26/03/2013 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

New LGBT Research for East Sussex

Posted on 26/03/201327/03/2013 by Besi

On Thursday March 21, the LGBT Equalities in Hastings, Rother & East Sussex project launched their latest research report, detailing the experiences and views of local lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people across East Sussex.

The report discusses a variety of local issues pertinent to LGBT equality, including safety and hate crime, mental health, legislation, austerity and the cuts, and experiences using public services such as local councils, the police and the NHS. The launch event, hosted by the University of Brighton in Hastings, was attended by over 30 local LGBT people, community representatives, and representatives from local public sector groups and organisations.

Through the questionnaire, local LGBT people shared their views and experiences, and worked with service providers and University of Brighton researchers to gather and present evidence that would promote positive changes for LGBT people. This means the research was not just about LGBT people – it has been run by LGBT people.

The LGBT Equalities Forum hopes that this report will raise the profile of LGBT equality issues in the local area, and that it can be used to improve public services across East Sussex.

Julie Eason, chair of local LGBT group the Hastings & Rother Rainbow Alliance spoke at the event:

He said:

“There has been a shortage of local research to understand the needs and concerns of the LGBT community, and this work adds significantly to the research base. HRRA were pleased to hear that 4 out of 5 LGBT people in our area are aware of us, and are looking to expand our offer to younger LGBT people, as identified as a need in this research. We look forward to continuing to work the University of Brighton, and others, to ensure that the needs of the local LGBT community are understood and accounted for by policy makers and service providers.”

A video recorded presentation from the launch event is planned in April to ensure that everyone can see the key findings.

To find out more or to get a copy of the report, contact the LGBT Equalities in Hastings, Rother & East Sussex project through Nick McGlynn n.mcglynn2@brighton.ac.uk

Or telephone: tel. 01273 642203.

Hove MP visits Night Shelter Project

Posted on 26/03/2013 by Besi

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, has praised the work of local homelessness charity Friends First after he visited the Night Shelter project last week.

The Night Shelter project is a joint venture between the churches of Brighton & Hove, which was successfully piloted during February and March 2012, when they offered overnight accommodation for up to 15 guests each night who would otherwise have been sleeping rough during the winter months. Mike met with Serena Crisp and Adrian Willard in Hove to discuss details of the scheme.

 Mike said:

“I was really impressed by the Night Shelter project. Homelessness is a big problem in Brighton & Hove and I am always amazed by the work that volunteers do to help the vulnerable people in our society. I look forward to working with the shelter in the future to ensure that homeless people in the city are getting the care and services that they need.”

For more information on Friends First, CLICK HERE:

Pride 2013 launches at the Hilton Metropole Hotel

Posted on 26/03/201326/03/2013 by Besi

Pride 2013 was given an enthusiastic reception by an audience of Brighton’s shakers and movers at the Brighton Metropole Hotel, last Friday, March 22.

Hosted by the legendary Lola Lasagne, the audience were introduced to the new Pride Team of Directors by David Hill of E3 Entertainment Group whose upbeat presentation was well received by a receptive audience of business owners, sponsors and supporters of Pride.

David Hill, Chairman of Brighton Pride talked everyone present through the new developments, improvements and additions to Brighton Pride 2013 in an entertaining and inspirational presentation that left the audience both impressed and excited about plans already underway.

Of particular interest to many was the announcement of Pride’s brand new ticketing system and website as well as the new organisations ambitious plans for the future of Brighton’s Blue Ribbons event.

David reassured everyone about Prides LGBT community focused ethos, transparency and the addition of a brand new Pride Arts & Film Festival that already has the city’s LGBT arts scene buzzing with excitement.

He also highlighted the eagerly awaited Pride Gala Shows that see Brighton Pride take part in the world famous Brighton Fringe Festival for the very first time, bringing an LGBT focus to all Brighton Arts Festivals after being ignored over the years by successive festival organisers.

Guest speaker Gary Pargeter from the HIV charity Lunch Positive helped put Prides commitment and importance to the community in perspective while top live cabaret was provided courtesy of The Sundaes live on stage.

Brighton Pride takes place on August 3 2013.

This years advance sales of ‘early bird’ tickets for Prides ‘Icons on the Park’ event on Preston Park on August 3 have been bigger than ever before.

Ticket sales are now digital and will be available to the public using online booking via brighton-pride.org where you will be able to print your own eticket that can be speedily scanned upon arrival at Preston Park, reduce queue times and speed up your admission to the fun on the park.

There are still a small number of early bird tickets available from www.brighton-pride.org until April 7, 2013 (subject to availability)

Paul Kemp from Aeon Events, David Hill from E3 Entertainments Group & Dulcie Danger from Sauce FM have formed a Community Interest Company (CIC) to organise a two week Arts & Film Festival from July 19-August 4, 2013 and to stage the Pride Festival & Parade on Saturday August 3, 2013.

£1 per head for each ticket sold for the Preston Park event is ring fenced for the Rainbow Fund to distribute through their grants program administered by the Sussex Community Foundation to LGBT organisations, along with any profits after operational costs have been taken from the main event.

The Rainbow Fund is administered by the Sussex Community Foundation, and gives grants to LGBT and HIV organisations who deliver front line services to the LGBT community in Brighton and Hove.

Rainbow Fund small grants available now

Posted on 26/03/2013 by Besi

LGBT voluntary sector groups looking for small grant funding can apply to the Rainbow Fund in April.

Rainbow Fund grants are normally only given out in the autumn, however for the first time the Fund is able to go ahead with a small grants round this spring.

Applications need to be made to the Sussex Community Foundation via their website – www.sussexgiving.org.uk by April 19, 2013.

Paul Elgood, Chairman of the Rainbow Fund said:

“Thanks to the continued generosity of our fundraising groups and supporters, for the first time we are able to offer two grant rounds this year. Our main grants round will be in the autumn, however we will also consider applications for small grants in the spring.

“Voluntary sector organisations with projects which will benefit the local LGBT community are encouraged to appl

The Rainbow Fund is independently administered by the Sussex Community Foundation to provide donors with a transparent and open way to support the LGBT community.

Everyone at the Rainbow Fund is a volunteer, with no salaries, offices or overheads to fund.