Stemme Magazine by Stemme Magazine

where stud meets femme. a magazine for queers.

ZOE LYONS kingdom TRAUMFRAU brighton rockers JINKX MONSOON sophie cook GAL PALS

Cover art by Lola Bartlett

KID SQUID ILLUSTRATION secretary bird

Welcome... I think it was 2011 that I first came out. And by that I mean, the first time I said it aloud to someone. The whole process has been in stages over the subsequent years; a familiar tale to many of you I’m sure. First off telling friends, I eventually told my family. I was definitely one of the lucky ones in our community - my friends and family barely batted an eyelid. To the point where my mother told me she’d been waiting for 20 years for me to tell her. Everyone that is out will know that coming out is a pretty regular occurrence. From bosses, friends of friends and acquaintances, we seem to have to keep on telling people our sexual orientation. I think it’s such a shame this is the case, however, not everyone is OK with same sex attraction and love. Why should we censor ourselves for others? Well the answer is: we don’t. This magazine was put together out of frustration. Walking down the street holding hands with my girlfriend to be met with funny looks is not acceptable. Young queer people not feeling they can share their ‘secret’ with other is not acceptable. I started this project for me, for people worrying how they’ll be perceived once the news is out, for those of us that don’t feel scared to come out: it’s for everyone. You’re not alone, and I hope you can find solace in these pages, laugh, cry and open your mind. Welcome to Stemme Magazine - for queer and trans* women and non-binary people. Freya Hughes Editor

Stemme Magazine - we’re looking for contributors, get in touch! stemmemagazine@gmail.com @stemmemagazine Editor - Freya Hughes Head of Design - Rosie Blackwell-Sutton Writers - Christina Doyle, Rosie Blackwell-Sutton, Freya Hughes, Stuart Rolt, Holly Cozens, Hannah Stocks Art - Lola Bartlett - lolabartlett.com Kid Squid Illustration - kidsquidkara.wordpress.com With special thanks to everyone involved.

CATs OF THE QUARTER Here are the kitties that have helped the Stemme Magazine creative process - we couldn’t have done it without them. We want to see your cats! Email us at stemmemagazine@gmail.com It was thanks to her the magazine got off the ground, as many an hour was spent in front of a clapped out laptop typing away wondering if I’d made too much of a commitment by making this magazine. Unfortunately she passed away around Easter but she get big props for keeping our Editor sane.

MAUREEN DOYLE

(Moey, Mobo, MoMo, Baby) An absolute sweetheart most of the time, but in true kitten form, she goes wild after a nap. More of a source of entertainment than a help, she’s kept us laughing during the long evenings of magazine planning. She’s Moe’s successor in being the Editor’s feline bestie, and she’s filling those large shoes perfectly.

ROSIE DOYLE-HUGHES

(ROsie posie, Ro-po, Nutter, Little baby) He’s still quite young which means he has a tendancy to go crazy, often charging around the house at 3am! But that makes his calm, loving moments all the more precious! We savour his cuddles, or sleeping moments more than usual. He has a ravenous appetite and is a giant softie at heart.

TAYSTEE BON BON TUPPENCE 3rd (Tay, Monst, the boy) 4

Pole fitness lessons Passion4Pole by christina doyle

Passion4Pole is a great place to start your pole dancing adventure. You don’t need to be fit, have any upper-body strength or any dance experience to get going. Passion4Pole owner Chloe Anderson started her journey without any dance or gymnastics experience and got to where she is today with practice and a pure love of pole. It’s a social event, especially if you’re sharing a pole with someone. It comes naturally to help each other and you definitely want a friendly face to help spot you when you start flinging yourself upside down! Don’t let this frighten you: health and safety is always taken into account at Passion4Pole and Chloe is fully first aid trained.

described as that! Classes are all done barefoot, with the exception of Showgirls - a more naughty take on pole dancing where stripper-style heels are strapped on and some sexy moves are taught. People of all sizes, genders and orientation are getting involved in pole fitness, after learning of the benefits. It’s a real confidence boost and can make you feel empowered: strong is sexy. I’ve never considered myself a performer, but found myself performing a solo routine on stage, in front of a hundred people within two years of starting pole fitness classes - something I never dreamed I would do.

I attended my first class at Passion4Pole as I’m always up for trying new things. I’m a bit of a slow learner, but once I saw the beautiful moves on the pole I felt driven to keep going. I felt uncomfortable stripping off at first, but you can attend your first few classes in leggings or jogging bottoms and a vest top, if you feel uncomfortable wearing shorts. After a few classes you’ll need to use more skin to help you grip to the pole. I was happy to do so once I’d noticed how my body shape was changing, without really feeling like I was exercising. It felt too fun to be

passion4pole.com

KID SQUID ILLUSTRATION kitty

Skate lessons at Brighton Youth Centre Skatepark by freya hughes

From never-stood-on-a-boardbeginner to might-as-well-be-pro, BYC invite adults down to the park on Mondays and Thursdays. Use it as a quiet environment to improve and instructors will be on hand to give advice and support.

