GM LGBTQ+ Community Network Newsletter
Monday, 29th April 2024Good Morning,
Today is Lesbian Visibility Day Held on April 26 every year, 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.
Stonewall: Help Make IVF Accessible For All the Lesbian Visibility Week
https://mailchi.mp/stonewall/it-is-lesbian-visibility-week-654585?e=78e7d82d93
Lesbian Visibility Week – This week till – 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/
Mermaids – Update on Cass Report:
Since The Cass Review’s release on April 10, trans youth and families have faced a hateful narrative and misinformation.
Media organisations and elected representative’s hostile to trans youth have sought to misrepresent the report’s findings, and Mermaids are deeply disappointed that Dr Cass’ own calls for compassion and respect have been completely disregarded.
Their focus these past few weeks has been on reassuring those worried by the content of the report as well as the irresponsible way it is being interpreted.
Their analysis, which you can read on their blog, is focused on what children, young people and families need to see in response to the review, and on how this could be delivered.
Read their analysis of the Cass Review:
To read the full Cass Review (all 388 pages…), it is available here: https://cass.independent-review.uk/home/publications/final-report/
Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester:
https://www.canal-st.co.uk/canal-st-online-newsletter
Consortium: For Stronger LGBT+ Communities
Funding News: https://mailchi.mp/b6a5f3e428c6/funding-news-jun23-9104357?e=4ef77ba796
Fighting With Pride: Guide to Help & Support 2024
GM Equality Alliance Bulletin, Issue 87, April 2024
https://www.gmcvo.org.uk/civicrm/mailing/view?reset=1&id=9912
Village Church a safe place for LGBTQ+ folk and our allies.
Takes place the 2nd & 4th Sunday of every month 4pm (doors open from 3.30pm)
at The LGBT Foundation, Fairburn House (2nd Floor), 72, Sackville Street, Manchester. M1 3NJ
All Are Welcome – Just Turn Up!
Contact: Paul on 07561 471185 or [email protected]
Village Church recently featured as part of the Archbishop of York’s series of stories of faith in the North Podcast
The Archbishop’s website says:
“Paul and Michaila, ministers at Village Church in the centre of Manchester, speak about creating an inclusive safe space for everyone, but particularly members of the LGBTQ+ Community and their allies”
Listen hear:
https://shows.acast.com/65b900316764420017efb962/episodes/6620250edcaddc00123f5a9d?
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
North West Community Football League
An inclusive, respectful, and fun 11-a-Side football session for adults of all genders and abilities.
Includes a coached training session and friendly 60-minute match. Tickets on a sliding scale from £0-£8.
More details on Eventbrite.
The events are run by a group of LGBTQ+ footballers who are passionate about creating a space for people typically excluded from sport, especially those of under-represented genders.
You can read more about what we’re about here.
Try 11-A-Side Football! @ Hough End Fields; April 27, 10am-1:30pm
– https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/792017033267?aff=oddtdtcreator
Try 11-A-Side Football! @ Hough End Fields; May 25, 10am-1:30pm
– https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/880829654207?aff=oddtdtcreator
Didsbury Pride Fundraising Bingo and Disco
Sat 15 Jun 2024 7:00 PM – Midnight
Join Didsbury Pride for a fun and fabulous evening of BINGO and DISCO.
Hosted by their very own Polly and guest Drag Queen D.J. Chichi Monroe.
Doors open from 7pm, with eyes down at 8pm. Lots of fun prizes to be won!
Disco from 9pm playing all your favourite PRIDE tracks, so start ironing your glad rags you beautiful people!
Advance tickets for entrance and one free drink £10.00
LOCATION
St James & Emmanuel Parish Centre, M20 6TR
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/stjamesandemmanuel
‘UPCYCLE’ T-Shirt printing workshop with Emma Fazackerley
Explore your queer identity through a cut and stick collaging workshop. Print and embellish your artwork on your own T-Shirt or tote bag.
