Scene Magazine - February 2025 by Scene LGBTQ+ Magazine

"A beloved icon of our community."

Detectives investigating the death of 'legendary' drag queen Heklina who was found dead in Soho have released CCTV of three people they wish to speak to.

Brighton & Hove City Council agrees to write off £51million i360 debt

Brighton & Hove City Council Cabinet members have agreed to write off debt owed to the council by Brighton i360 ahead of a potential sale.

“It’s where drag in the UK took hold in the queer community."

Luke Wintour speaks about his new short film, 'Sweetheart'.

Subline to return for Valentine's Weekender in aid of Terrence Higgins Trust

Brighton's kinkiest club Subline returns Friday, February 14 and Saturday, February 15.

Karla Sofía Gascón becomes first openly trans woman to be nominated for Best Actress Oscar

Emilia Pérez, a musical about a trans gangster escaping from the mob in Mexico, has broken the record for the most Oscar nominations earned by a film not in the English language.

Polish priest dismissed by Vatican following "drug-fuelled gay sex party"

The priest, known only as Tomasz Z, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for hosting a “drug-fuelled gay sex party” has been dismissed by the Vatican.

NEW DIRECTION FOR SUSSEX BEACON

Brighton-based HIV charity the Sussex Beacon has announced a restructure of its service provision, effective April 2025

) According to the local HIV charity Sussex Beacon, care for people who live with HIV has changed immeasurably in recent decades. Earlier diagnosis and the introduction of effective antiretroviral treatments helps people live healthy lives, with HIV now considered a long-term condition.

In response, the Sussex Beacon will be working to move elements of its nursing provision into the community, alongside services already provided. This new model will complement the existing Community Services Team and the high-quality support that they provide across Sussex to people living with HIV, their families and friends.

This will mean that the Sussex Beacon’s Inpatient Unit will cease to operate in its current form, in line with services in other areas of high prevalence which have already moved away from Inpatient support to community HIV teams in people’s own homes. All other Sussex Beacon services remain unaffected by this change.

NHS Sussex recognises the value of the clinical offer that the Sussex Beacon’s

Inpatient Unit has provided since the Beacon was founded in the early 1990s and is committed to working with the Sussex Beacon to consider what this new model of care could look like in collaboration with other system partners. This will coincide with the publication of the government’s new HIV Action Plan, due in the summer.

Commenting on the announcement, the Sussex Beacon’s CEO Rachel Brett said “The Sussex Beacon was established by the community 32 years ago in response to the AIDS crisis and we have led the way in providing HIV care and support. As a charity we are aware of that people will be saddened by this news as they reflect on the people we have cared for and continue to care for.

“However, after a review of HIV services NHS Sussex concluded that a community based clinical model is in keeping with current best practice. We are embracing this new chapter and model of clinical delivery to consolidate our future delivery.

“We are very proud of our charity’s

heritage and the role our amazing staff have played in caring for those living with HIV. The Sussex Beacon continues to be indebted to our wonderfully supportive community who have stood shoulder to shoulder with us since our foundation.’’

Dr James Ramsay, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Sussex, added “We’re looking forward to working with Sussex Beacon, and other system partners, to consider how people living with HIV can receive the best possible care.

“Improved treatments and outcomes mean a community-based approach is now the most effective way to support those living with the condition, and we will be in line with similar areas across the country to follow best practice and provide care and services in this way.

“The Sussex Beacon has a vital and valued role in the city and together with their experienced team, we will work with wider health and care services to ensure that people across our communities can continue to reach the services they need, and their family and friends.”

"We already exist. We’re already here. We always have been.”

Nava Mau, who stars in Netflix’s award-winning limited series Baby Reindeer, has opened up about finding hope in the trans community and navigating a dark time for trans people in America.

Body of 18-year-old trans woman lay undiscovered in her flat for two days

Emma Alraabeah came to the UK in 2022 - aged 16 - after fearing persecution in her home country of Saudi Arabia.

