WEEKENDER. n REGULARS SUNDAY features Karaoke Queens LouBag & Smithy at 8pm n Mon is QUIZ WITH LIZ with cash/boozy prizes at 8.30pm. n Tue is VIP KARAOKE with Harry & DJ Fifi at 8pm; win drinks/VIP cards/bar tabs in the club n Thur is GIRLS ON TOP warm up at 9pm n Fri is SHAMELESS warm-up with DJ Alpha at 9pm. n Sat is SWEET REVENGE warm up at 9pm. n REVENGE PASSES discount passes on Thur; buy a drink to get free entry into the club on Fri & Sat before midnight. n FOOD free slices of pizza served Thur & Fri evening. n DRINK DEALS 2-4-1 cocktails Sun–Fri 5–9pm; drinks from £1.99 & half price/reduced wines noon–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. n OPEN daily from noon–2am & till 6am Fri & Sat. 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 SUNDAY 24 n A-BAR Sunday roasts: bookings 01273 696691 noon-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 410pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Ed & Tyler’s karaoke 6pm n BAR REVENGE Sunday Funday; Karaoke Queens: LouBag & Smithy 8pm; open noon n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm n BEDFORD TAVERN Sunday roasts 12.305pm; 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: Lady Imelda 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 Hangover Therapy; open 1pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR Sunday roasts noon-3pm; cabaret: Drag With No Name 3.15pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open 1pm
n HALLOWEEN Fri (1) is SHAMELESS DARE TO SCARE with fresh pop & guilty pleasures; Jagerbombs £2.50, double up for £1 all night, entry £5/free with pass or in fancy dress. n Sat (2) is VAMPIRES V ZOMBIES; Jagerbombs £2.50 & double up for £1 all night, entry £5/free with pass or in fancy dress. n ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri (15)–Sat (16) is the REVENGE BIRTHDAY WEEKENDER. n Fri is SHAMELESS LOTTO MADNESS with fresh pop & guilty pleasures; Jagerbombs £2.50 & double up for £1.50 all night, entry free with pass/£5. n Sat is SWEET REVENGE regular drink deals & entry. n WORLD AIDS DAY Sat (30) is the RED PARTY raising money for World AIDS Day; all drinks £2.50, Jagerbombs £2.50 & double up for £1 all night, entry free/£5. 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 Thur is GIRLS ON TOP lesbian night, all girl DJs and a GOTHS PARTY (7); drinks from £1.50, entry free/£3/£4. n Fri is SHAMELESS with DJs Trick and Lee Harris playing fresh pop & guilty pleasures; entry free/£5. n FREE PASSES available from Bar Revenge or www.revenge.co.uk. n DRINK DEALS All drink specials exclude champers & doubles (excl doubling up). n OPEN 10.30pm Tue, Thur, Fri & Sat. n www.revenge.co.uk
n MARLBOROUGH Slightly Odd Sun 3pm; open noon n PARIS HOUSE live music: Area Code 273 6pm; open noon n POISON IVY cabaret 5.30pm; karaoke; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS drag host karaoke 4.30pm; cabaret: Tammy Twinkle 6pm; drag host 7.30pm; X Factor Live 8pm; drag host 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: Stone & Street 5pm; karaoke 7.30pm; open 10am MONDAY 25 n A-BAR bar food noon-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; open noon n BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 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 & 6-9pm; open noon n CHARLES ST cabaret: Glam Jam 7.30pm; food noon-8pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late; open noon n DR BRIGHTONS Medication Mon; open 3pm n ENVY Studio 150: student night 10pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Lola Lasagne 9pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open noon n MARLBOROUGH Go yer own Way 5pm; open noon n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Kamp Kevin’s karaoke 8pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am
46 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
PICS FROM SUBLINE + THE THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS
NOVEMBER
LISTINGS
SUBLINE
n ONE FOR THE DIARY Sat (9) is Subline's THIRD BIRTHDAY PARTY at 9pm. n Sat (30) is the SAINTS & SINNERS PARTY presented by Brighton Bear Weekender and Bear Patrol at 8pm, holy or devilish dress encouraged, usual door charges, plus donations to Rainbow Fund. 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. www.sublinebrighton.com
TUESDAY 26 n A-BAR bar food noon-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; 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 noon n BEDFORD TAVERN Theatre Bar; open 12 n BULLDOG Reggae: DJ Micklos 9pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 6-9pm; open noon n CHARLES ST food noon-10pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late; open noon n DR BRIGHTONS Twisted Tue; open 3pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR food noon-5.30pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm; open noon 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 10.30pm n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS The Pickin’ Circle 8pm; open noon n ZONE Carrie O’Kay’s Karaoke; open 10am
WEDNESDAY 27 n A-BAR open mic with Mark Hodge 8.30pm; bar food noon-7pm; cocktail night; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Lady Ty’s Drag Bingo 6pm n BAR REVENGE 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 noon-3pm & 6-9pm; open noon 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 Mr Gay QA 2013: celeb judges, cash prize 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 28 n A-BAR bar food 12-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; 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 12 n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12
n DR BRIGHTONS Thirsty Thur; open 3pm 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 DJs 8pm; 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 Carrie O’Kay’s Karaoke; open 10am FRIDAY 29 n A-BAR live music 9pm ; bar food 12-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; open noon
THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS
n ONE FOR THE DIARY Thur (14) is COMEDY NIGHT at 8pm, free. n REGULARS Tue (12 & 26) live bluegrass and old-time country with The Pickin Circle at 8pm, free entry. All other Tue is live music at 7.45pm, free. Wed is the BIG CASH QUIZ at 7.30pm. n FOOD served noon–3pm & 6–9pm; two burger meals £15. Sun is The JAZZ ROAST at 3pm, free. n OPEN daily from noon. Private function room available for parties call 01273 608571. n www.3jollybutchers.com
PICS FROM ZONE
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 47
ZONE
n ONE FOR THE DIARY Sun is LIVE MUSIC at 5pm: Collusion (3), Jennie Castelle (10), Back Beat (17), Stone & Street (24); KARAOKE follows at 7.30pm. n REGULARS Tue & Thur is Carrie O'Kay's KARAOKE at 7pm. n Fri is entertainment at 9.30pm: Back Beat (1), Stone & Street (8), Jayne Watson (15), Collusion (22) and Back Beat (29). n Sat CABARET at 9.30pm: Tammy Twinkle (2 & 23), Gabriela Parish (9), Sally Vate (16 & 30). n DRINK DEALS promos every Mon–Thur, day and night. n OPEN daily from 10am. n BAR 7@CRAWLEY cabaret: Miss DQ + 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: Fanny Dazzle midnight; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 6-9pm; 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: Santa Patrol featuring Jason Lee 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 Thank Funk It’s Friday: DJ Antony 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 Holy Moly 9pm n POISON IVY karaoke 7pm; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS Camp Attack: Stacey Star, Sissy Sucs & karaoke 8pm; 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: Back Beat 9.30pm; open 10am SATURDAY 30 n A-BAR Pre-club music; food noon-7pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; 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 Peter Castle 11pm n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon n BETTY LA LA’S An Evening with the Piano 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 White Winter Wonderland Party: hostess Joan Bond, DJ Lil’ Alex, prizes for best white outfits 9pm; food noon-7.45pm 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: 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; open noon 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 & Pianoman 4.30pm; Betty Swollocks’ Karaoke 6pm; Ghost Walk 7pm; Kamp Kevin: games, karaoke, Jeremy Kyle Experience 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food 12-6pm; open 11am n REVENGE Red Party for World AIDS Day: DJs 10.30pm n SUBLINE Brighton Bear Weekender & Bear Patrol pres Saints & Sinners Party: donations to Rainbow Fund 8pm n ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 9.30pm; open 10am SUNDAY 1 DEC n BAR 7@CRAWLEY 1st Birthday Party & World AIDS Day Fundraiser: host Cassidy Connors + cabaret acts 6pm n CAMELFORD ARMS World AIDS Day: free hot drinks for those attending Memorial Service all day; Sunday roasts & selected menu noon-till gone; Bear Bash 5pm; open noon n CHARLES ST World AIDS Day Cabaret Special: Lizzy Drip 7.30pm; Sally Vate’s Rock & Roll Bingo, all none-won monies donated to THT 8.30pm; Sun lunch noon-7pm
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
FRIDAY 1 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 Freaky Fairylea Halloween Special: DJ Ruby Roo & Miss Jason 10pm; food noon-3pm SATURDAY 2 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; DJs all night SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE The Big One: 3 bars, DJs 10pm
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 n LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures Still Halloween: DJ Neil Sackley 10pm; food 12-3pm SUNDAY 3 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 Sun Market: host Miss Penny, cabaret Tammy Twinkle 8pm; Sun lunch noon-3.30pm; open noon MONDAY 4 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; open noon
EDGE SOUTHAMPTON
n ONE FOR THE DIARY: Sat is THE BIG ONE with resident DJs and guest Lee Harris (9 & 23) & Phil Marriott (30); entry free–£6. n REGULARS: n Sun is FUNDAYS with DJ Liam Searle; drinks from £1.25, entry free b4 11.30pm, £2 after. n Tue is BOMB It with £2 Jagerbombs all night, free video jukebox & entry. n Wed is BAR 150 with themes: Army (13), Onesie (27), plus DJs Lady Bex & Liam Searle, Cheeky Pete’s Karaoke & win a case of WKD at 10.30pm; all drinks £1.50, entry free b4 10.30pm, £3£6 after. n Thur is POP! with video DJ Neil Sackley playing pop tunes; XXL cocktails, entry £1. n Fri is GET SOMe with DJs Lohands, Lady Bex, Rob Davies; entry £1 b4 10.30pm, £4–£6 after. n OPEN: Tue & Sun 10pm–3am; Wed, Fri & Sat 10pm–5am; Thur 11pm–4am. Closed Mon. n www.theedgesouthampton.com
SOUTHAMPTON n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm TUESDAY 5 PORTSMOUTH n OLD VIC Quiz 8pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Bomb It!: video jukebox 10pm n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm WEDNESDAY 6 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 7 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 Karaoke Cruising: Pete Kendall 9pm; food noon-3pm; open noon FRIDAY 8 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 & Rose Garden 10pm; food noon-3pm SATURDAY 9 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE The Big One: 3 bars, reg DJs & guest Lee Harris 10pm
n LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Lucinda Lashes 10pm; food noon-3pm SUNDAY 10 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 Sun Market: host Tammy Twinkle, cabaret: Dave Lynn 8pm; Sun lunch noon-3.30pm; open noon MONDAY 11 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm TUESDAY 12 PORTSMOUTH n OLD VIC Quiz 8pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Bomb It!: video jukebox 10pm n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm WEDNESDAY 13 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD open till 2am n OLD VIC NUS night 7pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Bar 150 Army Party: DJ Lady Bex, Liam Searle, Cheeky Pete’s karaoke & WKD giveaways 10pm n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm THURSDAY 14 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 Karaoke Cruising: Pete Kendall 9pm; food noon-3pm; open noon
PICS FROM DOLLY PARTEM’S LAST SUNDAY SERVICE LONDON HOTEL, SOUTHAMPTON
LONDON HOTEL SOUTHAMPTON
n WORLD AIDS DAY Sun (1) Dec is the WAD FUNDRAISER with host Miss Penny and cabaret from Lucinda Lashes, Eva La Diva and more at 7pm; donations on the door, all monies donated to local HIV charities. n REGULARS n Sun is THE SUNDAY MARKET with host Miss Penny, Tammy Twinkle (10), and cabaret at 8pm: Tammy Twinkle (3), Dave Lynn (10), Davina Sparkle (17) and Lola Lasagne (24). n Thur is Pete Kendall's KARAOKE CRUISING at 9pm. n Fri is FAIRYLEA with DJ Ruby Roo and cabaret at 10pm: Miss Jason's Halloween Special (1), Rose Garden (8), Wilma Fingadoo (15), Ricky Zalez (22) and Miss Thunderpussy (29). n Sat is GUILTY PLEASURES with DJs & vocalists at 8.30pm: DJ Neil Sackley Halloween Special (2), DJ Lucinda Lashes (9), DJ Lucinda & Jacquii Cann (16), DJ Tiny (23), DJ Dazza (30). n FOOD traditional pub food Mon–Sat noon–3pm; Sunday lunch served noon–3.30pm. n DRINK DEALS 15% off all drinks Mon–Wed. n OPEN daily from noon. www.the-london.co.uk FRIDAY 15 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 & Wilma Fingadoo 10pm; food noon-3pm
SATURDAY 16 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE The Big One: 3 bars, DJs 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Lucinda Lashes & Jacquii Cann 10pm; food noon-3pm
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 49
50 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
SOLENT
LISTINGS SUNDAY 17 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am n OLD VIC Sun lunch 1-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Fundays: DJ Liam Searle 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Sun Market: host Miss Penny, cabaret: Davina Sparkle 8pm; Sun lunch noon-3.30pm; open noon MONDAY 18 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm TUESDAY 19 PORTSMOUTH n OLD VIC Quiz 8pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Bomb It!: video jukebox 10pm n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm WEDNESDAY 20 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 food 12-3pm; open noon
THURSDAY 21 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 Karaoke Cruising: Pete Kendall 9pm; food noon-3pm; open noon FRIDAY 22 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 & Ricky Zalez 10pm; food noon-3pm
n EDGE Fundays: DJ Liam Searle 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Sunday Market: host Miss Penny, cabaret: Lola Lasagne 8pm; Sun lunch noon-3.30pm; open noon MONDAY 25 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm TUESDAY 26 PORTSMOUTH n OLD VIC Quiz 8pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Bomb It!: video jukebox 10pm n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm
SATURDAY 23 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 Tiny 10pm; food noon-3pm
WEDNESDAY 27 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD open till 2am n OLD VIC NUS night 7pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Bar 150 Onesie Party: DJs Lady Bex, Liam Searle, Cheeky Pete’s karaoke, WKD giveaways 10pm n LONDON HOTEL food 12-3pm; open noon
SUNDAY 24 PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am n OLD VIC Sun lunch 1-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON
THURSDAY 28 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 Karaoke Cruising: Pete Kendall 9pm; food noon-3pm; open noon FRIDAY 29 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 & Miss Thunderpussy 10pm; food noon-3pm SATURDAY 30 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 Phil Marriott 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Dazza 10pm; food noon-3pm SUNDAY 1 DEC PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am n OLD VIC Sun lunch 1-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Fundays: DJ Liam Searle 10pm n LONDON HOTEL World AIDS Day Fundraiser: host Miss Penny, cabaret from Eva La Diva & Lucinda Lashes 7pm; Sun lunch noon-3.30pm; open noon
GSCENE 51
COME DINE
WITH MORHAM BY MORHAM WHITE
CHARLES STREET 8-9 Marine Parade, Brighton • 01273 624091 • www.charles-street.com Another invitation out (this time with the Boss) to sample the new menu at Charles Street on Marine Parade. I’m reliably informed that even if you think you’ve tried it before, it’s all new and certainly worthy of a test drive. The scene was set, an area hived off just for us with balloons tethered by Champagne Magnum made for an imposing setting for the six of us. A viewing table under spotlights for the necessary photo-shoot, all very well organised. Though we didn’t get to see any of the Champagne, our evening tasting was washed down with a good Pinot Grigio and an excellent Merlot, both priced at £12.95. Possibly, more ‘pub-grub’ than fine dining, the options are varied and the deals are worthy of close inspection. I mean to say, if you’re feeling peckish then head down to Charles Street, where the headliner, for me, must be The Deal. There are 10 favourites all priced at less than £7: steal & ale pie; fish & chips; chicken Parmigiana; BBQ chicken & cheese melt; lasagne; cauliflower, broccoli, leek & cheese tart; all day breakfast, sausage & mash and curry lovers’ pie.
