GM LGBTQIA+ Community Network Newsletter
Friday, 14th February 2025As its LGBTQ+ History Month – why not learn more about the Queer History of Manchester….
LGBTQ+ Manchester Walking Tour
This Saturday 15th February at 3pm
Meeting at the Monument to Vimto on Sackville Street (just near the railway bridge (Look for the giant bottle!) – M1 3BU
Its £10pp (Card or cash – Pay at the end of the tour)
To Book – Contact Josh either via email: [email protected] / or EventBrite
So, what is an LGBQ+ Tour of Manchester….
You get to discover the history of Manchester’s Gay Village on a fun, informative walking tour.
Explore iconic landmarks, hidden street art, and legendary pubs, while learning about Manchester’s LGBT+ heroes and trailblazers—from Victorian drag balls through to RuPaul stars.
Led by Josh, an MA graduate of Manchester’s LGBT+ history, the tour is perfect for visitors and locals alike as well as a great way to meet like-minded people whilst celebrating our city’s Queer culture.
For info on future tours, see: https://www.freemanchesterwalkingtours.com/lgbtmanchesterwalkingtour
Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester:
https://canal-st.co.uk/?na=v&nk=13316-ff801782ef&id=85
LGBTQ+ Weekly Bulletin from Manchester Evening News
https://newsletters.e.reachplc.com/Y6DMOgPDXrNMFXM3aT3Koi/MefMew18r8IqhZ5-bN4_/bdPeFp2QmAo5cHK8CQ5U/MAp_XlZ2ojqaMlCwT4Zy/sP0ooZNHnF5_ps-FY2A6/WTTDCY1yaqYTztCQd_cf/c8gU/EdNE.php?ID=k713A3ZB
Proud 2B Parents: Monthly Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/61952d4551d0/february-2025-monthly-email-16527050?e=c3332628fc
Consortium: For Stronger LGBT+ Communities
Funding News: https://mailchi.mp/cca9988ac7bf/funding-news-jun23-10897214?e=4ef77ba796
Sector News: https://mailchi.mp/df6e2ae767b8/feb25?e=4ef77ba796
The Proud Trust: Celebrate LGBT+ History Month – Free Resource Pack
February is LGBT+ History Month, when we celebrate and remember those who have come before us. None of our work would be possible without the incredible activists from history who have fought for social change and justice for LGBT+ people. By learning more about LGBT+ people in history, young people can be inspired to create more positive change for themselves and their futures.
This free resource for primary and secondary schools includes PowerPoint slides and lesson plans to make it easy for teachers to incorporate positive stories about the history of LGBT+ activism into their lessons.
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/
A Smoggie Night with Phil Dunning:
Are you an aspiring comedian or potential writer?
Want to work in the Creative Industries?
Join GM Libraries for an inspiring fireside chat with Phil Dunning (aka Dickie) the creative force behind the smash hit TV series Smoggie Queens. From his roots in Teeside to making waves in comedy and entertainment, find out more about how Phil brought the show to life. If you’re in the creative or media industries don’t miss this celebration of queer talent, ambition and storytelling!
Thursday 20 February,
6pm – 8pm in The Rates Hall, Manchester Town Hall Extension M2 5PD
Book on at:
https://smoggienightwithphildunning.eventbrite.co.uk
Happy Valley Pride Queer Arts Festival
19th – 27th July 2025, with the Big Day Out taking place on Saturday 26th.
Friday 28th February 2025 – Posh Club Halifax – They’re really proud to be working with their regular collaborators Duckie on a new event for older people. Duckie has been presenting The Posh Club at locations across the UK for years.
Taking place at Square Chappell in Halifax on the 28th February, The Posh Club is classic afternoon tea, classy cabaret and social intercourse for swanky senior citizens, elegant elders and glamorous golden girls. Tickets are just £5 including all food, drink and entertainment. https://happyvalleypride.co.uk/whats-on/116/posh-club
Save The Date: Dates announced for Greater Manchester Pride Events for 2025
| Bolton | T.B.C | ||||
| Bury | Saturday 7th June | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Salford Pink Picnic | Saturday 21st June (Updated) | ||||
| Sparkle | Friday 27th – Sunday 29th June | ||||
| Stockport | Sunday 1st June | ||||
| Tameside | T.B.C | ||||
| Trafford | Tuesday 13th – Sunday 18th May | ||||
| 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 | Sunday 7th September | ||||
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.
The Pink Picnic: Greater Manchester’s largest grassroots LGBTQ+ Pride celebration, returns on 21 June (Saturday) 2025. General entry tickets go live on sale on 31 January at 12:00pm for The Pink Picnic 2025. For those looking to upgrade their pride experience, PinkPLUS & PinkPASS tickets are already on sale.
