Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
DJ Wanker remembers those fabulous girl groups of the 1960s 86 Community Safety
and why they resonate so much with gay men 93 House & Homos
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
6 GSCENE MARCH 2008
The decision of the Recorder Ann Arnold to discharge former Tory Cllr Peter
Willows of his conviction on a Public Order offence raises serious issues. TILLSTONE TWO
Council leader, Cllr Brian Oxley, has personally
Her summing up suggests that anyone can use whatever offensive remarks they chsose so long as they don’t intervened in the case of the Tillstone Two.
mean to hurt anyone’s feelings. This is at conflict with the Association of Chief Police Officers definition
of a homophobic incident, which states a homophobic incident is: “Any incident that is perceived as being Council tenants Darren Bryans and Allan Farrah have
homophobic by the victim or any other person. In effect, any incident intended to have an impact on those been the victims of persistent homophobic harassment
perceived to be lesbians, gay men, bisexual or transgendered people.' by neighbours at their council house in Tillstone Street
since 2002. They live their
PETER WILLOWS
Further her contention that in her view Peter Willows ‘did not mean to be offensive’ does lives in fear. Because the
not stack up. Willows was a serial homophobe with a long history of making disparaging, council won’t move the
negative and offensive remarks about LGBT people. The incident at the Mayor’s Civic perpetrators, they want to
Reception was just one more incident. The Recorder’s contention that I was “chasing a be rehoused for their own
story” is also confusing. Of course over the years I have held Willows along with many safety.
other bigots to account in this magazine for their actions and words. Gscene is a Sixty-eight separate hate-
campaigning magazine and that’s what campaigning journalists do – hold bigots to crime incidents against
account. Each time there was a problem with Peter Willows I tried to explore a political solution but the Tory them have been reported
Group refused to take action. That’s why a prosecution was the only alternative. and logged with Sussex Police since 2002.
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: “We have been
No one made Peter Willows say his vile words to an ex-mayor at the civic ceremony, no one made Peter working closely with Darren and Allan and over a period
Willows write his letters to The Argus, no one made Peter Willows attack the gay police officer. He chose to of years have had some notable successes in dealing
do it. It is called homophobia. with the harassment they have faced and they have
Similarly, the concerns the Recorder raised about the manner in which the police handled this case are continued to be very supportive of us. Recently they
confusing. She criticised them for deciding to go ahead with the prosecution without first considering a made the decision to move home and we will support
caution. In my experience in the case of Domestic Violence and Hate Crimes it is the Crown Prosecution them fully in any decision that they make, however, it is
Service (CPS) that makes those decisions and further it is not possible to issue a caution if the offence is not not for the police to decide on housing policy.”
admitted. Willows did not admit the offence under caution. The council’s Housing Department has been conducting
a stage-one and two investigation about the plight of
Lessons to be learned from this are that in 2008 LGBT people in Brighton and Hove are treated even these victims of homophobic and racist harassment over
handed by the police, CPS and Magistrates, which interestingly all have diversity training programmes. It the past five months. Cllr Oxley has promised a full
will just take a little longer for our judges to appreciate the subtleties of institutional homophobia. investigation into the matter and there will be a full
report in next month’s Gscene on the outcome.
The Tory Group does not come out of this with any credit. They could have dealt with the ‘Willows
problem’ internally. They chose not to. They fed his rampant homophobia by their inaction. I asked the
new leader of the council, Brian Oxley, when I interviewed him after the election last May, if the
Conservative Group would be supporting Peter Willows in his appeal. He answered that “Peter Willows is now
a private citizen and free to do whatever he chooses.” Peter Willows chose to sign the election papers
nominating the chief witness in his appeal, Cllr Dawn Barnett, at the last local elections.
Here are some of the responses circulated by members of the present Conservative Group on the Council’s
internal email. These Councillors run the city and will be leading figures no doubt in the new cabinet system
to be introduced in May and responsibile for policy regarding Community Safety and Equality issues.
“I am sure, like me, you will all be pleased to learn that a former member of Brighton & Hove City Council,
Peter Willows, was today acquitted at his retrial,” Cllr Tony Janio, Hangleton and Knoll and member of the
Environment Committee, which has responsibility for community safety.
“FANTASTIC!” Cllr Dee Simpson, Woodingdean, chair of Licensing Committee and member of the
Council’s Community Safety Forum.
“Fantastic News - It’s a joke it went to court in the first place” Cllr Ayas Fallon-Khan , Goldsmid, member
AIDS MEMORIAL
The Aids Memorial trustees, Cllr Paul Elgood,
of the Equalites Forum former leader of the council Simon Burgess, Cllr Brian
“Yes, very good news. Please pass on my congratulations to Peter,” Cllr Geoffrey Theobald, Patcham, the Oxley, and Cllr Bill Randall presented the planning
Mayor of Brighton’s consort and chair of the Environment Committee, which has overall responsibility for application for the proposed memorial to the city
community safety. council last month. After a public ballot Mark Romany
“I did hear earlier this afternoon and I think it is just fantastic news. I have always thought it could, and Bruce was chosen as the preferred artist to create the
should, end like this,” Cllr Ken Norman, Withdean Ward and chair, Adult Social Care and Health Committee, memorial, which will be cast in bronze and feature two
responsible for provision of health services to the LGBT community, including for HIV/Aids. androgynous figures entwined. The proposed memorial
“Absolutely fantastic news. Peter’s good name now restored,” Cllr Ann Norman, Withdean Ward, lead will be sited at the north end of the New Steine
councillor for Finance and Resources, chair, Financial Management Sub-Committee and member of the Gardens and has been funded through public donations.
council’s Equalities Forum. The formal unveiling date for the
“That is great news. I am very pleased for Peter. Please pass on my congratulations,” Cllr Vanessa memorial is December 1, World
Brown, Stanford Ward, deputy leader of the council and chair, the Children, Families and Schools Committee. Aids Day 2008. To help celebrate
“I spoke to Peter after the court case and passed on my congratulations,” Cllr Mary Mears, Rottingdean the milestone the trustees have
Coastal Ward, deputy leader of the council, chair of housing. announced there will be an
exhibition of the works of the
It would appear that Cameron’s new Conservative Party is a wolf in sheep’s clothing and the names artist Mark Romany Bruce at the
of the councillors above should be added to the list of those The Argus called in their editorial on the day Jubilee Library from May 3–31
after the appeal “a narrow minded minority who want to slap crass labels on those who exercise their freedom during the Brighton Festival.
to live their lives the way they choose.” The Argus got it exactly right. The name for them is bigots!
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
8 GSCENE MARCH 2008
WILLOWS CLEARED challenge for him to condemn what Peter Willows had said,
leader of the council Cllr Brian Oxley said: “The matter is now
thought James Ledward was chasing a story for his gay magazine. saddened by the Court's decision to dismiss Peter Willow's
conviction because he 'didn't intend to offend'. That doesn't alter
The decision sparked anger from political figures across the city. The Argus the undisputed fact that Mr Willows said that 'all gay people
editorial the next day read: were paedophiles'. Such groundless and offensive sentiments
“This is not a case of common sense triumphing have no place in today's world, let alone in the mouth of an
elected representative. Living in the twenty first century should be about aspiring to
over political correctness. It is a vindication of a better, more inclusive world of greater equality. Bigotry, intolerance and ignorance
have no place here, and I am concerned by the round of triumphant emails from
a narrow-minded minority’s urge to slap crass Conservative councillors on the Council's private messaging system, one of which
labels on those who exercise their freedom to even celebrates 'clearing Peter's name' There is no dispute that the remarks were
offensive and abusive, and to my mind the intent behind them is of far less
live their lives the way they choose.” importance. The Court's decision seems to have been more about legal niceties,
and failed to address the fundamental wrongs that had been done. As such I think
Leader of the Labour Group, Cllr Gill Mitchell, said: “I’m
the decision will sadly undermine faith in the judiciary and sends out a message that
CLLR GILL MITCHELL
SIMON BURGESS
congratulations to Peter Willows is totally sickening and so far no
that the conviction should be quashed on a technicality. What Peter
word at all from Cllr Brian Oxley, the leader of the council. The Tories seem to forget
Willows said was not an isolated incident – he had written to The
that they are charged with running this city on behalf of all its people and
Argus stating similar views and I have personally witnessed him make
communities, and should be mindful of that responsibility.”
homophobic remarks. Calling someone a paedophile is about as
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE MARCH 2008 9
has been a long haul for all concerned but I shoulder causing him to fall, and then kicked
believe that the stand we took was the right him in the stomach. The other man called
one and one that has set down a marker to the police, and a passing motorist pulled up,
those who seek to question the way we live at which point Stone ran off.
our lives. This case was never about freedom of speech – it Brighton police officer Inspector Mark
was about the right of all people to live their lives without Andrews arrived shortly afterwards and
interference, hindrance or violence directed towards them. started taking details of the incident. Whilst
Thank you to the many people who supported us through this this was happening, Stone walked along the
process. It was a fight worth fighting and one I wouldn’t opposite side of the road and the victim
hesitate to do again if it was needed. When I first stood for pointed him out. Inspector Andrews made
election nine years ago, I said that when needed to do so, I after Stone and arrested him for assault.
would always try to question injustice. I am glad to have When questioned, Stone denied the offence,
done this.” saying he was assaulted and acted out of
self-defence. However, on CPS advice, Stone
James Ledward, editor of Gscene said: was charged with common assault. During
“This was a clear case of incitement to hatred the court proceedings the victim of the
JAMES LEDWARD
and would have been dealt with differently assault was screened off from his attacker.
under the new proposed incitement Nick Antjoule, the Police LGBT Liaison
legislation. This decision sends out a negative Officer for Brighton & Hove, said, “It’s
signal to the LGBT community. The issue here great to see the victim of a homophobic
is of trust and confidence in the criminal justice system. We attack being given appropriate support during
have not been let down here by the Police or Crown the court process and a positive outcome
Prosecution Service, but by a judge. I urge everyone to being achieved.”
continue reporting any homophobic incident no matter how Stone was sentenced in February to a 12-
unimportant they believe it to be. In my experience the police month community punishment order, 200
take these reports seriously and it is the only way we will hours of unpaid community work, a curfew
eventually effect change and maybe one day the police and for 16 weeks, £100 compensation payment
CPS will receiving the backing of judges in these cases.” to the victim and £250 towards court costs.
JANUARY AND FEBRUARY WERE IMPORTANT MONTHS FOR GEMS. THEY WERE ENTERTAINED IN THE MAYORS
PARLOUR BY CLLR CAROL THEOBALD, THE MAYOR OF BRIGHTON AND HOVE AND HOSTED A PRIDE CONCERT BY
THE HARP PLAYER ANDREW BALLANTYNE
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO REGISTER YOUR VOTE FOR WHAT’S BEST ON THE BRIGHTON GAY SCENE. YOU CAN ALSO
VOTE ONLINE AT REALBRIGHTON.COM. THE AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE GOLDEN HANDBAG SHOW AT THE
BRIGHTON METROPOLE HOTEL, ON SUNDAY MARCH 23 STARTING 6.30PM. CLOSING DATE FOR VOTING IS MARCH 17.
FAVOURITE CLUB FAVOURITE CABARET VENUE FAVOURITE OUT OF TOWN VENUE
❏ Basement Club@Legends ❏ Aquarium Theatre Bar ❏ Fountain, Handcross
❏ Candy Bar ❏ Caledonian Bar ❏ Volunteer, Lewes
❏ Charles Street ❏ Legends ❏ Heart, Eastborne
❏ Revenge ❏ Queens Arms ❏ Jack Horner, Worthing
❏ V2 ❏ R-Bar ❏ Southampton
Other ❏ White Horse
❏ The Zone ❏ Portsmouth
FAVOURITE CLUB NIGHTS ❏ Bournemouth
❏ Bar 150 (Envy Mondays) FAVOURITE GIRLS NIGHT OUT
❏ Bliss (Charles Street Saturdays) ❏ Candy Bar
❏ Celebration (Legends) ❏ Girls On Top (Revenge) FAVOURITE LOCAL ENTERTAINER
❏ Dynamite Boogaloo (Audio) ❏ Marlborough
❏ Fuck The Pain Away (Candy Bar Saturdays) ❏ Pussy Party (Formerly Wet Pussy)
❏ GBH (Charles Street Fridays) ❏ The PV
❏ Kinky Dangerous (Revenge Saturdays) ❏ Sirens FAVOURITE DOOR HOSTESS
❏ Lollipop (Revenge Fridays) Other OR SECURITY DOOR PERSON (M/F)
❏ Pussy (Charles Street Fridays)
❏ Religion (Charles Street) LANDLORD/LADY OF THE YEAR
❏ Shibbley Shabblers (Candy Bar Mondays)
❏ Wild Fruit Nights FAVOURITE SCENE PERSONALITY
❏ We Love Pop (Hanbury) (NON ENTERTAINER)
Other FAVOURITE BAR BOY
Tickets priced £16 are available from Clone Zone (01273 626442), and Prowler (01273 683680) both in St James’s Street.
Tickets must be collected in person and paid for in cash as both Prowler and Clone Zone are not charging us a booking fee.
A limited number of tables of 10 costing £160 per table can be booked by calling 01273 722457. Available on a first come
first served basis. There are also a very limited number of tables of 12 at £192 per table.
12 GSCENE MARCH 2008
CERI DUPREE
With the introduction this year Brighton in St James’s Street Easter Bonnet Parade. Prizes for the best
of postal as well as online agreed to organise this year’s men’s and women’s bonnet are bottles of
voting, the number of votes Pride street party. However, at champagne. Easter eggs will be given to all
LOLA LASAGNE
cast has already passed last last month’s Kemp Town Pub entrants and all children.
year’s total. Voting is very Watch meeting, Dale explained The Grosvenor opens its doors at 11am and
close for Favourite Club that due to personal and business will be serving free bar snacks from noon.
Night and Favourite Club, as well as Favourite commitments he could no longer It will be raising money for The Sussex
Scene Personality. The Golden Handbags Awards devote enough time to the event Beacon all day with a raffle, spot prizes and
are independently monitored. Voting is monitored this year and withdrew his offer. will be helped by stilt-walkers and local
independently of Gscene magazine by Michael Conrad and Darren scene personalities who will be shaking the
Realbrighton.com. Every vote you cast counts. Hulcoop of the Aquarium in buckets, so please give generously!
This year’s event is being supported by Arena Steine Street have offered to take The Mayor arrives at 2.30pm then everyone
Entertainments, which provides the production; over, and will form a community moves down to the Bedford Tavern at
Realbrighton.com, which hosts the voting and involvement team to plan the 2.45pm for the full Easter Bonnet Parade at
produces the interactive IT on the event. If you want to get involved 3pm sharp. As last year the Mayor will be
night; the call 07789 600489 or email escorted by Michael Robbins from the
Brighton Hilton Metropole Hotel, which 2008streetparty@btconnect.com Friends of St Andrews, who organises the
provides the venue free of charge; and street closure and schedules the day’s
TVPolari, which will be televising this year’s BOTTLE ATTACK proceedings.
event for broadcast during Pride. At about 3am on Tuesday
February 4, a man was attacked
Tickets priced £16 are available from Clone
Zone 01273 626442 and Prowler 01273 with a bottle by three men at BEACON MARATHON
683680. Tickets must be collected in
person and paid for in cash, as neither
Dukes Mound. Did you see
anything? If so, any information BREAKS RECORD!
you have could help identify the On a beautiful sunny day, more than 3,700
company is charging a booking fee. If runners took part in last month’s Sussex
your venue is up for an award and you attackers. The police are not
UNCONVENTIONALS
interested in what you were doing Beacon Half Marathon, breaking all
want to sit with friends there are three previous records. Needless to say, race
tables of ten and two tables of 12 left. on the night. To talk with no
obligation call Nick Antjoule, the organisers were thrilled with the turnout.
Everyone else is seated on a first-come-
first-served basis. police LGBT liaison officer on
To book tables telephone 01273 722457. 0845 6070999 ext 50149 or on
All artists are appearing free of charge 07799 347114.
and 75 per cent of your ticket money will
be going to support the work of The EQUALITY WALK
Sussex Beacon and the other 25 per cent will The fifth annual Stonewall
be going to support the work of Spectrum the LGBT Equality Walk in Brighton is on
Community Forum. Sunday May 4. Walkers will be
joined by Sue Perkins, Amy
Lamé and Dicky and Dolly (Big
Brother, now Gaydar Radio hosts).
Last year’s walk raised more than “It’s incredible,” said Julie Hales, race
£40,000, and all money raised director. “This is the first time in the race’s
goes towards Stonewall’s anti-gay history that it has sold out! What’s even more
hate crime campaign. The 10km exciting is we expect to smash our £120,000
walk begins in the Pavilion target. We’ve raised £112,000 already, with
Gardens at 2pm and follows a funds still coming in. It’s a fantastic
route set by BLAGSS, the lesbian achievement in the Beacon’s 15th
and gay sports group, ending in a anniversary year.”
prize-giving party at Legends. This year’s route was developed in close
Registration is £10, for which conjunction with the Brighton & Hove City
participants receive a Stonewall Council, Sussex Police and the Brighton
Equality Walk T-shirt and goodies. & Hove Bus Company – to ensure the
To register visit minimum of disruption to the residents of
www.equalitywalk.org.uk or Brighton & Hove. Hove-based company Life
New trustees were elected at the Spectrum AGM last month to fill the few spaces Pure Water was the official race water
contact the equality team on 020
left on the board. The trustees are Paul Stewart, Leela Bakshi, Robert Anthony, supplier. For every litre of Life Pure you
7593 1874. Once registered, keep
Michelle Bridgman, Petra Davis, Nick Antjoule, Tracey Chandler, Richard drink, it promises to deliver at least a litre of
logging onto the website for
Mangas, Kat Marples, Didier Montillaud, Daniel Parsonage, Steph Scott and clean drinking water to a developing world
regular updates about the Brighton
Jen Warren. community via the drop4drop charity.
Equality Walk.
www.sussexbeacon.org.uk
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
14 GSCENE MARCH 2008
network and find out more about IWD, BWC and other local Victoria. The talk is designed to homophobic bullying in schools..
organisations. A children’s play area will be provided. appeal across academic and www.stonewall.org.uk
A fundraising cabaret in aid of BWC at Komedia Studio community audiences. It is part of
Bar, Gardner Street, compered by Nicky Mitchell, will the Brighton & Sussex
showcase women performers singing, playing and talking Sexualities Network
about their journeys to Brighton & Hove. Doors open programme, which seeks to
7pm, show starts 8pm, tickets £6/£5 on the door only. connect researchers and those
interested in sexualities research
SUNDAY 9 Brighton & Hove IWD group has organised an afternoon of debate on across Sussex. The talk will take
gender issues facing women today. This is a women-only event, although place at 6pm at Pokeno Pies,
accompanied children are welcome, at the Friends’ Meeting House, Ship Street, Gardner Street, Brighton. Details
1–3pm, free but suggested donation of £1 goes to the Women’s Refuge Project. of BSSN events can be found at
WEDNESDAY 12 The week of events culminates in a disco, hosted by a female www.cmis.bton.ac.uk/research
DJ, at the Sanctuary Cella, Brunswick Street East, from 8–11pm. All adults /bssn/ Cookie was on hand at Mark Vessey’s
welcome (men to be accompanied by women). photographic exhibition at the
Brighton & Hove IWD Group chair Carolyn Bristow, said: “International
Women’s Day celebrations are widely recognised as key events on Brighton &
NEW GAYDAR Contemporary Gallery last month when
the THT launched their new condom pack
Hove’s cultural calendar. This year we have organised a wide variety of events to RADIO LINE-UP that Mark had designed with them.
appeal to women all across the city. All women who support IWD or fancy trying GaydarRadio celebrates its sixth
something new are very welcome to participate. We are also looking forward to May birthday with a brand new line-up.
3, which will see our annual community event take place. This will be an event for Joining the award-winning team of
hosts are the former CBBC and
COUNT ME IN
women and children, featuring entertainment, stalls and food. Keep checking our April 3 sees the launch of important research
website for more details.” Diggit (GMTV) presenter Liam into LGBT housing needs, as the second in a
For more info email: bhwomensday@hotmail.com or call 07974 960485. Dolan, who presents Gaydar series of issue-based Count Me In Too
Anthems live three evenings a findings reports is released drawn from the
THE CHORUS AT THE WINTER PRIDE TEN PIN BOWLING week and Phil Marriott with a
COMPETITION LAST MONTH
CANARIA new weekday drivetime show.
experiences, views and needs of 847 local
LGBT people. The Report addresses where
CHORUS Liam beat 14,000 people to
become the new face of CBBC,
LGBT people live in the city, their difficulties
in finding housing, access to social housing,
The City of Brighton Gay
presenting the breakfast show and responses to specialist needs and
Men’s Chorus (CBGMC) and
and Sunday show on CBBC for homelessness. It contains detailed chapters
Drag With No Name have
18 months before moving to ITV1 on harassment and safety issues, health and
accepted an invitation to appear
to present Diggit/Diggin It. Since support needs, domestic violence, the
onstage at this year’s
leaving kids’ TV, Liam’s presented impact of civil partnerships. The report is the
Maspalomas Pride from May
Max TV, Quix TV, Bid2win and The culmination of two years consultation,
5–10. The Pride Festival lasts all
Great Big British Quiz on channel research and analysis led by the University
week and includes the hunt for
Five. Phil Marriott started on of Brighton and Spectrum with input from
Mr Gran Canaria, pool parties
Radio Victory and The Quay in the city’s housing services, and other
and a parade culminating in gala
Portsmouth and has since voluntary and community stakeholders. The
concerts at the world famous Yumbo Centre. Last year 75,000 attended from all
presented on Virgin Megastores findings and recommendations will be
over Europe. Silvio Grasso, chair of CBGMC, said: “We’re thrilled at this
Radio, London, Impulse Live in available for the first time at this event, and
opportunity to reach even more people with our music and to be sharing the stage
Newbury, and Win FM in can be downloaded from April 10 from
with a bevy of international talent. We aim to do Brighton proud.” Local Playa del
Winchester, where he later www.countmeintoo.co.uk.
Ingles drag doyenne Beverly Hills, a host of the Pride shows, said: “I’ve always
became programme manager, Housing Findings Report Launch:
been partial to Brighton talent! Seriously though, it’s great that we can extend the
relaunching the station as Dream 5.30pm, Thursday April 3, at the Friends
invitation to such talented performers. It’s shaping up to be our best ever Pride.
107.2 in October last year. Meeting House, Ship St, Brighton contact
Come and support your local talent and enjoy some of ours, onstage and off!”
www.gaydarradio.com Spectrum for further information or for
For info on CBHGMC visit www.singbrighton.com
For info on Maspalomas Pride see www.gaypridemaspalomas.com access needs. Tel 01273 723123 or email
info@spectrum-lgbt.org
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE 15
www.wickwoods.co.uk
telephone 01273 857 567
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
16 GSCENE MARCH 2008
Ed Balls MP, secretary of state for Children, Schools and Families has
welcomed the launch of the first-ever national guidance from the government to
goodie bags donated by local
businesses. All that plus it’s the
BREAK A LEG!
help schools tackle homophobic bullying. Mr Balls said: “Bullying of any form is Brighton-born actor, Michael D’Cruze,
St Patrick’s Day weekend, so
unacceptable – we must uphold every child’s right to learn in a safe and secure artistic director of Persona Acting, is to
extra Irish boys and girls are
environment. Just as any form of racist bullying is unacceptable, so too is tour with the National Theatre. Michael
being shipped in specially!
homophobic bullying. Even casual use of homophobic language in schools can joins the cast of Rafta Rafta, a warm-
Get there early and get yourself
create an atmosphere that isolates young people and can be the forerunner of more hearted comic tale of close-knit Indian family
a hot lot!
serious forms of bullying. I’m proud that as a government we have been robust in life in England by the author of East Is East,
tackling this and I’d like to thank Stonewall for the work it has done.” Ayub Khan-Din. Michael’s Persona acting
The innovative online guidance is aimed at school governors, heads, teachers and course in Brighton, provides 30 hours of
all other school staff. It provides them with short, easily digestible links containing tuition over a period of ten weeks (Saturdays
practical information – including lesson plans – about how to prevent and respond only) to set you on the road to becoming a
to homophobic bullying. www.stonewall.org.uk/guidance professional actor. www.persona-
acting.co.uk/course.html
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
18 GSCENE MARCH 2008
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GSCENE 19
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
20 GSCENE MARCH 2008
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22 GSCENE
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24 GSCENE
BRIGHTON BANDITS
BRIGHTON BANDITS IN GAY WORLD CUP
WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY IN AN INTERNATIONAL QUEER FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT?
The Amsterdam Hotel-sponsored Brighton Bandits football team is The Bandits are now the subject of a documentary. Filmmaker Ian
currently looking for players to improve the squad in preparation for McDonald followed the team during the 2006–07 season and the film,
this summer’s championships, which are being staged in London and Brighton Bandits, which charts the team’s highs and lows, was
hosted by the Black Cap-sponsored Left Footers football team. Bandits premiered in Brighton last October and is being screened at the
manager Matt Haywood says: “This is a unique opportunity for gay Adelaide Film Festival in March.
sportsmen to play in an international tournament. We want to build and
develop our squad in the next three months in The Amsterdam Hotel has been a very generous sponsor of the team
preparation for the gay World Cup. We are looking for since it formed, and the management provides a complimentary buffet
players of all abilities in all positions.” for the Bandits to entertain the away teams after each home game.
Last year’s competition was staged in Buenos Aires The team features teachers, professionals, medics and artists among its
and won by Los Dogos SN from Argentina, with ranks and meets for training every Sunday at 4pm at the King Alfred
MATT HAYWOOD
English team Stonewall FC as runners-up. The Left Leisure Centre in Hove. Home games are played on Sundays at Preston
Footers bid and won the right to stage this year’s Park, and kick-off is usually 1pm. In February they played a GFSN
championships in London and the games will be National League fixture against Nottingham Ball Bois FC in
played in Regents Park. The Division One final will Nottingham. The next home match is Sunday April 6, when the Bandits
be played at the Leyton Orient FC Matchroom Stadium in East London. will be entertaining the hosts of this year’s gay World Cup, the Left
This is the second time the championships have been staged in London. Footers. Kick-off will be at 1pm at Preston Park.
The last time was in 2001, when Stonewall FC retained the title they
won the previous year in Cologne. Supporters are welcome to travel with the team to away matches. Not
only will you see the Bandits play but you also get the chance to
Brighton Bandits formed in 1997 when a group of members of the Gay sample the nightlife in the city hosting the match, as the team usually
Football Supporters’ Network decided to put together a scratch team travels the day before. For further information about travelling with the
they called the Brighton Belle-endes and entered the GFSN National team, email Jason Hall on publicity@banditsfc.org
Five-A-Side Tournament in Blackpool. Despite never playing together
before, they finished in a respectable mid-table position. From these If you want to talk about the team and your chances of playing in this
humble beginnings, players started to meet for regular training on summer’s gay World Cup, call Matt Haywood on 07977 579382 or
Sunday mornings on Hove Lawns and the Brighton Bandits were born. email him at manager@banditsfc.org For more information about the
From the start the Amsterdam Hotel provided the Bandits with a very Brighton Bandits go to www.banditsfc.org
generous sponsorship package, which includes a distinctive team strip.
Gscene has been appointed the team’s media sponsor and will be
In 2002 they received a grant from The Scarman Trust, which enabled charting the team’s progress up to and beyond the summer games,
them to train on proper pitches, fund training courses and broaden giving updates and match reports and following the progress of any new
their publicity. Further funding towards running costs followed from players who set their hearts on winning a medal at this year’s world
Pride in Brighton & Hove in 2004. Today the Bandits play in the GFSN championships.
National League, where they are acknowledged as one of the strongest
teams. After finishing runners-up in the 2004–05 season, they finished The International Gay & Lesbian Football Association World
as league champions in the 2005–06 season. Other successes include Championship takes place in London on August 24–30.
winning the GFSN Bristol Five-A-Side Tournament three times and the The organisers are looking for volunteers in the following areas:
GFSN Leicester Six-A-Side Tournament once. They won the National stewards, stage set-up, security checkers for lockers, sports massage
Five-A-Side Championships in Blackpool in 2004 and the GFSN therapists and sign language interpreters. For further information
Brighton Five-A-Side Tournament last year here in Brighton. contact volunteers@londonwc2008.co.uk
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
26 GSCENE
WOMEN OF IMPORTANCE
To celebrate International Women’s Day James Ledward presents a snapshot of the
achievements of LGBT women in Brighton, identifying how they fit into the big gay jigsaw
that is Brighton and Hove. Some you might recognise others you won’t, yet their
contributions to LGBT Brighton are huge.
