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LETTER TO EDITOR: UKIP and Homophobia

Steve Radford
Steve Radford

“I would like to challenge the National Leadership of UKIP as to why there are so many bigoted outbursts coming from UKIP candidates when the party claims it is somehow a libertarian party?

“In the latest outburst Liverpool Clubmoor UKIP candidate said: “that homosexuals are ten times more likely than normal men to be child abusers”?

“Where is the evidence for this?

“Most of the research into child abuse is that well over 80% of child abuse happens from within the immediate ‘normal’ family

“When Nigel Farage opportunistically opposed the right of churches to choose whether they would marry Lesbian and Gay couples, he was opposing a Freedom of choice issue for churches to determine.

“As a direct consequence he attracted an influx of religious fundamentalist bigots who are authortarian in their views and believe they have a god given duty to impose their views on others

“It is not merely the case that UKIP vetting of candidates has failed it is a direct result of pandering to homophobia by that party.

“It is sad that the legitimate economic and political critique of the EU will be sullied by the politics of hate.”

Cllr Steve Radford,

President of The Liberal Party, Liverpool, L13 7EG

 

Reflections on our 21st century all inclusive society

Daniel Brookbank reflects on how different it is to be gay and live in a small village after living in Brighton.

Daniel and Peter
Daniel and Peter

Listening to the speakers at IDAHOBIT (the international day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia) in Brighton at the weekend, I was moved by the sense of community and togetherness that exists, and has existed in Brighton and Hove for many years. Personally I have lived in the city but moved away in 2000 to various smaller communities, ending up further along the south coast in a small seaside village. I won’t name it, you will see why later.

Brighton and Hove has always been a place where being LGBT was part of the fabric of the place, people came to the city for safety and security and for a sense of belonging. The city offers a safe haven, a real community that cares and understands and an opportunity to live any kind of so called alternative lifestyle. I have friends who have come to Brighton to escape a straight marriage, some who want to indulge in a lifestyle that some might find difficult to understand, Masters and Slaves or transgender people for example. Brighton welcomes all and makes them part of the city.

It’s not like that elsewhere, not in a small seaside village on the south coast anyway. Let me tell you what it can be like. My Partner and I live a quiet life, we are part of our local community, we have joined local groups, we both do voluntary work in the community and I am on the Parish Council (Yes it is like the Vicar of Dibley, no, really, it is).

We contribute in many ways to our community, we ask for nothing in return and we enjoy the same things a lot of middle aged gay men get up to, gardening, socialising, volunteering, that kind of thing. OK, we do enjoy going to Sublime from time to time too. We’re your average happy couple who have been together for 17 years and will only be parted by death.

Our village is made up of predominantly older retired people and younger working class families, quite a few voted UKIP in the council elections and gave us a UKIP councillor, you get the picture. I could go as far as to say it’s very white. We picked it because of my work and because we liked the house and especially the big garden that was not overlooked so we could be private and quiet.

Idyllic some of you will be saying, dreadful others of you might add. As we became part of the community the cracks started to show, it started with a minor spat with a neighbour about the colour of our house (its light blue) “it looks like fucking Butlins” we were told. Then over the fence a few days later the charming words ‘queer cunts’ came wafting on the breeze.

We had been friendly and polite from the day we arrived, nothing gave any indication of what they were really like. When I stood for Chairman of the Parish Council the words “we don’t want HIM” were repeated to me. When asked what we were doing one weekend, we replied that we were coming to Pride, reply? “I can’t stand the way there’re always thrusting it in your face” (LOADS of replies to that one!). If I go out in a leather jacket I rush to the car so as not to be seen and judged. There are times we live an excuse of a life, excusing the way we are, not talking about anything personal, keeping away from anything gay, playing down our wonderful, strong, happy relationship so as not to provoke them or make them squirm. Keeping my mouth shut when there are discussions about the ‘undesirables’ using the public toilets, (the cucumber found in the gents was the best one).

We apparently live in an equal society where these things should have died out long ago and indeed they have in Brighton, but not out in the sticks. To not accept us is to make us invisible and of no consequence. To feel that it is acceptable to make remarks and comments makes us less important and grateful for what we do get. So next time you feel stifled by the gayness of Brighton and long to live in a quiet back water community look carefully at that community, they might not be what you think they are.

Hundreds to cycle naked through Brighton

Throughout June, thousands of people in over 60 cities around the world will be stripping off and cycling to celebrate bikes, bodies and low impact living for the annual World Naked Bike Ride.

Nked Bike Ride

For ten years, these mass protest rides have saluted the bike and the raw power of the human body as a key ingredient for creating better towns and cities, and a survivable low carbon future for all.

