LGBTQ+ Community Network Newsletter
Friday, 17th November 2023Good Morning,
The Proud Trust are creating a choir for the upcoming Christmas Carol service at Manchester Cathedral on Monday 18th December from 7-9PM.
They will be performing approximately 3 easy, fun songs! The aim is to have a weekly rehearsal on Tuesday afternoons beginning on the 14th November. Don’t worry if you can’t make all of these rehearsals, as you will have sheet music and recordings that you can practice with at home.
Please send an email to [email protected] if you would like to take part.
This is for everyone, regardless of singing experience or skills!
Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester:
https://www.canal-st.co.uk/canal-st-online-newsletter
LGBT Foundation Newsletter: Latest Edition ,
Sign up here to keep up to date:
https://form.jotform.com/230372875895369
Gaydio are excited to launch their brand new Gaydio Academy Newsletter which will be sent out when new courses and projects are open for applications. They would love for you to share this with your networks to help them on their next steps to again new skills and help with their next career. They will also be sending out updates about Gaydio and The Academy with this newsletter too!
https://www.gaydio.academy/connect/academy-newsletter/
LGBTQ+ Weekly Bulletin from Reach (Manchester Evening News)
https://e.reachplc.com/interface/external_view_email.php?RE6516714675677019zzzzz64e1eb826dd675c16e7b4e75a4876cf1c7643001005eea6fc237451b89003ecaa0&varId=
I Love Manchester: Events Not to Miss
https://ilovemanchester.com/
I Love Manchester Awards – Tickets and Tables
The I Love MCR Awards is billed to be the biggest Manchester awards event the city has ever seen.
The awards show will be taking place at epic new venue Diecast Manchester located in Piccadilly South with transport links by train or car with parking available.
This will be a night that will live forever…
Tickets and tables are available online here
Consortium: For Stronger LGBT+ Communities “Sector News” November
https://mailchi.mp/41a02ec21f49/oct23-9091757?e=4ef77ba796
Nominate Hero’s for a Be Proud Award
The Be Proud Awards celebrate Manchester’s many volunteers and the unsung heroes who make our city great.
The awards are the perfect way to thank the extraordinary individuals and groups for their hard work in helping others.
We know that these individuals and groups make a real difference in our communities; we also know that some don’t even realise how much good they do.
Yet they help to improve our neighbourhoods, and the Be Proud Awards give you the chance to show them how much you appreciate their efforts by nominating them.
Finalists and winners will be celebrated at a gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Mercure Hotel in March 2024.
https://www.manchester.gov.uk/beproud?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term=
Chemsafe Space has been established following the recent findings from research conducted by Manchester Metropolitan University. It has also been co-produced by, and designed in consultation with, those with lived experience of the “Chemsex Scene” across Greater Manchester.
This space has been created to bring together all the relevant information for any person using drugs in a sexualized context in Greater Manchester who may be looking for further information, advice or support.
Chemsafe Space will be continually developed to ensure new and correct information is shared. If you find a broken link or something that seems out of date please report this to us at [email protected].
If you would like to contribute information or support, share your experience or ask a question please email on the above address.
Sparkle: Trans Cinema Club for Trans Awareness Week
Join Sparkle for their Trans Cinema Club showing 4 of Jake Graf’s short films as part of Trans Awareness Week
Sat 18th Nov, 1pm – 4.30pm
Cultplex, 50 Red Bank, Cheetham Hill M4 4HF
Monday November 20th is Transgender Day of Remembrance
Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance created as a way to remember those who were killed or who have taken their own life, due to transphobia (anti-transgender hatred and/or prejudice). TDOR helps us raise awareness of hate crime against the transgender community and give transgender allies a chance to stand with the community in vigil and remember those who have died.
Manchester Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) Vigil
Day: Monday 20th November
Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm
Location: Vimto Park, 39 Sackville Street, Manchester, M1 3WE (opposite the LGBT Foundation)
This year Sparkle are collaborating with Not A Phase, TransCreative, Trans Pride Manchester, Manchester Pride, and the LGBT Foundation.
The service will be held in Vimto Park, and then a procession will go from there to Sackville Gardens for candle lighting and laying flowers to rest. Candles will be provided if you would like to light one to remember someone or to show your respect.
They understand TDOR can be a triggering event, but they hope you can join them to show solidarity with the trans community during this difficult time.
Bury Council & The LGBT+ Employee Group like to invite you to join them at a short vigil and flag raising on Monday 20th November at 9:45am on Union Square opposite the Town Hall followed by a tea and coffee reception in the mayor’s parlour.
Rochdale Borough Council would like to invite you to join them on Monday 20th November at 10am at Number One Riverside.