We sampled the two pies; the steak pie, good as any, and my companions clearly enjoyed the chicken curry pie, which was impressively different. In addition there are lite bites and sharers, sandwiches, pizza and ciabatta and three dishes under 500 calories, headed Low Calorie: aubergine & tomato bake, chicken skewer salad, or sweet chilli chicken noodles. But let’s be clear, The Deal with eight dishes, come under the heading of 2 MEALS FOR £6.95. You can choose from hot dog, lasagne, pizza, tart, fish & chips, chicken noodles, burger or chicken & cheese melt, all with chips (bar the two pasta dishes). In addition, there are an assortment of nine burgers, peaking out, price wise, with the Towering Inferno at £7.45 and the Black & Blue at £6.95. Both of these we tried and seriously impressive they were, even if one of the more amusing challenges must be how best to deal with a squidgy pile of yumminess, (all very technical as you can tell!)
Or you could just have the spiral fries at £1 or chips at 50p! After all they’ll both help down the drinks. To round off, there are three desserts all at £2.25: Raspberry Blondie, a predictably good chocolate fudge cake or the coup de grace, the Cookie Cup Explosion. Each was perfectly sized, right on the button for portion control, and trust me, you couldn’t cope with more! With many thanks to Chris at Charles Street for his hospitality and congratulations to Ed who is about to achieve 10 years of working there, a fine record for one of our favourite barmen.
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MUSIC
BY QUEEN JOSEPHINE & KATE WILDBLOOD on Robsoul Jazz n If you want it deep and classy check out Culprit’s So with the nights drawing in and Compilation 3 on Above The City. summer a far too distant memory, Neighbourly comments were made we need a few bangs to lighten up about the excessive volume we insisted accompany this beauty, the darkness. We need some always a good sign. bangers with no mash. n First up is the n This month’s must play around textured techno and around with? The monumental of Shifted and selection of various artists that his sound become one for Nice N Ripe All exploration Stars mixed and compiled by Soul Under A Single Clap on Nice 'n’ Banner on the Bed Of Nails banner. Ripe Records. Proving the wonders are out here if More tunes to you stray from the path. n Also play with than left-field of life is the majestic trains in a Unknown Origin by LB Dub Corp spotters on OstGut Ton. You’ll just need two notebook, you’ll find everything words to direct you to this class but the kitchen sink is present on release: Benjamin Zephaniah. There this garage heavy sensation. n we said it. Get to it. n If you like Finally we have Breach’s DJ Kicks your deep tech on !K7 proving once again why the and your tech queues go round the block when he deep then MUM hits the decks and why he, aka Ben ADE 2013 Westbeech, is so much more than a sampler will one off jack. Techno and house deliver, little that will whisk you deep Manchester gems that they are, underground before you can say whilst Sound of Good Voodoo 2 the words “I want your body… let’s from Good Voodoo Music should Jack”. Enjoy. have you jumping to their glorious house, disco and soulful beat. n Catch Wildblood and Queenie’s For those of you who like your Home Service. Coming soon to beats jazzed the hip-hopped up it Radio Reverb. has to be Around7’s Soul On Wire www.perfectdistractions.com
REVIEWS
DJ PROFILE Need to let off some steam these autumnal evenings? Well you don’t have to look very far! Whether you wanna throw your hands up in the air or get down all dirty, the marvellous Grant Knowles has something tucked away in his bag for you! Queenie catches up with this very busy bee to talk Mexico, spine tingles and when it’s time to get saxy! Where do you play? You can see me every Thursday at Release in the Bulldog, Brighton; Fridays at TFIF in Hampshire Boulevard, Portsmouth; Saturdays - once monthly - at Boys in the Bar in Charles Street, Brighton; and at The Broadway in Uckfield and Coyotes in Kent; Sunday it’s Sunday Sessions back at the Bulldog, Brighton. DJing style? My style depends on the venue and crowd. It can vary from commercial dance and pop remixes to full-on dirty, sexy, saxy house! Favourite song of all time? OT Quartet’s Hold That Sucker Down. Every time I play this I get that old fashioned tingle down my spine. Tune that always fills/rescues your dancefloor? It always comes back to those old fashioned favourites that have plenty of vocals and hands in the air action, but I don’t let them get away that easily. I always have a dirty house remix somewhere, I like to be that little bit different! Ultimate dream gig? Over the past years I’ve been very lucky enough to play in Europe, even Switzerland! Yearly, me and the boys go to Cancún in Mexico and one day I would love to play The City, one of the world’s largest nightclubs. Check it out on Facebook and see for yourself!
NOVEMBER NUGGETS n SE feat Frank H Carter III Someone Like You (vocal) Lost My Dog
Bringing some much needed house bounce to November
n ADRIATIQUE Mr Creasy Diynamic Music
Epic deep house that impresses, intrigues, and insists on our love.
n QUENUM Face To Face Serialism
Stand out track from Quenum’s stunning debut LP Face To Face.
n DIANA ROSS Upside Down (Dorsia Remix) houseofdisco.com
Eloquent and seductive retake on the gravity defying Ms Ross.
n PAUL C & PAOLO MARTINI Get This Hot Creation
Another class slice from the heavenly Hot Creation boys.
n MATHEW JONSON Kissing Your Eyes (Tale Of Us mix) Crosstown Rebels
Divine deep house that pulls all the right heartstrings. n ROGER SANCHEZ My Roots (original) Stealth An afterhour’s glory tune to make you wish Rebel back real soon. n SEI A Make It Work (Breach remix) Aus Music Unrelentless filth that demands you breach the night and sweat! n NICK MONACO The Stalker Soul Clap Records An under the radar groove that hits the target every time. n SCREAMIN' RACHAEL U Used To Hold Me (InHouse mix) Trax Records Histrionic house that will please the true house heads.
Tune you wish you’d never played? It was a Friday night, I won’t mention the venue, and I was playing quite a camp girlie pop set and I slipped in Steps’ Light Up The world (7th Heaven Mix)… Whoops!!! Sounded better on PFL in my headphones LOL. Guilty pleasure? Amelia Lily Shut Up And Give Me Whatever You Want, but it has to be the Wideboys remix. Just love this remix and girl, don’t ask me why! Your best ever gig? Hard to say as I have had many memorable ones, but the one that sticks with me was with a fellow male DJ at Brighton Pride a couple of years ago outside on the terrace DJing with the sun shining. HEAVEN! Tell us a secret! Now that would be telling!
TOP 5 TUNES
n ANTOINE CLAMARAN It’s My Beat (original remix) Big & Dirty n SHOWTEK ft We Are Loud & Sonny Wilson Booyah (original remix) Polydor n DUBBS & BOURGEOIS Tsunami (original remix) Ministry n RIDNEY & TERRI B ft Toddi Reed Rise Up (Ted Nilsson remix) Pukka Up n DAVID NOAKES ft Shena Little Sister (original club mix) Lose It
GSCENE 55 David Bowie, T-Rex, reggae, punk and glam rock all influencing me. This album has elements of all the things I love thrown into the pot and mixed together, and somehow it really works. There’s even a country track on there!
“I’ve come to realise that love has to be organic. You can’t force it, or poke and prod it” How did this album come about? Did you sit down to write an album, or did it grow naturally after recording a couple of tracks?
THIS IS WHAT I DO Boy George needs no introduction. He’s been in the public eye for over 30 of his 52 years. It’s hard to believe that This Is What I Do is his first studio album for 18 years. He’ll be performing the new album live this month, along with a few classics, at Concorde 2, Brighton. Interview and photos by Dean Stockings. ) Dean: How are things? George: Things are good! I have a renewed love for my work - I really enjoy what I do now. These days I have a private life too. When I was nineteen, what I did was a bit of an obsession and there was no separation between the public me, and the private me, whereas now I see what I do as a job. I have a mundane life away from the public eye that I really enjoy. I’m able to switch off! Very ordinary things are what make me happy nowadays.
How did the recording of This Is What I Do compare to previous albums? I’ve been very involved in this recording. I had a really strong idea about how I wanted it to sound. I wanted to make a ‘loose’ record that wasn’t over produced. I wanted it to be a live band album, baggy around the edges and kind of… free feeling! Making this album has been very stress free. I’ve put it together with a bunch of people that I really love; Richie Stevens, John Themis, Kevan Frost, Mike Gorman, and lots of the usual crowd - people I’ve known and worked with for a long time a very talented group of people. We have some great guest musicians and singers on the album too. It feels right! It feels like the kind of record that I should be making now – it feels grown up, it feels appropriate, it’s been easy going and I think that’s a reflection of where I’m at now. I have a whole new team around me and I’m very optimistic about the future! Does the album have an overall theme? This album has a very 1970s feel about it. The 70s are what shaped me! I’m often associated with the 1980s, but I grew up in the 70s with
No, I wanted to write an album and I wanted to make a certain type of album. In a way, being in a good place made it difficult to write songs. I’m so used to being in turmoil and writing about the split up of a relationship or having someone to get revenge on! I found myself in a happy place and was like, “Ooh, what do I write about now?”, so it was quite a challenge, I had to look for new things to write about. Quite a few of the songs on the album are about my new attitude towards love. I’ve come to realise that love has to be organic. You can’t force it, or poke and prod it. You can’t mould the other person into your idea of perfection. The idea that someone else is your missing piece is probably a bit ridiculous. In My Star I sing “No one will complete you this is true, so I won’t ever try to change you, if I can’t love you just the way you are, then I’d better walk away my star”. I’m much more laid back about relationships now. You’re bringing your new tour to Concorde 2 in Brighton this month. What can we expect on the night? Whenever I play live, there’s always a mixture of classics and new material. You have to strike a balance between giving people what they know and love and introducing them to new things, as well as throwing in a few surprises! We like people to go home happy.
This Is What I Do is out now on Very Me/Kobalt. George and his band are live at Concorde 2 on November 11. www.boygeorge.com
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RAGROOF TEA DANCE
ARTS
DOME
Kings Rd, Brighton, www.brightoncentre.co.uk Box office: 0844 847 1515 n Music highlights include: BRIT FLOYD (Tue 5); JESSIE J (Wed 6–Thu 7); BLUE (Fri 8); FIVE – GREATEST HITS TOUR (Mon 18); SIGUR ROS (Wed 20); STEREOPHONICS (Thu 21). n RENT (Sat 23). Celebrating 20 years since its first staged performance, Atomic Kitten star Natasha Hamilton and runner-up of ITV's Superstar, Rory Taylor, star in this iconic concert of the smash-hit musical. Set in the East Village of New York City, the musical is about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it's based loosely on Puccini's La Boheme and follows a year in the life of a group of friends struggling to make it in the big city under the shadow of HIV/AIDS.
BLIND TIGER CLUB 52-54 Grand Parade, Brighton n DENDE (10pm, Fri 15) Ninepiece tropical roots band play a classic blend of Brazilian, AfroLatin, drum & bass, Cumbia, reggae, ska, chicha with a touch of psychedelia. Expect a nifty mix of steady grooves, fat percussion, heavy bass lines and vibing horns. Legendary latin funk master Robin 'D' Rich will be on the decks with his wide range of eclectic grooves from across the globe plus live samba reggae from Barulho. This is a fundraiser for 2014's Kemp Town Carnival, one of Brighton's longest running street festivals. Come and show your support in the form of a wiggle or a smile, and dance the night away with the mighty Dende! Tickets £5.
CAROLINE OF BRUNSWICK 39 Ditchling Road, Brighton n A QUIET NIGHT OUT (8pm, Fri 15) An evening of excellent music and song hosted by mellifluous duo SARAH CLARKE and SUE TYHURST who will be entertaining you with a wonderful set of original Clarkie numbers and some gorgeous covers, alongside special guests and super songsters Peter Faulkner, Tom Lockyer, Rab Willis, Nem Hoare and comically compered by Ali Hannon. Proceeds of the night will go towards supporting the animal charities Raystede and Happy Endings Animal Rescue. Advance tickets only as capacity is limited: £5 plus 97p booking fee from http://bpt.me/495079
BLACKOUTS: TWILIGHTS OF THE IDOLS
JESSIE J
BRIGHTON CENTRE
Church Street, Brighton Box office: 01273 709709 www.brightondome.org n BLACKOUTS: TWILIGHT OF THE IDOLS (Wed 20–Thu 21). Drag fabulist Dickie Beau shape-shifts through a shadowy soundscape of lost souls in a theatrical trip to the subconscious underworld of his future self. Bringing to life extraordinary audio artefacts, Dickie leads us on a bewitching adventure in found sound as he channels the ghosts of his childhood idols. Uniquely, this innovative theatre show includes audio that has never before been heard in the public domain from Marilyn Monroe’s final interview before she died; tapes of which Dickie was given exclusive access to by Richard Meryman, the man who conducted Marilyn’s last interview. The performance also includes Judy Speaks, with Judy Garland alone in a room with a dictaphone, ostensibly making notes for a memoir that was never written. The resulting show is partly a study of icons in exile not only from society, but also from themselves; yet it is also a show that reflects on the impressions they leave behind. “Touching, bizarre and visually gorgeous... a thing unlike any other... it is the drag show at the end of the world” Time Out.