On Sunday, June 8 at 12 noon, up to a thousand cyclists are expected to gather for Brighton’s part in the ride. They will pedal “as bare as they dare” through the heart of the city on an 8-mile eco “protestival”.

Co-organiser Duncan Blinkhorn, said: “With floods, hurricanes, drought and famine demonstrating our increasing vulnerability to climate change, so the urgency intensifies to shift gear toward gentler ways of getting around. The Brighton Naked Bike Ride shows solidarity with our naked planet. Our nudity symbolises our fragility, both as individuals and as one of many species. It also expresses our power, courage, freedom and common humanity. We invite everyone to join us in making their own bold statements in defence of life and Mother Earth.”

He added: “We are delighted that in Brighton & Hove so much is being done to improve conditions for cycling and hope that this will, not only continue into the future, but also inspire and encourage other towns and cities in the UK to do likewise.”

Participants are invited to gather from 12 noon at The Level park (BN2 3FX), to prepare for a 1.30pm start. A screened area will provide privacy for participants undressing for the ride.

The event is an official part of National Bike Week, and joins naked rides in several other UK cities including London, Manchester, York, Southampton and Cardiff. Participation is free.

To find out more about the event and how to take part, CLICK HERE:

Green MEP says: “UKIP shouldn’t be trusted to represent people”

“UKIP candidate’s outburst shows their fear of the Greens” says Keith Taylor MEP.

Keith Taylor MEP

The Green Party’s MEP for South East England has hit out at UKIP after a member of his party was subjected to an expletive outburst from MEP candidate Janice Atkinson.

Ms Atkinson told Maria Pizzey, a Green Party activist, to ‘F*** off’. Keith Taylor, is representing the same constituency that Ms Atkinson is hoping to be elected to represent.

He said:  “It’s becoming increasingly clear that UKIP fear the Greens. They know that we offer hope, where they offer fear and they know we will always stand up against them in debate.

“In this election campaign we’ve see the police called on one of our members who tweeted the truth about UKIP and our campaigners abused by their candidates. When we stand up to them they do their best to shut us down.

“In the run up to these elections UKIP seem to be hell bent on proving to people why they shouldn’t be trusted to represent people. Not only do their current MEPS not show up to Parliament but their candidates are blatantly rude to those who stand against their politics of fear.

“We Greens won’t be shut up by the UKIP bullies and we don’t shy away from exposing the politics of hate they represent.”

Ms Atkinson was not available to comment.

 

 

 

Kemptown MP Kirby appeals to Fire Authority

Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven has called on the chairman of the Fire Authority chairman to reconsider fire cover cuts.

Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven
Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven

He has written to Philip Howson, chairman of the East Sussex Fire Authority and Councillor for Peacehaven and Telscombe Cliffs regarding the proposals of East Sussex Fire Authority to reduce the fire engine cover in Brighton leaving East Saltdean, Telscombe Cliffs and Peacehaven possibly vulnerable given the operating hours of the Newhaven Fire Station.

In his letter, Simon said that he is very concerned that the East Sussex Fire Authority has not thought through the implications of its proposed cuts to services in the Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven constituency.

He said: “Brighton is a dense and urban city and is due to expand, given the numbers of homes that are to be built over the next few years. Reducing fire engine cover is dangerous in my view. The Authority is citing that the numbers of emergency calls to the Fire Authority have declined and used this to justify fire engine cover. However, it is the severity of fires that is important not just the number of people phoning the Fire Service.

“I am also concerned that the way in which the Newhaven Fire Station will be operating could leave East Saltdean, Telscombe Cliffs and Peacehaven with cover that is unpredictable, potentially endangering residents. This is particularly concerning for the elderly and young families.

“I have asked the Authority to look at the matter again and to consider reducing back office costs, working with other authorities on shared services to lower costs and not assume reductions in services are automatically necessary, especially after a recent increase in Council Tax.

“I have also written to the Fire Services Minister, asking for this issue to be looked at by officials.”

He added: ‘The Fire Authority is hitting residents hard with proposed cuts in services and increases in Council Tax. They need to find a better way.”

PREVIEW: Luke Frost debuts ‘Chroma Volts’ art exhibit at Zimmer Stewart

Minimalist artist luke Frost will debut his first exhibition for the Zimmer Stewart Gallery, Chroma Volts from May 30 to June 21.

Luke Frost

His paintings explore the relationship of colours in precise compositions containing areas of layered colour interrupted by stripes of contrasting, resonating and oscillating colour he refers to as “volts”.

