Professional Documents
Culture Documents
GSCENE magazine
www.gscene.org DIRTY SUNSET DISCO @ OHSO SOCIAL
@gscene
GScene.Brighton
PUBLISHED BY Peter Storrow
TEL 01273 722457
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EDITORIAL TEAM
FRONT COVER
MODEL Nicole Gibson
STYLIST Giulia Carri
PHOTO Sharon Kilgannon
www.alonglines.com
LOLAS 25 YEARS IN SHOWBUSINESS PARTY @ CHARLES STREET
CONTRIBUTORS
Jaq Bayles, Jo Bourne, Nick Boston,
PC Rich Bridger, Suchi Chatterjee,
NEWS
Sabah Choudrey, John Cohen, Maeve 6 News
Devine, Fox and Lewis, Dr Sam Hall,
Craig Hanlon Smith, Rev Michael
Hydes, Enzo Marra, Netty, Carl Oprey,
SCENE LISTINGS
Mitchell Orriss, Eric Page, Sarah 34 Brighton Listings
Savage, Del Sharp, Keith Sharpe, 52 Solent Listings
Rory Smith, Gay Socrates, Darren Sole,
Brian Stacey, Glen Stevens, Craig
Storrie, Duncan Stewart, Roger ARTS
Wheeler, Mike Wall, Morham White, 62 Arts News & Listings
Kate Wildblood
BRIGHTON BEAR WEEKENDER 63 Art Matters
PHOTOGRAPHERS ORGANISERS
64 Film Reviews
Phil Bailey ukmomentcatcher.com,
Michael Hootman, James Ledward, Ian 65 Classical
Mager-Playford, Natasha Parker-Small,
Proud Parkers Photography, Roy &
Jean @ Funky Fish, Nikki Thompson
REGULARS
32 Sam The Trans Man
GSCENE 2014
All work appearing in Gscene Ltd is 54 Dance Music
copyright. It is to be assumed that the
copyright for material rests with the 54 DJ profile:
magazine unless otherwise stated on the
page concerned. No part of this publication Maze & Masters
may be reproduced, stored in an electronic
or other retrieval system, transmitted in 56 Books
any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or 58 Shopping
otherwise without the prior knowledge and
consent of the publishers. 60 Geek Scene
The appearance of any
61 Dine With Morham
person or any
organisation in Gscene
is not to be construed
FEATURES 68 Craigs Thoughts
as an implication of
69 Duncans Domain
the sexual orientation
or political persuasion 25 TRANS*PRIDE 2014 69 Cohens Cause
of such persons or Trans*Pride is back, bigger, better and bolder!
organisations.
70 Charlie Says
26 MY GENDERATION 71 Nettys World
Fox and Lewis from My Transsexual Summer on their new project 71 Queenies Strip Service
72 Dad & Daddy
27 TRANS* 73 Brighton MCC
What does Trans*Pride mean to me?
73 LGBT Police Liaison
30 TRANSFORMERS 74 MindOut
The Brighton trans* youth group nears its third birthday.
INFORMATION
66 SAMARITANS 75 Services
Samaritans volunteers are ordinary people doing something extraordinary
76 Classifieds
LEGENDS TERRACE
PAUL ELGOOD
unique fundraising event that benefits LGBT/HIV Two-day 5 wristbands (1 donation ring fenced community sector, and have
organisations that provide effective front-line services for the Rainbow Fund) will be available online and created a sustainable and secure
to LGBT people in Brighton & Hove. For the first time at local outlets and supporting venues from the source of funding for the smaller
ever, Brighton & Hove Council will allow the Pride beginning of July. Residents and people working volunteer-led community groups who can rely on
Village Party to extend to the main seafront road. within the fenced zone will receive free access this funding to operate. Pride asked the Rainbow
Marine Parade will be closed to traffic for the event, wristbands. Information is being circulated by letter Fund to provide a fair and needs-led basis for
creating a larger and safer Pride Village Party for and will be posted on a residents information page distributing the funding to those local groups who
everyone to enjoy. on the Pride website. need it most".
The Pride Village Party will take place from 6pm on Pride Village Party pledge bands will be available Pride is in continual need of volunteers to help out
Saturday, August 2 with entertainment starting from from beginning of July from supporting venues and on the day as Parade Stewards, Placard
around 8pm and continuing until 12.30am, after the businesses. You can purchase the pledge bands now volunteers and Rainbow Flag Bearers. Brighton
Preston Park festival finale show. through the Pride website and collect from the Pride Pride simply does not happen without the
Welcome Centre above Charles Street at Envy essential contributions made by volunteers, and it
Pride Sunday kicks off from 2pm and will feature
from Sunday, July 27Wednesday, July 30 from is the perfect way to celebrate a Pride with
various entertainment zones dedicated to cabaret,
11am5pm and Thursday, July 31Friday, purpose where community helps community.
bears and disco with performers and DJs delivering
the perfect soundtrack to your Pride Sunday Village August 1 from 11am9.30pm.
Party celebrations and finishing with a candlelit vigil You can also collect the pledge bands from the box
in New Steine Gardens late in the evening to office inside Preston park on Saturday, August 2.
remember those friends lost to HIV/AIDS.
It has not been possible to offer joint main festival
With so many of Brightons favourite local bars, venues, and Pride Village pledge bands this year as Pride
businesses and the Rainbow Fund supporting the tickets have been on sale since February and with the
Pride Village Party this year, therell be plenty choice go ahead for the Pride Village Party only being given
of where to meet up with friends and raise a toast to at the beginning of June it has not been possible to HERES JUST THREE WAYS TO HELP:
your Pride weekend and to friends no longer with us. integrate the box office scanning system.
) COMMUNITY PARADE STEWARD
VILLAGE PARTY PLEDGE BANDS Pride have a frequently asked questions page on their Register as a Parade Steward and help ensure
Support the local businesses that are directly supporting website about the Village Street Party. To view: the Parade remains a rainbow of diversity
the Pride fundraising effort for the Rainbow Fund by www.brighton-pride.org/event.php?id=1402229131 highlighting and recognising LGBT communities
around the world where they don't have
the Freedom to Live.
) 78 PLACARDS VOLUNTEERS
Volunteer to carry one of the 78 Freedom to Live
placards on the Brighton Pride LGBT Community
Parade and be part of a campaign we can all truly
be proud of. Help Pride highlight the inequalities
LGBTQ communities across the globe face in their
daily lives and demand that everyone, regardless
of sexuality or gender, deserves Freedom to Live.
Help make Pride Matter!
) RAINBOW FLAG BEARER
This year Brighton Pride will continue the proud
tradition and include a giant 50ft long rainbow
flag in the LGBT Community Pride Parade. Pride
needs you to become a proud flag bearer. Its a
fabulous way to be a part of Brighton Pride as the
parade celebrates, campaigns and sashays its
way through the streets of our city.
Email volunteer enquiries to: billie@brighton-
pride.org
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CLAIRE SUMMERSKILL
Foundation in New York City raised the Pride Literature & Spoken
over 1,300 for the Rainbow Fund, a Word tent. If you are new to writing
Brighton & Hove-based grants- go to one of the free writing workshops
giving fund for local LGBT and where you can hone up your skills for
HIV/AIDS organisations. A further writing and perform your work at Pride.
600 was donated to Pride raised The line-up includes: writer and
via art sales and the private view comedienne Claire Summerskill; WRITING WORKSHOPS
event and was also used to benefit poet Dean Atta, author of I Am ) July 17: Brighton Jubilee
the LGBT community in Brighton. Nobodys Nigger; Susannah Library (16-19 only), 5-7pm
Millions of people continue to live in places that outlaw same-sex relationships and Waters, author of Cold
) July 26: Brighton Jubilee
prosecute people for being gay. In five countries and in parts of two others, Comfort and Long Gone Anybody, in
Library, 10.30am-12.30pm
homosexuality is still punishable with the death penalty, while a further 70 a duet with actress Federay
countries imprison citizens because of their sexual orientation. Even where Holmes; Roger Moss, author ) July 28: Lewes Library, 6-8pm
homosexuality is legal, many countries treat those in same-sex relationships of The Game of the Pink
To book a place email:
differently. In the UK we are lucky to have the freedom to be who we are and it's Pagoda; Clare Lydon, blogger and
rachel.whitbread@brighton-
imperative that we are a strong voice for those in countries less fortunate than author of London Calling; Vernal
hove.gov.uk
ourselves and to help liberate those tied down and held back by injustice. Scott, author of Gods Other
In a world fraught with hate and discrimination art is a way of freely expressing
ourselves. Festival organiser Hizze Fletcher, said: ''We were overwhelmed by the
public interest that was generated around last year's event and it has motivated us to
PRIDE PERFORMANCES BY THE ACTUALLY
expand the Arts & Film festival this year. It will enable us to showcase the talents of GAY MENS CHORUS TO SUPPORT TRAINING
the LGBT creative community (and their supporters) to a wider audience" FOR ANTI-LGBT BULLYING IN SCHOOLS
Paul Kemp, Director of Pride, added: 2013 was a ) In the spirit of this years It will be a welcome return to
groundbreaking year for Pride with over 20 umbrella events Brighton Pride theme, Freedom to perform with the chorus for Miss
contributing to the first Pride Arts & Film season. With this years Live, Actually Gay Mens Chorus Jason, who gave an inspired
'Freedom to Live' campaign we really would love to see even more and cabaret star Miss Jason are performance last year
PAUL KEMP
LGBT artists getting involved and helping us develop the cultural as Agnetha from ABBA in the Pride
taking to the stage for two
offering. We're thrilled that Hizze Fletcher has agreed to come on show Tainted Love, though the boys
performances of I Feel Love. The
board again with Pride to produce the Pride Arts exhibition at the may well give her a Eurovision run
chorus will be raising
Jubilee Library, which was one of the cornerstone events last year. for her money this year as they Rise
money for Inclusion For All (IFA),
The Freedom to Live exhibition from July 18 to August 4 launches with a private the award-winning training strategy Like A Phoenix for the audiences at
view on Thursday, July 17 at Jubilee Library, hosted by Dolly Rocket and working across the UK to help St Andrews.
featuring live music by local band, Della Lupa. Ten-percent of art sales and all prevent homophobic, biphobic and Featuring the delights of Disney and
profits from the private view will be donated to Pride and the Rainbow Fund. To transphobic bullying in schools. the best of the West End, I Feel
attend the opening event email: hizze@brighton-pride.org Love promises to be a performance
) Hizze Fletcher is also organising two other art events for BPAFF via her of heroism and hope packed with
company, Thirteen Art Productions, as part of the two-week celebrations. familiar favourites old and new that
Photographic exhibition Shoot Me, Im Gay features photographic talent from the will start this Pride season with a
LGBT community (and supporters). The exhibition at The Sidewinder, Upper St smile. Shaun Dellenty, IFA founder
Jamess Street in Kemptown, launches on Monday, July 21 at 6pm and runs for a and anti-LGBT bullying champion,
month. For more information regarding submission to the exhibition said: The funds being raised by the
email: hizze@brighton-pride.org chorus will enable IFA to provide vital
teacher training across the UK.
) In addition, Thirteen Art Productions presents Finegan Murphy featuring
Brighton's most charismatic brother and sister LGBT fine art acts, Precious The show is at St Andrew's
Murphy and Kitty Finegan showing an extensive collection of solo and Church, Hove on Friday, July 18
and Saturday, July 19 at 7.30pm.
collaborative work at the new exhibition space at Velvet Tattoo, 48 Norfolk Square.
Tickets: 12/10 concs available
The show launches on Thursday, July 23. Ten-percent of any art sales from both
from the Bulldog, St Jamess Street,
events will be donated to Brighton Pride and their nominated charity The Rainbow
The Iron Duke, Waterloo Street,
Fund. For further up to the minute information view: www.thirteenart.com
or: www.actuallygmc.org
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B RI G H TO N & H O V E
THE OLDEST GAY IN THE VILLAGE LGBT COMMUNITY GROUPS LGBT COMMUNITY
GROUPS NETWORK
many changes in his lifetime, few greater each other. The LGBT Community
than the attitude towards being gay - As the network meets together over the
Groups Network has been set up to course of the year there will be
attitudes that saw him criminalised for the help smaller, not-for profit LGBT
sin of loving another man. His new book development of a Forum page for
groups get to know and support each members to collaborate on the
The Oldest Gay In The Village is a other better, share opportunities and
moving, often humorous memoir of an direction of the network and its
resources, and to access specialist activities. Member groups will have
indefatigable man, committed to helping advice, information and support to
people accept homosexuality, even if they the opportunity to help develop the
help with their work. website, to promote their work, and to
may not understand it. After all, as he puts it, If I don't understand why I am the
way I am, why should anyone else? But why should it matter? Now in his nineties, The network is provided by and for start-up a resource sharing group.
George is finally beginning to see the acceptance he longed for through his member groups with a fundamental If youre involved in running or
younger years - and is proud to be the oldest gay in the village. emphasis on peer support and is organising a smaller LGBT group (with
facilitated with the support of the an annual income of 35k or less), the
Paul Elgood, chairman of the Community Works LGBT
Rainbow Fund, said: The LGBT Community Groups Network
representatives Gary Pargeter wants to hear from you.
Rainbow Fund would like to and Chris Cooke. The first phase of
thank George for supporting us the new website highlights network For more info: www.lgbt-groups.org
through the sales of his book. news, member groups information,
The book tells his remarkable
life story, and all that he has
contributed to the community
during his long life. Thank you
SHARED OFFICE SPACE FOR
for the support George!