EMPORIUM 88 London Road, Brighton Box office: www.emporiumbrighton.com n RAGROOF TEA DANCE - DIRTY DANCING (Sun 3) The Ragroof Players bring their renowned Tea Dances to Emporium with authentic vintage music, glamorous costumes, glorious dance displays, and a chance for everyone to trip the light fantastic. November's theme is Dirty Dancing, so channel the spirit of Patrick Swayze and join Johnny and Baby for a recreation of those classic Kellerman mambo and merengue dance routines. You'll have the time of your life! Everyone is welcome, no partners are needed and Ragroof's unique approach to partner dancing encourages everyone to learn the steps of both lead and follow so you choose what you want to be, rather than be dictated to by gender! Advance booking essential to secure your table.
THE SPACE
BLACKOUTS: TWILIGHTS OF THE IDOLS
RENT
BY MICHAEL HOOTMAN
n THE SPACE (Thu 7). This unique, quarterly, Brighton-based entertainment and arts event with exclusive special guest interviews, includes interviews with Star Wars and Indiana Jones producer Robert Watts and leading television drama producer Gub Neal.
FUNKY FISH CLUB Marine Parade, Brighton www.funkyfishclub.co.uk n FUNNY FRIDAY AT FUNKY FISH (7.30pm, Fri 1) A night of professional, high calibre comedy compered by Louise Stevenson with a great line up including Karen Blott, England’s answer to Joan Rivers; Pam Ford “Pam Ford
CINDERS
LOUISE STEVENSON
n 1, 2, 3 LITTLE PIGS (Sun 17). You’ll find there’s more than one twist to this version of the ‘curly tail’ in this inventive two-person retelling of our favourite fable. Krazy Kat Theatre Company continue on their mission to delight and amuse with super puppets, lively music, and fully integrated Sign Language. n 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. Of course no
pantomime would be complete without slapstick silliness, a damsel in distress rescued by her dashing Prince and a truly wicked, boo-able villainess, and Cinders has these by the glittery bucketful! Ooooh! when Cinders and her Mother face peril in the spooky woods. Aaaaah! at the first meeting of our heroine and her Prince. Gasp! as the Fairy Godmother does things with a pumpkin that would astound Laurence Llwelyn-Bowen.
mystery play Lezzington Towers set in England's top finishing school for young lesbians (oops young ladies) of 18 years and over. Featuring: Head Mistress Miss Gayling, Miss Cane, Miss Fit, Miss Pronunciation, Miss Demeanour, Matron Milf, Kinky Boots, Willy, Alicia, Daryl, Sadie and Sally, not is great. Book her and stand back everything is as it appears however for the tsunami of energy that at Lezzington Towers and you can bursts forth from her. Funny, help to solve the mystery of the engaging, likeable and, oh yeah strange goings on in the dorms very funny too. With great legs and stationery cupboard. Take a too!” The Gag Factory; seat and be on your best behaviour Eden Rivers “Eden Rivers earns or it will be detention for everyone respect by talking in a way that is and a suitable punishment from both Hilarious and touching”. the Head Mistress. You will be Crawley Observer; and headliner allowed to enjoy (at times) the Joe Rowntree “He has the unique singing, dancing and frivolity as ability to take a cold room and the teachers and pupils and their reduce it to fits of laughter” secretary Miss Demeanour and the GQ Magazine; “A frank and energetic resident school nurse, Matron Milf performer with a talent for voices” show you around the school. The Stage. Tickets: £10 from (Not suitable for under 16s). www.skiddle.com/e/11991976/ or call Louise on 07828 093 364 JOE ROWNTREE
1, 2, 3 LITTLE PIGS
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GRACE EYRE THEATRE Montefiore Road, Hove www.brownpapertickets.com n LEZZINGTON TOWERS MURDER MYSTERY (7.30pm, Fri 15 & Sat 16). The Lezwood Players are back with their second lesbian murder
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KOMEDIA Gardner Street, Brighton Box office: 0845 293 8480 www.komedia.co.uk n BENT DOUBLE (Sun 3). An irreverent night of fun and frolics hosted by Zoe Lyons. Headliner Markus Birdman is a star of the circuit and one of the best dressed men in the business. 'Uniquely talented' The Evening Standard.
n TRAUMFRAU (7pm, Sat 16) Reclaim The Night after-party special edition with a film (TBC) at 7.30pm, live music from special guest Sabrina Chap (NYC) at 9.30pm “Guaranteeably vaudevillian chic and undeniably impressive” GO Magazine; “Bouncing rhythms, complex instrumentation, and intelligent lyrics” BITCH, then from 10.30pm dance your shoes off! SABRINA CHAP
MARKUS BIRDMAN
BY MICHAEL HOOTMAN
LATEST MUSIC BAR Manchester St, Brighton 01273 687171 www.thelatest.co.uk/musicbar n HAVE A WORD (7–10,30pm, Tues 12) LGBTQI and friends’ arts, poetry, spoken word, and music event featuring five fantastic artists: Maureen Duffy, Clare
entitled Inventing Lives as part of the new Inspire lecture series. In this lecture Neil talks about the creative process behind the reclamation and investigation of queer history in his fiction - the acclaimed novels Ready To Catch Him Should He Fall, Mr Clive And Mr Page and Skin Lane. In particular, he'll be talking about the role that historical research has played in the writing of his new, Brighton set novel, The Disappearance Boy, to be published in 2014. This lecture is organised and presented by the LGBTQ Lives SALLIS BENNEY THEATRE Research Hub. Grand Parade, Brighton Inspire is a brand new series of Box office: 01273 709709 inspirational lectures, discussions n INVENTING LIVES: NEIL and talks on a wide range of BARTLETT (6.30pm, Mon 25). Author, director and performer Neil themes. They are open to the Bartlett, OBE, who was awarded an public and free of charge. For further information, visit Honorary Doctorate of Arts by the the LGBT website or email University of Brighton in July this LGBTQ@brighton.ac.uk year, will give a public lecture rockabilly, crazy rock & roll, and great slabs of vintage rockin’ rhythm & blues, that will set your feet a-tap, tap, tappin’ ‘til you take them on the dance floor and dance them ‘til they’re sore. So, if you like dancing to some of the greatest music ever recorded, whilst drinking cocktails through fancy straws, and eating cupcakes at midnight, Frockabilly is the place for you! Free entry all night. “It’s straight from the fridge, daddio!” (DIVA Magazine)
MARIA JASTRZEBSKA ON THE ROAD
Summerskill, Vince Laws, Godphotography BG, Alice Denny, pop up slot with Karen reading from Coming To and music by Josh The Barber. Evening includes poetry, photography. comedy, history, politics and much more. Tickets £6 through wegottickets.com or £6 on the door. This will be a very popular event so early purchase of tickets advisable. Supporting the Sussex Beacon.
4 Princes St, Brighton www.facebook.com/FrockabillyPr omotions Holy smoke! The rumours are all true! FROCKABILLY’s back in town (Fri 1), and it’s bringing its usual mix of queer shenanigans and vintage hullabaloo along with it! The Marlborough will be transformed into a Frockabilly oasis, in which the good folk of Brighton can once again wear what they like, dance how they like and kiss who they like, in true Frockabilly style. DJ Lonesome M (Radio Reverb/ Honey Hush/Brighton Rumble) and guest DJ Vicki Lester (Honey Hush/FDL/Club Wotever) will serve up a soundtrack of tricksy DJ LONESOME M
CLARE SUMMERSKILL
MAUREEN DUFFY
MARLBOROUGH
MARIA JASTRZęBSKA, Polish born Brighton poet and playwright, is touring London and the South coast this autumn with readings from her new collection At The Library of Memories (Waterloo Press). Maria is appearing at: n REDROASTER COFFEE HOUSE, St James’ St, Brighton (7.30pm, Thurs Oct 31), Maria Jastrzebska along with MacGillivray will be launching The Last Wolf of Scotland, and Astrid Alben will be reading from Ai Ai Pianissimo! Tickets: www.pighog.co.uk/events n POETRY IN THE CRYPT in St Mary’s Crypt, Upper Street, Islington, London (Sat 2) with John Greening, Maria Jastrzebska and Pauline Stainer. Admission £4, free coffee and cakes, all proceeds go to the charity Hospice Care Kenya. More info: nmattson@sampo.plus.com n THE ART WORKERS GUILD, 6 Queen Square, London (7.30pm, Sat 11) as part of SLN Autumn Festival with Mimi Khalvati, Gillian Allnutt, Pauline Stainer, Daphne Gloag, Kay Syrad & Ruth O'Callaghan. www.secondlightlive.co.uk/news.shtml n THE GUN ROOM, RMA Tavern, Cromwell Road, Eastney nr Portsmouth (8pm, Sun 24) Maria Jastrzebska, Wioletta Grzegorzewska and singer/songwriter Krystyna Jankowska. Open Mic, admission £4/£3. More info: www.tongues-andgrooves.org.uk/ Read Maria’s blog at: http://mariajastrzebska.wordpress.com/
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VINCE LAWS HAS A WORD
INTERIOR LEATHER BAR
Vince Laws, poet, singer and activist, brings his award-winning My Mental Helmet to HAVE A WORD in November and will be displaying This Pope Is Pants (banned from the Jubilee Library!); playing a beautiful recording of Hullabaloo Community Quire singing I Am A Poem; as well as remembering some of his favourite Brighton poems: Beach Crows, Lily Livered, and My Father's Day Gift. This year Vince organised the B.Right.On festival in Brighton and staged the BANNED painted face art protest at Pride in support of the huge number of countries where it is still illegal to be in any way part of the LGBTQI community or to identify as such. His recent Maggie Thatcher Draft Excluder series of artworks was made during the state funeral held for Margaret Thatcher. Vince comments; “It was to help me through the prolonged coverage of her funeral! Now she excludes drafts here in hell every day and I think up new tortures. Yesterday the spaniel washed and re-set her hair. It looks shit. Job done!”
Vince brings a powerful and thought provoking set to HAVE A WORD (7–10,30pm, Tues 12) at the Latest Music Bar, Manchester St, Brighton. Other performers include Maureen Duffy, Clare Summerskill, Alice Denny and Godphotography BG. Tickets £6 through wegottickets.com or on the door. This will be a very popular event so early purchase of tickets is advisable.
EYES WIDE OPEN, Brighton based queer film society is celebrating their 1st anniversary with a mini festival as part of the Cinecity Festival programme. Screenings are at the Komedia, Gardner Street (K) or Duke of Yorks, Preston Circus (D). Box office: 0871 902 5728 n HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE (1.30pm, Sun 10) Chronicling the emergence of the ACT UP and TAG coalitions and their struggle to turn AIDS from 'a death sentence into a manageable condition’ in the early 1980s, award winning journalist David France’s debut is not just a moving chronicle of a significant period of activism, but a tale of people taking on the system, and winning. There’s a Q&A after the screening with director David France as well as three other very special guests. (K) n LA ANTENA with live soundtrack from ESBEN & THE WITCH (11.30pm, Fri 15). Premiered this summer at the East End Film Festival to high acclaim, Brighton three-piece Esben and the Witch now bring their incredible live score to this marvellous and surreal Argentinean black & white fantasy. (D) n BRUNO & EARLENE GO TO VEGAS (Fri 22). Headstrong Earlene leaves everything behind and heads to LA where she meets the mysterious Bruno, a wandering intersex teenager. The two become fast friends, but when Earlene becomes embroiled in one of Bruno's scams, she takes the youth under her wing and drives off into the desert. Along the way they meet a sexually confused carjacker, a pair of Scottish ex-strippers, a tap-dancing drag queen and many more likeminded runaways - who are all looking for a way out in the world (K). n INTERIOR LEATHER BAR/CRUISING (Sat 23). Late-night double bill. James Franco co-wrote and stars in a film which looks at the legendary lost 40 minutes of allegedly 'pornographic' gay sex from William Friedkin's 1980 movie. This is followed by Cruising itself, in which Al Pacino plays a New York cop out to catch a serial killer prowling the underground Gay S+M scene (D). n FACING MIRRORS (Tue 26). Set in contemporary Iran, this is a story of an unlikely and daring friendship that develops despite social norms and religious beliefs. Although Rana is a traditional wife and mother, she is forced to drive a cab to pay off the debt that keeps her husband in prison. By chance she picks up the wealthy and rebellious Edi, who is desperately awaiting a passport to leave the country. At first Rana attempts to help, but when she realises that Edi is transgendered, a dangerous series of conflicts arises (D). n STRANGER BY THE LAKE (Fri 29). In a cruising spot for men, tucked away on the shores of a lake. Franck falls in love with Michel, an attractive, potent and lethally dangerous man. Franck knows this, but wants to live out his passion anyway. Winner of the Queer Palm at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival in addition to Best Director for Un Certain Regard, this is a tense thriller set against the secluded back drop of, what becomes inevitably, the most dangerous lake in France...(K). For up to date Eyes Wide Open mini festival screen schedule check out www.facebook.com/EyesWideOpenCinema STRANGER BY THE LAKE
VINCE, BADGE & MADGE
EYES WIDE OPEN
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FILM
BY MICHAEL HOOTMAN
HOW TO SURVIVE A PLAGUE Dir: David France Stars: Peter Staley, Larry Kramer, Iris Long Plot: The story of two coalitions‚ ACT UP and TAG (Treatment Action Group)‚ whose activism and innovation turned AIDS from a death sentence into a manageable condition. Word on net: ”An indispensable and moving piece of filmmaking.” n “Shows how members of ACT UP fused the fervor of revolutionaries, the tenacity of trial lawyers, and the rage of the dispossessed to change the very shape of the epidemic.” n “A brilliant blueprint on how to spark a revolution.”
Even the most jaded audience will be moved by Philomena’s quest.” n “A howl of anti-clerical outrage wrapped in a tea cosy, movie applies amusing banter and sheen of good taste to real-life quest of Philomena Lee.”
GRAVITY Dir: Alfonso Cuarón Stars: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris Plot: A medical engineer and an astronaut work together to survive after an accident leaves them adrift in space. Word on net: “A visual triumph even if its storytelling is less than sure-footed.” n “Astonishing hypnotic seamlessness... utilises special effects and 3D with near poetic simplicity and command.” n “Awe-inspiring achievement, a towering slice of cinematic splendour that astounds and terrifies in equal measure.”
