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Author: Besi

Record crowds expected at Pride in London today

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Celebration, diversity, activism, a demonstration — whatever it means to you – Pride in London returns to the capitol today, Saturday, July 6 and is set to be the biggest yet.

LESBIAN, trans, genderqueer or otherwise; wherever you identify, Pride in London is about the people, for the people.

This year Pride is celebrating 50 years since the birth of the modern LGBT+ rights movement and the parade promises to be their most diverse yet.

The parade will start from Portland Place at 12pm (midday), moving down Oxford Circus, along Regent Street to Piccadilly Circus, Lower Regent Street, Pall Mall and then passing Trafalgar Square before finishing on Whitehall.

Organisers recommend that spectators avoid busy locations such as Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus as the parade will take up the whole afternoon until around 5:30pm.

Along the Parade route keep an eye out for the podiums – manned by friendly parade hosts who will let you know who is who and what is what during the Parade, making sure you don’t miss a thing.

To book a Grandstand seat (cost £65) to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the action, click here:

The main stage in Trafalgar Square will be headlined by Grammy and Tony Award winner and star of Pose, Billy Porter who will be joined by more than 100 performers on five stages across the capital, including Eurovision and the X Factor singer Saara Aalto and RuPaul’s Drag Race rebel Willam.

For a complete list of Pride in London events, click here:

To make a donation towards the cost of staging Pride in London, click here:

CAMRA takes pride in supporting Stonewall

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CAMRA announces that its flagship festival, will be supporting Britain’s largest lesbian, gay, bi and trans (LGBT) equality charity, Stonewall, to mark both the charity’s 30th birthday and the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in the USA.

THE Great British Beer Festival, which takes place from August 6-10 at Olympia London, will collect funds for the charity and Stonewall will have a stand on site to raise awareness of issues facing the LGBT+ communities.

Queer Brewing Project founder Lily Waite will also be available on Wednesday, August 7 to discuss diversity and inclusion within the beer industry.

Lily recently launched a Queer Royale brew, which will be available to sample. It aims to spark conversations about LGBT+ issues while raising funds for MindOut the LGBT+ mental health charity.

Speaking to What’s Brewing earlier this year, Lily said: “We need to change the idea that the responsibility of driving that change forward lies with those who need it most, everyone needs to pick up the slack.” 

CAMRA’s festival organiser Catherine Tonry adds: “As a member of the LGBT+ communities myself, this is a cause close to my heart. With London Pride taking place this weekend, there is no better time to shout about our support for the vital work that Stonewall does, and the LGBTQ+ industry as a whole. 

“Pubs, along with other nightlife venues, play a hugely important role in the LGBT+ communities, providing a safe place for people to come together without fear of judgement or abuse. However, we’d like to see the beer and brewing industry do more to reach out to the LGBT+ community to ensure that they feel welcome in any pub – not just one with LGBT+ credentials.”

The Great British Beer Festival is one of the best-known events in the beer and cider world. Organised by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and run by volunteers, it brings hundreds of real ales, international beers, real ciders and perries under the iconic Olympia roof.

Festival opening times are:

Tuesday, August 6 – 12 noon-5pm (Trade Session)

Tuesday, August 6 – 5pm-10:30pm (Public Session)

Wednesday, August 7 – 12 noon-10:30pm

Thursday, August 8 – 12 noon-10:30pm

Friday, August 9 – 12 noon-10:30pm

Saturday, August 10 – 11am-7:00pm

Last Admission: half an hour before close.

To purchase tickets online, click here:

Bye bye Sam and good luck

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Sam Stephens was given a great send off from Charles Street Tap on Thursday, July 4 where since starting to work there ten years ago, he has risen through the ranks to become one of the most popular managers on the commercial LGBT+ scene.

Sam Stephens
Sam Stephens

SAM leaves Brighton to take over his own venue, The Tivoli in Cheltenham, and was given a great send off by Sally Vate, Mrs Moore and Miss Penny with DJ Claire Fuller providing sounds and lights for the evening.

Sam arrived in Brighton fourteen years ago to study geography and geology. After graduating he started working in Charles Street and now feels the time is right to spread his wings and take on his own venue.

