Books New book on UK Bear spaces to explore experiences and attitudes around the ‘Bear’ community 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 – Inte By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Arts BOOK REVIEW: ‘In the Shallows’ by Tanya Byrne Brighton-based author Tanya Byrne‘s In the Shallows isn’t just a story – it’s an emotional journey that speaks directly to the heart of young lesbians and the wider LGBTQ+ community. Set against the backdrop of Brighton, this slow-burn sapphic second-chance love story delves deep into themes of long By Eric Page • 4 min read
Books Authors Neil Bartlett and Nathan Evans to discuss publishing, writing novels, and queer past, present and future at Brighton’s Jubilee Library this weekend For its first event of 2024, Brighton LGBTIQ+ History Club will be joined by Coast Is Queer and Jubilee Library for a special event on Sunday, April 7 at Jubilee Library as they welcome two special guests on a journey through queer literature and queer history. Neil Bartlett and Nathan Evans will di By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Arts Book Review Race Rules: What Your Black Friends Won’t Tell You by Fatimah Gilliam One of the book’s strengths lies in its emphasis on solidarity and allyship. Gilliam provides practical strategies for dismantling racism, encouraging readers to move beyond passive sympathy towards active engagement. By Eric Page • 2 min read
Arts BOOK REVIEW: ‘Countless Sleepless Nights: A Collection of Coming out Stories and Experiences’ by Carina Maggar Love flows through this book, gushes at us, warms us with its hope… snatched moments of startling clarity and honesty from people requiring to speak their truth. By Eric Page • 2 min read
Arts BOOK REVIEW Wild Things by Laura Kay An entrancing, delightful book about listening to your inner voice, the deeper under currents of desire and choosing the path less trodden, being impulsive, following your dreams and finding yourself out there, wild and energised. By Eric Page • 3 min read
Books BOOK REVIEW: ‘Better Left Unsaid’ by Tufayel Ahmed Review by Eric Page After his wife suffered a vicious race and faith-based hate crime, which is recorded and goes viral, the tensions across this family start to fray. Imran calls out to his sister, living in New York, to return home to Bow, East London and support them in this complex family story By Eric Page • 3 min read
Books New book ‘Prospect Cottage: Derek Jarman’s House’ invites readers into the personal sanctuary of the iconic gay filmmaker for the very first time Prospect Cottage: Derek Jarman’s House, a new book by photographer Gilbert McCarragher, published by Thames & Hudson on April 4, invites readers into the personal sanctuary of the iconic gay filmmaker for the very first time, with over 100 unseen photographs. A prolific film maker, Jarman was known By Graham Robson • 2 min read
Books BOOK REVIEW: ‘Survivor’s Guilt’ by Robyn Gigl Attorney and LGBTQ+ activist Robyn Gigl, whose books have won many prestigious awards, tackles the complexities of gender, power, public perception in this twisted plot of human trafficking in another powerful legal thriller featuring Erin, a transgender attorney at its centre. By Eric Page • 3 min read
Books Lunch Positive to host book launch of ‘a finger in derek jarman’s mouth’ by Simon Maddrell, with Jonathan Blake, on Wednesday, March 6 Local HIV charity Lunch Positive is to host the book launch of a finger in derek jarman’s mouth by Simon Maddrell, with Jonathan Blake, on Wednesday, March 6 with doors at 6pm for 6.30pm start. At the event, Jonathan will host a reading by Simon from a finger in derek jarman’s mouth – poetry in […] By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Books Polari Press to publish Simon Maddrell’s ‘a finger in derek jarman’s mouth’ to mark the 30th anniversary of Derek Jarman’s death To mark the 30th anniversary of his death, Polari Press are publishing a special limited edition of a finger in derek jarman’s mouth by Simon Maddrell – a queer Manx poet thriving with HIV in Brighton & Hove. Accompanied by cyanotype impressions, a finger in derek jarman’s mouth is a poetic tribute By Graham Robson • 1 min read
Books Jon Ransom and Julia Armfield announced as winners of the 2023 Polari Prizes, which celebrate LGBTQ+ literature Returning to the British Library for the winners’ ceremony, Jon Ransom and Julia Armfield were announced as the winners of the 2023 Polari Prizes – the UK’s only awards celebrating literature exploring the LGBTQ+ experience. Ransom took home the Polari First Book Prize for his “mesmerising” tale of By Graham Robson • 2 min read
