THEGAYUK

Author: Guest Poster

  • INTERVIEW: James Benenson, Last Chance To Party

    FOUND was born in the dark tunnels of South London’s Vauxhall. The original Found Series saw 15 consecutive club nights offer shelter to an expanding melting pot of sounds rooted in UK garage, Chicago house and Detroit techno.

    In just three years the Found Series has developed into an ongoing run of breathtaking London festivals, street parties, warehouse events and club shows. By producing stellar events that are truly one-of-a-kind, the F: stands as a mark of quality on London’s electronic music calendar.

    At the helm of Found is its enigmatic leader James Benenson who started the company alongside his partner Will Paterson in 2011 after the success of his company Urban Nerds. I had the pleasure of chatting to James about the current crop of festivals, what the future holds and what his guilty pleasures are!

    Tell us more about Urban Nerds. How did it come about?

    The first music that really gripped me was the early grime scene. A little further down the line and dubstep was bubbling up in London and at that point the underground scene was becoming really exciting, with a whole load of particularly bass driven sounds coming to the fore, driven by British producers, DJs and MCs with something strong and something new to bring to the table. The whole thing was so exciting to me that I set up the first Urban Nerds when I was 18 as a night that could amalgamate it all, without any boundaries. I didn’t know then that what was supposed to be a one off night would lead to a career that’s seen me through for the past ten years!

    Did you always want to be part of the grime/music scene in some way?

    Definitely. When I first started attending grime raves I used to plan my weeks around nights like Dirty Canvas, Straight Outta Bethnal or Run The Road. The energy then was unbelievable. At first I managed to get myself into these parties as a freelance journalist writing about the scene but I wanted more and promotion was the next step.

    How hands on are you at Found – Booking acts etc?

    I oversee the talent booking but our programming is very much a team effort. We’re an intimate office but every single person has something to give when it comes to the music. Between us all we’ve grown-up with, danced to, listened to, promoted, DJ’d or produced everything from jungle, DnB, garage, grime and dubstep through to hard house, classic house, Detroit techno, funk, soul…the lot! We all have very distinct views and scrutinise every booking as a team, with the goal of ending up with authentic, genuinely different line-ups that as far as possible tell a story that transcends the past, present and future.

    Tell us a fact that would surprise people about you…

    I’ve got a secret passion for a Scuba Diving.

    Do you still enjoy it or does it feel like work?

    Like any job there’s highs and lows but with promotion I think the two are all the more extreme! This season for example has delivered some of the most incredible moments of my career, alongside days where you want it to all disappear! It’s that disparity that keeps you gripped though and I think any good promoter would agree that you can’t have one without the other.

    Who’s set are you most looking forward to on the 12th?

    Without a doubt, Armand Van Helden’s Classic 90s set. The first time I danced to an Armand production would have been my year 6 school disco and the last time was at his London Boiler Room appearance a few weeks back. If that was anything to go by, his main stage set at Ceremony is going to be truly something else!

    What are your guilty pleasures (Music Wise)

    I think one person’s guilty is another’s classic…I guess a lot of the original Hed Kandi house, the really cheesy, piano led uplifting stuff with an occasional saxophone appearance. Lots of classic cafe del mar and Buddha Bar chillout too.

    Any Plans to branch out abroad?

    We’ve got our hands full with London right now but never say never.

    What’s Next for Found?

    In just three years we’ve gone from one festival to five. For now, we’re going to put the brakes on and focus on improving the experience on offer across the festival series when we bring back all the shows next year.

    Ceremony Festival is at Finsbury Park on the 12th of Sep

    The last few tickets are available at www.ceremonyfestival.com

    United Festival is at Finsbury Park on the 13th of Sep

    The last few tickets are available at http://unitedfestival.co.uk

    In James’s own words ‘This is your last chance to party’

    by Chloe Misson | @CselinaM

    Chloe is a movie obsessed, born and bred Londoner who is always keen to sniff out what’s new and cool in her hometown – everything from theatreland and to 1950s swing nights, to specialist film screenings and underground galleries. And when city life gets too much? Ideas for the best mini-getaways not too far from her beloved London Town.

  • LEGAL CLINIC: Employment Law And Transgender Rights

    In recent months, the transgender community has faced a large degree of media attention, which not only has encouraged discussion around transsexual individuals, but has also shone light on the rights of individuals, no matter their gender or sexuality.

    Most notably, Caitlyn Jenner has been the centre of attention and whilst she has attracted an overwhelming level of support, there were still those who voiced their hostility towards her. Most notably, musician Drake Bell insisted on calling her ‘Bruce.’ There have also been further high profile cases including the case of Leyth Jamal who made a claim against Saks Fifth Avenue stating that she was told to use the men’s bathroom, told to dress more masculine, and eventually dismissed for being transgender.