The Transgender flag will be raised by Councillor Janet Emsley Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Equity, Safety and Reform. A minute’s silence will be held to remember those whose lives have been lost. They will then go indoors for refreshments. All Welcome.
Free Event For:
LGBTQ POC Youth Workers & Professionals Working with LGBTQ POC Young People
Professional Boundaries in LGBTQ POC Youth Work
Tuesday 21st November, Huckletree Manchester, 11am-5pm
Join them and reflect on youth work practice from radical, queer and POC lenses, with a focus on creativity, self-care and wellbeing.
Who is this for? LGBTQ POC people who work with LGBTQ POC young people, including teachers, youth workers, therapists, social workers, volunteers, community organisers, activists and leaders.
Sign up link and all details: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/in-person-november-youth-worker-gathering-development-day-tickets-511919694587
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.
Strength in Community, Christmas networking & Panel Discussion on 22 November.
https://prideinleadership.co.uk/upcoming-events/
Pride in Leadership in conversation with Matthew Cornford about Social Refuge, the amazing new queer space in Manchester, and home to Queer Lit, the award winning LGBT bookshop.
When: 22 November 2023
https://prideinleadership.co.uk/upcoming-events/a-conversation-with-matthew-cornford-social-refuge-and-queer-lit/
11-A-Side Open Football Session for All Genders
Date: 25the November 2023, 10am-2pm
Venue: Hough End Sports Centre, Manchester
Organiser: North West Community Football League
Whether you’re brand new to football, dusting off your boots after some time off the pitch, or are a confident player looking to get into 11-a-side, your invited to come to our open training session on November 25th, 2023.
They’ll be running training sessions for players of different abilities, helping you to get ready to play 11-a-side. After training, you’ll play some friendly matches to give you some match experience ahead of our inaugural season.
This event, and the North West Community Football League, is open to people of all genders. Thet aim to provide an inclusive, respectful, and fun environment to play competitive football.
Great Minds Bright Futures Charity Concert with ‘The Vivaldi Ensemble’
Sunday 26th November
Saint Mark’s Church, Levenshulme, 20 Cumbrae Road Manchester M19 3NF
Join them for an evening concert of light classics with the Vivaldi Ensemble from St Marks Church in Levenshulme with Conductor Nigel Jay, ex BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
www.facebook.com/VivaldiEnsemble
With Guest dancers from the Anne Finnegan Theatre School.
6pm-7.30pm, Doors Open at 5.45pm
Light Refreshments served in the interval.
The event is free entry but we kindly do ask for donations on the evening or via our website;
www.greatmindsbrightfutures.co.uk
Tickets are free and can be secured through Eventbrite
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/721092666577?aff=oddtdtcreator
There will a charity raffle on the evening and an opportunity to purchase some Great Minds Bright Futures Charity Christmas Cards! Cash only please.
All proceeds raised will go to Great Minds Bright futures raising money to help feed and support orphans in Malawi.
Lantern Decorating for World AIDS Day – Tuesday 28th November
Eagle Bar & LGBT Foundation are hosting their annual Lantern Decorating evening ahead of World AIDS Day again this year.
Running from 6-8 pm, with free food and non-alcoholic drinks, it’s a relaxed and cosy space to come together for some low-demand crafting and community connection before the WAD vigil on Friday 1st December.
Glass jars, pens and template ideas provided.
Home STI & HIV Testing Kits will also be available to collect.
You can find out more details about the evening and to book on:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/world-aids-day-glass-painting-evening-tickets-758934753277?aff=oddtdtcreator
The Gaydio Academy in partnership with Manchester City Council, is delivering radio and work skills training, peer support and mentoring to help jobless people from Greater Manchester find secure employment and training as part of ‘Work Club 2023-2024’.
All learners will see themselves enrolled into the industry whilst benefiting from one-to-one support and onward volunteering opportunities as well as tailored CV workshops and advice.
Date: 27th November 2023 to 1st December 2023
Time: 10am to 3:30pm
Location: Gaydio, Suite 1a, Manchester One, M1 3LF
Further information and to apply visit the website Work Club 2023-2024 (Manchester) – Gaydio Academy
George House Trust: World Aids Day
Join us on Friday 1st December 2023 at 6pm in Sackville Gardens, Manchester for a special World AIDS Day Vigil.
Let’s remember people lost to HIV, show our solidarity with people living with HIV around the world and commit ourselves to ending HIV stigma and discrimination.
World AIDS Day, held annually on 1 December since 1988, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV, and mourning those we lost.
Please support the PaSH Partnership’s HIV support and prevention work with a donation by texting WAD to 70450 to donate £3.*
Around 105,200 people in the UK are currently living with HIV – around 6000 of whom live in Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester is a ‘Fast Track City’ region committed to ending all new transmissions of HIV by 2030.
