GM LGBTQ+ Community Network Newsletter
Monday, 10th June 2024Good Afternoon,
Between 2011 and 2015 the UK was ranked #1 in the annual ranking of LGBTQ+ Rights across Europe, described as the most queer-friendly place. But a failure to ban conversion therapy and the toxic row with large sections of the media and politicians with the government drawing back its support for trans people, we have seen the UK fall dramatically; we are now in 17th position out of 49 European countries.
Hate crime statistics reveal that England and Wales continue to become a less safe place for the LGBTQ+ community.
Hate crimes based on sexual orientation and transgender identity are the most likely to involve violence or threats of violence.
Statistics only provide a snapshot of the reality, with most victims not reporting their experiences to the police.
The Government’s own statistics suggest fewer than one in ten LGBTQ+ people report hate crimes or incidents.
On July 4th we have a General Election, it’s time to get the UK back on track for LGBTQ+ rights.
Over 1.5 million LGBTQ+ people live in the UK, and the impact on us has been all too real.
This is a pivotal moment for our country. We want the next UK Government to take pride in its LGBTQ+ citizens, to help us not only feel safe, but to unlock our full potential.
We must get our voices heard and listened to, it might feel like one individual vote might not matter in the bigger picture,
But you should always remember that you have the power to influence change in meaningful ways.
Voting is one of those methods. So don’t lose out on your chance to have a say.
Make sure you are registered to vote.
https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester:
https://www.canal-st.co.uk/canal-st-online-newsletter
Consortium: For Stronger LGBT+ Communities
Sector News: https://mailchi.mp/9336ed5bd884/jan24-9109261?e=4ef77ba796
Funding News: https://mailchi.mp/72b05b9d94b1/funding-news-jun23-9107618?e=4ef77ba796
LGBT Foundation: June Newsletter:
Fighting With Pride: Latest Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/b248de0efb5b/fighting-with-pride-newsletter-may-2024
Fighting With Pride: Town Hall
Register now for the next FWP Town Hall – Tuesday 11th June 2024
The next FWP evening update Zoom briefing will take place at 18:30 on Tuesday, 11th June 2024
This will include an introduction and Q&A with Ed Hall, FWP’s new Chair of the Board of Trustees, an update on Campaign and the Memorial from Craig, and a general FWP update from Caroline.
You can register for the event HERE.
Please note that you will receive an email that provides you with a direct link to join the event once your registration is confirmed. You should get confirmation within 48 hours of registering. If you don’t see the email, please check your spam/junk mail folder. Any issues, please email events@fightingwithpride.org.uk
Proud 2 B Parents: June Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/cc4309748116/june-2024-monthly-email-16191526?e=c3332628fc
Forever Manchester: Monthly Newsletter
GM Equality Alliance Bulletin, Issue 90, June 2024
https://www.gmcvo.org.uk/civicrm/mailing/view?reset=1&id=9950
Pride in Liverpool is Returning: July 2024
https://prideinliverpool.co.uk/
Pride Season Has Started: Greater Manchester Pride Events for 2024
Tameside Saturday 15th June https://tamesidepride.co.uk/
Salford Pink Picnic Saturday 22nd June
Pride in Nature with RHS Bridgewater Sunday 30th June
Sparkle Weekend Friday 12th – Sunday 14th July
Rochdale in Rainbows Saturday 13th July
Oldham Pride Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st July
Leigh Pride – Just announced Saturday 27th 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
Manchester Pride Friday 23rd – Monday 26th August
Didsbury Pride Saturday 31st August
Ramsbottom Pride Saturday 21st September
Withington Pride Saturday 21st September
Bury Rainbow Train Sunday 29th September
Chorlton Pride To be confirmed
Have you heard about Matt Cain’s heartwarming new book ‘One Love’? It’s a poignant story about two gay men who meet and become best friends in 2002, reconnecting 20 years later on the confetti-covered streets of the Gay Village at Manchester Pride Festival.
The whole book is a love letter to Manchester and its world-famous Gay Village.
Signed copies are available from Manchester-based bookshop Queer Lit to make things extra special. https://www.queerlit.co.uk/
Matt also has “an evening with” events coming up:
Ebb & Flo – Chorley – 11th June
https://ebbandflobookshop.co.uk/product/event-ticket-meet-author-matt-cain-one-love/
University of Manchester -12th June
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/bicentenary/events-activities/an-evening-with-matt-cain/
Pro-Manchester:
The Non-Birthing Parenting Perspective: Navigating Careers and Caregiving – Wednesday 12th June, 12pm – 1.30pm
https://www.pro-manchester.co.uk/event/pro-parent-non-birthing-parents/
Out In The City Are you LGBT+ over 50 years of age?
