Work is underway in Brighton & Hove to support residents and businesses for the reopening of shops on Monday, June 15.
As more government restrictions are lifted, Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) is introducing a number of changes to the city’s public spaces and transport network which, it is hoped, will mean shops can reopen safely, stay open and flourish in a secure environment during the coronavirus pandemic. Plans will also help residents and visitors to move safely around the city and encourage them to maintain physical distancing.
The measures include the widening of footways, new cycle lanes, banners and signage and engagement with local businesses about signs and outside seating.
BHCC believe more space for people to visit shops, particularly in narrower parts of the city like Old Town and The Lanes, is important to keep people safe and support businesses in those areas to reopen safely.
BHCC has also produced advice for retail businesses around what they need to consider to protect staff and public safety and minimise the spread of Covid-19. This includes a number of simple poster options to download to help manage physical distancing.
Footway widening
Widening footways using temporary barriers and kerbs:
Western Road, near Marks & Spencer and Waitrose.
Church Road / Tisbury Road
Outside St Andrew’s Church
St James’s Street, near Morrisons
London Road, near Aldi
Old Town
To create these wider pedestrian areas, BHCC will need to suspend or relocate some parking, loading, disabled and electric vehicle charging bays, and relocate bus stops and refuse storage areas.
Temporary cycle lanes
BHCC is installing flexible plastic wands on the A270 Old Shoreham Road to ensure that there is a physical barrier between cyclists and other traffic.
Relocating road space to create a two-way cycle lane on the A23 south of Preston Park to Argyle Road. This is in addition to pavement widening further south on London Road.
Banners and signage
New signs, banners and floor markings reminding people to physically distance (‘Give Space Keep Safe’) are being installed in key locations across the city. Enhanced signage will be used at narrow passageways and twittens.
Floor stickers have also been placed along parts of the seafront, including Undercliff, to remind cyclists to take care when using spaces shared with pedestrians.
Councillor Anne Pissaridou, Chair of the council’s Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee, said:
‘The pandemic has had a huge impact on our economy and we want to do everything we can to support businesses who want to reopen their doors to customers for the first time in almost three months. By doing so safely, we hope those businesses can remain open and thrive in Covid-19 secure city.
‘I would ask everyone to please be considerate and respect each other as you travel and shop around Brighton & Hove. Be very mindful of people with mobility issues, learning disabilities or visual or hearing impairments. Some people will find it harder to manage physical distancing and many disabilities are hidden. Only by working together can be make the city safer.’
Marlborough Productions, the company behind the Marlborough Pub & Theatre’s renowned cultural programme, has announced it has ceased management of the historic LGBTQ+ Brighton venue.
The company will instead present its internationally recognised performances, parties and community gatherings at venues and spaces in Brighton & Hove. Many events are to be held within the atmospheric surroundings of The Spire, Kemptown’s Grade II listed, deconsecrated church venue, while Marlborough Productions continues to develop both local and touring projects.
Details are to be announced of “bold, new LGBTQ+ work” that will be produced in the months ahead . While Marlborough Productions’ 2020 live programme is on hold as the world struggles with the Covid-19 crisis, the company is delivering cultural and community projects online including Radical Rhizomes: Brighton & Hove’s social network for queer trans & intersex people of colour; monthly talks exploring the city’s hidden queer heritage; a new digital commission from award-winning performance artist Harry Clayton-Wright, plus a series of internationally focused, digital events exploring queer creativity and resilience through the pandemic. Seed commissioning opportunities for LGBTQ+ artists plus a digital version of Brownton Abbey are also to be announced soon.
This film was made to promote Radical Rhizomes for Brighton Pride last year:
Tarik Elmoutawakil & David Sheppeard became co-artistic directors of Marlborough Productions in 2008. Their creative vision and inclusive, nurturing approach has enhanced the careers of hundreds of LGBTQ+ artists. Many, such as Travis Alabanza, Emma Frankland, Lucy McCormick, Harry Clayton-Wright and Rachael Young have become high profile within UK queer culture.
Marlborough Productions has also hosted international and established performers including Justin Vivian Bond, Big Freedia, Mykki Blanco, Bette Bourne, David Hoyle, Le Gateau Chocolat, Scottee, KUCHENGA, Lorraine Bowen and Kate Bornstein among others, working with key local partners including Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts and Brighton Dome & Festival.
Significantly, the organisation also expanded its Trans Pride and Brighton Pride events into radical celebrations in recent years, particularly at a time when the trans community began to feel less welcome in standard LGBT+ spaces. Trans Pride in the UK was initiated in Brighton and The Marlborough has, to date, been the march’s initial meeting point.
