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New inequality campaign from Absolut

Absolut shines light on global LGBT+ inequality with new Kiss With Pride campaign.

Absolut has created a powerful poster campaign to highlight the fact that it is still illegal to engage in same-sex activity in 72 countries worldwide as part of its campaign for a more inclusive and open world.

Launched to mark the 50th anniversary of the amendment of the Sexual Offences Act – the Act of Parliament that saw homosexuality partially decriminalised in England and Wales – the poster series features individuals from many of those 72 countries sharing a same-sex kiss to celebrate their own freedom of expression.

Shot by celebrated photographer Sam Bradley, Kiss With Pride reflects Absolut’s belief that people should be free to love who they choose and builds on the brand’s progressive views and ongoing mission of championing equal love.

The images capture intimate moments that would not be tolerated in those individuals’ homelands, with many of the nations represented regarding same-sex activity as a crime punishable by death.

Sam Bradley, said: “I was drawn to the Kiss With Pride campaign because the idea was so pure. I knew I had to be involved, it’s quite rare for advertising to be for a cause without it feeling disingenuous. This felt absolutely natural and true. 

“The more people that see these images the better. And not just in progressive cities like London and New York. I would really like the images to reach people outside of that bubble and to start a constructive conversation.”

The Kiss With Pride images were exhibited at a launch event at the Houses of Parliament, which saw passionate speeches from a number of LGBT+ activists. The assembled guests were encouraged to celebrate the work done so far in progressing attitudes in the UK, but also reminded of the work still to be done worldwide.

Sam Bradley’s images for Kiss With Pride will be rolled out as part of a nationwide poster and digital OOH campaign, and displayed along the route at Brighton & Hove Pride. In addition, Kiss With Pride will appear as print ads across national news and consumer lifestyle magazines.

From August 3-6 the images will also be displayed to the public as one collection at East London’s Protein Gallery (31 New Inn Yard, Shoreditch, London EC2A 3EY).

As part of the wider campaign Absolut has also launched a #KissWithPride Snapchat Lens, which will see £1 donated to Stonewall for every use.

Absolut has reserved the lens during Brighton Pride, where the Snapcode will feature on along the parade route and in select bars and restaurants. The Snapcode will be available nationwide all summer.

The launch of Kiss With Pride sits within Absolut’s recently launched Create A Better Tomorrow, Tonight platform, designed to celebrate the brand’s core beliefs and its continued collaborative approach.

Adam Boita, Pernod Ricard UK’s Head of Marketing commented: “As a brand we have a long history of working collaboratively with the LGTBQ community, so the 50th anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act was a moment in time that we were keen to celebrate. The fact that millions of people around the world still aren’t free to love who they choose goes against everything Absolut stands for, so the Kiss With Pride campaign is something we’re extremely proud of.”

Ruth Hunt
Ruth Hunt

Ruth Hunt, Chief Executive, Stonewall, said: “Consensual same-sex activity remains illegal in 72 countries, and is punishable by death in eight. These figures serve as a stark reminder that we must not be complacent about what’s left to do until all LGBTQ people are accepted without exception.”

The Kiss With Pride campaign follows on from the recent release of Absolut’s beautifully shot Equal Love film, a similarly powerful statement that used a never-ending and diverse kiss as a metaphor for acceptance and love without discrimination.

Follow @AbsolutUK and visit www.KissWithPride.com for more information on the campaign and upcoming projects.

 

Police reassure visitors to Pride in Brighton & Hove

Police reassure public about safety at Pride in Brighton & Hove on August 5, which is set to be the biggest and best yet.

Sussex Police have issued a statement reassuring residents attending events in the city, as well as local residents and businesses, that they are working with organisers and partners to make sure Pride in Brighton & Hove 2017, remains safe and welcoming for everyone this year.

Assistant Chief Constable Laurence Taylor, said: “Months of preparation have taken place in the lead up to Pride and as in previous years, public safety is our main priority. We are taking all reasonable steps to ensure the wellbeing of those attending as well as minimising disruption to those going about their daily business.

“Similarly to last year we will have a number of armed officers working across the city over the weekend and we will again be making use of the National Barrier Asset.

