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Sussex Beacon to rebrand

The Sussex Beacon refreshes its look – vote for your favourite design!

WEB.600Brighton based HIV charity, The Sussex Beacon, are asking supporters to help them decide on their new look.

The charity has joined forces with design agency Oliver & Graimes to help bring The Sussex Beacon’s image up to date. Oliver & Graimes have offered to refresh The Sussex Beacon’s brand for free and hope to help the Beacon show that people living with HIV have changing needs and that The Sussex Beacon’s services have adapted to reflect these needs.

Since The Sussex Beacon centre opened in 1992, the services that the charity offers has changed considerably. The centre opened in 1992 when UK AIDs related deaths were rising steadily and the charities services were focused around end of life care.

Now, due to significant advances in drug treatments, the charity offers a range of services to help support people affected by HIV to lead independent and healthy lives.

Jason Warriner, Lead Nurse at The Sussex Beacon, says; “People living with HIV have very different needs now than they did when we first opened our centre. Because of this the services we offer now are very different to the ones we ran when we first opened. We hope that our new look helps to reflect that we are changing and adapting to meet the needs of people living with HIV”.

The Sussex Beacon’s look has been through tweaks and changes in the past. This next update will be the next stage in the journey and will help the charity to reach new service users and supporters, as well as being an exciting time for existing ones.

Simon Dowe
Simon Dowe

Simon Dowe, CEO at The Sussex Beacon, says; “We want our current supporters, service users and volunteers to help us decide on our new look. Oliver and Graimes have developed two options and we think that the final decision should be down to the people that have helped us make The Sussex Beacon what it is today. The brand refresh is a considerable gift and we are incredibly grateful to Oliver & Graimes for supporting us in this way.”

To vote for your favourite logo, click here: 

Voting closes at midday on Friday, September 4.

The winning design will be announced at The Sussex Beacon’s Annual General Meeting at 6:30pm to 8pm on Wednesday, September 30 at The Sussex Beacon. It will also be announced on the charities website and social media.

 

American Embassy in Moscow defies Russia’s Anti-Gay Laws

In what appears as a direct challenge to Russia’s anti-gay laws, a film festival sponsored by the American Embassy in Moscow has added gay-themed movie I am Michael to its lineup of screenings.

I am Michael
I am Michael

The drama, starring Zachary Quinto and James Franco as a gay couple, has been announced as a late addition to the lineup of the Amfest Festival, which runs from September 16-27 in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

The American Embassy in Russia is a main sponsor of the festival, which highlights new American independent cinema.

In light of the Russia’s anti-gay laws, which make illegal the promotion to minors of a gay lifestyle and other so-called gay propaganda, the decision to screen I Am Michael appears more of a political, rather than artistic decision by the organisers and backers of Amfest.

The film, tells the true story of a gay activist (Franco), who, after a health scare, “is saved” from his homosexuality and becomes a Christian pastor with a girlfriend.

I Am Michael debuted in Sundance this year and was also screened in Berlin.

While Russia’s anti-gay “propaganda” law does not explicitly ban films with gay content, nor criminalise homosexuality, but any positive depiction of a homosexual lifestyle to those under 18 is now a crime in the country.

Since the Anti-Gay legislation was adopted, LGBT-themed films have been screened at Russian festivals, but screenings have often been disrupted by anti-gay protestors.

British period comedy Pride, which follows a gay rights group in Britain supporting the striking miners in 1984, is currently playing in Russia, the first gay-themed film to hit the country’s movie theaters in two years.

 

 

Seafront gay venues install computerised system to ID customers

Revenge and Bar Revenge on Brighton seafront install, SCANNET a computerised system to ID customers and help create a safer environment in both venues for patrons to enjoy themselves.

SCANNET
SCANNET

To register, all you need to do is take along your passport, driving license or CitizenCard, have it scanned in the high-tech computer along with your finger print, then each time you visit the venues you just put your finger in the machine and it ID’s you.

If you don’t want the computer to hold your information when you leave the venue each evening you can ask for it to be erased, but if you do this the next time you go to the venue you will have to take your passport, driving license or CitizenCard ID along with you again and re-register to gain entry.