Thank you to Manchester City Council for supporting the PaSH Partnership 2023 World AIDS Day Vigil.
The Sunday Boys present… A Very Queer Christmas 2023
Manchester Cathedral, Saturday 2 December, 7pm
The Sunday Boys are back with their annual Christmas concert, exploring the meaning of the festive season through a queer lens.
Now a staple in the queer Christmas calendar, A Very Queer Christmas 2023 “We never met in churches” sees the choir creatively exploring the stories of the season and themes of winter, as well as LGBTQ+ rights and celebration of all the identities in our community.
Featuring music by Kelly Clarkson, John Grant, Kate Bush, Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson and Benjamin Britten, this concert will kick off the Christmas season in the stunning surroundings of Manchester Cathedral.
The evening will also feature texts from Jo Clifford’s ‘The Gospel According To Jesus Queen of Heaven’ and a new carol by Rylan Gleave. Jo’s original and revolutionary play recasts Jesus as a trans woman and was first performed in 2009 to critical acclaim. Jo will perform a selection of these moving and engaging texts as we sing an eclectic range of festive favourites and brand-new work.
Tickets: https://billetto.co.uk/e/a-very-queer-christmas-2023-tickets-885520
You are Invited To: A Festive Celebration of the LGBTQ+ Community.
on Monday 18th December, 7-9pm
The Proud Trust, Sparkle, akt, LGBT Foundation, George House Trust and Manchester Pride are coming together for a festive gathering of Greater Manchester’s LGBT+ community at Manchester Cathedral – a space for celebration and inclusion.
We are stronger when everyone is included, and this event will be a celebration of all within our wonderfully diverse LGBT+ community.
Please join us for a joyful evening of Carols and readings.
This is a free event, with donations made on the evening supporting The Proud Trust, akt, LGBT Foundation and George House Trust charities, who work hard to keep our community safe and strong.
Donations can also be made when booking a ticket.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if there is anything we can do to make your visit more comfortable, email us: [email protected].
I have been informed of a Fabulous Workshop with Aby Hawker from TransMission PR, exploring how comms professionals can better navigate trans inclusivity in their professional practice. TransMission PR has developed a free playbook which I encourage you all to download and share with the organisations and comms teams you work with 😊
Some info about the playbook from TransMission PR’s website – it:
- Provides guidance on the key challenges facing comms pros in this area.
- Makes you invaluable to your clients as you help them safely navigate this challenging terrain.
- Highlights key pointers on the common pitfalls, and how to avoid them.
- Outlines the business case for trans+ inclusivity.
- Empowers your whole team so they have an understanding, beyond the headlines.
- Helps you to change the narrative for gender diverse individuals with meaningful campaigns.
You can download the PR Playbook on their website here: https://transmissionpr.com/pr-playbook/
LGBT Foundation “The Community Café”
Every Saturday, 12pm – 4pm
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
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
Village Church
A safe place for LGBTQ+ folk and allies welcome, loved & cherished just as we are
2nd & 4th Sunday of every month at 4pm (doors open from 3.30pm)
at The LGBT Foundation, Fairburn House (2nd Floor), 72, Sackville Street,
Manchester. M1 3NJ
All Are Welcome – Just Turn Up!
Contact: Paul on 07561 471185 or [email protected]
Tranuary Is Back For 2024
Serving you the Crème de la Crème of Trans+ talent from across the UK, Manchester’s day-to-night festival BY trans FOR trans is kicking off the new year with a BANG featuring trans exclusive create workshops by day and sht hot queer hedonism by night until the early hours.
Survey / Study / Consultation:
Have you thought about HIV and COVID-19? Do you think they’re similar or different?
Hi, my name is Sophie and I work at The University of Edinburgh with Jaime Garcia-Iglesias on a project called ‘Viral Memories: from HIV to COVID-19 and Beyond’. The project explores gay men’s experiences of COVID-19 and memories of HIV.
We’re inviting gay men, living in the UK, aged 18-25 or aged 45+, to take part in an online confidential interview (lasting for around 1 hour).
There are no right or wrong answers and you do not need to have to have specific memories (or any memories of HIV at all!) to take part. We want to hear from everyone.
There’s more information about the project here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/usher/research/projects/viral-memories-from-hiv-to-covid-19-and-beyond
Interested in taking part? Then sign up here: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/edinburgh/testpiscf
Or, email Sophie ([email protected]) or Jaime ([email protected]).
If you register your interest, you’ll be entered into a raffle for the chance to win an £80 Amazon voucher. If you’re selected for an interview, you will be given a £20 Amazon voucher as a thank you.