Plot: A high-profile terrorism case unexpectedly binds together two ex-lovers on the defence team testing the limits of their loyalties and placing their lives in jeopardy. Word on net: “Sombre tone conflicts with far-fetched story line, sapping it of the energy it needs to sell its twists and turns.” n “Rife with convenient coincidences, predictable plot contrivances and breathtakingly perfunctory revelations.”
Dir: Stephen Frears Stars: Michelle Fairley, Judi Dench, Steve Coogan Plot: A world-weary political journalist picks up the story of a woman’s search for her son, taken from her decades ago after she became pregnant and was forced to live in a convent. Word on net: “Gently funny and simultaneously devastatingly tragic, a wonderful film.” n “Frears manages to get the tone just right.
Dir: Sebastián Lelio Stars: Paulina García, Sergio Hernández, Diego Fontecilla Plot: A story set in Santiago and centred on Gloria, a free-spirited older woman, and the realities of her whirlwind relationship with a
Word on net: “Improvement over last year’s On The Road, but still falls victim to idol worship.” n “Energetic, stylish and engrossing look into the formative years of the Beat Generation.” n “Alive in every frame, from clever, crisp dialogue to smart plotting to tonal shifts that feel like jazz riffs.”
SEDUCED & ABANDONED Dir: James Toback Stars: Ryan Gosling, Alec Baldwin, Diane Kruger, Jessica Chastain, Roman Polanski Plot: Documentary exploration of several interconnected subjects: The Cannes Film Festival, cinema, art, money, glamour and death.
CHILD’S POSE
Dir: Calin Peter Netzer Stars: Luminita Gheorghiu, Bogdan Dumitrache, Natasa Raab Plot: An examination of the relationship between a mother and her son in the aftermath of the latter’s killing of a young boy. Word on net: “Sharp, multilayered CLOSED CIRCUIT dialogue and wonderfully canny Dir: John Crowley Stars: Eric Bana, Rebecca Hall, Jim performances... razor-sharp jibe at Romania’s nouveau riche.” n Broadbent “Engrossing character study and thrilling family drama.” n “Complex and captivating film that blurs the moral lines.”
GLORIA PHILOMENA
former naval officer whom she meets out in the clubs. Word on net: “Perceptive and unerringly sympathetic... an arthouse sleeper.” n “Splendidly written comedy-drama about selfworth, easily the richest female character of the Berlin Film Festival so far.” n “Sexually frank character drama examines nature of independence and reclaiming one’s life.”
KILL YOUR DARLINGS Dir: John Krokidas Stars: Elizabeth Olsen, Michael C. Hall, Daniel Radcliffe Plot: A murder in 1944 draws together poets of the beat generation: Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs.
Word on net: “Rousing film that will affirm your love for cinema and life.” n “Mammothly entertaining for insiders and movie fans alike.” n “If Toback and Baldwin set out to prove that nobody makes good movies any more, then this utterly inept piece of filmmaking does.”
ALSO OUT...
n ONCE CHANCE is the Paul Potts
biopic. James Corden stars as shy, bullied shop assistant by day and amateur opera singer by night who becomes a phenomenon after winning Britain’s Got Talent. n LAST VEGAS with Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas and Morgan Freeman as three 60-something friends who throw a bachelor party in Las Vegas for their last remaining single pal. n DOM HEMINGWAY stars Jude Law as notorious safe-cracker who, after 12 years in jail, is back on the streets of London looking to collect what he’s owed.
FILM C O M P E T I T I O N n Ridley Scott’s THE COUNSELLOR stars Brad Pitt, Goran Visnjic and Michael Fassbender in the story of a lawyer who finds himself in over his head when he gets involved in drug trafficking. 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: In which film, also directed by Scott, did Michael Fassbender play a robot with a Lawrence of Arabia fixation?
OCTOBER COMPETITION: STAR TREK
GSCENE 59 lot out of it, me especially as I had to write the script which wasn’t easy because of the awful language used to describe disabled people.” Contrast Time Slip with another offering Deep Dark Space and you get an idea of the breadth of what’s on offer. It pays homage to 1950s sci-fi B movies and took its creators Outreach Three Way Film Group 18 months to make.
OSKAS ARE A WINNER! The Oska Bright Film Festival is the world’s first film and digital media festival run by, and for, people with a learning disability. By Rebecca Sandles. ) You don’t have to look too far in Brighton & Hove before you stumble on an amazing event or community initiative that opens a window into a world that deserves to be heard and, in this case, seen. The Oska Bright Film Festival, which takes place at the Dome Corn Exchange on the November 17-19, is just such an event. Oska Bright is a Carousel project delivered in partnership with Junk TV, a film production and screening company specialising in youth and community production, film festivals and film events. Carousel is a learning disability led award winning arts organisation based in Brighton which works to promote the active involvement of people with a learning disability in the arts, teaching new artistic skills and developing existing talents.
The inaugural Oska Bright Film Festival took place in 2003 and was an all-UK affair. These days it bills itself as ‘the international showcase of short films made by people with learning disabilities.’ At first glance, its claim to be a ‘dynamic force for change’ may appear a tad grandiose, but hearing from those involved in organising this unique event it seems the claim may well be justified.
International success This year is the sixth edition of this biennial festival, which attracts around 2,000 people. It not only features films by those with learning disabilities, but is produced, managed and presented by a learning disabled team.
Jason Eade, who is on the organising committee, is passionate about Oska Bright and the opportunity it has offered him and others. “It’s all learning disabled run. To me, it shows the talent of people that can’t get their art shown to mainstream audiences. So it’s pretty much bringing out the artistic talents of people with learning disabilities.” This year’s event is set to be the biggest yet, with more entries than ever before. A total of 57 films from the UK, Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Germany and Canada are being shown. The festival has grown beyond the borders of Brighton over the past decade and now tours during the year. Jason added: “We have gone all over the country doing presentations, showing clips and master-classes. We’ve even gone beyond the UK border to Canada, Australia, and even Israel.” Jason got involved with Oska Bright through a friend two years ago. With the other members of the Oska Bright steering committee he has sifted through a record 250 entries to select the films, all five to ten minutes long, that are being screened at the Corn Exchange. Jason said: “It is important that people can choose the sort of films they want to see. We have categories of Films That Make Us Laugh, Films About People and Spooky Films.” Sarah Gordy directed one of the short films, Time Slip, originally made for the Oyster Lewes Our Histories Project. It’s being shown in the Hidden Stories category. Sarah explained: “We wanted to find out what it was like for disabled people, especially those with learning disabilities in the early part of the 20th century. The more we learned, the more we wanted to know. Some of the images and language used about disabled people during this time really upset us all, but we all got a
The finale of the event is an awards ceremony, where statuettes, aptly named Oskas are given out. The movie themed Oskas are made by Andy Kee, who helped set up the festival in 2003 and was one of the first committee members. He said: “The thing about these awards is that people with a learning disability get to keep them. The people who have made the film have probably worked really hard and they don’t normally get a big pat on the back so this is why we do it. The festival gives people with learning disabilities a chance to show what is important in their lives – their hopes and their fears.” And how do festival-goers respond? “I’d say it’s an amazing journey, with people coming from all over the place,” said Andy. “They come with their expectations and hopefully they will leave with some great ideas.” If you’re still in two minds about forking out a bargain £3 for a ticket to this particular local initiative, here’s Jason with a final pitch: “It’s something you won’t expect, something new, something original and generally fun all round.” Oska Bright offers a silver screen opportunity to look through a new window.
Oska Bright Festival, November 17-19, tickets from £3 or £12 for a weekend pass. More info: www.oskabright.co.uk More info about Carousel projects: www.carousel.org.uk
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ART
M AT T E R S MANEL ORTEGA FOR OUR LOST BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN
BY ENZO MARRA
For November I’ve sourced a quartet of opportunities for you to experience the visual arts in or close to Brighton.
MADE BRIGHTON DESIGN & CRAFT FAIR Corn Exchange, Church St, Brighton, www.brighton-made.co.uk n MADE BRIGHTON Design & Craft Fair (Thu 21–Sun 24) welcomes over 120 innovative and original makers and designers to show and sell their work directly to the public. E-tickets, available in advance for £6 or on the door for £7.50 (children under 14 free), include the catalogue, listing all exhibitors and as stocks permit a beautiful cotton goody bag. If you are tempted there should still be some tickets available to the general public for the private view (6–8.30pm, Thu 21) at £12 per person.
TURNER IN BRIGHTON Royal Pavilion, Brighton, www.brightonhove-rpml.org.uk/Pages/home.aspx n TURNER IN BRIGHTON (Sat, Nov 2–Mar 2 2014), is open to the public for an admission fee; members get in for free. The exhibition centres on the recent acquisition of J M W Turner’s watercolour Brighthelmston, Sussex (1824), which captures Brighton’s history as a seaside resort and had previously been out of sight in private ownership for over 100 years. In January 2012 the work was put up for auction, and the Royal Pavilion & Museums successfully acquired it, with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Art Fund and the Royal Pavilion & Museums Foundation. The exhibition celebrates its acquisition by showing how Turner and his contemporaries perceived the town at the height of its development in the 1820s, during the reign of George IV. Loans from national galleries such as the Tate, the Victoria and Albert Museum and private collectors will provide a context for Brighthelmston, Sussex.
100 ARTISTS FOR WORLD AIDS DAY Founders Room, The Dome, Brighton, www.thirteenart.com n 100 ARTISTS FOR WORLD AIDS DAY is back (Sun 1–Sun 8)! Hundreds of artists of all ages and styles have exhibited at previous 100 ARTISTS’ exhibitions to bring awareness to World AIDS Day. This year's event will feature a wide selection of artists including Romany Mark Bruce, Jess Eaton, Kitty Finegan, and Manel Ortega. 100 Artists for World AIDS Day is an established self-funding art project conceptualised by artist and art director Hizze Fletcher in 2008 and produced via Thirteen Art Productions. The event has raised funds for and awareness of HIV and its charities include THT, the Rainbow Fund and the Sussex Beacon. This year Thirteen Art Productions worked with the Keith Haring Foundation in New York on the ICONS exhibition which was a flagship event for Brighton & Hove Pride's first Arts & Film Festival. For details on submitting to the exhibition contact hizze13@gmail.com. Twenty per-cent of any art sales at the 100 ARTISTS exhibition will be donated to the Sussex Beacon.
10–14 Waterloo Place, Brighton www.phoenixarts.org n THE OPEN ’13 Brighton Photo Fringe (Sat 2 Nov–1 Dec) is ten years old this year, so to commemorate this milestone they will be collaborating with Phoenix Brighton and Metro Imaging to create a dynamic platform for lens-based artists in the heart of the city. Showcasing the best emerging photographers selected from open submission by a panel of experts, running alongside this is an exhibition featuring work by Phoenix Brighton artists.
PHILOMENA HARMSWORTH LE MAGASIN, LEWES
SIMON WARD
PHOENIX BRIGHTON
DEREK BOSHIER
TOWNER Devonshire Park, College Road, Eastbourne www.townereastbourne.org.uk/exhibitions/ n WONDERLAND (Sat, Nov 2– Jan 26 2014). Inspired by Chiharu Shiota’s exhibition in the Exhibition Gallery, this display will draw on works in the collection that explore themes of space and architecture. Many of the pieces contain elements of surprise or subversion within them, or explore the way in which people try to control and simplify natural and physical environments. The display will include Ceal Floyer’s Door, 1995; Derek Boshier’s Vista City, 1964; and Rut Blees Luxemburg’s Test of Courage, 2000.
NEW STEINE HOTEL New Steine Hotel, 10 & 11 New Steine, Brighton Tel: 01273 681546, www.newsteinehotel.com n PHILOMENA HARMSWORTH returns to the New Steine Hotel with her exhibition Kith & Kin as part of the Christmas Artists Open Houses (Fri, Nov 15–Jan 19, 2014). Her latest series of paintings echo that atmospheric time when people gather. The speed of the painting is key; the movement is impressionistic to capture fleeting moments of hustle and bustle. In contrast, the surroundings are boxed: buildings are grounded by vertical and horizontal marks. Darkened interiors intrigue the viewer leaving us with the magic of the unanswered question. Additionally the much admired boats return as tiny little square delights - a perfect Christmas present! Philomena’s standard of painting is a rare treat, this is a must see. www.philomenaharmsworthart.co.uk www.aoh.org.uk
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GAY PHOTOGRAPHERS NETWORK John Drennan, one of the organisers for this year’s exhibition Gayzed at the Strand Gallery, talks to Gscene about the Gay Photographers Network
Now in it’s seventh year of existence, the Gay Photographers Network initially started as a small group of gay photographers, who connected with each other via the social networking site OutInTheUK.
It’s not just photographers who join the group though, with website designers, digital artists, re-touchers and models counted amongst the membership. “We try and work out what aspects of photography people are most interested in learning about, and then every couple of months we’ll have a short tutorial or presentation on a particular aspect of photography. We also arrange ‘meet the model’ nights a couple of times during the year, so people can get some first hand experience of photographing under studio conditions, with more experienced photographers on hand to offer tips and advice.” Although the social aspect of the group is what people enjoy the most, they also recognise it’s an environment in which to improve their work, and be challenged to try different styles of photography. “Most of the tutorials that are run are given by people from within the group, and although they’ve got that ‘deer in the headlights’ look five minutes beforehand, all really enjoy the experience of sharing something they’ve got some specific expertise in among friends and people they know. We also run monthly photo-challenges, which give people a few weeks to shoot something new along a particular theme or concept, and then bring back and share that work the following month.”
“They’d all had a common experience of struggling for acceptance of their work at local photography clubs. And wanted to find a social space where they could safely share their work with each other and just be themselves.”
