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ALL THAT JAZZ by Simon Adams

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REVIEWS

IDRIS MUHAMMAD: Black Rhythm Revolution! (Prestige). Drummer Idris Muhammad grew up with New Orleans R&B – he was the drummer on Fat Domino’s Blueberry Hill – and graduated in the Prestige record label’s house band in the 1960s, for whom he appeared on more than 150 albums. Black Rhythm Revolution! was his 1970 debut as leader, a strong set of five songs, including James Brown’s Super Bad and two longer pieces featuring ceremonial log drums and tuned tom-toms. His drumming is emphatic and strong, his backing band packed with talent. This reissued LP appears on the highest-quality vinyl, making it an aural delight. Enjoy.

TENDERLONIOUS: You Know I Care (22a). Saxophonist Tenderlonious has many strings to his bow, notably as owner of his own record company 22a, which is at the forefront of a new wave of young, London-based musicians. On his new album, he focuses his attention on the classic jazz material that has inspired him over the years, the six tracks paying tribute to saxophonists John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy, and Wayne Shorter, among others. In style they vary from full-steam ahead modal delights to soulful ballads, all played with passion by his stellar quartet. Bass player Pete Martin stands out for his mobile fretwork, pianist Hamish Balfour is incapable of playing a dull note, drummer Tim Carnegie remains a powerhouse of energy. What an impressive album!

NOAH HAIDU: Standards (Sunnyside). American pianist Noah Haidu is a new name to me, but his latest album shows that his is a name worth noting. Standards celebrates the 40th anniversary of the release of the first album by the Standards Trio, pianist Keith Jarrett’s fine group with bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Jack DeJohnette. Jarrett’s trio played just standards, classics from the Great American Songbook. In tribute, Noah Haidu and his trio do the same, playing such fine songs as Hoagy Carmichael’s Skylark and Frank Churchill’s Some Day My Prince Will Come (from Disney’s Snow White), as well as the more modern Maria, written by Wayne Shorter for his wife, with the pianist’s own Last Dance ending proceedings. Saxophonist Steve Wilson adds an extra voice to four songs, completing a classy set that finds new life in some old songs.

ALINE HOMZY: Eclipse (Elastic). Canadian-born Aline Homzy is a virtuosic violinist, more in the style of modernists like Jean-Luc Ponty and Regina Carter than the traditional swing of Stéphane Grappelli. She is also a phenomenal improvisor who takes risks, bringing a joyous abandon to much of what she plays. Adventurously, she also plays the theremin and uses a synth, giving some of the 11 tracks here a spacey feel as her quintet wraps itself ingeniously round each piece. All the tracks bar one is by her or the band, and they are all evocative and witty. A fine set that shows just what a modern violin can sound like.

MACIEJ OBARA QUARTET: Frozen Silence (ECM). This third album from Maciej Obara’s Polish-Norwegian quartet is as inspired and adventurous as its two predecessors, the interplay between leader Obara on alto saxophone and pianist Dominik Wania on piano as intuitive as ever. Bassist Ole Morten Vagan and drummer Gard Nilssen transcend their allotted rhythmic roles by introducing powerful ideas of their own, while all musicians remain in a constant state of alert hyperactivity.

The beauty of the music owes something to the starkly dramatic landscape of the mountains of southeast Poland, where Obara’s family roots are and where he headed during lockdown, but regardless, this is a fine example of pan-European modern jazz, as ever beautifully recorded by ECM.

MARK LEWANDOWSKI: A Bouquet (For Lady Day) (Ubuntu Music). Lady Day being, of course, the singer Billie Holiday, but don’t expect many vocals on this set, for this is an evocation of her life rather than an imitation of her style, performed by a basic duo of piano and bass. Lewandowski is a commanding presence on bass, Liam Noble adventurous on piano, and together they summon up the life of Billie Holiday in all its pain and glory. The set’s conclusion features a commanding performance from vocalist Heidi Vogel on Left Alone, more a painful spoken cry than a traditional blues song. It forms a powerful coda to what is an evocative and thoughtful set.

Emma Rawicz

THE BRIGHTON JAZZ FESTIVAL

The ever-excellent Brighton Jazz Festival takes place this year between 5–8 October in Horatio’s Bar perched at the very end of Brighton Pier. The venue is perfect, the music always interesting. Headliners this year include saxophonist Emma Rawicz and the all-women Colectiva. Sorry for the short notice, but tickets should still be available HERE.

