GM LGBTQ+ Community Network Newsletter – 27/01/22
Monday, 30th January 2023LGBT Foundation – Sector Engagement Group Survey Deadline to submit Today.
LGBT Foundation is proud to be the management organisation for the Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Equality Panel. As part of this work, they are working with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to set up an LGBTQ+ organisations engagement group to better understand the needs of LGBTQ+ communities.
The Equality Panel is made up of individuals who use their lived experiences to help influence policy making in Greater Manchester. While this is a vital role, they recognise that there are also many LGBTQ+ groups who can bring community-led expertise to these conversations as well. This helps make sure that LGBTQ+ needs are being met by the GMCA.
With that goal in mind, they would like to invite you to respond to this initial survey to help them set up this group. https://form.jotform.com/223473541970357
If you have any questions, please email [email protected]
Please see link below, it provides a poster for The Proud Trust – Proud Connections
supporting young people who identify as LGBQT.
The Proud Trust FREE resources for LGBT+ history month is now available to download:
The pack can be found at https://www.theproudtrust.org/schools-and-training/secondary-resources/lgbt-history-month/
https://www.theproudtrust.org/
It’s been nearly five years since the UK Government first promised to ban so-called ‘conversion therapy’. Yet today, more than 1.5 million LGBTQ+ people in England and Wales remain at risk of these harmful attempts to ‘cure’ us.
That’s why Stonewall launched a new short film alongside 21 other LGBTQ+ organisations, based on the real experiences of conversion therapy survivors. https://mailchi.mp/stonewall/bct-film?e=78e7d82d93
I you have any events coming up especially for LGBT History Month in February, please send them over to me so I can promote them. I would love to do a big push on all types of sports clubs whether this is football, hockey, rollerblading, cycling, running, rugby etc… if you are part of any sports club – get in touch with all the details and I will actively promote you.
Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester:
https://www.canal-st.co.uk/canal-st-online-newsletter
LGBTQ+ Weekly Bulletin from Reach (Manchester Evening News)
https://e.reachplc.com/interface/external_view_email.php?RE6516714636486119zzzzz649f5ed962641fb55031b5e82de1747d57ebf291929652fcdf7168531a7d465d7a&varId=
Consortium LGBT+ Funding News:
https://mailchi.mp/f1cecb061b54/funding-news-may21-8049745?e=4ef77ba796
GM Equality Alliance Bulletin, Issue 57, January 2023
https://www.gmcvo.org.uk/civicrm/mailing/view?reset=1&id=9407
I Love Manchester – Events Not to Miss.
https://ilovemanchester.com/
LCR Pride Foundation – Newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/lcrpride.co.uk/happy-new-year-2023-from-lcr-pride-foundation-15881165?e=1da7a15a8b
The Greater Manchester Green Spaces Fund are looking for people from groups or organisations with experience of delivering environmental projects and supporting community activity for their grants assessment panel. Please see attached the application form.
https://gmenvfund.org/green-spaces-fund
Please find attached the publicity leaflet for this evenings Stockport Holocaust Memorial Day Gathering – 7pm
at the Central Library. They have a platform of fascinating speakers, including 92 yr old ‘escapee’ from Nazi Austria.
The Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Equality Panel is one of seven panels established by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to tackle inequality and injustice in the region. Its aim is to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people across the city region by championing LGBTQ+ inclusion, and ensuring that the interests of our diverse LGBTQ+ communities drive all aspects of running and planning for the future of Greater Manchester. The panel is made up of LGBTQ+ volunteers from across Greater Manchester, all of whom represent the rich diversity of the city-regions LGBTQ+ community. LGBT Foundation is proud to be facilitating the GMCA LGBTQ+ Equality Panel, re-establishing it on the ethos of community ownership and coproduction.
The Panel are passionate about being able to represent all LGBTQ+ communities across Greater Manchester and so have opened a new round of recruitment specifically calling for members of QTIPoC communities and people from Trafford, Tameside, Stockport and Wigan. For more information about the Panel and how to apply, please follow: https://lgbt.foundation/gm-lgbtq-equality-panel.
