Brighton & Hove named one of the best tourist locations in the world by users of travel website TripAdvisor.
Royal Pavilion Brighton
Brighton & Hove features twice in the TripAdvisor Travellersā Choiceā¢ awards for Destinations on the Rise for 2016.
The awards highlight destinations that have seen the greatest increase in positive feedback and interest from the TripAdvisor community, each year.
Brighton & Hove is the only UK location included in the category for the top ten destinations ‘on the rise’ in the world for 2016, ranking sixth out of 10.
In the category for the top ten destinations on the rise in Europe, the city ranks even higher in third place, just above the only other UK entry which is Liverpool.
Cllr Warren Morgan
Cllr Warren Morgan, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, said:āI am delighted, but not surprised, that Brighton & Hove is recognised among the best in world by travellers from the UK and overseas. The Award highlights the fantastic work by thousands across the city who work in tourism, culture, restaurants and entertainment to deliver an excellent service to the 11 million plus visitors who come here each year. As we know, Brighton & Hove truly is a āDestination on the Riseā in 2016; not just with the opening of the British Airways i360, but also the 50th anniversary of the Brighton Festival and continued development of the cityās accommodation and major infrastructure.ā
Barbara Messing
Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor, added: āOur well-travelled community has helped us identify the destinations around the world that are gaining in interest and popularity. We hope these destinations inspire those planning their travel for 2016 to book trips to these locales that feature excellent hotels, restaurants and attractions, and also provide a great holiday value.ā
For a list of all of the Travellersā Choice award-winning Destinations on the Rise for 2016, click here:
For more information about tourism in Brighton & Hove, click here:
WORLD AIDS DAY CONCERT: St Maryās Church, St James Street, Brighton: Tuesday,Ā December 1, doors open 7pm, concert at 7.30pm with performances by the ActuallyĀ Gay Menās Chorus, Brighton Belles, Brighton Gay Menās Chorus, RainbowĀ Chorus, Rebelles, Resound Male Voices and Qukelele.
For full World AIDS Day list of events, click here:
The Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) has come to the end of its two-year period with no clear solution for a sustainable future for tourism in Brighton.
TAB was established at the beginning of 2014 to guide and advise VisitBrighton (VB) and Brighton & Hove City Council on the development and implementation of a sustainable tourism strategy.
The voluntary board wasĀ composed of twenty-five members from local Tourism related businesses, and three locally elected cross-party Councillors.
During its two-year term, the Board and its sub groups met on a number of occasions to discuss ideas and suggestions.
One of the main benefits of the Board has been the coming together of all the main tourism bodies and interests in the City to have a better understanding of each other and the challenges and opportunities facing the City. Brighton Pride who organise the biggest event in the city bringing in 100,000 visitors to the city over a single weekend, benefitting hotels and restaurants, were not invited to participate.
However, TAB recognises a need to continue conversations with key tourism stakeholders, councillors and council officers.
To this purpose, even though TAB came to an end following its last meeting on November 16, it has been agreed that there will be two organised events a year for the tourism sector to get together and discuss industry developmentsĀ and major city developments.
The future of VB and finding the best model for tourism goingĀ forward has been central to their discussions.Ā Among other things VBĀ offers the latest official Brighton tourist information and Brighton tourism guides.
TAB worked with the Council to commission an independent Review of Tourism Services which recommended creating an arm’s length body independent of the council.Ā Research into options for outsourcing as a standalone or sharing with an existing organisation followed.
However, it became clear that with the current structure within VB, a stand aloneĀ version would not survive without Council funding. For the same reasons outsourcing to an existing organisation is not an option.
At the current time, Council funding for the future of tourism has not been defined enough to proceed with alternative investigations but tourism leaders with council members will continue to look at options recognising the importance of tourism to the City both for the local economy and job creation.
Until the position on future Council funding is clear, no immediate decision can be taken and TAB recognised that all the tourism bodies will continue to work with VB until a more financially realistic model can emerge which has the support of all involved in the Cityās tourism industry.
TAB was chaired by Glynn Jones, a former Chief Executive of Brighton & Hove City Council.
