30/07/2013 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Grassroots’ World Suicide Prevention Day

Posted on 30/07/201309/11/2013 by Graham Robson

Grassroots Suicide Prevention, a local charity that challenges stigma and discrimination relating to suicide and mental ill-health, has organised a range of key events to mark World Suicide Prevention Day in Brighton & Hove this September.

On Saturday, September 7 & Sunday, September 8 from 10 am–5 pm, the charity will be holding an event with information stands taking pledge signatures, selling books and giving out suicide prevention resources to the public on Brighton seafront. There will be the chance to tie a ribbon of hope or remembrance to the famous Kissing Sculpture, and there will be a Zumbathon to raise money and celebrate life.

Grassroots have room for two or three other local organisations to have a stand. If you would like to join them, email: chris@prevent-suicide.org.uk

From Monday, September 9–Friday, September 13, Grassroots will be hosting a free, outdoor photographic exhibition featuring beautiful portraits with a clear stigma reduction message in Jubilee Square, outside Brighton Library.

World Suicide Prevention Day itself takes place on Tuesday, September 10, and will be marked by Grassroots Suicide Prevention from 7–9.30pm at BHASVIC Sixth Form College, Hove.

The evening’s events will include: a performance from Right Here, a local project led by young people; a personal story from local artist Yvonne J Foster of how a suicide prevention intervention touched her life; a minute’s silence to remember those we have loved and lost to suicide; a screening of the charity’s new film ‘Something in the Silence’; a speech from James Moncrieff, Deputy Principle of BHASVIC Sixth Form College; Brighton & Hove’s Deputy Mayor; and an update from Grassroots on the first year of our Suicide Safer Brighton & Hove Project

If you would like to attend email: chris@prevent-suicide.org.uk by August 30.

Event: World Suicide Prevention Day

Where: BHASVIC Sixth Form College, 205 Dyke Road, Hove, BN3 6EG

When: Tuesday, September 10 from 7pm.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

Facebook: http://bit.ly/Grassface

Twitter: http://bit.ly/GrassTwit

Unique ‘pop up’ village sets up shop at Brighton Pride

Posted on 30/07/201309/11/2013 by Besi

A ‘pop–up village’ with a difference will hit Brighton Pride on Saturday August 3, thanks to Time to Change, England’s biggest mental health anti-stigma campaign, run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness. Time to Change has partnered with MindOut, a local mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgender people, based in Brighton and Hove.

As part of a new concept to challenge mental health stigma, the village will encourage people who don’t have experience of mental health problems to get talking to those who do. It will run from 12:00pm until 6:00pm at The Community Village in the Pride Festival, Preston Park.

The village will include a village green and even a cinema. However, all of the areas have been specially designed so that members of the public can enjoy the activities and learn more about mental health from people with a personal experience. Evidence suggests that this kind of contact is one of the most effective ways of breaking down stigma and improving attitudes.

The cinema will show short films and adverts and the post office will include an interactive ‘community notice board’. Village goers will also be asked to post up their thoughts on how mental health discrimination can be tackled so that Time to Change can learn directly from the local community. On the Village Green there’ll also be plenty of entertainment including music workshops from Lorraine Bowen, cupcake decorating and specially devised plays by theatre company ‘Likely Story’.

To ensure the village provides support and information for people with mental health problems in the Brighton area, a number of other mental health organisations and charities will run ‘The Surgery’ where information on local and national services will be available.

Simon Fanshawe OBE, Brighton based broadcaster and writer, said:

“Mental health is finally coming out of the closet. Recently when I talked about my own depression on TV, I received a large number of emails from people who said they felt far more confident these days to talk about their own state of mind. But it’s still very hard. And particularly for lesbian and gay people who, perhaps because we still have to struggle at first with who we are, experience poor mental health even more than the rest of the population. Amongst our friends and colleagues – gay and straight – we can start by looking out for each other. In a healthy community we recognise that what we say and do can have a positive or negative effect on others. So we can all do things that even, in a small way, help others to improve the quality of their lives. These include challenging our prejudices, talking about mental health and supporting local mental health initiatives”

Helen Jones, Director of MindOut added:

“We are delighted that MindOut is working closely with Time to Change to tackle mental health stigma and discrimination as experienced by people from the LGBT communities. We are involving our local volunteers in creating social change. Our anti-stigma project is launching at Brighton Pride 2013, so look out for us in Preston Park, and if you would like to get involved as a volunteer please see our website or emailinfo@mindout.org.uk.”