If so, then you are warmly invited to Out In The City’s Pre-Pride Party.
It’s at Cross Street Chapel, 29 Cross Street, Manchester M2 1NL from 2.00pm to 4.00pm on Thursday, 13 June.
There will be: Entertainment – The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Jennifer on guitar and our own boy band, Wolf. Buffet and Raffle.
The Manchester Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are part of a worldwide order of queer nuns (some queerer than others) who get out into the community to promulgate universal joy and goodness and they haven’t got a bad habit between them!
They might teach you some polari whilst introducing the acts. They might serve joy and love, they might play instruments or just raise an eyebrow or two. Who knows what they will do?
The very talented Jennifer will be playing guitar and singing. Wolf will be singing pop, soul and possibly “Nelly the Elephant”!
Don’t miss this event … it promises to be special!!
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
LGBTQ+ Leaders Rising
BT Business invites you to a fireside chat and networking event for queer professionals and allies in Manchester.
With a lack of visible role models and patchy data, LGBTQ+ people often struggle to rise up the ranks and become business leaders. Join them at their Deansgate office as they delve into this challenging issue.
Date: Tuesday 18 June 2024
Venue: BT Group, Spaces, 125 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2BY
Sign-up here: https://forms.office.com/e/3R1KfPMVTY
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.
Pro-Manchester:
Celebrating Manchester Pride all Year Round – 27th June, 12pm – 1.30pm
https://www.pro-manchester.co.uk/event/celebrating-manchester-pride-all-year-round/
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.
Pride in Leadership: Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling: How LGBTQ+ people can thrive and succeed at work
Join online to hear from Layla McCay, who has just launched her first book – Breaking the Rainbow Ceiling: How LGBTQ+ people can thrive and succeed at work. July 2nd, 2pm – 3pm
There are currently only four LGBTQ+ CEOs across all Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 companies who are out at work, and just 0.8% of Fortune 500 board positions are filled by LGBTQ+ people. This deficit, occurring across sectors and around the world, reveals a diversity gap playing out in today’s workplace: LGBTQ+ people are less likely to reach the top jobs. But what is holding LGBTQ+ people back at work – and what can be done? Layla McCay brings together data with personal insights from over 40 prominent LGBTQ+ trailblazers, from CEOs to Ambassadors, to reveal the challenges that LGBTQ+ people commonly encounter in the workplace, and provides practical strategies to help empower LGBTQ+ people to reach their full professional potential.
register here
Pride Classical
A world-class 32-piece orchestra comes to Liverpool’s iconic waterfront to kick-start the Pride in Liverpool weekend.
A dazzling event for all the family, Pride Classical will see an ensemble of world-class LGBT+ artists and allies take to the stage to perform the best Pride and LGBT+ anthems of the last 50 years on Friday, 26 July.
Hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 4 Winner, Liverpool-born drag artist Danny Beard and West End star Alison Jiear,
Plus, more superstar cast members to be announced, it is set to be an evening not to be forgotten.
https://prideinliverpool.co.uk/classical/
Sober Gay Socials are thrilled to announce an exciting new venture with their amazing sober community’s Soberbrighthuns and Love From as we bring you… “Sassy Up North… a Sober Extravaganza!”
Sat 27th July 13:30-18:00 Basement Bar at Bar Pop – Official, Canal Street, Manchester.
There will be the usual sober shenanigans of glitter, great selection of alcohol-free drinks, amazing music and DJ’s all served with a ‘Coronation St’ classic vibe.
They will be having a fabulous pre-party to get to know everyone over at Love From from midday then heading over to the main event at 1:30pm… They can’t wait to see you all there!
Tickets on sale now at:
HOME are thrilled to announce the sensational, award-winning production My Son’s a Queer, (But what can you do?) it will take the stage this summer ahead of Manchester PRIDE, as the acclaimed production makes its glittering debut in Manchester this August!
Written and performed by the multi-talented, social media sensation, My Son’s a Queer, (But what can you do?) has garnered widespread acclaim, evolving from a cult sensation to a WhatsOnStage award-winning and Olivier Award nominated production.
