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Gay Photographers Network

Gayzed
Buddha – Andrew Eastwood

“It’s one of the focal points in the year for us, as a group. We’re about to open an exhibition in a central London gallery, which is something none of those involved could really do by themselves. Many of the people taking part are exhibiting their work publicly for the first time, so it’s a big deal for them. “

Gayzed
GAYZED – Manel Ortega

Now in it’s seventh year of existence, the Gay Photogaphers Network initially started as a small group of gay photographers, who connected with each other via the social networking site OutInTheUK. “They’d all had a common experience of struggling for acceptance of their work at local photography clubs”, said Drennan “and wanted to find a social space where they could safely share their work with each other and just be themselves.”

The group has steadily grown over the last few years, and now has over 100 active members, as well as a significant social media following.

“One of the reasons that people are attracted to the group is that it allows them to bring together two very important aspects of their lives, being gay and having a passion for photography, into a single space. We get together once a month, and it’s mainly a chance to catch up with each other over a drink, find out what we’re all up to, and see what kinds of possibilities and collaborations spring up out of that. You see a few nervous ‘first timers’ coming along to a meeting, but they soon work out it’s very informal and relaxed. There’s no ‘skills test’ involved in joining the group, people range from passionate hobbyists to full-time professionals.”

Gayzed
The Cold Stare – John Drennan

It’s not just photographers who join the group though, with website designers, digital artists, re-touchers and models counted amongst the membership.

“We try and work out what aspects of photography people are most interested in learning about,  and then every couple of months we’ll have a short tutorial or presentation on a particular aspect of photography. We also arrange ‘meet the model’ nights a couple of times during the year, so that people can get some first hand experience of photographing under studio conditions, with more experienced photographers on hand to offer tips and advice.”

Although the social aspect of the group is what people enjoy the most, they also recognise it’s an environment in which to improve their work, and be challenged to try different styles of photography.

“Most of the tutorials that are run are given by people from within the group, and although they’ve got that ‘deer in the headlights’ look five minutes beforehand, all really enjoy the experience of sharing something they’ve got some specific  expertise in among friends and people they know. We also run monthly photo-challenges, which give people a few weeks to shoot something new along a particular theme or concept, and then bring back and share that work the following month.”

Gatzed
Soul Keeper – William To

So what does the future hold for the Gay Photographers Network?

“Well, we’ve grown fairly steadily over the last few years, although there’s no point having growth for growth’s sake. We’ll never lose sight that one of the most important things the group does is to offer that social space where people with an interest in photography can come and just be themselves. We push and challenge ourselves to learn and develop new photographic skills as we go, and this makes an exhibition a natural ‘focal point’ in the year. ‘Gayzed’ will be our fourth group exhibition, and we’re delighted to be back at the Strand Gallery again. We were also invited by Foyles to host a photographic competition and exhibition in their gallery during London Pride 2013 and for the month of July, so we’re beginning to build a reputation of being ‘able to put on a good show’.  We decided right back on our first exhibition that we ought to achieve something more than just a pat on the back for ourselves, so we use the exhibitions as a chance to raise funds for an amazing bunch of people at The Disabled Photographers Society. This year we’re also going to be supporting  River House, who work in the community for people living with HIV.”

For more information EMAIL: info@gayphotographersnetwork.co.uk

Twitter: @gpnlondon

 

 

 

100 Artists for World Aids Day returns!

100 Artists for World Aids Day

100 Artists For World AIDS Day returns again this year due to popular demand to raise awareness of World Aids Day 2013 on December 1.

Artists are invited to submit their works for consideration.

This original pop-up event started in 2008 and has changed format and location each year. Hundreds of artists of all ages and medium have exhibited at previous 100 Artists exhibitions to raise awareness of W.A.D. and this indiscriminate disease.

This year’s event will be held in the Founders Room at The Dome. www.brightondome.org

The Private View will take place on Saturday, November 30 and the exhibition runs until December 8.

100 ARTISTS is a self-funding project giving artists an opportunity to come together united to help raise awareness for HIV/Aids. This is a great opportunity to network and exhibit new work while supporting a worthwhile cause.