JO BARRINGTON
2008 the LGBT community have a good working relationship with the Jo Barrington has lived in Brighton for
police and our community safety concerns are taken much more five years and can’t see herself living
seriously by them. We have first class counselling services and a anywhere else. Like many LGBT people,
thriving Switchboard. Our social groups, sports groups and choirs have she came here because of its anything-
blossomed. Much of these improvements have been driven quietly goes, accepting attitude and community
behind the scenes by groups of dedicated people who care and whose spirit. Jo initially became involved with
contributions have made a difference to all our lives. the LGBT community via the work she
The list of women presented here is not a definitive list of achievers does as part of Brighton & Hove City
but what we had space for. Some women who I would like to have Council’s staff LGBT Workers’ Forum –
included were not contactable or on sick leave, only one declined to be she’s been a steering-group member for
included. I would like in particular to mention Natalie Woods at four years. In that time she’s worked
Switchboard and Helen Jones at Mind Out, the mental health project. with other community groups raising awareness around the needs of
At Gscene we value diversity but more importantly we value the efforts LGBT staff in the workplace and helping to create a more inclusive
of people who roll their sleeves up and get on with it. I have personally working environment. Along with the council’s diversity officer, Jo
worked with some of the women here, in a professional and personal developed the LGBT staff mentoring scheme, which was mentioned as
capacity and am very proud to have had the chance to have done so. a programme of good practice in Stonewall’s Diversity Champions
They are consummate professionals and very, very nice people. JL Index, and is about to go in to its second year. This programme played
a large part in raising the council’s overall rating in the index. Jo has
LEELA BAKSHI
LEELA BAKSHI
also had a small input into other events, such as the History Ball,
Leela Baksi has been helping to make which will hopefully become more of a community event in 2009.
things happen with Calabash/people of “Other work I’m a part of is raising awareness around the housing needs
colour and with Spectrum (as a Trustee) of the community. As a manager of two frontline housing services, I sit
and with the Count Me In Too project (as on two working groups: looking at the housing and support needs of the
part of the project monitoring group) for LGBT community; and the domestic-violence group. I’m there to make
the past three or four years. “I go to sure the needs and views of the LGBT community are taken into
meetings, listen and talk, and write up consideration and recognised.”
stuff afterwards and send a lot of emails. Jo has been closely involved in the collation and dissemination of the
Occasionally I get to meet people who additional finding reports from CMIT focusing on domestic violence and
have a bit of power and have a go at housing. Her community work mainly revolves around highlighting the
telling them like it is.” needs of LGBT survivors of domestic violence and abuse. She has been
“I get excited about what people are doing co-chair of trustees for Broken Rainbow – the only national LGBT
and their ideas, and exercised about the domestic-violence support helpline – since April 2007. The service has
crap that comes our way. I guess my contribution would fall under gone through many changes over the past ten months and Jo has
‘project management’- doing what’s needed to plan and deliver pieces of played a key role in not only ensuring its survival but also raising
work.” awareness of the needs of the LGBT community regarding domestic
Leela grew up engaging with the peace movement, left wing politics, violence – a subject the LGBT community sometimes struggles to
women’s groups, fighting racism, reading ‘New Internationalist’, and understand or accept. Jo worked closely with the consultant CEO on the
composting and recycling and doing conservation work. “I was recent successful Valentine’s poster campaign.
responding to my feelings about the injustices of the world and my
enthusiasm for alternative ways of doing things.” Leela’s family have JAQ BAYLES
JAQ BAYLES
been political and social activists for a few generations, so these Jaq Bayles was born in London – a real
seemed like ordinary activities to her. live Cockney – then her family moved to
After Leela came out and settled into a home and career focused life, Margate when she was about six.
feelings of anger and sadness became a bit overwhelming. “No matter what Tracey Emin says, it’s
“Conversations in therapy got me thinking about dealing with my own not a cool place to live. I started working
issues - dismantling and recycling every piece of cardboard that I came in journalism at the age of 17 on my
into contact with, and crying about the pain of the families I work local newspaper and moved around the
with, wasn’t helping me to process my own stuff. Acknowledging the country, becoming news editor and
implications of my gender identity and sexuality – complete joy at deputy editor. I wound up in Brighton in
finding out who I am, but also put me on the receiving end of some 1984 working on The Evening Argus,
not so wonderful stuff, which got me volunteering for LGBT causes.” then took a brief sidestep into marketing
“For me, caring about and doing the work contributes to the LGBT with a London agency before becoming
collective - the political grouping that engages in the city. I think the deputy director of the publishing division
bit that establishes and develops LGBT community is appreciating and of a large PR company in London.”
caring about other people, and looking out for each other. Love is the After nine years of commuting, Jaq fancied a change and applied to the
answer - well the answer that makes sense to me. How do I link in the University of Sussex to do a degree in media studies, while working as a
jigsaw? I’m not sure how but it’s great to find a jigsaw where I do fit, I freelance journalist to finance her studies. A year after completing the
don’t experience that in a lot of other places. Thank you lovely people.” BA (first class hons), during which time she was a lecturer in journalism
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE 27
for the National Council for the Training of Journalists, she was done, and having been fortunate enough to meet and talk to seasoned
offered funding to do a fulltime MA in English literature at Sussex in activists, I realise there always will be.”
the school of Sexual Dissidence and Cultural Change. Her thesis, Drop Last year, Kath set up the Brighton and Sussex Sexualities Network to
Dead Monstrous: The Function of Female Perversity in Buffy The Vampire link people with an interest in sexualities research. “I was shocked when
Slayer, for which she gained a distinction, got her on the Nine O’Clock I arrived in Brighton to find there was no sexualities-research group,
News, radio and into every national paper in the UK. especially as we have such an amazing line-up of academics across
“I’m still a freelance journalist, writing features for The Guardian, Wine & Brighton and Sussex Universities. What surprised me more about this
Spirit magazine and a variety of other publications. I’ve also written a absence was the palpable desire among LGBT people for knowledge about
novel, for which I was agented but didn’t find a publisher, and I’m a sexualities. We’re planning the first-ever Pride conference in August –
published author of short stories, making the top 50 in the Ian St James Feelings of Pride – and a research-based conference in September.
Short Story Competition in 2000.” Kath’s final passion is rugby. After a shoulder injury forced her to stop
In the 1990s Jaq was a buddy for the Terrence Higgins Trust. playing, she became Liz James’s ‘left-hand woman’ in 2004. “We’ve
In the 1980s she wrote and starred in a play called Power Cut, while coached Hove Women’s Rugby Team for three seasons and we’re always
part of the theatre company Skirting the Issue. Power Cut was looking for new players!”
performed at the Nightingale and the Zap Club for an Aids benefit.
Jaq used to DJ at the Concorde and the Beachcomber as part of a co-op DANA COHEN
with a bunch of women putting on weekly club nights for the girls. A Dana Cohen was born in Sydney and
few years ago Jaq was on the Pride board of directors and was the grew up in Mauritius and New Zealand,
organisation’s press officer for two years. where she remembers puzzling over the
Jaq has two miniature Schnauzers, is in training for a triathlon, and last cover of The Female Eunuch in the early
year started doing stand-up comedy. Catch her if you can at the 1970s. All became clear a decade later,
monthly comedy night Walks Into A Bar, which she runs at the London when she enrolled on a feminist
Unity pub on Islingword Road, Brighton. philosophy course at university with a
group of lesbian activists. For more than
DANA COHEN
DR KATH BROWNE
Count Me In Too was born through a community/university talented queer kids did. So many people
partnership programme meeting between LGBT academics and who left for London came back as
Spectrum in 2005 and has developed into the most rewarding research casualties. I wanted to make my
of Kath’s career. “The results aren’t just academically interesting, but are hometown somewhere kids didn’t have to
having a positive impact in the ‘real’ world too. I feel privileged to have run away from.” But when Petra came out as bisexual, falling in love with
been privy to remarkable conversations, histories and stories and worked a man after years of relationships with women, things got difficult. She
with amazing people. I know that there is so much more work to be found little understanding and gave up queer activism because of it,
moving to Brighton in search of a broader understanding of queer
“We have amazing and diverse identity and a safe place to return to LGBT politics as an out bi person.
“Brighton has a bi campaigning organisation in Brighton Bothways, and
communities that can and should be hosts its own BiFest during Winter Pride. Though there’s still resentment
celebrated. I hope that I have and a lack of understanding around bisexuality, there’s a growing
willingness to engage, bolstered by the inclusion of bi people in the new
facilitated Pride’s action in this area, Sexual Orientation Regulations. Biphobic hate crime is recognised and
even though I know we still have work to recorded by the police in Brighton, and the ‘gay’ scene and ‘gay’
organisations are becoming LGBT in more than just name.”
do.” Dr Kath Browne
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
28 GSCENE
“I work in housing policy for the council and I’ve been lucky enough to ROSE HALL
arrive exactly as some amazing research on the housing needs of LGBT Like so many before her, Rose Hall moved
people came to light. I’ve been working with community-sector to Brighton because it was the gay capital
organisations to develop an LGBT housing strategy – the city’s first. and it was full of queers. “On my second
Sofa-surfing and forming relationships to get somewhere to live have day here I nearly crashed the car into the
become a way of life for some, and others turn to sex work. It’s very Peace Statue for being distracted by a pair
important for housing services to understand these issues so that we can of dykes snogging in front of all and sundry.
prevent homelessness as much as possible.” I could never have done that in Smethwick.”
ROSE HALL
Petra is a member of the steering group for the council’s LGBT Workers’ Rose had been in Brighton for a few years
Forum – organising events and training and supporting people when the post at MindOut was advertised.
experiencing harassment. She’s also a member of the regional Unison “Much to my amazement, I was offered the
LGBT group, and is in her second year as a trustee of Spectrum. job. I was employed to work three days a week and the project had three
“As a member of the Count Me In Too action and analysis groups, I’ve years’ funding ahead of it. I worked in an office with other specialist
been lucky enough to work with Kath Browne on one of the world’s advocacy workers, who gave me so much support and guidance in those
foremost LGBT research projects. Having access to the rich data that came early years.”
out of the survey, and working to interpret that data and use it to Her job was the first paid, dedicated LGBT worker post in Brighton.
promote positive social change for LGBT people here, has been a real “The LGBT community looked very different then. Many dedicated people –
privilege. I’ve made plenty of mistakes, blundering about in the delicate then as now – gave their time and energy to develop the community we
relationships between sectors and partners, but I think most people
realise now that I care very much about activism and what it can achieve
– that I’m a lifer.”
“The LGBT community looked very
Away from the social sector, Petra is a writer and journalist, and the different then. Many dedicated people –
arts community in Brighton is a big draw. “I’m primarily a sex writer,
working in queer and gender-queer fiction and non-fiction, and this city is
then as now – gave their time and
the perfect context for research and practice. Brighton’s the most exciting energy to develop the community we
and vibrant place I’ve ever lived, and the community that’s come closest
to being home.” now have.” Rose Hall
now have. Back then some individuals felt very strongly that there should
REV DEBBIE GASTON
REV DEBBIE GASTON not be paid LGBT posts and all work should be done voluntarily. So I
Rev Debbie Gaston grew up attending received a mixed reception at my first community meetings.”
church from the age of four, where she was The goals of the project were to provide advocacy to individuals, to set
sent so that her parents could get some up an advocacy group and to provide training to mental-health
peace and quiet on a Sunday. “Little did I organisations. Rose promoted the project and slowly people contacted
know that spirituality, religion and theology her. Isolation was a big issue and frighteningly common. Many people
were to become a passion throughout my hoped to find the Brighton LGBT scene inviting, friendly and supportive.
life.” By the age of 13, Debbie knew she Sadly, this was often not the case.
was a lesbian but was terrified of where In that first year Rose facilitated a weekly group for nine individuals. The
that fitted into her faith so, eventually, original intention was for it to be a working group, a voice for LGBT
aged 18, she did what every Bible- people who used mental-health services. The group fed back to services
believing fundamental Christian who’s been brainwashed does… “I went about their experience and what changes were needed. “However, what
to see my minister, who said I needed to be exorcised of the demon of we realised was also happening was that the group had become supportive
lesbianism! And guess what – it didn’t work!” of each other – people’s self-worth improved and individuals were making
After qualifying as a teacher then struggling to force herself into positive changes. We had more and more interest in the group, which led
heterosexual ways, Debbie still felt a pastoral calling to train for the us to expand the group-work service.”
ministry. She went to the London School of Theology, which taught Rose left MindOut last December and she feels tremendously privileged to
her to question the Bible and not accept it as it first appeared. “The have been at the beginning of such a successful project. Currently
refreshment that brought to me was unbelievable. So much so that I MindOut has a small, dedicated, hardworking team supporting hundreds
began to embrace my sexuality as a gift from God.” of individuals every year.
It was during this time that Debbie met and fell in love with her “I do feel honoured to have worked with the individuals I have over the
lifetime partner, Elaine. “We both felt very passionately about God and years. They have shown such strength, and compassion towards each other
after a few years we began to look for a church that would accept us. We despite the difficulties life has thrown at them.”
found the MCC (the Metropolitan Community Church) in London and cried
and cried for the first few weeks of being there because we had found our DR KATHERINE JOHNSON
spiritual home.” Dr Katherine Johnson is based in the
The calling to be a minister was still very strong and after several School of Applied Social Science (SASS),
people asked why Debbie wasn’t working for the Church, she completed University of Brighton, and has been
her theological studies, along with the extra courses required for MCC – involved in a number of projects over
by now the biggest LGBT charity/organisation in the world. recent years that seek to challenge
DR KATHERINE JOHNSON
Debbie was ordained in December 2002, by which time she and others stigma around mental health in the LGBT
had started the MCC in Brighton. Today around 50 people, of whom community and promote better
about 80 per cent are LGBT, regularly attend the Sunday services. understanding of LGBT lives more broadly.
There’s a large Sunday school, plus a band with various musicians. Before arriving in Brighton, she worked
“Since then Elaine and I had the honour of representing the LGBT on the first national study of lesbian, gay
community by becoming the first lesbians to have a civil partnership in and bisexual mental health, spending
England, with two TV documentaries putting Brighton and the MCC on the many days and evenings in local venues collecting participants’ responses
map together. It truly was the best day of our lives. We hope that we with a computerised questionnaire. Through this project she met Helen
represent the LGBT community with sensitivity and will continue to reach Jones at MindOut and later Emma Walsh at Allsorts, and they
out to those who are hurting through a liberation theology.” developed a community/university knowledge-exchange project in
Services are held every Sunday at 6pm at Cumberland Road URC Brighton & Hove that documented LGBT experiences of suicidal distress
Church, Brighton. For details, call Debbie on 01903 602434. and strategies to promote survival. These findings were launched in 2007
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE 29
and the report is on the Spectrum website. She is currently developing 15 years after leaving her hometown of
new projects with these organisations: one is co-ordinated with Jason Paisley, in the west of Scotland, and
Saw (MindOut) and members of Out of the Blue, and involves spending time in the Isle of Skye,
participants taking photos of their everyday practices and regimes for Edinburgh and Amsterdam. Diversity felt
managing their mental health. The images will be displayed through crucial: she’d been a community worker
exhibitions in order to visualise these experiences for a wider audience, for many years, developing supported
SHEILA MCWATTIE
hopefully during the Brighton Pride festival this summer. projects for single homeless women from
Katherine has also been committed to creating better links between a wide variety of backgrounds.
research, teaching and community activities that bridge gender and As a Brighton Women’s Centre (BWC)
sexuality divides. She has written on the potential for political volunteer, she met many lesbians who
affiliations between transsexuals, lesbians and feminists and completed felt isolated in this supposedly gay-friendly city. She wanted to put BWC
her PhD on transgender experiences of transition. In 2003 she organised on the city map, and help herself feel more connected as a lesbian and a
the British Psychological Society (BPS) Psychology of Women Brighton resident. In 2000 she looked for more refreshing ways of
Conference in the centre of Brighton that showcased a one-day invited earning a living and took a journalism course at Brighton & Hove City
symposium from the BPS Lesbian & Gay Society. Back in the College, just as BWC faced closure due to council funding cuts. The loss
university, she has spoken (with Maria Antoniou) on how universities of £6,000 a year undermined a struggling organisation and she did her
can improve access and support for LGBT people at the Communities best to publicise the effects. It suited her activist instincts to acquire
and Care Conference in 2005, and she is now developing a curriculum the tools to communicate effectively with the press. The late Shirley
that incorporates sexualities and community activity more explicitly. West, treasurer and co-founder of BWC, had a huge influence on Sheila
SASS will be launching a new master’s degree in community and social by understanding how much it improves women’s confidence to be heard
research in 2009/10, within which she and Kath Browne are currently and supported while trying to change their own lives.
developing a sexualities pathway that will be relevant to local LGBT “Shirley inspired many who were on the verge of giving up in the face of
groups and organisations. petty politics and a lack of vital resources,” says Sheila. “Eight years on,
For more information about any of these projects or courses, contact with her help, I earn my living as a writer, editor, publicist, events co-
Katherine at K.E.Johnson@brighton.ac.uk ordinator, creative-writing tutor and fundraiser, and feel fortunate to have
had many life-changing experiences. I chaired B&H International Women’s
KIM LUCAS Day Group for four years; with a committee of local women, I help co-
Kim is a 45-year-old entrepreneur from New ordinate Pride Women’s Performance Tent and other events, including
Zealand, and the most prominent lesbian IWD activities, such as this year’s creative writing, songwriting and
club promoter in the UK. She is most performance project, Where Are You Coming From? with local women and
renowned as the owner of the Candy Bar employing local writers, musicians and songwriters as tutors at BWC.
brand, the UK’s original fulltime girls’ bar, This city is fortunate to have such an abundance of creative people within
which celebrated its 11th birthday in its its LGBT communities, and special thanks are due to everyone who just
flagship venue in London, and its eighth keeps working towards making life here more bearable and diverse. It’s
KIM LUCAS
birthday in the UK’s largest ‘gay Mecca’, brilliant and humbling to be involved with such resourceful individuals.
Brighton, last year. The Candy Bar has Living here has taught me that if you feel isolated, doing something
transformed both the London and Brighton creative can make a huge difference.”
lesbian scenes by focusing on and nurturing the gay women’s market,
HAZEL PLATZER
HAZEL PLATZER
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
MICHELLE POOLEY
MICHELLE POOLEY where she’d achieved all she could in that role, and decided she needed
International Women’s Day is important to to be a police officer to achieve more. She’s now 22 weeks into her
Michelle Pooley, but just as important to training, and loving every second of it. “I saw an ad in Gscene from
her is the diversity of the city, and the Susie, who was interested in getting bi people together. We met and then
multi-faceted Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and invited others to come along. We started off with 8 people, then 30, and
Transgender people that she’s come in now Brighton Bothways keeps on growing - the first recognised voice for bi
contact with. Michelle landed in Brighton people in Brighton & Hove. I’ve been Co-Chair since it started in October
following her successful application to be 2003.”
the first co-ordinator for the Brighton “I attended a few Clare Project meetings and realised that a lot of trans
Women’s Centre in 1996. She upped sticks people felt isolated. I applied for funds and ran a weekly trans swimming
from her beloved Swansea where she had worked for the Equal group, which lasted for a couple of years. It built confidence within a lot
Opportunities Commission. In Brighton, she was openly supported and of people who then felt more able to go out and socialise.”
embraced by people in the community – “Yes you know who you are!” The main thing Lisa’s learnt is that people need to talk to each other
“As a feminist, what I find amazing about Brighton & Hove are the more and that there are a lot of barriers that need to be broken down to
hidden treasures - male, female and trans people who work tirelessly to achieve a real sense of community. “Being involved in community work
make Brighton & Hove the place where LGBT people want to be.” has enabled me to meet some amazing people. It also means I’ve no time
Michelle describes her time here as a voyage of discovery, and she for myself! Between my training, kayaking, snowboarding, and running
knows that the women featured this month are the very women who Brighton Bothways, I’ve no time to relax - but I wouldn’t change it for the
make this City work. As a woman who saw the need for liberation world.”
campaigns, and the need to challenge violence in private relationships,
JESS WOOD
Michelle soon became a member of the Brighton & Hove Domestic JESS WOOD
Violence Forum. This lead to her being one of the founder members of Jess Wood’s first memories of Brighton
the Anti-Victimisation Unit. At the time, this was an important are of the Women’s Centre. It was in a
initiative which changed the way Domestic Violence and Abuse, Racist, basement and she helped set up a rape
Homophobic and later Transphobic crime was and continues to be crisis line and a lesbian line. “I also
addressed in the City. Today, as the Brighton & Hove Domestic remember at that time becoming very
Violence Forum Chair, she continues to be active in the work of the close friends with three young artists – all
LGBT Domestic Violence and Abuse Working Group. gay men, two of whom subsequently
Michelle has delivered training for the last eight years to many became HIV-positive. Suddenly my world
voluntary and community groups through her work for the acclaimed was not dominated by women’s issues any
Working Together Project. Her determination to ensure women’s more, and I began to feel a great sense of
services were visible at Pride, culminated in the never to be forgotten community also with gay men.”
double-decker bus, decorated with purple and silver banners. The 5am Jess started working with Lesbian & Gay Switchboard and soon became
start proved well worth the effort with a fantastic turnout of women and its secretary. “In those days recruitment for Switchboard happened over a
hundreds of pounds raised along the march route. Michelle even acted as splendid supper made by a wonderful man called Edward. A brief chat,
a ‘minder’ one year for singer Hazel O’Conner when she performed at some great food, a little bit too much wine and you were in. Training for
the women’s tent at Brighton Pride. “I continues to be motivated by the the role? You’re joking. How things have changed.”
commitment of so many women, men and trans people who make this city In the late 1980s, friends began to get sick and die of Aids-related
safe, diverse, and a very incredible place to live, work and play. Long may illnesses. “It was a terrible time, almost apocalyptic. For four years, my
it continue!” partner and I devoted all our energies to supporting those friends.”
After a period of disability, Jess began to mentor a young care-leaver
LISA TIMERICK who was lesbian and trans. When she looked for an LGBT youth group for
LISA TIMERICK
When Lisa Timerick attended the her, there was nothing. One day at the Young People’s Centre, Jess met
University of Glamorgan in 1996, it was a young sexual-health worker, James Newton. “I said to him, ‘This is
her first real opportunity to think for wrong! There must be something for young people. OK, I’m going to set
herself and make her own decisions. She something up.’ And James replied, ‘If you do, I’ll help you.’ Neither of us
began by studying Law, something she felt had any idea what this would mean or where it would take us.”
would make her dad proud - but luckily she Their first grant was £1,000. They were so excited. They went and
found her true self. “I became a veggie and bought stamps, paper, some biscuits for the young people and set up a
started sleeping with women, later defining bank account. The next grant they got was £5,000. “We bought a laptop
myself as a bi and proud woman. That’s and thought, now we are really in business!” This was in 1999. Nine
when I started getting involving in politics months later, in 2000, they got their third grant. This time it was
and liberation campaigns.” Lisa ditched the £220,000! They reeled in shock and then got to work. “In four months, I
Law degree and started studying Criminology. She became a Women & went from being an artist and a teacher of religious studies to becoming
Equal Opportunities Officer at the Student Union and got involved in the manager of a major new youth project. Nine years later, Allsorts is still
the national NUS LGBT and Women’s Committee. She set up the first here, still growing and thriving. We now employ six part-time workers, and
local Students With Disabilities Group and got liberation campaigns at after April it will be nine. Thanks to everyone who has been part of this
the forefront of the union’s work. Then the time came to get a job. “I great adventure.”
was confused as I really enjoyed diversity work but I didn’t want my
degree to go to waste. I saw the ad for the LGBT Community Liaison “In those days recruitment for
Officer for Sussex Police and thought it would give me a chance to use my Switchboard happened over a splendid
skills from both areas and to get involved with some community work. I
got the job and moved to Brighton straight way.” supper made by a wonderful man
“I was amazed how little communication there was between the police called Edward. A brief chat, some great
and the community. If you’ve read my Gscene columns over the years,
you’ll know about the work I’ve done. I won the Police Review Diversity food, a little bit too much wine and you
Award, the East Sussex High Sheriff’s Award, and the Golden Handbag
Community Award, all of which I’m very proud of. I feel the main thing
were in. Training for the role? You’re
I’ve done is communicated – with every aspect of the community. I’ve joking! How things have changed.”
been as open and honest as possible.” However, Lisa reached a point
Jess Woods
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE 31
SHOPPING
WITH MICHAEL HOOTMAN
Magic frog with lily soap
dish, £14.95 (Hank and
Hugo, 115 St George’s Road,
01273 684023)
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
32 GSCENE
SHOPPING
WITH MICHAEL HOOTMAN
If you like Australian hunks you must – by law – buy the Bondi Trilogy,
£19.95 (Clone Zone, St James’s Street, 01273 626442)
NAME _____________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS __________________________________________________________________________
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 33
FOOD
BY MORHAM WHITE
incremental pricing towards £30 a bottle, plus a couple of glamour
numbers. Was the Barolo more than £50? Sir took a sip and commented,
“Have I been stitched up here? It’s really very good,” acknowledging the
quality of what was actually one of the cheaper bottles, a real steal at a
mere £11.50.
The mains included sardines, £8.50, moules, £9.50, and the main list
runs from £13.95 to £15.50 with a venison dish out front at £19.50. I
was torn – was it to be the rack of lamb or the roast beef? We both
ended up choosing the beef with roast potatoes, Yorkshires and a
shared platter of assorted vegetables accompanying two wonderful
slices of the best beef this year.
Bib
Tucker &
GOOD ALES, LAGERS,
FINE WINES, GREAT FOOD*
new look, new owners, new menu
local Sussex sourced produce
* kitchen prepared food
kitchen open everyday till 9pm
daily specials board
fresh relaxed atmosphere
Sunday roast, children's portions
children welcome till 8pm
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
34 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
sources produce locally where possible – as local as his parents’ garden in
FOOD
BY JAQ BAYLES
nearby Storrington and the beach at the bottom of the road. A group of
us were taking advantage of a fantastically good-value-for-money lunch
menu (two courses £11, three courses £14) and were treated royally by
the friendly, efficient staff in a restaurant space which, although light
and airy, suffers a little from being particularly vast and might not be for
the potentially agoraphobic.
The set menu provided enough variety for most of us, although one or
two did go off piste, unable to resist the lure of the venison – and
justifiably so, as it turned out. It’s not just the veg that’s proudly British
at The Meadow – there’s an emphasis, too, on the use of fine English
livestock breeds, and even the wine list offers up some indigenous
options, including a sparkler from Ridgeview in nearby Ditchling
(Fitzrovia, 2004, £42). My starter of slow-braised Old Spot pork belly
salad with roasted mango was a dream – a thick slice of soft, melting
meat under a crisp coat of salty-sweet crackling, cut through with the
tartness of the mango. With the other starters being cured Cumberland
ham with celeriac rémoulade, and warm beetroot with horseradish and
sour cream, the consensus was that an appropriate accompaniment
would be a lively white – the lovely, fresh Argentinian Las Moras
Viognier 2006 (£16), crisp with apricot and tropical fruit flavours. There
THE MEADOW was more slow cooking with a main of shin of Longhorn beef and
Inhabitants of that capital of cool on the South Coast, Brighton & Hove, buttered greens. The beef was so tender it barely needed chewing and
are renowned for being tolerant – except, perhaps, when it comes to the deeply meaty flavour was brilliantly lifted by possibly the most
gluten and lactose. But now food miles have been added to that elite deliciously zesty greens I have ever tasted. All pulled together with an
list as the Guardian-reading population invests in locally produced oozing, creamy side of Dauphinoise potatoes and helped along by a
organic veg boxes to help counter their carbon footprints. So it was only moreish, fruit-driven Rioja Vega Crianza 2003 (£17), as meaty as the
a matter of time before this environmental consciousness started to beef with vanilla, cherry and oak on the nose and a little chocolate and
invade the city’s restaurant scene. This is where The Meadow comes in. liquorice on the palate. Murgatroyd was especially keen to hear what we
Opened last summer, this former bank next to Hove’s Clock Gardens is thought of the ‘concise but varied’ wine list – a work in progress he
the first venture for Sussex-born chef/proprietor Will Murgatroyd, who intends to hone with the help of diners’ comments.
trained in the Gordon Ramsay stable under Marcus Wareing at Pétrus.
