GM LGBTQ+ Community Network Newsletter
Friday, 10th February 2023Morning All:
You will see that I have listed many events for LGBT History Month (In Date Order) – please share these with your networks.
Please see link below, it provides a poster for The Proud Trust – Proud Connections
supporting young people who identify as LGBQT.
Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester:
https://www.canal-st.co.uk/canal-st-online-newsletter
LGBTQ+ Weekly Bulletin from Reach (Manchester Evening News)
https://e.reachplc.com/interface/external_view_email.php?RE6516714646624019zzzzz64151c467d2ebc1626aa27682284f81f5f05832146e684248cd311f761b53763cf&varId=
Consortium LGBT+ February Newsletter:
https://mailchi.mp/de52e0a78943/jan23-8052005?e=4ef77ba796
GM Equality Alliance Bulletin, Issue 58, February 2023
https://www.gmcvo.org.uk/civicrm/mailing/view?reset=1&id=9420
I Love Manchester – Events Not to Miss.
https://ilovemanchester.com/
Events Taking Place for LGBT History Month:
LGBT History Month was founded in 2004 by Schools OUT co-chairs:
Paul Patrick and Professor Emeritus Sue Sanders in the UK.
It was first celebrated in 2005,
establishing a regular calendar of equality and diversity events across many sectors.
The Proud Trust FREE resources for LGBT+ history month is now available to download:
The pack can be found at https://www.theproudtrust.org/schools-and-training/secondary-resources/lgbt-history-month/
https://www.theproudtrust.org/
Queer Contact is back for 2023: On now till 18th Feb to celebrate LGBT History Month.
They can’t wait to celebrate queer culture with a line-up of the UK’s most extraordinary LGBTQ+ talent. Learn all about their flagship queer arts festival below and secure your tickets today!
https://contactmcr.com/news/queer-contact-2023/
Stockport LGBT PLUS:
This month is LGBT+ History Month and there are several activities taking place visit www.stockportplus.org/historymonth to find out what activities are going on. I have attached a poster with the dates for the next few PLUS Big Social Nights and one for the next few PLUS Spectrum events on Zoom.
Manchester Libraries: LOVE IS LOVE: LGBTQ+ Film Night
Enjoy a Love is Love film night, celebrating LGBTQ+ history month. You’ll have to choose the best of the best, from classic 80’s & 90’s film to the latest Queer films from 2020! Vote and book now on the library blog.
Manchester Central Library, Tuesday 14 February, 6pm.
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKMANCHESTER/bulletins/3456f50
Bury LGBT Forum: LGBTQI Drop-in Session
Tuesday 14 February, 7pm – 9pm
Valentine Day Film and Popcorn “Call Me By Your Name “ Big Fandango 34 Bolton St BL9 OLL
To book a place or for more details contact [email protected]
Waterside and Hive North presents: TANGO’S BIG ADVENTURE
By Adam Zane, In partnership with Pride in Trafford
Fri 17 Feb & Sat 18 Feb 11:00 & 14:00
£9.50 / £7.50
Based on the true story that inspired the much-loved book “And Tango makes three” this brand-new play uses puppetry and comedy to celebrate difference and diversity.
Join Tango the penguin on her exciting adventure through Central Park Zoo!
Madame Zuzu is the greatest zookeeper in the whole world and she brings to life the story of Tango – a baby penguin raised by Roy and Silo, two male Chin-strap penguins.
Tango grows up and sets off on an adventure across the zoo, meeting some extraordinary animal families including Mickey the Meerkat and his sisters; and Sheldon the Seahorse who is exhausted after giving birth to 2000 babies!
In this fast and funny new play, Tango learns the true meaning of family and some truly terrible jokes in Tango’s Big Adventure!
“A production of truly unique qualities. It sensitively delivers the message that there are a diverse range of families in the world who share the same love. I can’t recommend this production enough” Primary School Teacher
“I learnt that all families come in different shapes and sizes – I enjoyed every minute of it”
Primary School Pupil, Age 3+ | 55 mins no interval
Watch trailer here: https://vimeo.com/watersidearts/tango
Stockport Housing Group Proud Network and Forward are hosting a professionals EDI gathering,
Friday 17th Feb 2023, 6pm – 8pm
Anyone within the EDI sector can go along, network and hopefully get some joint projects rolled out across GM, they want as many people as possible, so network groups, professionals, people interested in the world of EDI.
