GM LGBTQ+ Community Network Newsletter
Friday, 7th July 2023Good Morning,
This weekend is: The Sparkle Weekend 2023 Friday 7th – Sunday 9th July
The Sparkle Weekend is the world’s largest free-to-attend celebration of gender diversity, and a safe space for anyone who identifies as gender non-conforming, their families, friends, and allies. In 2019, they welcomed more than 22,000 visitors over the weekend.
The Sparkle Weekend is a festival-style family event, featuring live music and entertainment, talks and workshops,
They also work with local and national charities who support young trans and gender questioning people and their families so that all age groups feel included.
One of the charity’s core values is that the event remains free-to-attend in order to be accessible to everyone, regardless of gender identity, race, religion, or physical ability.
“Sparkle is my family, it’s like a reunion with your favourite friends, your community, and it’s the highlight of my year!”
“Wow! What can I say? It was just so full of diversity and community spirit. We are looking forward to our next Sparkle Weekend!”
This year Sparkle are so excited to announce The Trans Joy & Queer Power March – marching forward for trans rights and understanding.
Join them shouting loudly and proudly and bringing joy, visibility and power to the community. Saturday morning 11.45am marching round surrounding streets and reclaiming our village! Meeting at Chorlton Street.
Let us bring joy and defiance in droves to our village and Sparkle city. As usual their placards will be ready for you to hold with pride!
The Sparkle Weekend Guide
Download The Sparkle Weekend Guide for the full program of weekend activities, headliners, fringe events, community content, promotions and much more! https://online.flippingbook.com/view/446565234/
By download it to your phone, you have the weekend program in your pocket!
Sparkle Weekend Tickets
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sparkle-weekend-2023-sackville-gardens-tickets-660218710937?aff=oddtdtcreator
Although tickets aren’t compulsory and you can still be admittance over the weekend, they would really appreciate you signing up for a ticket. This helps them to guarantee more funding, by using metrics and understanding their guests!
This is still a free-to-attend event, but there is an option to donate, if you wish. Every little helps!
There are also accessible tickets, should you need them. Please get in touch with them directly, if you have any questions or worries, please email [email protected]
Sparkle Ball – Saturday 8th July, During the Sparkle Weekend
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-sparkle-ball-2023-tickets-652139545937
Any questions – email [email protected] If you would like a corporate table – email [email protected]
Charity So Straight, are mid-way through the launch week of the #StandWithTrans campaign and they wanted to say thank you to each and every one of you that has signed their pledge so far.
They really appreciate your support and commitment to trans and non-binary inclusion in your charity and in the wider sector. If you have signed (or intend to sign) please share your support for the campaign on LinkedIn too if you use that platform and are comfortable speaking out in that space.
If you haven’t yet signed, please consider signing during launch week (this week) if possible. You can find all the info here: http://charitysostraight.org.uk/
If you need a bit more information to help you decide, they can be available to speak with you 1-2-1.
Email: [email protected]
Alternatively, you’re very welcome to join them on Thursday 20th at 6pm for our ‘Trans and non-binary voices’ webinar, where you will have the opportunity to hear from some of our trans and non- binary volunteers and friends, and the opportunity to put your questions to them (or to me).
Details here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/standwithtrans-campaign-trans-non-binary-voices-tickets-660732608017
@StraightCharity / @QueerTrustees
Stonewall: 5 Years / 4 Prime Ministers #BanConversionTherapy
It’s Not Therapy. It’s Abuse
https://us8.campaign-archive.com/?e=78e7d82d93&u=80f234ec11c28a7a8408eaaea&id=af6d40db1b
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?RE6516714668260719zzzzz64f78f6e4b9bb2f1f0d91f13b9f503d485535a83171ebc1946fef572e5bc70cd23&varId=
I Love Manchester: Events Not to Miss
https://ilovemanchester.com/
I Love Manchester: Inaugural Awards – Nominations Now Open
https://mailchi.mp/842c4663db8e/save-the-date?e=5e68cf27a0
Forever Manchester: For Funding and Fundraising / Grants
https://email-forevermanchester.com/557N-SFNW-5BBAECC4490813D81WGZE8161DBAAEF28BCFA7/cr.aspx
Consortium: For Stronger LGBT+ Communities Sector News: July
https://mailchi.mp/7f5d60a0128e/jul23?e=4ef77ba796
GM Equality Alliance Bulletin: Issue 68, July 2023
https://www.gmcvo.org.uk/civicrm/mailing/view?reset=1&id=9584
LGBT Foundation “The Community Café”
Every Saturday, 12pm – 4pm Note New Timings
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
Greater Manchester Pride Events Taking Place
Sparkle Fri 7th – Sun 9th July
https://www.sparkle.org.uk/
Pop-Up-Pride, Media City Sat 15th July
https://www.mediacityuk.co.uk/events/pop-up-pride-2/
Tameside Pride Sat 15th July
https://www.tamesidepride.co.uk/
Rochdale: Pride in The Park Sun 16th July
https://twitter.com/PrideInRochdale
They would love for you to join them at this Year Pride in the Park! Now in its 2nd year they’ve got an even more exciting line up for you and your whole family to enjoy, you can find our full program HERE and media assets attached.