Elska shares the bodies and voices of queer Istanbul, the “gayest city in the Muslim world”

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Lead Pic: Sahin C

Elska, a project dedicated to sharing the bodies and voices of LGBTQ+ communities around the world, has put the spotlight on Istanbul for its latest edition. Inside, readers can get to know a cross-section of ordinary people from the LGBTQ+ community of what is claimed by many to be the gayest city in the Muslim world.

“I must admit that I had been resistant to the idea of coming to Istanbul,” says Elska editor and chief photographer Liam Campbell. “Despite many messages that the city would make for a perfect setting for Elska, I simply was clouded by the notion that any Muslim-majority place would be antithetical to a project about celebrating queer life.

Hakan T

“But when one local gay man wrote with passionate insistence that Istanbul absolutely had to be an Elska city, and that he knew loads of people who would be interested in doing a photoshoot and story for us, I knew I had to budge. So I booked flights, asked him to spread the world, and hoped I’d been wrong.”

“Almost immediately upon arriving I saw how much I misjudged the place. Istanbul was not only one of the easiest places to find subjects, but they were also incredibly open. The stories they offered were honest, and the images they allowed me to capture were relaxed, unposed, and revealing. Istanbul truly proved to be an ideal Elska city.”

Furkan Y

Inside Elska Istanbul and the companion zine Elska Ekstra Istanbul over 20 locals are introduced, comprising various members of the city’s LGBTQ+ community. Each did a photoshoot, with some images shot in their city’s streets and some shot in their homes, enabling readers to feel like they’re right there next to them.

Each also was invited to write a story of their own, bringing readers even closer. These stories vary in topic and spirit, including:

Ekin K and Emrullah T

• Ekin K’s piece about what it was like to be part of the very first gay couple to marry in Turkey, and how this made him and his husband proud role models for all of LGBTQ+ Turkey;

• Furkan Y’s confessional on dealing with the darker side of Turkish society, a growing conservative and religious contingent that targets homosexuals as a primary enemy;

Efe B

• Efe B’s description of a typically hard-going morning after a typically excessive Istanbul Saturday night, proof that Istanbul is not so unlike a Berlin or Amsterdam;

• Mert E’s story that shows how despite losing some friends and family members after coming out, it was still the best decision he ever made.

Elska Istanbul is 180 pages and is available from a select group of shops around the world as well as for order online from the Elska website. In addition, the companion zine Elska Ekstra Istanbul is available, including hundreds of pages of outtakes, behind the scenes tales, and the stories and photos of over a dozen more beautiful Istanbulites.

The list of stockists and details of the subscription service can also be found on the Elska website.

Sex on drugs: The darker side of chemically enhancing your sex life

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Over the last decade, there has been a surge in the number of people engaging in what is known as Chemsex, thanks to the likes of dating sites like Tinder and Grindr.

Chemsex is a term that is used to refer to engaging in sexual activity while under the influence of drugs. But what makes it so dangerous?

We’ve spoken to Martin Preston, Founder and Chief Executive at Private Rehab Clinic, Delamere, who reveals exactly what Chemsex is, what the effects of using drugs for sex can be, and exploring the harmful impact it can have on both the mind and body.

What is Chemsex?

“Chemsex, also known as ‘wired sex’ or ‘party and play’, refers to when people indulge in illicit drugs in order to heighten their own sexual experience. Drugs associated with Chemsex often include stimulants such as cocaine and MDMA, as well as crystal meth, cannabis, and ketamine.

“While each of these substances will impact people in different ways, the drugs associated with Chemsex are often used to prolong sexual activity, lower inhibitions and increase desire for sex. This is because, unlike alcohol, these drugs can have the opposite effect of impairing sexual performance and instead enhance it.

Why is engaging in Chemsex so dangerous?

Danger of developing a Drug Addiction 

“As with abusing any kind of substance, there is a huge risk with Chemsex of developing an addiction. This is because many people who combine sex and drugs have revealed that a euphoric high is achieved, which they find impossible to obtain while sober.

“As well as this, because a person is engaging in two dangerous behaviours at once, Chemsex carries the risk of the individual developing a dual addiction, which refers to being addicted to two things at once and can be extremely difficult to overcome.

Strain on or not being able to form healthy relationships 

“New partners may find it very difficult to accept that the only sex the individual is willing to indulge in is Chemsex. They could feel as though they are taking advantage, especially if they are not partaking in Chemsex themselves.

