LGBTQ+ Weekly Newsletter – first for 2025
Monday, 20th January 2025Good Afternoon,
Earlier this week I sent out my own thoughts with lived experience on The Lifting of The Gay Ban in the UK Armed Forces, and the amazing work Fighting with Pride has achieved over the last 5 years, I would just like to thank everyone who, not only read it, but has made contact with me to share their views and opinions on the piece I wrote – its much appreciated.
As this is the first newsletter for 2025 – there is so much going on, so please – share with your networks and if you have anything you would like to send to be included and promoted. Just send over to me [email protected]
Thanks
Carl A-B,
Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester:
https://canal-st.co.uk/2025/01/15/25-years-on-reflecting-on-the-lifting-of-the-gay-ban-in-the-uk-armed-forces/
LGBTQ+ Weekly Bulletin from Manchester Evening News
https://newsletters.e.reachplc.com/O5GgpphAGo4MCfzrIEQQiI/kOPkOr6l_3qbffWw1NI1/H66zafuBYxSfSE-VPWP2/ok4v3tnAIkzDG_ZzKVYK/XjbkaZmoE4bIMdlHerJp/7nOGCip-pcYB-1zVNOgC/-VQB/dVgE.php?ID=QpA2GbdW
Fighting with Pride: Winner of the LGBT+ Armed Forces Community Memorial Design Announced
https://mailchi.mp/fightingwithpride/lgbt-armed-forces-memorial-winning-design-announced?e=d1dc24a262
Consortium: For Stronger LGBT+ Communities
Funding News: https://mailchi.mp/fad570c2b6f6/funding-news-jun23-10896491?e=4ef77ba796
Proud 2B Parents: Monthly Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/b61953d07a87/january-2025-monthly-email-16526761?e=c3332628fc
Bee in the Loop with Greater Manchester Police
GMP are trying to increase their ability to spread good news stories and crime prevention advice to as many people as possible. Please speak to your friends and family about Bee In The Loop and help to promote this facility.
visit : Home Page – Bee in the Loop
The Gaydio Pride Awards are back for 2025
On Friday 14th March, Gaydio are going to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes and the efforts made to spread Pride to all corners of the UK and better LGBTQ+ lives across 12 award categories and with some special performers to be announced.
Over the year big performers have hit the stage from Raye, Sigala, Danny Beard, Tia Kofi, Caity Baser and Jazzy!
Nominations are now closed but tickets are on sale at :
https://gaydioprideawards.co.uk/
Save The Date: Dates announced for Greater Manchester Pride Events for 2025
| Bolton | T.B.C | ||
| Bury | T.B.C | ||
| Bury Rainbow Train | 6th or 7th April | ||
| Chorlton | Saturday 13th September (Prov) | ||
| Didsbury | Saturday 30th August | ||
| Levenshulme | Friday 8th – Sunday 10th August | ||
| Manchester Pride | August Bank Holiday Weekend | ||
| Oldham | 26th July | ||
| Prestwich | 9th August – weekend | ||
| Ramsbottom | T.B.C | ||
| Rochdale | Sunday 22nd June (Prov) | ||
| Salford Pink Picnic | Saturday 14th June | ||
| Sparkle | Friday 27th – Sunday 29th June | ||
| Stockport | Sunday 1st June | ||
| Tameside | T.B.C | ||
| Trafford | T.B.C | ||
| Trans Pride | Saturday 2nd August | ||
| Weaste Pride | Saturday 12th July | ||
| Whalley Range | Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th May | ||
| Wigan | Saturday 16th August | ||
| Withington | Saturday 20th September (Prov) | ||
| Wythenshawe | T.B.C | ||
| Pride in Nature with RHS Bridgewater | T.B.C | ||
Manchester Pride: Local Pride Grants
Grants for local pride events taking place in Greater Manchester are now open! These grants are available for up to £1,000 and we are especially keen to fund events taking place outside of Manchester City Centre.
You can find more information about our grants and a link to the application form HERE.
WITH LOVE, MR. GAY by Joshua Val Martin-
20th & 21st Jan, Kings Arms Theatre Pub, Salford, M3 6AN
Returning after it’s sold-out premiere at the Greater Manchester Fringe Festival 2024!
A homophobic death threat over the placement of bins, sparks Josh’s mission to resolve conflict. This is his true story – told through comedy, cabaret, interviews and show tunes.
Canal Street Online Manchester:
“It’s a celebration of the human spirit… tackling themes of homophobia with humour and heart.”