Oldham Pride Fri 21st – Sun 23rd July
https://www.facebook.com/PrideOldham/?locale=en_GB
Pride in Bolton Fri 28th – Sun 30th July
https://pridebolton.co.uk/
Stockport Pride Sun 30th July
https://www.stockportpride.co.uk/
Trans Pride Manchester Sat 12th Aug
https://www.transpridemcr.org/
Levenshulme Pride Fri 11th – Sun 13th Aug
https://levenshulmepride.org.uk/
Wigan Pride Sat 12th Aug
https://www.wiganpride.com/
Prestwich Pride Sat 12th – Mon 14th Aug
https://www.instagram.com/prestwichpride/
Manchester Pride Fri 25th – Mon 28th Aug
https://www.manchesterpride.com/
Didsbury Pride Sat 2nd Sept
https://www.instagram.com/didsburypride/
Chorlton Pride Sat 16th Sept
https://chorltonpride.co.uk/
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
https://www.happyvalleypride.co.uk/
To keep up to date, Twitter: @GM_PrideNetwork
Hidayah are holding a potluck to celebrate Eid al-Adha, Central London, 8th July 5.30pm – 8pm
so please get yourself and some food to share!
Along with food, they will provide some fun arts and crafts, so whether you’re extroverted, introverted or ambiverted, there’ll be something for you.
Hidayah’s mission is to provide support and welfare for LGBTQIA+ Muslims, promote social justice and education about their community to counter discrimination, prejudice, and injustice, and create a safe and sustainable community with a long-lasting impact. Hidayah is a secular organisation, but its projects and activities are developed specifically for the needs of LGBTQI+ Muslims. Their vision is to ensure their voices are heard and understood. They are a mix of practicing and non-practicing Muslims. However, they warmly welcome friends, families, and allies to their events.
The venue is wheelchair accessible, and there is limited parking available at the venue, so please let them know when buying the tickets (or by emailing [email protected] as soon as possible before the event), so that they can make sure this is made available to you.
In order to ensure the safety and security of all attendees, you will need to have Hidayah Membership (available through this link) and to show your membership number at the door when you attend. Similarly, the event location will be provided nearer the time of the event.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/eid-potluck-tickets-661931233137
https://www.instagram.com/p/CuKT9lFo2kK/
OutStageUs July 14th & 15th, The Lowry, 8pm
OutStageUs is a truly unique celebration of LGBTQ+ voices in theatre. Curated by Hive North, the creative force behind the acclaimed #BeMoreMartyn, OutStageUs brings to life ten fresh, resonant plays from a diverse group of writers from across the UK. The annual showcase, which takes place at The Lowry’s Quays Theatre, is more than just a collection of performances – it’s a vibrant display of identity, love, consent, and the wide array of experiences within the LGBTQ+ community.
Each script at OutStageUs is carefully chosen to not only entertain but to challenge, provoke, and inspire. This year’s lineup explores themes as varied as self-acceptance, the exploration of asexuality, the complexities of relationships, and the realities of consent. These stories capture the richness and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, giving audiences an intimate insight into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of its characters.
OutStageUs serves as a crucial platform for LGBTQ+ narratives, offering an immersive and authentic exploration of queer life. It gives a voice to those often overlooked in mainstream media, while also engaging audiences in a shared human experience.
https://thelowry.com/whats-on/outstageus/
Pride in the Park Sunday 16th July 2023, Broadfield Park, Rochdale.
Pride in the Park will back for its 2nd year, and we need you to make it the best event yet!
They are looking for voluntary organisations and community groups to host fun, interactive, and creative stalls. Last year saw badge making, rock painting, circus skills to name just a few! They would love for you and your organisation to be involved and show your support and allyship for our LGBTQIA community in Rochdale.
If you would like to host a stall, then please send me an email and I will be in touch with more details.
Nichelle Cutler, Email: [email protected] Tel: 0161 339 2345 ext. 4109
Save The Date: “Big Village Clean-Up” 18th July 2023 (1pm till 5pm).
The idea of the event is that we will be giving the whole village a clean, ready for the “Britain in Bloom” judging panel who will be visiting on Wednesday 19th July 2023.
