Besi – Page 408 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

NatWest Bank remove Pride posters from branches

Posted on 26/06/201415/07/2014 by Besi

Brighton Pride directors were shocked to find a poster they considered misleading outside a NatWest Bank in Churchill Square saying Proudly Supporting Pride in Brighton.

Paul Kemp and Dulcie Weaver, both Directors of Brighton Pride CIC went into the branch to ask exactly how NatWest Bank were supporting Brighton Pride as they knew nothing about any sponsorship arrangements.

Dulcie Weaver, said: “We went into the bank and asked to see the manager, who we were told was away for three weeks. We asked exactly what Nat West Bank was doing to support Brighton Pride as stated on the poster. The cashier said they were supporting Pride by putting the posters up. We said that wasn’t supporting the event or helping our fundraising efforts.”

The cashier said: “Surely any support is better than no support at all.”

Dulcie continued: “I started to notice larger organisations doing this type of thing last year. I visited American Apparel who had a huge Pride themed window and they refused to give me a donation of any sort for a window sticker, in fact they were really rude to me. This year it was so disappointing to see a corporate like NatWest behave in a smilar manner. These businesses could at least display a rainbow sticker all year round to support their local LGBT community, many of whom bank with them.

“Don’t get me wrong its great to see everyone get behind Brighton Pride but to suggest that they are actively doing something to help raise funds which is our remit isn’t fair and very misleading to customers who might make an active choice to bank with them because they think that they are.”

A spokesperson for NatWest Bank, said: “We displayed posters last year in select location across England and Wales and replicated them this year, particularly as staff in the RBS Rainbow Network will be participating in the London Pride parade this year.

“Our posters were displayed in good faith and intended as a local declaration of support for the principles of Brighton Pride. We did not intend for this to be misconstrued. As a result we have taken the posters down.”

James Ledward, editor of Gscene, commented: “Brighton Pride is a community interest company, which raises money for local LGBT groups and organisations. In the last two year they have raised and ploughed back £80,000 into the local community.

“Nat West must know there is no such thing as a free lunch. Would they have done a similar thing during the Olympics? I think not.

“Too many corporates masquerade their gay friendliness by ticking their mandatory diversity boxes. I don’t know how many LGBT people in Brighton and Hove bank with NatWest, but I hope they will question their bank managers as to whether they think that this behaviour is acceptable and exactly what financial support Nat West Bank give to the local LGBT voluntary sector in Brighton and Hove through any community grant giving.

“I bank with NatWest and will certainly be asking those questions of my manager. Maybe a donation is in order to show real support for the magnificent work Brighton Pride does raising money for the local LGBT/HIV community and delivering the city’s biggest annual spectacle.”

PREVIEW: The Importance of Being Earnest, a trivial comedy for serious people!

Posted on 26/06/201426/06/2014 by Besi

The Southampton based Maskers Theatre Company will perform Oscar Wilde’s classic play, The Importance of Being Earnest in the open air at Hamptworth Lodge, between Romsey and Salisbury from July 16-26.

The Importance of Being Earnest, A Trivial Comedy for Serious People(!) was first performed on February 14 1895 at the St James’s Theatre in London.

It is a farce in which the protagonists maintain fictitious personæ in order to escape burdensome social obligations. Working within the social conventions of late Victorian London, the play’s major themes are the triviality with which it treats institutions as serious as marriage, and the resulting satire of Victorian ways.

Contemporary reviews all praised the play’s humour, though some were cautious about its explicit lack of social comment, while others foresaw the modern consensus that it was the culmination of Wilde’s artistic career to date.

Its high farce and witty dialogue have helped make The Importance of Being Earnest Wilde’s most enduringly popular play.

What: The Importance of Being Earnest – Oscar Wilde

Where: Hamptworth Lodge, Hamptworth Estate, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP5 2DR

Time: 7.30pm (site opens 6pm): Matinee (Sunday) 3pm (site opens 1pm)

When: July 16-26

To book tickets online, CLICK HERE:

Or telephone: 023 8071 1818 (group bookings: 023 8071 1812)

Or in person from the Mayflower Theatre Box Office, Southampton

Line-up announced for Bristol Pride 2014

Posted on 26/06/201426/06/2014 by Besi

Boyband A1, who feature in this year’s Big Reunion Tour will headline the Bristol Pride festival on Saturday, July 12 along with 90s dance sensation, and Rhythm of The Night singer, Corona.