“As always, we ask that the public demonstrates a certain level of personal responsibility including things like taking care of belongings, following personal safety advice and flagging any issues or suspicious behaviour to event staff or police.

“With Pride organisers, we want to promote an inclusive and enjoyable atmosphere for all. We look forward to seeing you there and wish you a fun Pride 2017.”

Paul Kemp
Paul Kemp

Paul Kemp, Managing Director of Brighton Pride CIC, added: “As we celebrate the milestone of the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminaliastion of homosexuality in England and Wales, this year’s Pride is all set to be one of the best ever.

“Extensive planning takes place year-round between Brighton Pride CIC and our partners at Sussex Police, Brighton & Hove City Council, ESFRS and SeaCamb.

“Our detailed event management plans are continuously updated to reflect all relevant advice and legislation and reviewed by all parties and a citywide Safety Advisory Group.

“Pride would like to thank our colleagues at Sussex Police and all our statutory partners for their support to Pride in our City and, as always, ask locals and visitors to Pride to be vigilant and look out for each other.

“Have an amazing Pride.”

Global superstars and pop royalty, Pet Shop Boys will be headlining this year’s Summer of Love Festival on Preston Park on Saturday, August 5, bringing their complete SUPER TOUR show to the city. Other main stage guest artists include Years & YearsLouisa Johnson, Becky Hill, M.O, Fickle Friends and KStewart.

To book tickets online, click here:

 

PICTURE DIARY: Eastbourne LGBT+ Mardi Gras

Thousands of LGBT+ people, their friends and allies attend Eastbourne’s first LGBT+ Mardi Gras on Saturday, July 22.

 

Eastbourne certainly came out in large numbers to support the towns first celebration of LGBT+ folk. Rain held off long enough for the parade to pass and main stage speeches to be made by chair of the organising committee, Betty Gallacher, Human Rights Campaigner Peter Tatchell who said: “The message of Pride was to celebrate the contribution that LGBT+ people make to the Eastbourne community” and for tribute act ABBA Magic to get the crowd on their feet and dancing.

The Mayor of Eastbourne, Cllr Pat Hearn was in attendance and led the parade in an open top car from Langney Point along the seafront through Fort Fun car park to Victoria Park.

This was an LGBT+ event of the old skool. It was free, there were no licensed bars on the park (but you could take you own alcohol on with you) and everyone who came was determined to have a great time with many bringing picnics and chairs to the park with them.

The crowd was very mixed with lots of children and families, the dance tent was full all day and the stalls in the community village appeared to do good business. Such a shame it rained later in the day.

It was great to see support from some Brighton organisations on the parade including Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, MindOut and Brighton and Hove Bus Company as well as representation from some national unions and I spotted many Brighton faces among the crowds.

Only slight disappointment was the route taken by the parade. It was hidden away on a part of the seafront that was not very busy. The purpose of a Pride parade is to raise LGBT+ awareness and that can only be done by taking it through the centre of the town. Something for the organisers to aspire to next year.

The event was organised by LGBT+ support group Bourne Out.

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BOOK REVIEW: Ocean Vuong: Night sky with exit wounds

Ocean Vuong

Night sky with exit wounds

Ocean Vuong’s words writhe and spin the page, his usage and abuse of English is astonishing, he’s more smelter and Vulcan at his poetry forge making these words transform into something other than just letters and meaning, his poems are almost living things, they move in meaning and temperament deepening on how you view them and they squint back at you, spitting, laughing, quietly crying in the corner then looking you straight in the eye with this dark pool of experience.  His ability to re-position, juxtapose, highlight and bring words forward in a flash is astonishing and urgent and his writing gripped me from the moment I opened this book.

His own journey to becoming a poem is as fraught, curious and intense as is his writing and he has the ability to capture small silent moments that will stay with you, nagging you to read them again. To let the words expand in your mind blossoming into his curious and stark beauties. He can compress more ugly things and times too, into something hard and small enough to cope with, but their deceptive lead-like weight gives away their density.

