Scene Magazine West Midlands - June 2023

t @SceneLGBTQ f @Gscene.Brighton D www.scenemag.co.uk THE HEART OF LGBTQ+ LIVING JUNE 2023

POWER IN PRIDE: BIRMINGHAM PRIDE 2023

Words and pictures by Catherine Muxworthy

) Birmingham Pride 2023 returned last month with the theme Power in Pride. Friday night saw the free community event return for a third year; on Saturday and Sunday, Birmingham Pride on the Smithfield site included Sugababes, Gabrielle, B*witched, Eurovision’s Mae Muller, Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard, cabaret stages with local drag acts, and much more.

Saturday was also the day for the Pride Parade which made its way from Centenary Square at 12pm to the LGBTQ+ village with over 75,000 people marching through the streets and many more watching its journey. The parade procession was led by Garry Jones, a Birmingham-based artist who – with the Birmingham HIV and AIDS Memorial Group –raised £180,000 to create a memorial which was unveiled in December last year.

Alongside the memorial sculpture, Jones also created the memorial quilts which have been on display across the city over the past months. Jones walked alongside these quilts to lead the parade in 2023, and back in 2000, he also led the first Pride Parade in the city.

Garry Jones told BBC: “Being given the opportunity to display the Birmingham AIDS and HIV memorial quilts to lead the parade is a real honour.”

Over Pride weekend, Birmingham also played host to a range of other LGBTQ+ events: the Bullring late-night Pride event with Gaydio; the Brum Buzz Cut Queer reading festival, which was a collaboration from the Back to Backs and Back to Books; cabaret and drag bingo at Birmingham LGBT Centre’s café space; Fatt Butcher’s disco bike in Grand Central Station; and much more.

Join us for our open day at New Larchwood

Do you support people who are aged 55 and over, still independent but require help from time to time? Or are you thinking about housing options for yourself, a friend or a loved one, now or in the future? Then Rented Housing with on-site care could be the answer.

Our apartments at New Larchwood are designed to meet the specific needs of older people who want to continue to maintain an independent lifestyle, without compromising on style and affordability.

The day will include:

• Tours of New Larchwood, including a show flat

• A meet and greet with staff

• A chance to chat to our residents, who will be happy to discuss living at New Larchwood (you may spot some of them playing the piano during the day!)

• Refreshments

Wednesday 21 June, from 10am to 4pm New Larchwood, Waldron Avenue, Brighton, BN1 9EZ Call 01273 052061 to RSVP. Walk-ins welcome.

For more information about our properties at New Larchwood, visit www.anchor.org.uk/newlarchwood

Come discoverandourfirstaffirmativeLGBTQ+ location

Calls from landlines are charged at a local rate. Call costs from mobiles vary according to your plan

Queer artist Abby French wins Brighton Marina Bench Wrap design comp

Brighton-born actor and model George Turner stars in new gay comedy series, Peckham Mix

Abby’s design will grace 26 benches until the start of next year’s competition.

Classical Pride to raise funds for LGBTQ+ and sexual health charities

Peckham Mix, a lighthearted gay comedy series starring actor George Turner, will begin streaming on Dekkoo, the first subscription streaming service dedicated to gay men, on June 15.

Birmingham Hippodrome announces UK’s first in-house musicals department

The event takes place at the Barbican Centre, London on Friday, July 7. All funds raised will go Terrence Higgins Trust, GiveOut (via Amplified) and Rainbow Railroad.

New exhibition explores the history of fashion in Birmingham

Birmingham Hippodrome will become the first venue in the UK with an in-house department dedicated to new musical theatre.

Jake Elwes' new exhibition, 'Data • Glitch • Utopia' at Gazelli Art House

An exhibition titled It's Not Unusual – which features a series of photographs by local artist Gary LindsayMoore – explores the history of fashion in Birmingham.

The exhibition will explore AI and alternative queer futures.

Welcome to the Trans Tearoom

Birmingham!

The fully accessible space includes a ‘pay as you feel’ café area, a queer books library, changing rooms, a quiet sensory space for neurodiverse visitors, a ‘pay as you feel’ clothing and shoe shop, and space to hold events such as gender-affirming make-up sessions.

National Express becomes official sponsor of Wolverhampton Pride

The Bears are Back! Brighton Bear Weekend announces epic plans for July event

The event returns to the city on Saturday, June 10.

READ MORE Sandwell in West Midlands to appoint second gay mayor in successive years

The boys at Brighton Bear Weekend have announced the full programme of events taking place over four-days in July, which will raise funds for the Sussex Beacon and the Brighton Rainbow Fund. Remember, your BBW wristband, which can be purchased at www.brightonbearweekend.com, entitles you to a 10% discount on drinks at Legends Brighton all weekend.