Providing a welcoming, safe environment and taking a specific interest in the intersection between LGBTQ+ and BAME identities, Marlborough Productions has historically recognised these communities as pivotal in the organisation’s evolving programme, as well as at the Trans Pride and Brighton Pride parties.
Tarik Elmoutawakil and David Sheppeard, co-artistic directors, say: “After ten years and hundreds of performances we made the difficult decision to leave the Marlborough Pub & Theatre. We are so proud of the artists who contributed to the creative life of the building, the cultural life of the city and the community that has made it their queer home. We want to thank our team members past and present for all they have done in supporting The Marlborough and making it one of the most radical and joyful venues in the UK. We recognise the achievements of The Marlborough would not have been possible without the bravery and unending creativity of the Black and brown, queer, trans and non-binary artists and communities. We compel all arts organisations to do the vital and necessary work to dismantle structurally racist hierarchies within our sector and across society.
“As a small, LGBTQ+ led organisation with a commitment to inclusive and accessible programming we have done all we can to influence The Marlborough’s leaseholder, Laine Pub Co, to improve access and look after this historic building, which dates back to 1784. We have come to the difficult conclusion that the building is no longer fit for purpose for the communities we serve. In spite of current circumstances with the Covid crisis, we are actively pursuing opportunities to develop an accessible LGBTQ+ community space that is so needed in the city. If you or anyone you know can help us achieve this aim, we’d love to hear from you.
“We hope that Laine will look after The Marlborough Pub and Theatre, treasured by many, and that the new management will uphold our values. Covid-19 has put pubs, bars and the entire hospitality sector under enormous strain, it has also had a particular impact on the most marginalised members of the LGBTQ+ communities. When it is safe to do so we encourage that the community come together to support the LGBTQ+ spaces that matter to us and that make Brighton & Hove so unique.”
Marlborough Productions is thrilled by the support received so far for this new chapter from partners across Brighton & Hove and more widely across the UK. The company looks forward to continuing its trailblazing work in the future.
All information about upcoming Marlborough Productions work can be found on their new website
Social media channels: twitter.com/marlboroughprod
www.instagram.com/marlboroughproductions
www.facebook.com/marlboroughproductions
To get in touch with Marlborough Productions info@marlboroughproductions.org.uk
David Hoyle: “Under the management of David Sheppeard and Tarik Elmoutawakil the Marlborough has been a crucible of magic and equality. I owe it a huge, personal debt of gratitude for the creative opportunities it has afforded me. David and Tarik are also wonderful facilitators, producers and supportive to marginalised communities, they give me hope for the future”
Juno Dawson: “David and Tarik work tirelessly to showcase diverse, up-and-coming talent from all around the globe. The works are groundbreaking, thought-provoking and challenging; everything art should be. They’ll continue to put Brighton on the cultural map in this new phase.”
Le Gateau Chocolat: “The Marlborough, under David Sheppeard and Tarik Elmoutawakil, has been essential in scaffolding and platforming the works and practices of the LGBTQ+ community. Not just of artists in Brighton but from all over the country and international imports as well. Personally, as an arts institution, they supported my development by offering in kind help whenever I needed it; the valuable resource of space for rehearsal, research and development and tech support. This assistance provided much needed security as I navigated the evolution of my work and practice from small to mid-scale. A beacon, and haven, of queer arts, diversity inclusivity and identity.”
Boogaloo Stu: “Over the past decade David and Tarik have revived the very soul of this battered old beauty, bringing it back to life as a unique glittering polestar for queer life in Brighton and beyond. I am thrilled and honoured to have been a part of their journey.”
Aiden Bex is the sassy writer, poet, and spoken word artist who has organised fundraising events for the Martin Fisher Foundation and is part of the El Geebee Tea Queue set. Graham Robson caught up with him to find out what’s keeping his clock ticking during lockdown and plans for the future.
Hey, tell us a bit about yourself…
My performer bio reads ‘both angel and devil rolled into one heavily-tattooed package’ which I believe sums me up rather well!
I started writing in 2017 whilst experiencing acute depression. My psychotherapist used to teach creative writing and she helped me realise how creativity benefits mental health. By 2018, I took things further and began performing. These days I can’t get enough of anything creative. My current focus is drag which I started this year. It’s the most challenging thing I’ve ever done and I can’t wait to get better at it.
On the flip side, I work full-time for the NHS in HIV/GUM clinical research. My background before that was in HIV health promotion which is something I am still passionate about. However, as much as I enjoy my work, I would love to phase out nursing and replace it with something more creative.
