Scene Magazine - March 2025 by Scene LGBTQ+ Magazine

SWEET FANTASY!

Mariah Carey to headline Brighton & Hove Pride 2025

) Brighton & Hove Pride has announced global superstar Mariah Carey will headline the main stage at this year’s fun-filled Pride on the Park two-day community fundraiser at Preston Park on Saturday, August 2

Originally announced to headline Brighton & Hove Pride in 2020, the event was unfortunately cancelled

due to the COVID19 pandemic. Against All Odds the elusive chanteuse is finally making her way to the South Coast for a UK festival exclusive that will also serve as her first show in six years. In the words of the MC herself, it’s tiiiiiiiiiime!

Delving into her Music Box and bringing her legendary discography to Pride to perform hits such as Fantasy, Hero,

Always Be My Baby and We Belong Together – Mariah is laden with bangers and ballads from a four-decade career in pop, as well as being ranked as one of the greatest singers ever by Rolling Stone thanks to her effortlessly soaring voice.

The superstar, who has duetted with Whitney Houston, Miguel, Ariana

Grande and Luther Vandross has amassed a staggering 19 number one singles and sold more than 200 million albums. She will perform at Pride on the Park as Saturday’s main stage headliner and is the first name to be announced from what is expected to be another standout line-up for the UK’s biggest and best Pride event.

Giving a whole new meaning to Gay Christmas, the anticipation of Mimi arriving in Brighton and bringing the Rainbow to the main stage is immense. Pride-goers and Lambs alike should expect Glitter, all the Emotions and the once in a lifetime opportunity to see a global icon on a Pride stage.

In addition to the main-stage, the annual and much-loved LGBTQ+ Community Parade will kickstart Pride weekend under this year’s theme of Ravishing Rage. Ravishing Rage is more than a parade, it’s a celebration of resilience, spirit, passion and unity. Be louder than ever, shine brighter than before, dance in protest and march in celebration because fury never felt so fierce!

The parade will wind through the city in spectacular colour and style, delighting the thousands of people who take to the streets to watch the event which showcases over 100 LGBTQ+ charities, community groups and small businesses, emergency services, NHS and representatives of other Prides.

Managing Director Paul Kemp said:

“We are beyond thrilled to have the global icon Mariah Carey headline Pride on the Park this year. We were so excited to have her join us in 2020 and absolutely gutted the show couldn’t go ahead due to pandemic restrictions that summer. Pride is always an amazing weekend of celebration and inclusiveness of our city, and this year is going to be incredibly momentous.

“Our annual community parade will kickstart proceedings and with this year’s theme of Ravishing Rage, we march with unstoppable energy and fearless spirit, turning adversity into triumph. We can’t wait to show you everything that we’ve got planned for Pride ‘25!”

Over the past few years, Pride has raised over £1.4million for the Pride Community Foundation, the Pride Social Impact Fund, Pride Cultural Development Fund and Pride Solidarity Fund. The Pride Social Impact Fund benefits local good causes giving grants to a range of local groups.

Photo by Dennis Leupold

) More info and tickets: www.brighton-pride.org

SUGABABES TO HEADLINE BRIGHTON & HOVE PRIDE SUNDAY

) Having cemented their place as one of the biggest British girl bands of the 21st century, Sugababes will headline the Brighton & Hove Pride main stage on Preston Park on Sunday, August 3.

Expect chart-topping, infectious hits such as Round Round, Push The Button, Hole In The Head, Freak Like Me, About You Now, and the one that started it all - Overload.

The trio, formed in 1998, have scored six number one singles, racked up millions of global sales and multiple multi-platinum albums.

Their recent comeback - as the original line-up of Keisha Buchanan, Mutya Buena and Siobhan Donaghy - was solidified with their now legendary 2022 Glastonbury

performance. This set the scene for their biggest sold-out UK tour, a sold out London O2 Arena show and the first new music in a decade alongside another record-breaking, field-closing set at Glastonbury’s Worthy Farm in June 2024.

Managing Director Paul Kemp comments: “We can’t wait to welcome Sugababes to Brighton & Hove Pride. They’re over two decades into their career and sound effortlessly cool, more energised and better than ever!

“Their catalogue of hits is undeniable and their show on the main stage will be the perfect way to close out 2025’s weekend of Pride celebrations.”

Further info to follow on additional Pride-tastic events that are set to take place throughout the city over Pride weekend.

) More info and tickets: www.brighton-pride.org

REVIEW: Brighton Alternative Panto'Jack Stripped Back'

"I’ll be back for their next panto in 2026 - oh yes I will!" Review by Brian Butler.

Cynthia Nixon stands up for trans kids at trans rights protest

The Sex and the City star revealed that her son, her sister's kids and her best friend's kid are all proudly trans during a trans rights protest in New York City.

