Seen Mag 11

august / september seenmag.co.uk

issue eleven free

Business focus

Gay quarter

Fashion success

April Ashley

John Lynch speaks up

Christopher Shannon

Future plans revealed

Groundbreaking exhibition announced

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august / september issue eleven

TEAM

LETTER FROM

Director & Editor

With August comes art season in Liverpool. The city will welcome the world famous Biennial and Dada Fest as well as Dirty Dancing hitting the stage at the Liverpool Empire.

Rebecca Keegan

THE DIRECTORS

At Seen we are big fans of promoting diversity in our city, and these art festivals are just a part of what makes the Liverpool region so great.

Rebecca@seenmag.co.uk

Director & Sales Tony Burns

Things are developing nicely in the Stanley Street Quarter, with the markets becoming more popular each month and gaining press attention all over the country. We can proudly say that we come together as a community to make ourselves seen and heard and the barriers that have been known to separate different groups of people are, for sure, falling to the ground at a steady pace.

In this issue of Seen Magazine, as usual, we bring you plenty of rich editorial to keep you occupied. We have spoken to one of Liverpool’s gay success stories, Christopher Shannon a city fashion designer who is making huge waves in London.

We also have words from our Mayor Joe Anderson, Paul Amann and a fantastic recollection of Liverpool’s gay history from 70-year-old Cloud Downey. All fantastic ambassadors for our city.

Tony@seenmag.co.uk

Marketing Lee Joseph Hagan Lee@seenmag.co.uk

Columnists & Contributors Andy Green Chris Danks Joan Burnett Paul Amann

At Seen HQ we’ve also been run off our feet with the Seen Awards, which take place on October 12 at Camp & Furnace in Greenland Street. The plans are currently top secret as we will be once again surprising the city with a spectacular show – and you can buy tickets which start at just £20 now. Avoid disappointment and book your place early as the event space is limited and following the success of last year we have no doubt this is going to be a lock out. Tickets are available at www.seenawards.co.uk or call us direct on 0151 515 0612.

We hope you enjoy the latest edition of Seen Magazine, embrace end of summer and welcome of the autumn, a time of new beginnings.

Remember, we are always looking for stories, feature ideas and opinions from our readers so stay in touch!

Writer & Web Editor Sian Williams sian@seenmag.co.uk

Rebecca Keegan & Tony Burns Directors

Design Jonathan Holden jonathan@concept22.co.uk

Account manager Robert Mogsa Robert.mogsa@seenmag.co.uk

seenmag.co.uk

@seen_magazine

seen magazine

Hel lo,

of the art of in Liverpool – our historic waterfront, state There are many things we are rightly proud of listed ands thous the s, hotel and rants fantastic restau universities, our unrivalled visitor attractions, unique ool s Liverp – I could go on! But one thing that make buildings, the world famous music scene amongst all cities is our cultural diversity. d through of the Empire, thousands of people passe During the heady days as the Second City e in celebrating our believ We . today is it what city the Liverpool – many of them stayed, and made attracts itted to making sure that Liverpool not only diversity and culture in Liverpool. I am comm s draw it that also but ge, to its mainstream herita investment and visitors from across the world ter.

Quar t Stree y Stanle The gay quarter people to invest in and enjoy our unique Central Business of the Mayoral Development Zone of the The Stanley Street Quarter is at the heart dedicated street have to UK the in by becoming the first city District. Last year we raised the bar high er. it as a quart signs for the area and officially recognising and Carnival e of events including celebrating IDAHO We’ve developed an exciting programm ent ways to differ re explo to ets day and artisan mark on the Street, along with a Young People’s s Day that saw Sport e uniqu a loped deve ers pic Local Lead animate the area. One of our city’s Olym ool Drag Race! a new spectacle to our streets, the Liverp I want Stanley Street Quarter to continue investment for Liverpool.

nt and

to grow as one of the engines of employme

be a huge st, and I know, come rain or shine; it will We are having our third annual Pride in Augu city and its whole the but ter, Quar t only the Stanley Stree success. Liverpool Pride will showcase not in the pride best the ming beco fast is what in s together people as well, bringing more communitie country. can – there is visit us, either during Pride or whenever you I would encourage you all to come and in the UK, you liest friend the voted being city – and with the always something going on in Liverpool you do. can be sure of having a good time when Best wishes,

Joe Anders on Mayor of Liverpool

contents

august / september issue eleven

Cover by Matt Ford, Taken from his Liverpool (silk screen print) collection, recommissioned in Seen colours. www. facebook.com/ theartshowpresents

style Story 34Success Christopher Shannon

news News 10World LGBT news from around the globe

Vintage 38Tatties Feminine Fall

4250Of Shades...

Mal

work Biennial 12Liverpool Arts festival returns to the city on Seen 17Green Memory Lane

life 20Brazilica Samba fever hits Liverpool

Gayfather 48The Businessman John Lynch talks to Seen Amann 50Paul Stanley Street Quarter

view Fest 56Dada Diversity counts history 58Gay An account from the past Cheese 62Say Pics of Liverpool’s events

22Reviews Noble House and Italian Club Fish Stage 2626DirtyOnDancing

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So much is going on in the Liverpool region during the next eight weeks. From Liverpool Pride to the world famous Biennial there is something to suit everyone’s taste.

We take a closer look at this as well as the exciting

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announcement of the ground-breaking April Ashley exhibition taking place in October. Born as a male, she has been a huge pioneer to the LGBT community.

After a sex change April went on to model for some amazing assignments including in Vogue Magazine.

Still going strong at 77 years old the icon will be centre of attention once more in the Homotopia run exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool.

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news 09

WORLD

NEWS LGBT news from around the globe

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Armed forces’ conference

Clegg backs gay marriage

The armed forces’ LGBT conference took place in London last month, and for the first time, the conference included not only the LGBT community, but also the military’s leaders, policy makers and welfare officers. Before the law was overturned by the European court of human rights, it was illegal to be openly gay or lesbian in the armed forces. Today, according to the gay rights pressure group Stonewall, the RAF and Royal Navy are among the 100 most gay-friendly employers.

Churches should be free to conduct gay marriages, Nick Clegg has said in remarks which prompted social conservatives to accuse the deputy prime minister of “shifting the goal posts”.Clegg told the London Evening Standard: “I don’t see why two individuals who love each other and want to show commitment to each other should not be able to do so in a way that is socially recognised as being marriage.”

Teenage couple gunned down Two gay teenagers in Texas, were gunned down and left for dead in the tall grass of a local park in July. Mollie Olgin, 19 died at the scene while her girlfriend Mary Kristene Chapa, 18, has survived the shooting and is now in recovery. The attack has shocked the Gulf coast community of Portland, Texas where the shooting took place. Vigils have been held and planned in cities across the country. Many have questioned whether the girls were the target of a hate crime.

Change in Chinese blood donor law Lesbians in China can now legally give blood – although the ban on sexually active gay and bisexual men remains.

State media suggested that celibate gay men would also be able to donate blood, as the wording of the law does not mention homosexual identity. Instead, it says men who have sex with men cannot donate.

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Countries wasting HIV treatment resources Treatment for HIV around the world is being hindered by anti-gay laws, an independent report says. The Global Commission on HIV and the Law said that countries were wasting valuable resources by pursuing “archaic” laws against gay people. More than 70 countries around the world still criminalise homosexuality.

A handful punish gay sex with the death penalty. The commission also pointed to more than 60 countries which have laws criminalising HIV.

Website ‘conned’ wives of gay men Fifty wives of gay men in China say a website set up to provide them with support in their marriage has defrauded them, state media reports. The Communist Party-run People’s Daily reports that they were cheated out of more than 90,000 yuan (over £9,000) when they joined the “Homeland for Gay’s Wife”.

The straight wives say the website took advantage of their “low social status” while promising to enable them to divorce their gay husbands.

Speaking to state-run China Daily, Professor Zhang Bei-chuan of Qingdao University said as many as 90 percent of gay Chinese men marry to conform with social norms.

According to his estimate, roughly three percent of the country’s adult population is in a gay-straight marriage.

Pitt’s mother in homophobic slur Brad Pitt’s mother has written a letter to a Missouri newspaper attacking Barack Obama on his support for marriage equality. Jane Pitt wrote to the Springfield News-Leader to say Christians should back Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who is against abortion and same-sex marriage. Her views are at odds with those of her Hollywood superstar son, who has been an outspoken advocate for marriage equality.

Several years ago, he and partner Angelina Jolie announced they would not wed until every couple in the US has the right to marry. The couple confirmed their engagement in April. In January, Pitt told the Hollywood Reporter that he did not know whether they would be able to go the distance on the promise. He told the magazine: “We’d actually like to, and it seems to mean more and more to our kids.

We made this declaration some time ago that we weren’t going to do it till everyone can. But I don’t think we’ll be able to hold out.

“It means so much to my kids, and they ask a lot. And it means something to me, too, to make that kind of commitment.”

news 11

Liverpool Biennial –

The full programme of international commissions, major exhibitions and special events for Liverpool Biennial 2012, which will take place from 15 September – 25 November 2012, has been officially announced.

L

iverpool Biennial is the largest contemporary art festival in the UK. For ten weeks every two years it commissions the most exciting artists from around the world, attracting over 600,000 visitors in 2010 and contributing £27m to Liverpool’s economy.

Liverpool today offers the richest visual arts environment anywhere in the UK outside London. It has more galleries and museums, and commissions more new art than any other city except the capital and was European Capital of Culture in 2008.

The Liverpool Biennial Festival takes place in a wide range of locations across the city, from established museums and galleries to unusual and unexpected places.

Participating organisations and venues include The Cunard Building, The Bluecoat, Everton Park, FACT, Liverpool ONE, Metal, The Monro, Open Eye Gallery, Tate Liverpool, Mitchell’s Bakery, LJMU Copperas Hill Building (Lime Street), the Walker Art Gallery, Victoria Gallery and Museum and The Royal Standard.

