GM LGBTQIA+ Community Newsletter
Friday, 14th November 2025Here’s Your GM LGBTQIA+ Community Newsletter, Please Share with Your Networks:
Annual Festive Celebration of Our LGBTQIA+ Community: Monday 15th December 2024, 7pm – 9pm
You are invited to join The Proud Trust, George House Trust, akt, Sparkle, LGBT Foundation, and Rainbow Noir for our annual festive gathering of Greater Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community hosted 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 LGBTQ+ community, our supporters, allies, loved ones and friends.
Please join us for a joyful evening of carols, readings and performances.
Monday 15th December 2024, 7pm – 9pm Manchester Cathedral, Victoria Street, Manchester M3 1SX
(Arrival from 6pm to be seated by 6.45pm)
Please book your ticket via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-festive-celebration-of-the-lgbtq-community-tickets-1870708442309?aff=erelexpmlt
Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester:
https://canal-st.co.uk/?na=v&nk=13316-ff801782ef&id=177
Proud 2B Parents: Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/f8f3f236da65/join-the-fun-november-with-p2bp?e=c3332628fc
Fighting With Pride: Financial Recognition Scheme – Update
https://mailchi.mp/fightingwithpride/frs-appeals-update-19-08-18251851?e=d1dc24a262
LGBT Foundation: Monthly Newsletter
https://lgbtfoundation.cmail19.com/t/y-e-qktdtjt-hdbthldjy-ii/
Consortium: For Stronger LGBT+ Communities
Funding News: https://mailchi.mp/309d47b3cf45/funding-news-jun23-10900727?e=4ef77ba796
Sector News: https://mailchi.mp/0c45670310af/september25-10901019?e=4ef77ba796
LGBT Foundation’s Community Action Network
“Want to get involved in LGBTQ+ activism but don’t have a lot of time? Not able to participate in ‘traditional’ forms of volunteering? Are you an expert in a particular area of LGBTQ+ experience? Our monthly Community Action Network newsletter keeps you up to date on public consultations affecting LGBTQ+ people and puts you in contact with researchers who are publishing LGBTQ+ informed research, which will be used to shape public policy for years to come.”
The sign-up link is here LGBT Foundation – Community Action Network (CAN
Gaydio are running a free 5-day ‘Intro to Radio & Podcasting’ course exclusively for Manchester City Council residents.
The course runs 24th–28th November, from 10:30am to 1:30pm, and includes hands-on training from a professional radio presenter, plus CV and LinkedIn support.
Past participants have gone on to find new opportunities — and even paid work — after just 5 days with us!
- 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 participants’ specific needs and next steps with Gaydio and other radio stations
https://www.gaydio.academy/courses/2024/work-club-2024-2026-manchester/
If you have any questions then please feel free to reach out, Email: [email protected]
Manchester Queer Death Cafe
12 November, 6:30 – 7:30pm
The Molly House, 26 Richmond St, M1 3NB
An opportunity to get together, have an open conversation about death, funerals and grief, and break down the taboos that surround it. Your friends and family might feel awkward about it – They don’t. The aim is to increase awareness of death and ultimately to help people make the most of their lives. The discussions are led by the people present, and they have no agenda or direction, so that each death cafe is entirely unique and unpredictable. Conversations are light-hearted, supportive and empathetic and will happen in a small group of people. You will have the chance to talk about anything you wish, but you can also just sit and listen if you would prefer. All queer mortals welcome!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/manchester-queer-death-cafe-tickets-1829100782679
The Alternative Mental Health Event:
Reconnect & Reset with a Hypermobility Weightlifting Workshop, Somatic Yoga Session & Sound Bath
HYPERMOBILITY WORKSHOP WITH RAE
Learn safe and appropriate adaptations to lifting with hypermobility. As well as how to improve proprioception to increase body awareness.
Strength training with these adaptations will increase your ability to perform daily tasks, reduce pain and symptoms and improve postural control.
Leave with a better understanding of how to strength training safely, and how to increase joint stability.
