Gscene Magazine Gscene - January 2014 | Page 7

GSCENE 7 PEER ACTION ‘FREEDOM TO LIVE’ IS THE THEME FOR BRIGHTON PRIDE 2014 ) Brighton Pride Community Interest Company have announced Freedom to Live will be the umbrella theme for the Pride Festival in 2014. Brighton Pride will continue to put the spotlight on the plight of LGBT all over the world who do not have the same freedoms as we enjoy in the United Kingdom. Politics returned to Brighton Pride in 2013 with organisers highlighting the plight of LGBT people in Russia following the introduction of new antigay 'propaganda legislation' that makes it illegal for Russians to talk positively about LGBT people and their relationships. Brighton's gay businesses produced 100 posters supporting the local 'Brighton Supports LGBT Russia' campaign produced by Kate Wildblood and Karol Michalec, which were carried on most floats and walking tableaux on the Pride community parade. PAUL KEMP PETER TATCHELL @ PRIDE 2013 To recognise that it is still illegal to be LGBT in 76 countries, 76 people had their faces painted by artist Vince Laws with the names of those countries. Pride organisers also banned the sale of vodka distilled in Russia from the festival site at Preston Park in protest at the new legislation. One highlight of Pride for many in 2013 was Peter Tatchell's impassioned plea from the main stage for worldwide equality following the screening of James Brooks‘ inspirational film From Russia Without Love, a stirring video message accompanied by music from Russia's 2013 Eurovision entry, What If?, which explained the situation in Russia for LGBT people and their friends and called on everyone attending Brighton Pride to support campaigns to highlight the issue. Peter has agreed to return to Brighton Pride in 2014 to highlight from the Main Stage the plight of LGBT all over the world who are being persecuted because of their sexual orientation. Paul Kemp, Pride Director, said: "2013 was a defining year for Pride as a celebration of diversity and a return to Pride's campaigning roots. In 2014 we want to widen the focus to highlight countries all over the world where LGBT people are denied their freedom to live" For more information about Brighton Pride, view: www.brighton-pride.org JANUARY DIARY SUN 5th: PEER ACTION LUNCH SOCIAL 1pm: 112 Church Street, lunch & a drink for £10. Places limited please book on the Peer Action website. TUE