Rt.Hon David Cameron MP has written a letter of congratulations to George Montague, affectionately known as The Oldest Gay in the Village nowin the last two weeks of his term as a Brighton Pride Ambassador,
George Montague: The Oldest Gay in the Village receives a letter of congratulations from the Prime Minister
George sent the Prime Minister to read, a copy of his new book The Oldest Gay in the Villlage, published by John Blake Publishing.
In the accompanying letter George thanked the Prime Minister for introducing Same Sex Marriage legislation and told him that for the first time in his life he would be voting Conservative at the next General Election.
Prime Minister, David Cameron MP
In his response the Prime Minister wrote:“I am proud of the Government’s record on promoting equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and particulary of having passed equal marriage into law.
“Attitudes to same-sex marriage relationships have changed drastically over the years, moving from intolerance to widespread acceptance. The Government welcomes the change as we believe everyone should be free from prejudice based on their sexual orientation.
“I understand that you have been involved in Gay Pride events for some years, and were at Pride in London this year, as well as being elected an Ambassador for Brighton Pride 2013.
“Let me congratulate you for this, and your involvement in charity fundraising. Your commitment to the community is very impressive.”
George is supporting the Brighton based Rainbow Fund with proceeds from the sale of the book.
Conservative Group Leader, Cllr. Geoffrey Theobald, has criticised the Labour leader for failing to back plans to put pressure on the Government to tackle congestion blackspots on the A27.
Cllr Geoffrey Theobald: Leader of Conservative Group on Brighton & Hove Council
Cllr. Theobald and Group Spokesman, Cllr. Graham Cox, who believe the congestion blackspots are impeding further economic growth in the Greater Brighton area moved a Notice of Motion at last Thursday’s Full Council meeting urging the Council to sign up to the newly formed A27 Action campaign which is supported by all local councils along the route as well as local MPs and over 70 businesses.
The Government is currently carrying out a feasibility study into various solutions to the major bottlenecks along the A27, such as Arundel, Worthing and Chichester, which, if tackled would encourage business investment in the Greater Brighton area. It would also create a more pleasant and safer environment in the South Downs National Park by reducing the necessity for motorists to rat run through places such as Storrington, Pulborough and Amberley in order to avoid the A27 bottlenecks.
Cllr. Theobald said:“Despite the obvious environmental benefits for the South Downs, I am not surprised that the Green Party opposed road investment – that is their default position. However, for the Labour Group to do so is just astonishing. The only reason they were able to give for voting against our motion was that ‘most of it (the A27) falls outside the area of Brighton & Hove’. How short-sighted and parochial can you get? Our future economic growth and prosperity depends upon modern and reliable transport links in the whole of the South East and if they can’t see that then they have serious problems!”
Cllr Graham Cox
Cllr. Cox added:“It will be impossible for us to prosper if we continue to handicap ourselves with inadequate infrastructure such as we have along much of the A27. I am staggered by the Labour Group’s stance, particularly as it comes just a week after they voted against £14 million of Government investment to improve Valley Gardens.”
The leader of the labour group has been asked for a response.
Stephen Bacon aka Lady LaRue has been unwell of late and unable to work.
Fellow entertainers from the drag circuit will be appearing at Legends this Sunday, July 20 to raise money to help Stephen as much as possible while he continues his treament.
Artists appearing include La Voix, Miss Jason, Rose Garden, Davina Sparkle, Mrs Moore, Maisie Trollette, Dave Lynn and Sally Vate to mention a few.
Prizes to be auctioned include tickets for Lady Gaga and Miss Saigon and a £200 voucher for the MEATliquer Restaurant in London.
Your host for the afternoon is the fabulous Drag with no name.
Be there from 3.30pm, bring your cheque books and help show the country that Brighton still cares!
School children sing We might be different but we can still be friends at inspiring event in Birmingham.
The school children were from Brownmead Primary School and Tiverton Academy in Birmingham.
The event was the premier of Educate and Celebrate’s Sing-a-long with CHIPS; Challenging Homophobia in Primary Schools and was coordinated by the Birmingham LGBT Schools Advisor Elly Barnes, supported by Birmingham City Council and Service Birmingham.
One of the most magical moments during the evening on July 16 happened when a group of primary school children sang a song to a book called 10,000 Dresses.
The book by Marcus Ewart is about a boy who dreams of dresses and is rejected by his family and friends when he tells them of these dreams. The children sang a beautiful song written especially for the occasion and when asked would they speak to the “10,000 dresses boy’” they answered with a resounding yes and that they would love him anyway.
