Gscene - October 2013

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CONTENTS

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

REVENGE

REVENGE

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

REVENGE

MODEL Leigh Carter www.boygender.com PHOTOGRAPHY Dean Stockings www.deanstockings.co.uk

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

NEWS 6 News REVENGE

SCENE LISTINGS 30 Brighton Listings 47 Solent Bournemouth Listings

ARTS

PHOTOGRAPHERS Phil Bailey brightonmoments.co.uk, Michael Hootman, James Ledward, Ian Mager-Playford, Natasha ParkerSmall, Portraits4Fun

50 56 57 58

© GSCENE 2013 All work appearing in Gscene Ltd is copyright. It is to be assumed that the copyright for material rests with the magazine unless otherwise stated on the page concerned.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an electronic or other retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior knowledge and consent of the publishers.

The appearance of any person or any organisation in Gscene is not to be construed as an implication of the sexual orientation or political persuasion of such persons or organisations.

REGULARS

FEATURES 23 BLACK HISTORY MONTH Brighton celebrates 10 years of Black History Month in the city

25 GOODBYE, DOLLY! Andrew Stark bids farewell to Dolly Partem and Pat Cruise

26 SNOWDONIA Eric Page takes you on a journey through Snowdonia

27 POITOU-CHARENTES Roger Wheeler takes in the sights of South West France

54 ROBIN COUSINS’ ICE PIC CAP

Arts News Classical Notes Art Matters Film Reviews

5 Letters to the Editor 28 Come Dine With Morham 59 Geek Scene 60 Shopping 62 Dance Music 62 DJ Profile: Lady Lola 63 Craig’s Thoughts 64 Heart & Sole 65 Wall’s Words 65 Gay Socrates 66 Charlie Says 67 Addicted 67 Choir Boys 68 Sharp Words 69 Twisted Gilded Ghetto 69 Trans Scribe 70 Jaq’s Monthly 71 Lunch Positive 72 MindOut 73 Sam The Trans Man

Olympic champion Robin Cousins talks to Kat Pope about his new show

INFORMATION

55 MARLENE DIETRICH

74 Services Directory 75 Advertisers’ Map 76 Classifieds

The greatest gay icon of them all strides the stage once more

GSCENE 5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SEND LETTERS TO: GSCENE, 111 WESTERN ROAD, HOVE, BN3 1DD OR EMAIL: INFO@GSCENE.COM

COST OF PRIDE TICKETS As I waited in the queue to get into Preston Park at Pride I chatted with the lady next to me.

She said she had paid £1 for her ticket. I had paid £17.50 for my ticket and asked why she had got hers so cheap. She was not sure.

She said she used to volunteer for a voluntary group but that was two years ago.

I really feel very strongly about this. I am unemployed and paid £17.50 to get in. Why should people get in for £1? It quite simply is not fair and is potentially devisive within a community where over the years we have campaigned for equality.

Carol Harwood, Portslade Last year (2012) Pride organisers made available a block of community tickets costing £1 for community groups to attend Pride.

This year organisers did the same and asked MindOut, the LGBT Mental Health Organisation, to administer the distribution of tickets. I attended the community meeting at Legends Hotel when this process was agreed and was somewhat surprised to find out the distribution of tickets was not controlled more carefully and expressed that view. I was also surprised as to how few voluntary organisations that benefitted from those £1 tickets had taken the trouble to attend the meeting.

The present Pride organisers are now delivering a tried and tested

fundraising model which has for the last two years raised £75,000 to be distributed to deserving LGBT organisations delivering front line services to the LGBT community. It is now much more important to look at who should receive these tickets or whether any of these tickets should be available at all.

Every year and this year was no different, Pride has trouble recruiting volunteers to help on the big day. Everyone wants their Pride but when it comes to doing something to help, sadly there are not many in the queue.

Maybe a solution to this problem is that anyone who gives two hours of their time to volunteer on the big day as a steward or bucket shaker receives a free ticket to the event.

The days of a free Pride in Brighton & Hove are over. Years of bad management and financial and incompetency saw to that.

Now that the fundraising aspect of Pride is guaranteed each year through £1 a head on each ticket sold being allocated for distribution to deserving organisations, maybe the time has come to put the brakes on the 'something for nothing culture' that has developed over the last few years and concentrate on what can be done to make the amount of money raised for those groups more than £100,000 each year which is what Manchester Pride manages to raise.

You won’t do this by giving away or expecting to receive £1 tickets.

James Ledward

HELP! CLEAN UP IMAGE OF BRIGHTON & HOVE’S NUDE BEACHES I’ve been researching the idea of painting in watercolour a series of whimsical studies of the fabulous nude beaches in Brighton & Hove, and will begin another shortly on the saunas and the quaint buildings most of them occupy, as I’ve long loved the beaches, the sea, and the surf and all those that cavort about, on, or in, both. However, a couple of days ago I searched on the website for ‘gay nude beaches – Brighton’ and discovered: (1) There are no wonderful photographs of the beaches to attract newcomers and visitors to Sussex – no need to have them populated with nude figures either.

(2) The copy regarding ‘cruising’ is either far out of date or plain sleazy.

This isn’t good for Brighton’s image. Surely there is a manner of conveying the attractions of these beaches in better terms, with attractive, scenic photographs and a way to cut the appalling descriptions of sleaze and drab seaside dullness of these potentially great sites. How about something like this? What do Gscene readers think?

Peter Howes: peterwriter@hotmail.co.uk

THANK YOU I would like to thank all of those who nominated me as a Pride Ambassador at this year's Brighton Pride. I will now consider it my job to continue as an Ambassador to do all that I can for older gay men.

There are now, in this country, nearly 200,000 old men living on their own. We are all living longer, which is a good thing, but only if life is good. Most of us, with a bit of luck, will be old one day. What I will try to do is to promote the welfare and care of older gay men.

Brighton is the most gay friendly city in the world, which is why my partner and I live here.

Thailand is the most gay friendly country, which is why we winter there. I told the 90 people that came to my 90th birthday earlier this year that I am the luckiest man for my age alive. So I want to do whatever I can to make the life of other older gay men better.

There really is no excuse for old

gay men to be lonely, living in Brighton. Unless that is maybe if they are unfortunate enough to be in a care home.

Birds of a feather need to be together with those who have something in common. Gay friendly management, staff, and other inmates and a few other gay friends are essential.

Except in the larger cities, rural Britain is not noted for being gay friendly. The only option for many older gay men when they retire is to move, if they can or maybe down size. There is not much I can do for 'stick in the muds'. One has to socialise!

Something not everyone knows is about the number of young people who are attracted to old people. The name is Gerontophile. I have a younger partner. Brighton is ok for older people, but in London The City of Quebec pub (in Marble Arch) is the place to go. These places are rare, but when you find one life begins again. As I say, socialize.

I would like to say thank you to The Argus journalist Neil Vowles.

I have found an excellent editor, Clare Christian, and now John Blake Publishing has agreed to publish my memoirs as The Oldest Gay in the Village, which will be presented at Brighton Pride 2014 by which time hopefully book signings will be taking place.

Profits from the book will go to Stonewall, the Peter Tatchell Foundation and Pattaya Orphanage Trust in Thailand.

George Sydney Montague, Marine Drive, Brighton

“Although unofficially a mixed nudist beach, Shoreham Beach is well frequented yet private and discreet for the shy and retiring at off-peak times, though the wind can be strong on unsettled days. Located behind Shoreham docks, once one of the UK’s busiest ports, it remains private property and so visitors should beware of all the strict parking restrictions here. There is some designated parking beyond the walled area that shields the beach from the roadside. An occasional travelling burger-bar is available to supply the lorry-drivers who park alongside the wall so be warned, bring plenty of water, suncream for those sensitive bits, and snacks as it’s a long walk to the nearest café. If you are bursting for a sunny-side up breakfast, ride or drive westwards to the end of the road and find a seaside café that is big on good food and famous for its hearty breakfasts. If you are into cruising, avoid public exposure or indecency as nearby residents walk their dogs regularly along the beach and the police patrol regularly also to keep the area safe.”

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BRIGHTON LOSES NATIONAL STUDENT PRIDE

Brighton City Council told Student Pride organisers earlier this year: “Unfortunately there is nothing the council can offer in the way of financial support or grant aid directly to your event. We are, of course, delighted that you are holding your event in Brighton & Hove and hope you are very successful and come back again the year after.”

Dome reduced their fees for the 2013 event, but organisers claim they were still being charged at a corporate rate rather than the much lower rate offered to arts organisations by the Brighton Festival and Dome. This despite National Student Pride being a 'not for profit company' and community organisation.

James Ledward, editor of Gscene, said: “It is very disappointing that a city with Brighton's reputation as a destination for LGBT visitors cannot hold onto an event such as Student Pride. The Dome is administered by the Brighton Festival who receive grant funding amounting to £611,554 a year from the City Council.

Surely it is not too much to expect that the Dome can then offer in return a special reduced rate for not for profit events that are bringing money into the city? If not, why not?"

Organisers say the move to London will allow Student Pride to control costs as London are offering facilities and venues free of charge and they hope to attract even more students to the event each year.

CAROLINE LUCAS MP

Events came to a head in 2012 when the organisers were charged more than £10,000 for the use of the Dome facilities. Following intervention by Caroline Lucas, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, the

National Student Pride has formed a new partnership and is now in association with University of London Union (ULU) alongside the established relationship with the NUS LGBT campaign. Corporate sponsors have indicated their delight with a move to London in 2014. Ernst & Young have signed up as a Platinum sponsor for the fourth consecutive year, Clifford Chance have taken on Gold sponsorship with Asda continuing as Silver sponsors for 2014.

Tom concluded: “More than anything, our move to London is a sign of our growth and a tribute to all the students, sponsors, supporters and friends who have helped us develop from a one-off event to an essential part of the UK’s LGBT calendar.”

CLLR GEOFFREY THEOBALD

Tom Guy, President of Student Pride, said: “The last two events have been held in the iconic Brighton Dome. The move to the Brighton Dome went hand in hand with more students, more corporate companies backing the event and a higher calibre of celebrities and speakers attending. However, with the cost of remaining in Brighton now having become unsustainable due to a number of factors, we have made the decision to move the event to London in 2014.”

Cllr Warren Morgan, leader of the Labour and Cooperative group on Brighton & Hove Council, said: "This is a popular event and one that brings much needed revenue to the city. I will be asking what steps can be taken to bring it back to Brighton.”

Geoffrey Theobald, Conservative Councillor for Brighton & Hove Council, said: “It’s always disappointing to lose any event, particularly one that involves young people. I can understand the financial reasons for making the move but I would hope that the council can encourage a return to our wonderful city at the earliest opportunity.”

CLLR WARREN MORGAN

Tom continued: “Moving the event to London will make it economically sustainable and more accessible for thousands of students around the country. Access to a wider range of bigger venues and a greater pool of support will allow the event to continue to grow and thrive."

JAMES LEDWARD

t National Student Pride, the annual weekendlong LGBT Festival, have announced they are moving their 2014 event from Brighton to London claiming the costs involved in hiring the Dome complex to stage the event in Brighton have become prohibitive.

After five successful years in Brighton, Student Pride which draws students from all corners of the United Kingdom and Ireland, will move to London on the weekend of February 21-23, 2014.

Student Pride has grown considerably during the last few years gaining the support of corporate sponsors and celebrity patrons including Elton John while at the same time bringing LGBT students from all over the country to Brighton each year.

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GSCENE 7

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ANTI-HATE CRIME VIGIL SIMON SEIVEWRIGHT - PAINT THE TOWN PURPLE! JUNE 14, 1973 - SEPTEMBER 13, 2013 t The Brighton Anti-Hate Crime Vigil, organised by the Brighton & Hove Community Safety Forum (LGBT CSF), will be held on Saturday, October 19 near the Old Steine fountain at 7.30pm sharp. Vigils will simultaneously happen in cities all over the country to mark the three nail bomb attacks that took place in London in 1999 on April 17, 24 and 30.

The LGBT CSF is an independent community forum of volunteers working with the community to address and improve safety issues throughout Brighton & Hove.

Independent guest speakers from the LGBT voluntary sector and statutory sectors have been invited to attend and make speeches. At 8pm the organisers are asking all those outdoors to hold a minute’s silence and those indoors to make a minute’s noise to remember all those who we have lost and those who continue to be affected by hate crime. There will be music, readings, messages of support and the THT outreach service will provide warm drinks and biscuits to attendees.

Join in with this year’s national vigil theme and come dressed in purple!

Confirmed guest speakers include: Cllr Bill Randall; Suchitra Chatterjee, Hate Crime Case Worker; Cllr Warren Morgan; and Rory Smith, LGBT Caseworker. The LGBT CSF would like to send a sincere thanks to Sharon Kent and Graham Stephenson at B&Q Shoreham who arranged for a large marquee to be donated to the forum, a valuable resource enabling them to facilitate events whatever the weather.

If you would like to speak at this year's event email: info@lgbt-safety-forum-brighton.com For more information: www.facebook.com/events/375412525923470 or www.lgbt-safety-forum-brighton.com/events/vigils/

t Simon Seivewright passed away on Friday, September 13, 2013 following an eleven month fight against an aggressive brain tumour. He was diagnosed with the tumour in October 2012 and despite undergoing painful chemotherapy Simon succumbed to its progression just eleven months later in September 2013.

Simon was born in the Malvern Hills in Worcester on June 14, 1973. He came to Brighton when he was 19 to study fashion at Brighton University where he graduated as 'graduate student of the year'. Following his graduation he moved into teaching and became a course leader at Northbrook College in Worthing, West Sussex where he taught fashion and design. While at Northbrook College he became a published author with the publication of his two volume academic book Research and Design.

Simon met his partner Gary Boxell better know to many in Brighton as Grace in 1992 when he was in his first year at University. They had their partnership blessed with a ceremony at the Royal Pavilion in 2002 followed by a Civil Partnership in 2006. Grace's wedding dress was designed by their friend the fashion designer Julien Macdonald, the ceremony was the social event of the year and the couple were very, very happy and content.

WORLD AIDS DAY 2013

t The Brighton & Hove World AIDS Day community partnership has begun planning events to mark this year's World AIDS Day on Sunday, December 1, 2013. Lunch Positive, the HIV charity who provide a free meal every Friday for people who are HIV positive, will be hosting a community café with hot drinks and a chance to meet volunteers from 4pm in New Steine Gardens. There will also be an opportunity to leave flowers and other tributes at the memorial.

The Candle Lit Vigil and reading of the names of those lost to HIV and AIDS will take place in New Steine Gardens at 6pm.

Names can be added to the reading list by emailing the Sussex Ecumenical HIV Chaplaincy: susshivchap@gmail.com. These names will also be kept for next year's event.

A Service of Hope & Solidarity organised by The Sussex Ecumenical HIV Chaplaincy takes place at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church at 7pm.

There will also be a display in the Jubilee Library from November 29 - December 5, including a message wall for people to post personal messages of hope, remembrance and reflections of HIV and AIDS. The partnership are also working with AVERT, the Horsham-based international HIV and AIDS education and prevention charity, as Brighton will be hosting the world's biggest red ribbon. A suitable site for the unveiling will be confirmed in due course.

For more information on the remembrance vigil or the library display, contact Ross Boseley at Terrence Higgins Trust: ross.boseley@tht.org.uk; or view: www.facebook.com/worldAIDSdayBH The Brighton & Hove World AIDS Day community partnership comprises Bear Patrol, BHCC LGBT Community Safety Team, Lunch Positive, Peer Action, Sussex Beacon, Terrence Higgins Trust Brighton, the Sussex Ecumenical HIV Chaplaincy and AVERT.

When you think of Simon you think of Grace, when you think of Grace you think of Simon. The couple were inseparable and Icons on the club scene in Brighton and London for twenty years. For years Simon and Grace were Brighton's 'golden couple'. No opening would be complete if they were not there. They were glamorous and fabulous, everything Brighton lacks in 2013.

Simon was loved by many people. He had a wonderful ability to make you think you were the only person in the room when he talked to you. He was one of the 'good guys' and did not have a bad bone in his body. Simon was a gentleman and the gay clubbing scene will never be quite the same without him and Grace, out together.

Simon will be cremated at the Downs Crematorium, Bear Road, Brighton, Sussex, BN2 3PL on Thursday, October 3 at 2.15pm. No flowers please donations to the the Martlets Hospice. The service will be followed afterwards by a wake at Audio, Marine Parade, Brighton.

James Ledward

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STONEWALL RAINBOW LACES CAMPAIGN Stonewall, the LGB equality organisation last month teamed up with leading bookmaker Paddy Power to challenge professional football players to show their support for gay footballers by wearing rainbow coloured boot laces.

The focus of the campaign was to try and change attitudes rather than persuade players to come out.

LAURA DOUGHTY

The campaign involved daily advertising and editorials across traditional media, billboard sites, and through social media with the aim of getting support from footballers, celebrities, fans and the public.

Laura Doughty, Stonewall Deputy Chief Executive, said: "It’s time for football clubs and players to step up and make a visible stand against homophobia in our national game. That’s why we’re working with Paddy Power on this fun and simple campaign. By wearing rainbow laces players will send a message of support to gay players and can begin to drag football in to the 21st century."

A Paddy Power bookmaker’s spokesman, said: “We love football but it needs a kick up the arse. In most other areas of life people can be open about their sexuality and it’s time for football to take a stand and show players it doesn’t matter what team they play for. Fans can show they are right behind this by simply tweeting using the #RBGF hashtag whilst all players have to do is lace up this weekend to help set an example in world sport.”

Premier league clubs Manchester United, Norwich and Tottenham announced they would not be supporting the initiative claiming it amounted to an advertising campaign for Paddy Power bookmakers while several other teams declined to take part saying they were not consulted enough. Everton who are sponsored by Paddy Power were one of the first teams to announce they would support the campaign. Captain and England defender Phil Jagielka said: “For me and the rest of the lads at Everton, a player’s sexuality is not important, but their ability on the pitch is. We don’t tolerate discrimination of any kind at Everton.”

CHRIS BASIURSKI

Other clubs supporting the campaign included QPR, West Ham, Charlton Athletic, Reading, York City, Leyton Orient, Stenhousemuir and Burnley.

The entire AFC Wimbledon team including the ref wore the laces and all teams playing in the Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN) wore the laces in their games over the weekend, Chris Basiuraski chair of GFSN, said: “The rainbow laces campaign has surpassed our expectations and has been the biggest show of solidarity for LGB&T footballers we have ever seen. We’d like to express our thanks for the support from the professional clubs, players and journalists and also from across the grass roots game, schools and, of course, the GFSN National League.

“The GFSN will continue working with Stonewall, Paddy Power, the football authorities, and diversity stakeholders to ensure that the momentum of this week is built upon.

Initiatives like this can help us achieve our dream of a fully safe and tolerant atmosphere in football for the LGB&T community.”

High-profile footballers wearing the laces included: Phil Jagielka, Tim Howard, Johnny Heitinga, Leighton Baines (Everton); Eni Aluku, Toni Duggan (England Women’s Internationals); Joey Barton, Danny Simpson (QPR), Thomas Vermaelen, Mikel Arteta, and Olivier Giroud (Arsenal); Leroy Fer, Robert Snodgrass, Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Wes Hoolahan (Norwich City); Paul Dummett, Mike Williamson, (Newcastle United); David Stockdale (Fulham); Rohan Ince, Casper Ankergren, (Brighton & Hove Albion); Sean Morrison (Reading); Keith Treacy (Burnley); Louis Dodds (Port Vale); Martyn Waghorn (Milwall) and openly gay players Robbie Rogers (LA Galaxy) and Anton Hysen (Utsiktens BK). TV presenter Gary Lineker wore the laces on BBC Match of the Day as did David Ginola, Matt Dawson and Jake Humphries from the BT Sports team. The entire Labour party football team including Shadow Ministers Ed Balls and Andy Burnham wore laces for their annual match against journalists at their party conference in Brighton and a motion of support was lodged by a group SNP MSP's in the Scottish Parliament.

However, the group Football v Homophobia (FVH) criticised the campaigns slogan Right behind Gay Footballers saying it relied on “sexualised innuendo and stereotypes about gay men” A recent report report produced by the Gay Football Supporters Network showed that seven in ten football fans who have attended a match had heard or witnessed homophobia on the terraces and over half of fans thought the Football Association, Premier League and Football League weren't doing enough to tackle anti-gay abuse. To read read a copy of the full report view: www.stonewall.org.uk/documents/leagues_behind.pdf At the moment there are no known openly gay footballers playing in the English and Scottish professional football leagues.

Earlier this year former Leeds and United States winger Robbie Rogers announced he was gay after retiring from the game through injury. He later changed his mind about retiring and signed to play for LA Galaxy in California.The only other professional footballers to ever come out were: former England Under 21 international Justin Fashanu, the first black footballer to command a one million pound transfer fee when he moved from Norwich City to Nottingham Forest in 1981. He committed suicide in 1998, eight years after coming out in the national media: Anton Hysen, the son of former Liverpool defender Glenn Hysen who came out in an interview with Swedish Football magazine, Offside in March 2011. He plays his football in the lower Swedish football league where his career has been restricted by injury.

ROBBIE ROGERS

t The laces were distributed to every footballer across all 134 professional clubs in the English and Scottish Football leagues.

Each player was asked to wear the special laces in their club fixtures on Saturday 21 and Sunday, September 22. The campaign’s simple message of Right Behind Gay Footballers was designed to kick start a change in attitudes and make the national game more gay-friendly.

Irish Bookmaker Paddy Power and Stonewall, the LGB equality organisation asked fans and the public to back the campaign by taking to social media and using the hashtag #RBGF, Right Behind Gay Footballers, during the week and in the build-up to the weekend fixtures.

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CELEBRATE: A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF MINDOUT

t MindOut, the award winning LGBT mental health organisation, is holding an open day on Wednesday, October 16. Take the opportunity to meet their staff, volunteers, trustees, service users, supporters, friends and acquaintances. Check out what they have been up to, hear about their plans for the coming year, decorate a cup cake or two and enjoy refreshments provided by the award-winning HIV charity, Lunch Positive, who provide a healthy meal once a week for people who are HIV positive.

Celebrate a year in the life of MindOut, Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, Wednesday, October 16, 4–7pm, do drop in any time you like.

MINDOUT LAUNCHES NEW LGBT MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVICES

t MindOut, the LGBT mental health charity, launched a new Online Support service last month, offering confidential, anonymous support to LGB&T people who have lived experience of mental health issues. You can chat directly to a volunteer about any mental health concerns, any mental health topic or issue, seek support, advice and information.

HELEN JONES

MindOut are also launching a new Peer Mentoring service. Volunteers are available to offer up to 10 mentoring meetings aimed at helping people engage with community activities. These could be social activities, employment or training opportunities, learning new skills, getting out and about, developing new social networks etc. Twenty-five LGBT volunteers have completed a training course and are available to deliver the service.

Helen Jones, MindOut Director, said: "We were delighted with the volunteer recruitment and the fantastic team which has developed, ready to offer much needed out of hours support and peer mentoring. This marks a great addition to what MindOut is able to offer."

These services are offered in partnership with Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard’s helpline service, to increase the amount of out of hours support available to LGBT people in the city. Funded by the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and Brighton & Hove City Council, these new services are a significant addition to the dedicated, LGBT specific mental health support on offer. To access the online chat service and to find out the latest opening times, view: www.mindout.org.uk/

t The Martlets Hospice are urging men across the city to sign up to their fifth Noon Walk, a 13 mile sponsored walk along the beautiful Sussex coast on Sunday, October 13.

The walk starts at the County Cricket Ground in Hove and heads along the coast to Saltdean Lido for a refreshment pit stop before heading back to the Cricket Ground for a wellearned pint. Those doing the shorter route will turn around at the Brighton Pier. Well behaved dogs are also welcome and will get their own treat at the end of the day.

Chief Inspector Simon Nelson, who completed the challenge last year, said: "Having recovered from cancer, I am one of the lucky ones but I knew of The Martlets and the dignity and support I could have found with them if I had needed it. I had a great Dad's day out with my boys during the walk, when we had time to talk about all sorts of things while raising money for such an essential service. It was a real challenge for them and they enjoyed a real sense of achievement that will always stay with all three of us."

The walk is open to men and boys aged 12 or over.

Earlier this year, the women of Brighton & Hove raised almost £100,000 for the Hospice at this year’s Midnight Walk.

The Martlets Hospice in Hove cares for adults in and around Brighton & Hove who are affected by terminal and life-limiting illnesses including HIV/AIDS. All Martlets services are provided free of charge, however they receive less than one third of their funding from the NHS and must raise over £8,000 a day to care for patients and their families.

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

CHARITY PLACES STILL AVAILABLE FOR ‘SOLD OUT’ BRIGHTON HALF MARATHON

t The Brighton Half Marathon, the main fundraising event for the Sussex Beacon, still has places available on 'Team Beacon' or other charity teams for the 'sold out' 2014 event. The marathon, which takes place on Sunday, February 16, 2014 and is the first major half marathon in the new year, will see 11,000 runners take to the streets of Brighton & Hove. It is the perfect training ground for all spring marathons and generally sees a mix of first time half marathon runners, club runners, personalbest chasers and charity runners lining up on the start line.

Paul Bond, Event Manager, said: “The Brighton Half Marathon is now more popular than ever, with a beautiful route mostly along the seafront, an iconic city location and a great atmosphere. Runners can still take part in next year’s race by choosing to run and raise money for one of the official charities.

Running for a charity is extremely rewarding and it will help you to remain focused and motivated throughout your training.”

The event is organised and headlined by the Sussex Beacon, the care centre for men and women with HIV/AIDS related illnesses, and it is their main fundraising event. For more information and to register, view: www.brightonhalfmarathon.com/charities

OUTOFBOUNDSGUIDE

t Dattch, the social app for lesbians, has launched the UK's only national going out guide for LGBT students.

OutofBoundsGuide.com is a guide to gay life at university, which is fun, loose and honest about the local scenes and includes resources for bars, clubs, pubs, social groups and whatever else is out there.

For more information, view: www.outofboundsguide.com

GSCENE 11

BRIGHTON BULGE

t Bulge Festival comes to Brighton for the first time with a men's underwear fashion show on Saturday, November 2 at the Thistle Hotel.

Models will parade the catwalk wearing new ranges of underwear from sexy briefs to boxers and thongs to G-strings. Entertainment with star guests and top performers includes half naked dance routines, male pole dancers, extreme performances and singers/comedians who will be announced leading up to the event. As part of the event there is a Mr Brighton Bulge competition to find the faces of next year’s advertising campaign and also to be crowned the best wearer of underwear 2013 in Brighton.The winner and close runner-ups will appear in a colourful calendar for 2014.

Part of the ticket proceeds are going to the Sussex Beacon, the clinical care centre for men and women living with HIV/AIDS based in Brighton. Day ticket from noon–5pm £7; evening ticket (with free entry to afterparty) £9; VIP ticket (includes access to day, evening and afterparty) £13. Tickets from: www.ticketplanner.net and also from at Sussex Beacon and various gay/LGBT friendly bars and clubs around Brighton, Hove, Seaford and Eastbourne. For more information: www.brightonbulge.co.uk

REIKI FOR MEN

t Reiki For Men, a friendly workshop dedicated to men who wish to explore healing, meditation, massage and who seek deeper inner connection, peace and balance in every day life is to take place at the Friends' Meeting House, Brighton on Saturday, October 12 from 10am–5pm. Miguel Chavez, workshop leader and Reiki Master will lead participants through Level 1 of the holistic treatment, which works in all levels: body, mind, emotions and spirit. He will teach participants to use it for self-healing and to pass it on to others simply through the laying on of hands.

Miguel said: “I grew up surrounded by Healers and Shamans in a spiritual temple in Mexico. Reiki helped me to look at life in a more harmonious way, to see peace were I used to see fear and to find harmony within myself. I then became a Reiki practitioner in 2006 and a Reiki Master in 2010 when I began to teach and share this amazing experience.”

Participants will receive an internationally recognised certificate and after level 2 will be able to practice Reiki themselves professionally. The class, which usually costs £150, is being offered at the discounted price of £79.

Reiki For Men, Friends' Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton, Saturday, October 12 at 10am. For more information view: www.reikiformen.com; email: hi@reikiformen.com; or call: 07976 503335

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LIAM HACKETT

REVENGE RAISE £100 FOR ANTI BULLYING

t Anti-bullying organisation, Ditch the Label, teamed up with Club and Bar Revenge and Brighton's award winning lesbian club night Girls On Top to raise funds and awareness this August and September, raising over £100 in the process. Ditch the Label's mission statement says: “It doesn't matter if you're white, black, gay, straight, asexual, disabled, skinny, curvy, old, young, interested in sports, work in a salon or feel good in drag - we think that you’re amazing. Things like the colour of your skin, your sexuality, appearance, interests or disability should not define you. Together we can and will reduce the prominence and harmful effects of bullying.”

Liam Hackett from Ditch the Label, said: “The support that we received from Revenge has been absolutely fantastic. We think that it is important to actively engage with people from different walks of life and at all points on the age spectrum and our relationship with Revenge has helped us do exactly just that.”

Alex Baker from Club Revenge said: “Large numbers of the LGBT community experience bullying, not just in the stereotypical classroom and playground settings, but on in to later life, in the work place and even at home. Ditch the Label provides a great resource to anyone who has, or is experiencing this kind of mistreatment.”

To find out more about Ditch the Label, view: www.ditchthelabel.org

HELP FOR THE VULNERABLE

TELL YOUR STORY AT THE MINDOUT HUMAN LIBRARY

t Brighton & Hove City Council has announced it is supporting research into identifying those most affected by government benefit reforms and how people are experiencing the change on a practical day-to-day basis.

The council estimates between 17,000 and 20,000 households have been affected by welfare reform changes, including changes to housing benefits, Council Tax, the end of crisis loans and community care grants, implementation of the Benefit Cap, introduction of Personal Independence Payments to replace the Disability Living Allowance and introduction of Universal Credit.

t MindOut, the LGBT mental health charity, will be running a Human Library at the University of Brighton's Falmer Campus on Wednesday, October 30 from 1pm. The charity are looking for 40 people to volunteer as a Human Book, where each individual will talk one-to-one to a ‘reader’, answering questions about a chosen labelled identity (eg sexual orientation, mental health, ethnicity, gender, disability, age, religion etc.). There are also 10 opportunities for Assistant Librarians, who will support the event by reading the rules to each pair and supervising the conversation.

The research will look at what people are able to spend their money on, including food costs, where they can afford to live and housing conditions. The research will also look at where the most affected residents receive support. The data will show how reliant people are on avenues such as advice lines and services, church, community or friendship networks, GPs, child and family services and mental health services and food banks.

A volunteer training day will take place at Community Base, Brighton on Saturday, October 19 from 1pm. Local travel expenses will be reimbursed.

MindOut Human Library, University of Brighton's Falmer Campus, Wednesday, October 30 from 1pm. For more information, CLICK HERE:

t The Arun Gay Society (T.A.G.S) raised money for the Sussex Beacon with a Pink Party in Littlehampton and an afternoon Tea Party in Findon Valley hosted by two T.A.G.S members at their home. The Sussex Beacon was T.A.G.S’ chosen charity for the year. Pictured, Peter Saggs, social secretary of T.A.G.S, presents a cheque for £300 to Simon Dowe, the Sussex Beacon’s Chief Executive, and Cath Mattos, event fundraiser.

