GM LGBTQ+ Community Network Newsletter
Friday, 1st March 2024As we now move into March, we say goodbye to LGBTQ+ History Month, however you can still Celebrate LGBTQ+ History all year round…
Celebrate LGBT+ The Proud Trust has produced a free downloadable pack for schools to celebrate LGBT+ History, including four engaging lesson plans developed by their expert Training and Education team.
The lesson plans are written with the National Curriculum in mind, with activities which can tie in to History, Relationships and Sex Education, Media Studies and English lessons
If you are passionate about supporting LGBT+ young people in your school, why not take this as your cue to sign up for the Rainbow Flag Award and commit to making your school a safe, supportive and inclusive space for all students?
Free Download: file:///Users/carlaustin-behan/Downloads/LGBT+%20History%20Month%202024.pdf
Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester:
https://www.canal-st.co.uk/canal-st-online-newsletter
Forever Manchester: For Funding & Fundraising
https://forevermanchester.com/
Fighting With Pride: Latest Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/def716bb7029/fighting-with-pride-february-2024-newsletter
BBC News 20th Feb 2024 – Veterans speak out on delays in reparations (youtube.com)
Consortium: For Stronger LGBT+ Communities
Latest Funding News: https://mailchi.mp/c136c3c81ce6/funding-news-jun23-9098389?e=4ef77ba796
GM Equality Alliance Bulletin, Issue 83, February 2024
https://www.gmcvo.org.uk/civicrm/mailing/view?reset=1&id=9846
Gender Intelligence: Help Young Trans People Today!
The Department for Education ‘Gender Questioning’ guidance is open to consultation until March 12th 2024.
They agree with some of the fundamental principles of the guidance, but believe it will hurt trans students and exclude them from toilets, sports, and physical activity.
You can help young trans people, teachers, and parents and carers by responding to the consultation. Responding to the consultation
They’ve prepared guidance to help you respond to the consultation.
It explains the Department for Education document and outlines their position as experts in looking after young trans people.
Your response will go to the Department for Education and will be considered when they decide what changes to make to the government guidance before a final draft is agreed.
The government guidance will be non-statutory – meaning it doesn’t change the law – but it is still likely to shape how young trans people are treated at school.
This is your chance to stand up for trans students, for their families, and for their teachers.
https://www.the-tlp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Consultation-response-guidelines.pdf
The Proud Trust has started the process of a legal challenge against the DfE guidance, on the basis that the consultation is not accessible to young people or to Disabled people. I know there are separate challenges going in from other angles, but this one is focused on the consultation process itself.
The press release went out yesterday morning and a statement has been posted on their socials. @TheProudTrust
If you have any questions about it, or if you spot it being talked about online anywhere, please get in touch with Molly Houghton (she/her) [email protected]
The main thing is to make sure people still take part in the consultation if they can – there’s no guarantee that their challenge will be successful and even if it is, it will only delay the guidance, not stop it entirely.
LGBT+ Manchester Walking Tours:
When: 3pm – Most Saturdays (Booking Essential)
Booking: Eventbrite or Email: [email protected]
Where: Alan Turing Memorial (Sackville Gardens)
How Much: £10pp (Pay on the day by cash or card)
Explore Manchester’s world-famous Gay Village with Josh’s LGBT+ Manchester Walking Tour!
It’s a journey through iconic monuments, touching memorials, secret street art and legendary pubs to tell the story of how Manchester got so Queer.
They will share stories of Manchester’s LGBT+ heroes of both the past and the present – from underground Victorian drag balls to the Manc activists who acted up and used parties as protest.
Josh has an MA degree specialising in Manchester’s LGBT+ history and continues to work with LGBT+ oral histories; at the end of each tour, he offers his list of insider recommendations.
It’s also a great chance to connect with like-minded people from around the world and make new friends whilst we take in Manchester’s queer heart and history.
The tour is a blend of history, heritage, culture and fun, perfect both of international visitors as well as locals to the city who are seeking an unforgettable adventure.
Josh
Free Manchester Walking Tours
Call or WhatsApp: +44 7478 277 293
Click HERE to read their most frequently asked questions.
Twitter: FreeTours_MCR
Instagram: FreeTours_MCR
Facebook: /FreeManchesterWalkingTours
Booking is not required for their 11am. If you do wish to book please only use the official Eventbrite.
Did you know?
They offer private tours, as well as specialised LGBT+ tours, Northern Quarter tours, and Radical Politics walking tours. Get in touch!