Isle of Wight LGBTQ+ project receives £21,700 from Historic England

Out On An Island, which explores 100 years of LGBTQ+ history with an Isle of Wight, has received a £21,700 cash injection from Historic England for its LGBTQ+ working-class history celebration project.

Met Police apologises over investigation into death of drag artist

The Force apologised over its investigation into the death of American drag artist Steven Grygelko, aka Heklina, who was found dead at a flat in Soho, London, in April 2023.

Anti-trans LGB Alliance creates Business Forum

LGB Alliance, which was set up ‘to promote transphobic activity", has created a Business Forum to fight what it calls “corruption of corporate equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) programmes”.

Gaydio announces shortlist for 2025 Pride Awards

The awards recognise and celebrate the efforts made to better LGBTQ+ lives in the UK.

QUEER, I AM!

Andrea Walker speaks to Scene ahead of his show Sad Book at Old Market, Hove. Words by Brian Butler.

) When meeting someone new for an interview you always hope you will recognise them.

No such problem with Brighton-based director and choreographer Andrea Walker. His shock of curly green hair and bare arms sporting some of his many tattoos tell you “here I am.“

He exudes a visceral sexuality that matches his dance work – queer street dance he calls it. It’s packed with energy, dramatic, challenging and with that powerful sexuality for which his work has become well-known.

Fiercely proud of the queer art which he creates Andrea tells me he was born in Italy and started dancing at the age of 14.

Part of his cultural genes seem to have come from his father who was highly musical and artistic. Walker loved to watch MTV dance videos, including Britney. “It was the golden age of music videos and I always needed to be one of those dancers.”

Aged 18 he came to England and

studied film at Westminster University “I had always wanted to get out of Italy - it was homophobic and racist –I think it’s better now.“

His first work came with a European tour with underground singer Ebony Bones, where he danced, choreographed and sang – and all this while still doing his film course. “We were on Eurostar nearly every weekend. I saw a lot of hotel rooms.”

Graduating in 2011, he danced in a Coldplay music video. “But I was getting really burnt out. I didn’t quite know where I belonged in terms of dance styles.”

In 2014 he dropped it all and went to New York to the Broadway Dance Centre.

“You were given your own platform and with 50 other dancers I could create work.“ His first piece called Still was really well received and the dance centre added it to their professional showcase.

“It made my voice feel very valued,”

he told me.

It was at this point that he formed the 201 Dance Company, named after the number on his room door.

“I didn’t feel street dance enough, or contemporary enough. New York gave me the permission to do what I wanted. I thought what the hell am I doing? Sometimes I still do today.”

In a 10-month window, which he described as full of crazy energy and crazy drive, he went from creating pieces for six dancers to works for 40.

He admits there were not many queer street dance pieces around and he was skilful enough and prescient enough to realise that it could become a queer art form avoiding its toxic macho masculinity.

And so he created a piece called Smother which dealt with his recent break up with a boyfriend. The Guardian and The Times both gave it four stars. “And then I had a career.”

Smother toured the UK and Norway.

“That just put us on the map and then there was a new work called Skin – I seem to like using one word titles that begin with S.“

Skin was about a trans boy and his relationship with his mother, and again he was keen to get away from the hetero normative style of street dance.

“It was clearly defiant, upsetting the straights, And sometimes there was a phobic reaction in the audience and opposition to the themes we were putting across – it was even said we were tainting dance.”

Andrea’s massive work ethic and inner energy means he works on the next show while still creating the current one. But as he openly acknowledges this has led to burn out more than once.

“I always wanted to be that punk queer guy covered in tattoos and with green hair.”

One day he went to a Quentin Blake exhibition where there were 10 pages of his illustrations for a book called Sad Book, by poet and broadcaster Michael Rosen

“I said to myself what is this? It’s a children’s book but the way he described sadness was so pure and so simple in its language, but it hit me so deeply as I have always had mental health issues.”

There is no moral in the book – if you feel sad it’s fine says Rosen, who

Pic by Mark Lister

wrote the book after the death of his 18-year-old son.

“I remember leaving the exhibition thinking I have to do this. I was terrified of approaching Mr Rosen, but I thought if he says no I will just move on.”

Rosen said yes and gave Walker a completely free hand about how he would interpret the book as a dance piece.

And so the work is now on tour, arriving in Brighton for two nights next month.

Andrea lost his mother to cancer 18 months ago and he is now making a show about that relationship. “I’ve been crying every day. I have never created a show from such a personal experience.”

I was interested in how he works on a new piece. “I am very methodical, and movement is the last thing that gets created. I see shows as a film so I’ll begin with a storyboard. I have found a lot of confidence in the last year.

“I have been covering myself with tattoos. When my mother got diagnosed she had plans and none of it could happen. It was so unfair and such a waste.

“When she died, something clicked in my head – nothing really matters; there is power in that – don’t take life seriously.