A 90 minute workshop with practical elements and education.
SOMATIC YOGA WITH CONNIE
In this one hour session we’ll create with our bodies, dance between yoga shapes and move between fluidity & form.
There are no expectations & no judgements – however you show up is welcome. There will be an option to wear a blindfold during the practice but no pressure.
Connie explores holistic practices that support you back into connection with yourself.
And remind you that you are and always have been – enough, valid & worthy as your beautiful, wild self.
SOUND BATH WITH ZOE
Join us for a relaxing, one hour sound bath including the meditative sounds of crystal singing bowls, Tibetan bowls, chimes and shamanic drums to encourage deep rest and physical relaxation.
Zoe loves creating a cosy and comfortable environment during her sessions, allowing for you to fully relax.
Feel free to bring a pillow and blanket.
Saturday 15th November 3PM – 7PM
Tickets £40
Only 12 Spaces Available.
Link to book is here
Contact Rae for more details [email protected]
Salford Pride, are delighted to invite you to their upcoming Trans Awareness event, “What’s the T” – A Celebration of Trans Creativity.
In recognition of Trans Awareness Week, they’re showcasing the beauty, strength, and diversity of trans creativity. Join them for an inspiring evening featuring a variety of art forms—including visual art, photography, performance, and film—that highlight the incredible talent and unique voices within our trans community.
Experience a night dedicated to celebrating identity, self-expression, and the vibrant creativity of trans individuals!
When: Wednesday 19th November
Time: 7PM – 10PM
Where: Nells Pizza @ Media City
Food & Drink included throughout the night.
They’d be delighted if you could join them! To confirm your attendance, simply reply to [email protected] so he can add you to their guest list. If you’d like to bring any guests, please let them know their names as well.
Find out more at www.salfordpride.org.uk
Follow us on Facebook // X // Instagram
BLOOM AFTER DARK: Part of Prism Festival 2025
Thursday 20 – Saturday 22 November 2025, Waterside Arts, Sale, Trafford, Nightly at 19:45
A brand-new commission for Prism Festival 2025, in partnership with Night People as part of Together We Grow.
Welcome to the world of Night People, where heart pumping bass, electric visuals, and fierce physicality collide and blossom.
This creative party experience is a deep dive into self-expression, transformation and nightlife mischief. Think old-school rave energy meets mythical garden party meets camp joy – kissed by the wild pulse of nature and dance-floor alchemy!
Roam freely amongst a landscape of 360° digital art, episodic movement performances and powerhouse DJ sets carrying you through the evening.
Night People don’t just bring the party, we transform spaces and social experiences. It’s a call to bloom in the dark, to move how you feel, to show up as your loudest, truest self.
This is your permission to be extra, be real and to indulge in an evening for you and your community.
We welcome you to a place for openness, connection and pure unfiltered joy, all on one glowing dance floor.
Featuring:
- DJ sets from Manchester’s finest, Atalaya
- Dance episodes by Night People dancers: Aaron Howell, Sophie Thomas, Ella Roberts, Grace Ford, Daisy Howell
- Choreography & Event Curation by Night People Directors: Daisy Howell & Aaron Howell
- Visual Art world created by Aaron Howell
Visual inspiration & audio created in collaboration with attendees across our Young People Oct/Nov Workshops.
Dress code: whatever makes you feel your most fabulous self: https://watersidearts.org/events/bloom-after-dark/
Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil 2025
The Manchester Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) Vigil will take place on Thursday 20th November in Sackville Gardens (M1 3HB).
Arrival from 6.30pm and the service will start at 7.00pm
There will be a service of speakers and performers. Candles will be provided, and we can take the time to remember those trans & gender diverse lives we have sadly lost.
Working in collaboration to create the new Manchester Trans organisations Network for our communities, with, Not a Phase, The Proud Place, Rainbow Noir, Sparkle, Trans Mutual Aid Manchester, and Trans Pride Manchester.
