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Award-winning play online for #lockdowntheatre

All I See Is You, the award-winning play by Brighton-based TV, radio and theatre writer Kathrine Smith, has been put online for your viewing pleasure.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the play, which is a love story between two men in Bolton in 1967, is no longer touring and so Kathrine has made the recording accessible for all and has been promoting it on social media using the hashtags #lockdowntheatre and #theatreforeveryone.

All I See Is You was originally performed at last year’s Brighton Fringe before touring nationally and to the International Gay Theatre Festival in Dublin, where the actors won awards for outstanding performances and Kathrine won the Oscar Wilde Prize for Best New Writing. The production also won the Brighton Fringe International Touring Bursary, which took it to Sydney and Melbourne Fringe Festivals in September.

Kathrine wrote All I See Is You for Bolton’s Octagon Theatre 50th Anniversary Prize (it won), and one of the reasons for the characters being male was that it was also the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality, which of course affected men much more than women. She says all her ideas are based on real events and she’d been reading accounts of queer life in the 1960s when she saw the Octagon Prize advertised.

Kathrine says: ‘Now the play is no longer touring, and this year’s Fringe has been delayed, we just thought it would be good to make the recording accessible to all. The recorded show is the one that won last year’s Brighton Fringe Pebble Trust International Touring Bursary which took us to Sydney and Melbourne Fringe festivals.’

You can see the whole plays here, via Youtube. 

Hate crime up in France

French National Police figures show homophobic and transphobic hate crime in France was up 36% last year, with reports from 1,870 victims.

Three quarters were men and nearly two thirds (62%) were under 35 years old. 33% of the cases involved insults while 28% included physical violence or sexual attacks.

The figures are up from 2018’s 1,380 cases and LGBT+ hate crime charity SOS Homophobie said the real numbers are higher as many victims don’t come forward.SOS Homophobie’s own report shows the charity handled 2,396 cases in 2019, a rise from 1,905 the previous year. It said cases have doubled since the charity’s first report in 2013, with an ‘alarming increase’ of 130% in physical attacks against trans people.

According to recent Research from the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), 60% of LGBT+ EU citizens always or often avoided holding a same-sex partner’s hand in public for fear of being assaulted, threatened or harassed. But the figure in France is above that average at 72%.

Homophobic attack in Amsterdam

News site NL Times has reported a third attack on a gay couple in Amsterdam Oost in a matter of weeks. One man was stabbed in the arm with a piece of glass and, according to police on Twitter, three teenagers were arrested.

It was reported that the victims were in a canoe when their attackers began verbally abusing them. When the couple went to address the teens, they were attacked.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment.

This is the third incident of a gay couple being harassed and attacked in Amsterdam since Easter.

 

Healthy Barbecuing

Summer is here and many of us are heading out to our gardens to fire up the barbecue. Some of the foods traditionally cooked on barbecues, such as burgers and sausages, can be high in calories, saturated fat and salt.

However, barbecued food does not have to be unhealthy. We have some tips for enjoying a heart-healthy barbecue without compromising on taste.

National Barbecue week – 25th-31st May

These tips can also be followed when cooking in the kitchen.

Choose a healthy source of protein

Foods that are high in saturated fat, such as red meat, butter and hard cheese, can increase your risk of heart disease. You can cut down on saturated fat for your barbecue by swapping red meat, sausages and burgers for skinless chicken, fish or low-fat vegetarian meat substitutes. Alternatively, you can thread cubes of chicken or firm fish onto skewers with slices of bell pepper, courgettes, mushrooms, red onion and cherry tomatoes before grilling.

Swap white bread rolls for high-fibre alternatives

Increasing the amount of fibre in your diet can reduce your risk of heart disease. Instead of using white bread rolls for your barbecue, you could switch to wholegrain rolls or wholegrain pitta, a brown rice salad or jacket potato.

Add some colour

Include plenty of salad and vegetables to make your barbecue colourful and nutritious. Avoid using too much salad dressing on salads as this is often high in calories. Try rubbing a spicy marinade on pieces of courgette, bell pepper, onion, cauliflower florets, and mushrooms and grilling them on the barbecue.

