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Every LGBTQ+ Vote Counts

As a LGBTQ magazine writen from the heart of our community, we can’t stress enough how crucial it is that we all get out and vote in this week’s election. Our voices matter, and it’s time we make them heard loud and clear at the ballot box.

Let’s be real – we’ve all felt that creeping sense of apathy, the whisper that says, “Why bother? Nothing ever changes.” But we must push back against that defeatist attitude. As cultural theorist Raymond Williams once said, “To be truly radical is to make hope possible rather than despair convincing.” By casting our votes, we’re not just participating in democracy; we’re actively shaping our future.

Remember, every single vote counts. We can’t afford to take any result for granted. The only way to ensure our community’s interests are represented is by showing up and marking those ballots ourselves. As Williams noted, “There are no masses; there are only ways of seeing people as masses.” Let’s prove we’re not a faceless mass, but a vibrant, diverse community of individuals whose votes add up to real power.

It’s easy to forget the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before us. Our LGBTQ elders fought tirelessly for our right to have a say in the political process. Countless activists suffered, risked everything, and some even died so that we could have this fundamental right. As Williams reminds us, “The human crisis is always a crisis of understanding: what we genuinely understand we can do.”

We get it – life is hectic. Between work, relationships, and all the other demands on our time, it can feel like a hassle to get to the polling station. But We implore you: make the time. Carve out that hour, rearrange your schedule if you need to, but make sure you vote. Let’s make voting an ordinary, essential part of our cultural practice as LGBTQ individuals.

You might think your single vote won’t make a difference, but history has shown time and again that elections can be decided by razor-thin margins. Your vote could be the one that tips the scales. By voting, we’re choosing hope over despair, action over inertia.

Change doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen. And it happens because people like us show up, election after election, to make our voices heard. We’ve seen progress in LGBTQ rights over the years, and that progress came about because our community refused to stay silent.

So this week, let’s flood the polling stations. Let’s show up in numbers too big to ignore. Let’s prove that the LGBTQ community is a political force to be reckoned with. Because when we vote, we don’t just change election outcomes – we change the narrative. We change the future.

Your vote is your voice. Use it. Own it. Celebrate it. And together, let’s write the next chapter of our story – one vote at a time.

Don’t forget to bring your photo ID, you can’t vote without it!  More info here: 

Heartbreaking Deaths of Trans Youth: The Human Cost of Political Decisions

Heartbreaking Deaths of Trans Youth: The Human Cost of Political Decisions

As mainstream media continues to fixate on the high-profile controversies of JK Rowling vs. Trans Rights groups, an urgent and tragic story is unfolding—one that reveals the devastating impact of political decisions on the lives of transgender, non-binary, and intersex (TNBI) youth. Recent data and whistleblower testimonies lay bare a chilling reality: the deaths of TNBI kids are rising, a direct consequence of draconian policies implemented by the current Conservative government, further fueled by their gender-critical allies.

Since the National Health Service (NHS) imposed restrictions on treatment for young trans people, the number of deaths has surged dramatically. These restrictions, initially triggered by the 2020 High Court ruling in the Bell case, asserted that it was “unlikely” young people could give informed consent to puberty blockers. The NHS responded by shutting down access to vital healthcare for these vulnerable youths. Despite the Court of Appeal overturning this decision a year later, the NHS kept these restrictive measures in place, ignoring the dire predictions of healthcare professionals.

The grim outcome, both predictable and predicted, has been a significant increase in deaths among young trans individuals. Whistleblowers and Tavistock Clinic documents highlight a disturbing rise in fatalities. In the seven years before the High Court’s decision, there was only one death among those on the waiting list for Gender Identity Development Services (GIDS). In the three years following the decision, that number soared to 16.

Staff at the Tavistock clinic, alarmed by this increase, planned to voice their concerns through an open letter but were silenced with threats of disciplinary action. Evidence suggests a deliberate attempt to suppress these figures, an accusation supported by Tavistock board minutes. These minutes reveal a stark contrast: only one “apparent suicide” in the three years before December 2020, followed by a sudden and sharp rise in deaths post-ruling.