The donation entry festival will take place in Castle Park and feature 46 acts including urban performers VOIS, electro girl band Love Beats Riot, Katherine Ellis, The Showbears (Britain’s Got Talent), Kate Bush tribute Cloudbusting, Dr Meaker, Denise Pearson from Five Star and international artists Iskwé and America’s Hi Fashion both asking to perform as part of their world tours.

A second stage hosts 20 Cabaret acts including burlesque, pole dancing, drag kings and queens from all over the UK including award winners such as Son Ofa Tutu, Drag With No Name and Baga Chipz.

The Cabaret Stage will be headlined by singer Kelly Wilde.

The Bristol Pride Festival, voted No2 ‘Best Pride In The UK’ in the Cooperative Respect Awards is one of the largest Pride events in the country with Pride Week taking place across Bristol from July 3-13, showcasing a diverse range of events including: comedy, sports, dog show, workplace conference with LGB charity Stonewall, the award winning Confessions of a Rabbi’s Daughter and even an all-female Shakespeare performance in a city farm playground.

The week will also play host to the Bristol Pride Film Festival with specially selected and award winning films including G.B.F., short film Language of Love, the multi award winning Who’s Afraid Of Vagina Wolf?, the story of a filmmaker who decides to make an all-female version of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf and features a special preview screening of Lilting , starring Ben Wishaw.

The Pride Day festival starts with the Pride Parade, departing from Queens Square at 11am. The park festival will feature three stages of entertainment – a family area with kite making classes and – activities from atBristol and Bristol Zoo. There is also a funfair, market and expo stalls, food and bars, onsite roller disco and a community area hosting over 60 organisations ranging from health services, charities and sports groups.

Entry to Pride Day will be by donation (£3 suggested) but Pride are offering a £5 Day wristband or a Day and Night pass for £15 that will offer discounts onsite including food stalls, reduced bar prices and skate hire as well as offers with other Bristol businesses keen to support Pride.

DJs The Freemasons headline the official afterparty at the O2 Academy which promises to be a spectacle with aerial performances from Circomedia along with eccentric party makers Sink The Pink, 90s club night Another Night and a specially created ‘Pop Paparazzi Parlour’ from performance artist Harry Clayton Wright.

Organiser Daryn Carter, said: “2013 was our biggest year yet and we’ve got really exciting events planned for 2014 as well as an amazing line up for Pride Day and Night which are a real coup for Bristol. We’ve created something truly special, an exciting and credible festival that uses a range of events to champion and celebrate LGBT talent and culture. We aim to keep building on the success of Pride, putting Bristol on the map and bringing it alive with new talent and award winning acts. We’re creating opportunities for people to celebrate and engage with LGBT arts and the community whilst making a stand against discrimination both here in Bristol and around the world.’’

In 2013, 31,000 people attend Bristol Pride events with Blue and Sophie Ellis-Bextor headlining the free festival which held 17 individual events across the week and had an economic impact of £953,500 to the local economy.

Pride is a celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community across the South West, but extends much further; earlier this year the plight of LGBT people in counties such a Russia were highlighted by the Sochi games and this year Bristol pride has chosen the theme We Are: One as a chance for LGBT people, their friends, families and the whole of the South West to stand up and support gay rights on a global scale by maintaining a proud and visible presence and showing support to communities around the world.

To purchase tickets for Britsol Pride, CLICK HERE:

Labour launches rental consultation

Posted on 25/06/2014 by Besi

A consultation is being launched to find out what needs to be done to improve the standard of privately rented accommodation across the city.

High housing costs and a shortage of council and other social housing has seen 45% more people stuck in privately rented accommodation than in 2001. Almost a third of local housing stock is now privately rented.