Within this workshop you will review a range artists that manipulate imagery and text as a visual communication tool. They will introduce you to themes that invite you to think about your identity and act as a springboard. You will select a broad range of visuals that build the narrative of your identity. You will cut and stick the visuals in a selective order considering scale, proportion, colour and prospective to communicate your story.
The following themes act as a springboard to create a narrative and tell the story of you and your identity:
Protestor
Storytelling
Cultural and heritage
You will then consider post construction techniques such as embroidery to elevate your artwork.
This workshop is for LGBTQIA+ people in Rochdale, creating a space to think about Queer Utopia together.
@ Richard Street Studios
44-46 Richard Street, Rochdale, OL11 1DU
Saturday 4th May: 2-5pm
Tickets: Click here to book a FREE ticket! LIMITED tickets available!
Age: 18+ only. For more information email: [email protected]
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.
*Radiance* – A 42nd Street Prom
When – Saturday 4th May 2024, 7pm – 10pm
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
North West Air Ambulance Charity
Are celebrating their 25th Birthday this year and have some amazing events coming up:
Race Against Time – Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th May 2024
- This is a brand-new event for this year, with teams of two taking on this unique challenge, with only a clue from our crew getting them across the North West from landmark to landmark, all against the clock!
- www.nwairambulance.org.uk/events/race-against-time
Charity Golf Day – Thursday 8th August 2024, Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf Club.
- The Royal Lytham & St Anne’s Golf club is opening its doors for the North West Air Ambulance Charity to host an exclusive golf day to give teams of 4 the chance to play at one of the UK’s top courses whilst raising money for NWAA.
- www.nwairambulance.org.uk/events/golfday
Circus of Dreams Charity Ball – Saturday 21st September 2024, Concorde Conference Centre, Manchester.
- I have attached the save the date and brochure for tables/sponsorship opportunities. I will be providing a fortnightly update on the table sales & sponsorships for the charity ball so that you can see where we are up to with these.
- www.the-phoenixgroup.co.uk/nwaacharity
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.
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
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
Surveys / Research / Questionnaires:
Tameside Racial Inequalities Surveys and Workshops
Tameside’s population is becoming more diverse, which brings many benefits to our borough. With this, there are more diverse needs and experiences that local services need to understand and act upon to help achieve the best outcomes possible for our residents from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds.
To help achieve racial equity in Tameside, the Tameside Racial Inequalities Project has thus been launched. This project aims to investigate how and why residents from racial/ethnic minority backgrounds experience challenges in important areas of life, and how local services can best help address these challenges. We would like to hear from you if you live in or regularly visit Tameside, and if you are from an ethnic minority background.
This project is being conducted under the remit of the Tameside Inequalities Reference Group by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council in collaboration with Diversity Matters North West, West African Development, Caribbean and African Health Network, and Lindley Education Trust.
You can give your views by being involved in face-to-face workshops and/or through this survey.
Face-to-Face Workshops
Each organisation involved in this project will be undertaking face-to-face workshops. If you would like to be involved in these workshops, please see the below contact information, and for more information about our partner organisations, please click on the links provided:
Diversity Matters North West: [email protected]; 0161 368 3268
Caribbean and African Health Network: [email protected]; 07710 022382
West African Development: [email protected]; 0161 327 3095
Survey
This survey should take no more than 10-15 minutes to complete. The deadline to complete this survey is Friday 14th June, 11:59pm. To complete the survey, please click here.
The survey is also available in paper format. If you would like to receive a paper version, 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:
George House Trust:
Project Lead – 40 Years Of HIV Activism in Greater Manchester: https://ght.org.uk/project-lead-40-years
Director of Operations and Delivery: https://ght.org.uk/director-operations-delivery
Project Coordinator – Skilling Up Project: https://ght.org.uk/project-coordinator-skilling-up-project
https://ght.org.uk/
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.
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]