Save The Date for 2023: Greater Manchester Pride Events Taking Place
Bury Pride Sat 29th April
Pride in Trafford Wed 17th – Sat 20th May
Pride on the Range Sat 27th May
Salford Pink Picnic Sat 17th June
Rochdale in Rainbows Sat 24th June (Provisional Date)
Sparkle Fri 7th – Sun 9th July
Tameside Pride Sat 15th July
Oldham Pride Fri 21st – Sun 23rd July
Pride in Bolton Fri 28th – Sun 30th July
Stockport Pride Sun 30th July
Levenshulme Pride Fri 11th – Sun 13th Aug
Wigan Pride Sat 12th Aug
Prestwich Pride Sat 12th – Mon 14th Aug
Manchester Pride Fri 25th – Mon 28th Aug
Didsbury Pride Sat 2nd Sept
Chorlton Pride Date T.B.C
Pride in Wythenshawe Date T.B.C
Just outside Greater Manchester but only a short distance away:
Happy Valley Pride, (Hebden Bridge), will be held over the week from 24th July to 30th July 202
More GM Pride Events may be announced in the near future:
To keep up to date, Twitter: @GM_PrideNetwork
Standedge Pride Party 2023: Sunday 4th June, 1pm – 8pm (Call out for charities to exhibit for free)
A message from Luke Clark:
I’m Luke and I am the project leader for the Standedge Pride Party. Last year we launched our first event at the visitor centre and was overwhelmed with the response. The event was geared to ‘celebrate life and diversity by the water’, later on we realised just what we actually created. Many people responded asking us to continue putting on this event, some said they never expected an event like this in the place they lived. We created a safe space full of joy for the community and their allies to celebrate and be who they are. In total we received 1210 visitors across the 8 hours that the event ran for.
Our event was led by myself and the local team of staff and volunteers at Standedge Tunnel in Marsden, Huddersfield (as a national attraction, our reach extends across the north and we have visitors from areas such as Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester and beyond). Local LGBTQ+ Charities attended together with local merchants who sold Pride regalia. The event was hosted by Drag DJ Gypsy Darling who provided entertainment on our stage.
Alas! We come to why I am contacting yourself! This year we plan for the event to be bigger than ever! Our event is set for the Sunday 4th June between 1300 and 2000. We would love it if you can come along! LGBTQ+ charities, organisations and groups are entitled to exhibit for free at the event, you are more than welcome to bring your clients along also and join in the celebration! If you are interested, please feel free to email back or contact me on the number below and we can discuss the arrangements.
Address: Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre, Waters Road, Marsden, HD7 6NQ
Date and Time: Sunday 4th June 2023 between 1300 and 2000
Stall locations: Outdoors (Weather Permitting we can move this indoors)
Stall Type: 3X3M Space for a gazebo etc, provided by yourself
Access: good vehicular access for vehicles up to 7.5tonnes (sat navs can be a little buggy but we are easy to find)
Parking: Vehicles are to be left in our designated car park which is a 10 minute walk away, you can load/unload at the visitor centre, arrangements can be made for those with reduced mobility.
Luke Clark (He/They) Tel: 07787 105876 Email: [email protected]
LGBT Foundation – The Community Café
Every Saturday & Sunday in Jan & Feb, 10am – 1pm
Have a brew and a chat with other LGBTQ+ people at their sober space, located in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village
Fairbairn House, 2nd Floor, 72 Sackville Street, Manchester M1 3NJ
www.lgbt.foundation
LGBT+ Manchester Walking Tour
Most Saturdays throughout the year, Starting at 3pm from the Alan Turing Memorial in Sackville Gardens
£10pp
Explore murals and memorials, pubs and political hangouts to discover how Manchester’s Gay Village developed, and how Manchester came to be known internationally as a gay centre. To book, or for more info email [email protected] or visit www.fmwt.co.uk
Twitter: @FreeTours_MCR
Instagram: @FreeTours_MCR
Facebook: /FreeManchesterWalkingTours
Click HERE to read our most frequently asked questions.