Brighton & Hove was the only UK destination included in the category for the top ten destinations āon the riseā in the world for 2016, ranking sixth out of 10 on the TripAdvisor website, announced last week.
Jason Lupi “came out” in public last year about his HIV status after living with the virus for 23 years. Here he talks about the treatments currently available and the importance of tackling the most deadly symptom of HIV, stigma.
Jason Lupi
HIV has never had it so bad. It is being attacked in so many ways, that living with HIV nowadays can be a treatable and manageable condition.
Thirty years ago many people were struggling to stay alive with the virus; the drugs were few, incorrect doses were given and some were so toxic that left many people with life long complications. It was a deadly virus because there was no medication; it still is a deadly virus to those without access to medication.
Throughout the early years many clinical trials were rolled out and different classes of drugs were produced so HIV could be attacked from various angles. This gave rise to combination Antiretroviral Therapy (cART) which is now a common choice of treatment for people with HIV.
I used to dwell on my early prognosis when I had a CD4 count below 10 and a short-term AIDS defining illness. There was a vague period when I felt I was living in a muted limbo between the unknown; did I have AIDS or HIV? Nothing was mentioned. I just got on with trying to manage it as well as I could, and taking my doctor’s advice on which treatment would be best.
A friend recently pointed out:Ā “TheĀ āAIDSā model of disease in the early years allowed for a one-way progression; from asymptomatic HIV, then Persistent Generalised Lymphadenopathy, then AIDS Related Complex, before finally an AIDS diagnosis. The move over the last 10 years is to think in terms of early, mid and late stage HIV disease and you can move either way through the disease structure.ā
But even long-term living with the disease, (myself 23 years) doesnāt automatically mean you are at the late stages. If the virus isĀ kept underĀ control no matter how long you live, as long as the meds are working – where, I ask, are you exactly in the progression of the disease? And does it really matter?
I am in no way a veteran of the AIDS epidemic but through my experience, I am constantly amazed at the level of advancement in science and the changeable nature of what we call HIV/AIDS.
We are far removed from the headstones of fear of the 1980ās but lots of people are still entrenched in thatĀ mind-set.Ā Upon reflection I now view this (very significant time of change), not with guilt or hardship, but with a sobering acknowledgement that the reality of living with HIV prior to cARTās just so happened in my youth.
I not only saw but actually experienced at first hand the struggles and pains of it all; the trials and tribulations, the evolution of both treatment options and of people’s attitude.
These struggles can transform into an appreciation of treatment advancements that can sometimes get overshadowed by a disconcerted, apathetic or ‘cāest la vie’ attitude.Ā This transformation is an opportunity to use in HIV awareness. It helps the removal of shame of living with the condition because HIV does not discriminate; there are no rhymes or reasons, no border controls or class system it prefers. It is a virus that keeps on doing its thing and as long as it exists, science will keep on progressing.
With a structured treatment regime this virus can be kept to an undetectable level, and people can, and do have lives that are no different from anyone else. This is now theĀ normal progression of the illness and we could be educating and explaining this to everyone. Currently the most deadly symptom of HIV is stigma.
Disease control has been around for a long time; advancements are made in every generation and in most areas. In 100 years from now we will look back and think how mad that people used to die of AIDS, just as we now look back and think the same about syphilis or polio. We are a blip in an unfolding history.
People who donāt know their status are putting their own health at risk and could unknowingly be passing it on. Getting tested and starting treatment is vital for everyone’s health.
There are many ways of fighting HIV, here are three:
ā¦ ARVs = Antiretroviral drugs that if taken properly can reduce the virus to undetectable levels
ā¦ PEP = A short course of HIV drugs taken soon after any activity which had a risk of transmission
ā¦ PrEP = A one pill a day prevention option for people who are at high risk of getting HIV
There are around 30 different types of these drugs available. Side effects are fewer and variable in nature and different combinations are numerous. In less than five years time there could possibly be another option available; a once month injection.Ā In 30 years time there may be a vaccine.
