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IPCC update LGBT groups on Barking deaths investigation

Members of LGBT community groups in east London have met with investigators examining the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) response following the deaths of four young men.

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The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the response of the MPS to the deaths.

The bodies of Anthony Walgate, 23, Gabriel Kovari, 22, Daniel Whitworth, 21, and Jack Taylor, 25, were all found in the Barking area on separate dates between June 2014 and September 2015.

IPCC Commissioner Cindy Butts, who is overseeing the organisation’s investigation into the MPS response to the four deaths, has held a meeting with a small number of invited community representatives in Barking to listen to concerns.

The Commissioner explained the scope of the investigation and outlined what work has already been carried out, such as reviewing documentation and statements.

During the meeting the Commissioner also asked for anybody who may have information which may assist the IPCC investigation to come forward.

Cindy Butts
Cindy Butts

Cindy Butts said: “The tragic deaths of these four young men have concerned the community, both in east London and in the wider LGBT community.

“I was pleased to offer the opportunity to meet with community groups to explain our role in examining the police response to these deaths and listen to concerns.

“We are limited in what information we can discuss so as not to prejudice the ongoing criminal proceedings linked to this case but, I would like to reassure people that our investigators are continuing their important work.

“We are keeping all of the families involved up to date with our investigation and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the tragic deaths of Anthony, Gabriel, Daniel and Jack.”

The IPCC are aware statements and information were provided to police at the time of the original investigations into the four deaths. However, IPCC would like to hear from anybody who passed information to police specifically between June 19, 2014 and October 15 2015, prior to the investigation currently being carried out by the MPS’s Homicide and Serious Crime Command.

As part of the police investigation, Stephen Port, 41, of Barking, has been charged with four counts of murder in relation to the deaths as well as a number of other offences. The criminal proceedings in relation to these charges are ongoing.

Anyone with information should telephone 0800 151 0021 or email: 

Parking permit amnesty starts on August 1

Brighton and Hove City Council are inviting residents in possession of parking permits for zones they no longer live in to hand them in.

WEB.600The council is running a permit ‘amnesty’ throughout August. People with permits who are not entitled to them can hand them in for cancellation with no questions asked. Residents can either post the permit back to the council or hand it in to parking services staff in the customer service centre at Hove Town Hall where there is also a special permit drop box.

Parking permits state that if a resident moves out of the parking zone for which they have a permit, they must surrender it.

It is fraud to use any kind of parking permit that you are not entitled to. A sample audit in the city showed that around 2% of permits in circulation are possibly fraudulent, which is a potential cost to the council of around £190,000.

Councillor Gill Mitchell with Brighton & Hove City Council’s new mechanical street cleaners outside the Town Hall in Brighton. August 6, 2015. © James Boardman 07967642437
Councillor Gill Mitchell

Cllr Gill Mitchell, chair of the city’s environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “Brighton & Hove has had considerable success in dealing with Blue Badge fraud and we are keen to see that other types of parking permits are not being misused. We have 27,000 resident permits on issue so making sure that they are going to the right people will ensure residents can park more easily near to their homes and will free up waiting lists.”

 Anyone found using permits fraudulently following the amnesty could face prosecution. The council is continuing to cross-check records and from September will introduce automatic online checks as well as new forms warning people who the council will take action against people using parking permits fraudulently.

M.E. research and treatment

The Sussex ME Society to host a medical meeting on Thursday October 6 at the Brighthelm Centre in Brighton.

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The charity who cares for those affected by Myalgic encephalopathy (ME) or Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) will be hosting a medical meeting on Thursday October 6 at the Brighthelm Centre in central Brighton.

Presentations will be given by consultant neurologist Prof Leslie Findley and Clinician Scientist Dr Neil Harrison from Sussex University along with Dr Alan Stewart and staff members of the NHS Sussex ME/CFS Service.

To reserve a place email: or telephone Colin on 01273 674828.

For more information, click here:

MindOut Director honoured by University of Brighton

Helen Jones, a leading mental health worker has been awarded the honorary degree of Master of Arts in recognition of her outstanding contribution to public service in the field of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer mental health.

Helen Jones
Helen Jones

Helen received her honorary degree during the University’s summer graduation ceremony at the Brighton Dome on 26 July. She was presented by Professor David Taylor, Dean of the College of Social Sciences.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Helen Jones, said: “I feel very honoured. This means a lot to me personally, but more importantly it is a recognition that the mental health issues facing LGBTQ communities are both a legitimate and urgent field of study and of community development. MindOut is a great example of how Universities and community organisations can work together to create social change.”

Helen helped to found local mental health project MindOut in Brighton & Hove 17 years ago in response to the demand for services to meet the needs of LGBTQ communities.

She has worked in mental health for many years, as a service manager, psychotherapist, counsellor and advocacy worker, and prior to that as a psychiatric nurse. She is passionate about empowerment, peer support and service user participation.

For more information about MindOut, click here:

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Trans campaigner honoured by University of Brighton

Paris Lees, the prize-winning journalist, presenter and equality campaigner has been awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters in recognition of her major contribution to the understanding of trans-identity in contemporary society as a journalist and cultural commentator.