All art must be for sale with 20% of any art sales and all profits from the event itself is being donated to The Sussex Beacon, a care centre for people affected by HIV and Aids.

Send samples of your work (no more than 3 images) and/ or a link to your website to hizze13@gmail.com

The work shown at this stage doesn’t have to be the image you would ultimately like to submit if accepted.

Artists will be informed by email if their application has been successful and given further instructions. If you are accepted a £10 submission fee is required to cover event production costs.

The format for submission to the exhibition (once you have been selected) is a strict 40cm x 40cm (including any frame) and must be wall-hangable. One piece of work per artist. The theme is open. Organisers would like to see ‘fresh’ work at this stage, preferably work produced specifically for the show.

 

 

 

Labour claim Greens are failing the city on housing

Brighton and Hove Labour and Cooperative Group have accused the minority Green Council administration of not being up to the task of solving the city’s housing needs, after it was revealed the administration had not even managed to deliver a quarter of their own targets during their first two years in office.

The Green Group were elected in 2011 on a manifesto pledge to create 1,000 new affordable homes across the city. In 2011/12, they only hit 25% of their own affordable house building targets, this figure dropped to 20% in 2012/13.

These figures seriously call into question the projections the Green administration made to the Housing Committee at Hove Town Hall earlier this month where they claimed work would start on 534 affordable homes over the next two years.

Chaun Wilson
Chaun Wilson

Councillor Chaun Wilson, Labour Group spokesperson for Housing Strategy on Brighton and Hove Council, said:

“This is yet another example of the Green administration failing to deliver for Brighton and Hove.  They were elected on a clear manifesto pledge to start work on 1,000 new affordable homes but the latest figures show that there have been barely 100 affordable homes built in the Greens first two years in office  – this means they are surely set to miss their own manifesto target and seriously calls into question the projections they have made for 2013/14 and 2014/15.

“With the city in the midst of a housing crisis and rents in private accommodation soaring 27% over this year alone, this simply isn’t good enough and Brighton and Hove deserves better.  

“As Ed Miliband stated last week, housing is key to Labour’s plan for the country with his pledge to ensure 200,000 new homes a year are built by 2020, and it is also central to Labour’s plans for the city. This once again shows the importance of electing both a Labour Council and a Labour Government in 2015.”

The Green were asked to respond.

 

Turkish Cypriots to repeal gay ban by Christmas

Turkish Cypriot leader Dr. Eroğlu
Mrs Yannakoudakis and Dr. Eroğlu

Two years after Turkish Cypriot leader Dr. Derviş Eroğlu promised Conservative MEP Marina Yannakoudakis to repeal the north part of the island’s ban on homosexuality, the London MEP has returned to Cyprus to revive the process.

While proposals for a repeal were put before lawmakers this year, early elections meant that any plans for a repeal need to be re-tabled.

Mrs. Yannakoudakis met the Republican Turkish Party (CTP) which is currently the largest Turkish Cypriot political party as well as its partner the Democratic Party. She also met with the leader of the smaller Communal Democracy Party (TDP).

All three parties promised to enact a decriminalisation of homosexuality giving a timeframe of 1-2 months.

The desire to repeal the gay ban before the end of the year was echoed by Turkish Cypriot leader Dr. Eroğlu.

In a meeting with Mrs. Yannakoudakis he said:

“We are going to help them (the political parties) to do it in a much more speedy manner,” adding “I am going to spend effort to have this law go to the assembly.”

Mrs. Yannakoudakis welcomed the positive response, saying:

“The time is right and it seems that the political will is finally there. Now the Turkish Cypriots must act and keep their promise to me to respect human rights.”

Mrs. Yannakoudakis, who also met with representatives of the LGBT group Queer Cyprus and other supporters of decriminalisation, shared the activists’ cautious optimism.

She said:

“The Turkish Cypriot LGBT community has waited long enough for decriminalisation.

“I call on all the stakeholders to work together to ensure that a single set of measures to decriminalise homosexuality are tabled without delay.