Murgatroyd is passionate about the seasonal ingredients for his menu, 64 Western Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 2JQ
which focuses on British cuisine with Italian and French influences. He 01273 721182 www.themeadowrestaurant.co.uk
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 35
civil partnerships
Celebrate your Civil Partnership with the best
views in Brighton and Hove.
MARCH
LISTINGS
AMSTERDAM
Every Saturday from 8pm it’s D.I.S.C.O. at the Amsterdam as they serve up the best 70s
disco and party music for pre-clubbers who are all ‘housed-out’! Put the FUNK back in to
Saturday nights! Every Sunday join Dame Connie Conway as she hosts Karaoke Cabaret
from 8pm till late. This night has become very popular and is well worth checking out.
Every Wednesday there’s the Big Quiz! Whether you're a quiz genius, a trivia king, a
mathematical marvel or just in need of a fun evening with friends, this light hearted Quiz is
the perfect place to be mid-week! Kicks off at 8pm, and it’s Free!
Don’t forget The Amsterdam offers a great a la carte menu every day of the week, making it
the perfect place to relax and unwind and the sauna is now open from 5pm-4am seven
nights a week.
SaTurDay 1 CANDY BAR Sugar: DJs Queen Josephine, between 9.30-10.30pm, 9pm CANDY BAR SOUNDCHECK: live music,
AMSTERDAM Bar open 11am-2am Keep Hollie, Rocket & Miss Annik, free 9-10pm, £4 PV Duos, 4pm, PV DJs 9pm open 12-12pm Distasters In The Sun, Dissolved In, October in
the party alive with the best of 70s Disco 8pm, b4 12pm, £6 after, free coat check, 9pm-late R-BAR Glitterati! with DJ Holiie 9-12pm, Minnesota, DJ Pookie, cheap drinks, £2 pints/
restaurant open 11am-8pm, smokers patio, CHARLES ST BAR Pre Club Party, noon-late 241 cocktails 5-8pm, 2 main meals £7.95 from vodka mix! £4/£3NUS/flyer, ID required, open
sauna open 5pm-4am residents £5 rest £8 CHARLES ST CLUB FILTHY CUTE 12-3pm with free Privilege card, new late menu 9pm-late
AQUARIUM St David’s Day cabaret: Tony spectacular launch party, resident DJs, free from 12am-5am, Full Menu available upstairs at CHARLES ST BAR Sunday Lunch: noon-
Page, raffle in aid of Altziemers Society, 9pm Filthy Cute CD, dazzling lasers, light & visuals, BEACH HOUSE BRASSERIE from 5pm 8pm 2 Sunday Lunches £7.95, Casino Rayale:
BASEMENT CLUB (BELOW LEGENDS) free welcome drink, select drinks £2, £5 b4 REVENGE KINKY DANGEROUS! level 1 choice of 3 champagne cocktails, noon-11pm
IGNITION: DJ Peter Castle, free B4 12 then £5, 11pm/£7 (NUS/Cons £5 all night), 10.30-3am Kinky Pop: DJ Stu, play party tunes, level 2 GROSVENOR Chill Out Sundays, Free bar
access all areas, smoking area, 11-4am GROSVENOR Pre club party, 1pm-2.30am Dangerous House: DJ Dulcie, funky upfront, snacks, 1pm-3pm, open 1pm-1am
BRIGHTON TAVERN John & Roberts JACK HORNER (WORTHING) Live DJ house, £5 b4 12pm, £7, 10.30pm-late LEGENDS Terrace open all day, lounge bar
leaving party, 8pm-late LEGENDS BAR Terrace open all day, lounge STAR INN Food: 12-4pm, Bear Bait: Bears 11am-5am Cabaret The Pitt Sisters, 3.15pm
BULLDOG MAIN BAR: VJ John 10pm-3am, bar open 11am-5am, pre Ignition from 7pm social, 8pm-1am free entry to club, smoking area
TOP BAR: karaoke with Adam, 9pm-2am, men free access to club B4 12pm, smoking area VAVOOM Wild West Party, Late bar till 6am MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Dish of the Day
only after 10pm, photo ID/Bulldog mem after 12pm MARINE TAVERN Let The party Begin with happy hour till 7pm QUEENS ARMS Lady Imelda, 5.30pm, then
CALEDONIAN Piano Bar hosted by Auntie Steve, Nat & Dale! V2 Up: Wild West Party, Jukebox, video bar, Heat 1 Pub Stars National Karaoke Contest, 6pm
Polly, 9.30pm all pints £2.50, house spirits QUEENS ARMS Cabaret: Candy the Slag, Down: Karaoke, Miss Joyride, free, 10pm-late REBEL AFTERHOURS @ HONEYBAR
£1.50 DJ Andy B & Open The Box on stage anytime WHITE HORSE Pool, heated smoking patio, HOLLYWOOD BABYLON, discount wrist bands at
10am-2am Wild Fruit, more on the door, 3am-early
ZONE Saturday Night Project with Lady Jane R-BAR Mothering Sunday Special roast
and Sally Vate, 9pm dinners upstairs at BEACH HOUSE
BRASSERIE, noon-7pm, cabaret with Jacquii
SUNDAY 2 Cann, 7pm, 241 cocktails, all drinks £2 all day
AMSTERDAM Sunday lunch noon-5pm, (excl.champagne & doubles), with free Privilege
Bar open 11am-2am Connies Karaoke: 7- card, open 24 hrs till 2am, funk soul and disco
10.30pm smokers patio, Sauna open 5pm- with DJ Diablo till midnight, shots £1.49 when
4am residents £5 rest £8 red light flashes
AQUARIUM Cabaret Jaqui Cann, 4.30pm STAR INN Sunday roasts, noon-4pm, Bear
Free Bar Buffett, Karaoke Showtime, 9pm Bash, charity raffle,shag tag & buffet, 5pm
BASEMENT CLUB (BELOW LEGENDS) VAVOOM Choose your own vids, late bar till
EMBRACE: DJ Nick Shepherdson (GAY), chart, 6am, happy hour till 7pm
free in, select premium drinks £2, 11pm-3.30am WILD FRUIT@TRU GOLD OSCARS Trash
BIB&TUCKER Sunday Lunch, live Jazz, Party DJs Pete Haywood, Neil Duffie, Kate
reservations call 01273 671616 Wildblood & Queen Jo, guest DJ Gonzalo, drink
BULLDOG TOP BAR: Cash Karaoke with Guy, deals all night, £5 NUS, £7 b4 11pm, £9 after
AQUARIUM 9pm-2am: MAIN BAR: DJ Grant Knowles 5- 11.30pm, £10 Qjump, advanced & guests,
On St Patrick’s Day, Monday 17, Guinness and Irish Whisky is 50p off from 7pm-close. 10pm, DJ Wayne till 2am 10pm-3am Adv tickets: Dr Brighton’s, Clone
On Easter Monday 24, there’s an Easter Bonnet Olde Time Music Hall, hosted by CALEDONIAN 1 For The Road, all pints Zone (Brighton), Prowler (Brighton), Charles St,
Commander Ray Halcroft-Whiten (R.N. RTD), with special guests, prize for best bonnet, £2.50, house spirits £1.50 all night, 5pm-late Dome Box Office (01273 709709) & ticketweb
and charity fundraiser for the RNLI, all from 9pm. Every Friday night from 9pm there’s
cabaret with Miss Jason 7; Jacque Bennett 14; Josh Mills 21; and Jennie Castell 28.
On Saturdays from 9pm there’s cabaret with Tony Page on 1 (plus raffle for Brighton BIB & TUCKER
Alzheimer's Society); Jerome Lloyd 15; Miss Hap 22; and Jamie Watson 29. On Thursday 6 Loz Netto performs live at 8pm – he’s toured with Ben E King, and Kenny
Every Sunday there’s a free buffet bar, and cabaret acts at 4.30pm starring Miss Jacqii Rogers and Chaka Khan have covered his songs. He’s big in the US and well worth checking
Cann 2; Sally Vate 9; Glam & Glitz 16; Dame Margot and the Brighton & Hove out. Elm Grove’s finest serves food daily from Midday to 9pm, including great Sunday
Actually Gay Men's Chorus 23; and Maisie Trollette 30 followed by Karaoke Roasts with live jazz every week. Every Wednesday is Quiz Night from 9pm, £2 per
Showtime at 9pm. person, £1 to local charity, the rest goes to the winning team.
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
PICS FROM BULLDOG + CALEDONIAN GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 37
MARCH
LISTINGS
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 39
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
40 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT PICS FROM CANDY BAR (MUD WRESTLING)
MARCH
LISTINGS
CANDY BAR
DYNAMITE BOOGALOO is moving to the Candy Bar starting Thursday 20th. Dynamite
Stu and Dolly Rocket invite friends old and new to check out their new home.
CLUB TROPICANA first two Thursdays 6 & 13 plus a new pre-club Guitar Hero
Tournament from 8-11.30pm featuring the Playstation 2 game. DJs Cassie O &
Throwback play retro electro hairspray synth pop rock and party classics! The best 1980s
music & bar prices, pints only 98p b4 midnight + 1980s classic cocktails for only £5!
SUGAR on Saturday nights with the best girl DJs on rotation, playing the hottest house,
with an International Women’s Day celebration on Saturday 8, and an Easter Bra
Parade on Saturday 22 – dress to win the title Ms Candy Bra – prizes galore! Entry free 9-
10pm, £4 b4 midnight, £6 after, free coatcheck! Open till the party stops.
SOUNDCHECK on Sunday 2 is a live music showcase featuring Disasters in the Sun,
supported by Dissolved In and October in Minnesota. Resident DJ Pookie plays
indie/electro/trash +super cheap drinks including £2 promos! Open 9pm–late, £4/£3 NUS
or with flyer (18+ ID required). Sunday 9 and there’s brand new night, Eurotrash, featuring
guest bands, artists, photographers, performances & bizzarro. Resident DJs Size 0 Albino,
Lola Fer Fifi & Rujd Sportz, open 9pm-super late, £3/ £2 NUS.
SIRENS on Sunday 16 is an Easter party, featuring hot chicks and bunny girls with lots HOUSE BRASSERIE from 5pm, free tickets for bar 11am-5am, pre Celebration party 7pm, the
of religious naughtiness! Seven Veils productions with the original glamorous night out for Revenge Chavettes, free access to basement club B4
people of all persuasions with DJ HRH Queen Josephine, 9pm-extra late, £5/3.50 concs. REVENGE GIRLS ON TOP: trashy lesbian midnite, smoking area
www.myspace.com/anitaylor night, DJ Lady Bex, £4/£3 NUS, free passes MARINE TAVERN Squeeze with Nat & Dale
HE’S SO FINE – SHE’S SO FINE on Easter Sunday is a night of the greatest 1960s from R Bar & Marlborough, 10.30pm-4am PV It’s Friday you’ve earned it!
Girl Group sounds, shimmy to the glorious sounds of the Supremes, the Ronettes and the STAR INN Food served 12-3pm, Quiz with QUEENS ARMS Camptastic, DJ Andy B,
Shangri-las with DJs Von Doogan and Wanker, open late, £3. buffet & prizes, 9pm-midnight impromptu cabaret, Open the Box, prize balloon
SEXY GALEXY presents D*R*A*G on Sunday 30, a cabaret night of kinky kitsch VAVOOM Late bar 6am, happy hours all night drop, 9pm
gender bending splendour! Join the Freak Show - calling all scary clowns, bearded ladies, WHITE HORSE Pool, heated smoking patio, R-BAR Fabulous Fridays: DJs 9-12pm, 241
and elephant men with Vain Diesel & Guests + Drag DJ, Ms Annik 9pm-v late, entry £3. drinks promos, 10am-12pm cocktails 5-8pm, 2 main meals £7.95 from 12-
“Sexy is a multiple diva (drag industry variety awards) award winner not to be missed!" ZONE Quiz Mania, 8.30pm 3pm with free Privilege card, new late menu
from 12am-5am, Full Menu available upstairs at
www.myspace.com/sexygalexy
FRIDAY 7 BEACH HOUSE BRASSERIE from 5pm
www.thecandybar.co.uk
AMSTERDAM Bar open 11am-2am, REVENGE Level 1: LOLLIPOP: 70s-00s, DJ
Restaurant open 11am-8pm, smokers patio, Lollipop Stu, Lollipop girls live PA, Level 2:
VAVOOM Late bar 6am, happy hour till 7pm classics, 80s classic cocktails £5, pints 98p b4 Sauna open 5pm-4am residents £5 rest £8 LOVE: DJ Richard Jones & Jonny M, free b4
V2 UP: Jukebox, video bar, DOWN: Karaoke midnight, free entry, 9pm-2am AQUARIUM Cabaret with MIss Jason, 9pm 11pm, £7 after, 10.30pm-late
with Miss Joyride, 10pm-late CHARLES ST BAR Mad Cow: hosted by Ms BASEMENT CLUB (BELOW LEGENDS) STAR INN Food served 12-3pm, Bear Camp
WHITE HORSE Pool,heated smoking patio, Bond, entry £1 goes to good causes, bottles CELEBRATION: ultimate gay party, door whore Party: 8pm-1am
drink promos, free pool from 3pm,10am-12pm from £1, pints from £1.25, from 8pm-last entry Pooh La May, the Chavettes, Rush bar £1 shots, VAVOOM Late Bar 6am, happy hours till 7pm
ZONE Miss Hap’s Krazy Karaoke, 8.30pm 10.45pm, bar open from noon, Food noon - DJs Steve Lush+ Alex Baker play girly pop & V2 UP: Jukebox, video bar, DOWN: Karaoke
8pm value hour 5pm-8pm, open noon-11pm handbag, free b4 midnite, £4 after, access all with Miss Joyride, 10pm-late
THURSDAY 6 CHARLES ST CLUB 2 Floor RELIGION with areas, smoking area, 11pm-4am WHITE HORSE Karaoke, 8pm heated
AMSTERDAM Bar open 11am-2am, Mother Superior Joan Bond, DJ Tony B, Lil Alex, BULLDOG 123 Promotion, all drinks £1.23 smoking patio, drinks promos, 10am-2am
Restaurant open 11am-8pm, smokers patio, Mikalis & Billie, anthems/funky house, all drinks from 1pm-3pm, Happy Hours 3-7pm & 10- ZONE Cabaret: Krissie Du Cann, 9pm
Sauna open 5pm-4am residents £5 rest £8 from £1 (excl champagne, bottles of wine, & 11pm, Day Night & Early Morning, main bar:
AQUARIUM Open Mike Night, 9pm Smirnoff Ice/Black), entry £4, £3 with flyer/saint DJ Marcia 10pm-2am, DJ Chris Reardon 2am- SATURDAY 8
BASEMENT CLUB (BELOW LEGENDS) card, free with NUS/sinner card, heated smoking very late, top bar: Karaoke hosted by Myles, AMSTERDAM Bar open 11am-2am Keep
SESSIONS: DJ Eddie K (Vauxhall Tavern), terrace, 10pm-late 9pm-2am: photo ID/Bulldog mems after 12pm, the party alive with the best of 70s Disco 8pm,
cheesy commercial pop, free entry, access all GROSVENOR Can’t wait for the weekend!, strictly men only after 10pm restaurant open 11am-8pm, smokers patio,
areas, select premium drinks £2, smoking area, 5pm-1am CALEDONIAN Dave’s Karaoke Party, pints sauna open 5pm-4am residents £5 rest £8
11pm-3.30am JACK HORNER (WORTHING) Karaoke 8pm £2.50, house spirits £1.50 all night, 5pm-late AQUARIUM Cabaret Miss Treated, 9pm
BIB&TUCKER Exclusive appearance by Loz LEGENDS BAR Terrace open all day, lounge CANDY BAR Booty Call: DJ Rocket, free 9- BASEMENT CLUB (BELOW LEGENDS)
Netto singer songwriter who’s toured with Kenny bar 11am-5am free entry to club, smoking area 10pm, £4 b4 12pm, £6 after, 9pm-late IGNITION: DJ Peter Castle, free B4 12 then £5,
Rogers, Ben E King & Chaka Khan, 8pm Cabaret Spot Glam & Glitz, 9.30pm CHARLES ST BAR Food noon-8pm, value access all areas, smoking area, 11-4am
BULLDOG 123 Promotion, all drinks £1.23 MARINE TAVERN Mantrap with Steve & Nat hour 5pm-9pm, Fairylee: pure cheese DJ Ruby BULLDOG Day, Night & Early Morning,
from 1pm-3pm, Happy Hours 3-7pm & 10- PV Cocktails vs Clittails, cocktail mugs £10, Roo & assistant Connie Conway, 9pm- main bar: VJ John 10pm-3am, top bar:
11pm,Therapy DJ Grant Knowles, open till 4am 5 shots for price of 4 midnight, bar open from noon-late karaoke with Adam, 9pm- 2am, men only after
CALEDONIAN Bi-Sexual Night, all pints QUEENS ARMS Kamp Kevin’s Karaoke 9pm CHARLES ST CLUB ASYLUM: Dirty funky 10pm, photo ID/Bulldog member after 12pm
£2.50, house spirits £1.50 all night, 5pm-late R-BAR DJ Hollie, Funk Soul Disco, 9- electro madness with DJs Tom Logan & Lil Alex, CALEDONIAN Piano Bar hosted by Auntie
CANDY BAR CLUB TROPICANA: New Pre 12pm, 241 cocktails 5-8pm, all drinks £2 all 10.30pm-3am Polly, 9.30pm pints £2.50, house spirits £1.50
Club Guitar Hero, play the guitar hero playstation day (excl champagne & doubles), 2 main meals GROSVENOR Thank Funk It’s Friday! 5pm- CANDY BAR SUGAR: celebrate International
game on the big screen, DJs Cassie O & £7.95 from 12-3pm with free Privilege card, 2.30am Women’s Day: DJs Queen Josephine, Hollie,
Throwback, retro/electro/synth/pop/rock/ open till 2am full menu available at the BEACH LEGENDS BAR Terrace open all day, lounge Rocket & Miss Annik, free 9-10pm, £4 b4
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
31 OLD STEINE, BRIGHTON
01273 603010/ 07730 401810
MARCH HAPPY
HOURS SPECIAL
£2 PINTS BECKS
VODKA SPLASH HAPPY EASTER!
EASTER BUNNY BOYS
SAT 22 MARCH
THEME PARTIES
1ST
8TH
15TH
17TH
22ND
29TH
WILD WEST
SUPER HEROES
ST PATRICK’S DAY
EASTER BUNNY BOYS
EGYPTIAN
IRISH SPECIALS!
VV
IRELAND WITH IRISH DRINK SPECIALS
GO TO
WWW.REALBRIGHTON.COM
SAT 15TH–MON 17TH
V OTE
V V
oom
£3 DOUBLE IRISH
WHISKY/SPLASH
£2 BOTTLES
vav
MARCH
LISTINGS
CHARLES ST CLUB 12pm, £6 after, free coat check, 9pm-late REVENGE Kinky Dangerous! level 1 Kinky
ASYLUM on Fri 7, check yourself into the craziest club night around with Lil Alex and CHARLES ST BAR Pre Club Party, noon-late Pop: DJ Stu, play party tunes, level 2
CHARLES ST CLUB PASSION: 2 floors 1 Dangerous House: DJ Dulcie, funky upfront,
Tom Logan on the decks, bringing you dirty, funky, electro madness.
price, Queen Jo & Lil Alex, £3, 11-3am house, £5 b4 12pm, £7, 10.30pm-late
STUDIO 150 on Mondays are Official Student Night! DJs Luke Smith and Ali K get the
GROSVENOR Pre club party, 1pm-2.30am STAR INN Food: 12-4pm, Bear Bait: bears
party started with the coolest mix of dance and the hottest chart hits – and get this, it’s just
JACK HORNER (WORTHING) Live DJ social, 8pm-1am
£1.50 to get in, and drinks start at £1.50 – no wonder it works! LEGENDS BAR Terrace open all day, lounge VAVOOM Super Heroes Party, Late bar open
PASSION Saturdays 8 & 15 with Queen Josephine + Lil Alex playing the best funky bar open 11am-5am, pre Ignition from 7pm till 6am happy hour till 7pm
soulful house over two floors. Unleash the Passion in your Soul, 3 Pounds, 2 Floors, 1 Price! free access to club B4 12pm, smoking area V2 Super Heroes Party, UP: Jukebox, video
MARDI GRAS on Saturday 22 is the launch night of Charles Street new big Saturday MARINE TAVERN Let The party Begin with bar; DOWN: Karaoke with Miss Joyride, free,
night featuring upfront funky house and dance anthems complete with amazing visuals, great Steve, Nat & Dale! 10pm-late
giveaways and sexy go-go dancers. PV Live on big screen Wales v Ire 1.15pm, WHITE HORSE Pool, heated smoking patio,
Eng v Scot 3.15pm, DJs 9pm open 12-12pm 10am-2am
BLISS @ CHARLES ST CLUB QUEENS ARMS Cabaret: Sandra, DJ Andy B ZONE Saturday Night Project with Lady Jane
BLISS has moved to Friday nights, starting on Friday 21 with the Boy George & Open The Box on stage anytime between and Sally Vate, 9pm
Experience. Billie Lewis invites you to Camp Attack! Bliss a night to remember, with first 9.30-10.30pm, 9pm
class talent, drink promos from £1.50, party prezzies and DJs Tony Armstrong (Limelights, R-BAR Glitterati! with DJ Holiie 9-12pm, SUNDAY 9
GAY, Benjy’s) + Lil Alex (Passion, Religion), playing funky & commercial house + Date 241 cocktails 5-8pm, 2 main meals £7.95 from AMSTERDAM Sunday lunch noon-5pm,
12-3pm with free Privilege card, new late menu Bar open 11am-2am Connies Karaoke Cabaret:
Tag game throughout the night. 9pm-3am, £5 b4 Midnight, £6 after, £4 NUS all night.
from 12am-5am, Full Menu available upstairs at 7-10.30pm smokers patio, Sauna open 5pm-
www.club-bliss.co.uk
BEACH HOUSE BRASSERIE from 5pm 4am residents £5 rest £8
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
PICS FROM RELIGION + GBH @ CHARLES ST + THE GROSVENOR GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 43
MARCH
LISTINGS
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
44 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT PICS FROM LEGENDS BAR + BASEMENT CLUB
MARCH
LISTINGS
LEGENDS BAR
DAVE LYNN
GROSVENOR Cocktail Night, sample Dans house spirits £1.50 all night, 5pm-late
cocktails all £4.95, open 5pm-1am CANDY BAR BRING IT ON: open deck with BASEMENT CLUB @ LEGENDS
LEGENDS BAR Terrace open all day, lounge Queen Jo, bring 3 tunes or choose 3 tunes from PLAY with DJ Alex Baker on Wednesday nights, Open Decks before midnight, then
bar 11am-5am free entry to club, smoking the Bring It On Tune collection, free, 9pm-2am uplifting house and dance anthems, free entry.
area, Heat 1 Pub Stars National Karaoke Contest CHARLES ST BAR Food noon-8pm, CELEBRATION Every Friday with door whore Pooh la May and the Queens of camp
MARINE TAVERN QUIZ with Nat, money to Midweek Social, cocktail lounge till 9pm, value cabaret, The Chavettes! Rush Bar with £1 shots. DJs Steve Lush and Alex Baker play girly
charity £1 per person, 9pm hour 5pm-9pm, open 12-11pm pop and handbag all night long. Free before Midnight, £4 after!
PV Is it only Tuesday, selected drink deals GROSVENOR Midweek Blues, open 5-1am IGNITION on Saturday nights with the latest dance sounds in Brighton’s sexiest
with loyalty card 5-7pm LEGENDS BAR Terrace open all day, lounge underground space! Free before Midnight, £5 after!
QUEENS ARMS Betty’s Karaoke Show, 9pm bar 11am-5am, smoking area EMBRACE on Sundays with DJ Nick Shepherdson (G-A-Y), free entry, open 11pm-
R-BAR Flashback Warm-Up 8.30pm, 241 MARINE TAVERN Dale’s Midweek Mayhem 3.30am.
cocktails 5-8pm, all drinks £2 all day (excl PV Quiz Night with prizes 8pm DRINKS PROMOS Sunday to Thursday there are £2 deals on selected premium drinks.
champagne & doubles), 2 main meals £7.95 QUEENS ARMS Landlord Andy 30th (Oh With many drinks promo’s there’s usually a catch. Legends only served branded spirits from
from 12-3pm with free Privilege card, open till Yeah), Kitty Litter, special guests, nibbles, 8pm
Sunday to Thursday before 1am. Bottles of Grolsch, Bud, WKD, Becks & Pints of Carling for
2am full menu upstairs at the BEACH HOUSE R-BAR 241 cocktails 5-8pm, all drinks £2
only £2! Think premium branded spirit+mixer for only £2 as well! All that and FREE ENTRY
BRASSERIE from 5pm free Revenge passes all day (excl. champagne & doubles), 2 main
from Sunday to Thursday at The Basement Club below Legends.
