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Author: Graham Robson

New book on UK Bear spaces to explore experiences and attitudes around the ‘Bear’ community

Posted on by Graham Robson

University of Brighton researcher Dr Nick McGlynn’s new book, Bodies and Boundaries of UK Bear Spaces, explores experiences and attitudes around the ‘Bear’ community of big and hairy gay men.

The book launch will take place at the Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender on Friday, 17 May – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Founded in 2004, the day commonly shortened to IDAHOBIT is a global initiative aimed to raise awareness about discrimination, violence and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

Dr McGlynn wrote his book, Bodies and Boundaries of UK Bear Spaces, following research into the UK’s community of ‘Bears’, a term referring to big and hairy gay men who typically present in a more ‘masculine’ way, and who make up one of the UK’s largest gay male subcultures.

Drawing on historical and contemporary writing and including new empirical research into pubs, clubs and events, the book cautions against one-size-fits-all accounts of Bears, and reveals the complexity and variety of Bear bodies, spaces and communities.

Published by Routledge as part of their Transforming LGBTQ Lives series and written for both academic and non-academic readers, the book combines an engaging conversational style with insightful first-hand quotes from focus groups and interviews to help explain new ways of looking at Bears or ‘Bear-y’ men. The publication is both available to purchase, or view and download online for free.

As well as addressing a gap in research into the Bear community generally, the book also aims to take a more geographic approach to Bears. Dr Nick McGlynn, Senior Lecturer in University of Brighton’s School of Applied Sciences and Deputy Director of its Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender, said: “Almost everything that’s been written about Bears has focused on the USA. There’s a good reason for that – Bear started in the States – but more and more writers have pointed out global differences in ‘Bear’ as a phenomenon.

“My book shows that it’s worth thinking about the UK’s Bear scene as distinct from that of the US. It also demonstrates that we can’t just focus on London all the time, with Bear scenes of smaller UK cities having their own features.”

Open to all, the book launch is hosted by the Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender and will take place on Friday, 17 May (4-5.30pm) in room M2 at the Grand Parade building at the University of Brighton. Dr McGlynn will discuss the book in conversation with Professor Stephen Maddison. Light refreshments will be served.

Scene to publish your memories of Miss Jason in May issue

Posted on by Graham Robson

Following the sad news of Jason Sutton‘s passing, we will be publishing memories and photos of Jason in and out of drag in the May issue of Scene magazine.

If you have a memory and/or a photo to share, please email info@gscene.com. RIP, Jason.

A giant of our community: Jason Sutton aka Miss Jason has died

Posted on by Graham Robson
We are devastated to learn of the passing of Jason Sutton aka Miss Jason – a giant of our community. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this incredibly sad time.

More to follow…

Streets flooded with colour for Tokyo Pride 2024

Posted on by Graham Robson

The streets of Tokyo‘s Shibuya Ward were flooded with colour on April 21 as 15,000 community members and supporters participated in the 30th Tokyo Rainbow Pride parade.

Over the last three decades, social attitudes toward sexual minorities in Japan have changed significantly, as evidenced by a landmark Sapporo High Court ruling, which declared in March that Civil Code provisions that do not recognise same-sex marriage are unconstitutional.

Despite this progress, discrimination and prejudice against sexual minorities remain deeply entrenched. In response to these ongoing challenges, this year’s pride parade slogan was, “Don’t give up until we make change.”

Japan remains the sole nation among the G7 industrialised democracies – including France, the UK and Germany – yet to legally recognise same-sex unions.

New survey published for Lesbian Visibility Week finds lesbian, bi and queer women – as well as trans people – often feel unsafe in their day to day lives

Posted on by Graham Robson

As celebrations for Lesbian Visibility Week kick off around the world, a new survey of lesbian, bi and queer women – as well as trans people – points to communities in the UK that are out and proud, but often feel unsafe in their day to day lives.

A deep dive into the experiences of UK LBQ+ women and trans people reveals:

● Less than a third (30%) of LBQ+ women and trans people in the UK feel ‘very safe’ in their own neighbourhood. 62% feel ‘somewhat safe’ or ‘quite safe’ and 2% don’t feel safe at all.

● Only a fifth (20%) of LBQ+ women and trans people in the UK feel ‘very safe’ in gyms and leisure centres. Over half (52%) feel ‘somewhat safe’ or ‘quite safe’ and 6% don’t feel safe at all.

● Only 13% of LBQ+ women and trans people in the UK feel ‘very safe’ using public transport. More than two thirds (69%) feel ‘somewhat safe’ or ‘quite safe’ and 6% don’t feel safe at all.

● Only 11% of LBQ+ women and trans people in the UK feel ‘very safe’ in bars and nightclubs. Two thirds (66%) only feel ‘somewhat safe’ or ‘very safe’ and 7% don’t feel safe at all.