How have you been spending your time since lockdown began?
To be honest, things haven’t really changed for me as I’ve been working as normal. I’ve had to give up my personal trainer, pole class, and singing lessons. However, that has allowed more time to be creative in other ways. I’m now learning Photoshop and have just bought my first DSLR camera.
Has coronavirus impacted on your creative output?
So far, this year has been my most creative yet and I’ve never been happier. However, I feel that relates more to regained confidence and improved mental wellbeing than anything else. I just wish there were more hours in the day for me to get everything done.
Have you been watching much online?
Mostly cabaret when I’ve had the time or if a friend has been performing in a particular show. There have been some fantastic performances and I’d love to see online shows continue even after the restrictions are lifted. The House of Grand Parade’s Lockdown show has been the absolute highlight so far.
Also, I performed my drag debut during lockdown as a pre-recorded set in the El Geebee Tea Queue online special. It was the first time I’ve been able to fully enjoy performing without feeling sick with nerves and the whole thing being a blur! The video is available on my YouTube channel for those who missed the screening.
What do you miss the most?
Ever since I moved to Brighton in 2010 I’ve been a huge fan of the Sunday afternoon cabaret circuit. Summer definitely won’t be the same without a cold pint on the terrace at Legends watching Dave Lynn causing chaos with the passing traffic.
Do you think lockdown is disproportionately affecting the LGBTQ+ community?
Obviously, the lockdown has been hard on different people for different reasons and this will have been exacerbated by their community dynamics and cultural norms. Though this may seem like a terrible generalisation, I do feel that the LGBTQ+ community may have found the lockdown much more isolating than some other communities as we tend to create our own families and rely on one another for support and acceptance. Being cut off physically seems to have left a lot of people struggling with loneliness and a desperate need for connection.
Will the LGBTQ+ scene will bounce back stronger than ever?
Definitely! I’m sure things will be hard initially, especially given the amount of vital fundraising opportunities missed as a result of Covid. And I can’t even begin to imagine how awful it has been for those with uncertainties over their income. However, I know that if we stick together the LGBTQ+ community will find a way to bounce back stronger. We’re far too fabulous to stay down for long!
What are your plans for when this is all over?
I’m currently writing a one-hour show to present at next year’s Brighton Fringe and I’m planning to create content for my YouTube channel to focus upon creativity and mental health.
I also have plans to organise another fundraising event for The Martin Fisher Foundation, a local HIV charity which does exceptional work to increase testing and tackle stigma. The event was booked for July at the Funkyfish Club, who generously offered their amazing venue free of charge. Thankfully, I’ve been assured that the offer still stands post-Covid.
Any words of wisdom to see us through?
To paraphrase the Seneca quote tattooed on my left arm… Don’t let fear hold you back. Stuff only seems difficult because it’s new so get a grip and crack on! (Can you see why I’m a nurse and not a philosopher?!)
A joint statement, signed by a coalition of 187 global organisations regarding the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on LGBTQ+ persons’ human rights, has been submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in advance of its 44th session on June 22, 2020.
Drafted by ILGA World, the International Service for Human Rights (ISHR), COC, OutRight Action International, the Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Rights (RFSL), GATE and ARC International, the statement addresses several issues, including:
The right to health;
The rise of stigma and discrimination and scapegoating of LGBTI persons;
Access to housing, water and sanitation;
The right to work and impacts on livelihood; and
Civic space restrictions.
While acknowledging that actions to combat the Covid-19 pandemic are urgent and necessary, signatories of the statement urge UN Member States and stakeholders to ensure that international human rights obligations are complied with, and specific vulnerabilities of LGBTQ+ persons are taken into account, during the implication of such emergency response measures.
Five key recommendations to States and stakeholders are included in the statement, including:
Ensure accessibility of healthcare and services to every person, including sexual and reproductive health, without discrimination of any kind;
Comply with international human rights laws and standards when implementing emergency measures, following requirements of legality, necessity, proportionality and non-discrimination, including on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics (SOGIESC);
Guarantee that shelters are inclusive for all persons regardless of their SOGIESC and implement measures allowing LGBTQ+ persons to report violence and discrimination suffered in a private context, including at homes and shelters;
Ensure that emergency measures to address the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic, as well as recovery plans, are inclusive to LGBTQ+ persons – especially to trans, older and homeless LGBTQ+ persons;
Ensure access to national, regional and international systems of accountability. States and stakeholders should implement lines of action designed to sustain and ensure the continuity of the engagement of civil society and human rights defenders in UN bodies and mechanisms.
