THEGAYUK

Tag: Brighton News

The latest LGBT news from Brighton and Hove. Brighton is famous for it’s friendly and accepting atmosphere. It is home to one of the largest LGBT communities in the UK.

  • This school in Brighton has over 70 trans and genderfluid kids

    There is a school in the south-east of England, where over 70 children aged between 11 and 16 feel comfortable enough to question their gender identity and identify more closely to how they feel.

    According to The Sunday Times, the Dorothy Stringer secondary school in Brighton has at least 40 transgender children who don’t identify with the gender they were assigned at birth and a further 36 students who say that they are genderfluid – people who define their gender as fluid, flexible or changeable.

    The number of transgender students who were open to their families was much lower, however. Students were much more comfortable to share their gender expression with their classmates and faculty.

    The headteacher, Richard Bradford told the newspaper, “The number of ”openly trans children” who had approached us with their families to say that they are transgender [was] much lower”.

    Transgender Flag

    The now iconic blue, pink and white flag that the transgender community uses for identity. 

    The disclosure from the Dorothy Stringer school came through the school’s  “equality information report”. It is believed that the school has the highest number of trans identifying children in the country.

    What does genderfluid mean?

    Genderfluid is an identity which describes someone who doesn’t have a fixed gender expression, like “man” or “woman”. They are likely to feel that their gender expression is flexible and changeable from day to day, or even several times a day, due to its fluidity. Genderfluidity has close links to the non-binary identity where a person doesn’t see their gender as either masculine or feminine.

    Why is Brighton so LGBT+ friendly?

    Brighton has long been the home of a large LGBT+ community outside of London and is often referred to as the ‘gay capital of the UK’.  The city holds the UK’s biggest pride event and has a large number of LGBT+ venues.

  • THEATRE REVIEW | The Play That Goes Wrong, Theatre Royal Brighton

    ★★★☆☆ | The Play That Goes Wrong

    The Play That Goes Wrong, Theatre Royal Brighton

    There is an old saying in theatre that “the show must go on” and nowhere is that old adage put more to the test than in The Play That Goes Wrong, a comedy of errors which collates every actor’s worst nightmare and throws them at the cast who are determined to carry on regardless.

    Borrowing heavily from The Mousetrap, The Play That Goes Wrong is a scattergun comedy set around the fictitious Cornley Polytechnic Drama Society, who is performing The Murder at Haversham Manor, a murder mystery set in the roaring twenties. Despite the best endeavours of the cast, nothing quite goes right for them, as scenery collapses, actors are knocked unconscious, props break and unprepared understudies stand in.

    With a varied blend of visual gags, slapstick, farce, wordplay, one-liners, missed cues and a rather more animated corpse than one would expect, the gags come thick and fast; some hitting the bullseye and others missing the target; but the whole thing is so fast-paced, that there is always another gag heading your way imminently. Garnering some genuine laugh out loud moments, the show has a sensible one hour forty minute runtime meaning that even if a few of the gags begin to outstay their welcome, the show does not.

    Whilst there is plenty of fun to be found and a lot of chuckles, guffaws and belly-laughs to be had, the ending of the show descends into a rather shouty and chaotic handful of closing scenes which, unfortunately, slightly takes the edge off of what has come before. But that said, the cast is delightful, in particular, Kazeem Tosin Amore; and there is some excellent split second comedic timing and plenty of physical dexterity on offer as the fictional cast try desperately to keep their faces straight, their upper lips stiff and prevent the performance collapsing into a catastrophe.

    *This review was taken from the Sheffield production*

    Book tickets for Theatre Royal Brighton through our ticketing partner ATG Tickets

     

  • This Brighton church welcomes its first non-binary, trans man ordained minister

    A Brighton church is the first to welcome their first non-binary, trans man minister.

    Rev. Peta Evans is to join the church in Brighton as an Associate Pastor. The Village Metropolitan Community Church is a church which was created by LGBT+ Christians, their families, their friends and allies.

    The Reverend’s first sermon is due to be given on the 8th October at 6 PM at the Village MCC. In 2010 Peta left Brighton to train a clergy intern in North London and now is returning to Brighton

    When not ministering, Peta is a care-worker and tailor.

    Rev. Peta said, “Returning to Brighton, I am excited to serve again in the community which first welcomed me and supported me in both my ministry journey and my gender transition. I would love to see the sincere passion and integrity of The Village MCC reach out even more widely to people of all ages, gender identities and walks of life.

    “I am also enthusiastic about reclaiming the Bible from those who have tried to make it a weapon against those who are different, and I’m starting a group for Trans people to do just that, ReTranslation, to look at the text for themselves without past interpretations getting in the way. I have a love for Celtic spirituality, which weaves together the practical and the spiritual, finding depth and delight in all things, no matter how mundane, and for creative expressions of spirituality, which I hope to share with The Village in the coming months.”

