GM LGBTQIA+ Community Network Newsletter
Monday, 23rd June 2025Mermaids, TransActual & The Equality Network: Act Now: Have your say:
How to Respond to EHRC’s consultation before 11:59pm on 30th June.
https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/news/ehrc-consultation-guidance/
Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester:
https://canal-st.co.uk/?na=v&nk=13316-ff801782ef&id=133
LGBTQ+ Weekly Bulletin from Manchester Evening News
https://newsletters.e.reachplc.com/L3Ou2V3dnNp15Cli-7Zl2W/n0wHI91_H_7-Cgw1OCEm/LhihqFgc40_GGRXFyRuF/UlWoiK6IQox-FzVPRYFu/LYBZF_spjSyCQ6p6–lk/y6h_7G6PfR15eTVtTsKF/QrSU/dFVf.php?ID=YR02gYry
Proud 2B Parents: Monthly Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/4f52b712c050/june-pride-month-2025-monthly-email-16530390?e=c3332628fc
Stonewall: Quarterly Newsletter – Spring 2025
https://mailchi.mp/stonewall/your-quarterly-newsletter-winter-655835?e=78e7d82d93
Respond to The EHRC Consultation: Use Their Explainer:
https://mailchi.mp/stonewall/our-concers-for-the-trans-community-655883?e=78e7d82d93
Consortium: For Stronger LGBT+ Communities
Funding News: https://mailchi.mp/48f1b3694367/funding-news-jun23-10898893?e=4ef77ba796
Sector News: https://mailchi.mp/d88c1cebc7b4/apr25-10899164?e=4ef77ba796
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS)
The GMP ARIS funding scheme, which paused last year, will resume from 9th June 2025. New guidelines have been introduced to streamline the process, ensuring greater accessibility and efficiency.
There will be two application windows per year. The next application window opens on 9 June 2025 and closes on 11 July 2025. If you work for a charity or a nonprofit organisation and would like to make an application or know an organisation that would, please ensure applications are made before the closing date on 11 July 2025.
Please note that all applications must be forwarded to [email protected]
Pride in Fostering: Celebrating our Diverse Foster Care Community:
Celebrating our diverse community of foster carers, we meet two of Stockport’s fostering family, same-sex couple Steph and Mel.
We’re sharing their inspiring story and celebrating the amazing work they do improving the lives of local children and young people in care.
Steph and Mel have been foster carers with Stockport Council for six years, working with Stockport’s intervention team to provide short-term breaks for children and young people needing support.
Stockport Council is one of the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities working in collaboration to grow the number of foster carers to provide safe and loving homes for children and young people.
Salford Pride Pink Picnic: Sat 21st June – Peel Park Salford
https://www.pinkpicnic.org.uk/
Rochdale Pride Parade / Rochdale in Rainbows: Sun 22nd June, The Esplanade Rochdale
https://www.rochdale.gov.uk/events/event/45/rochdale-pride-parade
Bury Queer Fest: Sat 21st June Bury Art Museum From 10am
https://buryartmuseum.co.uk/QUEER-Fest
WITH LOVE MR. GAY
Award-winning play as part of Bury QueerFest (Sat 21st June 7.30pm, The Met Bury)
Tickets: www.linktr.ee/WithLoveMrGay
Instagram: @WithLoveMrGay
It started with a note:
To My. Gay, if you move my bin again, I will get an ex-mercenary to destroy you… from flat 2
With Love, Mr. Gay is a darkly funny, formally unique two-hander about conflict resolution, from bin wars to culture wars, at a time when Queer communities face growing hostility. As well as his true story, Josh uses real interviews he carried out with peace negotiators, historians and counsellors; the interviews are blended with live music, comedy and cabaret to form bold, working-class queer storytelling. Written and performed by award-winning playwright Joshua Val Martin (Sky TV, National Theatre Studio, Bruntwood Prize), joined by actor George Bury (Central School of Speech and Drama) and directed by visual artist Jez Dolan (British Museum, V&A, Schwules* Museum), With Love, Mr. Gay has proven a hit with both critics and audiences: a theatre experience that is as politically urgent as it is riotously entertaining.