What could possibly go wrong?

Drag House Rules will raise the stakes with seven iconic drag queens living under one roof, battling it out in a competition full of alliances, betrayals, and jaw-dropping moments.

"Now that’s fu**ed up.”

Kate Winslet shares how some actors are terrified that their sexuality could keep them from landing straight roles.

Our pop music influencer and mogul Dale Melita shares his top tracks!

OUT & PROUD IN CHICHESTER

LGBTQ+ History Month exhibition to celebrate the lives and stories of the local LGBTQ+ people

)

To mark LGBTQ+ History Month, a new community exhibition celebrating the lives and stories of local LGBTQ+ people is opening at Novium Museum in Chichester, developed in collaboration with Chichester Pride. Opening on Saturday, February 1, Out & Proud in Chichester will highlight both local, national and international LGBTQ+ history, with a special focus on the personal experiences of individuals within the Chichester community.

Featuring personal stories, objects, and archival materials, Out & Proud in Chichester will help amplify LGBTQ+ voices that have historically been overlooked or erased. It also celebrates the journey of Chichester Pride, which has been at the heart of local LGBTQ+ advocacy and visibility since 2018.

A key feature of the exhibition is the inclusion of personal items contributed by members of Chichester’s LGBTQ+ community. In September 2024, a social media callout from the Novium Museum and Chichester Pride invited individuals to loan objects that hold deep significance in their LGBTQ+ journeys. The response resulted in items including Pride flags carried in local marches, items of clothing worn to Pride events, personal letters, and much more, all of

which will be featured in the exhibition.

These objects, which tell unique and powerful stories, and are accompanied by labels written by the owners themselves, offer a deeply personal insight into their experiences. The exhibition provides a rare opportunity to explore the intimate connections individuals have to these items, representing milestones, struggles, and moments of pride along their journeys to self-acceptance and expression.

In addition to personal submissions, the exhibition draws from the Novium Museum and Chichester Pride’s archive, showcasing the organisation’s history

and accomplishments. The contributions from the Chichester Pride committee have been instrumental in making the exhibition a reality, ensuring that the voices of the community are central to the display.

Stuart Burrows, chair of Chichester Pride, says: “This exhibition is a powerful reminder of the incredible diversity and strength within our local LGBTQ+ community.

“Out & Proud in Chichester is not only a celebration of our past but also a commitment to a more inclusive and visible future which showcases why Pride is so important. We’re honoured to share these personal stories and showcase the journey of Chichester Pride, alongside the voices of so many who have contributed to our community’s progress.”

) Out & Proud in Chichester opens at Novium Museum on Saturday, February 1. Admission free; donations welcome.

"Both

medications are vital to her health and mental wellbeing."

Trans prisoner Zoe Watts no longer has access to life saving medication, according to campaign group #JusticeForZoeWatts

Reykjavik ranked top queer-friendly capital in the world

A study by Emisil, a company that supports the Female to Male community, showed that Reykjavik outshines other capitals.

"A striking, visual celebration of Scarborough’s LGBTQ+ community."

Scarborough Pride, in collaboration with Scarborough Museums & Galleries, is celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month with a new exhibition created by photographer Aidan Brooks.

“Trans

children and immigrants are scared of you."

A representative of the Republican party has called for an American Bishop to be “deported” after she gave a sermon to President Trump.

Legendary wrestler Ricky Morton cements his place as an LGBTQ+ ally

Legendary wrestler Ricky Morton has stood up for the LGBTQ+ community after being criticised for posing in front of a Progress Pride flag.

Enter Gallery, Brighton’s oldest independent art gallery, to close

Lawrence Alkin, Founder of Enter Gallery, said: "This has been the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make, but the challenges of recent years have left us with no other choice."

Queering and querying the climate discourse

Relish Theatre has announced ACID’S REIGN, a new musical starring RuPaul’s Drag Race icon Scarlett Harlett.