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Highlights of the programme include: Sky Arts Ignition Series, in partnership with Tate Liverpool, will present a major public commission by acclaimed US artist, Doug Aitken, which will be installed on Albert Dock in a temporary structure designed by David Adjaye; American superstar Rhys Chatham, renowned for his large-scale performance works will present a concert as part of the opening weekend; one of Argentina’s most established and internationally renowned artists, Jorge Macchi, presents a commission in which a huge object is wedged precariously in a public location; Israeli artist, Oded Hirsch will present a work which will burst through the floor of the Liverpool ONE shopping centre; and Liverpool’s famous Cunard building being opened to the public for the first time to provide an unusual exhibition venue.

For the Olympic year, Liverpool Biennial will explore the theme of hospitality. Hospitality is the welcome we extend to strangers – an attitude and a code of conduct as well as a metaphor that suggests conditions and energies that inspire artists. Liverpool Biennial 2012 invites artists and thinkers to bring forth new understandings of hospitality for our increasingly globalised and complex times.

For the Olympic year, Liverpool Biennial will explore the theme of hospitality.

The exhibition, The Unexpected Guest will show works by over 60 leading and emerging artists from across the world in locations throughout the city. The Cunard Building will be used as a venue for the first time this year. One of the city’s iconic ‘Three Graces’ with the Port of Liverpool and Royal Liver buildings, it was inspired by the Farnese Palace in Rome to house passengers embarking on the Cunard Line’s trans-Atlantic voyages departing from Liverpool.

City States brings together over 60 artists from seven countries, exploring the dynamics between cities and states with new and existing works. It will present work from cities including Copenhagen, Erbil, Gdansk, Hong Kong, Incheon, Lisbon, Makhachkala, Oslo, Reyjkavik and Vilinius.

In partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, the Copperas Hill Building, near Lime Street Station – used as a sorting office from 1977 – 2011, will host both City States and Bloomberg New Contemporaries.

Bloomberg New Contemporaries showcases the best contemporary work from art schools around the UK. Established in 1949, New Contemporaries is a founding partner of Liverpool Biennial.

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The Unexpected Guest The John Moores Painting Prize, the most celebrated contemporary painting prize worldwide, will be presented at the Walker Art Gallery.

The Royal Standard, Liverpool’s artist-led studio space, will present Service Provider, an exhibition which explores the role of Biennials in contemporary art.

Each weekend of the Biennial has been curated to ensure that each of the 10 weeks of the festival has a distinctive and exciting programme that includes film, performance, comedy, music, archaeology, expeditions, poetry, dance and a Young Peoples’ Biennial.

The Victoria Gallery and Museum, participating in the Biennial for the first time, will present an exhibition by Liverpool based artist Paul Rooney.

Oded Hirsch and Jorge Macchi’s commissions will open one week early on 8 September as part of the London 2012 Festival.

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Sally Tallant, Director, Liverpool Biennial, said, “Liverpool Biennial is the most important contemporary arts event in the UK. Every two years the Festival offers an enormous variety of free public events, exhibitions, and performances this Autumn will be no different.

I am particularly thrilled that we have expanded the Biennial to include new organisations and venues, broadening the scope wider than ever before.

Our hope is that in future we can keep on expanding, filling as many spaces as possible with fantastic contemporary art. I look forward to seeing locals and visitors, from the UK and internationally, take part in experiencing everything that the city has to offer.”

Joe Anderson, The Mayor of Liverpool, said, “Liverpool Biennial is always a highlight of the city’s cultural programme.

It draws large numbers of people to Liverpool and is a must-see festival for anyone with an interest in art and culture. It is thought provoking, challenging and entertaining and never fails to provoke discussion and debate. It is a measure of the cultural significance of our city that we are able to stage an event which is hugely respected by artists, critics and the public.”

Liverpool Biennial 2012 curated by: Sally Tallant, Artistic Director The Unexpected Guest curated by: Lorenzo Fusi, Curator, Liverpool Biennial in collaboration with: Sara-Jayne Parsons, the Bluecoat, Mike Stubbs and Omar Kholeif, FACT, Karen Newman, Open Eye Gallery Sook-Kyung Lee, Tate Liverpool Jenny Porter, Metal Liverpool ‘The Unexpected Guest: Art, writing and thinking on Hospitality’, edited by Paul Domela, will be published by Art Books Ltd on the occasion of the Liverpool Biennial 2012.

What is the Liverpool Biennial Liverpool Biennial is the UK Biennial of Contemporary Art. For ten weeks every two years the city of Liverpool is host to an extraordinary range of artworks, projects and a dynamic programme of events. It is the largest international contemporary art festival in the UK. Liverpool Biennial unfolds through a programme of exhibitions and projects that lead to a rediscovery of the city. Newly commissioned and existing artworks and projects are presented in diverse locations, including unusual and unexpected public spaces as well as the city’s galleries, museums and cultural venues.

The cultural organisations in Liverpool work together in partnership to create an unparalleled context for the presentation of contemporary art and culture. Liverpool Biennial commissions leading and emerging artists to make and present permanent and temporary public artworks as well as long-term communitybased projects. There is an integrated research programme of learning, talks and events creating a dynamic year-round programme.

The 7th Liverpool Biennial runs 15 September – 25 November 2012. For further information please visit www.biennial.com

news 13

A LIVERPOOL

A ground-breaking exhibition is due to open at the Museum of Liverpool in October next year chronicling the life and times of a true Liverpool pioneer.

April Ashley MBE was the first Briton to have a sex change and has gone on to lead a fascinating life as ANDY GREEN has been finding out.

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orn George Jamison in Liverpool in April 1935 she knew from an early age that she was different.

She’s been quoted as saying: “It always makes me laugh when people say I was born a man. I was born a baby, not a man. From the year dot I knew I was female, so as soon as I could kneel down and say my prayers it was ‘God bless Mummy, God bless Daddy and please let me wake up and be a girl.’”

The effeminate George suffered from bullying and beatings at school and tried to escape by joining the Merchant Navy at the age of 14 but this only made matters worse and after a failed suicide attempt he was dishonourably discharged.

Two further attempts saw George locked up in a mental institution at the age of 16.

When he was eventually released in the early 1950s he headed to London where he shared a boarding house with future deputy Prime Minister John Prescott and then on to Paris where he joined the cast at the world famous cabaret club Carousel and success as an artiste followed.

The decision to have a sex change was taken in Paris and the very risky operation was carried out by a doctor in Casablanca. April Ashley went on to be the epitome of glamour and her striking good looks led to modelling assignments with Vogue and a minor role in the Bob Hope and Bing Crosby film The Road to Hong Kong. She had romantic dalliances with some of the biggest stars of the day and attracted the attentions of artists Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso. In 1961 though a “friend” sold her story to the papers and April’s secret was out and sensational headlines followed.

April’s new found notoriety did not stop her marrying into the aristocracy in 1963 when she wed Arthur Corbett, the son of Lord Rowallan, who was already married with four children when they first met. The marriage catapulted April into the top levels of British society until it collapsed and the subsequent divorce case again saw April in the headlines.

The judge’s decision that the marriage was never legal because April was not born a woman set a precedent that affected all transsexuals until the law was changed in 2004.

April has campaigned tirelessly for transsexual rights and it was for this reason that she was awarded an MBE earlier this year.

The Homotopia exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and will feature April’s extensive collection of photographs, letters and personal documents supplemented with archive materials from Liverpool records Office and Liverpool Museum.

April had a huge impact on family law and the legal definitions of gender and identity and the exhibition will tell the wider story of social, political and legislative change affecting Trans, LGB and others in Britain over the last 70 years. The heritage materials will be gathered together over the next year and the exhibition will form a key part of Homotopia’s 10th anniversary in 2013 and will run until October 2014.

April Ashley is still going strong at 77 and is as glamorous as ever and is undoubtedly one of Liverpool’s and the wider world’s true icons.

The exhibition will open next autumn at the Museum of Liverpool.

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news 15

Sat 11th August, 7:00pm.

Standard £28.50 Prima Donna £24.23 Soubrette £25.65

Fri 24th August, 7:30pm.

Standard £15.00 Under 16s £10.00 Prima Donna £12.75 Soubrette £13.50

Green on Seen Andy has been on Liverpool’s gay scene for more years than he can remember and has Andy Green

Gone but not forgotten

been writing about it regularly for the last eight years and has seen many gay venues and organisations come and go in that time.

Andy Green reflects on his past with someone close to him who recently died.

I’ve been on the Liverpool gay scene a good few years now,(about 20 actually) and I’ve seen many places come and go and a lot of people too. There are some venues that I miss, namely Reflections, The Escape and Alishia’s Attic at The Curzon but they’re just places where I had good times.

It’s the people that I had those good times with that I really miss.

It was my former partner Neil’s funeral last month and most of the happiest times of my adult life were spent with him. We spent 15 years together, were rarely seen apart and remained close even after we split up.

In those 15 years we encountered some great people and characters, many of whom are sadly no longer with us. When we first met, on a computer programming course, we were both unemployed but somehow we still managed to go out virtually every night and have a ball. I wish I still had those budgeting skills but in those days there were places where you could get a decent pint for £1.

It was a while before Neil and I revealed our sexuality to each other but we hit it off straight away as mates. He was quite mad and could be outrageously camp but it was only when one night he took me to The Curzon that the penny finally dropped and the rest as they say is history. Back then you couldn’t be as openly gay as you can now – or at least you felt you couldn’t - and there was a lot of skulking around dark alleys which was actually rather enjoyable. A bit of danger always spices things up a bit.