To make the marinade, mix together 2tbsp olive oil, 1tsp harissa or chilli paste, 1tbsp lemon juice, 2tbsp tomato puree, 1tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander and ½ tsp Dijon mustard. Rub or brush the marinade onto the veg and leave it for at least 20 minutes in the fridge before putting it on the grill (you can thread the veg onto skewers before grilling if you wish).

Healthy grilled desserts

Try grilling slices of pineapple, watermelon, halved bananas, peaches, nectarines or plums for a healthy dessert. The natural sugars will caramelise, giving them a lovely sweet flavour. Serve with a spoonful of thick, creamy yoghurt and sprinkle with a handful of chopped toasted nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds.

More info on healthy barbecuing here

Sussex ME Society on managing the aftermath of the virus

The Sussex ME Society, that works for those affected by chronic fatigue syndrome known as ME, has made available the latest information on how to manage the aftermath of the Coronavirus.

The guidelines have been produced by the British Association for CFS/ME (BACME) for patients recovering from Covid-19 and those caring for them as some can develop full blown ME if their condition is not appropriately managed. Experts estimate that up to 10% of those with the Coronavirus may not fully recover and could develop long-term ME and be in need of specialist management and care.

At the same time Brighton Pavilion MP and Patron to the ME Society Caroline Lucas is calling for the present NHS specialist ME services to be expanded as there is a fear that after some months, they are going to experience an increase in referrals.

Following a recent request from Caroline to Matt Hancock, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, asking if they will take steps to expand NHS specialist services she received a reply from the Minister for Social Care stating that Services for people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are commissioned by local clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). It is the responsibility of the local NHS commissioners to ensure NHS services are commissioned to meet local need, including for specialist CFS care, taking into account best practice guidance, such as that produced by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

Colin Barton, Chair of the Sussex ME Society, says ‘We are calling on the Brighton & Hove and Sussex CCGs to look seriously at providing further funding to enable the existing ME/CFS services to expand to meet the growing need for these valuable clinics that presently deal with around 50 referrals per month.’

Caroline Lucas MP, adds: ‘I hope the local clinical commissioning groups, when planning for the long term, continue to provide and expand services for patients with ME or CFS, which offer a lifeline to sufferers and their families.’

Myalgic encephalopathy (ME) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) that can sometimes follow a viral infection such as Covid-19 or trauma is classified as a neurological disorder and currently affects over 4,000 adults and children across Sussex to varying degrees.

The BACME guideline is available from the ME Society on 01273 674828 or visit www.measussex.org.uk

Brighton Bear Weekend Tea Dance on Sunday

The boys from Brighton Bear Weekend (BBW) will be hosting a Bank Holiday Tea Dance to raise vital funds for the Brighton Rainbow Fund over Zoom on Sunday, May 24 from 2pm.

Join DJs Rob C London, Bozzy Bear and guest Chris Todd for top tea dance tunes, plus there’ll be special performances from local talent including Joseph White and Chris Hide.

The Zoom link will be posted on the BBW Facebook page just before it kicks off on Sunday 2pm so grab your drinks, stock up nibbles, dust off your props, dig out those wigs and enjoy!

BBW is a proud supporter of the Brighton Rainbow Fund, who give grants to LGBTQ+/HIV organisations who deliver effective frontline services to LGBTQ+ people in the city.

For more info, visit: www.rainbow-fund.org

To donate, click here. 

More info on BBW, click here.

‘A spoonfull of Satire ‘

There have been some wonderful clever musical reactions to our current lockdown situation and the political comings and goings which are affecting us here in the UK and in America.

They are doing the rounds on social media so we thought we’d gather a few of the best ones we’ve seen so far to share with you this Bank Holiday weekend. After all, what else do we have to do?

If you’ve seen some well produced, funny and interesting content which manages to raise a smile during your lockdown then drop us an email, tweet the link at us or share it on our facebook page and we may well feature it.