Councillor Bill Gavan takes over from Councillor Richard Jones

Langley

SURVEY: How do you feel about NHS health and care services?

Fatt Projects fundraising to continue their work for Birmingham’s LGBTQ+ community and beyond

NHS Sussex has launched a new survey to understand your experiences and views of the health and care services in Brighton & Hove.

PACT’s adoption services rated outstanding for third time

Fatt Projects, an independent not-for-profit created by Adam Carver (AKA Fatt Butcher), which produces various projects for Birmingham’s LGBTQ + community and beyond, is currently fundraising to ensure they can continue to deliver until some long-term funding can be secured.

New book explores gay life in Kazakhstan

At an inspection in March 2023, PACT was found to be outstanding across all areas and provided “highly effective services”.

First look at Walsall Pride performers

Elska, a project dedicated to sharing the bodies and voices of LGBTQ+ communities around the world, has put the spotlight on Almaty, Kazakhstan for its latest edition.

THT announces Big Shave Off!

Walsall Pride has announced a first look at some of the acts performing at the event in August. All the acts announced so far will perform on the Saddlers Centre main stage.

Raise funds to support people impacted by HIV today, tomorrow and into the future.

Latest mpox cases a reminder that “the infection has not gone away”West Midlands Chief Constable confronted a "

PADAM! #DaleyPOP has landed featuring Kylie Minogue (obvs), Dua Lipa, LADSCLUB, Tropics, and more!

The UK Health Security Agency is urging people to remain vigilant to monkeypox ahead of the summer months, as latest data shows an increase in cases in London.

West Midlands Chief Constable confronted at Birmingham Pride over historic "LGBTQ+ witch-hunts"

Pop music reviews from Dale Melita!

Annual David Bowie fundraising night to raise funds for Terrence Higgins Trust

West Midlands' Chief Constable, Craig Guildford, was challenged at Birmingham Pride on Saturday, May 27 over his force's refusal to apologise for its past "witch-hunting of the LGBTQ + community".

Ledward Centre seeks Cafe Manager

The event has raised £50,000 for the HIV/sexual health charity over the last decade.

ALL THAT JAZZ

The Ledward Centre is Brighton & Hove´s new LGBTQ+ Community and Cultural Centre.

Simon Adams reviews the hottest new jazz music.

UK falls to 17th place in Rainbow Europe Map

A night of ska and punk for Matty Sheldrick at Green Door Store to raise funds for Clare Project

The map monitors LGBTQ+ rights in European countries.

Care Quality Commission downgrades

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

The Clare Project, the transgender support and social group, is to benefit from If We All Speak At Once: a night of ska and punk for Matty Sheldrick, who lost their life in November 2022.

Headlining this fundraising event at Brighton's Green Door Store on Saturday, July 15 is The JB Conspiracy with support from Dakka Shanks and Phat Problem.

In the same report, Royal Sussex County Hospital wsa rated as 'inadequate'.

Hate Incident Awareness Workshop at Friends Meeting House, Brighton

Join third-party hate incident project partners Racial Harassment Forum, the Rainbow Hub and Possability People for a Hate Incident Awareness Workshop on Thursday, June 15

LGBTQ+ refugees in Kenya at high-risk of rape and violence in refugee camp

Research paper sheds light on those affected by monkeypox who attended sexual health services in England

LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and refugees living in Kakuma - one of Kenya’s biggest refugee camps -routinely suffer hate crimes, violence, including rape, and other serious human rights abuses, Amnesty International and the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission said in a joint report published on May 19.

New exhibition at Autograph London celebrates black queer bodies and pleasure as activism

The paper is a collaborative piece of work between the national STI team at UK Health Security Agency and the British Association of Sexual Health & HIV.

Get your running shoes on for Brighton & Hove Frontrunners' Couch to 5k

Ajamu: The Patron Saint of Darkrooms is showing till September 2023.

Billy Porter releases runway-ready strut, Fashion

Following the announcement of a Rainbow Run to raise funds for Brighton Rainbow Fund, LGBTQ+ running group Brighton & Hove Frontrunners has announced its Couch to 5K course.

Allsorts Youth Project seeks Youth Support Worker

“You know I can turn a lewk, honey, but this song is not actually about fashion.” Billy Porter says about the new single.

The Sussex-based LGBTQ+ youth charity is currently seeking to recruit an experienced and enthusiastic Youth Support Worker to induct young people into the project, facilitate groups and offer one-to-one support.

