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Author: Chris Gull

Venues and businesses step up to raise funds for the Brighton Rainbow Fund this Pride

Posted on by Chris Gull

With the focus over the next week of Brighton & Hove Pride on raising funds for the Brighton Rainbow Fund (BRF) to distribute to local LGBTQ+ and HIV projects, groups charities and organisations – Why Choose One, When You Can Support Them All? Check out for these events and opportunities from businesses.

We are Fabuloso at Preston Park: Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7

A portion from every ticket sold on Saturday and Sunday is ring-fenced for BRF to distribute. Full line-up and tickets HERE. 

The Pride Village Party: in and around St James’ Street and Marine Parade on Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7

©Chris Jepson. Pride Village Party

A portion from every wristband sold is ring-fenced for BRF to distribute.

Pride Sunday: Annual Cabaret Marathon Fundraiser at Legends on Sunday, August 7

The return of the Annual Cabaret Marathon Fundraiser which sees performers donate their time and talent, and ask that you help them raise a record amount for local LGBTQ+ and HIV charities and projects by donating the price of a pint. Just scan the QR codes you’ll find at Legends to donate £5, and of course a fiver in the bucket is welcome too! For more info on Legends, CLICK HERE

The Bulldog’s Pride Weekend

“A Bulldog is not just for Christmas Pride”.  Sam at The Bulldog ensures that funds are raised all year round, with several events each week raising funds for BRF to distribute. Check The Bulldog out on Facebook HERE. 

Coalition: Beyond Brighton Pride on Saturday, August 6, £1 from every ticket to BRF to distribute. More info HERE

Rockwater Hove: P:R:I:D:E on Saturday, August 6 

A whole day and evening of cabaret, starting with a drag lunch at noon. Raising funds for BRF to distribute. More info HERE.

Rockwater: Thursday, August 11: In Conversation with Dame Kelly Holmes 

DAME KELLY HOLMES

Proceeds from ticket sales go to BRF to distribute. For more info, CLICK HERE

Sofar Sounds at SEA LIFE Brighton on Wednesday, August 3

Sofar stage gigs in unusual places all over the world. From front rooms to concert halls. The ticket buyers take it for granted that it will be good, because the location is not announced until 36 hours before, and the lineup is never announced ahead of time. Some of the biggest stars have appeared in a secret Sofar line up at some point in their careers.

This gig is LGBTQ+ themed and has BRF as charity partner for the night.

For more info, CLICK HERE

UnBarred Brewery and Tap Room: Talk and Tasting with Emma Inch on Wednesday, August 3

Emma Inch

Emma Inch is a multi-award-winning freelance writer and audio-maker, and former British Beer Writer of the Year. Emma’s talk will be about how enjoying a pint of beer and changing the world can seem like quite different activities, but beer really does have the potential to facilitate change.

UnBarred team

All proceeds from ticket sales to BRF to distribute. For more info, CLICK HERE

Hobgoblin on Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7

Hobgoblin is setting up a glitter and face-painting booth; £2 donations requested for BRF to distribute. For more on Hobgoblin, CLICK HERE

West Hill Tavern: Pride Bottomless Brunch on Saturday, August 6

The ever popular Pride Bottomless Brunch; £5 from every ticket to BRF to distribute. More info, CLICK HERE. 

The Hilton Hotel Gatwick Airport: August 5, 6 and 7

The kitchen team are setting up a stall to sell Rainbow Cookies to their international guests over Brighton & Hove Pride Weekend. All proceeds to BRF to distribute.

Sarah Arnett

Internationally renowned designer Sarah Arnett has designed Brighton & Hove Pride 2022 T-shirts and vests with this year’s Pride theme: LOVE, PROTEST UNITY. A portion of the profit is donated to BRF to distribute. More info HERE.

UNBARRED X EMMA INCH: Talk & Tasting + Fundraising for the Brighton Rainbow Fund

Posted on by Chris Gull

UnBarred Brewery & Taproom in Elder Place, Brighton is holding a special evening on Wednesday, August 3 in the run up to Brighton & Hove Pride to raise awareness of, and funds for, the Brighton Rainbow Fund, which is the central hub for community fundraising which has been distributing funds as grants to local LGBTQ+ and HIV projects supporting thousands of individuals over the last 12 years – Why choose one project when you can support them all?.


Emma Inch is a multi-award-winning freelance writer and audio-maker, and former British Beer Writer of the Year. She has written about beer and pubs for a number of national and international publications and is one of the authors of the soon-to-be-released World’s Greatest Beers – 250 Ales & Lagers from Pilsen to Portland. Emma is the current Chair of the British Guild of Beer Writers and lives in Brighton with her partner, daughter, and a lazy whippet.

