January 2017 – Page 10 – Scene Magazine – From the heart of LGBTQ+ Life

Free entry to Royal Pavilion this Sunday

Posted on 10/01/201710/01/2017 by Besi

This Sunday, January 15, from 10am – 4.30pm entry to the Royal Pavilion is completely free of charge.

Annual Free Day, Royal Pavilion
Sunday January 15, 10am-4.30pm
(free admission, drop-in)

To celebrate the purchase of the Royal Pavilion by the town of Brighton in 1850, admission charges are waived one day a year. Go along and meet George IV and members of his court, as RPM staff don Regency costume and tell tales of George’s day!

For more information, click here:

A Regency Dandy: Visitor Services Officer Darren Terry

Brighton Museum Free Day
Sunday January 15
10am – 5pm (free admission, drop-in)

A series of monthly free days at Brighton Museum are also being trialled this season. If you haven’t visited in a while or the Museum is new to you? If you live outside Brighton & Hove then these days are a great opportunity to (re)acquaint yourself with the Museum and view their latest displays and activities.

For more information, click here:

Brighton & Hove residents – don’t forget you can enjoy half-price admission to the Royal Pavilion and Preston Manor with children going free, and free entry to Brighton Museum all year round!

Polish ‘video’ couple to marry in Madeira

Posted on 10/01/201710/01/2017 by Besi

Polish gay couple Jakub Kwiecinski and Dawid Mycek hit the headlines last year when a home-made video of them lipsynching the Roxette song Some other Summer went viral after the group included it on the their fan website.

They went on to make a similar video lipsynching to Niebiesko-zielone, a track from the Polish Gay Iconic singer Beata Kozidrak, but then the threats began. The pair suffered personal threats and right-wing groups in Poland called for Beata’s concerts to be boycotted and all because of the video.

Not deterred by the threats, the couple decided they were going to get married. This is not possible in Poland so they chose the Portuguese island of Madeira to tie the knot.

The local register office on the island initially rejected their request but after hearing about the homophobia the couple had suffered in Poland change their decision.

David said: “If we couldn’t get married in our country, we wanted to choose a place that is close to our hearts.

There are countries where it is easier to get marriage permission, but we chose Madeira because we fell in love with the Island a few years ago, and since then we visit it every year.”

Their first application was rejected due to lack of paperwork, because Polish authorities make it difficult for homosexual couples to get married abroad and are reluctant to release the necessary documents.

The letter giving the boys permission to marry in Madeira

Portuguese law, however, allows renouncement from the requirements of the law in exceptional circumstances.

Jacob said: “We read about this opportunity and decided to appeal. In a letter we told our story and described the scale of hate and threats we had suffered and passed on news stories about us from the Polish and foreign press.

After a few weeks of waiting, we got the news that they had changed their decision and we receive permission to get married without the missing documents.

It is ironic that our dream ceremony on Madeira, which is planned for this summer, we will owe to the actions of the people who hate us and have persecuted us.”

Here is the boys latest video:

HIV nurse historian undertakes new research project

Posted on 10/01/201710/01/2017 by Besi

Dr Tommy Dickinson, a nurse historian at King’s College London is currently working on a project that is exploring the nursing care of people with HIV/AIDS before antiviral medication was readily available.

The project begins in 1981, with the first reported AIDS case in the UK, and continues until 1996, when the evidence base for antiviral medication became explicit, shifting HIV/AIDS from a terminal illness to a manageable chronic disease.

Whilst there have been histories written about HIV/AIDS, there has been almost nothing on the actual nursing work that was done caring for these people.

He is seeking people who would be willing to talk to him if you:

♦ Were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS between 1981 and 1996

♦ Had a loved one die from HIV/AIDS between 1981 and 1996.

♦ Also/alternatively, do any of you have diaries, letters, photos or any other interesting material relating to HIV/AIDS during this period?

If you would either like to be interviewed, or have some material that may be of interest, then contact Tommy, with no obligation to continue if you decide not to.

Email: tommy.dickinson@kcl.ac.uk

Council produces new open spaces strategy

Posted on 09/01/201709/01/2017 by Besi

Brighton & Hove City Council publishes new open spaces strategy that will shape the future of parks and open spaces in the city.