Trans former Olympian Caitlyn Jenner mocked for supporting Donald Trump

Jenner, one of the most recognisable trans women in the world, has backed Trump since 2016 and is a longtime Republican.

Love Wins!

Hundreds of LGBTQ+ couples have married in Thailand as the country became the first in Southeast Asia to legalise same-sex unions.

A “celebration of queer voices and stories”

Queer Theatre announces latest initiative, OutCast.

Brighton Seagals FC up for two prestigious Football V Homophobia awards

The inclusive football club for women, non-binary and trans people, has made the shortlist, which recognises achievements in LGBTQ+ inclusion from across the global game.

Switchboard gives thanks to Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents

Brighton & Hove LGBTQ+ Switchboard has given thanks to the gay-inclusive rugby team for helping give the charity’s client rooms a makeover.

FOREVER THE VIVIENNE

An immense talent is lost to not only the LGBTQ+ community but the wider world. Words by Brian Butler

) It had taken me two months to set up my interview for Scene with drag star The Vivienne – well that’s what happens when an international performer is due on your doorstep – in this case as The Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang at Congress Theatre. It would turn out to be a terrific, wideranging feature interview – my last of 2024, and tragically I guess one of the last James Lee Williams would give.

They are with us no more – at the age of 32 – an immense talent is lost to not only the LGBTQ+ community but the wider world.

At such a young age, they had already achieved so much – winning the precursor of Drag Race as Ambassador, then Drag Race UK itself in 2019, plus starring roles on TV soap Emmerdale, Blankety Blank and huge success on Dancing On Ice – the first

drag queen to appear on that mega popular show.

When I spoke to them in November, they were on tour with Chitty and time was short before a matinee. But The Viv was sharp, bright, honest and modest.

I pointed out that after they had conquered the West End as the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz, and now with their Chitty villain, they could surely look to be Cruella or Elpheba onstage in the future. “No, no,” they told me: “I’m not good enough for that.” When I insisted they were, they said nothing.

Now we will never know.

The Vivienne told me that the biggest influence on her persona had been strong women – their nan, Disney villains and performers like Cher and Meryl Streep. In their subsequent career they embodied that strength, sharpness and combined it with amazing glamour.

RIP James Lee Williams, forever The Vivienne.

England Hockey bans trans players from competing

The UK’s only LGBTQ+ hockey club has urged England Hockey to think again after the governing body banned trans players from competing.

Noa-Lynn van Leuven to "step back" from darts for mental health reasons

van Leuven is the first trans player to compete at the World Darts Championship.

'Christian Institute' criticises 'woke' NHS

‘The Christian Institute’ has criticised NHS England after it released its 2025 awareness calendar, which marks events such as Trans Awareness Month and International Pronouns Day.

Trans+Pride London to return on Saturday, July 26

London Trans+ Pride March sees tens of thousands from trans communities and allies gather in the capital.

Since 2018, LTP has organised the annual London Trans+ Pride March, which sees tens of thousands from trans communities and allies gather in the capital.

Toxic on tour from March 2025

Following its sell-out debut at HOME in Manchester in 2023, actor, writer and HIV activist Nathaniel J Hall, who starred in seminal series It's A Sin, is taking his critically acclaimed play Toxic on tour from March 2025.

TRANS PRIDE BRIGHTON

”We’re standing stronger and louder than ever.”

) Trans Pride Brighton will return this year on Saturday, July 19 with organisers promising “the biggest year for Trans Pride yet”.

Organisers have just started the planning and preparation for Trans Pride in 2025 with more info coming soon. In the meantime, they have said: “Calling 2024 a tough year for trans rights is an understatement, but our community is a force to be reckoned with.

“We’re standing stronger and louder than ever. Let’s make sure that 2025 is a year of resilience, rebellion and apologetic pride. See you on July 19.”

Last year, Brighton & Hove was filled with Trans Joy when Trans Pride Brighton unfolded in a spectacular display of solidarity, joy, and resilience. The city’s streets came alive with a sea of TNBI & LGBTQ+ flags as an estimated 45,000 people gathered to celebrate the transgender and non-binary community in a triumphant showcase of love and acceptance.