Friend of Dorothy

Supplements to improve gay sex

) Friend of Dorothy is a company dedicated to providing high-quality LGBTQ+ merchandise, including supplements to improve gay sex. They are a small but passionate team based in the UK, with a shared vision of creating a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community. Their aim is to offer a wide range of merchandise that represents the diversity and uniqueness of our community, while also promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and equality.

Hi Oliver, Friend of Dorothy is such a great name! Please tell us a little about yourself and what led you to start the company.

Friend of Dorothy is an emerging brand that aims to enhance men’s sexual experiences by providing natural, secure, and efficient supplements. Our main emphasis is on serving the gay community, and we have designed our products to cater to their unique requirements. When I was looking for products such as psyllium husk, I found it hard to find brands that were clear about what they did and how they could help me that’s where it all started.

Talking about great names, you exemplify the concept of ‘It does what it says on the tin’. Your products have some eye-catching, edgy names. Let’s start with HARD. Tell us about HARD.

I know of many gay men who use Viagra often because of instability in their libido. And many people have enquired about the similarity between our natural alternative and Viagra. Personally I prefer natural remedies over unnecessary medical products, and I believe many men of a certain age would share this sentiment. The challenge with Viagra lies in its temporary muscle cell relaxation in the penile blood vessels, which leads to increased blood flow. However, its effects are short-lived, and it does not address the underlying issue.

On the other hand, HARD distinguishes itself by focusing on enhancing libido and

improving the quality of erections. Its primary ingredients, maca and horny goat weed, are derived from plants rather than pharmaceutical drugs, ensuring that they do not provide a one-time solution like Viagra. Regular usage allows HARD to boost libido and improve erection quality without medical interventions.

Furthermore, HARD offers many additional benefits, such as increased energy levels, stress relief, and a rich supply of essential amino acids. It also contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and C and iron, magnesium, zinc, and calcium. These extensive components demonstrate that HARD surpasses the conventional solutions available.

“We need more gay-owned businesses serving our community, and I am super excited to be part of that.”

Scientific research has long validated the positive effects of Maca and Horny Goat Weed on men’s health and overall well-being. HARD stands out as an ideal choice for those seeking a natural alternative to Viagra, as it offers a diverse range of benefits that few modern foods can match.

Moving on (and up?), BOTTOM sounds like a unique product for men who love to bottom. What’s it about?

BOTTOM for Men offers an exceptional solution for men seeking to maintain cleanliness and freshness during anal sex, often reducing the need for douching. This natural product contains psyllium husk, a plant-based fibre source. Medical professionals consistently highlight the benefits of a high-fibre diet for digestive health and facilitating douching. However, studies reveal that many men consume less than the recommended daily fibre intake. With Bottom for Men, you can effortlessly and swiftly obtain the necessary fibre to support a smoothly functioning digestive system.

The product functions like a sponge, absorbing water and expanding as it progresses through your system. This process aids in flushing out your intestines, providing an additional safeguard against bacteria or other potential contaminants during anal sex, thus ensuring your safety and cleanliness. Furthermore, it enables you to relish a highfibre diet without concerns about gas or bloating, making the bottoming experience more comfortable.

And finally, we reach the climax of our interview when we ask about CUM? How does it work?

As a gay dad of three kids, when going through the process of the facility I was very worried about the lack of cum I would generate when ejaculating. I spent a lot of time researching ways to increase my load. I found the right combination of zinc and Vitamin C did the trick. Now I just use it recreationally; also, it intensifies the whole experience of cumming.

“Friend of Dorothy is an emerging brand that aims to enhance men’s sexual experiences by providing natural, secure, and efficient supplements.“

That’s what led me to create this supplement. It is a game-changer in the realm of men’s ejaculation experience. Specifically formulated with a potent blend of zinc and vitamin C, CUM aims to enhance sperm quality and quantity. Zinc plays a crucial role in sperm development and function, aiding in producing healthy and motile sperm. It also helps prevent DNA damage and promotes the overall quality of sperm cells.

On the other hand, vitamin C, known for its potent antioxidant properties, protects sperm cells from oxidative stress and improves their viability. By combining these two powerful ingredients, CUM offers a better ejactulation experience.

Thanks for explaining your top products Oliver. Have you got more in the works? More plans to make the lives of gay men even more fulfilling?

Yes, we have got some fantastic products in the works, all very openly targeted at gay men. One thing I hate is when companies go after the ‘pink pound’. I think we need more gay-owned businesses serving our community, and I am super excited to be part of that.

D Check out the Friend of Dorothy product range: www.friend-of-dorothy.co.uk

Out to Swim Brighton & Hove on display!