session and teach you the basics. They’ll certainly push you to your limits but soon you’ll realise that it’s just fear in your head that you need to overcome. The skating part comes quite easily after that. Going in to the She Shredders, and eventually the adult tuition, I was petrified. I thought the ability to go along on a skateboard would mean I’d be fine but on entering the park I realised I was going to need a whole lot more practice. To my surprise, an instructor had noticed my hesitancy and purposely fell on his arse – quite dramatically I might add - to make me less scared of stacking it. This actually really helped and got me going. The tuition has helped me conquer a fair amount of the ramps at the park and, after just four weeks, I don’t look like a rabbit in the headlights whenever I glance at the other skaters. In fact, I’ve helped others get over their fears and the favour has been returned. It’s a hell of a social place so just go up to someone and introduce yourself. They’d likely be keen to help you out, and if they can’t grab one of the experienced staff and they’ll help you laugh your way through the bumps and grazes.

Thursdays: She Shredders 6:30 – 9pm This females-only session is available to skaters 13 years and over. The drop-in sessions are fronted by the top UK female skater, Lucy Adams, and welcome all levels of experience in a chilled and friendly environment. Opening its doors on Edward Street to all, Brighton Youth Centre skatepark is the ideal place to learn or sharpen your existing skills. With a simple yet exciting design, ramps are made of wood – great for beginners and it gives slightly if you fall so is far less painful! Mondays: Tuition Sessions 8 - 9.30pm These are great to attend if you’re feeling nervous. If you can bite the bullet and join in with a group of fellow learners, chances are you’ll be flying around the park within the first month. At only £50 for four 90-minute sessions it’s quite a steal. Instructors are very hands on and will notice if you’re feeling a bit timid – or brave for that matter – and do their best to integrate you into the

brightonyouthcentre.org.uk/skateboarding

90 seconds WITH... CAMERYN MOORE from smut slam What is Smut Slam? A community dirty storytelling open mic. It is open to all, versus being a showcase for performers. Professional storytellers are welcome, but Smut Slam is first and foremost a community event, where people with all backgrounds and experiences have a chance to get up and tell their own real-life sex stories.

of collective energy that I had no idea about at the beginning. I felt like I had unleashed this beautiful beast! Why bring Smut Slam to Brighton? I’d performed in Brighton before, and I knew that it has a pretty chill, open attitude. Lots of sex geeks and sexual explorers in this neck of the woods, was my impression.

Who is Smut Slam for? It’s for people who are curious or adventurous about sex, because so much comes out at these events. You’ll leave enlightened, inspired, and possibly transformed. It is for exhibitionists and voyeurs — they need each other! And most of all, it is for people who love the diversity and variety of humanity. Why did you start Smut Slam? I started it because the storytelling events where I was (Boston) didn’t feel that welcoming to stories with ‘blue’ content. The organisers were fine with whatever I brought, but the audiences... I could kinda feel the energy shutting down a little whenever I mentioned the words ‘cock’ or ‘cunt’. So, I created the events that I wanted for myself. As I kept doing them, I realised that they held a sort

Share a smutty story with us? Once I asked a partner to put a knitting needle in my urethra. Since then I learned about properly safe and hygienic methods of sounding (Google it) and I would never do that again (because now I have a kit for that), but at the time it was dirty and felt hardcore and I’m not sorry in the slightest. Anything else you’d like to add? Smut Slam is not about telling the smuttiest story; that’s not what wins prizes, necessarily. Smut Slam is about telling the story-est story, stories that catch people’s imagination.

For upcoming shows visit camerynmoore.com

KID SQUID ILLUSTRATION lucury

ZOE lyons by freya hughes

“I have never regretted the decision,” she says. “I love living here, we live quite close to the sea and I walk beside the sea every day.” Setting her roots down here has helped shape Lyons’ life and career. At the helm of Komedia’s Bent Double for over ten years, “it is by far [her] favourite gig to do.” Her graciousness comes through as she tells me it’s all thanks to the audience and Komedia itself, though perhaps she should look closer to home for this one. “The audiences have been so supportive and loyal over the years and the venue has been so helpful in making the night a continued success. The fact that acts love coming to Brighton to play the gig makes me very happy.” It’s LGBT+ accessibility shines a prominent light on a proportion of society which can sometimes fall by the wayside. As with anywhere, our clubs and

One of the most exciting parts of living in Brighton & Hove is how diverse the cultural events are. Night after night were spoilt by the city’s arts – just look at our comedy scene. A leading strength in the industry across the county is Hove’s Zoe Lyons, whose credentials are impressive to say the least. With 15 years of comedy under her belt, 12 of those have been spent living by the seaside. “We were living in London and one day we just reached a point where we wanted out from the mayhem of the capital,” she tells me. But who is ‘we’? Well it’s Lyons and her wife, together for the long-haul, they tied the knot in

recent years. But more on that later. The beauty of a city like Brighton is the chilled pace of life, that’s for sure. The inclusivity of a community like ours is, at times, so wholesome that we can forget what it’s like elsewhere.