So what does the future hold for the Gay Photographers Network? “Well, we’ve grown fairly steadily over the last few years, although there’s no point having growth for growth’s sake. We’ll never lose sight that one of the most important things the group does is to offer that social space where people with an interest in photography can come and just be themselves. We push and challenge ourselves to learn and develop new photographic skills as we go, and this makes an exhibition a natural focal point in the year. Gayzed was our fourth group exhibition, and we were delighted to be back at the Strand Gallery again. “We were also invited by Foyles to host a photographic competition and exhibition in their gallery during London Pride 2013 and for the month of July, so we’re beginning to build a reputation of being ‘able to put on a good show’. We decided right back on our first exhibition that we ought to achieve something more than just a pat on the back for ourselves, so we use the exhibitions as a chance to raise funds for an amazing bunch of people at The Disabled Photographers Society. This year we’re also going to be supporting River House, who work in the community for people living with HIV.”
info For more information, email: info@gayphotographersnetwork.co.uk Twitter: @gpnlondon
JOHN DRENNAN THE COLD STARE
The group has steadily grown over the last few years, and now has over 100 active members, as well as a significant social media following. John added: “One of the reasons that people are attracted to the group is that it allows them to bring together two very important aspects of their lives, being gay and having a passion for photography, into a single space. We get together once a month, and it’s mainly a chance to catch up with each other over a drink, find out what we’re all up to, and see what kinds of possibilities and collaborations spring up out of that. You see a few nervous ‘first timers’ coming along to a meeting, but they soon work out it’s very
MANEL ORTEGA GAYZED
informal and relaxed. There’s no ‘skills test’ involved in joining the group, people range from passionate hobbyists to full-time professionals.”
ANDREW EASTWOOD BUDDHA
WILLIAM TO SOUL KEEPER
) “The Gazed exhibition is one of the focal points in the year for us, as a group. An exhibition in a central London gallery is something none of those involved could really do by themselves. Many of the people who took part were exhibiting their work publicly for the first time, so it’s a big deal for them,“ explains John.
GEEK
SCENE
BY CRAIG STORRIE
COMICS BEST AVENGERS STORIES With Marvel still riding the wave of cash that has been pouring in since The Avengers was released, they are now looking ahead towards the second phase with Thor: The Dark World being the second film to be released under the Phase 2 banner. All film adaptations of comic books draw upon certain famous stories or a mix of different lesser known ones to create a brand new mythology. As we look towards the future and the coming of many new Marvel movies, I want to highlight a few Avengers stories that you should read for a better understanding of where the future of Marvel’s film mythology might head. Back in 1989, after three consecutive years of ‘event’ comics revolving around the X-Men, the Avengers finally got their turn with the Acts of Vengeance crossover. Thor’s brother Loki assembles a team of super villians to attack the Avengers after inadvertently forming the team years earlier. The new team causes the Avengers some trouble, in fighting mainly between Magneto (a holocaust survivor) and the Red Skull (one of Hitler’s most loyal Nazi officers), which causes them to fall apart. Co-written by superstar Chris Claremont with some art by John Romita Jr, AoV is a nice tight story that sees many mix ups between bad guys and heroes that have never met whilst also telling a self-contained story that sees some match ups you never thought you’d see. Last year many storylines finally had their pay off in the Universe-wide crossover Avengers v X-Men. Even though the two major stories that reached their conclusions were 2005’s House Of M and 2007’s Messiah Complex, it all began within the pages of 2004’s Avengers: Disassembled. One night the Avengers are attacked at home in their mansion on several different fronts with no explanation for what is happening. Only after the deaths of long time members Ant-Man (Scott Lang), Vision, and Hawkeye was it revealed by Doctor Strange that the person responsible for the attack was none other than Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, who had been unknowingly driven insane by the loss of her children years before. Believing that the Avengers 'took' her children away and seek to do so again she lashes out, and after being stopped by the Avengers, she is collected by her father Magneto and taken to safety. This leads straight into the House Of M with Wanda using her reality warping powers to reduce the number of mutants in the world to 200 and therefore changing the X Comics for nearly seven years. Whilst it’s not fantastically written it sets up so many different future storylines that it needs to be read. The art on the other hand is action packed and fantastically drawn as well as feeling emotional when people start dying.
GAYMING As this month sees the return of God Of Thunder to the silver screen, let us delve into the greatest video games to feature not only the Asgardian powerhouse but also his team mates, The Avengers. Many of you who read my column every month know how much I love my retro gaming, so first up we have the rather aptly titled Captain American & The Avengers. Developed and released by Data East in 1991 for the arcades, the game features up to four players simultaneously in a side-scrolling fighting/shooting game. Players can choose from Captain America, Hawkeye, Iron Man and a rather oddly coloured Vision as they set out to defeat an army of super villains headed by the Red Skull. It is a fun little game that doesn’t take long to complete but it’s fast, frantic and with other players is a blast to play. There were home ports released on the SNES, Mega Drive, Gameboy and Game Gear but if you can, download an emulator to play the original arcade game as it is the best version available. Whilst the next game isn’t truly an Avengers game, it is the first time you can play as the big three (Cap, Iron Man and Thor) and embark on a quest to defeat the World Eater himself, Galactus. I am of course talking about the sublime fighting game that is Ultimate Marvel v Capcom 3. Being able to create your own team of Avengers and have an all-out brawl against other heroes and villains really can’t be beaten. Choosing the big three also causes them to yell out “Avengers Assemble!” as they arrive on screen causing a geek-gasm to every comic fan out there. Being able to utilise other Avengers such as Wolverine, Dr Strange and Hawkeye makes this the best Avengers game out there that deep down isn’t a true Avengers game at all! The most recent game I have chosen is the Kinect and Wii U game Marvel Avengers: Battle for Earth. Even though it was released to tie into the release of the 2012 Avengers movie, the story actually revolves around the Secret Invasion storyline featured in the comics back in 2008, which chronicled the long-term alien invasion of the shapeshifting Skrulls.
The gameplay is in 2.5D, viewed by players from a third person perspective of the controlled character. The gameplay is best described as; “Fans of fighting games or of the Marvel Universe are going to love the extensive combinations of characters, motioncontrolled moves and competitive gameplay.” Featuring modes ranging from the usual Arcade and Versus to the extensive Challenge mode where players can unlock new characters and costumes. Whilst many might be put off by the motion controls on the Kinect, it is a thrilling experience to fight as Magneto and knock Iron Man up into the stratosphere as you beat down on old shell head!
ALSO OUT THIS MONTH...
ALSO OUT THIS MONTH...
Bloodlines, Kang Dynasty, Infinity War and Secret War.
Marvel Ultimate Alliance 1 and 2 and Avengers Alliance on Facebook/mobiles.
GSCENE 63
BRIGHTON: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL Graham Robson talks to Gscene columnist Glenn Stevens, whose contribution Brighton's Angels, is a tale centred around HIV/AIDS, featuring many of the gay scene’s most familiar faces the Charlie's Angel’s theme) and used this as my starting point. I was also able to include Phil Starr, Lola’s change in hairstyle and a true episode from David Raven’s time at Selfridges. The story takes many different twists and turns and includes nods to many 'faces' on the scene. Tell us about them...
) QueenSpark Books, Brighton & Hove's community publisher, launched Brighton: The Graphic Novel in October, edited by Tim Pilcher with a foreword and cover design by Bryan Talbot. The fully-illustrated book features fantastical stories ranging from sea swimmers to drag queens, arsonists to worshippers of the occult and Regency superheroes to 1970s skinheads. It is a tribute not only to the unique history of the city but to the 28 writers and artists who contributed their time and skills freely. Why did you get involved? I really wanted to have the opportunity to work on the graphic novel project with QueenSpark Books as it was a very different experience to my usual written work. What inspired the idea? I had originally written a horror story based around the Brighton trunk murders, but volunteered to write a story based around Brighton’s LGBT community. As I had a limited number of pages, I decided to write a tale centred around HIV/AIDS, as this subject over the years has effected everyone in the LGBT community in varying degrees. What were the first steps in creating Brighton's Angels? I wanted the piece to be uplifting, so I created a parody to Charlie’s Angels and asked David Raven (Maisie Trollette) Stephen Richards (Lola Lasagne) and Dave Lynn if I could use their images as I knew they would each make great graphic novel characters and they have each helped fundraise and raise awareness around HIV projects. I also asked them about their jobs they had, had before moving to Brighton, (carrying on
The next storyline retells a moment in time when Brighton sculpture Romany Mark Bruce’s AIDS Memorial collapsed on top of him. I was then able to include other people who have made a big difference to those living with or affected by HIV, such as Paul Elgood who proposed for an AIDS Memorial to be commissioned, and who is part of the Rainbow Fund project. Between the next story is an interlude, with a nod towards The Golden Handbag Awards and a re-imagining of the film Moulin Rouge with Miss Jason, (Jason Sutton) joining the mix along with Miss Pooh La May (Colin) enabling me to reference Revenge, a club that changed the Brighton gay scene forever. I also include Stephanie Starlet (Stephan) and Ant Howells as they are again both great graphic novel characters. Ant represents all of us who have made a noise for better understanding and promotion of HIV. Ant’s character Lady Bearnelope connects to Bear-Patrol and the amazing fundraising work Danny Dwyer does for the Sussex Beacon.
You include a reference to the Hankie Quilt Project (a quilt showing support for those living with HIV/AIDS and remember those we have lost). Why is that? At the time of starting the project, Maurice McHale Parry, Peter Moxon and Robin Thompson were putting together the Hankie Quilt Project, so I included them as it also helped me include the history of the original Names Quilt Projects. Are you pleased with the illustrations? Emilie Majarian and Collette Tarbuck both worked as illustrators on the project. I met up with Emilie at the beginning of the project, showed her my story board and we discussed what was possible to portray within the frames. After that Emilie and Collette worked on the project independently. Were you worried the illustrations wouldn't achieve your objective? I learnt a lesson of letting the project go and to trust both illustrators to interpret my script. I was really pleased with the end product, as were many of the people portrayed in the graphic novel as they looked younger, fitter, slimmer!
info Brighton: The Graphic Novel, £15.99. To buy your copy, view www.queensparkbooks.org.uk/book/117.html
64 GSCENE
NOTES BY NICK BOSTON
REVIEWS n There’s been a bumper crop of recordings of BENJAMIN BRITTEN (1913-1976) in this anniversary year of 100 hundred years since his birth. Violinist Tasmin Little, with pianist Piers Lane, has embarked on a survey of British Violin Sonatas, and Volume 1 includes the Suite, Op. 6, as well as Sonatas by Howard Ferguson (1908-1999) and Sir William Walton (1902-1983). The Ferguson Sonata No. 2 is an engaging piece with a particularly striking slow movement, and edgy and anxious outer movements. Britten's Suite contains a
remarkable range of textures and atmospheres, including a frenetic, urgent Moto Perpetuo second movement, a ghostly and unsettling lullaby, and a final quirky, off-kilter and slightly queasy waltz. Walton's Sonata consists of two substantial movements, essentially lyrical in style, despite the twelve-tone phrase in the second movement's theme. The variations then give both players extended virtuosic and improvisatory passages on their own and together. The disc ends with Two Pieces by Walton the second, Scherzetto, was originally included in the Sonata, and the first, Canzonetta, is based on a mediaeval troubadour theme. Both Tasmin Little and Piers Lane have great command of the
CONCERTS BRIGHTON EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL All the details and tickets at www.bremf.org.uk n You can catch the end of the BRIGHTON EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL, which runs until November 10. Still to come are Musica Secreta and BREMF CONSORT OF VOICES in Passion & The Princess (Sat 2), The MARIAN CONSORT singing Gesualdo (Sun 3), Emma Kirkby (Fri 8), RACHEL PODGER (Sun 10), and the final concert, which promises to be a great performance of Bach’s St John Passion (Sun 10).
BRIGHTON DOME Tel: 01273 709709, www.brightondome.org n THE BRIGHTON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, conducted by Barry Wordsworth (2.45pm, Sun 3) perform Bach, including the Orchestral Suite No.3 by JS Bach, and the Magnificat by his son CPE Bach, for which they are joined by Brighton Festival Chorus. n THE LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA (7.30pm, Sat 30), conducted by Andrés Orozco-Estrada, perform music by Kodály, Dvořák, and Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4, with pianist Michael Roll.
SUSSEX DOWNS COLLEGE MAGGINI QUARTET
Mountfield Road, Lewes, www.nyslewes.org.uk n The Nicholas Yonge Society welcomes the MAGGINI QUARTET (7.45pm, Fri 22), playing Mozart, Britten, Purcell, and Bridge.
ST LUKE’S CHURCH Queen’s Park Road, Brighton, www.stlukesconcerts.webeden.co.uk n TOBY SIMMS (bass baritone) and RACHEL FRYER (piano) perform Rachmaninov, Mussorgsky, Shostakovich and Finzi, with Flanders and Swann thrown in (7.30pm, Fri 15). n Pianist ADAM SWAYNE presents Goodbye, Uncle Joe!, celebrating the music of Shostakovich accompanied by images from Russian silent films (7.30pm, Fri 22).