For instance, the minutes note one death in the quarter covering December 2020, another in the first quarter of 2021/2022, and two more in the second quarter. By January 2022, the board acknowledged seven deaths “in gender,” with three likely suicides. However, specific details about whether these deaths involved young or older trans individuals were omitted. By the last quarter of that year, a “data sweep” uncovered 22 additional deaths, with five more deaths recorded between April 2022 and April 2023. The Tavistock board has since stopped specifying whether these deaths were likely suicides, further obscuring the full extent of the crisis.

These figures, already harrowing, likely under-represent the true scale of the tragedy. The Tavistock hasn’t published minutes from all board meetings, and deaths.

The silence from the government and mainstream media is deafening, even as the lives of transgender youth hang in the balance. The deaths of these young individuals should serve as an urgent wake-up call, not only to policymakers but to society as a whole. The trans community, already marginalized and vulnerable, is now facing an existential crisis exacerbated by political decisions that prioritize ideology over human lives.

In the wake of these tragic deaths, the lack of accountability is appalling. The conservative government’s actions, spurred on by gender-critical activists, have created a hostile environment where the health and well-being of trans youth are sacrificed for political gain. These young people, already struggling with their identities in a world that often rejects them, are now further isolated and endangered by policies that deny them essential medical care.

Trans advocates and allies are fighting tirelessly to bring attention to this crisis. Organizations like the Good Law Project are shedding light on the negligence and deliberate suppression of information that could have saved lives. Their revelations about the whistleblowers and the suppressed Tavistock Clinic data are crucial pieces of evidence in the fight for justice and reform.

But the fight is far from over. The government’s recent ban on puberty blockers from regulated European prescribers is yet another blow to an already besieged community. This ban, imposed without regard for the well-documented benefits of these treatments or the severe consequences of their removal, further exemplifies the government’s disregard for the lives of trans youth.

These decisions are not made in a vacuum. They are the result of a broader, deeply ingrained transphobia within certain political circles, amplified by influential gender-critical figures who continuously spread misinformation and fear. This toxic combination has created a perfect storm, where the most vulnerable are left to suffer the consequences.

The human cost of these policies is stark. Behind every statistic is a young person with dreams, hopes, and potential—a life cut short because of political inaction and prejudice. These are the stories that need to be told, the voices that need to be heard. As a society, we must demand better. We must demand that our leaders prioritize the health and safety of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.

TNBI youth are dying. We must hold the government accountable for its decisions and push for immediate changes in policy. Access to gender-affirming care is a matter of life and death, and it is imperative that we act now to prevent further loss of life.

As we continue to fight for the rights and lives of trans youth, it is crucial to keep the focus on the real issues. The media must stop sensationalizing conflicts and start reporting facts.

Learn more about this story from the Good Law Project website who’s research has highlighted these issues . The Good Law Project is a non-profit campaign organisation that uses the law for a better world. Trans Actual CIC, working with Good Law Project, has instructed Russell-Cooke solicitors and senior barristers  to advise on a legal challenge to the regulations.

Trans Liberation Front Brighton rallies against Posie Parker’s bigotry

In an electrifying show of solidarity, a diverse and vibrant coalition of grassroots activists and allies rallied at the weekend in Victoria Gardens, Brighton to stand up for trans and LGBTQ+ rights. The event, organised by the Trans Liberation Front Brighton, was a powerful counter-protest against the neo-fascist provocateur Posie Parker, who attempted to spread anti-trans hate in the heart of our city.

With chants of “Trans Liberation Now!” echoing through the streets, the counter-protest attracted an impressive crowd of around 300 passionate supporters, vastly outnumbering Parker’s meager following of approximately 40. The atmosphere was one of unity and defiance, as people from all walks of life came together to denounce bigotry and champion inclusivity.

Police presence was minimal and relaxed, with no reports of trouble, highlighting the peaceful yet resolute nature of the demonstration. It appears that the momentum of Parker’s recruitment efforts has waned significantly, as the overwhelming response from the pro-trans community showcased Brighton and Sussex’s unwavering support for TNBI and LGBTQ+ rights.

