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Speak Out: protest at Russian Embassy in London against Putin’s increasing persecution of LGBTQ+ communities

On Saturday 16 March, protestors attended the London Speak Out against Putin’s increasing persecution of LGBTQ+ communities and in solidarity with Russian LGBTs who are fighting back.

The rally, which took place outside the Russian Embassy in London and was jointly organised by All Out and the Peter Tatchell Foundation, was one of 13 Speak Out rallies in cities worldwide, from New York to Sao Paulo, Berlin, Bangalore and Taipei.

“This Global Speak Out is in solidarity with Russia’s beleaguered LGBT+ community; to show that they are not alone or forgotten. We salute them,” said protest co-organiser, Peter Tatchell.

“Russia’s decision to label the ‘international public LGBT+ movement’ as extremist has led to a wave of repression. A woman was jailed for wearing rainbow earrings. Gay venues have been raided by police armed with semi-automatic weapons, with attendees being insulted, shoved, photographed, made to lie face down on the floor and then arrested.

“The rainbow flag has been declared a forbidden symbol and already people have been fined for posting it on social media. The new law applies retrospectively to past displays of the rainbow flag.

“A person found guilty of displaying extremist group symbols faces up to 15 days in detention for the first offence and up to four years in prison for a repeat offence. Participating in, or financing, an extremist organisation is punishable by up to 12 years in prison. LGBT+ support groups have had to go underground to avoid arrest.

“The situation for LGBT+ people within Russia has reached a critical point, with many fearing worse to come. Facing increased danger, it has become too dangerous for many LGBTs to remain in Russia. Some have fled overseas and more are preparing to leave,” added Mr Tatchell.

Image courtesy of Peter Tatchell Foundation

Brighton & Hove Pride 2024 announces first ever sober dance tent in collaboration with Sober Bright’Huns with Tonic

Brighton & Hove Pride has announced its first ever sober dance tent at this year’s 2024 FABULOSO event at Preston Park, Brighton on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 August.

Serving the new face of sobriety, the dance tent will provide a sober and safe space for festival goers to enjoy the most of what the festival has to offer and make amazing new Pride memories. DJs set to perform at the exclusive space include Ian Farrell, DJ Baroness, DJ StDavid, Joan Oh, Joey English and Prinx Silver.

The dance tent will be run by Sober Bright’huns, a Brighton-based sober clubbing and events company which works closely with local social community group Tonic! Its aim is to welcome festival goers who are curious to learn more about sober event experiences, and welcome those with open arms to enjoy the array of dance music on display.

Girls Aloud

The announcement follows the recent news that British pop icons Girls Aloud and global superstar Mika will headline the main stage at this year’s FABULOSO two-day community fundraiser event. Joining this line up is multi-award-winning actor, musician and LGBTQ+ icon, Billy Porter; dancefloor and all out sensation, Sophie Ellis Bextor; pop family favourites, S Club; singer-songwriter, Gabrielle; New York legend, Kevin Aviance; Björn Again; House Gospel Choir; and Danny Beard, with more artists and acts to be announced over the coming months.

Peaches

In addition to the main-stage, FABULOSO will continue to host an additional array of diverse and inclusive stages and entertainment zones across the park including the Pride Dance Tent, BEEFMINCE Dance Tent, Cabaret Big Top, Diva Dance Tent, Polyglamorous, the Cocoa Butter Club Stage, Queertown and more. Featuring over 150+ LGBTQ+ artists across the weekend including the likes of Peaches, Fat Tony, Beth McCarthy, Princess Superstar, DJ Paulette, Lynks, Horse Meat Disco, Girli and many more.

As always, the Brighton & Hove Pride LGBTQ+ Community Day Parade will open the weekend under this year’s theme of JOY, celebrating life, spirit, and resilience. The parade will wind through the city streets in its usual spectacular colour and style, delighting the thousands of people who take to the streets to watch the event which showcases over one hundred lack charities, community groups and small businesses, our invaluable emergency services, the NHS and representatives of other Pride organisations. Other Brighton & Hove Pride favourites including the Pride Village Party and Pride Community Day & Dog Show will also make their rainbow-coloured return.

Brighton & Hove Pride has raised over £1.3million for the Brighton Rainbow Fund, the Pride Social Impact Fund, Pride Cultural Development Fund and Pride Solidarity Fund. The Brighton Rainbow Fund has a remit to receive donations and to use them to give grants to LGBTQ+ and HIV groups and organisations in Brighton & Hove. The Pride Social Impact Fund benefits local good causes giving grants to a range of local groups. Tickets and more info HERE

Actually Gay Men’s Chorus announce ‘Gays and Dolls’ at Brighton Open Air Theatre in May

Join Actually Gay Men’s Chorus (ActuallyGMC) for an unforgettable evening under the stars at Brighton Open Air Theatre (BOAT) on Thursday, May 16 at 7pm.