REVENGE FLASHBACK: DJs Two Foot & meals £7.95 from 12-3pm with free Privilege
Lady P, plays 80s disco, drinks from 80p, £2/NUS card, open till 2am full menu upstairs at the
free, 10.30-3am BEACH HOUSE BRASSERIE from 5pm
STAR INN Food: 12-3pm, Local Bear Bar, REVENGE POP SEXY! chart & r ‘n’ b from BULLDOG 123 Promotion, all drinks £1.23 GROSVENOR Can’t Wait Till The Weekend!
open till 11pm DJ Stewart & Jakey, live on stage performances from 1pm-3pm, Happy Hours 3-7pm & 10- open 5pm-2.30am
VAVOOM Late bar 6am, happy hours till 7pm from Pop Sexy! team, £4/£3 mem & NUS, 11pm, Therapy, DJ Grant Knowles, open till 4am JACK HORNER (WORTHING) Karaoke 8pm
WHITE HORSE Pool, heated smoking patio, 10.30pm-3am CALEDONIAN Bi-Sexual Night, all pints LEGENDS BAR Terrace open all day, lounge
drinks promos, 10am-12pm STAR INN Food 12-3pm, Local Bear Bar, £2.50, house spirits £1.50 all night, 5pm-late bar 11am-5am free entry to club, smoking area
ZONE Sally Vates Bingo, 8.30am open till 11pm CANDY BAR CLUB TROPICANA: new pre , cabaret spot Lady James, 9.30pm
VAVOOM Late bar 6am, happy hours till 7pm club Guitar Hero, play the guitar hero playstation MARINE TAVERN Mantrap with Steve & Nat
WEDNESDAY 12 V2 UP: Jukebox, video bar, DOWN: Karaoke game on the big screen, DJs Cassie O & PV Cocktails vs Clittails, cocktail mugs £10,
AMSTERDAM Barn 11am-2am, Big Quiz with Miss Joyride, 10pm-late Throwback, retro/electro/synth/pop/rock/ 5 shots for price of 4
8pm Restaurant 11am-8pm, smokers patio, WHITE HORSE Pool, heated smoking patio, classics, 80s classic cocktails £5, pints 98p b4 QUEENS ARMS Kamp Kevin’s Karaoke 9pm
Sauna open 5pm-4am residents £5 rest £8 drinks promos, free pool after 3pm,10am-12pm midnight, free entry, 9pm-2am R-BAR DJ Hollie, Funk Soul Disco, 9-
AQUARIUM Songs from the shows, 9pm ZONE Miss Hap’s Krazy Karaoke, 8.30pm CHARLES ST BAR Mad Cow: hosted by Ms 12pm, 241 cocktails 5-8pm, all drinks £2 all
BIB&TUCKER Quiz night, £2 per person, £1 Bond, entry £1 goes to good causes, bottles day (excl. champagne & doubles), 2 main
goes to charity, 9pm THURSDAY 13 from £1, pints from £1.25, from 8pm-last entry meals £7.95 from 12-3pm with free Privilege
BASEMENT CLUB @ LEGENDS PLAY: DJ AMSTERDAM Bar open 11am-2am, 10.45pm, bar open from noon Food noon- card, open till 2am full menu available at the
Alex Baker selected premium drinks £2, open Restaurant open 11am-8pm, smokers patio, 8pm value hour 5pm-8pm, open noon-11pm BEACH HOUSE BRASSERIE from 5pm, free
decks till midnight, 11-3.30am Sauna open 5pm-4am residents £5 rest £8 CHARLES ST CLUB 2 Floor RELIGION with tickets for Revenge
BULLDOG 123 Promotion, all drinks £1.23 AQUARIUM Open Mic NIght, 9pm Mother Superior Joan Bond, DJ Tony B, Lil Alex, REVENGE Up BOYS ON THE SIDE: new
from 1pm-3pm, Happy Hours 3-7pm & 10- BASEMENT CLUB (BELOW LEGENDS) Mikalis & Billie, anthems/funky house, all drinks night with GayDar Radio DJ Gary H (Federation,
11pm, Midweek relax open till 2am SESSIONS: DJ Eddie K (Vauxhall Tavern), from £1 (excl champagne, bottles of wine, & Crash & Heaven) & Jonny M; Down: GIRLS ON
CALEDONIAN Lips & Lashes: night for cheesy commercial pop, free entry, access all Smirnoff Ice/Black),entry £4, £3 with flyer/saint TOP, trashy lesbian night, DJ Lady Bex, £4/£3
Brighton’s beautiful travestite/transgender areas, select premium drinks £2, smoking area, card, free with NUS/sinner card, heated smoking NUS, free passes from R Bar & Marlborough,
community, changing facilities, all pints £2.50, 11pm-3.30am terrace, 10pm-late 10.30pm-4am
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 45
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
46 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT PICS FROM MARINE TAVERN + QUEENS ARMS
MARCH
LISTINGS
QUEENS ARMS
It’s pub landlord Andy’s Annual 30th Birthday Party on Wednesday 12, (he’s 47 this
year), cabaret with Kitty Litter & Special Guests, +nibbles, from 8pm! Fridays are
Camptastic! with DJ Andy B - expect a bit of everything, impromptu cabaret, Open the Box,
and a Prize Balloon Drop from 9pm. Every Saturday night Expect to be Entertained with
DJs, and cabaret from Candy the Slag 1; Sandra 8; Pat Cruise 15; Dave Lynn 22; and
dragging up the rear, Glam & Glitz on 29. Every Sunday there’s top cabaret at 5.30pm,
starring Lady Imelda 2; Cassidy Conners 9; Drag With No Name 16; Kitty Litter 23;
and Wilma Fingerdoo 30 – followed each week by the heats of the Pubstars National
Karaoke Contest, just turn up and enter heats from 8pm, £3,000 prize at stake!
hour 5pm-9pm, Fairylee: pure cheese DJ Ruby BULLDOG Day, Night & Early Morning,
MARINE TAVERN Roo & assistant Connie Conway, 9pm- main bar: VJ John 10pm-3am, top bar:
Every Tuesday night there’s the Quiz with Nat, entry £1 per person, money to charity, kicks midnight, bar open from noon-late karaoke with Adam, 9pm- 2am, men only after
off at 9pm. On Thursdays there’s Mantrap with Steve & Nat. Every Friday is Squeeze CHARLES ST CLUB GROWL: 1970s NYC 10pm, photo ID/Bulldog member after 12pm
with Nat & Dale. Expect fun and frolics on St Patrick’s Day and the odd bunny over the located under a flyerover surrounded by derelict CALEDONIAN Piano Bar with Auntie Polly,
Easter weekend! shops, and door entraces trashed during the 9.30pm all pints £2.50, house spirits £1.50
riots. Spectaular production, a night for burly CANDY BAR SUGAR: DJs Queen Josephine,
men, bears, cubs and their admirers, £6 b4 Hollie, Rocket & Miss Annik, free 9-10pm, £4
STAR INN Food served 12-3pm, Quiz with DJs Steve Lush+ Alex Baker play girly pop & 12pm, £7 after 10.30pm-3am b4 12pm, £6 after, free coat check, 9pm-late
buffet & prizes, 9pm-midnight handbag, free b4 midnite, £4 after, access all GROSVENOR Thank Funk It’s Friday! 5-2.30 CHARLES ST BAR Pre Club Party, noon-late
VAVOOM Late bar 6am, happy hours all night areas, smoking area, 11pm-4am LEGENDS BAR Terrace open all day, lounge CHARLES ST CLUB PASSION: 2 floor
WHITE HORSE Pool, heated smoking patio, BULLDOG 123 Promotion, all drinks £1.23 bar 11am-5am, pre Celebration party 7pm, the special: DJs Queen Josephine, Lil Alex, £3,
drinks promos, 10am-12pm from 1pm-3pm, Happy Hours 3-7pm & 10- Chavettes, free access to basement club B4 10.30pm-3am
ZONE Quiz Mania, 8.30pm 11pm, Day, Night & Early Morning, main bar: midnite, smoking area GROSVENOR Pre club party, 1pm-2.30am
DJ Marcia 10pm-2am, DJ Chris Reardon 2am- MARINE TAVERN Squeeze with Nat & Dale LEGENDS BAR Terrace open all day, lounge
FRIDAY 14 very late, top bar: Karaoke hosted by Myles, PV It’s Friday you’ve earned it! bar open 11am-5am, pre Ignition from 7pm
AMSTERDAM Bar open 11am-2am, 9pm-2am: photo ID/Bulldog mem after 12pm, QUEENS ARMS Camptastic, DJ Andy B, free access to club B4 12pm, smoking area
Restaurant open 11am-8pm, smokers patio, strictly men only after 10pm impromptu cabaret, Open the Box, prize balloon MARINE TAVERN Let The party Begin with
Sauna open 5pm-4am residents £5 rest £8 CALEDONIAN Dave’s Karaoke Party, pints drop, 9pm Steve, Nat & Dale!
AQUARIUM Cabaret, Jacque Bennett, 9pm £2.50, house spirits £1.50 all night, 5pm-late COWLEY CLUB (LONDON RD) IN EVERY PV Scotland v Italy 1pm, England v Ireland
BASEMENT CLUB (BELOW LEGENDS) CANDY BAR BOOTY CALL: DJ Rocket, free HOME A HEATACHE, Anarchist queer go go 3pm, Wales v France 5pm, PV DJs 9pm open
CELEBRATION: ultimate gay party, door whore 9-10pm, £4 b4 12pm, £6 after, 9pm-late disco, DJs Lady Dye, Von Doogan & Wanker, £4 12-12pm
Pooh La May, the Chavettes, Rush bar £1 shots, CHARLES ST BAR Food noon-8pm, value (suggested donation), 9pm-late QUEENS ARMS Cabaret: Pat Cruise, DJ
R-BAR Fabulous Fridays: DJs 9-12pm, 241 Andy B & Open The Box on stage anytime
cocktails 5-8pm, 2 main meals £7.95 from 12- between 9.30-10.30pm, 9pm
3pm with free Privilege card, new late menu R-BAR Glitterati! with DJ Holiie 9-12pm,
from 12am-5am, Full Menu available upstairs at 241 cocktails 5-8pm, 2 main meals £7.95 from
BEACH HOUSE BRASSERIE from 5pm 12-3pm with free Privilege card, new late menu
REVENGE Level 1: LOLLIPOP: 70s-00s, DJ from 12am-5am, Full Menu available upstairs at
Lollipop Stu, Lollipop girls live PA, Level 2: BEACH HOUSE BRASSERIE from 5pm
LOVE: DJ Richard Jones & Jonny M, free b4 REVENGE KINKY DANGEROUS! level 1
11pm, £7 after, 10.30pm-late Kinky Pop: DJ Stu, play party tunes, level 2
STAR INN Food 12-3pm, Bear Camp Party: Dangerous House: DJ Dulcie, funky upfront,
8pm-1am house, £5 b4 12pm, £7, 10.30pm-late
VAVOOM Late bar 6am, Happy hours till 7pm STAR INN Food: 12-4pm, Mick & Charlie’s
V2 UP: Jukebox, video bar, DOWN: Karakoe (new managers) Welcome Party: bears social,
Nights with Miss Joyride, 10pm-late live DJ, 8pm-1am
WHITE HORSE Karaoke, heated smoking VAVOOM Ireland Theme Party, Late bar open
patio, drinks promos, 10am-2am till 6am, Happy hour & drinks deals till 7pm
ZONE Cabaret: Miss Hap’s Birthday, 9pm V2 UP: Ireland Theme Party, UP: Jukebox,
video bar; DOWN: Karaoke with Miss Joyride,
SATURDAY 15 free, 10pm-late
AMSTERDAM Bar open 11am-2am Keep WHITE HORSE Pool, heated smoking patio,
PV the party alive with the best of 70s Disco 8pm, 10am-2am
Over the Easter weekend try Chocolate Shots, Cocktails and Drinks, and an extreme restaurant open 11am-8pm, smokers patio, ZONE Saturday Night Project with Lady Jane
Chocolate Raffle! On Saturdays hear some of the best duets live from 4pm, then hear the PV sauna open 5pm-4am residents £5 rest £8 and Sally Vate, St Paddy’s Special, 9pm
DJs from 9pm. Enjoy a great Sunday Roast from 12 Noon-6pm. The PV Quiz is every AQUARIUM Jerome Lloyd, 9pm
Wednesday from 8pm, stupidity and fun guaranteed! More details on the website. BASEMENT CLUB (BELOW LEGENDS) SUNDAY 16
www.thepv.co.uk IGNITION: DJ Peter Castle, free B4 12 then £5, AMSTERDAM Sunday lunch noon-5pm,
access all areas, smoking area, 11-4am Bar open 11am-2am Connies Karaoke Cabaret,
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
PICS FROM R BAR + REVENGE (SAME DIFFERENCE, GIRLS ON TOP+POP! SEXY! GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 47
MARCH
LISTINGS
R BAR
BEACH HOUSE BRASSERIE upstairs at R-bar has received rave reviews since opening
in November - offering delicious food and great views of Brighton Pier, open daily from 5pm.
Downstairs, the R-bar serves food daily from Midday-3pm with two main meals for just
£7.95, and Cocktails 2 for 1 from 5-8pm. This is the place to party pre-Revenge, with Free
and Discounted Passes available some nights – ask at the bar!
GLITTERATI on Saturday nights as the sophisticated crowd get ready for Kinky
Dangerous!
LAZY SUNDAY Every Sunday, with Roast Dinner Sessions from Noon-late, and live
cabaret from 7pm, starring Jacqii Cann on 2; Davina Sparkle 9; Miss Thunderpussy 16;
and Drag With No Name 30; all followed by DJ Diablo playing funk, soul and disco till
Midnight.
MISS JASON’S MADHOUSE Every Monday from 10pm, fun and frolics guaranteed –
plus All drinks are £2 All day! On Easter Monday there’s afternoon Cabaret with Laquisha
Jones from 4.30pm.
FLASHBACK Every Tuesday is warm up, 80s trash (music not customers!) from 8.30pm.
FUNKYSEXYDISCOHOUSE On Thursdays DJ Hollie sets the mood from 9pm-Midnight.
7-10.30pm smokers patio, Sauna open 5pm- LEGENDS Terrace open all day, lounge bar
4am residents £5 rest £8 11am-5am Cabaret Mandy Gap, 3.15pm free
REVENGE
BOYS ON THE SIDE a brand new night on Easter Thurs, March 20 brings top DJs to
AQUARIUM Glam & Glitz, 4.30pm Free Bar entry to club, smoking area
Brighton with Gary H, GaydarRadio DJ + the best Brighton male DJs incl Lee Harris
Buffett, Karaoke Showtime, 9pm MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Dish of the Day
BASEMENT CLUB (BELOW LEGENDS) PV Roast & Coast, Sunday lunch noon- (Gorgeous, Discotech), DJ Diablo (Queer Nation, Coco Latte), Gary Watts (Trade), Jozzie O
EMBRACE: DJ Nick Shepherdson (GAY), chart, finished Live music 4-8pm + Alexandros play chunky funky house, + resident Jonny M. Something fresh for the boys,
free in, select premium drinks £2, 11pm-3.30am QUEENS ARMS Drag With No Name, 5.30, (upstairs from Girls On Top). For free entry text 'Revenge Boys' to 61211 www.revenge.co.uk
BIB&TUCKER Sunday Lunch, live jazz, Heat 3 Pub Stars National Karaoke Contest, 6pm GIRLS ON TOP Special on Easter Sunday, 10.30pm-4am, £3 all night, or Free with a
reservations call 01273 671616 R-BAR Lazy Sundays, roast dinners upstairs Golden Handbag ticket stub! Every Thursday is regular Girls On Top, with DJ Lady Bex playing
BULLDOG Climax, top bar: Cash Karaoke at BEACH HOUSE BRASSERIE, noon-7pm, chart/pop/trash/r’n’b and party tunes – plus great drink deals all night long! Free Passes from
with Guy, 9pm-2am: main bar: DJ Grant cabaret with Miss Thunderpussy, 7pm, 241 R-bar and The Marlboro, £3 NUS/£4 others, open 10.30pm-4am.
Knowles 5-10pm, DJ Wayne till 2am cocktails, all drinks £2 all day (excl.champagne LOLLIPOP on Friday, the campest night on the Old Steine, with DJ Lollipop Stu, the
CALEDONIAN 1 For The Road, all pints & doubles), with free Privilege card, open 24 delicious Lollipop Girls live on stage! Upstairs feel the LOVE, as DJs Richard Jones and
£2.50, house spirits £1.50 all night, 5pm-late hrs till 2am, funk soul and disco with DJ Diablo Jonny M douse you in feel good house! It’s Free on Fridays before 11pm (open at 10.30pm),
CANDY BAR Easter SIRENS: classic, till midnight, shots £1.49 when red light flashes so get there early, or pay £7!
burlesque & pole dancing spectacular, DJs STAR INN Sunday roasts, noon-4pm, Bear KINKY DANGEROUS on Saturday, Kinky Pop on Level 1 with DJs Stu and Nik C playing
Queen Jo, £5/£3.50 cons, 9pm-late Bash, charity raffle,shag tag & buffet, 5pm party tunes, and Dangerous House upstairs, with Dulcie Danger mixing upfront funky vocal
CHARLES ST BAR Sunday Lunch, noon- VAVOOM Late Bar t6am, Happy hour till 7pm house. Open from 10.30pm, £5 before Midnight/£7 after.
8pm 2 Sunday Lunches £7.95, Casino Rayale, WHITE HORSE Free bar snacks, pool, PAYDAY on Tues 4, the official LGBT Brighton Uni NUS Night, with Missy Lectric &
choice of 3 champagne cocktails, noon-11pm heated smoking patio, noon-midnight
Glam Sam, open 10.30pm-3am, entry £3/£2 NUS. Other Tuesdays are FLASHBACK – DJ
GROSVENOR Chill Out Sundays, Free bar ZONE 1st Birthday Party, fundraiser for
Two-Foot & Lady P play school disco smash hits from the 80s, drinks from 80p, open
snacks, 1pm-3pm, open 1pm-1am Sussex Beacon, 5pm feat Jamie Watson, Jennie
JACK HORNER (WORTHING) Lola Lasagne
10.30pm-3am, entry £2/NUS Free.
Castelle, Miss Penny, Candi Rell, Lillie La
3pm France, hosted by Miss Hap and Sally Vate POP! SEXY on Wednesdays,the best in chart/pop/r&b from DJs Stewart T & Jakey, plus
live performances from the Pop! Sexy team, open 10.30pm-3am, entry £4/£3 mem/NUS.
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
50 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT PICS STAR INN
MARCH
LISTINGS
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 51
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
52 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT PICS FROM VOLUNTEER + VAVOOM
MARCH
LISTINGS
VAVOOM
Saturday night themes this month are Wild West 1; Superheroes 8; Ireland 15-17;
Easter Bunny Boys 22; and Egyptian 29. Saturday 15-Monday 17 enjoy Irish Specials
with bottles of Guinness £2, Double Irish Whiskies+Splash £3, and Baileys Shots £1.50.
Happy Hours Mondays & Thursdays All Night, All other nights till 7pm – Sourz Shots
£1, Vodka+Splash £2, Pints of Becks £2.
www.vavoom.co.uk
Chavettes, free access to basement club B4 access all areas, smoking area, 11-4am
midnite, smoking area BULLDOG Day, Night & Early Morning,
MARINE TAVERN Squeeze with Nat & Dale main bar: VJ John 10pm-3am, top bar:
PV It’s Friday you’ve earned it! Chocolate karaoke with Adam, 9pm- 2am, men only after
shots, chocolate charity raffle 10pm, photo ID/Bulldog member after 12pm
QUEENS ARMS Camptastic, DJ Andy B, CALEDONIAN Piano Bar hosted by Roberta
impromptu cabaret, Open the Box, prize balloon Slak, 9.30pm all pints £2.50, house spirits £1.50
VOLUNTEER LEWES drop, 9pm CANDY BAR SUGAR feat the Easter Bra
The Volunteer was mobbed for their first Sunday Cabaret Lunch special with Maisie R-BAR Fabulous Fridays: DJs 9-12pm, 241 Parade + crowning of Ms Candy Bra: DJs
Trollette in residence last month. It seemed that half of Brighton turned out to try the best cocktails 5-8pm, 2 main meals £7.95 from 12- Queen Josephine, Hollie, Rocket & Miss Annik,
kept secret in Sussex. The large number of diners caused a few problems in the kitchen but 3pm with free Privilege card, new late menu free 9-10pm, £4 b4 12pm, £6 after, free coat
the wine flowed freely and a great time was had by all. Fabulous starters, mounds of meat from 12am-5am, Full Menu available upstairs at check, 9pm-late
with the main course and delicious puddings set everyone up for the entertainment to follow. BEACH HOUSE BRASSERIE from 5pm CHARLES ST BAR Pre Club Party NIght
The next Sunday Cabaret Lunch is on March 9 with Miss Hap providing the REVENGE Level 1: LOLLIPOP: 70s-00s, DJ CHARLES ST CLUB MARDI GRAS: new
entertainment. The Volunteer is situated next to Waitrose in Lewes and is increasing popular Lollipop Stu, Lollipop girls live PA, Level 2: night, funky house/dance anthems, fantasic
with lesbians. To make a reservation for Sunday Cabaret or for dinner any night of the week LOVE: DJ Richard Jones & Jonny M, free b4 visuals, great giveaways, sexy go go dancers,
tel. 01273 476357 11pm, £7 after, 10.30pm-late free b4 11.30pm, after £5/£3 NUS/ photo ID
STAR INN Food served 12-3pm, Bear Camp required, 10.30pm-3am
Party: 8pm-1am GROSVENOR Pre club party, 1pm-2.30am
BASEMENT CLUB (BELOW LEGENDS) CANDY BAR BOOTY CALL Easter Party: DJ VAVOOM Late bar 6am, Happy hour till 7pm LEGENDS BAR Terrace open all day, lounge
CELEBRATION: ultimate gay party, door whore Rocket, free 9-10pm, £4 b4 12pm, £6 after, V2 UP: Jukebox, video bar, DOWN: Karaoke bar open 11am-5am, pre Ignition from 7pm
Pooh La May, the Chavettes, Rush bar £1 shots, 9pm-late Nights with Miss Joyride, 10pm-late free access to club B4 12pm, smoking area
DJs Steve Lush+ Alex Baker play girly pop & CHARLES ST BAR Food noon-8pm, value WHITE HORSE Karaoke, heated smoking MARINE TAVERN Let The Party Begin with
handbag, free b4 midnite, £4 after, access all hour 5pm-9pm, Fairylee: pure cheese DJ Ruby patio, drinks promos, 10am-2am Steve, Nat & Dale!
areas, smoking area, 11pm-4am Roo & assistant Connie Conway, 9pm- ZONE Cabaret Jamie Watson, 9pm PV Duos, 4pm, PV DJs 9pm chocolate
BULLDOG 123 Promotion, all drinks £1.23 midnight, bar open from noon-late themed cocktails & shots, chocolate charity
from 1pm-3pm, Happy Hours 3-7pm & 10- CHARLES ST CLUB BLISS: Camp Attack SATURDAY 22 raffle, open 12-12pm
11pm, DAY, NIGHT & EARLY MORNING, main with Boy George Experience, DJs Tony AMSTERDAM Bar open 11am-2am Keep QUEENS ARMS Cabaret: Dave Lynn, DJ
bar: DJ Marcia 10pm-2am, DJ Chris Reardon Armstrong & Lil Alex, funky, tribal/electro house, the party alive with the best of 70s Disc, 8pm, Andy B & Open The Box on stage anytime
2am-very late, top bar: KARAOKE hosted by drinks deals, £4 with flyer, £5 4b midnight, 36 restaurant open 11am-8pm, smokers patio, between 9.30-10.30pm, 9pm
Myles, 9pm-2am: photo ID/Bulldog mem after after, NUS £3 all night, 10.30pm-3am sauna open 5pm-4am residents £5 rest £8 R-BAR Glitterati! with DJ Holiie 9-12pm,
12pm, strictly men only after 10pm GROSVENOR Thank Funk It’s Friday, 5-2.30 AQUARIUM Cabaret Miss Hap, 9pm 241 cocktails 5-8pm, 2 main meals £7.95 from
CALEDONIAN Dave’s Karaoke Party, pints LEGENDS BAR Terrace open all day, lounge BASEMENT CLUB (BELOW LEGENDS) 12-3pm with free Privilege card, new late menu
£2.50, house spirits £1.50 all night, 5pm-late bar 11am-5am, pre Celebration party 7pm, the IGNITION: DJ Peter Castle, free B4 12 then £5, from 12am-5am, Full Menu available upstairs at
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 53
HAPPY HOURS
And drinks promos during the week
OPENING HOURS
Mon–Thurs: 10am–midnight,
Fri–Sat: 10am–2am, Sun: noon–midnight
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
54 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT PICS FROMSUNDAY SUNDAE@AUDIO
MARCH
LISTINGS
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
PICS FROM WHITE HORSE GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 55
FEBRUARY
LISTINGS
the Bring It On Tune collection, free, 9pm-2am terrace, 10pm-late
CHARLES ST BAR Food noon-8pm, GROSVENOR Can’t wait for the weekend!
Midweek Social, cocktail lounge till 9pm, value open 5pm-1am
hour 5pm-9pm, open 12-11pm JACK HORNER (WORTHING)Karaoke 8pm
GROSVENOR Midweek Blues, open 5-1am LEGENDS BAR Terrace open all day, lounge
LEGENDS BAR Terrace open all day, lounge bar 11am-5am free entry to club, smoking
bar 11am-5am, smoking area area, Cabaret Wilma Fingadoo, 9.30pm
MARINE TAVERN Dale’s Midweek Mayhem MARINE TAVERN Mantrap with Steve & Nat
PV Quiz Night with prizes 8pm PV Cocktails vs Clittails, cocktail mugs £10,
QUEENS ARMS Official Pre Pop Sexy Party! 5 shots for price of 4
9pm, guest DJ, discounted entry to Revenge QUEENS ARMS Kamp Kevin’s Karaoke 9pm
R-BAR 241 cocktails 5-8pm, all drinks £2 R-BAR DJ Hollie, Funk Soul Disco, 9-
all day (excl. champagne & doubles), 2 main 12pm, 241 cocktails 5-8pm, all drinks £2 all
meals £7.95 from 12-3pm with free Privilege day (excl. champagne & doubles), 2 main
card, open till 2am full menu upstairs at the meals £7.95 from 12-3pm with free Privilege
BEACH HOUSE BRASSERIE from 5pm card, open till 2am full menu available at the
REVENGE POP SEXY! chart & r&b from DJ BEACH HOUSE BRASSERIE from 5pm, free
Stewart & Jakey, live performances from Pop tickets for Revenge
WHITE HORSE Sexy! team, £4/£3 mem & NUS, 10.30pm-3am REVENGE Upstairs, BOYS ON THE SIDE,
Free Pool every Wednesday from 3pm, and Karaoke every Friday night from 8pm. STAR INN Food 12-3pm, Local Bear Bar, new night with DJ Lee Harris (Gorgeous) &
Happy Hours and Drink Promos during the week. open till 11pm Jonny M, Downstairs, GIRLS ON TOP, trashy
VAVOOM Late bar 6am, happy hour till 7pm lesbian night, DJ Lady Bex, £4/£3 NUS, free
V2 UP: Jukebox, video bar, DOWN: karaoke passes from R Bar & Marlborough, 10.30pm-
VAVOOM Late bar 6am, happy hour all night champagne & doubles), 2 main meals £7.95 with Miss Joyride, 10pm-late 4am
WHITE HORSE Pool, heated smoking patio, from 12-3pm with free Privilege card, open till WHITE HORSE Pool, heated smoking patio, STAR INN Food served 12-3pm, Quiz with
drinks promos, 10am-12pm 2am full menu upstairs at the BEACH HOUSE drinks promos,free pool after 3pm, 10am-12pm buffet & prizes, 9pm-midnight
ZONE Cabaret, Maisie Trollette, 5pm BRASSERIE from 5pm free Revenge passes ZONE Miss Hap’s Krazy Karaoke, 8.30pm VAVOOM late bar 6am, happy hour till 7pm
REVENGE FLASHBACK: DJs Two Foot & WHITE HORSE Pool, heated smoking patio,
TUESDAY 25 Lady P, plays 80s disco, drinks from 80p, £2/NUS THURSDAY 27 drinks promos, 10am-12pm
AMSTERDAM Bar open 11am-2am, free, 10.30-3am AMSTERDAM Bar open 11am-2am, ZONE Quiz Mania, 8.30pm
Restaurant open 11am-8pm, smokers patio, STAR INN Food 12-3pm, Local Bear Bar, Restaurant open 11am-8pm, smokers patio,
Sauna open 5pm-4am residents £5 rest £8 open till 11pm Sauna open 5pm-4am residents £5 rest £8 FRIDAY 28
AQUARIUM Uncle Ben’s Quiz Night, 9pm VAVOOM Late bar 6am happy hour till 7pm AQUARIUM Open mike night, 9pm AMSTERDAM Bar open 11am-2am,
BASEMENT CLUB (BELOW LEGENDS) V2 UP: Jukebox, video bar, 9pm BASEMENT CLUB (BELOW LEGENDS) Restaurant open 11am-8pm, smokers patio,
Club available for hire WHITE HORSE Pool, heated smoking patio, SESSIONS: DJ Eddie K (Vauxhall Tavern), Sauna open 5pm-4am residents £5 rest £8
BULLDOG main bar 123 Promotion, all drinks promos, 10am-12pm cheesy commercial pop, free entry, access all AQUARIUM Cabaret, Jennie Castelle, 9pm
drinks £1.23 from 1pm-3pm, Happy Hours 3- ZONE Sally Vates Bingo, 8.30am areas, select premium drinks £2, smoking area, BASEMENT CLUB (BELOW LEGENDS)
7pm & 10-11pm, Kruz: strictly men only: till 11pm-3.30am CELEBRATION: ultimate gay party, door whore
2am: top bar men only party 8pm-1 WEDNESDAY 26 BULLDOG 123 Promotion, all drinks £1.23 Pooh La May, the Chavettes, Rush bar £1 shots,
CALEDONIAN Piano Bar: Roberta Slak, pints AMSTERDAM Bar open 11am-2am, The from 1pm-3pm, Happy Hours 3-7pm & 10- DJs Steve Lush+ Alex Baker play girly pop &
£2.50, house spirits £1.50 all night, 9.30pm Big Quiz 8pm Restaurant open 11am-8pm, 11pm, Therapy, sponsored by Coors, DJ Grant handbag, free b4 midnite, £4 after, access all
CANDY BAR TWISTED KARAOKE + smokers patio, Sauna open 5pm-4am residents Knowles, open till 4am areas, smoking area, 11pm-4am
anthems with DJ Rocket, free, 9pm-2am £5 rest £8 CALEDONIAN Bi-Sexual Night, all pints BULLDOG 123 Promotion, all drinks £1.23
CHARLES ST BAR Food noon-8pm, Mojito AQUARIUM Songs From The Shows, 9pm £2.50, house spirits £1.50 all night, 5pm-late from 1pm-3pm, Happy Hours 3-7pm & 10-
Madness £2.50 all night, cocktail lounge till BASEMENT CLUB@LEGENDS PLAY: DJ CANDY BAR DYNAMITE BOOGALOO: super 11pm, Day Night & Early Morning, main bar:
9pm with value hour 5-9pm, open noon-11pm Alex Baker selected premium drinks £2, open late extension, DJ Dynamite Stu & Dolly Rocket DJ Marcia 10pm-2am, DJ Chris Reardon 2am-
GROSVENOR Cocktail Night, try Dan’s decks till midnight, 11-3.30am + showbiz hi jinks, £5/£3 NUS, 9pm-2am very late, top bar: Karaoke hosted by Myles,
cocktails at £4.95, open 5pm-1am BIB&TUCKER Quiz night, £2 per person, £1 CHARLES ST BAR Mad Cow: hosted by Ms 9pm-2am: photo ID/Bulldog mems after 12pm,
LEGENDS BAR Terrace open all day, lounge goes to charity, 9pm Bond, entry £1 goes to good causes, bottles strictly men only after 10pm
bar 11am-5am free entry to club, smoking BULLDOG 123 Promotion, all drinks £1.23 from £1, pints from £1.25, from 8pm-last entry CALEDONIAN Dave’s Karaoke Party, pints
area, Pub Stars National Karaoke Contest Heat 3 from 1pm-3pm, Happy Hours 3-7pm & 10- 10.45pm, bar open from noon Food noon- £2.50, house spirits £1.50 all night, 5pm-late
MARINE TAVERN Quiz with Nat, money to 11pm, Midweek Relax open till 2am 8pm value hour 5pm-8pm, open noon-11pm CANDY BAR BOOTY CALL: DJ Rocket, free
charity £1 per person, 9pm CALEDONIAN Lips & Lashes: night for CHARLES ST CLUB 2 Floor Religion with 9-10pm, £4 b4 12pm, £6 after, 9pm-late
PV Is it only Tuesday, selected drink deals Brighton’s beautiful travestite/transgender Mother Superior Joan Bond, DJ Tony B, Lil Alex, CHARLES ST BAR Food noon-8pm, value
with loyalty card 5-7pm community, changing facilities, all pints £2.50, Mikalis & Billie, anthems/funky house, all drinks hour 5pm-9pm, Fairylee: pure cheese DJ Ruby
QUEENS ARMS Karaoke, Cherry Poppin, 9pm house spirits £1.50 all night, 5pm-late from £1(excl champagne, bottles of wine, & Roo & assistant Connie Conway, 9pm-
R-BAR Flashback Warm-Up 8.30pm, 241 CANDY BAR BRING IT ON: open deck with Smirnoff Ice/Black),entry £4, £3 with flyer/saint midnight, bar open from noon-late
cocktails 5-8pm, all drinks £2 all day (excl Queen Jo, bring 3 tunes or choose 3 tunes from card, free with NUS/sinner card, heated smoking
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
56 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT PICS FROM ZONE
MARCH
LISTINGS
CHARLES ST CLUB GBH: DJ Tor King + BULLDOG Day, Night & Early Morning,
Josh The Barber, free vodka fruit shot, 1st 250 main bar: VJ John 10pm-3am, top bar: ZONE
get free GBH membership cards - £1 off every karaoke with Adam, 9pm- 2am, men only after Celebrating its 1st Birthday under Sharon’s management this month, the Zone has a weekend
visit, drinks deals select bottles £2, select 10pm, photo ID/Bulldog member after 12pm of entertainment planned, starting with Miss Hap on Friday 14 from 9pm, also celebrating her
doubles & mixer, £2.99, £6 b4 11pm/after £8 CALEDONIAN Piano Bar: Roberta Slak, own birthday! On Saturday 15 there’s a Special St Paddy’s Saturday Night Project with
non members £7, 10.30-3am 9.30pm all pints £2.50, house spirits £1.50 Lady James and Sally Vate, from 9pm. On Sunday 16 there’s a Sussex Beacon fundraiser,
GROSVENOR Thank Funk It’s Friday, 5-1am CANDY BAR Sugar: DJs Queen Josephine, hosted by Miss Happ & Sally Vate, with acts including Jamie Watson, Jennie Castell,
LEGENDS BAR Terrace open all day, lounge Hollie, Rocket & Miss Annik, free 9-10pm, £4 Miss Penny, Minsky Rose Lee, and more, from 5pm. On Easter Sunday from 5pm there’s
bar 11am-5am, pre Celebration party 7pm, the b4 12pm, £6 after, free coat check, 9pm-late an Easter Bonnet Special with Lady James & Sally Vate. And on Easter Monday see
Chavettes, free access to basement club B4 CHARLES ST BAR Pre Club Party Maisie Trollette from 5pm. Other Sunday cabaret acts at 4pm are Tony Page 2; Miss
midnite, smoking area CHARLES ST CLUB FILTHY CUTE: resident Treated 9; and Davina Sparkle 30. Other Friday cabaret acts at 9pm are Chrissie Du Kann
MARINE TAVERN Squeeze with Nat & Dale DJs, dazzling lasers, light & visuals, selected 7; Jamie Watson 21; and Jerome Lloyd 28. Happy Birthday Zone!