Starting with this splendid topical ditty  ‘Song for Dominic Cumming’ from the rather marvellous Dillie Keane; songwriter, actor, cabaret artiste. chicken-whisperer, founder member of  FascinatingAida  which she posted on her birthday, Happy Birthday Dilly!

If you’re not already familiar with Randy Rainbow, then my Dear, what a treat we have for  you. Ruthlessly funny, impressive production values, beautiful voice, rapier wit, a rather dashing profile and some of the best songs in New York. Randy is an Emmy nominated comedian, actor, singer, satirist, (a real) Internet Sensation & TV star, his recent takedowns on the the political leaders of the USA are a salve for our exhausted cynical ears.   Check him out, he’s so beautifully gay.

Queers have not been pulling their punches with the classy parodies being produced, amongst some of the best them is ‘The Sound of Sirens’ from The Kinsey Sicks. For over 25 years, America’s Favorite Dragapella® Beautyshop Quartet has entertained, delighted, and scandalised audiences worldwide.

Whatever it is you expect from four drag queens singing about COVID-19, this isn’t it. Do yourself a huge favor, watch, and be surprised!

American singer Chris Mann  delivered this touch perfect parody of Adele and here he’s sharing this  funny angsty song about social distancing and the lockdown.

Julia Aks has shared her tounge twisting triumph SuperBadTransmittableContagiousAwfulVirus – the Poppins Quarantine song. You gotta love the polished British accent from this American born actress and opera singer

Any you’ve seen and loved, share with us, cheers!

Velvet Jacks @ Norfolk Square serving takeaway drinks & food!

 

Velvet Jacks, award-winning bar and cafe just along the Western Road at Norfolk Square, are now serving takeaway drinks, including cocktails, ice cold beer, wines and coffee just a very easy stroll from the Seafront, Hove Lawns or St Ann’s Well Garden. See the new take away menu as in the photo above. Drop by or call to order and collect 07720 661290

Perfect timing with the warmer weather and the ability to spend some more time out and about catching some sunshine and relaxing somewhere, suitably socially distanced, of course.

If you’re feeling a bit peckish, chow down on one of Sharon’s homemade sausage rolls (oe’er) and cookies, baked to perfection and stuffed full of taste.

Velvet Jacks can be found at 50-52 Norfolk Square, Brighton, BN1 2PA and you can grab a bite or a delicious cocktail, and they are observing governments instructions on social distancing and protecting customers.

Support your local LGBTQ+ businesses and enjoy a delicious nibble and drink, what’s not to like about that combo!?

Check out Velvet Jack facebook. 

11 Rugby Road fundraising for Rainbow Fund

11 Rugby Road, Brighton, which was to form part of this month’s Open Houses, has released a run of special edition Rainbow Brighton Icon Prints with £5 from each print being donated to the Brighton Rainbow Fund, which gives grants to local LGBTQ+/HIV organisations who deliver effective frontline services to LGBTQ+ people in the city.

Check out the range on their website:

11 Rugby Road is the place to go to for everything from ceramics to cards and pencils to prints. It’s run by Daniel Mackey and his partner, Adam. As has been the case for many businesses, they have had to change the way in which they operate as Daniel explains. ‘In addition to adapting how we sell by moving online, we set up an honesty box style system to sell bits of art – including paint your own ceramic mushrooms and flowers.’

It’s been a hectic time for them, but they are wary of the fact this pandemic has affected everyone in some way. When people were first advised to stay indoors, they set about producing free to download templates to ‘give people an outlet for their creativity’.

Raising money for charity has also been on their minds. This began with plant sales in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care. They also used their craft set up to showcase adults with learning disabilities, again raising funds for them.

Now their attention has been aimed at the LGBTQ+ community. With Brighton & Hove Pride not taking place this year, the amount raised for the Brighton Rainbow Fund fall. Daniel told us how he and his partner have both taken part in the Pride march. For them both, they ‘felt the power for good that it does.’

