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Day: February 2, 2017

Salisbury Arts Centre hosts first ever Salisbury Queer Arts Weekender

Posted on by Besi

Salisbury Arts Centre (SAC) is to stage the first ever Salisbury Queer Arts Weekender (SQUARK) in April, with a range of LGBT+ talent featuring theatre, music, comedy, cabaret and drag artists from across the UK.

Ceri Dupree
Ceri Dupree

Subject to funding, SAC will also be programming films, talks and workshops, so join SAC on Facebook and Twitter or keep an eye on www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk for updates.

Among the planned events is a performance by the London Gay Men’s Chorus, an appearance by soulful duo O’Hooley & Tidow and one man, 21 woman show, The Fabulous Ceri Dupree.

SQUAWK will take place at Salisbury Arts Centre from Friday, April 7 to Sunday, April 9.

Events:

Friday, April 7
The Conscious Uncoupling: Rosie Wilby
7pm (doors open 6.15pm)
Tickets: £8 | £6 concessions

In a brand new solo theatre and storytelling show, Radio 4 and festival regular Rosie Wilby interweaves a rich, romantic narrative about two people connecting over a shared love of Richard Hawley music and the London skyline with their eventual breakup emails and the visits of three ghosts from our romantic future, past and present.

Friday, April 7
‘Shadows’: O’Hooley & Tidow
8.30pm (doors open 8pm)
Tickets: £12 | £10 concessions

O’Hooley & Tidow
O’Hooley & Tidow

Having the originality and skill to invite comparison with the most celebrated harmony duos, from early Simon and Garfunkel to the iconic Kate and Anna McGarrigle, Belinda and Heidi’s powerful, deeply moving, and soulful performances are infused with an honesty and empathy that will disarm the hardest of heart.

Friday, April 7
The Fabulous Ceri Dupree
10pm (doors open 9.30pm)
Tickets: £14 | £12 concessions

The FAAAAAAABULOUS Ceri Dupree is back on the road with his One Man, 21 woman show, presenting a glamorous evening of hysterical comedy, amazing vocal impersonations and jaw dropping, eye popping costumes. You could meet Adele, Cher, Joan Collins, Lady Ga Ga, Bjork, Shirley Bassey, Camilla Parker Bowles and even the Queen!

Recommended age 16+

“Dupree storms the stage with style, wit, glamour, and a pace that leaves you amazed.” (Time Out)

Saturday, April 8
Miss Hope Springs
7pm (doors open 6.15pm)
Tickets: £12 | £10 concessions

Internationally acclaimed comedy cabaret chanteuse Miss Hope Springs plays the piano and sings songs from her all original self-penned repertoire and tells hysterical stories from her ‘Ritz to the pits’ showbiz life. Hope is the creation of award-winning composer lyricist and entertainer Mr Ty Jeffries who spent some of his formative years growing up in Hollywood and even danced down Sunset Boulevard with Fred Astaire. Recommended age 16+

Saturday, April 8
London Gay Men’s Chorus
8.30pm (doors open 8.15pm)
Tickets: £15 | £13 concessions

The London Gay Men’s Chorus is no ordinary choir.  It started life in 1991, when nine friends sang Christmas carols at Angel Underground Station to raise money for the Terrence Higgins Trust.  Fast-forward to today and this band of singers now has over 200 members and is the largest gay choir in Europe. The LGMC Ensemble is a smaller group of experienced singers, around 16 members of the main Chorus. Experienced and talented performers, the Ensemble will blow you away with songs from their vast repertoire.

Saturday, April 8
Party Night with Sadie Lee
11pm (doors open 10.45pm)
Tickets: £5 | £7 on the door

Sadie Lee is an award-winning painter, art educator and antiquated Disc Jockey. For nine years she was a DJ and co-promoter of the much loved Lower the Tone – a club for people who hate clubs in North London. She has DJed at the Flare Festival at the BGI, the Schwules Museum Berlin, Ladyfest Feminist Arts Festival in Estonia and the legendary Bell in Kings Cross. Hard-core 1970s in her dress sense as well as in her taste in music, she favours an eclectic selection of old-fashioned pop songs.

Tickets to all events are available from Salisbury Arts Centre.

To book online, click here:

Or telephone the SAC box office: 01722 321744

Sussex University and Black Rock development to benefit from Government funding

Posted on by Gary Hart

Brighton is to receive part of the £66.06m Coast to Capital funding as part of the Growth Deal programme.

This round of Growth Deals was announced at Budget this year, Local Enterprise Partnerships were asked to put forward investment proposals for £1.8 billion, which the Government has made available to boost economic growth in local areas.

Funding has been awarded to create a Bio-Innovation Centre, a business incubator for new life-science projects, part of a new Life Sciences building at the University of Sussex and also to develop a modern, dedicated conference centre and arena facility at the Black Rock site on Brighton’s seafront as part of the wider Brighton Waterfront regeneration project in Kemptown.