Angela Etherington, Time to Change regional coordinator for South East region concluded saying:

“We know that conversations between people with mental health problems and people without the same experiences are one of the most effective ways to challenge misconceptions and stereotypes. By entertaining and engaging people we expect that they will learn something new and feel less afraid of having more open conversations about mental health. The process of volunteering at a Time to Change event can also be a very empowering experience and volunteers often report that they have gained confidence, felt accepted and that their personal lived experience has been valued in a positive way”.

For more information about MindOut, CLICK HERE: http://www.mindout.org.uk

Conservatives criticise Greens for turning down sponsorship money

Posted on 30/07/2013 by Besi

Conservative councillor for Patcham Ward, Carol Theobald, has criticised the Green Administration for passing up significant sums of money from local businesses who want to sponsor floral displays in the city.

Carol raised the issue at last week’s Full Council meeting, asking the Green Finance Spokesman, Leo Littman, why the Administration had turned down money offered by the Hove Business Association to sponsor the wonderful Floral Clock in Palmeira Square. Last year, it emerged that the Greens turned down thousands of pounds offered by a local firm to sponsor and maintain the ‘Welcome’ flowerbed that greets visitors as they enter the city from the A23 at Patcham. As a result, last year it rapidly became messy and overgrown and Carol and other councillors took matters into their own hands and tidied it up themselves.

In response to Carol’s question at the Council meeting, Cllr. Littman asserted that it would cost the Council too much to administer sponsorship of roundabouts, flowerbeds etc. and was therefore not worthwhile.

Carol said:

“I cannot understand the Green Party’s decision to turn down cheques that would help finance improvements to floral displays such as these, especially when budgets are supposed to be tight. It is a triple win situation – helping local businesses by giving them much needed exposure, bringing in extra money to the Council and maintaining some of the city’s most attractive floral displays. If the Green Party want to refuse commercial sponsorship for silly ideological reasons, then they should be exploring other creative ways of maintaining them such as getting local community groups involved.”

Do you want to march on the Pride Parade this Saturday?

Posted on 30/07/201309/11/2013 by Besi

Controversial poet, artist and activist Vince Laws is bringing his BANNED happening to Brighton Pride on Saturday August 3.

Vince will face paint 76 people with the names of the 76 countries where homosexuality is illegal according to the 76crimes.com website.

BANNED will happen before the Pride Parade begins. Meet at 9.30am on Maderia Drive, wear what you like but remember red is the colour of protest.

Participants will then march in the Brighton Pride Parade, carrying posters designed by Brighton University graduates Karol Michalec and Kate Wildblood, alongside Vince’s ‘PUTIN HUMAN RIGHTS FIRST’ banner.

Vince said:

“I think it’s very important to protest right now about what’s going on in Russia under President Putin. People are being arrested, beaten, and murdered because they are identified as homosexual, or thought to be homosexual, bisexual, lesbian, trans, different. ‘Homosexual Propaganda’ is now illegal’ – saying anything positive about homosexuals in public is a criminal offence. Pride organisations are being fined for existing. It is a basic human right to exist, to be yourself, and Russia is a very influential country, if they are allowed to violate Human Rights, others will find it easier to follow. ‘Love is a Human Right’ according to Amnesty International. Hats off to Brighton Pride for helping make this happen at such short notice.”

To take part in BANNED, contact Vince Laws directly on vincelaws@gmail.com

Details of where to meet on Madeira Drive on Saturday will be emailed to you on Thursday.

Kemptown MP helps with beach litter pick up

Posted on 30/07/2013 by Besi

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, yesterday joined representatives from the Argus newspaper, local councillors including Woodingdean councillor Dee Simson, businesses and residents of the City to carry out a litter pick up on Brighton beach as part of the Take it Home campaign.

Simon said:

“It was great to see such a huge turnout to help clear up the beaches, and a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to help gather up so much rubbish.”

He added:

“Tourism plays a huge role in the local economy, and as a city we are always happy to welcome visitors to sample the various attractions that make Brighton such a fantastic place. However the amount of litter that is regularly left on the beach is simply unacceptable. I hope that today’s event will have sent a clear message to people visiting our city about the importance of taking their litter home with them, or using the bins provided.”

The event, organised by The Argus, was well attended by representatives from the newspaper, City Clean officials, councillors of all parties, local businesses and residents, with hundreds of people taking to the beaches armed with litter pickers and bin bags to gather up rubbish that had been left on the beach.