The National LGBT Partnership: Carers at Work, Thursday 7th March 11.30am – 1pm ) (online)
Lived experience of juggling caring demands with work
MindOut are hosting an event for LBT+ Women’s Health Week 2024, come and join them!
LBT+ women in the sector still seem to juggle traditional caring responsibilities within the home (carer for children, elderly parents) and hold down a job in the sector. We would like to further explore our experience of juggling these demands and impact on LBT+ mental health and get an idea of needs. This will be a supportive space for sharing.
If you have any questions about this event, please email [email protected]
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/809003771057?aff=oddtdtcreator
The Proud Trust:
Fusion is a youth group for LGBT+ young people who are part of the Global Majority aged 13-19, developed and delivered by The Proud Trust to provide a supportive space to meet other local LGBT+ young people who are part of the Global Majority, explore a wide range of activities, and be proud of who you are.
Wednesday evenings.
Click here to refer yourself or a young person to this group.
Brolly Squad is a youth group for LGBT+ young people whose identity falls under the trans and non-binary umbrella, and those exploring their gender. It is developed and delivered by The Proud Trust for young people aged 13-19 who live or spend time in Greater Manchester.
Weekly on Tuesday evenings 5-7pm In Manchester.
Click here to refer yourself or a young person to this group.
Proud Young Adults is a safe and supportive space for LGBT+ young adults aged 18-25, developed and delivered by The Proud Trust to provide a safe space to socialize, develop new skills, and support your transition into the wider community as a proud young adult.
Weekly on Saturday evenings.
Click here to refer yourself or a young person to this group.
The Big Gay Pub Quiz
Date: Friday the 15th of March
Time: 6pm start, usually lasts an hour
Location: Bailiff Bar, King Street West, Wigan WN1 1NG
Description: Come to The Big Gay Pub Quiz for a fabulous night of fun and test your knowledge of LGBTQ+ trivia!
If you love pub quizzes and queer trivia, you’ll love The Big Gay Pub Quiz! Questions focus on topics such as pop culture, history, and general knowledge. Show off how much you know about the LGBTQ+ community and you might just win a homemade cupcake or a bag of vegan sweets! @thebiggaypubquiz
Northern Cocks LGBTQ+ Badminton Club invites all NHS, Firefighters, Police Officers and staff to a FREE introductory session of badminton.
The club is a social club, catering for all abilities, so everyone is welcome, even if you’ve never played badminton before.
When: Thursday 21st March 2023
Location: Manchester Velodrome, Stuart Street, M11 4DQ
Time: 6pm-8pm
For more information, contact their social media or WhatsApp Pete on 07467599041
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
It’s run by Matt Haworth & Claire Ebrey.
A Conversation with Stevie Spring (in-person)
They will talk to Stevie Spring, whose incredible career includes Chairing the British Council and sitting on the board of the Co-op. Kindly sponsored by Mills and Reeve.
When: 27 March 2024
Details and registration are here
Trans Family Fun Day
Date: Sunday 31st March
Location: Fairfield Social Club, 6 Irk Street, Manchester, M4 4JT
Time: 12.00pm – 6.00pm
Celebrate Trans Day of Visibility and fundraise for the Family & Youth Zone at Sparkle Weekend 2024! Open to trans, non-binary and gender diverse folks, and their friends, partners, families and allies. All ages welcome – there’s something for everybody! Please book your free ticket using the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/trans-family-fun-day-tickets-842903967457
As part of this Fundraiser, they will be holding a prize draw. Please email [email protected] if you would like to donate a prize!
It’s A Piece Of Cake 10K – Manchester Frontrunners’ Annual 10K Race
Running and cake? What could be better? Proudly hosted by Manchester Frontrunners, the It’s a Piece of Cake 10K returns on Saturday 4th May 2024, and they’d love to see you there! Join them for a chip-timed 10 km road race in one of Manchester’s largest and loveliest parks, followed by a delectable array of delights from their legendary cake sale in aid of George House Trust. Learn more over on the Manchester Frontrunners website, or enter directly here.
Cowgills North West Homebuilder Awards, which is the first of its kind in the UK – providing one of the ONLY opportunities for SME homebuilders to win an award and celebrate the fantastic work they are doing.
Previous winners have included Northstone, Genesis Homes, Placefirst, Rowlinson Homes to name a few. Winning an award gives you a fantastic promotional opportunity and a chance to demonstrate to the market that you are the best at what you do!