Sam is one of the current holders of the Favourite Bar Persons award which he won at the Golden Handbag Awards at the Hilton Brighton Metropole on June 23 along with one of his Charles Street Tap colleagues Ashley Beachey.

Sam said: “I want to thank Chris Marshall, Ed Stocker and Jon-Paul Mager-Playford who have been here the whole time helping me get where I am today and teaching me everything I know.”

Photos by Claire Fuller.

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NHS England recommends uncapped access to PrEP trial

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The HIV prevention drug PrEP is a step closer to being made available to anyone who needs it through the NHS.

THIS follows a meeting yesterday between Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England, NAT (National AIDS Trust), Terrence Higgins Trust, and PrEPster.

NHS England announce five steps towards better access to the HIV prevention drug PrEP, including recommending removing the capped number of places on the ongoing IMPACT Trial.

To read the letter from NHS England announcing their plans and commitments click here:

Deborah Gold
Deborah Gold

Deborah Gold, Chief Executive of NAT (National AIDS Trust), said: “The steps NHS England have outlined are extremely welcome ones, but there remain serious barriers to getting PrEP to those who need it. We need the Department of Health and Social Care to commit the necessary funding for routine commissioning as planning for this begins in earnest.

“Local authorities are running sexual health services with a disappearing pool of public health funding. Sexual Health services are struggling. Nevertheless we are facing an emergency. People are getting HIV because of the shambolic postcode lottery that limits PrEP access; local authorities need to rise to the challenge of being able to provide it.

“Lastly, we need the IMPACT Trial researchers to support the obvious argument that a trial designed to answer questions about implementing a new drug will only give meaningful results if data isn’t artificially deflated with a capped number of participants.

“Currently, people are being diagnosed with HIV while they wait for PrEP to become available in their area – for those people it is too late for PrEP. This is unacceptable. NAT will remain at the forefront of the fight for this game-changing drug.”

Top drag and cabaret artists celebrate 50 years of Pride

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International cabaret sensation YUMMY joined by top drag and cabaret artists to celebrate 50 years of Pride.

AT the press night of YUMMY, at Underbelly Festival on London’s Southbank this week, the cast of the international cabaret sensation brought together some of the country’s finest drag and cabaret performers for a rally to mark 50 years of PRIDE.

Those joining YUMMY for a photo included Sean Miley Moore (X Factor 2015, 74.5K instagram followers), Gingzilla (X Factor 2018, America’s Got Talent 2019), Cazeleon (Drag and Cabaret personality), Soho punk and new romantic legend Philip Sallon and members of the amazing Drag Syndrome collective

As well as saluting 50 years of Pride and kicking off the Pride in London party atmosphere ahead of this weekend’s march, the event was designed to mark the contribution of LGBT+ artists and audiences to the arts, and looking ahead to International Drag Day on July 16.

YUMMY runs until July 28 at Underbelly Festival Southbank in London

For more information and to book tickets online, click here:

 

Luna Cinema announces films for 2019 beach season

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The Luna Cinema announces the 2019 Luna Beach Season of films to be screened on Brighton Beach.

EXPERIENCE this year’s biggest films from Mamma Mia! Here we go again to Bohemian Rhapsody on the highest definition outdoor LED screen in the country – set against the backdrop of the Iconic Brighton Pier.

Following a hugely successful first season in 2018, The Luna Cinema, is pleased to announce the return of Luna Beach Cinema, making its home for an extended period once again on Brighton Beach this summer.

From July 31 to August 18, locals and tourists alike will be able to head down to Madeira Drive on Brighton Beach, to experience one of 40 open air screenings on an incredible giant screen right on the pebbles.

With a broad line up of films appealing to families, groups of friends and those after a romantic date night, audiences will be able to choose from a huge variety of titles taking to the big screen, including this year’s biggest hitters such as A Star is Born and Mary Poppins Returns, Disney’s highly anticipated 2019 release Aladdin, to retro classics like Dirty Dancing, Pretty Woman and Top Gun. Joining last year’s mega hit The Greatest Showman in the programme of musical extravaganzas, the Luna Beach big screen will also play host to a special sing-along screening of this year’s award-winning smash, Bohemian Rhapsody.