    Unfortunately, cases such as these represent the tip of the iceberg for those undergoing gender reassignment, many of whom face abuse, discrimination and harassment from those around them.

    On a positive note, however, businesses and employers globally are now taking note of the importance of diversity in the workplace and are changing their approach accordingly. High profile employers such as Goldman Sachs and Barclays are already leading the way for acceptance and integration of LGBT employees. Like many other organisations, they recognise the need to retain the very best talent.

    Advice to individuals who are considering, or undergoing, transitioning to their target gender is conflicted at times and is often informed by US law, which is very different to our own. To follow are some common questions that we as a law firm have received from the transgender community, which we hope will provide guidance on your rights in the workplace.

    Here we look at your frequently asked questions about your rights.

    What does the law say?

    What about gender queer individuals, or those who adopt a different gender temporarily (e.g. transvestites)?

    I have heard my employer can dismiss me for being transgender – is this true?

    Do I have to disclose that I am transgender?

    I have decided to live life as my target gender, how do I ‘come out’ to my colleagues?

    My colleagues have been largely supportive, but there is one who is making me really uncomfortable by joking about my physical appearance and changes. What do I do?

    I have various treatments planned as part of my gender reassignment? Am I entitled to time off?

    In Summary

    Fortunately, social media has made conversations regarding gender reassignment easier and employers are becoming increasingly understanding of the issues faced by transgender employees. There are employers who will provide an environment where you are allowed to be your authentic self and rewarded for your skills and experience. Importantly, if there are evident signs of bullying or harassment concerning your gender or sexuality, speak to your manager or seek advice from a third party – don’t sit in silence, the law is there to protect you.

    By Zee Hussain, partner and Head of the Employment Department at Colemans-ctts

  • ANSWERS: Does the law protect gender queer individuals, or those who adopt a different gender temporarily (e.g. transvestites) at work?

    What about gender queer individuals, or those who adopt a different gender temporarily (e.g. transvestites)?

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  • ANSWERS: What Does The Law Say About Employment Rights For Trans People?

    What does the law say about Employment Rights For Trans People?

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  • ANSWERS: I have heard my employer can dismiss me for being transgender – is this true?

    I have heard my employer can dismiss me for being transgender – is this true? (more…)

  • ANSWERS: Do I have to disclose that I am transgender at work?

    Do I have to disclose that I am transgender?

    There may be some circumstances where you may be obliged to disclose your gender history, such as for background criminal checks or insurance. However, this does not mean you have to disclose your biological gender to your colleagues or even your manager if you do not wish to.

    An employer has a duty to keep such information confidential and you can approach a manager or HR officer for advice if necessary.

    By Zee Hussain, partner and Head of the Employment Department at Colemans-ctts

  • ANSWERS: I have decided to live life as my target gender, how do I “come out” to my colleagues?

    I have decided to live life as my target gender, how do I ‘come out’ to my colleagues?

    Every individual’s journey is extremely personal. It is natural for people to ask questions but that does not mean that you have to answer anything you are not comfortable with and you should politely, but firmly, assert your boundaries.

    However, we would encourage you to discuss your situation with your manager in the first instance so they can make arrangements to cover any absence, and how you can be supported during your transition. For example, some people would prefer to tell colleagues on an individual basis and others would like an email sent out to their colleagues.

    By Zee Hussain, partner and Head of the Employment Department at Colemans-ctts

  • ANSWERS: A Work Colleague Is Making Me Uncomfortable Through My Transition, What Can I Do?

    My colleagues have been largely supportive, but there is one who is making me really uncomfortable by joking about my physical appearance and changes. What do I do?

    Firstly, be aware that you do not have to tolerate any behaviour or comments about your gender or transition that you find humiliating, hostile, degrading or offensive. This is known as harassment under the Equality Act 2010.

    However, there can be a number of ways to handle the matter depending on the individuals concerned. You could lodge a formal grievance and ask your employer to investigate and take action, or if you prefer, explain to the individual that you want the comments to stop. Either way, keep a diary of any incidents and keep your manager informed so they can monitor the situation.

    By Zee Hussain, partner and Head of the Employment Department at Colemans-ctts

  • ANSWERS: I have various treatments planned as part of my gender reassignment? Am I entitled to time off?

    I have various treatments planned as part of my gender reassignment? Am I entitled to time off?

    The Equality Act 2010 specifically states that an employer cannot treat you less favourably than any other employee because you have had time off as part of the gender reassignment process. As a result, we encourage employers to record such time off separately so it is discounted when considering any promotion, access to bonuses etc.

    Whether the time is paid depends on your employers policies. There is no obligation to offer paid leave unless there is company sick pay etc.

    By Zee Hussain, partner and Head of the Employment Department at Colemans-ctts

    BACK TO THE LEGAL CLINIC

  • OP ED | Sonia Leigh: Deeply In Love With Women and Men…

    First, let me start this off with my take on sexuality. This is only my personal view which everyone is entitled to. I believe sexuality is neither black nor white.