MICHAEL EDWARDS

NEW CHAIRMAN FOR THE MARTLETS

t The trustees of the Martlets Hospice in Hove have appointed a former Senior Executive of American Express to be the new Chair of the Hospice. Michael Edwards takes up the position on October 1, succeeding Roger French who retired from the role earlier this year.

John Powell, Acting Chair, said: “Michael Edwards has had extensive experience in many different fields of business and community affairs. This experience will be a great asset in helping the Martlets Board and Senior Management ensure that the challenges of ever more demanding healthcare and funding landscapes are successfully overcome to the benefit of our future patients and their families.”

Mr Edwards said: “I’m delighted to have been invited to take the Chair of the Martlets Hospice. There are many families and individuals in the area who have directly benefitted from the care and compassion of its dedicated staff and volunteers. It is crucially important that the work at the Hospice and all that it does in the community continues, and I feel privileged that I can offer my own support to everyone involved.”

Michael lives in Brighton with his wife Gillian, and their two children. His interests include football, classic motor cars, art and marathon running.

SWITCHBOARD RECEIVE LOTTERY FUNDING

t Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard has been awarded lottery funding to develop its telephone help-line service to reach more people informing and supporting them in new ways using new technologies.

Natalie Woods, Switchboard Director, said: "Our help-line has been informing and supporting LGBT people since 1975 and we recognise that the time has come to expand what we do providing the same service to more people but in different ways. Increasingly people use the internet, smart phones and social media to connect with people and services and we want to enable people to connect with us in this way too.

"This is an exciting time for us we have just taken on new volunteers who together with our existing team of committed volunteers and a freelance project coordinator will be piloting different ways of working.”

Work will start before the end of this year and will continue for several months. The research project is being paid for by a ring-fenced NHS public health grant.

DR TOM SCANLON

T.A.G.S RAISE £300 FOR SUSSEX BEACON

The research will be done by a research institution. An open invitation for organisations to tender for this work is going out on October 7 and will be advertised on the South East Business Portal: www.businessportal.southeastiep.gov. uk/sece/cms.nsf/vLiveDocs/SD-DEVV6UNGEK?OpenDocument&contentid=1 .001

Dr Tom Scanlon, Director of Public Health for the Council, said: “The new welfare reforms are complex and it is not clear what the overall impact will be on people’s lives as each reform is implemented. In a time of austerity, this sort of research is essential as it helps us to identify those people who will experience the greatest hardship. It will help us understand the practical difficulties they face and how the council and other services can help to lessen this hardship with practical support.”

GSCENE 13

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NEW RESEARCH INTO MENTAL WELLBEING AND HIV HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR GREATER SUPPORT

The report also found that: • Of those PLWHIV to experience depression, almost a third considered the condition to have had a ‘huge impact’ on their quality of life • Seven out of ten women with HIV experienced mental health issues in the past year • 40% of respondents have experienced discrimination in the past 12 months

PR JANE ANDERSON

Based on the survey findings, which reflected a representative sample of the HIV community, the report calls for more to be done to support the mental health of PLWHIV. The States of Mind report makes a number of recommendations including: • Improvements must be made across all HIV services to tackle the ongoing challenge of mental health issues in the HIV community • Increased dialogue between PLWHIV and healthcare professionals is needed to better understand the complex relationship between mental health and adherence to treatment • Closer coordination is needed between multidisciplinary support functions to help ensure a more effective allocation of service provision Professor Jane Anderson, Director of the Centre for the Study of Sexual Health & HIV, and Consultant Physician at Homerton University Hospital in London, said: “This report emphasises the importance of ensuring the clinical community are fully aware of the impact that HIV can have on mental and emotional wellbeing.

The multidisciplinary clinical team in HIV medicine is uniquely placed to address the totality of the health and wellbeing needs of people who use our clinics. We must seek ways to care for people effectively in terms of the physical and mental aspects of HIV.” Positively UK received support from Janssen to conduct the research. Janssen has a heritage of developing innovative HIV treatments and is committed to the future fight against HIV and providing information and support for people with HIV and those working with them. To read the full States of Mind report, view: www.positivelyUK.org/policy/statesofmind

PAUL WARD

ALLAN ANDERSON

Positively UK commissioned research that surveyed the experiences and views of almost 200 PLWHIV showed that: • 75% of respondents have experienced mental health problems • 24% have missed treatment doses as a result, potentially impacting on their overall health • 68% respondents stated that they had suffered from depression in the past year • Only 40% of PLWHIV surveyed made use of counselling or psychology services • Just 51.4% of respondents had discussed these issues with their support worker

t National HIV Testing Week 2013 will run from November 22-29, coinciding with the first ever European HIV Testing Week. In November 2012, England’s first National HIV Testing Week saw sexual health clinics, community based testing services, national and local HIV charities and support groups team up to improve testing rates among groups at increased risk of infection.

During the week, thousands of people took an HIV test at special events around the country, from GUM clinics offering all-day testing to a new HIV testing world record.

The week was supported by major public health bodies, including Public Health England, the British HIV Association (BHIVA), and the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH).

Paul Ward, Deputy Chief Executive at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “The first National HIV Testing Week was a great success, and we want this year’s event to be bigger and better. There are lots of ways for organisations to get involved, from sexual health clinics and local authorities, to faith-based organisations, charities and community groups. It’s an opportunity for the whole country to get behind HIV testing, and get the message out there that we can stop HIV.” In the UK, gay men and African communities are the groups most at risk of HIV. Currently, one in four people with HIV remains undiagnosed and therefore more likely to pass the virus on than someone who has tested and is on treatment. HIV Prevention England’s It Starts With Me campaign focuses on curbing new infections by reducing the level of undiagnosed HIV within these communities.

For more information or to register as a participating organisation: www.hivpreventio nengland.org.uk

t After attending a fundraising evening hosted by the Mercury Phoenix Trust last month, Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, has backed the commendable work of the HIV/AIDS charity that was set up in 1992 in memory of Freddie Mercury.

The Mercury Phoenix Trust is responsible for raising awareness and funding charities globally in the worldwide fight against AIDS. The trust has funded over 700 projects around the world at a cost of over $15million.

In order to help raise money, last month the Mercury Phoenix Trust launched the Freddie For A Day fundraising initiative which encouraged friends and fans around the world to spend the day dressed as Freddie Mercury, to raise money for the trust as well as awareness of HIV/AIDS. For more information or to donate, view: www.mercuryphoenixtrust.com

MIKE WEATHERLEY MP

t New research by HIV support agency Positively UK, in partnership with research based pharmaceutical company, Janssen, has provided fresh insights into the links between HIV and poor mental wellbeing. The results launched last month at Positively UK’s Conference of People Living With HIV and published in the States of Mind report, highlight the burden of poor mental health in the HIV community.

The report explores the impact of mental health issues on the lives of people living with HIV (PLWHIV) and calls for more to be done to reduce the burden.

Allan Anderson, Chief Executive of Positively UK, said: “Despite the support available, mental health problems, and depression in particular, are hugely important issues for people living with HIV. The findings of the States of Mind report highlight that more needs to be done to support people and ensure they are offered holistic care. I urge people with HIV, healthcare professionals and support workers to read the report and work together to improve mental wellbeing in the HIV community.”

HOVE MP BACKS WORK OF MERCURY PHOENIX TRUST

NATIONAL HIV TESTING WEEK

Mike said: “I was really impressed by the stellar work of the Mercury Phoenix Trust in helping to raise both awareness of HIV/AIDS and funds to help fight against the spread of the disease. Queen has a fantastic legacy and the music of Freddie Mercury remains iconic. Maybe one year I’ll be brave enough to be Freddie For A Day.”

GSCENE 15

SEXUAL HEALTH INFO FOR NEW STUDENTS

t Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), the HIV and sexual health charity will be teaming up with Club and Bar Revenge at their Student Freshers' Night to promote sexual health and welcome new LGB&T university students to Brighton on Thursday, October 3. A THT team will be in Bar Revenge from 9pm and Club Revenge from 10.30pm, distributing condoms and raising awareness of sexual health at the event, which will be an opportunity to provide information about the It Starts With Me HIV prevention campaign and the support that THT provides locally so that students know where to go if they need advice about sexual health during their university years.

Ross Boseley, Health Promotion Coordinator for THT in Brighton, said: “Freshers in Brighton will no doubt be looking forward to some great years in a fantastic city. We hope that by introducing ourselves to Brighton’s new LGBT students at this event, we can ensure they know where to turn if they ever need advice about HIV or sexual health. Gay and bisexual men are at particularly high risk of HIV, so we’re also hoping that some of the students we meet will pledge their support for the It Starts With Me movement to stop HIV. Your student years are some of the most memorable of your life – so if you’re new to the city come and meet the team to help ensure that they are also healthy and happy years!”

Gay and bisexual men remain the group most at risk of HIV in the UK, accounting for half of all new infections in the South East Coast region in 2011.

LGBT SUICIDAL DISTRESS

t You may remember that the LGBT Health & Inclusion Project (LGBT HIP) put out a call to complete a survey on the issue of suicidal distress. Maintaining good mental health can be a struggle for some of us and we wanted to understand local LGBT people’s experiences of suicidal distress, what the barriers to getting help and support were and what should be done to address the issue within the LGBT communities of Brighton & Hove. To ensure we asked the right questions, we collaborated with local LGBT mental health charity MindOut. We ran an online survey and 205 eligible respondents took part.

Overall, respondents agreed or strongly agreed that suicidal distress was a significant problem for LGBT people in Brighton & Hove (78%); 75% reported they had experienced suicidal distress themselves; and 72% said they also knew of at least one other LGBT person who had experienced suicidal distress in the last year. However, respondents said there wasn’t enough information available to local LGBT people about the issue (84%). Some of the other barriers to getting help were feelings of shame, embarrassment and stigma, mainstream NHS mental health services that were either unhelpful, discriminatory or insufficiently responsive and a commercialised LGBT culture that made people feel inadequate or excluded, or which promoted heavy drug and alcohol use affecting mental health and wellbeing.

The survey found that more help for life crises such as debt, homelessness and drug/alcohol problems, better help and support for trans people undergoing gender transition and more and better training on LGBT awareness for NHS staff were supported. Once respondent said: “Campaign for NHS practitioners to be struck off for 'curing' homosexuality, campaign to depathologise trans people, put LGBT people in charge of our own care pathways, enforce LGBT affirmative services in primary and acute care settings, develop LGBT-led support services.”

The majority of respondents agreed, wanting LGBT-led suicide prevention initiatives and citing MindOut and Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard as vital sources of support for mental health problems.

Whilst it is important to put the survey’s findings into context, we cannot be sure that it is representative of all local LGBT people. The study gives an important insight into issues and problems in relation to suicidal distress, as well as providing recommendations about what a better response might represent.

The full report is available at the LGBT HIP publications page on Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard’s website: www.switchboard.org.uk.

Thank you to MindOut and Gscene for publicising the survey and everyone who shared their experiences on this difficult subject. LGBT HIP will be presenting the findings to Brighton & Hove City Council’s Suicide Prevention Group soon.

Nick Douglas, LGBT HIP Coordinator

PEER ACTION OCTOBER DIARY FRI 11th: MIKE’S MOVIE NIGHT Camp classic: The Ritz (see website for time and venue).

WED 16th: BINGO with Ian, Gala Bingo, Eastern Rd, meet inside main door 6.15pm for early bird session, 7pm for main event, £10 (new comers need to register, so arrive in time to process the application).

WED 30th: SOCIAL & GAMES EVENING with Julia & Chris, Barley Mow Pub, Kemp Town, meet other peers for fun games and a drink (game playing not compulsory).

TUES 15th, 22nd, 29th: SWIMMING 12.20pm for hour session at a quiet pool in Kemp Town.

TUES 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th: YOGA with Dan Noquet, 6pm, one hour session, St Mary's Church Hall, 61 St James St, Kemp Town, £3.

SAT 26th: THERAPY DAY In partnership with Active Light-Works and Pathways to Health, from 1.50pm, THT, 61 Ship St, £5 (inc No Hands Massage, Swedish massage, Alexander technique, hot stones massage and Reiki).

Peer Action Meditation Classes with meditation leader Helen from The Buddhist Centre, held at The Sussex Beacon (midweek classes tbc - see website for details).

We are keen to follow up on the ideas put forward at our recent open forum and to hear from all those affected by HIV/co-infections to get involved with our social groups. For more information about Peer Actions activities and how to get involved, please visit: www.peeraction.co.uk

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NEW BOOK CHRONICLES THE LIFE OF JUSTIN FASHANU

t Nick Baker, journalist and author, has written a book about the life of the late gay footballer Justin Fashanu. Forbidden Forward: The Justin Fashanu Story tells the story of the first professional footballer in the world to come out as gay, a move that earned him iconic repute.

With a foreword written by Robbie Rogers, the former Leeds United player who came out himself earlier this year, the book draws upon exclusive interviews and previously unseen documents and photographs and will reveal the truth behind his desperate suicide in 1998 and naming those who affected his downfall.

Nick Baker said: “As you know, the battle against homophobia in football is still an ongoing fight today therefore Justin Fashanu’s story is still very relevant. I ended the book with a chapter called ‘Legacy of a Reluctant Hero’ which looks at how Fashanu continues to inspire gay sports people and others across the world today and what’s being done to combat homophobia in football right now.

“The reason why I wrote the book is because as a teenager I grew up in Nottingham and watched Justin Fashanu play for Nottingham Forest and Notts County in the early eighties. Curious about why the footballer’s life eventually fell apart so tragically, I decided to investigate his life. That curiosity led to this book.”

To order a copy of the book, view: www.justinfashanustory.com/order-now/

t New polling commissioned by Stonewall, shows that LGB people continue to expect to face discrimination in almost all walks of life. In the report, Gay in Britain, the research demonstrates that, in spite of huge advances in legal equality, people still expect to face poor treatment from schools, hospitals and police forces because of their sexual orientation.

CPS PUBLISH HOMOPHOBIC CHANTING GUIDELINES

t The UK's Crown Prosecution Service's (CPS) have published new guidelines, which address homophobic abuse in football.

The guidelines specifically address homophobic chanting for the first time, and come after a recent Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN) and Brighton & Hove Albion Supporter's Club report which revealed Albion fans received homophobic abuse from over 72% of opponents last season.

The original report highlighted that during the 2013/2014 season Brighton fans were subjected to homophobic abuse by at least 72% of opponents they faced during the season; in at least 70% of away games; and in at least 57% of all their matches last season.

• Almost half of the 2,000 gay people surveyed by YouGov expect to be treated less fairly than a heterosexual person when applying to adopt a child.

• 70% expect barriers to becoming a school governor and • 61% believe the child of gay parents would be bullied in primary school.

These concerns are reflected across other public services, with a third of gay people expecting worse treatment in a care home and one in five believing they’d be treated less fairly by a judge.

• Nine in ten say they’ve never been consulted about their needs by local service providers.

The GFSN have welcomed the guidelines.

Ed Connell, their campaigns officer, said: “We're very pleased to hear that the CPS is taking homophobic chanting seriously and putting it on a par with other forms of abuse.

Its also encouraging to see that our report into abuse received by Brighton & Hove Albion fans has been acknowledged and acted upon by the authorities.

“As the report shows, the level of homophobic abuse in football is shocking and there is no place for it in our society.”

To read the report, view: www.gfsn.org.uk/news/bright on-abuse-report.html

BEN SUMMERSKILL

t Clare Balding OBE and Lord Browne of Madingley, the former Chief Executive of BP, have been unveiled as the new patrons of anti-bullying charity, Diversity Role Models, in time for its annual fundraising carnival and auction at Café de Paris, London on Thursday, October 24. Diversity Role Models, one of the UK’s leading antibullying charities, uses positive role models to deliver pioneering pro-diversity workshops in schools across the country to counter stigma and stereotypes based on sexuality.

Simon Blake OBE, Chair of Diversity Role Models, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Clare Balding and Lord Browne as patrons of Diversity Role Models.

LGB&T students are three times more likely than other children to attempt suicide; one in six has received death threats. Bullying for reasons of sexuality is a wicked and insidious part of our culture and the voices, support and reach of our patrons are invaluable assets in helping us change attitudes and – ultimately – eradicate homophobic bullying.”

Clare Balding OBE added: “I’m delighted to be a patron of a charity doing such essential work with young people. You can change the law but it is attitudes that are at the heart of society... only by changing attitudes do we make real progress.”

Lord Browne, said: “When I was growing up, I would have found it much easier to come to terms with my sexuality if there had been visible role models of happy and successful gay people. We must not underestimate the power of role models on perceptions, behaviour and quality of life for those who do not belong to the majority.”

This year's fundraising carnival and auction at Café de Paris, London will feature headline acts, including Jimmy Somerville and Britain's Got Talent's Glambassadors, plus an auction conducted by Christopher Biggins.

Last year’s event featured a wealth of celebrity guests and exciting acts – including comedian and presenter Sue Perkins and DJ Boy George – and raised over £76,000, which went towards tackling homophobic bullying in schools.

To book tickets for this year's event, view: www.diversityrolemodels.org

PUBLIC SERVICES AND POLITICIANS FAIL TO TACKLE GAY PEOPLE’S FEAR OF DISCRIMINATION

ED CONNELL

LORD BROWNE

CLARE BALDING OBE

NEW PATRONS FOR NATIONAL DIVERSITY CHARITY

Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive, said: “Completion of our work on marriage means that one strand of Stonewall’s domestic focus – legislative equality – is effectively complete. But this polling demonstrates starkly that changing laws doesn’t change attitudes and lives overnight.

Gay taxpayers contribute £40bn every year to the cost of Britain’s public services. They should be able to have confidence that they’ll receive the services they need when accessing schools, hospitals or policing. It’s time the needs of this country’s 3.7 million lesbian, gay and bisexual people, both as citizens and service-users, were properly met.”

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STEROID USERS AT HIGHER RISK OF HIV, HEPATITIS B & HEPATITIS C

t BMJ Open, a landmark study released by Public Health England (PHE), has revealed men who inject anabolic steroids and tanning drugs are at higher risk of HIV and viral hepatitis. The use of image and performance enhancing drugs has grown substantially over the last twenty years, but the risk of exposure to blood borne viruses among those who inject drugs to change their body appearance or improve their performance has rarely been studied.

Researchers from PHE and Liverpool John Moores University surveyed 395 men using image and performance enhancing drugs and found: • One in 18 injectors have been exposed to hepatitis C • One in 11 have ever been exposed to hepatitis B • One in 65 have HIV

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 For more info visit: lgbt-safety-forum-brighton.com

PAINT THE TOWN PURPLE

Overall one in 10 had been exposed to one or more of HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C, suggesting that the transmission of blood borne viruses is common in this group. These infections can result from unsafe drug injecting practises or unprotected sex.

Hate Crime Awareness Week Oct 12-19

Dr Vivian Hope is the lead author of the study and a PHE expert in infections among people who inject drugs, said: “Our study suggests that levels of HIV and hepatitis infection among men using image and performance enhancing drugs have increased since the 1990s. While we must be cautious in generalising these early findings, they are concerning and show that further research is required.”

International Day of Hope & Remembrance for those affected by Hate Crime

Use of psychoactive drugs like cocaine (46% had snorted cocaine, and 12% snorted or swallowed amphetamines) was also high among this population, along with sexual risk behaviours - only 20% of those having sex in the preceding year reported always used a condom.

Dr Fortune Ncube, Consultant Epidemiologist and lead for PHE on Injecting Drug Use, said: “These findings suggest serious health implications for users of image and performance enhancing drugs, but also for their sexual partners and ultimately the wider community.

“These findings suggest we must maintain and strengthen public health interventions focused on reducing injection-related risk behaviours to prevent HIV and hepatitis infections in this group. This includes ensuring those providing voluntary confidential testing services and care related to HIV and hepatitis are alert to the risks associated with image and performance enhancing drug use.”

PRESERVING BRIGHTON & HOVE’S LGBT HISTORY

t When Brighton Ourstory archive closed earlier this year many LGBT people in Brighton & Hove and beyond were asked to take their donated items back. Fortunately, The Keep, the new local records office for all of East Sussex including Brighton & Hove will open in November and are happy to accept all donations of LGBT materials, both past and future. This means our LGBT heritage will be kept safe and open to the public for future generations.

If you have items that were returned to you by Brighton Ourstory, if there are things you may want to donate in the future, or if you have an interest in preserving LGBT history, you are invited to attend an open public meeting at The Marlborough, Princes Street, Brighton from 6-7.30pm on Monday, October 7.

If you have collected any items from the recently closed Ourstory Archive, please keep them till November, or, if you don't have the space, pemail: lgbtarchive@yahoo.com to arrange free temporary storage.

If you'd like to know more but can't make the meeting email: lgbtarchive@yahoo.com and an update will be sent to you after the meeting.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 19 VIGIL AGAINST HATE CRIME 7.30pm 8pm: 1 minutes noise to remember those we've lost

For more information please visit

lgbt-safety-forum-brighton.com/events/vigils

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KEMPTOWN MP CALLS FOR DEBATE ON LABOUR’S TOURISM TAX Speaking during Business Questions last month, the Kemptown MP expressed his concerns over such a tax and called on Labour to abandon the policy.

Mr Kirby also sent a postcard to every member of the Shadow Cabinet attending the Labour Party conference in Brighton last month. The postcard, which depicts the Palace Pier, calls on MPs Ed Miliband and Ed Balls to rule out a tourism tax in Brighton & Hove.

SIMON KIRBY MP

In August, Sadiq Khan MP, Labour’s Shadow Justice Secretary, proposed a levy on overnight accommodation in London, designed to raid the pockets of tourists staying in hotels. Since the idea of a tourism tax was proposed there has been great concern over its implications for places like Brighton, where tourism makes such a vital contribution to the local economy.

Simon said: “There is understandable concern over Labour’s latest tax in tourist destinations across the UK, and in addition to my call for a debate the issue was raised twice in this morning’s session of Culture, Media and Sport questions. Still we have heard nothing from the Shadow Cabinet, and Ed Miliband has yet to respond to my letter seeking his thoughts on the proposal. I would welcome a debate in Parliament on the merits of a levy on overnight accommodation, as I believe it would allow an opportunity to highlight the disastrous impact it would have on the local economy in places like Brighton & Hove. Tourism generates £1billion in the city and supports tens of thousands of jobs. We need to do everything we can to encourage visitors, not put them off with more taxes at a time when money is already tight for many families.

“I sent Brighton postcards to every member of the Shadow Cabinet ahead of their visit to our fantastic city, asking them to rule out a tourism tax in Brighton & Hove.

I hope that at least one of them can respond and confirm that the Labour Party will abandon this disastrous policy.”

Nick Head, local hotelier and former chair of Tourism South East, said: “In the UK VAT is charged at 20% on B&B, attractions entrance fees and restaurant meals.

In the rest of Europe the VAT rate is 3-6%. To holiday in the UK it is already 14% more expensive than a comparable European holiday due to VAT alone.

“To add a bedroom tax on top of a 14% higher rate of VAT tax than the rest of Europe will simply drive business elsewhere. In 2002, at a UK Incoming Tourism Business Event at the House of Commons, I discussed the loss of business from London to Paris because of the then 11.5% higher rate of VAT with a Labour treasury minister who told me in UK ‘it will never happen’. Despite the proven case that within a year of France reducing VAT on hotel accommodation and attractions entrance fees the total take by the French Treasury from all taxes paid by the hotel and attractions industries significantly increased. More jobs, more business, more VAT, PAYE and Corporation Tax collected. When will Labour ‘take tourism seriously’? Or is Labour only interested in big industry jobs?

“I applaud Simon, our Conservative MP, for his stance against a Labour proposed hotel bed tax and standing up for his electorate. However Simon's party is in government and could take action by reducing VAT on B&B, attractions and restaurant meals to the same rate as the rest of Europe, and give the UK tourism industry a level playing field to compete on merit to win back some Brits who go abroad who in the process add to the balance of payments deficit by some £40billion a year (the difference between what incoming visitors spend in the UK and Brits spend abroad); as well as provide an incentive to overseas visitors to choose the UK to holiday in. We have a second to none rich culture of every kind, natural environment and heritage in Britain but for many weighing up the cost against other destinations in Europe +14% is often too expensive!

“In September 2009 the Conservative Party called a national conference for the Tourism Industry which was held in Brighton. As part of the Conservative pitch to win the support of the Tourism Industry one of the proposals presented and discussed at length was the possibility of reducing VAT on tourism to the European rate of circa 6% because tourism is one of the most labour intensive of all industries and with retail the quickest to set on new jobs when demand picks up even a little. The proposals were made by a think tank set up by the Conservative Party and led by the finance director of Blackpool Leisure Beach (the biggest tourist attraction in the UK) and a professor in tourism from the LSE. The bottom line was more jobs, more money spent and more tax overall collected. This was a serious presentation made using real outcomes elsewhere. Nothing has changed about the validity of the sensible financial argument made by the Conservative Party. As with Labour - when will the Conservatives start taking tourism seriously?

“Well done Simon Kirby. Not well done Government Ministers and Labour Front Bench. Just because much of the UK tourism industry (nearly 70%) is owned by family and private SMEs and not by global businesses like many of our failed banks with access to ministers 24/24 is no reason to ignore the contribution we could make to the national economy and balance of payments by being listed too and given an even playing field to win business on merit in Europe."

Tourism is worth over £1billion a year to Brighton & Hove and supports many thousands of local jobs (over 13,000 full time equivalent jobs in the sector in the city). According to labour market statistics there are 137,000 jobs in Brighton & Hove. Based on a recent Brighton & Hove City Council report, around 14% of these jobs are supported by tourism generated turnover.

Warren Morgan, leader of Labour and Cooperative on Brighton & Hove Council, said: “This is utter nonsense from Simon Kirby; there are no proposals for a tourist tax for Brighton & Hove from Labour, and indeed we'd oppose any such move by the Greens or Tories. It is just an attempt by him to distract attention from the half a million people now reliant on food banks, the million workers now on ‘zero hour’ contracts, and the fact that over the life of this Tory Government people will be £6,600 worse off.”

CLLR WARREN MORGAN

t Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven, has called in the House of Commons for a debate of the Labour Party's proposed tourism tax and its potential impact to a city such as Brighton & Hove.

BRIGHTON VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE TO CLOSE

t The Brighton Visitor Information Centre (VIC) at the Royal Pavilion will be fully closed to the public from Monday, September 30. The last full day of operation is Thursday, September 26, which will be followed by a limited VIC service on Friday 27, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29. To replace the existing single VIC service, eight new Visitor Information Points (VIPs) will join the two existing VIPs at Brighton Toy & Model Museum and Brighton Pier, from the beginning of October, These will be located at the following places around the city: Brighton Centre Box Office, Jubilee Library, Thistle Brighton Hotel, St Paul’s Church (West Street), Churchill Square Shopping Centre, Brighton Hotel (corner of Kings Road / Bedford Square), The Old Market (off Western Road on Brighton / Hove border), Royal Pavilion Shop (a limited service initially as works relating to the expansion of the Royal Pavilion Shop and introduction of a Peyton & Byrne Tea Bar will soon be undertaken).

VIPs will be manned by staff from the on site host organisation who will deliver information, help and advice to visitors in the city.

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VINCE LAWS

POET SUPPORTS ROYAL MAIL CAMPAIGN

NEW MANAGER AT BRIGHTON PROWLER

t Prowler in St James’ Street has a new manager. Peter Booth, from Doncaster in South Yorkshire, studied for a couple of years at college before he jumped into retail and has stayed with shop work ever since.

He arrived at Prowler via Comet, House of Fraser and Toys R Us. For a few years he had his own internet business which he says was great fun, but incredibly stressful and time consuming. It isn’t something he misses.

In 2009 he moved to London to work, falling in love with the city and the commercial gay scene, which he had never experienced up north.

However, working just outside of London and having to travel with work, he felt isolated from central London and the gay scene.

After dropping off random CVs in Soho, he ended taking up a job offer with Prowler at their Soho branch in June last year. Peter said: “This was a huge boost to my career and social life. Through Prowler I have met a lot of great people and I even flat share with a Prowlette.”

In May this year he requested to be transferred to Prowler’s Brighton branch when a position became available. Working with the Brighton team he has revamped the shop with a fresh new look, introduced new product ranges and says the company have exciting plans for the shop over the next 12 months.

His ties to the north are still strong as his family is still living there. He currently lives in Croydon which keeps him nicely placed to enjoy both Brighton and London and he visits his family regularly. He admits to being a massive 'geek', loves Tudor history, David Lynch, Games of Thrones, which he is still catching up on, and says the hottest guy on the planet besides his boyfriend Marcel is the actor, Will Smith. The thing he likes most about working for Prowler is the charity support work they do.

Prowler have six charity partners and last month they supported the HIV charity Positive East. Peter added: “One thing that is always strong here is the generosity of our customers who are the people who enable us to do our work with the charities."

MIND BODY SPIRIT FESTIVAL 2013

t Mind Body Spirit, a festival of selfexploration, self-empowerment and selfimprovement, will be taking place at the Brighton Centre from Friday, November 1 to Sunday, November 3. This year's festival features a range of concerts, kirtan, dance, demonstrations, shamanic drumming, mediumship, yoga, and workshops, including: The Alpha Wolf – Modern Masculinity with Nick Clements; Inviting Intimacy with Tantra; Loveability: To Know How To Love and Be Loved with Robert Holden; and Ecstatic Breathwork - How to Have a Breath and Energy Orgasm.

For full listings, and tickets, view: www.mindbodyspirit.co.uk/events/brighton-festival-2013

t Vince Laws, controversial poet and artist has decorated the post box in the gable wall of his rural cottage in protest at the proposed sell off of the Royal Mail.

“Seen it all before,” said Vince. “They take public owned assets - trains, gas, water - sell them off, and we end up paying more for less while the fat cats get fatter. Not everything in life should be defined by its monetary value. Royal Mail is part of the fabric of the nation – we don’t want to see it ripped apart.”

Earlier this year Vince's living poem This Pope is Pants was banned from an exhibition at the Jubilee Library in Brighton during LGBT History Month.

A spokesperson for the campaign Save Our Royal Mail said: “If the Royal Mail is sold off affordable prices, rural services and free postal services for our service men and women as well as vulnerable groups will disappear. The aim of our campaign is to persuade politicians that they must act now and guarantee that these vital services do not disappear. We have the support of groups and individuals representing the countryside, the blind and partially sighted, the elderly and small businesses. You can help us by getting involved. Use the social networking tools on this site to promote the campaign and most importantly write to your MP setting out your concerns.”

To sign the petition visit: saveourroyalmail.org

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MIKE WEATHERLEY MP

Alzheimer’s Society campaigners were in Westminster to drum up political support for their trailblazing Dementia Friends initiative that launched in February this year. Dementia Friends aims to help people understand what it might be like to live with dementia and turn that understanding into action. Alzheimer’s Society is aiming to have one million Dementia Friends by 2015, to help make England more dementia-friendly and improve the lives of the 650,000 people currently living with the condition.

Mike Weatherley MP, said: “It was really helpful to meet with representatives from the Alzheimer’s Society in Parliament and to see what MPs can do to help address the problems of both alzheimer’s and dementia. Most people are unaware that one in three people over 65 will develop dementia, which just goes to highlight why it is so it important that we address this issue in such an open way. I would encourage any residents that wish to take part in the Dementia Friends project to get in touch with this admirable charity.”