Emma’s talk will be about how enjoying a pint of beer and changing the world can seem like quite different activities, but beer really does have the potential to facilitate change. From brewers raising awareness of important issues to drinkers making the choice to support breweries working for positive change to pubs and bars pulling out all the stops to support their communities, beer really can – and has – changed the world.

UnBarred team

Alongside the talk, Jordan Mower, UnBarred’s Head Brewer & Founder, will guide you through four UnBarred beers with a tutored tasting. The event will finish with a Q&A with Jordan and Emma – a chance to ask questions or hang around for a beer.

Organisers say: “We are not only hoping to raise awareness but also funds for the Brighton Rainbow fund with all proceeds from the ticket sales going to this important local charity to support a host of great projects.

“During Pride Week, let’s come together to celebrate our favourite drink and, at the same time, perhaps make the world a slightly better place.”

Proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Brighton Rainbow Fund to distribute.

Tickets include the talk, welcome drink, a tasting flight, and 20% off drinks for the rest of the evening.

For more info and tickets, CLICK HERE

 

 

Sofar Sounds announce the iconic venue for their LGBTQ+ themed gig with charity partners the Brighton Rainbow Fund

Posted on by Chris Gull

If you love live music but you’ve never been to a Sofar show then you are in for a treat, as few live music experiences are as diverse, exciting or as immersive as a Sofar show.

For Pride week, Sofar have announced that Sea Life Brighton, currently celebrating their 150th anniversary, is hosting their LGBTQ+ themed gig.

Sofar don’t reveal the line-up until you arrive. It’s a musically explorative evening of three artist showcases. The quality is set very high by Sofar bookers, and it’s totally intimate. The bands generally strip their sound back and audiences often sit on the floor surrounding the artist which adds to the atmosphere. Sofar is about being present without the distractions. During the performances we ask audience to turn off phones, not to move around, and to stay quiet and respectful.

This special event at Sea Life Brighton on the evening of Wednesday, August 3, will showcase three local LGBTQ+ identifying acts, the perfect way to build up to this year’s Brighton & Hove Pride.

Neil Harris, Sea Life Brighton’s General Manager, said: “With this being our 150th anniversary, we wanted to host a range of activities throughout the year for guests of all ages to enjoy.”

Sofar have been on a mission to showcase incredible, emerging live music for over 10 years and we love opportunities to welcome audiences to unique spaces.

  • Sofar don’t reveal the line-up until you arrive. It’s a musically explorative evening of three artist showcases. The quality is set very high by Sofar bookers.
  • It’s totally intimate. The bands generally strip their sound back and audiences often sit on the floor surrounding the artist which adds to the atmosphere.

Tickets can be purchased at this event link. Join in with your most colourful clothes, and come and celebrate Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community with Sofar. The Brighton Rainbow Fund will also be there, and there will be opportunities to donate to the fund which distributes the money raised to local LGBTQ+ and HIV charities. (Why choose one when you can support them all?)

To learn more about Solar, CLICK HERE

To learn more about the Brighton Rainbow Fund, CLICK HERE

David Raven attack update

Posted on by Chris Gull

As promised, Neil Jackson has been in touch again to let us know how David Raven is after being attacked on St James’ Street on Friday.

“Delighted to say David was a lot brighter today. He is also overwhelmed with the messages he has received, not only on the Maisie Trollette Appreciation site (almost 700 ), but also the ones posted on Scene. The love and support he has received he said, means the world to him.

“I am not sure of the criminal process at present but will let you know as soon as I do. A very much happier Neil x”

“Oh! And another thing.

“Jae Alexander, the Musical Director of Sister Act, and the cast videoed a greeting for him.

“Plus Jennifer Saunders, Beverley Knight and Lesley Joseph all sent him personal greetings. This support is just what he needed.”

David Raven attacked in St James Street

Posted on by Chris Gull

Neil Jackson, a close friend of David Raven, has posted this on the Maisie Trollette Appreciation Society FB page today.

“Dear all ,

Firstly, he is home and safe.

Some of you already know, but many won’t, that David was assaulted yesterday afternoon, unprovoked, by someone who appeared either unbalanced or on drugs outside Morrisons.

The assailant swung a basket at David’s head, knocking him down. Fortunately, the assailant was apprehended and David was taken to the hospital and was there for 7 hours, being looked after by two close friends. He has cuts and bruises, but apart from the question ‘Why me?’ and being a little in shock, he appears ok.

