LBGTQ+ Community Newsletter 31st Jan 2025
Monday, 3rd February 2025Good Afternoon,
Where did January go… Just like that we are almost in February and the start of LGBTQ+ History Month.
There is so much going on, so please – share with your networks and if you have anything you would like to send to be included and promoted. Just send over to me [email protected]
Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester:
https://canal-st.co.uk/?na=v&nk=13316-ff801782ef&id=81
LGBTQ+ Weekly Bulletin from Manchester Evening News
https://newsletters.e.reachplc.com/LR6NXYShO2bcj8xMHmG7rj/mUVmTJO4RW4Rvmp7z0Ys/3Q60OU3wSMjtZHOKaDWf/Zo2pdPS8LaVOpm4LKhWo/wznbwDPlYzjTxnPJZT5t/OKL06ZqFD84rekJLexdF/YjSg/JvTM.php?ID=ngeGYqHY
The Proud Trust: Monthly Newsletter
https://us5.campaign-archive.com/?e=cb218a8703&u=bd00e8f8910497aec6ce13d55&id=e632db402f
Consortium: For Stronger LGBT+ Communities
Funding News: https://mailchi.mp/cca9988ac7bf/funding-news-jun23-10897214?e=4ef77ba796
Sector News: https://mailchi.mp/5cade5d54d85/jan25?e=4ef77ba796
The Proud Trust: Celebrate LGBT+ History Month – Free Resource Pack
February is LGBT+ History Month, when we celebrate and remember those who have come before us. None of our work would be possible without the incredible activists from history who have fought for social change and justice for LGBT+ people. By learning more about LGBT+ people in history, young people can be inspired to create more positive change for themselves and their futures.
This free resource for primary and secondary schools includes PowerPoint slides and lesson plans to make it easy for teachers to incorporate positive stories about the history of LGBT+ activism into their lessons.
The Gaydio Pride Awards are back for 2025
On Friday 14th March, Gaydio are going to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes and the efforts made to spread Pride to all corners of the UK and better LGBTQ+ lives across 12 award categories and with some special performers to be announced.
Over the year big performers have hit the stage from Raye, Sigala, Danny Beard, Tia Kofi, Caity Baser and Jazzy!
Nominations are now closed but tickets are on sale at :
https://gaydioprideawards.co.uk/
Save The Date: Dates announced for Greater Manchester Pride Events for 2025
| Bolton | T.B.C | ||||
| Bury | T.B.C | ||||
| Bury Rainbow Train | 6th or 7th April | ||||
| Chorlton | Saturday 13th September (Prov) | ||||
| Didsbury | Saturday 30th August | ||||
| Levenshulme | Friday 8th – Sunday 10th August | ||||
| Manchester Pride | August Bank Holiday Weekend | ||||
| Oldham | 26th July | ||||
| Prestwich | 9th August – weekend | ||||
| Ramsbottom | T.B.C | ||||
| Rochdale | Sunday 22nd June (Prov) | ||||
| Salford Pink Picnic | Saturday 21st June (Updated) | ||||
| Sparkle | Friday 27th – Sunday 29th June | ||||
| Stockport | Sunday 1st June | ||||
| Tameside | T.B.C | ||||
| Trafford | Tuesday 13th – Sunday 18th May | ||||
| Trans Pride | Saturday 2nd August | ||||
| Weaste Pride | Saturday 12th July | ||||
| Whalley Range | Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th May | ||||
| Wigan | Saturday 16th August | ||||
| Withington | Saturday 20th September (Prov) | ||||
| Wythenshawe | T.B.C | ||||
| Pride in Nature with RHS Bridgewater | Sunday 7th September | ||||
Manchester Pride: Local Pride Grants
Grants for local pride events taking place in Greater Manchester are now open! These grants are available for up to £1,000 and we are especially keen to fund events taking place outside of Manchester City Centre.
You can find more information about our grants and a link to the application form HERE.
The Pink Picnic: Greater Manchester’s largest grassroots LGBTQ+ Pride celebration, returns on 21 June (Saturday) 2025. General entry tickets go live on sale on 31 January at 12:00pm for The Pink Picnic 2025. For those looking to upgrade their pride experience, PinkPLUS & PinkPASS tickets are already on sale.
As The Pink Picnic grows in popularity and to ensure the event’s longevity general entry tickets for the 2025 event for ages 16+ will now be £5.00. Children and youth under the age of 16 will continue to be able to attend for free, any under 16’s will just need to be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets will sell out fast, so make sure to visit pinkpicnic.org.uk to grab your tickets early to avoid disappointment! T&C’s apply.