CHRIS COOKE ACCEPTS CHEQUE FOR 103.33 WHICH
GEORGE COLLECTED AT THE KEMPTOWN CARNIVAL SMALLER LGBT ORGANISATIONS
Georges book is out on July 3 and he will be promoting it during Pride to help ) Member groups of the newly
raise money for the Rainbow Fund, who give grants to LGBT/HIV organisations formed LGBT Community Groups
that deliver frontline services to LGBT people in Brighton & Hove. The book is Network have been donated shared
being produced by John Blake Publishing: www.johnblakepublishing.co.uk office space to carry out their day-to-
day administration, and to hold
meetings. The office space is provided
CITYCLEAN TO THE RESCUE! free, with electricity, insurance and wi-
fi included. Centric Charity, which difference to how well we are able to
) Romany Mark Bruce, the sculptor of the iconic AIDS Memorial, is much manages unused office space at run our groups, and deliver our
happier after Tay was given a spring clean by Cityclean last month. Prestamex House, opposite Preston services. The cost of renting offices is
Park, recently advertised for charities prohibitive. Most of our smaller groups
After a particularly stormy start to the year, the bronze memorial was covered in
to take up free offices and Lunch are run by volunteers. Working from
more corrosive seagull mess and moss than usual. Romany suggested a spring
Positive successfully bid for one. home can sometimes be very difficult,
clean for the iconic memorial was in order, so community activist Chris Cooke
especially when work is pressured. Its
made a few telephone calls to his
important to be able to separate work
contacts at the council and within 72
and personal lives. We hope this space
hours, Damien Marmura, Cityclean's
will help the people running groups and
area operations manager had
make their groups work. Another
organised a complete makeover for
fantastic advantage is that our groups
the memorial. Better still Cityclean
will be able to spend informal time with
have promised Chris that they will
each other, and hopefully also benefit
give Tay a makeover three or four
from getting to know each other well.
times a year. Lunch Positive have extended their
licence to facilitate a dedicated space The LGBT office space is accessible six
Chris Cooke said: A huge thank you
for member groups of the LGBT days a week during office hours and is
to the Cityclean team for the quick
Community Groups Network. Gary open plan, has nine hot desks, filing
response to my cleaning
Pargeter, is the volunteer project storage and a meeting area. Groups
request. Romany contacted me at the
manager at Lunch Positive, and the have use of a shared kitchen, and a
beginning of the week, confirmation by
Community Works facilitator for the larger meeting area out of hours by
the team was given to me on the same
Network: Were incredibly pleased to arrangement. The space has been
day and the work took place on the
have secured this extra space for our furnished through the donation of
Friday. I am very impressed. Credit
smaller LGBT groups. From personal equipment from Freegle, and a
goes to Damien Marmura, area
experience, running a community community development grant of 500
operations manager at Cityclean, for organising it and to the three members of his
group often involves more from Sussex Community
team for carrying out this much needed spring clean. In addition, Cityclean have
administration than people realise. Foundation.
confirmed that the statue will be cleaned regularly every three or four months in the
Having good facilities to carry this out For more info call: 07725 647455 or
future, so this is excellent news for the community.
and plan our work makes a huge email: gary@lgbt-groups.org
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) Billie Lewis, Chair of the LGBT CSF, joined the Police & Crime
Commissioner, Katy Bourne and representatives from over 60 other local
organisations who had also been awarded funding at a special Celebration ) The sun starts to shine and Officer, said: Please remember that
Showcase event held in Lewes on Thursday, June 19. Sussex Police are receiving Dukes Mound is a public place like
complaints about incidents of a any other. In response to reports of
Commenting on the funding, Billie said: We are delighted to have been awarded sexual nature taking place at Dukes sexual activity taking place during the
this grant from the Police & Crime Commissioners Community Fund, which will Mound during daylight hours. Its daytime, patrols in the area are going
help us fully implement our 'Report It' service and assist us in rolling it out to the one thing enjoying the benefits of to be extended and anyone found
LGBT communities across Sussex. In 2013 our 'Trust & Confidence' Survey Dukes Mound at night; it is another committing offences is likely to face
produced robust data showing that matter during the day when families arrest and possible prosecution. I
KATY BOURNE & BILLY LEWIS
hate crime is under reported. Over and children are around and enjoying would urge people who use the area
800 people completed the survey city their holidays. PC Rich Bridger, to do so responsibly and with
wide. The survey highlighted many Sussex Police LGBT Police Liaison consideration for others.
compelling concerns and produced
revealing quantifiable data that
recognised issues identified in key PEER ACTIONS ANNUAL OUTING
areas of priority within the
Commissioners Police & Crime Plan. Downs, commanding stunning views
of the south coast and beyond. Step
Police statistics suggest that inside and be transported back to a
reporting figures have risen. We are world of stunning interiors,
pleased that more people feel meticulously restored following the
confident in reporting to the police devastating fire of 1989. Contrast this
and we are positive that the LGBT with the functional servants quarters
Community Safety Forum has played below, where a modern restaurant is
its part in this outcome. ) This year Peer Action, the HIV located - however the grounds make
charity, are visiting the beautiful an ideal venue for a picnic for the
"However our survey found that 67%, the majority of respondents who reported National Trust Georgian House, adventurous.
they had experienced an incident or hate crime told us they did not report it. Uppark House & Garden, South
Evidently there is still much more work to be done. Building on the success of the Harting (near Chichester) for their Be aware there is temporarily no
survey it is essential we develop the campaign to widen its participation with the annual summer outing. The bus leaves wheelchair access to the basement
local community, businesses, groups and the statutory services. This way we will at 9.30am on the dot on Sunday, quarters. Coach trip and admission:
empower the community with the confidence to 'Report it'. July 20, returning at 6pm. Uppark is 12. For more detail see Peer Action
situated on a high point of the South website: www.peeraction.co.uk
Katy Bourne added: The 'Report It' service is a great example of an innovative local
project that aims to make our communities safer. The Safer in Sussex Community
Fund was launched to help communities tackle crime and disorder and I am very
pleased with the level of response we received during the first round of THEME FOR BOURNE FREE 2014 ON JULY 12
applications. I look forward to visiting the team at The LGBT Community Safety ) Now in its tenth year,
Forum and following the progress of the project over the coming months. Bournemouth's LGBT Pride have
announced the theme for 2014 will
PC Rich Bridger, from the Sussex Police LGBT Liaison Team,
PC BRIDGER
PEER ACTION
JULY DIARY
TUE 1st, 15th, 22nd, 29th: SWIMMING
12:201.30pm: with Ian, quiet Kemptown pool, 4
Bingo nights are taking a summer break and will return in the
autumn. There will be no Holistic therapies at THT/ Sussex
Beacon in August.
For further information about Peer
Action, how to get involved, suggest
activities, volunteer please visit:
www.peeraction.co.uk
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DAVID FRAY
trustee at the Sussex Beacon. David is a annual comedy extravaganza MindOut for
long-term supporter and volunteer of the the Laughs! at the Komedia on
Sussex Beacon and is also editor of The Voice, Wednesday July 16. She will be joined by
the organisations service user magazine. the Brighton Gay Men's Chorus, Dolly
Rocket, Tom Allen, Debra Jane
He will be joining an established trustee board Appelby and the Two Wrongies. Your
at the charity who are ultimately responsible compere for the evening is Cat Harding
for its administration and management. and the event will be BSL signed by
Together, the trustees provide leadership for Paul and Paula. Go along, take your
the organisation and ensure that the charity is friends and enjoy a fun-filled evening
fulfilling its charitable aims. The role is voluntary and unpaid. with MindOut!, the LGBT mental health
Simon Burgess, Chairman of the board at the Sussex Beacon project. Doors open 6.30pm for 7.30pm
said: We are delighted to have David Fray joining the board of start. Tickets: 12/10 concs, from box
trustees. He understands the services that we deliver as a office: 0845 2938480.
SIMON BURGESS
FOR NATIONAL DIVERSITY AWARD ) A-Bar licensee Alex Matthews is the new Chair of
the St James Street Pubwatch and Chris Marshall,
) Kathy Caton, Brighton-based radio presenter and producer, has been
manager at Charles Street, is the new Vice Chair. The
nominated in the Positive Role Model category at the 2014 National Diversity
next scheduled meeting for the Pubwatch will be on
Awards. Kathy present's Brighton's only LGBTQ radio show, Out in Brighton, on
Tuesday, July 22 at the A-Bar, starting at 3pm. For more
RadioReverb 97.2fm where she champions LGBTQ artists and musicians. She is
information email: theabarltd@hotmail.com
a big supporter of Brighton's burgeoning community and voluntary sector, helping
get stories and contributors on air that tend not to be heard on other broadcast
media. NATIONAL LGBT: LAW COMMISSION REPORT
Over the three years the show has been on air it has become the number one ) An anti-homophobia/transphobia system is equally behind them
LGBTQ show on international podcast directory Podomatic with listeners from charity has welcomed a report whatever type of hate crime they
around the world tuning in to get a genuine snapshot of LGBT life in Brighton. calling for hate crime laws to be experience. Many people are
Kathy helps run the BBC's LGBT staff network BBC Pride and also works behind overhauled. Galop, which helps surprised that this difference exists
the scenes with the BBC's Diversity Centre in their work on improving on-screen victims of hate crime, have called the and agree with us that it is outdated,
portrayal and engaging with LGBT audiences. She is currently working with current legal system nonsensical and nonsensical and needs to change.
Brighton's trans* community on the Brighton Trans*formed oral history project ripe for change. The Law We hope that this is the first step
with QueenSpark Books. She Commission report calls for an end toward giving police and courts the
KATHY CATON
said: I am absolutely honoured to courts using one system for anti- tools to tackle all types of hate
(and quite embarrassed!) to have race and faith hate crime, and crime on an equal footing.
been nominated for the National another less effective one for Our clients are usually living
Diversity Awards and feel pretty homophobic, transphobic and through a traumatic time and most
humbled to be up there in such disability crimes. Under the current will never see the inside of a
great company in the Positive system homophobic criminal courtroom. That means courts need
Role Model category. Im damage is punishable with 10 years to get things right for those brave
delighted too that these Awards in prison, the same as if it had not few who stand up to their attackers
recognise grass-roots work and been homophobic. But the same in court. We were disappointed that
activism - its an honour to be crime is punishable with 14 years if the report did not recommend
nominated! it was racist. Transphobic common reforming the messy laws that
assault has a 6 month maximum but prohibit extreme hate speech. We
Paul Sesay, Chief Executive of The National Diversity Awards, said: It is an anti-faith common assault can be
honour to witness the extraordinary journeys of Britains unsung diversity heroes, will continue campaigning for those
punished with 2 years. protections to be extended to
and we will continue to recognise their extraordinary achievements during 2014. A Galop spokesperson said: We transgender and disabled people.
Nominations close on July 18. To vote for Kathy, view: welcome this report and urge the
https://nominate.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/Nominate/endorse/12566 Government to act on it. Everyone For more information about
should be able to feel the legal Galop, view: www.galop.org.uk
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WINNERS - SUBLINE (NICK FORD PHOTOGRAPHY)
TRANS*PRIDE ORGANISERS
SCOOP A GOLDEN HANDBAG
) Trans* Pride scooped a Golden Handbag in the category, Best Trans*
Venue or Event at the Golden Handbag Awards last month. Fox and Sarah
Savage stars of the C4 documentary series My Transsexual Summer who are both
on the Trans* Pride organising committee accepted the award from Rainbow
Fund chairman Paul Elgood and Stephanie Starlet. Poison Ivy, on St James
Street were runners up. A full report with photos will appear in August Gscene.
The Queens Hotel was packed to the rafters last month for Maisie & Jason's
East End Knees Up to celebrate the 70th anniversary of D Day with the raffle
L-R: FOX, STEPHANIE STARLET, SARAH
raising 530 for an old soldiers charity. The next event is on Friday July 4,
American Independence Day. To make a reservation call: 01273 221 621
SAVAGE & PAUL ELGOOD
know about. The resource covers areas such as: the Equality Act, toilets & changing
rooms, confidentiality, pronouns and names, as well as many other areas. Equalities. The work was said: Im really
delivered jointly with the councils delighted, this is
Ryan Gingell, Trans* Youth Worker, said: Since its release there have been huge Communities team and LGBT recognition where
demands from youth services, schools and other practitioners for the resource Health Improvement Partnership. its due. The work
which we hope will assist their understanding of issues facing young trans* people. The team was shortlisted for the with the trans*
We hope Top Tips will enable services to provide support and advice for any young Achievement, Insight & community is
trans* or gender-questioning people they work with. Involvement award which the team pioneering and I am very proud that
To download the publication in PDF form, view: www.allsortsyouth.org.uk or won at last months awards Brighton & Hove is leading the way
order hard copies from the Allsorts office: 01273 721211. ceremony. They were joint winners nationally to identify and act on
along with Harrow council. issues that impact peoples lives."
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A second generation of appetite suppressants were BRIGHTON UNSIGNED
OBESITY TODAY produced, known as CAAS (Centrally Acting Appetite
Suppressants). These Anorectic drugs act on the central FOR PRIDE
) Brighton Unsigned are hosting a live
Obesity in the UK continues to increase with health nervous system via certain neurotransmitters. They signal a
fight or flight response in the body, that reduces hunger music charity fundaiser for Brighton Pride
officials saying that it is one of the leading causes of
and food cravings. The drugs Diethylpropion and hosted by Miss Jason
MISS JASON
preventable deaths in the UK today. Professionals on Sunday, July 29 at
predict that by 2020 one third of the UK could be Phentermine first received approval from the FDA in 1959
as appetite suppressing drugs and have been used Envy, above Charles
clinically obese causing increasing rates of diabetes, Street. Artists appearing
successfully around the world ever since.
strokes and heart attacks while putting increasing include Kitten & The
critical pressure on the NHS. Many GPs have not moved on from the bad reputation of Hip, Paul Diello &
the first generation of appetite suppressants and are Friends, Mila Falls,
reluctant to prescribe these new medications. As such Daisy Victoria, Fred Oskar and
) Adult obesity rates have almost quadrupled in the last 25 their patients are unable to benefit from these proven
years, with 23.1% of British people now being classed as Departure From Normal. Tickets are 6
weight loss tools. on the door or view: seetickets.com. Doors
obese. The causes of obesity are complex, but the easy
accessibility of processed and fast foods continue to push These drugs include: open at 6.30pm. This is an over 18 event
our waist bands up. Many medicines routinely prescribed to Orlistat (Xenical), was approved in 1999 by the FDA. It with all profits going to Brighton Pride
us, including anti-depressants, corticosteroids and isnt an appetite suppressant, rather, a lipase inhibitor.
contraceptives, impact on our weight. While sometimes This medication works by preventing enzymes in the PRIDE ANNOUNCE
attitudes of the medical profession can be unsympathetic and gastrointestinal tract from breaking down dietary fats
into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the
4TH AMBASSADOR
even judgemental, more and more people are turning to ) The fourth and final Pride Ambassador
private sector clinics who offer effective weight loss drug body. The result is that fat absorbed from food is for 2014 is this months Gscene cover
regimes that can prove extremely effective when used in decreased by about 30%. This effectively reduces the model, Nicole Gibson. The Independent
conjunction with a healthily diet and moderate exercise. calories absorbed by the body by 30%, aiding in weight Newspaper's Pink List's one to watch for
loss. 2014, Nicole, a model and actress was
The National Slimming & Cosmetic Clinic in New Road,
Slim Slim is a product unique to National Slimming labelled by the media The unexpected star
Brighton has over 30 years experience with 70 qualified
Clinics and is based on the use of hoodia, a genus of of London Fashion Week. She will join
doctors providing care nationally. They are the UK's largest
private medical slimming group and have been providing 13 species in the flowering plant family Apocynaceae. Michael (Greenbeard) Nelson, Maria
weight loss care for patients in Brighton for 12 years. The The meat of this plant has been used for many years by Baker and Jenny Bennett at the front of
clinic, situated just along from the Theatre Royal, is managed the indigenous population of South America to suppress the Pride Parade on August 2.
appetite on long hunting trips. Many over the counter
NICOLE GIBSON PHOTO SHARON KILGANNON,
Alonglines.com
by the lovely Anna Scott who will make you feel comfortable
and explain the options available to you. appetite suppressants use hoodia in their products,
but Slim Slim has a far higher concentration of the
Once you commence your weight loss programme you will active ingredients than these general release products.
have a private consultation with one of the clinic's doctors
who will check your medical history, take your blood The Brighton clinic doctors are registered with the General
pressure, height, weight and BMI. On commencing the Medical Council along with pharmacists who can dispense
regime patients are encouraged to visit the clinic on a weekly prescription-only medication used to suppress the
basis for a free consultation with a doctor who will review appetite. For those who are unable to take the prescription
your ongoing progress. medication, natural products can be prescribed.