Tickets: Pay What You Decide
For more info: [email protected] / 07478277293 / Insta: @WithLoveMrGay
https://www.kingsarmssalford.com/events/
LGBT Foundation: Trans Women Cosmetics Workshop
This month social for their Trans Women Group, it’s a Trans Women Cosmetics Workshop with BPerfect Cosmetics at their boutique in Arndale, 20th January 6-pm where Mike will be teaching a makeup masterclass and guests will receive a 10% discount on BPerfect Cosmetics products on the night. Open to trans women, trans fems, trans feminine and non-binary folks. More information here: https://lgbt.foundation/event/trans-womens-group/
42nd Street: BeeWell LGBTQ+ Zine Project
A weekly project to create a series of zines exploring themes of health and wellbeing within the LGBTQ+ community.
These workshops will be a space to research topics, chat through ideas with peers, come up with designs and experiment with different creative styles.
Zines come in lots of different shapes and sizes so there’s loads of different routes you can take – and we’ll be there to support you throughout the whole process.
Last year, some of the zines they made included a 2000s-magazine-style guide to gender and sexuality, and a comic about being LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse at school starring Charlie the jellyfish as the protagonist. You’ll deliver the zines all over Greater Manchester!
This is a project for anyone who:
Identifies as LGBTQ+, Is between the ages of 13 and 19, Interested in learning about and making zines, Wants to help create resources for other young people in their community, Lives (or studies in) Greater Manchester, And don’t worry, you don’t have to know anything about zines before coming along!
The first session will be on Monday the 20th of January, 5pm-6:30pm.This will be an introductory session where you’ll all meet for the first time, have a look at some zines, discuss what time works best for everybody to meet and chat in general about the project.
It will be held in the Horsfall at 42nd Street, 87-91 Great Ancoats Street, Manchester, M4 5AG
If you want to attend, please let them know beforehand so they can get an idea of numbers – just email [email protected]
Community Session: LGBTQ+ and Sobriety
Join Manchester Pride and Karl Considine, founder of Turn Up Together and an ambassador for Alcohol Change UK, to meet other LGBTQ+ sober and sober curious people, find out what support is available, learn more about other’s sober journey and hold an open and honest discussion around being LGBTQ+ and sober.
Date: Thursday 27th January
Time: 6:30pm-8pm
Reserve your free spot HERE.
LGBT Foundation: Dry(ish) January Sober Social on 31st Jan, 7pm – 10:30pm
2nd Floor, 72 Sackville Street, M1 3NJ – a wonderful night of mocktail-making and socialising for anyone LGBTQ+ who is sober, sober-curious or simply wanting to connect with others without the alcohol. More info is available here: https://lgbt.foundation/event/dryish-january-event-sober-social/ and RSVP via Eventbrite would be helpful so we can get an idea of numbers! https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/dryish-january-sober-social-tickets-1134542209289
LGBT Foundation: LGBTQ+ History Month Webinars
Celebrate and Educate this LGBTQ+ History Month
Bring meaningful conversations to your organisation with a Celebrate and Educate: LGBTQ+ Hour Webinar hosted by the LGBT Foundation. Explore key themes that highlight LGBTQ+ history and inclusion:
- Historical and Social Context
- Creating Inclusive Environments
Book your space for February while places last HERE
Free monthly Eventbrite Taster Sessions:
LGBT Foundation will be hosting recurring monthly taster sessions exploring actionable tips, resources, and strategies to create meaningful, inclusive engagements make a lasting impact in your community or organisation. Upcoming sessions include
- Getting Ready for LGBTQ+ History Month
- The Power of Knowing: Why HIV Testing still Matters,
- Veterans special: Celebrating the 25th anniversary of lifting the ban.
Sign up to upcoming events through HERE
Time to Talk Day: 6th Feb 2025
Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. It’s a day for friends, families, communities and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives. Time to Talk Day is taking place 6 February 2025 and is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with Co-op and delivered by See Me with SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), Inspire and Time to Change Wales. We want everyone to feel comfortable talking about mental health. Explore this site for ideas on how to take part in Time to Talk Day, from organising an event in your local library or hosting a lunch and learn session, to simply sharing information on social media or texting a friend. If you want to look more into the day itself, please see this link: https://timetotalkday.co.uk/
Gaydio Academy: Free Course for Unemployed Participants “Intro to Radio & Podcasting”
The new dates for Gaydio’s next FREE course for people unemployed and looking to gain new skills in 2025, Being held at Gaydio HQ in central Manchester, the course will take place on 10th to 14th February 2025 from 1pm to 4:30pm.