    Rev. Michael Hydes, Senior Pastor of The Village MCC said, “I’m looking forward to working with Rev. Peta. Their rootedness in Celtic Christianity and experience working in the Trans communities are just two of the many gifts they bring to their work. I know we’ll all be enriched by their participation in our church life and leadership within our community of faith.”

  • Book tickets to see Mamma Mia, The Musical at The Brighton Centre

    Tickets for Mamma Mia, The Musical at The Brighton Centre are available to buy today.

    Book tickets to see Mamma Mia, The Musical at The Brighton Centre

    What is Mamma Mia About?

    Sophie is determined to have her father walk her down the aisle at her forthcoming wedding. After finding out that there are three potential guys who may be her father, she invites them all to the forthcoming nuptials; but will she find out which one really is her father, and how will her mother react when three of her former lovers all turn up unexpectedly?

    BOOK TICKETS

    RUN DATES

    16th August – 3rd September 2017

    Our review

    ★★★

    The real star of the show is the music, and with a soundtrack which plays out like your ABBA Gold CD, there are more than a few songs here that you will know every word to. There are some storming numbers, which work really well; “Money. Money, Money”, “Mamma Mia” and “Does Your Mother Know” are good ensemble pieces, and the collision of the stag and hen do’s to “Voulez Vous” was an enjoyable highlight; with this show reminding you of just how good ABBA really were. (Paul Szabo)

    Watch a clip from Mamma Mia UK Tour

     

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  • THEATRE REVIEW | Mamma Mia, Brighton Centre

    ★★★| Mamma Mia 2017 National UK Tour

    THEATRE REVIEW | Mamma Mia, Brighton Centre

    Sophie is determined to have her father walk her down the aisle at her forthcoming wedding. After finding out that there are three potential guys who may be her father, she invites them all to the forthcoming nuptials; but will she find out which one really is her father, and how will her mother react when three of her former lovers all turn up unexpectedly?

    Currently, on its first ever UK tour, Mamma Mia is a show which needs little introduction. Based around the hit songs of Abba, the show has been a phenomenon for many years and continues to pack out theatres with its sunny setting, perfect pop and feel-good factor.

    The show feels as warm as the weather in the Greek setting to the story, with a set made up of a backdrop of brilliant blues and two moveable parts to the set which transforms the locations of the story very well. The lighting design is well conceived, the costumes include some spandex and stomping platform boots, and the whole thing is fairly seamless in its presentation.

    Sadly, for such a slick and polished production, the lead cast was disappointing; with both the acting and singing not being of a standard one would expect from such a huge show. Someone in the foyer joked “at least we won’t have to listen to Pierce Bronson sing tonight” (referring to his much-maligned performance in the film version of the show); but at times, his dulcet tones may have been a blessing. It is the ensemble cast who really shone in terms of their enthusiasm, singing and dancing; with more gorgeous gals and hunks in trunks than you can shake a stick at; and an abundance of muscular and ridiculously attractive young men in the ensemble with vast amounts of six packs, biceps and perfect pecs on display.

    But the real star of the show is the music, and with a soundtrack which plays out like your ABBA Gold CD, there are more than a few songs here that you will know every word to. There are some storming numbers, which work really well; “Money. Money, Money”, “Mamma Mia” and “Does Your Mother Know” are good ensemble pieces, and the collision of the stag and hen do’s to “Voulez Vous” was an enjoyable highlight; with this show reminding you of just how good ABBA really were.

    But where the show really succeeds is in the fact that it remains an absolute crowd-pleaser and presents itself with a real sense of fun. It’s a show which cranks up the camp, ditches the story and plot and goes all out to enjoy itself. It’s not perfect by any stretch, but by the time the crowd are on their feet singing and dancing at the end, you know that you have had a good couple of hours of escapism and managed to kick-start your summer.

    Mamma Mia plays at the Brighton Centre until 3rd September 2017

    • Review is taken from the Sheffield Theatres production.
  • Brighton Homophobic attackers’ sentence increased

    Brighton Homophobic attackers’ sentence increased

    Two thugs who attacked and hospitalised two men in Brighton last year have had their prison sentences increased.

    CREDIT: Brighton Police

    Gage Vye-Parminter, 18, of Breydon Walk, and Matthew Howes, 19, of Weald Drive, were both originally jailed for five years in a young offender institution for the homophobic attack on two men in Brighton last year. They admitted GHB and assault on two men in the city’s centre. They were ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge.

    The youngest of the two victims suffered fractured eye sockets, nose and cheekbones. Pictures of the victims shocked the community last year after news of the attack made its way onto social media.

    However, their sentences have been increased to seven years after the Government’s Solicitor General Robert Buckland challenged the “unduly lenient” sentence. The court agreed to extend the time to reflect that it was a hate crime.