Stockport Housing Group, Cornerstone, 2 Edward Steet, Stockport SK1 3NO
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/edi-networking-event-tickets-505990650657?aff=erelpanelorg
Section 28 – 35 years on in Manchester
This year marks 35 years since the protest against Section 28 in Manchester.
Join organisers and attendees from the time to hear more.
A chance to hear talks from people who were involved in organising and attending Manchester’s 1988 demonstration against the introduction of Section 28 .
Looking at the legacy and impact of this controversial piece of legislation which was in force for 15 years at the end of the 20th century into the new Millennium.
An opportunity to view items from the Manchester Central Library archive from this event 35 years ago.
Tea and coffee will be available at the beginning of the event.
Mon, 20 February 2023, 5pm – 7pm
Manchester Central Library Manchester Central Library St Peters Square Manchester M2 5pd
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/section-28-35-years-on-in-manchester-tickets-538425313607
The University of Manchester – LGBTQ+ History Month Events:
Monday 20th February 5-6pm – Prof Jackie Stacey (UoM) (Title TBC) – location: Zoom
Book via: Eventbrite: Jackie Stacey
Tuesday 21st February 3-4pm – Dr Kit Heyam 1 hour presentation about trans history on Zoom
Book via: Eventbrite: Kit Heyam
Out In The City: Launch of Creative Writing Art Exhibition
Wednesday, 22 February –– 5.30pm – 8.00pm
LGBT Foundation, Fairbairn House (2nd Floor), 72 Sackville Street, Manchester M1 3NJ
Artworks by members of Out In The City produced with Manchester Street Poem.
Auto Trader are hosting an in-person event on the afternoon of Thursday 23rd Feb to help connect people who are passionate about making workplaces more inclusive for LGBT+ folk, and to tie in with #lgbthistorymonth.
They’ll be facilitating a series of informal attendee led discussions on topics related to LGBT+ employee networks and LGBT+ inclusion. Topics will be decided by attendees on the day so they can ensure that they cover the things that matter most to you.
They are super excited to be involved in this, for us to learn from each other, and to make some new connections. They have attendees from 11 local organisations and charities signed up already.
Hope to see you there! You can sign up on Eventbrite using this link. Alternatively, here is a LinkedIn post which has more details. Please feel free to share with your network.
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
Making your queer voice heard at work
Join Pride In Leadership in person in Manchester for this unique workshop. Sam Malone, a spoken voice expert, will explore how our queerness impacts our voice, expression, and career. This exciting event will teach you how your corporate voice is serving you and how to advance your career using your voice.
When: 23 February 2023
Details and registration are here
Bury LGBTQI Forum presents Hidden Histories:
Hidden Voice a celebration of LGBT History month,
Thursday 23rd February 7-9pm Bury Met Market St Bury BL9 OBWL
- Birthday Waltz :a short play about activism in 1980s
- Discover more about the hidden LGBTQI history of Bury
- Conversations with local LGBTQI activists
To book a place or for more details contact [email protected]
The Proud Trust & Action Together Rochdale:
You’re invited to join them to celebrate LGBT History Month at Touchstones Rochdale. They’ve teamed up with The Proud Trust and Action Together’s: LGBT Network and have an evening packed of activities to bring the local LGBT community together. Expect food, an LGBT quiz, circus skills, LGBT museum collections and more!
Monday 27th February 2023 5.30-8.30pm at Touchstones Rochdale, The Esplanade, OL16 1AQ
https://www.actiontogether.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=3461
Calling all LGBTQ+ Networks and Allies across the UK!
Inclusive Companies are proud to invite you and your colleagues to their first in person event of this year!
Event: ‘The Power of LGBTQ+ Networks’ in partnership with TalkTalk.
Location: TalkTalk, Soapworks, Ordsall Lane, Salford, M5 3TT
Date: Tuesday 28th February
Time: 17.30 – 19.30
Registration: CLICK HERE
Networking is such a powerful marketing tool to accelerate and maintain success for any individual or organisation. It’s key to making connections and provides the most productive, most proficient and most enduring tactic to building mutually beneficial relationships.
There are thousands of employee, inter-sector, professional and social network groups all over the UK doing great things. But what is it that makes LGBTQ+ Networks so important? Inclusive Companies recently published findings from this year’s Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers Survey which revealed that 93.10% of employers had a dedicated LGBT+ Employee Resource Group (ERG), remaining the most popular type of ERG amongst participants since 2017.