The results of the Big Conversation consultation on open spaces last autumn, which attracted more than 3,500 responses, have guided the draft strategy.

Councillors will discuss how to create more opportunities to fund parks and manage open spaces in new ways at the environment, transport and sustainability committee on January 17.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chair of the committee, said: “Councils up and down the country are facing the challenge of how to fund parks and opens spaces with reducing budgets. We will learn from the successes of other local authorities and build on the excellent work already being done in Brighton & Hove, in particular by volunteers.

As the city grows the preservation of open space becomes even more important, providing areas for play, relaxation and exercise. Parks are among the most used public assets and highly valued by residents. We have taken their views into account in drawing up this strategy and will continue to involve them.”

Last autumn’s Big Conversation asked residents what their spending priorities were for parks and open spaces and their thoughts on how to manage with less, including creating new revenue such as cafes, sponsors, events and charges. Funding for councils from central government is falling, with parks traditionally one of local authorities’ smallest budgets. Between 2009 and 2020 Brighton & Hove’s parks could lose around one-third of its money.

The strategy asks the council to look at a range of policies and actions to put parks on a firm footing in order to maintain facilities for the future. It highlights funding opportunities and the need to build on ideas that came out of the consultation.

These include:

♦ Exploring the establishment of a Parks Foundation to lead on fundraising
♦ Creating more income for parks, working in partnership with businesses and potential sponsors, and other organisations such as the Football Association and lottery funders
♦ Developing other partnerships to care for open spaces, such as with colleges and universities, the Wildlife Trust, Ramblers, Biosphere partners and the South Downs National Park Authority

Over the next 10 years the strategy also calls on the council to:

♦ Develop a tree strategy (In the Big Conversation, respondents identified trees as the most important asset in parks and gardens for future funding)
♦ Enable members of the public to cut their own grass verges (87% of respondents said the council should support residents cutting grass verges with their own tools)
♦ Build on the success of volunteers by creating more opportunities and making sure they get the support they need (Most of the city’s 38 Friends of Parks volunteer groups told the council they need more support to continue their work and more than half of respondents to the Big Conversation (58%) expressed an interest in helping out in parks)
♦ Introduce more natural play features (74.2% of respondents tended to agree, or strongly agreed, to replacing some play equipment from children’s playgrounds with natural play features)

Playgrounds remain one of the biggest challenges for the city’s parks service. Because of the success of securing £2m of funds for playgrounds in 2009, a large amount of the city’s playground equipment will need replacing over the next five to 10 years, at a cost of another £2m. There has been some success so far, with playground equipment provided recently in Manor Road, Saltdean Oval and Hove Lagoon through public donations and planning contributions.

Work to put the strategy’s proposals into practice would start in 2017 if agreed by the committee. Councillors will also take into account the funding challenges and suggestions for parks as they set the council’s budget in February.

To read the open spaces strategy (agenda item no.66), click here:

Greens support Youth Service campaigners protest

Posted on 09/01/201709/01/2017 by Besi

Green Group of Councillors on Brighton & Hove City Council support campaigners fighting to save the city’s voluntary and community youth services from being cut.

Ahead of the Children, Young People and Skills Committee this afternoon at 4pm, Green Councillors including Committee members Alex Phillips and Amanda Knight met with campaigners to hear their concerns and also plan to oppose the cuts.

Councillor Amanda Knight, who sits on the Children, Young People and Skills Committee, said: “Today we were in full support of the campaign to save the community’s youth services.

The fact that young people are coming forward loudly and clearly to save youth services is yet another testament to the fantastic, engaged and politically active young people we have in our city. This is more than just about money; these cuts jeopardise the guidance, advice and support young people deserve, campaign for and need. More than 3,000 young people use these services every year. Plans to cut them sends a sad message about how we value the potential of our future generations.

I spoke to the city’s young people and most importantly listened. The Green Group will also be asking some serious questions about the nature of these cuts and will not be complicit as young people’s voices are pushed aside.”

B RIGHT ON FESTIVAL: LGBT History Month: Divas

Posted on 09/01/201719/03/2019 by Contributor

DIVAS – A plethora of talent all under one roof!