Following WW2, when amphetamines were prescribed to Appetite suppressants, prescribed by the National
soldiers to address lack of food, amphetamines were re- Slimming Clinic include: Phentermine, Diethylpropion,
Nicole pipped John Hamilton, the
directed for use on the civilian market, being sold commercially Lipase inhibitors, Orlistat (Xenical), herbal chairman of Actually Gay Men's Chorus,
as an appetite suppressant until they were outlawed in most alternatives, natural appetite suppressants, Slim
and MCC pastor Michael Hydes to the post
parts of the world in the late 1950s due to safety issues. Slim and Diatramine.
for the final Pride Ambassadors position.
Many amphetamines produced side effects including For a free consultation call Anna on 01273 67 44 88. Michael and John both received more than
addiction, tachycardia and hypertension, which made National Slimming Clinics also offer non-surgical 50 nominations each and polled very well in
prolonged and unsupervised use of these drugs dangerous. cosmetics. each month of nominations. Well done
everyone!
22 22
DAILY NEWS UPDATES ON
)
WWW.GSCENE.COM
Darcy Heston, who has been involved in many people projected onto the the neo- part in Brighton Trans*formed, with
different aspects of the project, said: This project has classical building with quotes about a collection of participants favourite
given me the opportunity to record a very personal part the experiences of being trans* in things that reflect their trans*
of my life, in a way that I have control over. Our Brighton. A massive scaled display journeys through material things.
community is often misrepresented in the media and of trans* peoples pride to make our From boobs and binders to baseball
erased in conventional histories. This project actually communities visible to the city. caps and teddy bears, this touching
gives us a voice and I'm proud to be part of that. display is a gentle reminder of just
It's been great to see a wide section of the trans* ) St James Trans* Pride Parade,
how ordinary we can all be.
community work together on this and amazing to see it Jul 2527: March up St James
all coming together now! Working on the exhibition is Street to Trans* Pride in New Steine E-J Scott, the Curator of Brighton
super-exciting and I can't wait to see our faces and Gardens, past shop windows Trans*formed, said: Its time for our
stories all over Brighton. I hope this will encourage more displaying life-sized portraits from communities to stand up proud and
trans* people to take control over their narratives in Brighton and beyond. the project. Reclaiming St James be counted, so that we can
Street as a queer space, this street- deconstruct the medias
Alice Denny, poet and activist who has been involved as an interviewer,
lined story is symbolic of being out sensationalising of our lives and our
interviewee, book editor and has also been learning how to edit audio and radio, bodies that reinforces old-fashioned,
and proud ambassadors for our
said: Within and beneath each interview in Brighton Trans*formed lies a whole out of date myths and malarkey
communities, fighting transphobia
lifetime experience of joy and pain; frustration, humiliation, struggle, determination about who trans* people really are.
and media misrepresentation
and triumph presented with a rarely-seen unadulterated intimacy and honesty that This exhibition showcases the
through visibility.
has been a privilege to be entrusted with. It has been a moving and energising bravery of individuals who want to
experience. www.facebook.com/BrightonTransformed ) Poke Your Face Through The live in a Brighton free of transphobia
Pier Holes, Jul 2527: Will you and violence. By seeing our faces
ALICE DENNY BY SHARON KILGANNON, Alonglines.com
poke your face through the body of and hearing our stories we share the
the muscle man or the lady in her reality of our world- we are simply
polka dot swimsuit? Or will you be people who love, cry and live our
half muscly, half polka-dotted, mix lives like everybody else- and want
gendered? Mix and match outfits to be respected for it.
and body parts in a trans* take on
an old seaside favourite, and have The Brighton Trans*formed project
your photo taken to remember how is funded by the Heritage Lottery
Fund and run by QueenSpark Books,
we can actively Trans*form
the country's oldest community
Brighton into a friendly city that is
publisher.
supportive and inclusive of its
Brighton Trans*formed book will be
trans* communities.
published in September 2014. For
) Gilded Cage Tattoo Studio, St more information view:
James Street, Jul 2527: Enter www.queensparkbooks.org.uk/them
this avant-garde, LGBTQI tattoo e/56.html
TRANS*PRIDE COMMITTEE: VICKI, SABAH, STEPH, SARAH & FOX, PHOTO BY SHARON KILGANNON, Alonglines.com
GSCENE 25
BRIGHTON 2014
After the huge success of last years inaugural
out for the Trans* Pride banner which will be
set up on the beach directly in front of New
Steine Gardens. The picnic takes place from
12-4pm and all-terrain beach wheelchairs are
available to hire from the Seafront Office.
event, Trans* Pride is back, bigger, better, bolder ) Finally, in the evening from 5-6.30pm the
and takes place over the weekend of July 25-27. party moves to Brighton Swimming Centre
where Trans* Swimming Brighton are hosting
Organisers welcome all trans*, intersex, gender a Trans* Pool Party. Spaces are limited so
variant, non-binary, gender queer people and visitors are limited to only one guest each.
Lifeguards have received trans*-awareness
their friends, family, allies and supporters to training and visitors are welcome to wear
whatever swimwear they are comfortable in,
celebrate the UK's 2nd Trans* Pride festival in eg rash vests, swimsuits and swimming trunks.
Brighton, starting Friday, July 25. However, due to health and safety reasons,
baggy/loose fitting clothing will not be
allowed. Entry is a discounted 2.50 per
wheelchair accessible. To book tickets: person, which is subsidised by Trans* Pride
www.picturehouses.co.uk/cinema/Duke_Of_Yo Brighton. For more info:
rks/film/Trans_Pride_Brighton_Film_Night/ www.facebook.com/events/261817730676299
The organisers are well on their way to meeting
TRANS*PRIDE SATURDAY JULY 26 funding goals, but donations are welcome. To
) On Saturday the main festival event donate, view:
returns to New Steine Gardens (126pm) in www.gofundme.com/transpridebrighton2014
the heart of Kemptown which will be
TRANS*PRIDE FRIDAY JULY 25 transformed into a safe and proud space for FemRock (Vicki Cook and Sabah Choudrey), a
) Trans* Pride 2014 opens with the (2nd the trans* community with a main stage monthly not-for-profit feminist queer music
Annual) Trans* Pride Brighton Film Night in featuring the finest trans* performers, poetry, night featuring performances by Lady Luck &
the evening, showcasing trans* film making live music and comedy, ensuring that this year The Late Night Players, Slum of Legs, Oh
talent and presented at the Duke of Yorks is bigger, better and more gender variant than Captain and many more, will be raising money
Cinema by Eyes Wide Open and My last! for Trans* Pride Brighton on Wednesday, July
Genderation. The first hour will feature non- 2 at the Green Door Store. Doors open at 7pm
fiction trans* documentary short films, ) The big day starts with a parade fronted by and entry fee is only 3 before 8pm, 4 after.
including brand new My Genderation films a live samba band leading everyone along St
James' Street to New Steine Gardens. Take The Trans* Pride committee would like to thank
and I Am Rachel by HIV/AIDS Alliance. The all of those who have supported them over the
second hour will feature music videos and along flags, banners and anything else that
adds to the party atmosphere. Meet outside last 12 months, helping represent trans*
short fictional films for your viewing pleasure. people from all over the UK.
This event was completely sold out last year, the Marlborough Pub, 4 Princes Street at
so has been moved from the Komedia to the 11.30am. Invite your friends and family along ) www.transpridebrighton.tumblr.com
original Duke of Yorks Cinema, which is fully to listen to inspiring speakers and the finest
FOX & LEWIS, PHOTO BY SHARON KILGANNON, Alonglines.com
26 GSCENE
A new project by Fox and Lewis What are we working on right now? Over the
past 6 months, we've been meeting with 25
inspiring people, to create 25 short films,
collectively titled Patchwork, with All About
) My Genderation is an independent With My Genderation we have access to an
Trans. Each short film features someone living
documentary film series exploring gender extremely vulnerable group, ranging in age
in the UK, with passions, interests, upbringings,
variance. Our films feature trans* youth right and gender presentation. We are responsible
gender variance and experiences. Each film
up to pensioners, all who are at varying for the films we create, to accurately
focuses on the theme of support and
points in their lives. represent each contributor.
celebration.
Together Lewis and I have been filming and We are making films to allow a wide audience
The films are destined for the All About Trans
editing episodes of My Genderation. We are to empathise with trans* issues, to give
website, My Genderation website, 4OD, and a
also trans* people. We both have experience trans* people a voice and convey the human
selection of them will be broadcast on Channel
as documentary subjects on national side to our stories. We provide a platform to
4, over the next few months, hopefully with us
television when we featured in the Channel 4 consider gender and all its constructs.
presenting them.
series My Transsexual Summer (MTS) in We aim to provide engaging films on various
2011. Overall MTS had a very positive effect What makes Patchwork entirely unique is that
aspects of being trans* and embracing gender
with raising awareness and starting a it's created by trans people (with experience
variance. These films may feature role models;
dialogue with the nation about trans* issues. both sides of the camera) about trans* people,
the viewer may see similarities with their own
This gives us a very unique perspective for a much wider audience. We direct, film and
life stories.
(having been on both sides of the camera) edit all our films - and we work closely with our
and puts us in a trusted position within a So far everyone has been extremely happy contributors throughout the editing process,
thriving community. and we have a long list of people, globally, keeping our message authentic and clear.
wishing to contribute to the My Genderation
What did we learn from MTS that we can We are both curating and speaking at the (2nd
project. Usually trans* people are a very
bring to the My Genderation project? To annual) Trans* Pride Brighton Film Night
hidden and therefore misunderstood group of
manage peoples expectations, to keep on the opening night for Trans* Pride at the
individuals which is why it is important for us
communicating and remember you are Duke of Yorks Picture House and are creating
to share our thoughts and feelings, as we
interviewing a potentially very vulnerable a comedy show based in Brighton.
progress through transition internally and
group of people. medically, focusing on family, friends and
Keep an open dialogue with the film school situations. We also look at each
individual from a fuller perspective, to reveal
For more information:
subject(s) and let them view their edit before
anyone else sees it. We wouldnt want anyone passions, hobbies and aspirations. ) www.allaboutrans.org.uk
to feel exploited or falsely represented. ) www.mygenderation.com,
Also on MTS they were uncomfortable with ) www.luckytoothproductions.com
SABAH CHOUDREY, PHOTO BY SHARON KILGANNON, Alonglines.com
WHAT TRANS*
PRIDE MEANS
TO ME
by Sabah Choudrey
) Once upon a time, long before
Trans* Pride existed, I didnt feel
proud. I didnt feel proud to be in the
LGBT community. I didnt feel proud
to be trans*, nor did I feel proud to
be a person of colour. I was
disappointed; it felt like we had
already reached where we wanted to
be, throwing a giant party in the city,
and given up the fight, ignoring the
ongoing issues the rest of the LGBT
community around the world are
facing.
When a few friends of friends arranged
a meeting at a caf, I had no idea it
would lead to what Trans* Pride
Brighton is today. We talked about our
invisibility and exclusion, how the
trans* community is only ever thought
of as the last letter in LGBT, how were
grouped in with sexual orientation and
stereotyped with binary gender roles.
Trans* is an umbrella term in itself,
but were never given the space to pop
the umbrella open. The more we spoke,
the more passionate we felt, and with
each word that came out, there was no
going back; we were going to have our
Trans* Pride.
It led to conversation after
conversation why has this never
happened before? Why are we forced
to continue hiding? Why has Pride
stopped being a protest? Because it
still is for many, were still fighting for
our rights to be trans*, proud and
happy, and to live visibly and safely.
Our aim is clear, and we will continue
to strive for true inclusivity, in sexual
and gender diversity and across all
people of colour, of all backgrounds
and abilities. We are putting the T
first.
NICOLE GIBSON, PHOTO BY SHARON KILGANNON, Alonglines.com
28 GSCENE
SAM THE TRANS MAN allows those of us who need external and public validation of what we
have always known, to be legally recognised as the gender we are. To
achieve the legal status of a man, in my case, with a new birth
certificate recognising that I am male, is the pinnacle of confirmation
WITH THE WRONG BITS? Moreover, the GRA does not require me to make radical changes to my
body in order to achieve this recognition. I dont have to have surgery
ASKS DR SAMUEL JAMES HALL or take hormones in order to gain a Gender Recognition Certificate.
What I do have to do is live authentically as a man, and demonstrate
Its great that this months Gscene is dedicated to trans* issues. I hope that I have done so for a minimum of two years, and perhaps more
its a space where things that are sometimes difficult to talk about can importantly - demonstrate that I intend to continue to do so.
be aired. Of course as a transman I am bound to be pleased to have Of course I will continue to do so. The social transition (passport,
the opportunity to expound upon my thoughts even more than I driving licence, bank details, endless bodies and companies that I am a
normally do! Let me be clear from the start, Im not speaking on behalf consumer or customer of) is probably the biggest hurdle. It amounts to
of every person who identifies as transgender, I cant possibly do that. coming out. Telling the world that I am male and wish to be known and
All of us are individuals with our own thoughts, feelings, life addressed as a man was the hardest part by far. Its unlikely, once a
circumstances and histories that shape who we are. So whilst I cannot person has taken this gigantic step, that they will look back.
speak for all, I will try and capture some of the current mood and
societal advances that are important to those who identify as trans* in Its such a struggle living and coping with the mismatch (we call it
any way. dysphoria), and the hormones are a really important first step to
combat that. They provide relief.
