LGBTQ+ Adviser’s Weekly update – 12th August 2022
Friday, 12th August 2022Afternoon all,
I am still shaking from the announcement this morning that Manchester has been shortlisted to host the 2023 Eurovision, I know that everybody is thrilled that we have made it through to the next stage, Manchester / Greater Manchester has all in infrastructure already in place which already meets the criteria. We also have the largest Ukrainian community outside London. Eurovision 2023 will still be Ukraine’s Contest and if held her in Manchester It still will be, with that added bonus of true “Manc Spirit” hosted with Love, Passion, Dedication and Compassion, it would be an absolute privilege for the City to host this iconic celebration on their behalf.
Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester
LGBTQ+ Weekly Bulletin from Reach (Manchester Evening News)
GM Equality Alliance Bulletin, Issue 48, August 2022
Consortium LGBT+ August Newsletter
Research for the Future Newsletter #13
Please see below updated information on Monkeypox, – Attached.
Sexual health services across Greater Manchester have received a small supply of a smallpox vaccine. This vaccine can be used to protect people from the monkeypox virus.
A vaccination clinic will be held at the Vaccination Hub* on Sunday 14th August for people registered with the Northern Sexual Health Service and eligible for a vaccine. Patient details will be checked on arrival to confirm they are a patient of the Northern Sexual Health Service; and to ensure that the vaccine gets to those most in need who are registered with this service.
There is a limited supply of the vaccine so, initially, one dose is being offered to those at highest risk by sexual health clinics they are known to. As more vaccine supplies become available, more people will be offered the first dose of the vaccine.
Please do not contact clinics regarding vaccination, they will be in contact with patients to offer the vaccine as supplies become available. You can find out more about why you might have to wait here:
Why do I have to wait for my smallpox (MVA) vaccination (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Information for patients about the vaccine and who is eligible can be found here:
Monkeypox vaccination resources – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)”
I also came across this video from the UK Health Security Agency about monkeypox and how to have a happy and safe time at Pride. I’ve also attached the latest Monkeypox Stakeholder and Partner Communications Pack.
You can also download the official national campaign materials free here,
Other useful resources you may wish to signpost to:
- THT – https://www.tht.org.uk/news/monkeypox-uk
- Queer Health – https://www.queerhealth.info/projects/monkeypox
- LGBT Foundation – https://lgbt.foundation/monkeypox
- Monkeypox vaccine leaflets – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/monkeypox-vaccination-resources
- NHS – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/monkeypox/
- UKHSA – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/monkeypox
UKHSA video about monkeypox and symptoms – https://twitter.com/UKHSA/status/1527236452555403265?s=20&t=uQuNKC_RoLYstP5V-8HLuw
Greater Manchester Pride Season 2022:
THIS WEEKEND:
Levenshulme Pride: 12th – 14th August
Facebook: @levenshulmepride
Twitter: @levepride
Levenshulme Pride 2022 Weekend starts TODAY.
Full listings for Levenshulme Pride 2022 are available to view or download here:
https://levenshulmepride.org.uk/whats-on/whats-on-2022
Brochures and programmes are also available at all Levenshulme Pride venues.
Everybody is welcome to come to anything at Levenshulme Pride and everything is FREE to attend.
Come along to the March on Saturday 13 August where Levenshulme Pride turns the A6 into the Gay6.
Please note the Dog Show on Sunday 14 August has been cancelled for the welfare of the dogs because of the heat but there are still three full days of amazing activities (with even more post-pride events).
Levenshulme Pride: No Barriers
Pride with a Purpose
www.levenshulmepride.org.uk
NEW EVENT: Leigh Pride (WN7) see below:–
Wigan: Saturday 13th August
Facebook: @OfficialWiganPride
Twitter: @WiganPrideLGBT
For all details – check put their Facebook page or https://www.wiganpride.com/
Prestwich Pride: 13th August & 15th August
Instagram: @prestwichpride
Prestwich Pride: The main event will be held on Saturday 13th August at Cuckoo in Prestwich. There will be ‘Pride story time’ along with arts & crafts and face painting for children. Local DJs will provide the soundtrack for the day – spinning a selection of Pride classics! This will culminate in the ‘Take Me To Church’ DJs closing the day.
Also, Miss Blair will also be singing some classics as well as hosting the raffle (they have already had numerous wonderful prizes donated by local businesses).
Cuckoo has created a special Pride cocktail for the event and will be donating to the cause.
On Monday 15th August, there will be a film screening ‘supper club’ event at Cuckoo in the evening.
