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Orlando Massacre – one year on

One year ago, a gunman who pledged himself to ISIS showered bullets in an Orlando nightclub and carried out the most deadly shooting in US modern history.

On that night alone, 49 people were killed and many others injured. The attack happened on Latin Night at the gay bar Pulse.

Following the attack, vigils were held across the world including here in Brighton. Leaders spoke out in solidarity with those that lost their lives, and the United Nations Security Council issued a historic statement acknowledging the attack and its anti-gay bias.

Jessica Stern
Jessica Stern

Marking one year anniversary of the Orlando Massacre, Jessica Stern, Executive Director of OutRight action International said: “What happened in Orlando was a tragedy and unfortunately the persecution of LGBT+ people globally has not de-escalated since then. In the past year we have seen so many large-scale attacks on LGBT+ communities globally, from the mass killings in Orlando, to the arrests and torture of over 100 gay men in Chechnya – some of whom are still in prisons and mass arrests in Indonesia.

What we had during the Orlando shootings was global recognition and condemnation of violence and discrimination against the LGBT+ community. This was no more evident than in the historic statement by the United Nations Security Council, which for the first time included a reference to sexual orientation and so acknowledged the anti-gay hate motivated bias in the attack. This important statement sets a precedence in the international peace and security arena that LGBT+ are being targeted; that this is a matter of international concern.

If we ever hope to stop the escalation of violence against LGBT+ people, we need a global response like the one we had during Orlando. The human rights and lives of LGBT+ people must be recognised, respected and protected.”

Happy Father’s Day from PACT

FOR 47 dads who have adopted children through Parents And Children Together (PACT) over the last year, Father’s Day this Sunday, June 18 will be extra special. 

The charity, which supports families across the south-east and beyond through adoption, award-winning therapeutic support and community projects, placed 58 children with 47 dads last year.

Jack and his partner Matthew became dads last October when they adopted two-year-old Ben through PACT.

Jack described Ben as “an absolute blessing and an absolute whirlwind!”

“He is a normal toddler with buckets of energy, huge cheesy smiles, infectious giggles and eyes that you can’t be cross with! Our life now doesn’t really resemble much of the time we had before Ben. Gone are the lie ins and long Sunday lunches, replaced by endless trips to the park, buckets of wet wipes and knowing all the lyrics to all the CBeebies shows between 7am and 9am!”

Jack said he loved being a dad and life as a family of three.

“The best thing about becoming a dad is that it makes you less selfish and preoccupied with adult life. It is amazing to enjoy the world through a toddlers eyes and rekindle the magic in everyday life.

“Father’s Day will likely be the same as any other day, it will be focussed around Ben and making sure he understands the reasons we celebrate the special day. Having two dads will make sure this day is a real family day!”

Jan Fishwick
Jan Fishwick

Jan Fishwick, Chief Executive of PACT, said: “I would like to wish a very happy Father’s Day to all those who have become a dad through adoption. Adopting a child, and giving them the gift of a forever family, is a truly amazing thing to do.

“There are however many more children who desperately want and deserve their own permanent parents who can give them the love, security and stability they need. I would urge anyone who thinks they can help do that to get in touch with us to find out more.”

Names above have been changed to protect identities.

For more information about adopting with PACT, click here:

Or telephone: 0300 456 4800 

Date of Belgium Bear Pride, 2017 announced

The seventh Belgium Bear Pride, will take place in Brussels from October 12-15, 2017.

The event, formally known as Bear Weekend quickly grew from a small gathering to a major event under the name Belgium Bear Pride in 2014.

The program of planned event will include parties, excursions, fine dining and a rugby match.

Mr Bear 2017 will see a successor take over his crown on Saturday, October 14 with a professional jury and votes from the public, deciding who ‘Mr Bear Belgium 2018’ will be.

The complete programme of events will be decided and announced by July 1.

To view guided tours organised by Visit.brussels to cultural places of interest, click here:

For more information about Belgium Brighton Bear, click here:

For Facebook group, click here:

 

PREVIEW: Funny women in Worthing

Funny women join up with Worthing Theatres to host an evening of comedy in aid of Brighton Women’s Centre.

Funny Women Live has joined up with Worthing Theatres to create a hilarious night of comedy on Friday, June 23 at the Assembly Hall to raise money for Brighton Women’s Centre, working with Worthing Churches Homeless Project.

The evening will be hosted by MC Zoe Lyons, who will be joined on stage by Kerry Godliman, Lucy Porter, Felicity Ward, Desiree Burch, Ellie Taylor, Harriet Braine, Ayesha Hazarika and Kelly Convey.

Zoe Lyons
Zoe Lyons

Brighton based, Zoe Lyons took her first steps in comedy in 2003 and went on to win the Funny Women competition in 2004, her debut Edinburgh Fringe show was nominated for the if.comedy newcomer award and in 2008 she won the Dave, Funniest Joke of The Fringe Award.

The Brighton Women’s Centre has been supporting women in Brighton and Hove for over 40 years and women across Sussex since 2014. Their aim is to empower women and reduce inequality by promoting independence in a safe, women-only space. They welcome all women, regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parenthood, race, belief, and sexuality.