A Tall Order – Rochdale Art Gallery in the 1980’s: Private Viewing – Friday 3rd February at 6pm.
Join them for the launch of A Tall Order! – Rochdale Art Gallery in the 1980s, an invigorating look at the artwork made and exhibited at Rochdale Art Gallery, led by Exhibition Officer Jill Morgan, during the 1980s by a generation of artists, many of
whom were women, young, working class and Black. Featuring key works from this time and demonstrating how this period of political and social change influenced many artists, the show brings together works from Rochdale’s own collection, loans from public and private collections from around the UK, and three new and exciting commissions by contemporary artists.
Generously supported by a grant from the Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art, and Arts Council England and Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery funding, A Tall Order! Is curated by independent research curators Dr Derek Horton and Dr Alice Correia.
Drinks from 6pm. Speeches from 7pm. RSVP to [email protected]
Dibby Theatre – Relaunch of First Dibs Programme
After almost a year of fund-raising and planning, Dibby re-launched a new, wider talent development programme First Dibs for LGBTQ+ creatives (writers, designers, makers, actors, directors, dancers…), producers and backstage crew in Greater Manchester. More details, sign up and more info: dibbytheatre.org/get-involved
SATURDAY 4 FEB First Dibs: Get Together @ HOMEMcr, 16:30 – 18:30
Their Get Together events will be a chance to meet other LGBTQ+ creatives, producers and backstage crew as well as take part in a relaxed chat focussing on talent development in the performing arts industry.
After each session they’ll always try and offer a social event (because all work and no play makes us sad).
For their first Get Together they’re offering 20 free tickets (on a first booked first serve basis by RSVP) to After The Tone Podcast Live (7:30pm) at HOME a live studio recording of the cult hit podcast by artist and prolific loudmouth Scottee.
They’ll also throw in some hot food (pizzas!) to sweeten the deal.
Who’s it for?
Early-stage career (or those looking to change career paths) LGBTQ+ creatives, producers and backstage crew based in Greater Manchester. Our opportunities are for age 18+ with no upper age limit.
What’s on the agenda?
In this first Get Together they want to present their plans for the future of First Dibs, their LGBTQ+ inclusive talent development programme. This includes mentorship sessions, shadowing opportunities, paid project placements and more. So if you’re on the hunt for opportunities, then this is for you.
Across this year, we also want to consult with the LGBTQ+ creative workforce about what is already going well in the city, and where the talent development opportunities are lacking for LGBTQ+ people. This is so they can be responsive and answerable to the needs of the community they serve and work with. They may offer some questions, provocations or activities to get us talking. So if you’ve got something to say, then this is for you.
They’re also hoping to have some representatives from other LGBTQ+ organisations in the room (subject to their availability) so you can meet and mingle! Sign up for the event at dibbytheatre.org/get-involved
If any orgs could share with their networks and contacts – be very appreciated – tweet: https://twitter.com/DibbyTheatre/status/1618598401033252864
Out with Prostate Cancer
Monthly Group Support Meeting
Out with Prostate Cancer are a group run by volunteers. Who offer support for members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies who are pre or post diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.
They meet once a month, on the first Saturday of the month, between 14:00 and 16:00. The next meeting is Saturday 4th February 2023. The meetings are a hybrid of face—2-face and Zoom.
Although they meet in Manchester, with the help of Zoom they do cover the rest of the country and abroad. Those wanting support in the South East can also contact METRO Walnut (https://metrocharity.org.uk/community/metro-walnut), who offer a similar service.
Please email [email protected] for further information, giving a brief background on yourself. They need to do this to try to ensure they don’t have anyone abusive attending.
Partners are also welcome to attend the meetings.
The group offer support and shared experiences on the journey with Prostate Cancer. They do not advise on medical matters or treatment.
Everyone who is 50 and over should be getting tested, especial those in the African and Afro Caribbean community. They have a 1 in 4 chance of getting Prostate Cancer, they are also reluctant to get checked.
The current figure for diagnosis is 1 person every 12 minutes, 1 person dies every 45 minutes. Those with a family history of Prostate Cancer should be checked earlier.
