GM LGBTQ+ Community Network Newsletter
Friday, 11th August 2023Hello
LGBT Foundation have re-launched their Newsletter:
- Keep up to date on ground-breaking work.
- Keep you posted about their campaigns and relevant news.
- Provide you with information on opportunities to support them, including training, fundraising and volunteering.
Take a look at look here:
Sign up here to keep up to date:
https://form.jotform.com/230372875895369
Gendered Intelligence have launched a new monthly Newsletter:
https://5dzj9.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/mr/sh/SMJz09SDriOHWPUgqMebzbPJhifT/JTzYejaeSWxW
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?RE6516714670188219zzzzz64ac2a50c195d6c5025e434c89f11ac960b671ec15e0a11f03110e37371a6d8da4&varId=
Forever Manchester: For Funding & Fundraising
https://email-forevermanchester.com/557N-U1Q5-5BBAECC4490813D81WGZE8161DBAAEF28BCFA7/cr.aspx
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
Consortium: For Stronger LGBT+ Communities Sector News: August
https://mailchi.mp/15205529fbd3/jul23-8241157?e=4ef77ba796
Proud 2B Parents: August Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/75bc35883bbd/july-2023-monthly-email-15374922?e=c3332628fc
GM Equality Alliance Bulletin, Issue 70, August 2023
https://www.gmcvo.org.uk/civicrm/mailing/view?reset=1&id=9618&cid=151205&cs=06d5ff4454f02e36c29ea6684897ced3_1691073015_168
Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Community Fund: Round 3 is now open
LGBT Foundation, George House Trust and Homobloc are now accepting proposals for round three of the Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Community Fund.
The Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Community Fund inspires action and encourages inclusion across Greater Manchester, benefiting LGBTQ+ people and communities.
https://lgbt.foundation/greater-manchester-lgbtq-community-fund
Cellnex, Funding Opportunity
They are trying to support grassroots community organisations, by providing up to £5,000 in funding for any digital inclusion projects. Applications close Friday 18th of August. Read more here if you are interested!
Additionally, there is also a smaller fund which can support groups of local residents and constituted community groups (with an income of under £2,500) to start new project activities by awarding up to £500 for local digital inclusion initiatives. More about this here!
Get in touch with the Cellnex team if you have any questions at: [email protected] or phone 0161 214 0940.
Sackville Gardens Consultation
Manchester City Council are in the process of writing a development plan for Sackville Gardens and we would love to hear from local residents about their aspirations for the gardens.
This consultation will look at how local residents and community groups make use of the park, and how you would like the park to better serve your needs. This survey should only take approximately 10 minutes.
This survey will run until 19th August 2023: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Xn3OsM2B-0eU9ydsYmt7Cf96C7DH49tIiR8ftyz32yRUMDBZWEtBVUlOTkVVRjlKQkk4QVlNMEdSSS4u&wdLOR=c1892F4F9-C309-EF4D-9BAC-8A62A926B1F7
Sober Gay Socials: Discover Your Tribe
Sober Gay Socials is a Not-For-profit Community Support Group based in Manchester that’s been created for LGBTQ+ people who are either Sober or Sober Curious from Drink, Drugs or both. By hosting regular Social Events and fun group activities, Sober Gay Socials is creating an amazing sober space within the Gay Community, giving likeminded people the opportunity to meet up, offer each other support, and build lasting friendships.
Follow on Social Media for updates of events and activities:
Facebook / Instagram: @sobergaysocials
Greater Manchester Pride Events Taking Place This Weekend…..
Levenshulme Pride 2023
Levenshulme Pride is back again 11-13 August, Levenshulme Pride has been going since 2017 and is truly embedded in the community involving groups, businesses and venues across Levenshulme.
Activities include DJs, live music, stalls, drag acts, workshops, swimming, a dog show, fitness classes, running, cycling, film screening, tribute acts, poetry and spoken word, cabaret, karaoke, choirs, a vigil and the march turning the A6 into the Gay6.
Every activity at Levenshulme Pride is free for anyone to attend.
Levenshulme Pride: No Barriers
11-13 August 2023
Prestwich Pride Returns for a Second Year
Taking place over the weekend of 12th August.