All categories are free to enter. There are a range of categories suitable for all including:
- Larger Housing Scheme of the Year
- Smaller Housing Scheme of the Year
- Larger Apartment Scheme of the Year
- Smaller Apartment Scheme of the Year
- Conversion of the Year
- Supported Living/Senior Living Project of the Year
- Placemaking Project of the Year
- Community Impact of the Year
- Rising Star
A link to the website where you can apply direct is HERE, nominations close on Friday 29th March. If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to contact Claire Hextall at Cowgills [email protected]
RHS Bridgewater: Beginner Buddies Cube Project
Plant Survivors: a joyous journey for beginners.
This is a chance to get involved in a project over 6 –7 weeks on the run up to the Urban Show (18th–21st April 2024).
Everything is free to access, all materials provided and workshops organised by RHS Bridgewater. They would be looking to do around 3 workshops before the show to come up with a design for an installation, learn how to look after the plants they provide and create some aspects of the installation nearer the time of opening. Then you will be able to get involved with the show itself as much as you want to in terms of putting together the installation (this means free access to the show when open)
Times, dates and locations of workshops to be decided soon.
They are eager to work with some groups based in Manchester, especially those with a connection to the LGBTQIA+ community/individuals.
If interested, please email [email protected] or coordinate this through your group/organisations main contact with Andrew
For more info on the Urban Show itself see https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-urban-show
LGBTQ+ Entrepreneurship Report
Are you an LGBTQ+ entrepreneur or business owner? If so, please take a few minutes to complete this online survey and contribute to a first of its kind report to be published in June.
This report will highlight the enormous contributions businesses like yours make, as well as the unique challenges they may face. They are hoping to reach as many people as possible so if you are able, please share this survey with your friends, colleagues, and family.
Survey link: https://lgbtqbusinessescount.forms.app/survey2
Out With Prostate Cancer: Real Conversation For A Change
Their Group offers mutual support, shared experience and practical information to those who face the many challenges that come with a diagnosis of prostate cancer (they do not offer medical advice on individual cases and suggest you contact your GP, Prostate Can-cer UK or Macmillan Cancer Care). The Group is directed primarily at gay and bisexual men and trans-women, including those who are:
- frightened by what is happening to them
- apprehensive about treatment and want to see how others have coped
- coping well and don’t need support — but come along to support others
- happily in remission and attend the group to show others it can get better
Through the sharing of experiences, down-to-earth anecdotal advice and the provision of an open forum, the group aims to assist members to reduce feelings of isolation and to gain perspective.
Monthly hybrid meetings: Central Manchester and Zoom – Supported by LGBT Foundation / Prostate Cancer UK / Tackle Prostate Cancer
Email: [email protected]
www.outwithprostatecancer.org.uk
Tel: 07944 886043
The Rainbow Lottery is the UK’s first weekly lottery that raises money for the LGBTQ+ community. Their hope is to make a difference to our over 100 good causes across the country, so they can carry on their vital work – which helps us all.
For more info: www.rainbowlottery.co.uk To start supporting causes in OUR community purchase your ticket here:
https://www.rainbowlottery.co.uk/referral/1754044334/1961609853
Surveys / Research / Questionnaires:
How safe do you feel in Manchester? We want to hear from you!
Manchester City Council is working with Forever Consulting to evaluate how safe people feel in Manchester. Your views will help the Council better understand how to improve safety for everyone in Manchester.
The survey will only take 5 minutes, and your responses are anonymous. You won’t be asked your name, so please be honest!
Please follow this link to take part in the survey.
The survey will be open until the 24th March 2024 – your support is greatly appreciated!
Let’s End Hate Crime
Greater Manchester is a place where everyone should feel safe to be themselves. No one should face violence, abuse or hatred just because of who they are, who they love, where they’re from, what they look like or what they believe. Hate incidents and hate crime will not be tolerated in Greater Manchester.
There is a lot of great work taking place to tackle hate crime in each area of Greater Manchester but we think we can be more effective if we work together. Which is why we developed our first Greater Manchester Hate Crime Plan in 2019 to prevent and tackle hate crime.
The current Plan looks at:
- How we raise awareness
- Improve support for victims
- Increase the confidence to report
- How we can prevent hate crime from occurring
We are now refreshing this plan for 2024 onwards and want your input to shape the future priorities and focus.
Why your views matter
If you’ve been a victim or witness of hate, we want to hear about your experiences, whether you reported it or not. Sharing your experiences and suggestions will help us to get a better understanding of what is working and what can be improved.
