GM LGBTQIA+ Community Network Newsletter
Friday, 25th April 2025Good Afternoon,
Gendered Intelligence: Supreme Court Ruling – Their Response
https://5dzj9.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/mr/sh/SMJz09SDriOHWPUgqMebzbPJhifT/opHSnYsFf5ax
Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester:
https://canal-st.co.uk/?na=v&nk=13316-ff801782ef&id=101
LGBTQ+ Weekly Bulletin from Manchester Evening News
https://newsletters.e.reachplc.com/wrmdq_rq6hD6cndaErR2w2/iQRiQ4XINDJlVv6sfWP8/V1y3w6QdxL_akmHnOiUL/npG470v4G3L8JCBghBZe/kc2LmEwZk0EEs4plJ_gX/aTVSJ0_0pYY0XrDR4h8l/ETiZ/ZmAs.php?ID=X05coivs
The Proud Trust: Monthly Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/theproudtrust/trans-inclusion-toolkit-launch-10138315?e=cb218a8703
Liverpool City Region LCR Pride Foundation Newsletter
Registrations Open for March with Pride 2025 – Saturday 26th July
https://mailchi.mp/lcrpride.co.uk/register-to-march-with-pride-2025?e=1da7a15a8b
Consortium: For Stronger LGBT+ Communities
Funding News: https://mailchi.mp/4b50231b4f39/funding-news-jun23-10898292?e=4ef77ba796
Sector News: https://mailchi.mp/4ffd4c932503/apr25?e=4ef77ba796
Sing This Spring with The Sunday Boys: Sunday 27th April, 7.30pm Hallé St Peter’s Manchester
Be part of something special as The Sunday Boys present an evening of live music that’s engaging, eclectic and full of energy.
Greater Manchester’s low-voiced, LGBTQ+ choir will showcase brand-new arrangements of songs by Troye Sivan and MUNA—two artists known for their vibrant pop sound and honest songwriting. These fresh takes reimagine their music with rich harmonies and bold new textures, performed by a choir that brings it all to life.
The program also features music by Kate Bush, ANOHNI and the Johnsons, and The Beauty Room—artists whose songs stretch across genre and feeling, from hauntingly beautiful ballads to soaring, layered soundscapes.
Whether you join to support someone in the choir, you’re a fan of the artists, or just curious to see what happens when voices come together in new ways, this is a night for you.
Get your tickets now – https://tinyurl.com/singspring
Culture CO-OP: Joy Against The Machine
Fellow LGBT+ Siblings and Allies —
Free Writing Workshop This Sunday 27th April.
In response to the Supreme Court ruling, during these difficult times—there is nothing more important than community. Join Culture CO-OP this Sunday for a free writing workshop, a space to express what you might be feeling or what needs to be communicated.
WORKSHOP 1: JOY Against The Machine: Queer Writing As Protest
A Workshop By @tstheidiot
Sunday 27th April (This Sunday!)
1pm – 4pm
Richard Street Studios, 44 Richard Street, Rochdale, OL11 1DU
@richardstreetstudios
At the April Workshop 1 you will explore creative writing to tap into queer joy and express it through poetry. Your chance to discover your inner activist and where protest is celebrated, and community is built. This is the beginning of Queer
Publishing’s monthly offer in Rochdale, the next workshop, also by @tstheidiot 25/05/2025, more information will be released soon.
FREE TICKET LINK:
INSTAGRAM LINK:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DIt1tEXiMK3/?img_index=1
This workshop is neurodivergent-friendly, anti-racist, with step-free access and gender-neutral bathrooms. They work actively to make this a genuinely inclusive space.
If you have any concerns about travelling to or from the venue, please DM @culturecoopuk on Instagram or email [email protected] to arrange safe passage.
#JoyAsRebellion #StandByYourTrans
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:
April (3pm-5pm): 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
Global Mindset, Local Impact:
Creating spaces and reclaiming identities in dialogue with Dr Harvey Kennedy-Pitt
A brief presentation of research and application of the OSHARM Model
What’s it about?
