Scene Magazine - July 2023 (West Midlands Edition)

t @SceneLGBTQ f @Gscene.Brighton D www.scenemag.co.uk THE HEART OF LGBTQ+ LIVING JUL 2023 WEST MIDLANDS EDITION

Football fan banned from matches for three years after homophobic abuse

Sunderland becomes first UK city to host iconic Rainbow Dress

Liam Duce pleaded guilty after he was arrested for homophobic abuse at a Wolves vs Chelsea match.

Stand Up Sober comedy showcase at the Ledward Centre raises £600

An iconic dress made of 68 flags of nations where homosexuality is illegal was unveiled in Sunderland last month, as part of an international LGBTQ+ conference hosted in the city.

Kevin Elyot's 'My Night with Reg' comes to Birmingham

A beginner’s comedy course ran for six weeks where participants learnt methods and techniques to create a stand-up comedy set.

HPV vaccination moves to a single dose from September

"I’m more me every f***ing year." LP drops new single 'One Like You'

Multi-platinum,

A single dose provides robust protect against HPV that is comparable to two doses.

album, Love Lines.

The Olivier Award-winning play, which explores the lives of gay men and the AIDS crisis during the '80s, runs at Crescent Theatre from Saturday, July 8. lesbian singer-songwriter LP has shared One Like You, the second offering from their highly anticipated studio

CATHERINE MUXWORTHY SPEAKS TO CHIEF MISCHIEF MAKER, JOE LYCETT!

JOE LYCETTWELCOME TO THE GAYBORHOOD

) Back in June 2021, Scene reported that King’s Heath Birmingham had been named as an LGBTQ+ friendly neighbourhood by the Gayborhood Foundation but I had no idea the depths and the work that went on behind it, nor which comedian was pulling the strings. Until, that is, I saw his most recent live stand-up show, More, More, More, How Do You Lycett? How Do You Lycett?, at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham, as the special was being recorded. The show was a labour of love created over four years, and it involves, in Joe’s words, “one of the most fulfilling and joyous stunts I’ve ever pulled off”.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

To hear the story in full, you’ll have to watch Joe Lycett’s special but to briefly sum it up: the stunt involved a secret identity, the Gayborhood Foundation, and King’s Heath – which soon became known Queen’s Heath in an attempt to make the area feel safer for LGBTQ+ people, following the protests against the ‘No Outsiders’ teaching at a school in Birmingham.

When King’s Heath appeared on the Gayborhood Foundation’s list of LGBTQ+ neighbourhoods, locals to Birmingham were understandably quite confused – since Birmingham already has a prominent gay village in the centre of the city. Instead of refuting the claims, however, the community embraced their new-found status with a Pride event that featured a short Pride march, alongside performances from the likes of Fatt Butcher and Alanna Boden.

This elaborate stunt – which at one point has West Midlands Police involved – was so successful that local news outlets – including Scene magazine – ran stories about Queen’s Heath, and the area was quickly embraced as a safe space for LGBTQ+ people. In fact, Lycett even hinted about Queen’s Heath Pride when we spoke to him prior to his – unfortunately cancelled – Queer Christmas House Party. He told us, “There was a Pride in my local area this year and it was so beautiful to see loads

of local people coming out for the community, and it wasn’t like a big organised thing really, it was just like a natural thing that happened, and that for me was the best Pride I’ve been to because it was local and it was very real and very sort of family-driven, and so for me that was a great event.”

Following the third annual Queen’s Heath Pride, Joe Lycett spoke to Scene about this incredible stunt…

How did you come up with the idea for the Gayborhood Foundation?

I worked with a very small, trusted group to work out how to pull off the ‘stunt’. We realised, having failed to get much traction with other routes, that we needed to get some press attention about the new gay village. We knew that these sorts of lists often attract PR attention and we were right! Amazingly Edinburgh Evening News and an

obscure Ibiza news outlet ran the story too!

How long did the planning take?

All in, the whole thing was about four years. Which is an insane amount of time to work on one stand-up show, but here we are.

Did you ever think people around you might guess that you were behind the Gayborhood Foundation?

That was a huge fear, and if they did then the chances of it being successful became much smaller, hence the secrecy. Even now many people in the local area who haven’t seen the show don’t know of my involvement, and to be honest I’m very happy with it staying that way!

like, ‘sure, whatever you say Joe’.