Renovated Rock Garden officially re-opens!

Posted on 30/07/201309/11/2013 by Besi

Nature lovers are once again able to exploring the popular and picturesque rock garden opposite Preston Park which officially re-opened last week.

The rock garden (also known as The Rookery) and pond have been restored in a joint project between Brighton & Hove City Council and The Friends of Preston Park, with additional help from volunteers from the probation Service Community Payback Scheme.

With its twisting walkways, pond, stream and cascade, the Rockery is the largest municipal rock garden in the country and the most bio-diverse garden in the city, and is well-loved by city residents.

Work centered on repairing a major leak in the pond which involved moving 150 tonnes of silt and many tonnes of rock. The pond frontage has also been cleared so that both pond and cascade can be enjoyed from the road and the main park.

New marginal planting areas have been built around some edges of the pond and filled with bog-loving plants. Also, special bays have been built on the pond bottom and have been planted with different coloured water lilies.

When the waterfall was switched back on, hundreds of tadpoles and other pond wildlife were safely washed into the pond, courtesy of blue plastic sheeting which ensured a smooth ride! Fish that were removed at the start of the project have been introduced back to the pond in stages.

Bird lovers will also be delighted with the new bird hide created at the top of the garden.

Councillor Pete West, chair of the council’s environment committee said:

“This has been a fantastic community effort and I’d like to congratulate everyone who has played a part in restoring this wonderful and well loved rock garden.

“Not only will the garden look stunning throughout the seasons, is will also provide a valuable habitat for a range of wildlife with its renovated pond and plants ranging from water forget-me-not and marsh marigold to 5 varieties of iris, water hawthorn and even ‘American skunk cabbages!”

Hampshire Constabulary to march at Brighton Pride

Posted on 30/07/201309/11/2013 by Besi

Hampshire Police at Brighton Pride Hampshire Constabulary will once again join the Brighton and Hove Pride Parade in a show of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities everywhere.

Fourteen police officers and members of police staff will represent the force on the march this Saturday, August 3.

This is the seventh year that officers have been permitted to march in uniform.

They will be led by Chief Constable Andy Marsh who will be joining the parade for the first time.

The Chief, said:

“I’m immensely proud of the achievements the force has made over the last decade in improving life for our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees and communities.

“It’s the dedicated people within the organisation who have made these changes happen. They and I remain committed to this work and developing the partnerships we have with our LGB&T communities.

“I believe it is right that Hampshire Constabulary is strongly represented at Brighton and Hove Pride each year. This is my first as chief constable which is why I will be joining my officers and staff for the parade as a visible demonstration of ongoing our commitment and support.”

This year also marks the 10^th anniversary of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Resource Group, the force’s LGB&T staff support service and the group which co-ordinates the constabulary’s Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officer (LAGLO) service.

PC Darryl Clarke from the Resource Group organises the force’s involvement in the parade.

He said:

“It’s always an honour to be able to march in uniform on the day.

“Hampshire Constabulary is one of several forces, including Sussex Police, which regularly joins the parade and the response we all receive from the crowds is overwhelming.

“As usual, we’ll be running a stall in Preston Park where you can come and talk to us about what it’s like for LGB&T people working for the force and what to do if you’ve been the victim of a homophobic or transphobic crime. We hope to see plenty of people there on the day!”

You can talk to Hampshire Police on Twitter: @HantsPoliceLGBT

If you have been assaulted, threatened, intimidated because of your sexual orientation or gender identity, the police are here to help.

In an emergency, call 999. If it’s less urgent, call 101.

However you contact them, you can always ask to speak with a Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officer.

If you don’t want to speak with the police directly, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit the TRUE VISION hate crime reporting website.

Hove MP expresses concerns about lack gay rights abroad

Posted on 30/07/201309/11/2013 by Besi

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative Member of Parliament for Hove and Portslade, is concerned over the persecution of gay people across the world, at a time when gay rights in England and Wales have reached a new high.

Mike has been contacted by a number of residents who are concerned about the introduction of legislation targeting the LGBT community in Russia. While the West has a relatively good record for the protection of gay people, other countries around the world have barbaric penalties simply for being gay.

Commenting, Mike said:

“We have come a long way addressing gay rights in this country over the past few decades. However, sadly it appears that a number of countries recently, especially Russia, are moving backwards when it comes to equal rights for gay people. Britain is now a beacon when it comes to promoting equality, which is why we cannot idly standby at this gross injustice.”

Mike added:

“The eyes of the world will be on Russia when it hosts the 2014 Winter Olympics and yet Russia would be wrong if it thinks that it can simply sweep its increasingly appalling gay rights record under the carpet and hope that it’s not challenged by other democracies and the media. I have written to the Prime Minister and am confident that Britain will raise its concerns with Russia and would encourage other Western nations to do the same.”

WEST END BARES ALL FOR CHARITY

Posted on 30/07/201330/07/2013 by Kat Pope

Once a year, in the name of charity, the most gorgeous performers from the West End trot along to the Cafe de Paris for a night of debauched fun and frolics and on September 1 you could be joining them.

Run by the Make a Difference Trust (MAD), West End Bares is a glorious night of flesh-revealing antics with a stage filled with toned and tanned bodies of all shapes, sizes, and persuasions.

Combining the burlesque with musical theatre, the famous venue will be bursting at the seams with glamour, glitz and gay boys and girls, all from some of London’s hottest shows.

This year’s theme is ‘All the Fund of the Bare’ (geddit?), and the Cafe will be made over on the night into a fabulous funfair, with side-stalls, fairground games, and freakshows. Each year they have a generous sprinkling of slebs turning out to help too although names are usually kept a surprise til the night itself.

The event raises money for MAD, a UK-based charity which brings together the British entertainment community and its audiences to make money to support people living with HIV and AIDS, and for those in the industry facing hardship as a result of a long-term medical condition.

Based on an American idea – Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS – the concept of West End Bares was imported over here in 2010 and has taken off in a big way with more names each year eager to sign up to show us a bit of their heavenly bodies.

There are two shows taking place over one night, one at 9.30pm and another at the witching hour.

Tickets cost £40 a pop.

FOR MORE INFO: CLICK HERE:

Palestinian protestors entertained by Eurovision winner transgender tribute act

Posted on 30/07/201309/11/2013 by Besi

Ecostream, near Waitrose on Western Road is a refill concept store, the first of its kind in the world, trialled here in Brighton and chosen for its green credentials.

Since its launch it has been picketed weekly by an anti-Israeli political group called the BDS (‘In 2005, Palestinian civil society issued a call for a campaign of boycotts, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel until it complies with international law and Palestinian rights. A truly global movement against Israeli Apartheid is rapidly emerging in response to this call.’)

The store is owned by Israeli owned fizzy drink manufacturer Sodastream.

Fed up with the BDS protests, a diverse group calling themselves Sussex Friends of Israel has formed, comprising members of the Jewish, Christian and now LGBT community, who come together each week, to counter demonstrate the BDS, with fun, friendly and inclusive initiatives, to show their support to the store.

This week the BDS were greeted with a Dana International Tribute Act (Israel Eurovision Song Contest winner) performed by Miss Chelsea Fox, from Just Divas.

Despite efforts to ruin her performance, with alleged homophobic comments Chelsea sang bravely on!

A spokesperson for Sussex Friends of Israel, said:

“Sussex Friends of Israel political activism doesn’t need to be about aggressive protesting – for us its more about coming together, making new friends and having a lot of fun, so if you’re passing between 1 – 3pm on a Saturday afternoon you’ll be very welcome to stop and say hello!”

“Israel has a unique position in the Middle East as a center of equality for all, and year after year has been voted the world’s best gay travel destination.

“The government of Israel is styling the country as a haven for the gay community. But it’s more than just beaches, parades and clubs. Israel has laws protecting the LGBT community and gays can openly serve in the Israeli army.

“This is in stark contrast to the the oppressive, violent and often fatal treatment that neighbouring gay Palestinians face – so much so that many risk their lives to cross into Israel every year.”

The Declaration of the establishment of the State of Israel (May 14th 1948) reads:

“The state of Israel…will be based on freedom, justice and peace… complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture…”

For more information: CLICK HERE: or find them on Facebook

For more information about BDS, CLICK HERE:

Call us now

Day: July 30, 2013

Grassroots’ World Suicide Prevention Day

Unique ‘pop up’ village sets up shop at Brighton Pride

Conservatives criticise Greens for turning down sponsorship money

Do you want to march on the Pride Parade this Saturday?

Kemptown MP helps with beach litter pick up

Renovated Rock Garden officially re-opens!

Hampshire Constabulary to march at Brighton Pride

Hove MP expresses concerns about lack gay rights abroad

WEST END BARES ALL FOR CHARITY

Palestinian protestors entertained by Eurovision winner transgender tribute act

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