Just to clarify – I am not an expert in HIV medication; the points I have mentioned are my own personal views. I am also not being paid by any drug companies and taking AVR’s is by no way an easy feat. In my ‘HIV coming out postā last year, I wrote regarding the chores of daily medication:
āSickness and disease is part of everybodyās life; it shouldnāt dictate life. Medication is not a daily reminder of my sickness, but a reminder of my opportunities and freedom, it’s the very ingredient that keeps me alive and I should praise it and respect it. Intolerance, resentment and procrastination were not going to be an option if I wanted to stay well and healthyā.Ā
I am a human being, I am a son, brother, uncle, and a friend; I am no different from you or anyone else; Please help reduce the stigma of people who are living with HIV, whether privately on their own in the darkness of fear or for people who are willing to be open about it. There is no difference between them.
Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), the UKās leading HIV and sexual health charity releases a snapshot poll of gay men living with HIV in Britain.
The Poll coincides with the #StopStigmaĀ campaign that the charity is engaging in today, for World AIDS Day.
Of 412 men polled āĀ average age range 25 ā 64, and diagnosed in the last 20 years ā 77 per cent had experienced stigma.
This was most prevalent:
ā¦ Ā Ā Ā In the gay community itself, where nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) had experienced stigma;
ā¦ Ā Ā Ā Ā In online dating environments ā 60 per cent; and
ā¦ Ā Ā Ā Ā When dating ā 58 per cent.
74 per cent of men polled felt a level of self-stigma ā stigma they impose on themselves ā nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) felt shame, 56 per cent blamed themselves, while half said they felt guilty.
When asked, unprompted, what words they had heard people use when speaking about HIV, that they found particularly hurtful, the top four were:
ā¦ Ā Ā Ā Ā AIDS (19 per cent)
ā¦ Ā Ā Ā Ā Diseased (19 per cent)
ā¦ Ā Ā Ā Ā Unclean (16 per cent)
ā¦ Ā Ā Ā Ā Riddled (12 per cent)
91 per cent do not think the public knows the difference between HIV and AIDS. An up-to-date 21st century information campaign and universal testing ā making HIV testing the norm in NHS settings ā were among the top two efforts respondents felt would be most effective to stop stigma.
Shaun Griffin
Shaun Griffin, Executive Director for External Affairs, THT, said:Ā āWe know there is a high prevalence if HIV in our community. Recent media coverage of the condition has reminded us that HIV stigma continues, and myths perpetuate.
āThe fact that two-thirds of the men we polled said that stigma was strongest in the gay community really saddens me.
āStart the fightback today ā join in with our message of solidarity on social media by taking a selfie with your red ribbon using the hashtag #StopStigma.
āThe Stigma Index 2015 survey āĀ the global study of the impact of stigma in people living with HIV ā was launched today. The charity will use this to inform and results will strengthen our efforts to tackle the issue.ā
Andrew Keates
London Theatre Director, Andrew Keates, who is living with HIV, said:Ā “HIV positive men on effective medication, taken correctly pose no threat to anyone.
āHIV used to be a death sentence. It shouldnāt be a life sentence of stigma and tolerating ignorance.”
THTĀ volunteers will be at Kings Cross station in London for 12 hours on December 1 with a 7ft x 7ft banner, pop up banners, red ribbons, and props urging the stationās 47,000 daily commuters to take a selfie wearing a red ribbon for stigma.
The charity hopes that people right across the country will take pictures with their red ribbon and tweet @THTorguk with #StopStigma to join the effort.
For a list of Regional World Aids Day events, click here:
Hairspray is a joyous candy-coloured confection which has a heart as big as its outsize heroine. It manages to combine a thrilling slickness of staging with something quite magically uplifting and the result might, quite possibly, be the most purely enjoyable show of the last few years.