abundance of watering holes need to constantly evolve – this is particularly true of gay venues as we’ve seen with the unbelievable amount of closures in recent times. Lyons ponders this for a moment, then from her experience explains, “obviously there is a long-standing LGBT+ scene here in the city. I think to survive it does need to adapt and change as a new generation of LGBT+ people come to Brighton. The need for ‘traditional’ venues is changing.“ On the whole, in local establishments I feel comfortable. But thats not to say everyone does - I count myself lucky to be able to say that. She’s completely right – a younger crowd might not want a stale pub environment where you could be stared at for being against the grain. It’s the inclusive nights that set Brighton apart from other places in the country. Look at the offerings from The Marlborough, for example, and the queer nights that are institutions for those who might not feel safe or relaxed in your average venue. In a nod to our friends, and the city’s most

inclusive crowd, Lyons muses, “nights like Traumfrau are a great addition to the scene.” Welcoming people of all age and gender, Traumfrau is a queer, non-judgemental, inclusive, non-ageist, non-sexist space. Many promoters could learn a thing or two from them. Alternative and exciting, it never gets old. With such a demanding schedule, its a wonder Lyons has the chance to enjoy these delights. She tells me, “I get so few nights out these days as I work so many evenings but I am enjoying the city’s ever-growing list of great places to eat. So an ideal night out for me now would be a bite to eat followed by a few cocktails at the Plotting Parlour in Kemptown, such a great wee bar.” It’s refreshing that a comedian of her stature is so content to enjoy the smaller things in life. Lyons goes on to tell me about her favourite night out in the city. Now this is incredibly sweet so try and hold back the ugly cry tears. “The wife and I ‘upgraded’ our Civil Partnership to marriage a couple of years ago. Because we had had a pretty big party for the civil partnership we decided to keep the conversion very simple. It was just the two of us, we signed the papers (overseen by the wonderful Mr Trevor Love who had conducted our CP years ago) and then went for a lovely meal and several cocktails, so it was indeed my ideal night out in Brighton.” See? Adorable.

Bent Double is on the first Saturday of every month at Komedia Brighton. zoelyons.co.uk

kingdom brighton by freya hughes it begs the question, who are the kings that are on stage? “I think it’s mostly non-binary people that perform with us. Hardly any of our kings actually identify as women. It’s interesting considering people’s preconception is women dressed as men. A lot of them use drag to work through and work out who they are, exploring gender and the different sides of themselves.” Most people will think of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ when thinking of the art of drag, and it did predate Kingdom. It’s an interesting comparison to make between the queens and the Brighton kings, as the artists and audiences work almost as counterparts to one another. For anyone that’s watched the show, you’ll know Ru scours the US in search of the best talent. I wonder how Rosie drums up interest in her shows - it’s a niche genre of performance. She tells me, “kings have started gravitating towards us now as we’re getting our name established. It’s amazing to see the level of excitement from more seasoned

When was the first time you heard of a drag king? Perhaps you discovered them through TV or film, like ‘The L Word’’s Ivan Aycock, or on stage at events like London’s BOiBOX. Looking closer to home, Rosie Blackwell-Sutton is the brain behind Brighton’s very own king scene. Starting out life as a Brighton Fringe show in 2014, King of the Fringe was a modest grassroots drag competition with three competitors. The show eventually became Kingdom, as the competitive nature of its predecessor didn’t feel right - to pit kings against one another in a growing scene seemed more damaging than encouraging. Rosie and her partner Lauris Day are gearing up for another show as we chat. The former tells me, “Since I’ve been doing the shows I’ve always dragged up. I just don’t have the urge to go on stage, though!” Rosie’s alter ego is Slater Himmy, a play on riot grrrl band Sleater-Kinney of the ‘90s. So

Oedipussi

L-R Flynn rideher, willy fister, benjamin butch, max legroom, nailor swift, sammy silver, rico del ray

performers and newer kings alike.” If you’ve been to one of the Kingdom open mics or showcases, you’ll understand why; the venues transform into a buzzing hub of anticipation, everyone involved appreciating the effort gone in and enjoying the ride. Drag is a political act, which allows creative queerness to shine. It’s this which allows the acts and attendees to really explore themselves. “In terms of sexuality, I’d say there are a lot of pansexual people, bisexual and even straight people that come along. It’s for any person of any gender to explore masculinity and femininity,” Rosie explains. It’s an inclusive scene in which anyone can join. Having been curious throughout my own life about drag and gender, I’ve been tempted to jump on stage and see what happens. Personally, I lack talent in performing, so I’ve left it to others. But Kingdom are recruiting... “If you’re interested in drag, come to the nights. All of the shows have open mic slots, just give it a go! You’ll meet the kings - we’re all very lovely, happy to give advice and we’ll support you. We’re happy to bounce

ideas around too. Come and try it - I think kings are different [to queens] as we’re more edgy, and it’s fertile land as nobody has really put a stamp on it yet.” So if there’s no mould to fit, what is the plan for the future? ‘Drag Race’ has done a lot for the community, getting drag out there in the mainstream. The Kingdom team are by no means riding Ru’s coat tails, rather forging a path of their own. “We’re really open and want to encourage and grow the Brighton scene. That would be amazing. We’re aiming for a diverse kingdom!”

zayn phallic

Keep up with future Kingdom events: facebook.com/kingdombrighton Photos by David Smith - photosbydavid.org Kitty Wheeler-Shaw - kittywheelershaw.co.uk

Lucy le brocq drag kings

l-r David klowie, mimi craft, sammy silver, nailor swift, max legroom, princess layher, micky fister, willy fister, robert from finance

BRIGHTON ROCKERS by freya hughes

For those not so acquainted with the world of roller derby and who are basing everything they know about the sport on Ellen Page’s film ‘Whip It’, here’s all you need to know about Stemme Magazine’s favourite sports team.

