Scene Magazine (West Midlands) - January 2023

Welcome

everyone under the sun

Discover a beach playground unlike any other in Florida’s LGBT+ capital, from cosmopolitan dining and nightlife and the revelry of Wilton Manors to miles of golden beaches and Everglades eco-tours. As the world’s most progressive and inclusive destination, Greater Fort Lauderdale’s welcoming vibe is legendary. And we can’t wait to welcome you.

Plan Your Adventure at VisitLauderdale.com/lgbt

Reviews and previews from our classical music columnist.

Birmingham

The Birmingham community came together to witness the sculpture, almost two years after the idea was born from artist Garry Jones.

Mind plans to make MPs understand the devastating effects of conversion 'therapy' Mind, the UK’s mental health charity, has published a report collecting experiences from those who have suffered from conversion 'therapy', and those who have worked with the survivors of these practices.

Stonewall insists Qatar should not be awarded Olympic Games

Many sports fans encountered problems in Qatar, during the World Cup with rainbow flags and items of clothing banned from stadia.

Nick Boston -

CLASSICAL NOTES with

unveils HIV & AIDS Memorial on World AIDS Day

Data reveals HIV transmission continues to decline, but Covid-19 pandemic slows progress towards elimination

The latest data published by the UK Health Security Agency revealed that new HIV diagnoses in England fell by nearly a third between 2019 and 2021 (from 2,986 to 2,023).

Birmingham Pride appoints new access lead

Birmingham-based activist Emma – who will be known by many in the community as drag king Crip Ladywood – has joined the team as access lead

Danny Beard performed at Chase Pride’s very first event in 2022.

Brum Against Hate calls on leaders to stand with the LGBTQ+ community

2022 was a DELICIOUS year for pop music! We’ve had comebacks from Beyoncé, Britney, Florence, Tove Lo, Shania Twain, Björk, Taylor Swift, Bananarama, Rihanna, N-Dubz, P!nk and Sugababes (well, kind of).

The protest group is calling on leaders to take a stand against homophobia amid rising levels of hate crime against the community.

Greater Fort Lauderdale: Welcoming Everyone Under the Sun

Greater Fort Lauderdale is renowned as Florida’s LGBTQ+ capital for many reasons, from Sebastian Street Beach to its famous 'gayborhood' Wilton Manors. Here’s a look at some more of the area’s exceptional offerings for everyone under the sun.

Danny Beard announced for Chase Pride 2023

#DaleyPop shares his favourite tracks of 2022 and album of the year

MORE

service to begin in

gay

A new patrol service, Rainbow StreetWatch, will begin in

gay village in response to concerns over safety from those in the

LGBTQ + community who

the

of

Cover-Up HIV Memorial Quilt to go on display The community art project will go on display at

WELCOMING EVERYONE UNDER THE SUN

Greater Fort Lauderdale is renowned as Florida’s LGBTQ+ capital for many reasons, from Sebastian Street Beach to its famous ‘gayborhood’ Wilton Manors. Here’s a look at some more of the area’s exceptional offerings...

Nature Lovers

From airboat rides in the world-famous Everglades to exploring Flamingo Gardens and Butterfly World, breathtaking nature encounters await in Greater Fort Lauderdale. More than 38 kilometres of golden beaches and dozens of parks and preserves provide stunning natural settings perfect for snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking, biking, kayaking and more.

Fashionistas

Find something fabulous at Sawgrass Mills, the largest luxury outlet shopping destination in the U.S., or one of the many other exceptional shopping venues with dining and nightlife offerings. From the excitement of Las Olas Boulevard and Gulfstream Park to the impressive retailers at The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale and The Shoppes at The Guitar Hotel, Greater Fort Lauderdale is a shopper’s paradise. And you can shop until you drop –onto a relaxing beach.