Comedians Felicity Ward, Desiree Burch and Kelly Convey have replaced Deborah Frances-White and Sarah Kendall from the original line up.

 

 


Event: FUNNY WOMEN COMEDY GALA

Where: Assembly Hall, Stoke Abbott Road, Worthing, BN11 1HQ

When: Friday June 23, 2017

Time: 7.30pm

Cost: £23.50

 

Price:   £23.50

To book tickets online, click here:

Or telephone the box office:  01903 206 206

Canterbury Lesbian Line to celebrate 30th anniversary

Canterbury Lesbian line, launched in 1987 will celebrate their 30th anniversary with a reunion party on September 30.

The party will take place at the Petham Village Hall near Canterbury on September 30, 2017 from 3pm – 11pm.

There will be workshops from 3-6pm; vegetarian food from 6.30 – 7.30pm followed by a party with DJ from 7.30pm – 11pm.

This is a lesbian only event.


Event: Canterbury Lesbian Line 30th anniversary reunion party

Where: Petham Village Hall near Canterbury, Kent

When: Saturday, September 30

Time: 3pm – 11pm

Cost: £10 to include workshops, food and evening party with DJ

For more information email:  valeriemoffit@btinternet.com 

Duncan James stars in new film from trans activist Jake Graf

Boyband and Hollyoaks star Duncan James stars in the new film from up and coming filmmaker and trans activist Jake Graf.

The film will have its world premiere at the East End Film Festival in London as part of the New Queer Visions strand this Saturday, June 17 at the Rio, Dalston.

Jake Graf, cast and crew will be present for a Q&A after the screening.

DUSK is the new short drama written and directed by Jake Graf with a stunning cast including Duncan James, (Chicago, Legally Blonde, Hollyoaks), Victoria Emslie, (The Danish Girl, Downton Abbey, The Theory Of Everything), and US model and actor Elliott Sailors  (Spectrum), and crew including award winning cinematographer Lorenzo Levrini and award winning composer Justine Barker.

It is the second in a trilogy following on from the internationally acclaimed DAWN (https://vimeo.com/153231890).

The short film is told through flashbacks over several decades of our protagonist ‘Chris’ lifetime, exploring how the choices we make can change our lives fundamentally.

For more information, click here:

Isle of Wight Pride announce new arts festival

Isle of Wight Pride have teamed up with redTIE theatre and the Apollo theatre to create an Isle of Wight Pride Arts Festival in the heart of Newport for four days leading up to the Pride event on the July 15.

The Apollo will throw open its doors to the community with a drop-in and information service available from 1pm every day from Tuesday July 11 until Friday, July 14.

This will allow people the chance to find out more about pride, talk to some amazing LGBT service providers on the Island including AgeUk, Breakout Youth and the Hampshire Police LAGLO service, or you can just drop by for a cup of tea and a conversation. Everyone is welcome.

Things heat up at 6pm each evening, with free live music and spoken word. This will be a mix of Island bands and talent performing for people. and local performers reading poetry and the written word.

The theatre bar will be open and anybody is welcome to come and enjoy this free event.

Each evening will end with a fantastic performance by the redTIE theatre company. On Tuesday and Wednesday you will be able to watch an explosive performance of The Queer Bash which was written and directed by members of redTIE theatre and previewed to rave reviews in April. 

On Thursday and Friday, redTIE are performing  Beautiful Thing. Upliftingly optimistic, Jonathan Harvey’s play about two teenage boys falling in love refuses melodramatic clichés to offer a story bright with sensitivity, pathos and wit.

Helen Reading from redTIE theatre, said: “We are delighted to be able to work closely with IWPride in curating what will be an integral part of the Pride events. We want to encourage as many students as possible to come and engage in Art and Theatre and this is why we have kept costs for Students as low as we can. Theatre has an incredible way of expressing our thoughts and feelings and exploring really difficult subjects and these two productions definitely help people to explore the subject in an accessible way for everyone.”

Sue Burgin from Team Pride, added: “We have been overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm shown by redTIE and Apollo Theatre. This ARTS week is exactly what Pride envisaged and it will be a great build up to the main event on Saturday 15th July. We really encourage everybody to come along, whatever your sexuality or Gender Identity. This is an event for the whole community to come together, learn and most importantly enjoy.”

To book tickets for these events, click here:

Or telephone: 07580563931

To book tickets for the main pride event on Saturday, July 15, click here:

Samaritans mark last weeks National Volunteers Week

Samaritans marked Volunteers’ Week last week by highlighting the difference emotional support can make in the face of disadvantage.

During volunteers’ week (1-7 June) Samaritans in Brighton and Hove joined volunteer organisations across the UK to show how giving your time makes a huge difference to the lives of others.

Echoing the findings of its Dying from Inequality report released earlier this year, Samaritans is highlighting the particular need for emotional support for those who are disadvantaged, as they are more at risk of suicide.

Samaritans Chair Jenni McCartney, who has been a volunteer for more than thirty years, said: “I would say that in many of the calls I take, deprivation is a factor. It could be anything from debt to housing issues, job insecurity to relationship breakdown or bereavement. There is often some level of disadvantage, which can aggravate those challenges and make people more vulnerable to suicidal thoughts.