Don’t miss out on surprises and heart-soaring moments as ActuallyGMC celebrates love, acceptance, and self-discovery in a fabulous musical extravaganza! Tickets start from £13.50 – book yours HERE.

ActuallyGMC say: “Experience the magic of Gays and Dolls – an extraordinary musical journey, which blends West End and Broadway brilliance, promising a night filled with enduring classics and contemporary flair.

“Get ready to be dazzled as Gays and Dolls takes the stage for the first time at BOAT”

Paralympian Lauren Rowles becomes charity patron of Just Like Us to support its “vital” work

Paralympian Lauren Rowles has become a new patron of Just Like Us, the LGBTQ+ young people’s charity, joining actor Jonathan Bailey.

Rowles is a two-time Paralympic champion rower, having won gold medals in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021, and she will soon be heading to the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris. She has been a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion, mental health and disabled representation throughout her career, and will now join Just Like Us as a patron to support the charity’s work.

Lauren Rowles said: “I am beyond excited to be joining the Just Like Us team in my role as a patron. I feel proud to represent the intersectionality of our community. I hope to increase visibility and raise more awareness for the rights of disabled LGBTQ+ young people.

“As a young queer person who was bullied for being different, I hid my identity and felt ashamed of who I am. Having the right support systems at school and education to explore life as an LGBTQ+ person would have prevented me seriously struggling with my mental health and feeling like I had to hide who I am.

“That’s why the work of Just Like Us is so vital to ensure that no young person has to hide or suffer in silence and give them the space to experience queer joy at a younger age without prejudice. I look forward to contributing to the invaluable work that Just Like Us do and hopefully change the lives of more LGBTQ+ young people for the better.”

As a patron, Rowles will support Just Like Us’ programmes, which enable more than 6,000 primary and secondary schools to celebrate School Diversity Week each June, support LGBTQ+ and ally school pupils have access to safe spaces through the Pride Groups programme, and deliver school talks through the Ambassador programme.

Laura Mackay, Chief Executive of Just Like Us, said: “The entire Just Like Us team is thrilled to have Lauren Rowles on board as a patron. Lauren is an intersectional role model to so many young people, as an athlete, as an LGBTQ+ disabled person, and as a mental health advocate.

“We know that LGBTQ+ young people are more likely to struggle with loneliness, shame, bullying and mental health problems, and they are less likely to feel optimistic about their futures. Though Lauren has been open about facing her own struggles as a LGBTQ+ young person, she is living proof that a happy, successful and positive future is possible, and her support will be invaluable to the young people we work with.”

Local councillors visit recently named Hove Beach Park

Westbourne & Poets Corner Ward Councillor Leslie Pumm and Councillor Alan Robins, Chair of the Culture, Heritage, Sport, Tourism & Economic Development Committee, visited the Kingsway to the Sea project construction site recently to view the recently named Hove Beach Park.

Hove Beach Park will stretch from the Lagoon to the King Alfred Leisure Centre. When finished it will feature the new Outdoor Sports Hub plus gardens, wheeled sports areas, tennis and padel tennis courts and improvements to the facilities at Hove Lagoon and the existing croquet lawn.

Speaking at the end of the tour, Councillor Pumm said: “This project is all about regenerating the underused facilities and green spaces on the West Hove seafront, guided by feedback from residents, local groups and users of the current facilities.

Cllr Robins and Cllr Pumm at Hove Beach Park

“Predominantly funded by the government’s Levelling Up Fund, Hove Beach Park is a key part of our plans to improve leisure facilities across the city for health and wellbeing.

“It was impressive to see the progress being made with the different elements of the park today. Seeing the park developing is really exciting.”

Councillor Robins added: “Through this project, the rejuvenation of Black Rock and the restoration of Madeira Terrace we are continuing to seek funding to invest in our seafront and so support our vital tourism industry.

“We’ve had a chance to see behind the scenes today, which is not something many people have the opportunity to do. So, I’m pleased that we are regularly posting videos through social media and on our website so that everyone can see this amazing new park coming to life.”

You can follow progress with the new park, and see the latest drone footage, on the council’s Kingsway to the Sea web pages.

Global Speak Out in solidarity with Russian LGBTs, jointly organised by Peter Tatchell Foundation and All Out, to take place this weekend

In the wake of Russia’s decision to label the “international public LGBTQ+ movement” as extremist, the situation for LGBTQ+ people within the country has reached a critical point. Facing increased danger, it’s become too dangerous for many to remain in Russia.

On Saturday, March 16, take part in a worldwide moment of solidarity – organised by All Out and the Peter Tatchell Foundation – opposite the Russian Embassy on Bayswater Road, London W8 4QX from 2 – 4pm. Nearest tubes: Queensway and Notting Hill Gate.

