Controversial poet, artist and activist Vince Laws is bringing his BANNED happening to Brighton Pride today, Saturday August 3.
Vince will face paint 76 people with the names of the 76 countries where homosexuality is illegal according to the 76crimes.com website.
BANNED will happen before the Pride Parade begins. Meet at 9.30am on Madeira Drive next to Lamp Post number 11, position number 31 in the Pride Parade (behind the Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus float). Wear what you like but remember red is the colour of protest.
Vince said:
“I think it’s very important to protest right now about what’s going on in Russia under President Putin. People are being arrested, beaten, and murdered because they are identified as homosexual, or thought to be homosexual, bisexual, lesbian, trans, different. ‘Homosexual Propaganda’ is now illegal’ – saying anything positive about homosexuals in public is a criminal offence. Pride organisations are being fined for existing. It is a basic human right to exist, to be yourself, and Russia is a very influential country, if they are allowed to violate Human Rights, others will find it easier to follow. ‘Love is a Human Right’ according to Amnesty International. Hats off to Brighton Pride for helping make this happen at such short notice.”
Adam Bailey from the Brighton Sauna, said:
“The Brighton Sauna and TBS2 are proud to help raise awareness of this sick, outdated Hitler style cleansing, caused by Putin’s homophobic laws. In these modern times, where safe havens like our Saunas are a commodity rather than a necessity for gay men, it is disgraceful that countries like Russia can be 60 years behind the times, scaring thousands of gay men and women into fearing for their lives. How can 76 countries outlaw what is a basic human right, so often defended and upheld by the court of human rights? Boycotting Russian imports, and the Winter Olympics is a choice we can make. Being gay is a right, not a choice.”
To take part in BANNED, contact Vince Laws directly on vincelaws@gmail.com
