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Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard

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Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard is one of the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ charities, celebrating 50 years supporting our communities across Sussex

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𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱'𝘀 𝟱𝟬𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗮!

Join us on 𝟮𝟱 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 at Palm Court, Brighton Palace Pier, to celebrate 50 years of supporting our LGBTQ+ communities.

Headlining the evening: 𝗦𝘂𝘇𝗶 𝗥𝘂𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗹, stand-up comedian, writer and broadcaster, as seen on Live at the Apollo.

𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗵 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗯𝘂𝗿𝘆 - Brighton Fringe Best of the Festival award winner, bringing brilliantly funny songs and sharp wit.

𝗔𝗻𝘂𝗯𝗶𝘀 - RuPaul's Drag Race UK star, bringing glamour and soulful vocals.

Hosting the evening: 𝗢𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗮 𝗣𝗮𝘆𝗻𝗲, Brighton drag artist extraordinaire, bringing her sparkle and humour to the stage and keeping the evening moving from the first welcome to the final applause.

We'll welcome you with a glass of fizz before you sit down for a two-course meal and an evening of comedy and cabaret. There'll be a silent auction on the night too.

𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 £𝟴𝟱 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 and include the entertainment, welcome fizz, your two-course meal, table wine or drinks, and generous goodie bags with some great surprises.

We'd love you to join us for this special night as we celebrate everything our community has helped Switchboard achieve over 50 years and raise funds for the work still ahead.

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: bit.ly/2026-gala-single-tickets (link in bio)

Want your organisation to be part of this special anniversary? Explore our sponsorship packages at www.switchboard.org.uk/gala/ or get in touch at gala@switchboard.org.uk to chat about how you can support the evening and Switchboard's future. by @lgbtswitchboard

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8 days ago

We're delighted to welcome London Sperm Bank as the Headline Sponsor of Still Switched On, our 50th Anniversary Fundraising Gala.

London Sperm Bank is the UK's leading provider of donor sperm, dedicated to helping people build remarkable families through all paths to parenthood.

Their generous support is helping us celebrate this milestone while raising funds to continue supporting LGBTQ+ communities.

"We are proud to join Switchboard in celebrating its 50th Anniversary Gala, reflecting our shared commitment to inclusion and supporting LGBTQ+ communities across Brighton & Hove and beyond."

- Albena Keeble, General Manager, London Sperm Bank

Thank you to London Sperm Bank for being part of our celebrations.

Join us on Wednesday 25 November at Brighton Pier for a night of entertainment, community and fundraising.

Individual tickets are available.

Book your tickets:
https://bit.ly/2026-gala-single-tickets (link in bio)

To find out more about London Sperm Bank visit:
www.londonspermbank.com (link in bio) by @lgbtswitchboard

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12 hours ago

Dinner, drinks, comedy and cabaret. All on Brighton Pier.

We're getting ready for Still Switched On, our 50th Anniversary Fundraising Gala, and we'd love you to be part of it.

Your ticket includes a two-course meal, welcome fizz, table wine or drinks, plus a goody bag packed with exclusive surprises.

And there's plenty of entertainment to look forward to, with award-winning performers Suzi Ruffell, Hannah Brackenbury and Anubis taking to the stage, and Ophelia Payne hosting the evening.

While you're enjoying the night, you'll also be helping Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard raise funds to continue supporting LGBTQ+ people.

Come with friends or book a ticket just for yourself. There's no need to reserve a whole table.

Wednesday 25 November
6.30pm-11pm
Palm Court Restaurant, Brighton Pier

Book your tickets:
https://bit.ly/2026-gala-single-tickets (link in bio)

Clickable booking link in our bio. by @lgbtswitchboard

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a day ago

It's National Hate Crime Awareness Week, and we want to talk about something that doesn't always get enough attention: what happens after someone experiences hate.

It could be homophobic abuse shouted across the street, a threat on the bus, or someone repeatedly targeting you online.

