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Just how tolerant are the British when it comes to offering equality to the LGBT communities in all aspects of society?

David Cameron’s Conservative party, trails in third place when it comes to LGBT issues

According to a new report from Stonewall, many LGBT people think that everyone from public services through to political parties see themselves confronted by huge barriers of prejudice at every level of society.

The YouGov poll of 1,658 gay adults found homophobic bullying in schools is more prevalent now than in previous decades. Around 30 per cent of lesbian and gay people expect to encounter discrimination if they were to try to enroll a child at primary orsecondary school, and 80 per cent believe they would have difficulty if they were to apply to become a school governor.

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He’s been described as a ‘nice genuine bloke’ and ‘quietly determined’. Paul Disney met city council leader Brian Oxley

Describe yourself
Somebody who tries to get on with others, even if I don’t always agree with them and to always treat others as how I would like to be treated.

Why Brighton and Hove?
Brighton and Hove is comfortable with people leading their lives in their own way. I knew Brighton and Hove before I moved here in the late 1980s. It has great people, the sea, and the Downs on its doorstep.

How long have you been involved in politics?
Since I was 13 years old and I’m now 48! I started work in a chartered accountants. I then became a local government officer for five years. After standing for parliament in 1987 in Sheffield, I worked as a parliamentary assistant to Conservative MPs for 19 years. I have been a councillor for Westbourne Ward in Hove since 1995 – serving two years on the former Hove Borough Council and then unitary Brighton and Hove City Council from 1997.

What or who got you interested in politics?
The industrial strife in the early 1970s. It seemed to me that the fabric of the country’s governance was coming apart and I felt it was wrong that a government should be brought down by activity outside parliament.

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Gay Oscars celebrates the best of the LGBT scene and businesses

Golden Handbag awards were handed out at one of the year’s biggest fundraising events at a spectacular awards ceremony at the Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel.

With over 20 awards, the evening showcased a glittering array of talented cabaret acts – all of whom gave their services for free. The evening was hosted by Lola Lasagne and performances were given by The Unconventionals, Dave Lynn, Ceri Dupree, Drag with No Name, Maisie Trollette, the City of Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus and the Brighton and Hove (actually) Gay Men’s Chorus. The alternative panto gave their fabulous rendition of Chicago’s ‘Cell Block Tango’ performed by Jamie Watson, Pooh La May, Maisie, Lady James, Pat Cruise and Dave Lynn.

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Paul Disney met up with the new director of Pride Lesley Burn, a business woman with a ‘can-do‘ attitude and great sense of fun

Describe yourself.
I am a tolerant, bubbly and a very sparkly person. I love meeting people and I enjoy challenges. On the serious side of things – and this might sound contradictory – I am also a strong business woman who believes in getting the job done.

Why Brighton and Hove?
I had been looking for a job in London after having worked in Scotland for a period of time for the Ladies Golf Union and before that Sport England. My home is Cuckfield in Sussex, and some friends of mine there suggested that I apply for the job with Pride as they knew it would be something I would get my teeth into. I couldn’t wait to come back.

So why did you apply for the role of director for Pride?
This role is truly about making a difference. The core value of the role is about spreading the message from Brighton and Hove’s LGBT communities to the wider world. Also being able to work in an area where you believe in what you are doing is very fortunate – I feel very honoured too.

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