The big screen will also play host to 2019’s highest grossing box office hit, Avengers Endgame. With cult hits The Meg and Sharknado added to the line-up this year alongside Finding Dory and The Little Mermaid – Brighton Beach will also be the perfect backdrop for these nautical-themed cinema treats.

For theatre fans, there’s a special screening of the smash hit production of One Man, Two Guvnors, in partnership with National Theatre Live to mark its tenth birthday. Set in Brighton, this uproarious farce stars James Corden in the role that launched his career in the USA.

For families with young children, the programme includes exclusive open-air screenings of multi-award-winning kids favourites The Gruffalo, The Highway Rat and Zog, as well as PJ Masks and this year’s huge animated hit Peppa Pig: Festival of Fun. 

Tickets start from £12.50, and audiences have the option to upgrade to a premium ticket that includes use of a luxury deckchair.  For the ultimate VIP experience, you can book your own private Beach Hut for four guests to enjoy a fully stocked drinks fridge, comfy seating and private butler service! There’s nothing better than relaxing on the beach with a cold drink in your hand, watching a fantastic film on a giant 10m high definition screen. Set to the backdrop of the iconic pier, Luna Beach in Brighton will be the place to be this summer.

George Wood
George Wood

George Wood, founder of The Luna Cinema, said: “We are so excited to announce this year’s Luna Beach Cinema season, after such an incredible first year on Brighton Beach in 2018. This summer we might not have the football, but what a programme of films we have in store, with literally something for everyone. The last 12 months have seen some fantastic new releases that we will be presenting on our giant high definition open-air screen, from family favourites Mary Poppins Returns, Dumbo and The Lego Movie 2 to the big award winners, Green Book, A Star Is Born and Bohemian Rhapsody. It’s also the first time we’ve worked with the National Theatre, so are thrilled to be bringing their incredible production of “One Man, Two Guvnors” starring the hilarious James Corden to the big screen.  It’s shaping up to be an incredible summer of cinema on the beach!”

All tickets must be booked in advance and capacities are strictly limited. Picnics and food and drink will not be permitted to be brought into the Luna Beach Cinema site, but there will be a selection of fantastic hot food and a full bar on-site every day.

To book tickets and for more information click here:

FILM PREVIEW: Lets talk about Sydney

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Val’s family had always lead her to believe there was something ‘unsavoury’ about Uncle Sydney, something that shouldn’t be talked about. They were wrong!

VAL’S uncle Sydney lived opposite her in Uckfield for 20 years, before retiring to a nursing home in Worthing.

Over lunch one day Val Miles and researcher Alf Le Flohic started chatting about family and skeletons in the closet, and she mentioned her uncle Sydney.
When Val cleared out his room after Sydney passed away, she discovered his stash of gay magazines and newspapers from the 70s and 80s as well as personal papers that revealed he’d been a member of Liberty and the Campaign for Homosexual Equality.
But the best was yet to come, when she discovered his private photo collection covering his time in the army during world war two, his army boyfriend Nick and lots more.
Alf said: “The more she spoke about Sydney the more interested I became. I joked with Val that we had enough material to make a film of his life… so we decided to do just that.
“It’s taken a couple of years to make as many of the photos had to be cleaned up before they could be used, having been stored unprotected in a plastic carrier bag for a number of decades. Once Val showed me the photos I knew they deserved to be shared, as well as Sydney’s story too.”
Val added: “My input came from scrambling about in dusty loft spaces searching out the family photos and poor Alf had to be very patient with me as we tried to dig out dates and times from my memory. However we got there in the end and my uncle Sydney has been given the recognition he so rightly deserves after being a “skeleton in the cupboard” of my family for many years.”
Let’s Talk About Sydney will be screened in full at FILMPRIDE 2019 at The Latest Bar, Manchester Street, on Sunday, August 4 before the premier of the new documentary about Peter Tatchell – Activist at 4pm.

Switchboard the national LGBT+ Helpline aims to combat rising hate crime

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Switchboard the national LGBT+helpline, teams up with creative agency Rankin to combat rising hate crime with national ‘Safe Space’ campaign.

WITH hate crimes against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people more than doubling in the last five years, Rankin and national Switchboard are launching a loud and proud campaign to raise awareness of Switchboard, the LGBT+ Helpline, across the UK.