“I always wanted to be that punk queer guy covered in tattoos and with green hair. I want to be that person I looked up to but who didn’t exist. I want to be cool and hot as a gay man at the same time.”

In a real sense his life is his art and his art is his life - and Andrea needn’t worry - he’s definitely both cool and hot.

) Sad Book is at the Old Market, Hove from March 11 - 12.

Pic

Josh Brandao

"I'd love bullies to ask for forgiveness."

Luke Evans talks to Jamie Laing about his first crush and growing up gay in Wales.

First ever Thame Pride will be "inclusive" and "welcoming"

Thame Pride, which will celebrate the town's LGBTQ+ community, will take place on June 21.

Lady Gaga speaks out in support of trans community while accepting Grammy Award

'I just want to say tonight, that trans people are not invisible,' the 38-year-old pop diva and LGBTQ+ ally said.

BUTTON UP! It’s time for 'Sew Fierce'

three will see

Pride in the Port, Newport’s Pride organisation, to host UK Pride 2026

Founded in 2022, Pride in the Port will be celebrating its fifth year championing the city’s LGBTQ+ community when it hosts this historic event.

"Thank you so much for your generosity!"

Allsorts Youth Project has thanked supporters after £520 was raised from its 12 Days of Allsorts festive campaign.

Season

the return of season two cohosts: design mentor Jaime Lujan, aka Lucinda Miu, and London-based drag legend, Crystal.

OLLY AT THE BEACON

Olly Alexander visited Brighton-based HIV charity the Sussex Beacon last month

) Award-winning singer, songwriter and BAFTA-nominated actor Olly Alexander interrupted a busy schedule on Saturday, February 8 to visit Brightonbased HIV charity the Sussex Beacon

Having launched his debut solo album Polari the day before, Olly met with a number of staff and service users at the Beacon to find out more about the work done by the charity.

Announcing the visit, the Sussex Beacon’s CEO Rachel Brett (pictured) said “We are incredibly honoured and thrilled that Olly and his management took time out, ahead of his performance in Brighton on Saturday evening, to come and see us.

“Olly’s activism, promoting equality, antibullying, anti-stigma and HIV awareness, reflects and helps address many of the issues encountered by people living with HIV”.

Olly’s visit coincides with the fourth anniversary of the screening of the hit

Channel 4 series It’s A Sin, starring Olly and featuring Jill Nalder, who is a patron of the Sussex Beacon.

Olly’s Up Close and Polari tour will hit

the road across the UK and Europe this spring. For details and to book tickets, visit www.ollyalexander.co.uk/

Olly commented: “It was so moving and inspiring to visit the Sussex Beacon and learn about the vital work the staff are doing.

“I loved meeting some of the service users who were so open and generous with sharing their journeys and how crucial the centre is for them. I can’t wait to visit again and I’m excited to work together in the future.”

) More info on Sussex Beacon: www.sussexbeacon.org.uk

Newcastle's first all trans and non-binary music and poetry festival is taking place at The Globe in Newcastle on Saturday, March 15.

Daren Kay donates royalties from his book to Sussex Beacon

The author met with the Sussex Beacon’s CEO in the garden at the centre to donate royalties from his book The Brightonians Under Siege to the charity.

Exhibition to mark a decade of collecting by Museum of Transology

An exhibition is to mark a decade of community collecting by the Museum of Transology – home to the world’s biggest collection of objects and stories celebrating trans, non-binary and intersex lives.

INTERVIEW: Jonathan Blake

"She did look like a beautiful young man."

Rocos recalls Princess of Wales'

Kelly Clarkson says it’s "getting a little scary" for queer people in America

Kelly Clarkson said it’s "getting a little scary" for queer people in America when she hosted trans icon Laverne Cox on an episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show, alongside Carla Smith, CEO of the LGBT Community Centre in New York.

From the bath houses of San Francisco to the coal mines of South Wales.

Cleo

night out at a gay bar with Freddie Mercury and Kenny Everett.

Sir Keir Starmer takes part in National HIV Testing Week

Starmer beaome the first serving Prime Minister and G7 leader to take a public HIV test.

"There is still a lot of ignorance, fear and stigma."

Ely Pride, which supports LGBTQ+ people in Cambridgeshire, believes more work is needed to support LGBTQ+ communities.

Dolly Parton musical plagued by homophobic abuse in the UK

Stevie Webb, a lead actor performing in the Dolly Parton musical Here You Come Again, said that an audience member had to be ejected from a show after they launched a volley of vile abuse.

Jake Ferguson - a non-binary adult from Northern Ireland - has shared their story of recovery from the eating disorder anorexia nervosa

Nathaniel J Hall to bring 'TOXIC' to Old Market during Brighton Fringe

Set in the hedonistic world of Manchester’s underground queer rave scene, Toxic tells the story of two people who, in their own words, ‘meet, fall in love, and mess it up.’

