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Scottish Football teams up to tackling homophobia

In a first for Scotland, professional football clubs in all four of the SPFL divisions have teamed up to better include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) people by signing up to the Scottish LGBT Sports Charter.

Rangers Striker Kenny Miller
Rangers Striker Kenny Miller

It’s the first time in Scotland that so many clubs have made a commitment to better include LGBT+ people in the beautiful game and it includes the biggest clubs in Scottish Football.

The Charter includes a set of five principles which aim to remove the barriers to sport for LGBT+ people. Over thirty governing bodies of sport have already signed up, including the Scottish Football Association.

Signing up to the charter today are Aberdeen, Celtic, Hearts, Hibs, Partick Thistle, Rangers, St Johnstone, Dumbarton, Airdirionans, Albion Rovers, Forfar Athletic, Elgin City and Peterhead.

Scott Cuthbertson
Scott Cuthbertson

Scott Cuthbertson, Development Manager of the Equality Network, said: “We’re delighted that these clubs, from across all four SPFL divisions, are today making a commitment to LGBT+ supporters, officials and the next generation of LGBT+ players.

“Today’s message is loud and clear, everyone is welcome at football and we are working for a more inclusive game.

“We don’t yet have any openly LGBT+ professional players in the men’s professional game in Scotland but we know there are plenty of LGBT+ fans. Thank you to those clubs who have already taken this step. For clubs who haven’t yet signed up and who want to make their club more inclusive, our door is always open.”

The charter states as its aim that “Scotland will be a country where everyone can take part, enjoy, and succeed in sport at all levels whatever their sexual orientation and gender identity”, it was developed in consultation with sports governing bodies (SGBs), other sports stakeholders and LGBT+ people.

Rangers striker Kenny Miller commented:Rangers is an inclusive club and strives to promote equality and inclusion and we are delighted to sign up to the Scottish LGBT Sports Charter.

“Everyone should be able to take part, enjoy and succeed in sport whatever their sexual orientation or gender identity and we are proud to support this initiative.

The Equality Network say this is the first step in coordinated efforts that they hope will encourage more LGBT+ people to get involved in football.

A study by the Equality Network launched in 2012 showed that 57% of LGBT+ people would be more likely to participate in sport if it was more LGBT+ friendly, and that football was the sport identified as having the biggest challenges to overcome in relation to LGBT+ inclusivity.

Call to reform the Gender Recognition Act

Green Party calls for radical reforms to Gender Recognition Act ahead of Brighton Pride!

The Green Party has called for an overhaul of the Gender Recognition Act to give trans people more rights ahead of Pride in Brighton and Hove, which runs from August 4 to 6.

The Government Equalities Office announced a review of the Gender Recognition Act on July 23. The Green Party is campaigning to allow trans youth and non-binary people to obtain legal gender recognition and to remove the medicalisation of the process.

Aimee Challenor, Green Party LGBTIQA+ spokesperson, and Jonathan Bartley, Green Party co-leader, will lead the Green bloc at the march on August 5.

Challenor said: “LGBTIQA+ rights are under unprecedented threat around the world. We must make sure our laws reflect the world around us and make society a more accepting and welcoming place, whether that’s in public, at school or in the workplace.

“When I was at school other kids called me names, pushed me around and threw things at me. The teachers rarely did anything about it and that hurt – it legitimised the behaviour of the bullies and made me think that I wasn’t worthy of respect.

“I’m proud to be marching this weekend and celebrating people like me who don’t ‘fit the mould’. We’re sending a clear message that it’s never acceptable to intimidate, harass or belittle someone because of who they are. It’s time for our flawed and outdated laws to be updated to recognise the rights of LGBTIQA+ people across the UK.”

MCC Brighton at Trans Pride

Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) Brighton, once again challenged the pre-conceptions about churches by bringing together many different faiths for this year’s Trans Pride Interfaith Corner at Brunswick Gardens on Saturday, July 22.