They have chosen George House Trust to be the beneficiary of the first Prestwich Pride.
Instagram: @prestwichpride
https://ght.org.uk/
Manchester Pride: Friday 26th – Monday 29th August
Facebook: @ManchesterPride
Twitter: @ManchesterPride
Didsbury Pride: Saturday 3rd September
Facebook: @didsburypride
Chorlton Pride: Saturday 17th September
Facebook: @ChorltonPride
Twitter: @ChorltonPride
Instagram: @chorltonpride
Leigh (wn7) has a Pride weekend in August and would like to invite you, your groups, friends and families to their events.
Their first event is with Leigh Film Factory hosting a Everybody is Talking About Jamie, in their brand-new community cinema, on Friday the 12th of August.
* Saturday the 13th is Wigan Pride Festival *
On Saturday the 20th of August they are hosting year 2 of Pride in Leigh’s Gig with Pride. Live music, bar, BBQs, community stalls, arts and games and Silcocks fair.
Sunday the 21st August is their brand new Youth Takeover event; They have collaborated with We Are Explorers and Bedford High School to create a Fun Day for young people. There will be community bands, Silcocks, a slushy machine, protest arts, poetry, Silcocks rides and a COSPLAY competition. This event is FREE.
Both at Leigh Spinners Mill – Park Lane Leigh WN72LB
Saturday is 12-9, Sunday is 12-5
All tickets can be bought or reserved here: link tree
August Bank Holiday Weekend Activities:
Superbia is a series of arts and culture events as part of the Manchester Pride Festival taking place from 24th – 28th August.
Superbia is designed to celebrate Manchester’s extraordinary queer talent through a diverse range of media. An alternative way to celebrate Pride, many of the events are delivered in alcohol-free, accessible spaces across the city centre.
This year, the event has been curated by creative producer, Beau-Azra Scott, and has once again been cultivated with love, acceptance and inclusivity at its core.
Superbia Line-up here: https://www.manchesterpride.com/superbia-weekend
Escape to Fright Island are hosting 5 events over Pride weekend from Thursday 25th to Monday 29th August called
“Love is the message”
This is Homobloc Fundraiser Event: Escape to Freight Island are kindly giving £1.50 per booking made and 10% of site wide profits from all the events Thursday to Monday to the GM LGBTQ+ Community Fund, supporting LGBT Foundation, The Proud Trust & George Trust.
https://mailchi.mp/f32e5b1c2ff0/pride-line-up-revealed?e=cc622b4129
The link to book any of the events is here – https://www.escapetofreightisland.com/entertainment
Hidayah are marching in Manchester Pride Parade this August bank holiday weekend! (27th – 29th Aug)
This means that you have the opportunity to march with them!
All are welcome – practicing and non-practicing Muslims, as well as allies of Hidayah.
They will also be making limited edition Pride t-shirt and mask available for purchase to wear during the march. The details on the parade can be found on their Eventbrite page linked below. (please share with others on social media)
They understand that not everyone will feel comfortable marching with them so they are also having a Pride lunch after the parade, where you can meet other queer Muslims, socialise and enjoy some amazing food from Fress.
Details on their Eventbrite page linked below.
They really hope you can make it along to see them in Manchester, so please consider going down and help support them by marching alongside them. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/march-with-hidayah-at-manchester-pride-2022-tickets-386403201377
Manchester Central Library
Celebrate Manchester Pride
They’ve chosen 100’s of their favourite LGBTQ+ books for a special booklist to celebrate Manchester Pride this August bank holiday.
Check out their reading lists here .
LGBT Foundation Open Archives Community Event
Drop in to Manchester Central Library this Pride week, to discover some of the rich history of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Community with items specially selected from the LGBT Foundation Archive at Archives+.
The Archive+ Team are also hosting a creative corner for you to have a go at crafting a message to take away with you.
Manchester Central Library, Thursday 25 August, 11-1 . Info here .
To sign up to the Library e-bulletin and to see everything that’s taking place in August 2022:
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKMANCHESTER/bulletins/324f9be
Chorlton Pride are hosting their first Pride this year on Saturday the 17th of September. It’s a family-focused day, celebrating our LGBTQ+ community across Chorlton. The committee are looking for LGBTQ+ charities to support them by hosting a stall on the day. The event will take place from 12pm-5pm and we’re expecting a big turnout. If you’re interested in supporting, please email [email protected]
Proud and Loud Arts: Positive Moves
A game of strategy comes to life, as human chess pieces invade Manchester City Centre in a new kind of powerplay: turning the tables on the traditional order.