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We experienced our first homophobic abuse in a pub where ironically Neil’s wake was held. It was a Saturday afternoon and there were only us and some older guy in there and I think we were talking about what we’d got up to the night before. Anyway, before we knew it he was screaming at us that we were a “disgrace”(although some more colourful language was used) and should both have hand bags. We actually found it quite funny but if we’d had handbags he would have been on the wrong end of them.

We were quite brazen at times, you know what it’s like when you first start going out with someone – you just can’t keep your hands off each other. We were in a wellknown pizza dispensary once and it was packed and we had a massive full-on snog.

Some poor woman nearly choked to death and others just stared incredulously but we didn’t care and nobody said a thing. Oh the things you do when you’re young!

Neil was just 43 when he died but he’d led a very full life and made a lot of people laugh along the way. He’s now in that big gay club in the sky along with Mark, Tony, George and too many others who touched both of our lives over the years. I’ll miss him hugely and still half expect him to walk into The Masquerade. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who came to his funeral and all of the people for their kind words and support. As the vicar at his service said: “once you met Neil you never forgot him.”

news 17

HEAD TO THE COMMUNITY VILLAGE AND CHILL OUT IN THE CALMZONE TENT!

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life

In our Life section of this issue of Seen we look at the Brazilica festival which recently made huge waves in the city. In only its second year, the festival set Liverpool to a standstill with some of the best sights we’ve ever seen.

We also speak to Liverpool Pride sponsor Morecrofts

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Solicitors about their milestone 200th birthday and how they believe the law should be adapted to fit into LGBT life.

As well as all this we are very excited to be welcoming Dirty Dancing to the stage at The Liverpool Empire.

The west end show is sure to be a sell out so don’t miss your booking.

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life 19

AL BR AZILICA FESthoTusaIV nds of people Brazilica Festival brought sunshine and anisers are onto the Liverpool stre ets in July, and org become the UK’s delighted with the success of what has 100,000 people largest Brazilian carnival event. Almost witnessed this glittering spectacle.

Images : David Munn

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singers from as far away to a Main Stage with bands and Williamson Square played host stalls serving Brazilian and with d, rtained a packed crow as Singapore and Brazil who ente doing a roaring trade. world food and a street market rday evening Carnival icipated in a spectacular Satu More than 500 performers part ba groups cascade sam and ts and sparkling dance Parade which saw colourful floa eateries brought a and bars ilers, reta t ts. Bold Stree through packed City Centre stree with many offering special r businesses for the weekend, touch of carnival magic to thei . r windows in a vibrant Latin style themed menus and dressing thei

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life 21

The Noble House.

Widely regarded for holding one of the best menus in Liverpool, The Noble House has rightly earned its place as one of the top restaurants in the city region. With a chic prohibition feel and fantastic service, the eatery left no doubt in our minds as we were invited along to sample their infamous steaks.

With a wide choice of meats from house to premium, the menu is almost overwhelming. Restaurant manager Cora Johnson assists us in our choice: “All of our meat is of the highest quality,” she says. “From Welsh dry aged to harmony farm the steaks are all delicious.” “we also pride ourselves on having one the best fish selections in Merseyside” My colleague and myself selected fillet and a sirloin with side dishes of broccoli, potato and garlic gratin, and everyone’s favourite, chips. Cora assisted in a wine selection to compliment our meals.

Both steaks were ordered cooked to a medium level and both were superb, the side dishes were delicious but sizeable and I would recommend sharing rather than ordering per person as we found it

impossible to finish them. All steaks are also served with spiced garlic butter Portobello mushroom compote and grilled cherry tomatoes - not a meal for the faint hearted. With no room for dessert we opted for a liquid sweet in the form of the Noble experiment this is a unique and kitsch idea developed by The Noble House to give clients the opportunity to sample more from their cocktail list.

Simply choose five cocktails from the extensive drinks menu and receive a miniature version of each one. This is a novel and original idea perfect for after dinner drinks or warming up before an evening on the tiles. Do be aware ten minutes is required to prepare each drinks board.

In conclusion, with brilliant staff, great service and an outstanding menu choice The Noble House is highly recommended

by Seen Magazine, but don’t take our word for it find out for yourself. The Nobel House promote regular special offers on food and drink, follow them on twitter to keep up to date with these (@thenoblehousel2). The Noble House, Heywood Building, 5 Brunswick Street, Liverpool, L2 OUU TEL: 0151 236 5346 www.thenoblehouse.co.uk

Fish Infusion After the roaring success of The Italian Club, owners Maurizio and Rosaria Crolla decided to combine their love of food and celebrate there unique Scottish - Italian backgrounds to create a marriage between British and Italian styles of Fish and open a Fish caffe called ‘The Italian Club Fish’.

Fish has long been part of Maurizio and Rosaria’s lives, dating back to there great-great grandparents, who crossed the shores from the Italian mountain village of Picinisco, to settle in Glasgow & Edinburgh, making their living by supplying the local communities with the British favourite of Fish & Chips. Slowly, the Italian immigrant community began introducing Italian delicacies alongside Fish & Chips & then began opening restaurants that only served Italian food, thus helping to change the culinary map of Britain.

Everything about The Italian Club fish is charming, the decor and how the restaurant is laid out to be finer details and special touches that your eye can pick on when dining. Andrew was our host for the evening, very charming and knowledgeable and explained the menu to us.

‘There is something for everyone on the menu even if you are not a fish lover or maybe you are and want to see how the Italian-Scottish influence favours on your palette?’ The menu boasts a wide selection from Stuzzichini (things to nibble) Ostriche E Capesante (Oysters and Scallops) Anti pasti which include

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a selection of hot and cold starters, Pasta E Risotto, Secondi Mains and a selection of non fish dishes and a wide selection of Contorni (side orders) We had a delightful experience dining at The Italian Club Fish, the food was cooked to absolute perfection and the oysters we selected are some of the best I have ever tasted. We selected the house wine which was great value, rich in flavour and complemented the food. Desert was divine I selected vanilla ice cream served with an espresso coffee and a shot of amaretto liqueur which finished the evening perfectly.

The Italian Club Fish is most certainly a Seen Magazine favourite and we highly recommend it and it’s sister restaurant The Italian Club.

Many of the ingredients at Fish Caffe are subject to availability.

However, the friendly team will always endeavour to bring you a like for like product. All the dishes are prepared from fresh so it may take a little while longer but it is certainly worth the wait. The Italian Club Fish base all of there cooking on freshly prepared vegetables and fish stocks that render the dishes light and healthy.

For all of the August offers please visit the Italian Club Fish on twitter@italianclubsnews were they will tell you about the daily specials and offers for the day/week.

Alternatively you can call them on 0151 707 2110

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Spotlight on

Julie Johnson

Practice Manager – Morecrofts Solicitors

What is your role at Morecrofts?

I am the Practice Manager responsible for recruitment, staff health and welfare, assisting them with professional and personal matters. I also deal with facilities management across our four Merseyside offices, project management and business development amongst other things.

Why are Morecrofts equipped in dealing with same sex family legal issues?

Morecrofts has one of the biggest family law teams in the North West. We have a lot of experience in dealing with same sex family legal issues such as those highlighted on the sign posts and we really enjoy helping people with their life journey whether it is buying a home together, getting hitched, adopting a child, making a Will to include their life partner where the law wouldn’t automatically or starting a business together. We also understand that there are many in the LGBT community who have had a straight relationship that then need to exit and can help with that.

Unfortunately there have been too many times where we have acted for people who have been victimised because of their sexuality; we see a lot of cases of discrimination in the workplace and we have also helped people to claim compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Awards scheme when they have suffered physical injuries as a result of an attack.

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We can also help with injunctions against violent partners. Broken Rainbow did a survey in 2009 which showed between 40 – 50% of LGBT respondents had been victims of physical and sexual abuse but it also showed that they were very hesitant about coming forward.

One of the hardest parts of our job is dealing with abusive relationships and tragically, there have been cases where clients have been killed by their partners which may have been prevented through taking action sooner.

Can Morecrofts help if you are planning a civil partnership? if so, how?

We can advise couples about the implications of a Civil Partnership. We can advise on how to structure property and finance matters, arrangements for children, and change of name issues. If things don’t work out, we can also advise on Civil Partnership Dissolution and deal with settling financial matters and issues relating to children.

Do you believe in gay marriage?

I believe in love and I believe in equality so why shouldn’t two people in love, regardless of gender, be able to cement their union? Love is a human emotion which doesn’t differ between straights, gays, lesbians, transsexuals or bisexuals; love is the same for everyone so I think that the laws which govern love should also be the same for everyone.

Life evolves and the law has to adapt to keep up with it; when

I look back through Morecrofts history we’ve seen countless groups campaigning for equality such as the abolition of the illegal slave trade, the working class movement, women fighting for the right to vote, and the black civil rights movement and so I think that the LGBT community are a natural progression in our ever changing society.

Unfortunately there have been too many times where we have acted for people who have been victimised because of their sexuality.

Regardless of what the law says about same sex marriage, opinion will be split in the UK because that’s how it works. Even after the anti discrimination act was introduced in the 60s you still had employers or pubs etc which operated “no blacks” policies but thankfully the law was able to punish those offenders and gradually attitudes changed. Racism still exists today so in all likelihood in 50 years homophobia will still exist but by then I hope it will be in the vast minority! It will be the turn of another group of people to campaign for change by then!

Morecrofts is approaching 200 years of service next year. How will you be celebrating?

We’re so excited! Not many companies can say they are 200 years old so we’re going to make the most of it with a year of celebration and fun.

A lot of the plans are still in the pipeline but I can tell you that we’re going to kick off our celebrations with a Christmas Carol Concert in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support at the Metropolitan Cathedral on the 3rd December 2012. We’re just finalising all the details so everyone needs to follow us on twitter and like us on Facebook to get the info as soon as we can go public with it.