This message of recognising but accepting differences was the overriding theme at the event enjoyed by parents, musicians, singers as well as school teachers, governors and of course, the school children themselves.
The songs the children sang were original compositions composed especially for the event. The ‘CHIPS’ resources used to inspire the songs consist of 20 beautifully illustrated books about diversity and different families.
Andrew Moffat, the creator of the resources introduced the event, saying: “People are different – they speak different languages, like different things, come from different types of families. Ultimately though we have many things in common as highlighted by one of the songs ‘we might like different things but we can still be friends.”
Singer, songwriter Vix composed five of the songs including The crocodile who didn’t like water (spoiler alert: he’s a dragon!), the widely recognised Elmer the patchwork elephant by David Mckee and King and King by Linda De Haan and Stern Nijland about two princes who fall in love and marry.
Elly Barnes sang a duet with Will Wood to the book Rabbityness. The book tells a sweet story about a rabbit that likes doing ‘unrabbity’ things such as painting and encourages his friends to do different things too. Elly spoke about the types of books used and outlined what made the event so special:
She said:“As a former music teacher, it was a natural step to use the arts as a vehicle to create positive change in our primary schools. Bringing together the books, musicians, composers, teachers and school choirs has been an absolute joy. The project will continue until all 20 songs are recorded and are accessible for all to download from our websites. The Educate and Celebrate programme is being rolled out for free to all Birmingham schools and advocates an inclusive curriculum to eradicate all forms of discrimination. Putting stories about difference to music is an activity all children, teachers and parents can access in a fun-loving way. Tonight we ALL had a fantastic time singing along and doing the actions to the colourful, funny, moving and beautiful songs from the CHIPS resource.”
Headteacher Jamie Barry from Welford Primary School, who was supporting the initiative said: ‘The recent “Trojan Horse” inspections within schools have highlighted the importance of celebrating diversity and ensuring equality for all. At Welford, we take this very seriously and work with our community to ensure we live and breath our ethos of “Community, Opportunity & Achievement for all”. EVERYONE has a place at Welford! Differences exist and we don’t shy away from recognising those differences which is why ‘CHIPS’ (Challenging Homophobia in Primary Schools) is an essential resource for helping us teach about different families, relationships and gender identities in line with Ofsted Criteria.”
Parents said the event was “very informative and enjoyable” and that they were proud of their children’s involvement.
If you are interested in sponsoring any future events or accessing the CHIPS resources, EMAIL:
One of the UK’s biggest free festivals goes digital today with the launch of its first ever app.
Mark Nichols, Chair of Northern Pride with Julie Robson Marketing Coordinator at Malhotra Group Limited
Newcastle Pride, the second largest free LGBT festival in the country, returns today with three days of live entertainment including performances by Sinitta, Shayne Ward and the Vengaboys.
To help visitors navigate the extended three-day line-up, which will be spread across two city sites, event organisers Northern Pride have launched the festival’s first ever app.
The app, available to download for i-phone, android and tablet, will serve as a pocket guide to all things Pride, from the best places to eat, drink and stay, to a site map and full details of when and where to see all of this year’s big name acts.
It also offers the opportunity for users to enjoy their own five minutes of fame, by taking a selfie or group shot to be displayed on the huge screens around the festival’s Main Stage at the Town Moor.
Mark Nichols
Mark Nichols, Chair of Northern Pride, said:“This year is the biggest Newcastle Pride we’ve ever staged and we’re conscious that with the festival being spread across two sites and three days it may be slightly harder to navigate than usual.
“This app has been specifically designed to help visitors make the most of their Pride experience and ensure all of the necessary information is there, at their fingertips, wherever they go.”
As an added incentive for downloading the app, Northern Pride has teamed up with many of the North East’s biggest business to incorporate a range of exclusive offers and discounts, worth up to £1000.
These offers, covering everything from waffles to weddings, will be accessible via the app before, during and after Newcastle Pride, with many being valid for up to a year.
This includes a series of promotions from app sponsors, the Malhotra Group, who will be offering a different discount every month until spring 2015.
These exclusive discounts, which will be automatically updated, could include reduced rates on everything from dinner at Scalini’s to cocktails at Osbornes Bar and Kitchen or an overnight stay at the New Northumbria Hotel.
Atul Malhotra, Chief Operating Officer at the Malhotra Group, said:“Newcastle Pride is a huge event for the city and one which has brought business to our door for many years.
“We wanted to celebrate the festival’s expansion for 2014 by offering a series of special offers via the app, on top of the already affordable prices we offer.
“We hope that this year’s Pride-goers will make the most of those offers and continue to utilise them even once the festival has finished.”