This massive turnout is a testament to the strength and resilience of the trans and LGBTQ+ community and their allies. The message was clear: hatred and intolerance have no place here. Trans Liberation Now!

Key Points:

  • Event: Counter-protest organised by Trans Liberation Front Brighton
  • Location: Victoria Gardens, Brighton
  • Participants: About 300 protesters vs. approximately 40 of Parker’s supporters
  • Atmosphere: Peaceful, diverse, and united
  • Police Response: Minimal, no trouble reported

Brighton continues to shine as a beacon of acceptance and diversity, standing firm against those who seek to sow division. The Trans Liberation Front Brighton has once again proven that love and solidarity will always triumph over hate.

 

Big thanks from Lunch Positive to the Grosvenor Bar, a small venue with a huge heart

Community-based HIV charity Lunch Positive has presented the Grosvenor Bar in Hove with a certificate of thanks for £3,537 raised over the last five months! As a smaller venue, this achievement by the Grosvenor Bar is outstanding, and a record raised by any one local LGBTQ business supporting the grassroots HIV charity.

This acknowledgement of amazing support from the Grosvenor Bar, customers, donors, artists and contributors comes at an especially poignant time, Small Charity Week, which starts 24 June.

Lunch Positive celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. It is a small charity doing big work to support the local HIV community, and runs on a shoestring with services almost entirely provided by an amazing team of volunteers and helpers. Thousands of volunteering hours are given in providing frontline support every year.

Against a backdrop of reduced and often uncertain funding, Lunch Positive reaches, involves and supports hundreds of people living with HIV each year through its unique support services, the Friday lunch club and Tuesday support drop in, befriending scheme, food bank and outreach, 1-1 and specialist support.

In thanking the Grosvenor for their amazing and life-changing help, Gary Pargeter, Director of Lunch Positive, reflected on the impact and challenges for small charities like Lunch Positive: “Small charities are known for our ‘open door’ approach, being led by people with lived experience who have a deep understanding of our community issues. We reflect the diversity of our community through our amazing volunteers and helpers, and of all the voluntary sector organisations in the UK, 96% are small charities.

“Importantly, our smaller size and closeness to community means we have a unique, strong connection and impact.

“But it does mean that our people and resources are focussed on providing help, supporting others, thousands of hours given through volunteering every year. Frequently small charities like Lunch Positive do not have the advantages of larger organisations such as paid fundraising staff and public relations workers, so getting fundraising support and our message out becomes ever more challenging.

“Because of our size, our resources are focussed on directly delivering services and helping people. For smaller charities like us, one of our greatest needs is the help of local businesses and community to support us with fundraising. When this happens, businesses support and connect with small charities, the direct impact on people we help is massive.

“This is exactly what the Grosvenor Bar have proved. Every penny raised goes directly to providing services and support. There have been some amazing fundraising activities, we are hugely grateful to the Grosvenor Bar, customers, contributors and everyone involved in helping fundraise – you are changing lives.”

 

Hearing from Mike and Jay, proprietors of the Grosvenor Bar: “It was an honour to receive a certificate from our friends at Lunch Positive in recognition of the fundraising efforts of our fantastic customers. Our customers have raised an astonishing £3,537 over the past five months. For a small bar that’s an incredible amount, showing that we might be small but we have a huge heart.

“A massive thank you to Dave Lynn and Hazell Dean for An Audience With, to the Brighton Box Gallery and everyone who kindly donated auction prizes, to Kevin Coyle (Drag Bus) for being at the centre of our efforts and to Robert O’Neill for promoting our fundraising events and filling the bar.

“But most of all to our customers and friends thank you so much for your amazing generosity. The Grosvenor Bar continues to support Lunch Positive over the year ahead. Please look out for the programme of events coming up.”