Being trans* puts you in a small minority of the population -
estimates range from 1;100,000 to 20;100,000, but even at the top
end thats only 0.02% of the population. There really arent very many
of us, although unofficial data suggests a far higher number of people Its such a struggle living
who do not conform or identify with the gender binary our western
society presents us with. Statistics are always evolving however, and and coping with the mismatch
can only be drawn from public or healthcare data, much of which is
and should be kept confidential, added to which we are notoriously bad (we call it dysphoria), and the
at asking the right questions. hormones are a really important
Certainly more and more youngsters are seeking treatment, often with
the support of their parents, and medical services are, as ever,
first step to combat that. They
struggling to keep up. This may be because whatever causes the
agonising mismatch between biological sex and gender identity is
provide relief
becoming more prevalent, or it may be a reflection of our society
becoming increasingly aware and tolerant, resulting in more trans- My self-esteem and sense of self-respect rocketed at the very moment
identified people feeling able to come forward to seek help. Quite the rest of the world looked at me quizzically. I am quite prepared to
possibly its a combination of the increase in acceptance and continue to be a social pariah and a misfit, largely because I feel so
permission to be who we are, with a genuine increase in numbers of damn good about myself. I have now done all the hard work I needed
transgender individuals. to do in order to achieve that legal recognition, but I wont stop there.
Although I dont have to change my body/take hormones/have surgery,
I know I will. The reason for this is simple: I am a man. I have crossed
I dont have to have that line and admitted it to myself and everyone around me, which
involved painful and upsetting conversations with family and loved
surgery or take hormones ones, as well as being ostracised in the workplace and to some degree
in my church. There are no further barriers to me becoming fully myself
in order to gain a Gender now. Why would I want to live the rest of my life with the wrong bits?
Recognition Certificate. Funny though, it took a while. I was very resistant to hormone
What I do have to do is live treatment in the first instance. I hate the idea of having to have
injections for the rest of my life, and even though I am immersed in
authentically as a man surgery every day of my working life, I dont really want to have loads
of it. Its stressful! When I went for my first appointment at the gender
clinic, the doctor said to me you will feel so much better if you start
taking hormones.
We still dont know what causes this mismatch, but neuroscientific
theories suggest a hormonal influence in utero as a possible cause for I was smugly sure I knew what he meant. That my body would change,
the brain to develop in the opposite direction than would ordinarily my voice would break, I would grow facial hair and people would stop
occur. Theories about nurture rather than nature are probably dead in mistaking me for a woman, but I really wasnt sure if I could face years
the water, but there are plenty of people around who still believe that of medical treatment. Of course those things do happen, but its a very
this is a disorder of the mind. That we are mistakenly deluded slow process and isnt at all what he meant. What he meant was what
individuals who have just plain got ourselves wrong. All I know is he said. You will feel better. And boy do I feel better. Honestly, within
that there has never been a better time to come out as trans* and 48 hours of my first shot of testosterone, long, long (and I mean
change our lives for the better. months) before any physical changes even began, I felt better. As
though a fog of depression had lifted. Life started to take on some
There may well be far better times yet, but we have come a long, long colour, and my brain truly felt as though it had been taken out of the
way in the past 10-15 years. The Gender Recognition Act (GRA 2004) wrong pond, and immersed in the right one.
GSCENE 33
If you think about how fundamental our sex hormones are to healthy
psychological functioning, this really adds weight to the
neuroscientific theories. The best analogy I can think of is that my
brain is an engine that was designed to run on diesel, and has been
forced to run on petrol for the last 30-odd years. It really feels that
simple. Ive been running on the wrong fuel! All this time. And that
doctor was absolutely right. I feel so much better.
Talking to other people who are making this painful journey into
Based in central Brighton, the Clare Project
selfhood, I hear the same stories. Transwomen taking testosterone weekly drop-in is a safe and confidential space to explore
blockers and starting oestrogen therapy finding that their depression issues around gender identity. Facilitated peer support is an
is lifting, suicidal thoughts abate, and even sometimes very physical important element, as well as providing access to low-cost
symptoms such as chronic fatigue start to fade. Its such a struggle psychotherapy and speech therapy.
living and coping with the mismatch (we call it dysphoria), and the
hormones are a really important first step to combat that. They CLARE PROJECT meets every
provide relief. Theres no other word for it.
The effects of hormones are largely reversible. My voice wont un-
TUES from 2.305.30pm
break though, and if a transwoman starts growing breasts they wont at DORSET GARDENS METHODIST CHURCH
go away if she stops taking oestrogen. The gender clinics are very Dorset Gardens (off St James St) Brighton BN2 1RL
keen that we have reversible treatment for some time before doing
anything irreversible. Like surgery. As a doctor myself I understand Except 1st Tues when theres an optional meal out
this reticence and why there is such a long wait, no doctor wants to preceded by the drop-in from 57.30pm
be responsible for what could be completely debilitating surgery if
done too quickly or for the wrong reason. Having said that, the so
called regret rate is low and often attributable to other causes, such
COFFEE MORNING
as a surgical complication or unsatisfactory outcome.
at CHAPEL ROYAL North Street, Brighton, BN1 1EA
I do believe however, in this era of well-informed patients, and SAT 26 JULY from 11am1pm
assuming we trans* people are indeed not mad, that we could be cut a Welcoming all trans & questioning people to this event
bit of slack. Its really highly unlikely that anyone would get as far as which will run every 4th Saturday of each month
gender reassignment surgery unless they were absolutely sure that it
was the right thing for them to do. More details: www.clareproject.org.uk
One of the effects of hormone treatment that some of us experience is Or find on us facebook under Clare Project.
a worsening of the dysphoria. Now that my brain is running on the Email clareprojectinfo@gmail.com
right fuel, and I feel better emotionally and psychologically than I
have done throughout my adult life, I also feel that Ive made
absolutely the right decision. Any doubts or fears about transitioning
medically have been dispelled completely, and my body dysphoria is
much, much worse. I am a man, I finally feel like one who is FUNDED BY
functioning well, and yet when I stand naked in front of the mirror -
well its a horror show. There are bits that shouldn't be there, and bits
missing that make me feel like an amputee. Its a shocking experience
which I largely try and avoid.
What I cant avoid though, is the rest of the world. I cant avoid the LGBT COMMUNITY
daily grind of not knowing whether I am going to be seen as a woman
and addressed as such, or whether Im going to be seen for who I am. SAFETY FORUM
Theres no way of telling, when encountering a stranger, which way its
going to go.
For more information on the LGBT Community
Safety Forum and the work the volunteers do,
As a transman, Im lucky because the hormonal changes will eventually
make it very unlikely that I will be mistaken for a woman in the
please visit: www.lgbt-help.com
future. Spare a thought for transwomen, however, who have many
more physical barriers to being seen for who they are. The younger you
are when you transition, the more likely it is that you will eventually REPORT IT!
pass successfully and leave the agony behind. But for some,
especially those who transition when they are older, there is the Find out how
possibility that that daily uncertainty may never abate. to report a crime:
And its emotionally exhausting, as well as sometimes quite www.lgbt-help.com/report-it
threatening. The threats range from the still all too real possibility of
being verbally or physically assaulted, to the no less damaging
attempts to fix us by using the wrong gender pronoun or address.
Whilst I can forgive liberated Brighton for misguidedly calling me
madam or ladies when in company of my lovely female friends, I
ACCESSIBILITY
really cannot fathom why on earth you would call a transwomen MATTERS
dressed in essentially feminine clothing Sir. Unless of course you just
dont believe that they are who they are. Find out more about
I genuinely think that one of the biggest problems we are facing
our access plan for pride:
today, even in this enlightened world, is that people really dont www.lgbt-help.com/pride/accessibility-matters
believe us
34 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT PICS FROM A BAR, BAR 7 + BRIGHTON SAUNA
JULY
LISTINGS
BAR 7 CRAWLEY
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Sat (12) is the UV PARTY with DJ Michael G at 10pm.
) REGULARS Fri is with DJs at 10pm: Claire Fuller (4), Little Rob (11), Kirsty
Anderson (18), Waynsey Rudeboy (25), entry free before 11pm, 3 after. ) Sat is
with DJs at 10pm: Waynsey Rudeboy (5), Rob Davis (19), Michael G & cabaret
from Topsey Redfurn (26), entry free before 10pm, 3 after. ) Sun is KARAOKE,
free entry.
) DRINK DEALS Wed 69pm, Thur all night.
) OPEN WedSun from 6pm. www.7crawley.co.uk
A-BAR
l BULLDOG
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri (4) SANFRANDISCO with DJ Mick Fuller at 9pm.
Dog-friendly seafront bar, DJs & pool table
) REGULARS Fri entertainment: Billie May live (11), Gios Soul Sessions (18) and
31 St James's St, BN2 1RF OPEN: MonThur 3pm12am, Fri & Sat
CABARET with Misty Lee (25) at 9.30pm. ) Sat is Pre-Club tunes. SATURDAY Tel: 01273 696996 1pm2am, Sun 1pm12am
SESSIONS (26) is with DJ Grant Knowles at 9pm. ) Wed is the Open Mic PIANO www.bulldogbrighton.com DRINK PROMOS: SunThur all day, Fri &
BAR with Mark Hodge; sing your favourite tune with Mark or just listen at 8.30pm. Two floor venue with DJs & cabaret Sat 17pm
) FOOD bar food served MonSat 127pm (last orders 6.30pm); Golden Handbag OPEN: daily 11amvery late l FUNKYFISH BAR
award winning Sunday roasts served 125pm (last orders 4pm), to book call 01273 DRINK PROMOS: Mon, Tue & Thur 37pm Marine Parade, BN2 1TL
696691. & 11pm12am; Wed 37pm; Fri 37pm & Tel: 01273 698331,
) DRINK DEALS house wine 12 every day; double-up on spirits for extra 1.50 all 911pm; Sat 10pm12am; Sun all www.funkyfishclub.co.uk
day, every day; SunThur, buy one cocktail get the other half price all day. day12am Seafront facing bar, mixed clientele
) OPEN SunThur 12pm12am; Fri & Sat 12pm2am. Unrivalled sea view, large l CAMELFORD ARMS OPEN: daily from 12pm
smoking & sun terrace, and all big sport events. www.abarbrighton.co.uk 30-31 Camelford St, BN2 1TQ l LEGENDS BAR
Tel: 01273 622386, www.camelfordarms.com 31-34 Marine Parade, BN2 1TR
Dog friendly, traditional pub Tel: 01273 624462,
OPEN: daily from 12pm www.legendsbrighton.com
l CHARLES ST
Information is correct at the time of going to OPEN: Sun & Wed 6pm12.30am,
press. Gscene cannot be held responsible for Bar with regular DJs, cabaret, food &
ThurSat 6pm2.30am
any changes or alterations to the listings 8 Marine Parade, BN2 1TA seafront facing sun terrace
DRINK PROMOS: Wed 69pm, Thur all
Tel: 01273 624091, www.charles- OPEN: daily 115am
night
BARS l BAR REVENGE street.com DRINK PROMOS: Mon-Fri 11am-midnight
l A-BAR Bar with food, top cabaret, regular DJs & l MARINE TAVERN
32-34 Old Steine, BN1 1EL
11-12 Marine Parade, BN2 1TL sun terrace 13 Broad St, BN2 1TJ
Tel: 01273 606064, www.revenge.co.uk
Tel: 01273 696691, OPEN: daily from 12pm Tel: 01273 681284,
Seafront bar with DJs & live music
www.abarbrighton.co.uk DRINK PROMOS: MonSat 59pm, Tues, www.marinetavern.co.uk
OPEN: Sun-Wed 12pm-1am; Thur 12pm-
Seafront bar with sun terrace & food Thu & Fri 9pmclose, Sun 8.30pmclose Friendly bar with regular quiz nights
l DR BRIGHTONS
2am; Fri & Sat 12pm-6am
OPEN: SunThur 12pm12am, Fri & Sat OPEN: SunThur 1112am, Fri & Sat
DRINK PROMOS: Mon-Sun, day & night.
l BROADWAY BAR
12pm2am 16-17 Kings Rd, BN1 1NE 12pm2am
DRINK PROMOS: all day, every day. Tel: 01273 208113 DRINK PROMOS: Wed & Thur 7-11pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY
10 Steine Street, Brighton. BN10 8GA
Tel: 01273 609777 (from mid-July) www.doctorbrightons.co.uk
7 Pegler Way, Crawley, RH11 7AG OPEN: Sun-Thurs 4pm-1am, Fri/Sat 4pm-
Tel: 01293 511177 www.7crawley.co.uk 3am
Bar & lounge with top cabaret
BRIGHTON SAUNA
) REGULARS Every Wed and Sun are NAKED DAY all day (no towels to be worn).
) DRINKS licensed bar 7 days a week; SunThur 111am and Fri & Sat 112am.
) OPEN For listings visit: www.thebrightonsauna.com
PICS FROM BOUTIQUE GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 35
BOUTIQUE
Boutique is an opulent and fashionable club, on 2 Boyces Street off West Street, Brighton.
) BOOKINGS to make BED/VIP bookings call Rebecca on 01273 327607 or email
becky@boutiqueclubbrighton.com
) OPEN Mon, Wed-Sat from 9pm; Sun from 10pm.
boutiqueclubbrighton.com/news Follow Boutique on Facebook:
BoutiqueClubBrighton or Twitter @Boutique_BN1
CLUBS
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
Nightclub below Legends Bar & Hotel
www.legendsbrighton.com
OPEN: Wed & FriSun from 11pm
ENTRY: free entry daily
DRINK PROMOS: Wed, Fri & Sun all night
l BOUTIQUE BRIGHTON
2 Boyces St@West St, BN1 1AN
www.boutiqueclubbrighton.com
OPEN: Mon, Wed-Sat from 9pm; Sun from
10pm.
36 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT PICS FROM BULLDOG + CAMELFORD ARMS
JULY
LISTINGS
JULY
LISTINGS
L-R: SALLY VATE, DRAG IDOL WINNER GIA MASSACRE, & MYRA DUBOIS
JULY
LISTINGS
JULY
LISTINGS
l REVENGE Naughty Pop: DJs Trick & Dana l PARIS HOUSE live music: Nuit de
) OPEN daily from 11am5am. Free entry, all day sun terrace.