“Only being able to enjoy sexual experiences while inebriated could also lead to a lack of physical connections with people, as they are never truly experiencing any of the sexual activities they are involved in. As sex is a very important aspect of relationships for a lot of people, it could be a deal breaker when it comes to starting new ones, leading to isolation and feeling alone.”

Financial difficulties

“Drug use can be extremely expensive. So, depending on how regular Chemsex is carried out, the individual could find that the activity starts to make a very big dent in their bank account – in a very short amount of time, too. This could, eventually, lead to debt or becoming behind on rent and bills, resulting in very serious life consequences, such as homelessness or owing money to bailiffs.”

Lowered inhibitions 

“Engaging in Chemsex can also be dangerous because it can lead to lowered inhibitions. This is because drugs such as cocaine, cause high levels of dopamine to be released, with more of the substance needed to achieve a high as the user’s tolerance begins to build. With this dopamine build-up comes a spike in confidence and energy, known as a ‘high’, that can lead people to feel almost invincible.

“This feeling of being indestructible could lead the user to take risks or engage in dangerous behaviour, such as not practising safe sex (leading to STDs or pregnancy), or engaging in extreme forms of sex.

Physical consequences

“There are also the usual physical effects that come hand-in-hand with taking drugs when participating in Chemsex. These can include:

  • Increased blood pressure
  • Strain on the heart
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Lung damage
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • Erectile dysfunction

The body comes under immense strain when under the influence of drugs, but when combined with sexual activity, this is doubling the amount of stress – as the body is also attempting to facilitate intense physical activity.”

Why is Chemsex Addictive?

“Chemsex is often a lesser talked about activity, but can still just as easily lead to addiction, as engaging in other behaviours. This is because someone who engages in Chemsex will receive a pronounced euphoric high from the drug they are using as well as the sexual activity that they are engaging in. For this reason, it can become extremely addictive.

“Someone who is addicted to Chemsex will often also find themselves taking bigger risks or engaging in more dangerous sexual activities, as the more they engage in it the initial high they felt at the beginning lowers as their body becomes immune to the effects of the drug and sex that once satisfied them. Like other addictions, Chemsex is progressive meaning that a person will suffer negative consequences as a result of their addiction but will be compelled to continue anyway.”

FEATURE: Making healthcare safer for the LGBTQ+ community

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Members of the healthcare industry have an opportunity to improve patient safety for everyone. But as studies and stories have shown, minority groups do suffer in the attempt to receive general healthcare.

From a 2018 NHS survey, at least 16% of participants had a negative experience because of their sexual orientation, and at least 38% had a negative experience because of their gender identity, when simply trying to access public health.

Feeling unable to safely access general healthcare services means that prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of health issues takes longer or isn’t dealt with at all – a problem we are all trying to fix within this sector.

That’s why the experts at Radar Healthcare provides insight on how modern technology and data processes can help make healthcare safer for the LGBTQ+ community.

LGBTQ+ health inequalities within the NHS

Seven per-cent of cisgender lesbian, gay and bisexual people have been outed without consent to staff or patients by healthcare workers. As someone who doesn’t identify as LGBTQ+, this may not feel like a concern, but it can be disarming for those who may have experienced prejudice due to their sexual orientation in the past.

The positive part in this is that 93% of people haven’t had this happen, meaning that there is an overwhelmingly large amount of NHS staff who are sensitive to the lived experience of LGBTQ+ people.

We can mitigate issues like this by correctly detailing patient data in a centralised space for all necessary people to access it. Furthermore, by logging incidents to ensure that when a mistake like the above does happen, we can learn from it, so it doesn’t happen again.

Receiving care as an LGBTQ+ person

The conversation around sex and gender has really developed and become a much more tangible subject than in recent decades. But we must remember that there are elderly LGBTQ+ in our care and nursing homes who are often unsure of how their sexual orientation or gender identity will be considered, or if it will be considered at all.

It may be that elderly residents will have grown up and lived in a world where LGBTQ+ lives were not acknowledged, never mind celebrated, or that they have experienced shame and fear regarding their sexuality – homosexuality was only decriminalised in 1967 (1980 for Scotland).

For that generation who will have spent at least some of their lives being seen as illegal, it is with great sensitivity that we should treat them in their later years. However, the LGBT Foundation found that 78% of care home staff had not had any LGBTQ-specific training in their current workplace.