A delighted Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven, said: “I have been lobbying Ministers for a long time for funding to support local projects and am delighted to see this money coming to Brighton for the Sussex University and Black Rock projects. This funding will hugely benefit the local community and help to boost economic growth.”

This further funding builds on the £7.7 billion the Government has already committed to LEPs through previous rounds of the Local Growth Fund. It is a crucial part of the Government’s agenda to drive growth and devolve power to local areas, with decisions being made by those who know their local area best, and supporting the Government’s commitment to build an economy that works for everyone.

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid added: “As part of efforts to deliver an economy that works for everyone, the Government is equipping local people with the resources they need to drive forward local growth.

“That is why we’re giving £66.06 million new money to Coast to Capital to give businesses the support and opportunities they need to achieve their potential – on top of the £238.2 million we have already awarded.”

Brighton Kemptown MP supports World Cancer Day 2017

Posted on by Besi

Simon Kirby, MP for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven attended an event in Parliament yesterday (Wednesday, February 1) to show his support for World Cancer Day on Saturday, February 4, 2017.

Mr Kirby met with representatives from seven of the UK’s leading charities who have joined forces to unite the nation and help people affected by cancer.

Cancer Research UK, Breast Cancer Care, Breast Cancer Now, CLIC Sargent, Anthony Nolan, Bowel Cancer UK and Marie Curie are calling on people across the country to show their support by wearing a Unity Band or donating.

By joining forces, the charities will make a bigger impact in transforming the lives of millions who are affected by cancer.

The Unity Bands are made of two parts, knotted together, to symbolise strength in unity and the power of what can be achieved when people join forces.

The bands are available from each charity on their websites, shops and other retail outlets for a suggested donation of £2. All money raised from the Unity Bands will go towards the charities individual work.

One in two people born in the UK will develop cancer at some point in their lifetime.

Mr Kirby, said: “I’m calling on people in Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven to join me in supporting World Cancer Day which is Saturday 4 February. Whatever your motivation – to remember a loved one, celebrate people who have overcome the disease, or to rally in support of those going through treatment – World Cancer Day is a chance to get involved and transform the lives of millions of people who are affected by cancer.”

 

‘Sexuality and Gender Identity Issues:’ Record number of children contact Childline

Posted on by Besi

Figures published as LGBT History Month commences reveal a 47% rise in counselling about sexuality and gender identity issues.

Childline, the helpline providing a safe, confidential place for children with no one else to turn to, whatever their worry, whenever they need help, has revealed counselling sessions about sexuality and gender identity rose by 47% last year, the highest levels ever seen at the NSPCC-run service.

It carried out 7,729 counselling sessions with children and young people concerned about sexuality and gender identity in 2015-16 – an average of 21 a day.

12-15 year olds were most likely to contact Childline online or over the phone to talk about issues including coming out, self-acceptance and gender dysphoria and transgenderism.

In a quarter of counselling sessions about sexuality and gender identity issues, the young person told Childline they had not previously confided in anyone else, many saying they found it difficult to talk openly with peers and family members.

Childline will be providing advice and video content across its social media channels throughout LGBT History Month to raise awareness of the issues affecting young LGBT+ people such as discrimination and homophobia.

Homophobic bullying was mentioned in almost 450 counselling sessions and can stop young people from speaking out about sexuality or gender identity. In almost a quarter (24%) of counselling sessions about sexuality or gender identity young people told us they suffered from depression, low self-esteem, self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

One young person told Childline: “I’ve been getting bullied for years now. It all started when I came out as gay but it’s been getting worse recently. People in school call me disgusting and they tell me that I should die. It’s really hard to take and I haven’t been coping well. Sometimes I don’t eat or I cut to help ease the pain of it all. I have even tried to skip school a few times. I have tried talking to my teachers but they don’t do anything to help.”

Another told a counsellor: “I’m struggling with my gender identity at the moment. I feel more like a guy than a girl and have been dressing in guys clothes. I have felt this way for a while now but I have kept it all to myself. It’s taken me a lot to talk to someone about this as I am so scared that my parents will find out. I don’t want to speak to my GP in case they tell them.”

Peter Wanless
Peter Wanless

Peter Wanless CEO of the NSPCC said: “Talking about sexuality and gender identity can be daunting for anyone, but especially for children and young people who are still trying to find their place in the world. Fear of being stigmatized or subjected to bullying can force many to bottle up their thoughts and feelings which can leave them feeling isolated, and can trigger serious mental health issues.

“It is vital children and young people feel confident and supported to speak openly about sexuality or gender identity without fear of negative reactions and abuse. Adults, be it a parent, relation, teacher or friend,  have a key part to play by helping them  navigate these difficult and confusing issues, encouraging them to speak out, if not to them, then to peers or Childline.”

Dame Esther Rantzen
Dame Esther Rantzen

Dame Esther Rantzen, President of Childline added: “I have met young people who were desperately unhappy because they couldn’t talk to anyone about issues regarding their sexuality and I am so pleased that they do feel able to talk to Childline and reveal their feelings without being judged or stigmatised. It is not helpful that children use the term ‘gay’ as a common term of playground abuse.