Any questions, please feel free to contact Sophie ([email protected]) or Jaime ([email protected]).
Study ON LGBTQ+ Alcohol & Drug Use
My name is Matthew, and I’m a trainee psychologist – currently studying for my doctorate in Clinical Psychology.
If you are 18+ and live in the UK, and identify as LGBTQ+, please consider taking part in my research study about alcohol and substance use.
There is a distinct lack of research into alcohol and substance use that looks at the experiences of the separate sections of the LGBTQ+ population, and the past and present experiences that may shape the way in which substances are used. I hope to use my research to inform further our knowledge of the factors that influence alcohol and substance use for LGBTQ+ people and increase the way in which health services assess alcohol and substance difficulties for the LGBTQ+ population. You can take part in this study regardless of whether you drink alcohol or use recreational drugs.
The study is an anonymous survey and takes 10-15 minutes to complete: Please see attached:
https://uelpsych.eu.qualtrics.com/…/SV_6xLebFIbJGZbKYe
Manchester City Council:
Budget proposals 2024/25 – Have Your Say
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKMANCHESTER/bulletins/37795a0
Job Vacancies:
LGBT Foundation:
Find out about the latest job vacancies with the LGBT Foundation:
https://lgbt.foundation/jobs
Our Room’s New Project: The Social Script, is on the hunt for two artists to work with them.
All of the information and how to apply is here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JKBQ94Ozm0T7-jK9tt_kLaHPnbgPKRV-ddGnOtV6n5Y/edit?usp=sharing
About The Social Script:
The Social Script is a project, led by Our Room and in partnership with 42nd Street, Gaddum, Mind and MACC. This NHS-funded project focuses on exploring the connection between creativity, wellbeing and community, with an aim at looking at how NHS Mental Health services in Manchester can work better with wider communities.
The Social Script invites anyone over the age of 18 to take part in a creative project which ultimately aims to improve everyone’s wellbeing. The project is shaped and curated by the group themselves. Between October 2023-May 2024 you will play, make, try out and in the end create a piece of art we want to present to the public.
Manchester City Council:
Communications Officer in Town Hall Extension,
View details and apply for this Communications Officer vacancy in Town Hall Extension, Albert Square, Manchester, M60 2LA. Working Hours: 35 hours per week Contract Type: Permanent, Full Time Closing Date: 21 November 2023 Join the team! We’re hiring! Are you good at…
jobs.manchester.gov.uk
https://jobs.manchester.gov.uk/vacancies/1954/communications-officer.html
Transport for Greater Manchester
As roll out of the Bee Network continues, TfGM are excited to be recruiting to a number of roles within TfGM’s Partnerships, Engagement and Inclusion team. The roles span all three specialisms within the team, but all have in common the core objective of helping to ensure the views of local communities and those who represent them are being understood and listened to in the way transport is planned and delivered in Greater Manchester.
In the Consultation and Inclusion specialism we’re recruiting two roles. This area of the team is responsible for TfGM fulfilling our statutory duties around consultation and equalities, as well as building effective relationships working with representative groups across GM and establishing effective codesign principles. Please get in touch with Lisa Williams ([email protected]) about either role.
- Consultation & Inclusion Manager | Job Details | greater jobs
- Consultation & Inclusion Officer | Job Details | greater jobs
They’re also recruiting a number of Partnerships and Engagement roles.
In the People and Place specialism, they’re recruiting to a permanent role which will be part of the existing team focused on partnership working with the ten GM Councils to put the voice of local communities at the heart of transport planning and delivery. Please get in touch with Jody Smith ([email protected]) about this role.
In the Business Engagement specialism, they have a 12-month FTC maternity leave cover opportunity. Please get in touch with Mark Thomas ([email protected]) about this role.
They are a Disability Confident employer and offer support and reasonable adjustments as required. TfGM are committed to being inclusive and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as our GM communities. However you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome your application.
For more information, please visit the links for each role included above or contact the named lead for each specialism for an informal chat. They’d also be really grateful for any support sharing the roles amongst your contacts and networks.
Volunteering Opportunities:
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]
Manchester Pride – I Choose Kindness
Manchester Pride has produced a powerful film as part of the anti-hate campaign, ‘I Choose Kindness’. The film, which showcases real life victims of hate crimes, highlights the abuse, violence and intimidation faced by LGBTQ+ people and encourages people to ‘choose kindness’ and show each other compassion so everyone feels safe to be their true selves. The I Choose Kindness campaign is dedicated to raising awareness of hate crime, providing resources for its victims and allies, and promoting a culture of kindness and respect throughout the celebration of LGBTQ+ expression and culture.
https://www.manchesterpride.com/i-choose-kindness
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