Based in Brighton, the Rockers formed in 2010. They have two teams, the Brighton Rockers (A team) and the Brighton Rockerbillies (B team). They call Haywards Heath’s The Dolphin Leisure Centre home, whilst often travelling the world for away games.

Danelle Shoulder a.k.a Racey

Megs TEmpest a.k.a megneto

“My original name was Racey Slamhard. It’s a play on the Page 3 model Lacey Banghard’s name. I liked that a name prominent in a misogynist institution has been re-appropriated to be a name in a feminist sport. Nowadays, I’m just “Racey” because it felt more like ‘me’.”

“I grew up with the intention of becoming a superhero. My namesake Magneto, is a mutant with special abilities in a Sci-Fi/Fantasy multiverse. Who knew that strapping on skates would make me feel more powerful than I could ever possibly imagine?”

Roller derby is not for the faint of heart. With a 43-page rule book, the aim of the game is, in short, for the five person team to destroy the opposition. The team is made up of a jammer, a pivot and three blockers. The jammer must lap their opponent, while the other team members attempt to stop the other team’s jammer from passing. There’s a whole lot more excitement involved, which I’m not doing justice, so

head to the Rockers’ website to find out when their next matches are - or to find out how you can get involved. brightonrockers.com Photos by John Hesse

We caught up with some of the hardcore skaters with badass personalities and a whole lot of bruises to find out...

KIM Georgiou a.k.a Cruelty spree

cat solomon a.k.a cake or death?

“Cruelty Spree is a play on ‘cruelty free’, used on products which haven’t been tested in a poor baby rabbit’s eyes. It also sounds a bit like the Polyphonic Spree who are great, and not a cult. Cruelty free products are identifiedby a leaping bunny.”

“My strange friends used to quote Eddie Izzard endlessly, especially saying ‘cake or death?’ to just about everything. I had no clue what it meant, but it stuck. The irony is that since then, I’ve become coeliac. So it’s Cake AND Death (by being stuck to the toilet!)”

GAL PALS by freya hughes Nights for gay women are few and far between even in diverse, LGBT+ supporting cities like Brighton & Hove. Gal Pals night is the brainchild of Scarlett, the current Welfare Officer at Arts SU, and her gal pal DJ and event planner Candice, who started the night in London. Splitting the tasks, the couple have created this event as a labour of love after wanting a freshers night for queer ladies starting at University of the Arts London. Now a multi-city event, I have no doubt they’ll be enjoying and working even harder on their upward trajectory to stardom. We chatted to the pair to find out more about how Gal Pals started and what’s next for these ladies.

Scarlett: We met for the first time at a ‘Twin Peaks’ themed club night at The Haunt, and chatted very drunkenly in the smoking area. Candice doesnt actually remember meeting me. But we met again nearly a year later at Pride in 2015, outside The Marlborough pub. Candice: I do remember meeting her that time! I wanted her to come over and talk to me because I thought she was really cute, and she did. Then, I really wanted to kiss her at the end of the night but was too chicken, so ended up sending her a weird message at 5am asking to meet up for sorbet the next day... S: We never ended up going for that sorbet. But we did start dating shortly after. I also asked Candice to be my girlfriend by giving her a Gal Pals t-shirt with a note inside saying ‘will you be my...?’ When did you start Gal Pals? S: I originally came up with the idea for Gal Pals in August 2015 as I’d just started working at my Students Union and we were planning freshers, and I wanted to create a freshers night which was aimed at women, and specifically LGBTQ women. Most of the freshers

nights that take place I would never set foot in, I don’t want some guy grinding on me in the club, and I dont want to have to listen to just the top 40 either. Whilst Gal Pals is unashamedly very pop, we mix it up. I’m a huge fan of ‘90s girl rock, and Candice loves obscure electro pop music so we try to balance that with crowd-pleasers. Candice was actually the person who came up with the name Gal Pals when I was brainstorming name ideas, and we held the first Gal Pals in October 2015 at Dalston Superstore, which was a massive success. We brought Candice in to DJ it shortly after and it’s just grown from there really. C: The nights evolved as we saw Brighton desperately needed something aimed at young queer women. London is saturated with events at the moment, but the demand in Brighton is really high. We love to give back to the community, and just want everyone to have a lot of fun in a friendly environment. Is there plan for further expansion? S: We’re hoping to make it a more regular night, so perhaps monthly. And I’m also working on a video for Gal Pals as I have a degree in Photography that I rarely put to use! C: We’d love to do a huge Gal Pals, in a really big space, with some incredible women fronted bands or performers. Maybe even the band Gal Pals could come over from Texas! But these are just grand unrealistic ideas that we have.