“Furthermore, for years the adult world has created a taboo around these issues which effectively imprisoned young people and in some cases has even led to depression and suicide. Childline is calling upon the adult world to listen sensitively and support young people and protect them from this profound unhappiness and loneliness.”

Any child or young person who wants to talk about sexuality or gender issues can call Childline on 0800 1111 or click here: 

Gay Nigerian asylum seeker needs your help

Posted on by Besi

Oyekunle a gay Nigerian asylum seeker is being detained in Colnbrook detention centre at West Drayton.

On January 31 he was due to be forcibly deported on a charter flight along with 99 other detainees, including one bisexual man and many who have been in the country for years with family and children.

Oyekunle’s deportation would have been illegal as he had never been interviewed by Home Office officials and had never been given a decision on his asylum claim to remain in the UK.

Oyekunle was not able to fight this in part because he has difficulties with English and little money to pay exorbitant legal fees.

Following a social media campaign as part of the #StopCharterFlightsCampaign, a barrister agreed to register an injunction stopping his removal on the promise that he would be paid later. He has also registered a claim for the wrongful detention for Oyekunle.

Oyekunle is one example of many LGBT+ people who face deportation daily from the UK to regimes where LGBT+ people are imprisoned, tortured and persecuted.

To help Oyekunle raise the money he needs to pay the barrister for the work he has done and to help with future legal costs please click here:

Campaigner hope that at some time in the near future they can find him a legal aid solicitor.

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE DONATED! We have reached our target for Oyekunle’s legal fees, so anything raised over £1500 will go to Roots to Return who will help those who did not make it off the charter flight to appeal from Nigeria and get them home to their families and loved ones.

LGBT HISTORY MONTH: Liverpool: OUTing the Past at Museum of Liverpool

Posted on by Besi

Stuart Milk opens LGBT Festival Hub in Liverpool.

Stuart Milk, the global LGBT human rights activist and political speaker, nephew of civil rights leader Harvey Milk and co-founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation, will open OUTing the Past 2017 at Museum of Liverpool on Saturday, February 25 at 10am.

Stuart will launch the Museum’s day of talks and performances as part of Outing the Past: The 3rd National Festival of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans History, which takes place throughout February.

As an official hub for the festival, the Museum of Liverpool has coordinated an exciting programme of speakers and performances. From a presentation from Kop Outs, about their work to enable LGBT fans to attend a football match with confidence, to an exploration of outmoded psychiatric responses to LGBT people, there is a lot to discover, much to discuss and organisers hope, reasons to feel empowered and inspired by the work being done.

Janet Dugdale, Director of the Museum of Liverpool, said: “National Museums Liverpool is committed to telling diverse and hidden stories, by representing these within our collections and the work we do. We are delighted to be welcoming human rights activist Stuart Milk, as well as our brilliant panel of speakers and performers.

“It is the relationships we develop and maintain with our partners that enable us to deliver such a dynamic and important programme and help us to create a truly participative museum. We’re anticipating a day of lively discussion and thoughtful presentations. 

“We are extremely proud to be a national hub for LGBT History Month this year, as we mark the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of male homosexuality in England and Wales. OUTing the Past builds on the success of recent work we’ve done to tell the stories and share the histories of LGBT communities, such as our  Esmée Fairbairn-funded Pride and Prejudice research project and popular exhibitions like April Ashley: Portrait of a lady.”

Stuart Milk with President Barack Obama
Stuart Milk with President Barack Obama

Speakers will include:

♦ Stuart Milk, Harvey Milk Foundation – opening speaker.
♦ Matt Exley/Lynn Wray, National Museums Liverpool, presenting the Pride and Prejudice research project.
♦ Paul Amann, Kop Outs, sharing the work they’ve done to enable the LGBT community to feel confident supporting their football team.
♦ Val Stevenson discusses the long-running legal battle with the International Times (1969-72), for running gay personal ads which were deemed likely to “corrupt public morals”.
♦ Clare Stephens presents the history and broader consequences of psychiatric responses to LGBT people.
♦ Caroline Page explores transgender trailblazers in the military service.
♦ Jane Hoy and Helen Sander explore the relationship of 19th century sculptor Mary Charlotte Lloyd and feminist, Frances Power Cobbe.
♦ Sandi Hughes takes a personal look at Liverpool’s gay scene from 1975-2005 through her own archive material of film and photographs.
♦ Andrew Dineley gives a unique perspective of a gay man designing three decades of HIV and AIDS awareness campaigns during a hostile period of inequality.
♦ Kate Hutchinson explores trans-representation and gender expression in rock music.
♦ Jeff Evans takes a look at how victimless crime in the city’s gents’ toilets became a growing priority for Liverpool police from 1880 to 1945.
♦ Andrew Herm guides visitors through a comparative reading of early-20th century ‘gay’ literature.

More to be announced. No need to book, just turn up on the day (10-5pm).

For up to date information, click here:

The event is in partnership with Schools OUT.

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