GM LGBTQ+ Community Network Newsletter
Friday, 19th April 2024Good Morning,
Stonewall – Update on Cass Report:
Stonewall firmly believes that children and young people who identify as trans, must have access to the care and support they need, when they need it.
Last week the issue of healthcare for trans children and young people was in the media spotlight following the publication of the Cass Review. This near 400-page report, four years in the making, was commissioned by NHS England to inform how it can improve its gender identity services to better meet the needs of trans children and young people. Its findings and recommendations will set the agenda for discussions about the future of trans youth healthcare in the UK for years to come.
https://mailchi.mp/stonewall/update-on-cass-review?e=78e7d82d93
To read the full Cass Review (all 388 pages…), it is available here: https://cass.independent-review.uk/home/publications/final-report/
It Takes A Village – This Weekend, Manchester’s Gay Village
Fundraising collaboration between LGBT Foundation and George House Trust 17th – 21st of April.
All of your favourite village venues are coming together to fundraise and celebrate the vital work both charities do.
There will be events on every single night. Both charities will be setting up camp in Sackville Gardens over the weekend, they will be hosting activities, Games and Crafts. For more information check out their social pages on Facebook https://facebook.com/events/s/it-takes-a-village/3781493475403999/
Lesbian Visibility Week – Monday 22nd – Sunday 28th April #LVW24
Celebrating the power of sisterhood by uplifting incredible LGBTQIA women and non-binary people from every generation, in every field and in every country around the world. One community, so many brilliant individuals.
This year DIVA is working in partnership with EL*C (Euro Central Asian Lesbian Committee), ILGA World, GLAAD, Curve and LGBT Foundation to make Lesbian Visibility Week a truly international stage where iconic LGBTQIA women and non-binary people can all take a moment in the spotlight to be recognised for the work they do and the joy they bring.
https://www.lesbianvisibilityweek.com/
Held on April 26 every year, Lesbian Visibility Day showcases women-loving-women, providing a platform for lesbian role models to speak out on the issues facing female sexual minorities. This is a day to celebrate and bring visibility to a section of the LGBTQ+ community and a chance to share stories and experiences from lesbians across the world.
Rainbow & Co: Celebrating & Supporting the Queer Community
In honour of Lesbian Visibility Week later this month (22nd – 28th April), they’ve put together a special offer for you lovely lot. It’s their way of showing support and appreciation for the lesbian community.
Spend £20 or more on any products in their Lesbian Collection and get £6 off a tote bag of your choice.
All you need to do is add the tote you want to your basket and the discount will be applied automatically.
This offer is only available throughout April 2024, so don’t wait!
Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester:
https://www.canal-st.co.uk/canal-st-online-newsletter
Proud 2B Parents: April Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/5b59092543b3/march-2024-monthly-email-16091582?e=c3332628fc
Forever Manchester April Newsletter: For Funding & Fundraising
https://email-forevermanchester.com/cr/AQij0w4Q_65oGLC26zahR0nXbCmhzTRwaOwdUQ4PIMZo1oLX9cxSECQTJUj91Q
Consortium: For Stronger LGBT+ Communities
Sector News: https://mailchi.mp/df6c4ff7c27f/jan24-9104441?e=4ef77ba796
GM Equality Alliance Bulletin, Issue 86, April 2024
https://www.gmcvo.org.uk/civicrm/mailing/view?reset=1&id=9890
Latest news and updates from GMCA, GMFRS and Mayor of Greater Manchester:
https://mailchi.mp/greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/latest-news-and-updates-from-gmca-gmfrs-and-mayor-of-greater-manchester-460658?e=45fac8e26f
Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People:
You are welcome to join a new online meeting:
Saturday 27 April, 10.30am to 12noon Disabled parents’ online chat – For Disabled parents and prospective parents aged 18 and over.