Dr Harvey’s research led to the creation of the O.S.H.A.R.M. Model—a new framework to improve sexual health services for raciosexual minorities in England. The model highlights three essential conditions for achieving ‘optimal’ sexual health care:
- Access to accurate, credible sexual health information
- Culturally competent leadership from both lived experience experts and decision makers
- Safe, affirming spaces across clinical and community settings
When these elements come together, people feel seen, respected, and better supported in their sexual health journeys.
Why attend?
Whether you’re a lay person, community leader, healthcare professional, academic, advocate, or ally—this is your chance to:
- Learn from lived experience-led research
- Discover a new model for inclusive sexual health care
- Explore practical, real-world solutions and
- Connect with others invested in equity, care, and justice
Let’s reimagine what’s possible when community, culture, and care come together!
Date: Monday, 28 April 2025
Time: 12:00–1:00 PM BST
Location: Online via Zoom
Price: Free | Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3W7IwMUtQES5AoPQUis1fA
The Edge Theatre & Arts Centre: Introduction to Acting,
Tuesday Nights 13th May – 1st July, 7.30pm – 9.30pm
Their latest hugely popular ‘Introduction to Acting’ 8 week course: Develop your acting skills through theatre games, improvisation, character development and devising.
These sessions are suitable for anyone wanting to develop or improve their skills in acting, spontaneity, creativity, imagination, communication, presentation, devising, group working and having a good laugh with a friendly group of people on a Tuesday night.
The sessions will be run by The Edge’s Artistic Director Janine Waters.
https://mailchi.mp/82221dec14be/introduction-to-acting-at-the-edge?e=cc1d40e2d4
Manchester Pride Artist Call Out 2025
Whether you’re a showbiz veteran or you’ve only ever performed for an imaginary crowd in the shower, they want to hear from you!
There’re looking for artists to join the line-up for Manchester Pride 2025! They want to see past performances and hear some of your tracks – drag artists, singers, dancers, DJ’s and groups welcome!
Please note applications close on Wednesday 30th April
https://forms.monday.com/forms/ce9273c2b59f3ca07eb3e86a72cf60c0?r=use1
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 10th 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
Todmorden Queer Variety Cabaret, Sat 7 Jun 2025, 8:00pm, Tod Community College.
The LGBTQ+ and allies’ community of the Calderdale Valley invite you to enjoy a cornucopia of diverse acts, including: comedy, drag, music, spoken-word and more. There’ll be a licensed bar and the venue is fully accessible for all. Come dressed in your best cabaret style outfits and be prepared for some Camp delights !!!.
This event is suitable for over 18s only. Tickets £8 advance (concessions £6) from TicketSource https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/cabaretintod/t-jzaxzvo or £10 on the door (no concessions).
The Gay Gordons Manchester will be putting the slap on, clacking their heels and presenting their very own drag cabaret show. It will be hosted by the fabulous Joshua Neary at Centre Stage MCR on the 26th of June from 9.00pm to raise money for the LGBTQ foundation.
Save The Date, put it in your diary, and enjoy a great night and raise money for a brilliant charity in the process.
https://www.gay-gordons-manchester.co.uk/
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]
George House Trust: Drag Ball 2025
The George House Trust Drag Ball is back for 2025 sponsored by the amazing team at BedHead
This year they’re celebrating a special milestone – the 40th Anniversary of George House Trust!
They are thrilled to invite you to our annual Drag Ball extravaganza, at the stunning Diecast on the 2nd October!
Prepare to be dazzled by an extraordinary lineup of Manchester’s top drag performers and queer artists, all in celebration of four decades of activism, support, and progress.
All proceeds from The Drag Ball will help them continue to create a world where HIV holds no one back.
Tables are first come, first served and will sell out fast, so make sure to buy yours now so you don’t miss their prestigious event.
GET YOUR EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW: https://crm.ght.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=3001
For more information, or for corporate packages and tables please contact [email protected]
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/
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/
Your Manchester: Studio Hire
Whether you’re a theatre company or dance school looking for rehearsal space, a video podcaster looking for a filming space, or other artist and creative, our space can be adapted to suit your needs. Located 5 minutes walk from Manchester Piccadilly Train Station, we’re centrally located with parking right outside the door.
The studio is 427 sq ft, with lots of natural light if that’s what you need. They’ve also got 360 degree blackout curtains for creating a totally blank space.
The studio is fully accessible, with a lift available for loads ins. You’d have access to a shared kitchen, toilets and shower.