The good news is that training and education around approaches and treatment of LGBTQ+ people is available and instilling it within your teams has never been easier with digital advances such as video conferencing, online courses and compliance tracking through software such as Radar Healthcare.

Intersectionality

Even within minority groups, people are not as well-represented or considered by the public. This is either through unconscious acts or systemic behaviours.

For instance, groups such as black trans women experience disproportionate inequalities compared to the remainder of the LGBTQ+ population. Cancer Research has highlighted that sex-associated cancers in transgender patients are often missed or found too late due to unclear processes within healthcare settings.

What’s more is that 87% of the nurses who have cared for a trans person felt they were unprepared to deliver care – LGBT Foundation.

Trans people, including trans people of colour, have been here for millennia, and yet are often forgotten about when regarding non-sexual healthcare. To creating processes for marginalised groups should be a key in creating an equal culture of patient safety.

How technology can help

Ensuring LGBTQ+ people are having the best possible experience when receiving healthcare can start by simply acknowledging someone’s partner as their partner and not a friend or relative.

Clarifying pronouns and preferred names is another way to make people feel comfortable in an unfamiliar setting.

We are lucky to now have digital systems that can be updated quickly and made available for all those who need to know, supporting both patient and healthcare workers in their journey.

Learning from incidents – both negative and positive – strengthens the culture and having a space to be able to log the fantastic moments in a patient or resident’s time within a healthcare space will go towards the improvement of all departments and teams in your organisation.

The future

It is important to mark the progress that has been made and look forward to creating a better tomorrow for LGBTQ+ people, and with that a better healthcare experience for everyone.

Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus: shoulder to shoulder with community groups at Brighton & Hove Pride

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Images by Nick Ford Photography

Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus (BrightonGMC) stood shoulder to shoulder with other community groups against the elements on Saturday, August 5 for the Brighton & Hove Pride Community Parade, which assembled on Hove Lawns.

BrightonGMC’s parade float took to heart the Pride organisers’ call: Dare to be Different. Using the pink triangle and black text stylings of the campaign to abolish Section 28, the float celebrated 20 years since the law change which legalised being different in UK education.

For 15 years, this vindictive and disabling law banned local authorities and schools from ‘promoting’ homosexuality. Introduced by Margaret Thatcher’s Conservative government in 1988, Section 28 also banned schools and councils from “teaching the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship,” and from publishing any material which promoted homosexuality.

BrightonGMC members include many current or past teachers, who can now be positive and diverse role models in schools. They’re also able to give LGBTQ+ students appropriate support and relationships education. This is something that the hostile educational environment of Section 28 denied to a whole generation and which is now being replicated by ‘Don’t say gay‘ laws elsewhere.

Thirty-seven chorus members individually styled in pink and black costumes sang out against Storm Antoni’s equally punishing weather on Saturday, celebrating queer lives and identities and bringing carnival energy and smiles to spectators lining the parade route. While numbers were a fraction of the usual crowds, those who overcame both the elements and the rail company’s train cancellations were not disappointed.

A week earlier, the chorus had opened the Pride celebrations with their show OUT! – reviewed in Scene magazine HERE. This heartwarming coming out tale about an inner storm of thoughts and emotions was performed to packed audiences and raised funds for fellow LGBTQ+ charity akt. And as this year’s queer ‘Christmas’ begins to fade into memory, BrightonGMC now turn their attention to their winter season and Christmas show Sing-deralla at Brighton Dome on Saturday, December 2.

BrightonGMC always welcomes new members and their next taster evening is on Tuesday, September 12. Anyone wondering about adding their voice to the country’s largest gay men’s chorus outside London is welcome to attend and try it for themselves! Simply contact membership@brightongmc.org for more details. As a community chorus, there’s no audition and the chorus director will help you find the right section for your voice. You’ll be paired with an experienced member as a buddy for the evening, get the feel for a typical rehearsal and find out what the chorus’s three ‘S’es – singing, socialising and support – are all about.

While Brighton & Hove Pride may come but once a year, the support that community groups offer to help LGBTQ+ people live our everyday lives continues year round. This is often through a combination of the networks, skills, talents and sense of belonging which are nurtured by groups such as BrightonGMC. They form a vital part of the community space which helps people from all backgrounds and of all identities to flourish.

