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) International Gay Rugby (IGR), the global association of LGBTQ+ rugby teams, agreed last month to delay the Union Cup, which was due to take place in Birmingham at the beginning of 2021, by two years.
ALISTAIR BURFORD
Thousands of rugby players from LGBTQ+ teams across Europe, including our very own Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents, were due to gather in Birmingham to play rugby and socialise together but likely Covid-19 restrictions have made that untenable. IGR has therefore agreed to award their Birmingham Bulls RFC the right to host the tournament in 2023. Alistair Burford, tournament director for the Birmingham Union Cup, said: “With limited rugby if any taking place in many European countries and restrictions here in England likely to be in place for at least six months, postponing the tournament is the right thing to do. While we’re disappointed, we’re now focused on delivering a truly special tournament in 2023.” The IGR Trustees said: “The Birmingham Bulls have worked tirelessly towards bringing us a high quality tournament for Union Cup 2021. As the Covid-19 situation has continued to develop, restrictions in the UK are expected to last well into 2021. “We, the IGR, share your disappointment at this development but the safety of all players across the inclusive rugby community is our top priority. We fully support the Birmingham Bulls in making this decision and look forward to joining them in 2023 at a tournament that will be a true celebration of rugby at its finest.” The Union Cup is a biennial rugby union tournament for LGBTQ+ teams from across Europe.
Allsorts’ Service Update ) It’s been many weeks since all in-person services at Allsorts Youth Project were temporarily suspended due to Covid-19. Since then, 133 young people have been inducted and Allsorts has delivered 94 online groups, 363 one-to-one support sessions and 93 advocacy cases.
Rainbow Hub recruiting new volunteers The Rainbow Hub is planning, in the near future, to work with local statutory authorities to support those reporting hate incidents. In addition, it wants to continue to offer a safe, nonjudgemental space for people seeking information, guidance or help on anything LGBTQ+ related in Brighton.
BLAGSS Road Cycling Rides every Sunday ) As The Rainbow Hub on St James’s St has now reopened its doors, the LGBTQ+ hub is ready to recruit volunteers - lots of them!
BLAGSS, the LGBTQ+ sports and social group, is running regular Road Cycling Rides every Sunday in November, meeting at 9am at Palace Pier. Starting and finishing in Brighton, the rides usually last a couple of hours and follow local circuits taking in the coastline and countryside in Sussex and using, as far as possible, quieter road routes. The rides are in small socially distanced groups and nobody gets left behind. All you need is a cycling helmet and a road bike in good working order to take part. There might even be time for a short coffee break too. I For more info on the Road Cycling Rides or other BLAGSS cycling meets, visit: www.blagss.org/cycling If you are interested in joining any BLAGSS cycling ride just drop them an email at cycling@blagss.org
Allsorts said: “Although we’ve found great strength in online services, which have broadened our accessibility to those in harder to reach areas of Sussex, it’s fantastic to now offer in-person support to those who need it most.
Allsorts has taken great pride in its innovative response to the barriers facing its services, and the charity is continually inspired by the resilience “Though this has been an incredibly and peer support it sees in Allsorts’ difficult time for many, we couldn’t be children and young people and their more grateful for the support we have families. seen from our funders, supporters, In line with government and National community fundraisers, stakeholders and partners. Thanks for your time, Youth Agency guidance, Allsorts generosity and commitment - it makes has announced it’s running small monthly in-person groups in each of a huge difference.” their locations (Brighton, Horsham, D For more info on Allsorts, visit: Chichester and Worthing) alongside www.allsortsyouth.org.uk Walk and Talks, its socially
f For more info on the Union Cup, visit: www.facebook.com/unioncuprugby/
) Are you a keen cyclist? Do you fancy taking up something new? Want to get fit?
distanced outdoor one-to-one sessions.
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Covid restrictions force two-year delay of LGBTQ+ rugby tournament
If you can spare two to four hours a week and would like to get involved, pop in to The Rainbow Hub, 93 St James’s St, Brighton BN2 1TP or:
w 01273 675 445 e volunteer@ If you want to work within a friendly, therainbowhubbrighton.com diverse and dedicated team, making a D www.therainbowhubbrighton. difference in our community, it would com love to hear from you.
Out to Swim South returns to the pool After mainly swimming in the sea as a team, over 15 swimmers returned to the Prince Regent Swimming Pool in Hove for a well-received session. Out to Swim South welcomes all new members and there’s a strong social aspect to the club with weekly pub sessions on Saturdays and regular ) After six months, Out to Swim socials. New member enquires: South, the LGBTQ+ swimming group, e otss.membership@outtoswim.org returned to the pool for the first time D www.outtoswim.org/brighton/ last month.