LGBTQ+ ONLINE DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP – Greater Manchester
A safe and friendly space to express yourselves and support each other:
Speak or listen in an LGBTQ+ safe space, Be anonymous if you prefer, Make friends / connections, Talk about issues that are important to you.
Guest speakers, Fun monthly quiz
First Tuesday of the month | 2PM – 3.30PM
Zoom meeting
Contact Kathryn Mellor –[email protected] for zoom details and further information
Join thier online peer support group for people living with or caring for someone with dementia, who identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer). They are there to provide you anonymity in a friendly and safe environment where you can share your experience or concerns with like-minded people.
Greater Manchester Hate Crime Awareness Week, FREE online hate crime webinar to take place:
Tuesday 7th February at 12pm – 1.15pm.
Please click here to register: https://tinyurl.com/2w79kx52
This thought-provoking webinar will introduce participants to the complexity of the Hate Crime agenda, how it can affect entire communities and how it can spread.
Please feel free to circulate this across your networks. This webinar is not exclusive to Greater Manchester and is open to all! https://tinyurl.com/2w79kx52
Queer Contact is back for 2023: From 4 – 18 Feb to celebrate LGBT History Month.
They can’t wait to celebrate queer culture with a line-up of the UK’s most extraordinary LGBTQ+ talent. Learn all about their flagship queer arts festival below and secure your tickets today!
https://contactmcr.com/news/queer-contact-2023/
HOUSE OF SUAREZ: THE DISCO BALL | 4 FEB 2023
House of Suarez’s DISCO BALL taking its legendary centre-stage spot. Get your dancing shoes on, and we’ll see you at the ball. Learn more here.
THE COCOA BUTTER CLUB | 9 FEB 2023
The Cocoa Butter Club are here to moisturise a dry and dusty performance scene by showcasing Queer performers of colour! Learn more here.
GALLIFREY CABARET | 10 FEB 2023
Jump aboard the queerest TARDIS in time and space for a night of cosmic drag and cabaret, all inspired by the greatest TV show in the universe – DOCTOR WHO. Learn more here.
THE BITTEN PEACH: PEACH CHUTNEY | 11 FEB 2023
Calling all gorgeous passengers to the Queer Contact lounge as we prepare to jet you off on an epic airline voyage! Your Sexy, Silly, Sassy & South Asian flight crew are ready to cater to your every need. Learn more here.
OUTSPOKEN |11 FEB 2023
Join some of the North West’s finest queer spoken word artists as Outspoken returns for a spellbinding evening of performance. Learn more here.
50 THINGS THAT SHAPED ME WITH FISAYO AKINADE | 12 FEB 2023
Join Fisayo Akinade as he shares 50 things that shaped him in conversation with Contact Artistic Director and CEO Keisha Thompson, as part of Contact’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. Learn more here.
GRANDMOTHER’S CLOSET | 16 FEB 2023
Join Luke Hereford (he/they) on a journey of queer self-discovery through the glamorous spirit of his Nan, all to the tune of Madonna, Kylie, Kate Bush and his favourite pop divas. Learn more here.
AN AUDIENCE WITH MILLY-LIU | 16 FEB 2023
The cat’s out of the bag and Milly-Liu is ready to spill the beans on all your favourite celebrity pussies. She’s worked with the best of them, and been to bed with the rest of them! Come join her (if you dare), but be warned, she’ll throw you around like a half-dead mouse. Learn more here.
LADY BUSHRA: ROBBED | 17 FEB 2023
Don’t miss the chance to see the hilarious and iconic drag comedian Lady Bushra as this ‘teenage’ starlet takes you on quite the unique journey! Hailed from the ‘exotic land of Bradford’ Bushra is your South Asian ‘Karen’ so get ready to hear her unique take on how everything is anybody’s fault but hers. Learn more here.
GINNY LEMON AND SISTER SISTER | 18 FEB 2023
Breakout stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 2 (and the two most despised queens), Ginny Lemon & Sister Sister are trying to bring you the most disappointing drag show you’ve ever seen! Learn more here.