● Only 10% of LBQ+ women and trans people in the UK feel ‘very safe’ 59^ on social media. 59% feel ‘somewhat safe’ or ‘quite safe’ and 10% don’t feel safe at all.

The data tells an uplifting story about communities that are confident in who they are. In 2024 the majority of LBQ+ women and trans people in the UK are out to all or most of their family, friends and even their work colleagues, though trans and non-binary people are slightly less likely to be out about their gender identity, and a significant minority are still not comfortable coming out to any family members at all (12%) or work colleagues (10%).

But confidence and visibility doesn’t create safety. LBQ+ women and trans people in the UK too often feel unsafe going about their day to day lives. This new data comes after a decade of rising hate crime targeting people because of their sexual orientation and gender identity: between 2013 and 2023 homophobic and biphobic hate crimes in England and Wales rose by 465% and transphobic hate crimes rose by a staggering 1,211% (Police Recorded Hate Crime, ONS). It also comes amid widespread concern about rising anti LGBTQ+ online hate.

These findings are reflected across the other countries studied: in the UK, USA, India and South Africa, while the majority of LBQ+ women and trans people reported feeling safe in day-to-day settings, a significant minority feel unsafe. Feelings of unsafety are particularly common amongst trans and non-binary respondents.

Nancy Kelley, Director Lesbian Visibility Week, said: “Lesbian Visibility Week is about celebrating and uplifting our community, so it’s wonderful to see so many LBQ+ women and trans people in the UK living our lives out and proud.  But visibility should never come at the cost of safety. It is unacceptable that in 2024 so many LBQ+ women and trans people in the UK feel still unsafe, and its unacceptable that they have a good reason for feeling the way they do. From our neighbourhoods and our high streets to our online world, something must change.”

Eyes on allies

The findings come from The DIVA Survey: Catalysing Change. Conducted by Kantar for Lesbian Visibility Week, the survey collected data from 2101 respondents across the UK, USA, India and South Africa.

This survey gives deep insights into the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ people and allies across the globe. It finds that, across the four countries, the vast majority of respondents are open about their sexual orientation (89%) and gender identity (80%) with their close friends.

Positively, many respondents in the LGBTQIA+ community reported feeling relatively safe in their workplace (84%), on social media (74%) and when seeking medical support (89%), with public transport and pubs/bars identified as the places they feel least safe.

DIVA

This year the study also delved into the experience of allies for the first time. Interestingly, the experiences of allies often mirror those of LGBTQ+ people themselves, with 67% of allies reporting that they feel safe in bars/clubs (compared with 72% of LGBTQ+ respondents) and 23% of allies reporting that they don’t feel safe on social media (compared with 20%).

Caroline Frankum, CEO, Profiles Division, Kantar, added: “In the spirit of inclusion and always getting better, we have expanded our survey in two significant ways this year – firstly, by introducing the voice and experiences of allies; and secondly, by expanding into India and South Africa. This presents a more well-rounded and diverse set of global experiences. Business has a huge role to play here as influencers and contributors to our wider culture, and these insights are a valuable resource for those brave brands who want to take a stand and catalyse change.”

Komedia to celebrate 30th birthday in May

Posted on by Graham Robson

This May, the Komedia will celebrate its 30th birthday. From humble beginnings at a small venue on Manchester Street in Kemptown in 1994, to their home for the last 26 years on Gardner Street in the North Laine, Komedia has been through its ups and downs but has managed to weather the storm, in an ever-changing landscape, where multiple independent venues are lost each year.

Komedia was born from the minds of the directors of Umbrella Theatre – Colin Granger, Marina Kobler, and David Lavender. The company modelled the venue on the cabaret theatres they had seen while touring in cities such as Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Berlin. Lavender stumbled across the name Komedia in an international theatre magazine and chose it as it had “echoes of both comedy and media, and a sense of crossing boundaries”.

In the early ’90s, Komedia was a pioneer in this type of venue and their first season saw many brilliant new talents hit the stage for the first time, including the likes of Graham Norton, Al Murray, Mel and Sue, Sean Lock, Mel & Sue, Armstrong & Miller, The League of Gentlemen and Omid Djalili.

Komedia soon outgrew the Manchester Street venue and were soon on the hunt for new premises, which at one point even included a venue in Churchill Square. After much searching, in 1998, Komedia moved to Jubilee Shopping Hall (a former Tesco supermarket), the opening show was Disco Pigs featuring Cillian Murphy and in June 1999 Krater Comedy Club was born after the ‘crater like’ basement area was transformed into performance space.

1994 – Manchester Street

Komedia founders, Marina Kobler and Colin Granger, said: “It has been an incredible journey these past 30 years. The venue we created in Brighton in May 1994 was inspired by European Café Theatre venues and was something entirely new for Brighton and the rest of the UK; and it is thanks to all the brilliant staff and performers who have worked and still work for us, that we remain an independent, self-supporting venue which offers a wide choice of live entertainment, good service and welcomes people of all ages and from all walks of life. We look forward to seeing Komedia develop and thrive in the future.”

Komedia has won a whopping 25 Chortle Awards over the years including the award for Best Venue in the South a record 18 times.

To celebrate their birthday, Komedia is putting on a week of special events running from Saturday, 4 May to Sunday, 12 May, see the full programme here. They are also launching Komedia branded merchandise, featuring a custom illustration by Emily Wallace, which will be available to purchase in the venue from May onwards.

Komedia are also giving one lucky person a Golden Ticket, meaning they can access any Komedia event for free for a full year (and they can bring a friend/family member too). Simply head over to the competition page to find out how you can win before April 30!

To see what Komedia has coming up, visit their website.

Brighton & Hove Rainbow Run to return for third fabulous year in August

Posted on by Graham Robson

Rapidly becoming an essential part of the Brighton & Hove Pride weekend, the Brighton & Hove Rainbow Run – a 5K fun run raising money for local LGBTQ charity, the Brighton Rainbow Fund – returns to Hove Park on Friday, August 2 at 7pm.

This year promises to be bigger, better, louder and prouder! Organised by local LGBTQ running club, Brighton & Hove FrontRunners, the Rainbow Run promises to be a fun and lively carnival atmosphere with runners encouraged to wear their best festival outfits. Prizes will be awarded for the fastest male, female and non-binary runners as well as for the best fancy dress. DJs from Gaydio will be setting up in the park and runners will be treated to tunes and entertainment throughout and after the race. The run will once again be hosted by local drag queens and friends.

Beginning in 2022, the Rainbow Run has now expanded to accommodate 500 eager runners and has also introduced awards for best corporate and non-corporate groups. Runners are also encouraged to create their own teams, if not already part of one. Details can be found on the website.

Making a welcome return is the Rainbow Run Couch to 5K, a nine-week training course guaranteed to take participants from zero to hero, crossing the finish line fully supported by UK Athletics-qualified instructors. The sessions, which begin May 29, are open to all and cost only £25 including race entry.

All participants, be they runners, joggers or walkers, will receive a bespoke Rainbow Run medal as well as goodie bags containing lots of surprises from local businesses. Scott Oakley, chair of the organising committee, says: “We are really proud to see how far the Rainbow Run has come in such a short time. We never dreamed of the impact it would have and how much we’ve been able to raise for local charities. We can’t wait to welcome everyone.”

The Rainbow Run 5K fun run around Hove Park takes place on Friday, August 2 at 7pm. Entry costs £17pp and £15 for EA members. If available, a small number of tickets will be available on the day of the event. Proceeds go to the local LGBTQ+ charity, the Brighton Rainbow Fund.

For more information and to sign up, CLICK HERE

Foreign Office issues travel warning for LGBTQ+ tourists travelling to Greece

Posted on by Graham Robson

When same-sex marriage was legalised in Greece back in February, LGBTQ+ campaigners celebrated. Now, though, the British Foreign Office has issued new travel advice for queer people travelling to the country.

An update, published on the UK government’s foreign travel advice page, has warned that same-sex couples could experience discrimination in certain parts of Greece.

While it states that “attitudes are generally much more welcoming in Athens and on many Greek islands, particularly on Lesvos, Mykonos and Skiathos,” there are concerns that queer visitors could face prejudice elsewhere.

The government advice also adds: “Public attitudes towards same-sex sexual activity vary throughout the country; showing affection in public by same-sex couples may be frowned upon, especially in rural areas.”

The warning comes after a mob attack against two transgender people in Thessaloniki in March, during which the victims were verbally assaulted and bottles were thrown at them.

While cause for concern for tourists, Greece has made some progress in LGBTQ+ acceptance, having banned so-called ‘conversion therapy’ for minors in 2022 and passing the same-sex marriage law with a parliamentary majority of 176-76 in February.

However, the popular tourist destination still remains divided over the practice. As soon as the vote passed, protests broke out in the country, led by the Orthodox church.

Around 1,500 people took to Athens’ Syntagma Square to oppose the change and a poll by Greek national newspaper Proto Thema found that only 55% of Greek people support the legalisation of gay marriage and even fewer back gay adoption rights.

Despite the opposition, in legalising same-sex marriage, Greece has become the only country in southeastern Europe to do so – joining 15 other EU member states and a further 35 nations worldwide.

Feels so good: Leeds Pride reveals big name acts for 2024 Pride event

Posted on by Graham Robson

Leeds Pride recently announced ambitious plans for the city’s 2024 festival, which is to take place in July.

Not only will this year’s celebration be the largest in scale with the likes of Call Lane joining the party, but a week-long calendar of events will ensure nobody misses the fun. Headlining the main stage on Sunday, July 21 is world class DJ and chart-topping artist Sonique.