Tenants are being asked for their views and experiences by Purna Sen, Labour’s parliamentary candidate in Brighton Pavilion, who’s campaigning to address the issues facing Generation Rent.

The consultation responses will be shared with Emma Reynolds, Labour’s Shadow Housing Minister and with Warren Morgan, the Leader of the Labour and Cooperative group.

Purna said: “Many landlords and letting agents are very good but some rogue landlords and agencies are not fulfilling their basic responsibilities to maintain properties and carry out repairs.

“Worryingly the recent Home Sweet Home campaign highlighted that some of the worst offenders seem to be letting agents accredited by the council, raising questions about the standards for accreditation and how seriously they are enforced.

“I want to hear from students, who have worked on the campaign already, but it is crucial that I hear also from families and workers who rent in the city.”

To comment EMAIL:

Or twitter at @Purna_Sen – using the hashtag #TenantsNeeds

The Labour party has pledged to reform the private rented sector to give tenants greater security, covering:

• Banning upfront fees charged to tenants by most letting agents which can be as high as £500; this can put additional pressure on tenants who already have to find a deposit and rent in advance.

• Making 3 year tenancies the standard for private sector lets, giving greater security – especially for families who often have to face the upheaval of change of school, for instance, when they move.

• Preventing landlords terminating contracts simply to put rents up. Tenants deserve predictable rents with an upper ceiling on rent increases to prevent excessive rent rises.

Brighton Women’s Centre celebrates past and present in 40th birthday event

Posted on 25/06/2014 by Besi

Brighton Women’s Centre is marking its 40th birthday year with a celebration day this Saturday, June 28.

Events planned include an exhibition – 40 Years of Brighton Women’s Centre – at their premises, 72 High Street, Kemptown, Brighton.

There will also be a street collection in St James’ Street, stalls selling clothes and bric a brac to raise money for the charity, refreshments and a chance to meet those involved inside.

Director Lisa Dando said: “This is a big year for us. I doubt the women who set up Brighton Women’s Centre all those years ago could have predicted that we would have achieved so much over the the past years.

“We’re needed now more than ever, with women calling in for advice, counselling, childcare, support and even food parcels in far greater numbers.

“We couldn’t do all that we do without the help of so many wonderful local supporters. We invite everyone to come along to find out about our work and why it’s so important.”

Brighton Women’s Centre (BWC) was first established in the city in 1974 to help women in the city with counselling, local information and a safe space. Since then the organisation has seen many changes including opening a crèche and at one point finding themselves homeless. However BWC is going from strength to strength, recently expanding to a second location near St Peter’s Church and developing services beyond Brighton and Hove into East and West Sussex.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

Labour pledges ‘Fairness Commission’ for the City

Posted on 25/06/201425/06/2014 by Besi

Labour in Brighton and Hove will set up a comprehensive enquiry aimed at tackling inequality and poverty in the city if elected next May.

Cllr Warren Morgan, Leader Labour and Cooperative Group

Announcing the establishment of the Brighton and Hove Fairness Commission, Labour Leader Cllr Warren Morgan said: “With more than three thousand people in our city using food banks every day, and growing numbers of people in work finding themselves living below the poverty line, we need to take action to help those families out of debt, out of poverty and into secure homes and better paid jobs.”

“A Fairness Commission, similar to those set up in over a dozen cities and London boroughs, would gather evidence and take targeted action to achieve those goals. It would be independently chaired, involve leading figures from across the city, take evidence from residents and people working in the field, and complete its work within a year.”

Cllr Gill Mitchell, Labour’s Deputy Leader, added: “There is much good work going on to tackle debt, some of it the result of action Labour has taken on the council to secure funding for anti-poverty action. The community banking partnership launching soon is a result of that, and we’ve taken action on payday lenders and on addictive, high stakes gambling machines at betting shops as well. A Fairness Commission would bring that work together, see what else can be done and ensure everyone in the city is working together on real solutions.”

Fairness Commissions have been set up in 10 Local Authorities across England (Islington, Liverpool, York, Newcastle, Sheffield, Blackpool, Tower Hamlets, Plymouth, Bristol, Oldham and Southampton) and in Brighton the running costs will be met through existing policy and scrutiny budgets.

