GM LGBTQIA+ Community Network Newsletter
Friday, 1st November 2024Tickets have now been released for the annual Festive Celebration of the LGBTQI+ Community Manchester Cathedral Monday 16th December, 7pm – 9pm.
- Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester
- LGBTQ+ Weekly Bulletin from Manchester Evening News
- Consortium: For Stronger LGBT+ Communities Sector News Funding News
- GM Equality Alliance Bulletin, Issue no 100, October 2024
- Forever Manchester: Monthly Newsletter
- Answer Cancer Champions: Newsletter
- The Nine things every man should know about Prostate Cancer
Stonewall Equality Dinner: 30th October 2024, 7pm – 1am De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, London, WC2.
The Equality Dinner is the most prestigious day in the Stonewall calendar and this year will be hosted by Gok Wan and Suzi Ruffell.
On the night, over 400 of the UK’s most prominent supporters of LGBTQ+ rights from across public life and business will attend to learn about, and raise funds for, Stonewall’s vital campaigns for LGBTQ+ freedom, equity and potential. The evening’s entertainment delivers a balance of Stonewall’s important messaging complemented by fun and fundraising in equal measures.
This year’s Equality Dinner delivers an important rallying call for LGBTQ+ supporters and allies – that we need to stand together to protect the progress we have made. The UK is falling behind on the global stage as a ‘culture war’ takes hold of our politics and media and as hate crime rises. The need to stand together for a positive future for LGBTQ+ people is more important than ever. For further information and to book your table
Tod’ Queer Cabaret: 2 Nov, Todmorden Community College.
The LGBTQ+ community of the valley present the Queerest show in Tod. They invite you to enjoy a wide range of acts including comedy, drag, music, queer spoken word, closing with a DJ set.
Todmorden Community College (35 minutes by train from MCR Victoria Station)
Sat 2nd November. Doors Open at 7:30PM, show 8:00PM to 11:30PM. Licenced bar. Fully accessible venue. Tickets This event is suitable for over 18s only.
New York, New York Presents: The Alternative Royal Command Performance, Sun 3 Nov from 6pm
In aid of Spinal Regeneration Procedure for Gary Wilde. Performances from legendary guest stars Soraya Vivien & Angie Brown Melissa Totten as Madonna, Pete Caruana as Robbie Williams, Pete Valentine as George Michael – Many more surprise guests, Hosted by John Barry & Athena.
94-98 Bloom Street, Manchester, M1 3LY
Follow The Signs: HOME Mcr, 5 9 Nov
Chris is Deaf in a hearing world. Chris is Black on a racist island.
No code. No imprint. No escape.
But this is not a tragedy. This is a story of hope. This is a story about owning your identity.
Once upon a time there was a boy from down the road
He contracted meningitis at the age of two years old
His life had been ok but now little did he know
His hearing was to leave him and was due to change his world
A fully BSL-led hip-hop gig theatre show, Follow the Signs is performed through BSL, rap, spoken English, movement, and creative captioning, to be shared and celebrated by Deaf and hearing audiences together. It tells the story of acclaimed dancer and choreographer Chris Fonseca: from infanthood when he became Deaf after contracting meningitis, through a school system unable to value his differences, into teenage years where music and dance entered his life, to meeting Raffie Julien, a mixed-race Deaf woman who’s lived experience couldn’t be more different…or is it?
You’ve heard of the 5 elements of hip hop right? Emceeing, deejaying, breakin’, graffiti and beatboxing. Well now it’s time to introduce you to the 5 elements of Raffie. I’m half black, half white. I’m oral and I sign. On top of that, I’m a woman.
All performances will be in BSL, Spoken English, Rap and English Captions.
Queering Art History -The Whitworth Art Gallery, 7th Nov, 6pm
Linden Archive Manchester book launch
OUT & ABOUT WITH LINDEN: A Queer Archive of the North — Stuart Linden Rhodes Manchester book launch with a talk from Stuart Linden and book signing.
OUT & ABOUT WITH LINDEN: A Queer Archive of the North is a selected archival work capturing the 1990s LGBTQ+ club and pub scene across the north of England, from Birmingham to Newcastle. Celebratory in tone, it encapsulates a people defiant in the face of the AIDS crises and discriminatory laws. Featuring a foreword by Harry Clayton-Wright, with contributions from Boy George, Paul O’Grady, Julian Clary, Su Pollard, Heather Small, Mel B and more.
‘Linden’ was the roving reporter for APN and the Gay Times during the early to mid 1990s, his columns for those magazines were entitled: Out & About with Linden. Stuart Linden Rhodes was also a lecturer at a local further education college, the pseudonym ‘Linden’ adopted due to concerns generated by draconian Clause 28 legislation sanctioned by Tory governments of the era. At home in North Yorkshire during the ‘rona lockdowns of 2020-21, Stuart established the Linden Archive online as a way to preserve his work and look back fondly on the brash, thriving gay scene of the 1990s.
