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Leslie Clarke

Brighton, UK

Designer & political comms strategist. CEO, Pride Community Foundation. Ex-city councillor. Autumn lover, PSL in hand, mentally in LA—living and working in Brighton, UK.

The Saturday Scene: hate crime law, the Black Cap, and a word on Trump

The Saturday Scene: hate crime law, the Black Cap, and a word on Trump

Pop the kettle on and get comfortable in your reading nook. We've got a lot to get through! ⌛Today’s read: 12 minutes. It's now been three months since 2026 arrived, and it's barely given us a break. 'ICE Barbie' Kristi Noem

YouTube thumbnail for the Still Here podcast showing Helmut Metzner in a blue suit and bow tie beside host Leslie Clarke wearing headphones. Bold text reads “Progress Is Never Permanent”.

Still Here: Helmut Metzner reflects on memory, politics and LGBTQ+ rights

Scene’s podcast Still Here continues with a new episode featuring Helmut Metzner, Chair of the Magnus Hirschfeld Federal Foundation in Berlin. Following our launch episode with Craig Jones, this latest instalment takes the conversation to Germany. Recorded in German, the interview explores Metzner’s long political career, his life

Michelin Star for Brighton as LGBTQ+ Hospitality Champion Rafael Cagali honoured

Michelin Star for Brighton as LGBTQ+ Hospitality Champion Rafael Cagali honoured

Brighton & Hove has secured its first Michelin star in almost half a century, marking a landmark moment for the city’s hospitality sector. Chef Rafael Cagali has been awarded the prestigious accolade for his Hove restaurant Maré, becoming the first chef in the city to earn a Michelin star

Portrait of Helmut Metzner, Chair of the Federal Magnus Hirschfeld Foundation, wearing a blue suit, white shirt and patterned bow tie, standing against a plain light background.

Helmut Metzner on memory, visibility and the fragility of progress

“We are not here to preserve ashes. We are here to keep the fire alive.” Helmut Metzner reflects on memory, visibility and why progress on LGBTQ+ rights is never guaranteed, but must be defended again and again.

Opinion: Even Trump couldn't resist watching Bad Bunny's powerful halftime show

Opinion: Even Trump couldn't resist watching Bad Bunny's powerful halftime show

Bad Bunny's halftime show was so powerful that it even forced Donald Trump to watch it – or at least it was his preferred choice over Kid Rock's alternative MAGA show.

Craig Jones on service, silence and the fight for justice

Craig Jones on service, silence and the fight for justice

Former Royal Navy officer Craig Jones reflects on the Armed Forces Gay Ban, coming out in uniform, and why the struggle for equality inside Britain’s institutions is far from over.

It's LGBTQ+ History Month

It's LGBTQ+ History Month

The progressive wave that we experienced in the early 2010s did not come about because politicians suddenly remembered that equality matters. It was the result of years of campaigning, protesting, lobbying, writing and claiming and reclaiming space and narrative.

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