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BAR PERSON PROFILE: Michael David @Legends

The first person many LGBT+ folk meet when they arrive in the city is the bar person at their local LGBT+ venue. These gatekeepers to the community provide an important role both befriending and signposting new arrivals to the city. Gscene finds out a bit more about them and what makes them special.

Where do you come from? Well I’m half English half Arabic so spent the early part of my life in Baghdad. Since then I’ve cruised round Manchester and Brighton.

What brought you to Brighton?  I heard Madonna lived here.

How long have your worked at Legends? On and off for 132 years now.

Oddest thing you’ve been asked behind the bar? Why is Madonna playing again. And that’s from my colleagues

What’s the worst kind of punter? Homophobic, indecisive, racist and those who don’t like Madonna are the worst punters.

What do you do when it’s quiet in the bar? Clean. If there’s time to lean, there’s time to clean. I’m often found on my knees scrubbing. I find it very therapeutic.

Do you know the difference between Ale and Beer? Ale and beer, its to do with the fermenting process isn’t it? Have a lager it’s just easier.

Can you pull a pint?  Yes. Best in town. I mean Kemptown….maybe.

Do you prefer to be shaken or stirred? Stirred all the way babes.

Whats your favourite tipple? Champagne, followed by a few G&Ts with fever free tonic.

What makes you roll your eyes? Stupid people. And those who don’t like Madonna.

Are those really your photos on Grindr?  I’ve been with my Andy for years so not on it.

What makes a perfect barman/girl? Somebody friendly, proactive and hard-working.

Where do you like to go out when you’re not working? When I’m not propping up the bar at Legends it’s the other Kemptown Bars or the nice straight bars.

Tell us a secret about yourself. I’m straight.

Your Favourite Book? Anything based on a true story.

Your favourite artists? Madonna, Cher, George Michael, Whitney.. basically all the gay icons.

What’s your nickname behind the bar? Baaaaaaaabes.

What gets you swinging your hips? DJ Claire’s Disney treats on a Wednesday night at Legends. It’s a blast, everyone should come!

Christmas on the streets with MCC

Metropolitan Community Church Brighton (MCC Brighton), the church that takes its worship onto the Old Steine every Wednesday, will hold it’s Christmas eve service this year at the Clock Tower in the very heart of Brighton on Sunday, December 24 starting at 4pm.

Last year, MCC Brighton gave away bags of gifts to the homeless at the Carol Service they hosted. This year they will be offering carols, communion and refreshment and once again will have gift bags to give away.

Pastor Andrew Ramage, say: “We believe that church should have no boundaries, that Christmas is for everyone and so we bring church out of the building to where it was always meant to be, in the very heart of the community. We believe that church should be accessible to everyone, whatever their situation. I am inviting everyone to come along between 4 and 6pm by the Clock Tower on Sunday, December 24.

“Take a break from the frenzy of last-minute shopping and join us.”

For more information about MCC Brighton, click here:

Bear-Patrol raise over £9,000 at Hibernation

Hibernation Community Lunch raises £9,193.04 with George Michael painting by local artist Lez Ingham reaching £3,300 at auction.

Tickets for this year’s Hibernation Community Lunch, organised by Bear-Patrol at the Old Ship Hotel towards the end of October, sold out months in advance, raising a magnificent total of £9,193.04 for local good causes.

Danny Dwyer and Bear-Patrol have donated £5,000 to LGBT mental health service MindOut, to help towards the set up costs of their new counselling service, and £4,193.04 to Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum, to help with their innovative approach to community development.

Graeme Atack, on behalf of Bear-Patrol, welcomed the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Cllr Mo Marsh, to the sixth annual luncheon before inviting everyone to take their seats in the surroundings of the magnificent Paganini Ballroom for a very impressive four-course lunch and community fundraising.

Mysterry Shaw hosted the afternoon’s entertainment, which included vocal sets from Jennie Castell, Krissie Ducann and a stunning show from headliner Miss Hope Springs who captivated the room for a full 50 minutes with her unique patter and original songs.

Excitement reached fever pitch during a bidding war for the main auction prize: an original painting of pop icon George Michael by local artist Lez Ingham, resulting in partners Mark Halloran and Chris Dangerfield bidding against each other to secure the painting, which had been commissioned and painted especially for the occasion, raising an impressive £3,300!

Specials thanks to professional Toast Master Mr Dan Hale and auctioneer Jennie Castell assisted by Graeme Atack who brilliantly handled the auction, making sure the bidding was clean and fair on all the lots which had been donated by supporters and local businesses.

Special mention for the technical crew of Carole Todddirector, Budge Magrawlighting, Sam Eddisonsound and Mandie Brame from Fabricate Décor who decorated the room and of course Lez Ingham who kindly produced and donated the painting.

