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Author: Catherine Muxworthy

Joe Lycett shreds £10,000 as David Beckham refuses to end his World Cup ambassadorship with anti-LGBTQ+ Qatar

Posted on by Catherine Muxworthy

At 12pm on Sunday November 20, the day that the FIFA World Cup was due to kick off in Qatar, Joe Lycett shredded David Beckham’s reputation as an LGBTQ+ ally alongside £10,000 of his own money live on Benderslikebeckham.com, dressed in a ruffled, rainbow outfit. The comedian makes no comment in the video, but simply curtsies and steps out of shot.

A week before the World Cup was due to kick off in Qatar, comedian Joe Lycett issued an ultimatum to David Beckham, asking him to pull out of his reported £10 million contract with Qatar, or donate his fee as an ambassador, due to the country’s poor human rights record including the treatment and persecution of LGBTQ+ citizens. If Beckham ignored this plea, then Lycett threatened to shred £10,000 of his own money, instead of donating it to charity.

David Beckham has stayed quiet on the matter, going ahead with a speech at the ‘Generation Amazing’ youth festival in Doha, in which he said: “Dream can come true. That is why you are here. You share Generation Amazing’s twin passions for the game of football and for making the world a more tolerant and inclusive place,” seemingly ignoring Qatar’s record regarding migrant labour, human rights, and anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

When Lycett shared the video of himself shredding the money on Twitter, he simply captioned it with “A platform for progress”, a line which featured in David Beckham’s speech in Qatar.

While many people online seemed to miss the point of this stunt – suggesting that it was a waste of money – others commended him for making a powerful statement with some even suggesting that the now shredded money could be made into a piece of art by an artist like Nathan Wyburn – who is known for creating collages from unusual medium – and sold at auction for charity instead.

Joe Lycett has yet to make any statement regarding the result of this stunt; however, it is David Beckham’s silence when questioned about his relationship with the anti-LGBTQ+ country of Qatar that is truly deafening.

Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath to donate to LGBTQ+ charities during the World Cup

Posted on by Catherine Muxworthy

The Hare & Hounds in Birmingham’s Kings Heath area has vowed to donate 10% of bar revenue, during World Cup screenings, to LGBTQ+ charities in response to the football competition being held in a country with poor human rights records, including for women, migrants, and LGBTQ+ citizens.

In a post shared on social media from the pub’s team, they explained: “The Hare & Hounds has always enjoyed welcoming customers for major tournaments, with England games always being a big occasion and so many people enjoying the atmosphere that a major tournament brings.

“We are also, however, big supporters of the LGBTQ+ community, and we’re very proud to be involved in the infamous Queens Heath Pride event and many other LGBTQ+ club nights and events throughout the year. The appalling attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community and the blatant disregard for human rights present in Qatar (highlighted by the outrageous comments made by their ambassador) have created a dilemma for us as both football fans and allies. Should we boycott the whole tournament or can we find a way of bringing people together to raise awareness on the human rights issues in this country?

“We’ve decided that we will continue to show the games, but will donate 10% of our venue bar take from each day that we screen a match to an LGBTQ+ charity, and we’ll also be encouraging a voluntary £2 donation on entry, with all proceeds going to our chosen charity. LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, and we yearn for the day that Qataris can live freely and without fear.”

Birmingham’s LGBTQ+ film club to return in December

Posted on by Catherine Muxworthy

Journey Film Club in Birmingham is “a local non-profit community pop-up cinema film club that prides itself on delivering the very best in different, varied themed films; from award-winning, early classic titles to cult-following and independent releases.”

In an announcement on Facebook, the film club revealed that it would be returning in December. Entry is open to all – subject to BBFC classification of the film showing – and the group usually meet at the LGBTQ+ centre in Birmingham or other venues across the city.

Green Book

Their first film pick, is Green Book – a biographical comedy-drama film that follows an African-American classical pianist on a tour of America, driven by a working-class Italian-American bouncer as the pair navigate the difficulties of travelling as a Black man using the ‘Green Book’. Tickets to watch the film, which will be showing on Tuesday, December 6, cost £1 – which includes refreshments – and they can be booked online.