Aneesa Chaudhry, Jennie Castell, Gabriella Parrish and Hannah Brackenbury join forces to bring you an evening of jazz, show tunes, ballads and torch songs.

Aneesa Chaudhry is musical director of the Rainbow Chorus the largest LGBT+ chorus outside of London, a much-loved singer on the jazz scenes in the city and current holder of the Gscene magazine Golden Handbag for favourite singer on the gay scene. She has an extensive vocal range and loves surprising her audiences. Her gigs are full of humorous and unplanned engaging banter and she invites her audience to join in with the songs and vibe!

For this unique show, she hosts a night with the finest female Divas on the Brighton scene. You’ll be in for a treat as you hear her duet with guests during the show.

Jennie Castell has a hugely versatile voice and has shared a stage with among others, Lulu, Alexandra Burke and Joe McElderry. She sings regularly on the Brighton gay scene and knows exactly how to get an audience up and dancing!

Gabriella Parrish has risen to prominence on the south coast cabaret scene over the past few years. Born and bred in Brighton, she has always had a love for performing and has made quite a name for herself with her powerhouse vocals. With a repertoire spanning musical theatre, power ballads, classic party anthems and pretty much everything in between. A versatile and professional performer with an infectious fun personality, and was handpicked by Adele herself to appear on her BBC special ‘Adele at the BBC’.

Brighton-based performer Hannah Brackenbury is an accomplished musician and vocalist and performs acoustic covers on piano and guitar by artists such as Alanis Morissette, Joni Mitchell and KT Tunstall. She has performed at Pride festivals across the country and is an established performer on the Brighton scene.

“A commanding stage presence and a strong voice” – Latest 7

LGBT History Month is the annual international month-long observance of LGBT History and the opportunity to commemorate and remember the bravery of those who campaigned and spoke out over the years to help us achieve the freedoms and equality we enjoy today.

DIVAS will take place in The PHIL STARR PAVILION, New Steine Gardens, Brighton, BN2 1PB, a specially erected and heated multi purpose community facility with a fully functional stage, hi-tech light and sound system and on site licensed bar.

This ground breaking affiliation seeks to engage the city in the wide range of issues highlighted through the work of the Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum, as well as partner/stakeholder work and is supported with grants from the Pride Social Impact Fund and the Rainbow Fund.

Event: DIVAS stars Aneesa Chaudhry, Jennie Castell, Gabriella Parrish and Hannah Brackenbury

Where: The Phil Starr Pavilion, New Steine Gardens, Brighton, BN2 1PB

When: Sunday, February 19

Times: 8pm

Cost: Tickets £8/£6 concessions

To book tickets online, click here:

Do you want to stage an event during LGBT History Month in Brighton?

Posted on 09/01/201709/01/2017 by Besi

The Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum has been busy over the Christmas Holiday assembling the B Right On Festival of events for LGBT History Month and would like you to get involved.

The overall aim of this three-week project is to promote unity, equality and diversity for the benefit of Brighton and Hove during national LGBT History Month.

This will be done by:

♦ Increasing the visibility of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) people, their history, lives and their experiences in the curriculum and culture of educational and other institutions, and the wider community in a safe environment.

♦ Raising awareness and advancing education on matters affecting the LGBT+ community and its allies.

♦ Working to make educational, lawful and other institutions safe spaces for all LGBT+ communities.

♦ Promoting the welfare of LGBT+ people, by ensuring that the statutory authorities recognise and enable LGBT+ people to achieve their full potential, so they contribute fully to society and lead fulfilled lives, thus benefiting society as a whole.