Ashley Dalton MP, a supporter of trans rights, appointed as health minister

a discussion on

During

Twitter in 2016 Ms Dalton - who was elected as MP for West Lancashire in 2023 - insisted: 'Trans women aren't male. They're women.'

Hundreds gather to protest erasure of trans references from Stonewall National Monument website

More than 300 people rallied at the Stonewall National Monument on February 14, a day after references to trans Americans disappeared from the Stonewall National Monument website.

Russell T Davies to return with 'Tip Toe'

The It’s a Sin and Queer As Folk writer's new drama is set to explore the challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community of today.

Kevin McKenna MP shares HIV status

He has become the third MP to share his HIV status following Lord Chris Smith in 2005 and former Brighton Kemptown MP Lloyd Russell Moyle in 2018.

Allsorts

to receive five years of

funding from National Lottery

The LGBTQ+ youth charity will use the funding from the Community Fund to continue creating safer spaces for LGBTQ+ young people.

“We will always be extremely clear on this - there is no LGB without the T."

Pro LGBTQ+ groups connected to the Labour Party speak out after the formation of anti-trans splinter group, Labour LGB.

Brave Australian gay drama 'Invisible Boys' is a must watch

Invisible Boys follows four young gay men as they understand and explore their identities while living a small, regional town in Western Australia.

HONOURING THE VIVIENNE

The Vivienne’s father paid tribute to their son after the Drag Race UK winner was honoured with Icon Award at the inaugural Metro Pride Awards

) The Vivienne’s father paid a heartbreaking tribute to their son after Drag Race UK winner was honoured with the Icon Award at the inaugural Metro Pride Awards on Wednesday, February 26

The star of RuPaul’s Drag Race, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died suddenly in January at the age of just 32.

At the Metro Pride Awards, The Vivienne was honoured with the Icon Award for their groundbreaking contribution to drag, queer visibility, and advocacy.

Their father Lee accepted the award on behalf of The Vivienne and got choked up as he spoke about his loss.

“James loved being a part of the entertainment world and I know he would’ve been happy... I know he would have absolutely loved tonight’s

events,” Lee said.

“When he was nominated for the Metro award for rising star last year he was honoured and made up to be here. So whilst it is extremely bittersweet to be here without him, being under this roof meant the world to him.

“Thank you to everyone for your huge love and support to James and an amazing night. Thank you so much.’

Fellow RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Cheryl Hole was among those who honoured The Vivienne with a special performance at the event.

The drag star told PA: “This event is the first of its kind, and she was the pioneer, the trailblazer of UK drag and I truly am so honoured that we get to be here and keep her legacy alive and her spirit on fire.”

The Vivienne was catapulted to international fame after winning the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.

Organisers of Leeds Pride share exciting plans for 2025 festival

Leeds Pride is gearing up for another huge celebration, after smashing records in 2024 with over 80,000 visitors - its biggest attendance to date.

Murder of trans teenager Brianna Ghey to be explored in documentary

The 75-minute ITV programme will look into the events of February 11, 2023 when Brianna was stabbed to death.

Out to Swim launches new clubs in Bournemouth and Newcastle

The LGBTQ+ swimming club was founded in London in 1992. In 2006 the club expanded by launching a branch in Brighton & Hove.

Celebrating the LGBTQ+ history of Brighton & Hove and beyond

The Coast is Queer LGBTQ+ Lit

and Queer Heritage South are joining forces on May 24 to present an interactive archiving workshop.

Fundraiser launches to "save" Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club

A key player in London's LGBTQ+ and alternative scene, the venue first opened as a traditional working men's club in 1953

"A

horrifying act of discrimination."

Amnesty International has condemned government authorities after two university students were publicly flogged in the city of Banda Aceh, Indonesia for having consensual same-sex relations.

Fest

Trans activist likens treatment of trans people to gays during AIDS epidemic

Support for trans people and trans issues remains strong despite fear mongering, trans activist Jenny Maguire has stated.

"This is an unexpected love story that needs to be told."

'The History of Sound', the highly anticipated gay World War I drama starring Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor, set for release in 2025.

Trans Pride Hastings 2025 to launch on Trans Day of Visibility

Trans Pride Hastings takes place July 11-13.

Our resident pop music reviewer and influencer Dale Melita shares his top tracks and album of the month!

BEEFMINCE is coming to Brighton!

Since 2015, BEEFMINCE has been attracting bears, cubs and everything in between to become one of UK’s biggest LGBTQ+ club nights.

Katie Price at Portsmouth Pride

Katie Price will be heading to Southsea Common in Portsmouth on Saturday, June 7 for an "unforgettable" UK Pride performance at Portsmouth Pride.

Jonathan Bailey supports LGBT+ Guide for Parents

Just Like Us, the LGBTQ+ young people’s charity, has published its LGBT+ Guide for Parents, which aims to help parents become LGBTQ+ allies and bring families together.

LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall could lose up to half of its staff

LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall could cut up to half of its staff after Donald Trump pulled funding for its foreign aid support, it has been reported.

Crawley Pride to celebrate diversity, inclusivity and community spirit

This year’s Crawley Pride will place on August 16 in Goffs Park.

Journalist and lesbian rights activist Jackie Forster to be honoured with rainbow plaque in London

The Rainbow Plaques programme commemorates significant people, locations, and historical episodes in LGBTQ+ history with markers around the country.

All about inclusion! Windsor to celebrate first Pride Festival in July

Windsor will celebrate its first ever Pride Festival on July 26 with a Pride March to take place through the town centre.

“It doesn’t change anything about my transness, but it does make life a little harder."

Hunter Schafer, trans star of hit show Euphoria, has shared that her newly issued US passport incorrectly identifies her as male

HAVIN' A LAUGH

Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus becomes new charity partner for Komedia’s ‘Down the Hatch’ comedy night

) Komedia has teamed up with Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus (BGMC), the biggest gay men’s chorus in UK outside of London, to raise funds and awareness at Komedia’s monthly night of queer and alternative comedy Down the Hatch.

The venue will be collecting donations at checkout on their website which will be donated to the charitable organisation whose community outreach work includes supporting both LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ causes and events.

BGMC’s Daniel Langasco said: “We’re so grateful to be partnering with Down the Hatch, which has fast become our favourite monthly social for members and friends alike!

“We love that you’re creating accessible queer spaces for the community and the money that you help us raise will go towards our charitable aims of Singing, Socialising and Support, including our bursary fund, which supports low-income members in the chorus.”

BGMC, which is celebrating its 20th year, was created in January 2005 when a small group of friends who loved singing were disappointed at the lack of a nonscene space in which to socialise.

They decided it was high time Brighton & Hove had its first gay male voice choir and so created a space where

people can celebrate music, enjoy the fellowship of other like-minded people and contribute to the local communities of which they are part.

From their initial involvement with Brighton & Hove Pride, the No Hate Campaign and the International Day Against Homophobia, Biophobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), BGMC has deepened its involvement with the local community, supporting both LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ causes and events.

They also co-organise the annual World AIDS Day Charity Concert in Brighton, bringing the community

together in remembrance, solidarity and contemplation, joined by other local LGBTQ choirs.

Winner of ‘Best Comedy Format’ award in the 2024 Chortle Awards, Down the Hatch aims to create a space where queer and alternative performers can showcase their talents, whilst continuing to challenge stereotypes, provoke thought, and bring people together through laughter.

Previous acts at Down the Hatch include James Acaster, Sam Campbell, Jayde Adams, Jordan Brookes, Andrew O’Neill, Jack Rooke, Helen Bauer, Daniel Foxx, John-Luke Roberts, Elf Lyons and more.

) To find out more about Down the Hatch, visit: www.komedia.co.uk/ brighton/comedy/down-the-hatch/

) More info on BGMC: www. brightongmc.org

REVIEW: 'The Strange Case of Dr Dillon' at The Actors Theatre, Brighton

Words by Brian Butler.

“It’s the most ridiculous episode they’ve ever done… And the most expensive.”

Juno Dawson speaks about her upcoming episode of 'Doctor Who'

Pride In The Park, Southampton cancelled

While the news will be disappointing to LGBTQ+ communities in the city, the city's main Pride event, Southampton Pride, will still be taking place on the weekend of August 23 & 24.

Zoë Saldana, star of Emilia Pérez, dedicates BAFTA to her trans nephew

Emilia Pérez, directed by Jacques

tells the story of a Mexican cartel leader who undergoes sex reassignment surgery to evade capture.

Queer Britain to present exhibition on Jimmy Somerville and Bronski Beat

The exhibition at the UK's only LGBTQ+ museum launches March 13 and runs till May 25.

Brussels aiming to become the “queer capital of Europe” with new Pride Museum

An international team with 12 nationalities has been planning the museum for the past two years in Belgium, which was the second country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage.

Audiard,

Two migrants who attempted to save the life of a gay man murdered in Spain honoured for heroic actions

Nursing assistant Samuel Luiz Muniz, 24, was beaten to death in Spain in 2021.

Malta is named most LGBTQ+ inclusive country in Europe

Malta has been named the most LGBTQ+ inclusive country in Europe, according to the 2024 ILGAEurope Rainbow Map & Index.

"Deepling unsettling"

Tonic Housing, a non-profit organisation which runs a retirement community for LGBTQ+ people in the capital, has published a "deepling unsettling" report, which reveals the challenges faced by a “hidden population” of LGBTQ+ over-50s in London.

US judge blocks prison officials from transferring a dozen trans women inmates to men’s facilities

Trump decreed the end of LGBTQ+ protections following his inauguration, ordering authorities to ensure that “males are not detained in women’s prisons.”