This will see applicants learn:
- Introduction to Radio and how to become a radio presenter
- Show content & news presenting
- Other roles in radio & a look at music
- Creating your own station, job searching in the industry and preparation for the creation of your podcasts
- Podcast creation, a session exploring the next stage progression tailored to participant’s specific needs and next steps with Gaydio and other radio stations
See attached link below:
https://www.gaydio.academy/courses/2024/work-club-2024-2026-manchester/
Please note that this course is only for Manchester City Council resident (not Salford, Stockport, Bolton etc). If you would like information for the other boroughs then please get in touch via connect page so their team can advise another course for you. Any questions then please contact [email protected]
Pro-Manchester: LGBTQ+ History Month Event – 20th Feb, 5pm – 7pm
As part of LGBT+ History Month 2025, this year’s event will embrace the theme of Activism and Social Change. The evening will feature a networking session alongside a thought-provoking educational segment that explores the history and treatment of LGBTQ+ people in the armed forces and the recently published recommendations from the LGBT Veterans Independent Review, presented by Dr Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL.
Manchester Marriott V & A Hotel, Water Street, M3 4JQ
Tickets: https://www.pro-manchester.co.uk/event/lgbtq-allies-networking/
Gaydio are also very excited to announce they are now taking applications for their 2nd intake for their course with Amazon Audible – Future Stories Fund, 10th, 13th, 17th & 18th March – Manchester City Centre.
This course allows participants from the North West of England come together, over several sessions, and talk about their lived experiences of being a part of the LGBTQ+ community whilst being taught by an AWARD WIINING podcaster and author about how to create a podcast from scratch and publishing.
By the end, the participant will produce brand new episodes for our ‘Audible Lives’ series.
Click the below link for more information:
https://www.gaydio.academy/projects/2024/audible-lives/?_=22601
Manchester Frontrunners Presents: IT’S A PIECE OF CAKE 10K!
Running and cake? What could be better? Saturday 3rd May 2025 sees the return of IT’S A PIECE OF CAKE 10K, a 10K race hosted by Manchester Frontrunners, Manchester’s premier LGBTQ+ running club. Join them for a chip-timed, community-focused 10 km road race through Boggart Hole Clough, one of Manchester’s loveliest parks and a true hidden gem. Plus, indulge in a delectable array of homemade delights from their legendary charity cake sale in aid of George House Trust. This year’s race will be extra special, as not only will we be celebrating the 10th anniversary of our race, but also the 20th anniversary of Manchester Frontrunners. Whether you’ve run with them in the past or not, they would love to see you there!
More information: https://www.manchesterfrontrunners.org/itsapieceofcake10k
Entries: https://bookitzone.com/manchester_frontrunners/xKjFFX
Toxic: Not another play about gay pride shame
Written by Nathaniel J Hall, A Dibby Theatre Production, A HOME Mcr Commission
Following its sell-out debut at HOME in Manchester in 2023, actor, writer and HIV activist Nathaniel J Hall is taking his critically acclaimed second play, Toxic on tour from March 2025 to venues across the UK. Produced by Dibby Theatre, this hilarious and heartbreaking semi-autobiographical show is written and performed by Hall alongside Josh-Susan Enright.
Set in the hedonistic world of Manchester’s underground queer rave scene Toxic tells the story of two people who, in their own words, ‘meet, fall in love, and f*ck it up.’ Born into Thatcher’s Britain of race riots and rampant homophobia and growing up in the shadow of Aids and Section 28, the pair form a trauma bond so tight, they might just survive it all. But sometimes survival means knowing when to leave.
Told through a heady mix of storytelling, movement, witty dialogue, original music and club visuals, this powerful and passionate play dares to pull back the glittery curtain of pride to reveal a place where many still suffer the impact generational homophobia, racism, toxic gender norms and HIV stigma.
16th – 19th April: The Lowry, Salford https://thelowry.com/whats-on/256//toxic
17th & 18th May: Storyhouse, Chester
www.dibbytheatre.org | @DibbyTheatre
2025 marks Sparkle’s 20th Anniversary:
20 years of celebration, advocacy, and education. The 2025 Sparkle Weekend will be held on Friday 27th – Sunday 29th June in Sackville Gardens, Manchester. The Sparkle Weekend is the original celebration of gender diversity – featuring live entertainment, workshops, wellbeing activities, family and youth provision, sober spaces, market traders, food, drink, and much more!