) www. transpridebrighton.org/

Trans inclusion specialist Joanne Lockwood defends trans education

Lockwood clashed with anti-trans former Conservative MP Miriam Cates.

Funeral of beloved The Vivienne, who died on January 5 aged just 32, took place in Wales on January 26

James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and placed third in Dancing On Ice in 2023.

Lawrence Chaney, Scottish winner of Drag Race UK, attends Number 10

The drag artist was there to celebrate Burns Night and honour the life and legacy of Scottish poet Robert Burns.

"Such

an honour"

A group of artists have said they are "honoured" their design has been chosen for a sculpture commemorating the sacrifice of the LGBTQ+ community within the armed forces

One of the UK’s first scholarships focused on the study of trans inclusion

A PhD scholarship focused on trans and non-binary inclusion has been launched by the University of Brighton.

New LGBTQ+ venue announced on site of XXL gay club in London

Southwark Council has announced it is investing £1.5million towards the opening of a new LGBTQ+ venue in Bankside, on the site of the former XXL gay club that closed in 2019.

Campbell Johnstone, the first openly gay All Black, gets hitched

In 2023, Campbell revealed in an interview that he is gay. Speaking at the time, he said: "If I can be the first All Black that comes out as gay and take away the pressure and stigma surrounding the issue it can actually help other people."

Brighton Half Marathon 2025 seeks volunteers for this year's event

The fundraising event for Sussex Beacon takes place on Sunday, March 2.

"She had it all."

Baga Chipz remembers The Vivienne, who they starred alongside on season one of RuPaul's Drag Race UK.

Norfolk museum pulls out of LGBTQ+ history trail following complaints

Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents, the Brighton-based gay and inclusive rugby club, has launched its 2025 calendar.

Trans songstress joy burklund & her band announce debut album

Songbouquet is a bold debut that centres joy’s dynamic vocal performance.

Notts Pride to host a Winter Ball to raise funds for annual Pride celebration

The Winter Ball will raise funds for the annual parade, which brings thousands of LGBTQ+ people and allies together to celebrate Pride.

HAVE YOUR SAY: Help protect Brighton & Hove's LGBTQ+ venues

Consultation open until February 23.

Drag Race UK star La Voix to headline Isle of Wight Pride 2025

The global superstar, who is also a Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist, will be bringing her dazzling talent to the stage. Expect razor sharp comedy and powerhouse vocals from the UK's funniest redhead.

Santa Bus raises £36,579 for local charities

The Santa Bus, which travelled 20 routes, over 20 nights in Brighton & Hove, raised the funds for 12 local charities, including LGBTQ+ mental health charity MindOut.

"It’s really tragic it happened."

The LGBTQ+ community of Forest Gate, London has reacted after the local council removed Pride flags after they were repeatedly vandalised.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported me."

Lloyd Russell-Moyle has membership restored after being suspended from the Labour Party.

Racing Pride

New exhibition to explore hidden LGBTQ+ histories in motorsport.

Ann Widdecombe calls on government to ban Pride flags

Ann Widdecombe has called on the UK government to ban Pride and Black Lives Matter flags from flying from government buildings.

“I was secretive about my sexuality even to my friends out of self-hatred."

Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens, who died in 2023, has opened up about his sexuality in a new documentary, which premiered posthumously at the Sundance Film Festival.

G-A-Y Bar on Old Compton Street to go up for sale

Jeremy Joseph announced the news on social media, saying Soho has "lost its vibrancy".

Trans Miss Universe hopeful pulls out of competition

Keylyn Trajano has waved goodbye to her dreams of winning the competition as she pulled out of the Miss Universe Philippines Pampanga qualifying round.

Dine With The Stars to raise funds for local HIV charity Lunch Positive

Dine with your favourite star of the cabaret scene!