Alfie Ordinary, Alex Fincher and Billie Gold have dug deep into the history books to create a walking tour of the places and spaces that make up the beating heart of queer Brighton & Hove.

“Displaying Rainbow Flags with Pride”

The CEO of Piece Hall, which proudly houses a sculpture of "the first modern lesbian" Anne Lister, has said the venue will be “displaying our Rainbow Flags with Pride”.

Positive East seeks selfies from people living with HIV for U=U Community Quilt

Project

The individual selfies, provided from around the world, will be printed on fabrics then hand stitched together, celebrating each individual and their contribution to the U=U movement.

One in five LGBTQ+ people have been sexually assaulted in a club, bar, or LGBTQ+ venue

“LGBTQ+ spaces should be places of safety, but sexual assault and harassment are happening where we should feel protected,” said Ian Howley, CEO of LGBT HERO, which conducted the survey.

Trans ally Marlon Wayans hits back after rapper uses vile homophobic slur against his trans son

In November 2023, Wayans announced that his son, Kai, had come out as trans and expressed his “unconditional love and acceptance” for his child.

Saudi Arabia "must provide assurances on LGBTQ+ rights for 2034 FIFA World Cup"

Peter Tatchell wrote to the Saudi Football Federation, urging them to guarantee the safety, dignity and rights of LGBTQ+ players, officials and fans attending the World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Stonewall criticises YouGov 'trans survey'

The LGBTQ+ rights charity criticised the survey, which asked the general public their opinion on trans rights.

Budapest Pride March banned from taking place in city's streets

Victor Orbán, Hungary's Prime Minister, said in a speech he would advise organisers “not to bother preparing their march for this year” as “it would be a waste of time and money.”

COUNCILLOR BACKS MEMORIAL FOR THE LAST TWO MEN EXECUTED FOR SODOMY IN ENGLAND

South London councillor, Victor Chamberlain, gives his backing to a memorial for the last two men executed for sodomy in England

) A South London councillor has given his backing to a memorial for the last two men executed for sodomy in England.

James Pratt and John Smith were arrested on Blackfriars Road in Southwark in August 1835 after a landlord spied on them allegedly having sex; they were subsequently hanged in 1835.

Both men were excused by the Alan Turing Law in January 2017, which gave pardons to men in England and Wales convicted under historical laws that outlawed homosexuality.

Now Cllr Victor Chamberlain, member of Southwark Liberal Democrats, is working with local groups to bid for cash for a rainbow plaque to commemorate the two men.

Cllr Chamberlain and local groups

were intending to apply to the council’s 2025 Pride Fund, with the aim of securing money for a plaque and unveiling ceremony. Up to £30,000

in cash is available through the fund this year for events that celebrate the borough’s LGBTQ+ identity and history.

The rainbow plaque would be erected on Blackfriars Road, where Pratt and Smith were arrested, under the proposals. Rainbow plaques, which take their inspiration from English Heritage’s blue plaques.

Cllr Chamberlain said: “Southwark is a proud home of a vibrant and growing LGBTQ+ community, and it’s important that our borough’s heritage is recognised and commemorated.

“A rainbow plaque for James and John is how we can pay tribute to them, and celebrate how much progress we have made—but also remind ourselves that progress is only achieved by a constant fight for rights and justice.”