When Rob was 12, they attempted to stage a full-blown Disney parade in their house for their Grandma. As Rob donned a wig and played Mary Poppins, Ariel, Mickey Mouse and Belle, their Dad doubled as Stage Manager, Sound Technician and Goofy. Unfortunately, Dad missed all his cues and pushed all the floats in the wrong direction. Mum mistook Aladdin for Ursula. The costumes went awry and Ariel’s bubble gun didn’t work properly. Grandma had a nice time though.
My Son’s a Queer, (But what can you do?) is the joyous autobiographical story of Madge as they set out to recreate that infamous parade, inviting audiences on a journey filled with laughter, love, and the occasional mishap.
https://homemcr.org/production/my-sons-a-queer-but-what-can-you-do/
DONATE to Dibby’s Pride in Performing Arts Fund
It’s no secret that the last few years have been a tough time for the arts industry.
And this Pride Month, as the UK slips further down to seventeenth place in the European ranking of LGBTQ+ safe countries, times are tough for our friends and colleagues too.
This year Dibby Theatre have had four unsuccessful grant applications, and many other LGBTQ+ organisations are reporting significant fundraising setbacks at a time when our community needs us the most.
So they have launched a Crowdfunding campaign to support and develop LGBTQ+ creative freelancers and communities across the country.
They’re aiming to raise £5000 by asking 500 people to donate a tenner (or more if they’re able!) to help them deliver essential creative outreach and talent development work on their next tour.
Find out more about – and donate to – the ‘Pride in Performing Arts’ Fund here:
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/dibbys-pride-in-performing-arts-fund
Hate Crime Awareness Grants:
I am delighted to share with you details of the Hate Crime Awareness Summer/Autumn 2024 Grants Programme has just launched.
They are offering 20 grants of £500 each, with and new focus on the Hate Crime Awareness Week theme of either or both:
‘Intersectionality’, those who experience more than one type of hate
‘barriers’ to reporting hate crimes and incidents.
Full details of eligibility and how to apply for a grant are here:
Hate Crime Awareness Grants Summer-Autumn 2024 Programme | Manchester Community Central
The deadline for applications is 12pm midday on Thursday 27 June 2024. Applications should be emailed to [email protected]
Stockport LGBT+ PLUS Active Walks
Get outdoors! Experience the best of our local wide-open spaces, beautiful countryside and parks. Feel physically refreshed and mentally improved, whilst networking and developing new friendships on their regular monthly walks in the big outdoors!
Find out more about Stockport LGBT+ PLUS on the below links:
Website: www.stockportplus.org
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/StockportPLUS
Online Community: www.facebook.com/groups/StockportPLUS
Stockport County Foundation are running County Pride football sessions for LGBTQ+ people, it’s a casual weekly kickabout with the aim to form a team when there are more attendees. The sign up link is here: https://www.stockportcounty.com/community-trust-launch-its-first-lgbtq-team/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CAs%20a%20club%2C%20we’,%2D7pm)%20at%20Powerleague%20Stockport.
Stonewall: Young Leaders
Are you LGBTQ+, aged 20-30, and interested in developing your leadership skills?
Stonewall are excited to offer you the chance to attend their FREE 2024 Young Leaders Programme
https://mailchi.mp/stonewall/exclusive-look-at-the-stonewall-workplace-conference-654649?e=78e7d82d93
Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership: Patient Public Advisory Group
Are seeking veteran representation on the Manchester NHS Patient and Public Advisory group who provide vital feedback and advocacy for the health needs of our communities.
They have three spaces to fill, it is open to anyone who wishes to apply, but they are eager to make sure the needs of LGBTQ+, ethnic minority, female, and commonwealth veterans are represented. Can you please share the attached leaflet with your networks, a note that they must be a Manchester resident.
https://gmintegratedcare.org.uk/mcr-ppag/
Rainbow Junction Therapy:
A new LGBTQ+ specific therapy service that has launched for any members of the community wanting to access independent therapy. Clients can be assured that all clinicians are knowledgeable and experienced in working with the LGBTQ+ communities, offer safe and empowering therapy, and always adopt an intersectional approach (e.g., considering someone’s ethnicity, disability, neurodiversity etc alongside their sexuality/gender). The website is www.rainbowjunctiontherapy.co.uk
Green Carnation Company to Create New Play for LGBTQ+ Teens in partnership with The Proud Trust
In Partnership with Waterside Arts, Shakespeare North & The Proud Trust, supported by Arts Council England.
Green Carnation Company are thrilled to announce their latest project, working with writer Liam Mansfield to develop his new play ‘Clothes Swap’.