    Speaking after the hearing, Mr Buckland QC said,

    “This vicious attack was totally unprovoked and has left the victims with long-term emotional and physical scars. It will take the victims a considerable amount of time to recover from this.

    “I thought the sentence was unduly lenient as it failed to adequately take into account that this attack was motivated by hate.

    “I hope the court’s decision to impose a longer prison sentence, to include the sentence uplift, sends a clear message to society that such offences will not be tolerated.”

  • Lucy Spraggan hurt in vicious attack after Brighton gig

    Singer-songwriter Lucy Spaggan was attacked after a gig in Brighton, leaving her with cuts and bruises.

    Lucy Spraggan, who came to fame during X Factor in 2012, published a picture of her clutching a clump of her hair and face full of cuts and bruises after she left a gig in Brighton.

    Lucy, along with her wife and her guitarist were assaulted by people unknown which left her with whiplash and cuts and bruises on her face. She told her fans on Twitter that Sussex Police had been informed and had been “amazing”.

    Talking about her attack she said,

    “Was attacked tonight after the show inBrightonn, along with my guitarist and wife.
    #SussexPolice have been amazing and are pursuing a charge.

    “Got a bit of whiplash and a few bruises but we’re all good. Scary shit, man. Be safe out there!”

     

  • Jeremy Hunt is being urged to save HIV charity from closure after theatening funding cuts

    Jeremy Hunt is being urged to save HIV charity from closure after theatening funding cuts

    The Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt is being urged to take action after an HIV charity in England signalled it could close due to crippling funding cuts.

    Sussex Beacon
    CREDIT: Sussex Beacon

    HIV charity, Sussex Beacon says it could be forced close by June due to funding cuts from the NHS. The charity which was formed in 1992 faces a “very real risk” of being shuttered after its core funding was reduced by the NHS. The charity currently costs £2 million a year to run. Trustees from the charity say they cannot continue to absorb these cuts.

    The charity, which is based in Brighton, serves around 500 people per year who are living with HIV and AIDS related illnesses. It has already announced it is to close its psychological services due to lack of funding.

    ALSO READ:

     

    A petition has been launched urging Jeremy Hunt to save the charity. Since it went live over 10,000 people have signed it.

    The closure of the vital service has been called devastating by Brighton’s MP, Caroline Lucas who called on the government to make an “urgent intervention” to stop the charity from closing.

    Caroline Lucas said,

    “The closure of the Sussex Beacon would be devastating for service users, staff and volunteers. The importance of the work being done by this vital service for people with HIV cannot be overstated – and I have written to the government asking for an urgent intervention to prevent any closure. I know that those involved with the Sussex Beacon will not let this service be slashed without a fight, and I’ll be continuing to be closely in touch with them and standing with them every step of the way.”

    In 2016 the LGBT+ mental health charity PACE was forced to close after funding cuts were made to local authority budgets. It had been in operation for 31 years before its closure.

    THEGAYUK.com reached out to Jeremy Hunt’s office for comment.

     

  • Two men jailed for homophobic attack in Brighton

    Two men jailed for homophobic attack in Brighton

    Two men have been jailed for a homophobic attack that took place in Brighton last year.

    CREDIT: Brighton Police

    Gage Vye-Parminter, 18, of Breydon Walk, and Matthew Howes, 19, of Weald Drive, have both been jailed for five years for the homophobic attack on two men in Brighton. They admitted GHB and assault on two men in the city’s centre. They were ordered to pay a £170 victim surcharge.

    The youngest of the two victims suffered fractured eye sockets, nose and cheekbones. Pictures of the victims shocked the community last year after news of the attack made its way onto social media.

    The court heard that officers in a patrolling police car were flagged down by a passing taxi driver who told them two men had just been attacked in Kings Road, on the south pavement opposite the Queens Hotel.

    Vye-Parminter and Howes were arrested at the scene and taken into custody for questioning. The victims said the pair were walking behind them along the seafront shouting homophobic comments at them. The 22-year-old, who now lives in Camberley, Surrey, said he then remembered being knocked to the floor and attacked before losing consciousness.

    The attack was just one of the anti-gay attacks that rocked Brighton’s gay scene in 2016.

    Detective constable Sarah Townsend said:

    “This was a violent and unprovoked homophobic attack on two men who were singled out for their sexual orientation.

    “This sentence sends out a clear signal that we will take a robust approach to those who target individuals based on their race, disability, gender identity, religion or sexual orientation.

    “I hope this case will encourage other victims of hate crime to report such behaviour and violence to the police.”

     

  • The UK’s first LGBT TV channel set to launch

    A brand new LGBT TV channel is set to start broadcasting in the UK from February.