What are the plans for Queen’s Heath Pride in the future?

We’ve now done three Prides. The first one was the secret one, the last two I’ve been there in a more open capacity. We’ve kept it local and only tell people in the area, and quite soon to the event, to prevent it becoming too big and pushing out local people. 2023 was a ridiculous year - we had a stage, the unicorn was back, and we had amazing performances and special surprises. It was magical.

How has it felt telling audiences about your

stunt and seeing their support as they’ve kept the secret over all these months?

It’s been beautiful, truly. I don’t think I’ll ever make anything like this last stand-up show again, it’s my favourite project and I’m so proud of how it’s developed. And throughout the entire tour, playing to well over 100,000 people, as far as I can tell not one person revealed anything about it on social media. Stunning.

D More, More, More, How Do You Lycett? How Do You Lycett? is streaming now, exclusively on www.JoeLycett.com

) Photos by Khuram Qadeer Mirza

How did you feel when you started to see news outlets pick up the Gayborhood Foundation?

It was the first moment I thought, ‘wow, we might actually do this’. I remember being incredibly excited to see it getting pick up. I felt both thrilled and also VERY naughty!

What was the reaction like when you eventually told those first few people who were part of Queen’s Heath’s first Pride? People were surprised but also sort of shook their head as if to say, ‘what are you up to this time?’. Nothing surprises my friends and family anymore. If I told them Nadine Dorries was actually a drag character I created they’d be

“Nothing surprises my friends and family anymore. If I told them Nadine Dorries was actually a drag character I created they’d be like, ‘sure, whatever you say Joe’.”

Opt-out HIV and hepatitis testing sees almost 2,000 new diagnoses in first year

Met Police Commissioner says “sorry” to LGBTQ+ community for his force’s past homophobic persecution

NHS England has released the results from the first year of opt-out HIV and hepatitis testing in hospitals in areas with a very high HIV prevalence.

Report from LGBTQ+ young people's charity finds support is key to LGBTQ+ young people’s success as adults

Sir Mark Rowley is the first UK police chief to apologise.

Walsall Pride to host Pride Picnic in the Park on Sunday, July 30

The Positive Futures report identified a link between lack of LGBTQ+ inclusive support in childhood and poorer outcomes for mental health, wellbeing and career prospects in early adulthood.

Baga Chipz to headline Cabaret Stage at this year's Walsall Pride

This family-friendly event will feature live music, including local talent, on a Community Stage.

'Danny Beard On Same-Sex Love and Marriage': BBC podcast celebrating 10 years of same-sex marriage

Walsall Pride, which takes place in August, have released their full line-up, which this year includes a star from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.

The five-part series titled 'Danny Beard On Same-Sex Love and Marriage' delves into the experiences of LGBTQ+ relationships since the legislation passed in July 2013.

FILM REVIEW: Lonesome

Argos responds to pressure from LGBTQ+ campaign by adding genderneutral title Mx to forms

Brian Butler finds much to like in the tale of a lonesome cowboy.

Openly gay RNLI volunteer shares his experience of being part of the crew

Include Mx is a campaign which celebrates organisations that include the gender-neutral title Mx as a title on their forms, and encourages others to adopt Mx.

REVIEW: Actually Gay Men’s ChorusSussex By The Sea

Brad Johnson said: "There's more love in our lifeboat station than anywhere else I know"

Pop artist Rhian! releases selfempowering anthem, You Got This

Fresh from their role in the King’s Coronation weekend concert at Windsor, Actually Gay Men’s Chorus came up with a programme of local songs involving local people.

Gay Classic Car Group hosts Eurotour 2023 in glorious Yorkshire

Fresh on the heels of his top 10 dance single NO!, London-based singer-songwriter Rhian! released You Got This in time for Pride in London.

Over 200 people and 120 cars attended from the UK, Europe, USA and New Zealand for an epic weekend of driving, sightseeing, dancing, eating and drinking..

New Iris Podcast, hosted by Damian Kerlin, celebrates LGBTQ+ film and champions creatives on and off-screen

Traumfrau and Trans Pride Brighton & Hove to bring night of fierce and joyful celebration to Concorde 2

Over the series, Damian Kerlin catches up and speaks with filmmakers covering hot topics such as authentic casting and representation on screen, the portrayal of queer youth and the dramatising of our true stories.

The Sussex Beacon raises over £300 at Joe Black: Live at Brighton Spiegeltent

The event takes place on Saturday, July 15.