Prestwich Pride is back for 2023 with an incredible line-up and even more community support. The group of friends behind the celebration have joined forces with Manchester-based businesses and venues to celebrate love and inclusivity – and have grown the scale and sophistication of the project following on from its unexpected massive success last year.
Spilling out across a number of sites (including bars Wine & Wallop, Cuckoo, and The Goods In), this year’s lineup includes a dynamic family event run by Freight Island regulars ‘Born To Be Wild Child’, performances from Drag queens such as Miss Blair and Val the Brown Queen, and DJ performances from Manchester’s revered LGBTQ+ scene, including Jase Jeffrey (Bent Hedonism), Mix Stress, and Antoin (Kiss Me Again).
The infamous Prestwich Pride raffle is back again, stacked with fantastic prizes.
For more information and the full line up, follow the event’s instagram, @prestwichpride,
or email [email protected] with any enquiries.
Wigan Pride Sat 12th Aug
Wigan Pride enters its 8th year, the boroughs largest equality, diversity and inclusion event with an extended parade route and amazing acts lined up its set to be another amazing day. Acts on the Unity stage include:
Hey Beatles, Husk, Sminty Drop, Ex’s and Ho’s, Jes Stretton, Damon Kerby, Natalie Pilkington, Cheddar Gorgeous and AKA Noel Gallagher.
Their believe stage, on believe square will celebrate youth talent from the area.
They hope to welcome people from far and wide.
Further information and updates can be found on their social media channels.
Twitter @WiganPrideLGBT Facebook @WiganPride
Trans Pride Manchester: Sat 12th Aug
Trans Pride Manchester is dedicated to supporting, advocating for, and celebrating the transgender and non-binary community in the Greater Manchester area. We aim to create safe spaces, empower individuals, and promote education and awareness about the diverse experiences of gender identity.
Meeting at the Proud Place (The Proud Trust) 12.30pm then protest march, followed by panel events, workshops and open mike.
https://www.transpridemcr.org/
Coming Up…..
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/
New Edition: Withington Pride Sat 23rd Sept
Various Locations around Withington – More details to follow:
PrEP Initiation, STI & HIV Testing:
2nd Monday of Every Month (Monday 14th August) Drop in at G-A-Y Manchester 1.30pm – 4pm for LGBTQ+ People aged 18+ & living in Greater Manchester.
The Sunday Boys Present: Queer British Voices
The Sunday Boys, Manchester’s low-voiced LGBTQ+ choir, are kicking off their pride celebrations a little differently this year and would love to see you there!
Join them for a journey through queer British pop, contemporary classical and musical theatre.
Featuring music by Self Esteem, Sigala, and Rina Sawayama and a world premiere by Fraz Ireland and Ella Otomewo this will be a night to remember.
Book your tickets now: https://stollerhall.com/whats-on/the-sunday-boys-queer-british-voices/
Friday 25 August, 7.30pm
The Stoller Hall
£5.50 – £20
Become a Friend of The Sunday Boys and support their ongoing mission to champion choral excellence and commission new and exciting LGBTQ+ music. Their vision is a space where any LGBTQ+ person or ally can celebrate and create music with meaning – as a member, artist or supporter. Together you’ll create a bold new canon of queer choral work, putting queer stories front and centre – challenging perceptions, raising questions and celebrating the lived LGBTQ+ experience in the 21st century. Find out more here
Fusion: POC LGBT+ Youth Group,
Fusion is an identity based group delivered and developed by the ‘The Proud Trust’ for young people of colour (13-19) who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans (LGBT+).
When & Where
The group will be taking place every third Monday from August to October at 4-6pm. So that’s
Monday 14th August
Monday 18th September
Monday 16th October
These sessions will be taking place at Hideout based on 1 Queens Ave, Manchester M12 5PX.
What to Expect
It will be a relaxed space to meet other young LGBT+ people of colour and explore identity, belonging & culture. The first session will be a welcome and games, the next one will be badge making and the final one will be zine making.
Please spread the word and let me know if there are any questions or if young people need support in any way to attend.
Football Pride
Uniting LGBTQ+ people and active allies across the game, Football Pride is coming to Manchester Pride!
