GM LGBTQIA+ Community Network Newsletter

Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester:
https://canal-st.co.uk/?na=v&nk=9090-c48fb18362&id=95

LGBTQ+ Weekly Bulletin from Manchester Evening News
https://newsletters.e.reachplc.com/2Lv8yCLJCshRgneeT0wjE_/C_-C4MoC1bRm4tpP5Pfg/57vC8-f2qu7IKh6ArT9T/8q6sOk9S1Yzn2DjWeTC8/fW46_G94gjhuFat2JBrh/iFVaR0wbbq4w0_iqqa8Z/nv8o/tbEE.php?ID=ovlY3tue

The Proud Trust: Monthly Newsletter

https://mailchi.mp/theproudtrust/march-workplace-ideas?e=cb218a8703

Fighting with Pride: Regional and National Update
https://mailchi.mp/fightingwithpride/fwp-national-and-regional-update-march-2025

LGBT Foundation:  Monthly Newsletter

https://lgbtfoundation.cmail19.com/t/y-e-chjjduk-htzkddjx-il/

Consortium: For Stronger LGBT+ Communities

Funding News: https://mailchi.mp/711fc91fb5d4/funding-news-jun23-10898014?e=4ef77ba796
Sector News: https://mailchi.mp/65b6f885df54/mar25?e=4ef77ba796

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

LGBTQ+ Manchester Walking Tour

Meeting at the Monument to Vimto on Sackville Street, M1 3BU

(just near the railway bridge (Look for the giant bottle!)

Its £10pp (Card or cash – Pay at the end of the tour)

To Book – Contact Josh either via email: [email protected] / or EventBrite

Confirmed dates:

​March (All 3pm-5pm): 29th

​April (All 3pm-5pm): 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

​June (All 3pm-5pm): 7th, 8th

​July (All 3pm-5pm): 19th, 26th

​​Special ‘Pride as a PROTEST!’ LGBT+ tours:

​August (3pm-5pm): 16th, 17th

​August (6pm-8pm): 19th, 20th

​

So, what is an LGBTQ+ Tour of Manchester….

You get to discover the history of Manchester’s Gay Village on a fun, informative walking tour.

Explore iconic landmarks, hidden street art, and legendary pubs, while learning about Manchester’s LGBT+ heroes and trailblazers—from Victorian drag balls through to RuPaul stars.

Led by Josh, an MA graduate of Manchester’s LGBT+ history, the tour is perfect for visitors and locals alike as well as a great way to meet like-minded people whilst celebrating our city’s Queer culture.

For info on future tours, see: https://www.freemanchesterwalkingtours.com/lgbtmanchesterwalkingtour

SUESHOUSE 2^nd Birthday:  Celebrate her 2^nd year on the throne as the Queen of Classics

Saturday 29^th March, Cruz 101- Manchester M1 6DD

9pm – 3am (last entry 2am)

Nik Denton,  Dylan Jeffers,  Daz G & Alan Stevens

Brining you the very best uplifting Piano House, 90’s, 00’s Classics & not forgetting all the House & Dance Anthems we all love.

For Tickets: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/Cruz-101/SUESHOUSE-2nd-birthday/40598272/

The Gay Gordons Manchester: Tartan Day Dance

The Tartan Day dance will be on Saturday 5th April 2025 and will be held in St. Matthews Church Hall, Chapel Lane,  Stretford, M32 9AJ.

They will start at 7.30pm Prompt till 10.30pm dancing to the music of Andrew Lyon. Tickets in advance or on the door are £10.00 each with discount for Gay Gordon’s Manchester members and RSCDS members.

You may also book your ticket online through PayPal (www.gay-gordons-manchester.co.uk/page12.html) or reserve one by contacting them on 07533 587 770.

There is no bar but you are allowed to bring your own soft drinks or alcohol.

As in the past this will be a “Faith Supper/Bring and Share” event, which means everyone brings along a small contribution to the buffet which is shared between everyone.

This will be preceded by their Day School which can be booked separately through our website.

https://www.gay-gordons-manchester.co.uk/

Queer Reflections: Theatre & Memory, Stage-Writing Competition

To celebrate the paperback publication of Alan Hollinghurst’s new bestselling novel Our Evenings, Manchester theatre company Green Carnation is partnering with Picador and Pan Macmillan on a prize for stage writing.