In its conclusion, the statement urges authorities ‘to ensure that this public health emergency will neither exacerbate existing misconceptions, prejudices, inequalities or structural barriers, nor lead to increased violence and discrimination against persons with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression and sex characteristics.’
Jules Guaitamacchi catches up with Seeva and Jess to find out about their unexpected lockdown life together.
Artists, writing partners, producers and best friends, Seeva and Jess Young take us on a beautiful journey of friendship, perseverance, innovation, artistry and growth
Life in lockdown has been tough for us all kinds of different reasons, having had to adapt our lives to the extreme circumstances of a global pandemic. Some of us are isolating alone, others of us are forced into difficult family dynamics or living conditions, which may ring true, particularly for those of us in queer or TNBI communities. This inspiring pair, ended up in lock down in the midst of producing and recording music together. Seeva and Jess, originally met back in 2015 on a music course in Brighton and found themselves connecting immediately as if they’d known each other for years. Recently Jess was invited to stay at Seeva’s family home, just after he returned from acting in queer theatre production ‘Butterfly’, at the Vaults Festival. “We hadn’t anticipated how long the lockdown would be, however we created good structure, motivated one another, when the other was struggling. We gave each other space and acknowledging but not bathing too long in difficult emotions.”
During these particularly challenging times, they both channelled their experiences through their passion for creating music. Jess and Seeva, have seen each other through, not only the lockdown but many of life’s challenges as well.
As a South Asian, gay man living with HIV and a queer woman, who’s battled with her mental health for most of her life, both, have huge insight when it comes to strength and resilience, that you can really sense through their music. “The song Hopscotch on my EP released in March this year was about coming to terms with the reality of living with HIV”
Religion and spirituality have had a part to play in their lives. Coming from a Hindu background, Seeva recalls finding his love for singing as a child, during prayer when he and his family visited the temple. He describes his upbringing and culture as incredibly supportive and inclusive “The way I’ve personally experienced Hinduism is wholly inclusive as most religions are at their core”
Despite coming from a Catholic background, Jess considers herself spiritual but not religious “As I came through the other side of my struggle with mental health I have been delving further into my own spirituality and this inspired song writing”
They have both written for artists signed with Universal and Sony and written music all over the world and have since evolved as individual artists. They have already released their debut singles, with plenty of support from international media.
They’re both currently recording and releasing music. Jess’ most recent single ‘I don’t need you to Love Me’ is out now and her third single ‘Holding on and Letting Go’ is out on the 12th June.
Seeva’s up and coming project “We Need to Talk” is a biographical collection of songs, executively produced by himself and Jess, and will be released at the end of summer 2020.
They are both looking forward to performing live in the meantime watch this ‘digital’ space.
So four runs and just over 40 miles in we’re on the way. Interviews with the BBC, the Argus and of course these lovely people has pushed the sponsorship over £2k which is motivation to keep on in itself.
Only one small drama on today’s adventure which was not noticing my phone had called the emergency services four times and that consequently I was being tracked to Shoreham harbour by the coast guard.
Hoping to hit 60 miles this week. Watch this space.
The THT Hardship Fund gives out small grants to people living with HIV in financial difficulty and can be a vital lifeline for those most vulnerable. These grants normally total £2,000 a month, but during the pandemic, THT have pledged to increase this to £20,000 each month.
Applications for the Coro Nuovo Sussex Young Musician of the Year competition 2020 are now open, offering young musicians the chance to win up to £1,000 to help support their music studies.
The competition, sponsored by traditional oak and timber company Tradoak, is open to musicians aged between 18 and 26 years old, who have a connection to Sussex (residential and/or educational) and are embarking or intending to embark on a professional career in music.
There are four cash prizes available consisting of £1,000 for the winner, £500 for the runner-up and £250 each for two other finalists.
This is the fifth year that the competition has run and the final would normally take place during Coro Nuovo’s summer concert. However, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and for the health and safety of participants, judges, and audience, the 2020 competition will be held in a virtual format.
Those interested in entering should visit www.sussexyoungmusician.org.uk to download the competition details, and complete an application form, before recording and submitting a video of themselves performing a competition piece of their choice. The video will also need to be accompanied with a summary of their background, their musical career aspirations and how winning the prize money would assist on their journey.
Four finalists will be selected by the Coro Nuovo committee before being passed to a panel of expert judges from the music world (TBA at a later date) who will determine the winner and the prizes.
