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PREVIEW: Funny Girls! – Brighton

Monthly Friday night with funny females serving up stand-up, musical comedy and improvisation.

Funny Girls

A Mixture of new + established acts, hosted by Short & Girlie Show, at the Caroline of Brunswick (upstairs) in Brighton. Eight women present improvised comedy sketches and silly songs using audience suggestions.

What: Funny Girls: The Old Spice Girls, Jane Postlethwaite and Anna Morris

Where: Caroline of Brunswick, The Level/Ditchling Road, Brighton, BN1 4SB

When: Friday, April 11

Time: 7.45pm

Pride: £5/£4 conc. payable on the door

Facebook: Funny Girls! – Brighton

Twitter: #funnygirlsbrighton

@shortandgirlie

 

Exeter Pride 2014

Exeter Pride to host its largest rainbow flag parade on Saturday May 10.

Exeter Pride

More than 2,000 people are planning to take part in the event with a parade down Exeter’s High Street, followed by a programme of activities held at Exeter Phoenix in Gandy Street.

The parade will include a Street Heat Samba band, a decorated double decker bus and volunteers carrying a 50-metre rainbow flag.

Everyone is welcome to take part and support the South West’s LGBT communities.

To register for the parade, EMAIL:  

Exeter Pride 2014Activities kick off with the parade at noon starting at Exeter City Football Ground’s Fountain Centre Car Park. Family friendly, and child inclusive events are also being arranged at Exeter Phoenix.

A full programme of events continuing into the evening include a family zone, a Victorian Fair, a Market Place, a new Health Zone and the return of the popular drumming workshop, ceilidh and panel debates.

There will be information from local and national organisations, demonstrations, as well as fun activities.

Evening events include live music and DJs through till 2am.

Admission to some evening activities will be by wristband only, costing £3. For details, CLICK HERE:

Tom Grigor, chairman of Exeter Pride committee, said: “Exeter Pride is a celebration of the the city and county’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities.

“It is about us having pride in our contributions to not just a vibrant and diverse city, but all of Devon and the city and county having pride in us.”

“Exeter Pride would not be possible with generous donations from local businesses, organisations and individuals and the fundraising efforts of many volunteers.

“Together with generous sponsorship from our partners, we are able to keep all our daytime events, free-of-charge.”

“Volunteers are an important part of helping to make things run smoothly and more volunteers are still needed to help steward the parade as well as helping to set up at Exeter Phoenix.

“Anyone who could spare some time to help can make contact through the Exeter Pride website.

Shaun Sawyer
Shaun Sawyer

Devon and Cornwall Police chief constable, Shaun Sawyer, said: “Devon and Cornwall Police are proud to support Exeter Pride as part of our commitment to service the LGB and T communities across Devon and Cornwall.

“We would also like to congratulate Exeter Pride on establishing this as a successful annual event.”

In addition to organising the Pride event, the committee organise a wide range of events and entertainment throughout the year to promote inclusivity, self-confidence and a sense of community in a supportive environment.

For further information about Exeter Pride on May 10 and other pride committee-organised events, to sign up as a volunteer or to find out about sponsorship, CLICK HERE: 

Twitter: @exeterpride 

Facebook: facebook.com/exeterpride 

Exeter Pride 2014

What: Exeter Pride

When: Saturday May 10

Where: Exeter City Football Ground’s Fountain Centre car park, Exeter High Street and Exeter Phoenix: Gandy St, Exeter, Devon EX4 3LS

Time: Starts at noon

 

Bears mechandise goes on sale online

The Brighton Bear Weekender (BBWE) Merchandise Store is now open to Bears and there admirers alike.

WEB.200.2WEB.200.3WEB.200

 

 

 

 

 

On line you will find the hoodies and new t-shirts for this years Brighton Bear Weekender on June 20-22.

To view and purchase the mechanised on offer, CLICK HERE:

wristband_2014-500x500Also in the shop you can purchase this years wristband for just £5 which gives you the following great deals.