Responding to themes within Hollinghurst’s novel, Queer Reflections: Theatre & Memory is a short monologue / duologue stage writing competition for emerging LGBTQ+ playwrights. Writers are invited to explore queerness, theatre, and memory in a 10-12 minute monologue or duologue. The winning submission with be selected by Alan Hollinghurst and will receive a cash prize of £500, script development mentorship from Green Carnation Company, and will have their script produced as a short filmed stage performance that will be shared across Picador, Pan Macmillan and Green Carnation’s channels.

“We are thrilled to be working with Picador to celebrate the paperback publication of ‘Our Evenings’ by Alan Hollinghurst. It’s a privilege to work with the godfather of UK Queer literature whilst fulfilling our mission to give new LGBTQ+ writers a voice and platform.”
Dan Ellis & Dan Jarvis, co-artistic directors of Green Carnation Company.

Click for details of the competition:

https://greencarnationcompany.com/projects/picador-competition/

In order to apply, writers should email [email protected] with the subject line: Queer Reflections. The deadline for entries is 5pm, Friday 11 April.

Bury Pride Presents: Masquerade Fundraiser

Join the Bury Pride Team and the LGBTQI+ Forum at this year’s Bury Pride Masquerade Fundraiser.

Saturday 26^th April,  7.30pm – Late.

The Met, Market Street, Bury, BL9 0BW

Dress to impress!  Featuring LGBTQI+ acts, performers, a raffle, and more.

Just £35.00 per person, follow the link:  https://themet.org.uk/event/bury-pride-masquerade-fundraiser/

Gaydio Academy:
New course taking place in Liverpool – April
Are you aged 16-25 (or maybe a year or two older)? Are you new to Gaydio courses?
They have a fantastic new FREE training course ‘Storytelling for Podcasting’, brought to you by Gaydio and Audible! 🎧✨ This is your chance to dive into the world of podcasting, whether you’re an absolute beginner or looking to sharpen your skills—and you don’t need to be LGBTQ+ to take part!

It’s a daytime course (10am to 4pm): Liverpool

• Wednesday 23 April
• Thursday 24 April
• Monday 28 April
• Tuesday 29 April

This hands-on course will have you mastering storytelling, interviewing, and podcast creation with multi-award-winning podcaster and author Emma Goswell.

What’s in store?

• Get to know Gaydio, our audience, and the art of interviewing
• Learn storytelling & scripting before heading out to gather content
• Shape your podcast by reviewing and structuring your recordings
• Step into the studio for a recording and editing session

This is your chance to bring stories to life and gain expert training in a fun, creative environment! And it’s FREE. Don’t miss out — sign up here:

Sign up for the course

(Please also put Liverpool next to your name)

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to [email protected].

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

17^th & 18^th May: Storyhouse, Chester

www.dibbytheatre.org | @DibbyTheatre

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

Sale Salvation Army invites you to: “There’s a place for us” – concert on Sat 10^th May 2025 at 6pm,

27 Ashton Lane, Sale.

Featuring:

• Sale Salvation Army Band
• Vocal Soloist: Tim Reynolds

Supported by:

Wellfield Primary School Choir, Svitoch Chamber Choir, Sale Salvation Army Songsters and Young in Heart Choir.

Tickets are free – available from:

www.ticketsource.co.uk/sale-salvation-army

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT)-  2025 Annual Members’ Meeting Survey

MFT’s Membership Team is keen to promote their new Annual Members’ Meeting (AMM) survey as widely as possible across a variety of networks and organisations.  They are keen to encourage as many views as possible around the meeting engagement stands, interactive activities, patient conditions and diversity stands alongside ideas for presentation information.

If you could share the following link/QR code across your key networks and contact groups, that would be truly appreciated:

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) would be delighted if you shared your ideas for this year’s Annual Members’ Meeting, by completing the following survey:

https://forms.office.com/e/pK8zMGyL22

• Survey deadline being before 5pm on 14^th April 2025.

All responses received will be considered and help them to plan their event arrangements.

Contact Donna Beddows, FT Membership Manager/Deputy Trust Board Secretary (e-mail – [email protected]), if you have any related queries.