Please do not use this survey to report a crime. If you wish to report a crime, in an emergency please call 999, and in other situations call 101.
If you’ve been a victim or witness of hate crime, you can find out how to report it, access support and more information on letsendhatecrime.com or call 0161 200 1950.
Give us your views:
Please can I ask you to complete this and share with your networks so we can capture as much feedback as possible. Especially if you’ve ever witnessed or been a victim of a hate incident or hate crime in Greater Manchester in the past 5 years (since the first hate crime plan was consulted on in 2019).
https://www.gmconsult.org/police-and-crime-team/hate-crime-plan-refresh-2024/
Here’s a link to the 2024 Hate Crime Awareness Week Video:
Lesbian and Gay Older Adults Experiences of Living with Bipolar Disorder
This research project aims to investigate lesbian and gay older adults’ experiences of living with bipolar disorder. They will be interviewing individuals about their experiences.
If you are:
Aged 50 years old or above. AND…
Identify as being cisgender and lesbian or gay. AND…
Have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
Email: [email protected] or call 07971 331 537 to find out
more information about participating in the study.
Ethical Approval: 2023-17468-32060
Job Vacancies:
Galop, The UK’s LGBT+ Anti-Abuse Charity
National LGBT+ Children and Young People’s Advocate
Remote
Full time
Fixed Term Contract
You will work directly with LGBT+ children and young people who have faced abuse or violence, offering them a space to talk and think through options, helping them plan what they want to do, and offering assistance in getting what they need from services. Your work will focus on needs specifically related experiences of abuse or violence, including issues such as wellbeing, support with the criminal and civil justice process, safety and access to other services to enable survivors to cope and recover. You will be empathetic and thoughtful in your approach to understanding your clients’ needs, while remaining boundaried and mindful of self-care.
National LGBT+ Children and Young People’s Advocate job – Remote – Galop (livevacancies.co.uk)
Happy Valley Pride:
Do you want to help to deliver our annual Youth Engagement Programme, working across 18 schools and youth groups in Calderdale to deliver dynamic, inspirational and empowering lessons around LGBTQIA+ identity to over 3,000 children and 50 teachers? If so, head over here”
Manchester Pride
Corporate Partnerships Manager
Full time
This is an exciting new opportunity to join our passionate and dedicated team. The Corporate Partnerships Manager role will be instrumental to diversifying Manchester Pride income sources to ensure the charity can meet the needs of our communities by delivering far reaching and impactful projects that further develop LGBTQ+ equality.
This is an incredibly rewarding role which plays a key part in supporting the modern Pride movement in Greater Manchester and beyond. This role will focus on strategic and transformative partnerships for the whole charity, helping us achieve our strategic goals, adding value to businesses and society through our partnerships, including raising public awareness, reaching new audiences and ultimately furthering LGBTQ+ equality.
They are taking positive action to encourage applications from people of colour (PoC) and other racially minoritised communities, trans and non-binary people and people with disabilities to improve the representation from these communities in our team.
To kick things off, please download the job pack via the button below. you will then need to submit your cover letter and CV by clicking the submission button at the bottom of this page. The deadline for applications is 3rd March 2024.
https://www.manchesterpride.com/jobs
https://www.manchesterpride.com/download/2024_Corporate_Partnerships_Manager_Job_Pack.pdf
Save The Date: Greater Manchester Pride Events for 2024
Pride in Trafford Wednesday 15th – Saturday 18th May
Pride Bolton Friday 24th – Sunday 26th May
Pride on The Range Saturday 25h May
Bury Saturday 1st June
Stockport Pride Sunday 2nd June
Tameside Saturday 15th June
Salford Pink Picnic Saturday 22nd June
Pride in Nature with RHS Bridgewater Sunday 30th June
Sparkle Weekend Friday 12th – Sunday 14th July
Oldham Pride Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st July
Happy Valley Pride / Hebden Bridge Monday 22nd– Sunday 28th July
Trans Pride Manchester Saturday 3rd August
Levenshulme Pride Friday 9th – Sunday 11th August
Prestwich Pride Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th August
Wigan Pride Saturday 10th August
Rochdale in Rainbows Saturday 17th August
Manchester Pride Friday 23rd – Monday 26th August
Didsbury Pride Saturday 31st August
Ramsbottom Pride Saturday 21st September
Bury Rainbow Train Sunday 29th September
Chorlton Pride Date to be confirmed