For more info on BrightonGMC, CLICK HERE

OPINION: Far-right faith leaders want to exclude LGBTQ+ people. That’s not the Muslim way

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By Afsheen A. Shamsi

Recently a group of Muslim Americans issued a statement asserting that same-sex relations and being transgender are forbidden in Islam. They claim that there is “universal consensus” on the issue. As a Muslim ally to the LGBTQ+ community, I want to share a different perspective.

Like other Abrahamic traditions, the authors of the statement, called Navigating Differences: Clarifying Sexual and Gender Ethics in Islam, refer to the story of Prophet Lut/Lot to justify their claims. But progressive scholars in these faith traditions have been contending this is a misinterpretation of LGBTQ+ issues. Progressive scholars believe that in the story of Prophet Lut/Lot, God was not condemning same-sex relations but inhospitality and rape.

As a practicing Muslim and ally of the LGBTQ+ community, I agree with the progressive scholars and align with the inclusive and human-rights-centered interpretation of Islam shared by Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV). Their perspective is consistent with my understanding of the inclusive, compassionate and justice-oriented spirit of Islam.

Muslims believe that the Quran is the divine word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Jibraeel/Gabriel. In chapter 49 of the Quran, God states, “We made you into peoples and tribes so that you may (get to) know one another.” This verse of the Quran establishes for all Muslims the importance of diversity, inclusion and equity. I believe this command of God also extends to the LGBTQ+ community.

I believe that all human beings are God’s creations and that we were intentionally created with differences. Our diversity is intended by God to be understood, appreciated and valued. I certainly don’t believe that God would create us with differences and then condemn some of us to lives of hatred, bullying, persecution, mental and emotional torture, and even death.

The Trevor Project, an organisation whose mission is to end suicide among LGBTQ+ young people reports that suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24 and LGBTQ+ youth are at significantly increased risk. LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ youth (13-24) seriously consider suicide each year in the United States — and at least one attempts suicide every 45 seconds.

These are not merely statistics but what’s at stake here are the lives of young people including young queer Muslims. I cannot begin to imagine the harm that is inflicted on young people who are growing up in households and communities where they are told that their very existence is a sin.

Chapter 5 of the Quran firmly establishes the sanctity of all human life. It states, “Whoever takes a life, it will be as if they killed all of humanity; and whoever saves a life, it will be as if they saved all of humanity.” As a community leader who has over the course of my personal and professional career advocated for justice, equity, and the rights of the Muslim, Black, Latinx, Asian American, and immigrant communities, I feel called upon by our Islamic values to advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and especially young queer people who are at tremendous risk.

The authors of Navigating Differences need to understand that the very rights afforded to the LGBTQ+ community actually protect historically marginalized communities like ours as well. In a pluralistic society like America, it is very dangerous to start to curtail the rights of any community as today if we decide to target the LGBTQ+ community, tomorrow it will be the Muslims and anyone else who is perceived as different.

As a practicing Muslim, I also refuse to align with the religious right, which stands for everything Islam condemns including white supremacy, hatred, oppression, racism, and centuries of injustice against all historically marginalised communities including the Muslim community.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad calls upon us to raise our voices against injustice in all its forms and to stand up for the human rights of all and I believe that includes the LGBTQ+ community.

Afsheen A. Shamsi lives in Princeton and is the vice president of communications & marketing of Union Theological Seminary. She wrote this in her personal capacity and not as the representative of any organisation.

Sussex ME/CFS Society: All About ME

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Myalgic encephalopathy (ME) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) that can sometimes follow a viral infection or trauma is classified as a neurological disorder and affects nearly 4,000 adults and children across Sussex.

ME/CFS guidelines are available for the medical profession and some NHS specialist services are operational including those in Sussex that are helping many patients towards better health. Symptoms include profound physical and mental fatigue, concentration and working memory difficulties, muscle pain, sleep and mood disturbances along with gastric problems. The symptoms, that vary and fluctuate, can be exacerbated by over exertion or stress. With good management, many patients can significantly improve.

The Sussex ME/CFS Society is the registered charity that informs, supports, and represents many of those suffering from the illness. We also have people affected by fibromyalgia and long Covid amongst our membership. Our members are affected to differing degrees with a good number being virtually house-bound and in need of care. We work collaboratively with NHS services and the Brighton and Sussex medical school who are carrying out research into the condition.

