Dear readers,
In light of recent news regarding the Brighton Rainbow Fund and our director Chris Gull, we at Scene magazine want to reassure our community. We remain, as we have always been, a community-focused publication produced and maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers. This core aspect of our mission has not changed.
Following the sudden and unexpected passing of our beloved editor James Ledward five years ago, Chris Gull stepped into the role of director to preserve James’s legacy. Chris has acknowledged the potential conflict of interest between his roles as Scene‘s director and as a trustee of the Brighton Rainbow Fund. He has taken responsibility for decisions made and their impacts on community groups, expressing regret for some choices. The Brighton Rainbow Fund has appropriately sought guidance from the Charity Commission.
Scene magazine continues its commitment to producing LGBTQ+ news from the heart of Brighton & Hove for readers across the UK. Our mission to support diverse LGBTQ+ groups and share information, news, and insights into our communities remains steadfast. This has not changed and will not change.
To address any potential misconceptions, there is absolutely no suggestion of personal impropriety in Chris Gull’s behaviour. The current news story is solely about the Brighton Rainbow Fund’s organisational structures and decisions around some grant processes, not about any individual misconduct.
At Scene magazine, we’ve always believed in the power of transparency and honesty – a principle our late editor James Ledward held dear. It’s this approach that builds trust and confidence within our community.
Our dedicated team of volunteer community journalists continues to produce a wide range of content that amplifies LGBTQ+ voices, challenges misinformation and prejudice, and provides a platform for diverse perspectives across our community. This mission remains unchanged and unwavering.
We take pride in James Ledward’s legacy, recognising that each of us – from our writers to our readers – plays a part in carrying it forward. As we navigate recent developments, we remain committed to these values.
In the coming days, we will publish a statement from Chris Gull to address recent concerns. We appreciate your continued support and trust in Scene as your community news source.
Scene magazine continues to be your reliable voice for LGBTQ+ news and perspectives from Brighton & Hove and beyond.
We appreciate your continued support and trust in Scene as your community news source.