Jenni is one of more than twenty thousand Samaritans volunteers who offer support to anyone who may be feeling overwhelmed, by phone, email, text, letter or face to face.

Samaritans volunteers in Brighton & Hove can also be found everywhere from schools, workplaces, communities, charity shops, festivals and events to prisons and Approved Premises.

Since September 2015, Samaritans has offered calls to its 116 123 number for free, removing any financial barrier to calling, with support from telecoms companies and the Big Lottery Fund. Last year, its volunteers made a difference by responding to more than 5.7 million calls for help, an increase of 300,000 on the previous year.

Volunteer Alison Pratt  who is also Director of Samaritans, Brighton Hove & District has been a volunteer for eight years, said: “Samaritans volunteers can make the difference between someone getting through tough times, or not. But we’re just one part of the equation. Suicide is an inequality issue. For example, if you are male, middle-aged and from the poorest background you are ten more times at risk of suicide than if you’re from the richest. We want to see everyone from politicians and policy makers to employers and educators working together to reduce inequality and ensure that resources are targeted at those who are most at risk.”

 

For more information on Volunteers’ Week, click here:

‘Jewish Living Experience’ exhibition launched in Hove

Thousands of Sussex schoolchildren will learn about the Jewish way of life following the launch of the Jewish Living Experience exhibition in Hove this week.

The launch, which was held at the Ralli Hall in Hove, was organised by the newly formed Sussex Outreach group, led by Deputy Nick Beck from Brighton and Hove Reform Jewish community.

The Mayor Of Brighton and Hove, Cllr Mo Marsh attended as did Board of Deputies of British Jews Vice President Sheila Gewolb and Education Development Manager Sara Perlmutter.

The exhibition, developed by the Board of Deputies, is aimed primarily at school groups and enables visitors to gain an insight into Judaism as a living faith. Designed by education experts, the exhibition supports the teaching of Judaism in line with all agreed religious education and citizenship curriculums. It will be seen by children from more than 500 schools from around the county.

Cllr Marsh spoke about how delighted she was to see this exciting educational project coming to the Brighton and Hove area.

She observed a group of local children from a visiting Hebrew school (cheder) visiting the exhibition for the first time, and enjoyed the kosher reception.

She said: “It’s an excellent way of informing and educating our children about Judaism in these challenging times”.

To learn more about the Sussex exhibition, click here: 

 

 

New patrons for THT

Lord Cashman and Lord Black of Brentwood become new patrons of Terrence Higgins Trust (THT).

As Patrons of the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity, they will take on the challenge of working towards ending HIV transmission and supporting people to live well with HIV in the UK.

 The new patrons will join an eclectic group of current THT Patrons including Stephen Fry, Tracey Emin and Dame Judi Dench.

Ian Green
Ian Green

Ian Green, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “We are honoured to welcome Lord Cashman and Lord Black as Patrons of Terrence Higgins Trust.

“We are excited and very grateful for the unique contributions that each will bring to the charity, and their commitment and passion in helping stop HIV stigma and end HIV transmission.”

 Lord Black is the first openly gay Conservative peer, and is a passionate HIV campaigner, championing the need for HIV prevention treatment, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), to be available to people at risk of the virus.

Lord Black
Lord Black

Lord Black, who became a life peer in the House of Lords in 2010, said: “I first became aware of the vital work of Terrence Higgins Trust back in the 1990s.The charity’s campaigning on HIV was crucial in the decade where huge advances were made in treatment. , I was inspired by the wonderful care it provided – and still provides – to people living with HIV.

 “Today, Terrence Higgins Trust’s work remains as vital as ever, though the challenges have evolved. The HIV story is far from over. Despite the incredible medical progress that’s been made, the biggest challenge we still face is stigma, which undoubtedly has an impact on rates of testing.

 “Last September, I led a debate in Parliament on the elimination of the virus, and I will continue to support Terrence Higgins Trust and its work in Parliament, where we need to continue to keep the pressure up.”

Lord Cashman
Lord Cashman

Lord Cashman, a founder of Stonewall, is a strong advocate of LGBT+ rights, using his political roles to tackle homophobia and to increase awareness of HIV. He is also well-known for his role as Colin Russell in EastEnders.

Lord Cashman, who has been a life peer in the House of Lords since 2014, said: “I started actively supporting Terrence Higgins Trust in the early days of the AIDS crisis, back in the 1980s. It was a dark and depressing time but the awareness-raising, fundraising and the sheer determination to inform, protect and save lives, and to comfort those living with HIV, was both remarkable and exemplary.

“We still face many challenges when it comes to HIV, including encouraging more people to test early, increasing access to PrEP, and supporting people living with HIV as they grow older. And one of our biggest dangers is complacency and the assumption that HIV is a thing of the past.

 “Now as a Patron, as well as a parliamentarian, gay man, LGBT activist, and campaigner, I will continue supporting Terrence Higgins Trust in its vital work.”

Ian Green added, “We look forward working with Michael and Guy towards a world where people with HIV can live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination.”

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