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Kemptown MP Kirby slams Fire Authority chairman’s response on fire cuts

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has described as “completely hopeless” the reply by Councillor Phil Howson, the UKIP Chairman of East Sussex Fire Authority, to his letter of concern regarding cuts to fire services in Brighton, East Saltdean, Telscombe Cliffs and Peacehaven.

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

Mr Kirby has written to the Councillor expressing concern that reducing fire cover in these areas could put people at risk and that following a recent Council Tax rise for the Fire Authority, a better way to reduce costs without cutting front-line services, needed to be found.

Simon said: “It is frankly laughable for the Chairman to suggest that a lack of time is responsible for the decisions he is putting forward. Everyone has known for years that savings in public spending are needed in order to reduce the public sector deficit left behind by the last Labour Government.

“Councillor Howson attacks the Government for reductions in grants and yet the Fire Authority has in the past still been able to freeze Council Tax and protect services. Councillor Howson, under his Chairmanship, failed to do this.

“Instead of a knee-jerk reaction attacking the Government, the Chairman needs to task officers with creative thinking in order to reduce costs and maintain services. Councillor Howson has been Chairman of the Fire Authority since May 2013. His constituents and mine in Peacehaven, Telscombe Cliffs and East Saltdean will be wondering what his time in office has so far achieved for them.”

Domestic abuse in LGBT relationships twice as likely and on the rise

LGBT people are more than twice as likely to have experienced domestic abuse in the past year compared to those in heterosexual relationships.

Broken Rainbow

Almost half of victims say that they didn’t know where to turn for help and support. Domestic violence and abuse in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans* community is an issue rarely highlighted, with many victims too afraid to speak out.

When questioned, 45 per cent of LGBT respondents from the 2013 ROAR study on domestic violence and abuse said that they didn’t seek help for fear that they wouldn’t be taken seriously.

To raise awareness of this growing issue and to let people know that help is available, the domestic violence charity, Broken Rainbow, has launched its first ever awareness campaign.

The campaign, running this month, celebrates 10 years since the LGBT charity first brought the issue of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans* (LGBT) domestic violence and abuse out into the open.

Last year, over 4,000 calls were made to Broken Rainbow’s helpline.

A spokesperson for the charity, said:  “Over the past 10 years Broken Rainbow has received more than 25,000 calls from members of the LGBT community in distress, with the number of calls continuing to have an upward trend.”

Lord Brian Paddick
Lord Brian Paddick

Lord Brian Paddick, former Met police Deputy Assistant Commissioner, knows first hand how devastating domestic abuse can be in a relationship.

He said: “I didn’t go to the police because I didn’t want to be open about my sexuality and the type of relationship I was in. I was too embarrassed. We need to be more open about this so that people in abusive relationships realise they are not alone.”

Lord Paddick says services such as Broken Rainbow’s helpline are vital for those in the LGBT community who often face coercive control, emotional or physical abuse at the hand of their partners.

He continued: “Unacceptable behaviour in a domestic abuse setting can and tragically does escalate to violence. Despite the research, the experience and the good work by some police forces, there is little the police can do to combat emotional abuse. Broken Rainbow’s helpline offers a place where those who feel they have no where to turn can confide and find support.”

WEB.200Jaci Quennell, a Broken Rainbow UK Trustee, echoes Lord Paddick’s comments about the difficulties of combating emotional abuse.

She said: “It took years for me to realise how emotionally and psychologically abusive my partner was – it was so insidious that I couldn’t see it. She ridiculed me and sabotaged my studies, my job applications and my friendships. It only really sank in how effective she had been when old friends that I hadn’t seen for years were upset at what they saw as the complete dismantling of my sense of self-worth”.

Twenty-three year old Hugo Sugg experienced domestic abuse in his first-ever relationship, and says that the support of a service like Broken Rainbow would have been invaluable.

He said: “In hindsight, I didn’t realise how much control my partner had over me at the time, he controlled who I saw at college and would become insanely jealous.”

Hugo finally ended the relationship when he was woken by his partner screaming at him, angered by text messages he’d found on Hugo’s phone.

He continued: “It was then I decided enough was enough, he begged me to stay but I decided it was time to leave and went to stay with a friend.”

Hugo’s story is just one of the many previously untold about abuse in LGBT relationships. The aim of Broken Rainbow’s campaign is to encourage others to speak out and highlight the help that is available to those who need support.

Twenty-eight year old Hollyoaks actor Kieron Richardson supports Broken Rainbow’s cause. Having played Ste Hay in Hollyoaks, he says there is a popular misconception that needs to be overcome in LGBT relationships.

He said: “After playing a character in Hollyoaks who suffered abuse in a gay relationship, I was astounded at the amount of people saying: “it’s two guys they can just hit each other back.”

This statement is categorically wrong and by highlighting this issue and by helping people understand and educating them, we can change this perception.

He continued: “It’s extremely important to recognise charities, such as Broken Rainbow UK, that highlight domestic abuse  in an LGBT relationship. Much has been mentioned in the news and popular culture on domestic abuse but it needs to be clearer that it occurs in ALL relationships no matter what gender.”

Anyone needing support can call Broken Rainbow UK’s national LGBT Domestic Violence helpline on 0300 999 5428 (LGBT). The line is open 10am-5pm Monday-Thursday with extended opening until 8pm on Monday and Thursday. Or email help@brokenrainbow.org.uk. There is specialist trans* support every Tuesday 1pm to 5pm. Everyone answering calls and emails are members of the LGBT communities.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

 

 

 

 

Hove MP Weatherley says “Choice on Europe is Clear”

Mike Weatherley, the Conservative MP for Hove and Portslade, has reiterated his support for the Prime Minister’s promises on Britain’s relationship with Europe.