“This Global Speak Out is in solidarity with Russia’s beleaguered LGBT+ community; to show that they are not alone or forgotten,” said protest co-organiser, Peter Tatchell.

“Russia’s decision to label the ‘international public LGBT+ movement’ as extremist has led to a wave of repression. A woman was jailed for wearing rainbow earrings. Gay venues have been raided by police, with attendees being insulted, shoved and made to lie face down on the floor.

“The rainbow flag has been declared a forbidden symbol and already people have been fined for posting it in social media. The new law applies retrospectively to past displays of the rainbow flag.

“A person found guilty of displaying extremist group symbols faces up to 15 days in detention for the first offence and up to four years in prison for a repeat offence. Participating in, or financing, an extremist organisation is punishable by up to 12 years in prison. LGBT+ support groups have had to go underground to avoid arrest.

Peter Tatchell

“The situation for LGBT+ people within Russia has reached a critical point, with many fearing worse to come. Facing increased danger, it’s become too dangerous for many LGBTs to remain in Russia. Some have fled overseas and more are preparing to leave.”

Dress Code: In a show of unity and to symbolise the suppression of LGBT+ identities, attendees are encouraged to wear all-grey or black-and-white attire.

The event organisers added: “Across the globe, communities will unite in front of Russian embassies, government buildings, and in town centres to voice our protest against the criminalisation of the LGBTQ+ community in Russia.

“This is more than a protest; it’s a demonstration of our unwavering support and solidarity. We stand together, peaceful and positive, championing love and equality. Be a part of this global movement. Your voice matters. See you there!”

New Queers on the Block 2024: a space to develop and celebrate LGBTQ+ artists and communities across England

Lead Pic: Oozing Gloop. Credit Kaleido Shoots

As a leading UK producer of queer-led intersectional performance and events, newly Arts Council England NPO-awarded Marlborough Productions has released details of New Queers on the Block 2024, a space for the development and celebration of LGBTQ+ artists and communities across England.

Since the scheme began in 2018, Marlborough Productions has brought queer joy to towns nationwide, including Blackpool, Bradford, Brighton, Folkestone and Hastings, with a programme in development in Crawley for the very first time.

By bringing bold performance, visual art and community gatherings to these underserved queer culture capitals, New Queers on the Block has helped to highlight the efforts of queer arts communities and signpost members of both the LGBTQ+ community and wider communities towards these events.

This year, the company is working with five Local Associate Producers to curate and present their own queer-led arts programmes, cementing that LGBTQ+ people and their art is welcome here.

Each local festival features leading LGBTQ+ artists with highlights of this year’s programme including Travis Alabanza, Whiskey Chow, Katy Baird and Kuchenga Shenjé.

Rowdy SS, previous performer at New Queers on the Block
Credit: Guillaume Valli

Local Programmes

Folkestone plays host to QUEERCALL, a new multi-venue festival curated by action-based artist Ash McNaughton in collaboration with Creative Folkestone. The festival will showcase the best LGBTQ+ art, with exhibitions featuring cutting-edge 360° sound design, analogue animation, immersive computer game experiences, live photo printing, and participatory storytelling.

In addition, seven artists will be making live site-specific performance art works across the coast and public spaces. Events include an artist residency with performance and visual artist Jake Wood; an exhibition of work from multidisciplinary live artist Symoné; an interactive performance from the Istanbul Queer Art Collective at Folkestone Bookshop; and a triple bill of radical queer live art and performance from Katy Baird, Wet Mess and Ray Felix Carter.

Performance artist Harry Clayton-Wright will present Queer Amusements, a season of multidisciplinary works across the year in Blackpool.

Highlights include an artist talk and workshop from the inimitable writer, performer and theatre-maker Travis Alabanza; Thick and Tight’s Offie award-winning Tits and Teeth at the Blackpool Grand in June; multi-award winning artist and performer Scottee, who will host both a cabaret workshop and a classic seaside chippy tea in September; an ‘in conversation’ event with Manchester-based writer and journalist Kuchenga Shenjé; and an autobiographical performance workshop from Krishna Istha (Hannah Gadsby’s Gender Agenda, Netflix) as part of The Old Electric’s Power Plays and Showtown’s Laughter Festival.

In Bradford, Alice Parsons and Sonia Sandhu team up with Theatre in the Mill to programme Right Queer Right Now, a two-weekend long festival of LGBTQ+ performance, live art, parties and workshops, including a season of New Queers on the Block-supported seed commissions.

Whiskey Chow. Credit: Rosie Powell

One such commission comes from the pioneering artist, activist and Chinese drag king, Whiskey Chow, and another is from the provocative Leeds-based artist and writer, Jamal Gerald.

Alice is also expanding OUT OUT, the drag king project she established in 2022, across the year by offering artistic development opportunities, scratch events, and commissioning new live art and theatre works. The expansion sees Alice broaden the scope of the project to welcome new performance styles in addition to drag.