1 Affinity Bar m

129 St James’s St, BN2 1TH

2 Bar Broadway m

10 Steine St, BN2 1TE

3 Bar Revenge m

5-7 Marine Parade, BN2 1TA www.revenge.co.uk

4 Barber Blacksheep m

18 St George’s Rd, BN2 1EB

5 Bedford Tavern m m

30 Western St, BN1 2PG 01273 739495

6 Brighton Birdcage m

35 Gloucester Rd, BN1 4AQ 01273 624010

7 Brighton Box m

25 Dukes Lane, Ship St, BN1 1BG, 01273 722 036

8 Brighton Sauna m

75 Grand Parade, BN2 9JA 01273 689966

www.thebrightonsauna.com

9 Brighton Tavern m

99-100 Gloucester Rd, BN1 4AP 01273 680365

10 Bulldog m

31 St James’s St Mews, BN2 1RF

11 Camelford Arms mm

30-31 Camelford St, BN2 1TQ 01273 622386

12 Charles Street Tap mm

8-9 Marine Parade, BN2 1TA 01273 624091

www.charles-street.com

13 Centre Stage mm

11-12 Marine Parade, BN2 1TL 01273 688 826

14 Dental Health Spa m

14–15 Queens Rd, BN1 3WA 01273 710831

www.dentalhealthspa.co.uk

15 Engleharts m

49 Vallance Hall, Hove St, BN3 2DE 01273 204411 www.engleharts.co.uk

16 Fallen Angel m

24 Grafton St, BN2 1AQ

17 Grosvenor Bar m

16 Western St, BN1 2PG 01273 438587

18 Hove Hands Massage m Kingsway Court, First Avenue, Hove BN3 2LP. By appt only www.HoveHands.co.uk

19 Legends Bar, Club & Hotel mmm

31-34 Marine Parade, BN2 1TR 01273 624462

www.legendsbrighton.com

20 Marine Tavern mm

13 Broad St, BN2 1TJ 01273 681284

21 Nautilus Lounge m

129 St James’s St, BN2 1TH www.nautiluslounge.com

22 New Steine Hotel & Bistro mmm

Paris House mm

Western Rd, BN3 1AF 01273 724195

112-113 St James’s St, BN2 1TH, 01273 603813 www.prowlerpoppers.co.uk

25 Queen’s Arms m

7 George St, BN2 1RH 26 Railway Club m

4 Belmont, Dyke Rd, BN1 3TF, 01273 328682

27 Regency Tavern mm

32-34 Russell Sq, BN1 2EF 01273 325 652

28 Revenge m

32-34 Old Steine, BN1 1EL www.revenge.co.uk

29 Three Jolly Butchers mm

59 North Rd, BN1 1YD 01273 608571

30 Trading Post & Cup of Joe’s mmm

28 St George’s Rd, BN2 1EE 01273 698873

31 Zone m

33 St James’s St, BN2 1RF www.zonebrighton.co.uk

SERVICES DIRECTORY

LGBTQ+ Services

l Allsorts Youth Project

Youth Groups and One-to-One Support for LGBTQ+ young people under 26 (in-person & online). Weekly sessions 01273 721211 or email info@ allsortsyouth.org.uk allsortsyouth.org.ukk

l Brighton & Hove Police

Report all homophobic, biphobic or transphobic incidents to: 24/7 assistance call police on 101 (emergencies 999) Report online at: www.sussex. police.uk

LGBT team (not 24/7) email: LGBT@sussex.pnn. police.uk

l Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard

• LGBT Older People’s Project

• LGBT Health and Inclusion Project

• LGBTQ Disability & Neurodiversity Project

• Rainbow Café Project: support for LGBT+ people with dementia

• Trans and Non-Binary Link Project

• LGBT Grief Encounters Project

• Volunteering opportunities, call Riley 07599 434057

Helpline hours: Wed & Thur, 7–9.30pm; trans-only webchat on Sun 3–5pm: call 01273 359042 or email info@switchboard.org.uk or helpline@ switchboard.org.uk Webchat www.switchboard. org.uk/helpline. www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton Office Number: 01273 234009

l Brighton OneBodyOneFaith Brighton sexuality, gender, & faith Group. Meets monthly. Contact: Nigel Nash nigelnash@me.com. www.onebodyonefaith.org.uk

l Brighton Women’s Centre Info, counselling, drop-in space, support groups admin@Womenscentre.org.uk or visit www. womenscentre.org.uk

l Lesbian & Gay AA

12-step self-help programme for alcohol addictions: Sun, 7.30pm, Chapel Royal, North St, Btn (side entrance). 01273 203 343 (general AA line). www. alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

l LGBTQ+ Cocaine Anonymous

Meeting every Tues 6.30-8pm, 6 Tilbury Pl, Brighton, BN2 0GY, CA isn’t allied with any outside organisation, and neither endorses or opposes any causes. Helpline 0800 6120225, www.cocaineanonymous.org.uk www.sussexcocaineanonymous.co.uk

l LGBTQ+ NA Group

Brighton-based LGBTQ+ (welcomes others) Narcotics Anonymous group every Tue 6.30–8pm, Millwood Centre, Nelson Row, Kingswood St. 0300 999 1212

l LGBT+ Meditation Group

Meditation & discussion, every 2nd & 4th Thur, 5.30–7pm, Anahata Clinic, 119 Edward St, Brighton. 07789 861 367 or www.bodhitreebrighton.org.uk

l Lunch Positive

Lunch club for people with HIV. Meet/make friends, find peer support in safe space. Every Fri, noon–2.30pm, Community Room, Dorset Gdns Methodist Church, Dorset Gdns, Brighton. Lunch £1.50. 07846 464 384 or www.lunchpositive.org

l MCC Brighton

Inclusive, affirming space where all are invited to come

as they are to explore their spirituality without judgement. 01273 515572 or info@mccbrighton.org.uk www.mccbrighton.org.uk

l MindOut

Independent, impartial services run by and for LGBTQ people with experience of mental health issues. 24 hr confidential answerphone: 01273 234839 or email info@mindout.org.uk and out of hours online chat www.mindout.org.uk

l Navigate

Social/peer support group for trans, non-binary & intersex, AFAB, FTM, transmasculine & gender queer people. Every 2nd Friday of the month from 6-8pm (currently on Zoom) at Possability Place, Windlesham Venue, BN1 3AH (formerly Space for Change) navigatebrighton.co.uk