Are either of you involved in other nights/LGBT+ events? C: I used to run a queer night called OUT at the Haunt with some friends of mine. I’ve DJ’d at a few Traumfrau nights now too. I’m also working on a new night which will be a queer dance party for everyone. This one will have a much more flexible music policy too, so really different every night. I just want everyone to leave their expectations at the door - keep your eyes peeled! C: You can find all my future DJ dates on my Facebook page @JumeauDJ and of course follow Gal Pals @galpalsclub. Expect Beyonce, TLC, Missy Elliott and more. Gal Pals has cemented itself as the queer dance party to be at. Gays, lesbians, bisexuals and allies filled the room and really let go at this girl run girls night. The makes this night a full frontal ode to female-fronted music – and at Gal Pals, you can really feel the love and acceptance.

SOPHIE COOK by stuart rolt Her life has already been filled with plenty of adventure, but since coming out she’s become a trailblazer. The first trans woman to work in the Premier League and Europe’s first trans news anchor, Sophie Cook also came very close to becoming Britain’s first transgender MP. “There’s always got to be someone that’s first,” she tells me. “With me being the first trans-woman in Premiership football, the reason I was so scared was because no one had been there before. It’s the same with politics. The electorate already showed it’s not an issue, we just need the rest of the world to realise it’s not an issue.” In April she was selected to contest the East Worthing and Shoreham constituency (a Tory safe seat for 20 years) and increased Labour’s share by 114%. It’s just another step in a journey which has seen her travel the world, serve in the RAF, work with rock bands and learn to love who she is. Now all this experience is being crammed into her one-woman show - ‘Not Today: How I Chose Life’, which comes to Shoreham’s Ropetackle Centre on Tues 5 Sept. From her first inklings that she was trans at the age of seven, through life in the Middle East and coming out amidst the world of professional football, it’s a remarkable story. Upon coming out, she made a choice between hiding or standing up to better the world. “Everything that I’ve

done over the past two years was designed to raise people’s awareness and educate. In my own little way, I want to improve the world.” And she’s adamant there’s no better way to improve the world than going into politics. Despite not yet entering Parliament, she’s challenged and changed many peoples perceptions. For many, Cook might have even been the first trans person they would have met. The process brought a new perspective to her life, opening her up to a world which she might have considered prejudiced and difficult for a transgender woman. Now she realises there really are no limits. However, just because you’re a media personality and campaigner, doesn’t allow you to exist in a hate-free bubble. Only the night before in Westminster, travelling to speak at a Labour event, she encountered another bout of intolerance. “I had someone come up to me and, repeatedly in my face, ask me to show them my genitals. Until that stops happening, I’ve got to keep doing what I’m doing, because we need to break down that prejudice and make sure that doesn’t happen anymore. If I’d been elected, I’d have been an MP on the streets of Westminster being abused because of my gender identity. That doesn’t change just because you get on in life. That won’t change until society

changes.” Even two months ago, when she was selected as the candidate for East Worthing and Shoreham, people both inside and outside her party thought it was an unwise choice. She’s heard first-hand stories from people forced to move out of the area because of abuse. “I’ve had a lot of abuse over the years, online and in person and even had death threats on Twitter. I thought, moving into politics that’s going to step up a gear.” The reality was an overwhelming amount of love and support from the community she was hoping to represent. It seems preconceptions run both ways. “Areas might not look diverse on the outside, but it’s a form of bigotry to think that they are going to be bigoted. If you’re someone that’s a victim of bigotry, and you’re walking down the street and see a bunch of guys hanging around by a white van, you might think: Oh no, this is going to be a nightmare. I’m going to get abuse here. That’s form of bigotry as well. You’re prejudging people.” I have friends of over 20 years who aren’t as open about their feelings and experiences as much as Cook.

She talks about the misery of living a lie, the support and respect from the club and fans alike at AFC Bournemouth (where she was working during her transition) and her antics and misadventures in the RAF. As an equality campaigner, parliamentary candidate, TV presenter, writer, and photographer, she’s both learnt and demonstrated there’s nothing to hide. She’s unyielding that her gender doesn’t matter. When you come out to someone, it’s just a new piece of information. People are too often obsessed with judging other people, even if it has no relevance to their own lives. “Too many people feel quite open and quite justified in expressing bigotry towards others because of their race, their religion, their gender identity, sexuality, or disabilities. People express judgement all the time, it’s not acceptable.”