The Newcastle Pride app, will also include listings of other events being run before and after the three-day festival,
To download app from Newcastle Pride website, CLICK HERE: or from the Apple store by searching NPride14.
Each download will cost 99p on android or £1.49 on iTunes, with all proceeds being used to help ensure Pride remains free in future years.
Anyone who downloads the app will be given automatic entry into a free prize draw to win a pair of tickets to the Saturdays’ Greatest Hits Concert at Newcastle City Hall on September 9, courtesy of AEG Live.
Organisers are expecting more than 65,000 visitors to attend the three day festival this weekend – helping to promote community and diversity in the North East.
Shayne Ward
Newcastle Pride, runs from Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20, offering a host of live music and family entertainment across the city’s Town Moor and Times Square, including high profile performances by Sinitta, Shayne Ward, Faye Tozer and the Vengaboys.
Sinitta
Highlights at the three-day event include live music at the Pride in the City stage at Times Square, outside the Centre for Life, from 6.30pm to 10.30pm on Friday and Saturday and from 5.30pm until 8.30pm on Sunday, all sponsored by NE1.
The Main Stage at the Town Moor will also play host to a wide range of performances, including a Champagne and Showtunes evening with The Echo-fonics from 7.15pm tonight, Friday 18.
This will be followed from 12.30pm until 6pm on Saturday, with appearances by acts including Sinitta, Faye Tozer and Shayne Ward, and from 11am until 5pm on Sunday, when the Main Stage will welcome S Club 7’s Jo O’Meara, X Factor star Lloyd Daniels and Eurodance group The Vengaboys, plus many more.
On both Saturday and Sunday the Town Moor will also play host to a fairground, range of stalls and various entertainment and information zones, including the Family Zone, complete with a sensory space, circus workshop and arts and crafts, the Youth Zone, for ages 12 and above and the Steve Paske Health Zone, which will be offering free advice and STI Testing throughout the weekend.
Before that, visitors have the opportunity to take part in the annual Newcastle Pride parade, which sets off from the Civic Centre to the Town Moor at midday on Saturday.
Mark Nichols
Mark Nichols, Chair of Northern Pride, who organise the event, said:“This is the biggest Newcastle Pride we’ve ever staged and is now officially the second largest free LGBT festival in the UK.
“We’re expecting more than 65,000 people to attend over the course of the three days and, with such a wide range of activities on offer, I’m sure there’ll be something to suit every taste and age.”
Newcastle Pride 2014 is free to attend, though a number of hospitality and ticket packages are also available.
For more information on the weekends events, CLICK HERE:
Venga Boys
Key events include:
Friday July 18:
6.30pm – 10pm – PRIDE IN THE CITY stage @Times Square
7.15pm – 9.15pm – MAIN STAGE@ Town Moor – Champagne and Showtunes
Saturday July 19:
Noon – PARADE from Newcastle Civic Centre to the Town Moor
12.15pm – 2pm – MAIN STAGE @ Town Moor – Gaynor Marshall, Opening Speeches, Northern Proud Voices, Allan Jay
2pm – 4pm – MAIN STAGE @ Town Moor – Kelly Wilde, Rihanna Reloaded, Betty Legs Diamond, Eliza Doe
4pm – 6pm – MAIN STAGE@ Town Moor – Faye Tozer, Joseph Whelan, Sinitta, Shayne Ward
There will also be stalls, a fairground and various other entertainment zones running throughout the afternoon
Plus there’ll be additional entertainment at the Pride in the City stage (Times Square) from 6.30pm until 10pm with a candlelit vigil taking place at 9pm
Sunday July 20:
11am – 1pm – MAIN STAGE@Town Moor – Pride Radio DJ, Totally GAGA, Kerrianne Covall
1pm – 3pm – MAIN STAGE@Town Moor – Jo O’Meara, Lorraine Crosby, Jersey 4, FriXion, Lloyd Daniels
3pm – 5pm – MAIN STAGE @Town Moor -Tess Tickle & The Draggets, Angie Brown, Vengaboys
There will also be stalls, a fairground and various other entertainment zones running throughout the afternoon
Plus there’ll be additional entertainment at the Pride in the City stage (Times Square) from 5.30pm until 8.30pm
Human Rights in the Commonwealth comes under the spotlight at Glasgow Games.
Human rights experts join athletes, media and spectators in Glasgow today in advance of the Commonwealth Games.
Five days before start of competition, and on the eve of Glasgow Pride, activists from around the world will join with academics attending the LGBTI Human Rights in the Commonwealth conference, hosted by the University of Glasgow.