) www.legendsbrighton.com
11pm Chanson & Fleur de Paris 8pm
l ROYAL OAK Davina Sparkles School l POISON IVY cabaret: Miss Penny
Night Challenge 8.30pm 9.30pm; karaoke
l POISON IVY cabaret: Topsie Redfurn l ZONE Betty Swollocks karaoke 8.30pm l QUEENS ARMS cabaret 9.30pm
SUNDAY 13 l REVENGE FOMO: DJs 10.30pm
l BAR 7@CRAWLEY karaoke 6pm
5.30pm; karaoke
l QUEENS ARMS cabaret 9.30pm WEDNESDAY 16 l SUBLINE Leathered 9pm
l BAR REVENGE acoustic music l SUBLINE Come in Your Pants: DJ l A-BAR open mic: Mark Hodge 8.30pm
4.30pm; Karaoke Queens: LouBag & N.U.D.E, underwear party 8pm l BAR REVENGE Crash: DJ Dana 7pm FRIDAY 18
Smithy 7.30pm l THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS live jazz l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS Ice: DJ l A-BAR Gios Soul Sessions 9.30pm
l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS 4pm; World Cup Final 8pm Claire Fuller 11pm l BAR 7@CRAWLEY DJ Kirsty Anderson
Pop!Candy: DJ Claire Fuller 11pm l ZONE cabaret 6pm l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 11am
l BEDFORD TAVERN Piano Bingo 5pm
6pm
l BULLDOG Diva Rush: DJ Marcia 10pm l BAR REVENGE Gaydio v Revenge warm-
l BRIGHTON SAUNA Naked Day 12pm MONDAY 14 l CHARLES ST Quiz With No Name with
l BULLDOG DJ Grant & karaoke 10pm
up: DJ Alex Baker 9pm
l BAR REVENGE Quiz with Liz 8.30pm l BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS
l CAMELFORD ARMS raffle 5pm; World
Drag With No Name & cash prizes 9pm
l BULLDOG Marcias Glitter Ball 10pm l POISON IVY Stephanie Starlets Amateur
Fastforward: DJ Peter Castle 11pm
Cup Final 8pm l ENVY Studio 150: student night 10pm l BULLDOG DJ Marcia 10pm; cabaret:
l CHARLES ST cabaret: Tammy Twinkle
Strip Night 8pm
l LEGENDS BAR Miss Jasons Monday l QUEENS ARMS cabaret: Miss Jason Topping & Butch midnight
7.30pm; Tranny Rock & Roll Bingo: Sally Madhouse 9pm l SUBLINE Fag Machine: alt night 9pm l CAMELFORD ARMS Friday Club 6pm
Vate 8.30pm l POISON IVY karaoke l CHARLES ST Fruity Fri Fix: DJ Leeroy 9pm
l DIRTY SUNSET DISCO@REVENGE l QUEENS ARMS cabaret 9.30pm THURSDAY 17 l DIRTY SUNSET DISCO@OHSO
Roof-terrace party (weather depending): DJs l BAR REVENGE FOMO warm-up: DJ Kelly SOCIAL DJs Chris Barker, Queen Josephine,
Chris Barker & Queen Josephine 5pm TUESDAY 15
l LEGENDS BAR cabaret: Lola Lasagne
L 9pm David Ethics & HiFi Sean 8pm
l BAR REVENGE Wheel of Fortune l BULLDOG Release: DJ Grant 10pm l DR BRIGHTONS Funky Fri: DJ Nick Hirst
3.30pm l CAMELFORD ARMS Big Cash Quiz 9pm 9.30pm
l PARIS HOUSE Bastille Day
Karaoke: Harry or Lou Bag 8pm
l BULLDOG Poptastic: DJ Lee 10pm l CHARLES ST Mad Cows Tea Party: Ms l FUNKYFISH CLUB Strictly Fri: DJ Aky
Celebrations: Fleur de Paris, CanCan Girls l POISON IVY karaoke Joan Bond, tunes 9pm 10pm
& food 12pm l QUEENS ARMS cabaret 9.30pm l LEGENDS BAR Rewind: DJs 9pm
44 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT PICS FROM OHSO SOCIAL, POISON IVY, PARIS HOUSE + QUEENS ARMS
JULY
LISTINGS
OHSO SOCIAL
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri is DIRTY SUNSET DISCO (DSD) with guest DJs Zach
Burns (4), Eduardo Herrera (11), Hifi Sean (18), Chris Brogan (25) and residents
Chris Barker, Queen Josephine & David Ethics spinning disco-fused house/grooves at
8pm. Entry 2 b4 11pm/3 after. Check www.facebook.com/dirtysunsetdisco and
www.dirtysunsetdisco.com for the DSD Pride parties on Aug 1, 2 and 3.
) REGULARS Sat DJs spin pop tunes at 8pm.
) FOOD Breakfasts served daily 9am12pm; lunch served 12-9pm from classic fish
& chips to high-end steaks and burgers. Premier dining experience on Brighton beach
seafront, sandwiched between the iconic Brighton Pier and the fairground carousel.
) OPEN daily from 9am. Enjoy a coffee, cocktail or beer while you take in the sun on the
terrace. www.ohsobrighton.co.uk POISON IVY
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Wed is Stephanie Starlets AMATEUR STRIP NIGHT with
karaoke & 100 cash prize at 8pm.
l POISON IVY karaoke l OHSO SOCIAL DJs 8pm ) REGULARS KARAOKE 7 nights a week with drag hosts every night. ) Thur is
l QUEENS ARMS cabaret 9.30pm l PARIS HOUSE live jazz 4pm; TCs CABARET at 9.30pm: Candi Rell (3), Rose Garden (10), Miss Penny (17), Baga
l REVENGE Shameless: DJs Lee Harris & Joyful Noise: DJ Kenny 9pm Chips (24) and Pam Catz (31). ) Sun CABARET at 5.30pm: Dave Lynn (6), Topsie
Trick 10.30pm l POISON IVY karaoke
l SUBLINE Steam 9pm l QUEENS ARMS cabaret 9.30pm
Redfurn (13), Saucy Sophie (20) and Davina Sparkle (27).
PARIS HOUSE
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Sun (13) is BASTILLE DAY CELEBRATIONS with live music
from Fleur de Paris, CanCan Girls & food all day from 12pm.
) REGULARS Thur is free LIVE MUSIC at 8pm: Remi Harris (3), Area Code 273
QUEENS ARMS
(10) and Nuit de Chanson & Fleur de Paris (17). ) Sat free LIVE JAZZ at 4pm; TC's ) ONE FOR THE DIARY Every Wed is CABARET with Miss Jason as youve never
JOYFUL NOISE with DJ Kenny at 9pm, free entry. seen her before.
) FOOD platter of French food to share & large carafe of wine 15. ) REGULARS Top CABARET every night at 9.30pm.
) OPEN daily from 12pm. www.parishousebrighton.com ) OPEN daily from 12pm.
46 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT PICS FROM BAR REVENGE & CLUB REVENGE
JULY
LISTINGS
JULY
LISTINGS
ROYAL OAK
Church Street has moved to The Royal Oak, 46 St James Street, Brighton.
) ONE FOR THE DIARY Tue is now Davina Sparkles SCHOOL NIGHT
CHALLENGE with cabaret, free shots and the tin of baked beans at 8.30pm.
) REGULARS Sat is CABARET at 9.30pm: Jennie Castell (5), Topsie Redfurn (12),
Krissie DuCann (19) and Cassidy Connors (26).
) FOOD served by Golden Handbag-winning chefs: MonFri lunch menu 123pm &
evening menu 69pm; Sunday roasts served 12pmtill gone.
) DRINK DEALS A wide selection of local cask conditioned ales served daily.
) OPEN MonThur 1211pm; Fri & Sat 12pm1am; Sun 1210.30pm.
Check out The Royal Oaks spacious beer garden for some summer sunshine!
JULY
LISTINGS
ZONE BAR
THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS ) ONE FOR THE DIARY Fri (11) is CABARET with Miss Jason at 9.30pm.
) REGULARS Tue is BETTY SWOLLOCKS' KARAOKE at 8.30pm. ) Fri is live
) REGULARS Sun is JAZZ ROAST at 4pm, free entry. ENTERTAINMENT at 9.30pm: Stone & Street (4), Dave Lynn (18) and Back Beat
) FOOD served from 123pm & 69pm, two burger meals 15. Sunday roast (25). ) Sat ENTERTAINMENT at 9.30pm: Billie May (5), Sally Vate (12 & 26) and
served from 1pm. Collusion (19). ) Sun is CABARET at 6pm.
) OPEN from 12pm on MonSat, 1pm on Sun. Private function room available for ) DRINK DEALS all day and night every Mon, Wed & Thur.
parties, call 01273 608571. ) www.3jollybutchers.com ) OPEN daily from 10am.
52 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT PICS FROM DYMK BOURNEMOUTH
SOLENT &
BOURNEMOUTH
BOURNEMOUTH
SOUTHAMPTON
l EDGE Pop! DJ 11pm
l BAKERS ARMS 77-79 Commercial Rd, l LONDON HOTEL Karaoke Cruising: Tammy
DANCE
MUSIC
BY QUEEN JOSEPHINE & KATE WILDBLOOD
SHOPPING
WITH MICHAEL HOOTMAN
colourful and affordable then Private
Structure is EXACTLY what youre looking for.
This vibrant new brand at Clonezone features a
range of sexy mens briefs and boxers, as well as
sportswear and T-shirts. Private Structure pride
) Bluebird Tea Co, (41 Gardner themselves on the ultra-soft fabric, their unique
St, Brighton, 01273 681792) designs are made from that feel as good against the
sells everything from Toasted skin as they look. The vibrant range is ideal for those
Apple to Builders' Tea from who want to spice up their underwear collections
3.50 per 100g. with good quality pieces that wont break the bank.
You can explore the EXCLUSIVE range online at
Clonezone.co.uk or in your local Clonezone store.
GEEK COMICS
SCENE
BY CRAIG STORRIE This year the greatest super hero, the
Dark Knight, celebrates his 75th
anniversary. So lets delve into the
GAMES past and explore some of the greatest
stories from the DC archives to feature
Since first gracing our computer screens back in 1986 with isometric the Batman!
action game Batman, the Dark Knight has been in many video games. A DEATH IN THE FAMILY
As weve dug into some of the best Batman stories, lets uncover the ) Of all the enemies he has faced
greatest Batman video games and why you should play them! and hardships Batman has had to
BATMAN RETURNS (VARIOUS SYSTEMS) endure, the death of Jason Todd is
) Based on the Tim Burton directed sequel, Batman Returns is a probably the worst experience he has
scrolling fighting game not unlike the Final Fight and Streets of Rage had to go through since the death of
series. Taking control of Batman you his parents. Published in 1988 the
battle your way through several levels storyline sees the second Robin, Jason Todd, tracking down his long
defeating the villainous Red Triangle lost mother to Ethiopia. She has been blackmailed by the Joker into
Circus Gang. The game also includes a giving him medical supplies which he uses to make his deadly laughing
level where you take control of the gas. After handing Jason over to the Joker, he savagely beats him with
Batmobile chasing down bikers and a crowbar to near death and then blows up both him and his mother
heavily armed vans. The game with a time bomb and both die of their injuries. The death of Robin
features excellent graphics, sound sent Batman into a dark spiral treating villains more violently than
and controls and has a fantastic dark atmosphere that really makes usual and even punching Superman in the face. Luckily teenager Tim
you feel like you are making your way through the actual film. Drake believes Batman always needs a Robin and finally brings Bruce
out of the darkness. Bruce keeps Jasons costume in the Batcave as a
LEGO BATMAN 1 & 2 (Various Systems) constant reminder to never let something like this happen again.
) Based on both the comics and the Lego Batman toy line, the
series is family fun at its best mostly down to the ability to play the NO MANS LAND
game co-operatively: more so the second game as most of the Justice ) After Gotham is devastated by a
League and their respective villains are controllable at some point huge earthquake, the US government
during the game. The Lego Batman series is notable for many first in declares Gotham a No Mans Land by
the Lego franchise; Lego Batman was the first Lego game to have an destroying all the bridges into the
original story and Lego Batman 2 was the first Lego game to feature city. Due to the dwindling law
open world exploration and a fully voiced cast. enforcement, Gothams criminals and
super villains carve up the city into
ARKHAM SERIES (Various Systems) different districts and rule their
) There isnt much else I can say about this amazing series that territories how they see fit. Batman
hasnt already been put to paper. Quite simply they are some of the and Jim Gordon work with other
greatest super hero video games ever made. Arkham City is arguably heroes to return order to the city, and
the best in the series and whilst after many months and interference
Origins isnt quite as good as the from Lex Luthor the US Government
other games (which could be due finally reverses the No Mans Land
to the fact it is the only game in order. The storyline is notable for
the series not developed by introducing Harley Quinn, Cassandra
Rocksteady Studios) it is still Cain (the third Batgirl) and a new Batman costume. It also saw the
head and shoulders above most death of Gordons wife Sarah by the Joker, something the villains
super hero games out there. Keep actually found no humour in.
your eyes out for the latest, and
possibly the final, game in the series Arkham Knight, which is NIGHT OF THE OWLS
released on all next gen consoles and PC this October. ) Being the first event since the New
52 came about, The Night of Owls
ADVENTURES OF BATMAN & ROBIN (SNES/Mega Drive) delves into the history of Gotham City
) Based on the critically acclaimed cartoon: Batman the animated and turns everything Batman thought
series, The Adventures of Batman & Robin, sees you suit up as the he knew on its head. Following Bruce
dynamic duo and battle through many Waynes announcement that he will
varied levels, each ending in a reshape Gotham, the mysterious Court
memorable face-off with one of the of Owls sentence Wayne to death
major villains from the series such as despatching their assassin known as
The Joker, Catwoman, The Riddler and The Talon.
Two-Face. With the defeat of the assassin,
The game leaps off the screen with Batman discovers secret rooms hidden
amazing visuals based on designs from within every building funded by
the hit show and features stunning Bruces own great-grandfather. After a
sound and diverse level design. The ability to use various gadgets deadly rematch with The Talon in the
helps to add a detective twist to the game as well as using them to Courts lair, Batman spares the Talons life and declares war on the
complete some levels. Court, vowing he will hunt them down. In response, the Court awakens
all of their past Talons and releases them on Gotham that very night to
utterly destroy the Batman. With so many twists, turns and revelations
) Notable mentions: Injustice (PS3/Xbox 360), Batman Begins the Night of the Owls is a fantastic event worthy to stand as one of the
(PS2/Xbox) and DC Online (PC/PS3/PS4) best storylines in the past decade.
GSCENE 61
COGGINGS & CO
8793 Dyke Road, BN1 3JE
01273 220220 www.coggingsandco.com
ARTS
BY MICHAEL HOOTMAN
Week and Michael McIntyre's
Comedy Roadshow). July's line up:
headliner Sara Pascoe (Stand up
performance lecture that delves
into the personal-political debate
of a country on the edge of a
for the Week and Live at the Apollo) decision. Expect rousing speeches,
plus Tom Webb The masterful Tom bicycles dressed as horses,
HAVE A WORD Webb... It's stuff like this that a woman dressed as Mel Gibson
WITH FASHION makes the Fringe great' Three Weeks and your very own Scottish
Concorde 2, Madeira Drive
***** and Luisa Omielan who has enlightenment.
www.concorde2.com
gained huge recognition in the UK ) ARE YOU LONESOME TONIGHT?