Research reveals hidden sexual abuse of men and barriers to seeking support

The charity said: ""Our appreciation also to the fantastic team at Brighton Spiegeltent, who helped make a wonderful evening even more special and, of course, those who so kindly made donations!"

Clockem Rockem announces new butt carressing swimwear collection

Over two thirds (65%) of the men who participated in the study had more than one unwanted sexual experience, with sexual assault and sexual harassment most reported.

Deliveroo funds meals for LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness

Deliveroo, its restaurant partners and LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity Albert Kennedy Trust, have joined forces to provide free meals to members of the LGBTQ+ community who find themselves in a homeless or vulnerable situation when it comes to affording food or shelter.

CLOCKEM ROCKEM is a men’s fashion brand formed in 2022.

New study on suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviours in the LGB communities

Trans Pride Brighton & Hove drops Supporter Wristbands

LGB people are more than twice as likely than their straight peers to experience suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviours, finds a new study led by UCL researchers.

Met Police to restore LGBT+ Community Liaison Officers

The March and Park event takes place on Saturday, July 15; a chilled beach gathering takes place on Sunday, July 16.

READ MORE GET VOTING! Participants of Mr Brighton Bear 2023 announced

Met Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, has announced the Met is restoring full-time LGBT+ Community Liaison Officers who will focus on working with LGBTQ+ people and organisations in London.

Supporting LGBT+ Children & Young People training on Wednesday, July 12

The Mr Brighton Bear competition, now in its fifth year, promises to be bigger and better than ever, with six handsome and charismatic participants ready to win hearts and the coveted title.

Women criminalised for historic samesex activity to be pardoned

Join Allsorts Youth Project and Brighton & Hove Safeguarding Children Partnership for this training session on Microsoft Teams

Fighting With Pride, the LGBTQ+ veterans’ charity, reacts to the announcement from the Home Office.

StoneCrabs Theatre awarded National Lottery Heritage Fund for 'Out On An Island: Pride in Self, Pride in Place'

Paws up! Brighton & Hove Pride’s Annual Community Day and Dog Show to take place at Preston Park

The grant will help continue its Out On An Island activities, which includes researching the heritage and history of the Isle of Wight's LGBTQ+ community with its new project OUT ON AN ISLAND: PRIDE IN SELF, PRIDE IN PLACE.

Suicide prevention initiative Baton of Hope to bring An Evening of Hope to Brighton Dome on Wednesday, July 5

Taking place in Preston Park on Sunday, August 27 at 11am, this annual canine highlight will provide the perfect August Bank Holiday day out, celebrating our four-legged best friends with a day of fun and furry frolics for dogs and dog lovers.

Isle of Wight Pride returns to champion importance of equality and diversity

The Baton of Hope presents a safe, unifying evening of uplifting melodies and stories about connection, community, survival and, above all, hope.

Brighton LGBTQ+ venue Le Village has closed its doors

The event takes place at Eastern Gardens, Ryde Esplanade from Friday, July 14 to Sunday, July 16.

Historical Homos podcast presents the gayest stories never told

Owner of the bar, Lee Cockshott, says: "We'd like to thank everyone that's supported us over the years."

Hosted

by Sebastian ‘Bash’ Hendra and Donal Brophy, Historical Homos is an often irreverent journey through queer history.

Brighton Dome’s 'Access Open Day: Creative Roots' to spotlight disabled and neurodivergent artists and careers

This is... #DaleyPop!

Brighton Dome opens its doors on Saturday, July 8 for Access Open Day: Creative Roots, a free all-day event for disabled and neurodivergent people interested in pursuing a career in the arts.

ReportOUT invites LGBTQ+ people to apply for UK Campaigns Training

Dale Melita shares the best new pop!

Brighton & Hove Buses announces first brand refresh in over 35 years

ReportOUT is a global human rights organisation for sexual and gender minorities.

National Portrait Gallery unveils new posthumous commission of Terry Higgins by Curtis Holder

Residents of Brighton & Hove to say goodbye to iconic red and cream buses.

Support and advice hub for young people to open its doors in Horsham

Terry Higgins – Three Ages of Terry will be displayed in the Making the Modern World gallery, a space dedicated to some the most important figures of the 20th century.

i-Rock Horsham District, a new support and advice hub for young people, will officially launch on Monday, July 3.

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