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Star of ‘Back to Jamaica’ to co-compere Trans Pride

In January of this year a BBC Newsbeat documentary followed two transgender friends on a life changing journey to one of the most transphobic and homophobic countries in the world.

Steffan and Romario
Steffan and Romario

Steffan and Romario, both now living in the UK, traveled back to Jamaica to reveal their new identities to their families.

On the eve of an emotional return to Jamaica, this months GScene cover model Romario Wanliss summed up how many LGBT people have felt throughout their lives when he said; “I’m battling between feeling revengeful, vindictive and at the same time feeling hopeful, it’s a mixture of feelings”.

There is almost a casual bravery from the friends as they scroll through local news reports on their smart phones of local homosexuals being set upon by an angry mob and murdered in broad daylight. There is however a remarkable normality to the Romario and Steffan who present as a two guys, just passing the time of day. Dressed in the mundane every day designs that adorn millions of young men the world over, there is certainly little in their appearance to attract the potential unkindness of strangers.

The documentary follows Romario through an emotional reunion with his sister and later father, on-screen. Possibly the most uncomfortable moment is when his sister tells him that although she accepts him as family, she “doesn’t believe in the whole transgender and sexuality thing [sic]”.

Romario’s reaction in the face of such awkwardness is both kind and respectful of his families struggle to accept who he has now become. Their prejudice backed up with biblical references, he calmly speaks of his disappointment, but moves on, seemingly unaffected.

The documentary is just the beginning of Romario’s journey. He has a comprehensive presence online, with social media accounts across all platforms under the name Mr. Black Branson all of which record his transition both emotional and surgical. I caught up with Romario and asked him what was behind his decision to have such a visible and public persona: “early on in my transitioning, I tried to commit suicide, and I was let down by a charity that I had called and I decided that instead of picking up the phone, I would pick up the camera and record how I felt. It comes from the idea that if you share a story you can save a life, and I thought if I share my story, that might mean someone else doesn’t attempt to commit suicide, they would appreciate that they are not alone.”

Even without the context of his transgendered history, here is an individual who is likeable, creative, engaging, intelligent in his commentary both of the world and his role within it.

He is smart, calm, articulate and has a smile that would fill a room. Romario (and his close friend Steffan who makes regular appearances with him online) truly feel like the next generation of LGBT+ youth.The next step.

It is clear from their cultural heritage and discussions of their recorded histories that they have faced discrimination and hostility from friend, foe and family, and yet both seem not in the least bit jaded. I asked Romario if he felt that wider society (not just LGBT+) could benefit from the increased visibility of the transgendered community. “There have been many issues I have faced in my life, for example I have been homeless twice when I was kicked out by family members, I feel personally that by sharing my story and being visible, anyone from any community might look at another person’s situation and I think ‘you know what, my circumstances are not so tough after all’. These days I don’t worry so much about what to wear, about my what my future may hold, I just get up and get on with it, again, share a story save a life”.

Romario describes his future to me as a creative one filled with poetry, spoken word, music and cinematography. “I want, and I want other people to see me as a man, a man who just gets up every day, and gets on.” As Romario himself says on one of his many spoken word YouTube films: “There is a light, you become stronger just like you predicted. You empower, you motivate, some look up to you, some even fear you. The kitten becomes the lion. You are tried, tested, but you are never broken”. Mr. Black Brandon, Romario Wanliss, you are an inspiration to us all.

Romario will be co-compering the main stage at  Trans* Pride in Brunswick Square, Hove on Saturday, July 23.

You can watch their story here.

Legendary DJ Jon Pleased Wimmin returns

DJ Jon Of The Pleased Wimmin (aka Jon Cooper) returns to the decks to play the Eagle Nightclub in South London’s Kennington tomorrow evening, Saturday June 25.

Jon Pleased Wimmin
Jon Pleased Wimmin

The event marks the start of a hectic schedule, for the legendary DJ which will take in a number of nights around the UK together with his hotly awaited new release ‘Heels’ on the Fetch Records label.

Cooper said: This is my homecoming, renaissance and evolution together in one big bundle of love. Pleased and its crowd hold a special place in my heart and holds some very special memories for me.”

After being named in the top 5 of DJ Magazine’s respected top 100 DJ’s in the world, things went stratospheric for Cooper. Bestselling compilations for Ministry of Sound were followed with headline slots in the UK’s biggest clubs, such as Cream, Renaissance, Pacha, Venus, The Pod, Ministry of Sound and Gatecrasher.