I judge a poet (and I hear Walk Whitman & Emily Dickinson tut tut’ing at my presumption, both surely would have thrilled at Vuong’s talent) by the way the words cling to me, find me in small silent moment, flash up along the hard shoulders of the highways of my life, demand attention from me and hide under pebbles, it’s been two weeks now and still Vuong’s words stalk me. Sometimes poets and poems come to you when you are in most in need of them, they salve or cauterise, but they change you by the reading of them. I never turn my back on a poem and Vuong’s own difficult experience in life and seeking honest gay experiences and love echo me, and each and every one of us. He’s both startlingly original and universal.

He takes us across his life and experience, taking in huge themes; life, death ,war, loss, change, sexuality, queerness, outsider, lover, student, teacher, and  leaving small gifts of glowing hope, that float to the surface of these crafted works. His gay love poems are stark, beautiful and utterly unnerving in their uncompromising adoration. No fear, although often trembling, these poem contradict themselves, strong and fluid, dark but searing, honest but wrapped in untruths.

This book is a magical journey into the imagination and talents of Vuong’s mind and worth pursing for anybody interesting in poems which can change. More spells than sentences, they alter reality as we read them and leave us impressed and impressed upon by this astonishing young man’s collection of debut work.

This is a beautiful, challenging and softly stunning collection of writing and worth reading to remind ourselves of how tender, urgent and universal are our feelings.

Recommended. 

£10.00

For more info or to buy the books click here:

“Helping your community is reward enough” – Bert Williams

Making a better world and helping your community will reap rewards far greater than cars or houses, University of Brighton graduates were told yesterday (July 26) at an annual graduation ceremony.

Photo: Jim Holden

Bert Williams MBE, the driving force behind Brighton and Hove Black History, was speaking as he received an honorary Doctor of Letters from the university for his contribution to the promotion of race equality in the local region.

Bert said: “I have had the opportunity to research black history and promote race equality throughout Brighton and Hove – it is in this area of my work in the community that has resulted in not only the recognition I am receiving today but also in receipt of my MBE from the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace in 2011.”

The two awards, he said, led him to the message he wanted to leave to graduates receiving their degrees at the Brighton Centre: “It came to me as I was working with the outstanding team of volunteers alongside me. I was supported by humble, polite, honest and kind people – not working for the glory of status or financial rewards but all working to inform and educate those around them

“Success in this context was not measured by cars, houses or social status but by the difference they make in people’s lives.

“If you are working and striving towards a goal, only focusing on the immediate rewards, financial or otherwise, it will fog your judgement and impair your decision-making.

“If you seek to make a difference, improve your community and create a better world for the generation behind you, your success will be rewarded beyond anything that you have ever imagined.”

Bert, who received a standing ovation during  graduation ceremony, came to England from Jamaica in 1960 at the age of 16. He served in the RAF and then worked for the NHS until his retirement. He chaired Mosaic, a local group for black and mixed-race families, and in 2002 he co-launched Brighton and Hove Black History. He also organised the Chattri Memorial service on the Sussex Downs, which commemorates Indian soldiers who fought during the First World War.

Bert was introduced at the ceremony by Professor Chris Pole who recounted Bert’s comment to a local reporter after receiving his MBE.

Bert was quoted as saying: “I feel quite touched really, and quite honoured. I would not have been able to do it without the community. They have been really supportive. There are such beautiful people in Brighton – the nicest place I have ever met. This award is for them.”

FEATURE: Why we need a ‘Queer’ Theatre (now, more than ever)

Still buzzing from a jam-packed Brighton Fringe programme and clad in his retro lavender style – a look I’ve come to associate with the man behind the Marly – I sat down with Tarik Elmoutawakil to discuss the challenges and rewards that come with programming queer performance.

Artwork Hizze Fletcher: www.hizzefletcher.com
Artwork Hizze Fletcher: www.hizzefletcher.com

Since relocating to the UK three years ago, I’ve been hungry for a queer theatre reminiscent of Buddies in Bad Times Theatre: the bold and unapologetically ‘queer’ theatre that continues to carve its place in the landscape of Canadian art.

