Rainbow mural unveiled at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
The mural features multigenerational characters and iconic elements like nature, landmarks, historical buildings and Pride flags.
READ MORE
Nominations open for Gaydio Pride Awards 2025
The 2025 ceremony will once again be dedicated to recognising and celebrating the efforts made to better LGBTQ+ lives in the UK.
READ MORE
London Overground honours Mildmay Hospital
The hospital, visited 17 times by Princess Diana, played a pivotal role in the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s, which made it the valued and respected place it is for the LGBTQ+ community.
READ MORE
Trans swimmer Lia Thomas supports trans volleyball player Blaire Fleming
Former swimming champion Lia Thomas, who was banned from competing in elite women's events, is backing Fleming amid a wave of attacks similar to what she faced in 2021 and 2022.
READ MORE
Queens Arms joins forces with Charles Street Tap on World AIDS Day
The star-studded fundraiser on Sunday, December 1 from 7pm will feature raffles, fundraising and fabulous performances from the cream of the cabaret crop.
READ MORE
Thousands support ongoing inclusion of trans women in women’s football
The initiative has been launched by Football v Homophobia.
READ MORE
Join us this Christmas at our boutique hotel, bar and restaurant on the beautiful Rottingdean seafront.
Join us for a festive two-course (£29) or three-course (£35) lunch or dinner from 12th November to 24th December 2024 available on a pre-order basis only.
Why not treat yourself to one of our bespoke suites with our 2- and 3-night Christmas packages starting from 24th December 2024.
Bring in the New Year in style with us, including a sumptuous 3-course meal, live music and a glass of Fizz to celebrate. Tickets are £125 pp and must be purchased in advance. Why not make a night of it with our New Year’s Eve Package? We cant wait to host you and your loved ones this festive season.
SECURE YOUR FESTIVE BOOKING TODAY!
Scan here for more information. T&Cs apply
"The fact she could be so heartless disgusts me."
Father praised after revealing he threatened to divorce wife after she recommended "conversion therapy" for their gay son.
READ MORE
Glamrou to return to Soho Theatre with DRAG MOTHER
The show explores the pressures of Muslim womanhood and how it interacts with the freedom, femininity and complexities of a Muslim drag queen.
READ MORE
Brighton i360 files for administration
This leaves Brighton & Hove City Council millions of pounds out of pocket.
READ MORE
MindOut shortlisted for award at inaugural Metro Pride Awards
MindOut joins Just Like Us and Fighting With Pride in the Grassroots or Charity Organisation of the Year category.
READ MORE
Bristol Pride announces dates for 2025 Pride festival
Last year’s festival drew record-breaking crowds, with headline performances from The Human League, Ladytron and Steps’ Claire Richards.
READ MORE
Lights of the West End to be dimmed for gay theatre star Gavin Creel
Creel died in New York in September aged just 48.
READ MORE
Lunch Positive's Winter Support Project
The project aims to help people living with HIV in Brighton & Hove face the additional challenges felt by many throughout the winter months.
READ MORE
Alfie Ordinary to host Brighton’s first ever winter drag pageant
Alfie Ordinary to host Brighton’s first ever winter drag pageant.
READ MORE
Reading Room begins new chapter
Quite the transformation!
READ MORE
Scene's pop music reviewer and influencer Dale Melita aka DaleyPop shares his top tracks with a festive twist.
READ MORE
Harry Potter fans criticise HBO after it backs JK Rowling
Production company HBO has defended Rowling, who will serve as executive producer on the new Harry Potter TV series despite her transphobic views.
READ MORE
Bristol's trans community comes together for Trans Community Day
There was a large turn out to the event, which featured speeches from activists, a Parade through the city centre and stalls and workshops.
READ MORE
Santa Bus to return to streets of Brighton & Hove
The bus will be raising funds for 12 charities including LGBTQ+ mental health charity MindOut.
