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New performance venue named after legendary drag queen, Phil Starr

The curtain rises on LGBT History Month at the Phil Starr Pavilion on Friday, February 3 with a series of over 50 events taking place under the collective banner of the B.RIGHT.ON LGBT Festival, to highlight the work of the city’s many LGBT groups and organisations.

Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) History month takes place every February. It is an international observance of the collective history of the LGBT community, giving LGBT people all over the world the opportunity to commemorate and remember the bravery of those who campaigned and spoke out to help achieve the freedoms and equality we enjoy today.

Starting today, (Monday January 30) The Phil Starr Pavilion is being erected on New Steine Gardens to host the 17 day festival creating a multi purpose, heated community theatre and performance space with fully functional hi tech stage, lights, sound system and licensed bar.

This ground breaking initiative, grant funded by Sussex Police, The Pride Social Economic Fund and Rainbow Fund with officer support from Brighton & Hove City Council, seeks to engage the city in the wide range of issues highlighted through the work of the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum.

The festival program opens on Friday 3 with Celebration! a gala celebrating the last 25 years work of The Sussex Beacon, a local HIV charity whose services are in danger of closing in June 2017 due to NHS cuts.

Starring Lorraine Bowen the Crumble Song lady from Britain’s Got Talent, Miss Jason, Alan JayDave Lynn, Davina Sparkle, Sally Vate, Kara Van Park and the legendary drag queen Maisie Trollette, now in the 83rd year of her reign and still performing regularly at venues in London and Brighton.

Dancers from The Brighton Academy choreographed by Emma Green will open the show which is directed and staged by West End director and choreographer Carole Todd.

Tickets at VIP tables cost £18/£15 conc and can be bought at Prowler, Nice n Naughty and the Sussex Beacon Charity Shop in St James Street.

To book online, click here:

Other highlights during the 17 day Festival include:

The LGBT History Ball (February 18) with the legendary LGBT jazz singer Nicky Mitchell and her band the Full Cream Milk’s – hosted by Brighton & Hove City Council’s LGBT Workers Forum. To book tickets online, click here:

Divas (February 19) featuring four of the city’s finest female Divas, hosted by jazz chartreuse and director of the Rainbow Chorus, Aneesa Chaudhry. To book tickets online, click here:

SOUNDWAVES a concert by a collective of local LGBT+ musicians and live bands including yourgardenday, We R Bob, Paul Diello, Travis Eddie and Playing House. (Saturday 11). To book tickets online, click here:

Stella Pint presents…. A Night of Comedy and Drag Kings starring Jen Brister, Hannah Brackenbury, Sammy Silver, The Dick Hard Experience, Freddie Pluto, George Faithless and Christine Hepworth-James (Sunday 12). To book tickets online, click here:

♦ A sing-a-long-a screening of the smash hit cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show, dress to impress and let your inner fantasies free (February 17). To book tickets online, click here: 

Rock Up! a free evening of LGBT+Open Mic performers (Friday 10)

Bingo Night hosted by Guy Lloyd from Juice FM raising money for Cancer Research (February 16). To book tickets online, click here:

Free community events during the festival include: Mental Health Day hosted by the LGBT mental health project MindOut (February 9); HIV History Day hosted by Lunch Positive (February 10) who will also be hosting a community cafe on site during the course of the festival, A Yoga Day (February 11); Valentines Tea Dance hosted by Maisie Trollette (February 14) Disability Awareness Day (February 15) and Family Fun Day (February 18) with entertainers, side shows, kids disco, first Aid Workshops, community cafe and Rainbow Families ‘History Pin’.

Each Sunday, The Village Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) will be holding weekly Soul Safari’s for those of faith to explore their spirituality. One of the many highlights of Soul Safari will be a free concert by Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus on Sunday, February 5 at 3pm in memory of chorus member Pablo Fernández-Arias.

To book tickets for all events, click here:

Tickets for selected shows are also available at Prowler (01273 683680), Nice ’n’ Naughty (01273 626442) and the Sussex Beacon Charity Shop (01273 682992) on St James Street.

There will be a box office onsite at New Steine Gardens from noon on Wednesday, February 1 where you can purchase tickets for all shows during the 17 day festival.

To view all events during the B RIGHT ON LGBT FESTIVAL, click here:

PREVIEW: Beyond the Binary – a digital symposium exploring trans artists in the digital world

The National Theatre of Scotland (NTS) present Beyond the Binary: Trans Artists in the Digital World, a free digital symposium exploring how trans and non-binary artists from across the world are using digital media to transform their practice and make a difference.

The team behind the NTS’s digital international trans choir, the Adam World Choir, and the creatives and producers behind the globetrotting Queen Jesus Plays host the event, which will feature discussions and panels with a number of leading Scots LGBT+ artists and activists.