On Saturday 20th August, Manchester City Centre will become the board for a Lifesize game of chess – some 20 performers taking to the streets in a bid to see who comes out on top…
A gambit is a chess move where a sacrifice is made to gain advantage, or in politics it describes a risky strategy.
Here Gambit is a city centre takeover, questioning the nature of power, and just who is playing who. It makes a bold positive statement about the post-pandemic visibility of disabled people: ‘By taking over Manchester in a giant game of chess, we are making our presence known, Gambit will ensure disabled people are seen’ says performer, Janet Charlesworth.
Gambit reunites local roving promoters Word of Warning with Proud and Loud Arts – an extraordinary company of artists living with disability labels, focused on challenging audiences, pushing artistic boundaries, and raising expectations. They’ve worked with major institutions including The Lowry, Manchester Art Gallery, Contact, and Tate Liverpool. Of his time with Proud and Loud Arts, Gambit performer Daryll Duncansays ‘Without Proud and Loud Arts I wouldn’t be out performing with my friends, I would just be at home losing my mind.’
Gambit is a roaming performance, designed to be encountered by chance. It takes place on the afternoon of Saturday 20th August between St Ann’s Square and Exchange Square and is produced by Proud and Loud Arts and promoted by Word of Warning, Manchester’s roving programme of new performance. More info here.
How Did We Get Here? – The Journey to Equality
LGBT Foundation, Floor 2, Fairbairn House, 72 Sackville Street, Manchester, M1 3NJ
Saturday 20 August 2022 at 2pm
In 1967 the law in England and Wales was changed to partially decriminalise homosexual acts between men in private. This was followed by further legislation relating to the age of consent, the role of LGBTQ+ people in the armed forces, and improved partnership, inheritance, and adoption rights. However, we’ve also seen the rise and fall of Section 28, which outlawed the ‘promotion of homosexuality’ by local authorities and banned ‘the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship’. More recently we have seen the demonisation of trans people and a profound backlash against liberalisation.
How Did We Get Here? – The Journey to Equality is an informal afternoon where people get the opportunity to review the changes in attitude towards LGBTQ+ people, how this has been reflected in the changes in the law, and how these changes have been informed and determined by activism in our community. We’ll be hearing from solicitor Josh Dawson about the changes in the law, and from a panel consisting of Paul Fairweather, Tony Openshaw and Arthur Martland about personal experiences as advocates and/or activists of equality. There will be time for you to discuss the matter and tell of your own personal experiences.
Initiative Arts is working with the National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver Legacy of ’67. We are recording the stories of LGBTQ+ people who have been affected by the changes in public attitudes towards homosexuality during the past fifty years. These oral histories will be stored in Archives + at Manchester Central Library and will form the source material for a new play and art exhibition in early 2023.
Initiative Arts has previously delivered projects focused on LGBTQ+ heritage. Polari Mission in 2013 documented the endangered language of Polari, which forms an important part of LGBTQ+ history and identity. Life’s a Drag’ in 2016 explored the history of Drag in Manchester, from the infamous Hulme Drag Ball of 1880 to the present day.
Please RSVP to David Martin [email protected] if you would like to attend.
Out with Prostate Cancer
Tesco In-Store Vote Update!
Tesco are delighted to let you know that Out with Prostate Cancer application to the Tesco Community Grants Scheme has been successful and their project will be put forward to a customer vote in Tesco stores. Voting will commence in store from the first week of July 2022 and continue until 30th September 2022.
Out with Prostate Cancer
Supporting LGBT People with Prostate Cancer Manchester Out with Prostate Cancer will use the grant money to purchase video conferencing equipment to ensure the support group can reach out to LGBT people wherever they live.
The project with the highest number of votes across the region will receive £1,500 (or the amount that was requested up to this value), the second placed project £1,000 (or the amount that was requested up to this value), and the third placed project £500.
Tesco Stores across Manchester City Centre will be voting on this project.
To vote, you will need to make a purchase within the store of any value. You will receive one token per transaction and then place that in the unit provided.
The Good Employment Chatter Podcast:
Chatter about LGBTQ+: Creating Trans-Inclusive Workplaces | Episode 7
The Good Employment Chatter Podcast, launched by The Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, is launching a Series based on Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in the workplace.
Episode 7 features the NHS Northern Care Alliance, The Co-Operative Bank and AutoTrader UK speaking about how employers can be more inclusive to the Transgender community. And Carl Austin-Behan speaks on the important definitions for organisations to know, and the common barriers to employment for the community.