The incident might be over in seconds, but its effects can last much longer. You might start avoiding certain places, feel nervous going out alone, or think twice about holding your partner's hand in public.

Nobody should have to make those decisions because of who they are.

At Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard, we know that reporting hate-motivated incidents isn't always straightforward. Some people worry they won't be taken seriously. Others simply don't want to go through the experience again.

But if something has happened to you, or you've witnessed it happening to someone else, there are options.

You can report hate crime or hate incidents to Sussex Police by calling 101 or online:
www.sussex.police.uk/ro/report/hate-crime

If you'd rather speak to someone independent of the police, Galop provides confidential support and advice for LGBTQ+ people affected by hate crime.

Call 0800 999 5428 or visit:
www.galop.org.uk/hate-crime

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

You don't have to be certain that what happened was a crime before asking for advice or reporting it. by @lgbtswitchboard

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4 days ago

One night. 50 years in the making.

Brighton Pier, a little glamour, plenty of laughter and a whole lot to celebrate.

Still Switched On is bringing together comedy, drag, music and community for a special evening marking 50 years of Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard.

Suzi Ruffell headlines, alongside musical comedian Hannah Brackenbury and Anubis from RuPaul's Drag Race UK, with Ophelia Payne hosting.

There'll be dinner, comedy and cabaret as we celebrate 50 years of Switchboard and raise funds to keep supporting LGBTQ+ people across Brighton & Hove and beyond.

So whether you're coming with friends or treating yourself to a night out, we'd love you to be part of it.

Wednesday 25 November
Palm Court, Brighton Pier
6.30pm-11pm

Individual tickets are available. There's no need to reserve a whole table.

Book your tickets:
https://bit.ly/2026-gala-single-tickets (link in bio) by @lgbtswitchboard

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4 days ago

Today is National Coming Out Day.

There are countless coming-out stories we could share, but we've chosen one that takes us back to a particularly difficult chapter in British LGBTQ+ history.

On 27 January 1988, Sir Ian McKellen publicly came out as gay during a BBC Radio 3 discussion about Section 28, legislation that sought to restrict how local authorities could address homosexuality.

It wasn't a carefully planned announcement. While challenging the proposed law, Ian simply spoke openly about his own sexuality.

"I don't believe that, any more than a book could have turned me into a heterosexual."

Nearly four decades later, with renewed debates about LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion, his words still feel relevant.

We've made progress since 1988, but some of the fears and misconceptions that shaped those debates haven't entirely disappeared. Today, we're seeing similar fears and misconceptions directed at trans and non-binary people, whose identities, rights and place in society are increasingly being questioned and debated.

Ian's story reminds us how much visibility can matter, particularly when speaking openly carries risks.

But coming out is always a personal choice. Nobody owes anyone an explanation of their identity, and nobody should feel pressured to come out before they're ready, or at all.

At Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard, we believe everyone deserves the freedom to be themselves, whether they're out, questioning or keeping their identity private.

You can read the full transcript of Ian McKellen's historic radio interview, and his own reflections on coming out, here:

https://mckellen.com/activism/activism_coming_out.htm (link in bio) by @lgbtswitchboard

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4 days ago

As World Mental Health Day comes to an end, we're sharing a reflection from Martin Sargeant, Chair of our Lived Experience Advisory Board for Gambling Harms.

Throughout today, we've explored how lived experience can help shape services and bring valuable understanding to the support we offer.

Martin brings another perspective.

In this video, he talks about the hope that can come from hearing someone else's story, even when that story is difficult or painful.

For Martin, hearing others speak openly about their experiences helped him recognise that change and healing were possible in his own life.

His reflections are a reminder that sharing our experiences isn't only about looking back at difficult times. Sometimes, it's what helps someone else imagine a different future.