The play is a comedy drama featuring a cast of young queer characters, their devoted but weary youth leader, and a suspicious outsider who challenges the group’s existence. ‘Clothes Swap’ celebrates the power of queer expression and community solidarity, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and shared understanding.
Green Carnation Company will be working with The Proud Trust’s Youth Group in Trafford to work with the writer and a team of professional actors to develop the play as well as creating their own creative response, which will be shared at Waterside Arts on Fri 12 July.
North West Air Ambulance Charity
Are celebrating their 25th Birthday this year and have some amazing events coming up:
The North West Air Ambulance Charity (NWAA) is called to the most critically ill and injured across the North West region, with their crew of consultant-level doctors and critical care paramedics delivering enhanced pre-hospital care to patients at the scene of an incident, 365 days a year. The Charity provides a lifesaving service to over 8 million people across the North West, in the air and on the ground, with their three helicopters and four critical care vehicles operating from their two airbases in Manchester and Blackpool. Last year NWAA were called to over 3,100 missions across the region, and this year they are proudly celebrating their 25thbirthday. NWAA receive no government funding, and are not part of the NHS, and must raise £12 million each year from donations to continue bringing the hospital to the patient.
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 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
University Of Manchester: Intimacy, Risk and Resilience in Online Dating Conference:
Conference: Intimacy, Risk and Resilience in Online Dating, to be held in Manchester on Friday 6 September 2024.
The conference marks the culmination of the ESRC-funded project: Dating App Connections: Intimacies before, during and after COVID-19.
The project explores LGBT+ and heterosexual people’s use of dating apps to negotiate intimate relationships during and after the COVID-19 lockdowns and social distancing. They will present their research, findings and analysis around intimacy, resilience and health in relation to dating app use. Professor Sharif Mowlabocus (Fordham University, NYU, and a valued member of their advisory board) will be giving the keynote address.
They are keen that the conference provides a space for dialogue around how we use dating apps to manage love, sex and friendship online. They are very grateful for the support of their advisory board for sharing their insight and expertise throughout the project and they are delighted that many of them will be joining us at the conference, including Prof Sharif Mowlabocus and Prof Susanna Paasonen. They encourage attendees from academia, community and voluntary organisations, policymakers and practitioners. Their aim is to engage with your different perspectives on intimacy, health and resilience and they plan to use the conference as the springboard to co-produce – with interested attendees – a recommendations document on our key themes.
This event is free to attend and funded by the ESRC as part of the Dating App Connections project. They want to include as many perspectives as possible in their dialogue, and to support this they have a small number of travel bursaries for people who work in voluntary or community organisations or who could not otherwise attend the event. If this applies to you, please let them know.
You can register via Eventbrite now, and they will be sharing the event more widely in the next few weeks. They do hope you can join them in September, they would very much value your attendance. For questions, please email [email protected] or [email protected]
Surveys / Research / Questionnaires:
Healthwatch Oldham
Want to hear from People living with Secondary / Metastatic Cancer and from professionals working with them to understand how the Secondary Cancer Pathway meets the patients’ needs.
The survey is for people living with a secondary/metastatic cancer diagnosis in Greater Manchester. If you are a family member or carer of a person with secondary/metastatic cancer you can also complete this survey on their behalf (from their perspective) as long as it’s a recent experience – within the last 18 months. This survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
Please see link to patient survey: https://www.healthwatcholdham.co.uk/secondarymetastatic-cancer-pathway-survey-patients
The Professional survey is for those working with secondary/metastatic cancer patients in Greater Manchester.
Healthwatch Oldham want to understand the perspective of people working with secondary cancer patients, the pathway, resources they use, what is working well and what could work better. The survey will take between 5 and 10 minutes to complete.
Please see link to professional survey: https://www.healthwatcholdham.co.uk/secondarymetastatic-cancer-pathway-survey-professionals
They will formulate a report with recommendations to help inform and guide Healthcare Commissioners and Cancer Care Services on realistic changes to improve the care and support for Secondary / Metastatic Cancer patients. Healthwatch Oldham will then monitor the changes implemented and impact they have.
The surveys are live and will close at the end of June 2024. In this time there will be the offer to undertake focus groups and 1 to 1 interviews to gather more information.
They anticipate publishing the report in August 2024.
Please get in touch if you would like any more information. [email protected]
Job Vacancies:
akt is currently recruiting for a Youth Engagement Worker (Trans Pathway Project) in Manchester, supporting trans and non-binary young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Here’s the link to the role on our careers page with all the details: