09/09/2013 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

New patrons for national diversity charity

Posted on 09/09/2013 by Graham Robson

Clare Balding OBE and Lord Browne of Madingley, the former Chief Executive of BP, have been unveiled as the new patrons of anti-bullying charity, Diversity Role Models in time for its annual fundraising carnival and auction at Café de Paris, London on Thursday, October 24.

Diversity Role Models, one of the UK’s leading anti-bullying charities, uses positive role models to deliver pioneering pro-diversity workshops in schools across the country to counter stigma and stereotypes based on sexuality.

Simon Blake OBE, Chair of Diversity Role Models, said:

“We are thrilled to welcome Clare Balding and Lord Browne as patrons of Diversity Role Models. Lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender students are three times more likely than other children to attempt suicide; one in six has received death threats.

“Bullying for reasons of sexuality is a wicked and insidious part of our culture and the voices, support and reach of our patrons are invaluable assets in helping us change attitudes and – ultimately – eradicate homophobic bullying.”

Clare Balding OBE added:

“I am delighted to be a patron of a charity doing such essential work with young people. You can change the law but it is attitudes that are at the heart of society… only by changing attitudes do we make real progress.”

Lord Browne of Madingley, said:

“When I was growing up, I would have found it much easier to come to terms with my sexuality if there had been visible role models of happy and successful gay people.

“We must not underestimate the power of role models on perceptions, behaviour and quality of life for those who do not belong to the majority.”

This year’s fundraising carnival and auction at Café de Paris, London will feature headline acts, including Jimmy Somerville and Britain’s Got Talent’s Glambassadors, plus an auction conducted by Christopher Biggins. Last year’s event featured a wealth of celebrity guests and exciting acts – including comedian and presenter Sue Perkins and DJ Boy George – and raised over £76,000, which went towards tackling homophobic bullying in schools.

To book tickets for this year’s event, CLICK HERE:

Brighton director wins Porna Award 2013

Posted on 09/09/201309/11/2013 by Graham Robson

Brighton-based feminist film director, producer, author and photographer Petra Joy’s film A Taste of Joy has been awarded the Porna Award 2013 from an all-female panel of judges from Dutch TV channel Dusk!.

As one of the pioneers of the movement to make pornography for women, the German born director has created the film to focus on female pleasure and celebrate authentic lust with fresh performers turning existing porn stereotypes. There is no boring dialogue or pump and grind sex but just beautifully shot sensual images, edited to music.

The panel consisted of over 2,000 women representing Dusk!, which is the first and only adult TV channel for a female audience.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

LETTER TO EDITOR : Help! Clean up image of Brighton & Hove’s Nude Beaches

Posted on 09/09/201310/11/2013 by Besi

I have been researching the idea of painting in watercolours a series of whimsical studies of the fabulous nude beaches in Brighton & Hove, and will begin another shortly on the saunas and the quaint buildings most of them occupy, as I have long loved the beaches, the sea and the surf and all that cavort about on or in both.

However, a couple of days ago I searched on the website for ‘gay nude beaches – Brighton’ and discovered:

(1) There are no wonderful photographs of the beaches to attract newcomers and visitors to Sussex – no need to have them populated with nude figures either.

(2) The copy regarding ‘cruising’ is either far out of date or plain sleazy.

This is not good for Brighton’s image. Surely there is a manner of conveying the attractions of these beaches in better terms, with attractive scenic photographs and a way to cut the appalling descriptions of sleaze and drab, seaside dullness of these potentially great sites.

How about something like this?

What do your reader’s think?

Brighton Gay Beaches — © Alfredo – Shoreham Beach, Basin Road South, East Sussex, Hove

Although unofficially a mixed nudist beach, it is well frequented and yet private and discreet for the shy and retiring at off-peak times, though the wind can be strong on unsettled days. Located behind Shoreham docks, once one of the UK’s busiest ports, it remains private property and so visitors should beware of all the strict parking restrictions here. There is some designated parking beyond the walled area that shields the beach from the roadside. An occasional travelling burger-bar is available to supply the lorry-drivers who park alongside the wall so be warned, bring plenty of water, sun-cream for those sensitive bits, and snacks as it’s a long walk to the nearest café. If you are bursting for a sunny-side up breakfast, ride or drive westwards to the end of the road and find a seaside café that is big on good food and famous for its hearty breakfasts. If you are into cruising, avoid public exposure or indecency as nearby residents walk their dogs regularly along the beach and the police patrol regularly also to keep the area safe.