Sophie Cook’s ‘Not Today: How I Chose Life’ comes to Shoreham’s Ropetackle Centre on Tues 5 Sept. sophiecook.me.uk

TRAUMFRAU by freya hughes Dubbing their events as “an intellectual playground for the unusual crowd,” Traumfrau is one of Brighton’s most exciting queer nights. Taking place in different venues across Brighton & Hove, the highly anticipated nights are always a hot mess of inclusivity and fun. Run by Roni Guetta, the parties took flight in 2012 and haven’t faltered on their upward trajectory to stardom. So, if you’re new to the Traumfrau party, look no further. We had the privilege of attending some of the parties early this year. Starting with the big International Women’s Day blowout at Wagner Hall in March, this was the start of a beautiful relationship between Traumfrau and Stemme Magazine. This night was truly special, as the team had spent hours of hard work transforming

the West Street venue into something magical. Some of the best LGBT entertainers in town graced the stage, while the garden was filled with burning barrels for revellers to crowd around and get cosy. The crowd was as you’d expect - beautiful, gorgeously androgynous, femmes, studs, and everything in between. Banger after banger heaved out of the speakers (set up inside and out), a unifying rolling bassline underpinning the night’s debauchery. From friendly bar staff, all female security, same-sex toilets and a wonderful sense of acceptance, this is the night to attend if you’re new to, or a pillar of, the queer community. The expected eclectic and vibrant mix of people in attendance complemented the elaborate decor. Stepping into the venue felt like being whisked off to a

whimsical land - especially juxtaposed with West Street in all it’s Saturday night ‘glory’. No two events are the same, and that was clear when we swung by the Traumfrau ACCA takeover the following month. Heading to the Sussex University campus, we fought our way through gangs of giggling freshers to the ACCA centre. A cavernous venue, it was a brave decision to take a space outside of the city and one so large. The Traumfrau team certainly pulled it off. It was a little empty, granted, but the vibe inside was incredible. With such a lot of space to work with, there were effectively two dance floors. Actually, who am I kidding, the entire place became a dancefloor, and everyone was loving it. Classic and modern hits playing throughout the event, we made good use of the bar and stumbled home at kicking out time. These two events have really stuck with me because of their inclusive feel, and I am thoroughly excited for the next installment of Traumfrau’ s Brighton takeovers. traumfrau.co.uk

Photos by Alonglines photography

JINKX MONSOON by stuart rolt

performers. There’s the fiercely wonderful ‘Funny Or Die’ web shows, starring roles on ‘Capitol Hill’ and two album releases on top of an already impressive acting career. Now a show Monsoon has performed with musical partner and friend, Major Scales for over seven years is heading around the world. ‘The Vaudevillians’ offers two 1920s stars who have been perfectly preserved in ice for decades. Now global warming has resuscitated them, only to find the pairs music has since been stolen by some of today’s biggest stars. The only option is to travel the world with the original versions and set the story straight. “We’re here to give you a little historical context behind some of your favourite pop songs”, Monsoon giggles. “For example, ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ was actually written by The Vaudevillians as a reflection on the suffragette movement. A lot of people dont know that.” Following a repeatedly extended fourmonth run in New York and six weeks in the pairs hometown of Seattle, the show is embarking on a huge tour. Being a global icon seems a long way from borrowing your mother’s clothes

“I like to draw inspiration from a lot of different sources”, recording artist, actor and global drag superstar, Jinkx Monsoon, tells me with a gentle southern drawl. “My list of female inspirations is very long. The big ones are Madeline Kahn, Betty Davis, Carol Burnett and Lucille Ball. So old school influences, but I like to combine what I learnt from people like Deven Green, Maria Bamford, Sarah Silverman and Margaret Cho.” There appears to be something of a redhead theme going on here, aside from their individual gifts for comedy and song. Monsoon is in good company evidentially, drawing inspiration from the old and new to create something glamourous and impossible to ignore. Perhaps Mathu Andersen, the make-up artist for ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’, summed it up best by describing them as a ‘gorgeous anachronism’. Soaring to success on season five of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’, Monsoon has been cementing their position as one of the scenes brightest

to make yourself look fabulous. For one thing, there’s pressure to meet certain political expectations. Something demonstrated by a recent trip to Tel Aviv Pride Film Festival. The Israeli government has been accused of pink washing, highlighting how progressive and liberal certain communities are to divert attention from a fractious relationship with Palestine. “There were people wanting me to boycott in protest in all of this. My boycotting the festival wouldn’t have been punishing the government, it would have been punishing the local queer people who need a Pride celebration when they live in a tumultuous situation like that. I was really happy to see there was a lot of love and respect to all kinds of diversity, if only in Tel Aviv. Events back home are no less difficult to comprehend. Americas respect for its LGBT+ population is rapidly eroding.” They openly admit their own experience is a small slice of the situation. “Being a queer celebrity, most of my time is spent in very progressive parts of America. I can tell, no-one is happy. you can’t go two days without hearing about something from this administration which is obviously an attack on our community.” There’s a sense that recent progress is fading away. It’s only lately their country has started to seem more fair and equal for its citizens, whether they’re female, people of colour, queer or trans. “Everyone feels like the country just took a big step backwards, even though many citizens don’t want that. It’s