You can sign up to their newsletter here to get all of their updates. You can also follow on social media to stay updated on our events and initiatives:
Facebook – Instagram – LinkedIn
They will soon be announcing Sparkle Weekend market stall applications, volunteer recruitment, and sponsorship opportunities! If you have any questions, drop them an email at [email protected]
FORWARD CIC – Improving the wellbeing of Stockport’s LGBTQIA+ community. Follow on social media
https://www.facebook.com/ForwardLGBT
https://www.instagram.com/forward_stockport/
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 / Questionnaires:
Calling all Parents who Identify as LGBTQ+
Undergraduate and postgraduate Psychology students in the Division of Psychology & Mental Health at the University of Manchester, are working together to conduct this research under the supervision of Dr Lynsey Gregg who is a researcher at the University.
LGBTQ+ parents are under-represented in research, and we want to understand more about your experiences. We want to understand how being LGBTQ+ can have an effect on your wellbeing.
The survey is short and full anonymous, and everyone that takes part will have the opportunity to win a voucher. Find the survey through this link, or through the QR code below: https://www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_82JvKIzW8t4ba3c)
Structured Diabetes Education
NHS Greater Manchester (NHS GM) launched a public engagement exercise to ask people with type 2 diabetes for their views on how they would like to get information and support to help manage their condition.
Structured diabetes education is a programme either face-to-face or online offered to those newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or those wanting to increase their knowledge about managing their condition.
Research shows that structured diabetes education can improve outcomes for people by helping:
- Reducing average blood sugar levels.
- Assist you to manage your sugar levels, so they don’t spike too high or drop too low.
- Prevent complications such as heart disease’ blindness and amputations.
- Improve people’s wellbeing.
For these reasons, patients should be informed that taking part in SDE is important and be strongly encouraged to attend.
Thet would like to hear from people living with type 2 diabetes, their family members, and carers to help design new ways of delivering structured diabetes education across GM. They would also like to hear from clinicians and other health professionals, to identify what current works and ways in which the service could be improved.
How to share your thoughts:
- Visit www.gmintegratedcare.org.uk/education-for-your-diabetes to complete a short survey.
- You can also email us and /or send a video via WhatsApp on 07786 673762
- Register to attend one of our focus groups at: https://forms.office.com/e/FBx2ka8NDB
The deadline to share views is 02 March 2025.
More information about the project, please visit: www.gmintegratedcare.org.uk/education-for-your-diabetes.
Jobs / Volunteering:
Fighting With Pride: Chief Executive
Full time, permanent contract
37.5 hours per week
£60,000 per annum
Home based with travel across the UK
Closing date: 9:00am 23rd January 2025
https://mailchi.mp/31e920bc5c8b/fwp-is-recruiting-ceo-pivs-18244732?e=ab275abc41
Independent Panel Member for School Admissions Appeal Panels
Salford City Council is committed to recruiting people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to serve as panel members.
They are currently looking for volunteers and actively encourage applications from people who belong to communities that are currently under-represented on our panels including:
* Ethnically diverse communities
* Religious communities
* People with lived experience of special educational needs and/or disabled people
* Under 50s
* Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people
To apply to be an Independent Panel Member
Please apply to be considered on the Greater Jobs website here.
Please read the role profile and if you need any further information, please phone or email Liz Wright on 0161 793 2811 at [email protected]
Greater Manchester Police: Independent Community Scrutiny Panel
The Independent Community Scrutiny Panel is a good way of getting your communities voice heard and making positive changes for your community.
Once every 2 months the group comes together to review Body Worn Videos of stop searches and suggest where they could be improved- whether that be directly providing feedback to the officer involved, or through force wide training provided to all officers.
Only by hearing the issues of the communities from members of those communities can they get better as a force and improve our working practices, so it is important to us that they get as many people from as many backgrounds as possible to join the ICSP so that we can truly understand how to address any issues with the use of police powers. These scrutiny panels give you a voice that GMP will listen to.
Becoming an ICSP member is fantastic opportunity to play a vital part in improving trust and confidence in GMP and building better relations with our community. You will become part of a team local people working with your local policing team on a voluntary basis.
What would I be doing as an ICSP member?
As an ICSP member you would be meeting with a group of community members and your local policing team on a voluntary basis where you will be provided with data and videos of stop searches. You will be given the opportunity to provide honest feedback on what you think as well as listening to other people’s views. The also seek feedback on how their practices impact on communities, whether that is the reality or the perception, especially where disproportionality is highlighted.
Please contact for more information and a chat about how to become an Independent Community Scrutiny Panel Member
Email: [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]
Kind Regards
Dr Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL
Pronouns: He / Him / His