Listen here: https://www.gmgoodemploymentcharter.co.uk/podcast/
The LGBT Veterans Independent Review has been set up to examine the impact of the 1967 to 2000 ban on homosexuality in the UK Armed Forces.
The Review will seek to better understand the experiences of LGBT individuals who served in the Armed Forces from 1967 to 2000 and will provide recommendations to government on how to address this historic hurt.
If you or someone you know, were impacted by the ban, head over to their website to find out how you can inform the review.
www.gov.uk/lgbt-veterans-review
Follow on all Social Media: @LGBTVetReview
LGBT Foundation’s Pride in Practice LGBTQ+ Patient Experience Survey is open!
Between now and the 31st of August we’re asking lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people to share their experiences of accessing GPs, dentists, pharmacists and optometrists.
Our 2021 survey found that 12% of people said that they had received unequal treatment from healthcare staff because they were LGBTQ+. Queer, Trans and Intersex People of Colour (QTIPoC) were six times more likely to have experienced homophobia, transphobia or biphobia that white respondents. This survey will highlight LGBTQ+ people’s experience of healthcare, examples of best practice and areas for improvement.
Complete the survey at www.lgbt.foundation/pipsurvey2022. Those taking part can enter a prize draw for £200 in gift vouchers.
Homobloc Line-up is revealed:
Featuring Róisín Murphy, Honey Dijon, The Blessed Madonna, Self Esteem and more
Homobloc charity partners – LGBT Foundation, The Proud Trust, George House Trust, GM LGBTQ+ Community Fund
Saturday 5th November, Depot Mayfield, Manchester
www.homobloc.co.uk
The legendary block party for all will bring together artists and performers to present one of the greatest coalitions of the LGBTQ+ community. Showcasing next level production and performances across four stages including Depot, Concourse, Archive, and the legendary pub Star & Garter which will host a special Bollox presents Homosquat takeover – the full line-up is now revealed below.
Homobloc is proud to continue supporting its amazing charity partners and the work that they do to make the world a better place for the community.
LGBT Foundation – a national charity delivering advice, support and information services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities.
The Proud Trust – an LGBT+ organisation that supports LGBT+ young people through youth groups, peer support, mentoring programs and the Proud Connections chat service.
George House Trust – an organisation inspiring people living with HIV to live healthy, confident lives by providing HIV support, advice and advocacy services.
Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Community Fund – an organisation distributing small grants to LGBTQ+ and HIV grassroots good causes.
Carl Austin-Behan, former Lord Mayor of Manchester, and Former LGBTQ+ Advisor to the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, commented: “Homobloc is such an important date for many people as it brings the community together all under one roof – from dancing and performing, to fundraising. It is amazing to see the team get behind these charity partners and continue to support their vital works for the LGBTQ+ community in Greater Manchester and beyond.”
Rod Connolly from Homobloc, said: “We are excited to announce a powerful Homobloc festival programme that unites the biggest International and homegrown LGBTQ+ artists, with a clear spotlight on the wonderfully diverse nightlife community that Manchester is World famous for. Following a challenging year for LGBTQ+ rights, the time is now for everyone to come together, step into the light and recharge the city’s vibrant queer energy once more.”
Tickets on sale now:
www.homobloc.co.uk
our28: Section 28, now and then
Our 28 is a campaign by Gendered Intelligence highlighting the disastrous effect of anti-LGBT laws in history – and warning against them happening again.
We’ve spoken to those who lived through Section 28 and those who are suffering under the current anti-trans government.
We want to make sure that we learn from our history, not repeat it. We want to make sure that the UK will never see another section 28.
Do we really want to go back in time?
Looking forward to the 20th anniversary of the repeal of Section 28 next year, we’re reflecting on the current state of LGBTQ+ rights in the UK, and the barriers facing trans and non-binary people.
Despite the LGBT milestones the UK has seen since 2003, trans people are under greater threat than ever.
Wait times for gender identity services are spiralling. Reforms to the Gender Recognition Act are dead in the water and trans people have been threatened with exclusion from the ban on conversion practices. Trans issues are thrown around as a political football while the community suffers.
our28 reflects on the effects of Section 28, interweaving stories from those who lived through it with the voices of trans people now. We’re going to look at how we got here, and what we can do to fight the suppression of trans people in the UK.
Read More: https://our28.org.uk/?utm_source=sendinblue&utm_campaign=our28&utm_medium=email
To friends and supporters of Invisible Cities,
We are writing to share the devastating news that the wonderful Danny Collins passed away last week. As our first ever Invisible (Manchester) tour guide, Danny’s charm, poetry and scouse humour touched the lives of many.