• 15% off in-store purchases at Prowler‘s Brighton store. Also get double paws (reward stamp) on all purchases over £15 made on Friday 20 June in the Brighton store

• 10% off alcoholic drinks all weekend at the Royal Oak pub

• Free entry to Bear Shaft at Legends Basement club (Saturday 8-11pm)

• Drinks deals at Bear Shaft at Legends basement club (Saturday 8-11pm) and main bar (Sunday 8-10pm): £2.50 bottled beers, selected alcopops, house single spirit and mixer, and Carling pints

• £5 off one-day entry or weekend pass to Brighton Sauna

• 10% off pints of Fosters all weekend at the Camelford Arms

• £2 off entry to Come to Daddy, £7 without wristband and £5 with BBWE Wristband (Club Envy, Saturday 10pm-3am)

Try this great combo deal:  Buy a t-shirt and a hoodie in the same order, and get a free wristband!”

 

Brighton Bear Weekender 2014, Programme of events:

Friday 20 June

8-11pm: meet and greet at the Welcome Night and Cabaret at the Royal Oak.
Come and meet your hosts, and enjoy the cabaret and games with your hostess Mysterry.
Collect your wristband and other preordered items.
Free entry for everyone!

11pm-lateBear Cave at Subline.
Dance to the tunes of our very own DJ Bozzy Bear.

Saturday 21 June

From 11am: Re-energise with Breakfast Bears. Venue to be announced.

2-4pm: Head to the Brighton Bear Weekender Picnic in Queen’s Park.
Eat at Lunch Positive’s wonderful pop-up cafe, or bring your own picnic and graze in the park.
(Sorry, but the park rules mean that dogs will not be allowed at this event.)

8-11pm: Boogie on down with the bears at Bear Shaft at Legends basement club.
Drinks deals and free entry (otherwise £2) with wristband.

11pm-3am: Carry on dancing at Come to Daddy at Envy.
Discounted entry with wristband.

Sunday 22 June

12-3pm: Mark and Jay’s Sunday Roast at the Camelford Arms.

12-3pmAlternative Sunday Roasting at Brighton Sauna.

3-8pmBear Bust at the Camelford Arms.

8-10pmDrinks at Legends bar.

10pm-lateFur Foam Party at Subline.
Back by popular demand! Get frothy with the bears and dance to the tunes of our very own DJ Bozzy Bear.
It’s advisable to wear old shoes or flip-flops, and trunks or undies.

PREVIEW: Paul Gunn & WORSTED@The Verdict

Ever found yourself looking for the right tea, the right hat, the right shoes, the right Martini, or even The Right Man or Miss?

Paul Gunn & WORSTED
Paul Gunn & WORSTED

Look no further! The Glitz of The Jazz Age and the buffoonery and wit of The Ealing Comedies collide and collude in this bang up to date setting!

Presenting their English Tea Room meets Latin Dance style; the musical DNA of Paul Gunn & WORSTED reaches back to 19th century musical hall. They channel Noel Coward, Edith Sitwell, Tom Lehrer, Fascinating Aida and Ian Dury with infectious rhythms, patter lyrics and virtuoso playing, featuring their original songs such as The Arts of Seduction and Hat Doffing and ‘Trouser Browser’.

What: Paul Gunn & WORSTED:

Where: The Verdict, 159 Edward Street, BN2 0JB (opposite The Law Courts & up the hill 30 yards)

When: Thursday May 1

Time: Doors 7pm, show 8.30pm

Price: £10 (£6 Students): Tickets on the door or Telephone: 01273 674847

For more information, CLICK HERE:

Scottish team tops gay football league

Saltire Thistle FC wins Gay Football Supporters Nework League Division 1 at first attempt.

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Glasgow and the West of Scotland’s LGBT friendly side Saltire Thistle FC were this weekend crowned national champions of the Gay Football Supporters’ Network (GFSN) League – the world’s only permanent national LGBT football league.

After beating local rivals HotScots FC 5-3 on Saturday, last year’s champions London Falcons needed a win over Yorkshire Terriers at home to be in with a chance of catching Saltire Thistle, they lost 1-0. The result meant that Saltire Thistle FC were champions, becoming the first Scottish team to win the league in its 12-year history.