Rates start from £30 p/hour and you can hire their studio for an hour, a full day, or even block bookings for recurring classes/rehearsals.
For more details and see images: https://yourmcr.com/studio-hire
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:
Pride in Leadership: Barriers to LGBTQ+ Career Progression in the UK
Their groundbreaking report is here:
Pride in Leadership are proud to launch their cutting edge report: Barriers to LGBTQ+ Career Development in the UK, based on insights from over 1,000 LGBTQ+ professionals across the country.
Read the report now – https://prideinleadership.co.uk/LGBTQ-career-barriers-report-2025
While LGBTQ+ individuals bring extraordinary leadership, resilience and talent to the workplace, their findings confirm what many have felt but few could prove: systemic barriers continue to hold our community back.
Key findings include:
- 85% of respondents have encountered barriers to career progression
- 70% say there’s a lack of LGBTQ+ role models in leadership.
- 50% report working in uncomfortable or hostile environments.
- 42% say they felt unsupported by HR when facing LGBTQ+ issues.
- Trans and non-binary people face especially high levels of discrimination.
- Many LGBTQ+ professionals report early-life setbacks in confidence, education, and career ambition due to fear, bias, and lack of representation.
- Despite this, a huge number are leading, mentoring, and advocating – 40% volunteer as trustees, NEDs or community leaders.
This is more than a report about barriers. It’s a call to action – with clear recommendations for businesses, policymakers, recruiters, researchers, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Some quotes from respondents:
“In a job interview, I was told they didn’t want poofs working for them.”
“I was recently unemployed for 3 months; it was like tumbleweeds in terms of interest. Then I removed my pronouns from my CV and got two calls within 24 hours, one of which led to my current role”.
“The gay mafia is a thing. We all overwork, so if you want something you are never more than a few phone calls or connections away from someone who can help. The queers always seem willing to help each other in my experience”.
Read the report now:
https://prideinleadership.co.uk/LGBTQ-career-barriers-report-2025
Share it with your network
Help them get this into the hands of those who need to see it: HR teams, senior leaders, board members, recruiters, and policymakers.
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/
Jobs / Board Member Opportunities / Volunteering:
George House Trust:
Roles available
- Peer Navigator[s]
https://ght.org.uk/about-us/join-us
Manchester Pride: Partnership Manager
Manchester Pride is at the forefront of the global Pride movement and in these unprecedented and challenging times, their work is needed more than ever. Private sector partnerships and sponsorship play a huge role by helping them raise income to achieve their strategic goals.
This is a truly unique role which provides the opportunity to directly impact the output of their charity, whilst building and maintaining relationships with high profile local and international commercial partners.
Find out more and apply: manchesterpride.com/jobs
Beyond Empower is recruiting for a Community Outreach Coordinator to help develop their Community Outreach offer in Salford. Community Outreach is a form of social care that supports people to access activities they want to in the community.
This is a new area of work for Beyond Empower and, thanks to The National Lottery, they’re able to offer the position for two years, expiring on 31st July 2027, with a possible two year extension, and longer-term employment dependent on the project’s success which will support its sustainability.
For the right person, this is a great role to make a real difference in the social care landscape and open up opportunities for disabled people to connect, engage and lead healthy, active lives in their community.
More information on the role and service, including job description and person specification and how to apply, can be found here – Form – Community Social Care Coordinator Vacancy
Closing date for applications is 9am, Friday 23rd May with interviews expected 5th & 6th June.
If you or anyone else has any questions about this opportunity, please do get in touch: [email protected] or 07747 475 038.
Manchester Pride: Trustees to Join Their Board
Do you want to make a difference to the lives of LGBTQ+ people across the city? Do you share their passion for the promotion of LGBTQ+ equality? If this sounds like you, they have a great opportunity for you!
There’re looking for new trustees to join their board. The role of a Trustee is to ensure that Manchester Pride fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries and delivers on its vision, mission statement and values.
Find out more about the role and apply at: manchesterpride.com/jobs
Save The Date: Dates announced for GM & Northwest Pride Events for 2025
| Bolton | Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th May | ||||
| 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
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]
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 2000 contacts which in turn gets sent out through their networks: [email protected]