Book via the direct links above, or from our events page: https://gmcdp.com/events
Chemsex:
You are invited to get involved with a safe online space for chemsafe conversations. It’s a brand new discussion board! Please take a look at the forum and leave your thoughts in the comment’s boxes. Your input will help them get this feature off the ground, and deliver a supportive, interactive online space for anybody involved with chemsex.
https://shoutout.wix.com/so/0bOxXzy13?languageTag=en&cid=c43f6f94-8c51-41e1-83ef-b11f8c7d83ef
The Proud Place, Manchester’s LGBT+ Centre which is cared for by The Proud Trust, now has its own Instagram account, so you can keep up to date with everything happening at the centre. The Proud Place is a sober community space for all of us, with a focus on accessibility and exists to serve Manchester’s LGBT+ community. If you would like to hire any of our spaces or put on any events, please get in touch with them: http://www.theproudtrust.org/
In the meantime…how about helping name their mascot?
https://www.instagram.com/the_proud_place/
Bury Pride Walking Rainbow Parade: Free Samba Sessions with Bloco Ashe
Bloco Ashe Bury Community Samba Band will be leading the Bury Pride Walking Rainbow Parade this year and they would like to extend an offer to the LGBTQI+ Community.
They would love for any individuals who would like to drum / dance during the parade, to join them in rehearsals.
They are looking for new members and are offering FREE sessions to the LGBTQI+ Community leading up to Bury Pride on Saturday 1st June 2023.
They are also looking for lively Samba dancers to be involved!
They meet on Saturday’s 11am – 1pm at
St Francis House, All Saints church, Hebburn Drive, Bury, BL8 1ED
If interested email: [email protected] quoting the Pride offer.
42nd Street Trans Prom: Movement and Digital Workshop: Night People X *Radiance*
When -Thursday 25th April 5-7pm
Where – Royal Exchange Theatre
What – Get prepped for the big event with some self-expression, movement & even feature in an exclusive film to be shown on prom night!
Workshop to explore movement & groove with Motion Capture Technology, led by Night People Directors, Daisy Howell & Aaron Howell. The workshop will encourage participants to create together, shaping digital & physical worlds through music, visuals & dance floor antics.
Who – 16-25 year olds who identify as trans and/or non-binary and whose identity falls under the trans and non-binary umbrella, inclusive of those who are exploring and/or questioning their gender identity.
How – Contact [email protected] to request a link to book a (free) ticket. Please also contact this email address with any questions.
*Radiance* – A 42nd Street Prom
When – Saturday 4th May 2024 – evening
Where – Contact Theatre
What – A FREE evening of trans joy, expression, and celebration hosted by 42nd Street with some exciting guests, goodies and friends!
Who – 16-25 year olds who identify as trans and/or non-binary and whose identity falls under the trans and non-binary umbrella, inclusive of those who are exploring and/or questioning their gender identity.
How – If you (or a young person you support) would like to attend – please contact [email protected] to request a link to book a (free) ticket. Please also contact this email address with any questions.
Kids of Colour and Colours Youth Network
Help shape MCR Youth Pride
Free, 1st and 8th May, 5pm-7pm in Manchester
Join them for an evening of food, discussion and games – where you can share with them your thoughts about this year’s youth pride programme and meet other young people too.
Register or just turn up: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/help-shape-mcr-youth-pride-tickets-876036648197?aff=oddtdtcreator
Can’t make it? Complete the online survey to have your voice: https://form.jotform.com/240783939555370
In Person Youth Worker Gathering: Development Day by Colours Youth Network
Free, refreshments and lunch included 11th June 11am-5pm in Birmingham.
Their final youth worker gathering on the theme of Sustainability. Join them and reflect on youth work practice from radical, queer and POC lenses, with a focus on creativity, self-care and wellbeing.
Pride in Trafford
Returns to unite communities and celebrate queer arts and creativity
Wed 15th to Sat 18th May 2024
Trafford is delighted to announce its annual exploration and celebration of LGBTQ+ arts in and around its leading arts venue, Waterside in Sale.
New for 2024, Pride in Trafford will unite the people with a very special Block Party Weekender.
Pride in Trafford is specially curated with range of performances, events and moments of reflection to represent, showcase and celebrate LGBTQ+ life and experiences.