Residing in Penzance, UK, Luke has exhibited widely following graduating from Bath Spa University College in 1998. He’s credits include participation in the Art now Cornwall exbition at Tate St Ives in 2007, where he became an artist in residence the following year.

Zimmer Stewart gallery shows new work from emerging and established artitsts since its formation in 2003.

For a full list of events, CLICK HERE:  

What: Chroma Volts – A solo exhibition of paintings by Luke Frost

When: May 30 – June 21

Where: Zimmer Stewart Gallery, 29 Tarrant St, Arundel, West Sussex BN18 9DG

 

Cocktail competition is the toast of Manchester

Manchester Pride challenges city bars to mix things up for Pride!

Manchester Pride

The organisers of Manchester Pride, have challenged bars across the city to create their Pride Cocktail and raise funds for Manchester Pride’s Community Fund.

Manchester Pride approached bars and restaurants across the city to get involved with the drinks competition and create a cocktail that best represents Pride to commemorate International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT).

Twelve bars – The Alchemist on New York Street, Black Dog Ballroom NQ, Black Dog Ballroom NWS, Dog Bowl, Apotheca, El Capo, The Whiskey Jar, Gorilla, Via & Polari, Taurus, and The Garratt – put their mixologists to the test and are selling their Pride Cocktail throughout May 2014.

£1 from the price of each drink sold in May is being donated directly to the Manchester Pride Community Fund, which supports LGBT and HIV organisations in Greater Manchester.

Those sampling cocktails are asked to share a picture of them enjoying it on social media, using #DrinkWithPride and one worthy winning cocktail will be chosen by an expert panel of judges to be crowned the ‘Official Manchester Pride Cocktail’.

The winning cocktail will then be served across the festival bars over the Big Weekend in August 2014.

Northern Quarter pizza restaurant Dough, has also created a charity Pride Pizza, which includes meat balls, mixed peppers and rocket toppings, complete with a spicy jalapeño and paprika drizzle, finished with edible glitter. The pizza, called Shiny Disco Balls, is being sold for £9.25 to help support the charitable initiative.

WEB.200Chief Executive of Manchester Pride, Mark Fletcher said: “It’s great that so many bars and restaurants have got behind the competition and have created some delicious cocktails for the people of Manchester to enjoy.

“We’re encouraging people to sample the Pride Cocktails, responsibly, before 31 May and tell us their favourite on the Manchester Pride Facebook Page.”

The full list of cocktails is:

The Alchemist on New York Street – Twist and Pop, £7.50

Black Dog Ballroom NQ, Black Dog Ballroom NWS, Dogbowl – Rainbow Rum Punch, £7.25

El Capo – Starry Eyed, £8

The Garratt – A Rosy Affair, £3.50

Taurus – Polly’s Pride Passion, £6.95

Apotheca – Sparkle&Shine, 2 for £12

The Whiskey Jar – The Pink Panther, £8

Gorilla – Elderflower Gimlet, £8

Via & Polari – Pride-tini Vodka, £5.50

To vote for your favourite cocktail, visit the Manchester Pride Facebook page and complete the Survey Monkey.

Manchester Pride is an award-winning festival for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. The festival will take place throughout August, with the Big Weekend running from Friday 22 – Monday 25, August 2014.

Manchester Pride

 

City business leader says Britain leaving the EU is ‘a nonsense’

Tony Mernagh, Executive Director of the Brighton and Hove Economic Partnership and Managing Director of Brighton and Hove Business Forum, has issued an unequivocal statement in favour of Britain’s membership of the European Union.

Tony Mernagh
In a statement to Tracey Hill, a Labour MEP candidate for the south east based in Brighton and Hove, he said: “When some of the world’s largest companies tell you that they have invested in the UK because it is part of Europe and they will seriously review their presence here if that changes, we need to sit up and listen. At a time when global connections determine which countries will thrive and which will struggle, it is a nonsense to contemplate Britain abandoning its membership of the world’s largest single market with half a billion potential customers.
“The UK is in danger of sleepwalking out of one of the most powerful trading blocks on the planet because people don’t understand EU regulations, half of which are just urban myth peddled by Red Tops rather than reality.
“Europe provides both jobs and hard cash for our economy. If we aren’t part of the EU, we will still have to abide by EU rules and regulations if we want to sell our goods and services to them but we will have no place around the table influencing the terms and conditions of that trade. London is unlikely to continue to be Europe’s global centre for finance and business services if it is outside the EU. Britain’s position on the world stage will be hugely diminished if we are a country isolated outside the European block.
“We will gain nothing by leaving the EU, we will lose much. And once lost, it will never be regained.”
Tracey Hill
Tracey Hill

Tracey Hill added: “At this time when personality and media exposure seems to be leading the debate, it’s really important for business leaders to speak out and give a clear reasoned argument for why Britain should remain in the EU. Over twelve thousand jobs in Brighton and Hove depend on Britain’s membership of the EU. Much of the protection for workers such as health and safety, guaranteed holiday and maternity leave are in place because of the EU. Without a doubt, Brighton and Hove, and many people who live here, would be worse off if Britain left the EU.”