READ MORE
“I
am not ashamed of my sexuality”
American singer-songwriter Khalid, 26, has come out as gay on social media, saying he’s “not ashamed" of his sexuality.
READ MORE
akt announces limited festival clothing collection with DOM&INK
100% of profit from each purchase will support homeless LGBTQ+ young people facing the cold streets this winter.
READ MORE
Former EastEnders star Declan Bennett marries partner Fra Fee
The loved up pair scrubbed up well.
READ MORE
Research shows many LGBTQ+ people still don’t feel welcome in sport as Rainbow Laces kicks off
READ MORE
Jake Daniels, gay Professional Footballer at Blackpool FC. is supporting this year's campaign.
THE WHITE HORSES
A hidden gem nestled on the Sussex south coast
) The White Horses, Rottingdean, a hotel, bar and restaurant is just a stone’s throw from the bright lights and night life of Brighton, but far enough to feel yourself truly relax and unwind.
Rottingdean is a charming, picturesque village nestled on the south coast and The White Horses is the new jewel in its crown.
Elegant rooms, the sun terrace with sweeping sea views, direct beach access and incredible food and drinks come together to create a hotel of the highest calibre.
Boasting a destination restaurant with menus inspired by the local area, expect theatrical signature seafood platters and seasonal, curated British classics with a contemporary twist.
“Rottingdean is a charming, picturesque village nestled on the south coast and The White Horses is the new jewel in its crown.”
And make sure you visit the beautifully designed Discovery Bar that invites you to sample the area’s finest flavours, tastes and tipples created by local producers, brewers, vintners and distillers.
Rooms are simply superlative, combining style and grace with luxurious comfort to perfect effect. If you’re lucky enough get a sea view junior suite, take a soak in your roll top bath as you look out across the deep blue sea.
Or try a superior balcony room to enjoy breakfast with sweeping beachfront views from the comfort of your private balcony. Both are incredible.
Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and discover this hidden gem nestled on the Sussex south coast.
D www.thewhitehorseshotelrottingdean.co.uk/
Dua Lipa dedicates Mental Health Champion Award to LGBTQ+ people
The hitmaker won the Mental Health Champion of the Year Award from The Trevor Project, the nonprofit suicide prevention organisation.
READ MORE
Brighton & Hove Buses announces Christmas and New Year schedule
The bus company has announced Christmas Day bus services for the third year running.
READ MORE
"When will this violence end?"
Figures published to coincide with Trans Day of Remembrance show 350 trans people murdered worldwide in 2024.
READ MORE
Broadcaster John Oliver defends trans athletes in women's sports
The British-born broadcaster said there is "no evidence" they "pose any threat to safety or fairness."
READ MORE
A
new project collecting, archiving, and sharing LGBTQ+ heritage
Queer Heritage South has been awarded a grant to develop a new strategy for LGBTQ+ Heritage across Brighton & Hove
READ MORE
Discrimination and familial rejection the highest driver of homelessness within LGBTQ+ communities
Stonewall Housing's new Impact Report reveals a 33% increase in demand for its services.
READ MORE
Burning the Clocks to return to Brighton with ‘Voyager’ theme
Burning the Clocks will welcome over 2,000 parade participants on December 21 with local bands, dancers and artists entertaining more than 30,000 expected onlookers.
READ MORE
Celebrating the lesbians in your life
Wildblood and Queenie have launched a new T-shirt, which celebrates the lesbians in your life while also fundraising for Trans Pride Brighton & Hove.
READ MORE
OUTtv announces new commission, 'Winner Winner Chicken Dinner'
The show features drag queens Kita Mean and Anita Wigl’it.
READ MORE
Cape Town to host World Pride in 2028
It's an historic moment for South Africa and the LGBTQ+ community, as it becomes the first African city to celebrate the prestigious event.
READ MORE
Jake Shears on the return of Scissor Sisters, mental health and coming out
A bold and fearless voice in music, Jake Shears has pushed boundaries and broken records.