Friends are staying with him at least for the next 36 hours at the behest of the doctor, but on talking with him he is still making gags. If he wasn’t then I would be concerned, as a quip or bits of sarcasm has always been his ‘defence’ in such circumstances.

I thought it best to let you know, what exactly happened as rumours and hearsay can be distorted when relayed a multiple of times . I will keep you up to date over the next few days . With very best wishes Neil x”

Neil has promised to keep us up to date too, and we wish David a speedy recovery from this awful incident.

The news comes just one week before the documentary about David “Maisie” goes on general release in cinemas on August 5th.

Brighton & Hove Ethical Non-Monogamy Book Club Launches

Posted on by Chris Gull

 

The Ledward Centre (TLC), Brighton & Hove’s LGBTQ+ centre in Jubilee Street, is hosting the Brighton & Hove Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM) Book Club’s first meet on August 31 @ 19:00 – 20:30.

The ENM bookclub is a monthly event focusing on books with a theme of alternative relationship structures that aren’t monogamous.

Ethical Non-Monogamy is an agreement between partners that they can pursue romantic and/or sexual interests outside of their existing relationship. In practice, partners communicate their needs and desires whilst agreeing on boundaries. The consensual nature of the agreement is what makes it ‘Ethical’ as opposed to ‘Unethical’ (AKA cheating).

Alternative relationship structures can take many forms like polyamory, swinging, group sex, friends with benefits, romantic friendships. You don’t need a partner to identify as ENM, similar in that you can identify as lesbian / gay / bi / straight / queer even if you’re not in a relationship.

Most people’s motivation to practise ENM is to express their authentic selves and be truthful about their feelings of attraction to others. It often involves focusing on sex positivity whilst exploring and understanding jealousy, communication, and connection.

Research is beginning to show that our propensity to love and be attracted to multiple people at the same time may be a core part of our sexuality and equally as strong, valid and significant as sexual orientation.

In fact, approximately 12% of folks have practised ENM at some point in their lives, 32% are open to an ENM lifestyle, and it’s gaining in popularity: 31% of baby boomers would consider ENM of some form compared to 57% of millennials!

ENM is even gaining more airtime on TV: You might have seen shows like You Me Her (Netflix), Trigonometry (BBC), Wanderlust (BBC & Netflix), Open House (Channel 4).

 

 

Yet despite the increase in popularity, ENM remains heavily stigmatised, misunderstood and lacking support within sexual and mental health services. Many sexual health clinicians are unaware what ENM or polyamory are, and only a small minority of counsellors and therapists have knowledge and expertise of alternative relationships structures. This means patients need to educate their sexual and mental health specialists – which arguably shouldn’t be a patient’s responsibility.

Given the existing stigma and lack of education for ENM whilst its uptake and interest increases, creating spaces to discuss alternative relationship structures has never been more important. 

The Brighton & Hove ENM Book Club hopes to become a regular space where ENM folks, those curious, and allies can come together to discuss the writings of authors and to share our own experiences, challenges, and excitements, whilst supporting one another and making new friends. Huge thank you to The Ledward Centre for sharing their beautiful space.

If you’d like to learn more and/or join the ENM Book Club, check out our Instagram @ENMBrighton or if you’ve sworn off Social Media then drop an email to ENMBrighton@gmail.com

 

The Brighton Rainbow Fund is asking, how many local LGBTQ+ and HIV groups, charities and projects do you know? Why choose one when you can support them all

Posted on by Chris Gull

With Brighton Pride just round the corner, and Brighton Bear Weekend just behind us, both of which entrust the funds they raise to The Brighton Rainbow Fund to distribute through their Annual Funding Round, it´s a good time to look at what BRF is.

The Brighton Rainbow Fund is a charity which acts as a central point to distribute funds raised in the community to local LGBTQ+ and HIV projects  in a fair and equitable way through an Annual Funding Round. All local projects can apply, and the applications are considered by an Independent Grants Panel.

The advantage to the projects and the people that they support is that they have a level playing field, whatever size they are, whether volunteer led or not, whether they have paid fundraisers or not.

The advantage to fundraisers, donors, venues and businesses raising funds for the benefit of the local LGBTQ+ and HIV communities is that they don´t have to pick just one charity or project, they can entrust BRF to carefully assess all applications, talk to each of the applicants about the project they need support for, and to monitor how the money is used. They know that this process means that the money they work so hard to raise will go where it is most needed.

Jason Sutton aka Miss Jason presents Rainbow Chorus with grant of £6,850 for core funding and develop the work of RC+ which provides a platform for people who just want to sing and don’t want to perform in concerts.