Next year’s Bear-Patrol Hibernation community lunch will once again be at the Old Ship Hotel on Sunday, October 21. To book your ticket email: info@bearpatrol.org.uk they are already selling very fast.

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Mr Gay Europe helps keep Brighton’s homeless warm and fed this Christmas

Mr Gay Europe asks for your help to make the lives of the homeless who live on the city’s streets a little better this Christmas.

Matt Rood: Photo Manel Ortega
Matt Rood: Photo Manel Ortega

Matt Rood, the current holder of the Mr Gay Europe crown, will be helping the homeless and their dogs on the streets of Brighton & Hove this Christmas, and asks people to offer their support by donating goods they no longer need for him to hand out via the Sussex Homeless Support Project.

Matt needs flasks, camping gear, sleeping bags, blankets, rolling mats, warm clothing, jumpers, socks, toiletries, dog blankets and dog treats.

You can take your donations to the Sunday Kitchen at the Clock Tower every Sunday between 1-3pm, where the 15-20 regular volunteers from Sussex Homeless Support will distribute them, along with Matt, to those in need, and where the homeless can get something warm to drink and eat.

You can also drop off your donations at the project’s offices at Unit 7, 196 Old Shoreham Road, Hove.

For more information check out their Facebook page:
Sussex Homeless Support CIO/ Sussex Economic Support.

Football shows united support for Stonewall’s rainbow laces campaign

Ahead of todays Rainbow Laces campaign the EFL, Premier League, PGMOL, and The FA joined together to produce a unique rainbow photograph to show football standing together in support of LGBT+ inclusivity in sport.

All 92 League Clubs will be supporting Stonewall’s rainbow laces initiative which runs from November 25 – December 3 with various promotional opportunities including rainbow-coloured captains’ armbands, laces and programme adverts.

In a first, EFL Clubs will also be displaying rainbow-coloured corner flags at matches this weekend. In addition, England Women’s televised World Cup qualifier against Bosnia & Herzegovina at the Banks’s Stadium last night (November 24) saw all players wearing the rainbow laces.

The Premier League has introduced bespoke rainbow branding to its ball plinths, pitch flags, handshake boards, and timing boards. PGMOL will also be showing their support across the four divisions, with all match officials wearing rainbow laces.

Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign aims to make sport everyone’s game with national teams, leading clubs, professional players, fans and grassroots players from across football showing their support for LGBT+ people in sport.

To purchase your rainbow laces online, click here:

Bar Broadway raise £300 for Royal British Legion

Bar Broadway in Steine Street marked Remembrance Sunday last month (November 12), with a fundraising benefit, raising £300 for the Royal British Legion.

Jennie Castell hosted the evening, singing standards from the 30’s and 40’ from her wartime show, to a very appreciative audience.

Some of the staff and customers dressed in military costume which added to the ambiance of the evening.

Michael McGarrigle, one of the owners of Bar Broadway has worked as a costume supervisor on the TV show Benidorm for the last five years. He raffled off some memorabilia from the show given only to the crew, including a large beach towel with the Benidorm logo on it, a sarong with the Benidorm logo and a limited edition bottle of Cava which staff were given to celebrate the shows 50th episode.

Michael, said: “It was a brilliant night and I would like to thank everyone for coming along and supporting such as great cause.”

 

MindOut celebrate their achievements in 2017

Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Cllr Mo Marsh joins service users and supporters of MindOut the LGBTQ mental health service at their annual celebration event on Wednesday, November 15 at Dorset Gardens Methodist Church.

 

MindOut were celebrating their sixth year being a successful independent charity and their eighteenth year providing services to LGBTQ people with mental health issues in Brighton & Hove.

Director Helen Jones gave a roundup of the charity’s achievements and work plan during the previous twelve months highlighting the importance of their new counselling service which is funded by Bear Patrol and the Rainbow Fund.

Other services she mentioned included the Advice and information service, Advocacy project, Peer support groups, Peer mentoring project, Suicide prevention, Wellbeing project, Online chat and Online support.

Service users gave testimonies to what MindOut means to them, leaving no-one present in any doubt of the effectiveness of the services being offered.

Following the annual MindOut awards being announced and presented everyone tucked into a delicious buffet produced by Lunch Positive, the HIV Lunch Club.

MindOut have a couple of free places on the Brighton Marathon for people who want to run and raise money for them.

For more information, click here:

For more information about the services that MindOut provide, view: 

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One number, one website for unpaid carers across the city

Local MPs Caroline Lucas (Brighton Pavilion) and Peter Kyle (Hove and Portslade) launch new Carers Hub today (November 24) on Brighton Seafront.

Carers Hub, a brand new phone line (01273 977 000) and dedicated website (www.carershub.co.uk) for unpaid carers in Brighton and Hove will provide a comprehensive resource of relevant information, advice and access to organisations who can make life a bit easier for carers.