Then came the change that shocked and puzzled many in the house music family. “I just needed to take time out and get some perspective back,” said Cooper.

“Life was crazy and the projects and demands on my time were getting bigger. I was living a life that most dreamt of, but I still felt unfulfilled.”

“At that moment in the 00’ties things were changing and I wanted to change too, so I simply stopped. The following years saw me relocate, attain a University degree and simply take stock of where I was going.”

Demand for the much sought after artist never waned, and in 2012 fans were treated to original releases of Oh Yeah, Guiltless, and Disconnected.

Pleased was then reborn as a labour of love: from one who gave birth to the original and another who wished he was there for the arrival. Kris Chapman and JPW had talked many times about finding the right project to work on together, and in September 2014 by mutual agreement, Pleased was reborn with what was supposed to be a one-off party in Soho, with the release of his 2014 remix of Visage’s Never Enough followed by Don’t Be Scared of Yourself on Kidology in 2015.

Demand was so high that they were asked to start a bi-monthly residency in East London not long after. Now settling into the new regular home of the Eagle, also home to the weekly disco enthusiasts Horse Meat Disco, they are ready and keen to show South London exactly what they are made of, and that they are truly back in force. And, as an emblem of the thriving LGBT+ scene, the Eagle is the perfect venue to host such a striking artist.

JPW’s gig at the Eagle will be electric. His culture of breaking down boundaries, pushing barriers and inspiring his audiences to express themselves and let their hair down will go down an absolute treat at such a welcoming venue.

JPW’s discerning knowledge of music, his fresh talent and raw style make for a unique artist, and his latest set demonstrates exactly this. The set features a diverse range of artists, including Soulwax, Hoxton Whores, Dimitri From Paris and Lifelike, with plenty of surprises thrown in to keep in the crowds in awe.

To further excite the crowd, friend and legendary DJ Jeremy Healy joins the line up. The two house favourites will play together for the first time in over a decade – with London legend Tasty Tim and Pleased’s original resident Paul Woods also joining them.

Jon of The Pleased Wimmin earned his respect over the years from clubbers, fashion designers and celebrities alike, as a result of his talent for playing what the people needed and wanted to hear. Seeing JPW at the Eagle is an event that no clubber or house fan will want to miss.


Event: PLEASED: Jon Pleased Wimmin, Jeremy Healy, Tasty Tim, Paul Woods

Where: Eagle London, 349 Kennington Lane, London SE11 5QY

When: Saturday, June 25

Time: 9pm-4am

Chorus chairman sets sail for Rio Olympics

There’s a golden summer ahead for the new chairman of Actually Gay Men’s Chorus, Alan Baser.

Alan Baser
Alan Baser

Rio bound and with the challenge of making dreams come true, for this summer’s sailing heroes at the 31st Olympic games, Alan has the task of taking medal influencing decisions whilst being watched by sailing enthusiasts around the globe.

Alan is looking forward to taking his place on the international jury, one of only 2 International Technical Officials from the UK and 28 worldwide, judging the world’s sailing elite in the 10 disciplines of Olympic sailing and windsurfing.

The Olympics is the absolute pinnacle event for the sport of sailboat racing, so having been Chairman of the Royal Yachting Association’s Judging and Umpiring Committee leading up to London 2012, where Alan was a National Technical Official working with the International Jury, he also acted as chief umpire at the Sailing World Cup last year in Abu Dhabi, to now be selected onto this Jury states that World Sailing has judged him to be one of the absolute top-level International Judges in the World.

Alan said: “It is an absolute honour to have been selected for the International Jury, I have been working hard for this for the past 10 years, work which will continue in preparation and during the event. It’s essential that I get it right as the decisions we make can mean the difference between a gold medal or none at all.”

Brazil’s iconic Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain will be the backdrop to the sailing this summer which will take place from Marina Da Gloria with racing in the open ocean and Guanabara Bay.

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Doncaster Pride gears up to celebrate tenth anniversary

Plans are well underway for the tenth Doncaster Pride which will take place on August 20 in the heart of the town centre.

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The event started from humble beginnings in the Market Place in 2007  with an audience of around a thousand.

In 2016 it is now one of the biggest events staged in Doncaster with crowds expected to reach ten thousand this year to mark the 10th birthday celebrations.

Doncaster Pride is run for and by the gay community and welcomes everyone including families to the colourful day that includes a walk through the streets of Doncaster led by a pipe and drum band featuring local community groups including the South Yorkshire Commemorative Trust and representatives from collieries across the borough.