Alongside your campaign in Seen Magazine, Morecrofts are sponsoring an award at this years Seen Awards. Why is it important for Morecrofts to reach the LGBT community?

What is your message?

Everyone should have access to good quality legal advice that meets their own individual needs. We don’t have a one size fits all approach to the law because it’s not always appropriate! We want the LGBT community to know that we are professionals who understand the issues that you face. We understand that families and individuals have personal and business needs that require professional legal support and that is where we excel. I suppose the message is that we offer a modern approach for your modern family.

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Helping you find the right direction At Morecrofts we help you find the right path no matter what direction life takes you in.

Morecrofts - Sponsors of the Seen Awards 2012

Proud supporters of

For more information just call Helen Broughton

0151 236 8871

or email hb@morecrofts.co.uk

www.morecrofts.co.uk @morecrofts /MorecroftsSolicitors Morecrofts LLP offers legal advice on a broad range of services for individuals and businesses LLP No. OC333433

life...

Time of your

The producers of the first ever national tour of Dirty Dancing are ready to hit Liverpool with the amazing West End show.

The Classic Story on stage, one of the most successful musicals in West End history, are delighted to announce the musical will appear at the Liverpool Empire from Tuesday 9th October to Saturday 27th October 2012. irty Dancing is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart – pounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing.

Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash-hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring hit songs, including Hungry Eyes, Hey Baby, Do You Love Me? and the heart stopping I’ve Had The Time of My Life!

American actress Jill Winternitz will star as idealistic Baby Houseman, the role taken

by Jennifer Grey in the film, who discovers love and life in the summer she will never forget.

Nicky Griffiths will take on the role of Penny Johnson, having been a member of the Dirty Dancing touring company since the show opened in Bristol.

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Paul-Michael Jones, who has attracted huge critical and public acclaim on the tour so far, will continue to star as Johnny Castle, one of the most iconic roles in popular culture, made famous around the world by Patrick Swayze in the 1987 smash hit movie.

The producers of Dirty Dancing, say: “It has been wonderful to see audiences across the country embracing the show with the same passion and support that we have been fortunate enough to receive in the West End over the past five years. As Dirty Dancing enters an exciting new stage in its UK journey, it shows no signs of slowing down.”

Now in its triumphant fifth year at the Aldwych Theatre, Dirty Dancing opened in the West End in 2006, breaking all box office records with advanced ticket sales of over £15 million, which made it the fastest selling show in West End history. It has since played to over 1 million people, receiving nightly standing ovations and continuing to enthrall and delight.

As Dirty Dancing enters an exciting new stage in its UK journey, it shows no signs of slowing down

The success of the London show has led to overwhelming demand from fans to experience the magical love story that is Dirty Dancing in their home cities, and the producers are therefore delighted to be taking the show across the UK.

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Performance Details Dirty Dancing, Liverpool Empire Theatre, 9 – 27 October 2012 Monday – Thursday: 7.30pm Friday: 5pm & 8.30pm Saturday: 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Tickets Mon - Thurs 7.30pm & Fri 5pm: £44.50, £35.50, £30.50, £19.50, £10.00 Fri 8.30pm & Sat 2.30pm & 7.30pm: £48.50, £45.00, £38.50, £22.50, £10.00 Tickets include £1 restoration levy.

Tickets available from Liverpool Empire box office, or by calling 0844 871 3017 or book online at www.atgtickets.com/liverpool

It has been wonderful to see audiences across the country embracing the show

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Blind date.

Seen Magazine set up two ladies looking for love at city centre restaurant Viva Brazil. We caught up with them afterwards to see how it went.

Susan and Lorraine have used dating website Pink Sofa for several months. Following an article in Seen Magazine (issue 8) the pair responded among many others to an opportunity to be set up on a blind date in Liverpool.

We sent them to Viva Brazil in Castle Street where Susan arrived first to a very friendly and relaxed welcome. “I was about half an hour early but the staff were fantastic. I was shown to the bar area and given a glass of Champagne while I waited.

Meanwhile, Lorraine was running about half an hour late.

“I had a nightmare getting a taxi,” she tells Seen. “So I ended up going to get a hackney. I was flustered but welcomed well at the restaurant.”

The real experience begins as a troop of Passadors (carvers) move from table to table, offering over fifteen select cuts of Beef, Lamb, Pork, Chicken and Sausages, all slow roasted over a charcoal barbeque.

Viva Brazil Churrascaria is an authentic, Brazilian style Steakhouse.

Their concept is that, Viva Brazil gives you more – more of everything… food, service and atmosphere, and the ladies certainly backed this up with their opinions.

Both told us the staff were great and attentive without smothering them. Viva Brazil tell Seen Magazine: “During lunch or dinner as soon as you are seated, your Brazilian style dining experience begins. Guests are given the chance to relax and enjoy one of their favourite cocktails, make a selection from our list of handpicked fine wines, or you can head straight over to our choose from our selection of seasonal salads and side dishes.” “The real experience begins as a troop of Passadors (carvers) move from table to table, offering over fifteen select cuts of Beef, Lamb, Pork, Chicken and Sausages, all slow roasted over our charcoal barbeque and expertly carved at the table.”

“The food was so lovely,” Susan says, “and I can’t speak highly enough of the staff, especially the manageress who spoke to me while I waited for Lorraine.”

So the girls loved the restaurant – but what did they think of each other? “Susan is lovely, really nice,” says Lorrain. “We got on well and she is very sweet.” Susan also spoke highly of Lorraine, “She was fun and loud and has since moved to London which I know she was really excited about. I’m a bit too quiet for her though I think. Brilliant evening though.”

Since the launch of Viva Brazil’s first site in Liverpool the restaurant has gone from strength to strength. Due to its success Viva has since opened a Glasgow branch and have just signed the lease for Viva Brazil Cardiff. In five years the ambition is to have more than 10 Viva Brazils, with a presence in all of the larger cities in the UK. For information about booking a table call 0151 236 8080 www.vivabrazilrestaurants.com

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seenmag.co.uk

Smile Makeovers

Porcelain Veneers • Gum Contouring and Teeth Reshaping Dental Implants • Extractions • Sedation • Teeth Whitening • White Fillings Orthodontics • Invisalign • Straight Smiles in up to 6 months • Dental Hygiene Perio Surgery • Dentures • General Dentistry • Fine Line and Wrinkle Treatments •

CONTACT 0151 236 8280 info@liverpoolimplants.co.uk www.liverpoolimplants.co.uk 23-25 Brunswick Street Liverpool City Centre, L2 0PJ

M A R C O

P I E R R E

S T E A K H O U S E

B A R

W H I T E &

G R I L L

L I V E R P O O L

Come dine with Marco...

Thursday 13th September Meet the man himself and enjoy a drink on arrival, canapés and a three-course meal. You will also receive a signed Marco Pierre White apron.

Lunch £55.00 Dinner £75.00 Accommodation available from £79.00

To book call 0151 559 0555 or visit www.mpwsteakhouseliverpool.co.uk Follow us on... /Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Liverpool /MPW_Liverpool

10 Chapel Street, Liverpool L3 9AG

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style Liverpool is home to some of the most stylish people in the world (yes we said it and we stand by it). One true ambassador for this is Christopher Shannon, who is a Merseyside designer moved to London and he’s being talked about all over the world. We are very proud to

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show some off his designs in the latest edition of Seen Magazine.

As well as this we look at local business Tatties Vintage and their stunning collection of one off pieces.

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Camp & Furnace 12.10.12

BUY TICKETS AT seenmag.co.uk

Hotel Indigo - Hotel Partner for the Seen Awards 2012

Hot Chocolate Fondant 125g Butter 125g Dark Chocolate 2 Whole Eggs 3 Egg Yolks 150g Caster Sugar 125g Plain Flour Method • Warm the oven on 170 degrees centigrade (gas mark 3).

• Heat the butter and chocolate together in a microwave at one-minute intervals until fully melted.

• Whisk together the eggs and sugar and add to the chocolate mix.

• Fold in the flour.

• Butter your ramekins and lightly dust with coco powder.

• Add mixture and bake at 170 degrees centigrade (gas mark 3) for 10 minutes.

• Gently turn out onto a plate.

This goes amazingly well with pistachio ice cream. Enjoy!

WHIPPING UP A STORM. This month, Team Seen decided to hook up with the new chef, Chris Jones at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, to share recipes and top tips for the perfect dinner party.

Chris has an enviable pedigree, having worked under some of the Northwest’s finest chef’s, Chris shares his inspiration, “I found my passion for cooking relatively late in life, having started out in a more traditional trade of painting and decorating. Once I had a taste of a professional kitchen I was hooked. Fine tuning my skills under some of the most talented chef’s like Moyo Benson from Novo in Heswall and David Gilmore from Thornton Hall.

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“Each of them taught me so much, and I now develop the skills of my team in basic skills like butchery and preserving. It is vital to retain the skills in the kitchen and it keeps the menu exciting. I am passionate about food, to be able to learn from a chef like Marco, for me is a dream come true.

“I love taking really good seasonal produce to create dishes that are simple and allow the quality of the food to speak for itself.”

Chris has shared with us a simple dish that will add a wow to any dinner party, “This dish really does add a little drama to the end of a dinner party. The recipe will make

ten. The trick is to have your ingredients ready and make it and pop it in the oven just before you serve it, so that it comes out hot and oozing in the centre. I love this served with pistachio ice-cream.”

I love taking really good seasonal produce to create dishes that are simple and allow the quality of the food to speak for itself.

10 Chapel Street Liverpool, L3 9AG 0151 559 0111

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Let’s here it for the boy!