Based on John Watersā film it follows the fortunes of Tracy Turnblad (Freya Sutton), a āpleasantly plumpā teenager growing up in Baltimore in the early ā60s. She lives with her mother Edna (Tony Maudsley), a woman of āindeterminate girthā and her kindly father (Peter Duncan). Her greatest wish is to appear as one of the regular dancers on the Corny Collins Show but her weight, and unconventional looks, mean that the showās producer, Velma Von Tussle (Claire Sweeney) is automatically set against her becoming one of the ānicest kids in townsā. But this bar also extends to the black community ā apart from the one day a month the Corny Collins Show has āNegro Dayā. And if this isnāt enough to contend with Tracyās hormones are stirred up by handsome would-be crooner Link Larkin (Ashley Gilmour).
Most of the songs are expert pastiches which pay homage to such classics as Leader of the Pack and River Deep, Mountain High. They practically fizz with energy and the outstanding cast makes every note count. The show has a handful of more soulful numbers, including the truly powerful ballad I Know Where Iāve Been, which is given a spine-tingling rendition by Brenda Edwards.
One of the many surprises of the show is that despite its cartoon aesthetic and having larger than life characters, it also gives them a depth which is occasionally quite moving. Thereās a real chemistry between Duncan and Maudsley which makes you believe that despite the years, and Mrs Turnbladās imposing figure, theyāre a married couple whose affection for each other runs deep.
It ends happily ā and because itās such a generous show the happiness is even extended to its āevilā characters. Its final number, the dance-tastic You Canāt Stop the Beat, sends the audience on its way with the requisite song in its collective heart.
Continues at the Theatre Royal, Brighton until Dec 12.
It’s more than 30 years since the first diagnosis of HIV (1984) and in 2015 we really are in a great place!
I am a gay man living with HIV since 2012 and would urge you to find out your status.
I had a serious health episode in January 2012 (when I was sero-converting) and had a health screening 3 months later, in April with a positive result for HIV.
This is no longer the 80s and in the UK, at least, we have free access to antiretroviral drugs which suppress the HIV viral load (level of virus present in the blood) and boost the immune system (CD4 count).Ā The fact is that medication manages the virus and with time you do change your way of thinking about HIV…and most importantly life goes on!
HIV is no longer a death sentence but it is something you can live with and can manage.
Stigma still exists three decades later about HIV and stigma creates fear and stops people going and getting tested!
More people should get informed and educated about HIV as many remain unaware of the methods of HIV infection. Sure, you know about unsafe sex but can you think of six bodily fluids that can be exchanged between 2 people and spread infection?Ā (1) blood 2) semen (cum) 3) pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum) 4) rectal fluids 5) vaginal fluids 6) breast milk)
In 2014, the government (Public Health England) released figures that 110,000 people are living with HIV and that approximately a quarter of those, 26,000, are yet to be diagnosed in the UK.
The real message in this piece is getting diagnosed is taking power back and all about taking sexual responsibility. Assuming someone is negative because you haven’t spoken about it, isn’t knowing someone’s status.
Equally, having an out of date test result isn’t reliable and doctors recommend regular HIV tests.Ā The sooner you get tested and should you be diagnosed as HIV positive, the better your chances of staying healthy and living a normal life span.
Sure, it’s daunting but I am glad I got diagnosed early so I could treat my HIV and quickly bring it to an undetectable level (still present but less than 50 copies of the virus in each millilitre of my blood).Ā This means that I am not infectious with an undetectable level of HIV. HIV is still present in my system but in such low levels that it is āundetectableā.
In fact, my HIV has helped me to re-evaluate my life and while I accept I made a mistake and had unprotected sex with a guy, I would say life does go on and I am living with my status and work full-time in the public sector.
I took control, found out my status and now make informed choices when I sleep with someone.
I am on meds and know my status and a lot about my health and take a very active interest in it.Ā Thanks to medical advancements, I can expect to live a normal, healthy and long life.
People who know they are HIV positive and are successfully getting treated really are in a great place and I believe in reducing stigma and getting a test and finding out the facts – take control, get informed and get on with life!
New figures of undiagnosed HIV remain at an alarming high level as National HIV Testing Week starts.
National HIV Testing Week (NHTW): started on Saturday, November 21, and includes outdoor and tram advertising across Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Brighton, Newcastle, Sheffield and Bristol.