repertoire here, and in the Britten in particular, Little manages to maintain a sweetness of tone despite moments of harsh, astringent writing. With a wealth of British violin repertoire to explore, I await Volume 2 with great interest. Chandos CHAN10770
fiendish double-stopping required in the second movement, and a mammoth Passacaglia to end the work. Little matches Shelley's energy, drive and commitment here, and is perhaps even more at one with the BBC Phil's forces under Gardner. Chandos CHAN10764
n Chandos have
been re-releasing a number of great collections of Britten recordings. The Choral Edition, a 3-disc box set of his choral works, is recorded by the Finzi Singers, under Paul Spicer in the late 1990s. This collection includes a lovely recording of the Ceremony Of Carols (with Susan Drake on the harp, and sung by female voices, which I much prefer to boys’ voices in this work), as well as the Hymn To St Cecilia and A Boy Was Born (with the Lichfield Cathedral Choristers). Less familiar perhaps are the Hymn To St Peter and the Five Flower Songs, amongst many others. Organist Andrew Lumsden features on many of the tracks, and some well known names who have gone on to great things appear here as soloists - including tenors Andrew Carwood (of The Cardinall's Musick) and James Gilchrist. Whilst these are not necessarily benchmark recordings, the overall quality is high, and as a survey of great works by a great choral composer, this is a valuable set. Chandos CHAN10771(3)X
n Highly recommended – a great
new CD by Irish pianist MICHAEL MCHALE, who I came across accompanying clarinetist Michael Collins on a recent release. The Irish Piano, is a wonderfully programmed collection of pieces by Irish and Irish-influenced composers, such as John Field, Samuel Barber, Percy Grainger and Arnold Bax. McHale has sensitively arranged a number of Irish traditional melodies (his arrangement of She Moved Through The Air is particularly haunting), and also includes works from contemporary Irish composers including Bill Whelan (of Riverdance fame), Philip Hammond and Garrett Sholdice. You can read a fuller review on my blog. If you like varied piano music, expertly performed, this is for you. n My final Britten RTE Lyric fm CD139 release this month is a new recording, with Tasmin Little once again in the Violin Concerto, as well as pianist Howard Shelley in the Piano Concerto. The BBC Philharmonic is conducted by Edward Gardner. Included here is also a recording of n You can catch Verdi's grand the Piano Concerto’s original third opera, Les Vêpres Sicilienne (The movement, a Recitative and Aria, Sicilian Vespers) in selected which Britten replaced with an cinemas, transmitted live from The Impromptu movement in 1945. The Royal Opera House, with cast Piano Concerto sets off at a lick including Marina Poplavskaya, this is exciting music, full of life Bryan Hymel and Erwin Schrott. and energy, and Shelley plays with (Mon 4), in a range of local real spark. The swirling cascades in cinemas, including: the second movement, another of Dukes at the Komedia, Brighton; Britten's sardonic, seasick waltzes, the Odeon Cinema, Brighton; and the dramatic turbulence of the Cineworld, Eastbourne; and the Impromptu in particular Connaught Cinema, Worthing. demonstrate how this concerto has earned its place in the canon. The Reviews, comments and events: Violin Concerto is in many ways a nicks-classical-notes.blogspot.co.uk perfect companion, with some Email: nbclassical@hotmail.co.uk
LES VÊPRES SICILIENNE
CLASSICAL
CINEMA
66 GSCENE
SHOPPING WITH MICHAEL HOOTMAN
LA NOTTE (Eureka blu-ray). Antonioni's 1961 drama is a great example of the 'difficult foreign film'. Marcello Mastroianni and Jeanne Moreau play a couple in a disintegrating marriage. They go to a book launch, then to a party at a wealthy industrialist's who wants to employ the author to help promote his company. The characters talk about art, life, commerce, fidelity. Moreau looks at some boys setting off fireworks. Monica Vitti flirts with Mastrioianni. Although nothing much happens the film is utterly transfixing. Even when the dialogue is fairly dry, the performances, together with the almost hyper-real blu-ray clarity, the music, and the frame's detailed compositions make this a truly immersive cinematic experience. A TIME TO LOVE AND A TIME TO DIE (Eureka blu-ray). Although only lukewarm about Eureka's recent release of Sirk's The Tarnished Angels, this film sees the director on peak melodramatic form. John Gavin stars as a German officer during WW2 who, on furlough from the Russian front, falls for Lilo Pulver, the daughter of an intellectual dissident who has been sent to a concentration camp. Based on a book by Erich Maria Remarque (who appears as a teacher whose career has been ended by a local Nazi bully), this is Sirk at his best; it has a great driving narrative in which a fragile romance survives against the backdrop of a country in moral and physical ruin. Pulver gives such a charismatic performance it only underlines the fact that Gavin is here, as in Psycho, rather a stolid B-movie actor. Gavin aside, this is a knockout epic which will hopefully be rediscovered thanks to Eureka's exemplary presentation.
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Plumen Light Bulb, £19.95 – the world's first designer energy saver (Edited, 3 Gardner Street, Brighton, 01273 604006, editedbrighton.com)
GSCENE 67
REMEMBER AIDS THE BITCH IS BACK AND SHE WANTS YOUR BLOOD... OR - IF HE WON'T WEAR A CONDOM, HE WON’T TAKE OUT THE RUBBISH - DUMP HIM SAYS CRAIG HANLON-SMITH HIV/AIDS both benefited and ultimately saved the gay community from extinction. Whilst annihilating men in their hundreds, thousands and then hundreds of thousands, HIV/AIDS inspired the creation of a united front to fight both prejudice and the disease itself. Some 30 years after its initial discovery, and now that we have access to medicine and we're not as sick as we once were - what could possibly still hold us together? As we approach another World AIDS Day, it may be worth taking a moment to remember that HIV/AIDS was responsible for a great deal more than the death of Donna Summer's career; one million gay or bisexual men around the world in 25 years of collating such statistics have been lost. One million, gay or bisexual men. Graffiti artist Keith Haring, himself a lost victim of HIV/AIDS, said of his art: “I'd like to pretend that I've never seen anything, never read anything, never heard anything [but] every time I make something I think about the people who are going to see it and every time I see something, I think about the person who made it.” In short, it is almost impossible for our experiences in the past not to influence our actions in the present or future. How alarming then that as a race, mankind seem incapable of using this to his or her advantage. Otto Frank, father to Anne, said that "to build up a future you have to know the past". And yet the significance of HIV/AIDS in some quarters of what we still cling onto as a community has all but left the building - or certainly our collective consciousness. It can be somewhat of a tall order to explain to anyone under the age of 40 the true impact of HIV/AIDS throughout the 1980s amongst gay people, of course their lives but also reputations throughout the world. Originally barely earning a mention in the hidden column inches of the world's print media in early 1981, the as yet unnamed health scare was dubbed a 'gay-cancer', graduating to G.R.I.D (Gay Related Immune Deficiency) until it was renamed A.I.D.S (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) in August the following year, scientists having discovered a number of other victims to the disease.
risk behaviours, both during and after treatment, safe in the assertion that a course of PEP will knock an infection out of the ball park. Whilst PEP is thought to reduce the risk of HIV by up to approximately 80%, that still leaves a 20% risk of infection and repeated courses of treatment can become less effective over time. A more detailed study by the Dutch compared non-PEP treated patients with PEP users, and discovered that those who thought they were safer by accessing PEP were more than four times as likely to receive an HIV positive diagnosis within a year of taking part in the study. PEP can help - it is not a cure, nor is it a vaccine. And yet, a report by researchers at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) released earlier this year, cites a fall in the proportion of gay and bisexual men using condoms as being behind the rise in HIV infections in these groups in the UK. Yes, you read that correctly - there is a decrease in the use of condoms by men who have sex with men (MSM). The research claims the figure to be as much as 26%. The HPA stated that the figures showed it was vital to promote safe sex as rates of HIV have been rising in recent years with latest figures showing cases among MSM in the UK reaching an all-time high. The HPA went on to report that 50% of the 6,280 people diagnosed with HIV in 2011 were MSM. It is of course a wonderful benefactor of scientific excellence, that HIV positive communities in the UK can live a long and healthy life with access to both medicine and associated care. But under the cloud of an ongoing threat to local services, NHS budgets and Government spending priorities, what guarantees do you truly have that these services will be there for you should you need them in five, 10, or 20 years time?
MANCHESTER PRIDE CANDLELIT VIGIL
CRAIG’S THOUGHTS
To build up a future, you have to know the past: Manchester Pride, the drunken Canal Street three day disco over the bank holiday August weekend, started life as a jumble sale on two trestle tables to raise money for gay and bisexual men, dying from HIV/AIDS related illnesses when nobody else gave two hoots. Every year, the Pride event still closes with a candlelit vigil around The Beacon of Hope, not only to remember those whom we have lost, but to honour those who fought through the gloomiest of days to re-build and maintain a community during its darkest hours.
“In the UK there are still thousands of new diagnoses each year and infection rates are higher than they were 20 years ago. Why?”
Where is Brighton Pride's moment around the HIV/AIDS memorial? A moment to put down the plastic glass of warm Sauvignon Blanc and reflect upon how we have managed to survive the bleakest days in our short gay history. Have you ever asked your community leaders, bar managers, club owners to explain to you why we don't have one? Or are you naively expecting them all to set aside their personal differences, summer balance sheets, and tepid professional friendships to honour those who have built this future in the years before us?
Of course HIV/AIDS has affected many more people outside the brackets of the gay and bisexual communities; 25 million people have died worldwide, the majority of them in sub-Saharan Africa. But here in the UK there are still thousands of new diagnoses each year and infection rates are higher than they were 20 years ago. Why?
Whilst we may not die of ignorance, we certainly are in danger of throwing our condoms away in the pretence that we have never seen anything, never read anything and never heard anything. Perhaps an HIV positive diagnosis is the only true way for us to think about the people who are going to see it or indeed think about the person who made it.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection is particularly high amongst gay men who use post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP is essentially a course of HIV medication which is prescribed to those who believe they may have been at risk of infection. NAM-aidsmap online cites research from both Australia and Amsterdam which claim many courses of PEP are prescribed to men who continue to indulge in high
HIV/AIDS can still kill you. Learn from someone else's experience - all one million of them. It will be too late to learn from our own. Follow Craig @CraigsContinuum Scientific research data from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health21474066 & aismap.com
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HEART & SOLE I DO, I DO... MY BIG FAT GAY WEDDING BY DARREN SOLE My boyfriend Mark, whom most would call my better half, and I have decided to get married in October. And when I say October, I mean October of erm 2014, but these things apparently take time to organise, right? To be fair, it's time. We've been together 17 years, 18 by the time he takes me up the aisle, or me him (depending what kind of mood we're in) but being a supporter of equal rights, or a militant, as my mates would have you believe (officially though, put me down as just a bit grumpy), I declined a Civil Partnership, as I refused to have anything less, or different than, our straight counterparts, (well, that was my attempt at getting out of the whole thing). But how was I supposed to know that the government would move so (relatively) swiftly to redress the balance? So I guess now, there's no escaping it. Some may say marriage is just a fancy word for adopting an overgrown man-child who can’t take care of himself, and even less romantic types may ponder why, after nearly two decades of ahem, devoted bliss, are we bothering with all the mess of each others’ rings, at all? Well, it’s certainly not about security, we already share everything, and that includes a hefty mortgage, a comprehensive collection of Triga DVDs and a well established distaste for Lulu, so if either of us was worried about potential scarpery, it would take much time, effort and solicitoradge to extract ourselves from our current state of affairs. And like many straight people, marriage for us isn’t about kids; we’re children ourselves, so we don't need any more. The reason we are getting married is that we love each other and, at the very least, why the hell shouldn’t we?
“Marriage for us isn’t about kids; we’re children ourselves, so we don’t need any more” I know that civil partnerships have been about for nearly a decade, and very good they are too, but it’s still a strange notion that ‘proper’ gay marriages are actually going to happen. My 40 year-old gay brain still struggles with the concept of it all, because like you, having lived through years of engrained social homophobia, the possibility or ‘Mr and Mr’ had seemed alien my whole life. As a child, I never thought I'd ever get married. I knew that a girl wouldn’t be part of the equation, but the notion that my wedding could ever legally involve a man was unthinkable. But just because the law hadn’t provided for us, love certainly did. When I first clapped eyes on my intended all those years ago, I nearly fell over. Simply because what hit me was the instant overwhelming realisation that from that very moment, I knew he’d be the love of my life. Back in the mid-1990s though, we thought that sealing our deal with ‘marriage’ was never going to happen, and although two weeks later, I did still propose, we were sure it was destined to remain an empty sentiment. Fortunately though times change, and our lawmakers are starting to treat us like proper people. But, sadly, not everyone even in 2013, share their and our views on what constitutes love; the freshly
published annual British Social Attitudes survey, a guide to what us Brits are thinking, found that 22% of respondents thought that sexual relations between two adults of the same-sex was ‘always wrong’ and a further 6% described them as ‘mostly wrong’. That’s one in four of the population who think that my partner and I, you and your partner too, shouldn’t even be together in the first place. Lovely. And on the issues of same-sex marriage, 56% did say that ‘same-sex couples should have the right to marry if they want to’ (so kind, thanks) but that means of course, nearly half of people disagree. So patronisingly, nearly one in two of the people you and I fraternise with on a daily basis, deem it okay that us gay people should be ‘allowed’ to be together, but that our relationships aren’t proper enough, to have them realised as marriage. Perhaps all of the naysayers are worried that their heterosexual club won’t be as ‘exclusive’ as it once was and that it should remain queerfree. Better not mention then, all of the gay dress designers, wedding planners, florists, and oh, closeted gay vicars, who make ‘their’ day so special.
“What exactly is the order of events anyway? Should there be a best fag hag’s speech?” But back to OUR wedding and perhaps it will take 12 months for us to get to grips with all the intricacies that the day will bring, as to us, up to now, its workings have all been a bit of a mystery. What exactly is the order of events anyway? Should there be a best fag hag’s speech? Is it possible for a wedding cake to be made out of quiche? And is it legal for Ben Cohen to give me away (and do I have to let go?) One fact remains though; (sometime) next summer, gay people (in most of Britain) WILL be able to get married, heralding a new chapter or, as I like to think of it, a new episode for us in the sitcom that is life. And in actual fact, an important episode too, for those of our straight friends who believe in equality as well. Because weddings, whether they be gay, straight or equal, should be all about one thing – the thing that mine and Mark’s will be about – and that’s love. Darren Sole is a Freelance TV Producer @darrensole
GSCENE 69
HOMELY
DUNCAN’S
DOMAIN
HOMILY
BY DUNCAN STEWART
BY GLENN STEVENS
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
COMPLAINING
We all can make a huge difference in helping the HIV community, by doing something as simply putting our loose change in the charity boxes, wearing a red ribbon before, during and after World AIDS Day, or getting involved with many of the charities that offer help and support to the HIV community.
Airport staff in Sydney in the 1960s were said to complain that they couldn’t be sure when incoming planes carrying emigrating Brits (the £10 Poms) turned off their engines because the air was immediately filled with the sound of moaning and whining from these new immigrants. As a nation we probably overdo the whinging, but effective complaining is an art and most of us are incompetent. The next time you’re in a restaurant, having just eaten food you could have cooked better yourself, and you’re approached by a smiling head waiter and asked if “everything was alright?” pause before you reply. I’ve become less of a whimp about complaining as I’ve got older. As a teenage blusher and stammerer I only ever complained when I was furious and I know that any words that did emerge from my suffused face caused nothing but mirth. Complaints when angry tend to employ offensive language and you don’t want to make your target feel offended, you want them to feel guilty. So the cardinal rule is to complain calmly, be articulate and know what you want to achieve.