) HAVE A WORD WITH FASHION
and US with her smash sell out (Thu 17). Ellie Stamp was told
(Thur 31, 711pm) with X3
show, What Would Beyonc Do? that she is the secret love child of
Designers, Andrew Bannister
Elvis. Since then she has been
Bailey, Modern Love and Le Bratt showing new and one-off clothing,
MARLBOROUGH THEATRE trying to discover how and why
plus unique collection sourced from the Sussex Beacon charity shop
4 Princes St, Brighton delusional beliefs occur. Are You
by Ellis Collins; performances by Cabaret Boheme; marketplace
www.pinkfringe.org.uk Lonesome Tonight? is a solo
clothes stalls Muse UK, Limited House of Hoye, Foxed Up Vintage,
PINK FRINGE presents... interactive performance, created
Twit Twoo, Cakes and others tbc; DJs include Ash Huntington, Kate
) GUINEA PIGS ON TRIAL (Sat 5 with neuroscientist research
Wildblood, Queen Josephine, Affy Go Bang and Josh The Barber;
& Sun 6). Sh!t Theatre have pretty partners and based on true events.
live PAs from QBoy, Marcos Brito and Osaro Ogbeide, Kitten and The
good bodies, so naturally, they try It utilises Ellies skills in immersive
HipGuest; presenters Stephanie Starlet and Julie Graham.
to sell them. Pharmaceutical trials theatre, game play, visual imagery
Supporting Brighton Pride and the Sussex Beacon this will be a great
such as Flu Camp are marketed to and music to examine current
way to kick-start Pride weekend as well as raising funds. Earlybird
jobseekers and students as a way methodology used to define and
tickets: 10 (+booking fee) http://bit.ly/1hXJia, or from Concorde 2.
of making money, essentially measure madness. She invites
turning poor people into guinea the audience to explore her lineage
pigs. Becca and Louise undertake to The King by playing with nine
THE BASEMENT drug trial work as r&d for the show numbers that fascinated Sir Isaac
Argus Lofts, Kensington St, Btn and as a fundraising strategy for Newton, Pythagoras and Elvis.
www.facebook.com/charitycabaret the project. They signed up for
) Brighton Pride Cabaret trials testing gastro-enteritis,
INTO THE WOODS
fundraiser (Sat 26), comedy and asthma and flu, trials testing
music from Jonwayne Connolly, opiods for heroin addiction and
Judy Theobald, Rosie Wilby, botox for bladder problems
Claire Parker, Chick Atkinson, VG ) RAYMONDO (Sat 5 & Sun 6).
Lee and hosted by Annabel The story of brothers,
Pribelszk. Doors 7pm, show 8pm. EMPORIUM incarceration, escape, survival,
Tickets: 12 in advance, 14 on 88 London Road, Brighton loss, desire, art, resilience, the
the door, 10 concessions. www.emporiumbrighton.com shittiness of others, the kindness ) CLEAVEDON ROAD (Wed 23 &
) INTO THE WOODS (Tue 1Sat of others, and Love. Told by Annie Thu 24). Emerging gay writers give
27). An ambivalent Cinderella; a Siddons and accompanied by an a fresh insight into messy break-
blood-thirsty Little Red Riding- atmospheric live score of ups. Two hilarious, poignant and
hood; a Prince Charming with a guitars, loops and keyboard, dramatic shorts that we can all
roving eye; and a witch who... Raymondo is a raw, funny and relate to. Famously thought to be
raps? They're all here in Stephen tender lyrical narrative that will worlds apart maybe gay men and
Sondheim and James Lapine's sear through your defences straight gay women have more in common
magical fairy tale blend. to your heart. than we think. Temporary Theatre
MY NIGHT WITH REG
) THE SPACE (Mon 14). The ) SHOW OFF (Wed 16). Figs in employs gay actors and writers at
unique, quarterly, Brighton-based Wigs' show delves deep into our the beginning of their careers to
entertainment & arts event hosted digital existence, examining how nurture new and exciting talent.
by Lisa Holloway with exclusive social media has bred a new form
special guest interviews. of narcissism. Masquerading as a
This month Primal Scream bassist, variety show this desperately glitzy
number continually reinvents itself
MILK PRESENTS
PEGGY ANGUS
Sussex Sixth Form College
(BHASVIC) Hall in Seven Dials.
Paying tribute to the popular BBC
social networking and a live programme Strictly Come Dancing, INK-D GALLERY
YouTube experiment, some Britney, Resound Male Voices will present Brighton, www.ink-d.co.uk
a tender and inappropriate an evening of dance-inspired music ) In Brighton I am included in a group show entitled PUSHING
love story, and childhood toys. Its that'll make you two-step and tap PAINT, a celebration of oils on canvas. Artists involved include Jake
about our obsessions, and your feet. Led by Stefan Wood Evans, John Simpson, Sarah Shaw, Harry Adams, Enzo
pretensions, and teenage girls - Holmstrm, Swedish opera singer Marra(me), Tim Fawcett and others.
but dont let that put you off. and vocal coach, and joined by a
group of live musicians, the choir HILLSBORO FINE ART
THEATRE ROYAL will show off a few moves of their Dublin, www.hillsborofineart.com
New Road, Brighton own courtesy of West End director ) Im also involved in a three-man
Box office: 08448 717 650 and choreographer Alex show TROIKA, which is a
) ANOTHER COUNTRY (Mon 7Sat McQuillen-Wright. Featuring contemporary painting exhibition
12). The play follows a company of songs by Arbeau, Piazzolla, Irving involving Sen Guinan, Enzo
public schoolboys through a Berlin, Scissor Sisters, Pink Marra(me) and Alison Pilkington
summer term in the early 1930s Martini, Jobim, Jim Croce, Van (July 10Aug 9). Hillsboro Fine Art,
ALISON PILKINGTON
where Bennett and Judd are both Morrison and others. From an which was founded by gallery director
outsiders; one coming to terms elegant Viennese waltz to a John Daly in 1995, is widely
passionate Finnish tango to the recognised as Irelands leading 20th
drunken tale of the best salsa century and contemporary gallery, and
dancer in Brighton, you won't want has now established a significant
ANOTHER COUNTRY
to miss this unique programme. reputation around the world. The gallery is one minute from O'Connell
Tickets: early bird 10/8 Street in the cultural and social heart of Georgian Dublin. Parnell
www.resoundmalevoices.org and Square is the second earliest of Dublin's squares and is also the
12/10 on the door. location of Dublin City Gallery The Hugh Lane, which houses the
wonderful Francis Bacon Studio.
64 GSCENE
FILM
Anne Heche
Plot: A man fakes his own death
and assumes a new identity in
BY MICHAEL HOOTMAN order to escape his life, and then
moves in with a woman who is also
I AM DIVINE trying to leave her past behind.
Dir: Jeffrey Schwarz Word on net: An offbeat,
Stars: Divine, Michael Musto, sometimes self-congratulatory road
the old folk's home on his 100th movie romance. ) The film
Mark Payne
birthday. equivalent of a dysfunctional
Plot: How Divine, aka Harris
Word on net: A rare incidence of a computer sloppily assembled from
Glenn Milstead, became John
film adaptation that is much more
Waters' cinematic muse and an
successful than its source. )
international drag icon.
Gets the balance of callously dark
Word on net: A glimpse of a
humour and playful, silly
surprisingly shy and gentle soul
storytelling just right. ) Despite
who longed to be a star.
its inventive plotting and
) A serious documentary about
infectious irreverence for historical
this gloriously trashy trailblazer.
events, its far too easy to imagine
) Entertaining doc is sweeter
this elaborate comedy as a dumb discarded parts of other machines.
than expected and will be an
Adam Sandler vehicle. ) Has a ) A far-fetched story, told in a
eye-opener for young fans.
good eye for the madcap, and rather unappealing way.'
maintains a constant breezy 'Constantly screws up even its own
CHEF pulp. ) Johnson, obviously mood. mid-sized ambitions.
Dir: Jon Favreau having the time of his life, is a
Stars: Jon Favreau, Robert Downey hoot, and the feisty camaraderie ALSO OUT...
Jr, Scarlett Johansson among its stars gives film a ) JOE stars Nicolas Cage as an
Plot: A chef who loses his euphoric goofiness. ) One of ex-con who meets a 15-year-old
restaurant job starts up a food those movies that arrives every boy and is faced with the choice of
truck in an effort to reclaim his now and then with no fanfare but redemption or ruin.
creative promise, while piecing a canny sense of how to grab our ) The Wachowskis' JUPITER
back together his estranged family. attention and hold it in a ASCENDING stars Mila Kunis as a
tightening grip. young destitute human woman who
BEGIN AGAIN gets targeted for assassination by
THIRD PERSON Dir: John Carney the Queen of the Universe, and
Dir: Paul Haggis Stars: Keira Knightley, Hailee begins her destiny to finish the
Stars: Liam Neeson, Mila Kunis, Steinfeld, Mark Ruffalo Queen's reign.
James Franco Plot: A dejected music business
Plot: Three interlocking love executive forms a bond with a
stories involving three couples in young singer-songwriter new to
Word on net: So thin and bland it three cities: Rome, Paris, and New Manhattan.
doesn't even inspire contempt. ) York. Word on net: Deeply and
Favreau's masterly light touch as embarrassingly sincere. ) A
an actor hasn't yet translated to a movie obsessed with authenticity
similarly deft offhandedness but as phoney as a Miley Cyrus
behind the camera. ) A slight dance routine. ) Plays like an ) There's a reissue for Billy
but sweet film that feels like it endless and quickly tiresome string Wilder's classic Some Like It Hot.
was tossed together in short of movie montages.' Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon
order. have to flee the Mob in drag and,
ARTHUR NEWMAN whilst on the run, fall for Marilyn
COLD IN JULY Word on net: A work of Dir: Dante Ariola Monroe's chanteuse.
Dir: Jim Mickle staggering trash; an ensemble Stars: Colin Firth, Emily Blunt,
Stars: Michael C Hall, Sam drama with the aesthetic of an in-
Shepard, Don Johnson flight magazine, but less classy FILM C O M P E T I T I O N
Plot: When a protective father writing. ) An audacious failure,
meets a murderous ex-con, both one that even its starry cast can't ) DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE
soon find themselves entangled in save. ) Trite script... nothing
APES sees a nation of genetically
a downwards spiral of lies and short of an outright
evolved apes led by Caesar
violence while having to confront embarrassment.
threatened by a band of human
their own inner psyche. survivors of the devastating virus
Word on net: Strictly for THE 100-YEAR-OLD MAN unleashed a decade earlier.
connoisseurs of violent genre WHO CLIMBED OUT THE ) To win two tickets to the
WINDOW AND Odeon Brighton send the answer to the following question on a
DISAPPEARED postcard along with your address to: Gscene Film Competition, 111
Dir: Felix Herngren
Western Rd, Hove, BN3 1DD: In which year was the first Planet of the
Stars: Robert Gustafsson, Iwar
Apes film released?
Wiklander, David Wiberg
Plot: Dynamite expert Allan
Karlsson's life, and the unlikely June Competition: Mojo
events following his escape from
GSCENE 65
BRODSKY QUARTET
BBC Philharmonic, relish this. The miss an element of drive and
Third Concerto is probably the best energy in the last movement of the
) Ive been following the known and most often performed, Dvok. However, they bring a
recordings of French pianist, Jean- and is another barnstormer, with a touching sensitivity to the themes
Efflam Bavouzet with great real crowd-pleasing finale, which in the first movement, and the
interest over the last few years. slow movement has suitable enchanting confection. I have to
once again Bavouzet dashes off
His complete Ravel and Debussy pathos. The outer movements of confess here to a personal aversion
with aplomb. Yet he shows real
sets were revelatory and award- the Barber have a taut intensity, to Coplands Rodeo, which I find
restraint in the middle movements
winning too. I also enjoyed the and the Brodskys are highly too self-consciously folksy.
variations, which benefit from his
treat of him performing the Ravel However, the Brodskys
cool and precise approach. The
Piano Concerto in G major with the arrangement here is faithful to the
Fourth Concerto is a tricky work,
Philharmonia Orchestra in the original, and performed with great
but it has a beautifully affecting
Brighton Festival this year. But spark. I much prefer the Two Pieces
slow movement, played here with
hes showed beyond a shadow of a by Copland, a brightly rhythmic
great sensitivity. In a programme
doubt that French pianist doesnt Rondino, preceded by a darker
note from Bavouzet himself, he
just mean French repertoire. Lento molto, and the Brodskys give
reveals that in the 1990s he
Regular readers will know that he them great character and intensity.
suffered with functional dystonia,
is part way through two major The closing Regret by Brubeck is
affecting his right hand, and it
cycles of Haydn and Beethoven an emotional piece, full of sadness
was only through extensive
Sonatas, and the Haydn cycle in in its falling chromatic lines.
physiotherapy over two years that
particular is proving to be a Overall, I would say these are
his ability in the right hand was
landmark set. convincing, but their Adagio, performances that I would love to
restored. So perhaps the Fourth
stretched almost to the limits of hear live the risks the Brodskys
has particular resonance for him.
not collapsing under its own take with tempi, and their
The final Fifth Concerto is full of
weight, rather pulls focus from the immediate and engaging style
sarcasm and modernism, yet even
rest of the work. Their performance communicate well, but on repeated
here, Prokofiev includes a tender
of the Gershwin Lullaby is again listening, without the energy of
lullaby slow movement, before a
very slow, but has a captivating, live performance, their laid back
spirited ride to the finish. These
rather louche feel to it. Written as approach is not so sustainable.
are wonderful performances, and
a harmony exercise for his teacher, Chandos CHAN10801
unlike many cycles, there is much
Edward Kilenyi, the piece was Reviews, comments and events:
to be gained from listening to
forgotten until it was published in nicks-classical-
these rich and varied concertos
1968. The Brodskys take here lifts notes.blogspot.co.uk
back to back you wont be
it from a mere novelty to a rather Email: nbclassical@hotmail.co.uk
disappointed.