More information on the Grosvenor Bar HERE

More information on Lunch Positive and Small Charities Week HERE

LGBTQ+ groups boycott Brighton Resource Centre over anti-trans ties

Brighton’s LGBTQ+ community is taking a stand against alleged transphobia within one of the city’s oldest community organisations. Over 18 activist groups, including Trans Liberation Front Brighton, FemFest, Polyglamorous and the Brighton Solidarity Federation, have declared a boycott of the Resource Centre after accusations that some of the key management  in the organisation are involved with an anti-trans hate group.

In an open letter sent to the Resource Centre, the Alliance Against Bigotry Brighton detailed claims that “someone who wields a lot of power” at the centre, is an organiser for the ‘gender critical’ group Sister’s Salon. The letter states that Sister’s Salon has worked to limit rights for trans youth and promoted the film Adult Human Female, which has been praised by far-right figures like Posie Parker and Anne Marie Walters, who was ousted from UKIP for being too far right.

“As left-wing and activist organisations in Brighton, we will no longer be using the Resource Centre until these people of concern are removed from their position,” the letter declares, “as their involvement in the Resource Centre violates the very principles that this organisation was meant to exist upon and actively puts transgender lives in danger.”

The boycott represents an unified front from LGBTQ+ groups across Brighton & Hove against what they view as anti-trans discrimination within an organisation meant to support marginalised communities. It’s another example of the way the diverse LGBTQ+ communities in the city are increasingly standing up and calling out charities or groups in the city who have an explicit non inclusive agenda and are being heavily and covertly influenced by staff members promoting their own personal beliefs.

The group says: “The Resource Centre prides itself on being led by voluntary group activists from marginalised communities. If these allegations are true, having leadership tied to a hate group that targets trans people is completely antithetical to their stated mission. We cannot stand by while an organisation that claims to help us is run by those who would deny our very existences.”

There has been no response from the Resource Centre at the time of publication. However, the coalition of boycotting groups stated they would resume utilising the centre’s services and spaces if these people and their non inclusive views are no longer employed there.

“We’re giving the Resource Centre the opportunity to live up to the inclusive values they profess by cutting ties with anti-trans bigotry. But we won’t stay silent while our lives are endangered. The trans community and our allies are drawing a firm line.”

The brewing controversy represents an escalating societal clash between a new generation of LGBTQ+ activists prioritising inclusive feminisim alongside trans and nonbinary rights and an emboldened small faction peddling trans-exclusionary views dressed up as a desire to protect ‘single sex’ spaces.

The list of signatories of groups forming Alliance Against Bigotry Brighton come from across  the LGBTQ, QTIPOC and TNBI community and ally groups of the city, are currently

Alliance for Care and Health Empowerment
Anti Raids Brighton
Anti Harassment Club
Trans Liberation Front Brighton
FemFest
FemRock Brighton
Brighton Solidarity Federation
GalPals
LeftBians
BBG Brighton
The Queery
Brighton Care Collective
LGSM: Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants
Polyglamorous
Seasalt Housing Cooperative
Protest Props
Transform Brighton and Hove

See the full details of the boycott via the social media posts here:

Queer theatre coming to a stage near you!

Lead Pic: Wreckage at King’s Head

My latest round up includes Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood, a marvellous Judy Garland impersonator, and a gay man in Streisand’s basement.

To celebrate Pride Month, there’s a storehouse of queer stuff to see at London’s King’s Head Theatre.

But first nearer home, three of Brighton’s LGBTQ+ choirs give us their summer offerings:

Step into the spotlight with Actually Gay Men’s Chorus’ new show Overtures and Encores, under the direction of Samuel Cousins, as they take us to Broadway and the West End with hits from Miss Saigon, Les Mis, Dear Evan Hansen and many more. St Mary’s Church Kemptown on 21/22 June at 8pm. Tickets HERE

From Beginning to End is the title of Resound’s latest show at Brighton’s Chapel Royal on 28/29 June. It looks at the big moments that start and end our lives, including a new composition Valediction, by Brighton composer Basil Richmond, under the direction of Sam Barton. Tickets HERE

Pergolesi and Pimms is the heady summer combination from the Rainbow Chorus on 29 June at St George’s Kemptown. Featuring Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, it also includes, under the direction of Aneesa Chaudhry, Bring me Sunshine, May It Be and Total Eclipse Of the Heart. Tickets HERE

DIVA: Live From Hell

At the King’s Head we find Desmond, the star of every school show, who ends up in a fateful and fatal battle with his rival. Now stuck in Hell’s 7th Circle, can he escape his camp torment and prove what a diva really is – it’s marvellous stuff with an outstanding performance from Luke Baye. Diva: Live From Hell runs till 29 June.