As The Pink Picnic grows in popularity and to ensure the event’s longevity general entry tickets for the 2025 event for ages 16+ will now be £5.00. Children and youth under the age of 16 will continue to be able to attend for free, any under 16’s will just need to be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets will sell out fast, so make sure to visit pinkpicnic.org.uk to grab your tickets early to avoid disappointment! T&C’s apply.
Press enquiries: [email protected]
Event enquiries: [email protected]
Volunteering enquiries: [email protected]
Charity enquiries: [email protected]
Football v Homophobia
The long-running campaign tackling anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination at all levels of the game holds its annual Month of Action in February. Clubs, leagues, fan groups and organisations can register to be FvH Champions and access resources, social assets etc by filling in a form on footballvhomophobia.com. Share on social with #FvH2025 and designate a match! To connect further, email FvH through the website or DM on socials.
https://www.footballvhomophobia.com/
Gaydio Academy:
Have launched an evening course (17th to 25th February, 5:30pm to 8:30pm) for participants who live in Stockport and Trafford. Please see below details:
Course Layout
- Introduction to Radio and how to become a radio presenter
- Show content & news presenting
- Other roles in radio & a look at music
- CV and job searching
- Storytelling with Award winning and BBC presenter, Emma Goswell
- Prep for the podcast session
- Podcast creation, a session exploring the next stage progression tailored to the participant’s specific needs and next steps with Gaydio and other radio stations
Criteria
- You must be Stockport or Trafford based
- You must be 16 years old +
- Must not be in education
- Must not have done a previous ‘Intro to Radio & Podcasting’ course with Gaydio
More details can be found here:
https://www.gaydio.academy/courses/2025/intro-to-radio-and-podcasting-greater-manchester/
Gaydio have also launched their new ‘Intro to Radio & Podcasting’ course with Children in Need for 14–18-year-olds for February half term (17th – 21st). https://www.gaydioacademy.co.uk/
See attached link below:
https://www.gaydio.academy/courses/2024/work-club-2024-2026-manchester/
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/
Positive East are making three new quilt panels to reflect the current era of the HIV/AIDS pandemic based on photos that people upload of themselves.
Everyone can get involved, regardless of where you live or whether you are living with HIV or are an ally to the U=U message.
The AIDS quilts (you can read about the UK one here: https://www.aidsquiltuk.org ) are an incredible piece of social history from a time when the prognosis for people with HIV was nothing like it is today. Thankfully, things have changed, so it’s time new quilts to commemorate the modern era of HIV care.
One of the hallmarks of the evolution of HIV management has been U=U (undetectable=untransmittable), a concept the medical establishment was slow to embrace but thanks to a vocal and evidence-based community led by Bruce Richman & the Prevention Access Campaign it is a concept that is now enshrined in guidelines, practice and, increasingly, public perceptions about HIV.
So what better theme for these quilts than U=U? Each will be 2030 x 2030mm (if you know, you know, if you don’t you can read about the global 2030 goals here https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2024/july/20240726_2030-target-setting)
https://www.positiveeast.org.uk/uequalsu/
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
Business Sponsorship Opportunities:
The Liverpool Tritons, Merseyside’s pioneering LGBTQ+ and allies rugby club, is gearing up for an exciting season, and They’re seeking local partners to share in their journey.
Since 2016, They’ve fostered a diverse, welcoming space for men of all backgrounds and identities to play competitively in the IGR UK League and enjoy friendly local matches. They also offer an inclusive All Gender Touch Rugby program – perfect for anyone seeking a social, low-impact way to experience the thrills of rugby.
Why partner with the Liverpool Tritons?
- Reach a diverse audience: Engage with our active community of players, supporters, and families, representing a vibrant cross-section of Merseyside.
- Align with inclusive values: Showcase your commitment to diversity and LGBTQ+ inclusion through a partnership that resonates with your customers and employees.
- Boost brand visibility: Gain prominent logo placement on our kit, website, social media, and event materials, reaching thousands across the region.
- Generate positive PR: Be associated with a community-driven organization promoting sportsmanship, teamwork, and social well-being.
- Employee engagement opportunities: Offer volunteering or team-building activities with the Tritons, fostering community spirit within your company.
They have a range of flexible sponsorship packages tailored to your needs and budget. From kit sponsorship to event support, we can create a win-win collaboration that amplifies your brand while driving positive change in our community.
To discuss how a partnership with the Liverpool Tritons could benefit both your organisations, please contact: Dan Parker, Fundraising and Sponsorship Officer, Liverpool Tritons RUFC Email – [email protected]
Instagram – Liverpooltritons_rufc
Facebook – Liverpool Tritons
Website – https://www.tritonsrufc.co.uk
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.
They 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:
George House Trust:
Roles available
- Peer Navigator[s]
https://ght.org.uk/about-us/join-us
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]
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