Christopher Shannon is a graduate of Central St Martins, where he studied under the legendary Professor Louise Wilson, OBE. A truly home grown talent Christopher is a proud scouser who has been showcasing at London Fashion Week since 2009. He is famous for adapting classic street looks into luxe, creating contemporary menswear. His work has been featured in publications including Vogue Japan, GQ style, The Observer, Dazed and Wallpaper.

February 2012 saw the launch of ‘Kidda’ a line of sports inspired pieces. His menswear collection is stocked in stores worldwide including Harvey Nichols Hong Kong, Opening Ceremony LA, NY, London and Tokyo, Oki-ni and ASOS.

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OBJECTS OF DESIRE

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£15.00 (100ml) Hydration Mask

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£125

Feminine Fall - A Vintage Fairytale Fall in love with fall fashion. Whether you prefer pretty florals or bold print you can’t go wrong in vintage. So why no inject some vintage style into your autumn wardrobe. When shopping vintage you’ll find something to suit any age, shape and style. High waists extenuate small middles, floaty blouses can hide a multitude of sins, adding a simple headscarf to an outfit can give you an edgier look. Don’t be afraid to experiment with styling, vintage stores have hundreds of hidden gems.

Bold prints, floaty florals and statement jewellery.

Clothing: Tatties Vintage and Jumble People Jewellery: Bollywood Bazaar Stylist: Siobhan Noble Photography: Emilie Fanara Makeup: Lucy Mckeown Model: Rachael Sylvester Location: Sefton Park

Located on Victoria Street, close to the fashionable Met Quarter, the newly refurbished The Living Room and Mosquito has a reputation for fantastic cocktails, consistently high standards in food quality and service and a great atmosphere. It is undeniably one of the places to be seen in Liverpool.

SIGNATURE M ENU 3pm – 8pm Monday to Saturday

Selected signature cocktails at £4, Bel Star Prosecco £22, Terra Alta Wines £10 15 Victoria Street, Liverpool, L2 5QS t: 0151 236 1999 e: liverpoolpa@thelivingroom.co.uk www.thelivingroom.co.uk | www.mosquitoliverpool.uk.com

Fifty Shades of Mal his summer, the majority of the nation have talked about 50 Shades Of Grey, the new erotic novel released by E L James. Whether or not we’d like to experience a romance similar to that of Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele, the book has been dubbed the key to awakening confidence and liberation in both women and men the world over.

Liverpool’s Malmaison Hotel is giving guests the opportunity to experience some of their own fantasies with their latest promotion, 50 Shades of Mal. Offering classic seductive ingredients of massage oil, chocolate covered strawberries and of course a luxurious hotel room, the recipe gives couples the chance to awaken and embrace their inner desires. Seen Magazine sent a couple along to the hotel for an evening to experience the seductive offering for themselves.

We entered our room to find delicious chocolate dipped strawberries and massage oils awaiting us in a stunningly stylish suite. Perfectly lit for sensual moments and designed so all the essentials are neatly tucked away.

We entered our room to find delicious chocolate dipped strawberries and massage oils awaiting us in a stunningly stylish suite.

Liverpool’s Malmaison is known for its sophisticated interior, which lends itself perfectly to a Shades of Grey style evening – including the smaller details such as the exclusive range of toiletries with a very suggestive ‘Take me home I dare you’ displayed on the front. The bathtub was enormous and easily accommodated two people and it was the perfect place to eat our chocolate dipped strawberries and a glass of champagne for the ambience. The walk in shower is also big enough for two equipped with large, white, fluffy towels and of course very complementary lighting.

We decided to dine in the hotel at the brassiere for dinner, where we savoured a seductive three course meal and a bottle of wine.

After being seated we ordered some nibbles, olives and baguettemwhich entertained us as we were selecting and tasting our wine for the evening from the Mal’s extensive, impressive wine list. Our waitress was knowledgable advising us on the best selection to accompany our food. After some tasting we decided on a rich, deep earthy red named Margaux, La Bastide de Dauzac, Bordeaux, France.

To begin with I selected the classic smoked salmon blini, herb

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crème fraîche as my starter and my guest selected Chicken liver parfait, grape chutney & warm toasted brioche. Both starters were delicious and sizeable and very much enjoyed leaving us in anticipation for our mains which promptly followed. For my main i opted for the Thai Green curry with jasmine rice which was cooked to perfection in an infusion of thai flavours and just enough spice.

The rice was delicate and thoroughly enjoyable. My guest selected the fillet steak with béarnaise sauce and buttered charlotte potatoes with buttered summer cabbage. We communicated non-verbally throughout the entire main course with just the occasional glance of absolute approval. The food rivalled many of the restaurants that I have dined at in and around the city and the service was relaxed, personable and friendly.

Feeling very satisfied we decided to finish our fine dining experience in the super stylish plum bar were we spent the remainder of the evening flirting, talking and laughing building up anticipation. This truly felt like a place where we could release ourselves, talk about things we wouldn’t speak of in daylight and generally release our inner most thoughts.

The plum bar is a comfortable yet atmospheric lounge style bar with a vast cocktail menu. Before long my partner left the bar and went to our suite I followed him shortly after to find him waiting for me. What happens next is strictly between us. Ssshhhh!

The following morning we woke up and dressed to find everything we needed including morning refreshments, filtered coffee for my guest and a range of herbal teas for me. To assist us in dressing the Mal has a same-day laundry service, hairdryers, ironing board and iron, 24 hour room service for any special requirements and complimentary wi-fi.

At breakfast and were seated next to a window with stunning views of the waterfront sparkling in the sun. We had a healthy, tasty breakfast. I opted for eggs benedict and my companion went with salmon over eggs with great coffee. The Mal gave us the option of a late check-out so we decided to go for a romantic stroll around the waterfront before going back to our normal lives.

50 shades of Mal package sis from £99 call the Malmasion today and quote ‘Grey’ to book on 0151 229 5000.

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Urban Active are a new start-up based in Liverpool.

They believe you can tell a lot about a person by their underwear...

With that firmly in mind they want to keep you fresh, cool and comfortable, and in high quality fabrics at very affordable prices.

They believe they have the best male underwear range on the market. The range consists of t-shirts, vest tops, boxer shorts for boys and underwear for girls. The brand recently showcased at a St Georges Hall fashion show. The wide woven elastic waistband looked fantastic on the models but also felt the same one model added “The underwear is 95% cotton and 5% spandex and they feel very comfortable”.

The price ranges start at £8.99, we asked owner Brian Gould how he allows for the brand to be such high quality and yet affordable. He explains “We source the products from our trusted manufacturers that produce and relate it directly without any middlemen. For this reason, we can pass at incredibly good prices that are much cheaper than products of comparable quality”.

As a special offer for Seen readers the first 12 people to purchase products from the Urban Actives online boutique will receive a free pair of boxers.

Not only are the products high quality and great value but the Urban Active brand is environmentally conscious using the highest quality and most environmentally friendly materials for the latest range is all part of the unique Urban Active experience.

Even creating products in the range using bamboo fibre which is derived from a bamboo pulp and totally biodegradable in soil and is a natural antibacterial and bacteriostatic material.

When recruiting the cover model for the underwear campaign (as seen on the left) it was important for the brand to find somebody who was a real person and not just ‘another underwear model’.

The person you see modelling in the photo is Paul and this was his very first modelling job. His full time job is working in the U.K

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and overseas for the British Army and we chatted with him about his experiences with the brand and being a first time model.

“I found this proposal very bizarre, as in one breath I went from the scorching heat of the desert to Liverpool Seel Street where I found myself surrounded by photographers, soft box’s and flash lights!

The shoot itself went very well and it was really nice to be a part of something positive taking place in Liverpool as all the people involved were local businesses working together with a zest for success and clear and high ambitions”.

We asked Paul what intrigued him most about the Urban Active brand “Urban Active is a positive and relentless pursuit for success in very difficult times of austerity. Bearing in mind there are a lot of working parts in designing, creating and manufacturing your own underwear and t-shirt label which I believe can rival the major competitors. The success so far rests at the door of local workshops and entrepreneurs in Liverpool who have made use of local talent to create this new and unique label”

Paul’s attitude mirrors the same ethos and work ethic voiced by Mary Portas who recently stated that Great Britain can produce, design and manufacture and we at Seen agree. Britain has got talent.

Urban Active would like to wish the City of Liverpool a safe and happy pride. As a special offer for Seen readers the first 12 people to purchase products from the Urban Actives online boutique will receive a free pair of boxers.

Visit the online store www.urbanactivedesigns.com

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CAN CHANGES IN THE LAW PREVENT DOMESTIC ABUSE? Sarah Fox of Lees Solicitors’ Family Law department comments, “Granada News has recently reported the results of a pilot scheme in Greater Manchester which has extended the use of Domestic Violence Protection Orders.”

More than 64,000 incidents of domestic abuse were reported in the Greater Manchester area over the last year. But the question is, “Can changes in the law prevent domestic abuse?”

Sarah Fox of Lees Solicitors believes it can make a difference, “Once this pilot scheme is introduced countrywide, if a person encounters domestic violence they may be able to seek a Domestic Violence Protection Order from the Police, even if there is not enough evidence to charge the abuser. They may wish to seek legal advice as to whether or not they can obtain a civil injunction to prevent the abuser returning to the property.”

Sarah is passionate about her role within the Family Law team at Lees Solicitors, and has dealt with many cases involving injunctions.

She recalls, “This would help a number of my clients including a young nurse who recently came to us for legal advice. She was taking care of her 5 year old son whilst experiencing violence from her partner for 3 years. She would return from a hard day at work each evening frightened that she would face further abuse. She was terrified about his behaviour becoming worse. She sought advice from us and we attended Court with her on the same day. Due to a recent incident of violent behaviour, an injunction was granted to her to protect the safety of her and her son.”

At Lees Solicitors, we understand that relationships can be complicated. Above all, we understand the emotional consequences of experiencing domestic abuse.