Events planned include:

♦ A Mental Health Day organised by MindOut the mental health service run by and for LGBT+ people

♦ A Younger Persons Day

♦ An HIV History Day and Big Community Lunch organised by Lunch Positive the HIV charity and lunch club

♦ Faith Days organised by the Village Community Church

♦ A Disability Visibility Day organised by Accessibility Matters

♦ Yoga classes for all

♦ Community Cafe

♦ Self Defence classes

♦ An LGBT+ Worker & Volunteer Fair organised by the LGBT Community Safety Forum’s OUTReach project

♦ Listening Skills workshop organised by the Samaritans

♦ Food outlet with Lunch Positive

♦ First Aid workshop for Families and Kids

♦ Fundraisers

♦ Bingo Night supporting Cancer Research

♦ A Tea Dance and A Family Day

Live performance events will include:

♦ Celebration – An gala evening celebrating 25 years of the Sussex Beacon

♦ Sing a long a Rocky Horror Show

♦ The return of the historic LGBT+ History Ball hosted by the Jazz legend that is Nicky Mitchell

♦ Sound Waves a concert of live music featuring amazing guitarist and singer Z Star, Travis Eddie, and Yourgardenday.

♦ DIVAS starring Aneesa Chaudhry, Gabriella Parish, Jennie Castell and Hannah Brackenbury.

♦ Open mic night

And that’s just for starters!

Other events during LGBT History month include Stella Michaels’ Trans Lives photo exhibition at the New Steine Hotel in New Steine Gardens and The LGBT Community Safety Forums ‘Accessibility Matters’ Disabled LGBT Lives Exhibition at the Jubilee Library.

The Rainbow Fund have allocated grants to assist groups in delivering outreach or organising fundraising events at the Phil Starr Pavilion during the three-week festival.

The following dates in the Phil Starr Pavilion are currently available for hire:

February Daytimes 10am – 6pm – Monday 6, Wednesday 8, Monday 13

February Evenings 6pm – 11pm – Saturday 4, Sunday 5, Monday 6, Tuesday 7, Monday 13, Tuesday 14

For more info on the B Right On Festival, click here:

For information on rates to hire the Phil Starr Pavilion, call 01273 855620 option 4.

LGBT History Month is an annual international month-long observance of LGBT History and the opportunity to commemorate and remember the bravery of those who campaigned and spoke out over the years to help us achieve the freedoms and equality we enjoy today.

Most events will take place in The PHIL STARR PAVILION, New Steine Gardens, Brighton, BN2 1PB, a specially erected and heated multi purpose community facility with a fully functional stage, hi-tech light and sound system and on site licensed bar.

Brighton receives £3.8 million grant to restore Stanmer Park

Posted on 09/01/201709/01/2017 by Besi

Brighton & Hove received news today that the city council’s bid for Lottery funding to restore Stanmer Park has been successful.

Brighton & Hove City Council has received a confirmed grant of £3.8 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund and BIG Lottery Fund’s Parks for People scheme, and the news is being welcomed across the city.

“It’s fantastic news,” said Cllr Gill Mitchell, Chair of the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee. “This project has the potential not just to restore a substantial part of Stanmer Park to its former glory, but develop the area and provide exciting new experiences, employment and opportunities for residents and visitors both now and in the future.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the New Year!”

The Stanmer Park and Estate Restoration Project will see around 20 hectares of the park’s landscape, and Grade II listed and other buildings restored and given new life. The total cost of the restoration project is £5.8 million and the council plans to cover the remaining costs through match funding and revenue and contributions from partner organisation and donors.

For the past two years council officers have been working with representatives from with Plumpton College, the South Downs National Park and other organisations including Historic England, to prepare a Masterplan for the park following a £300,000 grant from Parks for People.

From left to right: Trevor Beattie, South Downs National Park Authority; Cllr Gill Mitchell, Brighton & Hove City Council; Ian Rideout, Plumpton College; Rob Dumbrill, Brighton & Hove City Council.

Trevor Beattie, Chief Executive for the South Downs National Park Authority, said: “Stanmer Park is a unique survival from the Georgian age and this grant will restore its original landscape. It will also make it much easier for the people of Brighton and Hove to access the National Park on their doorstep.”

Alma Howell, Assistant Inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas for Historic England added: “The success of this bid will start a process of helping to remove Stanmer Park from our Heritage at Risk Register by delivering a number of restoration projects and a stronger heritage led vision for the estate. We look forward to continuing to work with the council to find positive sustainable solutions for the remaining ‘At Risk’ factors.”

The Masterplan aims to improve the main entrance and 18th century parkland, Walled Garden and Nursery and the adjacent depot area.