Writer and performer Jo Clifford and director Susan Worsfold will be introducing an extract from the film of their globetrotting creation The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven, followed by a live link up to the Brazilian production team in São Paulo to discuss the impact of their version of the play in Brazil.

Marc David Jacobs from the Scottish Queer International Film Festival, artist and activist Kate O’Donnell, and musician and producer Kerry JK will lead a discussion examining the role of digital art in driving social and political change. They will also officially launch an album of brand-new music from members of the Adam World Choir entitled Songs from the New Genderation.

For those unable to travel to Glasgow, the whole event will be streamed live, and can be viewed around the world on the NTS’s Youtube channel: To view, click here:


Event: Beyond the Binary: Trans Artists in the Digital World

When: Saturday, February 18

Time: from 2pm.

Where: Gilmorehill Centre, Glasgow, G12 8QQ

Tickets: Free event but ticketed

To book your space, click here: 

Public Space Protection Orders come into force

Brighton & Hove City Council have introduced new powers to deal with specific anti-social behaviour in parks and open spaces.

Public Space Protections Orders (PSPOs) for 12 parks and open spaces, including the seafront, were approved in July following a public consultation earlier in the year.

The orders came into effect from January 1 2017 and will start to be enforced from April. The PSPOs remain in force for a maximum of three years.

The PSPOs cover anti-social activities in the areas including people living in vehicles and tents, driving on the grass, defecating, lighting fires and fly-tipping.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chair of the city’s environment committee, said: “We have wonderful parks and open spaces and the PSPOs will help us ensure everyone’s enjoyment of them is not spoilt by a minority. We understand the frustration and upset caused by nuisance, anti-social behaviour environmental damage in our open spaces, and believe Public Space Protection Orders are a useful addition to the work we already do to keep parks clean and safe.”

Where they apply, the PSPOs impose prohibitions on:

  • Occupying any vehicle, caravan, tent or other structure
  • Driving any vehicle on grass
  • Littering or fly tipping
  • Lighting or maintaining a fire
  • Defecating or urinating

On request by an authorised officer, police officer or PCSO, anyone challenged needs to:

  • remove any vehicle, caravan, tent or other structure within 12 hours
  • disposing of items as directed
  • permit a council, police or fire officer to extinguish a fire
  • provide a name, address and date of birth when required to do so by a council or police officer

Breaching a Public Space Protection Order is a criminal offence.

For more information, click here:

Hove Lawns

PREVIEW: A Very Queer Nazi Faust is happening!

Vince Laws

Vince Laws, independent poet, artist and campaigner, has launched a new four-part participatory theatre project in Norwich.

A Very Queer Nazi Faust will celebrate 50 years since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK, and will “highlight the plight of disabled people under the current government”.

 Part One: In February, which is LGBT History Month, Vince will be launching a Facebook page calling out for participants to lend their skills or talents and asking for donations in return for an email copy of the working script and notes.

To donate, click here: 

Vince says: “I’m currently unfunded, but that may change as the project moves forward. I will cut my cloth accordingly. Product placement opportunities abound, speak to Lucifer! 

“I’m looking for people who want to get involved; directors, actors, singers, signers, dancers, magicians, choirs, flashmobs, umbrella-holders, costume designers, comedians, scenery wavers, admin helpers, drag kings and queens, project assistants, film-makers, whatever. The people who want to take part, and the skills they have, will help shape the performance. But to be clear, I will do all of February on my own from home, online!”

Part Two: Assuming enough people want to take part, Vince intends to hold auditions and workshops during Dandifest, (last week of April/first week of May) somewhere in central Norwich. Some action may be filmed, some sound recorded. Costumes and props considered.

Part Three: Individual parts will be rehearsed and polished, with a view to a performance during Norwich Pride. This could be during the Norwich Pride Without Prejudice Art Show (July 15-29), on Norwich Pride Day (July 29), just after – or all 3!

Part Four: All performances will be filmed. Action played out in front of Norwich Pride crowds will be filmed. Pride-goers will be encouraged to film Faust performers out on the day and a film version of A Very Queer Nazi Faust will be edited and available for a community viewing by the end of 2017.

Vince concludes: “You don’t need to be queer or disabled to take part, however people with disabilities are actively encouraged to take part. This is my chosen project for 2017 and I intend to make it fabulous, fun, and memorable! Questions or suggestions most welcome.”

For more information, click here:

Thousands pardoned thanks to Lib Dem ‘Turing Law’

Government posthumously pardon thousands of gay and bisexual men in England and Wales convicted of decades-old sexual offences.

The so-called Alan Turing law means about 49,000 men will be cleared of crimes of which today, they would be innocent and were found guilty of committing now-abolished offences while in consensual relationships.

The pardons, first announced last year have now been officially rubber-stamped after receiving Royal Assent in the Policing and Crime Bill.