Journey Film Club will also be celebrating the festive season with a showing of the film Mrs Santa Claus on Tuesday, December 20. The film is a musical comedy starring the late-great Angela Lansbury in the title role. A ticket link has yet to be released for this film; however, they will also cost £1 so keep an eye out on the film club’s social media or CLICK HERE

Survey finds that 80% of Villa & Proud members will not be watching this year’s World Cup

Posted on by Catherine Muxworthy

A survey conducted by Villa & Proud – the official LGBTQ+ supporters’ network for Aston Villa Football Club – has found that 80% of its members will not be watching year’s World Cup in Qatar.

The survey, which took opinions from roughly 20% of their 550 members, also found that 88% would not attend the World Cup even if they were offered free accommodation and tickets to do so, while 52% were unsatisfied with the FA’s role in LGBTQ+ equality.

In a press release, the network also revealed that when “asked how members felt that the tournament was impacting them personally, nearly 90% answered negatively, raising huge concerns about the effect that this tournament is having on an LGBTQ+ person’s mental health.”

Steve Lovell, Club Secretary at Villa & Proud, said: “We conducted this survey to give our members a voice and to make people aware of the real conflict that this tournament is causing for LGBTQ+ football fans. Football is what unites us and brings our network together, no matter a person’s sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or disability. However, this tournament is having the opposite effect.

“It’s alienating a huge portion of the footballing world’s fan base, denying people the opportunity to enjoy what is supposed to be the highlight in every football fan’s calendar.”

Christopher, a Villa & Proud member, also commented on why they cannot support this year’s World Cup: “While I’m a heterosexual CIS male, I couldn’t visit or partake in an event held in a country that marginalises people and carries out extreme acts of violence due to their sexuality and identity. I have so many friends in the LGBTQ+ community and supporting this event would feel like I wasn’t supporting or caring for them and their feelings and needs”.

In response to their survey outcomes, Villa & Proud has announced a series of virtual and in-person member events to support its network over the next four weeks.

To find out more about Villa & Proud or to become a member, CLICK HERE

Birmingham Pride’s Eva Echo wins Trans in the City award

Posted on by Catherine Muxworthy

Eva Echo – Director of Innovation for Birmingham Pride and ambassador for Trans Clinic UK – was awarded the Trans Community Champion Award at Trans in the City’s gala and award ceremony on Monday, November 14, alongside her fellow nominee Katie Neeves. This is an award that is presented to “a trans, non-binary or gender non-conforming person that is doing great work supporting trans people in the community.”

Echo was shortlisted for the award at the beginning of November alongside Katie Neeves – trans ambassador and awareness trainer; Shea Coffey – manager and co-founder Medway Pride Radio and director of Medway Pride; Lucy Clark – the first openly transgender football referee in the world and founder of Trans Radio UK; Victoria Oldman – Engagement and Development Worker for The Clare Project in Brighton; Karen Self – Vice-Chair of Trans Pride South West; and Emily Williams.

Accepting her award, Eva Echo said: “As an activist nobody ever expects to go into it winning anything. We just do it because we’re passionate, and I do it for those who don’t have a voice, who don’t have a platform, who can’t tell their story, who can’t be heard, who can’t be here today.”

The Trans in the City Gala 2022 – sponsored by BP – was the awards’ fifth year. It was also live-streamed online and can still be watched on their YouTube.

Birmingham-born actor wins Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting with debut play

Posted on by Catherine Muxworthy

Birmingham-born actor Nathan Queeley-Dennis’ debut play, Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz, which explores black friendship and masculinity, has won the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2022, which includes a £16,000 prize and enters him into a development process with the Royal Exchange.

Bullring Techno Makeout Jamz is a play that was described by described by judge Julie Hesmondhalgh as “a joyful galloping hymn to black friendship and love and tender masculinity”.