Arrest warrants sought against Taliban leaders for homophobic and transphobic persecution

Commenting on the announcement by prosecutors at the International Criminal Court, Peter Tatchell, LGBTQ+ rights campaigner, said: "persecuting LGBTQ+ people will not go unpunished.”

UK cities miss out on hosting Gay Games 2030

Liverpool and London have missed out on the opportunity to host the event which sees up to 10,000 LGBTQ+ participants and allies come together to celebrate Pride in sports.

"We have let the LGBTQ+ community down and I want no part of it."

Labour councillor quits Party after refusing to “stand by and accept” the party banning puberty blockers for under-18s questioning their gender identity.

Emma Thompson and Rebecca Root to star in new trans film

The actors are to star in Hear Me Roar, which depicts the true story of a legal battle fought by a trans woman and her husband to have their marriage recognised in law.

Trans patients "devastated" after GP practice withdraws treatment

The practice in Nottinghamshire announced it would stop prescribing trans healthcare to patients, including those currently on HRT.

Polish elite ski jumper Andrzej Stekala comes out as gay and mourns loss of his long-term partner

Writing on Instagram, the Stekala said: “I want you to meet my true self. I am gay. I have kept this fact a secret for years — from you, from the media and sometimes even from myself.”

Multiple Russians fined for "looking too gay" in anti-LGBTQ+ crackdown

One person reportedly had “bright orange hair” with “red face tattoos” and “pink socks” and an unbuttoned kimono. Another was described as wearing a crop-top and fishnet tights.

BRIGHTON & HOVE LGBT SWITCHBOARD

Local support for LGBTQ+ survivors of domestic abuse

) One in three LGBTQ+ people will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, this might be from an intimate partner or a family member, in many cases it might be both.

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is a pattern of violent, threatening, coercive or controlling behaviours from a family member, partner(s) or ex-partner(s). Domestic abuse can affect people of any gender, race, sexuality, age, ethnicity or socio-economic background.

When we think about what coercive and controlling behaviours are, we might see behaviours like being stopped from seeing friends or family, being told what to wear or how to act, it might be constantly having to check in with your partner to tell them where you are or who you are talking to.

Domestic abuse can be really subtle, survivors will tell us that in the beginning of relationships ‘it was just easier not to’ do something than to deal with the sulking, swearing or violence that they might have experienced if they were to do that thing. As relationships progress, we often see survivors becoming more

and more fearful of their partner and changing the way they live their day to day lives to try and reduce the risk of experiencing the abuse, but ultimately the choice and responsibility for using abusive behaviour sits solely with the abuser.

What does this mean for the LGBTQ+ community?

The LGBTQ+ community is particularly at risk of domestic abuse, and has historically struggled to access specialist, accessible and inclusive services.

There are additional types of abuse that we might see in LGBTQ+ relationships, such as threatening to out someone, making someone present in a way that doesn’t align with their gender identity, it might be that hormone treatment or clothing is destroyed to stop somebody presenting as their authentic self. We might see someone being belittled around their sexuality or gender identity.

This is why Switchboard launched a Domestic Abuse service created by the community, for the community. What support is available?

Switchboard was created to be a

point of support, empowerment and advocacy for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community who has experienced, or is experiencing, domestic violence. Switchboard recognises the historic lack of services and inclusion for trans, nonbinary and intersex people to get help and support from domestic violence services.

What does Switchboard offer?

When you’re experiencing domestic abuse and navigating the aftermath, things can feel really confusing, stressful and overwhelming. We are here to help by creating a personalised support plan to get your life back on track.

We can help you with housing and accessing refuge services, financial issues and any benefits you’re entitled to, navigating the criminal justice system, and assist with mental and physical health needs. We can also refer you to get more ongoing therapeutic support, once you’re ready and in a position to do so.

) For more info, or to make a selfreferral visit www.switchboard.org.uk or contact our helpline, 01273 204050, open 7-9.30pm Mondays - Thursdays

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