We put you first – contacting you in accordance with your personal circumstances. Whether you have a particular number or address you wish to be contacted on, require blank envelopes to ensure utmost discretion or need an urgent appointment – we can support you.

For serious cases, we ensure that your case is dealt with immediately. We can go to Court on the same day if violence is involved. More importantly, we can provide a safe room at the Court and stay with you at all times instilling support when it matters the most.

Our team of family law specialists who have over 50 years experience, can advise you with sensitivity and honesty. Why not arrange a free initial half hour consultation at one of our local offices - out of hours (including Saturday morning) appointments are available across Birkenhead, West Kirby and Heswall. Call us today on 0800 387 927 or email info@lees.co.uk

0800 387 927

www.lees.co.uk

much more than you expect

relationships can be

complicated We understand that relationships can be complicated.

Whether you are moving in and need a cohab or prenup agreement or moving on and separating or dissolving a civil partnership, our team of family law specialists can advise you with sensitivity and honesty.

Why not arrange a free initial half hour consultation at one of our local offices - out of hours and Saturday appointments are available.

Birkenhead 0151 647 9381

Heswall 0151 342 6273

West Kirby 0151 625 9364

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work John Lynch is a businessman many of us have heard of, but rarely hear from. Seen Magazine sat down with him to talk about Garlands nightclub which he part-owns as well as his love for Liverpool’s LGBT community.

We also speak to Paul Amann from Liverpool City

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Council about the plans ahead for the Stanley Street Quarter and the developments which are always taking place.

BBH Solicitors also give us some advice on equality in the workplace.

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home No place like

Seen Magazine recently caught up with John Lynch, the man behind the legendary Liverpool nightclub, Garlands as it approaches the 20th year milestone.

He also runs the city’s Eric’s nightclub on Mathew Street, which through the years has seen some of the world’s leading musical artists including The Sex Pistols, Elvis Costello and U2.

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aunched in 1993 Garlands nightclub quickly became a success and has now become the longest established Saturday resident dance night in the country. Synonymous with glitz, glamour, craziness and its own unique ambience we ask John how it all began…

accepting of gay people? ‘No, as I was already involved in the gay club scene long before Garlands came about so I was already aware of many gay people and had gay friends. My business partner

There have been certain mis-conceptions about you in the press over the years, would you say that is true?

Mis-conceptions don’t really bother me, anybody that knows me will know they are not true. I only actually got into the gay club scene through helping out a friend many years ago. I am big believer in fate and believe that everything happens for a reason. I don’t play up to a ‘hard man’ image - if I did I wouldn’t have two shih tzu’s named LouLou and Bella that I was chasing whilst wearing a pair of superman pyjamas only yesterday when they decided to escape!

Did you ever imagine the club would sustain itself to this day?

‘I can’t say I ever imagined it at the time you and the team are just so focused on working so hard to get it right and then keep it right up until this very day. I believe if you have a vision then you have to put absolutely everything you have into seeing it through.

Garlands quickly became the ‘in place’ and still now 20 years on ‘new faces’ will struggle to enter the club if they are suspected as having the wrong attitude. John explains that having the zero tolerance door policy has allowed for three generations of clubbers to enjoy an environment that is a safe place and over the years has seen births, marriages and civil partnerships. ‘Garlands is a place of acceptance and fun and makes it makes no difference to me if you are a reality T.V star or a premiership football player, if you don’t have the right attitude you will be asked to leave’.

Is that the secret to garlands success?

‘Absolutely, Garlands is and always will be about letting people be free to dress, dance and interact with each other whether gay or straight in a safe, fun environment. It is that and having a great team behind me that has kept it a long established residency’ Was it owning Garlands that made you so

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street party on Eberle Street and across the car park at the back. I am also holding a Pride breakfast at my most recent venture in the gay quarter which is an upmarket cafe called Yesterday’s. We are inviting people to have breakfast and spend the day here in a relaxed, causal environment with there friends and family’

Jon Cummings struggled a little bit at first as back then when Garlands first opened being gay wasn’t very common in society like it is now. Needless to say he quickly got over that and people know him now as the face of Garlands’ How are you involved with Pride this year?

‘G-bar which is owned by my brother is joining forces with Garlands to put on a

What have been your best memories over the years of Garlands? Looking back it is hard to select one or two specific times as there have been so many. I would say more anything I remember the different personalities and characters I got to meet and become friends with. Oh the time I dressed up as Pamela Anderson in the red baywatch costume was quite a funny night.

What is next for Garlands? Enjoyment is everything in Garlands and it is that fun atmosphere that will keep our customers coming back for many years.

Long may she reign!

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Tony Burns investigates what Liverpool City Council’s Paul Amann is doing for Stanley Street Quarter. aul’s worked for the council in Liverpool for nearly 10 years but was previously here as a student in the early 90s. As such, he’s seen Liverpool’s renaissance as a destination city. Paul is currently working as project manager for the Stanley Street Quarter to deliver on community aspirations to change it for the better.

He is a co-author of the city’s AntiHomophobic Bullying Strategy and as a man of mixed heritage, a longstanding LGBT activist within UNISON, championing particularly black LGBT issues, speaking at TUC and other conferences.

In August 2011, Liverpool City Council endorsed the recommendations of a report into the Stanley Street Quarter.

This report was developed after months of work with different community members who live, work and use the Stanley Street Quarter. The report called for a re-imagining of what Liverpool’s scene is; building on the existing offer and making sure that it fulfils an ambition to be ‘the one urban quarter that is quirky but cultured, diverse yet inclusive and vibrant in a uniquely Liverpool way’ A steering group was established to make sure that our Stanley Street Quarter changes; local businesses, residents, the council and other partners started working together to improve it. In November 2011 Liverpool became the first city in the UK to receive rainbow branded street signs and on IDAHO day in 2012, new lamppost banners were installed proudly designating the Stanley Street Quarter.

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An ambition to be ‘the one urban quarter that is quirky but cultured, diverse yet inclusive and vibrant in a uniquely Liverpool way’

The street signs have attracted the envy of not only British cities like Manchester and Brighton but also the Parisians, who have started asking questions of their city leaders.

In 2012, Stanley Street Quarter began holding community activity days with markets: Mothers’ Day, Easter Market, Arts and Literature, IDAHO, Young Peoples’ Day, Carnival, Sports Day, Liverpool Pride, Fashion on the Street, Street Galleries, Oktoberfest and Street Vogue; businesses launched the city’s first flower street; and, key buildings had redesign options prepared. New investment is being attracted into bars, hotels and more to give the opportunity for all of us to do something different on Stanley Street.

The rest of the year offers no let up for Paul’s busy event schedule. The week after Liverpool Pride will see a fashion show on Stanley Street with a market.

September features a street gallery and

Partisan market. Oktoberfest will be marked with all things German the following month ahead of a finale aiming to bring the sights and sounds of Vogue to our streets!

Not above learning lessons from others, the steering group has visited Birmingham and hosted a visit from Leeds to see how other communities develop their scenes. Birmingham’s Gay Village benefits from being within the Southside Business Improvement District (BID) which has brought the area much needed investment, a printed gay village guide and support on events.

With new venues Baa Bar and Shiva opening in 2012 as well as the reopening of Spice City, Stanley Street Quarter is broadening its offer. In 2013, these venues will be joined by a boutique hotel with a champagne bar in Victoria Street’s Union House and hopefully another hotel in the grand former Royal Insurance building on North John Street. The steering group has agreed to try and get the area included in the re-ballot for the City Central BID, which takes place next year. If successful this will result in a small levy on business rates that should bring key benefits of investment in our quarter, helping local businesses thrive and ensuring our quarter becomes a key destination for LGBT visitors just as the city has become for the wider world.

For Paul, the changes are a long way from his first experience of Liverpool.

Long gone are the days of knocking on a black door to gain admission; the scene is becoming more open and attractive for us all to enjoy. It’s moving from an evening only offer for some, towards fulfilling the ambitions of Stanley Street Quarter with a day and night time offer accessible to all.

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BBH LEGAL SERVICES WOULD LIKE TO WISH YOU ALL

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A VERY HAPPY PRIDE ON SAT 4TH AUGUST 2012

BBH Legal Services Ltd, Eastham Hall, Eastham Village, Wirral, Cheshire, CH62 0AF Telephone: 0151 326 2340 | Fax: 0151 326 2375 | www.bbhlegal.co.uk BBH (Legal Services) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority Reg. No. 561550

BBH - Sponsors of the Seen Awards 2012

Q&A

on equality in the workplace with BBH

1

I think I have been overlooked for a promotion at work because of my sexual orientation can my employer do this? The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful for an employer to directly discriminate against someone because of their sexual orientation. It is also unlawful to discriminate against someone on the basis of their sexual orientation when recruiting. For Example, Dan, who is gay, has worked for his company for five years. He is not considered for promotion because the new role would mean working alongside James who is homophobic. His employer considers that Dan would not be able to work effectively with James because of his sexual orientation. This is direct discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation against Dan.

2

I am being bullied at work because of my sexual orientation, what can I do? The law protects employees from harassment at work. For Example, Elliott, who is gay, works in a garage. His colleagues frequently tease him about his sexuality and try to humiliate him in front of customers. This makes Elliott uncomfortable and has the effect of creating a hostile working environment for Elliott.

3

I am bisexual and have raised a Grievance against my manager for discrimination and harassment on the grounds of sexual orientation. Ever since I complained my manager and colleagues have ostracised me, can they do this? If you have made a formal complaint because you feel you have been discriminated against but are treated poorly as a result this may be victimisation. The initial complaint may have been resolved and dealt with formally but if you are treated differently as a result of raising a complaint about discrimination you may be being victimised and the law protect you against this.