 

REVIEW: Hitch: Spiegeltent

Hitch,

Mary Bijou Cabaret and Social Club,

Cabaret, Circus & Theatre Cabaret,    

The Spiegeltent, Old Steine, Brighton

Cardiff based theatre cabaret group/night Mary Bijou Cabaret and Social Club invite us to enter a dark world of suspense and intrigue where the performers draw you into the shadows of the brilliant twisted mind of Hitchcock.

With three Mrs Danvers, a stripping Hitchcock himself, some very funny 1906’s dancing from the Hitchcock Blonds, a stunning pair of rope acts themed from the Birds, an impressive slack line act from Vertigo, a very funny acrobatics routine from Rear Window complete with wheelchair, leg cast and feather trimmed house coat…the list goes on. It’s inspired by Hitch’s films, the atmosphere, costume and pose is all genuine suspense and the finale and interpretation of the most famous of shower scenes from Pyscho is both startlingly original and fun.  My favourite act, other than the singing Mrs Danvers who sadly disappointed me as she wasn’t half mad enough, was the rather blunt hoopla lady, who’s tart lounge was as sharp as her observations and who worked her way around the front row as the hoops spun around her body. Impressive and funny.

hitch13

With some funny dance routines and more eclectic referenced works that pulled in ideas from Hitchcock which are then woven into circus skills this is an unpredictable evening the sum of which are greater than the parts.  However the whole ‘themed evening’ thing works to propel the nights inwards with good humour. With a live soundscape and singing chopped into samples and famous Hitchcock’s themes with original music by Tom Elsob (The Idol Rich) and Bethan Cecil and Branwen Munn singing for their lives, the atmosphere and tension was kept high all night.

The Spiegeltent and bar continue to provide quality evening entertainment in this most cosy and fun of venues and its’ great to grab a beer and relax in the garden of the Old Steine people watching before the show starts.

There’s a few surreal comedy routines dropped in for fun and one or two moments of WTF, but then that’s half the fun of this type of evening out,  there’s plenty of variety and the skill set of the performers is wide.

512x282_hitch

Slightly rough and ready, with a dollop of irreverent vulgarity, but I suspect this was ironically intentional. This in your face and rather delightfully sweet show fills an aching hole this week in the Spiegel tent and is well worth the trip out to see, it’s fun, silly and has some pretty cool and surreal moments stitched into Hitchcock loving heart.  It’s also visually very pleasing and the Mary Bijou Cabaret and Social Club should be congratulated on creating such an interesting and stylish premise to showcase their collection of talents.

Oh and fancy dress is optional but highly recommended.  Dress as your favourite Hitchcock character… victim, villain or hapless innocent. Or maybe you fancy yourself as the ‘master of suspense’ himself.

Until Thursday 22

The Spiegeltent

For more info or to book tickets see the Fringe Website here:

 

Brighthelm Church says “No more fossil fuels!”

Brighthelm Church and Community Centre, in North Road, Brighton, is pulling out of supporting fossil fuels.

Brighthelm Church

Like many charities, Brighthelm has investments across a portfolio of businesses, including oil companies. None of these shares would normally be considered unethical, but Brighthelm’s trustees have decided to sell their investments in companies whose core business is fossil fuel.

Brighthelm’s minister, Rev. Alex Mabbs, said: “One of our core values at Brighthelm is sustainability. It is increasingly clear that the burning of fossil fuels is not sustainable. Through its direct effect on climate change and increasingly intensive extraction methods it is causing huge damage to the environment and harming animals, plants and humans. We don’t want our money to support an industry that is killing the planet. Instead, we want to contribute to a world in which all life can flourish.”

Brighthelm’s decision was influenced by the Bright Now campaign, run by Christian charity Operation Noah, which encourages churches to become fossil-free.

Alex Mabbs added: “We have a long way to go before we stop burning carbon at Brighthelm, but this feels like an important step in the right direction.”

Brighthelm Church and Community Centre Trust Ltd is part of the United Reformed Church.

For more information CLICK HERE:

 

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