The purpose of the exercise is to create a safer environment in both venues for people to enjoy themselves, stop anyone underage entering the premises, stop anyone on the Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership offenders list entering the venues as well as any known offenders from throughout the UK.

Andrew Roberts, general manager at both venues, said: “We are working with the police to make both venues safer and more comfortable places to be and to make the job of the door security and bar staff easier.”

The computers have been installed at other venues along Brighton seafront. As well as establishing peoples identities the computers warn each venue about known trouble makers being ejected or refused entry to other premises who also have the system installed.

 

Diseased elm logs could threaten city trees

Brighton & Hove City Council’s Arboriculture team calls for residents’ help in the fight against Elm Disease.

Dutch Elm Desease Logs

The council is urging people to be vigilant when buying logs for burning as diseased elm logs could threaten the city’s trees.

Brighton and Hove is home to the National Elm collection, which is under constant threat from the voracious disease spread by the Elm Bark Beetle that lays its eggs beneath the bark of unhealthy trees.

The arboriculture team’s efforts to curb the spread of the disease have won international acclaim, but infections – which can often be linked to Elm tree logs – continue to occur.

Ian Brewster, Arboricultural Manager for Brighton & Hove City Council, said; “It is imperative for the survival of the internationally recognised National Elm Collection that residents take responsibility for their actions when purchasing logs.

“If in doubt, always ask the log merchant beforehand what species of wood they sell. If Elm is mentioned then don’t take them. If you suspect Elm logs are in the delivered bags, or are loosely piled then please inform our team immediately.”

Even healthy fresh cut Elm wood can attract the Elm Bark beetle, and many thousands of pounds are spent by the council each year in disease control. This cost could be significantly reduced if the public, woodworkers and log merchants know what they can do to help.

To contact the Brighton & Hove City Council Arboriculture team telephone: 01273 292929.

 

Petition supports call for neighbourhood policing to continue

A petition calling on Brighton & Hove Council to continue supporting Neighbourhood Policing and continue their support of the work of Local Action Teams (LATS) has been organised by community activist Steve Parry.

Steve Parry
Steve Parry

Among other things, the role of LATS is to hold the police to account and determine local community priorities. Over the last few years the effectiveness of some LATS has been weakened through local councillors serving as officials on locals LAT committees.

The petition requires 1,250 local citizens to add their signatures for the issue to be discussed at full Council on October 22.

The petition reads:
We the undersigned petition Brighton & Hove Council to express support for ‘Neighbourhood Policing’ and to oppose decisions by the Police and Crime Commissioner, together with senior officers of Sussex Police, to reduce the number of police officers delivering local policing. Brighton & Hove City Council is also requested to confirm its policy on, and commitment to, Local Action Teams (LATs) as initially agreed by Cabinet on May 21, 2009.

To sign the petition, click here:

There will be 700 fewer police officers delivering local policing over the next 5 years, and a further 300 posts elsewhere in the force will go.

In particular, Sussex will lose more Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). 58 (out of 347) have already left and there are another 69 to go.

More and more the police often don’t have the time to attend Local Action Team meetings and accountability to local communities is being lost.

Mr Parry said: “A significant change in policy is being implemented without consultation and against the clear wishes and needs of local citizens.”

The Petition will be presented to the council on October 22.

New study finds ‘gays’ have less life satisfaction than ‘straights’

A major study of life satisfaction among sexual minorities in the United Kingdom and Australia has been published by the Journal of Economic Behaviour and Organisation.

London School of Economics

In the report Lesbian, gay and bisexual persons in both countries are found to be significantly less satisfied with their lives than otherwise comparable heterosexual persons.

The report was put together by academics from the London School of Economics and the University of Melbourne, using two data sets: 33,000 people from the UK Household Longitudinal Study and 12,400 people from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey.