We are in conversations with his loved ones & a fundraiser has been set up to help cover the funeral costs. If you are able to share this GoFundMe with your networks, it would be greatly appreciated by his family.
Invisible (Manchester), in partnership with other organisations in the city, are holding a Manchester memorial for those who would like to come together to remember our adopted Mancunian, Danny.
Danny Collins Memorial
Date: Tuesday 13th September
Time: 5pm – 7pm
Location: TBC (in Manchester City Centre)
Whether you came on his tour, were inspired by his poetry or heard him sing “NESSUN DORMA” at the top of his lungs in the street (yes, this was a regular occurrence!) we’d love to see you there.
Please share with your networks so that we can come together to celebrate the incredible and irreplaceable Danny Collins. If you would like to join us, please respond to this email to stay in the loop with details for the day.
Love,
The Invisible (Manchester) Team
Job Vacancies:
LGBT Foundation:
Find out about the latest job vacancies with the LGBT Foundation:
https://lgbt.foundation/jobs
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust
Non-Executive Director: £13, 000 per annum for circa 4-5 days a month
Experience of HR/Organisational Development – see attached:
Volunteering Opportunities:
LGBT Foundation
As always, we have a huge increase in the number of opportunities which we have available for volunteers while Manchester Pride is taking place (26th – 29th August).
One of our biggest activities is marching in the parade. They will need 100 volunteers to do this, so if you are free Saturday morning August 27th, please do consider getting involved.
They also have some of our other returning opportunities, like the expo stall, outreach, Vigil and the community café, as well as a brand new, and very exciting opportunity to get involved with; the village angels welcome team!
You can find information on all of these pride volunteer opportunities and apply online here: https://lgbt.foundation/pride-volunteering
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Volunteering with them is a really fun way to get involved in the sprit of pride, while also giving back and helping LGBT communities. They hope you’ll get involved, but regardless we also hope you have a great pride weekend.
From LGBT Foundation’s Volunteer Team
Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity, has a unique volunteering opportunity for LGBT+ 18- to 25-year-olds.
You’ll use your voice, develop skills and find community on the Ambassador Programme by speaking in schools and taking part in skills workshops. Interested? Sign up now.
National LGBTI+ Experience Network
If you would like to be involved but cannot commit to the time requirements of the Sounding Board or would be interested in being involved in a more casual way, please consider joining our wider National LGBTI+ Experience Network.
Volunteers’ part of the LGBTI+ Experience Network will be kept up to date with this project and be invited to be involved on a more ad hoc basis. To join the LGBTI+ Experience Network please complete the expression of interest.
For more information about these volunteering opportunities and to apply visit https://lgbt.foundation/news/lgbti-experiences-in-healthcare/465 or email [email protected] or call/text 07716085273
Research Request:
My name is Kitty Clucas, and I am a PhD student at the University of Bristol. I am conducting a research project called ‘Exploring the intersection between bisexuality and adult social care’. I am currently doing my second round of recruitment for my study. It is being funded by the NIHR School for Social Care Research. Ethical approval has been granted for this research by the University of Bristol School for Policy Studies. The aim of the study is to make adult social care services more inclusive for bisexual people with dementia. I am looking for participants who:
-Identify as being bisexual or a person attracted to people of multiple/all genders
-Over 18
-Live in England
-Have either worked for or used adult social care services
Such social care services can include any type of personalised, practical support (for example residential care, domiciliary care, support groups or counselling to name a few). Taking part in the study would involve being interviewed for between 1 and 2 hours either via webcam or phone and participants would receive a £30 shopping voucher in return.
I have attached a flyer/poster and a participant information sheet to this email for further information. If you feel it is appropriate, please could you circulate this email to your service user/staff/member networks? If you were also able to post the flyer to your social media sites that would be very helpful too. Anything you can do to help spread the word would be very useful. If people are interested in taking part they can contact me directly via email: [email protected] or phone: 07854389924
Kitty Clucas Twitter: @Clucaskitty
Canal Street VIP Card new/renewed card holders: I hope you are already enjoying its benefits post lockdown.
Over time they have been able to grow their list of village-based venues offering unique offers/benefits to holders of a CANAL ST CARD.
For the current list please CLICK HERE
As ever, they continue to grow the number of venue/business partners beyond our beloved village boundaries.
They invite you to visit our ally traders when/where possible.
NEED/WANT TO RENEW YOUR CARD?
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