During the afternoon, 30 MPs from across England took part in a Dementia Friends session. Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Most people don’t know enough about dementia. Dementia Friends is the perfect opportunity to be able to invite everyone to improve their knowledge. We are pleased to have been able to engage over 130 MPs in one day. They have a huge influence in their local communities and we hope they will use this opportunity to take action and improve lives”.

If you are interested in becoming a Dementia Friend, or for more information, view: www.dementiafriends.org.uk

PRIME MINSTER APPOINTS HOVE MP AS ADVISER

t Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove & Portslade, has been appointed by David Cameron as the Prime Minister’s adviser on Intellectual Property, a position focusing on enforcement issues relating to the creative industries. Mike comes from a professional background in Intellectual Property for both music and film. Before his election to Parliament in 2010 he was the Vice President (Europe) for the Motion Picture Licensing Company and previously worked for music industry giant Pete Waterman.

As an MP, Mike has pushed hard to raise awareness of Intellectual Property Rights amongst his colleagues. His Rock the House initiative, which is now Parliament’s largest competition, is a popular vehicle which achieved this aim.

Mike said: “I am honoured to be been appointed as the Prime Minister’s adviser on Intellectual Property. The creative industries are incredibly important to Britain’s economy so it is only right that the Government focuses on enforcement issues. I look forward to working with the Prime Minster and my ministerial colleagues on addressing the challenges that face the film and music industries.”

t Following a recent High Court ruling, Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, has written to Brighton & Hove City Council to highlight residents’ concerns about the council’s position on using high parking fees as a stealth tax.

Mike has written to Penny Thompson, Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council, to convey concerns that profit is being put at the top of the agenda when council employees are deciding on whether or not to introduce controlled parking.

Mike’s letter follows the recent landmark High Court ruling that struck down High Barnet’s charging structure for resident permits. The ruling stated that it was contrary to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and has implications across the country.

Motorists welcomed the ruling, hoping that it would stop local authorities from arbitrarily targeting drivers for extra funding.

Mike said: “Quite understandably residents are concerned that controlled parking may be introduced into their area simply because council employees see their roads as paved with gold. I have written to the Chief Executive Brighton & Hove City Council for clarification on the matter, but if this turns out to be the case then it is totally unacceptable.”

In his letter to Penny Thompson, Mike said: “Following the recent High Court ruling against Barnet Council, I understand that there are significant implications for local authorities that make profit from parking schemes. I have been contacted by a number of residents who have raised with me their concerns over the decisions that are being made when introducing new parking restrictions. I should be extremely grateful to know how much consideration is being given to profit that would be generated for the council when deciding whether or not to rollout restrictions into a new area.”

GREEN COUNCILLORS HAVE POOR ATTENDANCE RECORDS AT COUNCIL MEETINGS

t Attendance figures for Brighton & Hove City Council meetings show that some councillors have poor attendance records.

Seven Green Councillors failed to attend more than 78% of their scheduled Council Meetings, with Councillor Alex Phillips only attending 62%.

CLLR ALEX PHILLIPS

t Local Conservative MPs, Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Mike Weatherley, MP for Hove & Portslade have pledged to take action to support the 800,000 people living with dementia across the UK. They joined 200 other MPs and representatives from the Alzheimer’s Society in Portcullis House, Westminster to provide a handwritten statement of the action they will take to support people with dementia and their carers. They pledged to help campaign for better dementia care and to work with Alzheimer’s Society to improve support for people with dementia.

Simon said: “One in three people over 65 will develop dementia, and it is a health issue that we can no longer afford to ignore. I have pledged to support Alzheimer’s Society and help improve dementia care in Brighton Kemptown however I can.

“The Prime Minister was clear when he launched the Dementia Challenge in March 2012 that improving the care of those suffering with dementia was a Government priority. I am very proud of the fact that the Government will double dementia research funding to over £66 million by 2015.”

HOVE MP RAISES PARKING PROFIT CONCERNS WITH CITY COUNCIL

Despite these poor attendance levels, councillor allowance figures show that six of the seven councillors were able to claim their full basic allowance of £11,463, whilst five of the seven were able to claim their special responsibility allowance in addition to their basic money. The figures were obtained following a Freedom of Information Request submitted to the council.

Other counsellors with records below 80% attendance include: Ben Duncan, Green Party, Queen’s Park, 68%; Geoff Wells, Conservative, Woodingdean, 72%; Amy Kennedy, Green Party, Preston Park, 75%; Jayne Bennett, Conservative, Hove Park 76%; Ian Davey, Green Party, St Peters & North Laines 76%; Ania Kitcat, Green Party, Regency, 78%; Carol Theobald, Conservative, Patcham, 78%; Liz Wakefield, Green Party, Hanover & Elm, 78%.

Jeremy Gale, Local Liberal Democrat campaigner, said: “The attendance figures for some of the Green Party Councillors are deplorable. For Councillor Phillips to attend just 62% of her scheduled meetings is an insult to the people living in her ward. If the hard-working taxpayer was to show up for work just three days out of their scheduled five day week they would, at best, expect to face disciplinary action, if not to lose their job entirely. Whilst the councillors in question have every right to claim their allowances, the figures show that the taxpayer isn’t getting value for their money, which is something that the people of Brighton & Hove would get with Liberal Democrat Councillors”.

JEREMY GALE

LOCAL MPS PLEDGE TO SUPPORT PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Councillor Phillips did not respond to a request to comment.

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t Following alleged further splits in the ruling Green Group on Brighton & Hove City Council over controversial council tax plans, Labour Group Leader, Warren Morgan has issued a call for Green Councillors to “get a grip, or quit”.

Green Party proposals to increase council tax by 200%, with residents then having to apply for a means-tested rebate, prompted it is alleged at least one senior Green Councillor to threaten to resign his seat last month..

Cllr Warren Morgan, Leader of the Labour & Co-operative Group, said: “Enough is enough. The city cannot go on with the Greens pushing through schemes without proper consultation or agreement, at the same time as not even being able to sit in the same room together. They are now making the council and the city a laughing stock, and we need a sensible plan to get us through the next 18 months to the elections. If the Greens can’t run the council then they should resign their seats and allow the election of Labour Councillors who can.”

STEWART HAYNES

CLLR WARREN MORGAN

LABOUR LEADER ISSUES ULTIMATUM TO THE GREENS

SWIM FOR A FRIEND

t Stewart Haynes supported by two friends completed a sponsored swim between Brighton's two piers last month to raise money for his friend, Rebecca Richards who is suffering from aneurysm marinas syndrome. Rebecca has been in St Marys Hospital in London for the last three months following an operation to remove an aneurysm from her kidneys which sadly has left her without the use of her legs and in need of constant care and support. She is very poorly and has now been transferred to Exeter Hospital which is closer to her home. The money raised

by Stewart will go towards adapting her home for when she is discharged from hospital.

Labour is calling for: 1) A moratorium on all new Green schemes unless it can be proved that they have genuine public support, offer value for money and can guarantee funding in future budgets to sustain them.

2) Full involvement in the council’s budget setting process, with an ‘open-book’ approach.

3) Genuine dialogue with the opposition parties on controversial matters such as parking and 20mph limits, instead of ignoring consultation results and pushing them through.

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THREATENS TO STOP CONDUCTING MARRIAGES ALTOGETHER

Cllr Morgan added: “The Green split between ‘mangoes’ and ‘watermelons’ might be funny to some, but we have very real concerns about the future running of the city, not least how the Greens will be able to set another difficult budget when they are so split, and when we are facing such huge cuts by the Conservative-led Government. I’m pleased the taxpayer isn’t paying for the mediators they have called in; we are almost tempted to pay for them ourselves if the result is that city is run sensibly."

t At a Scottish Parliament evidence session on the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill last month, the Rev Alan Hamilton of the Church of Scotland warned MSPs that the Church would consider whether to stop conducting marriages altogether in order to protect against any requirement to conduct samesex marriages. The Equality Network, the Scottish LGBT equality charity, has said that there is “no reason why any religious body would need to stop conducting marriages” in response to same-sex marriage legislation. They also point out that under the new law, religious bodies will be free to choose whether to not to conduct same-sex marriages and no religious body will be required.

The referendum needed to approve the Green council tax proposals, which could cost £300,000, with tens of thousands more needed to assess claims for rebates and deal with the arrears and homelessness of those who don’t claim. Pushed on why he does not call for a 'no confidence' vote allowing a Conservative/Labour coalition to take over Cllr Morgan insisted there would be no-back room deals to install a Conservative administration committed to cutting local services. He concluded: “It must be up to voters to decide who runs the city.”

CLLR PHELIM MAC CAFFERTY

FIRE SERVICE PROPOSALS PUT FIREFIGHTERS AND OTHERS IN DANGER – GREEN SUPPORT FOR FIREMEN'S STRIKE

t Green councillors on Brighton & Hove City Council added their voices of support to firefighters on strike last month over pensions and public safety. Under national government proposals, firefighters in England and Wales are expected to work until the age of 60 – despite more than half aged between 50 and 54, and two-thirds over the age of 55, unable to meet fitness standards for fighting fires.

Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, a former representative on the East Sussex Fire Authority, said: “Firefighters do physical, dangerous work, risking their lives to save others. But the government’s idea of thanking them for a lifetime of public service is by putting firefighters and the public in danger by forcing them to work when the government's own figures say they are less able to. We join the Fire Brigades' Union and appeal to the Government to protect public safety and ensure that these crucial workers receive fair pensions. Greens are proud to show our solidarity with firefighters as they face the blame for the Tory government's austerity measures."

TOM FRENCH

The Greens did not respond to the request for a quote.

Tom French, Policy Coordinator for the Equality Network, said: “Scotland’s equal marriage bill provides strong and robust protections for religious bodies that do not support same-sex marriage. Bodies that want to conduct same-sex marriages will have to opt-in and those that don’t won’t have to. Given the clear protections in place there is simply no reason why any religious body would need to stop conducting marriages.”

“It is also important to recognise that the protections in the Bill are underpinned by the European Convention on Human Rights, which enshrines religious freedom.

Almost every country surrounding Scotland already has same-sex marriage, and in none of those countries has any religious body ever been forced to conduct samesex marriages against its will. There is no reason to think that Scotland would somehow be a special case.”

Under the new law, any religious bodies that want to conduct same-sex marriages, such as the Quakers, Unitarians, and Liberal Judaism, will have to opt-in. Those bodies that do not want to, such as the Church of Scotland, can simply choose not to do so. The protections provided in the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Bill will be underpinned by Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights which enshrines religious freedom.

Human rights experts including Amnesty International, and top lawyer Karon Monaghan QC agree the protections are clear and unbreakable.

Nine European countries surrounding Scotland already have same-sex marriages, and while such marriages have been conducted in other countries for over a decade, no religious body has ever been required to conduct them.

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BILLIE MYERS SUPPORTS MINDOUT t MindOut, the LGBT mental health project are thrilled to have the support of singer and songwriter Billie Myers in their work to end mental health stigma and discrimination. As part of a two-year anti-stigma project funded by Time to Change, MindOut are running a series of events to engage the public in open and meaningful conversations about mental health.

Singer/songwriter Billie Myers, best known for her rock anthem Kiss the Rain, is supporting Time to Change, England's mental health anti-stigma programme run by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, with its latest campaign and work with LGB&T communities..

In August, Billie tweeted a picture of herself wearing a Time to Talk tattoo, designed by contemporary British artist Stuart Semple, in a bid to get people talking about their own personal experiences of mental health problems and break the taboo that still sadly surrounds the subject.

Billie has spoken out about her own experience of mental health problems as well as talking openly about her bisexuality and the stigma she has personally faced; “It is a real honour to wear the Time to Change tattoo and start to break the intangible silence that builds walls around the subject of mental health. The heart tattoo is a perfect visual for such an important campaign. The key is to get the conversation started somewhere and the tattoo is a fantastic way of doing that.

“As a proud member of the LGB&T community and a person who lives with depression I know first hand the importance of reaching out. Fighting the dangerous and often invisible nature of stigma isn't an option, it's a must.”

Time to Change recently received an additional Big Lottery Fund grant of £3.6 million to build on their existing anti-stigma work. As part of this grant the programme is aiming to reach LGB&T communities through their collaborative work with Brighton & Hove-based organisation MindOut. Sue Baker, Director of Time to Change, said: "Mental health problems affect so many of us and unfortunately, people from certain communities, including LGB&T people, can face multiple levels of stigma and discrimination. We are really pleased to have Billie on board and we hope that the fantastic work taking place in the coming months will really make a difference in breaking the stigma that many of us with mental health problems face on daily basis.

"Just a few small words and starting the conversation around mental health can make all the difference to those of us who may be struggling in silence."

For more information, view: www.time-to-change.org.uk

t St Louis, Missouri will host the 3rd North American OutGames in 2016. The Gay & Lesbian International Sport Association North America (GLISA NA) and organisers from St. Louis, Missouri have approved and executed a Partnership and License Agreement for St Louis to become host of the 3rd North America OutGames in 2016. The organisers, representing STL Equality Games LLC and its parent organisation, Team St Louis, along with its community partners, will host the event from May 27 to June 4, 2016.

The event will include a largeproduction opening and closing ceremony, a sports program of at least 13 major sports, a signature human rights conference, and a cultural component showcasing St Louis’ diversity and progress.

Bruce Townsend, GLISA NA's Lead Negotiator and President, said: “The efficiency of the negotiation, despite a challenging set of agendas, can be attributed to mutual respect, shared goals and visions, and full engagement from volunteer professionals with impressive backgrounds acting with the highest ethics and in the best interest of their constituencies”.

The Board of STL Equality Games LLC and Team St. Louis Inc, added: “We are honoured and excited to host the OutGames. Along with our civic and community partners, we look forward to welcoming participants from across North America to the heartland of America – St. Louis, Missouri.”

The North America Outgames is a continental event held every four to five years that combines multi-sport competition, human rights and culture to support and advance the welfare of LGB&T people in North America. The 1st North America Outgames was held in 2007 in Calgary and attracted more than 2,000 participants. The 2nd North America Outgames was held in Vancouver in 2011.

For more information, view: www.northamericaoutgames.org

NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR THE STONEWALL AWARDS 2013

t Stonewall, the LGB equality organisation, has announced the nominees for this year's Stonewall Awards, which will take place at the V&A, London on Thursday, November 7. Now in its eighth year, the awards, which this year will be judged by Richard Madeley, Jeanette Winterson and Will Young, recognise the individuals who have made a real difference to the lives of gay people around the world - as well as highlighting those who have caused offence and distress.

WILL YOUNG

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This year's Hero of the Year nominees include Lord Alli, for his 15 years of tireless campaigning in the House of Lords; Bishop Nicholas Holtam who has been an articulate advocate of equality within the Church of England; and the Russian LGBT Network, which continues to campaign despite persecution and oppression.

Bigot of the Year nominees include historian Niall Ferguson, whose comments about the economist John Maynard Keynes caused outrage; UKIP parliamentary candidate Winston McKenzie, who compared samesex parenting to child abuse; and Scott Lively, an American evangelist who has aggressively exported homophobia around the globe.

Nominees for Politician of the Year recognise those whose tireless work helped secure equal marriage in England and Wales.

They include Conservative Baroness Stowell, LibDem Baroness Barker, Plaid Cymru’s Lord Elis-Thomas, Nick Herbert MP, Labour’s Baroness Thornton and the Jenkin Family (Lord Jenkin, Baroness Jenkin and Bernard Jenkin MP).

Broadcast of the Year nominees include BBC2’s The Great British Bake Off, CBBC’s Marrying Mum and Dad and Channel 4’s long running teen drama Hollyoaks.

Laura Doughty, Stonewall Deputy Chief Executive, said: “The Stonewall Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of many individuals who’ve made a real difference in this historic year for lesbian, gay and bisexual equality. Sadly, the contrast between those who’ve made a positive difference and those who still simply seek to demean and degrade gay people and their families has never been more stark.

That’s why all five of our Bigot of the Year nominees deserve their place on the list.”

For tickets and the full shortlist, view: www.stonewall.org.uk/what_you_can_do/ events/2595.asp

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BRIGHTON CELEBRATES 10 YEARS OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN THE CITY t Black History Month presents a programme of culturally diverse events throughout Brighton & Hove for all ages this autumn, many of which are free. From Diwali celebrations (October 27) and a Day of the Dead themed festival (November 29) to the hugely popular Rum & Bass reggae night (October 26) and Black History Month Family Day (November 17), this year promises to give the city a taste of sizzling live music, visual arts, film, literature, photography, food, fashion, debates, workshops right on its doorstep.

Brighton & Hove Black History Month (BHM) happens every year in October and aims to educate, highlight and celebrate the achievements, history and culture of people of African, Caribbean and minority ethnic descent.

This year’s programme is dedicated to Brighton artist, poet, and dancer Irene Mensah, who passed away on April 12, 2013, short of her 50th birthday. Irene was a dedicated member of the Black History Month group. A special event (October 15) and exhibition of her art work (October 5-25) have been organised to celebrate her rich artistic life and contribution to the city of Brighton & Hove.

Burma, India, Africa, Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America with these free events: Kachin Day of Solidarity & Celebration (September 28), Eid ul Azha (October 15), BHM Family Activities (October 19), Diwali Celebrations (October 27), Latin Voices Live! Festival (November 29), and Brighton & Hove Black History Month Family Day (November 17).

Other not-to-missed highlights include acclaimed poet Patience Agbabi (October 24), Caribbean writer Jacob Ross (November 30), Rwandan survivor and author Alex Mvuka Ntung (October 8) and Ink On My Lips book launch with Brighton publisher Waterloo Press (November 2).

Cuthbert Williams MBE, Chair of Brighton Black History, member of Black History Month and Writing Our Legacy, added: "It’s such a pleasure to see all of the different ethnic communities in the city taking part in this year’s programme. It’s a real testament to the hard work of the volunteers to make Black History Month as inclusive as possible, and I hope everyone in the city feels welcome to come to our events.”

This year’s Black History Month programme is supported by funding from Brighton & Hove City Council and several arts and cultural partners including Brighton Dome, Brighton Museum, and Brighton & Hove Library Services.

There are many free workshops for all ages, including: creative writing, drumming and dance workshop, children’s bilingual storytelling, and arts and crafts workshops and more.

A riotous musical explosion is in store for Brighton with Congolese soukous and rhumba band Congo Dia Ntotila at African Night Fever (September 29), 1970s reggae legends Black Slate at Rum & Bass, West African singer songwriter Rokia Traore at Brighton Dome (November 6), West African Roots Afro Manding band YIRI BAA plus Kora Maestro Jali Burama Mbye at Brunswick Pub (November 2), Mbira player Linos Wengara at Inner Visions (October 8) and Lady Matto at Nigerian Independence Celebration (October 12).

Every year, Black History Month provides the city with some of the best family-friendly activities and days, all for free. Explore the worlds of

CONGO DIA NTOTILA

IRENE MENSAH

Ebou Touray, Chair of Brighton and Hove Black History Month and promoter for African Night Fever, who’s coordinating the Rum & Bass launch and the Family Day event, said: “I’m so happy that we have Brighton & Hove City Council’s, Brighton Dome’s and the local community’s support for this year’s Black History Month. There is so much rich talent and cultural diversity here in Brighton & Hove, it’s wonderful that our partners are recognising the skills, experience, and knowledge these communities offer the city.”

Brighton & Hove Black History Month programme takes place from September 18 to November 30, 2013 in venues all across the city.

Brighton & Hove Black History Group is a small grass roots community organisation whose primary aim is to challenge racism by raising awareness of the multi-cultural history of Brighton & Hove. Black History Month has been celebrated in Brighton since 2003, where it was first held at the Old Market, organised by Bert Williams and Sarah Lee from Black History.

Black History month has been celebrated in the UK since October 1987.

For more information and listings, view: www.brightonblackhistorymonth.org.uk

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PINK FRINGE CALL OUT

ROSANA CADE

t Artist Rosana Cade is looking for participants to take part in her performance of Walking:Holding, which takes place at the Marlborough Theatre, Brighton as part the Pink Fringe in October.

Walking:Holding, a performance where one audience member at a time gets to go on a walk and hold hands with a range of different people, has been performed in Bristol, Ipswich, Dublin, Cork, London and Edinburgh. As a participant you would get to meet a new group of people and take part in a workshop exploring the themes within the project in order to prepare for the performance. During the performance you would be positioned at a certain point along the route, and walk holding hands with each audience member one at a time for about five minutes.

Rosana said: “I started this project because as a gay woman I found that I was sometimes uncomfortable holding hands with my partner in public. I spoke to other gay people about this, and they said that they had all experienced the same feeling at least once in their lives. Some people said that they never felt comfortable enough to hold hands with their partners in public. This is something that makes me feel very sad, and something I wish to challenge.

“I began a series of experiments in Glasgow where I walked holding hands with lots of different people in public, and I became interested in how different I felt with each person, and also the differences in the way other people on the street reacted towards me. I held hands with someone much older than me, with a pregnant woman, with a tall black man, with a goth, with a cross dresser, with an Indian woman and with my girlfriend.

“People who have participated before have found it to be a very interesting and profound experience, where they have had an opportunity to learn a lot about themselves, and also to meet a lot of other people.

“In order to make it an interesting experience for each audience member I need to work with people who are as different to each other as possible, e.g. a range of ages, backgrounds, genders, sexualities, appearances and identities.”

BRIGHTON DIRECTOR WINS PORNA AWARD 2013

t Brighton-based feminist film director, producer, author and photographer Petra Joy's film A Taste of Joy has been awarded the Porna Award 2013 from an all-female panel of judges from Dutch TV channel Dusk!.

As one of the pioneers of the movement to make pornography for women, the German born director has created the film to focus on female pleasure and celebrate authentic lust with fresh performers turning existing porn stereotypes. There is no boring dialogue or pump and grind sex but just beautifully shot sensual images, edited to music.

The panel consisted of over 2,000 women representing Dusk!, which is the first and only adult TV channel for a female audience.

For more information: www.dusk-tv.com/

If you would like to get involved email: rosana_cade@hotmail.com You need to be available on Thursday, October 17 & Friday, October 18 for the workshops, and on Saturday, October 19 & Sunday, October 20 for the performances.

ALLAN JAY

t Singer Allan Jay is originally from Glasgow. After completing his Diploma in Musical Theatre he moved to London where he signed to Energise Records who have had hits with artists including Sonia, Hazel Dean, Kelly Wilde and Nicky French. He has worked as a vocalist for the BBC and Disney Channel as well as recording with Waterfall Productions in Norway. Allan played the role of 'Arnie' in the recent production of the musical Diamond about the life of Diamond Lil, the East End cross dresser, which played at the Studio Theatre at the Dome in Brighton.

Over the summer he has been wowing crowds at Brighton, Herts, Stoke and Bournemouth Prides as well as the Clapham Street Party.

The new single It's My Life is a remix of the 1980s classic and has been choreographed by Michelle Carter who has performed alongside the likes of Take That, P!nk and Cheryl Cole.

It's My Life is available on iTunes from mid-October.

For more information about Allan, view: www.allanjay101.webs.com/

t The shortlist for The Polari First Book Prize 2013 was announced last month at the Polari Literary Salon at the Southbank Centre. Now in its third year, the prize is for a first book which explores the LGBT experience and is open to books by authors born or resident in the UK published in English within twelve months of the deadline for submissions, with self-published works in both print and digital formats eligible for submission. The sponsor for the prize, Societe Generale UK LGBT Network, are donating £1,000 prize money to the winner.

The media partner is Square Peg Media, publishers of g3 and OUT In The City magazines.

The judges this year are: Chair of Judges Paul Burston (author, journalist and host of Polari); Bidisha (writer, critic and broadcaster); Suzi Feay (literary critic); Rachel Holmes (author and former Head of Literature at the Southbank Centre); VG Lee (author and comedian); Joe StoreyScott (books buyer).

The Polari First Book Prize Shortlist: The Murder Wall by Mari Hannah (Pan Macmillan); Tony Hogan Bought Me An Icecream Float Before He Stole My Ma

by Kerry Hudson (Chatto & Windus); The Sitar by Rebecca Idris (self published); Catching Bullets: Memoirs of a Bond Fan by Mark O’Connell (Splendid) The Tale of Raw Head and Bloody Bones by Jack Wolf (Chatto & Windus).

The winner will be announced at Polari in the Purcell Room at the Southbank Centre on Wednesday, November 13.

Speaking on behalf of the judges, Suzi Feay, literary critic, said: “The judges were delighted to see a growth in submissions this year, particularly from new female authors. From such a strong longlist, it was difficult to narrow down the choices to the final five, but we feel they represent the strongest individual voices with the most engaging tales to tell whether it's lifting the lid on the 'Gaysian' girl scene; a blisteringly funny tale of council house life in Scotland and the north; the witty confessions of a Bond fanatic; a tough female cop with a secret; and finally, a shape-shifting monster of a historical antihero who would give Peter Ackroyd a run for his money. These are books to dazzle, amuse and beguile.”

Polari Literary Salon launched in 2007 and is housed at the Southbank Centre where monthly events showcase the best in established, new and up-and-coming LGBT literary talent and performance. www.polariliterarysalon.co.uk

SUZI FEAY

NEW RECORDING ARTIST RELEASES FIRST SINGLE

POLARI SHORTLIST ANNOUNCED

BRIGHTON DRAWS MEN

t The next Brighton Draws Men male life drawing session is on Saturday, October 12 from 2- 5pm at Friends' Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton, featuring the lovely Armando. For more information: www.meetup.com/BrightonDraws-Men/

25 GSCENE

GSCENE 25 Cider Wench (performer): “God I'll miss working with you! You are a joy to be with; original, talented and with a generosity of spirit that is sadly all too rare backstage these days. As my friend I'm overjoyed that you have exciting new pastures to stroll through. Love you babe x” Stephen Richards (aka Lola Lasagne): “Personally, I think you're very selfish leaving to go and do something to benefit your life and happiness. As I sit behind that £1.99 curtain on a Sunday on the chair with the splinters I shall be cursing you whilst sticking pins in your voodoo doll.

GOODBYE, DOLLY! After four years of gracing the stage of Southampton's London Hotel, Andrew Stark, aka Pat Cruise and Dolly Partem, has decided to hang up his heels for pastures new.

Andrew, who is better known in Brighton as one half of Charles Street regulars Trashville Tennessee and as the writer of the rip roaring Alternative Panto, regularly entertained crowds at the London Hotel with Karaoke Cruising on Thursday, under the guise of cruise ship diva Pat Cruise, and on a Sunday as the glam Dolly Partem, whose Sunday Service hosted many of the country's top cabaret talent.

Andrew said: “As you know, I don't really use Facebook to tell you when I'm having a cup of tea, what my opinion of the latest X Factor contestant is or the shocking price of eggs but, I’m hanging up the drag heels for the foreseeable future. Yes friends, I shall be packing Pat & Dolly away in an airtight container in the garage!

“I have had an amazing time and met and worked with some amazing people, all of whom have taught me many things, and I thank you all.

“It's now time for another path, a new direction, another challenge and adventure... and I couldn't be more excited!”

“Huge thanks to David and Ray at the London Hotel for the most amazing years of work I've ever had! It's been an honour to perform at the London (still the best out of town cabaret venue I know). They are more than the £17.50 a week employers, they are my friends.

“The people, friends and audience there are simply sublime, What started out with a handful of glorious bears turned into what we have today. I thank you for the weeks you've come along and shown support, joined in and raised the roof, it will remain forever, so thank you.”

Following the announcement, Andrew's friends, colleagues and fans wanted to wish him well for the future, starting with David

Riley and Raymond Cole, owners of The London Hotel: “Mr Stark, you do not need luck for your future, as you are very talented, but you deserve every success in whatever you do.

“Ray and I will miss you each and every week performing but look forward to catching up socially on a regular basis. It's been an amazing time for us and Pat and Dolly are going to get the best send off x” Kelly Draper (a regular): “Going to miss my Sundays with Dolly so much, but would like to thank Dolly for making my past year's worth of Sunday evenings such fun. I wish you well in whatever you go on to do...

“I will have a pile of tissues at the ready on that last sunday, think I may need them... My man crush is over x” Scott Burey (aka Drag With No Name): “You have an immense amount of talent and creativity, and I'm sure it won't go to waste in whatever journey you decide to take. Thank you for the many laughs and wishing you every happiness and fulfilment on that exciting open road ahead of you, x” Su Clarke (a regular): “The end of an era. So proud to say that I was there at the beginning. I wish you all the luck in your future, and all the love in the world.”

“Seriously though I wish you every success for the future. Sundays will never be the same and neither will the cabaret scene. I'm at the London this Friday, so hope you'll be able to pop your head round the door for a farewell drink.”

Martin Christopher Andrew (a regular): “I’m sad that it’s the end of an era, but even more excited about what you’ll get up to next.

“I’ve seen you go from strength to strength over the last few years and you’ve never been afraid to take on new challenges.

“So as you head towards your next adventure I wish you the very best of luck, and say thank you for making so many people happy over the last few years.

“I can't wait to give Dolly and Pat the proper send off they deserve and enjoy at least one more rendition of I Want That Bear - something that has become a life motto for me!”

Before Pat sails off into the sunset, catch her one last time for some Karaoke Cruising at the London on Thursday, October 3, which is followed by The Pink Ball Fundraiser at The Grand Harbour Hotel, Southampton on Saturday, October 5, an event.she has been involved in over the last five years. Dolly meanwhile, will be honoured at an extra special Sunday Service from 6pm on October 6, where she will be joined by cabaret act Drag With No Name and DJ Lucinda Lashes.

If you miss it, then catch Dolly and Cassidy Connors’ last show as Trashville Tennesse at Charles Street, Brighton from 9.30pm on Wednesday, October 30. Bring a hankie!

26 GSCENE

SNOWDON MOUNTAIN RAILWAY

Sitting back and enjoying the stunning views as you’re shunted up the highest mountain in Wales by a steam engine is a surreal experience. The Snowdon Mountain Railway leaves Llanberis at the foot of Snowdon and takes an hour to get to the top. It’s a delight of old world engineering and the perfect way to get to the summit if you’re lazy or strapped for time, or like me, both. The small carriage means everyone has a view. There’s a cool modern café and the views are incredible.

Book online as it’s very popular. If you visit

CROESO I YR WYDDFA... ...Welcome to Snowdonia! By Eric Page

We had a large bunk room for four (double rooms are also available) which had a touch of a nautical theme with comfortable ‘captain’ beds built into the wall with warm woolly privacy curtains. I haven’t slept so well in a long time. After a few days of thrilling adventure and exercise, coming back to the comforts of Plas Curig every evening was a treat. They’re open all year, with public areas perfect for relaxing and a ‘dry room’ (it’s north Wales after all) for when you get in after a hard day’s climbing, mountain biking, hiking or walking. We were blessed with sunshine, Plas Curig really does think of everything!

Climbing and swinging all afternoon at Tree Top Adventure, where the walkway suspended up in the trees, is a real test of your head for heights, coordination and staying power.

There’s a huge 100ft power drop where you step off a platform and plunge to the earth and they have the largest group swing in the UK. A breathless and thrilling experience set in a pine forest with expert, reassuring staff to guide you. They also do gorge scrambling.

Great value and unusual adventuring - a perfect alternative to a stag or hen experience.

this part of Wales then you have to go to the top of Snowdon and the railway ensures that even the frail or disabled get to experience the spectacular views. Or walk if you’re hardy.

