Dear Community Members,
I am writing in response to the recent news blog story regarding the Brighton Rainbow Fund (BRF) and my actions as Chair. As I am also an unpaid Director of both the Ledward Centre and Scene magazine, I feel it’s important to address these matters directly and transparently.
First and foremost, I take full personal responsibility for all decisions that have led to delays in grant payments approved by BRF. While the 2022/23 BRF accounts have been independently examined and submitted to the Charity Commission as required, I recognise the community’s concerns deserve thorough attention.
To ensure complete transparency and proper oversight, I have:
· Supported the referral of this matter to the Charity Commission for a comprehensive review
· Engaged with Community Works to facilitate communications between BRF and affected groups
I want to be clear that all funds directed to the Ledward Centre and Scene have been properly invested in operational costs and facility improvements. Throughout my nearly 30-year journey of running charities and non-profits since 1992, all my roles have been unpaid, driven solely by a commitment to serve our community.
I acknowledge that some of my decisions have caused difficulties for community groups and individuals. This weighs heavily on me, particularly given my long-standing dedication to supporting and strengthening our community. I am fully cooperating with the Charity Commission’s investigation and look forward to their findings being made public.
BRF remains a vital and unique institution that has been instrumental in advancing many essential services in our city. The dedicated staff at the Ledward Centre continue their important work, and Brighton & Hove Pride, under Paul Kemp‘s leadership, maintains its crucial community fundraising mission.
In their recent headline about BRF, the online blog headlining its story misrepresented my relationship with Pride. While I understand the need for scrutiny of community organisations, the headline unfairly conflates separate entities and risks damaging public trust in Brighton & Hove Pride, which has consistently demonstrated exemplary financial management and transparency.
Brighton & Hove Pride, under Paul Kemp’s leadership, has made community fundraising central to its mission and has been instrumental in supporting numerous local LGBTQ+ organisations. The current matters under investigation relate solely to decisions I made as a Trustee of BRF, for which I take full responsibility. Brighton Pride & Hove’s role has been limited to their admirable commitment to fundraising for our community.
It would be regrettable if misleading headlines were to undermine public confidence in an event that has not only raised substantial funds for local LGBTQ+ causes but has become a cornerstone of our city’s commitment to equality and inclusion.
Scene magazine stands as a thriving cornerstone of LGBTQ+ media, representing and amplifying our community’s diverse voices for over two decades. Any suggestion of it struggling misrepresents this vital publication’s current reality.
For more than 30 years, Scene (formerly GSCENE) has proudly and fiercely championed LGBTQ+ and TNBI rights, serving as an unwavering platform for our stories, triumphs, and ongoing journey toward equality. Today, Scene remains a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ communities in all their beautiful diversity. Our strength lies not just in survival, but in sustained, meaningful impact and steadfast commitment to authentic representation.
I remain committed to full transparency throughout this process and welcome the Charity Commission’s thorough examination of all matters. Their expertise will ensure a comprehensive review that will provide our community with complete and accurate information.
To further support this process, and ensure vital LGBTQ+ community trust is maintained in BRF, the Ledward Centre and Scene magazine I have also:
· Submitted my resignation as Trustee of BRF (effective once a new Trustee is appointed)
· Ceased all funding to the Ledward Centre and Scene magazine during this period.
Sincerely,
Chris Gull
P.S. I am looking forward to transitioning from my role at the Ledward Centre within the next 12 to 18 months as I approach my 74th year, allowing for new leadership to guide these important community resources forward.