The Commissions have looked at a wide range of issues, including:

• Reducing health inequalities within local authority boundaries

• Tackling youth unemployment

• Improving access to affordable housing and supporting tenants in the private rented sector

Celebrity chef helps celebrate London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard’s 40th birthday

Posted on 25/06/201425/06/2014 by Besi

John Whaite, the former Great British Bake Off winner will help choose best cake to celebrate London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard’s (LLGS) 40th birthday.

The celebrity chef will judge the bake-off when he joins volunteers at a special picnic in the park, as part of a weekend of Pride celebrations in London.

The Great Volunteer Reunion Picnic will take place on Sunday, June 29 between 1300-1700 in the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, London SE11 5HY.

Organiser and LLGS trustee Richard Desmond, said: “Cake has been a big part of life in our phone-room for over four decades and there is no better way to celebrate our milestone birthday.”

“All former LLGS volunteers, as well as their friends and families, are welcome to join the picnic and take part in the bake-off.”

John Whaite will be joined by Harry Iggulden, the owner of the nearby Tea House Theatre, to judge the bake-off and prizes have been sponsored by the Theatre and Waitrose Vauxhall.

Richard, continued: “We’re incredibly grateful to both our judges and our sponsors – and it will be a great opportunity for our former volunteers to get together, catch up with old friends, and celebrate our big birthday.”

The event, part of the Big Pride Picnic in the Park 2014, is free to attend and easily accessible. There will also be a marquee so the picnic can go ahead come rain or shine.

LLGS acts as a national helpline, operating from 10am to 11pm every day throughout the year. Many of their contacts now come through the internet and their volunteers answer e-mails and instant messaging.

New Vice Chair at Peer Action

Posted on 25/06/201418/07/2014 by Besi

Peer Action have elected Ms Adriana Silva as Vice Chair of its board of trustees.

: Adriana Silva

Adriana joined Peer Action around a year ago, has been instrumental in organising their new women’s group and is a respected member of its steering committee.

Adriana, originally from Brazil had a career in teaching and worked for many years with community groups there. After moving to the UK, she took up her current career as a HR Practitioner.

Adriana, says: “Peer Action is a unique group in what it provides to the community, and it’s an exciting opportunity to be part of it and help build on this story of success. The trust put in me is inspiring, and I’m looking forward to being up to the challenge. It feels great to be in a position to contribute to the group’s growth and see more men and women benefiting from peer support in such a safe and welcoming environment.”

Mike Nelson, Chair of Peer Action, added: “Adriana is a valuable asset to the charity and our trustees. The members look forward to working with her in her new role as we take the group forward since it became a registered charity.”

‘The Tigers’ to march through streets of Brighton

Posted on 25/06/2014 by Besi

Armed Forces Day this Saturday, June 28 will be marked in Brighton & Hove with a Freedom of the City Parade by the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (PWRR).

Around 70 soldiers from the 1st Battalion PWRR and the Band of the Blues and Royals will step off from the Peace Statue on Hove seafront at 11am and follow a route along the seafront, West Street and North Street before arriving in New Road around 11.20am. The parade will be followed by a parade of Veterans and Cadets.

The Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex Mr Peter Field, The Mayor of Brighton and the Colonel of the Regiment Brigadier Richard Dennis OBE will take the salute and complete proceedings with an inspection in New Road, speeches and presentations.

The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, nick-named The Tigers, is the South East of England’s infantry Regiment and recruits solely from counties in the region (including London and the Channel Islands).

The Regiment is made up of two Regular Army Battalions – 1 PWRR and 2 PWRR – and a Reserve Battalion – 3 PWRR.

Its Regimental HQ is located at The Tower of London whilst its 1st Battalion is based in Germany, the 2nd Battalion currently in Woolwich, South East London (and is due to be posted in Cyprus for three years from August this year) and the 3rd Battalion which has five companies based across the South of England.

Members of all three Battalions have served on operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Regiment has a long and distinguished history having been involved in virtually every theatre of war since The Battle of Trafalgar in 1662. It is the most decorated of all British Army regiments, with 57 Victoria Crosses awarded.