Stockport LGBTQ+ Network will be hosting a TDoR event this year.
It will be an evening of poetry, community and a vigil during which they will read the names of transgender people who have lost their lives to violence over the last year.
Thursday 20th November 2025 5:30pm – 7:30pm.
Stockroom, Merseyway, Stockport, SK1 1PW.
Join them for a drink after at Berretto Lounge Redrock, Bridgefield Street, Stockport, SK1 1SA.
Homobloc at Depot Mayfield, Saturday 6th December.
The event features a remarkable line-up of artists and performers including Sugababes, Honey Dijon, The Blessed Madonna, Beth Ditto, Patrick Mason, Slayyyter, Peaches (DJ) b2b Erol Alkan, Hercules And Love Affair – Live, Todd Edwards and many more.
Alongside this, there will be curation and performance art from queer collectives including Pxssy Palace, Butch Revival, T4T, Feel It, Ghetto Fabulous, House of Spice x Zindagi, Red Rodeo Club and more.
Tickets available via www.homobloc.co.uk
Dibby Theatre is offering a whole host of incredible opportunities for LGBTQ+ theatre creatives in Greater Manchester! From free mentoring sessions and workshops to get togethers and paid residencies, don’t miss out on this year’s Dibby’s First Dibs programme this Autumn.
Free 1-2-1 Link Up mentoring sessions (September – December)
Free Glow Up workshops (13 Nov, 27 Nov)
Free Get Together events (TBA)
Full programme here: https://www.dibbytheatre.org/get-involved/
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/
MMU Event- The Emotions of LGBT Rights and Reforms: Repairing Law
Where– Sandra Burslem Building, Moot Court Room, Manchester Metropolitan University. Lower Ormond Street M15 6BH
Time– Thursday 11th December from 5pm
Presenter- Dr Senthorun Raj, Reader in Human Rights Law at Manchester Law School, Manchester Met.
Refreshments will be provided
In this book symposium hosted at Manchester Met Law School, feminist and queer legal scholars will reflect on Senthorun Raj’s new monograph, The Emotions of LGBT Rights and Reforms: Repairing Law. They will reflect on how the book engages with contemporary law reform debates about LGBT rights, including religious exceptions to anti-discrimination laws, legal gender recognition, and sex and LGBT education in schools.
The Emotions of LGBT Rights and Reforms: Repairing Law analyses emotions that shape conflicts of rights that emerge between different groups across law reforms aimed at better supporting LGBT people. Drawing from critical legal theories, this book cultivates the concept of “emotional grammar” to show how emotions structure law reform pursuits by threading together Hansard, legislation, case law, law reform consultations, and statutory guidance. By doing so, it explains why addressing this emotional grammar is important for scholars, lawyers, judges, legislators, and activists seeking to navigate conflicts over LGBT rights and reforms that aim to repair the inequalities faced by LGBT people.
The book is available to download for free here:
https://edinburghuniversitypress.com/book-the-emotions-of-lgbt-rights-and-reforms.html.
Professor Bev Clough, Dr Kay Lalor, and Dr Hasret Cetinkaya will also share their reflections on the book.
Please RSVP to this invite by contacting Dr Sen Raj [email protected]
The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me. Part love letter, part rallying cry, David Drake’s award-winning solo play is a fierce, funny and deeply moving journey through queer life and the legacy of ACT UP. It’s theatre as activism. Urgent, uplifting and made for LGBT History Month.
A powerful, funny LGBTQ+ classic lands at Hope Mill for one week only this LGBT History Month 2026
Produced by the team behind sell-out smash, Jock Night which was at HMT earlier this year!
Fresh from his standout performance in Jock Night, Gabriel Clark takes the stage for a blistering, intimate performance that celebrates community, confronts stigma and reminds us how hard-won our rights really are.