This will include:

♦ Restoring the landscape and heritage features
♦ Addressing traffic and parking issues, and improving access to the park
♦ Relocating the council’s City Parks depot
♦ Restoring the Walled Garden and surrounding area
♦ Delivering horticultural and heritage gardening training and food production
♦ Providing educational and learning opportunities
♦ Explaining the heritage and importance of the Estate
♦ A long-term vision for the estate over the next 10 years.

The proposals also include re-allocating car parking, creating some additional spaces, and overflow provision, to accommodate some of the extra 300,000 visitors expected each year.

The car parking improvements include a new landscaped car park at the Patchway – an area currently used for car parking and the Cityparks depot which will also replace parking areas at Stanmer House.

The Lower Lodges will see the current parking areas formally laid out and landscaped to include an extra 100 spaces while smaller car parks and ad-hoc parking along the main drive will be removed.

A Transport Plan includes cycle parking, a proposed cycle hire hub, improved walking and cycling routes, and signage from Falmer station.

The restoration project will include a variety of opportunities for volunteering and training in horticulture, heritage gardening and food production, along with facilities for learning about the heritage of the estate, historic landscape and the South Downs.

Plumpton College has agreed, in principle, to manage and maintain the walled garden on a lease from the council.

Ian Rideout, Head of Faculty Forestry, Horticulture and Foundation Learning at Plumpton College said: “We are delighted to be a key partner in this project that will greatly benefit the local community.

“We look forward to continuing to provide learning opportunities at Stanmer Park for local people to access education and training in the walled garden.”

Work on the project will start in the New Year with most restoration works carried out in 2018.

Peacock Poetry Prize returns for Brighton Festival 2017

Posted on 09/01/201709/01/2017 by Paul Gustafson

Brighton Festival 2017 has announced that Guest Director Kate Tempest has chosen the theme of ‘Everyday Epic’ for this year’s Peacock Poetry Prize.

Poet Dean Atta with last year’s competition finalists

The Festival is inviting aspiring young poets and wordsmiths to observe and reflect on the details and daily achievements of our lives and to celebrate and share our common humanity.

The annual creative writing competition, produced by Brighton Festival and Brighton, Hove & Sussex Sixth Form College (BHASVIC), encourages local poets from 8 to nineteen years to respond to a specific subject in an imaginative and inventive way.

Submissions are divided into four age groups: 8-11 years, 11-13 years 13-16 years and 16-19 years.

In addition, this year the Brighton and Hove environmental education project (BHee) will give a special prize to a school pupil whose poem celebrates our interaction with the natural world.

Pippa Smith, Head of Creative Learning at Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival said: “The Peacock Poetry Prize is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get involved with Brighton Festival. I’m always taken aback at the number and range of submissions we receive, and this year I hope Kate Tempest’s theme of ‘everyday epic’ will inspire our young writers’ imaginations to produce some wonderful poetry once again.”

The Peacock Poetry Prize is open to residents of Brighton & Hove and East and West Sussex. Each budding writer may submit up to three poems with a maximum length of 20 lines per poem.

Entries can be emailed, together with full name, age and date of birth to peacock@brightonfestival.org, or posted to Peacock Poetry Prize, Brighton Festival, 12a Pavilion Buildings, Castle Square, Brighton BN1 1EE.

The deadline for entries is 5pm on Monday April 3, 2017.

Finalists and their friends and relatives will be invited to a reception in Brighton Dome on May 25 when the winners of each age category and the BHee prize will be announced.

For more details, click here:

WORTHING LGBT HISTORY MONTH: The Trials of Colonel Barker

Posted on 09/01/201709/01/2017 by Besi

In the twenties, Colonel Sir Victor Barker DSO was a fine figure of a man. Dashing, handsome, with impeccable manners, he was a model gentleman and devoted father of a young son.

But the uniform and military bearing concealed a big secret, revealed in a sensational trial at the Old Bailey in April 1929. For ‘Colonel Barker’ had been born a woman.

The trial made headline news around the world and its repercussions were felt most keenly throughout Sussex, as many key episodes in this fascinating story were played out in Climping, Littlehampton and Brighton.