A little off the main Snowdonia tourist trails, but highly recommended, is King Arthur’s Labyrinth deep under a mountain in Corris in the breathtaking Machynlleth Valley. Under the formidable gaze of a giant dragon you enter a dark tunnel in the fern covered slopes and meet a monk with a lantern and his boat waiting on the underground crystal clear river which takes you into the dark heart of the Earth, silently gliding up to, then through a waterfall. Plunging back a thousand years, you’re lead through tunnels and caverns learning the mythological history of Merlin and Arthur. It’s a sublimely interesting experience.

ARTHUR’S LABYRINTH

views from the top of the quarry are worth the fee itself, but the feeling of flying through the air over the dark hard slate and the bright blue lagoon water is something else. Although terrified, I was elated. You can book part or all of it, it’s for all ages and the staff are great. Well worth the drive north.

TREE TOP ADVENTURE

PLAS CURIG

Plas Curig nestles right next to a river with the imposing peeks of Snowdonia rising all around. Snowdonia is an area steeped in culture and local history, more than half its population speak Welsh. Tucked into the village of Capel Curig this is a boutique hotel with hostel prices. The comforts of Plas Curig are well thought out and high quality. The building has been renovated by owner Amy McIntyre and the staff are well informed about all the local attractions, restaurants etc.

Although this is a hostel, it feels like a comfortable, stylish hotel that would cost five times as much. It’s quiet at night; the kitchen facilities modern and chic, the bathrooms are ultra clean and elegant with thick towels, and all the rooms are warm with great views.

ZIP WORLD

PLAS CURIG

The longest zip wire in Europe is in a stunning location and you can’t do a more thrilling thing than strap yourself into a harness and hurtle down a wire over a slate quarry at 100mph. Zip World’s welcoming staff were amazingly reassuring as I trembled at the top of this adrenalin pumping experience. There is a smaller zip wire first, before a tour of the slate quarry and then the BIG one - and hell is it big. I can’t recommend it enough. The

I was impressed. Dragons roaring fire and vast caverns measureless to man make for an unusual experience, great for the kids and perfect if it’s raining! Surrounding it is an interesting and diverse fine craft market full of handmade and high quality Welsh gifts.

With impressive castles like Harlech, Caernarfon or Beaumaris and Neolithic sites along with mountain walking or just enjoying the silence and magnificence of the Snowdonia National Park, Plas Curig is the perfect base to explore the best North Wales has to offer and it’s open all year. Check their website for special deals and group hire costs for all 59 comfortable beds. A treat! www.snowdoniahostel.co.uk www.ttadventure.co.uk www.snowdonrailway.co.uk www.kingarthurslabyrinth.co.uk www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/home

GSCENE 27

LES ANGLAIS SONT ARRIVÉS

The drive was indeed very easy; the French motorways are very efficient, if a little expensive and we were soon crossing the big bridges spanning the Loire valley near the famous city of Tours and then on towards Poitiers and La Rochelle. The scenery, after the rolling hills of Normandy, becomes quite flat and very agricultural but on the motorway you really don’t see much of the country, although you do pass a lot of large signs

POITIERS CATHEDRAL

The British have been crossing the channel for hundreds of years; in the past it was to fight the French, today it is to live amongst them.

Over the past 20 or so years we have been descending in our hundreds on many parts of France, from Normandy to Provence but no area has been quite as popular as PoitouCharentes in the south west, around La Rochelle, Bordeaux and Angouleme. We discovered that some long lost relatives had recently moved there and they invited us to visit. Their house being only 300 miles from Dieppe, this was an invitation that no one would refuse. Let’s go and see what hundreds of our fellow countrymen had found quite so fabulous about this particular area.

ILE DE RE

...The British have arrived! By Roger Wheeler

any sort of ‘vibe’ that we could identify. You can fly to Poitiers with Ryanair from Stansted.

Things pick up quite a lot when you head the 87 miles to La Rochelle, one of the most glamorous resorts on the Atlantic coast of south west France. With a population of 80,000 it is one of the most visited towns in

La Rochelle is not a beach resort. The manmade beach is not up to much but there is an enormous selection of great beaches along the coast and on the several islands that dot the bay, Ile de Re, Ile d’Oleron and Ile d’Aix. There are plenty of hotels to suit all budgets.

We stayed at the Mercure, right on the old port, which had small, clean and comfortable rooms and free parking. You would expect a city like this to be quite gay, but there are only a few cafés and bars and one sauna listed as being gay. But the place is so cosmopolitan the boys and girls are everywhere.

La Rochelle is served from April until September by easyJet from Gatwick and it’s on the TGV line, three hours from Paris.

Just 14 miles from La Rochelle, over a spectacular bridge, is the famous Ile de Re, with visitors such as Brad, Angelina and Johnny Depp to name a few. But that’s another story altogether.

advertising beautiful nearby chateaux. No time to stop we were ‘en route’. One of these signs is advertising Futuroscope, the famous multi-media theme park. Since it opened 25 years ago it has attracted over 40 million visitors, though we decided not to add to that impressive figure.

Just 10km further and you arrive in the ancient city of Poitiers, the regional capital, with a population of 92,000. The RAF bombed it heavily in 1944 and today, thanks to a massive amount of renovation and reconstruction it has a very modern feel. It’s an easy place to wander around, mainly for the designer shopping. The centre is being completely re-designed; again, how this new look will sit alongside its 80 historic monuments is too early to tell. The tourist office right by the beautiful 12th century cathedral is housed in an incredibly ugly building and was probably the most unhelpful and unfriendly I have ever visited. They were probably just having a bad day. Poitiers didn’t exactly excite us. If you live in the area then it’s fine; a big modern town with all the shops and supermarkets that you could want, but from a tourist point of view it seemed to lack

The historic port is beautifully preserved with a quayside bustling with boats small and large, the seafront is packed with lively cafés, bars and restaurants. Tourist attractions are everywhere. Walk through the striking Gothic gateway, Porte de la Grosse Horloge, and you enter a maze of pedestrianised streets, flanked by 17th and 18th century buildings, which are now boutique shops selling everything from high fashion, books and antiques and of course lots of patisseries selling wonderful calorific pastries. There are plenty of excellent places to eat. Rue Saint-Jean-du-Pérot, known locally as ‘Restaurant Street’, is full of restaurants and cafés, some can be pricey and the cuisine is mainly seafood, but all looked pretty good to us.

RUE SAINT-JEAN-DU-PÉROT

FUTUROSCOPE

France, with 75,000 of its annual three million visitors coming from the UK. This exceptionally beautiful city is built around a wide bay and has no less than four ports and marinas, one of which, Port des Minimes, is the biggest marina in Europe.

Why are there so many Brits here? The weather is usually very good, the countryside is lovely, the coast and beaches are great, the French know how to enjoy life, the wine is cheap, the food is good and the ambiance is very seductive. Most importantly though is the price of property; it’s about 30% of UK prices.

And my cousin’s house was great, so we will be going again. Vive la France! www.visit-poitou-charentes.com

28 GSCENE

COME DINE

WITH MORHAM

BY MORHAM WHITE

SUNDAY ROASTS AT LEGENDS Legends Hotel & Bar, 31 - 34 Marine Parade, Brighton, 01273 624462, www.legendsbrighton.com It’s the first day of the Labour Conference and Andrew Marr has parked himself at the Terraces opposite our intended destination, Legends, who are staging the launch of their Sunday Roast.

Things are hotting up in the world of the Sunday Roast, what with the first Golden Handbag Sunday Roast winner, Richard from Church Street, returning to the Village at the Royal Oak, then Alex pocketing the accolade on his return to the Amsterdam and the Camelford also providing a seriously keen local offering.

The Gscene listings for Legends refer to a free glass of wine on launch day so that’s a good start, but more later… We parked ourselves inside the front door, for the view (and not just of the sea).

Turnover was constant, though not rammed, so two free glasses of wine don’t count for much in this era of austerity. We sampled the house red and white by the glass; £4 for a large glass or £10.50 a bottle. The Sauvignon Blanc marginally better than the sharper red.

braised sweetened red cabbage, carrot and swede mash, steamed broccoli, were admirable in their quantity and quality.

The puddings, though a choice of only the two, provided adequate contrast; apple and winter berry crumble with custard or hot chocolate pudding with chocolate sauce and served with whipped cream.

Then came the coffee in a cafetiere (six cup size!); just the business for me, not too rich. Was this really the norm? I do hope so, and free when an order is placed before 1pm. As the Manager said, “everything is large at Legends”.

It’s difficult to work out what is most important, as a roast has a fairly limited repertoire: topside of beef, belly of pork, French trimmed chicken supreme or a veggie nut roast option.

Service was sparkling, way in excess of expectation, plates piping hot and the topside and belly served with real stock gravy and crispy roast potatoes, home made Yorkshire pudding and three vegetables of

He’s absolutely right, but the real surprise was the attentive and engaging service from all the staff. I had heard criticism from a few older friends that the older your face the longer you wait for service sometimes. I found quite the opposite and can only say I was very impressed with the quality of the service provide by the engaging staff.

For the view, the service, and a good and simple balanced offering, Legends really has something to offer. One course for £9.95 or two courses for £13.95 and order before 1pm for a complimentary tea, coffee or soft drink.

30 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

PICS FROM A-BAR, BETTY LA LAS + BRIGHTON SAUNA

OCTOBER

LISTINGS

A-BAR

n ONE FOR THE DIARY: Fri (25) is SHAKE UP THE SCENE Women's Social at 7pm. n REGULARS: Mon is now QUIZ NIGHT at 7pm; £1 entry per person, teams up to 6, snowball prizes. n Wed is the OPEN MIC PIANO BAR sing your favourite tune with with Mark Hodge or just listen at 8.30pm. n Fri & 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 served 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. Look out for new Caribbean cocktail menu! n OPEN: Sun–Thur noon–midnight; Fri & Sat noon–2am. Unrivalled sea view, large heated smoking terrace and all big sport events.

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 TUESDAY 1 12 n A-BAR bar food noon-3pm; Mooi n MARLBOROUGH Rock/Paper/Scissors; Caribbean food 4-10pm; open noon open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY open 6pm n POISON IVY Bar 150 karaoke 7pm; open n BAR REVENGE VIP Tue: Harry’s Karaoke, 11am DJ Fifi, 8pm; open noon n QUEEN’S ARMS sing-along with Peter & n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon friends 9pm; open noon n BULLDOG open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 6- n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon 9pm; open noon n REVENGE Naughty Pop: DJs Trick & Alex n CHARLES ST food noon-10pm; open Baker, win £40 bar tab 11pm noon n ZONE open 10am

Information is correct at the time of going to press. Gscene magazine cannot be held responsible for any changes or alterations to the listings

BETTY LA LA

n ONE FOR THE DIARY: Sun (20) is CABARET LUNCH starring Tammy Twinkle; tickets £27.95, bookings 01273 693444. n HALLOWEEN: Thu (31) is Halloween themed specials menu. n REGULARS: Sat is with The Piano Man at 8pm. n Sun (27) is with Trudi Styles & The Piano Man, call 01273 693444 to book. n FOOD: British/French menu served through the week; breakfasts served Sat & Sun from 9.30am; Roasts served on Sunday, call 01273 693444 to book.

WEDNESDAY 2 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 Crush: DJ Claire Fuller 10pm n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon n BRIGHTON SAUNA Bears Night 7pm 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 The Last Laugh: Trashville Tennessee’s Final Shows 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

BRIGHTON SAUNA

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 3 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 Thur Social; 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 REGULARS: Wed (2) is BEARS NIGHT for bears, cubs and their admirers; drink offers, club music at 7pm.

Wed (9 & 23) is NAKED all day, no towels to be worn.

Wed (16) is mandatory UNDERWEAR NIGHT, thongs, briefs, speedos, at 7pm. n DRINKS: licensed bar 7 days a week; Sun–Thur 11–1am and Fri & Sat 11–2am. n OPEN: For future listings visit: www.thebrightonsauna.com

PICS FROM BAR 7 CRAWLEY

GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 31

BAR 7 CRAWLEY

n ONE FOR THE DIARY: Sat is PARTY NIGHT with drink promos and DJs: Magic (5), WaynsieRudeBoy (12), Diva (19). n REGULARS: Sun is karaoke hosted by Ed & Tyler, sing to win a shot. n Tue, happy hour 6–9pm. n Wed is DRAG BINGO hosted by Lady Ty. n Thur is PARTY NIGHT with a DJ. n Fri is PARTY NIGHT with DJ WaynsieRudeBoy (4), Magic (11 & 25), Claire Fuller (18), drink offers and cabaret: Trashville Tennessee (11) and Miss Jason (25). n OPEN: Sun, Tue & Wed 6pm–12.30am; Thur–Sat 6pm–2.30am. Closed Mon. www.7crawley.co.uk 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 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 8pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR West End Show: Glam Jam 9.30pm; food 12-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN It’s Pants: free drinks every hour if your pants match the picture 8.30pm; 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 Freshers Foam Party: all-girl DJs 10.30pm n SUBLINE Leathered 9pm n ZONE open 10am

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: DJs Lee Harris & Trick 10.30pm n SUBLINE Mr Subline Terrence Higgins Trust Fundraiser: host Wilma Fingadoo & hot lads 9pm n ZONE live music: Ian Mark Burzio 9.30pm; open 10am

SATURDAY 5 n A-BAR Pre-club music; food noon-7pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Magic 6pm n BAR REVENGE Sweet Revenge Warm-Up 9pm; open noon-6am n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ FRIDAY 4 Lee Harris 11pm n A-BAR Pre-club music; bar food 12-3pm; n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; open noon n BETTY LA LA’S breakfasts 9.30am; The n BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Waynsierudeboy Piano Man 8pm 6pm n BULLDOG DJ V John 10pm; DJ Lil Alex n BAR REVENGE Shameless warm-up 9pm; 3am; karaoke 10pm; open 11am open noon-6am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-7pm; n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Friday open noon Night Live with Lady La Rue: 2 floor party, DJ n CHARLES ST The Boys In The Bar: allPeter Castle in club 11pm male DJs Jonesy, Lil Alex, Grant Knowles, n BEDFORD TAVERN Krazy Kamikaze Leeroy on rotation 9pm; food noon-7.45pm; Karaoke 8.30pm; open noon open noon n BULLDOG DJ Grant Knowles 10pm; n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 cabaret: Lola Lasagne midnight; open 11am n DR BRIGHTONS Sexy Sat: DJ Tony B n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 9.30pm; open 1pm 6-9pm; Friday Club 6pm; open noon n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy n FUNKYFISH CLUB Old School Sat: DJ 9pm; food noon-7.45pm; open noon Sean Quinn 10pm n 112 CHURCH ST cabaret: Darren Hamilton n LEGENDS BAR Pre-Fusion 7pm; food 9pm; food noon-late; open noon noon-5pm; open 11am n DR BRIGHTONS Funky Fri: DJ Nick Hirst n MARINE TAVERN open noon 9.30pm; open 1pm n MARLBOROUGH Shook Up Sat 9pm; open n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon noon n FUNKYFISH CLUB Back to the 80s 10pm n PARIS HOUSE live jazz 4pm; TC’s Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm; open noon

32 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

PICS FROM THE BULLDOG

OCTOBER

LISTINGS

BULLDOG

n ONE FOR THE DIARY: Fri is with DJ Grant Knowles at 10pm, DJ Little Rob (18), and then CABARET in the top bar at midnight: Lola Lasagne (4), Titti La Camp (11), Topping & Butch (18) and Trashville (25). 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. Wed is DIVA RUSH with DJ Marcia, all drinks £1.99 when selected artist is played and the traffic light turns to green, 10pm–2am. n Thur is RELEASE with DJ Grant Knowles at 10pm. n DRINK DEALS: 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. www.bulldogbrighton.com

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 Tour 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 Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm n ZONE cabaret: Sally Vate 9.30pm; open 10am SUNDAY 6 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 breakfasts 9.30am; Sunday Roasts: bookings 01273 693444 n BULLDOG DJ Slip Matt 6pm; DJ Grant 10pm; karaoke 9pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS Sunday roasts & selected menu noon-till gone; Bear Bash 5pm; open noon n CHARLES ST cabaret: La Voix 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: Lizzy Drip 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: Tanya Hyde 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 Ian Price Jazz Project 3pm; open noon n ZONE live music 6pm; open 10am MONDAY 7 n A-BAR bar food noon-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; Quiz: £1 entry, snowball prize 7pm; open noon n BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8.30pm; open noon n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon n BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm;

open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; open noon n CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late 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 Youtube Faves & karaoke 8pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am TUESDAY 8 n A-BAR bar food noon-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY open 6pm

PICS FROM CAMELFORD ARMS

GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 33

CAMELFORD ARMS

n HALLOWEEN: Thur (31) is the £300 BIG CASH SPOOKY QUIZ at 9pm. n REGULARS: Thur is the £300 Big Cash Quiz at 9pm. n The Friday Club is at 6pm. n Sun (6) & (20) is The BEAR BASH at 5pm. n FOOD: Wed is seniors' lunch with two courses for £5.50 served 2–3.30pm; homecooked 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 Camelford has an open fire and is the most dogfriendly pub in town.

n BAR REVENGE VIP Tue: Harry’s Karaoke, DJ Fifi, win drinks/VIP cards/bar tabs 8pm; open noon n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon n BULLDOG 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 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 BlowOut! By the Seaside: Sussex LGBTQ & LGBrighTon take over, dress up to win an iPad mini & cash 10.30pm n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS The Pickin’ Circle 8pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am WEDNESDAY 9 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 Crush: DJ Claire Fuller 10pm 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 The Last Laugh: Trashville Tennessee’s Final Shows

9.30pm; food noon-8pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Cocktail Clinic; open 3pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR food noon-5pm; open 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 10 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 West End Show: Glam Jam 9.30pm; food 12-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN It’s Pants: free drinks every hour if your pants match the picture 8.30pm; 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

34 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

PICS FROM CHARLES STREET + ENVY

OCTOBER

LISTINGS

CHARLES STREET BAR

n ONE FOR THE DIARY: FIVE DAYS OF FEAR Weekend from Thur (31)–Mon (4) November. Thur (31) is the MAD COW'S TEA PARTY SLAUGHTER HOUSE with Ms Joan Bond, pumping tunes, horror cocktails, spooky décor, prizes for the best dressed, all-night bar tabs up for grabs at 8pm; entry £1, drinks from £1. n REGULARS: Wed is CABARET CAROUSEL The Last Laugh with Trashville Tennessee performing their final ever five shows at 9.30pm. n Thur is THE MAD COW'S TEA PARTY with Alice in Wonderland décor, tea pot cocktails, 'drink me' shots, pumping tunes & hostess Ms Joan Bond at 8pm; drinks from £1, win a bar tab for the night, entry £1. n FRUITY FRIDAY FIX is with DJ Leeroy spinning the best in dance & funky house, plus discounted cocktails, at 9pm. n Sat is The BOYS IN THE BAR with an all-male DJ line-up including Jonesy, Lil Alex, Grant Knowles & Leeroy on rotation at 9pm, free entry! n Sun CABARET at 7.30pm: La Voix (6), Sandra (13), Mrs Moore (20) and Lola Lasagne (27); TRANNY ROCK & ROLL BINGO with Sally Vate and rolling jackpot follows at 8.30pm. n FOOD: New menu launched Tue (1) with two for £6.95 on selected mains, served noon–8pm and till 10pm on Tue. Sunday Lunch: home roast beef, chicken or veggie served noon–7pm, £6.95. n AFTER WORK HAPPY HOURS: All drinks 1/3rd off Mon–Sat from 5–9pm, till 8pm on Thurs, on Sun after the show till close. All deals excl sparkling wine & cocktails & not in conjunction with other offers. Cocktails: A brand new cocktail menu will be launched in October with two for £8 on Tue 6pm–close and on Wed 9pm–close. n OPEN: daily from noon. www.charles-street.com

n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n REVENGE Girls On Top Get Your Tatts Out: DJs, win a tattoo 10.30pm n SUBLINE Leathered 9pm n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS Comedy Night 8pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am FRIDAY 11 n A-BAR Pre-club music; bar food 12-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY cabaret: Trashville Tennessee & 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: Titti La Camp 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: Double Trouble (Maisie Trollette & Pooh La May) 9pm; food noon-late; open noon n DR BRIGHTONS Funky Fri: DJ Nick Hirst 9.30pm; open 1pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n FUNKYFISH CLUB 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 live session: Army of Two 8pm; 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

ENVY@ CHARLES ST

n ONE FOR THE DIARY: FIVE DAYS OF FEAR Weekend from Thur (31)–Mon (4) November. Thur (31) is the MAD COW'S TEA PARTY SLAUGHTER HOUSE with Ms Joan Bond, pumping tunes, horror cocktails, spooky décor, prizes for the best dressed, all-night bar tabs up for grabs at 8pm; entry £1, drinks from £1. n REGULARS: Mon is the STUDIO 150 student night with singles or bottles for £1.50 all night, entry £1.50. n Thur is THE MAD COW'S TEA PARTY with Alice in Wonderland décor, tea pot cocktails, 'drink me' shots, pumping tunes & hostess Ms Joan Bond at 8pm; drinks from £1, win a bar tab for the night, entry £1. n www.charles-street.com

n REVENGE Shameless: DJ Trick & Lee Harris 10.30pm n SUBLINE Steam 9pm n ZONE live music: James Bedford 9.30pm; open 10am SATURDAY 12 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 breakfasts 9.30am; The Piano Man 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: 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

36 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

PICS FROM CHURCH STREET + DR BRIGHTONS

OCTOBER

JASON LEE (25)

MAISIE TROLLETTE & POOH LA MAY (11)

LISTINGS

CHURCH STREET

n ONE FOR THE DIARY: Fri CABARET at 9pm: Darren Hamilton (4), Double Trouble with Maisie Trollette & Pooh La May (11), Gabriella Parrish (18) and Jason Lee (25). n FOOD: specials served Mon–Sat noon–late, buy two lunches for £10; Golden Handbag-winning Sunday lunches served noon–late. n It's time to start thinking about spoiling yourselves for Christmas Day lunch. Let us do all the work for you. Contact Collin on 01273 606864 for more details. All other private parties catered for! n OPEN: Check out the secret beer garden, perfect for a drink and a smoke!

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 13 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 12.30-

5pm; Piano Bingo 5pm; open noon n BETTY LA LA’S breakfasts 9.30am; Sunday Roasts: bookings 01273 693444 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: Sandra 7.30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate, roll over jackpot 8.30pm; Sun lunch noon-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: Titti La Camp 3.15pm; open 11am

DR BRIGHTONS

n HALLOWEEN: Thur (31) is the HALLOWEEN BALL & Dance through the Decades with DJ Adam Rice at 8pm, open till 1am. n REGULARS: FUNKY FRIDAY with DJ Nick Hirst at 9.30pm, free entry. n SEXY SATURDAY with DJ Tony B is at 9.30pm, free entry. n HAPPY HOURS: 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 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: La Voix 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 Ian Price Jazz Project 3pm; open noon

n ZONE live music: Collusion 6pm; open 10am MONDAY 14 n A-BAR bar food noon-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; Quiz: £1 entry, snowball prize 7pm; open noon n BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8.30pm; open noon n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon n BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; open noon n CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late 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 Youtube Faves & karaoke 8pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am TUESDAY 15 n A-BAR bar food noon-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY open 6pm

PICS FROM FUNKY FISH

GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 37

FUNKY FISH

n ONE FOR THE DIARY: Fri (4) is BACK TO THE 80S with the best tunes from the decade, free entry, & drink promos at 10pm. n REGULARS: Fri is THANK FUNK IT’S FRIDAY with DJ Antony playing funk/pop/disco/dance & more 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: The Funky Fish Bar is open daily from noon. www.funkyfishclub.co.uk

n BAR REVENGE VIP Tue: Harry’s Karaoke, DJ Fifi, win drinks/VIP cards/bar tabs 8pm; open noonn BEDFORD TAVERN open noon n BULLDOG open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 6-9pm; open noon n CHARLES ST food 12-10pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Twisted Tue; open 3pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR food 12-5.30pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Quiz 9pm; open 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 ZONE open 10am WEDNESDAY 16 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 Crush: DJ Claire Fuller 10pm n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon n BRIGHTON SAUNA underwear night 7pm n BULLDOG Diva Rush: DJ Marcia 10pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS seniors lunch 2-

3.30pm; reg food 12-3pm & 6-9pm; open 12 n CHARLES ST Cabaret Carousel The Last Laugh: Trashville Tennessee’s Final Shows 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 17 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, tunes & win bar tabs 8pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late; open noon n DR BRIGHTONS Thirsty Thur; open 3pm

38 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

PICS FROM LEGENDS BAR + BASEMENT CLUB

OCTOBER

LISTINGS

n ENVY Mad Cow’s Tea Party: Ms Joan Bond, tea pot cocktails, ‘drink me’ shots, tunes 8pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR West End Show: Glam Jam 9.30pm; food 12-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN It’s Pants: free drinks every hour if your pants match the picture 8.30pm; open noon n MARLBOROUGH open noon n PARIS HOUSE live jazz: Stuart Blagden 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 UV Party: all-girl DJs 10.30pm n SUBLINE Leathered 9pm n ZONE open 10am FRIDAY 18 n A-BAR Pre-club music; 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 open noon n BULLDOG DJ Little Rob 10pm; cabaret: Topping & Butch 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: Gabriella Parrish 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 Dave Mumbles 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 live music: Eva La Diva 9.30pm; open 10am SATURDAY 19 n A-BAR Pre-club music; food noon-7pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Diva 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

LEGENDS BAR

n HALLOWEEN: Party all weekend from Thur (31). n REGULARS: Mon is MISS JASON DOES LEGENDS at 9.30pm. n Thur is a WEST END SHOW with Glam Jam at 9.30pm. 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: Lizzy Drip (6), Titti La Camp (13), Sandra (20) and Dave Lynn (27). 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 tea or coffee 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 sun-terrace. www.legendsbrighton.com

n BETTY LA LA’S breakfasts 9.30am; The Piano Man 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 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 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 noon5pm; 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 & guests 4.30pm; Betty Swollocks’ Karaoke 6pm; Ghost Walk Tour 7pm; Cosmic’s Corruption: games, karaoke, Jeremy Kyle Experience 9pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food 12-6pm; open 11am n REVENGE Sweet Revenge Sussex Beacon Fundraiser: DJs & Brighton Bulge underwear models 10.30pm n SUBLINE Men’s Room: DJ Screwpulous 9pm

PICS FROM LEGENDS BAR + BASEMENT CLUB

GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 39

OCTOBER

LISTINGS

LEGENDS BASEMENT CLUB

n FREE ENTRY: to the Basement Club every day. n REGULARS: Wed is CRUSH with DJ Claire Fuller playing tracks to get you jumping and requests, bottles of Becks £2, house spirit & mixer £2, selected shots £1.50. n FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE with Lady LaRue over 2 floors with DJ Peter Castle. n Sat is FUSION with DJ Peter Castle house & chart sounds. Sat (5) 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: Fri–Sun 11pm & Wed 10pm. Closed Mon, Tue & Thur. Legends will host your party from £150, call Matt on 01273 624462 for more info. www.legendsbrighton.com n ZONE cabaret: Tammy Twinkle 9.30pm; open 10am SUNDAY 20 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 breakfasts 9.30am; Cabaret Lunch with Tammy Twinkle: 3 courses, tickets £27.95, bookings 01273 693444 n BULLDOG DJ Slip Matt 6pm; DJ Grant 10pm; karaoke 9pm; open 11am

n CAMELFORD ARMS Sunday roasts & select menu noon-till gone; Bear Bash 5pm; open noon n CHARLES ST cabaret: Mrs Moore 7.30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Vate, roll over jackpot 8.30pm; Sun lunch noon-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: Sandra 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: Drag With No Name 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 Ian Price Jazz Project 3pm; open noon n ZONE live music: Back Beat 9.30pm; open 10am MONDAY 21 n A-BAR bar food noon-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; Quiz: £1 entry, snowball prize 7pm; open noon n BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8.30pm; open noon n BULLDOG DJ Marcia’s Glitter Ball 10pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; open noon n CHARLES ST food noon-8pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 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 Youtube Faves & karaoke 8pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm &

6-8.30pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am TUESDAY 22 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 12 n BULLDOG open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; open noon n CHARLES ST food 12-10pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food noon-late 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 12 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: DJs Trick & Alex Baker 11pm n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS The Pickin’ Circle 8pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am WEDNESDAY 23 n A-BAR open mic with Mark Hodge 8.30pm; bar food noon-7pm; cocktail night; open noon

42 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

PICS FROM MARINE TAVERN, POISON IVY, QUEENS ARMS + PARIS HOUSE

OCTOBER

LISTINGS

MARINE TAVERN

n REGULARS: Tue is NAT’S QUIZ at 9pm. Thur is IT'S PANTS, a competition to win a free drink if the brand or colour of your pants matches the picture, every hour at 8.30pm, 9.30pm and 10.30pm. n DRINK DEALS: Wed & Thur 7–11pm: pints of Carlsberg & Stowford Press £3, plus buy a single spirit and get the mixer free. n OPEN: Mon–Sat noon, Sun 1pm. n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Lady Ty’s Drag Bingo 6pm n BAR REVENGE open noon n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Crush: DJ Claire Fuller 10pm 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; regular food noon-3pm & 6-9pm; open noon n CHARLES ST Cabaret Carousel The Last Laugh: Trashville Tennessee’s Final Shows 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

PARIS HOUSE

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 24 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: Joan Bond, tea pot cocktails, ‘drink me’ shots, fab decor, tunes & win bar tabs 8pm; open noon 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 9.30pm; food 12-5pm; open 11am

n ONE FOR THE DIARY: Sun (27) is live music with Area Code 273 at 5pm. n REGULARS: Thur (17) is live jazz with the Stuart Blagden Trio at 9pm, free entry.

Sat is free live jazz at 4pm; then 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

POISON IVY

n HALLOWEEN: Fri (25)–Sun (27) is the HAUNTED HOUSE Halloween Weekend, £100 prize for the best dressed. 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 & mix shots £5. n OPEN: daily from 11am. n MARINE TAVERN It’s Pants: free drinks every hour if your pants match the picture 8.30pm; 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 7th Birthday Party: all-girl DJs 10.30pm n SUBLINE Leathered 9pm n ZONE open 10am

QUEENS ARMS

FRIDAY 25 n A-BAR Shake Up The Scene Women’s Social 7pm; bar food 12-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; open 12 n BAR 7@CRAWLEY cabaret: Miss Jason & 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 open noon n BULLDOG DJ Grant Knowles 10pm; cabaret: Trashville midnight; open 11am dressed; open 11am

n ONE FOR THE DIARY: Sat (26) is the HALLOWEEN PARTY with Kamp Kevin from 9pm; free shots for those in costume, £25 & £10 bar tabs for the best. n REGULARS: Sat CABARET is at 4.30pm and Sun CABARET is at 6pm; all cabaret is followed by karaoke. n The GHOST WALK is on Sat at 7pm. n The X Factor Live is on Sun at 8pm. For full line-up see the listings. n OPEN: daily from noon.