Following the walk the main stage will feature a mixture of acts ranging from Disney sing-a-long to the hits of S Club 7 and Jo O’Meara.

Local performers, community theatre, drag and burlesque performers will be accompanied on stage by tribute acts to Lady Gaga, Amy Winehouse, Justin Bieber, Little Mix and David Bowie to name a few, creating a fun, friendly and colourful day out that remains completely free!

Add to the walk and the main stage a mix of food and drink outlets, stalls crammed full of information and retailers selling an array of goods and the event is complete.

Jenny Dewsnap
Jenny Dewsnap

Chair of Doncaster Pride Jenny Dewsnap, said: “We have been doing this for 10 years and we are proud of what we’ve achieved as a very small voluntary group. We’ve seen things change enormously in that time here in Doncaster. We’ve seen support from within and outside the gay community grow and we now have many sponsors and supporters who help us to deliver this fabulous event. We’ve also seen our crowds grow year on year, not just from the gay community but much wider and all coming together in unity and celebration to have an amazing day out.

“Doncaster Pride has grown to be one of the largest annual events in the town and it puts Doncaster on the map for the right reasons. We feel we’re part of a growing number of hugely successful Pride events and of course we reckon we’re one of the best around – we must be doing something right to be going this strong for the tenth birthday event..

“We are so proud of what we’ve achieved, but more so we are proud of everyone in Doncaster that has supported us over 10 years. We urge you all to come and join in on August 20th and help us celebrate this milestone.

“Pride does have a serious side, recent events in Florida – the senseless murder of 49 people from our community has served to remind us all that Pride events are still as important now as they have ever been. The world may have advanced but homophobia and lack of education prevails and whilst ever one person anywhere in the world is suffering because of their sexuality we will continue and we will remember the real reasons why Pride events and the visibility they give to the gay community are still relevant in 2016.”


Walk of Unity – from 1pm – meeting point The Queens (Doncaster Market Square) route is 1 mile approximately and suitable for all including wheelchairs and pushchairs. It is a totally pedestrianised route.

Main stage – DJ commences 1pm

Main Stage – Acts commence 2pm

Main stage closes and event ends – 10pm

Doncaster Pride is a free event and everyone is welcome to attend.

For more information about Doncaster Pride, click here:

 

 

 

New fully inclusive LGBT Rainbow Triathlon for the city

Organisers of Brighton and Hove Triathlon announce first ever Diversity Triathlon.

Sophie Cook and John Lunt
Sophie Cook with Race Director John Lunt

The fully inclusive LGBT Rainbow Triathlon, will celebrate the diverse culture in Brighton and Hove promoting the triathlon as a fully inclusive sport.

With 1,500 entrants racing along Brighton’s iconic seafront, there will be several wave starts. Brighton and Hove Triathlon have already provided the opportunity to race in a ‘WomenOnly wave’ for women who feel more comfortable racing alongside other like-minded women and a ‘Mates Wave’ where friends can race together.

The Rainbow Wave will be the first ever race of its kind during an international triathlon and will provide a welcome opportunity for individuals to race, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, in a city with an amazing diversity and LGBT heritage.

The Rainbow Wave will not only celebrate the diversity of sexual orientation and gender identity but also the diversity of human characteristics as a whole and is open to everyone to race in.

Race ambassador for the Rainbow Wave, Sophie Cook is the first transgender TV newscaster in Europe, Head of Diversity for Latest TV and first transgender woman to work in the Premier football League.

Since her transition, Sophie has travelled across the UK giving talks about diversity in sport to break down barriers and to provide support for people who are unsure of their identity. She was a special guest speaker for The Football Association at Wembley Stadium and also at the Diverse Identities in Sport Conference in Glasgow.

Sophie said: “The race offers the opportunity for the whole community to support LGBT rights. This is not about segregation, or creating a separate part of the race. It is about showing support for the LGBT community. It would be my hope that the Rainbow Wave becomes the largest wave in the race with allies joining together to send a clear message that homophobia and transphobia have no place in sport”.

Another event ambassador, former ex-GB Triathlon Elite, Gay Games Gold medallist. Mark Edmonds said: “I think the Rainbow Wave at the Brighton and Hove Triathlon is a really positive move forwards and will hopefully attract some new people into this wonderful sport to make them feel welcome”.