As they look to continue the momentum following LGBT History Month, ‘The Power of LGBTQ+ Networks’ will connect LGBTQ+ Networks, leaders, and ally’s as well as explore innovative ways in which they have grown and formalized and why they have had such an impact.
Featuring inspirational guest speakers, a panel session and of course the chance to network over drinks and nibbles, this informal event will provide an unprecedented opportunity to collaborate and share ideas with LGBTQ+ network leaders and participants from across the northwest and nationwide.
Complimentary tickets to attend this event – Whether you identify as LGBTQ+, are a member of a network, an ally, or simply want to go along and learn more, I encourage you to join them! Be sure to secure your place by selecting the following tab. https://www.inclusivecompanies.co.uk/event/the-power-of-lgbt-networks/
‘Legacy of 67’
An exhibition of new work by Jez Dolan
Thu 16 February – Fri 31 March
The Reading Room, Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester.
In 1967 the law in England and Wales changed to partially decriminalise homosexual acts between men in private. This was followed by further legislation relating to the age of consent, the role of LGBTQ+ people in the armed forces, improved partnership, inheritance, and adoption rights, that have positively affected the lives of LGBTQ+ people. However, at the same time we’ve also seen the rise and fall of Section 28, which outlawed the ‘promotion of homosexuality’ by local authorities and we’re currently seeing the demonisation of trans people and a profound backlash against liberalisation.
For the last twelve months IAP:MCR has been capturing the stories of people who have grown up between the ‘60s and the ‘80s to find out how these changes have affected them. We have recorded their testimony, which can be found in Archives+ at the Central Library; we have conducted original research of contemporaneous source material to explore the changing attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people in general society.
IAP:MCR has commissioned visual artist Jez Dolan to respond to this project and he has produced a series of eight original works that are on display in the Reading Room, together with an exhibition of original material from the archive.
Jez Dolan is an artist living and working in Manchester (UK). His practice underlines the intersections between queerness, sexuality, identity, and memory. He works across multiple platforms including drawing, performance, printmaking and most recently painting. www.jezdolan.com
LGBT+ Manchester Walking Tour
Most Saturdays throughout the year, Starting at 3pm from the Alan Turing Memorial in Sackville Gardens
£10pp
Explore murals and memorials, pubs and political hangouts to discover how Manchester’s Gay Village developed, and how Manchester came to be known internationally as a gay centre. To book, or for more info email [email protected] or visit www.fmwt.co.uk
Twitter: @FreeTours_MCR
Instagram: @FreeTours_MCR
Facebook: /FreeManchesterWalkingTours
Click HERE to read our most frequently asked questions.
Lancashire LGBT+ business leaders to get a Boost this LGBT+ history month
LGBT+ business owners and leaders in Lancashire are being invited to take part in a new funded programme which will allow them to work with other business owners to tackle key business challenges and maximise new opportunities.
The Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Equality Panel is one of seven panels established by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to tackle inequality and injustice in the region. Its aim is to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ people across the city region by championing LGBTQ+ inclusion, and ensuring that the interests of our diverse LGBTQ+ communities drive all aspects of running and planning for the future of Greater Manchester. The panel is made up of LGBTQ+ volunteers from across Greater Manchester, all of whom represent the rich diversity of the city-regions LGBTQ+ community. LGBT Foundation is proud to be facilitating the GMCA LGBTQ+ Equality Panel, re-establishing it on the ethos of community ownership and coproduction.
The Panel are passionate about being able to represent all LGBTQ+ communities across Greater Manchester and so have opened a new round of recruitment specifically calling for members of QTIPoC communities and people from Trafford, Tameside, Stockport and Wigan. For more information about the Panel and how to apply, please follow: https://lgbt.foundation/gm-lgbtq-equality-panel.
The Sunday Boys are looking for two singing-actors for a performance at The Lowry on Sun 2 April entitled We’ll Be Here Tomorrow in partnership with George House Trust and Nathaniel J Hall.
This will be a one-off concert of newly commissioned monologues and existing musical theatre songs exploring experiences of living with HIV past, present, and future. You can find additional details on their website. This looks like a fantastic opportunity specifically for LGBTQ+ people and for QTIPOC actors. https://www.thesundayboys.com/casting-call
LGBT Foundation – The Community Café
Every Saturday & Sunday in Feb, 10am – 1pm
Have a brew and a chat with other LGBTQ+ people at their sober space, located in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village
Fairbairn House, 2nd Floor, 72 Sackville Street, Manchester M1 3NJ
www.lgbt.foundation
LGBTQ+ ONLINE DEMENTIA SUPPORT GROUP – Greater Manchester
A safe and friendly space to express yourselves and support each other:
Speak or listen in an LGBTQ+ safe space, Be anonymous if you prefer, Make friends / connections, Talk about issues that are important to you.