Sparkle Weekend 2025

Friday 27th – Sunday 29th June

Location: Sackville Gardens, Manchester, M1 3HB

Sparkle have now fully launched the Sparkle Weekend 2025 – the big 20th Anniversary! Check out their brand-new website for more information – www.sparkle.org.uk

Applications are now open for market stalls, advertising, volunteering, performers, and much more!

Make sure you grab a free ticket! This life-changing event will cost an estimated £14.40 per person. Donations are never mandatory, but if you are able to contribute, even a small amount, it can go a long way in helping to keep the Sparkle Weekend a welcoming and inclusive event for all. Ticket link: spkl.uk/2025-tickets

If you have any questions or would like to chat about collaborating at the Sparkle Weekend 2025, please get in touch at [email protected]

Save The Date: Dates announced for GM & Northwest Pride Events for 2025

Bolton	T.B.C
Bury	Saturday 7th June
Bury Rainbow Train	6th or 7th April
Chorlton	Saturday 13th September (Prov)
Didsbury	Saturday 30th August
Happy Valley Pride Levenshulme	Saturday 26th July 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
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

 

Opportunities with Manchester Pride:

Parade

Parade applications are now also open. They are delighted to invite all LGBTQ+ organisations to join this year’s parade for FREE, you can apply HERE. It is important for local LBGTQ+ groups and organisations to have visibility in Manchester and beyond. Join them and come together in the Love Parade, this year’s parade theme.  

https://www.manchesterpride.com/parade

GVP & Mardi Gras Tickets

They are delighted to be expanding Manchester Pride across the city with their new event, Mardi Gras! As you may have seen Manchester Pride’s Gay Village Party & Mardi Gras tickets will be on sale next week! Read more here: https://www.manchesterpride.com/mardi-gras

Volunteer Opportunities

There will be many volunteering opportunities in different areas this year such as Gay Village Party,The Rally, Candle Lit Vigil, Superbia Festival, Youth Pride MCR, Family Pride and others! All volunteers for Manchester Pride get free access to the events and food provided over the weekend. They will be in contact soon with all volunteer opportunities, so please keep an eye out!

Community Sessions

Their next Community Session is on Queer Magic! This session will be all about witchcraft and the history of queer magic with a special guest expert facilitator. The session will take place at the historic Affleck’s Palace, don’t miss out reserve your free spot here now: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-session-queer-magic-tickets-1253052897949?aff=oddtdtcreator

Grants

Their grants applications are now OPEN, and they encourage community groups to apply! Their grants are available to any charities, community groups, organisations, individuals and independent artist collectives that help the LGBTQ+ communities in Greater Manchester. Community and Superbia Grants are available for up to £1000. Impact Fund Grants are available for up to £10,000.

IMPORTANT: For any Community and Superbia projects/events that you wish to take place during or before Manchester Pride 2025, you must apply during Round One – which is open now until April 30th – to ensure your application can be approved and funded in time.

• Round 1 Applications open: February 3rd – April 30th 
• Round 2 Applications open: August 4th – September 30th

Impact grant applications are now open and close on March 21st. These grants are for bigger longer term projects that support the wellbeing of local LGBTQ+ individuals in Manchester.

Impact Fund Eligibility Checker Form: https://form.jotform.com/232213125915043

Superbia and Community Grant Application Guidance: https://form.jotform.com/222774606632054

If you have any questions or queries please get in touch with Binta Williams [email protected]

Have you signed up to Bee in the Loop?

Greater Manchester Police’s free community messaging system sends an update straight to your email inbox – you can find out what is taking place in your area and hear from your local neighbourhood officers.

Sign up here – https://orlo.uk/vsgSw

The Alternative:  Manchester’s first LGBTQ+ run wellbeing studio – a safe and welcoming space for women and queer people to prioritise their health, healing and growth. They put mental wellbeing front and centre, with the knowledge that your fitness journey isn’t happening in a vacuum.

On a mission to help people feel at home in their bodies, they offer Personal Training, Small Group Training, Sports Massage, Injury Rehabilitation and Classes. They are also one of the only places in the UK to deliver a Menstrual Coaching service, which supports people with functional hormone health and their cycles.

If you’re looking for a fresh approach, relaxed environment and trainers who ‘get it’ – you’ve found the right place https://www.thealternativemcr.com/

Positive East are making three new quilt panels to reflect the current era of the HIV/AIDS pandemic based on photos that people upload of themselves.

Everyone can get involved, regardless of where you live or whether you are living with HIV or are an ally to the U=U message.

The AIDS quilts (you can read about the UK one here: https://www.aidsquiltuk.org ) are an incredible piece of social history from a time when the prognosis for people with HIV was nothing like it is today. Thankfully, things have changed, so it’s time new quilts to commemorate the modern era of HIV care.

One of the hallmarks of the evolution of HIV management has been U=U (undetectable=untransmittable), a concept the medical establishment was slow to embrace but thanks to a vocal and evidence-based community led by Bruce Richman & the Prevention Access Campaign it is a concept that is now enshrined in guidelines, practice and, increasingly, public perceptions about HIV.
So what better theme for these quilts than U=U? Each will be 2030 x 2030mm (if you know, you know, if you don’t you can read about the global 2030 goals here https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2024/july/20240726_2030-target-setting)
https://www.positiveeast.org.uk/uequalsu/

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 / Reports / Questionnaires:

akt: are pleased to share two major new reports, commissioned by akt and conducted by the University of Kent, that expose the scale and impact of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness in the UK—and the urgent need for change.

Read the full reports and their recommendations here: www.akt.org.uk/lgbt-youth-homelessness-research-report-2025-theres-no-place-like-home

What the research reveals:

• LGBTQ+ people are twice as likely to experience hidden homelessness as their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
• 1 in 4 LGBTQ+ young people surveyed had experienced homelessness, rising to 1 in 3 for trans and non-binary young people. Yet official government data significantly undercounts the scale of the issue.
• LGBTQ+ young people facing homelessness are often denied priority support, even when they have experienced domestic abuse or rejection.
• Services are failing to meet their needs—only 10% of housing providers offer any targeted LGBTQ+ support.
• Intersectional factors such as race, disability, and mental health make LGBTQ+ youth even more vulnerable, yet national policy does not reflect this reality.

They want to see real change for LGBTQ+ young people facing homelessness, and they would welcome your support in making that happen. If you would like to discuss how you can work together—whether through policy change, funding, or collaboration—please get in touch, or add your email address into the website form. https://www.akt.org.uk/

 

Stockport LGBTQ+ Network Priorities

Calling all Stockport LGBTQ+ people and allies!
They want to know what are your priorities when it comes to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Stockport.
Please take the time to fill out our survey via this link https://forms.gle/ngLdfnzDPfYDbry17.

 Jobs / Board Member Opportunities / Volunteering:

George House Trust:

Roles available

• Peer Navigator[s]

https://ght.org.uk/about-us/join-us

Andro and Eve:
Sheffield based queer arts organisation Andro and Eve are looking to recruit new board members and a Chair of the Board. Andro & Eve work across South Yorkshire to platform queer culture, support LGBTQ+ artists, connect communities and raise awareness of LGBTQ+ equality.

Non Executive Directors are unpaid advisors who support the governance of Andro and Eve, contributing expertise to the organisation’s development, sustainability and reputation.

They would like to work with people based in the North of England who share their values and have a strong set of skills and experiences. They’re particularly keen to find people with experience in HR / Policy, Financial Management, Business Development and Marketing / PR.

They understand that you may want to get involved for a variety of reasons, and welcome applications from people from a range of sectors, backgrounds or experience levels. Previous trustee / board experience is not essential, more important is the willingness to use your skills and expertise to support the organisation’s development and resilience.

Find out about the role and its benefits and how to apply via their website.
https://androandeve.com/were-recruiting-new-board-members/

Application Deadline: 9am Monday 7 April

Be Safe Online

Sometimes, relationships that begin romantically become controlling, with partners reading emails, checking texts and tracking locations.

Online abuse can happen over long periods and can escalate over time. It can include behaviours such as monitoring of social media profiles or emails, sending abusive messages online or by text, or sharing intimate photos or videos without consent. Social media should be safe for everyone to use, but perpetrators of domestic abuse often use online tools to target their victims.

For information about staying safe online ⬇️

https://www.gmp.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/digital-domestic-abuse/

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]