Arts New library scheme to support people living with long term health conditions A new national Reading Well scheme is being launched for people long-term health conditions. Delivered by public libraries, the new scheme is part of the successful Reading Well Books on Prescription programme, developed with health experts and people living with long-term conditions and their carer By Besi • 2 min read
Arts LGBT+ submissions wanted for Photoworks Annual journal Photoworks Editors are currently looking for fully resolved projects responding to photography’s role within LGBT+ communities and invite UK and international artists at any stage of their career to submit suitable new or previously unpublished work. By Besi • 1 min read
Arts BOOK PREVIEW: A secret history – The London Gay Men’s Chorus In 1990 gay people were frequently despised and generally considered to be diseased perverts. Just twenty years later an organisation named the London Gay Men’s Chorus were being hailed as cultural ambassadors and invited to perform at 10 Downing Street. By Besi • 3 min read
Arts BOOK REVIEW: Pride and Joy: A guide for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans parents by Sarah and Rachel Hagger-Holt This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to better understand issues facing LGBT families including parents or prospective parents; extended families and friends; and social workers, teachers and other professionals. Superb. By Eric Page • 2 min read
Arts BOOK REVIEW: Spartacus: International Gay Guide 2017 Published by the Bruno Gmunder with their usual attention to quality and detail, it’s an excellent research and travel resource. All in all it’s the physical guide for LGBT folks traveling our wonderful rainbow planet. Book includes full access to their on-line listing and the app. By Eric Page • 2 min read
Arts BOOK REVIEW: Our own private universe by Robin Talley The characters in this fun book explore the changes that a summer fling brings to them, as they navigate the social and mental horrors of a Christian summer camp and the bigotry, small mindedness and occasional huge bursts of generous unconditional love surrounding them. By Eric Page • 2 min read
Arts BOOK REVIEW: My brother and his brother by Hakan Linquist First published in Sweden in 1993, translated in 2002 to French, and now available in English in a radiant and limpid translation by the author himself. A short novel with only six main characters, its richness teases the reader’s mind long after closing its covers. Linquist is a serious writer but By Eric Page • 2 min read
Arts BOOK REVIEW: Insomniac City by Bill Hayes Insomniac City is both a meditation on grief and a celebration of life and a profound, life affirming celebration of the wonder of love, unexpected, un-invited and overwhelmingly beautiful love. By Eric Page • 2 min read
Arts Polari First Book Prize, reveals 2017 longlist Polari Literary Salon announces largest ever LGBT+ literary tour to celebrate 10th anniversary. The longlist for the Polari First Book Prize was announced last week at the Polari Literary Salon in London’s Southbank Centre. Now in its seventh year, the Prize is awarded annually to a writer whose fir By Besi • 2 min read
Arts BOOK REVIEW: Meg & Linus: Hanna Nowinski Nowinski’s narrative which alternates between the perspectives of passionate, anxious, chubby gay nerd Linus, who has a desperate secret crush on barista Danny, and his similarly nerdy and theatre-loving best friend, Meg is a fun friendship story about two quirky teens who must learn to get out of t By Eric Page • 1 min read
Arts BOOK REVIEW: Pages for Her: Sylvia Brownrig This book left me touched and aching to read its predecessor, it shows the development of love and understanding as life moves on and how women learn to accept, empower and inspire the people around them. Pure summer delight! By Eric Page • 2 min read
Arts PREVIEW: All You Need is Love: Shanni Collins All families come in different shapes and sizes, but they are all special when they love and respect each other. These fun rhyming stories are a celebration of the diversity of families and encourage inclusion and acceptance in a child’s relationships. By promoting diversity and understanding in fam By Eric Page • 2 min read