We're grateful to Martin and everyone who chooses to share their experiences, helping others feel less alone. by @lgbtswitchboard

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5 days ago

For World Mental Health Day, we're sharing the words of Lejeanne Knott, a member of our Lived Experience Advisory Board for Gambling Harms.

"I think sometimes we underestimate the value of what we’ve lived through. Our experiences can give us an understanding that you simply can’t get from reading about something. Being able to share that, and knowing it can help someone else or influence change, can make something difficult feel meaningful."

Lejeanne's words remind us that lived experience brings something valuable to conversations about mental health and support.

It's not simply about sharing what happened. It's about recognising that personal experiences can help others feel understood and contribute to meaningful improvements in the services people rely on.

We're grateful to Lejeanne and everyone who contributes their time, experiences and perspectives to our work. by @lgbtswitchboard

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6 days ago

Today is World Mental Health Day, and this year's theme focuses on lived experience, real voices and real change.

At Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard, we believe that people who have experienced challenges first-hand should have a meaningful say in how support services are developed and delivered.

In this video, Ben Howard, our Operations, BOLD and Gambling Harms Manager, talks about why lived experience matters to him, both personally and professionally.

He also shares how we're putting this into practice through our Lived Experience Advisory Board for Gambling Harms and plans for a steering group within BOLD (Bereavement, Older People, Loneliness and Dementia).

Importantly, Ben raises a question for organisations working with lived experience: how do we make sure people are properly supported and safeguarded when sharing experiences that may be deeply personal?

It's a conversation worth having, not just today, but whenever we're designing services intended to support others. by @lgbtswitchboard

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6 days ago

An evening worth dressing up for. A cause worth coming together for.

Join us for Still Switched On at Palm Court, Brighton Palace Pier, with dinner, comedy and cabaret, headlined by Suzi Ruffell.

We're celebrating 50 years of Switchboard and raising funds for the support our LGBTQ+ communities need today, and in the years ahead.

Wednesday 25 November

We'd love you to celebrate with us.
https://bit.ly/2026-gala-single-tickets (link in bio) by @lgbtswitchboard

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6 days ago

📣 We’re recruiting.

We are hiring: Switchboard is looking for a Senior LGBTQ+ Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) to join our Domestic Abuse Service.

This is a senior role leading the day-to-day delivery of our specialist LGBTQ+ domestic abuse advocacy service. You’ll support and supervise the IDVA team, provide oversight on risk and safeguarding, and work directly with survivors experiencing high-risk or complex domestic abuse.

We’re looking for someone with strong domestic abuse advocacy experience, a good understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences of domestic abuse, and experience of supervision, safeguarding and multi-agency working.

📍 Brighton & Hove
🕓 Full-time
💼 £33,000-£35,000, depending on experience
📄 1-year fixed-term contract

Applications close Monday 12 October 2026 at 5pm.
Provisional interviews will take place week commencing 19 October.

We particularly encourage applications from Black and non-Black people of colour, who are currently under-represented in our team.

Read the full job pack and apply here:
https://www.switchboard.org.uk/jobs/ (link in bio)

To apply, send your CV and a cover letter of no more than two pages to:
ciara.murphy@switchboard.org.uk

Please share with anyone who might be a great fit. by @lgbtswitchboard

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7 days ago

At Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard, we believe football should be a place where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

That's why we share the values behind Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign, which encourages LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport, challenges discrimination and brings clubs, players and supporters together to make a difference.

From grassroots football to major stadiums, Rainbow Laces has helped start conversations about inclusion and the barriers LGBTQ+ people can still face in sport.

In this video, our Silvio shares his experience of taking part in the campaign at Brighton & Hove Albion's Amex Stadium, and why standing on that pitch was such a memorable moment.

Making football more inclusive takes more than a campaign. It takes people, clubs and communities continuing that work throughout the year.

Find out more about Stonewall's Rainbow Laces campaign:
www.stonewall.org.uk/get-involved/support-us/rainbow-laces (link in bio) by @lgbtswitchboard

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7 days ago