PV It’s Friday you’ve earned it! drinks £2, £5 b4 11pm/£7 after (NUS/Cons £5
QUEENS ARMS Camptastic, DJ Andy B, all night), 10.30-3am
impromptu cabaret, Open the Box, prize balloon GROSVENOR Pre club party, 1pm-2.30am
drop, 9pm LEGENDS BAR Terrace open all day, lounge
R-BAR Fabulous Fridays: DJs 9-12pm, 241 bar open 11am-5am, pre Ignition from 7pm SUNDAY 30 MONDAY 31
cocktails 5-8pm, 2 main meals £7.95 from 12- free access to club B4 12pm, smoking area AMSTERDAM Sunday lunch noon-5pm, AMSTERDAM Bar open 11am-2am &
3pm with free Privilege card, new late menu MARINE TAVERN Let The party Begin with Bar open 11am-2am Connies Karaoke Cabaret Restaurant open 11am-8pm, smokers patio
from 12am-5am, Full Menu available upstairs at Steve, Nat & Dale! 7pm -10.30pm smokers patio, Sauna open Sauna open 5pm-4am residents £5 rest £8
BEACH HOUSE BRASSERIE from 5pm PV Duos, 4pm, PV DJs 9pm open 12-12pm 5pm-4am residents £5 rest £8 AQUARIUM Global Greats, Piaf, Aznavur
REVENGE Level 1: LOLLIPOP: 70s-00s, DJ QUEENS ARMS Cabaret: Glam & Glitz, DJ AQUARIUM Maisie Trollette, 4.30pm Free BASEMENT CLUB (BELOW LEGENDS)
Lollipop Stu, Lollipop girls live PA, Level 2: Andy B & Open The Box on stage anytime Bar Buffett karoake showtime, 9pm Back 2 The 80s: DJ Steve Lush, free entry,
Love: DJ Richard Jones & Jonny M, free b4 between 9.30-10.30pm, 9pm BASEMENT CLUB (BELOW LEGENDS) access all areas, selected premium drinks £2,
11pm, £7 after, 10.30pm-late R-BAR Glitterati! with DJ Holiie 9-12pm, EMBRACE: DJ Nick Shepherdson (GAY), chart, £1 shots all night, smoking area, 11pm-4am
STAR INN Food served 12-3pm, Bear Camp 241 cocktails 5-8pm, 2 main meals £7.95 from free in, select premium drinks £2, 11pm-3.30am BULLDOG 1 2 3 Promotion, all drinks £1.23
Party: 8pm-1am 12-3pm with free Privilege card, new late menu BIB&TUCKER Sunday Lunch, live jazz from 1pm-3pm, Happy Hours 3-7pm & 10-
VAVOOM Late bar 6am happy hour till 7pm from 12am-5am, Full Menu available upstairs at reservations call 01273 671616 11pm Marcis Glitter Ball, 70s/80s disco
V2 UP: Jukebox, video bar, DOWN: karaoke BEACH HOUSE BRASSERIE from 5pm BULLDOG Climax, top bar: Cash Karaoke classics, open till 2am
with Miss Joyride, 10pm-late REVENGE KINKY DANGEROUS! level 1 with Sun, 9pm-2am: main bar: DJ Grant CALEDONIAN Easy Listening, all pints
WHITE HORSE Karaoke, heated smoking Kinky Pop: DJ Stu, play party tunes, level 2 Knowles 5-10pm, DJ Wayne till 2am £2.50, house spirits & splash £1.50 all night
patio, drinks promos, 10am-2am Dangerous House: DJ Dulcie, funky upfront, CALEDONIAN 1 For The Road, all pints CANDY BAR SHIBBLEY SHABBLERS: DJs
ZONE Cabaret Jerome Lloyd, 9pm house, £5 b4 12pm, £7, 10.30pm-late £2.50, house spirits £1.50 all night Pookie & Crackwhore, poly sexual nite, indie
STAR INN Food: 12-4pm, Bear Bait: bears CANDY BAR Drag: Kinky Kitch Gender rock/ trashie pop/electro, red light rush, £3/£2
SATURDAY 29 social, 8pm-1am Bending Splendour Cabaret, with Vain Diesal + NUS, £2 pints/house spirits & mixer, 9pm-2am
AMSTERDAM Bar open 11am-2am Keep VAVOOM Egyptian Theme Party, Late bar Kingdom Come, £3, 9pm-late CHARLES ST BAR Food noon-8pm, Studio
the party alive with the best of 70s Disco open till 6am, happy hour till 7pm CHARLES ST BAR Sunday Lunch, noon- 150 Warm Up, fabulous cocktail selection all
Restaurant open 11am-8pm, smokers patio V2 UP: Jukebox, video bar, DOWN: karaoke 8pm 2 Sunday Lunches £7.95, Casino Rayale, night, value hour 5-9pm, noon-11pm
Sauna open 5pm-4am residents £5 rest £8 with Miss Joyride, free, 10pm-late choice of 3 champagne cocktails, noon-11pm CHARLES ST CLUB STUDIO 150: official
AQUARIUM Cabaret Jamie Watson, 9pm WHITE HORSE Pool, heated smoking patio, GROSVENOR Chill Out Sundays, Free bar NUS night: DJs Luke Smith & Ali K, dancers,
BASEMENT CLUB (BELOW LEGENDS) 10am-2am snacks, 1pm-3pm, open 1pm-1am regular theme nights, selected drinks £1.50,
IGNITION: DJ Peter Castle, free B4 12 then £5, ZONE Saturday Night Project with Lady Jane LEGENDS Terrace open all day, lounge bar entry £2, 10.30pm-3am
access all areas, smoking area, 11-4am and Sally Vate, 9pm 11am-5am Cabaret Maisie Trollette & John GROSVENOR Lazy Mondays, open 5-1am
Bruzon 3.15pm free entry to club, smoking area JACK HORNER (WORTHING) Quiz Night 9pm
MARINE TAVERN Nat’s Dish of the Day! LEGENDS BAR Terrace open all day, lounge
PV ROAST & COAST, Sunday lunch noon- bar 11am-5am, Cabaret with Dave Lynn and
finished friends, 9.30pm free entry to Basement Club,
QUEENS ARMS Wilma Fingerdoo 5.30pm, smoking area
Heat 4 Pub Stars National Karaoke Contest, 6pm MARINE TAVERN Laurence’s weekly gossip
R-BAR Lazy Sundays, roast dinners upstairs QUEENS ARMS Karaoke, Cherry Poppin, 9pm
at BEACH HOUSE BRASSERIE, noon-7pm, PV Don’t Like Mondays: selected drink deals
cabaret with Drag WIth No Name, 7pm, 241 with loyalty card, 5-7pm
cocktails, all drinks £2 all day (excl.champagne R-BAR Miss Jason’s Madhouse, 241
& doubles), with free Privilege card, open 24 cocktails, all drinks £2 all day, 2 main meals
hrs till 2am, funk soul and disco with DJ Diablo £7.95 from 12-3pm with free Privilege card,
till midnight, shots £1.49 when red light flashes open till 2am full menu available at the BEACH
STAR INN Sunday roasts, noon-4pm, Bear HOUSE BRASSERIE upstairs from 5pm
Bash, charity raffle,shag tag & buffet, 5pm STAR INN Food served 12-3pm, Silver
VAVOOM Late bar 6am, happy hour till 7pm Bears Night, open till 11pm
WHITE HORSE Free bar snacks, pool, VAVOOM Late bar 6am,happy hour all night
heated smoking patio, noon-midnight WHITE HORSE Pool, heated smoking patio,
ZONE Cabaret Davina Sparkle, 8pm drinks promos, 10am-12pm
ZONE Everyone’s Happy! all day happy hour
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 57
DANCE DJ PROFILE
MUSIC LPS DAZ BAILEY
BY KATE WILDBLOOD BY KATE WILDBLOOD
You know how it is. Sometimes you month is some fuck-off decent
need a little distraction. Life can house from RALF GUM. His debut
just get too nerve-wracking/ longplayer Uniting Music on GoGo
boring/hard work/real complicated Music is delicious, delicious,
(delete as appropriate). For this delicious. A right stunner, this will
nervous pre-nuptial Wildblood, make your spring. As will QUENTIN
music is always my sweetest HARRIS’s latest compilation Mix
distraction. This March I’ve been The Vibe: Timeless Re-Collection
spoilt rotten, as an album of real on King Street Sounds. Those
quality dropped into my inbox. You house heads in the know nod with
may have heard the fuss already satisfaction when it comes to King
Street and with Harris in the mix,
that nodding will effortlessly
become a dance. Also highly
recommended is his debut album
No Politics for Strictly Rhythm –
another label to get the juices
going! Seems New York is the
soundtrack for March. And if that
isn’t enough for you, may I
suggest checking out the following
delights: MIGUEL MIGS Those
Things Remixed
on Salted Music BOYS ON THE SIDE
about HERCULES AND LOVE is almost too If you’ve been on a decent dancefloor lately, chances are you’ve been
AFFAIR as they promoted their house good, dancing to Daz Bailey. As a DJ he’s rocked the finest floors and as one
taster single Blind. The remix by Toolroom Knights half of the production team Bailey & Rossko he’s brought us some right
Frankie Knuckles seemed to grab Mixed By Tom gems, including their own Don’t Go and remixes for The Freemasons,
everyone’s heartstrings. Well Novy & Wally Nick Fiorucci and Robbie Rivera. And now he’s about to make his
Hercules And Love Affair the album Lopez on Brighton debut for Boys On The Side at Revenge. So what else could
on DFA is here and the effect is Toolroom rocks – Kate Wildblood do but catch up with the Bailey smooth DJ?
tenfold. Andrew Butler (DJ, enough said –
producer) plus collaborators while DJ YELLOW Name: Daz Bailey
Antony (of The Johnsons), Nomi & ASTRID Residencies/guest slots: Since 1995 I’ve been playing in the clubs but
and Kim Ann have delivered what SURYANTO’s The last year was my biggest to date due to the success of Bailey & Rossko.
has to be the album of the year. Intermission on Project I run my own night, Liberation @ Nakatcha in Nantwich, as well as
It’s revitalised-disco-meets- Recordings will charm the pants having a monthly residency at Club Milan in Letterkenny, Ireland. I
stringy-electronica-cool with a off you with its bittersweet mix recently did a guest mix for Gaydar Radio on Gary H’s show.
lush New York gay twist. of light, shade, techno and melody. Style: House across the board, electro-progressive, as long as it’s funky.
Distraction of the heavenly kind. Blimey! Enjoy. What do you sing in the bath? Probably Oasis’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Star.
Also keeping my ears happy this www.katewildblood.com What makes a good DJ? Someone who
knows how to give a crowd a good time
without playing all the biggest tunes
WILDBLOOD’S CORKING MARCH 12”S around.
Tell us something about you we don’t
ADAM K & SOHA Twilight (original mix) Data Records know: It was my 40th in February.
You’ll come up – all minimal like. Apparently! Aarrgh!!!!
GUY WILLIAMS + JAMES FITCH Get Together Pop Pop What plans do you have for 2008? To
Another spark of filthy genius from the lovely Guy Williams. make a mark on the scene. We’ve got plenty
PURE DYNAMITE & LIVE ELEMENT Downtime (Twilo mix) Gossip Records of remixes/tracks on the way, so 2008 looks
My favourite label goes tough and it’s a moment of US glory! like it could be a good year.
HERCULES AND LOVE AFFAIR Blind (Frankie Knuckles remix) EMI/DFA Tune of the moment: Adam K & Soha’s Twilight on Data.
Still a must-have tune, Knuckles proving his god-like status – again! Tune of your life: That’s one of the
NICK HOLDER Strange Delight (main mix) NRK hardest questions yet, but I reckon it has
Beauty is in the eye of this quirky beholder. to be Madness’s My Girl.
MIDIDROPMUSIC The Movement EP: Hypnotize Guess Are you excited about debuting at Boys
Makes you ache for a 6am dancefloor: deep, minimal and so bloody sexy. On The Side? I can’t wait to come to
IIO Rapture Reconstructed (Starkillers Dirty Girl remix) Made Records Brighton. I’ve always wanted to come
The lesbian anthem gets the 21st-century treatment – naughty! down, ever since I watched Quadrophenia
FUNKERMAN Speed Up (Granite & Phunk Big Room mix) Defected way back in the early 1980s! As for my
Big Room tune for the Big Room DJs that’s rocking everyone. plans for the night, well, I hope I just
TOMMI WHITE feat SETH SHARP Every Sunday Sole remember it for a start. I want to see as
Repeat after me – those Sunday terraces are on their way. much as possible, take in the whole
GLADYS KNIGHT & THE PIPS The Look Of Love Motown scene. Let’s hope this is the first of many visits to Brighton.
Guess who’s been choosing wedding tunes… www.baileyandrossko.co.uk
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
I ENJOY BEING A GIRL BY DJ WANKER
“When I say I’m in love, you best look like a movie star, he doesn’t drive a Cadillac car…” He’s Sure The
Boy I Love by The Crystals). They’re often described in tantalising
believe I’m in love – L-U-V!” detail: “Cause he’s kinda big and he’s awful strong.” (My Boyfriend’s
Back by The Angels). It’s a love that meets with societal disapproval:
Give Him A Great Big Kiss, The Shangri-las
“My folks were always putting him down...” (Leader Of The Pack, by The
Some people think I’m joking when I tell them my favourite period in Shangri-las). But these girls don’t care: “‘Cause he’s not a rebel to
the entire history of popular music is the girl-group era of the early me…” sang The Crystals. Or best of all: “He’s good-bad – but he’s not
1960s. Dumb-dumb queens will ask if I love those records because evil,” pleaded The Shangri-las.
they’re ‘kitsch’ or ‘camp’. And yes, I guess you could say that some of
them are. But the opposite also applies – I find girl-group songs The girls were rarely made of sugar and spice and all things ‘nice’
incredibly moving, precisely because I find them utterly convincing. themselves. The Bobbettes – rather brilliantly – followed up their hit
STUART LEE
They also seem to be singing about me. And, if you stop, look and single Mr Lee with one called I Shot Mr Lee. Whenever I see a photo of
listen, I bet you’ll hear something about yourself, too. The Ronettes, I can hear Marge Simpson grinding her teeth: “I don’t
want you going out like that – it looks cheap.” My kinda girls.
You see, the real reason those records resonate so well with men like us I’d also argue that girl groups prove how pop music is at its very best
is simply because those girls are singing about boys. They’re all about when it’s at its most simple; from bubblegum through punk to Italo
the joy and the pain – and above all the difficulty – of going out with disco. If you disagree, then I hope you and your Radiohead boxset are
men. Girl groups may dream of walking up the aisle (“We’re going to the very happy being boring together. Has anyone come up with a line in a
chapel of love…” sang The Dixie Cups), but they soon find they’re song that could beat the perfectly pitched emotional punch of The
walking through a minefield. Why? ”’Cause finding a good man, girls, is Ronettes singing, “Baby, I love you”?
like finding a needle in a haystack,” said The Velvelettes.
All these fine words would mean little without the fine, fine music. And
Maybe it’s also because gay men often live life at the same level of girl-group records sound like they’re on fire. Ronnie Spector, Darlene
emotional intensity as the teenage girls who sang those songs – Love and Martha Reeves are such impassioned singers they make Amy
endlessly veering between desire and disaster. Like The Supremes, one Winehouse sound like Posh Spice. Most of the songs last three minutes,
minute you’re singing Someday We’ll Be Together, next thing you’re have a basic 4/4 beat, and a simple verse/chorus/verse structure –
wondering Where Did Our Love Go? The songs are often painful in their perfect for dancing to. That’s why girl groups provided much of the
naive desperation: “And maybe if I cry every day, you’ll come back to soundtrack at Le Duce, London’s legendary gay Mod club. The harder
stay,” sang The Chantels. Or my favourite little heart-smasher of the lot records, like The Marvelettes’ Too Many Fish In The Sea and The
– Evie Sands’s I Can’t Let Go. Velvelettes’ Needle In A Haystack, were the acetate templates for
northern soul. When I hear the totally percussive backing track on The
The only thing that jars with modern queer ears is how chaste so many Dixie Cups’ Iko Iko, I can hear the birth of techno.
of the records seem: “And then he kissed me…” said The Crystals. Gay
men may find the virginal sentiments behind, say, Will You Love Me If you feel the same – or even if you feel unsure (which is a very girl-
Tomorrow by The Shirelles, baffling. But though few of us think twice group feeling, by the way), come shake a tailfeather with us down at
about shagging some sweet boy we’ve just met, we’re still haunted by Candy Bar on Easter Sunday. We’ll be dancing in the streets! Well,
the same fear that we’ll never see him again after he’s picked his pants actually, we’ll be dancing in a club – but you get the general idea.
up off the bedroom floor on Sunday morning.
HE’S SO FINE/SHE’S SO FINE – a celebration of ’60s girl groups and
The boys in question were almost always bad boys – from “the wrong female singers – Candy Bar, Easter Sunday, March 23, with DJ
side of the tracks” – more Whitehawk than Sussex Square. (“He doesn’t Wanker and Von Doogan, £3, 9pm till late.
www.myspace.com/straightfromthefridge
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 59
band members are Morgan Doctor (drums), Nina Martinez (guitar) and
Jen Benton (bass) – all lesbians, but don’t let that influence you. The
Cliks aren’t a gay rock band, they are a rock band full stop, and they’ll
rock your pain away!
THE CLIKS
From the first four words on their album Snakehouse, The Cliks ‘fuck
What’s the best gig you’ve played so far? I’d say the True Colors show
we did in Toronto. It was amazing to play at home and be sharing the
stage with the likes of Cyndi Lauper and Debbie Harry. I was high the
your pain away’ beautifully. This is rock with a knife at its throat – rest of the night – and not on drugs.
screaming, threatening, pleading – it’s raw and damaged and bleeding What was the last CD you bought? Amy Winehouse, Back To Black – I’m
but it’s got me hooked. This Toronto four-piece have been supporting obsessed with this CD and can’t stop listening.
Cyndi Lauper on her tour, and in return, she’s been supporting them: How did you come to support Cyndi Lauper on her recent tour?
“Part of my mission with the True Colors tour was to provide a platform Seriously, she asked us. It was unreal.
for some new and exciting acts. A band like The Cliks are all that and Who writes your songs? I do and I am Lucas.
more. They are a force to be Why the Justin Timberlake cover? [Cry Me A River] I had my Britney
reckoned with and I am really “It was amazing to play and I felt the need to tell her how I felt. I had a lot more anger behind
excited to be sharing the stage at home and be sharing the words than he did!
with them.” the stage with the likes Has sexuality and gender identity helped or hindered your progress?
It certainly has brought us a lot of attention, but I truly feel that when
We’re bombarded with invented
of Cyndi Lauper and
that novelty wears off our music will stand on its own.
hype that foreshadows so many Debbie Harry. I was high What’s Toronto got that the rest of us can’t live without? The Cliks!
bands these days, but believe me the rest of the night Kidding! Toronto is an extremely diverse city with people of every
when I tell you I would beg on – and not on drugs” cultural background imaginable. I think because of that, we have an
bended knees for tickets to their amazing arts scene and music scene and just a really centred city. I love
next UK gig, they really are that good. You’ll hear echoes of k d lang, it here and I truly feel this is my home.
Sting, Patti Smith and The Pretenders. Lead singer and guitarist Lucas How’s Snakehouse doing? Very well. We are getting a lot of amazing
Silveira ain’t pretending though – born female, he lives as a man who reviews and I’m very happy with the attention we’re getting.
dates women. He’s got a voice like a Stradivarius and the balls to play it
not with a bow, but with a rusty bread knife. Cited influences include The Cliks played the Barfly in Brighton last September and they were loud!
David Bowie, Bloc Party, Jane’s Addiction and Jeff Buckley. The other www.myspace.com/thecliks
STUART LEE
JACOB’S STORIES
With an over-saturation of music released these days by major record
labels, it is a relief to see that more artists are deciding to self-release
their records, thereby maintaining a sentimental and personal integrity
over their music. One such artist who believes this DIY approach is far
more beneficial is Stuart Lee of Jacob’s Stories.
Twenty-eight-year-old Stuart has been making music for the past seven
years, producing his first four-track, which then become the eight songs
for Demo One, which he distributed to friends and family. Since then he’s
released an EP, four split singles and a debut full-length album Fledgling
in 2006. During this time Stuart has played countless live shows, touring
the UK and America and continually wowing audiences with his live
performances. This year is a turning point for Stuart with the release of
his second album Undisciplined Art. Moving away from the shadows of
past label experiences, Stuart decided to go it alone. Written and
recorded over a six-month period between mind-numbing jobs, Recorded at Bankhead Farm, Scotland, with guest strings by Abi Fry
Undisciplined Art has been a labour of love that moves into more (Bat For Lashes, British Sea Power), Undisciplined Art will be released in
experimental territory than his debut album. a limited edition of 500 copies, all of which include handmade sleeves
He is a musician who never likes to retread old ground, and this release is with original artwork, individually numbered.
far more eclectic in its entirety while attaining an unrefined aesthetic,
something the album title suggests. Embracing themes of love, loss, by Jeff Schofield www.myspace.com/typemusicpr
religion, isolation, obsession and lust, Undisciplined Art captures
something far more majestic and atmospheric with gorgeous melodies and Jacob’s Stories will play at the Redroaster Café, St James’s St, on
exquisite moments of musical harmony. Monday March 24, with Dear Britch and Twenty-One Crows. Tickets £5
Maintaining artistic freedom is something artists find hard when putting from Resident Records, Brighton, 01273 606312.
out records through a label – and it’s something Stuart is very passionate www.myspace.com/jacobsstoriesband
about. Releasing the album himself allowed him complete control over all www.myspace.com/dearbritch
aspects of recording, production, artwork and distribution. www.myspace.com/twentyonecrows
60 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
BBC’s Any Dream Will Do and
ARTS
BY MICHAEL HOOTMAN
Wayne Smith from ITV’s Grease Is
The Word. This magical musical is
full of unforgettable songs,
including Any Dream Will Do, Close
Ev’ry Door To Me, One More Angel
CONNAUGHT THEATRE and many more.
Union Place, Worthing
The world-renowned MOSCOW
Box office 01903 206206
MOSCOW BALLET
BALLET: LA CLASSIQUE (Thu 25)
Michael Frayn’s SPIES (Thu 6–Sat
demonstrate their continued
8) is a bittersweet evocation of
quality of dance and performances
childhood with a gripping mystery
in a dramatic production of Swan
at its heart. Set during World War II
Lake set to Tchaikovsky’s superb
in a quiet suburban cul-de-sac
score. trying out new material and ideas,
where gardens and dark secrets lie
at Upstairs at Three and Ten.
behind neatly trimmed hedges,
THE OLD MARKET Recently described as “thoughtful,
Stephen and his friend Keith play at
Upper Bedford Place, Brighton provocative and very funny” by the
detectives. But the game changes
Box office 01273 736222 Sunday Times, while The Guardian
gear when Keith announces that his
Sought after for their insight and wrote that “when someone writes a
own mother is a German spy. The
imagination, the CHILINGIRIAN history of modern comedy, they
hunt is on in deadly earnest and nothing will ever be the same again.