Paris Lees
Paris Lees

Paris received her honorary degree during the University’s summer graduation ceremony at the Brighton Dome on July 25, presented by Professor Debra Humphris, Vice-Chancellor of the University.

Speaking to graduates at the awards ceremony, Paris Lees said: “I am deeply grateful to everyone at the University and in particular the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Debra Humphris. Up until very recently trans people weren’t celebrated for anything – we were simply objects of ridicule, or data points in academic debates.

“Family. Love. Prestige. These are things traditionally denied to trans people. I want people from the margins of society to know that it is possible to have these things.

 “I feel compelled to dedicate this honorary doctorate to a group people who seldom enjoy public praise – sex workers. Sex work is part of my past now, but the truth is I would not have got my degree and forged the career I enjoy today without making some tough choices.

“Making sex work criminal does not stop it from happening and only puts sex workers in danger. Too many middle class commentators in broadsheet newspapers continue to ignore the voices of sex workers and call for a ban on sex work. This has to stop. Sex workers, like trans people, are one of the most silenced groups in society. We do not hear their voices. I want them to know that they are valuable, that they are not wrong, or dirty, and that I care about them.”

Paris Lees was described as “the voice of a generation” by i-D magazine. Her work can be found everywhere from the Daily Telegraph to the Guardian and she is the first and, so far, only trans person to appear on the BBC’s flagship discussion programme Question Time.

She is the first trans woman to present for BBC Radio 1 and Channel 4 and has won various awards, including Ultimate Trailblazer at the Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women of the Year Awards in 2014.

She co-founded All About Trans in 2011, a project to connect trans people with the media that lead to BBC2 comedy Boy Meets Girl and Eastenders’ first trans character.

In recognition of her campaigning, the Independent on Sunday named her the most influential lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person in Britain in 2013.

Her memoir is being published next year by Penguin.

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Young people in Brighton & Hove are making LGBTQ history

Young people in Brighton & Hove are making LGBTQ history.

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Work in progress by ‘Into the Outside’ participants © the artists

Photoworks, an organisation dedicated to enabling participation in photography and produce the Brighton Photo Biennial is leading on Into the Outside – a learning project with local young people, re-examining their city’s rich LGBTQ+ past and creating a new archive of queer youth experiences.

Around thirty 13-25 year olds are examining how issues faced today by young people identifying as LGBTQ+ compare with those faced by young LGBTQ people over the past forty years.

Participants have been recruited by an open call through social media, schools and community groups. The thirteen-month heritage-learning project is being delivered in collaboration with Brighton & Hove Libraries Services, and the Mass Observation Archive.

The programme is being facilitated by artist Helen Cammock. Helen has many years of experience running high calibre projects with young people, and her own practice explores representation and relationships between the individual and society.

Photography and creative writing workshops, archive research and oral history training have already taken place with the young people at Jubilee Library and The Keep, a world-class archive resource centre.

Participants are exploring a range of archive materials at The Keep, including the National Lesbian and Gay Survey – an extraordinary collection of autobiographical writing and ephemera submitted by over 700 people between 1986 and 1994.

Many other organisations from across the city are also involved including: The East Sussex Records Office, Queer in Brighton and the Brighton & Hove Aldridge Community Academies.

Participants will be using their new skills to interview other young people at Pride in August 2016 and Brighton Photo Biennial in October 2016.

An Into the Outside exhibition will be shown in 2017 and the project will also create an online learning resource aimed at teachers and youth-workers.

Into the Outside investigates the period between 1967 (which saw the Sexual Offences Act decriminalize homosexual activity) and the present day, encompassing some key historical moments for the LGBTQ community, such as the first Gay Pride marches, Section 28, the reduction of the age of consent, the Civil Partnership Act and the Equality Act.

Juliette Buss, Photoworks Learning and Participation Curator, said: “The young people taking part are really keen to find out about the lives and experiences of other young people in the past who identified as LGBTQ+. They want to know what their social life was like, how they fitted in, and how easy or hard it was for them coming out.

“We’re thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and Brighton & Hove City Council. This project is a valuable opportunity to help local young people feel more connected with their city and enable them explore, make sense of, and value the legacy of their cultural heritage. They’ll learn about the importance of archives, develop heritage skills, and build awareness of LGBTQ+ issues such as, representation, identity, emotional wellbeing and social barriers to inclusion.”

For more information, click here:

 

Indian filmmaker Sridhar Rangayan will be a Grand Marshal at Montreal Pride 2016

Indian tricolour to fly high at Montreal Pride on August 14, 2016.

Sridhar Rangayan
Sridhar Rangayan

In honour of the Indian LGBT community, filmmaker Sridhar Rangayan, who earlier this year co-won the National Film Award for Best Editing, will be the Grand Marshal at Montreal Pride.

Rangayan, the founder and festival director of KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, South Asia’s biggest LGBT film fest, will lead the Pride parade, along with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“I am excited to fly the Indian tricolour along with the rainbow flag to underline that I am both Indian and gay – both my identities are a matter of pride for me”, said Rangayan. “I am both humbled and honoured to be chosen to lead Montreal Pride as one of the Grand Marshals. It is indeed a great privilege and, as with any privilege, comes with responsibilities. I hope that I can amplify the struggles and victories of the Indian LGBT community, and seek global support in ensuring a free and equal society,” added Rangayan.