The main event is a symposium at Man Met Uni on Friday 25 August (10am to 4pm) with inspirational speakers such as out gay footballer Zander Murray and FIFA and WSL referee Stacey Pearson, influencers Mikey Connor and Jake Williamson, trailblazing trans players from TRUK United FC, fan leaders, media and more.
There will also be socials on the Thursday and Friday nights, plus there’s the chance to be part of a Football Pride group marching in the Manchester Pride parade on Saturday 26 August.
Info and link to sign up here –
https://www.footballvhomophobia.com/footballpridefestival/
Bury Pride presents LOUD – a Take Over of Burrs Live – Thursday 31st August 2023
LOUD will be taking over the Burrs Live site with an exciting evening of pop hits and queer joy – featuring Rogue Minogue, the no.1 tribute to the ever-popular princess of pop.
With hits from the early days through to her current hits this tribute is set to be the best party on the pop planet. So, grab your dancing shoes and head over to Burrs for an evening you won’t be able to forget!
The evening will also feature other artists which will be announced soon.
For tickets and more information follow the link: https://themet.org.uk/event/loud/
Hope Mill Theatre Presents: LIZZIE The Musical – 1st -30th Sept
LIZZIE is Rage! Sex! Betrayal! BLOODY MURDER!
A true crime punk rock musical, LIZZIE explores the life and complex psyche of Lizzie Borden who in 1892 was accused of murdering her parents with an axe! LIZZIE the musical brings together four stellar female performers to deliver this epic musical full of crime, rage and madness! The perfect show for any fan of true crime, horror and of course Musicals!
Grab your tickets here!
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 To start supporting causes in OUR community purchase your ticket here:
https://www.rainbowlottery.co.uk/referral/1754044334/1961609853
Nowt as Queer as Disabled Folk:
This is your opportunity to be part of an exciting project to make LGBTQ+ Disabled voices heard more widely.I am looking for volunteers who would like to join me in a new podcast about the experiences of disabled members of the LGBT+ Community. The podcast will be a series of 6 episodes, the aim is to give disabled members of our community a chance to share their experiences both good, bad, funny or serious. Anyone who would like to be a part of this project can email [email protected]
HERE-Bi is an eight-week, self-esteem therapy group for young bisexual people who have experienced non-suicidal self-injury urges, thoughts, or behaviours. The research study will be looking at how feasible this group is.
HERE-Bi starts on Wednesday 6th September, 5-6:30pm.
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?
Please email [email protected] for more information, or search @bisexualMH on Twitter for updates! Participants will be reimbursed for their time and participation.
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
PeerFest is an annual, national event (hosted by Mind) that celebrates the importance, power and diversity of peer support. It takes the form of a daylong event with creative workshops, talks, networking and knowledge sharing.
This year they are coming to The Lowry Theatre, Manchester on Thurs 7th Sept.
They are trying to make connections with local community groups and individuals who are working/volunteering with a peer support or mental health focus.
They are particularly interested in reaching groups that are often underrepresented in mental health or peer support spaces. They are looking at arranging a meeting to discuss how they can get the word out and get as many people involved in PeerFest 2023!
They have a few different ways groups or people can be involved:
- Delivering a talk, workshop or activity as part of the event programme.
- Attending as an audience member.
- Marsh Awards: Awards of between £500-£1000 for community led groups coming together for peer support.
- PeerFest Grants: Small grants to support community-led organisations delivering peer support.
For more information or to get involved, please contact: David Paulin (he/him) [email protected] @PeerFestUK
Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Dementia Awareness and Inclusion Training
LGBT Foundation with support from Dementia United are currently running a series of training sessions which have been inspired by Greater Manchester’s Online LGBTQ+ Dementia Support Group. The sessions are delivered remotely via Microsoft Teams and are planned to take place between 1pm – 2.30pm on the following dates: 17th,22nd, 30th August. The webinars are ideal for anyone within health and social care settings or if you have a specific interest in this topic. For more information please contact: [email protected]
The Greater Manchester Race Equality Panel aims to address systemic inequalities, racism and discrimination which disadvantage the people of Greater Manchester because of their culture, ethnicity, or race.
The purpose of the panel is to:
- advise and challenge Greater Manchester public sector bodies on their work to tackle systemic inequalities, racism and prevent discrimination.