QUARTET (Sun 16), is one of the should make room for Robin Ince”.
Henry James’s THE TURN OF THE
world’s most celebrated and widely As heard on Radio 4’s Banter,
SCREW (Tue 11–Sat 15) centres on
travelled ensembles. Maestros in The Personality Test, Crimes
a young woman who obtains the
their own right, as a quartet they Against Music and Loose Ends,
post of a governess to two children
are renowned both for their amongst others.
abandoned by their previous carers,
thrilling interpretations of earlier RABBIT IN THE HEADLIGHTS (Fri
Peter Quint and Miss Jessel, in
composers and commanding 28) is a stand-up comedy night
circumstances of some mystery. But
performances of the contemporary featuring new acts and new-ish
what exactly was the nature of the
repertoire. Tonight’s programme acts on the rise.
relationship between the adults and
comprises Haydn’s Quartet Op 50
these two children? And is it
possible that the carers’ malevolent
No 4; Shostakovich No 11 Op 122 THE HAWTH
and Beethoven’s quartet Op 127. Hawth Avenue, Crawley
ghosts have come back to destroy
LOUIS DE BERNIERES (Thu 20), Box office 01293 553636
the new governess?
author of Captain Corelli’s GAME (Sat 8) by Tangled Feet
Mandolin, reads from his latest features Tony and Connie, who
BRIGHTON LITTLE THEATRE millions of records the world over book, The Partisan’s Daughter. decide to welcome their new
Clarence Gardens and is celebrated for having one of Set in North London in the 1970s, neighbours with a spot of wine,
Box office 01273 777748 the greatest voices in popular it centres on Roza, a young music and marshmallows. But
Set during the ‘dotcom’ boom of music. With the virtuoso guitar of Serbian woman, who tells her life things soon go horribly wrong. The
the late 1990s, David Hare’s MY Carmelo Luggeri she is now story to a bored middle-aged man. recently arrived James has a new
ZINC BED (Tue 25–Sat 29) looks at making a distinctive blend of An unlikely love story develops. girlfriend, Franky, and she’s
the relationships of three people music that takes you on a joyous determined to steal the show.
locked together in a tight triangle, and sensuous journey. Featuring all UPSTAIRS AT THREE & TEN Fresh from five-star reviews and a
twisting under enormous pressures. the hits such as Don’t Go Breaking 10 Steine Street, Brighton Total Theatre Best New Work
Paul, a young poet working as a My Heart, I’ve Got The Music In Me. Box office 07786 984900 Award nomination at the
journalist to make ends meet, goes As Brighton’s newest music show, Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Like
to interview a young internet THE ACOUSTIC ROOM (Sat 1) aims Abigail’s Party on acid, this is a
entrepreneur and his wife. All three to provide the South Coast with dinner party with a difference,
are addicts – addicted to alcohol, acoustic performances from the exploring male rivalry and female
self-pity and self-hate. This can best home-grown and international flirtatiousness. “An explosive,
only get worse when Paul finds artists in a welcoming, intimate sometimes delicately witty
himself falling in love with the environment. combination of choreography,
CIRCUS OF HORRORS
boss’s wife. Neil LaBute’s modern masterpiece special effects and clever writing.”
THE MERCY SEAT (Wed 5–Sat 8) The Stage.
PAVILION THEATRE depicts two New Yorkers – Ben and
Marine Parade, Worthing Abby – who skirt the borders of
Box office 01903 206206 moral and ethical acceptability
KIKI DEE (Mon 3) has sold until their relationship is thrown
THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS: THE into turmoil following the events
ASYLUM (Thu 6) features a line-up
CARMELO LUGGERI & KIKI DEE
of 9/11.
of witch doctors, voodoo acrobats, I KISSED A FROG AND IT GAVE ME
demon dwarves, flying vampires HERPES (Wed 12) is a play about
and much more, presided over by love, kebabs and Viking re-
the undead ringmaster Doktor enactment warriors. Is it worth
Haze and accompanied by devil- catching an STD in pursuit of the
driven rock ‘n’ roll via The perfect man? “Sleek, streamlined
Interceptors From Hell. and utterly compelling.” **** Kate
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING Copstick, The Scotsman.
TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Mon TV and radio star ROBIN INCE (Fri
GAME
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 61
one left in the ring is the winner. the performer’s greatest hits in 2004’s Breakaway, which sold 11
Among the wrestlers fighting it out ultra-rare and some never-before- million worldwide on the strength
will be a trio of reigning PWF title- seen footage. Ground-breaking of such No 1 hits as Since U Been
BJORN AGAIN (Thu 13) is probably holders, ‘Wonder Kid’ Jonny Storm creative use of cutting-edge Gone, Behind These Hazel Eyes,
the world’s No 1 Abba tribute act – ‘Flying’ Phil Powers and ‘The technology puts him centre stage, Because Of You and Walk Away.
join them on their 19th Destroyer’ Lee Darren. Teenage on multiple moving screens, with a
anniversary tour. star Erin Angel takes on the brilliant company of dancers and ASSEMBLY HALL
STOPGAP DANCE (Thu 27) awesome might of former British singers, supported by a live Worthing
performs an evening of dance by ladies’ champion Klondyke Kate, orchestra of the best musicians in Box office 01903 206206
five international choreographers. who weighs in at 20st. London – performing some of the Worthing Symphony Orchestra
Portfolio Collection is a dance greatest music ever recorded. Spring Awakenings (Sun 9)
banquet of serene chaos, sinister FRENCH AND SAUNDERS (Tue 25, features the work of Nigel Hess,
loveliness and shocking beauty. Wed 26) features the best of their who scored Ladies in Lavender, plus
Prepare for a raw, rugged male characters and sketches from the pieces by Vaughan Williams.
duet charged with testosterone three decades that they have been
from Hofesh Shechter; a stark, making people laugh, together
rock-infested descent into with brand-new material written by
unraveled reality by Nathalie the first ladies of comedy.
Pernette; a provocative powerful BOYZ II MEN (Fri 28), one of the
duet by Gary Clarke; and Rob most successful R&B male vocal
Tannion on the quest for love groups of all time, return with
revealing with humour the dirty their new CD, Motown: Hitsville
WRESTLING
WSO
tender dance set after a party. release their album, helmed by
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
62 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
ARTS ART
NEWS M AT T E R S
BY ENZO MARRA
COMEDY BENEFIT NIGHT March is set to be a busy month, with artistic offerings being hung
Jaq Bayles will be appearing in a comedy throughout Brighton and its nearby Sussex neighbours.
benefit WONDERFUL WOMEN DO STAND-UP
COMEDY for International Women’s Day CHALK GALLERY
(Thu 6) upstairs at the Hare & Hounds at There’s The Spring Collection until March 15, and A Moment in Time
Preston Circus. Katy Schutte will be from March 23–May 4. Chalk Gallery, 4 North Street, Lewes,
compering, with Felicity Ventom, Marie 01273 474477, www.chalkgallery.org.uk
Vagen, Roisin Mirza, Bunty Dann, Alison
Barclay, Sha Wylie, Bola Ajani and Julie Jepson headlining. Show PHOENIX GALLERY
starts at 8pm, tickets are on the door £5/£4. Jaq’s monthly WALKS INTO Everyday Anomalies (until March 22) involves
A BAR open-mic night takes place on the same night at the Unity pub four of Hong Kong’s most exciting and active
but guest compere Jim Holland will be looking after everyone while Jaq artists, PAK Sheung-Chuen, Luke CHING,
appears at Wonderful Women! KWAN Sheung-Chi and KAM Lai Wan. Their
observations highlight the minutiae of everyday
life, works that may often be nothing more than
JACOB’S STORIES GIG subtle interventions and shifts in perspective, quietly questioning the
STUART LEE
Brighton-based solo artist Stuart habitual codes of behaviour in urban society. Presented as videos,
Lee, who performs as Jacob’s photographs and objects, their practice is driven by a desire to
Stories, launches his second album understand their surroundings – how people connect and interact with
Undisciplined Art at the Redroaster each other, how they behave in public spaces.
Café, St James’s Street (Mon 24). Phoenix Gallery, 10–14 Waterloo Pl, Brighton, www.phoenixarts.org
Stuart’s performances feature
hauntingly lush vocals, layered ZIMMER STEWART
KATHARINE LE HARDY
HQ GALLERY
My final choice from this month runs until
March 16 at the HQ GALLERY involving Rue
Asher, Katherine Sollohub, Jonathan Smith,
GEORGIA HAYES
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 63
CLASSICAL have here, I can’t possibly fully do justice to answering these questions.
However, there are many women composers out there writing wonderful
NOTES
BY NICK BOSTON
music, and there’s a wealth of music composed by women in the past
worth promoting. Unfortunately, we must look that bit harder to find it.
NICOLA LEFANU
(as a viola player) in the 1930s, a classic case
Nicholas Kenyon, the outgoing Proms director, received widespread
of a woman’s opportunities being limited by
criticism for programming one of the world’s largest classical music
society. I’d recommend a great release of her
festivals in 2006 without including a single work composed by a woman.
chamber music as a taster. Dutton CDLX7105
Redressing the imbalance in 2007, he managed five women composers
(4.2 per cent) and two female conductors (2.9 per cent).
Nicola LeFanu is another composer who has
The American musicologist Susan McClary has even argued that the very
done much to champion women in music. She
structure of Western classical music involves violent, ‘male’ themes,
is president of Gemini, committed to giving
battling with softer, ‘female’ themes, and ultimately the former
equal performance and commissioning
overpower and destroy the latter. So what’s going on? Do women just
opportunities to women and men
not compose classical music? Are they not interested in or committed to
(www.dulwich1.demon.co.uk/gemini/). She
the harsh world of professional performance? Are women composers
was also a founding member of Women in
destined to be sidelined, or only included when they are ‘themed’ as
Music, celebrating women’s music-making
something unusual, or worse, only linked to a male composer, eg Clara
across all genres (www.womeninmusic.org.uk/index.htm).
Schumann – wife of, or Fanny Mendelssohn – sister of? In the space I
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
64 GSCENE OUT & ABOUT
CHOIR ARTS
B OY S
B Y G E O R G E L E AC H
BOOKS
B Y V I N C E L AW S
HOW TO SING BLOOD MOON’S GUIDE TO GAY AND LESBIAN FILM by Darwin Porter and
Mention the Yumbo Centre to most gay men and you will get a Danforth Prince is clearly a labour of love – and lust. It offers a
reaction. Maybe a wince of distaste from those who would do nothing rundown of the year’s most intriguing
so vulgar as to visit Gran Canaria’s premier gay tourist trap. Or maybe a gay, lesbian and transgender films, and
nostalgic sigh as they dimly remember extending their sexual repertoire a back catalogue of so much more –
after one complimentary peach schnapps too many. not only do you get a list of all the
celebs Marlon Brando fucked, you get a
Never been? Imagine a sub- shot of him sucking cock, too! Film
tropical version of Wood Green buffs and gossip lovers will read every
shopping city. A vast 3D outdoor salacious scrap, but there’s plenty here
maze of bars and clubs that open for film virgins too, with descriptions
like evening primroses as the and reviews of over 100 feature-length
surrounding souvenir shops gay films, plus shorts, quotes and
close, and as the last pushchairs photos. Although the quality of the
of the day trundle off to leave black and white photos sometimes lets
the steamy concrete jungle to its this guide down, the 400-plus pages of
nocturnal inhabitants. info and intrigue make it worth every
pink penny! £14.99.
The Yumbo has 43 gay bars, but they all get busy at different watches
of the night so you have to be in the right place at the right time. You THE PINK COOKBOOK contains more than
either have to discover the arcane details of the secret timetable or 200 feelgood recipes from top chefs,
rely on your innate GPS (Gay Positioning System) to avoid the lonely including Rick Stein and Antony Worrall
barstool. Whichever method you use, at some point you may find Thompson, as well as people who have
yourself in Centre Stage, the Yumbo’s longest-running gay bar, famed been touched by breast cancer – £1 from
for its video-induced sing-alongs. There, even the strong, dark, silent every copy sold goes to Breast Cancer
types discover they Care. There are the simplest of ideas, from
instinctively know the words stuffed figs to lime lassi, to the more
to major show tunes. Perhaps involved – Jamie Oliver’s Japanese-style
it’s genetic. tuna carpaccio for example, but even that
takes only 15 minutes to prepare and
‘Sing-along’ may conjure up needs no cooking. I’m drooling over kipper kedgeree as I type.
images of old people’s homes Published by Hamlyn at £6.99
in Worthing, but bear with me.
Ten years ago in Centre Stage I THE SAPPHOS GUIDE 2008 is now out.
had a revelation. I discovered that, under the right circumstances, I LGBT travel books go out of date
could sort of sing. All that it took was to be surrounded by others who notoriously quickly, so let’s look at the
were singing too, and singing music I could relate to. I just couldn’t current Sapphos entry for Brighton:
stop myself. Now, whenever I rehearse with the ever-growing City of The Amsterdam, Café 22, Caledonian
Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus, I get the same feeling. Even while sober. Bar, Charles Street, Joogleberry, Kruze,
Legends, Marine Tavern, R-Bar, Candy
To those who would like to join but ‘don’t have a voice’, I would Bar, The Marlborough, The Queens
suggest that their voice might be fine but it’s their confidence that’s Arms, Vavoom Bar, White Horse,
the problem. Growing up different or facing ridicule, shame or isolation Switchboard, Revenge, V2, Wet Pussy,
can all stoke up our self-doubt. Singing with other gay men in the Wild Fruit, Clone Zone, Prowler, Tickled,
chorus is a kind of antidote because it reveals an essential truth: that and the Brighton Women’s Centre all
the best way to start singing is to tune out all the internalised get mentioned. Lesbian visitors to
messages that say you can’t. Brighton would no doubt have enough
info to get started, despite one or two
This year the circle will be completed. In Gran Canaria, as part of their mistakes, even if these venues aren’t
huge Pride celebrations, the City of Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus will all considered favourites on the lesbian
give two performances. One of them will be televised throughout the scene. Hopefully, when you walk into the
Spanish-speaking world. Not bad for a group consisting of people who Pomada bar in Kiev in the Ukraine, the
used to think they couldn’t sing. OK, it takes some hard work too, and same will apply. £16.99
the input of genius from our music team headed by our musical
director, Ignacio Jarquin, who knows exactly how to nurture the group THE Q GUIDE TO DESIGNING WOMEN is
and help us find our voices. “stuff you didn’t even know you wanted to
know about Julia, Mary Jo, Charlene,
Now where did you leave yours? Suzanne, and the beloved sitcom”, by Allen
Crowe. Dishes the dirt on the backstage
drama behind the scenes of famed US ’80s
The City of Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus welcomes new members.
sitcom Designing Women, with interviews
For membership enquires email Thomas at membership@cbgmc.org
from the four female leads. This book is the
or call 07968 853625.
perfect companion to The Q Guide To The
For other enquires email Rod at info@cbgmc.org or call 01273
Golden Girls, it says here. £7.99
721314 or visit www.singbrighton.com for more details.
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE OUT & ABOUT 65
more personal. melodrama that is so amped up
FILM
BY MICHAEL HOOTMAN
Word on net: “Horrifying thriller,
smart and tightly told.”
“Satisfying slice of solid meat-
that it goes beyond an ‘11’.”
IF YOU GO DOWN
TO THE WOODS TODAY…
Last year four of us visited the Cass Sculpture Foundation, an award-winning sculpture park
set in 26 acres of woodland in West Sussex, and thoroughly enjoyed a day of sunshine,
leaves and art. The park opens again on April 1, boldly asking on its website: “Where else
in the world can you see a changing display of 70 specially commissioned, monumental
sculptures sited in an idyllic landscape and all for sale?” Where indeed? By Vince Laws
The foundation was set up in 1992 by Wilfred and Jeannette Cass to penny because he came up with a finished piece of art worthy of his
promote current British sculpture. “To achieve this it commissions, concept – loved it.
displays, promotes internationally and sells monumental sculptures to a Outside is Steve Dilworth’s Claw – black granite, two and a half metres
diverse range of buyers – from private collectors, to individual high, at once threatening and yet embracing, as vulnerable as a blind
enterprises, to public spaces, to the business community – and more baby bird begging for food, and then silent, the calm before the storm,
than 160 monumental sculptures have been commissioned and sold a talon poised – £98,00.
around the world in the last 15 years.” They seem to be fulfilling their The foundation is about an hour from Brighton by car, in Goodwood
brief admirably. near Chichester, West Sussex. It boasts 70 changing monumental works
The park closes to the public over by 50 innovative sculptors at all stages of their careers, from those just
the winter months, so will no out of college to the biggest names – there’s a piece by Sir Anthony
doubt be looking particularly perky Caro, heaps by Tony Cragg, and four rather dull bollards by Antony
as it welcomes the first visitors of Gormley! Every year the foundation commissions a dozen or so large
spring. Start off at the visitor sculptures and a number of smaller works, or maquettes. The artists’
centre-cum- (suitably restrained) drawings, working models and maquettes make for a fascinating archive,
gift shop, and wonder at the which we were lucky enough to be shown briefly. It was odd to think
towering woman cast in Scrabble back to these delicate vase-like pieces when, an hour or so later, we
tiles – what glue did he use? – were standing before the monoliths they became.
Myslexia by David Mach, £50,000 Pieces I liked? Sally Matthews’s Wolf is a cool dude at £19,000 – but
– cheeky and magical and not as cool as the dude I know who bought a set of five for a sculpture
illusionary and fun and worth every park in Norway! Sean Henry’s Lying Man – when did painted bronze
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE 67
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
68 GSCENE GSCENE 68
DIRTY
FINGERS
BY RHS SILVER MEDALLIST RACHAEL WOODGATE
A well-constructed raised
bed will last for years and
soil fertility can be
maintained by adding
organic matter. Raised vegetable beds are excellent for older or disabled
gardeners and besides, who wants to spend hours on their knees?!
Raised beds have been used for centuries for good reason – they’re
better for many plants and they’re kinder on gardeners.
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE 69
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
70 GSCENE
is not a scene I am proud of. We The amounts listed in the winter
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR are missing what’s important.
I thought the objective was to
Pride programme are cash amounts
that have been raised either from
HAVE YOUR SAY! SEND YOUR LETTERS TO: GSCENE 111,
welcome people to Brighton and collection boxes or fundraisers in
WESTERN RD, HOVE, BN3 1DD OR INFO@GSCENE.COM
do our best to keep them here – the venues.
permanently. With the economy the Businesses such as Prowler, Cardome
The Letters To The Editor pages and done, he was extremely
way it is, people are either going and Clone Zone in St James’s Street
have received a variety of popular.
to London to live, moving out of are always giving prizes to
submissions over the last two I was surprised to read about the
the country, or staying at home. organisers of benefits amounting to
months marked ‘Concerned, of difficulties with last year’s Pride
Competition on the scene is one many hundreds of pounds each
Brighton’ or requests to run lettersstreet party, as I thought it was
thing, but when it starts getting year. This helps bars and club raise
without a name and address well put together. I am from
personal and the reputations of money through raffles and adds to
attached. Our policy is clear. London originally, now in my 12th
people are in shreds because of fundraising totals.
We print letters that come by post year of living in Sussex, and I ask
harmful gossip and personality These contributions in kind are not
or email as long as they have a myself if anyone in Brighton
clashes, it’s not right. reflected in the totals published,
name, address and a telephone actually cares about Pride anymore.
I know people on the scene who and maybe they should be.
number on them. Does your average 21-year-old
have been vilified because of what JL
Most of the letters recently have crop-top know the true meaning of
they do, what they are trying to
expressed concerns about the scene, Pride? Or is it just an excuse to
including wide-ranging views on the have a piss-up and get trashed?
do, or how they live their lives. GETTING AWAY WITH IT
Homophobia is one thing, but If, like me, you were appalled at
Everybody knows about London
return of Kitty Litter to Brighton or
when it comes from within the the decision by the Courts to clear
issues surrounding the choice of Pride’s history and the wrangling
LGBT community, it’s hurtful. We Peter Willows on a legal
Golden Handbag categories, over how it was run, how money
are destroying everything we have technicality, then perhaps you
particularly regarding the hostess was raised, and where it went. Now
worked for, everything we stand should consider making
and door security category. it seems to be split into many
for, and everything we live for. We representations to the Standards
If you want to express your views separate Pride celebrations. I can
need to look at ourselves in the Board for England. The Court never
please enclose your full details andonly deduce that wherever we live,
mirror and ask what we are coming found Willows innocent of the
I will happily run your letter. it comes down to ego, power and
to. HIV infection rates are still offensive remarks that he made,
The following letter by Justin King control issues and stupid
rising, gay men are still getting and those comments were a clear
is typical of the themes expressed personality conflicts, which have
bashed, with many cases going breach of the Code of Conduct
in many letters received lately. hindered everything to do with
unreported – these are the issues which Councillors must adhere to.
Justin should be congratulated for Pride, as well as the scene.
we should be fighting. I haven’t The Standards Board can still
being prepared to express his views Luckily, I’m on the outside looking
written this for any motive other recommend various actions,
and stand by them by putting his in, so I don’t know everything, but
than to show that I care. It’s time including barring him from
name to his letter. I see venues (gay and straight)
to bring back some love, or at standing for office. You can
In some circumstances I am closing down. The Hub was the
least, to show it on the surface. complain about his actions to the
prepared to run letters marked first casualty. Pubs everywhere
It’s a sad fact that World Aids Day Standards Board via email at
‘Name and address supplied’, to (particularly in Worthing) are
and Pride are the only days when enquiries@standardsboard.gov.uk
protect someone’s identity if they forced out of business, and all I
we are (possibly) truly united. As The original complaint made
so request, as long as I have their hear about now is aggression. It’s
the saying goes, kind of... A gay reference to the breach of the Code
full details, including telephone horrid to see, and I’m ashamed to
person is for life, not just for WAD of Conduct by Willows in terms of
number, so I can chat through with admit that in the past year I know
and Pride. the requirement of Councillors to
them on the phone the reasons not a single friend who has gone
DJ Justin King treat all people with respect.
they don’t want to be identified. out in Brighton – it’s like pulling
Willows fell far short of this, and
James Ledward, Editor teeth to get people to come out.
MORE FLOATS PLEASE having been found guilty once, he
Personality conflicts and harmful
Much appreciation has to go to the should not be allowed to get away
SCENE ISSUES gossip have taken over. People are
Pride team for all their continuing absolutely scott free just because
I have been meaning to write, being picked on regardless of
efforts on our behalf throughout of a legal technicality.
partly on behalf of those who their status or standing. This is
the year. One issue that concerns Cllr David Watkins
were closer to Darrell Cummings alienating people. It cannot be
me however about the summer Brunswick & Adelaide ward
than perhaps I was, to say thank allowed to continue, because it’s
Pride procession is that there are Brighton & Hove City Council
you for the tribute you paid to damaging.
only a few of our community’s bars
him in previous issues. I know We used to have so many places to
and other businesses contributing SHOCKED, OF HOVE
there were some misunderstandings go, but now the few venues we
floats. Even though I am aware I have lived in Brighton for 30
concerning what had been written have left are empty or only half
that many of the bars and clubs years in a relationship. Recently I
about him, but the touching turn- full. Thankfully, I’ve read a few
contribute in others ways to Pride, split from my partner and have
out at his funeral indicated how articles in Gscene lately where
it would be really good to see found it very difficult to meet new
popular he was. Darrell was the people seem to be addressing this,
more of them having a profile in friends. The scene has become very
only person I know who not only but it’s been going on for ages.
the actual procession. unfriendly. I went to Dukes Mound
asked me how I was whenever I The new 24-hour licensing laws
Colin Barton recently and what a shock I got.
saw him, but also asked me if I have resulted in more alcoholic
The amount of barebacking and
was happy. You don’t get that from aggression. Vile drugs, like GHB,
FUNDRAISING unsafe sex going on was shocking.
many people nowadays. cause stress for landlords and
I picked up a copy of the winter Have people not got the message
It was nice to see people from promoters. Then there are ID
Pride programme last month and or do they just not care any more?
local businesses at the funeral, problems, and the recent smoking
must say I was surprised at how The ages of those involved was
particularly pub landlords. Clearly ban – I refuse to go anywhere
little some gay businesses had very worrying, with many younger
he meant more than just someone unless I can hold a drink and a
raised for Pride last year. Surely people being only too happy to
who was putting money into their cigarette in the same hand. I hate
some of the amounts raised, like drop their trousers in public and
pockets, but I was angered by the the fact that gay people seem to
£25, are not really a satisfactory put on a show. It wasn’t like that
lack of attendance from others in be either on self-destruct or are
contribution from big businesses? in my day.
this area. Still, when all is said totally disposable. As a result, this
Dave Wallis, Hove Peter, Hove
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE 71
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42
WEST
1 AMSTERDAM 22 V2 KINGS R 35
D 23 ST JAM
11–12 Marine Parade, 688825 5 Steine St, 603010 ES STR
EET
2 AQUARIUM 23 WILD FRUIT @ TRU
6 Steine St 78 West St, 327083 19
WEST
ST PIER MARIN
3 BIB & TUCKER E PAR
ADE
212 Elm Grove, 671616 ● HOTELS
4 BULLDOG TAVERN 1 AMSTERDAM BRIGHTTO
ON PIER
31 St James’ St, 684097 11–12 Marine Pde, 688825
5 CALEDONIAN 9 LEGENDS HOTEL EDWAR
26 Oriental Pl, 323087 31 Marine Pde, 624462 ROYAL 11 D ST
6 CHARLES ST BAR 5 MARINA WEST HOTEL PAVILLION
8 Marine Parade, 624091 26 Oriental Pl, 323087
GE ST
7 GROSVENOR
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16 Western St, 770712 ● SHOPS SS
GEOR
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8 R-BAR 24 BROMPTONS
32 Gardner St, 697711
PRI
22 37
STEINE ST
30 SPECS 10
RD ST
14 WHITE HORSE 2
Camelford St, 603726 22 Kensington Gardens, 676796
15 14 36
CAMELFO
15 VAVOOM 31 SUSSEX BEACON CHARITY SHOP 6
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20 8 21 1
NEW STEIN
31 Old Steine, 603010 130 St James’ St, 682992
83 George St, Hove, 206302 MARINE PARADE
16 ZONE
33 St James’ St, 626412 ● ESTATE/LETS 9
18
● CLUBS 32 ALPHA CONTRACTS
51–53 Church Rd, Hove 38
17 CANDY BAR 777308 or 777130
129 St James’ St, 622424
33 4SALE ESTATE AGENTS
18 CASH QUEEN @ KOOKLUB 118 St James’ St, 692424
10 Pool Valley
34 4SALE /2LET LETTING AGENTS
6 CHARLES ST CLUB 111 Western Rd, Hove,
8 Marine Pde, 624091 4Sale 737666; 2Let 220144 36 NEW STEINE BISTRO ● SAUNAS ● LEGAL & FINANCE
9 LEGENDS CLUB 12a New Steine, 681546 1 AMSTERDAM SAUNA 41 ENGLEHARTS
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19 REBEL @ DIGITAL 7 Marine Pde, 608133 39 DENMARK SAUNA 42 TENNANT & KNIGHT
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20 REVENGE 87 St James’ St, 624233 40 REFRESH SAUNA
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32 Old Steine, 606064 8 Marine Pde, 624091 38 TERRACES 75 Grand Parade, 689966 ● COMMUNITY
21 SUNDAY SUNDAE @ AUDIO Madeira Drive, 570526 SWITCHBOARD 204050 (5pm–11pm)
35 FISHERMANS REST
10 Marine Pde 123-125 Kings Rd, 323888 SPECTRUM 723123
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JAQ’S MONTHLY It’s fucking heartrending, isn’t it? Poor men. One or two women reach
senior management roles and suddenly men are falling apart, divested
of any sense of meaning in the greater schemes of things. Personally I
find it impossible to garner any feelings of sympathy for such blatant
AIN’T NO JOB misogynists. They should look a bit harder at the subtext. Maybe Buerk
is right. Maybe men are slowly being relegated to the position of ‘sperm
FOR A LADY donors’ – maybe that’s because women ARE better placed to perform
certain tasks. Parthenogenesis, for example. Let’s see you try that one.