LINDEN ARCHIVES: Stuart Linden Rhodes
A new coffee table size photobook of the queer 1990’s is available now for pre order from
Titled simply Linden Archives this book presents a collection of photographs of Pride events, Mr Gay UK contests alongside Club and Bar images from London, Brighton to Newcastle and Manchester. The foreword is written by actor Russell Tovey
After The Act: HOME Mcr, 12th – 16th November
After the Act is a new 1980’s-inspired musical about pride, protest…and abseiling lesbians.
Thatcher’s Section 28, which banned the “promotion” of homosexuality in schools, was the landmark legislation that silenced a generation, offered a global blueprint for LGBTQ+ oppression and galvanised a community. After the Act is funny, camp and unapologetically queer but also a clear-eyed exposure of the political playbook used to enact repressive laws.
Its joyously exuberant original live score accompanies the inspiring, sometimes heart-breaking, stories of teachers, students and activists impacted by the legislation. This is the story of how a moral panic gripped a nation – and a generation decided to fight back.
pro-manchester: EDI Lunch, 13 Nov 2024
Join pro-manchester for a dynamic EDI-focused lunch where industry leaders will share practical tips and insights for creating more inclusive workplaces and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in your business.
Learn from industry leaders about the latest strategies to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in your business. Network with peers committed to fostering an equitable environment and leave with actionable ideas to drive meaningful change.
This event will also mark the exciting launch of the Racial Equity Group, a pro-manchester initiative dedicated to addressing racial inequalities in the North West business community. Join them to learn how REG plans to foster an environment where everyone can thrive and connect with peers who are equally committed to positive change.
Don’t miss this opportunity to champion inclusivity and leave with actionable ideas to make a real impact in your company, tickets are available now!
Date: Wednesday 13th November 2024
Time: 12.00PM – 03.30PM
Location: Manchester Hall, The John Rylands Roof Terrace, 6 Bridge Street, Manchester, M3 3BT
Cost: Members £55 (+VAT), £525 (+VAT) per table of 10, Non-Members £70 (+VAT), £675 (+VAT) per table of 10
The Sunday Boys: A Very Queer Christmas, 21 Dec, 7pm – Manchester Cathedral
This December, The Sunday Boys are thrilled to bring back their much loved annual event, A Very Queer Christmas, where choral singing, rich storytelling, and festive reflection come together in a celebration of the season.
Now a much-anticipated tradition in the queer holiday calendar, this special concert invites you to explore and enjoy the festive period, all through a uniquely queer lens.
This concert sees exciting arrangements such as In the Bleak Midwinter, The Rose, Wonders in the Sky, Solstice Carol, and White Christmas, alongside hits from the likes of Kate Bush. The evening will be framed by original texts by Mark Croasdale.
NEW LGBTQ+ Active Ageing Film
HIV can be a real drag (pun intended), but especially for older LGBTQ+ adults who face unique challenges. Watch drag queen and HIV activist Daisy Puller and HIV and sexual health consultant Dr. Laura Waters discussing this important topic and its impact on our LGBTQ+ communities, as well as answering questions on healthy ageing from a live audience.
They’ll discuss:
• Special challenges of ageing in the LGBTQ+ community
• Managing HIV as you get older
• Pre-exposure prophylactic therapy initiation (PrEP)
This film was produced by DKBmed and first premiered at LGBT Foundation’s Pride in Ageing programme ‘Over 50s Celebration Event’ in August 2024, where the live Q&A section was filmed.
New LGBTQIA+ Radio 4 Drama Recorded in Hebden Bridge
The Most Important Conversations Happen in Bed, Across fifty years of bedsheets, the love story of two extraordinary women unfolds against the backdrop of evolving LGBTQ+ rights in Britain. The romance between wild-hearted Margo and shrinking violet Lucille twists and turns as the political debate around queer love transforms from aversion to acceptance.
The podcast is here
Queer female stories are rarely portrayed in the media. Longstanding lesbian relationship narratives are virtually non-existent. This drama is quietly radical in its intimate depiction of two women’s personal lives revolutionised by the outside world’s changing relationship to queer love. The play asks: is love enough to weather the storm of conflicting political debate?
The writer, Natasha Sutton Williams, is a queer writer who excels in telling untold LGBTQIA+ narratives with nuance and humour.
Gaydio
Unemployed and looking for new skills?
The next dates for Gadio’s ‘Work Club’ course 4th – 8th November.