Mike Weatherley, MP for Hove and Portslade
Mike Weatherley, MP for Hove and Portslade

The core guarantees of the Conservative Party European election manifesto are to:

· Keep the cost of Europe down

· Make Europe work for British business

· Keep our country in control of its own borders

· Take back control of criminal justice

· Keep Britain out of Eurozone bailouts

· Keep the Pound and Britain out of the Euro

Mike says that the Conservatives are also the only main party to offer an in-out referendum on whether or not to stay in the EU.

He said: “It is important that residents have their say in the European elections given how much influence Europe has on our country. I am proud to represent a serious party that offers a clear pledge on how we, as Conservatives, will deal with Europe. We are the only party to offer an in-out referendum on our membership of the EU.”

For more information on the Prime Minister pledges, CLICK HERE:

 

Third Pride Ambassador revealed

Jenny Bennett, who has been volunteering for Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard since 1984 has been announced as Pride’s third Ambassador.

Jenny Bennett

Jenny who has not missed a single shift during those years, is a former recipient of a Golden Handbag Award for Service to the LGBT Community, was nominated for the Brighton & Hove Older People’s Awards 2013, and won the Duke of Richmond award for service to the local community.

Jenny volunteers at Switchboard as a mentor for help-line volunteers who are new to the role, training and supporting them to listen, inform and support service users.

The final Ambassador for Pride 2014 will be announced in July Gscene. If you want to nominate someone who you think goes the extra mile to support the LGBT community EMAIL: by June 15.

 

 

PREVIEW: Pighog plus poetry night night at Red Roaster Cafe

Pighog Plus Poetry on May 29 will feature its biggest line up to date with performances from four published poets.

Rachel Rooney
Rachel Rooney

The evening event, takes place at Brighton’s Red Roaster Cafe, St James’ Street, starting at 7:45pm and will include readings from Rachel Rooney – whose published work The Language of Cat won the 2012 CLPE award, and received notable praise from Carol Ann Duffy.

Joining Rooney will be: Sonya Smith, Janet Sutherland – founder of NeedleWriters Cooperative, and Jackie Wills – 2014 Wenlock Poetry Festival Prize winner.

Pighog Plus Poetry is held on the final Thursday of each month (excluding July, and August) and features set performers and Open Mic pieces. Due to extended performances, this month will not feature its Open Mic section.

Pighog is an independent publisher that produces fiction, poetry and non-fiction. The group runs competitions, events and festivals to promote and attract new literary talent.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

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What: Pighog Poetry Plus Night

When: Thursday, May 29

Where: RedRoaster Cafe’, St James’ Street, Brighton

Time: 7:45pm

Tickets: On the door, £5 or £3 concession

 

GAYSURFWEEK 2014: New queer winter getaway

Sun, fun, beach & surf and a little bit queer….

GAYSURFWEEK

Gay Surf Week 2014 offers a week of sun, fun and waves for gay and lesbian surfers and beach lovers in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, from November 8-15. Known for its endless beach, multiple breaks and bustling nightlife, Tamarindo is the leading tropical beach and surf destination in the country.

Aleksandar Bulatovic one of the co-founders, runs a tourism and surf business in Costa Rica with his partner.

He said: “We see an increasing number of LGBTQ visitors in Costa Rica and Tamarindo in particular to ride the waves, relax and enjoy its natural beauty. Following last years’ successful soft launch, we are now back with Gay Surf Week 2014.”

 

“Gay Surf Week is not just for the gay and lesbian surfers out there, but also for those who want to ride their first wave or the beach bums who just want to enjoy the beach, sun and beauty of Costa Rica. This unique event has loads to offer to all of them.”

GAYSURFWEEKGay Surf Week is all about having a great time among queer friends in tropical Costa Rica. Exploring the different breaks of Tamarindo and surrounding beaches, from mellow beginner spots to the overhead waves at Little Hawaii, zip-lining and a relaxing sunset sailing cruise are all included. Add dinners and social events exploring Tamarindo’s nightlife to complete the fun.

Participants can choose between a beginner or advanced surf package or a beach bum package for those who want to focus on their tanning skills. All packages are offered with premium or budget style accommodation.

Costa Rica, with its great beaches and breaks, incredible natural beauty, friendly people, Pura Vida attitude and its gay-friendly atmosphere is the perfect setting for an unforgettable week. And bringing Gay Surf Week to Tamarindo, one of the premier surfing spots in Central America, will help promote diversity in the line-up and create a fun environment for LGBTQ surfers and their friends, one wave at a time.

Gay Surf Week 2014, in Tamarindo Costa Rica, is for all those who want to enjoy the beautiful beaches – whether on a surf board or just relaxing in the sun.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

GAYSURGWEEK

Polari announces Arts Council Lottery funding and National Tour

Polari, London’s award-winning LGBT literary salon has been awarded a grant from Grants for the Arts, supported by the Arts Council of England and the National Lottery.

Photo: Justin David
Photo: Justin David

The grant will fund a national tour in the Autumn, beginning in September and ending at the Southbank Centre in November, which marks the literary salon’s seventh birthday.

The tour will include Polari events at the Marlborough Theatre in Brighton, Homotopia in Liverpool, shOUT in Birmingham and the Manchester Literature Festival and will feature the best in established and emerging LGBT literary talent. It will also help to promote The Polari First Book Prize, which is now in its fourth year.

Paul Burston, founder and host of Polari, said: “After several successful, sell-out years at the Southbank Centre, it’s been a dream of mine to take Polari on tour. I’m very grateful to the Arts Council of England and the National Lottery for making this possible.”

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