4

I am not a lesbian but my colleagues think I am and make comments which I find offensive. Even though I am not a lesbian is this unlawful? The Equality Act protects against discrimination by perception.

For Example, Sarah is a heterosexual but many people at work assume she is a lesbian and make offensive remarks about Sarah being a lesbian. Sarah is being discriminated against because people believe her to be a lesbian. This is discrimination by perception and unlawful.

5

I am not gay but I am related to someone who is, does the law protect me? The law prohibits direct discrimination against an individual who associates with another person who possesses a particular “protected characteristic” (i.e. sexual orientation). For Example, Carla works in an office. Carla’s manager makes a joke about gay men which she finds offensive. Her son is gay and Carla’s manager is aware of this. This may be discrimination against Carla because of her association with a gay person.

BBH Legal Services Ltd, Eastham Hall, Eastham Village, Wirral, Cheshire, CH62 0AF Telephone: 0151 326 2340 | Fax: 0151 326 2375 | www.bbhlegal.co.uk BBH (Legal Services) Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority Reg. No. 561550

Tech News It’s 2012, and this year should see some amazing new gadgets coming on sale. Technology is Chris Danks www.cyberhostpro.com

constantly changing and some cool new toys will be on sale this year.

or my summer edition of my seen page I decided to focus on the new operating system coming to iPhone & iPad later this year. iOS 6 is the next big software update for the iPhone and iPad. It includes more than 200 new features and I’ve been lucky enough to get hold of it already.

I’ve shared my favorite features of the new iOS 6 that I use every day since getting hold of the software in early June, the official version will be available to the public later this year around September /October when the next iPhone is released.

Do you have a friend like I do who just calls too often that you sometimes cancel their calls? With iOS 6 next to your reject call button is a new menu button, tap the button and it will auto text them “I am busy at the moment, I’ll call you later”

Satellite navigation – the new sat nav is powered by TomTom maps and has traffic alerts.

Great free add on so you don’t need to buy a separate sat nav or app! Simply tap maps and use the navigate too option and away you go! I’ve used it a few times already and its really good!

Siri updates: Siri has had a makeover, it now works on both iPhone 4s and the new iPad. You can ask Siri pretty much anything now including booking restaurants! I tested it out by asking “navigate me to the nearest Gay Bar” and Siri uses the internet to find local registered businesses that match your search query.

Better Facebook integration – now when you view your photos on your phone and go to the send to menu – you can instantly upload your pics & videos to Facebook, and that’s not all. You can now talk to Siri to post to Facebook!

I’ve tested it by updating my status while driving, it worked perfectly.

There’s tons more features too! Facetime now works over 3G. It’s good quality too, I’ve used it a couple of times while out and about, the speed and quality is just as good as using wifi.

Another great feature is “do not disturb” so you can set your phone calls not to come through during certain hours, and block some apps from sending you alerts during set hours, a long overdue feature! There’s nothing worse than waking up to someone poking you at 3am in the morning ;-) - on Facebook that is.

That’s all for now folks. I hope to see you all at Seen Awards 2012!

LOOKING TO START YOUR OWN WEBSITE? Visit www.cyberhostpro.com today and get your own .co.uk and personal email address!

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The ultimate arts festival supporting diversity, Dada Fest is back this year in the city with a view to excelling itself more than ever before. We speak to the insiders to get the info on what we can expect.

We also have a very special feature in the form of an

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account from 70-year-old Cloud Downey, who came out in Liverpool as a teenager. He speaks of his haunts, surroundings and the first time he entered a gaybar.

We hear from Joan Burnett about the best LGBT films available for viewing at the moment and show pictures from the latest Silver Social event.

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Dada returns in spectacular style

TOP LEFT : BENNY PRASAD / TOP RIGHT: BRIAN LOBEL, BALL AND OTHER FUNNY STORIES / BOTTOM: EVELYN GLENNIE

With August comes Dada fest, Liverpool’s ultimate art festival celebrating diversity with an eclectic mix of music, art, comedy, theatre, poetry, performance, workshops and seminars.

Niet Normaal

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elebrating 11 years as the UK’s leading disability and deaf arts festival, DaDaFest promise this year’s festival will be bolder than ever before, with exclusive collaborations with the London 2012 Festival and from artists as far afield as India, USA and Australia.

The majority of the live programme, together with seminars and workshops, are happening from August 17 in venues across Liverpool.

Ruth Gould, CEO of DaDaFest tells Seen: “As always, our main aim is to showcase the best that disability and deaf arts has to offer, with this year being no exception.

The quality of artists we have been able to bring to DaDaFest 2012 just demonstrates how much we have grown as a festival on an international scale and it is a pleasure to be able to bring exclusive London 2012 Festival Unlimited commissions to the festival and the North West.”

Some highlights: Dame Evelyn Glennie

A musical highlight of the festival includes An Evening with Evelyn Glennie, world renowned solo percussionist performing at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on 18 August, after a decade long gap since her last performance in the city.

Dame Evelyn Glennie is the first person in musical history to successfully create and sustain a full-time career as a solo percussionist. As one of the most eclectic and innovative musicians on the scene today she is constantly redefining the goals and expectations of percussion by creating performances of such vitality they almost constitute a new type of performance. The Grammy-winning percussionist and composer became almost completely deaf by the age of 12, but her hearing loss brought her a deeper understanding of and connection to the music she loves.

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Niet Normaal: Difference on Display, which is a popular phrase in Dutch (literally translated as ‘not normal’ but also meaning ‘cool’), is a major contemporary art exhibition coming to the UK for the first time, at the Bluecoat, Liverpool from 13 July – 2 September as a key feature of DaDaFest 2012, and the London 2012 Festival.

Niet Normaal will feature paintings, installations, films, photographs and sculptures by 26 renowned artists such as Bob and Roberta Smith, Evelien Krijl & Olivia Glebbeek, Bruce Nauman, Christine Borland, Christiaan Bastiaan, Douglas Gordon, Javier Téllez and BirgIt Deiker. The exhibition will also feature new commissions, including Ben Cove, Aaron Williamson and Laurence Clark with Andrew Tunney.

‘The Ugly Spirit’ from Liverpool based Fittings Multimedia Arts

A new backstage play by Russell Barr combining improvisation and text and is being shown in the Bluecoat on 21 and 22 August. Join David Hoyle in a very private audience with Jessie and Bessie, the famous Siamese twins.

Fittings’ new show takes a brand new play

by Russell Barr, mixes in the extraordinary improvisational talents of David Hoyle with the vocal skills of acclaimed soprano Denise Leigh, sets it all in the undiscovered places that lurk behind the scenes and invites a select audience to take a peek into the backstage world of the famous Siamese Sisters Jessie and Bessie.

Aaron Williamson

Internationally acclaimed artist Aaron Williamson will be the DaDaFest 2012 artist in residence at the Walker Art Gallery.

During Aaron’s residency, he will be ‘eavesdropping’ on the paintings secretive dialogue to create reworked versions of the paintings, whilst examining the assumption of his supposed ability as a deaf person to overhear and mishear the unvoiced.

Aaron will be the artist in residence from 13 July to 30 September and will be holding talks and tours throughout, and producing a publication.

Benny Prasad

World renowned guitarist Benny Prasad brings his unique acoustic repertoire to DaDaFest 2012; his engaging performance is interspersed with him sharing his life experiences. Born in Bangalore, India, Benny is a remarkable musician who will be performing at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on 29 August.

Benny Prasad’s birth was celebrated with the highest hopes for his future, but he developed 60% lung damage and a compromised immune system. This led to him being the shame of his family, but through music he went on to being their pride and now performs internationally.

Comedy at unity theatre

Comedy lovers out there will appreciate the three hilarious shows at Liverpool’s unity theatre from four critically acclaimed comedians and performers: Laurence Clark performing his new show ‘Inspired’ on 31st August, one of twenty-nine commissions of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad ‘Unlimited’ programme. Kiruna Stamell with Gareth Berliner, performing ‘A Little Commitment’ on 30th August and David Roche, performing ‘Catholic Erotica’ on 1st September.

Unlimited Global Alchemy

Led by British artist Rachel Gadsden, Unlimited Global Alchemy explores the psychology and politics of HIV/AIDS and of life-giving medical regimes and is part of the London 2012 Unlimited Cultural Olympiad programme, in partnership with South African artist and activist Nondumiso Hlwele and The Bambanai Womens Group.

A special screening of short films will be shown on 30 August, featuring Gadsden and the Bambanani Group, shot on location in Cape Town will be shown at DaDaFest 2012, followed by a talk with the artists.

Disability Arts and Culture has grown over the last 30 years into a discernibly confident and accomplished artistic movement of expression around experiences of disability. DaDaFest was the first and is now the most comprehensive and challenging festival of Disability & Deaf Arts in the world.

For the FULL LINE UP of events please see www.seenmag.co.uk

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FINDING MY PLACE.

In our continuing collection of LGBT history, Cloud Downey is 70-years-old and retired. He grew up in Liverpool before moving to London where he remains. He tells Seen Magazine in his own words his recollection of finding a gay pub in Liverpool during the 1950s for the first time.

The centre of gay social life in Liverpool, as I found it in 1959, was located around the area of Queen Square (then a busy fruit and vegetable market by day,) Williamson Square and adjoining side streets. We didn’t call it a ‘gay village’ back then.

In fact the term ‘gay’ was something of a novelty, being more used in the USA. The word had begun to filter into our consciousness, but usually we referred to ourselves and our illicit lifestyle as ‘queer’ – a term used widely, and in a derogatory sense, by the majority of the population.

There were several pubs in the area, all tolerant of ‘queers’.

The best of these were The Magic Clock which stood opposite the Royal Court Theatre (in the now-vanished Hood Street that linked Williamson Square and Queen Square) and The Royal Court Hotel in Queen Square itself, known affectionately as ‘Dolly’s’ after its hospitable and broadminded manageress.