Event Director John Lunt added: “The sport has always been about equality, diversity and inclusion, and I’m very proud that we have got the first ever LGBT event off the ground in a City which celebrates human diversity. It’s fantastic to be welcoming people from all over the world”.

Supported by Triathlon England and British Triathlon, the Brighton and Hove Triathlon will take place on Sunday, September 11. The event will run in conjunction with a new Sport and Fitness Show on Hove Lawns on the seafront.

Jack Buckner
Jack Buckner

In support of the sport’s first ever Rainbow wave, Jack Buckner, CEO at British Triathlon, said: “We are really excited about the introduction of the Rainbow Wave. Triathlon has grown significantly over the past decade and it is exciting to see our audience diversify also. This move exemplifies how open and accepting our sport is to anyone hoping to gain the physical and psychological benefits of taking part in triathlon. Good luck to everyone taking part.”

For more info or to enter the Brighton & Hove Triathlon, click here:

For more information on The Sport and Fitness Show on Hove seafront, click here:

 

Trans Pride moves to Brunswick Square in Hove

Trans Pride takes place from Thursday 21 to Sunday 24 of July with a much longer and visible Parade route along Brighton seafront to Brunswick Gardens in Hove for the main park event.

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Parade starts from Marlborough Pub at noon

Thursday July 21: Trans Pride Art Night at the Marlborough Theatre and Pub from 7pm featuring three micro-commissions, promoting the trans community’s wealth of creative talent, presented by Pink Fringe and Trans Pride, supported by Arts Council England. All three shows £5.

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Friday, July 22: The Duke of York cinema joins with Eyes Wide Open and My Genderation to host the opening night of Trans Pride Brighton 2016. Film Night is a highlight of the Trans calendar year, where the best in trans talent both in front of and behind the camera is celebrated. This year, they will showcase a specially curated selection of short films from around the world, reflecting the brilliant variety of trans lives and experiences. Duke of York, 6-9pm. £4/£5/£6

Saturday, July 23: The park event this year moves to Brunswick Square in Hove. To join the march meet outside the Marlborough Pub in Princess Street at 11.30am with a banner and whistle. The March will leave the Marlborough at noon, turn right at the Brighton Pier and progress along the seafront to Brunswick Square where there will be live acts, speeches, stalls, and places to eat and socialise till 6pm.

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Later in the evening at 7.30pm, there will be a live gig at Westhill Hall featuring four live bands: Pentacorn, Tuffragettes, Slum of Legs and Daskinsey4 at 7.30pm, £5/£6. The Traumfrau party at Envy above Charles Street will start at 9pm. £5/£6.

Sunday July 24: Take in the community BBQ at the Marlborough Pub & Theatre from noon.

In collaboration with Pink Fringe, Trans Pride Brighton has a public art installation by Yishay Garbasz and Annie Goh called Nothing About Us Without Us from June 16 until the July 8 at the Marlborough Pub and Theatre.

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For up to date information about Trans Pride, click here:

LETTER TO EDITOR: Remove ‘hate sound’ from London Pride Parade

Lobby the Mayor of London and Commander Mak Chishty of the Metropolitan Police to stop the purveyors of hate sound on the Pride in London Parade, tomorrow.

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Copy and paste the email below, along with your own comments added if you wish to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan and Commander Mak Chishty of the Metropolitan Police asking for it to be brought to the attention of the Gold Commander for the Pride March, Commander Dave Musker and the Mayors office of Police and Community Safety.


Dear Sir’s,

I am writing about the ongoing issue of an extremist right-wing group spreading hate speech at London Pride.

Every year at the bottom of Regent Street where it joins Pall Mall there is a protest from the extreme right-wing group Christian Voice, they amplify their intolerant preaching with a sound system and unpleasant, distressing and condemning placards.

They suggest LGBT+ people will burn, that we deserve to burn. The placards promise torture, hideous pornographic violence against us and punishment, just for being who we are. They hide behind scripture, but its hate speech.

The alarm, distress and harm this amplified preaching does to the many thousands of attendees at the Pride March is significant.

I wish to complain about the amplifications of this hate speech and the huge speakers/sound system the group uses to blast their nauseating speech across the Pride March and assembled crowd. As a concerned members of the LGBT+ public I express my concerns about this hate speech being allowed to continue so close to the Pride March.

I acknowledge they have a right to protest if they wish, I can turn my back on their placards, however, I can’t stop my ears to the loud intrusive ranting being spewed into a public space.