The Pink List is a searing one-person musical inspired by the untold stories of gay men in post-war Germany. It’s created and performed by Michael Trauffer and plays 5, 11 and 13 August.

Wreckage, by Tom Ratcliffe and Rikki Beadle-Blair is the story of Sam and fiancée Noel, who have been together for years. They have a house, a cat and their whole lives ahead of them, but a sudden force crashes into their lives, how will they cope? It co-stars Taofique Folarin, who’s featured in Scene and is a prolific actor/singer/dancer. It runs 2-7 July.

In Defiance Of Gravity features psychic Ezra Montefiore, who rises to prominence and danger in the Russian aristocracy, but all may be lost when his affairs with a prince and his wife are discovered. It runs 16-20 July.

I laughed out loud at Linus Karp’s acid portrayal of the resurrected People’s Princess in Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story. Now he portrays Hollywood star Gwyneth Paltrow, re-enacting her litigious collision with a retired optometrist on the snowy slopes in Gwyneth Goes Skiing. It’s at London’s Pleasance on 18/19 July. Tickets HERE

Queer Cowboys rediscovers forgotten stories of the real Wild West, majoring on the true story of two trans cowboys, brought back to life by performer Freddie Love, with the accompaniment of a live country band. It runs 1-4 August.

Comedian vs Drag Queen does what it says in its title. Drag menace Sassafras Nitro Jet takes on comedian Paul Moore in a wig-tossing, joke-slinging battle. Various dates in August and 6 September.

Northbound Boy is a new queer comedy about a man who inherits a house, a boy who steals his heart, and his aunt who steals his heirlooms. It runs 13 August to 1 September.

If you missed the next two shows at Brighton Fringe, catch them at the King’s Head. Two Come Home, 14-18 August, is set 10 years after a horrible crime that tears two men apart but the lovers reunite at the worst time. It’s a struggle of queer love and regret.

Spit It Out

13-15 September: Spit It Out, from the same company, I did see at Brighton Fringe. It’s a touching, honest portrayal of one person’s journey of transitioning. Featuring the marvellous trans performer Willow MacDonald.

Any chance to see the outrageously talented Rob Madge needs to be taken. Star of the sensational autobiographical My Son’s A Queer – But What Can You Do ?, Rob is to star in Buyer and Cellar, as Alex an out-of-work actor who finds himself working in Barbra Streisand’s legendary Malibu home’s basement shopping mall. Not to be missed – 18 September to 19 October.

All these shows’ tickets HERE

I first met Debbie Wileman when you stood on my foot getting to her seat at Ironworks Studios. In the second half of a show by Streisand impersonator Steven Brinberg, she came out of the audience and suddenly we were listening to a brought-back-to-life Judy Garland.

Following concerts that have included Carnegie Hall, Debbie makes her West End debut for one night at the Ambassadors Theatre on 30 June in Judy Garland: I’m Still Here. Look out for my review. Tickets HERE

Craig Revel Horwood

And finally the fab-u-lous Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood takes to the stage in Revelations – Songs Boys Don’t Sing, to coincide with the release of his first solo album. In between his favourite diva songs, he‘ll reveal his fascinating life story. Tickets going fast so book ahead for Eastbourne on 17 April and Worthing on 24 May next year HERE

All Aboard the Pride Express: Your ultimate guide to European Pride celebrations by train

Hey there, fabulous folks! Summer is here, and so is Pride Month! This is the perfect time to honour those who paved the way for our vibrant community and to celebrate the diversity and inclusivity that make us who we are. If you’re ready to sashay your way across Europe’s glittering Pride scene, there’s no better way to do it than by train!