l Peer Action

Regular low cost yoga, therapies, swimming, meditation & social groups for people with HIV. contact@ peeraction.net or www.peeraction.net

l Rainbow Families

Support group for lesbian and/or gay parents 07951 082013 or info@rainbowfamilies.org.uk. www.rainbowfamilies.org.uk

l Rainbow Hub

Information, guidance and hate incident reporting services for LGBTQ+ communities in Brighton, Hove, and Sussex. Based at the Ledward Centre, Jubilee Street, BN1 1GE. Call 07714 782585 or visit www.therainbowhubbrighton.com

l Some People

Social/support group for LGB or questioning aged 14-19, Tue 5.30-7.30pm, Hastings. Call/text Kerrie Tolley-Cloke 07874 637593 or email somepeople@ eastsussex.gov.uk

l TAGS – The Arun Gay Society

Social Group welcome all in East & West Sussex Areas. Call/Text 07539 513171. More info: www.tagsonline. org.uk

l Victim Support

Anyone seeking help can contact our free 24/7

Supportline number on 0808 16 89 111 or get in touch via the website www.victimsupport.org.uk. A range of tools to help people cope and move forwards after crime can be found at www.mysupportspace.org.uk/moj

l The Village MCC

LGBTQ+ affirming church worship and pastoral care in Kemptown. See www.thevillagemcc.org, or call 07476 667353 for details.

HIV Prevention, Care & Treatment Services

l AVERT

Sussex HIV & AIDS info service 01403 210202 or confidential@avert.org

l 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, Brighton Town Hall. 01273 733390 ext 520 or www. brightonhovecab.org.uk

l Clinic M

Free confidential testing & treatment for STIs including HIV, plus Hep A & B vaccinations. Claude Nicol Centre, Sussex County Hospital, on Weds from 5-8pm. 01273 523388 or www.brightonsexualhealth.com

l Community HIV Specialist Service

NHS nursing team supporting patients with HIV in the community and offering free HIV training for groups across Brighton & Hove and West Sussex. www.

sussexcommunity.nhs.uk/hiv

l Lawson Unit

Medical advice, treatment for HIV+, specialist clinics, diet & welfare advice, drug trials. 01273 664 722

l The Martin Fisher Foundation

STI HIV self-testing kits via digital vending machines available from: Jubilee Library, Wellsbourne Centre, Portland Road (between Wish Park Surgery and Kamson’s Pharmacy), BMEC Partnership Centre, Prowler and Brighton Sauna. www. themartinfisherfoundation.org

l Substance Misuse Service

Brighton & Hove Recovery Service manages and delivers the adult drug and alcohol services for the city. Change Grow Live (CGL) provides tailored support to adults in Brighton & Hove who identify as LGBTQ+. CGL offers 1-to-1 support, a variety of online and face to face groups. They offer LGBTQ+ specific groups via the peer-led Speakout group and have established links with a wide range of LGBTQ+ services. To refer to the service, email brighton.info@cgl.org.uk or phone 01273 731 900. More info: www.changegrowlive. org/brighton-hove-recovery-service/info

l Sussex Beacon

24-hour nursing & medical care, day care 01273 694222 or www.sussexbeacon.org.uk

l Terrence Higgins Trust Brighton & Hove For more info about these free services go to the THT office, 61 Ship St, Brighton, Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm 01273 764200 or info.brighton@tht.org.uk, facebook.com/THTBrighton

For people living with HIV:

• HIV support services: Info, support & practical advice

• Welfare rights advice: find out about benefits

• Counselling from qualified counsellors for up to 12 sessions

Health Promotion in Brighton & Hove: Provides services for men who have sex with men, anyone from African communities, sex workers of any gender, and trans or non-binary people.

• Visit clinic for free fast HIV & STI testing with results in <10 mins

• Free condoms and lube

• Confidential info and advice on sexual health & HIV

• Face2Face for gay/bi men; negotiating sex, chemsex, newly diagnosed

• Tailored support for sex workers, trans people and African communities

• Outreach - say hello online and in person for info, condoms & lube, and HIV/STI testing at Brighton Sauna, Boiler Room Sauna, Amsterdam, Charles Street Tap, and Legends bar. For details please check facebook.com/THTBrighton

l Sexual Health Worthing Free confidential tests & treatment for STIs inc HIVA; Hep vaccinations. Worthing-based 0845 111345645

National Helplines

l National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline at www.galop.org.uk and 0800 999 5428

l Switchboard 0300 330 0630

l Positiveline (Eddie Surman Trust) Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat & Sun 4-10pm 0800 1696806

l Mainliners 02075 825226

l National AIDS Helpline 08005 67123

l National Drugs Helpline 08007 76600

l THT AIDS Treatment 08459 470047

l THT direct 0845 1221200

Scene Magazine - March 2025