so difficult to live under a government which doesn’t represent you in any way.” You can hear the frustration in their voice. Queer people have fought for long and hard, and a new form of elite extremism is emerging. Legislation which protects diversity is being repealed, under the guise of being for the ‘good of America’. It’s clearly hard to live in a country where if you’re not a rich white male, you’re increasingly considered an after-thought when it comes to the US legal system. But what about ‘Drag Race’? There’s a gentle, discernible, sigh when it’s brought up, but there’s no escaping the effect the show has had, or their gratitude for the opportunity. Although a slow burner, they won with a rarely seen amount of dignity. “The night they announced me as the winner, I felt fortunate a show like ‘Drag Race’ exists. Before, there was not any clear-cut way for a drag performer to find global success like this.” Now Monsoon gets to benefit from being part of a generation able to expose their passion for the artform to a massive audience. In any guise, Monsoon is an irreverent and ironic performer with plenty to say. “Even though I’m making jokes about fellatio, coke use and being a drunken whore, theres some kind of deeper message. Whether you know it, you’re being introduced to new ideas and leaving the theatre with a little more enlightenment.”

See Jinkx Monsoon at The Old Market on Thurs 30 Nov – Fri 1 Dec. jinkxmonsoon.com

- what’s on -

WOTEVER KINGDOM WITH BOI BOX

CABARAVE Fri 4 Aug Volks Bar & Club facebook.com/cabaravebrighton

Fri 4 Aug The Marlborough marlboroughtheatre.org.uk

Cabarave is back to kick start Pride weekend under the sign of Leo - the Lion. A pun gifted by destiny must bean omen that this night is meant to be! Just like those born under Leo’s influence, the Cabaravers are providing an outrageous fiery night of passion and extravagance. Performances from David Klowie, Sussex Drag Society, Snookie Bahookie, Streetmilk and award winning magician, Leon Simmonds, this is a night not to be missed! There’s a stellar line upon the decks too, with Stemme favourite DJ Jumeau, Dutty Moonshine, Shillin’ and live tunes from Midnight Sister. As ever, expect glitter, fun bounce-able DJs, The Cabaravers Interactive walkabout performance, stalls with wonderful trinkets, good vibes and giant lamp shades! This is going to be the mane event. These guys ain’t lion and can’t wait for you to get your claws stuck into it.

Bar Wotever are bringing their unashemdly noisey vibe to Brighton for Pride, teaming up with Brighton’s drag king team, Kingdom and London’s BOiBOX to take up space all over The Marlborough from 5pm - 2am. Bar Wotever creates a space for all of us LGBTQ+ folks, on stage, and off stage. Welcome to one and all; no matter what identity, or multiple identities any person may have or choose, Wotever welcomes them. The event will include a Queer Fayre, random drag king ‘happenings’, DJs (Tesla Girls, Jo Bunny, Vickety Lester) and games downstairs (FREE) plus a show upstairs (9pm, £5) - with Crystal Lubrikunt, Adam All & Apple Derrieres, Sammy Silver, Coco DeVille, Benjamin Butch and Ebony Rose Dark. Hosted by Stella Pint & Nailor Swift. Tickets will go fast, so book now!

- what’s on -

BRIGHTON PRIDE STREET PARTY

FANCY CHANCE: FLIGHT OF FANCY

Sat 5 Aug The Marlborough marlboroughtheatre.org.uk

Fri 15 - Sat 16 Sept The Marlborough marlboroughtheatre.org.uk

The Marlborough Pride Street Party is back! And this year certainly won’t disappoint. As well as the usual delicious cocktail of entertainment, vegan BBQ food, booze and love, the Marly are championing the fiercest performances and sickening DJ sets in town. Aside from the opportunity to party in the sunshine at your favourite pub, there willbe a lot to laugh at. Don’t miss THERESAMAYSMACKDOWN, a queer, feminist, anti-fascist, noise-driven ferocious fight to the death [of the altright]. Karnage is here to lead the way with face, sass and booty shaking, and Knickerbocker makes an appearance too. Featuring resident DJs Alex Lawless and Aaron Zimbra, check out their alt-pop, indie-dance and house delights, all the while huffing poppers ’til they’re blue. Why would you want to spend your Pride weekend anywhere else?

Fancy Chance invites you aboard her debut solo show. This globe-trotting, time-travelling, mini-spectacle with turbulent polemics and unexpectedly poignant stop-offs is taking you from her humble origins as a Korean refugee, all the way to darling of the London cabaret scene. In-flight entertainment will include offbeat comedy, original song, and outrageous film. Hilarious, glamorous, and exuberantly irreverent, the diminutive Fancy Chance is the undisputed comic spectacle of the UK burlesque/variety/vaudeville circuit. A rare breed of circus performer, she hangs by her hair and can be seen dragging itupas Prince on many occasion. Awarded Alternative Miss World and London’s Top Tranny, this is one not to be missed.