For more information, CLICK HERE 

FEATURE: The Power of the Swifties: How Taylor Swift’s fans embrace and embody her fashion choices

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Taylor Swift has announced the upcoming release of her self-written version of the highly successful album Speak Now, which she wrote between 18 and 20. Initially released in 2010, Speak Now was a breakthrough album for Taylor, showcasing her incredible talent as a songwriter. Swift, now a global sensation, has decided to re-record and release a personal and intimate version of the album. The songs from this pivotal time in her life were marked by their honest and heartfelt lyrics, which resonated with fans worldwide.

Swift’s decision to re-record Speak Now is part of her ongoing effort to regain ownership and control over her music. After selling her original master recordings, she has taken the initiative to recreate her past catalogue on her terms. The self-written version is a testament to her artistry and dedication to her craft.

“Taylor Swift, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and global pop icon, has captivated the world with her music and exceptional fashion choices. Her fashion sense has inspired many, from glamorous red carpet-gowns to casual street style. Fans across the globe have embraced and embodied her fashion choices, creating a unique connection between the artist and her admirers,” comments Sátria Schneider, fashion expert.

Known for her effortlessly chic and elegant outfits, Taylor Swift has established herself as a fashion trendsetter. Whether a statement-making dress or a retro-inspired ensemble, her style resonates with a broad audience, transcending age and cultural boundaries. Swift’s fans eagerly follow her fashion journey, often recreating her iconic looks and sharing them on social media. This dedicated fanbase has become a community of fashion enthusiasts celebrated for their interpretation of Swift’s style.

Taylor’s fashion choices have an impact beyond personal style. Her influence extends to the fashion industry itself. Collaborations with renowned designers like Stella McCartney, Balmain and Gucci have resulted in successful partnerships and unique collections. By wearing and promoting these brands, Taylor has elevated her image and contributed to these fashion houses’ success.

The connection between Taylor Swift and her fans is evident in her music videos, where she showcases elaborate costumes and ensembles. From vibrant outfits in Shake It Off to nostalgic fashion in Love Story, Swift’s music videos have always been visually stunning and have significantly shaped her image. Fans eagerly anticipate each new music video release, discussing and analysing the fashion choices showcased.

“In an era where pop culture heavily influences fashion trends, Taylor Swift’s impact is unmatched. Her fashion choices inspire countless fans worldwide to experiment with their style and express themselves through clothing. As Swift’s music and fashion evolve, her fans remain loyal and eager to emulate her iconic looks. Taylor Swift’s ability to connect with her fanbase through fashion is a testament to her status as a musical icon and fashion influencer,” comments Schneider

Taylor’s fans express their love for her online, actively promote her music, and engage in online discussions. They organise virtual listening parties, create fan art, and come up with trending hashtags. Their collective voice has propelled Taylor’s music to new heights, amplifying her songs on streaming platforms and keeping her albums at the top of the charts.

“The millennial generation, known for being tech-savvy and socially conscious, finds a relatable figure in Taylor Swift. Through her lyrics, she explores themes of love, heartbreak, empowerment, and personal growth – topics that deeply resonate with her fanbase. Her authentic expression of these emotions has earned her a dedicated following of millennials who see themselves in her music.” remarks Sátria.

Heart of Wales LGBTQ+: Organising a rural Pride event during the cost of living crisis

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After the unanticipated popularity of Llandovery’s first ever Pride in 2022, it was assured of its return in 2023. But almost as soon as the progress flags were lowered and Miss Beaver’s chicken fillets tossed to the floor, the financial landscape of the UK took a devastating turn. So when Heart of Wales LGBTQ+’s Pride Committee reconvened to prep this year’s festivities, it was against the backdrop of people struggling to make ends meet and begged the question: How do you organise Pride during a cost of living crisis?

Adversity really does bring out the best in people – something the LGBTQ+ community have proved many times over. In its first iteration, the bulk of the costs of Llandovery Pride were funded with donations by individuals and organisations such as the Llandovery Rotary Club. Last year the Go Fund Me page was a simple way for people to show their support, whereas this year, with purse strings being necessarily tightened, Heart of Wales LGBTQ+ has found people are still fervently showing their love, just in alternative ways.

Armed with glitter and streamers, one resident – who has asked for their benevolence to remain anonymous – has volunteered to campify the Castle Hotel Ballroom, which will be hosting Pride’s closing cabaret: An Eve With Beav.

Anything from workshops to whistles, venues to raffle prizes, have been provided free of charge by businesses local to Llandovery.

Why is Pride essential for rural communities?