And finally, in Hastings, Hannah Rose Fox curates a series of performance works with local partner Home Live Art, based at the town’s volunteer-led theatre, The Stables. Titled Giddy Up, the programme aims to encourage and support a varied range of artists to perform in a stage-based venue and provide a platform to bring compelling queer work to the south east coast.

Already announced is a performance from Tink Flaherty whose work lies at the intersection of class, gender, neurodivergence and marginalisation, and will take place during Hastings Trans Pride in July.

David Sheppeard, Co-Creative Director of Marlborough Productions, said: “New Queers on the Block has grown in the last year beyond our wildest expectations and this is largely because of the phenomenal group of producers, activists and organisers we are collaborating with in Bradford, Blackpool, Folkestone, Hastings and Crawley.

“They have brought such distinctive flavours to each festival programme that truly reflects what it means to be queer and living right now across the UK. We can’t wait for audiences to experience queer culture, from the subtle and moving, through to the bold and brash – it’s all there – and as inspirational queer artist Adrian Howells used to say, ‘it’s all allowed’.”

Supported by Arts Council England, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Marlborough Productions is one of the UK’s leading producers of queer-led, intersectional performance, parties, heritage and radical community gatherings. It has supported New Queers on the Block since 2018 with previous contributors including Amrou Al-Kadhi, mandla rae and Ray Young.

More info HERE

Gay footballer Josh Cavallo proposes to his boyfriend at Adelaide United’s Coopers Stadium

Gay footballer Josh Cavallo, who became the world’s only top-flight openly gay male professional player when he came out in 2021, has said “it felt right to share this special moment on the pitch”, after he proposed to his boyfriend at Adelaide United‘s Coopers Stadium.

The Australian midfielder, 24, said the club had provided “a safe space in football” for him.

Writing on social media, the footballer said: “Thank you Adelaide United for helping set up this surprise.

“Your endless support has meant so much to me. You have provided a safe space in football, one that I never in my dreams thought could ever be possible, and encouraged me to live every day of my life authentically.

“It felt right to share this special moment on the pitch, where it all started.”

Cavallo came out on social media in October 2021, saying he was “ready to speak about something personal that I’m finally comfortable to talk about in my life”.

Other players followed: Blackpool player Jake Daniels came out in 2022, becoming the UK’s only openly gay active male professional footballer; and in February 2023 Czech Republic midfielder also Jakub Jankto came out.

Glamorous Brighton to close its doors

Glamorous Brighton, which opened its doors last year – taking over the premises occupied by Le Village – is to close its doors for the final time on Monday, March 18.

In a statement published on Facebook, owner Matthew Eason said: “So then! I can now officially announce that Glamorous Brighton will be officially closing its doors on Monday, 18 March with the final of Brighton’s Got Talent. We will be open as usual until til then with the your normal weekly lineup!

“We have reached an agreement with Stonegate Pub Partners that this site is just too small to be a Glamorous and doesn’t work in its current form. Glamorous is about super late night clubbing and this just isn’t that.

“The Brighton gay scene already has a wide selection of venues and in this day and age some might say saturated with venues and there just isn’t the demand like there used to be! I don’t think we did a bad job with the size of the venue but unfortunately it’s not worked out!

”I would like to thanks Simon Ebers of who we took the venue over from when it was Le Village for the help and support him and his team have given us whilst we have been there and I wish him the best of luck with his other venues and that they continue to play an important part of the Brighton gay scene.

“Moving forwards Glamorous will continue with our other sites Glamorous Birmingham, Glamorous Coventry and Glamorous Oxford! And who knows if there will be another one in the future! Myself and Stonegate are always open to another one appearing in a city near you should the right place be available.

“Also thanks to Adam Hale from our straight pub The Grey Lantern Birmingham for holding the fort in Brighton whilst we run things down.

“And finally no for the millionth time I don’t want to open a Glamorous in Benidorm!”

NHS bosses to ban gender questioning children from accessing ‘puberty blockers’

Children will no longer be prescribed ‘puberty blockers’ at gender identity clinics, NHS bosses have announced.

Known medically as gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues, puberty blockers stop the physical changes of puberty in teens questioning their gender.

For example, they halt the development of breasts in girls and facial hair in boys.

Testosterone helps those born female put on muscle and gives them body hair, while oestrogen promotes the growth of breast tissue in those born male.

Groups such as Mermaids and Gires, which support transgender people and their families, have claimed that delaying a young transgender person’s access to hormone blockers may increase their risk of suicide.

Puberty blockers will still be available, prescribed privately ‘off-label’ by some medics at non-NHS-based gender clinics.

Liz Truss, prime minister for just 50 days, welcomed the move and urged the Government to back her own amendment to widen the ban to private clinics.

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