LGBTQ+ and Allies Networking Event: 9th Feb 2023, 5.30pm – 8pm
LGBTQ+ pro-manchester’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee is delighted to invite you to our inaugural LGBTQ+ and Allies Networking event on Thursday 9th February 2023. This is an opportunity to socialise with others in the pro-manchester network on a relaxed and informal basis.
Complimentary welcome drinks will be served from around 5:30-6pm followed by canapes / finger food.
The event is kindly hosted and sponsored by the Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel
LOCATION: Manchester Marriott Victoria & Albert Hotel, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ
COST: £20 non-members / FREE for pro-manchester members
If you’re interested in attending, you can book online here.
For any further enquires about this event, contact [email protected]
Pride in Leadership is a UK-wide network of over 1,000 LGBTQ+ business leaders and allies from across all sectors, shapes and sizes of organisation – www.prideinleadership.co.uk
Workshop: Make Your Queer Voice Heard at Work (Manchester) – Pride In Leadership
Events coming up for LGBT History Month Feb 2023
Part of LGBTQ+ History month (Stockport Housing Group Proud Network and Forward are hosting a professionals EDI gathering on 17th Feb 2023, 6pm – 8pm
Anyone within the EDI sector can go along, network and hopefully get some joint projects rolled out across GM, they want as many people as possible, so network groups, professionals, people interested in the world of EDI.
Stockport Housing Group, Cornerstone, 2 Edward Steet, Stockport SK1 3NO
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/edi-networking-event-tickets-505990650657?aff=erelpanelorg
Calling all LGBTQ+ Networks and Allies across the UK!
Inclusive Companies are proud to invite you and your colleagues to their first in person event of this year!
Event: ‘The Power of LGBTQ+ Networks’ in partnership with TalkTalk.
Location: TalkTalk, Soapworks, Ordsall Lane, Salford, M5 3TT
Date: Tuesday 28th February
Time: 17.30 – 19.30
Registration: CLICK HERE
Networking is such a powerful marketing tool to accelerate and maintain success for any individual or organisation. It’s key to making connections and provides the most productive, most proficient and most enduring tactic to building mutually beneficial relationships.
There are thousands of employee, inter-sector, professional and social network groups all over the UK doing great things. But what is it that makes LGBTQ+ Networks so important? Inclusive Companies recently published findings from this year’s Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers Survey which revealed that 93.10% of employers had a dedicated LGBT+ Employee Resource Group (ERG), remaining the most popular type of ERG amongst participants since 2017.
As they look to continue the momentum following LGBT History Month, ‘The Power of LGBTQ+ Networks’ will connect LGBTQ+ Networks, leaders, and ally’s as well as explore innovative ways in which they have grown and formalized and why they have had such an impact.
Featuring inspirational guest speakers, a panel session and of course the chance to network over drinks and nibbles, this informal event will provide an unprecedented opportunity to collaborate and share ideas with LGBTQ+ network leaders and participants from across the northwest and nationwide.
Complimentary tickets to attend this event – Whether you identify as LGBTQ+, are a member of a network, an ally, or simply want to go along and learn more, I encourage you to join them! Be sure to secure your place by selecting the following tab. https://www.inclusivecompanies.co.uk/event/the-power-of-lgbt-networks/
LGBT tae kwon do.
A self-defence and fitness martial arts UTO class, open to all.
Every Thursday. 6pm.
Central hall, Oldham Street (central Manchester, opposite Afflecks palace)
Class lasts one hour.
First class free, then £5 / £3 class (pay as you go).
Just wear loose clothing in which you can exercise.
Any experience or fitness level very welcome.
Any questions about the class, Dominic is happy to answer them before you go along!
The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester has opened the nomination process for the Young Citizen of the Year Award. The award celebrates kindness, thoughtfulness, bravery or actions that have made a difference to our communities.
Please fine attached the flyer promoting it for your information and to circulate to any of your contacts who work with/amongst young people. Anyone can make a nomination of a young person (11-18yrs) who acts selflessly within their local community.