The official festival launch for Pride in Trafford on Waterside Plaza on Wednesday 15th May, will again mark The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia*. The Chief Executive of Trafford Council will officially declare the opening of Pride in Trafford 2024, by raising the Pride flag, alongside local school children who will perform songs to unify and celebrate diversity.
For more details about Pride in Trafford: www.prideintrafford.org
The Proud Place Collaboration Manchester Queer Art Market
Thursday 27th June between 6-9pm!!
Get yourself along to find over 35 different queer artists, makers and creatives, all selling their amazing and unique work. There will be a range of styles, mediums and products, guaranteeing something for everyone!
Take a look at their Instagram @mcrqueerartmarket to find out more about them and for who might be trading with them.
Applying for a stall:
If you are interested in applying for a stall, applications are advertised via their Instagram @mcrqueerartmarket where you can find all of the relevant information.
Volunteering for the event:
If you are interested in volunteering at this event, please head to @mcrqueerartmarket to find more information and apply.
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.
RHS Garden Bridgewater Sunday 5th May – LGBTQIA+ Groups growing session (13.00 – 16.00)
Have fun learning to grow some garden plants from seed and get advice on planning any growing this year, see RHS Garden Bridgewater and take away with you some seeds for home. Declare your interest soon – if there are not enough sign ups by Sunday 22nd April then the workshop may have to be cancelled.
For both sessions, please email [email protected] to reserve a place. All free, not cost to access the workshops and all materials provided. Limited places available. Also don’t forget to get in touch if you are interested in learning more about Pride in Nature this year as a visitor and/or if you want to be actively involved in the day. For anything Pride in Nature related please email [email protected]
RHS Garden Bridgewater (Occupation Rd, Worsley, Manchester M28 2LJ)
Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust LGBTQ+ Staff Network are hosting their 3rd annual Eurovision Viewing Party on Saturday 11th May in partnership with Events by Velvet. They would like to extend the invite to you, a bargain price of £10 per person which includes a DJ, Eurovision Games and the main event itself. More information below, which includes a sign-up form and how to purchase your ticket.
Eurovision is back!
Plus, if you haven’t been living under a rock you will have seen the amazing news that Olly Alexander will be representing the United Kingdom on Saturday 11th May.
Our Eurovision Viewing Parties have been a huge success, and we are absolutely thrilled to be able to bring you an even bigger and more exciting event for 2024 thanks to our partnership with Events by Velvet.
– Bigger Venue
– Warm Up DJ
– Bigger Screen
– We will of course have the usual activities including Eurovision Bingo, Scorecard & Nibbles
– Entry includes pizza at the interval.
This event is open to all MFT colleagues, community partners and their friends.
To sign up complete the following form and you will be sent more details and your unique ticket link: https://forms.office.com/e/S3t7HSuWSE
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.
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 Lord Peter Mandelson: 26th June 5.30pm
As the world continues to evolve towards greater inclusivity and acceptance, the LGBTQ+ community plays a vital role in shaping the future of leadership across various sectors. Pride in Leadership are delighted to announce an upcoming discussion featuring Lord Mandelson, an influential figure in British politics, and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
Price – £10.
They anticipate high demand for this event and therefore encourage you to book tickets as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment. They have contingency plans in place to support those unable to cover the cost of the tickets, and encourage those affected to contact them directly to secure their reservation.
About the event
Peter Mandelson has been a prominent member of the Labour Party’s leadership for the past 40 years, and assisted previous Labour Leaders in their transformation of the Party into an election-winning machine throughout the late 90s and early 2000s under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Whilst leaving government in 2010, Lord Mandelson remains a strong voice in British politics, as a member of the House of Lords, and more recently a key advisor to Labour Leader Keir Starmer’s team. Outside of the world of politics, Lord Mandelson was appointed Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University in 2016.
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
In August 2022, the National Trans Memorial in Sackville Gardens, the first and only memorial of its kind in the UK, was seriously damaged by fire, leading to it being removed from the gardens for safety reasons.