Captains and First Mates

With the shimmering Atlantic coastline and 482 kilometres of scenic waterways, it’s no wonder Greater Fort Lauderdale is recognised as the world’s yachting capital. Whether you charter a boat or embark on one of the area’s many boat tours, there’s no better place to enjoy boating. You can reel in the big fish, dock and dine at numerous waterside eateries and bars, or hop aboard the ever-popular

Water Taxi to see the sights and enjoy the sunshine.

Culture Connoisseurs

Greater Fort Lauderdale’s diverse arts and culture scene is ready to inspire you with fascinating museums, world-class performing arts, and charming attractions like the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens and the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project. Further inspiration awaits at family-friendly festivals and other special events.

Culinary Explorers

Indulge in awe-inspiring dining experiences, from enjoying sushi while cruising through shimmering canals on a gondola to tasting the rarest caviar in the world at Marky’s Caviar Lounge. Choose from every cuisine imaginable and hundreds of restaurants, many helmed by award-winning chefs.

Thrill-Seekers

Ready for a night out on the town? In Greater Fort Lauderdale, you’ll discover a cosmopolitan nightlife scene, from the strip of popular bars in Wilton Manors such as Hunters Nightclub and DrYnk Bar & Lounge to rooftop bars at Rooftop @1WLO, Sparrow, Sunset Club Rooftop Bar and The Easton

Reserve your private party at the speakeasy 901 (it only seats six guests at a time), featuring pop-up bartenders and themes, complete with a secret entrance. Experience the thrill of top tournament play at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

Enjoy rock star seating for a world-class concert or Florida Panthers hockey game at FLA Live Arena. There’s plenty of excitement before the sun goes down, too, from scuba diving into a fascinating underwater world to mastering the exhilarating art of flyboarding with Aqua Flight.

Chill-Seekers

There’s nothing quite as revitalising as a beautiful stretch of beach, and Greater Fort Lauderdale has 38 kilometres of sparkling water and golden sand in eight different beach communities. Revel in the warm sun and fresh sea breeze or enjoy swimming, snorkelling and water sports. The area also offers many worldclass spas.

D Learn more about all of the exciting possibilities for your next holiday at www.visitlauderdale.com/lgbtq/

Brighton Gin scoops two gold medals at prestigious design awards -

Trans equality organisation welcomes passing of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill

The awards were given by industry experts Harpers Wine and Spirit.

Pride in London to return in July 2023

Scottish Trans welcomes that MSPs have voted, by 86 votes to 39, to pass the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill in the final vote.

AD: Why it's important for My Ladyboy Date to stay online

In a Facebook post, organisers said: "The team at Pride in London has worked hard to build an environment that welcomes all members of the LGBTQ+ community, from all walks of life, wherever they may be from, and whatever their personal reasons for participating in Pride may be."

IN PICTURES: Burning the Clocks 2022

Why does a popular niche dating site for trans women still use the term 'ladyboys'? And why should this website stay online?

READ MORE New fund established to reduce sexual health inequalities across England

Up to £30,000 is available for community-based, voluntary sector organisations to develop and deliver work to address inequalities in affected LGBTQ+ groups.

SEE

MORE

The extremely competitive award was awarded to the HIV charity last month, and is considered to be the highest award given to volunteer led groups, the equivalent of an MBE. The award is given for life.

RMG

Sussex Beacon announces total raised on World AIDS Day

Local HIV charity the Sussex Beacon has announced the total raised from community events on World AIDS Day, which took place on Thursday, December 1.

The charity said: "We are very aware times are tough, so we are genuinely, enormously grateful to you all!"

Consortium of LGBTQ+ organisations announce LGBTQ+ Night Shelter pilot Brighton & Hove LGBTQ+ Switchboard, the Outside Project and Stonewall Housing announce the opening of an LGBTQ+ night shelter in Brighton. Lunch Positive "overjoyed" to receive Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Royal Museums Greenwich to mark LGBTQ+ History Month in February will work with the LGBTQ+ community and draw from its own collection to celebrate and reflect on LGBTQ+ lives throughout history.