So it will come as no great Chandos CHAN10802(2)
surprise that his latest set of the
five Prokofiev Piano Concertos, ) A disc of New World Quartets
CONCERTS
ANI BATIKIAN
with Gianandrea Noseda and the by the BRODSKY QUARTET well,
BBC Philharmonic, is also a real Dvoks String Quartet Op. 96,
gem. The Concertos were written The American is the obvious ST LUKES CHURCH
by Prokofiev to be performed by starting place. And Samuel Queens Park Road, Brighton
himself, apart from the Fourth, for Barbers (1910-1981) String www.stlukesconcerts.webeden.co.uk
left hand only, which he composed Quartet, Op. 11, with its famous ) Natasha Holmes (cello) and
for Paul Wittgenstein. slow movement, later orchestrated Nancy Cooley (piano) perform (Fri 4)
Wittgenstein rejected the work by Barber as the Adagio for Strings music inspired by fantasy and folk
and it was not performed until (also arranged by the composer for song, from composers including
after Prokofievs death. The five unaccompanied chorus too) makes Kodaly, Ravel, Schumann, Bloch and
works amply demonstrate the sense too. But the Brodsky Quartet Vaughan Williams. Ani Batikian
changes in Prokofievs style, from fill out the disk with some (violin) is accompanied by Roland
youthful excitement, through neo- interesting companions. There are Roberts (piano) in a recital (7.30pm,
classicism, to his weightier, late Two Pieces by Aaron Copland Fri 18) of music including Mozart,
Soviet style. The First Concerto is (1900-1990), as well as an Sarasate and Lutoslawski.
the shortest work, at just over 15 arrangement by husband and wife
minutes, but Prokofiev packs Paul Cassidy (viola) and CINEMA
energy and spark into its three Jacqueline Thomas (cello) of
short sections. The Second Coplands Hoe-Down from the ) You can see Glyndebournes production of Don Giovanni (filmed
Concerto in contrast is the longest ballet Rodeo. George Gershwins live in 2010) in cinemas during July, with a cast including Gerald
and is a mammoth challenge, with (1898-1937) Lullaby for String Finlay and Kate Royal (from Sun 6) - check cinemas including
a notoriously difficult cadenza in Quartet gets an airing, and the Dukes at Komedia in Brighton,
the first movement, which disc ends with a rather beautiful Uckfield Picture House, Trinity
DON GIOVANI
Bavouzet makes sound effortless. piece, Regret, by Dave Brubeck Theatre in Tunbridge Wells, and the
After a whirlwind Scherzo, the (1920-2012), arranged especially Ritz Digital and Connaught in
Intermezzo follows with its dark for the Brodsky Quartet by the Worthing for details.
and disturbingly relentless composer. Perhaps given the
66 GSCENE
SAMARITANS
Samaritans volunteers are ordinary people
saw how difficult it can be to go on living
without support. Samaritans is an organisation
thats well respected because of its
professionalism and particularly valuable for the
LGBT community because of its non-judgmental,
self determination and confidentiality policies
doing something extraordinary which are so important for people who are
coming out.
) Samaritans volunteers in Brighton & Hove needs to be mindfully taught and their Lyn is 41 and has been volunteering for three
answered a staggering 55,273 calls for help training is excellent for that. I really enjoy years: I chose Samaritans because Ive been a
last year, which supports the Samaritans being part of the organisation and meeting caller in the past. Talking to somebody who was
vision that fewer people die by suicide. Once a other Samaritans. non-judgmental and not related to my family
minute, somebody calls Samaritans because took away my fear, I decided I wanted to be
The stereotype of a Samaritan as a white, able to offer that back to other people. Being a
theyre in great distress; many consider ending
middle aged heterosexual woman wearing a volunteer has given me a sense of value and
their lives. Ten-percent of calls to Samaritans
twinset and pearls couldnt be further from purpose within a great organisation. As a
by men are related to sexual orientation, 3%
the truth. Diversity is very important. When I bisexual woman living in Brighton its given me
of gay men tried to take their own life,
joined as a 30 year-old gay man Id no idea increased confidence in my ability to deal with
increasing to 5% for bisexual men as quoted
how my life would change. At Samaritans were difficult and emotionally painful situations with
in the Government Suicide Prevention Strategy
very supportive of the LGBT community which my friends and family.
for England. Twenty-six percent of gay or
is commonly sited as a high risk group.
bisexual men and women talked about If youre thinking about volunteering come
Sexuality doesnt matter, the essential nature
loneliness and feelings of isolation (2012-13). along to one of our information events, take a
of being non-judgmental ensures this. If
Samaritans are wholly supportive of the LGBT youre thinking of becoming a volunteer, give risk and youll encounter a very supportive
community and around any issue regarding it a go, youll gain new skills, new self- training process where youll learn about
sexuality. Samaritans are non-judgmental and awareness, change your views and be part of a yourself. As a bisexual woman I found that the
your call will be completely confidential. They diverse organisation that makes a difference policy of being non-judgmental is integral
have a diverse group of volunteers at the in other peoples lives. within the organisation. No assumptions are
Brighton & Hove branch and are keen to made about sexuality whether youre a
Peter is 40 and has been volunteering for two volunteer or a caller. The training that you
recruit more volunteers from the LGBT
years: I looked into volunteering and found receive as a volunteer for Samaritans is second
community.
that Samaritans as an organisation was very to none. As you become an established
So what do their current LGBT volunteers say flexible and fitted my availability with the volunteer youll find that there are many more
about Samaritans? hours I work as cabin crew. As a volunteer I training opportunities including leadership
feel that Im doing something very beneficial training, recruitment and community outreach.
Abby is 25 and was the youngest volunteer to
for the community and its opened my eyes to There is something to suit everybody and you
join Brighton & Hove District Samaritans aged
different aspects of life that I was previously will be made to feel welcome.
just 19: I really like the Samaritans
organisation because talking about suicide is
taboo. To be able to give an individual the
opportunity to talk about suicide is really
VOLUNTEER WITH SAMARITANS
valuable. Being part of Samaritans volunteer
community is great and my life has taken on If youre interested in volunteering, the next Samaritans is available round the clock, every
extra meaning. Its brilliant to get up in the information events at the branch are: day of the year. They provide a safe place for
morning and do something so worthwhile. ) Tuesday, July 8 at 7pm. anyone struggling to cope, whoever they are,
Samaritans is an inclusive organisation for ) Saturday, July 19 at 10.30am. however they feel, whatever life has done to
volunteers and callers. If youre thinking To find out more visit: them.
about volunteering do it, itll give you new www.samaritans.org/branches/samaritans- ) Tel: 08457 909 090 (UK)
insight and perspective. brighton-hove-and-district ) Tel: 1850 609 090 (Republic Of Ireland)
) Local contact: 01273 772277 or visit ) Text: 07725 909 090
Daniel is 36 and has been volunteering for six their branch at Dubarry House, Newtown ) Email: jo@samaritans.org
years: When I joined Samaritans I thought I Rd, Hove, BN3 6AE (entrance in Newtown ) Visit: www.samaritans.org for your nearest
was a good listener but listening is a skill that Rd) open daily 10am-10pm. branch.
GSCENE 67
LUNCH POSITIVE
The Big Lunch birthday celebration
is a huge success!
Lunch Positive celebrated their 5th birthday last
month with a community lunch at Dorset Gardens
Methodist Church. Around 120 friends, supporters,
members and volunteers joined in the festivities. The
Mayor and Mayoress of Brighton & Hove each gave a
short speech, mentioning the invaluable contribution
made by volunteers, the importance of community,
and the need for good social support.
Qukulele and The Rainbow Chorus gave uplifting and fun musical
performances and everyone joined together to share a hot and cold
buffet, all prepared by Lunch Positive volunteers.
Gary Pargeter, Volunteer Project Manager, said: We all had a great
day celebrating with our friends and supporters, and we hope that
everyone enjoyed sharing time with us. It means a lot to us that such a
wide range of people came along and joined in. It was great to see
friends old and new, supporters, colleagues and people from other HIV
and LGBT groups and organisations.
Our first five years have flown by! Starting up a new organisation,
remaining authentic, continually improving and becoming sustainable is
all made easier and more enjoyable through the support weve received
from the wider community.
Lunch Positive is provided entirely by volunteers. The contribution
made by our volunteers in every aspect of our work is amazing. Over five
years our volunteer team has given 25,000 hours of time, delivered 256
lunch sessions, and undertaken 1,900 hours of community event support
and fundraising. Our volunteers truly are a special, hard-working,
committed and fantastic group. Thank you to all of them, and everyone
who supports what we do.
For more information about Lunch Positive: www.lunchpositive.org
68 GSCENE
CRAIGS THOUGHTS had connected with hundreds of thousands (or however many really or
reasonably vote for the Eurovision prize) and in the performance of Rise
Like a Phoenix this connection transcended gender and the narrow
limitations that even those of us who consider ourselves liberal and
LETS FACE IT! open, have a habit of closeting away.
Conchitas website goes on to say of herself: Its not about appearances;
THE SEQUINED COAT TAILS OF it's about the human being. Everybody should live their lifes [sic]
however they want, as long as nobody else gets hurt or is restricted in
ACCEPTABLE TRANS*...
their own way of life.
OR: MAN, I FEEL LIKE A WOMAN
BY CRAIG HANLON-SMITH However, whilst Tommy-Chi may not intend for his appearance to
matter, it of course does. Tom Neuwirth, and I intend this to be a
respectful comment, is a pretty boy. Handsome, youthful, clear of skin
Okay keyboard warrior she tweeted in response to my online challenge and groomed of beard, in short hes a looker. As a consequence,
of her narrow, nay offensive appreciation of an eclectic, international Conchita, complete with hirsute trimmings, is beautiful, gorgeous - a
gender-less community. I am well aware that I should know better than stunner. In an on-stage evening gown, complete with a full nine-o-
to enter into twittered spats with the ignorant, but she was the one clock shadow of tightly cropped facial hair, which may or may not be
who had thrown her initial this she-male from Eurovision freaks me the fake, she resembles a picture perfect combination of Terry Hatcher, Eva
f**k-out! into the public domain and in the Sunday morning shadow of Longoria, Cheryl Cole and Enrique Iglesias. A cracking figure from tip to
Conchitas Eurovision triumph this was too much too soon to ignore. toe, manicured nails, sparking jewellery and balanced on six inches of
She wasnt alone. Not nearly so aggressive but no less contentious was expensive (if a little bridesmaid) couture. A conventional, cosmetic,
the tweeted is that person who won Eurovision a girl or a boy? Does it commercial beauty with a left of centre twist.
matter? Not really, came the response, I just have to know. Of
course, we have to know. Are you Arthur or Martha, friend or foe, mixed
black or mixed white, drag for pay or surgically altered forever?
And before the editors postbag erupts with an enraged from Eastbourne
I am well aware that Conchita Wurst, real name Tom Neuwirth, is more
drag than transgendered and if we get down to the nuts and bolts a
boy, I guess. Not that I care. What is certain is that Conchita-Tom or
Tommy-Chi did more in one weekend to positively inspire European
LGBTQ communities than Stonewall could wish for in 40 times the
period.
And so to the delightful young lady who tweeted to all who would
Conchita-Tom or Tommy-Chi listen: this she-male from Eurovision freaks me the f**k-out!, think not
did more in one weekend to of our safely attractive Conchita. Position yourself on a barstool next to
the girl next door she-male who, thanks to the combined school years
positively inspire European LGBTQ of genetics, judo and rugby training sits uncomfortably wide of thigh
and butch of shoulder. Whose fire-engine red press-ons only draw
communities than Stonewall could attention to the builders forearm, whose finances cannot stretch to a
wish for in 40 times the period natural human hair-piece and so the strawy polyester make-do hair-did
sits atop her masculine forehead too small or too large. The diamant
delicate choker which achieves almost that and those fat gardeners
fingers that swallow the wine glass with each choreographed sip. No
Conchita-Tom, already familiar with some TV audiences in Europe bridesmaids couture for once John now Jeannette, just a Hobsons
following an appearance on an Austrian talent show in 2011, and as a choice of flower print from home stores or a shapeless market-tent.
previous contender for Austrian Eurovision representation in 2012,
began some months ago to attract a much wider audience in the run up An absence of Desperate Housewives glamour that is total despite
to the events in Copenhagen. The bearded lady from Austria had run being worth it, just some inappropriately made comparisons to Mrs
the length of international public interest and back; from making the Brown and her boys.
Radio 2 playlist to the open condemnation of Russian politicians, Think of the she-male who wanders into the gay bar for theres nowhere
although lets face it, that doesnt take much at the moment and else to go, but despite their shared experience of what Tom described
representatives from the Russian Government are almost fair game. as the discrimination of his teenage years the gays dont want her, him,
By the time Conchita took the Eurovision crown on May 10 Tom herim, sh-heheshe, theres no shared history here. Rise like a phoenix?
Neuwirths self-nominated bearded lady creation had become so much Honey, weve had AIDS and even that doesnt unite us anymore.
more than a bird with a beard or a bloke in a frock. Waking in the And we didnt spend thousands of pounds on personal trainers,
rubble, walking over glass, neighbours say were trouble, well that time supplements and hours hash-tagging the wink FitFam to hang out with
has passed. On that mid-May Saturday evening, some saw a novelty act a slightly overweight navvy in Marks & Spencers hold-ups and size
drag queen named Conchita sing out a message of diversity and twelve flats. And we safely whisper to our gaggle of friends that she-
progress wrapped up in a Celine-style torch song power-ballad, but the male from East Street really freaks me out. She, who despite an
beauty of the mixed-gender presentation of this character is that some uncomfortable awareness of her masculine silhouette, perseveres with a
saw Tom Neuwirth, the young boy born in Gmunden, Austria. desire to live a life thats full. And so go about your business, act as if
Conchitas website explains: Because of the discrimination against Tom you're free, no-one could have witnessed, what you did to me.
in his teenage years, he created Conchita, The Bearded Lady, as a How quickly we forget.
statement. A statement for tolerance and acceptance. Even before
ConchitaTom held aloft the Eurovision trophy and announced to an http://conchitawurst.com/about/biography/ Rise Like a Phoenix: Words
audience of millions that this night is dedicated to anyone who & music by Charlie Mason, Joey Patulka, Ali Zuckowski, Julian Maas.
believes in a future of peace and freedom, Conchitas human message @craigscontinuum
GSCENE 65
DUNCANS COHENS
DOMAIN
BY DUNCAN STEWART
CAUSE
BY JOHN COHEN
CHARLIE SAYS After all, Im sure most of these badly-formed students who are rich
enough to leave their motherland for a cheap English education are in
for a rude awakening. Losing that deep entrenched primitivism is
bloody hard work. I know it; I come from a good, solid, British
PURE FILTH! working class culture whose parents never read a book and a place
where a hippy told me not to say the N word when I was fifteen.