There are a number of events that are raising funds around Brighton Pride for the BRF to distribute, together with a number of venues and businesses with offers that include donations to BRF. Please look out for them and help them support our whole community.

BRF is willing to bet that most people aren´t aware of the number and range of local LGBTQ+ and HIV projects, who between them support hundreds (if not thousands) of members of our communities.

Here a list of some of the local projects that have applied for, and received grants from BRF over the last few years, does it make sense to just choose one, they all need help and support, and you can help them all?

 

Allsorts, Blueprint 22, Frontrunners, Grief Encounters, Lunch Positive, Mindout, Navigate, Peer Action, QTIPOC Narratives, Queerly, Radical Rhizome, Rainbow Chorus, Rainbow Dementia Café, Sea Serpents, Switchboard, The Clare Project, The Community Safety Forum, The Ledward Centre, The Rainbow Hub, The Sussex Beacon, Trans Alliance, Trans Pride, Transcansport

The Ledward Centre to host Pride Family Day at Jubilee Square

Posted on by Chris Gull

The Ledward Centre (TLC), Brighton & Hove’s LGBTQ+ centre in Jubilee Street, is hosting a Pride Family Day over Brighton & Hove Pride weekend on Saturday, August 6 from 11am. For tickets, CLICK HERE 

Jubilee Square will be filled with games, entertainment, refreshments, a carousel, face painting, and the chance to win vouchers for gyms and swimming pools courtesy of Freedom Leisure. A perfect way for families to continue the fun after watching the community parade.

It will also be an opportunity to check out progress on TLC, and to discover the exciting plans as it grows and develops.

The Pride Family Day will be open from 11am – 6pm, and TLC from 11am – 7pm.

Tickets £2 or £1 for under 16s (plus a small booking fee) to help to cover the costs of staging the event. For tickets, CLICK HERE 

Brighton & Hove Pride has contributed support to the event to enable even more people to enjoy the Pride weekend.

The Trocks are back in Brighton!

Posted on by Chris Gull

The Trocks are to return to Brighton with a performance at The Dome on Friday, September 23 and Saturday, September 24.

Trailblazing comedy ballet company Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo started out in 1974 as a New York drag act in the wake of the Stonewall Riots. Nearly 50 years on, The Trocks are known and loved worldwide for their hilarious parodies of the conventions of classical ballet.

Over those years they have shared their signature style and message of equality and inclusion with audiences, providing a stage for dancers often under-represented in ballet, whether that be due to sexual orientation, gender identity, size, class, race or ethnicity.

Now the rest of the world is catching up. As Kevin Garcia, a dancer with the company since 2017, says: “Every time the curtain opens, we represent progress for equality. We just do it dancing”

The company’s 16 extraordinary dancers – who hail from China, Cuba, Italy, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the US – pair immaculate technique with impeccable comic timing as they take on a kaleidoscope of roles, both male and female. Each dancer has their own performer alter egos including Olga Supphozova, Jacques D’Aniels, Holly Dey-Abroad, Minnie Van Driver, Timur Legupski and Ludmila Beaulemova.

The tour programme, which will be performed in Brighton, includes Le Lac des Cygnes (Swan Lake Act II); Vivaldi Suite; and Raymonda’s Wedding, the traditionally confusing divertissements from the final act of Raymonda which has baffled audiences since its premiere at the Mariinsky Theatre in 1898. The Trocks ignore all the plot intrigues and go straight for the happy ending.

More details and tickets, CLICK HERE

Legends’ new boss carries on fundraising tradition

Posted on by Chris Gull
Erica Hann, the new boss at Brighton LGBTQ+ hotspot Legends, continued  the tradition of supporting the Brighton Rainbow Fund on Monday, July 11 by jumping out of a plane.

Erica and her partner bought Legends from Tony Chapman earlier this year. Tony and Legends have been  important supporters of the Brighton Rainbow Fund ever since James Ledward and Paul Elgood started the Fund in 2010.

To donate, CLICK HERE

Chris Gull is Chair of the Brighton Rainbow Fund, said: “We are a central hub for LGBTQ+ community fundraising in Brighton & Hove. We distribute the funds as grants to local LGBTQ+ and HIV projects, organisations and groups, through grants.

“It is brilliant to see Legends continuing the tradition of raising funds for the Brighton Rainbow Fund, showing that they understand and support the concept of venues and donors raising funds for ALL the local LGBTQ+ and HIV groups and organisations and the hundreds of members of our communities that they support, including small and grassroots volunteer led groups and projects.”

The total raised stands at £345 at the time of writing.

To donate, CLICK HERE

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