This will be part of the LGBT Foundation “Our Manchester Programme” – if you have any queries or if you would like to help then please reach out to myself, [email protected]
It really would be lovely to see many of you come along too and sharing the event on your socials and letting your service users, volunteers, family, and friends know about this event. I will send out more details next week 😊
LGBTQ+ Pathways to Parenthood Course confirmed for August 2023. This is a 6-week course giving a full picture of pathways to parenthood and was a huge success last year, so they hope it will be well received again this year:
LGBTQ+ Pathways to Parenthood 6 Week Course | Fertility Network (fertilitynetworkuk.org)
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
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Gaydio Academy ‘Culture Hub’
The Gaydio Academy is looking for venues, festivals, organisations, shops, museums/gallery’s that really make up a part of Manchester culture. They are looking to bring along their participants to film your location to create content which will then be produced into a 1-minute video with it containing lots of 4/5 seconds of snap recordings throughout the visit. This will then be produced and narrated to promote what you are trying to offer, then set on the Academy’s socials pages and website and possibly used for the Gaydio Evenings shows and website.
This is completely free as it is part of a project the Academy is running. If you would like the extra exposer, please can you email the Academy Manager, Lee Barnes, with a short intro of your organisation and he will get back to you. [email protected] |
| Manchester Pride Updates
Youth Pride MCR, a project by Manchester Pride, is dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ young people and their allies. By creating a safe and inclusive community, Youth Pride MCR organises engaging monthly workshops tailored specifically for individuals aged 14 to 18. These workshops provide a nurturing environment where participants can explore their identities, develop new skills, and build meaningful connections.
The House of Queens, Kings and Holy Things, facilitated in partnership with Drag Kings of Manchester Exclusively for members of Youth Pride MCR aged 14 to 18, and those up to 25 with additional needs, this innovative drag school offers a transformative experience in the world of drag. Participants will have the opportunity to develop their performance skills. Learn about makeup and costume, build self-confidence, forge new friendships, and perfect their drag performance craft. Over five weeks the young people will develop their skills in areas such as costume, make-up, persona and performance. At the end they will have a chance to perform at the Youth Pride MCR event as part of the Manchester Pride Festival. Manchester Pride aims to give young people who might not get a chance to perform in a mainstream setting a chance to take to the stage alongside their peers. Learn more and become a member of Youth Pride here: https://www.manchesterpride.com/youth-pride-mcr-by-manchester-pride
Community Sessions Community Sessions are vibrant and inclusive events that brings together grassroots LGBTQ+ community groups to raise awareness of their important work and inspire attendees to get involved. Held monthly at The Proud Place in Manchester City Centre, these sessions offer an incredible opportunity for LGBTQ+ communities and allies to gather, grow, learn, and celebrate. Join us for a session for July’s session on LGBTQ+ people of Faith at the Jewish Museum:
Pride Festival The Manchester Pride Festival returns this August from Friday 25th August – Monday 28th August. Events include The Human Rights Forum, The Parade, Superbia Festival, Youth Pride MCR, Family Pride, The Gay Village Party and, The Candlelit Vigil. You can apply to be in the parade here: https://form.jotform.com/230244695393360 You can apply for a stall on Community Lane here: https://form.jotform.com/230854652410350 And you can apply to join our parade troupe to take part in costume and movement workshops and lead the parade here: https://form.jotform.com/231172426272349
All Equals Charter The All Equals Charter is Manchester Pride’s programme to help businesses and organisations understand, recognise and challenge any form of discrimination in the workplace. The Charter aims to make the workplace inclusive, diverse and equal for marginalised people. https://www.manchesterpride.com/all-equals-charter
Superbia Cinema https://www.superbia.org.uk/superbia-cinema Join us on Thursday 20th July as we present a series of shorts exploring Transmasculine identities and filmmaking. With Sparkle Weekend just around the corner, we’re spotlighting Transmasculine identities in this month’s series of short films. Quite often, heteronormative discourse leaves trans men and Transmasculine identities out of the conversation, and through July’s Superbia Cinema programme, we aim to recognise and platform their experiences, artistry and filmmaking expertise. Book your free spot here:
Submit your event to be included on the Superbia website here: https://www.superbia.org.uk/submissions
Grants Superbia is Manchester Pride’s year round calendar of Queer arts and culture. Grants from £250 – £1000 are available to support the staging of a Queer arts or cultural event or to bring to life a project or initiative with a message to challenge discrimination and raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues. A Superbia Queer Arts Grant is enhanced with further promotional support from Manchester Pride and its Superbia initiative. There are two other funds to support community projects and local Pride events. Read more and request an application form here: https://www.manchesterpride.com/grants See which grants have been awarded here: https://www.manchesterpride.com/grants-awarded-round-two-2023 |
Survey / Study Requests:
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy:
Study Request from Charlotte Harding, she has started recruiting for her study which aims to explore lesbian and gay adults’ experiences of completing dialectical behavioural therapy. We know that lesbian and gay individuals suffer from high rates of mental health, self-harm, suicidal thoughts and trauma. Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT), is a therapy that works with reducing mental health difficulties and managing self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Yet, there is little research out there around this groups lived experience of completing DBT.