Catherine Kent, Chair of Coro Nuovo, said: ‘When we founded the choir back in 2013, we all knew we wanted to do something to support the next generation of musicians. With mainstream schools scaling back on the arts, and the ever-risingcost of tuition, exams, and instruments, embarking on a professional music career does not come easy. It is a hard and competitive industry to enter and, as such, there are many gifted musicians out there that simply go under the radar due to lack of support or encouragement.
“Whilst our 2020 competition format has had to change in order to adhere to the current Covid-19 guidelines, we are determined to support young musicians during these particularly challenging times. We are very grateful for the financial support of Tradoak who continue to be the competition’s main sponsor this year, which will allow us to offer bursaries to four Sussex young musicians.’
The deadline for application is midnight on Sunday, August 30 and the winner will be announced in a live virtual award ceremony during October 2020.
Helsa, a new free and UK-based LGBTQ+ mental health platform, has been launched to help LGBTQ+ people improve their mental health, particularly in these unprecedented times.
Helsa is an online platform that helps LGBTQ+ people improve their mental health by:
Helping LGBTQ+ people understand their own mental health better, through online wellbeing tests and LGBTQ+ specific mental health content.
Matching LGBTQ+ people with LGBTQ+ specialised therapists that are right for their unique needs and requirements through a matching algorithm.
Letting you browse a therapist directory and connecting you directly with one of 50+ partner therapists online and offline (post the pandemic, of course), all of which are vetted, accredited and specialised in LGBTQ+ mental health.
The platform is completely free to use and setting up a user account takes a couple of minutes.
Raze Collective, a charity established to support, develop and nurture queer performance in the UK, will be bringing together four of the most exciting early career artists across cabaret and theatre in an eclectic online celebrationof queer performance on Friday, June 26 from 7.30pm.
Transporting the thrill of the club to our living rooms, the line-up includes new material from drag artist, composer and queen of anti-glamour and debauchery, Barbs, who has previously worked with the likes of Sink the Pink. Barbs will be joined by Drag King, Mr Wesley Dykes – a proud member of the esteemed Cocoa Butter Club who uses spoken word, poetry and rap to play with identity, gender, sex and attraction.
The evening also includes a performance from self-taught circus and performance artist Symoné who is renowned for fusing multiple skills together, including roller-skating and multiple hoops. Symoné is a Fierce Festival associate and her work currently explores themes of human consciousness, body architecture, rave culture and rebellion.
Completing the line-up is performance artist Brian who mixes lip sync, spoken word and movement to create work inspired by conversations, music and female empowerment in a blend of butch and camp.
The charity, Raze Collective, has commissioned these four early career artists working in theatre, cabaret and live performance to support those who rely on venues and live audiences.
The event will be streamed on Something to Aim For’s new digital platform, Us In The Making, a site for experimentation and co-creation, which aims to support artists who have been de-platformed through the coronavirus lockdown.
Cassie Leon, Raze Collective producer, said: ‘Raze Collective is going digital and are teaming up with Something to Aim For. We have commissioned four brilliant artists to GO DIGITAL, create magic online and keep you entertained from the comfort of your own space. We are trying something new, experimenting with digital space and inviting you to join us for an evening of captivating cabaret, colossal confessions and cult curiosity.’
Raze Collective defines queer performance as ‘performing arts undertaken by people who identify as Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Intersex (LGBTQI+) or that contains LGBTQI themes, content or context.’ The collective brings togehgther people working in different aspects of the queer performance community, including performers, producers, promoters, directors, venue owners, academics and audience members in order to protect and promote queer performance for everyone.
The boys from Brighton Bear Weekend (BBW) are super excited to be teaming up with the super glamorous Lola Lasagne online for an extra special quiz in aid of the Brighton Rainbow Fund on Thursday, June 18 from 7pm.
Usually, the lads would be kicking off BBW with a fabulous pub quiz in the Camelford Arms, but due to the coronavirus pandemic they’re bringing the furry frolics to your living room!
BBW say: ‘Since we are all virtually in the real world (see what we did there?), we can’t let this moment pass. Please come and join the BBW gang, Lola and her band of very merry quiz followers, for what is going to be one hell of a night!’
Links to Zoom and Youtube will be posted ahead of time.
The Brighton Rainbow Fund give grants to local LGBTQ+/HIV groups who deliver effective frontline services to LGBTQ+ people in the city. More info, click here.
Work is underway in Brighton & Hove to support residents and businesses for the reopening of shops on Monday, June 15.
The measures include the widening of footways, new cycle lanes, banners and signage and engagement with local businesses about signs and outside seating.
Councillor Anne Pissaridou, Chair of the council’s Environment, Transport & Sustainability Committee, said:
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