The data was then used to estimate a simultaneous equations model of life satisfaction, where self-reported sexual identity was mapped against levels of life satisfaction both directly and indirectly through seven different channels:

(i) income
(ii) employment
(iii) health
(iv) marriage and de facto relationships
(v) children
(vi) friendship networks and
(vii) education

Some of the top-line key findings are:

♦       bisexuals in both countries are the least satisfied with life and report worse health outcomes

♦      gay and lesbian people in Australia report better life satisfaction than their UK counterparts

♦      bisexuals tend to be from lower-income households and are less likely to be employed than heterosexuals

♦       gays and lesbians in Australia are as healthy as Australian heterosexuals, while there is a larger differential in health among gay and lesbian individuals in the UK when compared to UK heterosexuals

♦       findings suggest that the social stigma surrounding gay and lesbians in Australia has dropped markedly and is now largely absent

♦       there is little evidence that lesbian women in the UK have lower levels of life satisfaction than heterosexual women – this stands in marked contrast to gay men in the UK and in Australia and lesbian women in Australia

♦       older gays, lesbians and bisexuals do not report a lower life satisfaction to the same degree as their younger counterparts, suggesting that they have a) fewer hardships; b) they have come to terms with and adjusted to any stigma and discrimination; or c) they may be more likely to misrepresent their sexual orientation than younger GLBs.

For information on the full report, click here:

A rural Pride in Totnes

Historic Devon market town Totnes is set to host it’s third Pride celebration on Saturday September 5.

Totnes Pride

Preparations are underway for the third Totnes Pride, which will bring together the local LGBTQ+ communities along with their friends, families and allies for a full day and night of celebration in the town.

Totnes-based social enterprise Proud2Be Project is organising a host of events in the town, which has become regarded as the UK’s largest rural Pride event.

This year’s Pride brings two special guests to Totnes. CN Lester, is a singer-songwriter, writer, classical musician, and activist. Named as one of the most influential LGBTQ+ people in the country two years running by The Independent, and having founded the first Gay/Straight Alliance in the UK, CN Lester co-founded Queer Youth Network, has run cross-genre art night Transpose, and consults on trans issues with the London Assembly, NASUWT, NUS and Channel 4.

CN Lester

CN said: “There’s a dangerous myth that LGBT people only exist in large cities, in gay districts – that we’re not a normal part of everyday life. The best Prides I’ve ever attended have been smaller Prides around the country that celebrate and support all members of the LGBT communities, showing us in all our complexity, including us in the fabric of our wider communities. I’m absolutely thrilled to have been asked to participate in Totnes Pride – here’s to breaking down barriers and stereotypes together.”

Joining CN will be Jacq Applebee, the Co-founder of Bi’s of Colour as well as being an activist and a writer.  She is the winner of a Bisexual Cake Award, and made it on to the first ever Purple List, which honours bisexual activism. Jacq has delivered presentations and workshops on bisexuality to organisations such as the British Psychology Society, the Metropolitan Police, and at Cambridge University.

About her involvement, Jacq said; “I am a firm believer of the importance of reaching LGBT people who are isolated, including those in rural areas. In the first bisexuals of colour survey and report, which I produced, isolation was one of the regular themes that resulted in participants not feeling part of their LGBT communities. Totnes Pride will be my first Devon LGBT event, but hope it won’t be my last!”

The day starts at 11am outside The Dartmouth Inn, where there will be opening speeches from CN Lester, Jacq Applebee and Proud2Be founders Mat and Jon Price. They will then, together with award winning Samba ROC Band and an 8ft willow peacock, lead a procession up Fore Street and High Street to the Totnes Civic Hall at 11.30am.

Community bus service Bob the Bus will be running a park and ride service from 10am at KEVICC, and will also be transporting those with mobility issues up the procession at 11.15am.

It is at the Civic Hall from midday where visitors can enjoy workshops and talks along with a variety of community stands including: Dot’s Cafe, a craft area, a family area, face painting, Loz’s clay room, an LGBT+ library and much more.

There will be a panel discussion at 1.15pm at The Barrel House Ballroom, where CN and Jacq will join local activists, to discuss the topic of gender. The fun continues into the evening at Totnes Pride After Party from 7.30pm at The Royal Seven Stars Ballroom, which will feature live music from popular Disco Funk band Golddust, Rococo Chanel and DJ sets from Madame Souza & Rhi Rhi Rhythm.

Entry to the daytime events at Totnes Civic Hall and The Barrel House is just £2 for adults, £1 for 11-18 year olds, and is free to those under 11.

Tickets to the After Party are £10.00 (18 and over only) and are available to purchase from Totnes Pride day event and on the door.