Rose Collis, author of the critically acclaimed biography Col Barker’s Monstrous Regiment, is writing a new stage play based on her book. She will be talking about the research and creative processes involved in producing both works, shedding light on the extraordinary, complex story of someone who veered from tragedy to farce to fame to obscurity, but who always strove to remain ‘a perfect gentleman.’

There will be a Q&A session and copies of Colonel Barker’s Monstrous Regiment will be available to purchase. (Cash only).

Event: LGBT History Month Event: The Trials of Colonel Barker

Where: Worthing Library, Richmond Road, Worthing BN11 1HD

Date: Tuesday February 28, 2017

Time: 12.10pm to 12.50pm

Tickets: Free, drop-in.

Call us now

Month: January 2017

Free entry to Royal Pavilion this Sunday

This Sunday, January 15, from 10am – 4.30pm entry to the Royal Pavilion is completely free of charge.

Polish ‘video’ couple to marry in Madeira

Polish gay couple Jakub Kwiecinski and Dawid Mycek hit the headlines last year when a home-made video of them lipsynching the Roxette song Some other Summer went viral after the group included it on the their fan website.

HIV nurse historian undertakes new research project

Dr Tommy Dickinson, a nurse historian at King’s College London is currently working on a project that is exploring the nursing care of people with HIV/AIDS before antiviral medication was readily available.

Council produces new open spaces strategy

Brighton & Hove City Council publishes new open spaces strategy that will shape the future of parks and open spaces in the city.

Greens support Youth Service campaigners protest

Green Group of Councillors on Brighton & Hove City Council support campaigners fighting to save the city’s voluntary and community youth services from being cut.

B RIGHT ON FESTIVAL: LGBT History Month: Divas

DIVAS – A plethora of talent all under one roof!

Do you want to stage an event during LGBT History Month in Brighton?

The Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum has been busy over the Christmas Holiday assembling the B Right On Festival of events for LGBT History Month and would like you to get involved.

Brighton receives £3.8 million grant to restore Stanmer Park

Brighton & Hove received news today that the city council’s bid for Lottery funding to restore Stanmer Park has been successful.

Peacock Poetry Prize returns for Brighton Festival 2017

Brighton Festival 2017 has announced that Guest Director Kate Tempest has chosen the theme of ‘Everyday Epic’ for this year’s Peacock Poetry Prize.

WORTHING LGBT HISTORY MONTH: The Trials of Colonel Barker

In the twenties, Colonel Sir Victor Barker DSO was a fine figure of a man. Dashing, handsome, with impeccable manners, he was a model gentleman and devoted father of a young son.

Latest News

Call us now

This Sunday, January 15, from 10am – 4.30pm entry to the Royal Pavilion is completely free of charge.

Share this:

Polish gay couple Jakub Kwiecinski and Dawid Mycek hit the headlines last year when a home-made video of them lipsynching the Roxette song Some other Summer went viral after the group included it on the their fan website.

Share this:

Dr Tommy Dickinson, a nurse historian at King’s College London is currently working on a project that is exploring the nursing care of people with HIV/AIDS before antiviral medication was readily available.

Share this:

Brighton & Hove City Council publishes new open spaces strategy that will shape the future of parks and open spaces in the city.

Share this:

Green Group of Councillors on Brighton & Hove City Council support campaigners fighting to save the city’s voluntary and community youth services from being cut.

Share this:

DIVAS – A plethora of talent all under one roof!

Share this:

The Brighton & Hove LGBT Community Safety Forum has been busy over the Christmas Holiday assembling the B Right On Festival of events for LGBT History Month and would like you to get involved.

Share this:

Brighton & Hove received news today that the city council’s bid for Lottery funding to restore Stanmer Park has been successful.

Share this:

Brighton Festival 2017 has announced that Guest Director Kate Tempest has chosen the theme of ‘Everyday Epic’ for this year’s Peacock Poetry Prize.

Share this:

In the twenties, Colonel Sir Victor Barker DSO was a fine figure of a man. Dashing, handsome, with impeccable manners, he was a model gentleman and devoted father of a young son.

Share this:

Latest News