From L to R: Rev Denise Mascherpa (The New Christian Spiritualist Society), Rev Karen Barker (Also from NCSS), Pastor Andrew Ramage (MCC Brighton), Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah (Progressive Synagogue), Robin Taylor (Chairman of the Pagan Federation in Brighton and Wiccan), Rev Michael Hydes (The Village MCC)
From L to R: Rev Denise Mascherpa (The New Christian Spiritualist Society), Rev Karen Barker (Also from NCSS), Pastor Andrew Ramage (MCC Brighton), Rabbi Elizabeth Tikvah Sarah (Progressive Synagogue), Robin Taylor (Chairman of the Pagan Federation in Brighton and Wiccan), Rev Michael Hydes (The Village MCC)

They all worked together to help people connect with their own vision of spirituality. On offer this year were card readings from the Jesus Deck, healing, aura work and open discussions on all Faiths.

Andrew Ramage, Pastor of MCC Brighton and organiser of the interfaith corner, said: “This is the first event I have been at where these diverse faiths have come together in one place and worked together, supporting each other to reach out to the community, it was incredible.”

“I have not seen any other event where leaders from Paganism, Judaism, Christianity, Spiritualism and Wicca have all joined in a single endeavour. It really gives me hope for the future, after all only by understanding each other can we get past perceived differences. I look forward to future joint ventures.”

One funny lady – Hannah Brackenbury

“Hannah Brackenbury has been described as Victoria Wood and Tim Minchin’s lesbian love child. She’s more than that. She’s Hannah, and her songs are both bloody funny and beautifully touching.”…..Vicky Nangle (Latest 7)

Hannah Brackenbury
Hannah Brackenbury

Eric Pages catches up with local funny lass Hannah Brackenbury in a rare moment of quiet in her busy showbiz schedule.

When did you come out? At 14 I knew, I didn’t feel anxious about it. I went to Derby University at 18 and went to the LGB society meeting and there were people from my course and that was that… I shaved my head, pierced my nose, bought some combat trousers and away I went! I told my parents in the summer holidays, it was no great shock to anyone; I’d always been such a tomboy!

In 2009 after living in the Midlands, I took the plunge, handed in my notice, sold everything and moved to Brighton. It was the best decision I ever made. I was born by the seaside so being back by the sea just felt right and the LGBT+ scene added to that.

What makes you laugh? Sketch comedy, I adore Saturday Night Live, and obsessed with Kristen Wiig! Her performance in Bridesmaids makes me cry with laughter. I regret never seeing Victoria Wood perform live. She is my biggest inspiration and I always assumed that one day I’d get the chance to see her live. My favourite comedy sketch is the Two Ronnies ‘Swedish Made Simple’, they are in a  restaurant pretending to speak Swedish using english letters to sound  the words. It’s a simple idea, so clever and funny. Cracks me up every time! I love word play.

When was the last time you cried? A few days ago, listening to a Scottish folk song called ‘Caledonia’ by female country duo Ward Thomas. It’s the most beautiful, simple song, piano, acoustic guitar and two-part vocal harmonies… really tugs at the heart-strings. The lyrics talk about moving around and friends coming and going which really struck a chord.

What was the highlight of your recent tour? Oh I had so much fun! This was my first solo show on tour, a huge undertaking as I did everything myself. Norwich – the closest date to my home town of Great Yarmouth – was a room full of my family and friends! My mum hired minibuses to bring as many family members from Great Yarmouth as possible! That was a riotous night and my personal highlight.

What makes you angry? I don’t have much of a temper, I take after my dad who is the most laid-back man you could meet, I have a few pet hates, people eating with their mouth open, noisy eaters! Makes my blood boil!! KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!!

What do you sing when no-one’s around and what gets you dancing? Songs from old musicals, classics like Oliver, My Fair Lady, and The Sound of Music… films I grew up watching. I am besotted with Julie Andrews. ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen. Never fails to get me moving, and it’s always my first choice karaoke song!

Where’s your favourite place in the city? Nothing beats a spot of people-watching from a window on St James’ Street!  The sights you see! I’m a keen cyclist along the Undercliff Walk, especially early mornings in the summer months. It’s beautiful and so peaceful there at sunrise.