New figures released by Public Health England (PHE) reveal there are 18,100 people living with HIV in the UK who do not know they are HIV positive, compared to 18,219 last year ā a drop of a mere 100.
6,151 people were newly diagnosed in the UK in 2014. This figure was 6,032 in 2013 and 6,353 in 2010 (7,893 in 2005), 75% of new diagnoses were in men, 25 per cent in women.
Figures released during NHTW show the national rates of undiagnosed HIV as:
ā¦ Ā Ā Ā MSM 14 per cent of MSM living with HIV are undiagnosed
ā¦ Ā Ā Ā Black African heterosexuals 16% in men and 12% in women
ā¦ Ā Ā Ā Ā All Heterosexuals 21% unaware of their diagnosis (1 in 5 PLHIV unaware of their status)
Shaun Griffin
Shaun Griffin, Executive Director of External Affairs, THT, said:Ā āThe recent media maelstrom around HIV could have been really damaging for the 18,100 who have HIV and donāt know it. Such a damning portrayal perpetuates stigma and could actually deter people from accessing testing, treatment, and support.
āAs National HIV Testing Week approaches we urge everyone to get tested. If we are going to reduce the number of people who have HIV, we need the number of people diagnosed to further increase. HIV treatment is now immediately available when diagnosed and once treatment is taken correctly, patients are classed as āundetectableā and the virus can no longer be passed on. Testing is key to prevention.ā
Dr Christian Jessen
National HIV Testing Week Ambassador Dr Christian Jessen, said:Ā āI am proud to be the National HIV Testing Week Ambassador. Testing for HIV is crucial for prevention.
āThe fact that diagnoses have increased is encouraging in one sense. If you get tested and receive a positive diagnosis, you can now immediately go onto treatment, and if you are on medication you are classed as āundetectableā and the virus cannot be passed on.
āMost concerning to me is the fact that nearly one in six people with HIV do not realise they have it, so they are putting their own health at risk and HIV could unknowingly be passed on.ā
Undiagnosed infection is widely recognised as a key factor driving the UKās HIV epidemic.
Heterosexual sex continues to be the main transmission route for people of black African and black Caribbean ethnicity ā according to Public Health England 42 per cent of all new HIV diagnoses acquired heterosexually were among people of black African ethnicity.
The number of new people who are being diagnosed late is still unacceptably high:
ā¦ Ā Ā 40 per cent of people newly diagnosed in 2014 were diagnosed late (CD4 count below 350) ā this equates to 1,975 people. This was 50 per centĀ in 2010 and 41 per cent in 2013.
ā¦ Ā Ā This is 65 per cent in people who inject drugs, 61 per centĀ in heterosexual men, and 58 per cent in black African people
HIV treatment lowers the amount of HIV in the body to undetectable levels. Global research, has found that HIV cannot be passed on when the virus is undetectable. In other words, if someone is on effective HIV treatment, it is extremely unlikely HIV will be passed on. It means that if everyone with HIV were on effective treatment, we could finally stop the spread of HIV. Until then, it is essential to use condoms to protect yourself from HIV.
James Carey
Cary James, Head of Health Promotion, Terrence Higgins Trust, said:Ā āThe new figures show how important National HIV Testing Week is. If people with HIV go undiagnosed they are at risk of damaging their health and unknowingly passing on the virus.
āWe need to take every opportunity to remind gay men to get tested at least once a year and more often if they are changing partners often or have been at risk.ā
Simon Dowe
Simon Dowe, Chief Executive at The Sussex Beacon, added:“Even though we are seeing a decline in the number of undiagnosed infections, the rates of ongoing transmission remain high. Ensuring that people have access to HIV tests, PrEP and HIV medicines is essential in stopping the spread of the virus. Year on year we have seen an increase in the number of people living with HIV highlighting the need for effective prevention programmes to ensure that people most at risk of HIV receive the information and advice on how to stay negative”.
World Aids Day (WAD) approaches and the lives of people with HIV have possibly a greater focus within our community.
WAD gives usĀ a valuable opportunity to reflect on where weāve come from, what the struggles have been, loss, the inequalities, our achievements and our hopes for the future.