When it comes to issues of contracting HIV from phones and toilet
HOMONORMATIVITY seats actions speak louder than words. Ive snogged all of my positive
IS A VIRUS SAYS friends, even when HIV didnt have a name. And lets face it Diana
kissing the AIDS patient did more for the love and care of the soon to
CHARLIE BAUER PhD be dead than any of Thatcher and Saatchis AIDS campaigns ever did.
Any studies around this are moot. In the so-called, most primitive
Hang on, whats all this about using wet wipes on homos? Agh. societies of central Africa with western strangulation of expensive
According to research somewhere in Eastern England last month (or medication, they have no choice but to use the same equipment as
the month before sometime), the heterosexually defined needed to the dying. These messages are still sent through idiot parents,
cleanse themselves when they were in any contact with a homosexual. cultures, religions and political doctrines, where the homophobic
Why didnt I think of that? Because maybe we are of the same filth. slurry still seeps.
Let me explain, firstly, Im not at all knowledgeable in any of this. I I think the most fascinating theory, the reference for which Ive got
lied myself though one degree and bought my PhD online from the written on a post-it near the cat tray and cant be arsed to get, is that
University of Throckmorton, Texas (best $300 Ive ever spent). What I gay men are collectively thinking were all a bit ikky. Gay men will
can gather in between bumps of K, is that a few spotty straight always think that, we love it. The one remaining right is that we can
identifying teenagers (for the time being) were asked for their be judgmental and laugh it off. I know groups of gay men who pay
reactions if they had to borrow a phone from a gay man and they said handsomely for some of the filth that we are supposed to do to each
theyd rather wipe their arse with it. And? Then some Hispanic other. No social meaning involved. And some of them dont even wash
students were asked would they rather accept a pencil or a wet wipe their hands afterwards before calling for pizza.
in the same circumstances. They chose to wipe. As Bifuria Dsconza recently said, When everyone realised its white,
I still have a problem with Latin cultures and the proliferation of anti- straight men that have screwed up the planet, everyone else - faggots
gay sentiment through the Christian scriptures handed down by the and clown faces too - grouped together to knock those assholes down.
closeted priests to underpaid and overworked parents. My parents were Sista - Homosexuals aint the problem. White, male, bankers are. And
almost the same but northern white-trash Catholics. Im sure, like my the governments that feed them too. I thought everyone knew that.
parents, they thanked God daily that both school and the church Where you been livin?
(which were commingled) existed so that they could get the kids off
their hands and earn some money to feed the little sods. They had no
thoughts about social complexities and homophobia, they assumed
that their kids were straight because theyd never met anyone gay. These messages are still
Then Polish students were offered the same and, front to back, wiped
away. Ditto the above but with the political ataxia of communism
sent through idiot parents,
thrown in. Yet another homophobic doctrine tossed at parents who cultures, religions and political
have missed the modernist boat of social reform. Probably this is why
their children are choosing a British education in the first place. doctrines, where the
It seems pretty inconclusive on a conscious level; the parent cultures
embedded identities in political doctrine and the church - despite any
homophobic slurry still seeps
heteronormativity or homophobia thrown in - have influenced their
own childrens fear of the queer. Nothing else. Metastasizing through
the rhetoric of their leaders into the ears of children. Some friends of mine just love waking up in their own vomit after
being dragged, face down out of Legends at 3am. They go back again
As a sometimes fellator, sometimes drug-fuelled top, sometimes prize and again and who can deny what is to them, such important part of
winner in local macram contests, I will not take any of this seriously. their identity? How many times have I ended up in a piss club and
sobered up with the texts from friends the next day calling me all the
dirty scrubbers under the sun. How many times have I just laughed at
such filth and got on with my daily, unconscious homo existence. We
dont scorn filth, we accept it. Because, as Lola once said, thats just
how we are.
Filth, like homosexuality, is not a mutable platform for the
degenerates and there is no way we can bend whether the Nazis are
pounding at the door or not. To suggest that we can change decries
the fact that all those queers killed in the Holocaust had some form of
choice in the matter.
Here we have spelt out what homophobia isnt. Its not about gender
policing or anything else. Its still about getting rid of essentialism
within political doctrines and religions spewed from the primitive
masses and the conservative men (hang on, theyre the bankers arent
they?) and replacing it with homonormativity, its sworn sister.
Twitter: @charliebauerphd
GSCENE 71
NETTYS QUEENIES
STORMY WEATHER
Storme DeLarverie died in May. Hers is not a name which trips easily
off the tongue like Peter Tatchell or Harvey Milk, but Storme
(pronounced Stormy as in the weather) was a real trail-blazer for LGBT
people.
Born in New Orleans in 1920 to a black mother and white father,
Storme learnt to handle a life of adversity with flourish and aplomb.
She was one of those people who seem to be born kicking.
In the 1950s, Storme became a drag king (as you do) and headed a
troupe of 25 travelling drag queens called The Jewel Box. They
regularly performed to mixed-race audiences at the famous Apollo in
Harlem. Stormes protective streak was already evident as she patrolled
the citys gay village with a cut-throat razor secreted in her sock.
It is no surprise that we find her outside the infamous Stonewall bar
in the summer of 1969 on the night that would make history. As she
says It was a rebellion, an uprising, a civil rights disobedience, it
wasnt no damn riot!
That night at 2am, Storme watched as cops arrested and paraded
patrons from the bar. She recognised one boy who broke free, only to
be caught by his jacket, slammed on the pavement, then hit and
kicked by three policemen. Storme saw red. When a cop approached
assuming she was male and shouted Move faggot! she resisted, when
he shoved her she punched him so hard she drew blood. This is
viewed as one of the most defining moments of the Stonewall riots.
The scuffle that ensued bloomed into the first ever mass queer fight-
back, literally kick-starting the LGBT civil rights movement.
DAD & DADDY A few friends of ours had kindly given the kids gift vouchers for a
large toy shop and in the week between Christmas and New Year we
took them both to spend what they had. Bradleys eyes lit up when he
saw a 13 foot wall display dedicated to Barbie in many forms. He
BARBIE WORLD literally let out a little squeal, clenching his fists with joy. From that
moment on he wasnt interested at all in any of the many hundreds of
other toys in the shop.
MY SEVEN-YEAR OLD Kevin and I both tried to persuade him to look around the rest of the
SONS LOVE OF BARBIE shop but he was transfixed; a spell of pink, plastic, sparkles and big
hairdos had certainly been cast and had captured him. He reached for
BY SYD SPENCER his choice and showed me. The chosen Barbie had dark hair and a
purple shoulder padded power suit on and looked just like Alexis
Our seven-year-old son Bradley is the most gorgeous little boy. He has Carrington Colby Dexter. I smiled, remembering my fascination with
this huge smile and bright blue sparkling eyes, and he wins the heart Dynasty back in the 1980s, and felt a surge of pride inside me. My trail
of everyone he meets. He came to us with severe speech problems and of thought however was soon broken by another high pitched squeal
delayed learning due to the neglect in his very early years. as Bradley found a small section on the bottom shelf dedicated to
handbags, shoes and dresses. He hungrily picked frocks and jewel-
A year later, with the support now in place, he has come on leaps and encrusted tiaras, the brightness of his smile beaming across
bounds. His speech therapist recently told us that she has never seen everything that glittered.
such a massive improvement in such a short space of time in any child
she has worked with. His learning at school is steady, however he still One of the things that has always been very important to us as
struggles with reading and writing and there is still a lot of work to be parents is to encourage our kids to explore the world around them, to
done in those areas. try new things and for any passions they have to be nurtured and
encouraged.
Bradley is a very confident, loving little boy who knows what he
wants. He has a great relationship with our daughter Katy and they Katy is very much a tom boy, although dainty and gorgeous you can
love each other dearly and enjoy time together; it never ceases to often find her hanging upside down from a tree branch or bug hunting
amaze me how well they get on. So far, with puberty still far away at the bottom of the garden. She is also a very proud Brownie. Bradley
enough not to worry about it, they havent had any fights, but we will take part in these activities with his big sister because he adores
know they will come and it will probably be fast and furious. her and wants to copy her but the times when he is in his zone of
sheer joy is when he is in his room, with his ever growing collection
We try as best as possible to instil a sense of kindness, respect and of Barbie dolls. He will be sat on the floor, Barbies, clothes, shoes and
compassion in each of them and through boundaries, consequences, frocks all laid out neatly in front of him as he brushes each dolls hair,
love and fun I think they both now have a pretty balanced childhood. while singing Let It Go, his favourite song from Frozen, quietly to
When Bradley first came to us we furnished his bedroom with them.
Superhero posters. Iron Man, The Hulk and Captain America were on It is not a rare sight in our house to see a pink Barbie Beetle car
bedding, T-shirts and in the toy box all ready for their new owner who whizz in-between your feet, driven by a gorgeous, glammed up Barbie
we knew would play with them again and again. Oh how wrong we waving at anyone who catches her eye. The passenger, usually Captain
were! America, sits next to her, looking not quite so happy with a tiara on
his head and clasping a purple handbag where his shield would
normally be.
CONTACT INFORMATION
MCC BRIGHTON ) We both have Facebook profiles and a page our usernames are:
) MCC Brighton meets Sundays at 6pm at the Portslade United PC Rich Bridger and LGBT Caseworker Rory Smith, and Brighton
Reformed Church at the junction of St Aubyns Rd and Station Rd, and Hove LGBT Police Team. We tweet @PoliceLGBT.
Portslade, BN41 1AB. MCC Brighton welcomes all who wish to explore Social media should not be used for reporting incidents please call
their faith in a respectful and safe environment. us on 101, or if its an emergency, 999.
74 GSCENE
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D ST
OLD STEIN
NO
18 RTH
ST
) PUBS & BARS ST
WEST
KINGS R 32 23 ST JAM 29
1 A-BAR D ES ST
30 COURTLANDS HOTEL REET 28 31
1112 Marine Parade, 688825 19-27 The Drive, Hove, 731055 9 36
2 BAR REVENGE 31 COWARDS HOTEL
7 Marine Parade, 606064 12 Upper Rock Gardens, 692677
MARIN
WEST PIER 26 E PARA
3 BAR BROADWAY 32 GRANVILLE HOTEL DE
10 Steine Street, 609777 14
124 Kings Rd, 326302
4 BEDFORD TAVERN 33 GULLIVERS HOTEL
30 Western St, 739495 12a New Steine, 695415
5 BULLDOG TAVERN 41 JUSTIN LLOYD (City) BRIGHTON PIER
34 HUDSONS
31 St James St, 696996 22 Devonshire Place, 683642 111 Western Rd, Hove, 315613
6 BRIGHTON TAVERN 42 JUSTIN LLOYD (Hove)
99-100 Gloucester Rd, 680365
11 LEGENDS HOTEL 15 PARIS HOUSE ) COMMUNITY
31-34 Marine Parade, 624462 176 Church Rd, Hove, 315614 21 Western Rod, 724195
7 CAMELFORD ARMS 46 BRIGHTON WOMENS CENTRE
35 NEW STEINE HOTEL 19 ROYAL OAK 72 High St, 698036
30-31Camelford St, 622386 10/11 New Steine, 681546
) FOOD 46 St James St, 621093 www.womenscentre.org.uk
8 CHARLES STREET BAR 36 QUEENS HOTEL 1 A-BAR 32 SMOKEYS
8-9 Marine Parade, 624091 1112 Marine Parade, 688825 47 LUNCH POSITIVE
1/3 Kings Rd, 321222 123-125 Kings Rd, 323888 Dorset Gardens Methodist Church,
9 DR BRIGHTONS 2 BAR REVENGE 21 THREE JOLLY BUTCHERS 07846 464384
16 Kings Rd, 208113 ) SHOPS 7 Marine Parade, 606064 59 North Rd, 608571 www.lunchpositive.org
10 GROSVENOR 37 PROWLER 7 CAMELFORD ARMS 48 MINDOUT
16 Western St, 770712 112 St James St, 683680 30-31Camelford St, 622386 ) SAUNAS Community Base, 113 Queens Rd
11 LEGENDS BAR 38 SUSSEX BEACON Charity Shop 8 CHARLES ST BAR 43 BRIGHTON SAUNA 234839 www.mindout.org.uk
31-34 Marine Parade, 624462 130 St James St, 682992 8-9 Marine Parade, 624091 75 Grand Parade, 689966 48 SWITCHBOARD
12 MARINE TAVERN 39 SUSSEX BEACON Home Store 11 LEGENDS BAR 44 TBS2 SAUNA Community Base, 113 Queens Rd
13 Broad St, 681284 72-73 London Rd, 680264 31-34 Marine Parade, 624462 84-86 Denmark Villas, Hove, 723733 204050 (511pm)
13 MARLBOROUGH 35 NEW STEINE BISTRO
4 Princes St, 570028 ) ESTATE AGENTS 12a New Steine, 681546 ) LEGAL & FINANCE ) HEALTH
14 OHSO SOCIAL 40 JUSTIN LLOYD (Kemptown) 14 OHSO SOCIAL 45 ENGLEHARTS 49 BRIGHTON STATION HEALTH CENTRE
250a Kings Rd Arches, 746067 118 St James St, 315612 250a Kings Rd Arches, 746067 49 Vallance Hall, Hove St, Hove, 204411 84-87 Queens Rd, 203058
15 PARIS HOUSE
21 Western Rod, 724195
DE
16 POISON IVY
PARA
129 St James St
17 QUEENS ARMS
D
18 REGENCY TAVERN
32-34 Russell Sq, 325652
ON
EDWAR
PAVROYAL
19 ROYAL OAK D ST
ILLI
GE ST
17
ET G A
22 ZONE
GEOR
N
T
S
34
DO R S
) CLUBS NO
HIGH
CE
RTH
PLA
23 BOUTIQUE 47
AVE
MES
37 19
3
MANCHESTER ST
MADEIRA PL
7
E
E
2 8 1 35
NEW STEIN
ROCK PLA
) HOTELS 27
CAMELFO
25 33
1 AMSTERDAM MARINE PARADE 22
1112 Marine Parade, 688825
27 AMBASSADOR HOTEL
11
22-23 New Steine, 676869
28 AVALON HOTEL
7 Upper Rock Gardens, 692344 MADEIRA DRIVE
29 CAVALAIRE HOTEL
34 Upper Rock Gardens, 696899
1
Dyke Road, Brighton
485,000 oieo / 365,000 oieo
Two newly built luxury flats in the Royal
Alexandra Quarter, the first a two bedroom first
floor apartment and second a one bedroom
second floor apartment. Further features include
integrated AEG appliances, balcony and a high
spec finish throughout. Secure parking is also
available in both properties as an added option.
1-2 1-2 1