Bran or Brandy? Do you lead a healthy life? I try very hard to be healthy but my sweet tooth beats me! Vodka for me, not brandy.  I wrote a song that ended up as the title track of my last album – Jumbled (The Vodka Song).

What makes you proud to be LGBT+? I’m very proud to live in a city with such a liberal outlook; it’s easy to forget how difficult so many LGBT+ folks still have it. I’ve loved being involved with the Rainbow Chorus and I’ve found the gay community in Brighton to be welcoming and inclusive, and gay women naturally make up the majority of my audiences. It’s nice to give something back; I now run a monthly women’s social night called Indigo Club which offers quality entertainment for gay women. 

What’s an overrated pleasure? Having a massage. I always come away aching more than I did before or feeling that it just didn’t quite hit the spot!!

Can you whistle? Yep. But I firmly believe it’s NOT something that should be done in public! Another pet hate is when older men whistle a really ‘showy’ tune and add a little vibrato-like wobble on the notes! I always end up behind one in the supermarket, you can hear them all the way around, there’s no escape!

What’s your favourite rhyme?

There once was a man from Bengal

Who went to a fancy dress ball

He thought “Yeah I’ll risk it”

“I’ll go as a biscuit”

But a dog ate him up in the hall

Up and coming gigs? I host a women’s social night at Latest Music Bar called Indigo Club. A mix of live music, comedy and cabaret then a dance party till 2am with a different music theme each month! The 80s themes have been very popular!

Next Indigo Club nights:

Friday August 4 – Pride Special

Friday, August 25

For more information, click here: 

Brighton businessman bids to become Mr Gay Europe – Campaign Day 21

Last chance to vote for Matt!

Matt Rood has lived in Brighton for the last fifteen years. His job is his passion. He’s a dog walker and trainer and has his own company called ROODDOG. His other passion is fitness and he goes to the Underground gym in Brighton five or six times a week.

The last two years have been an emotional journey for Matt following the breakdown of his marriage. A friend came across the competition for Mr Gay Europe and encouraged him to apply.

Matt said: “I’m a very enthusiastic guy and love setting myself new challenges so I went for it. I hired the best personal trainer in town Sam Bird to help keep me focused and positive enabling me to be successful and reach my goals.”

A formal interview with Stuart Hatton former Mr Gay World 2014 followed, then a cv round, a photo round and two Skype interviews with the board of directors of Mr Gay Europe. He completed each round successfully and was awarded his new title, Mr Gay England.

Contrary to common perception, Mr Gay Europe isn’t a beauty pageant, it’s more about understanding LGBT+ law, LGBT+ rights and being cultured within the LGBT+ communities.

The Mr Gay Europe competition takes place in Stockholm, Sweden from August 1-6 when Matt will be competing against contestants from fifteen other countries.

The competition includes different rounds ranging from a formal interview, a written exam on the contestants knowledge of LGBT+ law, a social media challenge, a team challenge, a congeniality round, a fitness round and a round on the contestants campaigning work.

Matt’s campaign for the competition is called Pride Families. For three years he was a foster carer and helped ten children. He wants to use his new title as Mr Gay England and his experience as a foster carer as a platform to promote awareness showing that LGBT+ people can adopt and foster children providing them with loving, safe and nurturing homes.

In September, Matt will be working with Brighton and Hove City Council to launch a new fostering and adoption campaign and on July 8 he walked on the London Pride march with the fostering and adoption charity, New Family Social.

He added: “I’ve linked up with a local school too, as I believe the only way to combat discrimination in future generations is to work with children and teach them through respect, happiness and love for each other.”

Voting for Mr Gay Europe goes live on July 17 and you can vote online until August 4. Matt needs your votes as this counts for 20% of his final marks. Most importantly you can vote everyday the online voting is live to get a campaign going for him.

Matt concluded: “This has definitely been a whirlwind journey so far. I am loving every minute and I know if I win Mr Gay Europe the hard work starts there. I have the passion, motivation and drive to be a positive role model for our LGBT+ communities. So please vote for me.”

To vote for Matt and bring the title of Mr Gay Europe to Brighton, click here:

You can vote each day as Matt’s campaign gathers speed.

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