Often Iām grateful to use this space to remind people, especially those who are fortunate to not have experienced the fearful, highly stigmatised and often seemingly hopeless days of HIV, of how hard our community was hit, and how it changed things forever. But this year has been an exceptional one, with our service seeing more people than ever who tell us of social and financial struggles, living below the poverty line, difficulty accessing statutory support services, inequalities, and fears for the future that surpass anything weāve heard for years.
Weāve seen vivid examples of people living in real poverty, both those working and not, unable to afford to eat regularly or meet their bills and rent. Weāve seen others coming to our City, sleeping rough and struggling to find safe shelter.
There have been others whose self-esteem has been destroyed through rejection from people close as a result of disclosing their status. And, when talking to people in our community and wider, weāve heard: “but everythingās alright now with HIV ā whatās the problem?”
For those that are interested in listening, learning about the realities and helping ā thank you!
For those who do not – individualism, lack of empathy and belief in community are several things missing, Iād say. For those that doubt there remains a need for support there sometimes seems an insidious belief that many of us with HIV are doing little to help ourselves, but my experience is completely different. I see people reaching out, offering support to each other and deeply caring about their lives and those of others.
This all helps us cope, improve our own situation and build community, but there still remain the root causes of so much social and health inequality. We need to tell people who make the big decisions in our City that affect our lives what the important issues are, and how they affect us.
Whatever our political persuasion, or none, Iāve come to believe that unless we start doing this now, the boat will have sailed, our voices lost and that the important considerations and decisions that affect our futures will have been made without us. Donāt let inevitable good news stories or momentary sense of improved security cloud what will still very likely be an uncertain future.
For those of us that remember the early days of HIV and fought to have our voices heard, equality and rights upheld, letās do this again, even if the issues have probably changed.
For those who are fortunate not to have experienced those days, join in now, improving the future for yourself and all of us depends on it.
In the early part of next year, Lunch Positive will be hosting some informal visits from the City Fairness Commission to talk to people with HIV. Weāll make it a space where you feel comfortable and confident to say what you think is important.
The Commission has been set up by the City’s Labour administration to hear views and ideas in residents own words on the challenges and inequalities you experience living in the City.
You will be able to talk anonymously and safely. The commission will use what they hear to recommendĀ practical ways of makingĀ BrightonĀ & Hove a fairer and more equal place to live. The Commission reports its findings in the summer. Be part of it, before itās too lateā¦
Gary Pargeter, is the Volunteer Project Manager at Lunch Positive; and is the LGBT Small Groups Representative at Community Works.
For more information about Lunch Positive, click here: www.lunchpositive.org
For more information aboutĀ The Fairness Commission, (Brighton & Hove City Council), click here:Ā
Global LGBT travel association to honour the South African human rights advocate during historic first LGBT travel conference in Africa.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu will receive the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Associationās prestigious Chair Award for 2016.
The award recipient is chosen by the head of the IGLTA board of directors and presented to an individual or business that has made the world a more welcoming place for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender travellers.
Dan Melesurgo
IGLTA Board Chair Dan Melesurgo, said:Ā āAs weāre holding our convention on the African continent for the first time, I cannot think of a better award recipient than Archbishop Desmond Tutu.āĀ
āHe has been a global inspiration since the demise of apartheid, using his high profile to campaign for the oppressed and defend human rights. He is a true leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS, poverty, racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia.ā
Tutu’s rise to international prominence began when he became the first black person to be appointed the Anglican Dean of Johannesburg in 1975 and emerged as one of the most eloquent voices of the South African anti-apartheid movement.
In 1984, he received the Nobel Peace Prize. Although he retired as Archbishop of Cape Town in 1996, he remains a moral compass for the continent, speaking out against the anti-gay policies of other African countries.
Tutu has been widely quoted as saying:“I would not worship a God who is homophobic and that is how deeply I feel about this.ā
The 2016 IGLTA Chair Award will be presented as part of the opening keynote session of IGLTAās 33nd Annual Global Convention at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town on April 14, 2016, in cooperation with the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation.
For more information about the Convention, click here:
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