READ MORE
Brighton & Hove loneliness charity launches Good Gift Guide
The new venture from Together Co is a great way for people to shop local while supporting people in Brighton & Hove who are lonely or socially isolated.
READ MORE
CHRISTMAS CRACKER
Andy Gardiner, winner of Mr Gay Great Britain
) In 2024, Andy Gardiner won Mr Gay Great Britain and has been been working solidly alongside two charities, the Charlie & Carter Foundation and Pride Action North, for which he has raised £6,500, while also campaigning for mental health awareness throughout his journey.
Since winning the coveted title, Andy’s work will continue with mental health and suicide prevention charities. He also initiated Newcastle first LGBTQ+ dance and fitness program Homotiv8, which provides an inclusive and safe space for queer people to exercise.
Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved with Mr Gay GB…
I’m Andy, 39, from Leeds and moved to Newcastle after living in London for 12 years as a performer.
I work freelance in the arts and fitness industries wearing many different creative hats. I have a company that has a focus on arts and mental health specifically through dance and music
Mr Gay GB was never on my radar. I knew very little about it. There was a provocation, a little nudge and I entered. I knew when I entered, I would use the platform as an opportunity
to raise awareness of mental health wherever I could.
Congratulations on winning! How was the competition overall?
Thank you so much - I really didn’t see it happening. The competition was intense and took more commitment than I initially expected. Balancing everything with my company work (Society of Strays) and freelancing while advocating for mental health awareness, including some personal life adjustments, was at times
overwhelming. But if I’m in, I’m in!
I became very close to the charities, the Charlie & Carter Foundation and Pride Action North, and am moved by their work stories and efforts. Fundraising took a lot of time and creativity, and I put a lot of pressure on myself. For about four months, I was just trying to keep up! I’m especially thankful for everyone who took part in my fundraisers or donated, you made a huge difference to so many lives.
I got along really well with some of the
PHOTO BY HAYDN BROWN
PHOTO BY JORDAN EMBLETON
guys. A few of us grew really close, especially Jordan and Tom - we joke now about “name a more famous trio,” and they even came up to Newcastle for Halloween. They were genuinely supportive; those backstage moments are some of my favourite memories. What would you say to others hoping to enter next year?
You will lose your summer, this was said to me by the previous year’s winner Paul, he is such a diamond and gave me a lot of time.
Your runways also matter, get help with them (if you’re anything like me), it’s an opportunity to be creative, you’re being seen, be seen looking great! Be sure of yourself, your worth and make genuine connections.
It’s so obvious when someone is disingenuous or transactional. Competitions can bring out the worst and best in people. Bring your best self. You’ve been working with suicide and mental health charities, and hope to continue to do so. Why are these causes so close to your heart?
It’s all lived experience, I’ve been there, but I’m here now, and it has changed me as a person. It also doesn’t define me and shouldn’t hang around my neck like an albatross for the rest of my life and neither should my mental health journey. I deserve happiness now and so do others that have been through or are breaking through in their way. I want to help support that in any way I can. That’s why I am aligning myself with these charities.
Poor mental health is also such a huge problem in the queer community. It’s time to start unpacking some of that and getting to the root of the cause because we are losing amazing people and or they’re struggling really badly. Without sounding too trite I think being kind shouldn’t be a strategy but a way of life. We could all find time to check in and check ourselves a little more. It costs nothing.
You’ve started Newcastle first LGBTQ+ dance and fitness programme ‘Homotiv8’. Can you tell us a bit about that?
One of my fundraisers for Pride Action North was ‘Homotiv8’, which I think is Newcastle’s first queer dance fitness programme. It’s dance fitness and is disco meets pop. I wanted to create a safe space for queer people to train. As a PT I recognised there are a lot of barriers for LGBTQ+ people and fitness.
You currently live in Newcastle. What’s the scene like up there?