The Brit Award Winning artist is famous for a string of dancefloor hits, including her platinum selling no1 single It Feels So Good. X-Factor winner and Clean Bandit collaborator Louisa Johnson is also set to perform, as well as a myriad of the fiercest Yorkshire drag acts.

Other highlights include ’90s dance legends Baby D and Alex Party, a Madonna tribute act and DJ sets from Defected Records‘ Monki and Joel Mignott. Partygoers will also be able to enjoy increased set times, with this year’s calendar of acts performing between noon – 10pm.

MONKI

Organisers have listened to feedback from last year’s event and increased the facilities throughout the city including more food vendors, bars and the finest street food within the site. Just like previous years, Leeds Pride is a free event, which has been made possible with support from both local and national businesses.

This year’s headline sponsor is none other than Jet2holidays, who have a strong presence in the city and have long been proud supporters of the LGBTQ+ community. Other sponsors include Sky, First Buses, Direct Line, Evri and the return of Sainsbury’s. Head to www.leedspride.com for full list and to find out how you can get involved.

Many businesses across the city are getting on board by creating their own fringe events, including Everyman Cinema which will be screening the feel-good British classic Pride on the July 18.

Bailey J Mills

Those looking to start the celebrations early can make a weekend of it by attending the Viaduct Street Party on Saturday, July 20. Kicking off in the afternoon from 1pm, they’ll be offering entertainment from their main stage hosted by TV legend Kim Woodburn until the early hours.

Terry George, Leeds Pride’s spokesperson, said: “It’s just incredible to see how far we’ve come since the very first Leeds Pride back in 2006. With more allies than ever before – not to mention the biggest site the festival has ever seen – 2024 is looking likely to be a record-breaker in terms of numbers. Pride is truly the most colourful event in the city’s annual events calendar and this year’s live acts are just as impressive and diverse as the community itself.’’

CLICK HERE for more info

Sandyford Young People’s Gender Service announces they will no longer be referring under 18s for endocrine treatments

Posted on by Graham Robson

Scottish Trans and the Equality Network have reacted after Sandyford Young People’s Gender Service, based at NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, announced that they will no longer be referring under 18s for endocrine treatments, which means people using the service will no longer be prescribed puberty blockers (which pause pubertal changes), nor will 16 or 17 year olds be prescribed testosterone or oestrogen (which have masculinising or feminising effects on secondary sexual characteristics).

This follows a similar announcement by NHS England made last month on puberty blockers, and indeed goes further than the NHS England position by stopping referrals for testosterone and oestrogen for 16 and 17 year olds.

In a release, Scottish Trans said: “This decision has been taken within the context where the reality of trans people’s experiences and lives is questioned almost daily in some of the media and some political circles. This makes us worry that the decision has been influenced by that context rather than solely through consideration of the best interests of trans children and young people.

“Currently, it is incredibly rare for children or young people to be prescribed puberty blockers. Between 2011 and 2023, 87 children or young people were prescribed them[1] [2], averaging seven new prescriptions per year.

“In our experience of hearing from families supporting young people to access gender identity services, and from people who have used the young person’s service, they paint a picture of a service that is extremely cautious. Many people think that the process of exploration and assessment is too slow, and some feel like that caution had a detrimental impact on them, or their child. That being trans, living true to themselves, and accessing endocrine treatment as part of that, were all positive, hopeful, joyful things – but that the journey to get there took longer than was right for them, causing them pain along the way.

“Waiting times for the service have also continued to grow. Children and young people getting a first appointment today will have been waiting for around four years. Four years of course feels like a lifetime to a young person, and these delays mean that for many their puberty is over before they even get a first appointment with the gender service, or they never have an appointment there at all between joining the waiting list and turning 18.

“The exceptionally rare and cautious choice of puberty blocker prescription, made for a small number after huge waits, is being wrongly painted by some as though it was commonplace and rushed. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

Vic Valentine, Manager of Scottish Trans added: “We’re saddened that this change will result in some young people being unable to access the care they need at all, or having to wait even longer for it. We want every child or young person to get the individualised care that’s right for them at the time that’s right for them. We don’t think this decision will make that possible.”

“We note that the announcement mentions the potential for further research into the use of puberty blockers, in partnership with NHS England. There is widespread concern that neither the research programme, nor how it will be designed, are finalised yet. We call on the Young People’s Gender Service and the Scottish Government to urgently prioritise resourcing high quality, ethical research, to make sure that no child or young person is denied the care they need.”

Latest News

Community News Scene to publish your memories of Miss Jason in May issue
Books New book on UK Bear spaces to explore experiences and attitudes around the ‘Bear’ community
Community News A giant of our community: Jason Sutton aka Miss Jason has died
International News Streets flooded with colour for Tokyo Pride 2024
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