Currently, 42 out of 53 states in the Commonwealth criminalise same-sex sexual behaviour between adults. The recent Anti-Homosexuality Act in Uganda has extended and intensified such criminalisation, and a Supreme Court ruling in India has dashed hopes of decriminalisation.
The one-day event, will discuss the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people in the Commonwealth.
The conference aims to create a focus for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) human rights discussions in the run up to the Commonwealth Games and provide a space to share ideas, practice and campaigns, engaging participants in global human rights issues and ensuring the visibility of Commonwealth LGBTI people and culture.
The conference features three keynote speakers:
• Purna Sen – Former Head of Human Rights at the Commonwealth Secretariat, current Chair of Kaleidoscope Trust and Labour Parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion.
• Fiona Hyslop MSP – Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs.
• Frank Mugisha – Executive Director, Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG).
Dr. Matthew Waites
Dr Matthew Waites, Senior Lecturer in the Glasgow Human Rights Network at the University of Glasgow, said:“The primary reason for the criminalisation that we see in Commonwealth nations today is the British Empire, which historically outlawed same-sex sexual acts around the world.
“We are interested in promoting self-conscious recognition of the historical responsibility of British imperialism for the criminalisation of relationships that exists today. From that starting point we can then discuss our revulsion at recent renewals and extensions of colonial criminalisation and how to address these inequalities.”
Purna Sen: Labour Parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion
Dr Purna Sen, is one of the opening keynote speakers at the conference. She is Chair of Kaleidoscope, former Head of Human Rights at the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Labour Parliamentary candidate for Brighton Pavilion.
Purna said: “Across the Commonwealth lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people are denied equal access to rights, education, employment, housing and healthcare, often on the basis of laws that date back to the British Empire. While it is important to note the colonial origins of much homophobic legislation, Commonwealth nations and the Commonwealth itself must do much more to uphold the values of anti-discrimination set out in the Commonwealth Charter.”
The conference has been initiated and led by Equality Network, Scotland’s LGBTI organisation for equality and human rights, in partnership with Glasgow Human Rights Network at University of Glasgow, and with Kaleidoscope Trust and Pride Glasgow.
Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, will be representing the Scottish Government as the opening speaker. Professor Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, will be greeting her with other speakers including Frank Mugisha, Patrick Harvie MSP, and Monica Tabengwa of Human Rights Watch.
Brighton Pride and the Rainbow Fund are creating new Community Business Awards, to acknowledge the support given to the LGBT community by local businesses.
For the third year running, Pride’s partnership with the Rainbow Fund is creating a huge benefit for the local LGBT/HIV voluntary sector.
Pride is once again donating £1 for every ticket sold for the Preston Park event to the Rainbow Fund and a similar arrangement is now in place for the Street Party – creating a new community outcome for that event.
In addition, Pride will pass on the proceeds of much of its own venue and arts fundraising, adding thousands of pounds more to give out to local LGBT/HIV community groups and charities.
The Rainbow Fund gives out grant funding to local LGBT/HIV voluntary sector which last year benefitted local organisations by over £43,000.
The Rainbow Fund has an Independent Grants Panel, whose members are appointed through an open application process, and who have the final say over who gets a grant based on which volunteer-led groups need it most.
Community groups who provide frontline services to the local LGBT/HIV community have until Friday, August 8 to apply for a £5,000 grant via the Rainbow Fund’s website.
This year, the Rainbow Fund has additionally supported Pride by acting as the facilitator for the event’s free tickets scheme for those on benefits or a low income and otherwise unable to volunteer to help the event. The scheme successfully ran until the beginning of June, where individuals could apply for free entry tickets, based on need.
The outcomes of this summer’s Rainbow Fund main grants round will be announced at a special Awards evening on September 1, 2014.
As well as the community groups receiving their grant funding, new LGBT Community Business Awards will be launched, where local businesses will be formally recognised and thanked for their role in supporting Brighton Pride’s fundraising efforts.
Categories for the the awards will include those for both larger and smaller business supporters and a special recognition award for outstanding contribution.
Paul Elgood
Paul Elgood, Chairman of the Rainbow Fund said:“With Pride just weeks away now, things are starting to get exciting. The partnership working between Pride and the Rainbow Fund is producing huge dividends for the local LGBT voluntary sector, and thanks to Pride we are already open for grant applications.
“This year we will be linking-up with Pride for joint LGBT Community Business Awards to thank the local businesses who do the most for the community. It is time that recognition was made for the businesses who have consistently supported the local LGBT/HIV voluntary sector over the years and this initiative will do that.