Film and Television reviews

Moonlight Out on DVD and Amazon Prime

The Handmaiden Out on DVD in August

If you were afraid that Josh Gad’s (verging on offensive) stereotypical portrayal of LeFou as a gay man in Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’ was the only LGBT representation in cinemas this year, you can breathe a big old sigh of relief. This year, director Barry Jenkins and the astounding ‘Moonlight’ were bestowed with the Best Picture Oscar at the 89th Academy Awards (enter obligatory ‘La La Land’ balls up joke here). This coming-of-age drama examines one boy’s individual struggles with identity and sexuality, as well as the nurturing and abusive relationships that evolve as a result. There are some long overdue ‘firsts’ that go hand-inhand with this - first film with an all-black cast and the first LGBT film to win Best Picture. Also – catch this flipping bird, Trump - Mahershala Ali was the first Muslim to win an acting Oscar. Like I said, long overdue, but in the shit storm of 2017 this was certainly refreshing and well deserved.

‘The Handmaiden’ – not to be confused with Channel 4’s ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ should be a story that many of you are familiar with. Director Park Chan-wook (‘Oldboy’, ‘Lady Vengeance’) has gifted us with a superbly perverse erotic lesbian thriller, inspired by writer Sarah Waters’ ‘Fingersmith’. However, instead of the Victorian era, ‘The Handmaiden’ is set in 1930s Japanese-occupied Korea. A young pick-pocket is set to work for an heiress by a gentleman con artist who needs her help to separate the lady from her wealth. If you’re no stranger to Chanwook’s previous work, you will know that the story is not as simple or straightforward as it first appears. If you reading this thinking, “I have no idea what to expect from this film but I do love some exquisite Korean filmmaking and forbidden scissoring”, then good. The DVD is out in August so you can enjoy this intricately sexy masterpiece from the comfort of your own home.

by holly cozens

Certain Women Out now on DVD

Different For Girls Available to watch online different-for-girls.com

When looking further into female representation across film and cinema in 2017, women-only screenings of ‘Wonder Woman’ wasn’t the first thing I was hoping to come across. Don’t get me wrong, seeing a mainstream superhero movie centring around strong women, and directed by female director Patty Jenkins, receiving some positive praise fills me with pride. But, some of the more unassuming pieces in Women’s Cinema can be just as effective and inspiring - if not more. Luckily, I was already aware of ‘Certain Women’ when it was released in selected cinemas across the UK earlier this year. Award-winning writer/director Kelly Reichardt takes the seemingly ordinary lives of four women living in Montana, and crafts a captivating masterpiece. Drawing on unique behaviours that we both carry and experience in our everyday interactions, ‘Certain Women’ examines deeper into the soul, and the unearthing is revealing and truly exciting.

In the past, if someone said the words ‘web series’, my brain instantly assumed that meant ‘not good enough to be on TV’. How wrong I was. Originally premiered as part of the BFI Flare London LGBT Film Festival, British Lesbian drama ‘Different For Girls’ is a five-part series consisting of 12-minute episodes based on the book by Jacquie Lawrence. Let’s face it - since ‘The L Word’ came to a spectacular ‘who shot JR’ style conclusion in 2009 (well, if you want tobe pedantic - who pushed JS), I had been yearning for some authentic woman-on-woman excitement and ‘Different For Girls’ certainly delivers. With its fingers firmly in every pie; you can expect sex, love, betrayal and much more. Oh, and those who remember Helena Peabody – ’The L Word’’s favourite stuck-up trust fund brat turned legend – will be pleased to see actress Rachel Shelley pop up in this tender show.

DRAGONY UNCLE nailor swift

Nailor Swift is the host of Kingdom and now Stemme’s very own Dragony Uncle. He sits down to tackle your questions, dishing out advice on dating, love and sexuality. Submit your questions to stemmemagazine@gmail.com. Help! I think I might be bisexual but I’m not sure. I always thought I was straight, but maybe I’m not! Please advise, dragony uncle! Ok. Firstly, I know that can be a scary feeling, and it can be helpful to talk about that to people you trust. If you don’t feel comfortable or safe doing that with people currently in your life, there are a lot of different types of support. Services such as the LGBT switchboard* are really great and provide a safe space to talk. And remember, all sexuality is on a spectrum, no-one is totally gay or totally straight. There is no rush or need to put a new title on yourself. I’d advise just being open to new experiences and letting yourself be you. You are not defined by who you fancy, so just go be your awesome self.

telling her is scary, but otherwise you are going to remain in this uncertain space which may damage you and the friendship. If she doesn’t know of your feelings, she may not be aware that her behaviours are impacting you so much. Have a think about if you could still be her best friend if your feelings aren’t reciprocated but that she loves you as a friend. This is a situation so many of us have been through, but summon up your courage, be honest and remember, whatever the outcome, you are amazing. How do you get on a girl’s radar?! Be your wonderful self. Any girl who’s radar is worth being on will be drawn to you for that alone. Doing something big or out of character to catch a girl’s eye often means that they’ve been taken in by something that isn’t you. It can be bloody tough, but the one for you will be into you exactly as you are, no pretense. Good luck.

I think I’ve fallen for my best friend, but I don’t know if she’s interested. I’d love her to be my girlfriend but I’m not sure if she’s stringing me along. Sounds like a confusing and difficult situation to be in and the main thing I’d advise is honesty. I know the thought of

* You can find out more about the LGBT Switchboard at switchboard.org.uk

LOLA BARtLETT free yourself

LOLA BARtLETT in a jungle