“When I next visit the island next year, I look forward to celebrating with my LGBT friends in the north part of Cyprus as they embark upon a new era of equality.”

Local letting agent raises over £3,000 for charity

Lucy Dawe
Lucy Dawe

Lucy Dawe from Shoreham- based lettings agency Lawton & Dawe made it to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest on the African continent at 5,896m earlier this month.  In the process she raised over £3,000 for two charities, Spinal Research and Worthing Churches Homeless Projects (WCHP).

Describing her challenge as “the hardest yet best thing I’ve ever done”, Lucy’s trek took six days along the Machame route, camping and taking in the splendour of the surroundings and clear night skies. The terrain changed as the mountain was climbed through thick forest, moorland and scree to the glaciers and snow at highest point of the crater, Uhuru Peak. This is a challenging trek at altitude and has left Lucy with memories to treasure – from making new friends, watching wildlife at close quarters to visiting a local orphanage.

Lucy would like to thank everyone who attended her special jungle-themed fundraiser in July, those who donated raffle prizes, including Phase Photography, Walk in Wardrobe, Chauffeur Monkey, Preston Park Tavern, The Beauty Box, Malcolm Hardy, Euphoric and FOXY Lady Drivers Club.

She also wants to credit the companies which sponsored the different t-shirts she wore each day of her trek: ECAAT, Raring2go!, VW Kampers, Penyards, Trustco Media, DC Property Man, Property Fusion and of course Lawton & Dawe.

There’s still time to donate, just go to Lucy’s Just Giving pages or view www.lawtonanddawe.co.uk and also take part in the sweepstake to guess how many steps it took for Lucy to reach the summit (check out fb.com/lawtonanddawe, like the page and enter the competition).

Lucy is looking forward to a special visit to see Councillor Bob Smytherman, the Mayor of Worthing, who will be presenting her with a certificate of achievement.

For more information on Spinal Research, CLICK HERE:

For more information on WCHP, CLICK HERE:  

 

Alcohol related visits to hospital fall in Brighton & Hove

Brighton & Hove Council

New figures show that fewer people are ending up in hospital because of alcohol, more drug users are being treated and crimes against young people have fallen for the third year in a row.

These improvements were revealed at the Community Safety Forum on October 7.

Hospital admissions because of alcohol are down 9% in 2012/13 compared to the previous year and this downward trend has continued into the first three months of this year.

Following on from the Big Alcohol Debate, the Brighton and Hove Alcohol Programme Board, with input from health, the council, student reps, licensees and retailers alike, has been overseeing a range of initiatives to reduce the negative impact of alcohol on the city.

The Brighton & Hove Alcohol Programme Board oversees joint commissioning and partnership activities to minimize harm for the improvement of health and wellbeing in Brighton & Hove.

Four specific areas are covered and these are:

  • the drinking culture
  • the availability of alcohol
  • the night time economy
  • Early identification, treatment and aftercare.

Other work on alcohol involves early treatment and being able to recognise key issues, as well as working to ensure links are placed between Alcoholics Anonymous and other services we provide to create the best possible support.

Cllr Jason Kitcat, Chair of the Forum, said:

“The city is making progress on important issues such as reducing the numbers of people going to hospital due to alcohol, more drug users leaving treatment successfully and fewer young people entering the justice system. These are issues that have a huge impact on people’s lives and help improve city life in general.

“But we’re not complacent and we still have a lot of work to do and are determined to make the city a better place for everyone.”

The city’s drug treatment services continue to show good results and turn lives around. In 2012/13, 230 out of the 419 people (55%) who left drug treatment did so in a planned way, an improvement on the 50% who did so in 2011/12.

 

 

 

Fundraiser at the Komedia for St John’s

St John's Fundraiser

St. John’s School and College and Komedia Brighton are presenting a night of oddball comedy to raise funds for new sensory equipment at their school and college for some of their most needy students.

St John’s is a special needs charity based in Brighton who provide education, care and therapy to young people with learning disabilities between the ages of 7-25.

Heading their line up they have internationally renowned comedian Francesca Martinez, who you will know from her appearance in Extras, as well as Grange Hill and Russell Howard’s Good News.