    I don’t really think for me, personally, I believe in or take to being labelled. I am not bisexual, lesbian, or straight. I am a person who follows my heart. When I fall in love I let myself and will always let myself love who my heart tells me to. Isn’t it pointless to go against it anyway?

    So before you go off with a headline saying Sonia Leigh the OUT country music lesbian stop there in your tracks. Let me make this clear, I am not a lesbian, straight nor bisexual musician. My sexuality has no bearing on my vocation. I am simply a musician/singer/songwriter.

    I am also a woman who has happened to be deeply in love with women pretty much my whole life. But that is not the platform for my music at all. Yes, I’ve loved a man before and Yes, I’ve slept with men, not that it’s any of your business, but I’m making my point clear that I’ve let myself be myself.

    Now, to the subject. I’ve been asked to write about how sexuality affects the Country music industry.

    This is a touchy subject for Country music isn’t it? Relax, relax!

    The world is changing and it seems to me a lot of older, traditional thinking persons are still in places of power all over the industry. This is changing because well, to be blunt people die. What everyone needs to keep their eye on is the fact that there is a new wave of people in the cigar seat calling shots coming in and that will continue to roll over every decade or so.

    Your sons, daughters, and grand children have and are growing up with, going to school with, making best friends with, played sports with, and even gone to church with, people who are not what YOU consider normal.

    I don’t hold this view against you; I think it’s about exposure. Of course, traditionalist are afraid of “gay” people or frown upon the different “alternative” lifestyles. The truth is you’ve been raised in an era where these sorts of things were not talked about or WERE talked about negatively. But really as time has passed these lifestyles are no longer alternative.

    Bare with me, I am setting up my point. The subject matters and the genre of country music has changed a lot. It’s a big debate amongst the country music scene. We’ve really now formed sub genres in country haven’t we? Way to catch up with every other genre of music! It’s about time! Before we all freak out and go bashing it, why not embrace it? It’s wonderful! it’s music! How blessed we are to have so much music! It’s a gift!

    Along with these changes in country music inevitably comes all sorts of artist who live “alternative” life styles (by alternative this means so much more than sexuality, mind you). Either way, whether you know about it or not, these different ways are real and they are there in the country music industry.

    A lot of these people are actually are doing quite well for themselves and are out!

    They’ve written and sing many of the number one country songs that YOU LOVE! They’ve made remarkable and very respectable names for themselves. So does sexuality affect the country music scene? Yes, but I don’t think it is relevant honestly. I think most people don’t care anymore. It’s no big deal. However, the music industry is a shark with an insatiable hunger.

    Everyone always talks about the numbers. So let’s stick to that then if that’s the way you want to play the game. Let the numbers speak. Let the music speak. It shouldn’t matter what ones sexuality is. If the song is good and the artist is genuine and selling records shouldn’t they be played? Of course! Are they? A lot of times NO. The truth is the traditional big wigs in power are still the puppeteers. However, if a light bulb could go off and it clicked that people have to be exposed to things to become accustomed to them we would make some major, much needed progression in Country music.

    One day a “gay” person will be your boss, or a major music program director (there are some out there by the way) will be the one calling the shots. Would you want he or she to judge your music because you happen to be married to, in love with or dating someone of the opposite sex? Not at all. That sounds ridiculous doesn’t it? Tables turn and maybe I am optimistic in thinking change is coming. I think it’s already here and I am excited to be apart of it. I’m not an activist I’ve never really talked about my sexuality only because I’ve not really been asked.

    For the record I don’t feel I’ve ever been directly discriminated against. Maybe I am the “Ellen” of country… Ha! It may be naive of me but if I’ve not been supported because of my sexuality or because I don’t dress sexy enough

    (However I get told I’m quite sexy by men and women thank you very much) then that’s left on the conscience of the person who has robbed me of an opportunity I deserved. I don’t think that is something an article will change. BUT maybe it will and maybe that person is reading this and I’ve somehow made them see that the music is what matters. Period. Let’s keep it at that folks!

    Having said all of that I am so excited I’ve been able to share my music here in the UK. I’ve called it the #mindthegaptour because I want to bridge all the gaps in music and that goes for UK artist to America and vice versa. Let’s open the doors and let some music in and celebrate life together. That’s what it’s really about in the end. Not numbers, hit records and money it’s about living life to the fullest and connecting with each other while we are given this gift of life!

    Follow Sonia on Facebook | Twitter

    Sonia Leigh plays at The Islington tonight Doors open at 7:30pm

  • Camp Biscuit Is Bad For Business

    For those of us who like a little flamboyance at our business meetings, apparently pink wafers spell disaster as survey reveals biscult etiquette.

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