Since then, the memorial’s custodians, Sparkle – The National Transgender Charity, in partnership with global engineering services company Arup and supported by the LGBT Consortium, has consulted trans and gender diverse communities throughout the UK to discover what those communities would want from a new memorial, and how it could adequately reflect the rich diversity of those communities.
An independent panel consisting of trans people from throughout the country and representatives from Arts Council England and Manchester City Council then chose the design which they felt best represented that brief.
That design, Passing on Light, was conceived by Bek Ziola and Samuel Stair from Glasgow-based LGBTQIA+ and women-led architectural firm New Practice, and symbolises the joy of living authentically, and being seen, supported, and loved as a proud and visible trans person, and passing their strength and hope onto those less fortunate.
How you can support The National Trans Monument
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/national-trans-monument
Director Training at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
GM Chamber is delighted to offer four Director Training courses, designed to enhance the professional development of leaders in Greater Manchester.
The courses are led by the multiple Award-winning trainer, Director and Non-Executive Director, Jo Haigh, whose experience and insight is invaluable for leaders who are looking to maximise their potential.
Taking place at our Elliot House venue, the upcoming courses are:
– Role of the Non-Exec Director and Trustee – 17th October 2024
– Role of the Director – 3rd December 2024
– Finance for Non-Financial Directors – 6th February 2025
– How to build a world class board – date TBC
Investment
Each of our Director development courses are £799 for members of the Chamber and £899 for non-members. Sign up for all four together and we can reduce that to £699 per course or £799 for non members.
Special offer | We can offer the member price for leaders coming in via Carl Austin-Behan.
Contact [email protected] for more details or a chat.
Surveys / Research / Questionnaires:
Manchester City Council:
It is time to develop the next Our Manchester Strategy for 2025- 2035, and MCC need your help!
The Our Manchester Strategy will be the city’s plan for the next ten years.
In 2015, the council asked people to imagine their dream Manchester, and from those ambitious hopes the Our Manchester Strategy 2015-2025 grew. Its themes and priorities were shaped by the whole city – with equality, inclusion and sustainability running right through them.
Now, together, the city must focus its efforts on the next ten years. Everyone who lives, learns, works, visits or does business in Manchester has the opportunity to have their say.
As part of our consultation, they want to hear about the things, people and places that matter to you and the communities you work with, and the areas where they live, learn or work.
The main questions they want to ask are:
- What makes you proud about Manchester
- What do you want Manchester to be like in 10 years’ time?
- If you could do one thing to make Manchester better, what would it be?
- How do you think Manchester can make this one thing happen?
They want to reach as many residents and communities as possible, with a particular focus on those communities who we may not usually reach with online surveys.
Your support will be key so that they can reach as many people as possible to hear their views.
What they want from you:
- To hear your views by completing the survey
- To promote the survey among your networks
Our new vision, our city’s future, must be shaped by you and your networks.
#ShapeOurManchester.
If you would like further information, please contact [email protected]
LGBT Foundation, Great Places Housing Group and Manchester City Council are developing the UK’s first purpose-built housing for older LGBTQ+ people. Russell Road will be an LGBTQ+ affirming Extra Care scheme for over 55s in Manchester and we’ve put together this brief survey to help inform the development of the scheme. If you are over 45, living in Manchester and identify as LGBTQ+, please take a couple of minutes to complete the survey here. For more information, please email [email protected] and you can also sign up to our mailing list to receive regular updates here.
https://form.jotform.com/240573711815051
Job Vacancies:
akt is currently recruiting for a Youth Engagement Worker in Manchester, supporting LGBTQ+ young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Here’s the link to the role on their careers page with all the details:
Rochdale & District Mind are delighted to announce that they are recruiting for a permanent CEO at Rochdale and District Mind and they need your support in helping them find the perfect candidate. You can do that by sharing this message with your contacts, both within and outside of your organisation, or by promoting our social media posts across your networks.
Their new CEO will join at an exciting time for them, while they re-evaluate and refine their strategy to ensure that they not only maintain, but elevate the level of support and resources they offer to the intersectional communities they serve. They are now a medium-sized charity and their ambitions reach far, as they are eager to foster further growth. The backbone of their success lies in the passion, skills, and experiences of their dedicated team – individuals who, alongside the Board, are eagerly anticipating collaboration with their new CEO.