This link takes you straight to the nomination form https://forms.office.com/e/UEgviSCYZz
The closing date is 14th February.
The 5th Maggie’s Costume Ball will be returning to the fabulous 5* Lowry Hotel on Saturday 25th March 2023.
Tickets are £99 and include a drinks reception, delicious three-course meal, fabulous entertainment, an exciting auction, and lots of dancing to end the night.
Details of how you can reserve your place are included on the flyer attached. Please help spread the word by sharing with your friends and family.
Information about where costumes can be hired will be sent to guests. You are also welcomed to attend the ball in your own period or glamorous outfits.
Job Vacancies:
LGBT Foundation:
Find out about the latest job vacancies with the LGBT Foundation:
https://lgbt.foundation/jobs
Culture Coop (CPP Rochdale) / Your Trust:
Creative Engagement Manager
The role will play a key role in the successful delivery of the Arts Council funded Creative People and Places programme across Rochdale Borough.
For more information, please see the following:
Creative Engagement Manager — Your Trust – Arts Marketing Association (a-m-a.co.uk)
Rochdale and District Mind currently have several vacancies and Trustee opportunities:
* Mental Health Peer Support Worker
* Independent Mental Health Advocate
* Chairperson – Board Of Trustees
* Trustee – Board Member
Full details, including job descriptions and person specifications, can be found on the Job Vacancies section of our website.
These positions are all open until filled and interested candidates should email a CV in the first instance to: [email protected].
Volunteering Opportunities:
LGBT Foundation are looking for more people to support with the Village Angels Programme, The team are out around the Village every weekend from 9pm – 3am making sure that everyone in our community stays safe; providing everything from First Aid, to Mental Health support, or just a little bit of help getting home. If you’re passionate about helping people, and think you can be a friendly face on a night, then sign up here
GM – LGBTQ+ Equality Panel:
Are you a Greater Manchester resident with ideas on how we can improve equality for all LGBTQ+ people across the city-region? If so, the GM LGBTQ+ Equality Panel need you! Established to tackle LGBTQ+ injustice, the Panel are a group of passionate and innovative volunteers working with the GMCA and LGBT Foundation to find creative solutions to inequality. In this round of recruitment, we’re specifically calling for volunteers from QTIPoC communities and people from the boroughs of Trafford, Tameside, Stockport and Wigan. For more information about the Panel and how to apply, please follow: https://lgbt.foundation/gm-lgbtq-equality-panel
Canal St VIP Card:
Recently, several of their card holders expressed surprise about the savings available at their growing list of non-hospitality businesses and so they are kicking off 2023 with a reminder about the savings at retailers for Art, furniture, footwear, literature, specialist online services, photography, doggie goodies and so many more.
They also offer a number of more specialised services in their professional listing.
Take a moment to remind yourself of what/where you will benefit. CLICK HERE
This is also a good opportunity to check your card status, as you may need/wish to renew for 2023.
If you do, before 31st Jan 2023 they will include a digital card FREE OF CHARGE for your nominated friend or loved one.
This excludes monthly subscriptions.
They will email you to get the details of your plus 1 and set up directly.
All they now need to do is wish you all the best for the year ahead from all the team at Canal St Media
* They are delighted to confirm that they have made their third donation to George House Trust in 2022, directly from increased sales of the card and phone covers. Need to buy or renew your card? To buy card and phone together
Gay Pride Shop & The LGBTQ+ Book Shop
The UK’s largest LGBTQ+ store in located in Afflecks in Manchester city centre and online at www.gayprideshop.co.uk. Over 7000 items in stock, with their profits shared with Manchester charities. They also cater for large corporate orders, for items such as lanyards, flags and badges, with corporate discounts available. For corporate/business orders, please contact [email protected]
If you feel that you no longer wish to receive these emails, PLEASE let me know, I would hate to think I am bombarding you with information that you don’t require and it is just blocking up your inbox. (I won’t be offended).
Remember, if you have events or information you wish to share across Greater Manchester then feel free to send that over to me to be included, I send this email out to over 2000 contacts which in turn gets sent out through their networks: [email protected]