With that in mind, graphic designer Daniel got to work and adapted some of his most popular Brighton designs for a rainbow flag edition. This features the Pavilion, West Pier, i360 and Brighton Bandstand. Each print sold will see the Rainbow Fund receive £5.

Daniel feels that the rainbow imagery/pride flag is ‘blurring problematic’ but it’s the fundraising that counts. ‘If the design is enjoyed by non-LGBTQ+ people and raises money then that can only be a good thing,’ he said.

 

Follow 11 Rugby Road on Twitter @11RugbyRoad

NI Campaigners criticise failure to deliver marriage equality

Government “go slow” on allowing religious same-sex marriages and conversion of existing civil partnerships to a marriage

Criticism comes on fifth anniversary of marriage equality referendum and announcement of first mass demonstration in Belfast

Equal marriage campaigners have called for the Northern Ireland Secretary of State to end the delay in allowing same-sex weddings in churches and the conversion of existing civil partnerships to marriages.

The call comes as Ireland marks the fifth anniversary of the successful marriage equality referendum and the announcement of the first demonstration march for equal marriage in Belfast organised by Amnesty International, the Rainbow Project and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.

Same-sex civil marriage became legal in Northern Ireland on Monday 13 January this year, the first wedding took place on February 11 when Sharni Edwards and Robyn Peoples married in Carrickfergus.

However, couples who wish to have a religious ceremony as part of their wedding, or who wish to convert their civil partnership to a marriage, are still not able to do so – the only part of the UK or Ireland where this is the case. Campaigners are calling on the Secretary of State to lay new regulations in Parliament and introduce these changes as a matter of urgency.

Patrick Corrigan, Northern Ireland director of Amnesty International, said:

“We have already won an historic change to the law – now we need the Secretary of State to finish the paperwork which is blocking many couples’ big day.

“Julian Smith, when he was Secretary of State, pledged to deliver same-sex religious marriage by April and civil partnership conversion in the following months. We are now approaching the end of May and have seen no action from his successor Brandon Lewis.

“The LGBT community and their supporters have had to battle longer and harder to secure same-sex marriage than anywhere else on the UK or Ireland and we are not going to leave the job half done. No-one will be left behind in our fight for equality and the Secretary of State needs to end his ‘go slow’ in delivering the now overdue changes.”

John O’Doherty, director of The Rainbow Project, said:

“Five years ago, we celebrated the huge Yes vote for marriage equality in the South and we declared our intention to secure the same rights in Northern Ireland with first big march for equal marriage.

“That demonstration saw 20,000 people take to streets and the momentum from those days and many others since carried us forward to win a change in the law at Westminster. But no-one is equal until everyone is equal and the UK Government needs to finish the job which we started.”

The Rev Chris Hudson, the minister of All Souls Church, Belfast – a member of the Non-Subscribing Church of Ireland – says his counterparts in the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland can already officiate same-sex weddings and he now wants the same freedom of religion in Northern Ireland.

“Recently the Executive said they were allowing marriages to go ahead for terminally ill people during the present pandemic. I welcome this, but it still excludes same sex couples.

“A few years ago, a young lesbian couple asked me to perform a marriage service. Sadly, I could only carry out a wedding blessing because of the law. One of them was dying from cancer and was carried from her bed to sit in a chair as I blessed them. She died three weeks after the service in her house.

“The present situation must not be allowed to continue as it is deeply painful to same sex couples who are people of faith.”

Under Government plans, same-sex couples in Northern Ireland should be able to get married in a religious ceremony where the church or other faith group wishes to offer such weddings, but no church would be compelled to offer same-sex weddings. Similar arrangements are already in place in the rest of the UK and Ireland.

Under those same government plans, same-sex couples with an existing civil partnership should be able to convert this to a marriage through a simple administrative process. There are more than 1,200 same-sex couples in Northern Ireland who currently have civil partnerships.

The Love Equality campaign for equal civil marriage in Northern Ireland is led by the Rainbow Project, Amnesty International, Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Cara-Friend, NUS-USI and Here NI.

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