IS WOMEN’S EQUALITY A PIPE DREAM? Oh dear. Now we don’t even need your sperm…
MICHAEL BUERK AND A 13-YEAR-OLD
AMERICAN GIRL GIVE US THE ANSWERS While it may be true that women are becoming more visible in
traditionally masculine roles (high-ranking police officers, for example),
TO THAT ONE, SAYS JAQ BAYLES the perception that there is parity for women in the workplace is
skewed by the fact that women are often wheeled out as spokespeople
This from The Guardian Women’s page last month: “A 13-year-old to create that very perception.
American girl called Brittany Bayles has written to her local newspaper
saying: ‘I think that having a woman president would be a bad idea for Let’s return to our budding female Michael Buerk in the US, who states
our country. Women are not meant to rule countries and be in charge. I with such conviction that “women are not meant to rule countries and
agree that women can do many things, but leave the ruling of the be in charge”. She is 13. Where might this unswerving belief in the
countries to the men.’” omnipotence of men have been learned? My guess is the Church, that
famous bastion of woman-hating which, in the States, attracts even
First, I would like to totally disassociate myself from the author. While madder crazies than it does here in Britain.
the spelling of my surname is very unusual in this country, it does crop
up in the States. As far as I know (and hope) we are not related.
Second, after reading that, does anyone really need to ask the question:
Don’t women have equality now?
“In the UK, women are paid an
Well, obviously that quote can’t be taken as indicative of the
overarching view of Brits because, a) it’s clearly from some redneck average of 17 per cent less than
Bible-basher in one of the more harshly inbred southern states and, b)
we ain’t ever going to get even close to having another woman leader men, only a fifth of MPs and only a
thanks to the doggedly misogynistic dealings of the reviled Margaret
Thatcher, so no one really even ponders the question any more.
tenth of leading company directors
So let’s have a look at some national statistics to see just how equal we
are women and, shockingly,
are in 2008. In the UK, women are paid an average of 17 per cent less
than men, only a fifth of MPs and a tenth of leading company directors
fewer than six per cent of reported
are women and, shockingly, fewer than six per cent of reported rape rape cases end in a conviction –
cases end in a conviction – maybe because there are only ten female
High Court judges (less than ten per cent of the total). And that’s 80 maybe because there are only ten
years after women first started practising law. Hardly representative is
it? Or even, for that matter, democratic. female High Court judges”
So, hmm. We’re not so much Worldwide, religion is probably the greatest villain when it comes to the
down with the equal on that mistreatment of women, providing the masquerade it does that allows
evidence. men to inflict such hideous tortures on women as female circumcision.
It is religion that dictates that women who are ‘unfaithful’ can be
The fact is, as soon as a woman stoned to death in some countries – even if their ‘unfaithfulness’ is the
or two gains a foot on the fact that they have been raped.
senior rung of the ladder,
whether it be in business, It’s a sick world we live in – even if we think women have moved on in
media, law or politics, some this country, there’s still a bloody long way to go before we come even
man will start bleating on close to being on an equal standing with men.
about how he is being
emasculated; how women are And even if you think it’s OK to be complacent here, just take a look at
stealing his job and making how women are still treated in other nations.
him redundant.
Is International Women’s Day still relevant? You bet your arse it is.
Take, if you will, former Nine O’Clock News presenter Michael Buerk And it’s up to us to make it count.
who, back in 2005, whinged that “almost all the big jobs in
broadcasting are held by women”, who “decide what we see and hear”.
He told the Radio Times: “Life is lived in accordance with women’s COMEDY BENEFIT NIGHT
rules” and men are now merely “sperm donors”, adding that the “shift Jaq Bayles will be appearing in a comedy benefit for International
in the balance of power between the sexes” had gone too far. Women’s Day on March 6 upstairs at the Hare & Hounds in Preston
“The result is men are becoming more like women,” he said. Circus. The event is titled Wonderful Women Do Stand-Up Comedy.
Julie Jepson headlines. Katy Schutte comperes. Also featuring are:
Are they Michael? Are they really? What, you mean they’re being denied Felicity Ventom, Marie Vagen, Roisin Mirza, Bunty Dann, Alison
opportunities in the workplace, are they? Patronised by their opposite- Barclay, Sha Wylie and Bola Ajani. Show starts at 8pm, tickets are on
sex peers? Sidelined for promotion? Sexually abused? Beaten by their the door £5/£4.
spouses? Pimped?
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74 GSCENE
CRAIG’S THOUGHTS over the island’s capital, Port Stanley. Like ‘Margaret Thatcher’, a truly
British name. It didn’t matter that she was raping the north of England
and its industries and secretly using the money to build Canary Wharf
under the cover of darkness – she made my grandfather feel he belonged
to a superpower again. Rule Britannia, Britannia rules the waves! Britons
WOMEN RULE never, never, never shall be slaves!
When our own fair town fell victim to one of the country’s most notorious
terrorist attacks, Thatcher herself was only inches and a Royal Doulton U-
WHY I’M READY FOR A WOMAN bend away from death or disability. While members of her cabinet and
SAYS CRAIG HANLON-SMITH their loved ones were fighting for their lives in intensive care, Thatcher
dusted the remnants of the Grand Hotel’s roof from her pleated royal blue
finery, and stood before her party conference hours later, defiant. It
“The aim of this government is to make everyone as miserable as didn’t matter that our national industries no longer existed, or that our
possible,” rang the mock Margaret Thatcher opening to Boy George‘s children were being sent home from school because the teachers were on
politically inspired No Clause 28. The British Conservative government of a strike, she was a survivor and victor in the face of terrorism – a leader
the 1980s was the creator of the legal bill amendment (Clause 28) to of our Land of Hope and Glory.
prevent the promotion of homosexual relationships as a pretended
‘normal’ way of life. There can be no denying that Thatcher was not one So far (let us not be too hasty, it has only been a few months), the
for moving the gay cause forward, in this instance actively taking steps defining moment of Gordon Brown’s premiership has been to have his
to legislate to legally discriminate, and yet... I miss her. photograph taken on the steps of Number 10 with Margaret Thatcher.
Although from opposing parties and political ideals, Brown has applauded
Margaret Thatcher began her reign as PM in 1979 following a Tory and lavished praise on Thatcher and her time in office.
landslide that obliterated Labour rule for more than 17 years. Leading
the party through three successive general elections, she became, upon Is it purely her womanhood
her eventual resignation 11 years later in 1990, the longest-serving that holds the key to her
prime minister of the 20th and (thus far) 21st centuries. Rumour has it “Love or hate success? Yes and no. There have
that the reason Tony Blair hung on for so long was to equal if not beat since been a handful of female
her record. He managed neither. her policies, politicians in our midst who
NAOMI WOLF
Northanger Abbey (1817). taught woman to put higher value on
ourselves, hunger teaches us how to erode
International Women’s Day has its roots in “campaigning for women’s
our self-esteem. If a woman can be made
rights to work, vote, be trained, to hold public office and end
to say, ‘I hate my fat thighs,’ it is a way
discrimination”. For the past 100 years, IWD has existed to “honour
she has been made to hate femaleness” (Naomi Wolf, 1991). This is just
women’s advancement while diligently reminding of the continued
one example of how women have made a difference to psychology.
vigilance and action required to ensure that women’s equality is gained
and maintained in all aspects of life” (Internationalwomensday.com).
As for my own pick of the influential women in the field of psychology
Beyond the celebration of individual women’s achievements is the
and psychiatry, I have to mention Anna Freud. I know it may seem like
achievement of the feminist movement. In psychology, this has had a
a bit of cliché and isn’t very modern, but Anna Freud (1895–1982) is
slow but significant affect on how women are seen and treated by
such an iconic personality in the field of psychology that I just have to
psychologists.
mention her. Anna trained as a teacher initially and then followed up
some of her father’s ideas (Daddy being
Back in the 1970s psychology was denounced as the “fantasy life of the
Sigmund Freud, of course). I have to
male psychologist” (Naomi Weisstein), because of the gender bias of
admit that my interest in her increased
social science. Science has always been seen as masculine and nature is
purely on the basis of the question that
seen as feminine (Mother Nature?) so according to Francis Bacon, the
hung over her sexuality – is that
goal of science was to “bind her (nature) to your service and make her
shallow? She never married but did have
your slave”. That didn’t sound sexist, now did it?
ANNA FREUD
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76 GSCENE
SHARP WORDS as the one last October where the male judge decided a ten-year-old
rape victim looked older than her age, so imposed a lenient sentence).
As for the rest of the world, only one per cent of women own property,
and women provide two-thirds of the labour for less than five per cent of
COUNT THE DAY its income. I could go on with the figures but they’re too depressing.
It’s great when we can get a woman astronaut, though it shouldn’t have
Actually, I have just started going back to a gym that is full of women to be unusual, but would be even better if we can keep a few more
in their 20s who manage to shriek and chat loudly while on the women alive.
machines, completely unaware of the panting, glaring, twice-their-age
figure wheezing away next to them who is unable to speak at least until
the changing rooms, from which she will scuttle away like Quasimodo to
shower at home. How easy it is to be self-indulgent and focus on the so
very trivial – 80 years after gaining full voting rights (not me
personally, please note), the suffragettes would gladly have me force-
fed as a punishment – if I wasn’t doing such a good job of it myself.
When you consider only one per cent of chief executives and 18 per
cent of politicians are female, then it does – who’s running this
country? Certainly the decision-making at the highest level is skewed.
We see there are fewer than one in ten High Court judges who are
women (I wonder if a difference would have been made in such a case
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GSCENE 77
+VE PAGE is hoped that a steering group will be in place and from that group many
forms of engagement may be offered. These may be in the form of
interviews, public meetings, questionnaires and evaluation projects and
may eventually lead to a mini-conference in Brighton.
As an organisation, Open Door is active in offering services that do, in WORKSHOPS & GROUPS
fact, reflect many identified needs. However, in order to remain forward-
thinking in terms of planning future service delivery, the views of HIV-
Sex and relationships This one-day facilitated workshop is an
positive people must be sought at all levels. There are many known or
opportunity to explore any matters relevant to forming and
assumed needs affecting people living with HIV. There is much research
maintaining relationships, exploring and focusing on sexuality issues
evidence that supports this thinking, yet there is also awareness that it
in a safe and confidential space. Please call Open Door to express an
is possible that the needs of local people living with HIV are unique.
interest and we will set a date.
Dealing with a new HIV diagnosis One-day workshop being planned
What the organisation is aware of are the many challenges facing
for spring. Aimed at those who’ve been diagnosed in the last two
positive people in 2008. Many people living with HIV suffer financial
years and would like a safe place to explore with others in a similar
hardship and uncertainty compounded by an ever-changing welfare
situation any questions, issues, insights etc.
benefits system. Many people are on medical treatments and they are
Serodiscordant relationships For couples where one partner is HIV-
working well, while others find side-effects debilitating and many fear
positive and one is HIV-negative. Both partners are invited to attend.
treatment failure. The long-term effects of living with HIV and the
Date to be confirmed.
accompanying uncertainty this brings can have its own complications.
Quit-smoking support Access to smoking-cessation counsellor and
People with HIV have lives as complex as any other group of people, as
hypnotherapist.
well as similar hopes, dreams and expectations from life. Some of these
Cinema and movie club Meets monthly for peer support and social.
can be adversely affected due to stigma, discrimination, ill health, lack
Men-only and women’s pamper and complementary therapy days
of support and social isolation. As an organisation, Open Door is proud
These are held regularly at Open Door.
of the work it does with individuals and communities affected by HIV to
challenge such things. In order to continue this work and to discover
what needs are currently unmet by the service, communication with HIV- Workshops can be booked by calling Open Door 01273 605706. If you
positive individuals is essential. This article is a plea for people living would like to be added to the email list for news and events contact
with HIV to become involved in this process. Over the coming months it andrew.hanuman@opendoorbrighton.org
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
78 GSCENE
feeling rejected, sad and withdrawn. There was no doubt now that
feeling physically better and fitter made her feel more in touch with
her sexual self. That in itself felt great, regardless of the response of
those around her!
What had helped Maria turn a corner on fitness was starting running
with a friend. She had never been interested in running. Years ago at
school she had hated PE with a passion and had skipped as many PE
lessons as she could. Running with Lizzy was fun – they had a laugh,
and they gradually went a bit further, a bit faster. She felt a buzz just
from the achievement of having done it.
Running was a good contrast to the rest of her day spent sitting inside
the office. Getting outside in all weathers delighted her, the fresh air
felt good.
Feeling stronger in her body was probably the best bit for Maria. She
felt immensely more powerful as a person, more in control, more able.
She found it showed: friends noticed she was more confident, more
cheerful. She did more, didn’t hesitate if she felt like going out. Lately
she had been thinking about dancing – salsa maybe, ballroom even…
HEALTH BENEFITS
WOMAN ON
If you would like to know more about the mental-health benefits of
physical activities:
• ‘Mind Guide to Physical Activity’ at www.mind.org
THE RUN!
• ‘Exercise and Depression’ at www.mentalhealth.org
SPONSORS WANTED
Two women, Joe Elsey and Lorna Russell, are taking part in a 10km
She hadn’t always been this fit and healthy. These days she felt so run in Dublin in April and are seeking sponsors to boost them on their
much better in her skin – she felt strong, she felt energetic and she way and to raise money for MindOut services at the same time. Please
looked forward to exercising. Just a few months of keeping at it and contact them via jelseyster@googlemail.com for details.
doing at least 30 minutes’ brisk exercise a day had startled her with
the effect it had. It wasn’t only physical. She felt much happier too, MOVING PEOPLE PROJECT
brighter somehow, less depressed and definitely less anxious than MindOut has just secured three years’ funding for a new project as part
she had been. of Moving People (see www.movingpeople.org.uk), a national
consortium funded by Comic Relief and The Big Lottery. The aims of
Maria had grown up with a ‘weight problem’. The problem was that all the projects involved are to reduce stigma and discrimination
everyone told her she was fat. They told her ever so nicely, kindly, in towards people with mental-health issues and to help make links
well-meaning tones that made her cringe. The effect of this stating of between mental health and physical health.
the obvious was to make her feel more ugly, more awful about her
appearance and herself, less worthy, less confident. At times she felt NATIONAL NETWORK
defiant, a surge of pride in herself for not conforming to how women MindOut will be developing a national network of LGBT mental-health
are meant to look. However, her bravery would often wither under the service-user groups and will be running a number of local and national
disappointed glances of her mother, and the sliding away of the gaze events. Contact us if you would like to get involved or would like to
of the good-looking women she longed to hang around with. know more.
Now that she felt physically better, her self-image was changing too. SPORT RELIEF
She had always felt fine about being lesbian, but she had not always Comic Relief is running a Sport Relief Mile on March 16 on Madeira
felt sexually confident in her relationships. Maria had suffered with Drive, starting at 10am, as part of Sport Relief Weekend. If you
recurring bouts of depression all her adult life, and not long ago she would like to run and want to raise money for Comic Relief you can
had been through a hard, prolonged separation that had left her enter at www.sportrelief.com/brighton-hove-mile
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GSCENE 79
USE YOUR WALLET TO CHANGE THE WORLD THE PLIGHT OF THE FLABBY CABBIE
This year’s Fairtrade Fortnight runs until March 9. We can think about I caught a taxi home the other night. Once the driver had finished
what is good for us and what we choose to feed ourselves. But do we dissing the council and moaning about the roadworks, he asked me
ever spare a thought for those who produced and made our food? what I did for a living. I’ve come to realise this is one of those
moments that doctors at parties must know well. Except instead of
It’s no secret that many people in our world are living in conditions we asking about aches and pains, when people know you’re a personal
would find abominable: being forced to work long hours; never being trainer, they ask about lumps. Specifically lumps of fat. For men it’s
allowed days off or holiday; or often starting work at a very young age. usually their bellies, and for women their bums and thighs. In the
Whether it’s large companies or a group of rich land or factory owners, case of the taxi driver it was his gut. Frustratingly for him, he was a
many employers feature in stories from around the globe about terrible fit guy who worked out and looked after himself, but he didn’t have a
atrocities, which range from communities barely able to eat with no six-pack. What did he need to do to get the abs he wanted?
access to education, to far worse reports of people disappearing
without trace because they asked for a payrise. FAT GENETICS
It’s a common question.
Some large companies have become infamous for making conditions Most people have a part of
worse for people in developing countries, and many people aware of their body they’d like to
this choose to boycott anything made by these companies. One is tighten up, a bit that seems
targeted for its exploitation of Vietnamese workers and another to be flabbier than the rest.
because it aggressively promotes its baby milks around the world, In fact, we’re born that way
breaking a World Health Organization code of marketing. – we all have fat cells laid
down according to our
Raising awareness of the awful things you are paying for if you buy genetics. If the fat cells are
things from companies such as these is useful for all of us who full, we look flabby, and if we lose weight they empty, so we look
unwittingly purchase things from leaner. They empty but they don’t disappear – start eating too much
these companies and further and they’ll fill up again. You’ll put on weight in exactly the same
fund their unethical behaviour. places. For the taxi driver, like many men, his body stored most of its
fat in the cells around his middle.
Trying to become aware of what
company is behind the items you LOSING WEIGHT
wish to buy can seem quite a Now, the human body is a wondrous thing, but what you can’t do is
daunting prospect, but you don’t cherry pick where you want to burn fat. So the taxi driver can do
need to get bogged down in hundreds of sit-ups each day but, sadly, it won’t make the difference
global corporate politics to try he wants – unless he loses body fat too.
and make a difference.
BURN MORE CALORIES
Many of us just turn a blind eye to where the products we purchase Losing weight is a simple equation. You need to burn more calories
come from. The idea of ‘changing the world’ seems too mammoth a than you eat. It becomes more complex when you look at how the
task to tackle, but just by changing the way we purchase we can body responds to certain food types over
actually make positive changes to many people’s lives. others. Protein and fat make you feel
fuller for longer. Fast-burning
Like it or not, money is power, and the real democracy of this world is carbohydrates (white things, like sugar,
in voting with your wallet. Every single item you purchase is making bread and pasta) cause energy spikes and
someone else a little bit richer. Do large companies and corporations can make you feel hungry sooner than
really need to be richer? Who would you rather give your money to? slow-release carbohydrates (brown things,
like wholemeal food products). Add in
Fairtrade organisations are hormonal responses and emotional
working with farmers, growers attitudes to food and suddenly it can
and producers in developing seem more difficult than the simple
countries, working towards equation suggests.
ensuring that the communities in
these countries are given a fairer SUSTAINABLE WEIGHT LOSS
price for the products they What works is slow, sustainable weight loss of about a kilo each week.
produce, making sure the working Aim to lose about 500 calories a day – ideally half from eating less
conditions are raised to a decent and/or differently, and half from exercise (that’s about a 30-minute
standard, and the communities brisk walk each day). Eat smaller meals more often – five or six times
themselves benefit from their a day. Interestingly, people who eat breakfast weigh less than those
efforts, through decent housing who don’t. And without going down the road of the Atkins diet, eating
and education. more protein and less carbs will also help. Of course, next time you’re
tempted to take a taxi think about whether a walk would be better for
From fruit and vegetables to coffee, tea, chocolate and wine – even banishing the lumpy bits – whether they’re on your belly or your bum.
clothes can be purchased with the Fairtrade label. The list of products
that are produced in developing countries is enormous. If we were to
switch even half of our purchasing to products that have been fairly Karen Riches is a personal trainer and sports massage therapist.
traded, it would make a big difference to the lives of so many people. Call her on 07811 324193.
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BRAND RITA’S
WATCH
BY NEIL WOODCOCK SNATCHES
WHAT’S THE POINT? SOMETIMES IT’S HARD TO BE A WOMAN
International Women’s Day is, I think a fairly pointless brand Women! The theme of this month’s magazine; and I can’t think of what
proposition. I don’t know who’s behind it, why we need it, nor its to write. What do I know about women? Being a Homoxual man tends
purpose. No one has ever explained it to me and that’s where brands to steer me away from the female gender, with most of my female
can go wrong. contacts usually being Lhesbhihans!
So often brands assume too much, hence we get “Vorsprung Durch I do get to hear some things about the female race from my Lhesbhihan
Technik”. Doesn’t tell me anything about the car. I think every day contacts, so I know the important things I guess; things like, ‘that they
should be International Women’s Day. My Mum’s one. For me, every time love cock’, but not when it’s attached to a male! Because anyone can
I chat with Mum on the phone or we do lunch, that’s Mother’s Day. get a fat, sweaty body on top of them, thrusting their man-meat inside
and getting all the pleasure and then boasting about how good they
With the craziness and challenges of this planet, I can’t help thinking were! “I never get any complaints”, is an expression frequently used by
that women (51 per cent of the population) are holding it together. In men while discussing their sexual performance, but they never realise
my experience of having lived around the world, I can recall that it that the woman is too busy to
wasn’t the women running the triad gangs in China nor the despotic discuss it, as they are either
regimes such as in Zimbabwe. No. Women have made and will make a laughing or considering suicide. “I would like to be
big difference. Benazir Bhutto would have been a powerful combative
force to President Musharraf in Pakistan had she not been murdered. I do know that straight men are a woman if rebirth
Indira Gandhi probably helped India to grow up post-colonisation such the biggest cause of
that one of its companies will soon own Jaguar and Land Rover. Lhesbhihanism instead of just
was really an option,
Buy-Sexuality. Women seek but I would insist upon
Many parts of developing Africa have enormous challenges in health women if they want good,
(HIV/Aids), economically and environmentally. The wider world is not satisfying sex. Men seem to being a Lhesbhihan.
doing its bit. China (brand Olympics) exploits parts of Africa – not least think that the approach to sex
Darfur – to such an extent that Steven Spielberg has pulled out of the with a girlie is similar to a hair
I just couldn’t bear
Beijing Olympics set-up and Mia Farrow has stood up at the parapet to shampoo – ‘squirt-and-go’ – to be with the
help explain the issues. Good on her. A whereas the female wants those
brave woman being brave. hair follicles massaged, the typical male”
good stuff applied evenly and
Brand USA is currently soul-searching over gently spread, producing loads of bubbles that leave them feeling clean,
whether it wants a Republican or its manageable and all nice and squeaky. Other women can supply that
Democrat choices: an African-American or a specialist service, whereas the male just leaves them with split ends and
woman. The jury’s out. I think though that a sore fanny.
the blokes haven’t helped sort the Middle
East or crises in Africa. Blokes haven’t dealt Now don’t get me wrong; I know that there are a hell of a lot of women
well with issues at home (in the US) and so, while Senator Obama is out there who are satisfied with their male partners, usually because
making headway as I write, it’s Hillary that the world needs. Provided, they are married to them and they make themselves dependent upon
of course, that Bill leaves her alone. them. But I reckon that things would be an awful lot different if they
were to cast aside their fear of that word ‘Lhesbhihan’ and got down to
Brand UK has had its International Women Moments without a Day to some real fanny-to-fanny grinding.
herald them. Just think: Elizabeth I. Mary, Queen of Scots. Victoria.
Diana. Most recently, though I think we have a brand ambassador who Most females dream of the wonders of multiple orgasms; straight women
is second to none for Brand UK; she’s called Queen Elizabeth II. She usually only achieve this on their own, while their fella is away at work.
transcends Churchill, Blair and the rest for her dignity, her love of her However, Lhesbhihans are frequently experiencing this natural
country and, I reckon, immense power (always behind the scenes). occurrence and expectancy while having a decent bonking session with
their caring and understanding Lhesbhihan partner.
Then we have our brand builders. Here, on our patch, Anita Roddick
and her Body Shop – a North Laine store that became a global icon and, I would like to be a woman if
importantly, was one of the first brands to champion eco-fairness long rebirth was really an option, but I
before it became fashionable. Laura Ashley wasn’t just a curtain-fabric would insist upon being a
vendor, she was a powerhouse in brand-building. Vivienne Westwood Lhesbhihan. I just couldn’t bear to
IS the King’s Road in my book. When I was a be with the typical male – the one
pre-punk ‘Young American’ in mohair and that forgets about the niceties of
Smith’s painter pants, she set the scene for life, like washing their knob so it
London. I could go on but my point is that doesn’t smell of cheese (which
it’s not the men in suits who are the makes me puke); one that washes
chairmen of banks that define brands or his arse after having a dump, so
indeed the UK – no, it’s the women who that going down on him doesn’t
make it colourful, exciting and successful. remind me of the annual Sewers of Brighton tour. Oh, and one that
washes his feet at least twice daily and for whom changing underwear
Finally, if International Women’s Day doesn’t coincide with the weekly BA flight to the Easter Islands.
achieves anything, it should be the simple
recognition of women in making families, Overall, I reckon that I wouldn’t mind a bit of womanly reincarnation;
holding them together and helping their as long as my partner didn’t think that meant a quick screw on the back
kids achieve. seat of a V-reg Ford Cortina!
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE 81
TWISTED PILLOW
GILDED GHETTO
BY ERIC PAGE
TALK
BY NICK HOLLOWAY
Multitasking seems natural to Sigourney Weaver. “Get away from her, you BITCH!” Ellen Ripley,
mothers and mine is no different. xenomorph arse-kicking heroine from Alien through to Alien
She could easily run air-traffic Resurrection. Maybe the first woman to smack the hell out of something
control at Heathrow while extraterrestrial. She features heavily in my psyche to this
finishing her tea, calculating her day as a hero with tits, and still to this day she is producing iconic
chocolate allowance and characters, even though she doesn’t play the commercial card,
exceeding it, and still grab a bargain on Price-Drop TV, keep a beady something to be said for integrity – maybe.
eye on the neighbours and watch the storks nesting on the river banks
through her trusty twitching binoculars. Margaret Thatcher – milk snatcher. When I was a kid we used to have
freezing-cold milk every morning. It was horrific. We had to try to suck
She is a modern marvel, all the more so as she suffers from a variety it up a straw, which was like trying to drag a blue whale through a…
of illnesses that put her in agonising pain and impair her mobility. um… straw. But being born in 1973,
Have I ever heard her complain? No. All my life I have seen my I only remember her as a prime
mother and her relentless, indefatigable enthusiasm and optimism for minister while I was going to school
life challenge the hand that God dealt her with laughter, humour and in golden corduroy flares – Jesus, I
doggedness. There is nothing on the planet that can defeat her. really need therapy.
My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she Dame Judi Dench. The epitome of
enjoyed it. The menu of her life has two simple choices: take it or the overused ‘legend in their own
leave it – and I have inherited that trait. She delights in challenging lifetime’. She joined the Royal
and confounding. She looks like a sweet old lady, with white hair, Shakespeare Company in 1961 and
glasses and beautiful soft one of her most notable achievements
skin, but don’t be deceived with the RSC was her performance as
by that. She radiates love Lady Macbeth in 1976. Judi received
“You can fool all of and taught me that exceptionally favourable notices. “If
forgiveness is the greatest this is not great acting I don’t know
the people some of revenge, yet her life has what is.” (Michael Billington, The
the time and some been difficult and full of Guardian.)
hard-won experience.
of the people all of Emelinne Pankhurst. Born in 1858, daughter of parents of radical
the time, but you Biology is the least of beliefs. Her mother would influence the path that Emily took. After
what makes my mother finishing school Emily returned to Manchester in 1878 where she met
can’t fool your great. From teasing and socialist Richard Pankhurst and two years later, they were married. In
mother. Ever” torturing my lovers at 1905, Emily’s eldest daughter was arrested and she attended a London
breakfast about my sexual meeting and shouted out, “Will the Liberal government give votes to
techniques (on their first visit to her!) to performing the haka to women?” She was removed from the hall and detained. The face and
intimidate her bowls competitors – she’s a hoot. She can perform mood of suffrage was changing. For the first time in British history,
wheelies on her scooter, laugh till she cries and has shown me that women had used violence in their endeavours to change the political
women are wonderful oddly mysterious creatures with 77,000 angels at stance on the right of women to vote.
their command. I wish her a most happy birthday and can relax in the
knowledge that she will definitely be exquisite and never explain… From “Votes for Women” to “Can’t Get You Out Of My Head”, it all means
something, and if these women weren’t here, neither would you or I be.