I believe that I have a right to go about my day, my one important day, without being harmed. The amplification via the sound system of the constant barrage of judgemental, disrespectful and condemning preaching from these haters is harmful. It harms resilient LGBT+ people like myself, the harm it must do to more vulnerable members of the LBGT+ community is appalling, and it must stop. I am concerned about the impact of this protest on the LGBT+ Community.

I ask you to stop the amplification and sound system of these hate preachers for the duration of the march. It’s a small ask. I ask you to tell them to turn off their sound systems for the duration of the march.

Manchester City Council, Brighton City Council, Cardiff and many other Authorities and Police forces have intervened and stopped this group propagating their vile, hate filled speech. There should be no space in London for this.

The only reason they attend is to spread alarm and distress. They intend to cause harm.

You have the power to stop this, should you choose, working with MOPEC you can stop this. I would also ask you to stop them protesting our Pride.

I argue that following the recent events in Orlando and Mexico that the LGBT community is vulnerable, feeling under attack and distressed and allowing this loud, intrusive, disrespectful and harmful amplified preaching to continue is wrong and by facilitating this amplified preaching you are enabling hate speech.

Please get them to turn off their sound system for the duration of the march.

They must be told to Shhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

A concerned member of the LGBTQ Community who is attending London Pride this weekend.


Copy this email to:

mayor@london.gov.uk

Mak.Chishty@met.pnn.police.uk 

enquiries@mopac.london.gov.uk

To read more about Christian Voice, click here:

To read more about the man behind this homophobic hate filled protest, click here:

London Gay Men’s Chorus release charity single for Orlando victims

London Gay Men’s Chorus (LGMC) today release their version of Simon & Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water.

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Proceeds from the sale of the charity single will be split equally between the Orlando Victims Fund, organised by Equality Florida and Galop, a London ­based charity that works to reduce LGBT hate crime in London and around the UK.

The LGMC performed the song at the vigil in Soho, London to commemorate the victims of the Orlando attack. Footage of the performance, which took place after a two minute silence, was shared online by news outlets around the world, receiving millions of views and shares.

This digital­ only release will be available to purchase or stream on all major platforms including iTunes, Amazon Music, Google Play, Spotify, Deezer and Tidal.

Just hours before the attack at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando took place, LGMC recorded Bridge Over Troubled Water in preparation for their forthcoming album, which celebrates the chorus’s 25th anniversary (due to be released in late 2016).

Following an unprecedented response to footage posted online from their performance at the Soho Vigil held to commemorate victims of the Orlando Pulse nightclub attack, the LGMC decided to release the track early to raise money for victims of this brutal attack and for victims of LGBT hate crime in the UK.

LGMC Artistic Director Simon Sharp says: “The attack on the Pulse nightclub in Orlando sent shockwaves through the whole LGBT community. The LGMC responded in the only way we could: through song. We were truly overwhelmed by the public response to our performance at the Soho Vigil and want to do everything we can to raise money for the victims of the Orlando attack and for victims of LGBT hate crime in the UK. We had recorded Bridge Over Troubled Water for our forthcoming album. It’s a song that has taken on new meaning for us as a chorus but we hope it sends out a message of love and support to all of our LGBT brothers and sisters and our straight allies across the world”

Chairman of the LGMC, John D. Carrion added: “The LGMC believes passionately that music has the power to heal and to inspire, to lift souls and to unite people in times of joy and sorrow. We understand how vital it is that the LGBT community has access to safe and supportive spaces – community groups such as the LGMC, bars and clubs – as a sanctuary. A place to express yourself and your identity. A place to call home. The Orlando attack was an act of hatred directed towards the LGBT community and we want to combat this hate with a message of love, hope and solidarity.

“The response to our performance at the vigil has been incredibly overwhelming and humbling for all of our members. We would like to take the opportunity to send our thanks to all those who shared this moment with us, and sent us messages of thanks and love. It helps spur us on to continue singing – for equality, and for those who have gone too early. We hope you will consider purchasing this single to send a message of support to the victims of this horrific attack”

Arranged by Fred Broom, with orchestrations by Simon Nathan, Bridge Over Troubled Water features the Orion Orchestra with Lana Bode on piano.

The LGMC’s recording of Bridge Over Troubled Water has been arranged and recorded by kind permission from Universal and distributed by Horus Music.

To purchase the single, click here:

BRIGHTON AND HOVE STI TESTING WEEK is back for another year

Following the success of the first STI TESTING WEEK in summer 2015, Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) are preparing for the second STI TESTING WEEK to come to Brighton and Hove.