    The UK is about to get its first terrestrial LGBT TV channel. Broadcasting from February 2017 Latest LGBT+ TV will be bringing the best in LGBT news and entertainment to viewer’s TV screens on Freeview Channel 7 and Virgin Media 159 in the Greater Brighton area, as well as online globally.

    Fronting the channel will be two of the city’s best-known journalists.

    Presenter and Head of Latest LGBT+ TV, Sophie Cook joined Latest TV in 2016 and was the first ever transgender woman to front a news programme in Europe.

    Sophie said,

    “I’m thrilled to be leading one of the most exciting developments in British television for decades!  This represents a real opportunity to change people’s lives. We want to entertain, educate and inspire our viewers.”

    Andrew Kay, the presenter of Amazon Prime’s ‘International Chef Exchange’ will bring his wit, charm and soufflé to the channel.  

    Andrew said,

    “I see this as my chance to enjoy, in a public arena, being gay – but also to contribute towards a better and more equal world. Working with the Latest TV team is going to be exciting, challenging and fun and I hope that people – whether they are LGBT or not – will join in.”

    Bill Smith, Latest TV’s CEO and nominee for the National Diversity Award said,

    We’re delighted that our channel will be creating daily LGBT news programmes, entertainment shows, as well as screening the very best LGBT films from across the world.  We’ll also provide a platform for all LGBT filmmakers to share their work. With support from Coast to Capital, Latest TV has launched LGBT+ TV.  However we receive no ongoing public funding, so we’ve turned to crowdfunding to finance our service.”

    People power can change the world from the ground up and help to combat prejudice and injustice wherever it may appear.  Together we can be the change we want to see in the world.  We are giving people pride, not prejudice. 

  • OPINION | Brighton or Manchester: which city is truly the Gay Pride capital of Europe?

    26 years ago, the Stonewall riots triggered events that led to the gay liberation movement in the United States and culminated in Gay Pride marches which, in the preceding decades, have spread across the globe.

    The LGBT community has made massive strides in the past five years, culminating in the ground breaking legislation of same-sex marriage laws in the USA, the UK and other parts of the world.

    With these progressive advances, LGBT tourism has been dramatically on the increase. There is no bigger event on the LGBT calendar than Pride, where equality and diversity is celebrated and discrimination is renounced. In Europe, the cities of Brighton and Manchester are both in prime positions to take the crown of the Gay Pride capital of Europe.

    Here is a guide to help you navigate these two gay metropolises and decide which city truly deserves the title of Gay Pride capital of Europe

    Since the 19th century, Brighton has been known as a hub for gay people. Many men were initially drawn to the seaside town of Brighton by the large number of soldiers stationed there during the Napoleonic wars. Apart from its military appeal, Brighton has always had a rapturous reputation, being a destination where the pleasure seekers from nearby London could get away from the smog and bathe on the beach under Brighton Pier. Brighton is the home of light entertainment and this liberal streak in the city has always been naturally accommodating to the LGBT community. Today this historical closeness has produced a city with one of the highest LGBT populations in the country, with 11-15% of people over 16, in 2015, thought to be gay, lesbian or bisexual.

    By contrast, Manchester in the north of England has developed its reputation as a gay capital much more recently. The now famous Canal Street, which is the spiritual heart of Gay Manchester, was in the second half of the 20th century a dark and secretive meeting place for gay men, bordered by large looming cotton factories that were decaying in the post-industrial grimness of post-war Britain. Flash forward to today, and Canal Street has been transformed into a huge gay sanctuary with an intoxicating mixture of bars, pubs and clubs where the LGBT community can come together freely to party the night away.

    The ins and outs of each Pride

    Brighton Pride is the largest Pride in the UK, attracting around 290,000 people each year, making up a significant amount the city’s overall revenue. Starting on the first week of August, Brighton Pride becomes more popular each year. The Brighton Parade is the most significant event during Brighton Pride and is an incredibly powerful culmination of protest, history and unity, which are the foundations of this historically gay city.

    Manchester Pride, although smaller, is a fiery explosion of music, culture and energy. Manchester Pride peaks with its ‘Big Weekend’ event, which this year showcased huge musical stars such as Groove Armada, Sophie Ellis Bextor and Will Young, to name a few. Manchester uses its well defined club culture to truly knock your socks off during Pride. Although Brighton’s Pride festival saw the wonderful headliner Sister Sledge, Manchester has the musical edge and is perhaps more geared towards the idea of a Pride Party than Brighton.

    Both cities have huge amounts to offer during their Prides. Brighton is definitely a city more historically rooted to the LGBT movement, however the energy and controversy that has come out of Manchester’s LGBT community in the past decade, as well as popular cultural products such as Queer as Folk has really given Manchester Pride an incredible energy. Manchester definitely seems to be heading towards becoming the Pride capital of Europe, all the while its sister city Brighton still has an incredible amount to offer too.

    Find out more about Saeed Foudal at his website

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