Press enquiries: [email protected]
Event enquiries: [email protected]
Volunteering enquiries: [email protected]
Charity enquiries: [email protected]
Football v Homophobia
The long-running campaign tackling anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination at all levels of the game holds its annual Month of Action in February. Clubs, leagues, fan groups and organisations can register to be FvH Champions and access resources, social assets etc by filling in a form on footballvhomophobia.com. Share on social with #FvH2025 and designate a match! To connect further, email FvH through the website or DM on socials.
https://www.footballvhomophobia.com/
LGBT Foundation: LGBTQ+ History Month Webinars
Celebrate and Educate this LGBTQ+ History Month
Bring meaningful conversations to your organisation with a Celebrate and Educate: LGBTQ+ Hour Webinar hosted by the LGBT Foundation. Explore key themes that highlight LGBTQ+ history and inclusion:
- Historical and Social Context
- Creating Inclusive Environments
Book your space for February while places last HERE
Free monthly Eventbrite Taster Sessions:
LGBT Foundation will be hosting recurring monthly taster sessions exploring actionable tips, resources, and strategies to create meaningful, inclusive engagements make a lasting impact in your community or organisation. Upcoming sessions include
- Getting Ready for LGBTQ+ History Month
- The Power of Knowing: Why HIV Testing still Matters,
- Veterans special: Celebrating the 25th anniversary of lifting the ban.
Sign up to upcoming events through HERE
Time to Talk Day: 6th Feb 2025
Time to Talk Day is the nation’s biggest mental health conversation. It’s a day for friends, families, communities and workplaces to come together to talk, listen and change lives. Time to Talk Day is taking place 6 February 2025 and is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with Co-op and delivered by See Me with SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health), Inspire and Time to Change Wales. We want everyone to feel comfortable talking about mental health. Explore this site for ideas on how to take part in Time to Talk Day, from organising an event in your local library or hosting a lunch and learn session, to simply sharing information on social media or texting a friend. If you want to look more into the day itself, please see this link: https://timetotalkday.co.uk/
Fighting With Pride: LGBT+ Veteran Online Community Cafes – Register Now
Fighting With Pride, are delighted that their new regional online LGBT+ Veterans Regional Community Cafés are up and running. Led by your regional FWP Veterans Community Workers.
North West – Monday 10th February 2025, 6:30pm. Register here
Gaydio Academy: Free Course for Unemployed Participants “Intro to Radio & Podcasting”
The new dates for Gaydio’s next FREE course for people unemployed and looking to gain new skills in 2025, Being held at Gaydio HQ in central Manchester, the course will take place on 10th to 14th February 2025 from 1pm to 4:30pm.
This will see applicants learn:
- Introduction to Radio and how to become a radio presenter
- Show content & news presenting
- Other roles in radio & a look at music
- Creating your own station, job searching in the industry and preparation for the creation of your podcasts
- Podcast creation, a session exploring the next stage progression tailored to participant’s specific needs and next steps with Gaydio and other radio stations
See attached link below:
https://www.gaydio.academy/courses/2024/work-club-2024-2026-manchester/
Please note that this course is only for Manchester City Council resident (not Salford, Stockport, Bolton etc). If you would like information for the other boroughs then please get in touch via connect page so their team can advise another course for you. Any questions then please contact [email protected]
Gaydio have also launched their new ‘Intro to Radio & Podcasting’ course with Children in Need for 14–18-year-olds for February half term (17th – 21st). https://www.gaydioacademy.co.uk/
Any questions then please contact [email protected]
Pro-Manchester: LGBTQ+ History Month Event – 20th Feb, 5pm – 7pm
As part of LGBT+ History Month 2025, this year’s event will embrace the theme of Activism and Social Change. The evening will feature a networking session alongside a thought-provoking educational segment that explores the history and treatment of LGBTQ+ people in the armed forces and the recently published recommendations from the LGBT Veterans Independent Review, presented by Dr Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL.
Manchester Marriott V & A Hotel, Water Street, M3 4JQ
Tickets: https://www.pro-manchester.co.uk/event/lgbtq-allies-networking/
Gaydio are also very excited to announce they are now taking applications for their 2nd intake for their course with Amazon Audible – Future Stories Fund, 10th, 13th, 17th & 18th March – Manchester City Centre.
This course allows participants from the North West of England come together, over several sessions, and talk about their lived experiences of being a part of the LGBTQ+ community whilst being taught by an AWARD WIINING podcaster and author about how to create a podcast from scratch and publishing.
By the end, the participant will produce brand new episodes for our ‘Audible Lives’ series.
Click the below link for more information:
https://www.gaydio.academy/projects/2024/audible-lives/?_=22601
Manchester Frontrunners Presents: IT’S A PIECE OF CAKE 10K!
Running and cake? What could be better? Saturday 3rd May 2025 sees the return of IT’S A PIECE OF CAKE 10K, a 10K race hosted by Manchester Frontrunners, Manchester’s premier LGBTQ+ running club. Join them for a chip-timed, community-focused 10 km road race through Boggart Hole Clough, one of Manchester’s loveliest parks and a true hidden gem. Plus, indulge in a delectable array of homemade delights from their legendary charity cake sale in aid of George House Trust. This year’s race will be extra special, as not only will we be celebrating the 10th anniversary of our race, but also the 20th anniversary of Manchester Frontrunners. Whether you’ve run with them in the past or not, they would love to see you there!