Tarik joined the Marlborough Pub and Theatre as a bartender 15 years ago, but in 2008 he ambitiously took charge of the theatre space because it was at risk of shutting down indefinitely. David Sheppeard joined Tarik shortly after that, and then Abby Butcher in 2012, and these three impassioned individuals share the Creative Producer title. Simon Booth (Technical Manager) and Ema Boswood (Programme Coordinator) joined more recently and complete the entirely queer team behind one of the only specifically LGBT+ performance venues in the UK.

The Marly team photo: Rosie Powell
The Marly team photo: Rosie Powell

Like queer theory itself, the Marly’s artistic mandate is amorphous and constantly shifting with time. Fundamentally, Tarik and his team aim to programme work that explores “intersectional perspectives.”

As demonstrated through LGBT+ communities, identity is a diverse spectrum and the Marly hopes to reflect that diversity onstage through theatre, music, cabaret, live art, comedy, dance and digital media, ultimately “challenging singular representation.” To Tarik, queer performance “dismantles structures and speaks truths from unheard voices.”

Every voice within the LGBT+ communities is unique and exhibited at some point at the Marly, but Tarik explained that the venue especially fosters work from trans and non-binary artists because they are often excluded in the mainstream arts scene. The Marly strives for inclusive programming where “minorities and the oppressed can feel safe and represented onstage.”

However, that isn’t to say that anyone and everyone is welcome to perform at the Marly. Is there a limit to exclusivity? Do we want racists and homophobes and sexists onstage? Obviously not. Tarik’s philosophy is to “discriminate against discrimination.” But this can’t be an easy feat.

When asked what challenges come from programming for a festival like Brighton Fringe, Tarik explained that the Fringe is open-access (unlike the rest of the year’s programming) and much of the work is ‘in progress’ when the artist applies. This means that the Marly team may only see the completed show during the final dress/tech rehearsal.

According to Tarik, there have been instances in the past where he discovered problematic details within a show (ie. a line or image that could alienate a certain group of people in the audience) and had to discuss it with the artist. Never overt bigotry, but rather “micro-aggressions that needed to be addressed.” Luckily, most artists have been grateful for the feedback and gladly made the necessary changes to include every kind of audience member that frequents the Marly.

The fact is that some artists need to check their privilege. Even though someone belongs to the LGBT+ communities, and has experienced prejudice in some shape, way or form, they do not then have permission to oppress another marginalised group.

If we step out of the theatre for a second: the assumption is that everyone in the LGBT+ community is open and accepting, but you just have to switch on Grindr to find ‘NO FATS NO FEMMES NO ASIANS’ plastered across ‘MASC 4 MASC’ profiles.

Just like our seemingly inclusive community, white, male privilege remains rampant in queer art today, and venues like the Marly have a responsibility to hold artists accountable for the messages they spread with their work. Who else is going to do it?

At its core, queer art is about taking risks. Identities and ideologies are being challenged and subverted, and people are bound to be offended. But that’s the point – art is supposed to affect its audience. Mistakes might be made and language might alienate, but venues like the Marly open up a dialogue around reductive rhetoric and representation within the LGBT+ communities. As seen in their upcoming (and meticulously curated) Trans Pride programme, workshops and Q&As are scheduled alongside specific performances in hopes of unpacking ideas at play and facilitating much-needed conversations about the work.

But running a queer theatre isn’t all about challenge and intensity – it’s also incredibly rewarding. Tarik revealed that he has met so many of his queer heroes through the Marly, some including: Mykki Blanco, DarkMatter, Kate Bornstein and Split Britches. And more importantly, Tarik finds genuine joy in creating a community hub “where you can live closer to the ideals you want to see in the world.”

When asked to describe the Marly’s future, Tarik envisioned “an environment where queerness is normalised and where people are emboldened by seeing fragments of their identity reflected onstage.”

A ‘queer’ theatre is so much more than just a theatre; it’s a laboratory; it’s a sanctuary; it’s a protest. And in our current political climate, as our government is infiltrated by homophobic, sexist DUP extremists, I can’t think of anything more important than a space that hands a microphone to the voiceless and shines a spotlight on the marginalised. The only way change will come is if we speak up, stand out and listen; and that’s why we need performance venues like The Marlborough Pub and Theatre.

Photo: Rosie Powell
Photo: Rosie Powell
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