Pub Pride to spread the love over Pride Month

The masters swimming club for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies is celebrating another milestone - it has been granted permanent banners at the Prince Regent swimming complex and the King Alfred leisure centre.

Brighton & Hove 5km Rainbow Run to raise funds for Brighton Rainbow Fund

Hundreds of venues across the UK are set to welcome in Pride Month with Pub Pride.

UN LGBTQ+ rights expert concerned by political discourse on refugees and asylum seekers in UK

The event is organised by LGBTQ+ running group Brighton & Hove Frontrunners and will take place on Friday, August 4 – the same weekend as Brighton & Hove Pride.

Legends Hotel recognised as Tripadvisor® 2023 Travellers’ Choice® Award Winner

Abusive rhetoric by politicians, the media and social commentators has trickled down to produce increasingly abusive and hateful speech against LGBTQ+ persons in the UK, the UN independent expert on sexual orientation and gender identity has warned.

MindOut wins award for their work to improve mental health of LGBTQ+ communities

The coveted award celebrates businesses that have consistently received great traveller reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months, placing the hotel among the 10% of all listings on Tripadvisor globally.

MindOut, the LGBTQ+ mental health charity, were visited by the High Sheriff of East Sussex, Jane King, who presented the charity with an award for their continued work within the LGBTQ community.

BOOK REVIEW: Panic Response by John

McCullough

"This is superb LGBTQ+ poetry..."

Queer Brewing releases Pride Pils to raise funds for LGBTQ+ charity, Opening Doors

REVIEW: Van Gogh Alive @ Brighton Dome Corn Exchange

Opening Doors connects LGBTQ+ people aged over 50 with activities, events, support and information.

Out for Sport celebrates 25th anniversary with new board of trustees

Eric Page reviews "engaging and thoughtful" Van Gogh Alive at Brighton Dome.

Queer Britain's Queer Market to take over part of King's Cross' Canopy Market during Pride Month

Ten queer vendors, including Brighton-based Fox Fisher, who has developed an eye-catching range of LGBTQ+ themed merchandise, will join Queer Britain from Friday, June 9 to Sunday, June 11 to sell their goods.

The 11 new trustees will bring a wealth of experience to the charity’s board from within grassroots sports, finance, communications, design, training and development.

COME & BROWSE - YOU ARE SURE TO FIND WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR!! An eclectic mix of vintage, antique up cycling / recycled furniture , clothing, jewellery, art, china and object d'art - all in a price range to suit every pocket. GEORGES & HERVE WISH ALL OF KEMPTOWN & QUEENS PARK A VERY HAPPY VALENTINES! Come & try our amazing French & English food as well as amazing drinks selection Includes... Stalls and cabinets available to rent An eclectic mix of VINTAGE CLOTHING FOR MEN & WOMEN, Army men’s wear, antique up cycling / recycled furniture, jewellery, art, china and objets d'art - all in a price range to suit every pocket.

Ladies and Gents Clothing New & Preowned Summer Ladies and Gents Clothing New & Preowned

Spring

Ugandan President’s signing of highly repressive anti-LGBTQ+ law ‘dark day’ for human rights

Research from Just Like Us finds over 70% of trans young adults have faced verbal abuse in the last year

The Anti-Homosexuality Bill imposes a punishment of life imprisonment for same-sex sexual acts, and up to ten years behind bars for attempted same-sex sexual acts. It also imposes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”.

The majority (72%) of trans young adults have faced verbal abuse in the last year, according to new research by Just Like Us, the LGBTQ+ young people’s charity.

Terry Higgins

to be honoured

with AIDS Memorial Quilt 40 years after his death

The independently conducted research found that trans young adults were most likely in the LGBTQ+ community to have faced verbal abuse in the past year.

Overall, 61% of LGBTQ+ young adults have been subjected to verbal abuse in the past year.

After trans young adults, non-binary (70%) young adults and asexual young adults (68%) were the most likely to report verbal abuse in the last 12 months.

The quilt will be exhibited for the first time at the Festival of Quilts at Birmingham‘s NEC from Thursday, August 3 to Sunday, August 6.

FRINGE REVIEW: Lachlan Werner: Voices of Evil @ Spiegeltent Bosco

"Soho House is trying to steal our view". Legends Brighton releases statement on new planning application from the private members' club

"A delightful, daft and debauched hour of occult decadence."

"Soho House is trying to steal our view with a new planning application! We waited over five years to get this back (and still await the removal of the ugly Heras fencing) but now they want to take it away forever!"

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Friend of Dorothy

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POWER IN PRIDE: BIRMINGHAM PRIDE 2023

6min

pages 2-14