This is Saltire Thistle’s third title in 3 seasons, winning both the third and second divisions en route to their maiden first division title. Having only been established 4 years ago, it has been a meteoric rise to the top of the GFSN for a team that started out with 10 strangers meeting up for a game of 5-a-side. The club now boasts a membership of over 40 with that number continuing to rise.

Saltire Thistle chairman Iain Sharkey, said: “Today more than usual I am a very proud chairman of Saltire Thistle Football Club. By progressing through the divisions of the GFSN and by winning three consecutive titles our vision and planning has paid off allowing us to become the club we are today. As well as our players, manager, committee and loyal supporters we would not have been as successful as we are without the support of the local LGBT community, in particular our sponsors Underground Bar. Their commitment to Saltire Thistle has been invaluable and I’d like to thank them for their continued support. Our success is only the beginning, the foundations are set to allow us to continue to grow and we are already planning for the future. Today however we can celebrate and enjoy our success as the first Scottish club to win the GFSN league division 1.”

GFSN Spokesperson Simon Smith, added: “It’s great to see Saltire Thistle going from strength to strength, winning the GFSN’s top league and strongly supporting LGBT sport in Scotland. We congratulate them in their progress up the leagues and wish them well in the future.”

 

 

In May Saltire Thistle will be marking the 25th Anniversary of the GFSN by participating in the annual GFSN Get together with over 20 other LGBT friendly teams from around the UK. The weekend will also feature a one-off Home Nations Tournament, with members of different clubs representing their country to see who will be crowned champions.

 

 

 

About Saltire Thistle FC:

 

Saltire Thistle FC were formed in March 2010 and currently have over 25 playing members and over 40 members in total.

 

Links: www.clubwebsite.co.uk/saltirethistle , @saltirethistle , fb.com/SaltireThistleFC, saltirethistlefc@hotmail.co.uk

 

Saltire Thistle FC competes locally in the Glasgow and District Sunday Football Championship (GDSFC).

Afghans win inaugural Exeter City OGOC Futsal trophy

Exeter based Afghani United were clear winners in Exeter City’s first ever One Game One Community five a side Futsal tournament yesterday (Sunday March 30).

Exeter City’s first ever One Game One Community five a side Futsal tournamentThe Afghans won every match they played to lift the inaugural trophy.

Players from local black and minority ethnic communities had been especially invited to participate at the event which was held in the University of Exeter Sports Hall.

Runners up were Plymouth Hope representing a local charity which offers football opportunities to the wider community including under represented ethnic groups and asylum seekers.

Devon Lions, Devon’s gay friendly football team, took third place and Maiwand, another Afghan side from Exeter, won the fair play award.

The event was organised by the Exeter City Supporters Trust backed One Game One Community (Kick it Out) Group. The Group aims to promote equality and diversity through football related initiatives. A regular outdoor summer tournament is held but this is the first time an indoor competition has been organised.

The competition was supported by Exeter City Football in the Community, Devon FA, University of Exeter and the National Citizen Service (NCS).

The referees and administration were provided by the Devon FA and students on Exeter City’s Football in the Community B Tech course. They volunteered to work at the tournament as part of a social action project for their NCS qualification.

Exeter City has close links with Brazilian football having been Brazil’s first ever opponents in 1914. It is fitting therefore that a Futsal tournament has been organised as this indoor version of the game was developed in Brazil in the 1930s. Its name comes from the Portuguese ‘Futebol de salao’ – ‘hall football’.

 Martin Weiler, Co-ordinator of the Exeter City One Game One Community Group, said: “Yet again Exeter City has held a successful community event and helped widen participation in the beautiful game.” 

 

 

Carousel Brighton Treasure Hunt

Local charity Carousel will be hosting a treasure hunt around Brighton from Tuesday April 1 – Sunday April 6.

Carousel

The trail will start and end at Community Base on Queens Road, and will take participants though the lanes and into Brighton Museum and Art Gallery.