Charlotte wants to explore generally how lesbian and gay adults found completing DBT but more specifically:
- What it was like to engage in DBT as someone who identifies as gay or lesbian
- Was DBT experienced as affirmative in nature
- What was it like working on self-harm urges and suicidal ideation, within DBT, as a gay or lesbian person
Her study is a paid study, participants will receive a £25 e-voucher for participating in a one-hour interview to share their experiences.
Charlotte hopes to make recommendations to DBT therapists on how to adjust/improve therapy after she has analysed the data. If you wish to take part or have any questions: [email protected]
HERE-Bi is an eight-week therapy group for young bisexual people who have experienced non-suicidal self-injury urges, thoughts, or behaviours. This group aims to boost self-esteem through weekly, 90-minute sessions. The research study will be looking at how feasible this group is.
Are you.. 16-25 years old? Identify as bisexual or as being attracted to more than one gender? Have experienced thoughts or urges to self-injure or have self-injured within the last 6 months? Able to attend an online group once a week for eight weekly sessions of 90-minutes?
The group will start in August, so please email [email protected] for more information, or search @bisexualMH on Twitter for updates! Participants will be reimbursed for their time and participation.
The University of York research project Understanding Experiences of Dementia explores experiences of living with dementia, including how people manage daily routines, what help and support they get (or seek), interests, activities and social groups they attend.
They want to understand what matters most to people living with dementia and will also consider challenges and thoughts about the future.
Taking part in this study will involve a one-off interview lasting around one hour, which will be filmed or audio recorded. They are looking for participants aged 55 or over who have capacity to decide for themselves whether or not they wish to take part in the research.
The aim of the research is to develop an online information resource to help inform people who are worried about dementia. The resource will also be used to train health and care professionals.
In order for this resource to serve a wide range of people living with dementia, they are really keen to include experiences of people from minority groups who are underrepresented in research.
If you are interested please contact [email protected] for more information.
Job Vacancies:
LGBT Foundation:
Find out about the latest job vacancies with the LGBT Foundation:
https://lgbt.foundation/jobs
BHA for Equality:
Community Engagement and Development Worker x 2 roles – Manchester
https://thebha.org.uk/vacancies/community-engagement-and-development-worker-x-2-roles-manchester/
They have 2 full time (35 hours per week) Community Engagement and Development Worker posts available, which are fixed term until June 2024.
Salary: NJC SCP 12 – 22 – £24,496-£29,439
If anyone would like to discuss this role, please contact Elisabete Miranda (Programme Lead) at [email protected] to arrange an informal telephone discussion.
Volunteering Opportunities:
Rochdale: Pride in The Park:
They are reaching out as they would like to find a few extra “on the ground” volunteers for day, this will be to support with general set up, to direct members of the public to points of interest and to be around for close. Any time you can offer would be great. The event is 12-5pm on Sunday 16th of July at Broadfield Park, but they will need some people from 10am and throughout the day.
If you would like to be involved, please drop an email. [email protected]
LGBT Foundation:
Are you passionate about supporting LGBT communities? Do you want to help LGBT Foundation create a fair and equal society where all lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people are able to reach their full potential? At LGBT Foundation we are happy to start recruitment again for volunteers to join our team as we continue to make a difference during the Coronavirus pandemic.
LGBT Foundation have a very simple motto – we’re here if you need us. And that applies to everyone in our beautifully diverse communities. If you’re young, we’re here for you; if you’re older, we’re here for you; if you’re a person of colour, we’re here for you; if you’re a man, a woman, or non-binary, we’re here for you; lesbian, gay, bi, trans – however you describe yourself – we’re here for you. If you need help, if you’re struggling, if you need a friendly face or reassuring voice, we are there for you if you need us. We are all family – and at LGBT Foundation, everyone is welcome.
Below you can find information on the programmes recruiting at the moment, the role profiles for the various different volunteering roles and how to apply. https://lgbt.foundation/regular-volunteering-roles
Canal St VIP Card:
Over recent weeks, several comments have been made about some difficulty in finding or checking which venue partners are listed with unique special offers for card holders to enjoy and benefit from.
So, they have simplified the process and it is now easier to quickly find your favoured venues as all are listed alphabetically.
They have also added some new card partner offers too.
Buying or renewing a card is also quicker to do.
Need to buy or renew your card? To buy card and phone together
They are delighted to confirm that they have made another donation to George House Trust this year, directly from increased sales of the card and phone covers.
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]
Kind Regards
Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL
Pronouns: He / Him / His