Creative agency Rankin has teamed up with Switchboard, the LGBT+ Helpline, to launch a three-part, national campaign that will help spread the word of Switchboard’s ‘Safe Space’ to LGBT+ people in all corners of the country, especially areas with poor representation or high incidence of hate crimes.

This month, new analysis from The Guardian newspaper revealed that homophobic hate crimes have more than doubled since 2014 across England and Wales and transphobic attacks have trebled over the same period.

This statistic is a wake up call for the country and highlights the need for a bigger, widespread movement. The new campaign launched by Rankin and Switchboard aims to reach people affected by these crimes and other LGBT+ issues, letting them know that Switchboard is a ‘Safe Space’ that they can reach out to.

The first of three phases, which launches July 6 to coincide with Pride in London, will plaster buses, billboards, magazines and more. The campaign will include some of the questions the Switchboard volunteers are most commonly asked, such as “How can I come out if I’m not sure what I identify as?” and “Where can I meet people like me?” The aim is to raise awareness of Switchboard, a helpline that operates via phone, email and instant message, on a wider national scale. It’s about spreading the message that Switchboard is a Safe Space for anyone to get in touch with a like-minded volunteer and discuss topics relating to LGBT+ life with no judgement and in total confidentiality.

Specifically, the campaign wants to reach people who may live in areas with low representation or high levels of hate crime, making sure that nobody in the LGBT+ community needs to feel alone or isolated. Switchboard is a Safe Space for LGBT+ and with this campaign they want to make the rest of the country one also.

Natasha Walker
Natasha Walker

Natasha Walker, Co-Chair of Switchboard, said: “In another five years, Switchboard will be 50 and we don’t want to see a doubling again of these deeply troubling figures. With increased levels of isolation and loneliness, the need for Switchboard is ever-present. It’s these people that we want to reach with the Safe Space campaign, showing that we’re a national service focused on supporting those who need it most.

The Safe Space is all about creating a confidential, non-judgemental atmosphere where someone can speak to a volunteer who’s a member of the LGBT+ communities and voice whatever’s on their mind. Whether they’re calling about an issue that’s affecting them directly or someone else they care about, we’re here 10am to 10pm, 365 days a year.”

Jordan Rossi
Jordan Rossi

Jordan Rossi, Director & Producer at Rankin added: “Switchboard is such a fantastic organisation, charity and concept and we are in awe of the work they do. We want to spread their reach and positive impact across the UK — beyond London and out to the people who may feel isolated, alienated and alone. As an agency we’ll always be proud representatives of the LGBT+ community and nothing gets our creative juices flowing more than a charitable cause. This campaign marks the first part of a three-part collaboration with Switchboard, with more exciting phases of activation to come, so watch this (Safe) Space.”

The Safe Space campaign launches July 6. If you want to get in touch with Switchboard to talk with one of their volunteers about any LGBT+ related issues, you can do so via phone on 0300 330 0630, email at chris@switchboard.lgbt, or via instant messaging at www.switchboard.lgbt.

Greater Fort Lauderdale celebrates ‘FlockFest’ on Sebastian Beach on July 6

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Fifth annual celebration of FlockFest brings together hundreds of LGBT+ attendees With Winged Floats.

THE Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau is a proud premier sponsor for

The winged-float celebration FlockFest, takes place on Sebastian Beach in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, July 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 5th annual event is free and The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau is the premier sponsor.

“Greater Fort Lauderdale is a progressive destination, and we are very proud to sponsor Flockfest,” said Stacy Ritter, President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Celebrating diversity and inclusion is something we are very passionate about, and this signature event does just that.”

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to bring their winged floats along including – swans, flamingos, ducks, – and decorate them with creative flair.

Last year’s winged-float celebration included more than 500 floats and more than 1,800 attendees.

“FlockFest is a great event that exudes Greater Fort Lauderdale’s welcoming vibe to all residents and visitors,” said Richard Gray, Senior Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Greater Fort Lauderdale continues to grow with LGBT+ events, and we’re looking forward to this vibrant gathering which shows our community’s creative flair, diversity, and breathtaking beaches.”