Supporting Francesca they have the talents of Jen Brister and Steve Day – all hosted by WitTanks (in)famous Naz Osmanoglu.

Tickets available directly from the Komedia website and are priced at £12

All money goes directly to the benefit of the students of St John’s.

To book a ticket, CLICK HERE:

For more information about St John’s, CLICK HERE:

 

 

Residents to prepare for the future, says Hove MP Weatherley

Mike Weatherley, MP
Mike Weatherley, MP

With more and more people having longer in retirement as life expectancy continues to rise, Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, is encouraging residents to think ahead now and to financially prepare for their future.

Following reports that nationally people are not preparing enough for longer retirements, Mike is concerned that local residents are also not doing enough. Younger people in particular have a poor record of setting up pensions and often broach the issue later in life, which makes it harder to save enough.

Backed by the Government, the Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS) offers general guidance on pensions and is also able to help with problems, complaints or disputes with an occupation or private pension arrangement.

Mike said:

“Preparing for a comfortable retirement is something which residents should be thinking about now. Young people who are entering the world of work probably don’t want to think about how they will provide for their retirement, but it is important to start a pension as early as possible. The Pensions Advisory Service is an excellent resource that can assist with finding the best solution for individual circumstances.”

For more information on setting up or changing a pension, CLICK HERE:

 

Proud Employers and Starting Out provide new tools for gay job hunters

Stonewall

Stonewall have launched two new resources to help gay job seekers find the career of their dreams.

Stonewall - Starting OutStarting Out, supported by Credit Suisse, features profiles of 464 gay-friendly employers from sectors including banking, defence, retail and local government and is targeted at the 150,000 lesbian, gay and bisexual students in Britain, as well as jobseekers and graduates.

Stonewall - Proud EmployersThe new Proud Employers website is now fully mobile and allows job hunters to find the best vacancies on-the-go. Those visiting the site can find hundreds of roles with gay-friendly employers who are looking to attract the best candidates from all walks of life. Registration is free and applicants can even use their LinkedIn account to sign up to the site.

All employers featured in Starting Out and Proud Employers are members of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme, the world’s largest best practice employer’s forum on sexual orientation in the workplace, and are committed to making their workplaces gay-friendly.

The launch event – supported by Square Peg Media – was attended by students from across Britain along with representatives from employers featured in Starting Out. 10,000 copies of the guide are being distributed to students’ unions, university career services, employment agencies, university lesbian and gay societies and sixth forms across Britain.

Simon Feeke, Stonewall’s Head of Workplace said:

“Every employer featured in Starting Out and Proud Employers is committed to recruiting the very best talent regardless of their sexual orientation. We know that people perform better when they can be themselves and we hope that these resources will allow lesbian, gay and bisexual people to find an employer where they can really reach their full potential.”

To view Starting Out, CLICK HERE: www.startingoutguide.org.uk

To view Proud Employers, CLICK HERE: www.proudemployers.org.uk

 

World AIDS Day Lunch

Lunch Positive

Lunch Positive, the HIV lunch club, is holding a special World AIDS Day Lunch on Friday November 29.

Along with members and volunteers, guests from partner organisations have been invited as a special thank you for the support they have given the charity all year.

To coincide with World AIDS Day, the charities annual evaluation, report and supporters certificates will be available to people coming along, and will be published on their website.

Gary Pargeter, Volunteer Project Manager:

“We’re really looking forward to holding this extra special lunch, which we hope will reflect the message of World AIDS Day – Remembrance, Hope and Solidarity.

“It’s been an incredibly busy year for us, and it’s due to the support members and volunteers give one another, and the contributions of the wider public and our partner organisations that we’re able to say that the service makes such a positive difference to people’s lives.

“We’re especially keen to call out to people who might not have come along for a while, and who might think they’ve left it too long! It’s a pleasure to see people whenever the time is right for you. We’re always here, and you’re always valued and welcome at any time. If you’d like to – please try and join us at this poignant time in our communities calendar”.

For more information about Lunch Positive, CLICK HERE: 

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