These fabulous iron queens of the rail are more than just a mode of transport—they’re a rolling runway, a party palace, and a front-row seat to the continent’s breathtaking scenery all rolled into one. So grab your finest sequins and your shiniest stilettos because we’re about to ride these tracks with style, speed, and sass!

Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to travelling to Pride festivities by train—comfortably, sustainably, and straight to the heart of the action!

Paris Pride: City of Love and Pride
Parade Date: June 29

Kick off your Pride adventure in Paris, the city of love—where love is love! The Marche des Fiertés, one of Europe’s oldest Pride festivals, takes you through iconic avenues like Place de la République and Place de la Bastille. The best part? You can revel in the colourful celebrations and then continue the party in the lively Le Marais district, famous for its LGBTQ+ bars and clubs.

Travel Tip: Hop on a Eurostar train to Paris and arrive at Gare du Nord. From there, you’re just a short metro ride away from the heart of the Pride festivities! Tickets or more info at Rail Europe’s Website here

Madrid Pride: Vibrant and Vivacious
Dates: June 28 – July 7 | Parade: July 6

Madrid transforms into a sea of rainbows during Pride, or MADO. The parade travels along Paseo del Prado, offering a scenic and festive route. With concerts, drag shows, and the famous Feathers and Paws parade, Madrid Pride is a spectacle you don’t want to miss. Most activities take place in Chueca, the city’s gay neighbourhood, known for its electrifying atmosphere. Tickets or more info at Rail Europe’s Website.

Travel Tip: Take a comfortable high-speed train from Paris or Barcelona to Madrid’s Atocha station, putting you right near the Pride action.

Berlin Pride: Dynamic and Diverse
Parade Date: June 27

Berlin Pride, or Christopher Street Day (CSD), is one of Europe’s largest celebrations. The parade passes iconic sites like the Brandenburg Gate, offering a mix of sightseeing and celebration. Berlin’s inclusive spirit shines with endless concerts, performances, and after-parties.

Travel Tip: Catch a train to Berlin Hauptbahnhof and find yourself in the midst of Pride activities. Berlin’s efficient public transport makes it easy to navigate the city. Tickets or more info @ Rail Europe. 

Amsterdam Pride: Unique and Unforgettable
Dates: July 27 – August 4 | Canal Parade: July 27

For a unique Pride experience, don’t miss Amsterdam’s Canal Parade. Watch 80 fabulous floats glide through the city’s canals, creating a family-friendly spectacle. The celebrations continue in gay neighbourhoods with concerts and events.

Travel Tip: Travel by train to Amsterdam Centraal and take a short stroll to the canals for prime parade viewing spots. Tickets or more info @ Rail Europe. 

Milan Pride: Chic and Celebratory
Pride March: June 29

Milan, Italy’s gay culture capital, hosts a Pride parade that starts at Central Station and ends at Arco Della Pace. Expect an inclusive celebration with events interpreted in Italian Sign Language and live-streamed.

Travel Tip: Arrive at Milano Centrale by train and join the parade right from the station! Tickets or more info @ Rail Europe. 

London Pride: Historic and Happening
Pride March: June 29

London Pride began in 1972 with just 200 participants and has grown to attract 1.5 million people. The parade route covers iconic landmarks from Hyde Park Corner to Whitehall Place.

Travel Tip: Take a train to London St Pancras and enjoy seamless access to the parade route and numerous Pride events.

Reykjavik Pride: Small but Mighty
Dates: August 6 – 11

Reykjavik Pride, or Hinsegindagar, boasts one of the highest attendance rates per capita. This fundraiser event supports LGBTQ+ communities and promises a unique and heartfelt celebration.

Travel Tip: While trains don’t run to Iceland, consider this a special destination to cap off your European Pride tour with a flight to Reykjavik.

More European Pride Destinations:

Antwerp Pride: August 7 – 11 (Parade: August 10)
Prague Pride: August 5 – 11 (Parade: August 10)
Helsinki Pride: June 24 – 30 (Parade: June 29)

Travel with Pride

Travelling by train is not only sustainable but also incredibly convenient, delivering you straight to the heart of Europe’s most vibrant Pride celebrations, you can enjoy all Europe destinations as Rail Europe sells tickets across Europe and their coverage is increasing all the time.