In Manchester for just 8 performances. Get your tickets now because when they’re gone, they’re gone. https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/event/the-night-larry-kramer-kissed-me/?dm_i=5K77,1A5Z0,1D07NG,5YDHY,1
Surveys / Studies / Workshops / Research:
Family Health Nursing:
Are you a parent from the LGBTQIA+ community who has experiences with Family Health Nursing?
Family Health Nursing includes Health Visitors/ Public Health Nurses/Child Health Assistants
An exciting opportunity is available for you to share your experiences of Family Health Nursing
They invite you to complete this questionnaire and share your experiences on how you as a parent from the LGBTQIA+ community have experienced Family Health Nursing.
They value your experience and invite you to become involved in this study.
To complete a questionnaire please click the link below
https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/ulster/version-1
Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance and OUTpatients, the UK’s LGBTIQ+ cancer charity.
They are currently developing a campaign to improve access to Lung Cancer Screening for LGBTIQ+ people in Greater Manchester.
To understand how to make the campaign most effective, they are recruiting 6-8 people for a paid workshop to understand the needs of our audience.
Background
LGBTIQ+ people have significantly higher rates of smoking, putting them at higher risk of lung cancer. They are also more likely to avoid seeking healthcare, which can make it difficult to catch cancer early.
This campaign aims to increase awareness and uptake of the Lung Cancer Screening programme which is currently being rolled out across Greater Manchester, and ensure LGBTIQ+ people do not miss out on this life-saving service.
Who can take part in the workshop?
To be eligible, participants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Member of the LGBTIQ+ community
- Smoker or former smoker
- Aged 50-74
- Living in Greater Manchester
When and where are the workshops taking place?
These will take place over Zoom in mid-November, with the final dates and times dependent on availability of participants.
Interested in taking part?
If you would like to register your interest, https://lttcancer.typeform.com/to/Ov0V9LqX?utm_source=16
For further information, please contact [email protected].
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Cameras originally installed across Greater Manchester for a proposed charging-Clean Air Zone (that is now not going ahead) could be used to help tackle crime and keep communities safe.
People across Greater Manchester are being asked to give their views on the proposal to transfer ownership of these ANPR cameras to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), changing their primary use to help prevent and tackle crime and keep our communities safe.
A six-week consultation is now live here: www.gmconsult.org/anpr
The consultation aims to gather views from residents, businesses and community groups in Greater Manchester, including road users and non-road users.
Pro-Manchester
Wellbeing Champions have launched their first annual survey to explore how effectively businesses are supporting mental wellbeing in the workplace: The link to the survey is here:
George House Trust celebrates its 40th anniversary.
During the year, they will be sharing stories celebrating the incredible work of George House Trust and the amazing people who have worked tirelessly to help them towards their mission of a world where HIV holds no one back.
Over the year they will be keeping you informed on events and news and letting you know how you can be involved and show your support for people living with HIV. There are lots of ways to get involved and a great way to start is by visiting their exhibition.
ACTING UP! 40 Years of HIV Activism
They are thrilled to share ACTING UP! 40 Years of HIV Activism, their exciting new exhibition at Manchester Central Library that celebrates Greater Manchester’s history of HIV activism.
The exhibition is free and open to the public, it contains rare archival materials, personal testimonies, and film and offers an in-depth look at the efforts of individuals and organisations that have shaped the region’s HIV activist history. It spans 40 years of George House Trust and HIV activism, starting with the creation of AIDSline in 1985.
Don’t miss out! Visit the exhibition at the Manchester Central Library, until December 2025.
It is through your support, hard work and dedication that George House Trust has been recognised for the difference it makes to people living with HIV. They couldn’t do this without you, so thank you for helping them to make sure HIV holds no one back.
Find out more about the exhibition:
https://ght.org.uk/hiv-activism/history
Become a Peer Coach with Tackle Prostate Cancer.
Supporting LGBTQI+ Communities Living with Prostate Cancer.
Tackle Prostate Cancer, the UK’s national federation of support groups, has launched an exciting new Peer Coaching Project, funded by Movember. The project is designed to make sure no one faces prostate cancer alone, and we are especially keen to hear from LGBTQI+ people who want to use their lived experience to support others.