Queen Square also housed the Stork Hotel, popular with travelling salesmen, which had a men-only bar with a separate entrance.

Queers would meet here, under the watchful eye of the barman, an ex-merchant navy steward in a white linen jacket and waxed moustache, who, if we got too boisterous would warn us quietly to ‘cut the camp, girls.’

Other bars in the quarter included the rough-and-ready Old Royal (next to the Playhouse Theatre,) The Dive and The Dart - presided over by the infamous camp barman, Sadie, with his outrageous makeup and dyed bouffant hairdo. These latter three bars were popular with sailors (Liverpool was still a busy port back then) and supposedly straight men (often accompanied by girlfriends) out to ogle and taunt.

In our own secret language, polari, we called these people naffs or nante homies. Fights often broke out in the Old Royal between naffs and the tougher queens, quickly subdued by the formidable manageress who would leap on the culprits and physically eject them.

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The ambience of the Magic Clock and Dolly’s’ was more sedate and there was rarely trouble in these venues, although they were checked up on regularly by Lily Law, the police, who, although brusque and rude toward us, tended to leave us in peace so long as we behaved in a decorous manner. One other bar worth mentioning, as it is the only one still in existence, is the Lisbon in Victoria Street, with its wonderful art-nouveau decorations.

Then, as now, it was a popular gay venue and was particularly welcoming to lesbians in those days.

My knowledge of homosexuality was minimal. There was no gay press and only a few ‘under the counter’ books and magazines that were hard to come by. Most of my limited facts had been garnered from reading Eustace Chesser’s psychiatric text book Homosexuality that I had discovered by chance while browsing the shelves in my local library. I knew that I was not alone, that there were other people like me out in the world, and I was eager to read the magazine article hidden under my coat.

I was living in a council house with my parents and younger siblings. That night, after my two younger brothers had given up bickering and fallen asleep in our shared bedroom, I was able to read my furtively-purchased magazine. My bed stood in an alcove, the walls of which I’d covered in cut out pictures of my favourite film stars. It was separated from my brothers’ bunk beds by a curtain that I’d hung for privacy. Apart from the bed, my alcove housed a battered chest of drawers and a hook in the wall from which hung my meagre wardrobe.

My grandma had given me a small desk lamp for my birthday, which I switched on to provide light so that I could riffle through the magazine in search of the double-page spread enticingly entitled ‘What is a Homosexual?’

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Leaving the shipping district I followed them through the city via Dale Street and Whitechapel into Williamson Square, past the Playhouse Theatre and a row of seedy pubs leading to another theatre, the Royal Court.

Here they crossed the road and went into a small, ancient pub with bottle glass windows. Over its entrance was an elaborate model of a clock above a painted sign that read ‘The Magic Clock.’ Somehow, I knew that I’d found what I was looking for – a ‘queer’ pub!

I resisted the urge to follow them in, and besides I had no money - but I would get my wages in two days time, and that would be the glorious day that I would properly begin my journey into Queerdom.

On Friday evening, wage packet stowed in the pocket of my best jacket, I nervously entered the Magic Clock and was both overwhelmed and captivated. I was unused to pubs, in fact I was not really of legal age to go into them, and so I was taking an exciting risk. I hovered near the bar and took in the scene.

It was a traditional saloon with a stained glass screen separating it down the middle. The bar was topped with beaten copper and there were high bar stools covered in faded red leather. Red shaded wall lights glowed and small tables with chairs around them stood in front of padded benches fixed to the panelled walls.

At that time in the UK male homosexuality was completely illegal and, if discovered, could bring police brutality, blackmail, prosecution, imprisonment and social ostracism. I knew that I was gay.

My job title was ‘ junior clerk,’ although ‘office boy’ better describes my role of licking stamps, weighing letters, making tea and doing all the menial tasks that no one else would do in a small shipping agency at the river end of Chapel Street. I was paid £2. 10 shillings (£2.50 in modern currency) per week, and had walked effortlessly into the job on leaving School at age 15.

Through the window above my desk I could see into an adjoining office and secretly observe a glamorous man who worked there.

He was about a thirty years old - handsome, well groomed wearing well cut suits, brown suede shoes and silk ties. An air of difference hovered about him. He smoked long cigarettes taken from a gold case. Once he caught me looking at him, but rather than being disconcerted by my curiosity, he smiled and winked. I blushed, although my heart lifted. There and then I developed a crush on him.

Our offices were situated in a courtyard. On leaving my job one windy evening, I saw my ‘crush’ dressed in an expensive furcollared camel coat waiting in the courtyard smoking a cigarette.

He didn’t see me though. A few moments later a younger appeared through the courtyard entrance. He was pretty with golden curls and a suntan. He approached ‘my’ man with a smile and then to my astonishment, they kissed – on the lips! As they started to walk away I decided to follow them.

The air was thick with cigarette smoke, and a jukebox pumped out pop songs. I recall hearing Bobby Darin’s ‘Mack the Knife,’ and Frankie Avalon singing ‘Venus’. There was an aroma of tobacco, after- shave lotion mixed with the reek of disinfectant that wafted from the toilets situated in a little yard at the rear of the pub.

A middle–aged peroxide blonde woman with a beehive hairdo and upswept diamante spectacles, obviously the landlady, pulled pints while two young, camp barmen giggled and chatted with the customers, who were mostly well-dressed men of different ages with a smattering of fashionably dressed women.

It was the era of backcombed hairdos, eyeliner and A-line dresses inspired by Pierre Cardin, soon to be ousted by Mary Quant’s mini skirt and the geometric haircuts of Vidal Sassoon. Many of the men wore ostentatious gold rings, suede shoes and smoked through cigarette holders.

A group of women in masculine attire sat around a table drinking pints of beer, and perched on bar stools sipping cocktails, were two real queens, the first that I’d seen. Their hair was dyed and elaborately lacquered and they sported eye shadow, mascara and lipstick. They wore tight velvet pants, winkle picker boots and brightly coloured satin shirts.

The ambience was vibrant, friendly and colourful and I was enchanted. I shyly ordered half a pint of bitter, found an empty stool and gazed around me, nervous although happy and amazed. I’d found my niche! This was to be the start of my own enriching, colourful and sometimes dangerous discovery of the Liverpool gay scene, or as we called it ‘Being on Town!’

Read more of Cloud’s memories at www.seenmag.co.uk

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Take One Joan Burnett’s passion for queer film started when she saw her first fabulous gay kiss in My Beautiful Film review with Joan Burnett

Laundrette more moons ago than she cares to remember. After eight years at FACT, a stint for outsiders and a year as Trustee

Pride in Film Liverpool Pride presents a season of films right across the steamy days of Summer...

At FACT we listened to our film fans last year, and made sure that the screenings are at times that suit you better – see the list below. We have fantastic support from Picturehouse@FACT, from Peccadillo Pictures who produced the POUT Touring programme and from our brilliant sponsors Unison North West. All our films feature young people taking on a bewildering world in their own way. The clichéd view of LGBT film is that it’s all about coming out, but for our communities, this is a crucial experience in forming us as people, sometimes literally we change ourselves physically to find the person we know we are inside, move from caterpillar to butterfly!

North Sea Texas

took me right back to my own young days in New Brighton, capturing the odd, tatty glamour of seaside life and how limiting a small place can be for a kid dreaming of princesses and escape. Pim’s Mum takes in a lodger working on the local fairground, jolting Pim from his comforting fantasy world into something more substantial.

the importance of LGBT people seeing themselves on screen is as essential as ever. She reviews the best in new and classic DVD’s available now.

What if the changes happening to you have to be hidden, almost coded?

Circumstance

Romeos

is director Maryam Keshavarz’s take on how young women manage some form of personal freedom in the strict society that is Iran. Atafeh and Shireen reach out to each other across all kinds of boundaries – sex, class, cultural – to recognise the truth in themselves.

Bashment

Romeos

is a funny, stylish film from Germany that tells Lukas’ story as he makes his new life in Cologne. Lukas is drawn to super-sexy Fabio, not knowing if he fancies Fabio or wants to BE him. Lukas’ lesbian friend Ine mournes the lost “Miriam” who has become Lukas, but by the end Ine, Lukas and Fabio have found a way through to understanding a bit more about each other, and that “rules” put upon us by peer pressure are just there to be broken.

for Liverpool Pride, she believes

North Sea Texas

Back to the UK with a boom! , the new drama from Rikki Beadle Blair, will blow the sticky August cobwebs away. His direct approach means emotion, action, surprises and quick one-liners galore.

Liverpool Pride hope he’ll be with us for our Q & A, to tell us more about J.J., the white, gay rapper taking on the urban music scene. I love Blair’s acting company, Team Angelica– their sheer heart makes the screen pulsate.

Leave It On The Floor!

Circumstance

brings more drama, more glam and more music.

Darren Suarez put me on to this film and it’s the perfect curtain raiser for this year’s Vogue Ball – the House of Suarez will be on hand to bring the night alive.

Vogue is an attitude, a way of life. L.A. street kid Brad is rescued by the House of Eminence and causes mayhem when two of the House fall for him. This is a musical after all, so the only way to sort things out is a dance-off ! Things get heated, passions are high….cue…Vogue! Vogue!

Leave it on the floor!

Listings

All films at FACT: Romeos (15): 9 August 8.30pm / North Sea Texas (15): 16 August: 8.30pm / Circumstance (15): 23 August: 8.30pm Bashment (18): 30 August 8pm: followed by a Q & A / Leave It On The Floor: 6 September: 8.30pm: Intro by House of Suarez

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Silver Social

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A taste of the Mal

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Liverpool’s Dave the Pap shares some of his latest snaps of celebrities he’s found in Liverpool during the past few months.

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