The event is part of a programme of civic and community events going on this summer as Brighton & Hove commemorates the 100th anniversary of the World War One.

Stories of LGBT seniors and old age

Posted on 25/06/201425/06/2014 by Besi

If you are lucky, you get old is a photographic project by Freya Najade that tells stories of queer and straight seniors and old age in general.

The project by Freya Najade emphasises that inner growth is ever lasting and people above seventy continue to love, suffer, long and dream.

Freya Najade hopes to continue her work this year in order to create a more positive image of ageing and also to raise awareness that homosexuality in old age exists.

To support her project and get some nice rewards in return check out her Kickstarter Campaign. Every little bit counts (even £1 makes a difference).

For more information about Kickstarter, CLICK HERE:

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For more information about Freya, CLICK HERE:

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Author: Besi

NatWest Bank remove Pride posters from branches

Brighton Pride directors were shocked to find a poster they considered misleading outside a NatWest Bank in Churchill Square saying Proudly Supporting Pride in Brighton.

PREVIEW: The Importance of Being Earnest, a trivial comedy for serious people!

The Southampton based Maskers Theatre Company will perform Oscar Wilde’s classic play, The Importance of Being Earnest in the open air at Hamptworth Lodge, between Romsey and Salisbury from July 16-26.

Line-up announced for Bristol Pride 2014

Boyband A1, who feature in this year’s Big Reunion Tour will headline the Bristol Pride festival on Saturday, July 12 along with 90s dance sensation, and Rhythm of The Night singer, Corona.

Labour launches rental consultation

A consultation is being launched to find out what needs to be done to improve the standard of privately rented accommodation across the city.

Brighton Women’s Centre celebrates past and present in 40th birthday event

Brighton Women’s Centre is marking its 40th birthday year with a celebration day this Saturday, June 28.

Labour pledges ‘Fairness Commission’ for the City

Labour in Brighton and Hove will set up a comprehensive enquiry aimed at tackling inequality and poverty in the city if elected next May.

Celebrity chef helps celebrate London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard’s 40th birthday

John Whaite, the former Great British Bake Off winner will help choose best cake to celebrate London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard’s (LLGS) 40th birthday.

New Vice Chair at Peer Action

Peer Action have elected Ms Adriana Silva as Vice Chair of its board of trustees.

‘The Tigers’ to march through streets of Brighton

Armed Forces Day this Saturday, June 28 will be marked in Brighton & Hove with a Freedom of the City Parade by the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (PWRR).

Stories of LGBT seniors and old age

If you are lucky, you get old is a photographic project by Freya Najade that tells stories of queer and straight seniors and old age in general.

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Brighton Pride directors were shocked to find a poster they considered misleading outside a NatWest Bank in Churchill Square saying Proudly Supporting Pride in Brighton.

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The Southampton based Maskers Theatre Company will perform Oscar Wilde’s classic play, The Importance of Being Earnest in the open air at Hamptworth Lodge, between Romsey and Salisbury from July 16-26.

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Boyband A1, who feature in this year’s Big Reunion Tour will headline the Bristol Pride festival on Saturday, July 12 along with 90s dance sensation, and Rhythm of The Night singer, Corona.

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A consultation is being launched to find out what needs to be done to improve the standard of privately rented accommodation across the city.

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Brighton Women’s Centre is marking its 40th birthday year with a celebration day this Saturday, June 28.

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Labour in Brighton and Hove will set up a comprehensive enquiry aimed at tackling inequality and poverty in the city if elected next May.

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John Whaite, the former Great British Bake Off winner will help choose best cake to celebrate London Lesbian & Gay Switchboard’s (LLGS) 40th birthday.

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Peer Action have elected Ms Adriana Silva as Vice Chair of its board of trustees.

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Armed Forces Day this Saturday, June 28 will be marked in Brighton & Hove with a Freedom of the City Parade by the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (PWRR).

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If you are lucky, you get old is a photographic project by Freya Najade that tells stories of queer and straight seniors and old age in general.

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