Guest speakers, Fun monthly quiz
First Tuesday of the month | 2PM – 3.30PM
Zoom meeting
Contact Kathryn Mellor –[email protected] for zoom details and further information
Join thier online peer support group for people living with or caring for someone with dementia, who identify as LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer). They are there to provide you anonymity in a friendly and safe environment where you can share your experience or concerns with like-minded people.
Save The Date for 2023: Greater Manchester Pride Events Taking Place
Bury Pride Sat 29th April
Pride in Trafford Wed 17th – Sat 20th May
Pride on the Range Sat 27th May
Salford Pink Picnic Sat 17th June
Rochdale in Rainbows Sat 24th June (Provisional Date)
Sparkle Fri 7th – Sun 9th July
Tameside Pride Sat 15th July
Oldham Pride Fri 21st – Sun 23rd July
Pride in Bolton Fri 28th – Sun 30th July
Stockport Pride Sun 30th July
Levenshulme Pride Fri 11th – Sun 13th Aug
Wigan Pride Sat 12th Aug
Prestwich Pride Sat 12th – Mon 14th Aug
Manchester Pride Fri 25th – Mon 28th Aug
Didsbury Pride Sat 2nd Sept
Chorlton Pride Date T.B.C
Pride in Wythenshawe Date T.B.C
Just outside Greater Manchester but only a short distance away:
Happy Valley Pride, (Hebden Bridge), will be held over the week from 24th July to 30th July 202
More GM Pride Events may be announced in the near future:
To keep up to date, Twitter: @GM_PrideNetwork
Standedge Pride Party 2023: Sunday 4th June, 1pm – 8pm (Call out for charities to exhibit for free)
A message from Luke Clark:
I’m Luke and I am the project leader for the Standedge Pride Party. Last year we launched our first event at the visitor centre and was overwhelmed with the response. The event was geared to ‘celebrate life and diversity by the water’, later on we realised just what we actually created. Many people responded asking us to continue putting on this event, some said they never expected an event like this in the place they lived. We created a safe space full of joy for the community and their allies to celebrate and be who they are. In total we received 1210 visitors across the 8 hours that the event ran for.
Our event was led by myself and the local team of staff and volunteers at Standedge Tunnel in Marsden, Huddersfield (as a national attraction, our reach extends across the north and we have visitors from areas such as Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester and beyond). Local LGBTQ+ Charities attended together with local merchants who sold Pride regalia. The event was hosted by Drag DJ Gypsy Darling who provided entertainment on our stage.
Alas! We come to why I am contacting yourself! This year we plan for the event to be bigger than ever! Our event is set for the Sunday 4th June between 1300 and 2000. We would love it if you can come along! LGBTQ+ charities, organisations and groups are entitled to exhibit for free at the event, you are more than welcome to bring your clients along also and join in the celebration! If you are interested, please feel free to email back or contact me on the number below and we can discuss the arrangements.
Address: Standedge Tunnel & Visitor Centre, Waters Road, Marsden, HD7 6NQ
Date and Time: Sunday 4th June 2023 between 1300 and 2000
Stall locations: Outdoors (Weather Permitting we can move this indoors)
Stall Type: 3X3M Space for a gazebo etc, provided by yourself
Access: good vehicular access for vehicles up to 7.5tonnes (sat navs can be a little buggy but we are easy to find)
Parking: Vehicles are to be left in our designated car park which is a 10 minute walk away, you can load/unload at the visitor centre, arrangements can be made for those with reduced mobility.
Luke Clark (He/They) Tel: 07787 105876 Email: [email protected]
Arcadia Roller Derby: Invites you to join them
Established in 2012, Arcadia Roller Derby is a Manchester based roller derby team. Arcadia have previously competed in the last three UK Roller Derby Championships, and in 2023 will play in Five Nations Roller Derby.
The team currently trains at Didsbury and hosts regular games at University of Salford Sports Centre. Arcadia Roller Derby is a LGBTQIA+ women’s team that welcomes transgender and gender expansive players. Arcadia has an ethos of being friendly and welcoming, a place for brand new and experienced skaters alike, as well as skating and non-skating officials.
They have organised an event in February and invite anyone interested to join them.