They’re official agents for rail and bus operators in the UK, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. With a stress free app and/or website they make booking train tickets to cities across Europe as easy as nipping up to London for the day.

So grab your rainbow flags, book your tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable summer of love, inclusivity, and joy. Happy Pride season, everyone! Where will your Pride journey take you? 🚂🌈✨

Cast your vote in GAYDAR’S ‘GENERAL ERECTION’!

Politics may be a bit of a boner-killer, but what if instead of voting in a General Election, you could cast a vote in a General Erection?

The guys at Gaydar are inviting their users to throw their hat into the ring in the traditional way, by submitting a dick pic.

“Just like any other voting process, it’s very subjective as to who gets your attention…” explains Gareth Johnson, Gaydar’s director of marketing and communications. “Bigger does not mean better, this is all about showcasing what you’ve got to offer.”

“Bigger does not mean better, this is all about showcasing what you’ve got to offer.”

“Nominations are coming in from all around the world…” added Johnson. “We’re going to have some really impressive candidates – everyone’s going to have a hard decision when the polls open.”

The winner of Gaydar’s General Erection will be announced on 4 July – the same date that the UK will find out who will be forming the country’s next government.

“We’ve been in the business of helping men come together for over 25 years…” says Johnson.

“Lots of things have changed since Gaydar was launched but what has remained consistent is our need to connect with others. Our experience shows us that exchanging a quality dick pic is a really effective way to start a conversation.”

Top tips for taking a vote-winning dick pic:

– Experiment with different angles. A top-down perspective is generally flattering for most guys, but test out the options to decide what works best for you.

– Don’t underestimate the importance of lighting. Your pic should feel warm and inviting, not cold and clinical.

– Avoid props. Don’t over-promise on what you’re actually going to deliver.

– There’s more to manscaping than just trimming and shaving. Moisturise your dick before taking the photo – give it a healthy glow.

– Don’t take it too seriously – it’s just a dick pic. Put it out there, send a few DMs, see where the conversations take you.

Gaydar is available to download via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

 

Get Ready to Crown Brighton Bear 2024!

Words by Graham Munday, chair of Brighton Bear Weekend

Mark your calendars and prepare for the return of Brighton Bear Weekend, set to take place in the heart of Brighton from July 11 – 14. Celebrating its 14th year, this beloved community event, which raises funds for Brighton Rainbow Fund and the Sussex Beacon, promises a weekend brimming with excitement, camaraderie, and, of course, the crowning of the new Brighton Bear 2024!

One of the most anticipated highlights of the weekend is the election of Brighton Bear 2024. This year marks the sixth instalment of this much-loved tradition, where the community comes together to choose a bear who embodies the spirit and energy of Brighton Bear Weekend. The competition is not just about looks; it’s about celebrating our vibrant bear community’s character, charm, and contribution.

How to Cast Your Vote

Whether you’re a local or an international fan of the bear scene, you can participate in the voting process. Head over to our official website and cast your vote for the candidate who you think should wear the sash for the upcoming year. Voting is a breeze – you can vote only once, but if you change your mind, don’t worry. You can revise your choice any time before 12pm on July 13.

Why Your Vote Matters

The election of Brighton Bear 2024 is more than just a title – it’s a symbol of our community’s values and spirit. The chosen bear will represent us throughout the year, promoting inclusivity, pride, and the unique culture that makes Brighton Bear Weekend so special. Your vote helps highlight the diversity and dynamism of our community.

A Weekend to Remember

Brighton Bear Weekend isn’t just about the competition; it’s a celebration of friendship, love, and unity within the bear community. With a packed schedule of events, including social gatherings, parties, and fundraising activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Join us as we make memories, forge new connections, and celebrate the bear community in all its glory. And don’t forget – your vote could make all the difference in crowning the next Brighton Bear.

A Big Bear Thank You to Our Sponsors

This year, we’re thrilled to have the support of Den Loungewear and Bear107, two incredible sponsors that share our commitment to the bear community.