As a local Mind organisation, they are proud members of the Mind Network, benefitting from substantial support from National Mind, as well as fostering strong partnerships with their sister organisations across Greater Manchester.
To find out more about the role, please visit https://eastsidepeople.org/vacancy/rochdale-and-district-mind-ceo-24/
This campaign closes on 3 May.
Are you the next City of Trees Trustee?
City of Trees, the community forest charity for Greater Manchester, is growing and there’re on the look-out for a passionate and committed trustee to join them on their journey. They’re seeking an individual from the financial sector, to join their group of existing trustees.
What matters most to City of Trees is Greater Manchester. they’re here for a greener city region, planting more trees for a happier and healthier GM, so if you’re passionate about all things GM and have financial acumen, They would love to hear from you.
The ideal trustee will have the following and we will look at these areas when assessing if you are suitable for this particular role:
Commitment to the aims and work of City of Trees.
Relevant professional or volunteer experience in the financial sector.
Willingness to devote the time and effort to the role, including attending quarterly board meetings and any committee meetings as appropriate.
Ability to think strategically.
Ability to come to an independent and objective judgment.
Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liability of trusteeship.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
Ability to contribute specific knowledge or experience about City of Trees field of work or the practice of running an organisation.
If this sounds like you and would like to know more, please email [email protected] with some outline information on why you’re interested in becoming a trustee. Those shortlisted will be invited to an informal meeting to learn more about each other.
Please note, applications will reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received.
Find out more at www.cityoftrees.org.uk or @cityoftreesmcr
CityCo / Manchester BID are hosting the Manchester Flower Festival across the city centre on 24th – 27th May 2024 and have reached out for volunteers for the event.
They are looking for volunteers to aid them in the set-up and close-down as well as daily throughout the event. Roles are available at various times across the following dates: Wednesday 22nd May – Tuesday 28th May 2024. You could support for every day of the festival or select the days that work best for you.
Volunteers will receive a Fower Festival t shirt and can claim travel and subsistence expenses up to £20
If you have any questions please direct these to [email protected] who will be happy to help
For more information about the event, https://www.visitmanchester.com/the-manchester-flower-festival/
Join the Stockport Pride Committee:
Stockport Pride currently have several vacancies on their committee for anyone who is interested in volunteering to help to run an organisation which celebrates LGBTQ+ people and helps to push forward equality and equity in Stockport.
Find out more here if you’re interested https://www.stockportpride.co.uk/jobs/
Endeavour Project
Are recruiting for new trustees, a community domestic abuse support charity.
They have a fantastic board at the moment, a great range of skills but it isn’t highly representative of our local community. Are you, or do you know anyone who is a good listener, non-judgemental and would like to use their super powers to govern an extra ordinary charity which helps people to rebuild their lives?
The position is only open to women, is a volunteer role and asks for a commitment to 6 meetings a year. The meetings are in person, in Bolton, 7-9pm on the 2nd Monday every other month.
Advert, role description and more info and the application pack can be found here https://www.endeavourproject.org.uk/trustee-recruitment
Mind: Rochdale & District
Have six new vacancies at Rochdale and District Mind across our Living Well Project:
- Living Well Wellbeing Coordinator (3 x posts)
- Living Well Peer Support Worker (3 x posts)
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].
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 To Be Confirmed
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 To be confirmed
What is Pride In Nature?
Pride in Nature is more than just an annual event, It’s a celebration of queerness, a platform for learning and engagement, and a testament to the power of nature in uniting diverse communities. It’s a testament to the inclusivity, diversity, and the joy that can thrive when we allow nature to be our common ground.
The event consists of a variety of activities, including talks by diverse groups, Drag story time for children, a Drag “Gardeners Question Time” with an interactive panel Q&A, performances from LGBTQ+ artists, workshops for both adults and children, and film screenings.
If you are interested in having a stall in the Pride In Nature 2024 Community Area, please contact [email protected]