Flockfest.300.2
Flockfest.300

FlockFest started out in 2015 as a small gathering of friends looking to do something fun and different. As the event grew each year, founder Steven Crawford thought it could be a great way to raise money for charities. Today, that is its main purpose.

“I am so proud to welcome everyone to join us in making this splash in the water and on the sand of Sebastian Beach,” said Steven Crawford, founder of FlockFest. “Greater Fort Lauderdale is world-renowned for being inclusive and for its thriving LGBT+ community, and we can’t wait to celebrate together at our annual float festival.”

Tickets can be purchased for access to the VIP area which includes beverages and FlockFest merchandise. FlockFest tank tops and hats are also available for purchase.

Proceeds from ticket sales and merchandise benefit the following Greater Fort Lauderdale-based organisations: Renand Foundation, Julian’s Fountain of Youth and United Dog Rescue.

For more information on FlockFest, click here:

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau has proactively targeted and welcomed the LGBT+ market since 1996, when it became the first Convention & Visitors Bureau with a gay-centric vacation planner, and dedicated website on a CVB homepage. Since then, the city has continued to break down barriers and facilitate essential visibility for the LGBT+ communities at large.

The destination now welcomes 1.5 million LGBT+ travelers annually, spending $1.5 billion. It also features one of the largest Pride Centers in the country, the first and only World AIDS Museum and Education Center, and is home to the Stonewall National Museum & Archives, one of the only permanent spaces in the U.S. devoted to exhibitions relating to LGBT+ history and culture.

Most recently, Greater Fort Lauderdale opened the area’s first LGBT+ Visitors Center in Wilton Manors.

For more information on LGBT+ travel in Greater Fort Lauderdale, click here:

Accessibility a top priority for Northern Pride Festival

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More people than ever before can make the most of one of the UK’s largest free LGBT+ festivals this summer, thanks to support from a leading pharmaceutical company.

Photo: Rob Chambers photography
Photo: Rob Chambers photography

NORTHERN Pride Festival, returns to Newcastle’s Town Moor and Exhibition Park from July 19 to 21, kicking off with the Bongo’s Bingo launch party on the Friday night.

This year, Northern Pride has teamed up with GSK as accessibility partner, to make sure festival-goers with extra needs are catered for over the weekend.

GSK’s support will allow the LGBT+ charity to supply British Sign Language interpreters on stage during the entertainment, raised platforms for those who need them, track matting and a Mobiloo – a specially adapted mobile toilet with a hoist and changing bench.

Ste Dunn, chair of Northern Pride, hopes that the new features this year will benefit a wide range of people over the weekend.

He said: “We are always looking for ways to improve and after feedback from last year’s event, we have implemented a number of changes to create a more positive environment for all of our festival-goers.” 

“The Northern Pride Festival is something that we strive to make as inclusive and accessible as possible and we’re really grateful to GSK for their help in making this happen.

“We have some fantastic things planned over the weekend and I’m confident that this year’s festival will be one of our best yet.”

Those with access needs can use the Accessibility and Platinum Pass entrance over the weekend for easier access to the Festival Arena but must register in advance at info@npride.org.uk.

Suzanne Angus, Employee Resource Group Lead at GSK said: “Our sponsorship commitment not only supports the inclusion ethos behind Northern Pride, but GSK Barnard Castle will specifically be the Accessibility Partner.

“This will enable full access to the main arena for those people who need ramped or raised access, along with British Sign Language interpreters on the main stage and the Curious Arts stage.”

Fleur East
Fleur East

Music fans can enjoy a range of performances on the Town Moor’s Manchester Airport Los Angeles stage over the two days, including Fleur East, Saara Aalto and Liberty X, along with a second stage at nearby Exhibition Park which will feature acts curated by non-profit organisation Curious Arts.

Other features across both sites include a fun fair, Health and Wellbeing Zone, Family and Youth Zone, the Rainbow Village and a range of food outlets and bars.

The event is free to attend but those looking to secure a prime viewing position and access to a separate bar and toilet area can purchase a Platinum Pass at www.northern-pride.com/box-office, which starts at £37.71.

For more information on Northern Pride and to purchase a Platinum Pass, click here:

Or search northernprideuk on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

 

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