This thought came to mind last year, when I got involved with QueenSpark’s Books’ latest project to create a graphic novel, highlighting some of the lesser known histories of Brighton & Hove. Within my comic strip I wanted to celebrate some of the people who go out of their way to make a positive difference when it comes to HIV, by helping to highlight some aspects of these HIV projects and the people behind them. With this in mind, I began to gather a cast of people, who would make great cartoon characters, including drag artists David Raven (Maisie Trollette), Phil Starr, Dave Lynn, Stephen Richards (Lola Lasagne), Jason Sutton (Miss Jason), Colin Day (Pooh La May), Stephanie Starlet, Ant Howells (M’Lady Bearnelople, mascot to Danny Dwyer’s brainchild, Bear-Patrol), all of whom have over the years helped raise thousands of pounds, as well as awareness about HIV not only on World AIDS Day, but throughout the year by supporting a variety of HIV projects and events. Other people I was keen to mention within the piece was Mark Bruce, Paul Elgood and Gscene’s editor, James Ledward, who together, along with many other volunteers, got the AIDS memorial project off the ground, giving Brighton & Hove a centre point for remembrance to all those who have lost their lives to AIDS as well as to those living with or affected by HIV. Paul and James have also been pivotal in setting up The Rainbow Fund, which has helped fund HIV support groups like Lunch Positive and Peer Action, allowing them to expand and help even more people living with and affected by HIV. Around the same time of beginning the graphic novel project, Peter Moxom and Maurice McHale Parry were discussing the idea of reviving the Hankie Quilt Project, by asking people to sew the names of those who had lost their lives to AIDS onto a hankie, that would then be created into a large names quilt. Along with the many people who sat down and made personal name panels, I wanted to mention volunteers like Robin Thompson, who along with Peter and Maurice, spent hours stitching the panels together on the larger quilt. Over the years their have been many people who have seen a need to help the HIV community and who have started many different projects. It is perhaps all too easy to take these groups for granted, when in reality it takes many hours of dedication from volunteers to not only start these projects, but to keep them going through fundraising and awareness campaigns. For that I wanted to personally say a big thank you.
It’s both unfair and inappropriate to blame a poorly paid waitress for the inedible food and, as we know from the TV, chefs spend their days wielding sharp knives and swearing at the kitchen staff, so it’s best to ask for the manager. Occasionally I cannot resist the temptation to use sarcasm of the ‘Was this animal slaughtered or did it die of extreme old age?’ variety, but it’s better to be brief and factual; ‘The meat was tough and the veg was cold’, and wait for a response. Making complaints in institutions like banks and insurance companies always tends to result in your being made to wait for long periods in foyers. One friend finds it effective to take an alarm clock which he sets to go off every 10 minutes.
“Insurers advise against apologising on the grounds that an apology is tantamount to an admission of guilt” So let’s consider complaints in a medical context. You may not be aware that every GP practice is now obliged to have a Patient Participation Group and if you feel uneasy about confronting the member of the practice whose actions have engendered your disapproval or if there is a practice policy which displeases you, this is a good place to start. Always complain in writing when possible because, if the process reaches a higher level such as the Clinical Commissioning Group, being able to show that your letters have elicited no response provides clear and irrefutable proof of inefficiency or indifference. A number of charities run easily accessible advocacy services and a new agency to monitor standards of care called Healthwatch is about to become active locally. The NHS pays out enormous sums every year in settlement of complaints, both in and out of court. GPs and specialists in private practice pay hefty premiums to insure against the cost of GMC hearings or court cases. In most situations however the complainer does not want heads to roll, they simply want to know that they have been heard, that changes will at least be considered and to receive an apology. The rarity of the latter is not because doctors are invariably arrogant and insensitive but because their insurers advise against apologising on the grounds that an apology is tantamount to an admission of guilt and this would undermine their legal defence. Well crafted complaints can be effective and constructive but don’t ignore the other side of the coin, being complimentary. Plaudits also have a favourable effect on the way people behave, so let’s have more of both.
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KEITH SHARPE
And on the crucial fundamental issue of decriminalisation the Church of England is utterly silent. There are more than 80 countries around the world which criminalise consensual sexual relationships between same-sex adults. The consequences of criminalisation are horrific and go far beyond the simple matter of prosecution. They lead to appalling violence, systematic violation of human rights, and the destruction of individual lives and relationships. Gay men are kidnapped and tortured. They live in fear. Leading politicans whip up hatred. The speaker of the parliament in Uganda promised a 'Christmas gift' to the country of an atrocious law which would permit the execution of gay people. This in the country where gay rights activist, David Kato, had his skull smashed into pieces in 2011.
STONY SILENCE WORLDWIDE DECRIMINLISATION NOW! SAYS DR KEITH SHARPE, CHANGING ATTITUDE SUSSEX I have had cause many times in this column to lament the slow pace of change of the Church of England in its ponderous and laborious inching towards the full recognition of the human rights of LGBT people. Increasingly I have become aware that it is not so much the Church of England that we are in battle with but rather the reactionary homophobic forces within the wider worldwide Anglican communion.
In Iran gay men are publicly hanged in the most brutal manner, by being hoisted up slowly with nylon rope around their necks attached to a crane from which they hang with their legs kicking in the air for up to half an hour. During his recent re-election campaign Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe said homosexuals were 'filthy and diseased, and destroyed nations'. He promised to bring in laws so that gay people 'would rot in jail for life' and pledged 'hell for gays' if he was reelected.
As early as 1954, a booklet called The Problem of Homosexuality: An Interim Report was published by the Church of England's Moral Welfare Council and called for an end to the criminalisation of gay men. This was influential three years later in the proceedings of the Wolfenden committee whose report in 1957 argued for a change in the law to allow consensual sex between two adult men in private. Adult of course in those days meant over 21.
ROBERT MUGABE
Actually the Church of England played a leading role in the decriminalisation of male homosexuality in this country in the immediate post-war period. Archbishops of Canterbury no less argued for the abolition of the laws then in force to prosecute buggery and gross indecency.
The Church of England at that time was remarkably vocal about the injustice and abuse, including blackmail and violence, which gay men suffered. And it lobbied in favour of the 1967 Act which decriminalised homosexuality. The then Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Michael Ramsay, supported its passage through the House of Lords and endured great disapproval from his fellow peers for his trouble.
Right up to the present day the Church of England has failed to issue a clear unambiguous denunciation of the criminalisation of LGBT people. Even the saintly Rowan Williams, during his tenure as Archbishop of Canterbury, never made a clear statement. Moreover, he seemed so concerned not to go down in history as the Archbishop who presided over the break up of the Anglican Communion that he made all manner of concessions which should never have been made to people committed to the barbaric persecution of gay people, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. It is almost certainly the case for example that Rowan forced Jeffrey John to step down as Bishop of Reading because he feared the reaction of African bishops.
But now the situation has been reversed. Now it is secular society which has become the guardian of gay justice and equality and the Church of England which appears to be the enemy. No longer does the CoE fight for gay rights as human rights. That is being done by a secular (conservative, somewhat surprisingly) Prime Minister.
JUSTIN WELBY
“The Church of England at that time was remarkably vocal about the injustice and abuse, including blackmail and violence, which gay men suffered. And it lobbied in favour of the 1967 Act which decriminalised homosexuality� It is thus arguable that in the 1950s and 60s the Church of England was where it should be: leading in the fight for morality, justice and fairness. It was the secular society which from the time of Henry VIII onward had always justified the brutality and mistreatment of gay men. In 1533 Henry brought in the Buggery Act which took homosexual offences out of the realm of the ecclesiastical courts, where they were treated relatively (for the times) leniently, and placed them in the domain of the state civil courts where harsh punishments were introduced, including the death penalty. This Act remained on the statute book give or take a few amendments right up to the Sexual Offences Act of 1967.
Forty-two of these countries are members of the Commonwealth. The cruel laws which they are apply are a legacy of British rule during colonial times which has lingered on into modern times. In these countries the Anglican communion is extremely powerful, but sadly its constituent churches for the most part support the persecution and prosecution of gay people. In a recent challenge to the anti-gay laws in Belize for example the Anglican bishop joined forces with those who were fighting to retain them not those opposing them.
I hope that his successor, Justin Welby, will have more guts. He should stand up to barbarians, even if they are supposedly his brother bishops. I have come to the conclusion that left to its own devices the Church of England would have issued such a denunciation years or decades ago, and would be much further forward on gay rights generally if it had not been brow beaten by churches in 'the global south'. Well now is the time for a universal declaration that Christian justice requires worldwide decriminalisation of homosexuality.
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 71
NETTY’S
QUEERYING
WORLD
QUEENIE BY QUEEN JOSEPHINE
AIDS MEMOIR
BONA PARLE
I don’t know what kind of year you’ve had, but I have renamed 2013 ‘Two-Thousand and Shit’. Many of my friends are either in terrible financial difficulty, splitting from their long-term partners, or dying.
Well flap my flumps (to quote an old school catchphrase), I’ve woken up to find my mind full-up to teddy’s button (grandpa’s catchphrase) with double-entendres this morning. So I feel a celebration of the joys of language coming on! Today has definitely dawned a dingdong-day.
But then, at least it’s not the 1980s and early 90s when our homosexual community was decimated by AIDS and ‘the powers that be,’ didn’t give a stiff shit. The ‘God’s wrath’ argument prevailed and we gays had to fight for our lives to procure funding and get the rampaging virus under control. Thankfully, it now seems, contrary to the Verve’s seminal single, the drugs DO work. This year in the USA, AIDS is only the sixth cause of death for 25-44 year olds, back in 1995 it was a horrifying number one. Millions of people worldwide are now living with HIV, as opposed to dying of AIDS, including children. Of course in poorer countries, until women are empowered, the virus will continue to ravage lives unchecked. Women in Africa are being instructed to favour powdered baby milk over breast milk in order to stem the rate of mother to baby infection. It’s a shame we can’t stop the men from infecting them in the first place… but wait a minute, here comes President of Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, to save the day! According to him “Homosexuality, greed, and obsession with world domination is more deadly than all the natural disasters combined.” He can also cure AIDS with a herbal body rub and bananas. Of course, in this mad, mad world of ours no institution has done more to spread HIV than the Catholic Church. As I write, two former popes are to be beatified, John Paul II (Polish goalie) and John XXIII (known as ‘the good pope’), bloody hell, what do you have to do to be known as a bad pope? They all vilify homosexuality, keep women down, discourage condoms and protect their predatory paedophile clergy some of whom are so promiscuous they should be renamed ‘Roamin’ Catholics’. We must learn from past mistakes. Without education and awareness, people lapse into old habits and infection rates soar. In the same way that the morning after pill is not a suitable form of contraception, post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should not become a regular cheap fix for irresponsible sex.
“Without education and awareness people lapse into old habits and infection rates soar” According to the Medline encyclopaedia, abstinence is the only surefire way to eradicate the march of HIV. I’m no expert, but even I can see this ain’t gonna work. Gay men especially should try to respect themselves, not easy in a society hell-bent on depicting them as shallow, frivolous, bumfiddlers. Tesco was forced to remove a blow-up g*y best friend from their website. For some reason the word ‘gay’ is as rude as F*ck when every little helps. This pink T-shirted doll performs many stereotypical acts like bitching and advising on Jimmy Choos. How patronising. Luckily the gay men I’m surrounded by are not like this. Also, they realised long ago, that my fashion sense is based almost entirely on things that don’t itch.
This all started because recently I was sitting down, minding my own bleeding business, watching the rather marvellous Alan Carr blithering away on telly to Jessie J. She happened to mention that she’d be working with naughty Robin Thicke the following week, to which Alan said “Oooh, will he be scratching your tuppence with a sponge finger?” Once I’d regained my composure I wondered if he’d just made that analogy up or whether it was an old phrase commonly used. Actually maybe it was a foam finger. Anyway, it was still brilliant and reminded me of other such euphemisms I’ve heard and tried to adopt into my own parlance. For example – and I guess regionality does play a part here – imagine my childhood ecstasy when an old family friend, on smelling the delightful fragrance of the Norfolk countryside pointed an accusing finger at my mum and casually enquired if it was her that had ‘shot a bunny’. So much better than ‘oi – have you farted?’ I know there are a million different (and no doubt hilarious) words for breaking wind – my cousins in Birmingham apparently use ‘coal-porridge’ – but the bunny wins with me. And besides, there are as many comedy Blast Off Buzzard terms as the Eskimos have words for snow, just like we’ve always had a myriad different expressions for periods (‘Henry’s come to stay’, ‘the painters and decorators are in’, ‘on the blob’). But I think I really like the things that aren’t rude but sound like they might be. Such as the time I made my work colleague look rather nervous when I asked (albeit in a somewhat suggestive tone) if I should ‘pull up the stumps’. We were playing cricket I know, but still. And apparently it was perfectly acceptable to ask if you were ‘full up to dolly’s wax’ after a particularly large lunch when my granny was young. Hmmm – in this day and age, with a capital D, perhaps it isn’t… Of course the majority of euphemisms refer to actions or states of being which really ARE naughty. Ask me if I fancy a spot of ‘yodelling in the canyon’ and I’ll be smirking, and also relieved because this endeavour won’t lead to me ‘wearing my apron high’. Not that that’s likely given that I’m a fully paid up ‘scrod chomper’. I could go on like this for hours, but feel I should leave you with the immortal words of Kenneth Williams who, along with the rest of the Round The Horne cast, got away with blue murder on BBC radio in the sixties… Rollock Me Fussett And Grindle Me Nodes. Amusing suggestions for the true meaning of this on a postcard please, and if you don’t send one I’ll simply sneer at your cordwangle! xxx
72 GSCENE
CHARLIE SAYS AIDS & AMERICA AIDS AND AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE BY CHARLIE BAUER PhD I’ve been asked to write something about HIV and AIDS for this month’s publication. I have to say the very subject I’m most adamant about has remained dormant in my brain for some time now. Why? Are there fewer cases being diagnosed? Has global health care come to meet the HIV community with some sort of financial treaty? Are our UK needs different from everyone else’s? Is HIV care non-racial? Nonpolitical? While you’re considering all the ‘no’ answers, cast your mind back to a previous article when I reaffirmed the anger expressed by the global care community at the World AIDS Conference in Washington DC only last year. Ever since my brain has been lodged deeply in US policy. We’re having a financial meltdown in the UK about ‘disability’ and how to fund the growing needs as people begin to live longer. As we know, the Cameron government is in the process of attempting to alleviate us of much of this state aid. In the US, the question also remains about money over care. I’ve been bleating on about the legal scam of drug companies taking medications off patent immediately after new drugs become ‘available’ (see AIDS conference above); I’ve given you drills about the rise in infection globally using the US as a research barometer. And some of you have questioned why I constantly seem to push US data into everything national. Don’t forget how American policy has affected the planet. Rich and poor - no one is ever exempt from its reach. I’ve been castigated in the past because I’ve always thought the US elections should be open to the world, since everyone is ultimately affected.