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
82 GSCENE
OUR MAN IN
SAN FRAN
BY TREVOR MARTIN
AIRWAVES
BY MARCUS PATRICK
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE 83
NETTY’S QUERYING
WORLD QUEENIE
BY QUEEN JOSEPHINE
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
84 GSCENE
VRON’S JAQ ON
VOICE THE BOX
BY JAQ BAYLES
with her bill to ban page 3 nudes in dad, Harry Enfield, Morwenna
newspapers. Mowlam rose rapidly to become Banks, Josie Lawrence, Arabella
secretary of state for Northern Ireland. Weir and Sarah Lancashire.
Blimey, they must have been
Harman has campaigned for family-friendly hours in the Commons. In queueing up for this one. The
the early 1980s she was almost the only female MP with very young characters are brave, if a little
children. In one interview she told me how she thought it was quite overly dysfunctional in some cases,
wrong to have a parliament almost entirely made up of men making and the script is fresh and pacey.
decisions that affect women’s lives. “You very rarely get discussions I’m not sure why watching
about childcare, or about what happens to children in the school teenagers should be such fun –
holidays.” let’s face it, Grange Hill and
Hollyoaks have never attracted the
SHIRLEY WILLIAMS
For young women hoping to pursue adult audience – but I think the
parliamentary careers, there have always fact that the show comes from the
been excellent role models. One of the makers of Shameless probably has
finest is Baroness Shirley Williams, leader something to do with it.
of the Lib Dems in the Lords, one-time
education secretary of the Labour Party and It’s been a bad month for JOTB,
daughter of the eminent pacifist and writer who has been failing to see many
Vera Brittain. One great unanswered of the programmes she has been salivating over, even with the added
question, is what might have happened to bonus of On Demand. Apparently the programmes she wants to watch
Labour had this astute politician chosen to remain within the Labour are not in demand enough to be On Demand.
Party, and not abandoned it in its hour of need, to co-found the Social
Democratic Party. Would Thatcher have come to power? And would New And thus it was with Cutting Edge’s Baby Bible Bashers (February 14,
Labour have remained a mere gleam in the eye of the spin doctors? Channel 4), the story of three of the Lord’s ‘chosen children’ who are all
preachers. Give me strength. One of them spends his Saturdays in front
Former MP turned novelist Edwina Currie was one of the only female of his local abortion clinic shouting: “Don’t kill your child! Repent! God
politicians to be given a ministerial post in Thatcher’s Cabinet. A loves the little children”. If God loves the little children, why does he
controversial figure, Currie will be remembered for her revelation about allow their parents to behave as the
eggs and salmonella – she resigned her post as health minister as a Christian equivalent of the beauty pageant
result. She was hugely supportive of gay issues. mum? (It goes without saying that much of
the action takes place in the States.)
Women in politics have always been expected to conform. When the I gather there was some homophobia
former Labour MP Helene Hayman chose to breastfeed her baby in the (quelle surprise) in the pint-sized
House, you’d have thought she was selling state secrets, judging by the preachers’ rants, along with the usual
disapproval of some colleagues – with the media’s backing. And back in hellfire condemnation of adulterers and
1979, Labour MP Maureen Colquhoun paid a heavy price for being open anyone falling under the catch-all of
about her lesbianism – instant rejection by her constituency of ‘sinners’. But surely the idea of any adult doing what a seven-year-old
Northampton North. tells them to is ludicrous… oh, hang on, I have been to Asda on a
Saturday morning. Those kids don’t even need to wear sandwich boards
The late Barbara Castle was a true conviction to get their message across to their parents. They just stand there and
politician, well able to assert herself in a yell incomprehensible rubbish. So I suppose that puts the Baby Bible
chamber full of men. She’s been called the PM Bashers’ sermons into perspective – they’re just talking the normal
we never had. We need more politicians like bollocks that any toddler does. It’s the adults who have the problem.
BARBARA CASTLE
Baronesses Castle and Williams: people driven On second thought, maybe it’s for the best that JOTB didn’t get to see
by passion, determination and with the the programme after all.
stamina to survive in such a cut-throat
environment. Midwich Cuckoos anyone?
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GSCENE 85
TEEN BRIGHTON
SCENE
BY SAM THOMAS
BOTHWAYS
BY CAMEL
EDDIE BERLITZ This month’s theme, in honour of International Women’s Day 2008, is
Last month, Allsorts Youth Project held its LGBT Youth Talents and women. An interesting one for me to consider, as I’ve recently realised
Achievements Show, funded by Pride in Brighton & Hove, to that I identify as less of a woman than I thought for much of my life.
commemorate Winter Pride week. One of the talented young people at This is not to say I don’t identify as a woman at all, just a lot less than
Allsorts is Harriet Travis, a musician, singer and songwriter, who most women do, I think. I identify as much as male, ungendered or
performs with her band, Eddie Berlitz. multi-gendered.
How did you get together? Researching this article, I discovered via the official International
Travis It all came about at a drunken night out. We all went back to Women’s Day website that IWD has been observed since the early
Clo’s house and played Xbox till the early hours. Clo said she played 1900s, which amazes me. In the 100 years or so since then, the lives of
bass and we began talking about putting together a band. women in much of the world have changed beyond recognition. I say
Killa K Yeah, I kinda knew Travis already and bumped into her on a much of the world, as it’s very important for those of us born into
night out and that’s how I joined. Western cultures to recognise our privilege in that fact, while certainly
What inspired the name ‘Eddie Berlitz’? still questioning the idea that Western ideas of womanhood and what
Travis Everyone knows an Eddie don’t they? [band laughs] they mean are in no way
Clo Yeah, I think that’s become our catchphrase now! We just got really simply ‘better’ than others.
bored of trying to agree on a name. We said, “Fook it, let’s use the
name Eddie and that word on the sign over there.” But most of us have a level of “If International
Killa K We think it’s a language school but we’re not sure. It’s probably autonomy in terms of having
a brothel. the vote, working culture and Women’s Day is about
possibilities of financial
Describe your music.
independence that the most
anything, it’s surely
Killa K It’s got elements of ska, a bit of pop. Basically, it’s cool shit.
Travis It’s a bit like sublime – not that we’d ever want to box ourselves. privileged woman of the early about the right for
Killa K Yeah, that would hurt. [laughs] 1900s would find astonishing.
Musical influences?
women – all women –
Clo Freddie Mercury. And while these gains are not to be treated fairly, be
Travis Yeah, I love that guy… and men. [jokes] yet shared by those of genders
Clo Killa likes Christina Aguilera. other than 100 per cent allowed the freedoms
Killa K: No, I like punk bands mainly. female, this day reminds us
Clo …and Christina. [Killa looks unimpressed] that what once seemed to be that a patriarchal
Travis Queen definitely, and the Chili Peppers. fixed gender values and roles norm denies them
Who writes the songs? have become far messier, and
Killa K Travis started writing the tracks, but now we all do. are better for it. and have the right to
What are the songs about?
Bisexual women gain from
define themselves”
Travis They are mainly about one girl in particular but the themes in
the songs could apply to a lot of situations I’ve experienced. these trends, but like most
Clo One of the songs is about the other identities that diverge from the norm, there are many areas where
gay scene. A lot of it does my head life is not exactly a picnic. Bi women are still overwhelmingly
in. People should get out of their stereotyped by both het and homo culture, whether as ‘greedy’, ‘just
bubble and realise that you don’t experimenting’, ‘in a phase’, ‘sexually available/sexually voracious’ (in a
fight prejudice through separation society that still overwhelmingly values women for sexual passivity),
and a couple of drag queens. ‘traitors’ and as ‘stealers of lesbian energy’ (and yes, that last example
Travis Sometimes you just want a is verbatim from a bi woman’s experience).
break from it.
What do you think about the In combining a female identity with one that refuses a lesbian/gay
Brighton music scene? identity and a heterosexual one, the identity of ‘bi woman’ often
PIC BY DARREN SKENE
Travis It’s very competitive – there’s attracts derision, from other women as well as men. If International
always gigs going on. Women’s Day is about anything, it’s surely about the right for women –
Killa K Yeah, everyone is playing all women – to be treated fairly, be allowed the freedoms that a
and wants to break into it and patriarchal norm denies them and have the right to define themselves.
there’s a lack of originality.
Clo There’s a lot of great musicians I’m a ‘capital F’ feminist, believing that feminism has done and will do
but sometimes they need to worry less about their image. the vital work of questioning gender inequalities and gender norms that
Would you ever consider auditioning for The X Factor? nothing else can, whether that’s an academic paper on lesbian
Clo I can’t sing! sexuality, journalism that draws attention to the ongoing inequalities in
Killa K No, not personally, but we’d like to make Travis do it! pay, women supporting each other in day-to-day life or campaigning for
Travis I’d do it and wear my trousers low to piss off Simon Cowell! parity in maternity and paternity leave. I am proud to identify as
What are your aspirations for the band? partially a woman, and a daughter of these ideals and traditions.
Killa K Play loads of shows, write songs and keep on having fun.
Clo That’s important. Our gigs have been packed so that’s a bonus. Brighton Bothways meets weekly, on Thursday evenings in The
Travis We just want people to come (ahem) and have a good time. Aquarium, 6 Steine Street, Brighton. Bisexual and bicurious people
and their friends, partners and allies are all welcome. For details of
EDDIE BERLITZ plays the Candy Bar on April 6, the Fat Fox in other events and more information, check the website.
Portsmouth on April 19, and the Komedia in Brighton on June 6. www.brightonbothways.org.uk/
Go see them! www.myspace.com/eddieberlitz
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
86 GSCENE
LEGAL COMMUNITY
EAGLE
BY MARK RENNIE
SAFETY
NICK ANTJOULE
WHEN COHABITEES SEPARATE In January 2008 there were 17 incidents reported to Brighton & Hove
If there’s one group I’ve neglected in this column, it’s those gay Police that were identified as being motivated by homophobia, biphobia
couples who cohabit and don’t feel the need to enshrine their or transphobia. Ten of these have been recorded as the following crimes:
commitment to one another in a formal ceremony. There’s just as much
confusion for them as there is for couples going down the aisle. Assault – 3 Criminal damage – 2
Civil partnership represents a vital evolution for cohabiting couples. Malicious communications – 1 Harassment – 4
Yet an even more important step has been a campaign to afford rights
to cohabiting couples that their married counterparts already enjoy.
This isn’t just a victory for gay rights, but a necessary step for the law THE RETURN OF IDAHOBIT
at large. For too long the legal framework governing matrimonial law February saw some great events put on locally for LGBT History
has been inflexible, labouring under its inability to take account of the Month. It always makes me feel privileged to be a Brightonian when
changing socio-economic climate and the demands of modern life. we pull together around an issue. I have to admit though, History
Month is a relatively new event and it’s not quite as coordinated as it
A great number of disputes concern couples who have lived under the could be in terms of drawing on each other’s strengths. On a similar
same roof for years and have then separated. These couples were note, are you thinking about organising an event for International
committed to each other long before the law recognised same-sex Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT)?
partnerships. The problem: what to do with the sale of their home. A Pub night? Concert? Workshop? Egg-and-spoon race? If so, I would
recent case, Stack v Dowden, has seen the judiciary recognise how love to hear from you.
antiquated much of the law is in this situation. Although the case
concerned a heterosexual couple, the general thinking seems to be that INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
the principles emerging in the judgement will soon be applicable to So, International Women’s Day is here again. It all started 100 years
same-sex couples as a rule of thumb. ago when 15,000 women marched
through New York to demand voting
For unmarried couples, the new framework has two distinct elements. rights and equal pay. That event is now
Where only one of the parties owns legal title to the property, that commemorated worldwide with a day of
person will have sole beneficial ownership, and will be entitled to all of action for gender equality. I think as
the sale proceeds. It’s up to the other person to show that they have time goes by we get closer and closer
an interest and what percentage of the proceeds they should receive. to a place where the rights of lesbian,
The second element is where both bi and trans women are moving
parties have joint ownership of towards the mainstream of gender
the property. In this situation, a equality work – which can only be a
“For too long the 50/50 split is the default good thing. There is more information on local events at
legal framework position. The party that says www.bhwomensday.co.uk
they’re owed more has to prove it. You can find Sussex Police’s Gender Equality Scheme at
governing www.sussex.police.uk/about_us/downloads/ges_2007.pdf
matrimonial law This way everyone knows where
they stand from the outset, with CROWN PROSECUTION SERVICE
has been inflexible, the flexibility to make a At the time of writing I’m about to speak at a Crown Prosecution
labouring under its supplemental agreement that Service conference on LGBT equality issues. They have come a long
governs the share each party way in recent times, but issues around LGBT people pulling out of
inability to take would expect from a sale. More court cases are still a problem. Speaking of which, there are plans to
account of the interesting are the questions the employ someone to support GBT men who have experienced domestic
court will begin to ask in disputes violence and are thinking about getting protection against an ex-
changing socio- such as these. Where both parties partner or family member in court.
economic climate” own the house, a court will ask
about intention and the ways in SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
which this was expressed. It’s not just about financial contribution Tipping The Iceberg is a new study that found problems in Sussex
either: a court may examine how the house was purchased; where the around the sexual exploitation of young men. In order to make sure
finance came from; the purpose for which the home was bought; what services are sitting up and paying attention to this, a new LGBT
advice either party received prior to the purchase; how the expenditure Sexual Exploitation Working Group has been formed.
on the property was organised; and linked to that, how each party
organised their respective financial positions. LGBT COMMUNITY SAFETY STRATEGY
As you might already know the LGBT Community Safety Strategy is
Stack v Dowden is still very fresh in the minds of legal professionals. being consulted on until March 4. If you want to see what it says or
Although there have been no test cases yet involving same-sex make comments you can download it from www.spectrum-
cohabitees, it is only a matter of time. What is clear is that we in the lgbt.org/safety/ There will also be a community feedback event on
legal profession are altering our advice accordingly, asking potential Wednesday March 12 at 7pm at the Friends Meeting House, which
cohabitees to make clear delineations as to entitlement early on, and anyone is welcome to attend.
be clear on the issue of contribution and intention from the outset.
MARK RENNIE is with ASB Law, which has offices in Brighton, NICK ANTJOULE, LGBT Community Liaison Officer
Crawley, Croydon, Horsham and Maidstone. If you have any Call 01273 665657 or email nick.antjoule@sussex.pnn.police.uk
pressing legal issues or need advice, contact Mark by email on
PCSO SARAH STANBRIDGE, LGBT Police Liaison Officer
mark.rennie@asb-law.com or telephone on 01273 828074
01273 665541 sarah.stanbridge@sussex.pnn.police.uk
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
88 GSCENE
HEADING SOUTH
With more uranium than North Korea and more diamonds than Liberace, South Africa
is our new best friend ever since Bono got rid of Apartheid, and Cape Town is still our
favourite long-haul winter getaway. What can all the fuss be about? Gscene’s intrepid
David Hodgson suffers trial by ostrich to find out.
For something really gay rather than just really camp head to De
Waterkant, where a decent-sized scene comes to life late in the
evening. Bronx and The Loft are among the more popular bars, but it’s
best to pick up the local pink press and follow your nose rather than
spend time weighing up the conflicting views of various websites.
spent it looking at the floor in the middle of the car. However, the
views from the top are predictably wonderful, with the peaks of the
Twelve Apostles seemingly in touching distance on one side, and the
coast and city spread out below you on the other.
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE 89
be had, prices have escalated in recent years as operators got wise to inadvisable not because of any mountaineering safety code, but because
European spending power. Similarly, the recently renovated Victoria & of reported muggings on the hillside. However, like anywhere else
Alfred Waterfront hosts various grades of accommodation, with the (including Brighton), exercising common sense should see you right – ie,
top-end Cape Grace Hotel around £170 per night don’t wander around alone and pissed at night wearing antique pearls
and clutching your Fabergé eggs. Oh, and you can’t buy petrol with a
A recommended option is to hire a villa on the Atlantic seaboard. Ten credit card, and you can’t buy booze in a supermarket on Sunday. Go
minutes from the city, the bay settlements of Clifton, Bantry and figure.
Camps Bay all boast fantastic settings with white beaches on one side
and towering mountains behind, and play host to scores of luxury villas GETTING THERE
varying in size from one to six bedrooms. Most have their own pool, This can be the major expense of the whole holiday and so shopping
many have a maid and damn near all will work out favourably compared around is advisable. Virgin, BA and South African Airways all fly
to a decent hotel. I stayed with a group of ten in a palatial Camps Bay straight to Cape Town from Heathrow but, as I write, a Virgin economy
villa – no, mansion – complete with pool, cinema, bar and gym for fare at the beginning of March (the end of high season) would set you
around £50/pppn in peak season. Not amazingly cheap maybe, but a back £900, with others broadly similar. Booking well in advance can
taste of otherwise unobtainable luxury, not to mention an opportunity slice a few hundred quid off this, but it is worth considering flying via
to stock up on great local booze instead of being stung by a hotel bar. Dubai with Emirates, which is starting a service to Cape Town in April
Restaurants abound along the coast, with honourable mentions going to 2008. Flying out of Gatwick is always a bonus, and current April fares
the Codfather in Camps Bay and Salt in Bantry Bay. are around £450 for economy and a tempting £1,500 for business, which
includes a limousine at each end, the run of their impressive lounges
While both Clifton and Camps Bay have picturesque white beaches, the and the opportunity to run amok in Dubai duty free.
icy Antarctic water all but prohibits swimming in the sea. A consolation
for some may be Beach 3 (of 4, all numbered) in Clifton, Cape Town’s Despite not being all sunshine and roses, Cape Town pulls you in; the
most popular gay beach, if you can be bothered with the steep cliffside city and the country as a whole can frustrate you with their weird
stairs leading down. Just a few miles down the coast, the secluded customs and silly prejudices – you feel like giving them a good talking-
Sandy Bay is a favoured spot for male naturists who are seeking to to. There are still regular power cuts, inequality is evident even though
meet like-minded friends for ephemeral encounters (I’m sure there’s an Apartheid is dead and safety is more of an issue than it really should be
expression for this). in a holiday destination. However, it also has a great climate, marvellous
produce, cheap living costs and an awe-inspiring, rugged landscape that
GETTING AROUND make it a marvellous destination – doubly so if you have the time to
Hire a car, no arguments. Public transport within the city and beyond is really explore the surrounding area.
limited, and should not really be used after dark. Also, avoid minibus
taxis as a rule. Often poorly maintained and overcrowded, these will CAPE TOWN WINELANDS
stop to pick up and drop off seemingly at random and with little regard www.waterfront.co.za www.lapetiteferme.co.za
to road safety. You would be better advised to spend a little extra on a www.madamezingara.com www.grandeprovence.co.za
licensed taxi. There are taxi ranks at most tourist spots and restaurants www.thecodfather.co.za www.lacabriere.co.za
or bars will generally telephone one for you. www.capetownvillas.co.uk
www.tablemountain.net
LOCAL CULTURE
In short – bewildering. A preoccupation with racial labels still exists, a
hangover from the Apartheid era, with anyone of mixed race considered
‘coloured’ (with no offensive connotation). Coloured people in turn have
sub-groups, for example, Cape Malay people are largely Afrikaans-
speakers and followers of Islam, but you also have a Christian group, an
English-speaking group and on it goes. The black populace speaks
mainly Xhosa, with other languages such as Zulu in a distinct minority.
Look hard enough and you’ll also find some French Huguenots up in
Franschhoek. Thankfully, everyone speaks English of a sort.
PENGUINS AT SIMONSTOWN
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
90 GSCENE
SILVERJET TO NEW YORK
The downside to most air travel is the increasing mayhem surrounding
check-in and especially security. Thankfully Silverjet has succeeded in
providing a welcome alternative in luxury travel which manages to
compete with other airlines' premium economy fares on price while
offering all the perks of business travel. Based in Luton, SilverJet
started their all-business class service earlier last year and has charted
an upward trajectory ever since, garnering plaudits for style, service and
a refreshing commitment to the needs of the passenger. Originally
starting with a daily service to New York, a Dubai route is now up and
running, offering the same 6'3" lie-flat beds and premium service for a
fraction of other business fares, as well as dedicated terminals at Luton
and Newark.
Now I know what you are thinking; Luton? Admittedly the prospect of
travelling to Luton is not immediately appealling, but on closer
examination it starts to add up. Silverjet have their own dedicated
terminal which allows you to check-in up to 30 minutes before
departure (45 minutes if you wish to check bags) which means Brighton
travellers can actually leave home later than if flying from Gatwick.
I was lucky enough to try this recently and it is impossibly good. No
sooner do you cross the terminal threshold than someone takes your
bag and ushers you to the lounge, replete with complimentary breakfast
and champagne. A member of staff will check you in and bring your
boarding card to you while you read the paper and have a bacon
sandwich. When it is time to board you amble through a dedicated fast
track security channel and onto the plane - and that's it - no noise, no
WIN A HOLIDAY FOR 2 queues, no stress, and the closest most of us will come to feeling like
an international popstar cum diplomat. Once onboard the pampering
continues unabated, with champagne before take off while you peruse
IN FORT LAUDERDALE the menu devised by Le Caprice. The food may well be the best I've
had on an aeroplane, and better than a lot I've had on the ground, and
The greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau caused is complemented by a wide selection of wines in generous measures.
quite a stir in Brighton last month when they parked their sexy Afterwards, all that is left to do is recline and take in a film on your
travelling road show outside the Queens Arms in George Street. Inside Silver Screen entertainment centre, or sleep off lunch.
the glass sided lorry were a couple of gorgeous hunks working out and So is there a downside? Not that I could find. With only 100 passengers
strutting their stuff for the cameras. onboard a 767 designed for three times that number, the cabin is
The Fort Lauderdale Visitors Bureau are offering exclusively to the spacious and service impeccable. Tree huggers may be forgiven a little
readers of Gscene and GT the chance to win a fabulous five day eco-guilt for this indulgence, however your Silverjet ticket includes
holiday for two in Fort Lauderdale staying at the award winning carbon offset contributions that make it the first airline to declare itself
luxurious Royal Palms and flying courtesy of Zoom Airlines who are 100% carbon-neutral. You can, quite literally, sleep easy in your bed.
commencing direct flights from Gatwick to Fort Lauderdale from May Silverjet website: www.flysilverjet.com Customer feedback:
22nd. www.airlinequality.com/Forum/silverjet.htm
Florida was voted second most popular foreign holiday destination in
the recent national Pink Paper awards and Fort Lauderdale is as gay as
it gets with a wide choice of guest houses and hotels, bars to visit and VISIT GAY BRIGHTON
some of the best beaches anywhere in the world. There is even a gay Last month Herve and Stefan
shopping mall. from The New Steine Hotel
Zoom will be operating twice weekly services from Gatwick on hosted a party of French
Thursdays and Sundays. Fares start at £399 including taxes and all journalists here to publicise
charges. Gay Brighton to our friends
across the water. They
To enter the holiday competition included Sabine Decerle from
go to Visitsunny.org/zoom VisitBritain, Slyvain Jaboeuf
from Voyages G, Celine
Develay from RFI radio and Christelle Lagattu from La Dixieme Muse,
the main lesbian magazine for France. Many thanks to Legends, Charles
Street, Candy Bar and of course the New Steine Hotel and bistro for the
hospitality provided.
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE 91
CLASSIFIEDS
MAR 2008 CALL 01273 722457 BY 12TH MAR
TO GUARANTEE PLACEMENT
01273 202050
10 Prince Albert Street
Brighton BN1 1HE
solicitors@tennantknight.co.uk
PET CARE
Catwick
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massage by qualified THIS MAGAZINE WE CANNOT ACCEPT
physical therapist. For
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Holistic RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE VIEWS OF
touch Therapies CONTRIBUTORS, ERRORS, OR OMMISIONS,
Call Adrian on TO ADVERTISE IN GSCENE OR FOR MATTERS ARISING FROM CLERICAL
07973 561790 079698
evenings/weekends
51440 CALL 01273 722457 OR PRINTERS ERRORS, OR AN ADVERTISER
NOT COMPLETING A CONTRACT
gaydar.co.uk/Ad66
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
92 GSCENE
PL ASTERER
All Aspects Plastering Interior / Exterior Work
paintworks
GAY PAINTER & DECORATOR
Damp Proofing, Floor Screeding * Competitive Rates
Quality Reliability, 16 Years Experience * Interior / Exterior
* Artexing / Coving
For Free Advice & Estimates call Darren * Quality & Reliability Guaranteed
Mob: 078 175 61553 HOME 01273 589329
Home: 01273 381476 MOBILE 07973 839214
over 15 years experience
MT E L E Brighton
C T Rbased
ICAN
CARPENTRY & BUILDING For all your electrical requirements
• LOFT CONVERSIONS • EXTENSIONS No jobs too small, rewire, phone points etc.
• BRICKWORK • PAINTWORK DECORATING
• INSURANCE REPAIRS Call Barry for free advice on
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barry.butcher2@ntlworld.com
TEL: 01273703818
MOB: 07939 581791
Electrical Mechanical Services
FRED’LL FIX IT
All Aspects Of General AN AD THIS
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• Plumbing • Electrics SIZE COSTS
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Gay Man Central Brighton
www.fredllfixit.co.uk CALL 01273
UPDATED
07768 911043 722457
ESCORTS ROBERT
* SAM * ADULT SERVICES
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Brighton/Hove Male Masseur
In/Out/
Overnight
*In/Out calls*
TOM 33 THOMAS
07950
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Qualified
Brighton/Hove
Firm Massage
Service
845104
Also visits Brighton/Hove
07891 07964
913308 937560
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Hove
07810 422295
SEBASTIAN 29 TO ADVERTISE
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07003 755082 CALL 01273 722457
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
GSCENE 93
• Newly redecorated
01273 681811
www.switchboard.org.uk/brighton
Kings Gardens, Hove £1400pcm Devonshire Place, Kemp Town £1300pcm
Fully furnished to a very high standard two double bedroom 2nd floor mansion apartment. Large, furnished 3 bedroom (2 double and 1 single) 1st and 2nd floor maisonette. Modern and
Very spacious and beautifully presented with floor to ceiling windows and plenty of original bright with separate kitchen and bathroom. Gas central heating. Large West facing private roof
period features. Large South facing balcony with direct sea views. Fully applianced kitchen to a terrace. Located on a quiet street in Kemp Town with easy access to the town centre and close
high specification and gas central heating. Passenger lift. Rent includes heating and hot water to the sea. Available late March.
bills. Located on Hove seafront. Available early April
So
ld
St. James’s St, Kemp Town £650pcm Ditchling Road, Brighton £650pcm Marine Parade, Kemp Town £725pcm Marine Square, Kemp Town £750pcm
Unfurnished one bedroom second floor flat Part furn. 1 bed flat Conservatory & patio CCH Furnished 1 double bedroom second floor flat Unfurn. 1 bed LGF flat Spacious lounge & bedroom
Well presented Located in heart of Kemp Town Contemporary kitchen & bathroom Centrally Spacious and light with oblique sea views addtional office space Patio gdn. GCH Close
Rent includes water rates Available now located, close North Laines & Stn. Available now Located on Kemp Town seafront Available now to sea Use of private gdns. Available late March
St. James’s Street, Kemp Town £750pcm Milner Road, Kemp Town £750pcm New Steine, Kemp Town £775pcm Devonshire Place, Kemp Town £825pcm
Large U/F 1st floor 1 bed flat Neutrally decorated Unfurn. 2 bed 1st floor flat Refurbished with new Unfurn. 1 double bed LGF flat Very spacious U/F 1st fl. 1 bed flat Roof terrace and balcony
Bright and spacious with plenty of storage Easy separate kitchen & bathroom GCH Secondary Modern kitchen & bathroom Patio gdn GCH Very well presented High ceilings New kitchen
access to City centre and sea Available now glazing Easy access to City centre Available now Central Kemp Town location Available now and bathroom Popular location Available now
Eaton Place, Kemp Town £895pcm Marine Parade, Kemp Town £995pcm Cromwell Road, Hove £995pcm Marine Parade, Kemp Town £1200pcm
Fully furnished 1 bed patio flat Contemporary kitchen U/F 2 double bed. 3rd fl. flat Bright, spacious living Unfurnished 2 double bedroom flat Spacious with Unfurn. 2 bed GFF Prestigious sea front block
& bathroom West facing patio garden Large room with sea views Additional study/dining space
high ceilings, neutral decor and contemporary feel Contemporary kit. & bathrm. Large open plan
master bedroom Close to sea Available now GCH Lift Seafront location Available now GCH Sought after area of Hove Available now living room w period feats Available early March