News
We were deeply saddened at Ourstory recently when we heard of the loss of two of Brighton's characters. Hugely different but remarkable men, they both died in November 2011.
Peter Burton
A writer and publisher who championed gay literature for over 35 years, he was a Brighton resident since the 1970s. Described by some as "the Godfather of gay journalism" he was also affectionately known as Dame Peggy.
He wrote for Spartacus and Gay News, was the literary and features editor of Gay Times for 20 years, and was the founding publisher of Millivres Books.
He died aged 66 and his good friend Rose Collis wrote his obituary in The Independent. (picture by Mark Vessey)
Drako Oho Zahar Zahar
He danced at the Moulin Rouge and the London Palladium, modelled for surrealist artist Salvador Dali's painting 'Crucifixion of Christ', and starred in films by Andy Warhol and Derek Jarman.
With his facial tattoos, piercings and Daliesque moustache he became a very recognisable Brighton eccentric. His memory had become severly damaged and filmmaker Toby Amies was working with him up until his death.
You can see some of Toby's short films at www.themanwhosemindexploded.com. (picture by Toby Amies)
Spotted Dog
On a contrasting note to the sad news we wanted to welcome the return of The Spotted Dog to Brighton.
Not that the pub has been physically moved, more a shift in attitude. It was one of Brighton's most famous gay pubs, or should that be 'infamous homosexual haunt' as we are talking about the 1950s and 60s when it was all illegal.
However, in 1981, ex-policeman and landlord Norman Riches told Gay News "There has been a complete change of policy and we no longer welcome gays at the Spotted Dog." In an effort to distance itself from its past, the pub was re-named and became The Hop Poles.
Despite such beginnings, The Hop Poles went on to establish itself as a friendly pub with great food and a witty menu. This may have had something to do with being under the gay ownership of Dominic McCartan & Tony Leonard.
Whatever its recent past, The Spotted Dog has actually been in Brighton since the 1790s. In 2011 The Hop Poles name was laid to rest and The Spotted Dog wagged its tail and returned to Middle Street.