“Your post code shouldn’t dictate your opportunity to live freely,” insists Heart of Wales LGBTQ+ founder and Llandovery Pride committee member Ella Peel who points out that “celebration can help erode barriers”.

Ella was also keen to share that the Pride committee didn’t want cost to become yet another hurdle for the LGBTQ+ community to access queer culture, explaining that: “the overwhelming majority of our events are completely free”.

What events and activities are on offer?

Brand new for 2023 is an Art Exhibition hosted at the Old Printing Office on Broad Street, featuring pieces by Llandovery born Roan Jones (@loverat.tattoo).

Returning from last year will be the Heart of Wales Film Festival, which screens a selection of short films from new and emerging LGBTQ+ filmmakers from across the globe.

The Soap Box Stage: an open air protest platform, featuring spoken word and live music from local LGBTQ+ performers.

Craft workshops at Market Square, and Family Story Time in the ruins of Llandovery Castle, hosted by the award winning non-binary story-teller Niall Moorjani.

And an all-day market featuring products from some of the best queer owned businesses in Wales.

The only ticketed event is the cabaret in which organiser Craig Osborne believes: “provides amazing value for money. Our acts represent the cream of queer talent. You wouldn’t normally be able to see any one of them for this price [£10] but we’ve managed to hoist five acts from the most vibrant cities in the UK to little old Llandovery.”

Miss Beaver

A noticeably Celtic pulse runs through the heart of the cabaret too, with Justin Drag (drag king), Jordropper (gender fluid drag artist) and Venetia Blind (drag queen) all based in Cardiff, while Niall Moorjani (storyteller) is originally from Scotland and the host of the evening is Llandovery’s very own, Miss Beaver.

So in answer to the question: How do you organise Pride during a cost of living crisis?

It’s pretty simple: with hard work, creativity and the open arms of a generous community who believe that whoever you are you should be celebrated.

Llandovery Pride takes place on Saturday, July 29 from 10am for a day full of family friendly celebrations.

Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents win Beorma Bowl at Touch My Brum rugby tournament

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The Brighton and Hove Sea Serpents recently participated in the highly anticipated Touch My Brum tournament, hosted by the Birmingham Bulls. The tournament brought together some of the top touch rugby teams in the region, and the Sea Serpents faced tough competition throughout their journey.

In the group stage, the Sea Serpents were drawn into a challenging group alongside the London Lushes, Manchester Spartans, and the host team, the Birmingham Bulls. Despite putting up a valiant effort, the Sea Serpents faced three defeats in the group stage. Although the results were not in their favour, the team showcased their resilience and determination in the face of strong opposition.

Following their group stage performance, the Sea Serpents found themselves in the Beorma Bowl, where they clashed with the Birmingham Swifts. It was a closely contested match, but the Sea Serpents managed to secure a narrow victory, emerging triumphant with a 0-1 scoreline. This hard-fought win propelled them into the semi-finals.

In the semi-finals, the Sea Serpents faced a formidable combined team consisting of players from the Barbian and Oslo clubs. Undeterred by the challenge, the Sea Serpents displayed their skill and dominance, comfortably defeating their opponents with an impressive 0-4 scoreline. This victory earned them a well-deserved spot in the tournament’s final.

In the grand finale, the Sea Serpents had a chance to seek redemption as they faced their earlier group stage opponent, the Birmingham Bulls. Both teams gave it their all, showcasing their prowess and determination in an intense battle. After a hard-fought game, the Sea Serpents emerged as the victors, edging out the Birmingham Bulls with a score of 2-3. This thrilling victory marked the Sea Serpents’ third consecutive Touch My Brum trophy, highlighting their consistency and dominance in the tournament.Throughout the tournament, individual players of the Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents stood out with their exceptional performances. William Taylor and Jim Crawford deserve special mention for scoring their first Touch Rugby tries, showcasing their growth and contribution to the team’s success. Furthermore, Andy James was awarded the Serpents’ player of the tournament, recognising his outstanding contributions and impact on the team’s overall performance.

The Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents demonstrated great teamwork, determination, and skill throughout the Touch My Brum tournament. Their ability to bounce back after a challenging group stage showcased their resilience, and their exceptional performances in the knockout stages led them to a well-deserved victory in the final. With their third consecutive Touch My Brum trophy secured, the Sea Serpents solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with in the touch rugby community.

For more info on the Brighton & Hove Sea Serpents, CLICK HERE

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