44 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

PICS FROM SWEET REVENGE, NAUHTY POP + GIRLS ON TOP @ REVENGE

OCTOBER

LISTINGS

n CAMELFORD ARMS food noon-3pm & 69pm; Friday Club 6pm; open noon n CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm; food noon-7.45pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST cabaret: Jason Lee 9pm; food noon-late; open noon n DR BRIGHTONS 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 Haunted House Halloween Weekend: karaoke; 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 Big Scrum: sportskit party 9pm n ZONE cabaret: Miss Jason 9.30pm; open 10am SATURDAY 26 n A-BAR Pre-club music; food noon-7pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; open noon n BAR 7@CRAWLEY Party Night: DJ 6pm n BAR REVENGE Sweet Revenge Warm-Up 9pm; open noon-6am n BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Fusion: DJ Peter Castle 11pm n BETTY LA LA’S breakfasts 9.30am; The Piano Man 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 Skool Disco Freshers Party: DJ Leeroy, hostesses Ms Joan Bond & Sally Vate 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 Haunted House Halloween Weekend: karaoke,; open 11am n QUEEN’S ARMS cabaret: Peter & friends 4.30pm; Betty Swollocks’ Karaoke 6pm; Ghost Walk Tour 7pm; Halloween: Kamp Kevin, fancy dress comp & cash prizes 9pm; open noon 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 Halloween Party: Vate’s Motel 9.30pm; open 10am SUNDAY 27 n A-BAR Sunday roasts: bookings 01273 696691 noon-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 410pm; open noon

BAR REVENGE

n HALLOWEEN: Thur (31) is the GHOULS ON TOP warm-up with all-girl DJs playing spooky tracks. n REGULARS: SUNDAY FUNDAY features Karaoke Queens with LouBag & Smithy at 8pm. n Mon is QUIZ WITH LIZ with cash & boozy prizes at 8.30pm.

Tue is VIP KARAOKE with Harry & DJ Fifi at 8pm; win drinks, VIP cards and bar tabs in the club. n Thur is the Girls On Top official warm-up at 9pm. n Fri is the Shameless warm-up with DJ Alpha at 9pm. n Sat is the Sweet Revenge warm-up at 9pm. n DRINK DEALS: 2-4-1 cocktails Sun–Fri 5–9pm; drinks from £1.99 & get half price and reduced wines noon till late on Wed; from £1.50 Thur after 7pm; from £2.49 Fri, Sat & Sun; Jagerbombs £1.99 on Sat; all shots £1.99 Sun–Wed. n OPEN: daily from noon–2am & till 6am on Fri & Sat. Free Revenge discount passes on Thur; buy a drink and get free entry into the club on Fri & Sat before midnight. www.revenge.co.uk

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 breakfasts 9.30am; Cabaret Lunch with Trudi Styles & Piano Man: bookings 01273 693444 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: Lola Lasagne 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: Dave Lynn 3.15pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN open 1pm n MARLBOROUGH Slightly Odd Sun 3pm; open noon n PARIS HOUSE live music: Area Code 273 5pm; open noon n POISON IVY Haunted House Halloween Weekend: cabaret, karaoke, costume n QUEEN’S ARMS drag host karaoke 4.30pm; cabaret: Wezley Sebastian 6pm; drag host 7.30pm; X Factor Live 8pm; drag host karaoke 9pm; open noon

PICS FROM SWEET REVENGE, NAUHTY POP + GIRLS ON TOP @ REVENGE

GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 45

OCTOBER

LISTINGS

REVENGE

n ONE FOR THE DIARY: Tue (8) is BLOWOUT! BY THE SEASIDE Sussex LGBTQ & LGBrighTon take over with DJs; best dressed wins an Ipad mini & cash, entry £2/£3. n HALLOWEEN: Tue (29) is BLOWOUT! HALLOWEEN Sussex LGBTQ & LGBrighTon take over with prizes for the best dressed, entry £2/£3. n Thur (31) is GHOULS ON TOP with all-girl DJs, entry free/£3/£4. 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. Sat (19) is a special Sussex Beacon fundraiser with Brighton Bulge underwear models. n Tue is NAUGHTY POP with DJs Trick & Alex spinning your favourite tunes from the 90s & 00s; £1.50 shots, all other drinks £2, entry £3, £2 NUS. n Thur is GIRLS ON TOP lesbian night with all-girl DJs and themes: Freshers Foam Party (3), Get Your Tatts Out, with a free tattoo up for grabs (10), UV Bubble Party (17) and 7th Birthday (24); 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 DRINK DEALS: All drink specials exclude champers & doubles (excl doubling up). n OPEN: 11pm on Tue; 10.30pm Thur, Fri & Sat. Free entry passes available through the week from Bar Revenge or from www.revenge.co.uk.

n REGENCY TAVERN Sunday roasts noon5pm; Piano Bar 1.30pm; open noon n SUBLINE Bizarre Bazaar Sussex Beacon Fundraiser: adult goods 2-5pm; Come in Your Pants: DJ N.U.D.E, underwear party 9pm n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live jazz: The Ian Price Jazz Project 3pm; open noon n ZONE live music: JJ and Company 6pm; open 10am

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 Youtube Faves & karaoke 8pm; open noon n REGENCY TAVERN food noon-2.30pm & 6-8.30pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am

MONDAY 28 n A-BAR bar food noon-3pm; Mooi Caribbean food 4-10pm; Quiz: £1 entry, snowball prize 7pm; open noon n BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8.30pm; open noon n BEDFORD TAVERN 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 food noon-8pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Medication Mon; open 3pm n ENVY Studio 150: student night 10pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR Miss Jason Does Legends 9.30pm; food noon-5pm; open 11am

TUESDAY 29 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 open noon n BULLDOG 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 BlowOut! Halloween Party: Sussex LGBTQ & LGBrighTon take over 11pm

n THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS The Pickin’ Circle 8pm; open noon n ZONE open 10am WEDNESDAY 30 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 Crush: DJ Claire Fuller 10pm n BEDFORD TAVERN open noon

46 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

PICS FROM SUBLINE, THE THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS + THE ZONE

OCTOBER

LISTINGS

SUBLINE

n ONE FOR THE DIARY: Fri (4) is the MR SUBLINE THT Fundraiser with hot men and hostess Wilma Fingadoo; £3 entry for members, £4 for non-members, 100% of the door money goes to THT. n REGULARS: Fri (25) is THE BIG SCRUM sportskit night at 10pm, entry £4 in kit, £5 otherwise. n Sat is The 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. Sun (27) is the BIZARRE BAZAAR Sussex Beacon Fundraiser with adult goods sold 2–5pm. 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

n BULLDOG Diva Rush: DJ Marcia 10pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS seniors lunch 23.30pm; food 12-3pm & 6-9pm; open 12 n CHARLES ST Cabaret Carousel The Last Laugh: Trashville Tennessee’s Farewell Show 9.30pm; food noon-8pm; open noon n 112 CHURCH ST food 12-late; open 12 n DR BRIGHTONS Cocktail Clinic; open 3pm n FUNKYFISH BAR open noon n LEGENDS BAR food noon-5pm; open 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 31 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 Halloween: Ghouls On Top warm-up 9pm; open noon n BETTY LA LA’S Halloween Specials Menu! n BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant 10pm; open 11am n CAMELFORD ARMS Halloween: £300 Big Cash Spooky Quiz 9pm; food noon-3pm & 69pm; open noon

n CHARLES ST Mad Cow’s Halloween 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 12-late; open noon n DR BRIGHTONS Halloween Ball & Dance through the Decades: DJ Adam Rice 8pm; open 3pm-1am n ENVY Mad Cow’s Halloween 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 Halloween West End Show: Glam Jam 9.30pm; food 12-5pm; open 11am n MARINE TAVERN It’s Pants: free drinks

ZONE

THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS

n ONE FOR THE DAIRY: Thur (10) is COMEDY NIGHT at 8pm, free entry. n REGULARS: Tue (8 & 22) is live bluegrass and old-time country with The Pickin Circle at 8pm, free entry. n Wed is the BIG CASH QUIZ at 7.30pm. n Sun is live jazz with The Ian Price Jazz Project at 3pm, free entry. n FOOD: served noon–3pm & 6–9pm; two burger meals £15. n OPEN: daily from noon. Private function room available for parties call 01273 608571. www.3jollybutchers.com

every hour if your pants match the picture 8.30pm; open noon n MARLBOROUGH Voodoo Love Halloween Takeover: 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 Ghouls on Top: Halloween party, all-girl DJs 10.30pm n SUBLINE Leathered 9pm n ZONE Halloween: scary shots/ghoulish cocktails; open 10am

n HALLOWEEN: Sat (26) is VATE'S MOTEL with Sally Vate at 9.30pm. n Sun (27) is spooky live music with JJ and Company at 6pm. Thur (31) is a day of scary shots and ghoulish cocktails. n REGULARS: Fri is live entertainment at 9.30pm: Ian Mark Burzio (4), James Bedford (11), Eva La Diva (18) and Miss Jason (25). n Sat CABARET at 9.30pm: Sally Vate (5 & 26), Tammy Twinkle (12 & 19). n Sun is LIVE MUSIC at 6pm: tba (6) and Collusion (13), Back Beat (20). n DRINK DEALS: every Mon–Thur, day and night. n OPEN: daily from 10am.

GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 47

SOLENT & BOURNEMOUTH BOURNEMOUTH

n BAKERS ARMS 77-79 Commercial Rd, BH2 5RT, Tel: 01202 555506 n BAR VENTANA at CUMBERLAND HOTEL East Overcliff Dr, BH1 3AF, Tel: 01202 556529 www.cumberlandbournemouth.co.uk n BRANKSOME ARMS 152-154 Commercial Rd, BH2 5LU, Tel: 01202 292254 n CUMBERLAND HOTEL East Overcliff Drive, BH1 3AF, Tel: 01202 290722 www.cumberlandbournemouth.co.uk n DYMK 31 Poole Hill, BH2 5PW, www.dymk-bar.com n SAUNABAR 140 Commercial Rd, BH2 5LU, Tel: 01202 552654 www.gaysaunabournemouth.co.uk n 2930 THE TRIANGLE CLUB 29-30 The Triangle, BH2 5SE, Tel: 0845 496 2934 www.2930thetriangle.com n EASY TIGER 27 The Triangle, BH2 5SE; open: Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-6.30pm, Sun 11am-5pm. Tel: 01202 554195 www.easytigerstore.com n XCHANGE 4 The Triangle, BH2 5RY, Tel: 01202 294321

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 7pm3am, cabaret bar and club TUESDAY 1 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm 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 2 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD open till 2am n OLD VIC NUS night 7pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Bar 150 Back 2 Skool: DJ Lady Bex, Liam Searle, Cheeky Pete’s karaoke & WKD giveaways 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Charity Quiz for Southampton Musical Society 7.30pm; food noon-3pm THURSDAY 3 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm 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 Pat Cruise’s Final Karaoke Cruising 9pm; food noon-3pm; open noon FRIDAY 4 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; party till 2am SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Get Some Celeb Mask Party: DJs Lady

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

SOUTHAMPTON

n ISOBAR 100c St Mary’s Street Tel: 02380 222028 Open: Mon 5–11pm, Tue 3pm-11pm, Wed-Sat 3pm-midnight, Sun 4pm-midnight.

Modern bar, decked garden, popular with younger crowd. 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 with 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

Bex, Lohands, Rob Davies 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Fairylea: DJ Ruby Roo & Sandra 10pm; food noon-3pm SATURDAY 5 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm 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 Neil Sackley 10pm; food noon-3pm SUNDAY 6 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL Sunday lunch 12.30-2.30pm & 7-9pm; open 9am n DYMK open 2pm 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 Dolly Partem’s final Sunday Service & leaving party with Drag With No Name & DJ Lucinda Lashes 6pm; Sun lunch noon-3.30pm; open noon MONDAY 7 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm TUESDAY 8 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm

48 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT

PICS FROM THE EDGE + THE LONDON HOTEL, SOUTHAMPTON

PAT’S FINAL KARAOKE CRUISING THU (3)

FINAL SUNDAY SERVICE SUN (6)

SOLENT & BOURNEMOUTH

LONDON HOTEL SOUTHAMPTON

EDGE SOUTHAMPTON

n HALLOWEEN: Wed (30) is the BAR 150 Halloween Party with DJs Lady Bex & Liam Searle, plus Cheeky Pete's Karaoke; dress up encouraged, regular entry applies.

Thur (31) is the POP! Halloween Party with DJ Neil Sackley playing Halloween anthems; entry £1. n REGULARS: 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, (2) is BACK 2 SKOOL, (16) is 10 Year Celebration, with DJs Lady Bex & Liam Searle, plus Cheeky Pete’s Karaoke & win a case of WKD at 10.30pm; 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, (4) is Celeb Mask Party, (11) is Foam Party, with DJs Lohands, Lady Bex, Rob Davies; entry £1 b4 10.30pm, £4–£6 after. n Sat is THE BIG ONE with resident DJs and guest Phil Marriott (5), Grindr Action Party with Lee Harris (12), Rich B (19), Tim Sandford (26); entry free–£6. n OPEN: Tue & Sun 10pm–3am; Wed, Fri & Sat 10pm–5am; Thur 11pm–4am.

The Loft Lounge is open Thur & Sun. Closed Mon. www.theedgesouthampton.com

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 9 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm 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 Girlfriends Speakeasy: TV/TS get together 8pm; food noon-3pm THURSDAY 10 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm 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 Kendal 9pm; food noon-3pm; open noon

FRIDAY 11 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; party till 2am SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Get Some Foam Party: DJs Lady Bex, Lohands, Rob Davies 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Fairylea: DJ Ruby Roo & Lucinda Lashes 10pm; food noon-3pm

n HALLOWEEN: Thur (31) is Halloween Karaoke Cruising with Pete Kendal at 9pm. n ONE FOR THE DIARY: Sun (6) is Dolly Partem's FINAL SUNDAY SERVICE and Leaving Party with Drag With No Name and DJ Lucinda Lashes at 6pm. n REGULARS: Sun (from 13) is The London SUNDAY MARKET with host Miss Penny and cabaret at 8pm: Nan (13), Drag Idol winner Martha D'Arthur (20) and vocalist Aaron Alexander (27). n Wed (2) is the Charity Quiz Night for Southampton Musical Society at 7.30pm. n Thur (3) is Pat Cruise's FINAL KARAOKE CRUISING at 9pm; Pete Kendal takes over (10). n Fri is Fairylea with DJ Ruby Roo and cabaret at 10pm: Sandra (4), Lucinda Lashes (11), Fanny Dazzle (18) and Connie Conway (25). n Sat is GUILTY PLEASURES with DJs & vocalists at 8.30pm: Neil Sackley (5), Lucinda Lashes & Eva La Diva (12), Dazza (19), and Tiny & James Bedford (26). n FOOD: traditional pub food served Mon–Sat noon–3pm; Sunday lunch served noon–3.30pm, 2 courses £8.50. n OPEN: daily from noon. www.the-london.co.uk

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 Sunday Market: host Miss Penny, cabaret: Nan 8pm; Sun lunch noon3.30pm; open noon MONDAY 14 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm TUESDAY 15 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm 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 12 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE The Big One Grindr Party: 3 bars, reg DJs & guest Lee Harris 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Lucinda Lashes & Eva La Diva 10pm; food noon-3pm

WEDNESDAY 16 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD open till 2am n OLD VIC NUS night 7pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Bar 150 10 Year Anniversary: DJ Lady Bex, Liam Searle, Cheeky Pete’s karaoke & WKD giveaways 10pm n LONDON HOTEL food noon-3pm; open noon

SUNDAY 13 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL Sunday lunch 12.30-2.30pm & 7-9pm; open 9am n DYMK open 2pm

THURSDAY 17 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm

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 Kendal 9pm; food noon-3pm; open noon FRIDAY 18 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm 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 & Fanny Dazzle 10pm; food noon-3pm SATURDAY 19 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 3am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE The Big One: 3 bars, reg DJs & guest Rich B 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Dazza 10pm; food noon-3pm SUNDAY 20 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL Sunday lunch 12.30-2.30pm & 7-9pm; open 9am n DYMK open 2pm 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 Sunday Market: host Miss Penny, cabaret: Martha D’Arthur 8pm; Sun lunch noon-3.30pm; open noon

GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 49

LUCINDA LASHES FRI (11)

SOLENT & BOURNEMOUTH 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

MONDAY 21 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm TUESDAY 22 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm 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 23 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm

THURSDAY 24 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm 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 Kendal 9pm; food noon-3pm; open noon FRIDAY 25 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm 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 & Connie Conway 10pm; food noon-3pm SATURDAY 26 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am

n DYMK open 2pm 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 Tim Sanford 10pm n LONDON HOTEL Guilty Pleasures: DJ Tiny & James Bedford 10pm; food noon-3pm

TUESDAY 29 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm PORTSMOUTH n OLD VIC Quiz 8pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Bomb It!: video jukebox 10pm n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm

SUNDAY 27 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL Sunday lunch 12.30-2.30pm & 7-9pm; open 9am n DYMK open 2pm 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 Sunday Market: host Miss Penny, cabaret: Aaron Alexander 8pm; Sun lunch noon-3.30pm; open noon

WEDNESDAY 30 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD open till 2am n OLD VIC NUS night 7pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Bar 150 Halloween: DJ Lady Bex, Liam Searle, Cheeky Pete’s karaoke, WKD giveaways dress up! 10pm n LONDON HOTEL food 12-3pm; open noon

MONDAY 28 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD DJ till 2am n OLD VIC food noon-5pm; open noon SOUTHAMPTON n LONDON HOTEL chillout; food noon-3pm

THURSDAY 31 BOURNEMOUTH n CUMBERLAND HOTEL open 9am n DYMK open 2pm PORTSMOUTH n HAMPSHIRE BLVD karaoke till 2am n OLD VIC karaoke 8pm; food noon-5pm SOUTHAMPTON n EDGE Pop Halloween Party: DJ Neil Sackley 11pm n LONDON HOTEL Halloween Karaoke Cruising: Pete Kendal 9pm; food noon-3pm; open noon

50 GSCENE TRANSGENDER SEEKING

ARTS JAKE BUGG

BY MICHAEL HOOTMAN

MICKY FLANAGAN

Kings Rd, Brighton, Box office: 0844 847 1515 www.brightoncentre.co.uk Music highlights include: n THE SEEKERS (Tue 1); n LAWSON (Fri 4); n JAKE BUGG (Tue 22). n RUSSELL BRAND: MESSIAH COMPLEX (Fri 18) is the comic’s latest show looking at the importance of heroes in this age of atheistic disposability. Plus there's sex.

Obviously. n LOVE BEYOND - THE MUSICAL (Sun 13). A new musical summarising the whole Bible with a cast of world class singers, actors and live musicians.

Richard Haley's creative team includes actress Tabitha Webb (Les Mis, Phantom of the Opera) and Israel Oyelumade (About a Boy, Pirates of the Caribbean, Africa Snow). n MICKY FLANAGAN BACK IN THE GAME TOUR (Wed 23). One of the superstars of British stand up (Mock The Week, Have I Got News For You, 8 Out of 10 Cats). “Gutwrenchingly hilarious” Daily Mirror; “Excellent, funny and poignant” The Observer; “Side-splitting” The Sunday Times.

KOMEDIA

ZOE LYONS

n BILL BAILEY: QUALMPEDDLER (Oct 24). Bill had Doubts about the modern world, but these have now grown into Qualms. He will channel these feelings of unease and apprehension with the help of religious dubstep, his folk bouzouki, Horntallica, a re-appraisal of some of the world’s greatest works of art and perhaps a dub version of Downton Abbey. He looks at the consequences of lies, the unending search for the Higgs and the hiding skills of dentists. Bill confronts his cluster-qualm of living in a time of spectacular ignorance, and rare planetary alignment that may be part of the Mayan End of Days prophecy. Bailey's latest show has the all classic Bill Bailey elements: trademark musical mash-ups, multi-lingual riffs, films, songs, philosophizing and silliness on a grand scale.

“He's a genius, full stop. Calling this Swiftian satirist, versatile multiinstrumentalist and gifted actor merely a comic genius is like calling Michelangelo a house painter” The West Australian

Gardner Street, Brighton Box office: 0845 293 8480 www.komedia.co.uk n BENT DOUBLE (Sun 6). Hosted by star of Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow, Zoe Lyons, “I

was crying with laughter from start to finish” Latest 7. Features headliner Australian star Hannah Gadsby, with her droll delivery, delightful wordplay and heartbreakingly funny, self-deprecating observations have delighted audiences all over the world “Critics’ Choice” The Times; HANNAH GADSBY

BRIGHTON CENTRE

24 Kensington St, Brighton Box office: 01273 699733 www.thebasement.uk.com n TRANSGENDER SEEKING… (Thu 24). Jimmy is trying to quit romance so he’ll never get hurt again. Since the break-up, he’s been trying to prove that he’s 'Great! Fine! Never been better!'

But his secret comforts include watching cheesy old black and white romance films – don’t tell his radical friends. Transgender Seeking… is an exposing, funny and tender look at queer relationships including run-ins with the polyamory police, online dating mishaps, and how relationship scripts and bigger political systems like policing and prisons affect interpersonal relationships in queer communities (and beyond). It is an hilarious confession of a queer romance-aholic. ‘Beautiful, articulate, well considered and very sophisticated…

Complex and difficult subjects are delivered in the most accessible and authentic way. It’s light hearted, fresh and wank free…. Sunny drake is a progressive queer visionary.’

Samesame, Australia The show will be followed by a post-show discussion with Sunny Drake chaired by Jason Price, Lecturer in Contemporary Theatre and Performance at the University of Sussex.

plus Grainne McGuire “An exceptional comedy mind” The Skinny and Larry Dean, a star on the circuit, “Engaging and funny” Three Weeks.

EMPORIUM 88 London Road, Brighton Box office: www.emporiumbrighton.com n THE STORIES OF SHAKEY P (Tue 1–Sat 5). Charlie Dupré gives Shakespeare's stories a riveting contemporary slant by reimagining the Bard as a playground battle rapper. The show THE STORIES OF SHAKEY P

THE BASEMENT

unprecedented journey into the mind of one our most fascinating cultural icons.

LATEST Latest Music Bar, Manchester St, Brighton, 01273 687171 www.thelatest.co.uk/musicbar n FEMROCK (7pm, Wed 2) is a monthly female-fronted queerfeminist night with live music, spoken word and DJs. n HAVE A WORD (8pm, Tues 8).

An evening of written word, open mic and music, with performances from artist and writer Gregoire Aubert; writer, comedian and blogger Elaine Axten; poet and historian Alice Purnell OBE; and

ALICE PURNELL

the Baltimore, and more. Look out for gin in the teapots and exclusive tea and cake packages.

Suitable for absolute beginners or experienced dancers, 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! Advanced booking highly recommended to secure your table n THE LOVESONG OF ALFRED J HITCHCOCK (Mon 7–Sat 12). Alfred Hitchcock, at the height of his powers, is possessed by a dreamlike vision of a woman. From his director’s chair the 60 year-old Hitchcock begins to unravel some of the defining films of our time, drawing us into the imagination of one of the world’s most mysterious creative minds.

Adapted for New Perspectives from his award-winning radio play, David Rudkin’s poetic new play takes a unique look at the way the great filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock developed the ideas of his most famous films, including Marnie, Vertigo, Psycho and Strangers On A Train. The result is a unique and haunting character study and an

historian poet and writer Peter Daniels. There will also be open mic from Nicolas Collins, Luca Loopa, Fabio Miskin and Sandra; plus music from Josh The Barber.

A collection tin will be on hand for the Sussex Beacon, the care centre for men and women with HIV/AIDS related illnesses. Tickets: £6. n FORGET-ME-NOT WEARS THE TROUSERS (7.30pm, Wed 23).

Devised, written and directed by Sharon Elizabeth with musical

FORGET-ME-NOT WEARS THE TROUSERS

RAGROOF PPLAYERS

repackages several of the best known works, including a peek at Richard III's therapy sessions, Othello in the style of Eminem's Stan, the Weird Sisters' account of their dealings with Macbeth, and a psychotically rhythmic insight into Hamlet's inner turmoil.

“Truly outstanding - rip-roaring entertainment” Broadway Baby.

“A feat of linguistic acrobatics… the best English lesson you never had” The Scotsman n RAGROOF TEA DANCE: GREAT GATSBY (2–5pm, Sun 6). The Ragroof Players bring their renowned Tea Dances to Emporium with authentic vintage music, glamorous costumes, glorious dance displays and instant dance classes. October's theme is 'Great Gatsby': relive the Prohibition era of wild flappers, the Charleston,

LOVESONG OF ALFRED J HITCHCOCK

GSCENE 51

52 GSCENE

BLUEPRINT 22 ART AUCTION

ARTS

BY MICHAEL HOOTMAN

MARLBOROUGH THEATRE

WALKING:HOLDING

4 Princes St, Brighton Box office: www.brownpapertickets.com n MARLENE DIETRICH - AN AFFECTIONATE TRIBUTE (Sat 19).

Marlene, movie star, cabaret artiste, war hero and legend!

Terry Sanderson looks at the many aspects of Dietrich’s complex personality. He explores her legendary movie career using generous clips from her best films then, accessing rare archive material, give a moving tribute to her phenomenal work as an anti-Nazi during WW2. The evening culminates with a complete performance, on the big screen, of her fabulous onewoman show, with which she toured the world. Recorded in Sweden in 1963, this is Dietrich at her peak, accompanied by Burt Bacharach and his orchestra.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see a legendary performer in dazzling form.

foot drag queen walks you past a church. A hooded youth puts his arm around you as you sit together on a bench. A white haired woman hugs you goodbye as you leave. Walking:Holding is a one-on-one walk through town, in the hands of strangers.

Rosana Cade is a Glaswegian artist whose work and research is firmly rooted in a queer discourse.

“Everyone acknowledged the astute provocation in Cade’s seemingly simple concept with its flesh-and-blood challenge to prejudices, its honouring of individuals and their differences” Mary Brennan, The Herald n IN CAPACITY HOUSE (Fri 25).

Donald spends his days rehearsing for his next show as alternative Glaswegian drag queen Miss Diagnosis. Trapped in the confines of his tiny flat, Donald knows strangers steal his IN CAPACITY HOUSE

MARLENE DIETRICH

director, composer Paul Lewis at the piano. International cabaret artiste Forget-Me-Not slips past the censor and turns up the heat, performing risqué and banned songs from the 1920s and 30s and celebrating Jazz Age sexual liberation and gender crosspollination! A fabulous feast of vocal versatility. Tickets £10/£8.

work while he sleeps. He can only mourn the brilliant life that they have taken from him. The government, family, friends and siblings are all under suspicion.

“Ken McLoone’s performance as Miss Diagnosis is subtle and understated, almost the opposite of every other drag show” FringeGuru.

THEATRE ROYAL n WALKING:HOLDING (one on one slots from 2pm, Sat 19 & Sun 20). A woman with a shaved head takes your hand in a station. A large man dressed in black leads you down an alley. An Indian woman holding a rose greets you outside a pub. A six-

New Road, Brighton, Box office: 08448 717650 n FASCINATING AIDA: CHARM OFFENSIVE (Sun 20). Dillie Keane, Adele Anderson and Liza Pullman take to the road once again with a selection of old and new songs to celebrate 30 years of being at the top of the cabaret tree.

n BLUEPRINT 22, the Worthing-based social enterprise aimed at young people aged 16-25, is seeking artists to donate their artwork for an online auction through October. All funds raised will be used to support the organisation's projects, which encourage young people to get motivated and involved in tailor-made projects designed specifically by young people for young people, with the support of the Blueprint 22 team. In return, artists, and links to their work, will be promoted and advertised on the Blueprint 22 website. Artists will also be seen as supporting a social enterprise and doing some good in their local community. If you would like to donate your artwork, email Duncan Thrussell duncan.thrussell@blueprint22.org.uk or call 07703 471243, www.blueprint22.org.uk

UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON GALLERY Grand Parade, Brighton, arts.brighton.ac.uk n JAN ŠVANKMAJER: THE INNER LIFE OF OBJECTS (Oct 11–Dec 2), presented by Cinecity, heralds the 50th anniversary of his first film and features sets and decors, puppets, costumes, drawings and storyboards from many of his acclaimed films including Alice, Punch and Judy, Lunacy, A Quiet Week in the House, Little Otik and Surviving Life. The exhibition also includes prints and sculptures, including imaginary beasts assembled from bones, shells and stone, in his Historia Naturae series, made between 1972 and 2012.

Jan was born in 1934 in Prague, the capital of magic and alchemy, where he still lives and works. A surrealist, with a background in marionette and puppet theatre, he has drawn on an enduring fascination with Lewis Carroll, Edgar Allan Poe, Freud, De Sade and Arcimboldo, court painter to the legendary 16th Century Bohemian emperor Rudolf II. Prolific across the arts, he is best known for the dark, surreal visions and macabre comedy of his films. Combining live action, puppetry and a rich range of animation techniques, he is widely recognised as one of the most original and influential film-makers in world cinema, and his work has greatly influenced other artists such as Terry Gilliam, the Brothers Quay, and many others.

“The world is divided into two unequal camps: those who have never heard of Jan Švankmajer and those who happen upon his work and know that they have come face to face with genius“ Anthony Lane, The New Yorker

BRIGHTON COMEDY FESTIVAL The annual festival of mirth takes place at three venues in the city: The Dome, The Old Market and Komedia.

For tickets, call: 01273 709 709, 01273 201 801 and 0845 293 8480 respectively. n OPENING NIGHT GALA (Fri 4), hosted by Alan Carr in aid of Sussex Beacon, kicks the festival off in style with Jack Dee, Jon Richardson, Angela Barnes, Kevin Bridges, Seann Walsh, Adam Hills, Simon Evans and Suzi Ruffell on the stage of the Dome. n HANNAH GADSBY: HAPPINESS IS A BEDSIDE TABLE (Thur 10). Australian Hannah Gadsby has written a new show about the lowest point in her life (thus far) and how she eventually found happiness in a piece of furniture. Contains imagined nudity and metaphorical nakedness. “Humour with heart, hips and brains” Adelaide Advertiser. (Komedia)

GSCENE 53

GAYZED EXHIBITION The Strand Gallery, 32 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6BP www.gayphotographersnetwork.co.uk/exhibition n GAYZED, the annual exhibition by the GAY PHOTOGRAPHERS NETWORK, takes over The Strand Gallery, London (Tues 15–Sun 20 Oct). The annual exhibition highlights the eclectic styles of the network’s members (from emerging talent to established photographers) and covers a spectrum of genres with over 100 images on display. Spanish born Brighton photographer, Manel Orgeta, who took part in the Pride Icons exhibition in August, and has also taken cover shots for Gscene, has two images in the exhibition. The Gay Photographers Network is once again supporting the Disabled Photographers Society and this year The River House Trust, with donations and a percentage from sales that have helped raise thousands of pounds for charity since the first exhibition in 2010.

The Strand Gallery is open from Tue-Sat 11am-6pm; Sun 11am-3pm.

Free entry. www.manelortega.co.uk

HORRID HALLOWEEN SHOW

n GORRID THE HORRID & THE MISSING INGREDIENT by Brighton duo AL START and NICOLA BLOOM hits the road this autumn in a whistle-stop half term tour as part of the Family Arts Festival. Gorrid is a musical show for the whole family featuring original songs, puppetry, silly comedy, a little gloop and a very special effect! Following the sell-out success of their first show A Pirate Adventure, the duo took to the spooky basement to write this charmingly disgusting tale of friendship, mystery, spells and witches cats! Gorrid the Horrid is trying to get her Ghastly Cookery badge, but the harder she tries the nicer her food tastes. Gorrid finds a Really Rancid Recipe but the vital ingredient is missing. Join Gorrid and her kooky friends as she goes in search of the missing ingredient... The Gorrid shows are part of The Big Draw, and Al is joining forces with children’s illustrator, Chloe Batchelor (who did the drawings for the Gorrid The Horrid book) to animate sections of the action during the show. “We’re attempting the biggest ‘Big Draw Live’ ever” says Al, “Chloe will be showing us how to draw Gorrid! We’ll be armed with pens and paper as she takes us step-by-step how to draw awesome cartoons!”