There is a brilliant drag scene up in Newcastle. MX Drag runs at the same time as Mr Gay GB so I was able to meet so many local drag performers that were so supportive and lovely. They also became really good friends too. .
Any plans for 2025?
Mr Gay Europe 2025 will take place during Amsterdam Pride and I’m considering this. I would love to see Amsterdam Pride and the parade on the canal.
I have been invited to some Prides across the UK so do come say hi if you see me about.
I will also be leading on some of my own arts projects with young people in the North East surrounding climate anxiety and wellbeing through a new outdoor show called ‘No Plan Bee’. It’s about a bee colony in decline with an opera singing beat boxing Queen Bee, and will have a lot of dance, music and family fun, whilst hitting some prevalent issues like sustainability and community.
Any Christmas plans?
I am a twin and he lives in Vegas, he’s back this Christmas so I will spend as much time as I can with him and family. Hopefully find some time to go to some nice parties and maybe a kiss under the mistletoe would be nice.
Any New Year’s resolutions?
To continue putting my wellbeing first and prioritise my peace. I want to make more of a fitness commitment by tracking my training and intake more seriously. I also for the first time want to get out to Vegas and see my twin, I turn 40 this year so life begins as they say! Who knows what’s in store I’m ready for it.
PHOTO BY JANE COLTMAN
PHOTO BY HAYDN BROWN
John Duff invites you to the strip club in new song and video, Stick Up
John Duff is the fearless artist known for pushing boundaries with his lyrics and genre-blending music.
READ MORE
The 'Two Maidens' of Pompeii could have been gay lovers
It has long been thought that the two residents were female – sisters or mother and daughterhowever new DNA analysis on the bodies has cast doubt on that belief.
READ MORE
Government extends ban on puberty blockers until December 31
According to trans youth charity Mermaids, the previous government did not consult with LGBTQ+ organisations when the ban was first introduced in June 2024.
READ MORE
Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents Rugby Football Club celebrates nine years of inclusive rugby
Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents RFC is Sussex's first gay and inclusive rugby club.
READ MORE
FILM: Bender Defenders to premiere on OUTflix
Coming on December 4, Bender Defenders follows four members of queer martial art club Bender Defenders in East London.
READ MORE
Church that preaches being gay is a 'trap of the devil' granted permission to open in Kent
Living Faith Church Worldwide, known as Winners Chapel, is planning to open a chapter in Ashford, despite fierce opposition from the community with more than 380 written objections.
READ MORE
Submissions sought for third edition of 'Queer
Life, Queer Love' anthology
Muswell Press are calling for writers to submit their work. Scheduled for publication in November 2025, the collection will feature 30 pieces spanning fiction, non-fiction, flash fiction, and poetry.
READ MORE
Over £1,700 raised for Lunch Positive
Over £1,700 was raised at Davina Sparkle's Late Birthday Cabaret Fundraiser for local HIV charity Lunch Positive at Legends Brighton last month.
READ MORE
Stonewall awards Sir Ian McKellen with Lifetime Achievement Award
Sir Ian McKellen CBE accepted the award from Stonewall for his decades of committed campaigning towards advancing LGBTQ+ equality.
READ MORE
Vandals target Pride mural in Bournemouth
A mural in Bournemouth, created to highlight the area’s football club and its LGBTQ+ community, was vandalised last month.
READ MORE
"It's a sign of hope."
Germany brought in a new law last month to allow those aged 18+ to change gender without having to go to court or undergo psychiatric assessments
READ MORE
Explore trans, non-binary and intersex histories of Brighton & Hove
On Saturday, December 7, join Queer Heritage South and the Clare Project at Ironworks Studios in Brighton to explore the vibrant trans, non-binary and intersex history of Brighton & Hove and contribute to a growing digital community archive!
READ MORE
1 Affinity Bar m
129 St James’s St, BN2 1TH www.facebook.com/AffinityGayBar/
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
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