Sam Gyimah MP
Sam Gyimah MP

Justice minister Sam Gyimah, said: “We can never undo the hurt caused, but we have apologised and taken action to right these wrongs.”

Mathematician Mr Turing received a royal pardon in 2013, nearly 60 years after his suicide in 1954 following a conviction for gross indecency, after which he was chemically castrated.

The pardon followed a public campaign which came to a climax in 2009 with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown apologising for Mr Turing’s treatment.

Turing’s relatives later mounted a high-profile campaign to secure pardons for other men similarly convicted under the same historic indecency laws.

Liberal Democrat peer John Sharkey, whose original Private Member’s Bill was instrumental in securing a pardon for Alan Turing, reached an agreement with the Government in November 2016, to grant a posthumous pardon to thousands of gay and bisexual men convicted under long-abolished sexual offence laws.

This followed a long-fought campaign  by the Liberal Democrats who first raised the issue in Parliament in the early days of the Coalition Government.

Lord Sharkey
Lord Sharkey

Lord Sharkey, the author of the original amendment to the Policing and Crime Bill, said: “This is a momentous day for thousands of families up and down the UK who have been campaigning on this issue for decades. 

“It is a wonderful thing that we have been able to build on the pardon granted to Alan Turing during Coalition and extend it to thousands of men unjustly convicted  for sexual offences that would not be crimes today.”

Tim Farron MP
Tim Farron MP

Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Tim Farron MP, added: “The Liberal Democrats continue to be the strongest voice on equality in Parliament.

“Although it comes too late for those convicted, the friends and relatives of the thousands of people who suffered under this unfair and discriminatory law will now have a weight lifted off their shoulders.”

George Montague the 93-year-old, Brighton based campaigner, affectionately known as The Oldest Gay in the Village said from his holiday home in Thailand that his fight for an apology from the government continues.

George has been campaigning for an apology rather than a pardon saying that a pardon suggests that he had done something wrong.

George Montague with Sir Ian McKellen at Brighton Pride
George Montague with Sir Ian McKellen at Brighton Pride

George was forced to resign in 1974 from his position as a Senior Commissioner in the Boy Scout Association where he ran camps for severely physically disabled boys from six southern counties in the UK, following a conviction for gross indecency.

George delivered a petition to 10 Downing Street on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 with more than 10,000 signatures supporting his call for an apology.

 

BOOK REVIEW: The Life and Treasures of Collector Charles Leslie: Kevin Clarke

The Art of Looking

The Life and Treasures of Collector Charles Leslie

Kevin Clarke


Have you heard of Charles Leslie? Thomas Mann pinched his butt. He has the biggest penis collection in the world. He is one of the fathers of modern New York’s SoHo neighborhood. And he is together with his partner Fritz Lohman founders of the first museum for gay and lesbian art in the world. Best-selling author Kevin Clarke discovered this incredible life story. It is a contribution to gay (cultural) history, rich in variety, with many images of Charles Leslie’s art collection.

Clarke’s story is superb, full of wonderful anecdote, very funny experiences, more than enough heart breaking honest truth and some beautiful moments that gladden the heart, the author has liberality used his material to project a real human side of this most queer of collectors  giving us a parallel life from the beginnings of Gay liberation in the 1950’s up to the present day. With lashings of images from Leslie’s private archive and some seriously researched background information this book is a real LGBT history month treat for the serious, or seriously causal reader.

The author guides us through the stages of an exciting life a life that reflects the major turning point of Gay Liberation from the 1950s until today. The book is illustrated with numerous images from Charles Leslie’s private archive, studded with witty anecdotes and historical background information.

The spirit with which he founded the institution – a belief in the importance of LGBTQ art, on its own terms – still pervades the space and this book.

When asked why he made this his life’s work, an answer comes quick to Leslie’s lips. “This is a part of human history that has been relentlessly destroyed, subdued and hidden,” he says. “Finally, the time has come to save it.”

Out now £45

Hardback, 160 Pages.

For more info or to buy the book see  here. 

PREVIEW: Local artist exhibits at Zona Rosa, Mexican restaurant in Kemptown

Zona Rosa Restaurant in Kemptown are holding an exhibition of the work of John N Byrne starting tomorrow. February 3.

Born in Carlow, South East Ireland in 1978, John has never attended art school or had any professional schooling in this field.  And, although, he spent 10 years submerged in the Australian art world whilst working for the prestigious Art Gallery of New South Wales and The Museum of Contemporary Art, he has only recently become an artist and photographer in his own right.

He freely admits that he was a ‘tortured soul’ having struggled with his mental health for several years resulting in a period of homelessness. Art became his escape and with the support of his partner Duncan it has enabled him to turn his life around.

Their home has become a working studio allowing him to explore his creativity with various media.

John has an eclectic collection of unique contemporary abstract artwork.