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Starting on Monday, July 4 for seven days, BRIGHTON AND HOVE STI TESTING WEEK promotes and encourages the importance of regular testing for sexual transmitted diseases (STIs) including chlamydia and gonorrhoea.

STIs are easy to catch, but equally so to test and treat. It’s never been easier and faster to have a free and confidential STI test, you can do yourself. Regular testing, especially after each sexual partner, could greatly improve your sexual health; most STIs are easily and effectively treated with a short course of medication, usually antibiotics.

In 2014, Brighton and Hove had a syphilis diagnosis rate eight times the England average according to Public Health England. STIs, including chlamydia, gonorrhoea and syphilis, can be easily passed on through sexual contact including oral sex, and you may not always realise you are infected as STIs can be symptomless. Gay and bisexual men, black Africans and young people are at highest risk of STIs

Through STI testing week, THT, the UKs leading HIV and sexual health charity, will be delivering ‘pop-up’ STI testing, with residents able to get tested in locations across the city, including bars, clubs, community centres as well as R-Bar, Charles Street, Legends, Subline and the Brighton Sauna and the Boiler Room Sauna in Hove.

THT’s Brighton centre, at 61 Ship Street, will be open weekdays between 10am till 8pm during BRIGHTON & HOVE STI TESTING WEEK.

For further details and times of THT’s BRIGHTON & HOVE STI TESTING WEEK ‘pop up’ STI testing week locations. click here: 

Tom Boyt, Senior Engagement Officer at Terrence Higgins Trust in Brighton said: “Last years BRIGHTON AND HOVE STI TESTING WEEK was a fantastic success, not only in promoting just how easy it is to take an STI test and that they are free to everyone but also highlighting the greater availability of STI testing locations city-wide, whether that be clinics, including the THT office, community venues right through to bars and clubs where STI tests can be easily completed. Last year, 10% of those people who were tested during our ‘pop up shops’ were found to have an STI, which again highlights the importance to test regularly.

BRIGHTON AND HOVE STI TESTING WEEK is back and this year it’s bigger!

“STI testing is quick, easy and painless and there is no need to book an appointment. After your test your confidential results will be sent to you by text message, and whatever the result, Terrence Higgins Trust provides advice, support and information to help you look after your sexual health.”

“Testing Week not only aims to increase testing for those at greater risk of STIs but also increases knowledge on how to prevent onward transmission, what symptoms to look out for and make people aware that you can have, and pass on, an infection even without any symptoms.”

BRIGHTON & HOVE STI TESTING WEEK takes place from Monday, July 4 to Sunday 10 across Brighton and Hove.

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Allies donate £1,000 to ‘Cancer is a Drag’ charity

Local entertainer and Patron of the charity Cancer is a Drag, Dave Lynn receives donations from Cheetahs Gym and the Adonis Cabaret Show strippers for the cancer charity.

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Cheetah’s Gym in Hove have donated buckets of spare change worth about £500 to the charity.

Tamzin Plank, manager at Cheetahs told the owner, Doc about the work of the cancer charity, and he agreed to donate the change to help their work. A telephone call to the Adonis Cabaret Show brought their strippers to the Gym along with owner Tristan Edwin Everard Mills who doubled the money in the buckets donating a further £500 to benefit the charity.

Cancer is a Drag was started 2003 and helps people living with cancer overcome financial difficulties they face on a day-to-day basis.

Founder, Alan Bugg, originally set up the charity in 2012 by creating an official Fundraising Group called Cancer is a Drag with Macmillan Cancer Support.

Alan was diagnosed with Grade 4 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in September 2010 and after many cycles of chemotherapy and not being able to work found himself struggling financially to make ends meet.

During these difficult times, it was Macmillan Cancer Support who offered the best advice on what little benefits were available to him. He realised that he was not alone in his financial struggle – struggling to survive physically, mentally, emotionally and now financially became a real Drag!

Cancer is a Drag was born out of this experience and being someone who had always loved to watch drag artists on T.V. and in bars on the LBGT+ scene, Alan came up with the idea of fundraising to give financial support to people and their families living with cancer by organising drag shows and events to benefit the charity.

Cancer is a Drag brings a slice of glamour, fabulousness and fun to the battle against cancer. A battle that can affect everyone in many ways. They received Charitable status in January this year; Registered Charity No. 1160129.

For more information, click here:

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