“Don’t forget how American policy has affected the planet. Rich and poor no one is ever exempt from its reach” My first requests for global US elections came about as a teenager in the late 1970s, in the Cold War days when both America and Russia were using Europe as a battlefield. Back then they called it ‘Theatre Warfare’ and there were at least two nuclear missile sites within close proximity of my hometown. So, my house actually became a target not necessarily because of a nuclear strike but of potential air attacks in order to disable these US bases. Therefore, irrespective of any ability to vote in the US elections, its foreign policy had everything to do with my life. The effect of lack of valid foreign policy reportage hit the American people without ‘educational’ exemption on 9/11. This was the day that every American understood the importance of what someone else might be thinking and this time - it wasn’t the good stuff. Of course any reasoning Americans who previously questioned US foreign policy had been largely ignored - from The Black List to the Vietnam War. But 9/11 put a rocket up everyone’s ass - the non-questioning red Republican centre of the country who couldn’t understand why anyone could hate them so much, and the blue democrat coastal edges who questioned how such a primitive act would be allowed to destabilise an entire country. (Yes, I do mean primitive, as in Trojan Horse primitive, which is exactly what it was). The rest of the world’s concerns were about what George ‘Dubbya’ Bush’s knee-jerk reaction would be and, although he didn’t nuke
anyone, he eventually side-stepped the UN in order to enter a war that was universally condemned. School kids defiantly took to the streets of Sydney, mothers joined hands in a show of peaceful solidarity, Tony Blair twitched live on-air when it came to the lack of any evidence of weapons of mass destruction. But Bush continued to listen only to the people who had elected him back home - against the opinion of swathes of sane Americans and the rest of the world - where US foreign policy had been enforced since WW2. What’s it all got to do with AIDS, you may ask? Well, those people in America, the hicks who now stand tall on the podium of the Tea Party, are the ones who are opposing affordable health care or ‘Obamacare’ as it’s become known. Great, you say again, but what’s this got to do with AIDS? Well, Obamacare is generally going to benefit only the bottom rung, low-earning, 15% of the American population. Any idea who they might be? I lived in West Hollywood in the early 1990s. I lived there because I ticked all the boxes to live there: white, gay identified, (occasionally) single, consumer of luxury food and goods, US standard middle class income, home-owner and the rest. It was when I volunteered to work on an AIDS outreach programme, that I discovered that the contributions made, never found their way back into the gay community. No sir! All the food, clothes and financial contributions went thankfully to the people who needed them most – mainly to the Black communities of Los Angeles such as South Central; a place where the people couldn’t afford the health care they needed, even though they were on a par, numbers wise, with the gay white male population when it came to rates of HIV care.
“The Tea Party are the ones who are opposing affordable health care or ‘Obamacare’ as it’s become known” Current high HIV infection rates and the lowest 15% of American earners have a lot in common these days. In 20 years the demographic has changed and now includes the LGBT community as one of the most impoverished within the USA. The question remains about the markets that finance the drug companies and who re-patent drugs keeping prices inflated and out of everyone’s reach. (Don’t forget it’s possible to get HIV medication down to $100 per person, per year). The elevated cost of HIV medication has an immediate effect on global drug administration, which then has an effect on the cost of care in the United Kingdom. This in turn has an immediate effect on the price of medications when it comes to the new ‘South Central’ of the world – Africa. Find Charlie at: IMRU @ KPFC 90.7 FM (Los Angeles) charliebauerphd.blogspot.com
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LUNCH
POSITIVE BY GARY PARGETER
MCC
BRIGHTON BY REV MICHAEL HYDES
WE’RE NOT ALONE
A MARK OF RESPECT
A little heard expression these days is 'long term survivor', which was a term often used to describe people who hadn't progressed to an AIDS diagnosis, or whose treatment kept us living despite this. For me and my cohorts, in reality, this usually also signified many times bereaved. For years I've avoided talking about the many people I have loved who have died. Not because I have stopped loving them, and not because it has been too painful for me to do. The reason has been that as the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s slipped away, so did my last remaining friends who shared the experience of the awful days when AIDS was the fear of most and the reality of many people we knew. A new era of improved treatments dawned, the outlook became more hopeful. The last thing I'd want to do would be to burden people who were living with improved health and longevity with my memories and emotions of the past decades.
Because of AIDS there is a shadow - a dark cloud or gathered mist that lays thick upon my memories of the past. People that I loved, dearly, were torn from the world by an epidemic that decimated families of all kinds. A television advert of a monolithic rock on which the word ‘AIDS’ was chiseled brought no comfort. Precious little solace came from the faith community and in fact many who were attacked by this disease were victimised in their darkest hour by the very communities that should have been their comfort and support.
But last year something important happened. I took the chance to talk, just briefly, at the Service of Hope & Remembrance at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church about my life with HIV. It was only an outline of what 30 years of HIV were to me, and still I chose my words very carefully, hoping not to evoke any distress. As someone who considers himself pretty forthright, articulate and confident I was surprised at how emotional, but empowering, it was to recount just some of my experiences of being HIV positive, unavoidably centred on experiencing bereavement. I was surprised and moved at the number of people who told me they were grateful to have heard someone talk about experiences which they, for many reasons, also found difficult to express; and to hear from some who hadn’t realised that things ‘used to be that way’. As this year's World AIDS Day Vigil approaches, and many of us prepare to stand together and publicly remember those we've lost, it occurred to me that, if we don't already, we should also remember ourselves, our own struggles, one another and acknowledge our efforts in dealing or coping with disease and bereavement. For me, writing here, that means a small step in challenging the taboo over talking about death. If my experiences are similar to yours, I hope you'll find me describing them in some small way helpful rather than upsetting. If you're fortunate not to have experienced these at all, I hope it will help you empathise with the many people who have. I vividly recall the pain of telling once vibrant but now exhausted friends they weren’t going to live, whilst trying to appear calm and unfearful, yet uncertain of how to react and comfort them once they heard the words and knew what was soon to come. I picture saying “Goodbye”, “It’s okay to let go” and “I love you” as my lover was given morphine, which I knew he would never awake from. I remember holding another's hand and kissing his lips as I told him repeatedly that I loved him, and wondered and listened to his last breaths, could he hear me? In every recollection, I’m reminded of being alone with someone I loved, watching life slip away, and other than the two of us in the room, everything around us feeling silent and motionless. As I stand at this year’s vigil, I'll know that there'll be others out there who might have shared similar experiences, and whilst, as yet, we probably don't know each other’s names – we’re not alone. It helps me to remember this, and I hope it helps you.
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.
Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC), being predominately LGBTQ, were hard hit. We held the first World AIDS Day in 1986, joined by a handful of non MCC churches. Many more joined in 1987, and in 1988 the United Nations officially joined in and proclaimed the 1st December as World AIDS Day. The worship and memorial services were cathartic. We dressed the church in red ribbons and lit candles in memory of those who had been affected. We handed out condoms, lube, and dental dams, and talked about safer sex practices.
At the end of the worship service we would be left with hundreds of candles that needed blowing out - and it was often my job to do it. Each and every year it broke my heart. Blowing out a candle was like turning out a light, turning a memory to smoke, letting go. And I didn't want to let go. My heart wouldn't let me. One year I stumbled upon the idea of a hope tree; a Christmas tree lit with simple white lights. We took red ribbons, wrote the names of our loved ones upon them, wrote our simple prayers upon them, our words of hope upon them, and then tied them to the tree. Throughout Advent we added ribbons to the tree - along with angel ornaments, miniature snow globes, and decorations of all kinds. There were rainbow flags, teddy bears, and fairies. One year someone placed a leather man with wings at the top of the tree, a reminder that we are all one family. We brought all that we are and all of the past with us into Advent. After all, Advent is a time of hope. We brought the tree with us into Christmas, a reminder that life is both bitter and sweet and to be human is to endure the first and enjoy the latter. We carried each other's memories, prayers, and pain, into the Christmas season where it could be healed by a new birth. I pray for a world without HIV and AIDS. I pray for a cure. I pray for a day when we can look back on HIV the way we look back on smallpox - a disease of the past. In the meantime I don't think it's over and however we mark World AIDS Day, with candles, ribbons, or leathermen dressed as angels, it remains as relevant as ever. This year I will be preaching at the World AIDS Day service at Dorchester Gardens Methodist Church, Dorset Gardens, Brighton.
74 GSCENE
SAM THE TRANS MAN PASTURES NEW THE ROAD TO ACCEPTANCE BY DR SAMUEL JAMES HALL I moved to Brighton a year after my husband and I separated. I had felt the pull of this place for years. Following the breakdown of my marriage, I went straight into therapy to deal with my gender dysphoria. It was like opening the lid on a pressure cooker. The volcanic eruption that ensued was shocking to me and to everyone around me. There was no way I was going to survive transitioning in front of all the middle-class heterosexual people in the Essex commuter town we lived in. Nor were my children likely to weather this storm in the strict Catholic school they were attending. No, we needed, desperately, to live and work and play among people like us. I distinctly remember saying, when asked, that I was coming here to find my people. I started with a job at the hospital, a year’s position seemed secure enough. We sold the contents of our home in Essex and decanted what was left into a tiny cottage in Hanover. That summer was liberating for us all. We explored and walked and laughed and played in the sunshine, relishing the beach, the pier, the crowds and the holiday atmosphere of our new home. We had hope and trepidation in equal measure in our hearts, me and my little family. We had come to find our people. People like us. With brokenness and histories and pain in our pasts. Families with one parent, no parents, queer parents. Rainbow families. After the job, school. We found a lovely one, right in the middle of the town, with a view of the sea. And there were places for my children. Perfect. Next, new friends. That was a bit harder. At home alone, I was finding myself more and more able to talk to myself about my trans identity, but with new acquaintances the best I could manage was “divorced gay woman”. Another lie, which surely wasn’t the best idea, but all I could manage at the time. I had some old friends from medical school days who were supportive and helpful, but I couldn't bring myself to be open about my gender dysphoria to new people, and especially not at work. Doctors are not notorious for their compassion when it comes to each other, and especially not where mental health issues are concerned.
relationships because we don’t feel we deserve any better, and we are cruel to ourselves. Then we get to a point when we can no longer hide or repress the truth. It squeezes out around the edges despite our attempts to hang on for dear life to ‘normality’ - whatever that is. The fact is, transitioning from one gender role to another, with all its attendant problems, remains one of the most challenging things in our society. The essence of who are as a human race is understood and contained in our bodily expression of sex, sexuality and reproduction. A trans person challenges everything we think normal about these core elements of humanity. Likewise intersex people, who are even more invisible.
“Almost every trans person I’ve met has a story of rejection in one or more area of their lives. Some stories are devastating. Some don’t make it through” After coming out, we fear that we will be ostracised, despised, laughed at and ridiculed, expelled from our workplaces, families and communities, estranged from our loved ones and children, and marginalised by society. And guess what? It’s true! To a greater or lesser degree almost every trans person I have met has a story of rejection in one or more area of their lives. Some stories are devastating. Some don’t make it through. The statistics are appalling. We are ten times more likely than the nontrans population to think about or try to commit suicide. Depression and suicidal thoughts get worse during transition, and improve afterwards to levels approaching the norm. These facts and figures are poorly understood by the population at large, and more significantly, by the medical profession. There is a lot of work to be done… TBC
Based in central Brighton, the Clare Project weekly drop-in is a safe and confidential space to explore issues around gender identity. Facilitated peer support is an important element, as well as providing access to low-cost psychotherapy.
And of course mental health issues are prevalent amongst trans people. Sadly many see our gender dysphoria itself as a mental health problem, and it is still classified as such in the most respected manual of psychiatric diagnoses, the American ICD10. However, there is a growing body of evidence to support the theory that we are genuinely suffering from a mismatch of brain anatomy and function with that of our bodies. There are many commonly heard explanations including “I was born in the wrong body”; “the hard-wiring of my brain is different to the sex of my body”; “I’m in the wrong body” etc, all of which point to some kind of hormonal influence on the embryo which results in the opposite gendered brain developing in utero. Mental health issues are indeed more prevalent amongst trans people, however most of us will assure you, if you ask nicely, that our propensity for depression and suicide is largely due to the overwhelming distress caused by this lifelong affliction, rather than the cause of it. We feel invisible, afraid, and deeply ashamed.
Except 1st Tues when there’s an optional meal out preceded by the drop-in from 5–7.30pm.
We feel depressed and ashamed before we come out, because we are so ashamed of what we are. We spend years trying to hide our feelings and get on with life, hoping it will go away. We accept poor quality
More details: www.clareproject.org.uk or find on us facebook under Clare Project. Email clareprojectinfo@gmail.com
CLARE PROJECT meets every TUESDAY from 2.30–5.30pm at DORSET GARDENS METHODIST CHURCH Dorset Gardens (off St James St) Brighton BN2 1RL
COFFEE MORNING SAT 23 NOV from 11am–1pm Welcoming all trans & questioning people to this new event
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
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NOV 2013
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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
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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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Modena Road, Hove
£ 275,000 A well presented three bedroom flat on the first floor of a converted Edwardian house. Modern neutral decor throughout and comprises: bright lounge with four sash bay window, fully fitted kitchen, three double bedrooms and luxury bathroom. This property would make a fantastic home for a couple or new family. 3
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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. Wyndham Street, Brighton
£ 585,000 Stunning Grade II listed Regency terrace house just off Marine Parade in Kemp Town. Arranged across four floors with a charming courtyard patio garden, it is beautifully presented throughout and would make a great home for someone looking to live on one of Brighton’s most desirable streets. 4
Royal View, Brighton
£ 285,000
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Fourth floor apartment is a modern and comfortable home, comprising: entrance hallway, living room/kitchen leading onto a balcony with views of The Royal Pavilion and The Brighton Wheel, two double bedrooms both with fitted wardrobes and one with en-suite bathroom and a main bathroom. 2
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Call us now 01273 692424 Email info@justinlloyd.co.uk
St James’s Avenue, Brighton
£ 625,000
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Four bedroom terraced house with south/west facing patio and terrace, just off St James's Street, moments from the seafront. Well presented throughout and offers the flexibility to be used as a family house or raised ground /first floor maisonette with separate one bedroom lower ground floor flat. 4
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Visit justinlloyd.co.uk
Kemp Town 118 St James’s Street, Brighton BN2 1TH
Hove 176 Church Road, Hove BN3 2DJ
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“A very friendly and professional service”
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City 111 Western Road, Hove BN3 1DD
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