Jon and Mat Price
Jon and Mat Price

Proud2Be founders Jon and Mat Price, said; “We are so excited about this year’s Pride; we have been working hard to ensure that Totnes Pride is a community event we can all be proud of. We are thrilled with the support we have received from the local community, in particular Totnes Town Council. For us Totnes Pride is a chance for the whole community to come together and celebrate diversity in our town and to also raise awareness about the issues still faced by the LGBTQ+ communities, in the UK and around the world.”

To mark the event Totnes Town Council will raise the rainbow flag over Totnes Civic Hall for the week of this year’s Totnes Pride, as a sign of solidarity and support for the LGBTQ+ communities of Totnes and beyond. The flag raising ceremony will take place on Monday, August 31, 2015 at 6.30pm and everyone is invited to attend.

Totnes Mayor, Councillor Jacqi Hodgson who will open the event, said: “Raising the flag to celebrate diversity highlights the diversity in our community in Totnes.  As Mayor I am really proud of the wide mix of people in this wonderful town and delighted that we have come together to celebrate the LGBT communities and the Proud2Be group who work hard to raise awareness of LGBT issues.”

How to get involved:

Proud2Be are looking for volunteers to help out on Saturday, September 5. If you would like to get involved email Julie & Dot at volunteer@proud2beproject.org

If you are an organisation or community group and would like to participate in the procession, click here:

To find out more about these exciting events or to buy a rainbow flag, click here:

Or email: info@proud2beproject.org

Benefits Advice Workshops for people with HIV at Lunch Positive

Lunch Positive will host two workshops during September at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church run by Tim Procter, the Welfare Rights Advisor at THT.

Lunch Positive

There have been key changes to the main benefits for sick and disabled claimants.

Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) has a difficult Personal Capability Assessment requiring claimants to fill an ESA50 form which may be followed by a medical examination.

These assessments need to be repeated for most claimants annually. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is being replaced with Personal Independence Payments (PIP).

Tim Proctor
Tim Proctor: Welfare Rights Advisor at THT

All DLA claimants will be required to undergo a new assessment to transfer from DLA to PIP from 2015.

If you are experiencing health problems and want to find out how to qualify for PIP this workshop will tell you. Both PIP and ESA have hidden tests with a point scoring system. Learning about the underlying tests and point scoring can help claimants approach the assessment with more confidence and help them decide what issues they need to raise.


Employment Support Allowance (ESA): Friday, September 11 2pm – 4.30pm

Personal Independence Payments (PIP): Friday, September 25 2pm – 4.30pm

To book a place on any of the workshops, email: info@lunchpositive.org 

For more information about Lunch Positive, click here: 

 

 

PREVIEW: Superbia: Transcript

Corrie and Cucumber writers to discuss the development of trans characters at Manchester Pride event.

Coronation Street

Manchester Pride has announced the next of its Transcript events in the run up to the big weekend which runs from Friday 28 – Monday, August 31.

Transcript is part of Manchester Pride’s cultural programme called Superbia, a word deriving from the Latin word meaning Pride.

Soap fans can join writers and actors from the popular TV series Coronation Street and Cucumber writers and actors discuss the concept and development of transgendered characters in television and how the story moves from script to screen.

Julie Hesmondhalgh
Actor Julie Hesmondhalgh will be speaking at Transcript on Tuesday, August 25 at Black Dog NWS

Writers Damon Rochefort and Ben Tagoe, and actors Bruno Langley, Julie Hesmondhalgh and Bethany Black will all be speaking at this ticket only event.

Trailblazing events from Superbia earlier this year included the partnership with Queer Contact Festival, which ran from February 5-15, including British soul sensation David McAlmont and music partner, pianist Guy Davies making a welcome return to Manchester to present Fingersnap Live; the UK premiere of Love is Crazy – a Valentine’s concert celebration from New York cabaret star and Tony nominee Justin Vivian Bond; and a day of short films and in-conversations from over 25 guests working in the media at the Queer Media Festival.


Event: Transcript

Where: Black Dog NWS, New Wakefield Street, Manchester M4 1PW.

When: Tuesday, August 25

Time: From 6.30pm

Tickets: £7.50 (booking fees included)

To book online, click here:

Black Dog Ball Room will be offering half price food for everyone attending the event.

For more information about Superbia, click here:

For information about Manchester Pride, click here:

 

 

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