Éric Pineault, founding president of Montreal Pride welcomed Sridhar Rangayan.

He said: “The entire Fierté Montréal team is honoured to be welcoming Rangayan to the 10th edition of Montréal Pride. Whether through his work as one of the organizers of the KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, as a producer of LGBTQ-themed films or as an activist for our communities, Rangayan is a pioneer in the advancement of rights for LGBTQ individuals in India. We are delighted to have him as a grand marshal and are proud to be presenting his film The Pink Mirror during our festival,”

He and two other board members of Montreal Pride – Jean-François Guevremont and Jean-Sébastien Boudreault had attended KASHISH 2016 this year as special guests.

Montreal pride, now in its 10th year, is the largest LGBTQ gathering in the Francophone world attracting close to 500,000 local and international visitors, taking part in more than 125 activities and events, including film screenings, musical performances, drag shows, etc.

Pride will be celebrated over the course of seven days, from August 8, 2016, culminating in the spectacular pride march on August 14.

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Record crowds attend Trans Pride

Record numbers of visitors flocked to Brighton & Hove on Saturday, July 23 to support Trans Pride, raise awareness of gender diversity and promote equality.

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Photo by: Stella Pix

The third annual Trans Pride March (fourth event) set off from the Marlborough Pub in Princes Street. It was attended by people from all over the UK bringing roads around The Old Steine to a standstill. The Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Cllr Pete West marched at the front of the parade with his son.

More than 2,500 people joined the March which was very well organised and noisy. Trans people and their allies, statutory and LGBTQ organisations, unions and members of the local Green Party including Cllr Phelim Mac Cafferty, the Convener of the Green Group of Councillors on the city council, marched together in solidarity, reinforcing the growing confidence trans people have gained not only in the city, but also in Sussex and across the country.

Trans Pride committee member Sarah Savage marshalled the Parade away from the Marlborough at noon, towards the Brighton Pier, where it turned right, progressing along the seafront to Hove and its new home in Brunswick Square.

It drew by far the largest attendance to date with organisers saying more than 4,500 unique visitors entered through the park gates during the day.

Since its inception in 2013, Trans Pride has grown organically each year and its move to the iconic surroundings of Brunswick Gardens in Hove, proved to be a masterstroke. The Park was well laid out, allowing the crowds to circulate in comfort and ease.

The change of location to Hove also gave the March a much higher profile than previous years, bringing the traffic on Brighton seafront to a complete stop.

The main stage was hosted by Romario and Emma Frankland who both kept the entertainment moving nicely along. Between speeches from members of the Trans Pride committee and guest speakers, entertainment was provided by Taylor LucasRenNona WyldAlice DennyScreaming ToenailConnor ByrneChemtrails and headliners Mr Squid.

The community stall area was fully subscribed with a range of local and national trans groups represented along with LGBT charities and service providers.

Sussex Police, Brighton & Hove City Council, The Sussex Police and Crime Commissioners office and other agencies offering support to the trans communities in the city were also visible and the community area was packed all day long.

After a sunny morning a sea mist came down, but the rain stayed off and all in all the weather was perfect for the many families with children who enjoyed picnics in the gardens.

Mostly impressively, the atmosphere of the event was spot on. Music was not too loud, speeches could easily be heard, all the community stalls were busy and the grass was covered with friends, allies and families having picnics, chatting and really enjoying themselves.

Each successive year, Trans Pride matures, highlighting the size of the Trans communities in Brighton & Hove and beyond.

Well done to the volunteers and everyone involved in organising Trans Pride 2016. Here’s to next year!

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Terrence Higgins Trust joined the march and the park event to raise awareness of good sexual health and HIV.

The UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity again joined forces with Clinic T, the specialised sexual health service for anyone who identifies as trans or gender variant, for the 4th Brighton and Hove Trans Pride.

Staff and volunteers answered questions about sexual health and local services at the joint stall in Brunswick Square, providing information, support and where to get tested for HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STIs) locally.  Condoms, femidoms and dams were provided to help everyone look after their sexual health and enjoy safe sex.

Tom Boyt, Senior Community Engagement Officer at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “Trans Pride is a fantastic celebration for the city that gets bigger and bigger every year. It was fantastic to see Bedford Square so welcoming, friendly and with a relaxed and upbeat atmosphere throughout the day.

“Terrence Higgins Trust and Clinic T were on hand with sexual health information, advice and resources to promote and assist those attending the importance of looking after their sexual health and how easy and available services are locally. It also gave us the opportunity to highlight our successful  joint partnership working between Terrence Higgins Trust Brighton, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals (BSUH), Clinic T, and of course the fabulous Trans* community.”

Terrence Higgins Trust provides support, information and advice services for those living with HIV and affected by HIV or poor sexual health.

Terrence Higgins Trust in Brighton is based at 61 Ship Street and provides free HIV testing and STI screening. It also offers a wide range of services for people living with HIV.

Photos by Stella Pix:

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