It “follows Nathaniel; a young man approaching what appears to be his quarter life crisis. Join Nathaniel on his journey of self-discovery as he explores Black masculinity through Beyoncé lyrics, techno raves and the deeply intimate relationship a man has with his barber,” outlines the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting,

Amanda Parker, chair of the 2022 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting judging panel, said: “The Bruntwood Prize yet again delivered plays that speak to the urgent issues of our times, in ways that are unexpected, fresh, thrilling and compelling.”

Queeley-Dennis said he wanted to share a story that is “very rarely shown, but is so prominent in making me and the people I grew up with who we are”.

Queeley-Dennis was born and raised in Erdington, Birmingham. His acting credits include Chinonyerem Odimba’s Black Love (Kiln Theatre), Phoebe Eclair-Powell’s Really Big and Really Loud (Paines Plough), and Bijan Sheibani’s A Taste of Honey (National Theatre).

Joe Lycett delivers World Cup ultimatum to David Beckham

Posted on by Catherine Muxworthy

The news that David Beckham has signed a reported £10 million contract with Qatar to be their ambassador during the FIFA World Cup in a country where LGBTQ+ are persecuted has been met with many cries of outrage. Dr Nas Mohamed, Qatar’s only openly gay public figure, was blocked by the footballer after appealing for him to take a stand on LGBTQ+ rights in the country. Now, comedian Joe Lycett has joined the conversation, offering Beckham an ultimatum in a stunt he’s entitled Benders Like Beckham.

In a video posted to Twitter, Lycett said: “This is a message to David Beckham. I consider you, along with Kim Woodburn and Monty Don, to be a gay icon. You were the first premiership footballer to do shoots with gay magazines like Attitude, to speak openly about your gay fans, and you married a Spice Girl which is the gayest thing a human being can do.

“But now it’s 2022 and you’ve signed a reported £10 million deal with Qatar to be their ambassador during the FIFA World Cup. Qatar was voted as the one of the worst places in the world to be gay – homosexuality is illegal, punishable by imprisonment, and if you’re Muslim, possibly even death.

“You have always talked about the power of football as a force for good. Which suggests to me you have never seen West Brom. But generally I agree – so with that in mind I’m giving you a choice. If you end your relationship with Qatar I will donate ten grand of my own money (that’s a grand for every million you’re reportedly getting) to charities that support queer people in football.

“However, if you do not I will throw the money into a shredder at midday next Sunday, just before the opening ceremony of the World Cup and stream it right here. Not just the money, but also your status as gay icon will be shredded.

“Also you’ll be forcing me to commit what might be a crime. Although even then, I reckon I’ll get off more lightly than I would if I got caught whacking off a lad in Doha. The choice is yours. I look forward to hearing from you. Joe Lycett”

This strong message from Joe Lycett was accompanied by the website benderslikebeckham.com where the statement to Beckham sits beneath a countdown to the FIFA World Cup, and, of course, the point in time when Lycett will either donate the money to charity or shred it on a livestream in protest against Beckham’s connection with the anti-LGBTQ+ country of Qatar.

Black Peppa celebrates Birmingham’s LGBTQ+ community on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK

Posted on by Catherine Muxworthy

On the latest episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season four, the drag queens were tasked with a Big Brother and Squid Games parody acting challenge which saw them enter the ‘Big Mother’ house and compete in the Squirrel Games.

On the runway, the category was ruffles, but in the Werk Room, as the queens got ready, chat turned to the topic of families. Black Peppa – who has previously spoken openly on the show about their upbringing on the Caribbean island of St Martin and their religious parents – spoke instead about their chosen family in their adopted city of Birmingham; including fellow drag performer Yshee Black who hosted the competition Church of Yshee which Black Peppa won in 2019.

“In Birmingham the queer family that I have made there, they have brought out who Black Peppa is,” Peppa told the other queens competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, “At home in Birmingham, I do have a loving family. I always say that family doesn’t have to be blood. Family to me, is the family that you make.

“Birmingham family they help me to accept things about myself that I didn’t necessarily like, for example being quiet and shy, but they saw that and they were like “there’s someone behind all of that”, and I’m like, no one has ever kind of spoken to me like that, not even my parents.

