GM LGBTQIA+ Community Network Newsletter
Friday, 9th May 2025Good Morning,
Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester:
https://canal-st.co.uk/?na=v&nk=13316-ff801782ef&id=116
LGBTQ+ Weekly Bulletin from Manchester Evening News
https://newsletters.e.reachplc.com/Zfd6mFQY5z3r7pD6ERoyEq/F98F8rr7ApQwzE4PVdc3/nKdSBFNMVtqza2nlDoEh/CjW2-dxV2Jj1lPWTCK4Q/CvMmobbK9T0HVYynbXiY/xvXjXYEYszX5EBYnyalC/tA-i/ZVFT.php?ID=hNfbFDJK
Proud 2B Parents: Monthly Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/ccb2a504e07b/may-2025-monthly-email-16529458?e=c3332628fc
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
IDAHOBIT 2025 Invite to Flag Raising: Rochdale Town Hall
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia flag raising this year.
Since IDAHOBIT falls on a Saturday this year we will be raising the flag on Friday 16th May, 10am at Rochdale Town Hall. This will be followed by refreshments indoors.
Please could you let Emma know if you are able to attend, it would be nice to see you. Please share this invite with anyone you feel may wish to attend. Everyone is welcome. [email protected]
The Aspen Clinic / Rainbow Mind:
Exploring the intersectionality of LGBTQAI+ Identity and Neurodiversity
Thursday 15th May – 11.30am – 1pm
Join them for a free information and panel discussion with The Aspen Clinic and Rainbow Mind in Salford as part of Mental Health Awareness Week and the launch of The Aspen Clinic!
This information and panel discussion session will focus on the intersection between neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ identity. This will include insights into the lived experience of this intersection, tips and tricks to manage being neurodiverse and LGBTQ+, and information on the services that Rainbow Mind and The Aspen Clinic.
This event will be hybrid, with a limited number of free in-person tickets.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1332102387099?aff=oddtdtcreator
And Breathe: An LGBTQIA+ Wellbeing Fete in Hebden Bridge
Join Happy Valley Pride and The Brunswick Centre in the gorgeous Hope Chapel for a whole afternoon of creative queer explorations of wellbeing and addiction. Join them for an afternoon of stalls, demos, drag, poetry, fancy dress, games, massage’s and more, all washed down with ample cups of tea!
It’s TOTALLY free. You won’t be expected to spend a penny. Yeah, even the tea’s free.
Meet others looking at creative – and fun – ways to beat addiction of any kind.
There’ll be an info fair full of wonderful local organisations who can offer you help, from local LGBTQIA+ running groups to support services for smokers looking to quit.
Saturday 17th May 2025 12:00 – 16:00
Hope Chapel, Hebden Bridge
More info here: https://happyvalleypride.co.uk/whats-on/124/and-breath-lgbtqia-wellbeing-fete.
SHERPA-K EVENTS
SHERPA-K: Live at the Edge – 7.30pm Friday 16 May
The Edge Theatre and Arts Centre
Manchester Road
Chorlton-cum-Hardy
Manchester
M21 9JG
Following their sold-out performances at Social Refuge and Manchester Jazz Festival, the Five Sherpas are back on stage with some favourite tunes and some brand-new songs!
SHERPA-K:
Live at Manchester Jazz Festival
Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 May at noon
Meet at Manchester’s Corn Exchange, Exchange Square
After two years of sold-out tours, Free Manchester Walking Tours, with musical interludes from Sherpa-K are back, following Manchester jazz festival’s famous piano trail across the city centre…
https://www.iapmcr.co.uk/newevents
Greater Manchester Police: Bee in The Loop,
Will be attending the Station South Bike Event on Saturday 10th May between 1pm and 4pm, They will be doing Bike Marking which is a Free service that they offer – Station South have various Bike related events going on.
@bikestationsouthmcr @stationsouth
Salford Pride:
Community organisation stall at Pink Picnic only £85 – book today as stalls are running out!
Planning for The Pink Picnic are well underway; they’re pleased to inform you that their Expo stallholders process is now OPEN!
The Pink Picnic 2024 will take place on Saturday 21st June 2025, at Peel Park in the heart of Salford.
Expo stalls are for community groups, charities, and organisations for promotion, raising awareness or engaging with local LGBTQ+ people. All stalls are provided with a space in our Expo village of marquees and supplied with a 6ft trestle table, 2 x chairs.
To register your interest, please fill in the application survey at your earliest convenience. Please be aware that they work on a first come, first served basis with expo stalls, if they’re full we will put you on a waiting list to ensure fairness.
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to reach out to [email protected]
The Great British Sewing Bee
Applications are open for new series of The Great British Sewing Bee and they are looking for a new set of amateur sewers to take part.
They are keen to hear from anyone 18+ who has a passion for sewing and creating clothes for themselves or others, so if you or someone you know is a talented amateur sewer then please do encourage them to apply at www.applyforsewingbee.co.uk
Applications Close: 8.00pm on Wednesday 14th May 2025
It would be very much appreciated if you would help us spread the word to anyone who may be interested in applying.
Any questions you might have or please email the team at: [email protected]
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:
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
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.
Jobs / Board Member Opportunities / Volunteering:
George House Trust:
Roles available
- Peer Navigator[s]
https://ght.org.uk/about-us/join-us
Forever Manchester,
Is searching for a new Chair to help shape the future of their incredible work.
They fund and support grassroots community activity across Greater Manchester – projects that bring people together, make neighbourhoods stronger and celebrate the pride, passion and spirit that define this city region.
As Chair, you’ll bring strategic leadership, energy and passion to a movement that directly inspires thousands of people every year. You’ll work alongside a dedicated Board, and talented Team and passionate volunteers to help Forever Manchester continue to thrive.
If you believe in the power of local people to change their own communities and you want to be part of something brilliant they’d love to hear from you.
Click the links below to find out more about the role and how to apply.
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.
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 | ||||
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]