Dress up in your spookiest costume and arrive in good time as there will be plenty to do and see.

MUSIC, STORY & ART SESSION is at: n Bags of Books, 1 South St, Lewes, (Sat, Oct 26), http://bags-ofbooks.co.uk. Sing some spooky songs with Al and learn how to draw cartoons like Gorrid and her friends with illustrator Chloe Batchelor.

Booking essential: 01273 479320, tickets £3 per child (siblings £5 total).

GORRID THE HORRID & THE MISSING INGREDIENT shows are at: n All Saints Centre, Friars Walk, Lewes (2.30pm, Thur, Oct 31). Tickets from Union Music Store, 01273 474053, www.unionmusicstore.com. n Chyngton Primary School, Millberg Rd, Seaford, BN25 3ST, (1.30pm, Sat, Nov 2). Tickets from The Archway, 1 Blatchington Rd, Seaford. n Komedia, Gardner St, Brighton (12.30pm, Sun, Nov 3). Tickets from Komedia Box Office, 0845 293 8480, www.komedia.co.uk/brighton.

All tickets are £6, family of four £20 (plus booking fees where applicable), under twos go free on laps. Suitable for all ages, and primarily aimed at under 10s. www.alstart.co.uk

OSKA BRIGHT FILM FESTIVAL 2013

n OSKA BRIGHT FILM FESTIVAL is the world’s first and only festival of short films made by people with learning disabilities - that is produced, managed and presented by a learning disabled team. This year is the sixth edition of this biennial festival and looks set to be the biggest yet with more entries than ever before from more countries. In total 57 films from the UK, Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Germany and Canada are being shown.

For Becky Bruzas and Jason Eade, selecting films to include in the Oska Bright Film Festival brings joy and pain in equal measure. The decision making process for the team can be fraught. Becky said: “We have long and often rather lively discussions about the content, production values and audience appeal of the submitted films. The festival runs for three days with different categories of films, screened in timed sessions. This year we had several films with adult content, so we have put these into an evening slot.”

Jason added: “It is important that people can choose the sort of films they want to see. We also have films that make us laugh, films about people and spooky films.”

Oska Bright Film Festival is not just about getting the work of these artists into the public eye; it promotes a completely inclusive approach to the arts. There are opportunities for networking, for seeing the latest digital art and for participation.

The Festival culminates in an awards ceremony with winners announced on the spot by guests from the film industry, Parliament and the arts. The Oskas are made by Andy Kee, who is a tireless advocate for artists and makers with learning disabilities. He said: “The festival gives people with learning disabilities a chance to show what is important in their lives – their hopes and their fears.”

Oska Bright celebrates the artistic achievements of people with learning disabilities and demonstrates the independence and creativity of this community. Now, perhaps more than ever, this festival is of value to society – bringing people in, from ‘out there.’

Oska Bright is managed, produced and presented by people with learning disabilities. It is a Carousel project, in partnership with Junk TV. Carousel is a charity that has pioneered learning-disability arts for over thirty years. n OSKA BRIGHT FILM FESTIVAL, Brighton Dome’s Corn Exchange, Church Street, Brighton, Sunday, November 17 to Tuesday, November 19, 2013.

Tickets: £12 festival pass or £3 per screening session.

For full schedule, venue information and tickets, view: www.oskabright.co.uk/

54 GSCENE

ICE ICE BABY Olympic star Robin Cousins will be bringing his unique take on ice dancing to the Brighton Centre this Christmas.

Kat Pope ice-popped the questions…

It's not often that you find yourself comparing scars with an Olympic champion but that's just what I found myself doing at the launch of Robin Cousins' ICE, a brand new ice dance show which will be filling the Brighton Centre in that awkward period just after Christmas.

“I had another knee reconstruction last winter. That makes, oooh, nine I think,” he says with startling nonchalance in response to my question about whether he still keeps fit. It turns out that Robin had already gone through two lots of knee surgery before he'd even got to the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics where he won the coveted gold medal.

ice skating had become in the 1980s thanks to both his own success and Torvill and Dean's, who won gold at the 1984 Olympics.

Electric Ice and Ice Majesty are now a distant memory from over 30 years ago, but it was photographs from his first sold-out show at London's Victoria Palace Theatre that producer Jamie Wilson used to entice Robin into this new venture. Mind you, you couldn't exactly accuse Robin of ice-idleness between then and now. Along with his successful forays into acting, he's kept the choreography going with ten productions of Holiday on Ice, that perennial Brighton Centre favourite. And of course, younger TV viewers will know him as the popular head judge on ITV's Dancing on Ice which has introduced a whole new generation to the joys of expressive ice skating.

Matthew Bourne or someone like that. Our lighting designer actually works with Matthew Bourne. There'll still be terrific patterns made out on the ice and I still love my 'birding' as I call it, where I plan it from above, but it'll be more lyrical than Holiday On Ice, more intimate.”

Is there a theme?

“No, well, the theme is just movement itself.

There's no narrative. The skating will speak for itself really. I don't want people coming expecting a Holiday On Ice production, although it's certainly not going to be highbrow and only geared towards an elite.

It's still going to be fast and fun and there's going to be humour in there, but it will have more of a dance feel. I still want people to sit and have a great time with it, a fun time, of course.”

We sit sipping our special Robin Cousins Smoothies, obviously dreamt up by the PR people on a boiling hot day, as the rain batters the windows of the Brighton Centre Hospitality Suite. I try to get to grips with the diagram Robin's drawn me of the stage set-up and I fail miserably. Let's just say he's a lot better at skating than he is at drawing.

“My physio said to me ‘You were a second class athlete before you even got to be an Olympic champion.‘ I was always being told that I was too skinny, that I wasn't strong enough, that I was too tall.”

But Robin didn't let this put him off; “There's nothing like someone telling you that, to make you want to push even harder.”

The Bristol-born lad who was bitten by the ice skating bug aged nine when he happened upon a rink on a family holiday, won numerous British, European and World Championship titles both before and after his Olympic triumph.

Famous for his beautifully airy but marvellously controlled triple jumps and his daring backflip move which was banned from all competitions as soon as it was perfected, Robin was a perfect young man on the ice, and if you watch his performances on YouTube, you'll be captivated by his grace, boldness, athleticism, and sheer bloody gorgeousness.

After problems with both his back and knees, Robin retired from competitive skating to branch out in a new direction - ice dancing and choreography, and from that he's since expanded into acting, having appeared as Billy Flynn in the London production of Chicago and Frank'n'furter in the Rocky Horror Show among other roles. The first shows he choreographed, and appeared in himself, were instant hits, due in no small part to how big

Robin won't be performing himself in this new venture having retired from the ice in 2000.

“I can still get out on the ice perfectly to choreograph and I can still cut a figure, but I certainly wouldn't put it out there again in public,” he laughs. “Been there, done that.

But I've got these creative ideas for all the things I would be doing if I could still skate in public – but I just get to do them on other people now.”

I ask him how Ice is going to be different to Holiday on Ice. “Well, it's got a much more adult feel to it, in that it has more 'chamber' moments, more intimate moments on the ice. We use an international cast of 14 hand-picked skaters, but sometimes there will only be, say, three on the ice. I'm approaching it like a contemporary dance piece, rather like a

It just looks like a wonky rectangle to me.

He laughs at my bewilderment. “David (Shields) has designed this set, and most of it's in the back as people need to see the skating in the main rink part, but the lookthrough to the set...” but I'm lost, not having seen an ice show for years. All I can say is that the photos looked fabulous, but as to what will go where, your guess is as good as mine.

We get on to a seemingly easier subject and one which Robin's just as passionate about – the music.

“Electro swing. I love it!”

Oh bum, I'm back in the dunce's corner again.

What's electro swing when it's at its gran's?

“It's that sort of, well, there's this great band called Club Des Belugas who have these new songs that sound like they've come out of the

GSCENE 55 1950s, but they've got this great modern feel.”

More examples please, Mr Cousins?

“Brian Setzer, who did the Dirty Boogie? A sort of rockabilly feel with a bit of tech thrown in?”

Nope.

“What about burlesque type shows? They've had a bit of a renaissance lately. They have an old feel to them but sound really modern. It's just fun, really fun.”

Now I'm sort of getting it.

“The music is really eclectic,” he enthuses. “There's Elton, Lady Gaga, some electro swing, and some from this really great Icelandic composer I found about five years ago on Spotify; Ólafur Arnalds. He's now done the theme to Broadchurch but I found him first! There are eight numbers in all with a terrific finale. Oh, and there's a bit of flying too!”

“It's a show where the choreography is driven by the music, where the movement has room to breathe, and the skaters can let their blades do the talking. This is me taking the history of what I've done since winning the gold and putting it out there in this wonderful space.”

Talking of wonderful spaces, I take the opportunity to ask one of our best known skaters and one of the city's favourite residents about the possibility of having a permanent ice rink in Brighton & Hove.

He doesn't just roll his eyes, his whole body slumps back and a massive groan deflates his chest.

“It's ongoing, it's ongoing,” he sighs. “Black Rock is still the preferred site, I know that much. It's the budgets, it's the funding, it's everything.”

I suggest it's also something in the Brighton air that stops large projects ever getting off the ground. He nods, but I feel he's not going to be drawn on the politics of the subject. “I would love, love, love for a rink to show its face again in Brighton somewhen very soon, as Brighton has such a huge skating history. We have the Pavilion in the winter months which does really well, but there just aren't enough people who would go to an ice rink to sustain it all year round,” he sighs again.

Lastly, I ask Robin why gay peeps should come to see Ice. “Well, Brighton has a fantastic gay community and they've always been supportive and have loved Holiday on Ice. Anyone who loves dance, movement, and having a fun evening out will adore this show. So all I can really say is, come on down!”

info

n Robin Cousins ICE: The Skating Stage Experience at The Brighton Centre (and on tour), January 22–February 2, 2014.

Tickets: £22.50-£42.50 For more information, view: www.brightoncentre.co.uk

MARLENE COMES TO BRIGHTON The greatest gay icon of them all strides the stage again She also became, as all divas should, a bit of a monster. When she appeared at the Edinburgh Festival in 1964 she demanded that thousands of programmes that had already been printed should be pulped because she didn’t like the pictures that they had chosen for it. And that was only the beginning of her demands. Lord Harwood, She started out as a jobbing actress in the who was director of the festival, said glory days of Weimar Berlin in the 1920s. having Marlene there was one of the most Taking full advantage of the ‘divine traumatic times of his life. But such was her decadence’ of the time, she courted the girls, success that they had to invite her again the dressed in drag and made full use of the following year. thriving gay scene. After starring in The Blue Now veteran gay journalist, Terry Angel she shot to Hollywood fame and Sanderson, explores the life and career of became a screen legend second to none.

With sixty films under her belt, she was still this fascinating and complex woman in a show at the Marlborough Theatre in taking starring roles in the 1970s.

Brighton. He looks at her film career, using When Hitler came to power, Marlene ditched generous clips from her campest films and exploring her valiant anti-Nazi activities. her German nationality and became an Finally there will be a showing, on a big American citizen. From there she joined the allied war effort and gained a reputation for screen, of Marlene’s fabulous one-woman her determination and bravery. The Americans show. Recorded in Sweden in 1964, this is Dietrich at her peak. rewarded her with a Medal of Freedom – the highest honour a civilian can achieve, and Terry said: “Marlene was definitely a woman the French gave her the Légion d'honneur. ahead of her time – so far ahead, in fact, The Germans never really forgave her. that I don’t think we’ve caught up with her yet. Her unconventional sexuality – was she Reinventing herself after the war as a firstrate cabaret artist, Marlene toured the world gay, bisexual, straight or just Queer? – is fascinating. Her films are hypnotic, often with Burt Bacharach, becoming one of the only because she is in them, and her cabaret highest paid entertainers of all time. Her show is a wonder to behold. Once seen, show was a small work of theatrical genius never forgotten. Marlene has been described that kept the crowds flocking. It was a as a force of nature, and despite the 200 particular favourite among gay men who recognised an icon when they saw one and it books written about her, we’ve yet to get to the bottom of her fascination.” appealed to gay women because they also knew that Marlene was one of their own. n MARLENE DIETRICH – AN AFFECTIONATE She made little secret of her love for other TRIBUTE, Marlborough Theatre, 4 Princes women and spread her favours generously.

Street, Brighton, 3.30pm and 7.30pm, Indeed, she was ‘outed’ as a lesbian by Confidential magazine in 1955, but she seems Saturday, October 19. Tickets: £12, from to have shrugged it off and been unaffected. http://marlene.brownpapertickets.com Marlene Dietrich is one of the most enduring of all gay icons – glamorous, outrageous, brave and entirely unconcerned with convention. Her long career spanned just about the whole of the 20th century, and her legend continues even now, twenty years after her death.

56 GSCENE

BY NICK BOSTON

I’ve been listening to three CDs of music by Anton Bruckner (18241896).

n First of all, the Symphony No. 2 in Marek Janowski’s continuing survey of the symphonies with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande.

Pentatone PTC5186448 n The second is not the most exciting of Bruckner’s symphonies, but Janowski provides a great sense of the overall architecture of this lyrical work. As ever, there are the revision issues, and here we have the later 1877 version – until relatively recently the standard performing edition was a combination of revisions made by Robert Haas, and had the Scherzo second in order, rather than third as it is here. These details aside, this is a commanding performance, with a particularly spirited finale.

Janowski has also released a recording of Bruckner’s Mass in F minor, again with the Orchestre de

particularly deserving mention.

Pentatone PTC5186501 n Finally, another cycle of the symphonies is well under way, with the young (and gay) French Canadian conductor, Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Orchestre Metropolitain from Montreal. The Symphony No. 6 is one of the lesser performed, and here it receives a very clear and straightforward performance. That is not to say it lacks interest, more that this is a modern interpretation, without overindulgence or excessive. There are moments when this approach sounds a little matter of fact, but the payoff is uncluttered and precise playing from the orchestra.

Generally, the tempi are steady, and in fact similar to Janowski’s, except for the first movement,

Winter Garden, 14 Compton St, Eastbourne, BN21 4BP Tel: 01323 412000, www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk n The London Philharmonic Orchestra (3pm, Sun 13) perform excerpts from Bizet’s Carmen, Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 (with Rustem Hayroudinoff), and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, conducted by Giancarlo Guerrero.

CINEMA n The Royal Ballet have a live

relay in local cinemas of Carlos Acosta’s production of Marius Petipa’s ballet Don Quixote, with music by Ludwig Minkus, and which Nézet-Séguin actually pushes slightly – although this does mean that he avoids the slight anti-climax that can often be felt after the mammoth opening movement. Overall, I enjoyed this interpretation and intend to seek out others in his series (he has so far recorded numbers 4, 6, 7 and 8).

Atma Classique ACD22639

CONCERTS BRIGHTON DOME Tel: 01273 709709, www.brightondome.org n After a financial scare over the summer, and a successful campaign to raise £70,000 to save

BRIGHTN PHILHARMONIC ORCH

la Suisse Romande, joined by the Rundfunkchor Berlin. This is a magnificent choral work, and it receives a suitably reverent performance here. The choir produce a full-blooded sound, although there could be a little more attention to the dynamic range – they never really achieve a real pianissimo. Nevertheless, the solo quartet is strong, with soprano Lenneke Ruiten

CONGRESS THEATRE

BRIGHTON EARLY MUSIC FESTIVAL, now in its 11th year, is this year entitled PASSION, (Fri Oct 25 to Sun Nov 10), with a mix of established names, young professional soloists and ensembles, and local amateur performers. Details and booking: www.bremf.org.uk n THE ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT and Glyndebourne join together in a project using local dancers, musicians and instrumentalists from the OAE and the Brighton Early Music Live! Project.

Entitled VOWS & VICTIMS, the project is inspired by JeanPhilippe Rameau, and is a response to Glyndebourne’s recent production of Rameau’s Hippolyte et Aricie; (3pm, Sat 5 Oct, St George's Church). The OAE return later in the festival, bringing their Night Shift Pub Tour to a central Brighton pub; (30 min sets at 8.30pm & 9.30pm Mon 21 Oct) check the OAE website for the venue, www.oae.co.uk).

BREMF COV

REVIEWS

n BREMF CONSORT OF VOICES are

Acosta in the lead role of Basilio, (7.15pm, Wed 16), including: Duke‘s at the Komedia, (Brighton www.picturehouses.co.uk); Odeon Cinema (Brighton www.odeon.co.uk); Cineworld (Eastbourne www.cineworld.co.uk); and the Picturedrome (Bognor Regis www.picturedromebognor.com).

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

joined by 2006 Choir of the Year winners, CHANTAGE, for a concert of music by Tallis, Byrd and other sacred music from the period of Henry VIII to Elizabeth I. The concert is titled 40 SHADES OF SPEM IN ALIUM and will include a performance of Tallis’ famous 40 part work; (7.30pm, Sun 27 Oct, St Bartholomew's Church).

MARIAN CONSORT

NOTES

the orchestra, the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra begin their new season with a concert (2.45pm, Sun 6) of Beethoven – The Leonora Overture No. 3, The Sixth Symphony and The Piano Concerto No. 5, with Jayson Gillham on piano and Barry Wordsworth conducting.

LONDON PHILHARMONIC ORCH

CLASSICAL

GSCENE 57

ART

M AT T E R S

BY ENZO MARRA

DAME EMMA KIRKBY

n Fellow BREMF Co-Artistic Director, Deborah Roberts’ own group, MUSICA SECRETA, are joined by members of BREMF Consort for Voices for PASSION & THE PRINCESS, a programme devised by Dr Laurie Stras, exploring marriage, murder and madness at the court of Ferrara; (7.30pm, Sat 2 Nov, The Old Market, Hove). n DAME EMMA KIRKBY, the festival's ever-supportive patron, also returns with a concert of

Mall Galleries, London, www.threadneedleprize.com n We will begin with THE THREADNEEDLE PRIZE, where my painting Observer – Sadie Coles Gallery has been included. All works in the competition were selected by a prestigious panel of specialists. You can visit the exhibition (10am–5pm, Sep 25–Oct 12), and vote for your favourite work to win the £10,000 Visitors' Choice Award. Founded in 2008, The Threadneedle Prize is the leading competition for figurative and representational painting and sculpture for artists working in the UK and Europe. The Prize exists to encourage debate about the role of figurative art in the contemporary art scene. The line-up for Critics’ View includes Jake Chapman (Chapman Brothers), Gregor Muir (ICA Director) and Nitin Sawhney (musician, composer, producer), who join Jon Snow (Channel 4 News) for a free event (1pm, Oct 8) to give their view on one work they’ve selected from the exhibition.

TOWNER College Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4JJ, www.townereastbourne.org.uk CHIHARU SHIOTA has been commissioned to create an ambitious, immersive installation for the entire gallery space (Oct 11, 2013–Jan 5, 2014). Chiharu Shiota is a Japanese performance and installation artist known for creating monumental yet delicate environments. You can walk around inside the installation, entering a dense other-wordly labyrinth woven from black yarn – woollen cocoons which arose from the artist’s desire to ‘draw in the air’ and represent physical anxieties she has personally experienced.

BRIGHTON MUSEUM & ART GALLERY

n The festival closes (Sun 10 Nov) at St Bartholomew's Church with a performance of J S Bach's St John Passion. THE BREMF PLAYERS, lead by Alison Bury, are joined by the BREMF SINGERS, and the performance is conducted by John Hancorn.

Andrew Griffiths is the Evangelist, and George Humphreys is Christus.

Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton, www.brighton-hove-rpml.org.uk n SUBVERSIVE DESIGN (Oct 12, 2013–Mar 9, 2014). From high fashion to high street consumerism, cheeky ceramics to controversial chairs, provocative lamps to ‘rubbish’ jewellery, this major exhibition sets out to subvert your preconceptions and challenge your relationship with everyday objects. Exploring how designers, makers and manufacturers react to the world around them, playing with form, function and materials to create objects that provoke and amuse. The exhibition includes work by Alexander McQueen, David Shrigley, Philippe Starck, Grayson Perry, Richard Slee, Vivienne Westwood and Leigh Bowery.

Admission: adults £6, concs £4, disabled £4, B&H resident (with proof of address) £3, children (5-15 years) and members free. n Following the members’ Private View, Peyton and Byrne are hosting a SUBVERSIVE DESIGN CURATOR DINNER in the Royal Pavilion Tearooms (8pm, Oct 11) with a specially designed three course menu and cocktail on arrival, along with the chance to discuss the exhibition with the curator. Tickets: £30, £25 members (book in advance).

SEBASTIAN BRAJKOVIC

n THE MARIAN CONSORT, the young ensemble that wowed the festival last year, return with BREAKING THE RULES, a concert-drama exploring the work and life of Carlo Gesualdo. They are joined by the CELESTIAL SIRENS, with a script by BREMF Co-Artistic Director, Clare Norburn; (7.30pm, Sun 3 Nov, St Bartholomew's Church).

music by John Dowland, with Jacob Heringman on the lute (8pm, Fri 8 Nov, St George's Church). They are joined by three young professional lute-song duos, who will also be appearing with Emma and Jacob in a masterclass the day before; (7.30pm, Thurs 7 Nov, St George's Church). n RACHEL PODGER the internationally renowned baroque violinist performs Bach, Tartini, Matteis and Pisendel, as well as Biber's Guardian Angel from his Mystery Sonatas; (11am, Sun 10 Nov, Brighton Dome Corn Exchange). The day before, Rachel is also holding a masterclass at Brighton College; (4.30pm, Sat 9 Nov).

RACHEL PODGER

MARIAN CONSORT

THE ORCHESTRA OF THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT

THREADNEEDLE PRIZE

58 GSCENE

FILM

BY MICHAEL HOOTMAN

BLUE JASMINE Dir: Woody Allen Stars: Cate Blanchett, Alec Baldwin, Sally Hawkins Plot: A life crisis causes a socialite to head to San Francisco, where she reconnects with her sister.

Word on net: “Blanchett is beyond brilliant, beyond analysis. This is jaw-dropping work, what we go to the movies hoping to see, and we do.” n “A tremendous character study, and effectively topical to boot.’” n “A vital and vibrant knockout of a movie.” n “Showcases a brilliant, Oscar-worthy performance by Cate Blanchett as sort of a WASP version of Ruth Madoff.”

about the impact that Marilyn continues to have on their lives.

Word on net: ‘Do any fresh revelations or insights remain, a half century past Monroe’s overdose death at age 36?” n “Restitches Monroe’s life in a most compelling and original manner.” n “Monroe’s vulnerability and sense of inadequacy, her frustration and solitude, come through poignantly.” n “A wellintentioned but clumsy attempt to get into the head of one of the 20th century’s most famous women.’

be that great war film, as well as a star-crossed romance and a political thriller, without really succeeding on any front.’

THE CONSPIRACY

THE SELFISH GIANT Dir: Clio Barnard Stars: Conner Chapman, Shaun Thomas, Sean Gilder Plot: Updating of Wilde’s children’s story set on a run-down council estate.

Word on net: ‘You’d have to have no heart to be moved by the film; its two young leads are spectacular, its cinematography is stunning.” n “This is a fine film, which cements Barnard’s growing reputation as one of Britain’s best film-makers.” n “Sensitively told, and devastatingly painful as the final scenes play out.’

EMPEROR Dir: Peter Webber Stars: Matthew Fox, Tommy Lee Jones, Eriko Hatsune Plot: As the Japanese surrender at the end of WWII, General Fellers is tasked with deciding if Emperor Hirohito will be hanged as a war criminal. At the same time he tries to find Aya, an exchange student he met years earlier in the U.S. Word on net: “Stodgy movie that mixes dubious history with clichéd, Madame Butterfly romance.” n “Half crinoline romance, half crusty military-history lesson.” n “Tries to

GREEDY LYING BASTARDS

Dir: Craig Scott Rosebraugh Plot: Documentary investigating the reason behind stalled efforts to tackle climate change despite consensus in the scientific community that it is not only a reality but also a growing problem placing us on the brink of disaster.

Word on net: “Film’s effectiveness largely stems from flat-out lameness of the opposition arguments, the lack of scientific credentials of those making them, and the self-interest of their corporate bosses.” n “Blistering attack on politicians, propagandists, Word on net: “Walks like a doc and dissemblers and climate-change deniers.” n “Provocative, vital and talks like a doc, but don’t be fooled; it’s actually a clever piece enraging... goes further than An Inconvenient Truth.” n “Shows that of fiction.” n “Does more with a our survival being put at risk by a found-footage conceit than any few wealthy people who are horror movie since The Blair Witch determined to get even wealthier.’

Project.” n “Intriguing picture fortunately stops short of going over the top.” n “Shadowy figures, ALSO OUT... n Bryan Cranston stars in Tze far-out stories told by slightly Chun’s COLD COMES THE NIGHT in delusional characters, and sudden disappearances of various participants all add up to one creepy affair.”

Dir: Christopher MacBride Stars: Aaron Poole, James Gilbert, Ian Anderson Plot: A documentary about conspiracy theories takes a horrific turn after the filmmakers uncover an ancient and dangerous secret society.

which a struggling motel owner and her daughter are taken hostage by a nearly blind criminal.

They have to be his eyes as he attempts to retrieve money from a crooked cop. n Beeban Kidron (Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit) directs INREALLIFE, a documentary looking at the relationship between children and the internet. The film asks if we can afford to stand by while our children, trapped in their 24/7 connectivity, are being outsourced to the net? n James McAvoy and Jamie Bell star in the adaptation of Irvine Welsh’s FILTH. A bipolar, bigoted

junkie cop manipulates and hallucinates his way through the festive season in a bid to secure promotion and win back his wife and daughter. n PRISONERS has Hugh Jackman kidnapping Paul Dano, the man he suspects is behind the disappearance of his young daughter and her best friend. n THE FIFTH ESTATE stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Julian Assange, the man whose quest to expose the deceptions and corruptions of power turned an Internet upstart into the 21st century’s most fiercely debated organisation.

FILM C O M P E T I T I O N

LOVE, MARILYN Dir: Liz Garbus Stars: F. Murray Abraham, Elizabeth Banks, Lois Banner Plot: Modern day celebrities talk

n Chris Hemsworth plays the title character in Marvel adaptation THOR: THE DARK WORLD. Here he is reunited with Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), and battles with Malekith the Accursed (Christopher Eccleston).

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 did Hemsworth play the father of a famous TV and movie space explorer?

September Competition: ANN DARROW

GSCENE 59

GEEK

GAYMING

SCENE

BY CRAIG STORRIE

COMICS It takes a lot to make a comic book scary. A book can slowly unravel the pieces of various puzzles until they all come together in an unexpected finish and a movie can do the same thing, but using the visual side of things to help ramp up the tension. A comic book or graphic novel on the other hand can have a perfect scary story but if the art feels disjointed or the style doesn’t work with the story then all of the built up tension is lost. The art and writing need to match up perfectly to set the right tone of the story and truly create the desired atmosphere. Below are the comics or graphic novels that get it right in every way and manage to get the perfect balance between both the visual and the written.

ARKHAM ASYLUM: A SERIOUS HOUSE ON SERIOUS EARTH Long before superstar writer Grant Morrison was a permanent fixture on various Batman titles he wrote this clever, thought provoking and creepy story about what would happen if the lunatics took over the asylum. One night in Gotham the foes of Batman escape their cells and hold Arkham Asylum’s staff hostage unless Batman agrees to enter the asylum and meet with them. What follows is a cat and mouse game with Batman given one hour to escape whilst facing his greatest foes as he makes his way through the asylum. Dave McKean‘s art lends a beautiful dreamlike quality to the story as well as featuring interesting interpretations of the enemies of Batman. Morrison and McKean’s Joker is truly terrifying with elongated features, wild green hair and red lips and a font to his words that are akin to fingernails on a chalk board

30 DAYS OF NIGHT Taking place in far northern Alaska where the sun doesn’t rise for 30 days, vicious and sadistic vampires take advantage of this lack of sunlight to openly murder and feed on the local townspeople. Brutal, fast paced and visually stunning, 30 Days of Night is a fantastic vampire story which has won numerous awards for its writing and art and rightly so. The film adaptation is also one of the best comic book movies out there.

FROM HELL Taking its title from the infamous From Hell letter that was sent to the police in 1888 and believed to have been written by Jack the Ripper, From Hell is a mammoth graphic novel that is 572 pages long! Written by comic god Alan Moore, the novel takes many different theories about the identity and motivations of Jack the Ripper and weaves them into a deep and powerful story of murder, persecution and redemption. The black and white art manages to heighten the troubles and issues of Victorian society whilst also slowly introducing the reader to the horrific gore that is prevalent on the pages where the Ripper lets loose.

It’s a scientific fact: we as a species love to be scared. Be it a thrilling ride on a rollercoaster or cowering behind a cushion as we try to make our way through a terrifying film. This excitement also applies to scary video games, which can be even tenser and more nerve wracking than a film as we as the player are in control of what happens to our character on screen: their lives as it were are in our hands.

Whilst there are many games out there that are classed as scary, it takes a lot to make a game that stays with you long after you have experienced it. I have chosen the following titles as benchmarks to which future scary games need to refer to if they want to create a truly memorable experience.

PROJECT ZERO 2: CRIMSON BUTTERFLY Few people do creepy as well as the Japanese as this terrifying gem proves in spades. Instead of blasting or slashing away at your enemies, lead character Mio’s only weapon is the ‘Camera Obscura’, a camera that can photograph and dispel evil spirits. Project Zero uses this slow and cumbersome device to help ramp up the tension and danger as your photos take longer to take and subsequently recharge between photos.

Add this to the creepy ghost story, atmospheric music and sound and you have a game that is difficult to play with the lights off.

CLIVE BARKER’S UNDYING Written and designed by noted gay horror writer and creator of the Hellraiser series, Clive Barker, Undying follows paranormal investigator Patrick Galloway as he uncovers the occult happenings at the estate of his friend in 1920s Ireland.

Whilst the game is played from a first person perspective and has the usual weapons found in most FPS games, Undying also features a wide range of magical spells. It’s the stellar writing and design however that push Undying into the realms of the truly disturbing; the gruesome death scenes don’t hurt either.

DEAD SPACE Even though Dead Space is now a hugely successful franchise, it is the original game in the series that is the most fondly remembered. Whilst the game takes place on a desolate mining ship (The Ishimura), Dead Space manages to make the setting of outer space extremely claustrophobic with tightly winding corridors, zero G areas and enemies created out of the corpses of the crew that can crawl up and along almost any surface. The fact that there is no heads up display also lends the game a cinematic quality that truly adds to the already tense atmosphere. All of your weapons are created out of mining tools you find dotted around the ship, which is both awesome and a little disturbing when you see what they can do.

The default item is the plasma cutter, a weapon that can cut vertically or horizontally which allows you to target and slice off specific limbs in a gloriously bloody mess!

ALSO OUT THIS MONTH...

ALSO OUT THIS MONTH...

All New X-Men Special, Batman Zero Year continues and Green Lantern “LightsOut” begins!