“My queer family has been there for me through and through, and I don’t take that lightly. I am so thankful to have them in my life and for them seeing the potential that I’ve always had that I probably necessarily never seen.”

In response, Twitter saw an outpouring of love from those in Birmingham’s LGBTQ+ community, including Yshee Black, who tweeted, “Even though it doesn’t need to be said my love for the Birmingham community and @iamblackpeppa is infinite we have shared so many amazing, funny moments and getting to know and love the person underneath the drag.”

Director of Birmingham Pride appointed Birmingham Night-Time Economy Champion

Posted on by Catherine Muxworthy

Lead Pic: Lawrence Barton (L) with Cllr Ian Ward (R)

Lawrence Barton – chair of Southside District, Board Director for AM2PM, and Director of Birmingham Pride, the Nightingale Club, the Village Inn, and The Loft – has been appointed the new Night-Time Economy Champion by Birmingham City Council. This appointment comes after he received the backing of the Leader of Birmingham City Council and the Chairs of the City Centre Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).

Barton will be the city’s first Night-time Economy Champion, in a role that mirrors equivalent positions in London and Greater Manchester. In a press release from Birmingham City Council, they explained that Lawrence Barton will “work with the Council, BIDs and local stakeholders to champion Birmingham’s thriving nightlife and ensure that people can have a safe and enjoyable time when they visit the city centre.”

Commenting on his appointment, Lawrence said: “I’m eager to get started as Night-Time Economy Champion. There’s a pressing need for action on the serious challenges facing venue operators. Not least the spiralling price of utilities, the need to recruit and retain high-quality staff, and the problems which clubs such as mine encounter from encroaching residential developments.

“I intend to take a holistic approach to drawing up the plan to protect and enhance the city’s nightlife. This means bringing together all the key stakeholders – including the police, business owners, and employees – to come up with a design which will futureproof our night-time economy so it can be enjoyed for years to come.

“What I really need now is for those stakeholders to get onboard with what we’re doing. There’s not a moment to waste.”

Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, added: “We’ve been clear in our commitment to help our night-time economy to thrive by appointing a Night-Time Economy Champion.

“Lawrence is a fantastic advocate for our city and has done so much to promote Pride and the Gay Village. I look forward to working closely with him in his new role as we work to make Birmingham’s Night-Time Economy more enjoyable and safer for everyone, right across our city.”

Joe Lycett’s stunt-fuelled special streaming now

Posted on by Catherine Muxworthy

Joe Lycett’s most recent tour More, More, More, How Do You Lycett? How Do You Lycett? is a sell-out show that the comedian has been working on over the last four years. A labour of love, the show includes: “a stunt which involved infuriating MPs, led to headlines around the world and to Mummy getting in trouble with the police (again).”

In Joe’s words, it is “one of the most fulfilling and joyous stunts I’ve ever pulled off,” and those who have already seen the show live – particularly those from the Birmingham and West Midlands area – will understand the incredible impact of this stunt.

“Dropping not-so-subtle hints about the stunt in media appearances,”including in an interview with Scene magazine where he told Catherine Muxworthy: “There was a Pride in my local area this year and it was so beautiful to see loads of local people coming out for the community, and it wasn’t like a big organised thing really, it was just like a natural thing that happened, and that for me was the best Pride I’ve been to because it was local and it was very real and very sort of family-driven and so for me that was a great event,” Lycett finally reveals all about his scheming in More, More, More! How Do You Lycett? How Do You Lycett?.

Joe said: “What started as a very stupid idea turned into my favourite thing I’ve done with my life. I can’t wait for the world to hear this remarkable and ultimately ridiculous story.”

While Ken Roberts, VP, Communications, Gayborhood Foundation, said: “We can neither confirm nor deny the events Mr Lycett describes in the show.”

Available to stream and download exclusively from JoeLycett.com, the show “comes stuffed with jokes, paintings, potty-mouthed gardening updates and much more.”

From 9am on Friday, November 11, viewers will be able to stream and download it for £10, which includes a ‘Making of’ interview with Joe Lycett by Greg James.

All pics: Matt Crocker

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