Coffee with the LGBTQ+ Greater Manchester Police Network: 26th June, 5pm – 7pm
Ahead of Sparkle weekend the GMP LGBTQ+ network are doing a drop in session, facilitated by the LGBT Foundation, at the office from 5pm – 7pm; it’s aimed to help people feel reassured over that weekend, and if they have any questions or concerns about policing over Sparkle weekend, or in general, they’re welcome to come along.
https://lgbt.foundation/event/coffee-cop-gmp/Sparkle Weekend: 27th – 29th June, Sackville Gardens Manchester
Learn about what’s going on over the Sparkle Weekend, meet some of our grassroots partners and sponsors, and see all the 20th Anniversary celebrations!
The Sparkle Weekend is the UK’s longest running celebration of gender diversity and trans joy. This year it is taking place in Sackville Gardens, Manchester, between Friday 27th June and Sunday 29th June.
Family friendly and free to attend. Donations are optional but are greatly appreciated.
Wilmslow Pride are thrilled to announce that Wilmslow’s very first Pride is happening on 27 September 2025! Join them at The Carrs Park, right in the heart of Wilmslow, for a day filled with celebration and community.
Bring your friends and family to explore vibrant community and market stalls in the beautiful St Bartholomew Church Hall, located conveniently at the park entrance. The fun continues in a giant Tipi on The Carrs, where they’ve got fantastic entertainment and activities planned, weather permitting, you’ll even have the chance to enjoy a lovely picnic in the park! There will be a variety of food and drink stalls to delight your taste buds.
They are looking for community groups and businesses that would be interested in a stall in the Church Hall. If you are interested, please email [email protected]
To round off the weekend, they’re hosting a joyful, inclusive Diversity Service at The Unitarian Chapel on Sunday, 28 September (for anyone of any faith, or no faith). They can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!
George House Trust celebrates its 40th anniversary.
During the year, they will be sharing stories celebrating the incredible work of George House Trust and the amazing people who have worked tirelessly to help them towards their mission of a world where HIV holds no one back.
Over the year they will be keeping you informed on events and news and letting you know how you can be involved and show your support for people living with HIV. There are lots of ways to get involved and a great way to start is by visiting their exhibition.
ACTING UP! 40 Years of HIV Activism
They are thrilled to share ACTING UP! 40 Years of HIV Activism, their exciting new exhibition at Manchester Central Library that celebrates Greater Manchester’s history of HIV activism.
The exhibition is free and open to the public, it contains rare archival materials, personal testimonies, and film and offers an in-depth look at the efforts of individuals and organisations that have shaped the region’s HIV activist history. It spans 40 years of George House Trust and HIV activism, starting with the creation of AIDSline in 1985.
Don’t miss out! Visit the exhibition at the Manchester Central Library, until December 2025.
It is through your support, hard work and dedication that George House Trust has been recognised for the difference it makes to people living with HIV. They couldn’t do this without you, so thank you for helping them to make sure HIV holds no one back.
Find out more about the exhibition:
https://ght.org.uk/hiv-activism/history
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:
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
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/
Skye Baker – Foreign Bodies, Sat 12 Jul 2025 – Sun 17 Aug 2025
Warrington Museum & Art Gallery – Regular opening times
Presented as a forceful insight into the artist’s experience, this body of work covers both the psychological and physical experiences of being trans through performance and video-based work.
The viewer is an active participant within the exhibition able to manipulate the artist by choosing which parts of her experience they want to explore.
https://wmag.culturewarrington.org/whats-on/skye-baker-foreign-bodies/
| The Sunday Boys – Queers on Stage, Saturday 26 July 2025, 7.30pm, The Stoller Hall |
The Sunday Boys, Manchester’s low-voiced LGBTQ+ choir, present Queers on Stage, a joyful and powerful celebration of queer voices in musical theatre.