He has a passion for upcycling materials many of which are salvaged; creating one off pieces on for example glass windows, wood, clothing, carpet etc, using a variety of paints and other materials to achieve texture.

Without the use of a paintbrush John creates original abstract pieces.  Each one offers something different to the minds eye with new treasures regularly revealing themselves.

He has a natural ability to see and capture intriguing minute detail in everyday objects and events and nowhere is this more evident than in his photography. He strongly believes art is beneficial for the soul and that it can transport the observer to another place.

If you would like to see other creations by the artist you can arrange a visit to his private studio in Regency Square, Brighton. Telephone 07507 651822

All donations received during the exhibition will be given to the Sussex Beacon.


Event: Exhibition of the work of John N Byrne

Where: Zona Rosa Cocina Mexicana/Bar, College Rd, Brighton BN2 1JB

When: Exhibition starts Wednesday, February 1

Times: Check out the Zona Rosa website for opening times

bold_boy_byrne on Instagram

Greens call for future sports centre fees to be frozen for residents on low incomes

Following discussions at the Economic Development and Culture Committee, Greens urge the Council to freeze concessionary rates for sports and leisure in the city.

Seven sports and leisure facilities are operated on behalf of the council by the social enterprise Freedom Leisure. Residents on lower incomes are eligible for discounted access to these facilities via the Leisure Card scheme; a free of charge, means tested concession card which entitles card holders to up to 40% off normal rates across all seven centres.

However, with fees and charges for leisure centres expected to increase in the next year, Greens are pushing for the Council to renegotiate the contract with Freedom Leisure so that Leisure Card holders are not subject to any additional price increases in the future. They are also keen to see the discount available under the card go up,  in order to protect residents who may already find themselves struggling to meet the rising cost of living.

Cllr Tom Druitt
Cllr Tom Druitt

Green Spokesperson for the Economic Development and Culture Committee, Councillor Tom Druitt, said: “Under the Green administration we brought in the Leisure Card precisely to ensure all residents could access sports and leisure facilities regardless of their financial status. The services Freedom Leisure operates on behalf of the council are essential to the health and wellbeing of residents in our city and it’s very important that all residents in our city can use them irrespective of income. Going forward we are asking the Council to re-negotiate the contract with Freedom Leisure, to enable the facilities to generate the income they need, whilst still ensuring that sports and leisure activities are genuinely affordable to all.”     

PREVIEW: LGBTQ+ History Club #5 and Exhibition

Queer in Brighton returns with their next LGBTQ+History Club #5 on Sunday, February 26.

The session will feature a presentation from Tom Sargeant from the Brighton Ourstory Project and will take place at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery from 3-5pm.

In the second part of the session young people from “Into the Outside: Building a Contemporary Queer Youth Archive” photoworks project will present their work. 

An exhibition is planned at the Marlborough in late February and early March and will focus on the Section 28 campaign in Brighton.

There will be two planning meetings at the Keep Archives to help research the wide range of LGBTQ+ collections there and find content for the upcoming Brighton exhibition.

Meeting #1 on Saturday February 11, from 1pm till 4pm – all info HERE

Meeting #2 on Saturday February 18, from 1pm till 4pm – all info HERE

 

 

Queer in Brighton have updated their website with a blog section, and are now looking for contributions!

Contact them if you have an anecdote, a story, if you were there when it all happened, or have photographs, zines, papers, and other archive material that helps illuminate Brighton’s LGBTQ+ heritage!

If you would like to submit something or find out more information, email:

Brighton MP says meeting with Transport Secretary “a step in the right direction” for BML2 Project

BML2 Project: Minster agrees to look at detailed feasibility study for project later in the year.

Following a meeting with the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP and representatives from the BML2 Consortium organised by Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven, the Transport Secretary has agreed to look at a more detailed feasibility study for the BML2 project when the Consortium can provide more information later this year.

During the meeting the BML2 Consortium suggested that the project could be 100% privately funded.

Simon Kirby MP
Simon Kirby MP

Mr Kirby said: “I was pleased to arrange the meeting and feel that it is definitely a step in the right direction. This project would bring significant advantages and benefits to Brighton and the surrounding area. It would ease pressure on the congested Brighton to London commuter line, would boost tourism and visitor numbers to the area and would bring more jobs and economic opportunity.  I also welcome the prospect of direct train services between London and the AMEX Stadium.”

The project plans for the creation of a new route up to Canary Wharf which will support the increasing population and economy of the South East by meeting capacity needs as well as taking off the pressure from the existing line, making it easier to carry out maintenance.

Plans include the return of the single track railway that terminates at Uckfield to two-track railway and connections to Lewes, Brighton and Tunbridge Wells re-instated and completed. The construction of the Ashcombe tunnel under the South Downs would provide fast direct access to Brighton via Falmer.

 

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