Batman: Arkham Origins and Beyond Two Souls

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SHOPPING WITH MICHAEL HOOTMAN

Alessi Mantle Clock, £150 (Caz Systems, 17 Church St, Brighton, 01273 326471)

Large Ceramic Money Box, £195 (Papillon, 23 Ship Street, 01273 774478)

Art for London Transport 2014 Diary, £10.99 (Pen to Paper, 4 Sydney Street, Brighton, 01273 676670) Set of four London Skyline espresso cups, £42.95 (InHouse Space, 28 Gloucester Road, Brighton, 01273 682845)

The new range of Rocks Off - from £14.99 (Prowler, 112-113 St James's Street, Brighton, 01273 683680) Tea for Two, the ideal wedding present, £18.99 (Junkfunk, 27 Gloucester Road, Brighton, 01273 680555)

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WHAT A LOAD OF PANTS! Let it never be said that Londoners are the only ones with style.

It’s clear from the way you lot are flocking to Prowler, to deck yourselves out in Andrew Christian pants, that Brightonians know a thing or two about looking great. Prowler have got two new styles in which will no doubt be as popular as their biggest seller, the Vivid Fuse which is now available as a brief (£13.99) or boxer (£15.99) in Sky Blue, Yellow and Navy. Also check out the Tighty Whitie Punked Brief (£19.99) or Jock (£23.99).

They come in Electric Blue or Purple and they’re seriously sexy.

Available in small (28”-30”), medium (30”-32”) or large (32”-34”).

COMPETITION As a thank you to everyone for keeping the store buzzing, Prowler Brighton is giving away a pair of the latest Andrew Christian pants mentioned above PLUS a £10 Prowler shopping voucher to three Gscene readers. To enter, just tell us the address of Prowler Brighton and name the style, colour and size you would like. Send your answer on a postcard (including your contact details) to Christian Pants Competition, Gscene Magazine, 111 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1DD. Good luck!

KURONEKO (Black Cat)(Eureka blu-ray).

Kaneto Shindo's 1968 horror has many similarities to his earlier frenzied masterpiece Onibaba. Again a murderous woman and her mother-in-law wreak bloody havoc in medieval Japan, though this time they're spirits who avenge their brutal murders by killing samurai. But will the women keep their murderous pact when the next samurai that comes along is the man who is one woman's son and the other's husband? More eerily haunting than actually horrific, the film never quite reaches the heights of delirium of Onibaba, being a slightly more sedate affair. But it still has a beautiful fairytale atmosphere which easily puts it on the same level as the best of Hammer.

THE NAKED ISLAND (Hadaka No Shima) (Eureka blu-ray). Before making garish, yet brilliant, horror films like Kuroneko and Onibaba, Kaneto Shindō made this utterly transfixing documentary-style drama. On paper it sounds like the kind of movie I'd pay to avoid: a near silent 90 minutes (it has one line of dialogue) which looks at the life of a family as they try and survive by farming on a small island. The first 20 minutes seems to be just about the mother and the father getting water to put on their crops. But somehow The Naked Island makes the mundane business of watering, sowing and harvesting fruit a truly powerful look at the harshness of life.

Although set in contemporary Japan, this fact only dawns on you half way through the film as the family's living conditions - no electricity or even running water - are practically medieval. Little happens in the way of narrative, but when it does it's amplified by the repetitive sameness of the rest of its protagonists' lives. One shot of the man slapping his wife is easily more shocking and emotionally charged for the viewer as any number of acts of violence in the traditional Hollywood product. Hauntingly evocative of a vanished way of life, The Naked Island is a genuine masterpiece.

62 GSCENE

DANCE

MUSIC

BY QUEEN JOSEPHINE & KATE WILDBLOOD

REVIEWS

within one play. Its glorious deep yet intelligent house is divine with artists including Seth Troxler, Ben We’re on the hunt for a red hot Westbeech, October. It might not be warm Ripperton and (thank gawd we can postpone that Hercules and bikini panic till 2014) but these Love Affair. If tunes are mighty hot. you treasure the n First, something to snuggle up decent it has to to. Rae & Christian’s Mercury be Deetron. There are times in your Risin on Late Night Tales sees Ed life when your body tells you to Harcourt and Gita Langley join dance, to love, to live. Deetron the duo for provides the soundtrack. some truly inspired down- n And finally it’s time to stand by your disco beds, dust down those tempo dancing shoes and do the diva adventures, which will stay thing. Yep Donna Summer’s remix album is about to hit the shops with you all night long. and we can safely predict a queer n If you need it house then we highly recommend the first LP from stampede. Love To Love You Donna boasts some mighty fine remixers Wolf Music. Medlars’ Sleep is a including the godfather of disco slice of forward thinking house Georgio Moroder, Hot Chip, music that has us all a quiver.

Chromeo & Oliver, Frankie n As does Small Pyramids’ Slow it Down on Glasgow Underground; Knuckles and those Masters at Work resulting in hot dancefloors a real delight that nods in the and purists enraged debate. It’s direction of classic house with disco dears, but not necessary as plenty of disco tendencies, it’s we know it, which is probably why become a constant companion. we love to love it so. Enjoy.

As for our long-players of the month? Simple. n Firstly Deetron’s www.perfectdistractions.com Music Over Matter on Music Man Wildblood & Queenie’s Home Service Records had us by the heartstrings coming soon to Radio Reverb

12” OF OCTOBER BEAUTY n DONNA SUMMER Sunset People (Hot Chip Dub Edit) Verve

Everything we love about 21st century disco and then some.

n WAIFS & STRAYS v LUKAS & DJ SNEAK Gimme Luv (Sneak's House

Gangster Boogie Mix) Heidi Presents Jackathon Jams The king of Jack took the roof off Audio and we are still recovering. n MANNIX ft DINA VASS Standing Right Here Favouritizm Disco as it should be? Made in 2013? Bimey we are so disco impressed. n EJECA Together (Terrence Parker's Motor City Soul Mix) Needwant Fuelled with the kind of piano that makes you wish for summer all over. n MINÉO Turn Out The Lights Hot Creation Do as the man says. Turn out the lights and dance mother! n AL BRADLEY pres Audiotonic Beartrap/Moosebeats Deep Site Space Deep bear action that Queenie is most fond of. n MACEO PLEX & MAARS ft Florence Bird Going Back Ellium Intense sexiness that will ensure a fevered state after one play. Yikes. n JACK FELL DOWN Bump 2 Bump Dabit Records Jack goes deep for a perfect house heads anti-natal exercise class. n HIM_SELF_HER ft K FOWKES Gone Too Long Crosstown Rebels As thrilling as a Ibiza terrace at dawn – with added British grit. n FLASHBACK Do Anything For You www.houseofdisco.com Fluffy feelgood deep house that insists the sun will shine again soon.

For Simon. Save a spot on the heavenly dancefloor for us sweetie.

RIP darling disco boy.

DJ PROFILE Right then everybody – just because it’s October don’t you wory about falling autumn leaves or digging out last year’s winter jumpers.

Why? Because you’re just about to have your temperatures raised up several notches by this month’s super sexy, super fierce and super talented super-bloody-star DJ that’s why! Gather round you lot, and listen up as Queen Josephine has a chat with the very wonderful DJ Lady Lola.

Where do you play? Mainly in London and Brighton at the moment.

You can catch me at Chica Bonita at Candy Bar and Code at the Green Carnation in Soho. Also for One Love at various London venues, and I run my own hip hop night called Hot Mess. Best to check out my Facebook page for all my latest gigs: www.facebook.com/ladylolamusic DJing style? It’s big, bold, bouncy and totally in your face – if you’re dancing, I’m dancing with ya! My sets have often been referred to as the ‘Lola Show’… come and check me out and see for yourself!

Favourite song of all time? Liberian Girl by Michael Jackson Tune that always fills/rescues your dancefloor? Anything with a fabulous old skool sample that everyone will know but that still has my signature big bouncy basslines! Maybe something like Ready Or Not by Corrupt – the Billy Kenny remix.

Ultimate dream gig? Well, I DJed at Amsterdam Pride earlier this year which was amazing – so another international Pride gig would be AWESOME. Perhaps a bit further afield like New York or Australia.

Tune you wish you’d never played? I once played Last Friday Night by Katy Perry because it fitted into the night I was playing at – but it’s definitely not my kind of thing! Now when I DJ I have to be true to myself and only play music that I think is credible, current and fresh.

Guilty pleasure? I Love It by Icona Pop. Such a cheeky catchy little tune that always gets my booty shaking.

Your best ever gig? My ambition last year was to play in the Girls Dance Tent at Brighton Pride and this year I achieved it! I played alongside my talented girlfriend who is also a DJ – and it was sooooo nice to see so many of our friends’ gorgeous faces in the crowd, dancing their arses off to all our tunes!!

Tell us a secret! A Lady NEVER tells...

TOP 5 TUNES

n JOSH BUTLER Got A Feeling (Bontan Remix) MTA Records n BEN PEARCE What I Might Do MTA Records n GREEN VELVET Bigger Than Prince (Hot Since 82 Remix) Circus n LADY LESHURR Emotions Gutter Strut Recordings n MAJOR LAZER featuring Tyga Bubble Butt Secretly Canadian

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CRAIG’S THOUGHTS WARM & WILD I DON’T FEEL ALL TURNED ON AND STARRY EYED...

SAYS CRAIG HANLON-SMITH The 1993 play Beautiful Thing by Jonathan Harvey, currently enjoying a revival as part of its 20th anniversary, begins with the Mama Cass 'sunshine pop' song It's Getting Better. And as I sat in the Theatre Royal Brighton on a wet and windy June evening I agreed: And it's getting better Growing stronger, warm and wilder Getting better everyday... My little gay heart span a little on its positive pink pivot as I understood the double meaning, the contemporary 21st century contextualisation of a play 20 years on. It is getting better I thought to myself. Yes gay brothers and mainly sisters (accompanying pink-air-punch), it's getting better everyday. And with the final image of love’s young gay dream slow dancing on stage to another Cass classic resting against my soul, my beau and I skipped off through the rain to bask in the accepted normalisation of our perverted selves to live a life of blissful beige amongst the regular folk. Job done.

And so; to the two Gentlemen who on Bank Holiday Monday, (as I left my brother, his wife, two children and my husband on the beach in search of refreshment - normal blissful beige -see?) took the trouble to dangerously swerve their motorbike across two lanes of traffic on Brighton's seafront, pull up alongside me at the pedestrian crossing, call me names, and perform a beautifully choreographed gesture of camp in my face, I say this: But it's getting better Growing stronger, warm and wilder Getting better everyday To the dozens of tourists, locals, day-trippers, whoever you were, who whilst waiting at the crossing with me, laughed heartily at their behaviour and then could not meet my gaze as I looked around for at least one reasonable human being to demonstrate an ounce of support.

Who buried their heads in the chests of their loved ones as their shoulders convulsed and heaved with guffaws and asthma attack sounding hysterics, I say this: But it's getting better Growing stronger, warm and wilder Getting better everyday To the evangelical preacher woman whom, on a busy central London Road on a Friday lunchtime in late August, whilst distributing literature to all who would take it, rang out the missionary cry of “There will be no man on man, there will be no woman on woman, and together with those who cannot choose ye shall burn in the fires of redemption and salvation at the gates of heaven and in the shadow of our Lord Jesus Christ” (I reported her to the police), I say this: But it's getting better Growing stronger, warm and wilder Getting better everyday To the members of the British acting Royal Family, and the television executives who have commissioned a second series of Vicious (in truth, irrespective of the content, it’s a bit piss poor anyway), which has the

sole humorous intention to give rise to the stereotypical aging bitchy queen's infatuation with the pretty heterosexual 20-something neighbour; a series which we could forgive were it being made in 1973 instead of some 40 years of gay liberation movement later, I say this: But it's getting better Growing stronger, warm and wilder Getting better everyday To the London gay couple, who in August were kicked out of their cab by the driver and called 'dirty' because they affectionately demonstrated their commitment to one another by holding hands. Didn't you get the memo that; It's getting better Growing stronger, warm and wilder Getting better everyday To those members of The Commonwealth who share the same Head of State as we; Your Queen, My Queen - The Queen. Let us focus for one moment upon Jamaica, although she is by no means alone in this. To those countries, whose gay communities are fearing mob attacks in their own homes - where gay men have to be rescued by the police as the baying crowd surround their house ready to kill them. To Dwayne Long Jones who was shot and stabbed to death before being thrown into shrubbery at a public dance event near the holiday resort city of Montego Bay in July. To the police officer, his sexuality under suspicion, who was mobbed in downtown Kingston in August this year; to all of you, we say this: But it's getting better Growing stronger, warm and wilder Getting better everyday To the members of the British Government or any elected politicians who dare to stand in judgement of the Russian authorities and call for action at the Winter Olympics. To those same authorities who welcome The Commonwealth Games onto Glaswegian British soil in summer 2014, barely in the shadow of the games in Sochi as members of The Commonwealth imprison and execute, or at best ignore the savage street beatings of their gay communities; To all of you, we say this: But it's getting better Growing stronger, warm and wilder Getting better everyday To the United Kingdom's 3.7 million gay people, who according to the Gay in Britain report published by Stonewall, fear they will be discriminated against if they stand for political office, seek to foster a child or look to become a magistrate. To the 60% of 2,000 questioned in the YouGov poll who said they expected their child would be bullied in primary school if they were known to have gay parents; to the 80% who expect the same if they have a child in a secondary school.

To the one in five lesbian, gay and bisexual employees who claim to have experienced verbal abuse and bullying from colleagues, customers or service users. To the 25% who feel they cannot be open about their sexuality at work for fear of such attacks.

Gays in Britain; God damn it you doubters: believe it or not There's something groovy and good 'Bout whatever we got.

And it's getting better Growing stronger, warm and wilder Getting better everyday... better every day.

This article contains lyrics from It's Getting Better, written by Barry Mann & Cynthia Weill, performed by Mama Cass for Dunhill Records, 1969. www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/25/homophobia-uk-survey (Accessed 1.9.2013); http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/gaysattacked-their-own-homes-jamaica (Accessed 1.9.2013) Follow Craig on twitter @CHanlonSmith

64 GSCENE

HEART & SOLE IN YOUR FACE JUST GAY ENOUGH

BY DARREN SOLE

“I love the gays, they’re all so funny and good looking and they’re all so stylish” Now, if you happen to be reading this in a gay bar, take a good look around. How does that statement, often babbled by well-meaning straights, sit with you and your fellow Lycra clad, Toby jug faced or fartoo-old-to-be-wearing Abercrombie’d up boozers? Or perhaps, you’re at home snuggled up on the sofa, searching for the hilarious stunner lurking somewhere within your intended, while he’s messily chowing down on the remains of a Caramac?

Yes, it’s strange isn’t it, how us gay men, or as we’re now more commonly known ‘the gays’ (when / how did THAT happen?) are perceived, by many on the outside world. It’s as if our audience have been ‘spoiled’ and only been served up one particular kind of homosexual dish; a sweet, non-offensive, dapper appetiser, which doesn’t offend the palette and goes down easily.

Everything’s okay if we’re nice to look at, behave amusingly, or are generally entertaining but why is it more difficult for some of the masses to appreciate the other, more ‘challenging’ of our guises that are apparently harder to swallow; like our emotional honesty, sexual grit, indignation or just plain normalness.

“So what is the level of gaiety acceptable to the masses, before we’re accused of shoving it down the less accommodating throats” These huge swathes of people, who Alan Partridge describes as ‘homosceptics’, are happy to plunder our useful or ‘good’ bits but will happily turn their backs, or worse, when faced with our rougher, more ‘icky’ stuff, and sometimes don’t even realize they’re doing it.

Let me explain.

How many times have you, as a gay man, felt vulnerable, walking toward a group of young lads down the street, in fear of heckles, homophobic taunts or even physical attack?

First of all, why does this happen? Well, as we know, it’s so that these poor dears can distance themselves from us and their ‘fear’ of gay.

Watching a funny gay bloke on the telly or listening to a gay pop star singing on the radio is doable, it’s otherworldly, and all at a safe distance but a real life gay man, all but a penis’s length from them can, for some, be far more challenging. Lads often think that being in the vicinity of, associated with, or heaven forbid actually being gay, is the ultimate insult. Got an ASBO? No bother. Done time inside? Fine.

But being a Bender? No way. So giving out vocal or physical abuse, thereby marking a clear divide between them and us, can help put their confused, swinging sexometers at ease, confirming their sense of worth.

But *irony alert*, how are these groups of blokes usually dressed? Well, often with jeans sagging from their arses, and Calvin Klein’s hovering around their crab ladders. Don’t they realise though, that dishing out barks of derision, while wearing jeans that hang off their bums, a look

that originated in prison signifying you’re another prisoner's ‘bitch’, whilst proudly brandishing the name of a middle-aged gay man emblazoned across their groins, seems somewhat hypocritical?

Similar observations can be made about the world of hip hop, often dubbed the most homophobic in popular music, which for years, antigay sentiments have largely been accepted, as part of its culture. From the hundreds of mainstream rap stars, excusing Frank Ocean of course, it’s a task to name an ‘out’ gay artist but *irony alert* one recognised feature of the genre is to brag repeatedly about exclusive fashion brands. And who are notedly homophobic rappers such as Busta Rhymes and 50 Cent proudly spitting about? Oh, you know, Versace, Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana, of course – the err, gay designers.

And then there are all the horrific developments coming out of Russia this year, where it seems the powers that be, want to deny that real, live, homosexuals actually exist. But while they’re busy denying and silencing its ‘unsavoury’ gay youth, it’s okay for the establishment to *irony alert* celebrate their gay forefathers like legendary dancers Nureyev, Nijinsky or composer supreme Tchaikovsky, who’ve actually helped shape Russian culture and identity.

And when it comes to their upcoming Winter Olympic Games, it’ll be the lithe, artistic, gay figure skaters on the rinks who’ll pull in the global audiences, yet whom outside the Olympic village will be hounded if they dare to declare their sexuality because *irony alert*… oh, you get the picture.

So what is the level of gaiety acceptable to the masses, before we’re accused of shoving it down the less accommodating throats? Because to many, being straight is a marker of what it means being a proper, normal ‘red blooded’ man, and this ‘fact’ must be regurgitated as often as is deemed necessary, because when this fundamental rule gets muddied, people get confused and chaos can ensue.

But, what can we do? Well until perhaps, an army of plain, badly dressed, obese, monosyllabic, gay men fill our screens, we may continue to be thought of as just a band of shiny performing ponies, whose only purpose is to entertain and titivate.

So a message to the ‘homosceptics’? Let’s make a deal; By all means, enjoy the music, comedy, literature and style we continue to create for you to consume, but just ensure that you make more of an effort to take on board all the rest of the things we are, and stand for too.

Because without us gay men and our queer minds, you simply wouldn’t have the tools needed to become the straight men you want to be.

Darren Sole is a freelance TV Producer. @darrensole

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WALL’S

WORDS

GAY

WISDOM

BY MIKE WALL

BY GAY SOCRATES

CONVERSION THERAPY

A FAERIE TALE OF SEXMAGICK

The US state of California has recently banned a controversial therapy aimed at reversing homosexuality in children. I have heard of conversion therapy or reparative therapy in the past and always assumed that it was mainly carried out by religious lunatics. But psychotherapists have used these therapies in order to ‘help’ individuals change their sexual preferences for decades. I know that the majority of you reading this will agree with me when I say that attempting to convert a homosexual to a heterosexual is like converting water into wine!

Once upon a time and not so very long ago, three SexMagicians came to the Faerie-village of Folleterre from across the vast ocean. They spoke of the beauty to be borne of a complete love for one another.

But we Faeries were wounded and afraid. Our desire for physical passion had been wrenched away from our natural gifts with emotional intimacy from as far back as we could remember.

I was very pleased to find that there was an early day motion in Parliament this year to discuss this issue. There is a lot of support calling on the Government to investigate any NHS links with this type of therapy. I was even more pleased to discover that Mike Weatherley, MP for Hove and Portslade, and Caroline Lucas, MP for Brighton Pavilion, have joined the cross-party parliamentarians to condemn the practice. Mr Weatherley has publically stated that the practice was flawed and dangerous.

It is very worrying that there is currently nothing preventing conversion therapists operating in Britain. Even the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy last year warned its 30,000 members against this form of treatment. It does seem absolutely ridiculous that in 2013, this is still being allowed to be practised. In the early 20th century homosexuality was assumed to be pathological. I just find it staggering that there are still mental health professionals out there in society today that can honestly feel that homosexuality is a form of mental illness. Allowing this to continue in Britain today, is basically saying that it is fine for people to think that the only normal sexual orientation is heterosexuality.

“I find it staggering that there are still mental health professionals today that feel that homosexuality is a form of mental illness” In a 2009 survey published by the BMC Psychiatry Journal, there were some very disturbing findings. Out of the 1,328 accredited mental health professionals, 222 admitted to having assisted in some form of conversion therapy. It is even more upsetting to discover that there was a high level of referrals coming from general practitioners. I feel that there is a bigger problem here. If an individual goes to a doctor or a mental health professional demonstrating a high level of concern or anxiety over their sexuality, it would seem to me that these professionals should be supporting these people. Letting a person know that their sexuality is normal is the first step to discovering and treating the other underlying issues that may exist.

We cannot allow this to continue; and if like the Californians we can at least ban the treatment for under 18s we will come a long way to dealing with this. This is more about educating the public than about treating individuals. If there are still people out there who inflict this shame on LGBT people, then it is those people who should be challenged on their opinions and actions. This ‘sickness’ is not in the heads of the individual seeking help around their sexuality, the ‘sickness’ belongs to the professional and religious groups who continue to attempt to validate this form of mental abuse.

We said: “Sure, as a gang of Faeries, we can have an orgy. We know how to be caring and concerned for each other. But, although we wish it were different, there’s no way we can do sex AND emotional intimacy at the same time.”

“Yes there is,” the SexMagicians said. “Trust us and together we will create the most beautiful and secure container which will bring to pass what, right now, seems like an impossibility. It won’t be easy, but with patience, and bravery, and determination from everyone, it will happen.”

The prize seemed worth at least some effort. So we all agreed to try.

Chas, who is an elder and was the wisest of the SexMagicians, led the way. He told us: “We will be sharing our deepest selves, from the heart, hour by hour by hour and day by day by day, until, one by one, we will finally all know that the container is secure.”

The second SexMagician, Sister Ethica Slut, a perpetually-indulgentmother superior-kind-of-magician helped to keep us clean organised and focussed. The third SexMagician, Rosie Delicious, a man-boy creator with a gentle sadness about his eyes told us what we needed to do next. “Faggots,” he said, “are just bundles of weak and brittle twigs. On our own, we Faerie-faggots are weak and brittle, but bound together we are strong. Together we can burst forth with a flaming passionate love. All it takes is some patience to bring our weak and brittle twigs to the circle and hour by hour by hour and day by day by day we will weave those twigs into the most amazing, elaborate basket that any of us have ever seen. This will be the container which will allow us to love each other with both passion and intimacy.”

Then off we went, one by one, sharing the twisted brittle intimacies of our unique vulnerabilities, nervous at first but growing in confidence; encouraged by the gentle compassion of the SexMagicians.

Hour by hour by hour and day by day by day, we shared and we wove.

We shared and we wove. One faerie saw the beauty of the basket right at the start and said so! Then another Faerie saw the beauty of the basket we were weaving and knew it was safe - she said so too!

Finally, one by one, (hour by hour by hour, day by day by day), the basket was seen as beautiful, safe and secure by every Faerie in the circle. And we all said so too!

Then-Bang!

SexMagick bursts into the village A loud noise A blinding light The basket begins to shudder And then it is alive!

Leaves sprout, flower buds blossom.

Birds sing at the spectacle.

Butterflies dance around disco petals.

Bees sense the sweetness of the air.

And we are in Eden Thank-you for bringing SexMagic to Folleterre Chas, Ethica, Rosie http://www.faeriesexmagick.org/

68 GSCENE

CHARLIE SAYS THE GAY GULAG CHARLIE BAUER PhD FINDS PARADISE IN AN UNLIKELY PLACE As I write this, Russia ducks and dives with its ideology about all things ‘gay’ based around what people will or won’t be allowed to do at the Sochi Winter Olympics. What’s really interesting is the ghostly spectre of Thatcher’s very own Section 28 on the horizon, prompting the removal of any ‘propaganda’ about ‘non-traditional’ sexual relations around minors.

I still find it remarkable, after all these years that it always leads back to money and church endorsed primitivism. Until recently this obsession was only a fixture in the British psyche thanks to the likes of Rebekah Brooks and her ‘Name and Shame’ campaigns, stating that gay men and child abuse somehow walk hand in hand at the edge of the sand together. However, operation Yewtree is still no heterosexual corrective - a witch hunt is a witch hunt, after all. However, all this oneupmanship between Murdoch (phone tapping) the BBC (paedophiles) and The Guardian (protecting whistleblowers) is grinding them all down into the same hole of lies. So where is good, honest, informed journalism to be found these days?

70s – a completely even mix. In one corner I saw the hotel receptionist smoking a huge Cuban cigar in the company of a group of older women - cigar smoking apparently a public sign of lesbianism. Images of Beryl Reid and Susannah George swirled around my head and I immediately fell in love with this innocent heaven.

After an evening of being cruised by men of all ages, it occurred to me that there were no real distinctions at The Three Monkeys. Here there were no pre-sold western conventions, no gay histories of coloured hankies, no sexual style definitions, no transgender divides, no David Bowie - just a new burgeoning identity and community without a blueprint. It made me think that, no matter how free I thought I was growing up in covert homosexualand of the UK, this was something I’d never seen before. While the 20th century liberated the West, here the closet stretched out as long as perestroika allowed it.

These people had invented the culture themselves, a culture with no exclusivity or cliques, so prevalent in so-called western sophistication.

Here, in Russia of all places, were the freest gay people I’d ever come across. I raised a toast of neat vodka with the receptionist and felt the most liberated I’ve felt in my life.

“Stalin hid genocide behind communism without a care of what the world thought about it. Putin cannot, he and his church funded regime are fully exposed”

Since we’re now used to constant lies within our own media, let’s bring our minds to the former communist country’s constant lying because they can always bend state data. This is also why any information generated by the Russian Government must be treated as fabrications.

And as the newly ‘emerging’ economic nations, India, Brazil, Russia, crumble, we wait, wincing, to see the toll across the board regarding queer rights.

Now Russia has resorted back to its dark past. Not its communist past it would never give up those western aspirations and luxuries for anyone – it needs the money so its self deception runs even deeper.

Stalin hid genocide behind communism without a care of what the world thought about it. Putin cannot, he and his church funded regime are fully exposed. We hope that, as Russia falls, he will become desperate and start to weaken but no longer at the expense of human rights.

“As the newly ‘emerging’ economic nations, India, Brazil, Russia, crumble, we wait, wincing, to see the toll across the board regarding queer rights”

As I write this, yet again the rules have been bent regarding the Sochi Winter Olympics. This week Putin is attempting to ease concerns that the new anti-gay laws will be used to punish athletes who display rainbow colours at the event. He now insists that gay people are not discriminated against in Russia, and that he sometimes even awards them with ‘prizes and decorations.’ Then he mentions Tchaikovsky and the fact that they all love his music.

I was first (and last) in Russia in 1997 for three long, miserable months. On my free days I’d wander around the Gumm store opposite the Kremlin and observe the immaculate storekeepers guarding a single Tefal toaster in a display case. Back then, this is what new economies represented for this country; a beige toaster. This, to them, was Western aspirationalism – standing by, ready to pounce at consumerism. It was also the time when America was tentatively dipping their toes into the Russian economy. Occasionally, in the Banya, I’d listen to the tales of woe from the American businessmen who’d just managed to hand over every cent of their investment capital to the Siberian Mafia. The entire country, it seemed, was operating a huge scam.

But it’s true, the videos we’re seeing from the garden squares and the Prospekts showing gay and trans people being beaten - but only by local hooligans. But as they say, if you strike the shepherd the sheep will scatter. The sheep in this case will be Putin’s hooligans, hot on the heels of the church.

For two months I researched any form of gay activity and hit Iron Curtain after Iron Curtain. Eventually, I broke down and pleaded with the receptionist behind the front desk of the Metropole Hotel, where I was interned for the duration of my stay. Since I was a foreigner and paying in dollars, I got special privileges - she winked and slid me a piece of paper, telling me to make sure that I went with a driver.

That Friday I arrived at The Three Monkeys, Moscow’s, nay Russia’s, first ever gay club. Situated in the upstairs of what looked like a suburban house, the place was packed with everyone bouncing along to a miasma of retro hits including Dean Martin. What was most interesting, because there was no real ‘queer history’ throughout communism, was the clientele, noticeably that everyone was aged between teens and mid-

GSCENE 67

ADDICTED

BY GRAHAM HAMILTON

CHOIR

BOYS

BY STEPHEN TUCKER

PET FRIENDLY

ADOPTING THE RIGHT ATTITUDE

There are five members of our family: Rob, Flea, Satan, Dickie and me. Rob is my partner of over nine years and came into my life with a black and white cat named Flea. He found her at the back of a pet shop in Baker Street, Brighton. She was the runt of the litter, was dehydrated, had worms hanging from her rectum and was covered in fleas. She is now fourteen, full of life and happily hops all over the place. Shame on you bad pet shops for abusing such fragile creatures.

You should be closed down.

The Adoption & Children Act 2002 enabled the adoption of a child in England and Wales by either a single person or a couple. The previous condition that people be married was dropped, allowing same-sex couples to apply. For me, this is not a ‘gay rights’ issue but one of providing children with stable and loving families. I have been delighted to see increasing number of lesbians and gay men being recruited as carers and adopters of children, and their unique strengths and qualities recognised.

Satan, (now called Oliver) is a dark tabby who was punched and left on the roadside to die when he was a kitten. Fortunately, he was handed into the loving care of the cat rescue centre in Patcham. Not surprisingly, he developed a distrust of people and was difficult to rehome as he kept growling at everyone. Since we do not have children – my womb is intact but Rob fires blanks – we felt that he would be fine with us; even if he was semiferal. We have had him for three years and he is far more affectionate with the dog than he is with us and comes on three mile dog walks.

Shame on you people who have been cruel to a pet and abandoned them. You should have your hands cut off.

Many who would like to adopt a child in the UK, report that they are treated differently to heterosexual applicants. They wait longer and are often offered older children rather than babies, who are typically placed with heterosexual married couples. Also, the act applies only to the UK, restricting their ability to adopt a child from outside of the UK, with Russia recently banning the adoption of orphans by same-sex couples, unmarried couples and single parents in countries where gay marriage is allowed.

Dickie Dog is the strongest personality in our home. He has never been abused and is generally well-loved by all who meet him. That said, he has suffered some discrimination and adverse reactions because he is a Staffordshire Terrier. A lot of morons think he is dangerous because of ideas that they have swallowed from the media.

In fact they can be the most loyal and loving of breeds. Shame on you hypnotised lemmings for being led over the cliff of ignorance by the press.

“We found that trying to find rented accommodation in Brighton which accepts pets is insanely difficult.

Landlords are more concerned with protecting their laminate floors” Having sold our house and spent all the money, we found that trying to find rented accommodation in Brighton which accepts pets is insanely difficult. About ninety-five per cent of landlords do not allow pets. If there is no outside space or the building block prohibits pets, I guess this is fair enough. But for most of the landlords, they are just more concerned with protecting their laminate floors and limiting potential complaints. Shame on you uncaring landords who are only interested in quick, high yielding profits. Shame on you for not providing a supply of homes for people with pets who really need them. All is not lost; there are two websites which can help: www.petfriendlyproperties.org.uk and www.letswithpets.org.uk.