Den Loungewear offers stylish and comfortable apparel that’s perfect for lounging or making a statement at any event. Known for their high-quality materials and bear-centric designs, Den Loungewear is a go-to for anyone looking to combine comfort with flair.

Bear107 brings a fresh and trendy take on bear fashion. Specialising in clothing that ranges from casual daywear to bold event pieces, Bear107 is all about celebrating individuality and confidence in every bear. Their collections are designed to fit and flatter, ensuring every bear looks and feels their best.

Stay Connected

For more information on the event schedule, how to vote, and updates on Brighton Bear Weekend, follow us on social media and visit our website. Let’s make Brighton Bear Weekend 2024 the best one yet!

One Parliament Left: Charities urge next government to deliver on historic goal of zero HIV cases by 2030

Over 20 HIV and sexual health charities, including Terrence Higgins Trust and National AIDS Trust, have joined forces to call on the next Government to end the HIV epidemic in the UK — and become the first country to do so.

With just five years left to deliver the UK’s commitment to end new HIV cases by 2030, One Parliament Left, a manifesto launched by National AIDS Trust, Terrence Higgins Trust and their partners, sets out the urgent actions Parliament must take to achieve this historic goal.

According to the charities: “Incredible advances in treatment and prevention mean the goal of ending new HIV cases by 2030 is in reach. People living with HIV on effective treatment can live a long, healthy life and can’t pass HIV on. HIV prevention pill, PrEP, stops HIV-negative people from contracting the virus. And huge leaps forward in HIV testing mean that we can – and must – find every person living with undiagnosed HIV and get them the care they need”.

The charities say with bold, targeted, and urgent action these life-changing interventions will end transmissions and make living well a reality for all who live with HIV.

The 2019 to 2024 Parliament has seen “considerable progress” – the first UK Government HIV Action Plan was published, opt-out HIV testing introduced in 81 A&E departments, PrEP commissioned in sexual health services, and discrimination is being tackled across multiple settings including; the military, pilots, driving, blood donation and fertility rights.

But the charities say there is so much more to be done. They add: “Vital progress made so far is threatened by a new sexual health crisis. Rates of STIs are higher than ever, demand for services is ever increasing, and access is limited for many.”

Produced in collaboration with expert charities, doctors’ groups and public health professionals, the manifesto calls for the following six actions to ensure the UK achieves zero HIV transmissions by 2030:

  1. An expansion of opt-out HIV testing
  2. The introduction of a national one-stop-shop online PrEP, HIV and STI postal testing service
  3. The creation of a national re-engagement programme for people living with HIV who are not in care
  4. The provision of year-on-year, above inflation public authority health grant funding
  5. The development of a national sexual health strategy
  6. Justice for those impacted by the contaminated blood scandal.
Richard Angell

Richard Angell, Chief Executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “MPs elected in July this year have a simple choice: Be the generation to end the HIV epidemic and stop new HIV cases or not. We are in touching distance but we need to pull our finger out to make it happen.

“While progress has been made – PrEP free on the NHS, opt-out testing across the highest prevalence parts of the country and the rolling back of stigmatising laws – every day we are missing chances to make this goal a reality. To end new HIV cases, we have to turn this around.

“If our leaders are serious about ending this epidemic, this is the last parliamentary term to do it. Get it right and we could be the first country in the world to end new HIV cases. What a legacy that would be.”

Deborah Gold

Deborah Gold, Chief Executive of National AIDS Trust, said: “We have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to end new HIV infections in the UK by 2030, whilst also making living well with HIV a reality for everyone affected. That’s why it’s so vital that we don’t lose momentum and political commitment now. So we are calling on all political parties to commit to this manifesto, and asking our supporters to join with us in holding the next parliament to account.

“The manifesto’s six clear asks have been produced by experts in the sector, including charities, doctors’ groups, and public health professionals. When adopted, they will ensure that we are on track for the 2030 goal. They can and must be prioritised by the incoming government.”

Read the full manifesto, One Parliament Left, here.

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