The Hub is a partnership between three prominent local charities (the Carers Centre for Brighton & Hove, Alzheimer’s Society and Crossroads Care Brighton, Hove and East Sussex) and Local Authority assessment staff, who have joined together to build a focal point for unpaid carers ensuring they receive the right support, at the right time, in the right place.

Unpaid carers say that having a central point for information, advice and support is one of the most important things they need to navigate the health and social care services for the people they look after.

Following the press conference an open top bus sponsored by Brighton & Hove Bus & Coach Company toured the city, visiting Churchill Square, Brighton Railway Station and Brighton Marina. At each stop the Carers Hub team engaged passers-by and distributed information leaflets to generate awareness for the new initiative.

Information stalls were set up at Brighton Railway Station, One Stop Travel Shop and Jubilee Library.

Caroline Lucas MP

Caroline Lucas MP, the Green MP for Brighton Pavilion, said: “I’m delighted to celebrate the launch of the ‘Carers Hub’ today, an initiative which will allow The Carers Centre for Brighton and Hove to continue to support the many unpaid carers in the city. The Carers Centre is a vital resource that makes a significant difference to those managing such heavy responsibilities, helping them to access support and guidance when they need it. The Carers Hub will be a valuable addition to the city, helping to improve the quality of life for carers and young carers in Brighton and Hove.”

Peter Kyle MP
Peter Kyle MP

Peter Kyle, MP for Hove & Portslade, added: “The Carers Centre for Brighton & Hove is a vital local charity supporting unpaid carers, and I’m over-the-moon that this successful bid for funding will allow them to continue their vital work.

“The support both young and adult carers receive from the Centre is something I’m very proud of so I’m honoured to be supporting the celebration which confirms that their work can continue.”

Chris Lau, Director, The Carers Centre for Brighton & Hove, said: “We are delighted to continue our work with unpaid carers and take a lead on this initiative, which aims to make unpaid carers’ life a bit easier by having one phone number and one website to get information and support that they well deserve.”

Peter Field, Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, added: “As Patron of the Carers Centre I am delighted at the launch of this new venture and I would like to enlist your support.  The Carers Centre always puts carer satisfaction at the heart of everything they do, no matter what age a carer is they strive to give them outstanding support.  If you feel there is any way you can help, either financially or by volunteering do please get in touch.”

Local charity urges Brighton & Hove residents to help young homeless people this Winter

The Clock Tower Sanctuary – a charity that supports homeless young people in Brighton & Hove – launches its ‘they are out there’ appeal aiming to raise £20,000 to support the  homeless young people who are on the streets this Winter.

The appeal highlights that as the nights grow darker and the freezing sea winds pick up, vulnerable young people, some just 16 years old, are sleeping on the streets, scared, wary and alone.

Brighton & Hove has the second largest homeless population in the UK. This stressful, isolating and traumatic experience has a major impact on mental health. Forty-four percent of homeless people have been diagnosed with a mental health condition as the physical toll of sleeping outside offers no security and no stability.

Christmas is a painful reminder of what they’ve lost or never had.

Frances Duncan, CEO at The Clock Tower Sanctuary, said: “With welfare reform changes and the housing crisis in the City, The Clock Tower Sanctuary is seeing an increasing number of young people seeking our help’.

“We are so grateful to Brighton & Hove residents who always rise to the challenge to help us. We are asking for your help again – please donate and give vulnerable young people a brighter future. £20 can pay for a young person to have a shower, a hot meal, and a place to belong.”

Dandi, aged 22 says: “There is nothing worse than being homeless and alone. With The Clock Tower Sanctuary’s support, I’ve got a home and a job. I would really like to become a youth worker one day and give back the help I have been given.”

To make a donation and hear Dandi’s full story, click here:

 

PREVIEW: Pink Singers to raise the roof on World AIDS Day

This year’s ‘World AIDS Day Concert’ in London with The Pink Singers will raise support for the National AIDS Trust, and will include guest singers and Rainbow Singers Across Borders.

For World AIDS Day The Pink Singers are joined by the inspiring Rainbow Singers Across Borders, the Croydon-based voluntary self-help group for LGBT asylum seekers who are fleeing persecution of oppressive homophobic/transphobic regimes.
Over 50 Pink Singers will be singing a mixture of their core repertory and some teasers from their exciting January 2018 concert A Night at the Movies – The Sequel
All the profits raised from both the ticket sales and the bar on the night will go to the National AIDS Trust.

The Pink Singers are both London’s LGBT Community Choir, and the longest running LGBT Choir in Europe.

Event: World AIDS Day Concert with The Pink Singer and Rainbow Singers Across Borders

Where: St Pancras Church, Euston Road, London NW1 2BA
When: Friday, December 1
Time: 7.30pm
Cost: Ticket donations are £10 on the door or in advance
To book tickets online, click here:

 
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