“Russia recently banned the adoption of orphans by same-sex couples” This has become a family matter and it’s clearly still a controversial issue even after eleven years. Questions asked and comments made, even by the supportive and well-meaning, are horribly reminiscent of the racist response to ‘mixed marriage’ when I was growing up. They boil down to the idea that, while it may be fine for ‘the boys’ to put their principals into action, they will be condemning any child they adopt to a lifetime of prejudice.

My view is that it is right that ‘the boys’ should want to, right that they should be able to, and right that a child should be able to receive the love and care that they will give; in forty years of teaching I dealt with thousands of parents and none was better qualified.

Opponents continue to raise doubts over the stability of relationships outside marriage, claiming that these impact on the welfare of adopted children. This is in spite of the evidence that family life and the quality of relationships are very similar for children regardless of their parents' sexual orientation and that assumptions that certain types of family will be bad for children are unfounded. After all, having heterosexual parents didn’t stop me from turning out gay so, as that paragon of parenting, Homer Simpson, might say “Doh!” Attending the Pink Singers’ 30th birthday celebrations in July with a myriad of other ‘gay’ choirs from all over the country, I rejoiced in the combined power we and our music have to ‘to win over the hearts and minds of the wider public’. Okay, so world domination is a way off, but nowhere is better endowed or better equipped to change attitudes than Brighton! So, sing loud and sing proud.

A final note to get off my chest: it’s better to leave dog crap in the park than to wrap it in a plastic bag and then leave that in the park.

Come on people. Get a grip. Shame on you too.

There.

That feels better. Not as good as a sexy skin on a Sunday night or a large JD and coke, but still better.

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

68 GSCENE

KEITH SHARPE SECRETS & LIES THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

BY DR KEITH SHARPE FROM CHANGING ATTITUDE SUSSEX This month I have been working on a conference paper that I was asked to write about the evidence that Jesus might have been gay. I've realised that Christ's queerness, in every sense, has really always been the theological elephant in the room for Christianity. A bit like Robin Hood, living in the Nottinghamshire forest with his band of Merry Men, the picture of the lusty 30-something Palestinian boy wandering around the Palestinian desert with twelve other men has always raised a few eyebrows behind the scenes.

Of course Robin Hood had his Maid Marian, supposedly, and thus was a distinctly queer looking story reassuringly brought within heterosexual norms, apparently. Much more difficult to normalise Jesus. There is no Maid Marian equivalent. The only possible candidate is Mary Magdalene but the evidence is decidedly thin, so thin as to be invisible when subjected to close scrutiny. Of course Dan Brown has made a mint out of hyping and hypothesising Jesus as the happy family man with Ms Magdalene as the object of his erotic desire but it is pure fantasy. The biblical testimony is clear. Jesus had no sexual interest in Mary Magdalene.

Actually of course Christian authorities throughout the ages have concurred with this view that Jesus had no sexual interest in Mary Magdalene. In their world it is quite unthinkable, first and foremost because she was a prostitute. But more generally however the Church has cast Jesus as a holy man unsullied by the base carnal lusts of fallen humanity and the beasts. It is claimed he was the embodiment of purity and chastity and therefore had no sexual relationship with anyone.

And yet there in the New Testament before the eyes of anybody who takes the time and trouble to read the Gospel of John carefully there appears to be an account of a close emotional homoerotic relationship between Jesus and one of his disciples. It looks like Jesus may have been human after all and that the object of his desire was male.

“For anybody who takes the trouble to read the Gospel of John carefully there appears to be an account of a close emotional homoerotic relationship between Jesus and one of his disciples” For the past 2000 years the Church has sought to suppress homosexuality as an abomination in the sight of God. For the past 500 years both protestant and catholic churches have endeavoured to promote 'family values' which anathematise homosexual practice and render homosexual people invisible. It is these supposed 'family values' which have legitimised the barbarism and cruelty directed towards gay people, from the torture and burnings of the Inquisition through to the various forms of social exclusion practised by the Christian churches up to the present day.

All of this, however, has been an extraordinary exercise in denial and self-delusion. Family values are not biblical values. The Old Testament is full of incest, rape, multiple wives, concubines and harlots, much of it seemingly approved of by the Deity. Just think of King Solomon's hundreds of wives and concubines. In the New Testament Jesus rails against the family time and time again. Consider for instance: 'If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters and even his own life that one cannot be my disciple.' Luke 14: 26-27.

The Christ whom the churches claim to follow was absolutely not a family man. He viewed the family as a cloak for grasping self-interest and structural domination of the weak by the strong. He even denounced his own family. When a woman shouts out to him, 'blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that you sucked!' Jesus rebukes her, and says, 'blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it'. Luke 11:27-28. And on another occasion he is told that his mother, brothers and sisters are outside asking for him and he replies: 'who are my mother and my brothers?' The answer he gives is that 'whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother'.

Mark 3:31-55.

Jesus never addresses Mary as mother, only ever calling her 'woman', the same word he uses to address complete strangers. He also told his followers to call no man your father upon the earth, 'for one is your Father, which is in heaven'. Matthew 23:9. There is never the slightest element of sentimentality in any of his dealings with his family.

The Church's colossal lie, that its version of family values is ordained

by God, Jesus and the Bible, has been sustained by a conspiracy of fearful silence. Of course it was massively helpful to the Church that for most of the past 2000 years most people were incapable of reading the Bible for themselves, and depended on clergy to tell them what it said. Now that we can read the Bible for ourselves, however, we can see that what the Church has said about Jesus and homosexuality is, to say the very least, a bit of a distortion of the text.

“The Christian churches have treated their saviour as though he were a dress shop mannequin without genitalia or testosterone pumping through his veins” The Church has always had something of a problem with its own teaching that Jesus was fully God and fully human. If he was a fully human male then he would have had unpredictable erections, wet dreams, lustful desires that are hard to control, and he would have thought about sex, so it is claimed by experts nowadays, every seven seconds or so. About all of this the Church has stayed resolutely silent.

The question: to what end were Jesus' sexual desires directed?' could simply never be put. The Christian churches have treated their saviour as though he were a dress shop mannequin without genitalia or testosterone pumping through his veins. They have remained silent about the biblical texts which deal with Jesus' relationships with one man in particular, recounted in the gospel of John. They have done everything possible to persuade us that the Emperor is a fully dressed straight, when actually under our very eyes, the textual meaning strongly suggests that he is a quite naked gay.

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

GSCENE 69

TWISTED

TRANS

BY ERIC PAGE

SCRIBE

NEVER MISS A GOOD CHANCE TO SHUT UP

TRANS SEX CRIME?

God! I’ve become so impatient, my palms itch to slap folk, I’ve developed an utter intolerance with a volcanic edge and worry that I’m soon going to be detained for public ranting. I quiver with crossness, tremble with indignation and shudder with cranky, grumpy crabbiness. But perhaps I should turn this scorching ire towards someone far more deserving of my wrath, the drive behind my demented engine of fury, the pressurised steam of angst that pummels my pistons and pulleys of pain, the bringer of rage, the Infanta of Ire, the bulging breeder of dissent, the thing that drives me closer to the edge of reason than anything else on earth: You, Dear Reader, you…

I’ve become a potential sex criminal overnight. Have I suddenly lost sight of the safe, sane and consensual credo that has guided my entire sex life? No. Ladies and gentlemen of Brighton & Hove, you have nothing to fear from getting frisky with me. What has changed is a new legal judgement from the last in a string of similar cases.

GILDED GHETTO

Now, hold on you say, but I dismiss and say sit back down. I’m watching you read this now, I’m sitting behind you, don’t look, it will only make me more livid, I loath being stared at by readers, so rude, just sit there, continue reading and no one need get hurt, don’t make me twitchy so early in the week. I’ve only had five coffees this morning so am not responsible for my behaviour just yet. You couldn’t be more wrong dearest, it’s all in your head, make no sudden movements okay, just keep your hands on the magazine and I might calm down.

What is it with you and that thing you do?

Huh? I thought we had a little agreement between us, some little private arrangement that we could both keep to. I write nonsense, you keep the behaviour acceptable; but no, you couldn’t wait to breach our precious harmony and now look what you’ve done. You know what you did last time I went a little potty, no not that time, WE don’t mention the ‘other matter’, I mean the time with H from Steps and your endless Reach dance routine. You remember how I had the tattoo made to remind me of what I said I’d do if you did it again. Well today is that day, Honeychild. You’ve brought it on yourself so “Reach for the stars, climb every mountain higher. Reach for the stars, follow your hearts desire”. I’m not going to turn it off until your arms ache, until you beg me to stop, until it’s going round and round in your head and you want to stuff your ears full of all the cut out and chewed up nipples from Gscene (which come to mention it would make quite a large, soggy wad).

“I’m watching you read this now, I’m sitting behind you, don’t look, it will only make me more livid” Don’t ever try that again Dear Reader, you might skim through Jane Austin and think just because she’s been dead for 200 years that it doesn’t matter, but I feel her pain. You think you can get away with it by turning the page and sighing, rolling your eyes in that puppy dog way which you think makes you look cute but so doesn’t.

Let’s try and find a space where we can breathe, deep and slow, and not worry about this little upset, your contravention of our cuddly calm, your flagrant flouting of our fluffy tranquility, your violation, that shockingly disrespectful insolent impertinence. Yes let’s breathe deep and slow, out and in, and take a step back, and just for once can you listen to me, just listen, stop fiddling on your bloody phone and pay attention. It’s not much to ask, is it? Each and every time I start to open my mouth you just try to jump in, and I’ve had enough of it I tell you, enough of it, you’ve over stepped the mark this time Poppet.

It’s unforgivable and just once I’d like to be able to finish my sentence and be exquisite and never explain.

BY NICK DOUGLAS

To cut a long story short, a young woman (I’ll use female gender references although I’m not at all confident this is accurate) has been prosecuted for sexual offences and sentenced to three years in a young offender’s institution. She allegedly presented to a young girlfriend as a boy.

As with many cases involving private sexual acts, the facts are contested.

Whatever the truth, this ruling has serious implications. The obvious gut reaction is that the young girlfriend was entitled to know in order to make informed sexual decisions - not much to argue with there.

But it might not be as simple as that. Personally, I know nothing about this case and victim-blaming is never okay but it’s easy to envisage scenarios where young women may deny what they knew (or suspected) rather than face the contempt and ostracism generated when others find out the ‘truth’ about their boyfriend.

And what if the youngster concerned was suffering from ‘gender dysphoria’? What if she was trying to tell not the truth of her body but that of her mind and sense-of-self? Or what if she was undergoing the so-called ‘real life experience’? I may consider the practice absurd, dangerous, nonsense but the clinics take it very seriously - it’s not supposed to be play-acting, it’s supposed to be a real-life, 24/7 experience of living your new gender.

“If deceiving a partner was always a crime, we’d need an Alcatraz off Brighton beach!”

My partners always know before we get intimate. I’m not ashamed of being trans and it’s an important part of getting to know me, but I can see some situations where I might choose not to disclose that I’m trans. A cruisy back-room where no verbal communication is the order of the day? Not really the place for a nice long chat about my transition history and the various medical procedures I’ve undergone.

I might just fancy a quickie and leave it at that. And does it really matter if I do?

The extent to which the ruling applies to self-identified trans people is unclear but it potentially makes us vulnerable. An affair that ends badly could easily lead to a malicious allegation of having been misled. And why drag the law into this? If the young girlfriend was misled she is absolutely entitled to feel angry, hurt and betrayed. But if deceiving a partner was always a crime, we’d need an Alcatraz off Brighton beach! I can’t see what possible benefit there is in sending this youngster to jail. She’s hardly likely to find the help and support needed to resolve her obvious confusion there.

Yes, she could have handled this situation better - she was 17 at the time. But wouldn’t it be great if trans people weren’t made to feel so ashamed and fearful of rejection that some of us choose to hide our trans status from the very people we most want to be close to? When the wider society starts letting us live honest lives without penalising us maybe there will be fewer sad cases like this.

Nick writes this column in a personal capacity.

70 GSCENE GSCENE 70

JAQ’S MONTHLY YOU’RE HISTORY JAQ BAYLES DELVES INTO THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE DOWNRIGHT UGLY OF THE 1980S There’s been a decidedly retro feel to this year so far: The Stones gigging again; the Tories screwing everybody over again; homophobic priests unmasked as gay again; The Daily Mail being righteously indignant about immigration… oh, hang on… that’s never gone away; and let’s not forget the one thing that everybody in England (if not the UK) remains united over – we’ve had good weather again.

Except today, the first day it has pissed down in weeks. It’s almost like living in the 1980s, again.

We all know how history likes to repeat itself but this year has seen so many déjà vu-type elements that it’s positively spooky. We even have Diana resurfacing in a widely-panned eponymous movie and Elton John scaring small children by trying to recapture his youth as a headliner at Bestival.

But I have especially enjoyed some of these blasts from the past: I parted with hard-earned cash to see The Stones after having given up on the idea they might ever gig again; I’ve been able to rant about the incompetence and cruelty of the right-wing, Old Etonian elite holding public office; I’m totally hooked on Wentworth Prison in the same way I was its predecessor and I have enjoyed exchanging weather-related thoughts with strangers as the nation became bound by its incredulity at having a couple of weeks of sunshine.

No sooner had I finished this piece than I heard that Radio 2 (the station that was so unhip when we were kids only our parents listened to it. For those of a certain age it has become as Radio 1 was then) was going to be running a Saturday night Sounds of the 80s show. So it seems I’m bang on trend – even if the 80s weren’t, at the time.

So I did a bit of research to refresh my memory and discovered that the 1980s actually gave us some really cool things: the internet, Madonna, ET, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Back To The Future, songs by The Cure, New Order, Prince – as well as some seriously dreadful things: Thatchersim, Reagan, Spandex and shoulder pads spring to mind.

I’m happy with the way things are going, back to the 1980s, but I’d just like to remind history that not everything is worth repeating.

While it’s all well and good to have a post-modern ironic take on the naff and nutty which turns them into water-cooler icons, some trends are beyond saving and should be left to fade away peacefully.

A couple of weeks ago something happened to really cement that feeling and, trust me, I totally didn’t see this one coming: the remake of Prisoner Cell Block H. For those who can’t remember, this was an Australian drama which used to air at something like 2am during the 1980s and, if Wikipedia is to be believed, totalled 692 episodes. Its highlights included wobbly sets, wobbly acting, wobbly body parts and a decidedly iffy theme song that still haunts me to this day. With that kind of pedigree of course it was going to be a cult hit – and no more so than among lesbians, airing as it did at a time when girl-on-girl action was the domain of the porn industry and still a fair way off being a mainstream staple of UK soap operas.

“Highlights included wobbly sets, wobbly acting, wobbly body parts and a decidedly iffy theme song that still haunts me to this day.

With that kind of pedigree of course it was going to be a cult hit” So now it’s back, Dallas-revival stylee, on prime-time(ish), sporting a brand spanking new title, Wentworth Prison, some hot new totty (Bea, Franky, the jury’s still out on Erica), leaner figures, more solid sets and, oh joy, the same questionable acting talents that made it so irresistible first time around.

“Some trends are beyond saving and should be left to fade peacefully away” You CAN learn from your mistakes, history. Do, by all means, give us Prisoner Cell Block H and Dallas remakes. Feel absolutely free to keep on making the internet a source of wonder. It’s fine to have brought back Daisy Dukes hotpants by way of California Girls (not sure about the Dukes of Hazard remake, mind). You can even use dead icons to make bad biopics.

But please, I beg you, no more leg-warmers. No updated versions of the mullet. And stop with the neon clothes already! It’s not too late to be cool…

GSCENE 71

LUNCH

POSITIVE www.lunchpositive.org HAVE A HEART “It's not as important as it used to be”, I heard. “We only collect for charities which do something for our customers”, “more boxes would mess up our bar” were other replies. I'm writing, of course, about collection boxes in our bars and clubs. It wasn't the first time that I'd heard these types of comments, so I wasn't shocked or surprised. Fortunately I was prepared. I was able to give facts and figures, show results of surveys and evaluations and explain that HIV does continue to affect our community. I couldn't really argue the aesthetics of the bar – it looked just like any other to me! I did suggest that the box had a nice design though, and fitted perfectly with the décor. Eventually, two more bars agreed to take a collection box, and with a sense of achievement I walked away, grateful and relieved.

I wouldn't want you to think that every experience has been like this. Many have been positive, with owners and managers immediately understanding and supporting the needs of people with HIV. But is does raise the question – how much do people see it as 'someone else’s problem' and not one which affects us all? Whilst undoubtedly there are large numbers of people living more healthily and longer with HIV, there are still many for whom everyday life is a struggle. Isolation and loneliness are difficult challenges, poorer mental health is common, and for many an HIV diagnosis feels a life altering catastrophe. A little understanding and compassion please!

“For many an HIV diagnosis feels like a life altering catastrophe” Recently I was talking to a colleague in another charity about the fine balance when trying to fundraise within the wider community.

It was a relief to hear that she felt the same - you don't want to feel as though you’ll dis-empower the group of people you're fundraising for by talking about the difficulties and inequalities which many experience, but you have to tell it how it is if people are going to listen and give.

Sadly, it's not only giving that these collection boxes attract. We’ve had six stolen over the last year. Each from a different bar. It's not uncommon I'm told, “It happens to lots of charities”. That's despite investing in chains and locks, and all sorts of paraphernalia to keep them secure.

Maybe people think that we small charities can afford to lose the money that these collections make. We can't.

Bigger charities with bigger fundraisers rightly make the news, but don't let this give the impression that everyone's rolling in cash. We're not. Smaller charities like ours might make a few hundred pounds in total from all our collection boxes over the course of the year. This money might buy an important piece of equipment, pay an unexpected bill, and will definitely have a direct impact for the people the charity supports.

So as World AIDS Day approaches, we'll be polishing our boxes, attaching our chains and padlocks, and hoping our bars and clubs will understand and support us. Even celebrate our work. We are a community. Aren't we?

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.

72 GSCENE cupcakes. Throughout all of our fun activities we had 60 volunteers on hand to talk about their personal life experiences of mental health, helping the public understand more about the realities of mental health and wellbeing.

STIGMA HURTS… SO LET’S DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! “…so what do you do for a living?”

The answer races through Mark’s head; “I do nothing, I am a nobody, completely useless!”

Short of breath and shaking, Mark struggles to put his words together as he begins to feel very faint - petrified as to how he will come across. He begins to mumble quietly that he’s unemployed, only to receive the usual assumption that he lost his job in the recession. Mark knows this is not true and fears telling anyone the real reason.

Tonight is different though, he really likes this guy, even if he is scared of messing up.

Finally he blurts it out: “Well actually, no not really I had a bit of a breakdown you see… the doctors say I have anxiety and depression…”

After an awkward and abrupt end to the night, Mark got a text the following week asking him to meet up again that afternoon.

Taking hours to prepare for his journey outside again, he stepped onto the pavement with huge apprehension. The sunlight hit his eyes and he felt exposed and vulnerable. He looked out but just didn’t have the strength to go. So at the last moment he returned to the sanctuary of his flat and texted to cancel.

Silence… no reply!

The next day Mark received a message telling him to stop being self-indulgent and lazy, to pull himself together and stop making excuses. Mark didn’t leave the house again for three months: scared to face the world, he hated himself even more.

This stigma from other people about our mental health can be so debilitating it can actually add to our struggle making it much worse. The fear of telling anyone our diagnosis or even our early symptoms can feel very isolating. The media often paints a very skewed image of people with mental health issues. We are seen to be self-indulgent, crazy, violent, comical and someone to pity.

This can make us self-stigmatise and suffer in silence, feeling guilty for taking time off work or claiming benefits.

Fortunately, Mark heard about MindOut from a friend who had also experienced depression and anxiety. He joined a peer support group and was very relieved to find somewhere he could go where he knew he would not be faced with stigma and prejudice about his mental health, somewhere he could be open and honest. He gained confidence in himself and was delighted to find that his experiences helped other people to open up as well.

MindOut recognises the vital importance of breaking down mental health stigma and have been awarded a grant to carry out an LGB&T Anti-Stigma project in Brighton & Hove. This project is part of Time To Change: England’s biggest programme to challenge mental health stigma and discrimination.

This summer, MindOut kicked off the new anti-stigma project by having a Time To Change Village at Brighton Pride. Hundreds of people came along to our mini-village to make pledges to end stigma, write postcards to friends, have a sing-a-long with Lorraine Bowen, get Dollyfied and decorate MindOut

Over the next 18 months MindOut will be organising a variety of innovative events that create opportunities for volunteers to use the ‘social contact’ method of engagement. What this means is that people with lived experience of mental health issues will meet with the public and engage in open and meaningful conversations about mental health.

This human contact makes the issues come to life and helps us all to challenge our stereotypes and prejudice.

This project aims to lead to a lasting change in attitudes and behaviour. By actively working to reduce stigma, MindOut will enable more people to talk openly about their mental health. And it has been proven that through talking more people will feel able and empowered to ask for help BEFORE they reach crisis point.

MINDOUT’S HUMAN LIBRARY - GET INVOLVED! On Wednesday, October 30, MindOut are setting up a Human Library for students at the University of Brighton to learn about mental health and other stigmatised labels. Forty volunteers will become human books for the day where they will talk one-to-one with students about their chosen title. By hearing first hand from a real person living with discrimination, students will be able to gain an insight into the realities of life and the daily stigma they face. In the past, book titles have included lesbian foster parent, gay catholic, genderqueer, trans woman, bisexual parent, male anorexic, suicidal distress, unemployed, borderline personality disorder, alcoholic, partner of trans person, depression, schizophrenia and homeless person. All books will be trained in the Human Library and supported by librarians.

If you’d like to volunteer as a human book, contact Chloe on 01273 234839 or email: chloe.foster@mindout.org.uk for details.

MINDOUT SERVICES MindOut works to reduce social isolation, reduce the stigma associated with mental health and support people who have experience of mental health issues. We provide information and advice, and run an advocacy service, peer support group work, peer mentoring, activities, anti-stigma events, wellbeing courses and training for service providers.

Our services are free, confidential, impartial and independent. All of our work is provided by and for LGBT people with experience of mental health issues.

If you would like to know more please visit our website www.mindout.org.uk, email us info@mindout.org.uk or phone us on 01273 234839

GSCENE 73

SAM THE TRANS MAN NEW CHAPTER THE TIDES OF CHANGE

BY DR SAMUEL JAMES HALL I met my husband on a ferry; the Greek island-hopping type that cruises around the Aegean sea picking up and dropping off tourists from the multitude of tiny islands that dot the ocean. I had been traveling for a month with the love of my life (one of many women I never came out to but was happy just to be alongside). We had come to the end of our trip and were facing a hellish 72 hours or so on trains from Athens back to London. On this last star-studded night, the open deck of the ship was full of students and young travelers drinking beer and chatting. We had nowhere to sleep and no inclination to do so despite that fact that the ferry was due to dock in Athens at 7am.

My lovely companion was being chatted up by two American boys, and it looked (rather painfully to me) as though she were about to capitulate to the advances of one of them and spend the night curled up in his arms. I couldn't bear it. I took my stash of beer and wandered off. On a lower deck I found a friendly-looking bunch of Antipodeans, and was soon assimilated into their circle listening to stories of hairraising antics involving motorbikes, walls, alcohol and temporarily leaving the ground. My future husband was amongst this crowd. A tall, tanned, good-looking guy, I got chatting to him and we hit it off straight away. As the rest of the group melted away into sleeping bags, we carried on chatting into the night. I distinctly remember the moment that we compared passports, as travelers did in those days, since every border crossed gave a stamp of authenticity to prove later that you really had visited all those places. His New Zealand passport, unusually, noted religion as well as the usual passport characteristics of name, age, place of birth etc. I noted that he was a fellow Roman Catholic, and the thought immediately popped into my head; “I’m going to marry you”….

“The more I fantasised about the ‘perfect normality’ of heterosexual family life, the harder it got for me to achieve it, and the harder I fought to construct it” What a strange phenomenon repression is. At that moment and from then on, I truly believe I made a choice and continued to make the same choice for many years to come. I chose to fulfill society’s expectations of ‘normality’, whatever that is. I chose to fulfill my family’s expectations that I would take the only obvious route and marry a Catholic man, and, perhaps more worryingly, my own expectations that to have children and a family of my own, the above two conditions were prerequisites. In other words, to achieve my goal of parenthood, I had to marry first, and it had to be a Catholic. That way everyone else would be happy, and I would not draw attention to myself as the person who just didn’t fit. To ‘fit’ was probably the most dangerous act of self-brutalisation I could conceive of. And I did a fantastic job of it.

We married four years and a lot of heartache later, in the Catholic Church. Our courtship was fraught with repeated attempts to leave (him), and repeated attempts to hold the relationship together (me).

Somehow I just couldn't let this go. I was running away from myself as hard and fast as I could. And so was he. There were many occasions

during those early years when he tried, but just couldn't quite find the words or the language to express himself. The more I fantasised about the ‘perfect normality’ of heterosexual family life, the harder it got for me to achieve it, and the harder I fought to construct it. I won the battle against the odds. He stayed, I qualified as a doctor, and then we married.

I have three amazing children. They didn’t ask to be born into this family, nor do they deserve the mess that their lives became as a result of my inability to be honest with myself or those around me. What they do, however, is show me on a daily basis that they have the capacity to forgive, adapt and move on in their lives in a way that I can only envy.

They are incredibly tolerant, loving and accepting people who do not doubt for a moment that I love them as completely as I am able, even though I know that as a parent I have and will continue to fail them at some level, not because I am a bad parent, but because that is the human condition.

My husband and I separated four years ago. At the time it was becoming apparent to me that I could no longer keep up the facade of living life as a woman. The weight of inauthenticity was overwhelming. Added to which I was serially falling in love with women, and could no longer ignore this and dismiss it as some kind of ‘phase’. At first, when I told him how I was feeling, I think we both thought we would be able to keep this secret under wraps and carry on as normal. But it soon became evident that as I accepted myself as male, the relationship was shifting. I was owning up to the fact that, biology notwithstanding, this was a relationship with two men in it, and one of them didn’t want to be. So I left...

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.

CLARE PROJECT meets every TUESDAY at DORSET GARDENS METHODIST CHURCH Dorset Gardens (off St James St) Brighton BN2 1RL from 2.30–5.30pm except on the first Tuesday of each month, when there is an optional meal out in the evening preceded by the drop-in from 5–7.30pm.

More details can be found on the website www.clareproject.org.uk or find on us facebook under Clare Project.

Email clareprojectinfo@gmail.com

74 GSCENE

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

ADVERTISERS MAP HORE

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40 JUSTIN LLOYD (Hove) 176 Church Rd, Hove, 315614

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1 A-BAR 11–12 Marine Parade, 688825 2 BAR REVENGE 7 Marine Parade, 606064 6 CAMELFORD ARMS 30-31Camelford St, 622386 7 CHARLES ST BAR 8-9 Marine Parade, 624091 11 LEGENDS BAR 31-34 Marine Parade, 624462 33 NEW STEINE BISTRO 12a New Steine, 681546 14 PARIS HOUSE 21 Western Rod, 724195

l COMMUNITY

30 SMOKEYS 123-125 Kings Rd, 323888 19 THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS 59 North Rd, 608571

44 BRIGHTON WOMEN’S CENTRE 72 High St, 698036 www.womenscentre.org.uk 45 LUNCH POSITIVE l SAUNAS Dorset Gardens Methodist Church, 41 BRIGHTON SAUNA 07846 464384 75 Grand Parade, 689966 www.lunchpositive.org 42 TBS2 SAUNA 46 MINDOUT 84-86 Denmark Villas, Hove, 723733 Community Base, 113 Queens Rd 234839 www.mindout.org.uk l LEGAL & FINANCE 46 SWITCHBOARD 43 ENGLEHARTS Community Base, 113 Queens Rd 49 Vallance Hall, Hove St, Hove, 204411 204050 (5–11pm)

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38 JUSTIN LLOYD (Kemptown) 118 St James’ St, 315612 39 JUSTIN LLOYD (City) 111 Western Rd, Hove, 315613

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35 PROWLER 112 St James’ St, 683680 36 SUSSEX BEACON Charity Shop 130 St James’ St, 682992 37 SUSSEX BEACON Home Store 72-73 London Rd, 680264

l ESTATE AGENTS

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17 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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1 AMSTERDAM 11–12 Marine Parade, 688825 25 AMBASSADOR HOTEL 22-23 New Steine, 676869 26 AVALON HOTEL 7 Upper Rock Gardens, 692344 27 CAVALAIRE HOTEL 34 Upper Rock Gardens, 696899 28 COURTLANDS HOTEL 19-27 The Drive, Hove, 731055 29 COWARDS HOTEL 12 Upper Rock Gardens, 692677

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76 GSCENE

OCT 2013

CLASSIFIEDS

CALL 01273 722457 BY 14TH OCT TO GUARANTEE ADVERT PLACEMENT

BUILDERS, CARPENTERS, ELECTRICIANS, HOUSEHOLD, PAINTERS & DECORATORS, PLUMBERS

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Guaranteed Work carried out by Gay Professional Man •Painting & Decorating •Tiling •Kitchens/ Bathrooms fitted •General plumbing MOST OTHER TRADES UNDERTAKEN

WHILST EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THE ACCURACY OF STATEMENTS IN THIS MAGAZINE WE CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE VIEWS OF CONTRIBUTORS, ERRORS, OR OMMISIONS, OR FOR MATTERS ARISING FROM CLERICAL OR PRINTERS ERRORS, OR AN ADVERTISER NOT COMPLETING A CONTRACT

GSCENE 77

OCT 2013 PROFESSIONAL

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COUNSELLING, SEXUAL HEALTH, TREATMENTS, MASSAGE GSCENE SUGGESTS READERS SHOULD ALWAYS VERIFY THERAPISTS QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

AN AD THIS SIZE COSTS £35 + VAT CALL

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78 GSCENE

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383 767 MOBILE: 07939 581 791

1

St James’s Avenue, Brighton

£ 625,000 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 offering the flexibility to be used as a family house or a raised ground/ first floor maisonette with separate one bedroom lower ground floor flat.

4

3

2

Buy & sell with the experts.

2

Four of our favourite properties this week. Visit our website at justinlloyd.co.uk to view all our properties.

Somerhill Avenue, Hove

£ 850,000 - £ 875,000 Unique penthouse apartment with wrap-around terrace providing amazing rooftop and distant sea views. Positioned on the top (4th) floor of a modern purpose built building, moments from St Ann’s Well Gardens, with lift access directly into the apartment, secure underground parking and residents gym.

3

Grand Avenue, Hove

£ 245,000

23

A one bedroom 6th floor apartment with sea views and west facing balcony forming part of this prestigious art deco building in a highly sought after central Hove location. Shopping facilities, restaurants, cafes and bars are found in nearby Church Road and Hove mainline railway station is within easy reach.

1

1

1

Call us now 01273 692424 Email info@justinlloyd.co.uk

Carlisle Road, Hove

£ 799,500

4

Substantial (213.30 sq.m/2295.9 sq.ft) semi-detached six double bedroom Edwardian home on three floors in sought after New Church Road area. It retains a host of period features together with flexible living space, front and rear gardens with side access, with a first floor west facing balcony.

6

3

Visit justinlloyd.co.uk

Kemp Town 118 St James’s Street, Brighton BN2 1TH

Hove 176 Church Road, Hove BN3 2DJ

2

“You gave us a professional and virtually stress free experience. Would certainly recommend”

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City 111 Western Road, Hove BN3 1DD

3

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