More information: https://www.manchesterfrontrunners.org/itsapieceofcake10k
Entries: https://bookitzone.com/manchester_frontrunners/xKjFFX
Toxic: Not another play about gay pride shame
Written by Nathaniel J Hall, A Dibby Theatre Production, A HOME Mcr Commission
Following its sell-out debut at HOME in Manchester in 2023, actor, writer and HIV activist Nathaniel J Hall is taking his critically acclaimed second play, Toxic on tour from March 2025 to venues across the UK. Produced by Dibby Theatre, this hilarious and heartbreaking semi-autobiographical show is written and performed by Hall alongside Josh-Susan Enright.
Set in the hedonistic world of Manchester’s underground queer rave scene Toxic tells the story of two people who, in their own words, ‘meet, fall in love, and f*ck it up.’ Born into Thatcher’s Britain of race riots and rampant homophobia and growing up in the shadow of Aids and Section 28, the pair form a trauma bond so tight, they might just survive it all. But sometimes survival means knowing when to leave.
Told through a heady mix of storytelling, movement, witty dialogue, original music and club visuals, this powerful and passionate play dares to pull back the glittery curtain of pride to reveal a place where many still suffer the impact generational homophobia, racism, toxic gender norms and HIV stigma.
16th – 19th April: The Lowry, Salford https://thelowry.com/whats-on/256//toxic
17th & 18th May: Storyhouse, Chester
www.dibbytheatre.org | @DibbyTheatre
2025 marks Sparkle’s 20th Anniversary:
20 years of celebration, advocacy, and education. The 2025 Sparkle Weekend will be held on Friday 27th – Sunday 29th June in Sackville Gardens, Manchester. The Sparkle Weekend is the original celebration of gender diversity – featuring live entertainment, workshops, wellbeing activities, family and youth provision, sober spaces, market traders, food, drink, and much more!
You can sign up to their newsletter here to get all of their updates. You can also follow on social media to stay updated on our events and initiatives:
Facebook – Instagram – LinkedIn
They will soon be announcing Sparkle Weekend market stall applications, volunteer recruitment, and sponsorship opportunities! If you have any questions, drop them an email at [email protected]
FORWARD CIC – Improving the wellbeing of Stockport’s LGBTQIA+ community. Follow on social media
https://www.facebook.com/ForwardLGBT
https://www.instagram.com/forward_stockport/
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
Surveys / Questionnaires:
LQBTQ+ Opinions on Greater Manchester Pride Events:
Michael is looking for LGBTQ+ Individuals to provide feedback on their Pride experience in Greater Manchester, Whether you have attended Manchester Pride or one of the other Borough / local pride events – he would love to hear from you.
https://forms.gle/YudFuzDpmk6yTrjm6
Calling all Parents who Identify as LGBTQ+
Undergraduate and postgraduate Psychology students in the Division of Psychology & Mental Health at the University of Manchester, are working together to conduct this research under the supervision of Dr Lynsey Gregg who is a researcher at the University.
LGBTQ+ parents are under-represented in research, and we want to understand more about your experiences. We want to understand how being LGBTQ+ can have an effect on your wellbeing.
The survey is short and full anonymous, and everyone that takes part will have the opportunity to win a voucher. Find the survey through this link, or through the QR code below: https://www.qualtrics.manchester.ac.uk/jfe/form/SV_82JvKIzW8t4ba3c)
Structured Diabetes Education
NHS Greater Manchester (NHS GM) launched a public engagement exercise to ask people with type 2 diabetes for their views on how they would like to get information and support to help manage their condition.
Structured diabetes education is a programme either face-to-face or online offered to those newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes or those wanting to increase their knowledge about managing their condition.
Research shows that structured diabetes education can improve outcomes for people by helping:
- Reducing average blood sugar levels.
- Assist you to manage your sugar levels, so they don’t spike too high or drop too low.
- Prevent complications such as heart disease’ blindness and amputations.
- Improve people’s wellbeing.
For these reasons, patients should be informed that taking part in SDE is important and be strongly encouraged to attend.
Thet would like to hear from people living with type 2 diabetes, their family members, and carers to help design new ways of delivering structured diabetes education across GM. They would also like to hear from clinicians and other health professionals, to identify what current works and ways in which the service could be improved.
How to share your thoughts:
- Visit www.gmintegratedcare.org.uk/education-for-your-diabetes to complete a short survey.
- You can also email us and /or send a video via WhatsApp on 07786 673762
- Register to attend one of our focus groups at: https://forms.office.com/e/FBx2ka8NDB
The deadline to share views is 02 March 2025.
More information about the project, please visit: www.gmintegratedcare.org.uk/education-for-your-diabetes.
Jobs / Volunteering:
George House Trust:
Roles available
- Finance and Office Manager
- Trans Engagement Officer
- Peer Navigator[s]
https://ght.org.uk/about-us/join-us
Sale Sharks Foundation are recruiting for an Education Development Officer to join their Education team. The role will support with the development and delivery of our Education projects and programmes, with an initial focus on supporting their Alternative Provision delivery as the programme continues to grow. More info is here – JOIN THE TEAM | Education Development Officer | Sale Sharks https://www.salesharks.com/2025/01/15/join-the-team-education-development-officer/
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]
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
Dr Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL
Pronouns: He / Him / His