The Treasure Hunt is free to enter and donations to Carousel can be made along the way or when dropping in completed forms. Carousel supports learning disabled artists to achieve their creative ambitions, affecting the lives of hundreds of Brighton and Hove residents every year.

Tim Carter, Director of Black Cat Treasure Hunts says: “This treasure hunt is open to everyone…it`s free to enter…it will be fun to do….there are great prizes…what are you waiting for?!”

To get your entry form CLICK HERE:

Or pick up a copy from Tuesday, April 1 at Community Base.

What: Carousel treasure hunt

When: April 1 – April 6

Entry: Free, donations welcomed.

OLDER & OUT April social

OLDER & OUT provides an informal, warm and friendly gathering space for older LGBT people at the Somerset Day Centre in Kemptown.

Older and Out

The April OLDER & OUT event is on Friday, April 25 and the guest speaker for the afternoon will be local author and historian Rose Collis who will be talking about the history of LGBT Brighton.

Rose Collis
Rose Collis

The Somerset Day is located at 62 St James’s Street next to St Mary’s Church in Kemp Town and has a rear car park situated off Lavender Street.

The venue offers comfortable safe surroundings and a warm and friendly environment.

Last month Somerset Day Centre hosted another successful get together for the Older and Out group. Over 40 people attended and enjoyed lunch.

Dr John Crossland, from Portsmouth University, was in attendance and intends to work collaboratively with members of Older and Out as he is undertaking research on older LGBTQU matters.


What: OLDER & OUT featuring a talk from author and historian Rose Collis

Where: Somerset Day Centre, 62 St James’s Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 1PR

When: Friday April 25

Time: 1pm

For more information tel: 01273 699000

For more information about Somerset Day Centre, CLICK HERE:

 

 

Why ‘Pride Matters’ to Rev Michael Hydes

Rev Michael Hydes from the Metropolitan Community Church, Brighton explains why Pride Matters to him.

Rev Michael Hydes, Metropolitan Community Church Brighton
Rev Michael Hydes, Metropolitan Community Church Brighton

“Pride is the ability to hold your head up high. It’s a movement of the heart, a healthy ego expressing itself, an acknowledgement of worth that springs from within. It should be developed by the family, a part of growing up in a community that supports and nourishes you. Yet often it is starved and beaten down. Feeling the need to conform to some other image the true self hides behind a façade, feeling unworthy and rejected. There is no opportunity for pride, just an inwardly focused prejudice that gnaws away at your identity each and every day.

“PRIDE is the awakening of self. It is a family of choice acknowledging its own. It is a wider community accepting and supporting.. The ego is nourished and lifted up. There is no need to conform, just an invitation to celebrate. From hues of grey to a rainbow of colour, the ego expands and comes to understand the eternal truth; that it is perfect just the way it is. In confidence it stretches out, flexes its wings, and flies.”

 

Kind Regards

Rev. Michael Hydes

 

 

Free Sunday parking proposal to be costed

Brighton & Hove Liberal Democrats free Sunday parking proposal moved a step closer to implementation last week.

Lib Democrats

Councillors voted last week for Council Officers to produce a report showing the cost implications for both blanket and partial free Sunday parking.

The proposal from the Liberal Democrats that would see council managed car parks and on street parking free on Sundays, has won the support of both Conservative and Labour Parties, who voted in favour of the Conservative amendment asking for Council Officers to produce a report detailing the cost of both full and partial free Sunday parking. The amendment was passed by 29 votes to 21.

Jeremy Gale
Jeremy Gale

Central Hove Liberal Democrat, Jeremy Gale, who has led the campaign, said: “I was extremely proud to have represented the 1,282 people and the outcome of yesterday’s debate means the proposal the supporters backed is a step closer to becoming reality.

“Whilst this is someway off, we strongly believe the proposal is more than affordable and await the impartial report to be published by Council Officers.

“What this does show is despite not having any political representation on the Council, the Liberal Democrats are very much shaping the political agenda of our City.”

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