We know that prostate cancer can bring unique challenges for LGBTQI+ communities. Research shows that gay and bisexual men often experience higher rates of treatment side effects, intimacy concerns, and greater psychological distress than heterosexual men. Too many people also report treatment regret, wishing they had known more before deciding about their care. Peer Coaching is one way we can change this.
What is a Peer Coach?
A Peer Coach is someone who has lived through a diagnosis of prostate cancer and is trained to support others at the start of their journey. Coaches are not there to give medical advice, but to act as a confidential sounding board, listening, encouraging, and helping people think through their choices with clarity and confidence. Most coaching relationships involve two to four one-to-one sessions, either face-to-face or online.
Training and Support
We provide free, interactive training over two days where you’ll learn practical coaching skills, how to build rapport, and how to use trusted resources like The Infopool and Predict Prostate. After training, you’ll be part of a supportive national network of coaches, with ongoing support and opportunities to share experiences and learning.
Why get involved?
- Make a real difference for LGBTQI+ people newly diagnosed with prostate cancer.
- Share your lived experience in a way that helps others feel less isolated and more confident in their decisions.
- Join a diverse, supportive community and gain new skills along the way.
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and want to use your story to guide and empower others, we’d love to hear from you.
For more information or to get involved, email: [email protected]
Together we can ensure that everyone, whatever their background or identity, has the support they need at one of the most critical points in life.
Job Vacancies / Volunteering:
Forever Manchester: Director of Philanthropy Development & Marketing
At Forever Manchester, we believe in the power of people to make amazing things happen where they live. We’re looking for someone with vision, courage and humility to help us write the next chapter of our story — someone who understands that real change starts in our communities, and that leadership is about lifting others to shine.
If you’re ready to lead with heart, grow our impact, and inspire the next wave of community connection across Greater Manchester, we’d love to hear from you.
This isn’t just another leadership opportunity — it’s a chance to shape the future of one of Greater Manchester’s most ambitious and impactful charities.
https://forevermanchester.com/director-of-philanthropy-development-marketing/
The Proud Trust: Volunteer Expression of Interest Form
Offering your time and skills to support LGBTQ+ young people. There are a number of ways that you can get involved in their work – for further details of the volunteering roles they recruit to, as well as how they use your Skills Bank for ad-hoc volunteering projects, check out their Volunteering page at https://www.theproudtrust.org/about-us/our-team/volunteer-with-us/.
If you have additional questions, or need assistance with completing this form, please contact [email protected].
Vacancies for Various Charity Organisations across GM:
LGBT Foundation can be found here: https://lgbt.foundation/vacancy_type/job-opportunities/
We Are Survivors can be found here: https://www.wearesurvivors.org.uk/…/new-opportunities…/
Big Life Group are here: https://www.thebiglifegroup.com/work…/opportunities/
42nd Street Young People’s Mental Health Charity https://www.42ndstreet.org.uk/about-us/work-with-us/
GM Recruitment Hub can be found here: https://gmworkforcehub.org.uk/recruitment-hub/
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
Canal St Card.
Operated by Canal St Media, the card already has 1300+ holders and over 130 places to enjoy unique benefits and discounts at predominantly LGBTQ businesses and committed allies.
The current list is https://canal-st.co.uk/canal-st-card-offers-and-venues/
Every year George House Trust receives 5 donations directly from Card sales demonstrating that everyone can all benefit at the same time as providing modest, but grateful contributions towards the work George House Trust carries out.
Apart from the website information, they update via
@canalstreetmedia and @canalstcard on Instagram
@canalstvipcard Facebook
@canalstmancs Twitter/X
Join the growing list of card holders via https://app.passcreator.com/en/passlandingpage/showpaymentpage?passLandingpage%5B__identity%5D=115023a2-9a01-49ec-8d69-ec4ce6fec181
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 3000 contacts which in turn gets sent out through their networks: [email protected]