This uplifting concert takes you on a musical journey from 1975 to today, shining a spotlight on how queer lives have been represented on stage. From the groundbreaking A Chorus Line to the high-energy Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, the show features iconic songs that have offered comfort, visibility and inspiration to generations.
Expect favourites like “One”, “I Am What I Am”, “Seasons of Love”, and “If You Were Gay”, all performed with the harmony, humour and heart The Sunday Boys are known for. Whether you’re a lifelong musical theatre fan or just love a story told through song, Queers on Stage promises a night to remember.
Get your tickets now – https://stollerhall.com/whats-on/the-sunday-boys-queers-on-stage/
LGBTQI* Heritage Tour:
Manchester LGBTQI* Celebration / Fundraiser:
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]
Manchester City Council: Community Safety Strategy
The current Community Safety Strategy is due to end this year. The strategy, our priorities, and previous achievements can be found at Community safety strategy | Community safety strategy | Manchester City Council
Over the next three months, the CSP and partners will engage in a variety of methods to find out the safety concerns of residents, businesses, and people who visit Manchester. This will include:
A short online survey published on the Council’s website – we would be grateful if you could complete the survey and share it with your residents, businesses, and local forums. The closing date for the survey is 18 July 2025. The survey can be found at Consultations and surveys | Manchester City Council
Focus groups with charities and organisations who support people who feel the least safe in the city.
Face to face engagement with residents and businesses in areas of high footfall across the city.
Partner organisations engaging residents and businesses they support.
Paper copies of the survey and support to participate in the consultation can be provided by emailing the Council’s Community Safety Team – [email protected]
The Brunswick Centre is pleased to anounce the launch of Well Proud – a new campaign that brings together a wide range of LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing services across Calderdale and Kirklees.
Well Proud acts as an umbrella for existing and emerging projects and services, many delivered in partnership with other organisations. It’s designed to make support more visible, accessible, and engaging for LGBTQ+ individuals of all ages.
Through the campaign, we’re promoting:
- Help with smoking, alcohol, and drug use
- Mental health and emotional wellbeing services
- HIV prevention and support
- Screening, awareness, and information
- Safe, inclusive spaces
- And much more
The Brunswick Centre team, and our partners, will be promoting Well Proud at community events and Pride celebrations across Calderdale and Kirklees this summer – helping them connect directly with LGBTQ+ people and allies.
they’d love your help in spreading the word. Please share the campaign with your networks or get in touch if you’d like to explore how we can work together.
For more information, visit: www.thebrunswickcentre.org.uk/wellproud
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
Jobs / Board Member Opportunities / Volunteering:
HOME Mcr – Head of Artist Development.
https://homemcr.org/pQEwVcd/head-of-artist-development
Withington Pride: Sports Day Producer – Volunteer Role
Looking for a collective, charity or individual to produce the annual Sports Day!
Throwing it back to the Gay & Lesbian Olympics, held on Canal St as part of MCR’s 1st Pride in 1985, the sports day is a key part of Withington Pride. Offering a family-friendly sober event.
You’ll need experience running sports or community events & managing volunteers.
Voluntary role, roughly 2 days of work.
You’ll be supported by the Withy Pride team, who’ll manage licensing, PLI, volunteer recruitment & promotion.
Contact [email protected]
https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ4ZQE5sHne/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
https://www.withingtonpride.com/
Instagram: @withingtonpride
Facebook: @withingtonpride
Save The Date: GM & Northwest Pride Events for 2025
| Chorlton | Saturday 13th September | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| Stretford Pride | Saturday 2nd August | ||||
| Sparkle | Friday 27th – Sunday 29th June | ||||
| Tameside | T.B.C | ||||
| Trans Pride | Saturday 2nd August | ||||
| Weaste Pride | Saturday 12th July | ||||
| Wigan | Saturday 16th August | ||||
| Withington | Saturday 20th September (Prov) | ||||
| 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]