The course starts on 26th February from 3-5pm. The first session is free, then costs £6 per session moving forwards.
Facebook Link: with details of the welcome event.
Instagram Link:
LGBT tae kwon do.
A self-defence and fitness martial arts UTO class, open to all.
Every Thursday. 6pm.
Central hall, Oldham Street (central Manchester, opposite Afflecks palace)
Class lasts one hour.
First class free, then £5 / £3 class (pay as you go).
Just wear loose clothing in which you can exercise.
Any experience or fitness level very welcome.
Any questions about the class, Dominic is happy to answer them before you go along!
Northern Rebound Proudly Presents – Manchester All Nations Competition
Saturday 17th June 2023
Entries Now Open
Registration for the event is now open. Get your spot as quickly as you can as this will sell out!
In keeping with their “greener club” policy they will be making every effort to reduce their carbon footprint in this year’s tournament, including going paperless, sourcing reliable and sustainable products for prizes and refreshments and eliminating non-essential materials.
Also, with acknowledgement of the financial difficulties everyone across the continent is facing, they have strived to make this year’s tournament the most affordable and economically sound it can be. Entry for this tournament is only £27.50 (plus small booking fee).
They can’t wait to welcome you to Manchester this summer.
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/northernreboundlgbtsquashmanchesterallnationstournament/835259
New Uplifting House & Dance Classics Night coming to sub101 at cruz101
Launching coronation weekend 06/05/23
Hey Sue… calling all you Kings and Queens. Sue has something special for you this Kings Coronation.
SUESHOUSE: THE CORONATION LAUNCH SPECIAL- Taking you on a nostalgic journey through all things house… including funky house, classics, 90s and biggest piano anthems.
As King Charlie reaches for his crown, Sue will be celebrating her new reign as the queen of classics in the perfect backdrop of Sub 101 in Manchester.
DJs: DAZ G | DYLAN JEFFERS | NIK DENTON
Ticket holders can stay on to AllSorts After-hours for FREE
Tickets: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on-beta/Manchester/Sub101/SUESHOUSE-/36276606/
Job Vacancies:
LGBT Foundation:
Find out about the latest job vacancies with the LGBT Foundation:
https://lgbt.foundation/jobs
Volunteering Opportunities:
LGBT Foundation are looking for more people to support with the Village Angels Programme, the team are out around the Village every weekend from 9pm – 3am making sure that everyone in our community stays safe; providing everything from First Aid, to Mental Health support, or just a little bit of help getting home. If you’re passionate about helping people, and think you can be a friendly face on a night, then sign up here
GM – LGBTQ+ Equality Panel:
Are you a Greater Manchester resident with ideas on how we can improve equality for all LGBTQ+ people across the city-region? If so, the GM LGBTQ+ Equality Panel need you! Established to tackle LGBTQ+ injustice, the Panel are a group of passionate and innovative volunteers working with the GMCA and LGBT Foundation to find creative solutions to inequality. In this round of recruitment, we’re specifically calling for volunteers from QTIPoC communities and people from the boroughs of Trafford, Tameside, Stockport and Wigan. For more information about the Panel and how to apply, please follow: https://lgbt.foundation/gm-lgbtq-equality-panel
Canal St VIP Card:
Recently, several of their card holders expressed surprise about the savings available at their growing list of non-hospitality businesses and so they are kicking off 2023 with a reminder about the savings at retailers for Art, furniture, footwear, literature, specialist online services, photography, doggie goodies and so many more.
They also offer a number of more specialised services in their professional listing.
Take a moment to remind yourself of what/where you will benefit. CLICK HERE
This is also a good opportunity to check your card status, as you may need/wish to renew for 2023.
If you do, before 31st Jan 2023 they will include a digital card FREE OF CHARGE for your nominated friend or loved one.
This excludes monthly subscriptions.
They will email you to get the details of your plus 1 and set up directly.
All they now need to do is wish you all the best for the year ahead from all the team at Canal St Media
* They are delighted to confirm that they have made their third donation to George House Trust in 2022, directly from increased sales of the card and phone covers. Need to buy or renew your card? To buy card and phone together
Gay Pride Shop & The LGBTQ+ Book Shop
The UK’s largest LGBTQ+ store in located in Afflecks in Manchester city centre and online at www.gayprideshop.co.uk. Over 7000 items in stock, with their profits shared with Manchester charities. They also cater for large corporate orders, for items such as lanyards, flags and badges, with corporate discounts available. For corporate/business orders, please contact [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]