This will see participants through the afternoons learn about the radio industry whilst helping with their job
Ginger Johnson Blows Off: HOME Mcr, 22 Nov
Join comedian, crash mat and winner of Drag Race UK Ginger Johnson as she swaps her stilettos for safety goggles and takes a death-defying leap from the runway to the real world.
Expect big hair, big heart and big laughs as Britain’s ditziest daredevil takes on her biggest challenge yet and asks the question: just how far will she go for a round of applause?
Bursting with stunning looks and cunning stunts, Ginger Johnson Blows Off! is a hilarious new show about taking risks, pushing yourself and living up to expectations.
I Wish: HOME Mcr, 29 Nov – 8 Dec
By Le Gateau Chocolat, Rachel Bagshaw and Seiriol Davies.
Step into a whimsical world where wishes come to life, but with a twist!
If you’re looking for some fun family activities for the little ones this Autumn, join award-winning theatre artist and singer, Le Gateau Chocolat, as they transform into The Wish Giver for an unforgettable theatrical and musical extravaganza the whole family will cherish.
Taking inspiration from our most loved fairy tales, I Wish leads you on a fantastical adventure exploring what happens when wishes are granted, but not as expected!
With upbeat showstoppers to heartwarming ballads, fantastical set and costume designs, I Wish is “A gorgeous, glittery, dazzling delight of a Musical that reimagines what theatre for young audiences can be like” ★★★★ Everything Theatre
Don’t miss your chance to experience this enchanting one person show about self-discovery, acceptance and joy.
FORWARD CIC – Improving the wellbeing of Stockport’s LGBTQIA+ community. Follow on social media
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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
The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Eamonn O’Neal DL, has launched the Young Citizen Of The Year Award and the nominations are now open.
The High Sheriff is making this award to young people who are doing something exceptional and to recognise selflessness, kindness, bravery, thoughtfulness, or actions that are making a difference to our communities.
You may be aware of some deserving young people and perhaps you could encourage some nominations. He would also be very grateful if you would kindly share the details with your contacts and networks.
There will be one Young Citizen Of The Year winner in each of the ten Greater Manchester’s boroughs, celebrated at a special ceremony in the Spring of 2025.
The Awards are very kindly sponsored by Beaverbrooks and supported by The High Sheriff Police Trust and The Manchester United Foundation
The closing date is 31st January 2025. Forms are available
If you have any questions, please direct them to the High Sheriff via email: [email protected]
Manchester Peterloo Speakers Club
Free demo evening specifically for the LGBT+ community.
Manchester Peterloo Speakers Club has existed for many years, they are affiliated to the Association of Speakers Clubs. They are voluntary, not for profit and apolitical. They have much to offer in terms of providing an environment and space for people to gain confidence in public speaking.
For more details
Surveys / Questionnaires:
- Bee in the Loop with Greater Manchester Police
They are trying to increase their ability to spread good news stories and crime prevention advice to as many people as possible.
Please speak to your friends and family about Bee In The Loop and help to promote this facility.
visit : Bee in the Loop
Jobs / Volunteering:
- Greater Manchester Police: Independent Community Scrutiny Panel
The Independent Community Scrutiny Panel is a good way of getting your communities voice heard and making positive changes for your community.
Once every 2 months the group comes together to review Body Worn Videos of stop searches and suggest where they could be improved- whether that be directly providing feedback to the officer involved, or through force wide training provided to all officers.Only by hearing the issues of the communities from members of those communities can they get better as a force and improve our working practices, so it is important to us that they get as many people from as many backgrounds as possible to join the ICSP so that we can truly understand how to address any issues with the use of police powers. These scrutiny panels give you a voice that GMP will listen to.
Becoming an ICSP member is fantastic opportunity to play a vital part in improving trust and confidence in GMP and building better relations with our community. You will become part of a team local people working with your local policing team on a voluntary basis.What would I be doing as an ICSP member?
As an ICSP member you would be meeting with a group of community members and your local policing team on a voluntary basis where you will be provided with data and videos of stop searches. You will be given the opportunity to provide honest feedback on what you think as well as listening to other people’s views. The also seek feedback on how their practices impact on communities, whether that is the reality or the perception, especially where disproportionality is highlighted.
Please contact for more information and a chat about how to become an Independent Community Scrutiny Panel Member. Email: [email protected] - Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil – Volunteers Needed
Hosted in collaboration with Trans Pride MCR, Sparkle, Trans Creative and Not a Phase, Manchester Pride are helping curate the Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil on the 20th of November.
They are currently looking for volunteers to help with the event from 2pm to 9.30pm. You can volunteer for as long as you wish. If you are interested, please use the link below to register interest:
VOLUNTEER FOR THE TDOR VIGIL