“It is the sole role of the Rainbow Fund to collect and give out donated money in a safe and accountable manner. There are no salaries or office costs associated with our work.”
“Pride are the largest single contributor to the Rainbow Fund, but we are supported by other venues and events such as the Brighton Bear Weekender.
“After Pride make their donation they then stand back and allow the Independent Grants Panel to make their decisions based on the merits of the applications received, creating an accountable and open process for allocating the money raised. Based on their actions, Pride really do have the best interests of the LGBT community at the heart of the event, thank you.”
Paul Kemp
Pride Director, Paul Kemp, added:“With only two people working full time on Pride we rely on the help of volunteers and the support of local businesses in helping Pride raise the essential funds our local voluntary LGBT/HIV groups need.
“Last year Pride raised over £43,000 from our fund-raising activities and with everyones help this year we hope to top that target.
“It’s important that the support from local businesses towards our fundraising effort is recognised by the wider community.
“Within days of this years event, Pride CIC will be publishing all the fundraising totals from Pride fundraisers, including the ring fenced £1 from tickets sold for Preston Park, Village Party wristbands and Pride tickets sold in venues.
“Our new awards for businesses helping Pride will be a great way of recognising the support given by the business community to our LGBT/HIV community groups”
The Labour Group and Co-operative group on Brighton and Hove City Council are calling on Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin to honour his promise and make train companies introduce ‘flexible’ rail season tickets.
At present, season tickets are only available on a weekly basis, leaving those who either work part time or from home on certain days of the week hit with the significant cost of paying for a full week’s season ticket.
The Campaign for Better Transport has estimated that someone commuting part time from Brighton and Hove into London could save £1,722 a year if flexible season tickets were introduced.
Their motion to full council, reads: “This council acknowledges the growing number of Brighton and Hove residents who now commute to London or other destinations outside of the City on a part time basis due the growth in working from home and who find themselves financially disadvantaged by the current structure of rail season tickets.
This Council requests the Chief Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Transport, Rt. Hon Patrick McLoughlin, urging him to ensure train operating companies such as Southern introduce rail season tickets that reflect flexible working patterns.”
Cllr Alan Robins
Councillor Alan Robins, Labour’s Transport Spokesperson, said: ‘The modern world of work is very different from the 9-5 culture of the past, with the growth in part-time working and technology allowing more and more people to split their time between home and the office.
“The current system of rail fares means these groups are currently shelling out huge sums for tickets they don’t use. Labour locally are urging the government to make good on their promises and ensure train companies work towards the introduction of flexible season tickets and help those part-time workers who are losing out financially from the current system.”
Statistics show 44,169 part time workers living in Brighton and Hove, which makes up over 30% of the total employment rate in the City.
Nationally, the figure is at over 8million workers, of which nearly 75% are women.
Brighton based national anti-bullying charity, Ditch the Label will be hosting Summer Calling; a beach-themed party to raise funds for the charity.
The party will take place at the Above Audio bar in Brighton on Friday, August 15 from 7pm-2am and offers the perfect opportunity for Ditch the Label to meet it’s supporters as well as to celebrate a successful year, while increasing public awareness of bullying in the UK at the same time.
Ditch the Label will be inviting all of their partnering organisations, supporters and celebrity ambassadors; who include Gok Wan, Dr Christian Jessen and Charlie King from The Only Way is Essex.
The beach hut themed party will feature a range of entertainment, including:
• Terraced BBQ
• Live performances from Brighton based acoustic performers, bands and DJ’s; including Ed Prosek, Annaca, The Club and Dean Barden.
• An interactive photo booth
• Ditch the Label cocktails
• Fire breather
Liam Hacket
Ditch the Label’s founder and CEO, Liam Hackett, said:“So far, 2014 has been a massively successful year for Ditch the Label; we are all incredibly excited about Summer Calling – it’s a fantastic summer celebration and our first ever standalone event. We are really looking forward to welcoming some of our partners, celebrity patrons and supporters for a buzzing beach-themed evening on the Brighton sea front.”
What:Summer Calling – A summer party
Where: Above Audio Bar, 10 Marine Parade, Brighton BN2 1TL
When: Friday, August 15, 2014
Time: 7pm – 2am
Tickets: Advance tickets are available for £5 or by donation
Ditch the Label is a provider of innovative advice, support and intervention programs designed to benefit young people who are impacted by bullying within the UK. It works with parents, guardians, teaching professionals, other charities and Governmental agencies to make this happen.
Ditch the Label publish two key surveys each year: the Annual Bullying Survey and the Annual Cyberbullying Survey.
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