- increase the visibility of issues relating to race and be involved in co-designing and implementing the solutions.
Who they are looking for:
The panel will be made up of individuals representing Greater Manchester’s communities and 10 districts.
They are looking for panel members who:
- are passionate about tackling racial inequality and discrimination wherever they find it.
- do not have their voices heard through existing democratic structures.
- have strong links to communities, as well as the mechanisms to harness their views and represent them.
- are also able to actively seek out the voices of people who are not currently heard, work with other perspectives, and aim to agree a ‘collective good’.
- will inspire people of racially minoritised backgrounds to participate in civic life.
- will champion the work of the panel to encourage wider participation and buy-in to its work.
- have insight or first-hand experience of the issues the Panel will focus on which is defined by it’s purpose.
- have insight and interest in intersectionality and the challenges of other marginalised groups and protected characteristics.
How to apply:
Please visit www.cahn.org.uk/gmraceequalitypanel to apply online.
If you would prefer to complete a Word version of the application form, please email [email protected]
All applications must be received by Sunday 10th September 2023.
LGBTQ+ Self-Harm Webinar on Wed 27th Sept 7pm-8:15pm,
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/690380365257?aff=oddtdtcreator
Survey / Study Requests:
NHS health Research:
Medicines Optimisation
People with lived experience of mental illness to help explore what matters most to people when approaching research into the safe and effective use of medicines. Researchers are especially keen to make sure that LGBTQ+ voices are included in this research. For more information, please see the Research for the Future website: www.researchforthefuture.org/studies/optimising-medicines
Chemsex Experiences:
Hello, my name is Breige (she/her) and I am a trainee clinical psychologist at the University of Manchester. I am part of a research team looking at the chemsex experiences of gay and bisexual men living with HIV in the North West of England.
- We are interested in finding out what chemsex means to people who participate in it and how they understand these experiences. We would also like to find out what it is like to feel unsure about continuing to have chemsex.
- We hope the findings from this research can help health professionals better support men who engage in chemsex and are living with HIV.
- Participating in the study would involve completing a brief phone call with myself followed by a questionnaire and interview, lasting 1.5-2 hours in total. Participants would also be reimbursed for their time with an e-voucher.
If you’re interested in taking part, or know someone who would be, check out the poster or follow the link here to register your interest: https://www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_cRR8XmD7ywxCys6 If you have any questions or would like to know more, please feel free to send an email to [email protected] Thank you!”
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]
The Older LGBTQ+ Adult Social Care Assessment Study;
Are you an older person (approximately 60+) and identify as LGBTQ+? Have you had contact from adult social care in England? Please participate in their project! If you:
- identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or another gender or sexual minority and are over 60 years old.
- had contact with adult social care (including as a carer of an older LGBTQ+ person)
They are interested in interviewing you! You can help them to better understand the social care experiences of older lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer + adults.
If you would like to participate in an individual interview at a location of your choice, please get in touch with Dora Jandric on
[email protected] or on 07521207427 For more information about the study, please visit:
www.birmingham.ac.uk/loasca You will receive a £20 voucher as a token of appreciation for taking part.
Job Vacancies:
LGBT Foundation:
Find out about the latest job vacancies with the LGBT Foundation:
https://lgbt.foundation/jobs
Volunteering Opportunities:
The Met Theatre, Bury is looking for new trustees!
The Met Theatre are dedicated to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and protected characteristics.
The Met Theatre has a clear strategy for the future and are looking specifically for younger board members as they believe it creates further insight into decision making and development.
If you are interested in applying or want more information, please follow the link:
https://themet.org.uk/about/jobs/trustee-recruitment/
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
Sparkle is now recruiting trustees and key volunteers to help them lead the way with trans inclusion!
Please see the application packs attached for more details on these roles, and the application forms.
Trustee
Application pack
Application form
https://www.cognitoforms.com/SparkleWeekend1/SparkleTrusteeApplicationForm
Key Volunteer
Application pack
Application form
https://www.cognitoforms.com/SparkleWeekend1/SparkleKeyVolunteerApplicationForm
If you have any accessibility concerns regarding applying, please email [email protected]
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