GM LGBTQIA+ Community Newsletter – Please share with your networks 09/01/2026
Friday, 9th January 2026Here’s Your first GM LGBTQIA+ Community Newsletter for 2026, I have included some of the updates and newsletters from charity partners, they came through after the last newsletter as some of them give you an overview of what they have achieved over 2025 and their plans for 2026.
Wishing you all the best for the year ahead – from what I hear it’s going to be busy, exciting and fulfilling 😊 X
February is LGBTQ+ History Month – if you have any events taking place, please let me know so I can include in the coming weeks:
Just send the details in “word” format to [email protected]
Please Share with Your Networks:
Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester:
https://canal-st.co.uk/?na=v&nk=13316-ff801782ef&id=197
George House Trust: New Monthly Newsletter
https://crm.ght.org.uk/civicrm/mailing/view?reset=1&id=5791&cid=5010&cs=d64be3e9a2c1aa2ee8dd0f45c86b5400_1766416982_168
Fighting With Pride: A roundup from 2025 Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/fightingwithpride/christmas-2025-fwp-newsletter?e=d1dc24a262
Proud 2B Parents: Monthly Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/ede6f28f6f98/december-2025-newsletter-16535271?e=c3332628fc
LGBT Foundation: Community Newsletter
https://lgbtfoundation.cmail19.com/t/y-e-axqyd-hdbthldjy-tu/
Gaydio Academy: Last chance to apply: FREE Intro to Radio & Podcasting course
(Stockport & Tameside residents)
Want to kick off the new year with a new skill? If you’re from Stockport or Tameside, join Gaydio Academy for a FREE course in radio presenting, news reading, podcasting and more.
You’ll be taught by an award-winning podcaster and broadcaster.
Manchester City Centre
19th–28th January (weekdays only)
Apply here: https://www.gaydio.academy/courses/2025/intro-to-radio-and-podcasting-stockport-and-tameside/
Gaydio Awards: Friday 20th March, The Manchester Deansgate Hotel
Providing a night of entertainment to those who truly deserve it, the Gaydio Awards has welcomed the likes of Rave, Sigala, Danny Beard, Tia Kofi, La Voix, Caity Baser, Tulisa and Katy B to their stage, This year in 2026 they plan to go bigger and better than ever before.
Taking place on Friday 20th March 2026 at The Manchester Deansgate Hotel, we’ll come together to
honouring the stories, moments, and everyday champions of the LGBTQ+ community.
A general admission ticket guarantees one seat on a table of up to 12 guests at the ceremony with a delicious three-course meal, half-a-bottle of wine per person on the table and a welcome glass of fizz as well as a complimentary ticket to the official after party. Zero alcohol alternatives are available.
The ceremony is a vibrant atmosphere, where inclusivity and celebration of queer people and organisations takes centre stage, featuring live performances by queer stars and allies.
https://gaydioprideawards.co.uk/tickets/
Pride in Leadership and On The Level have developed a programme of training to help LGBTQ+ professionals to overcome barriers to career progression, build confidence, and take that next step. The programme comprises four courses:
- Overcoming barriers to career progression
Understanding how identity and experience shape ambition, courage and confidence.
- How to strive for greatness and avoid mediocrity
Raising your sights, embracing stretch and building leadership habits rooted in clarity and purpose. - Building healthy work connections
Creating professional relationships and networks that support visibility, advocacy and opportunity. - Becoming a powerful LGBTQ+ person of influence
Recognising your power, strengthening communication and learning how to influence authentically.
Details and registration are here – https://www.onthelevelconsultancy.com/lgbtq-open-courses
Russell Road Development: Update and Scheme Naming Poll
https://mailchi.mp/097bcbef33cb/russell-road-december-update-and-scheme-naming-poll?e=b878a1f2d6
Will You Help Build Pixie? – A New Digital Home for LGBTQ+ Communities
Pixie is a new safety-first social platform being developed right here in Manchester. We’ve all seen the toxicity on other platforms, Pixie is building something our community desperately needs, a digital sanctuary. Using AI and secure ID-verification, Pixie are developing a space where LGBTQ+ people can socialise, create content and build communities online without fear of trolls or pile-ons.
Pixie isn’t another big-tech company; it’s a LGBTQ-led tool and are calling for people in Manchester to sign-up for early access to the app when it starts beta testing in a few week’s time. Sign-up now for early access.
LGBT Foundation’s Community Action Network
“Want to get involved in LGBTQ+ activism but don’t have a lot of time? Not able to participate in ‘traditional’ forms of volunteering? Are you an expert in a particular area of LGBTQ+ experience? Our monthly Community Action Network newsletter keeps you up to date on public consultations affecting LGBTQ+ people and puts you in contact with researchers who are publishing LGBTQ+ informed research, which will be used to shape public policy for years to come.”
The sign-up link is here LGBT Foundation – Community Action Network (CAN
LGBT Foundation: Be Part of History: Our Queer Future Consultation
Through fun and interactive workshops, you’ll explore what LGBTQ+ equality should look like in 2050. Together they’ll talk about the future of queer healthcare, neighbourhoods, and a world without inequalities. Your voice will form part of a visual map of Our Queer Future, published next year.
The best way to create an inclusive future is to make sure all voices are heard. They would particularly love to hear from those who are multiply marginalised, including people of colour (PoC) and other racially minoritised communities, trans*, non-binary, younger (aged 30 and under) and/or older people (aged 50+), and disabled people.
The in-person events combine the workshop with a fun free activity – while the activities change, the workshops are the same, so please only register for one event. Unless otherwise stated, each event has very limited tickets, so book early to avoid disappointment!
Upcoming Dates:
Wednesday 14th January 2026, 12.00pm-1.30pm, Online
This handy online lunchtime session is specifically aimed at healthcare professionals and others whose professional work supports LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing, but it is open to all.
Workshop, plus free 50 Years of Queer Hope & Joy Exhibition Tour!
Thursday 15th January 2026, 12.00pm-2.30pm, Manchester Central Library
Workshop, plus free 50 Years of Queer Hope & Joy Exhibition Tour!
Thursday 22nd January 2026, 5.00pm-7.30pm, Manchester Central Library
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]
LGBT Foundation’s 50th Anniversary is proudly supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and sponsored by Barefoot Wine. Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. 50 Years of Queer Hope and Joy is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to celebrate and share stories of LGBTQ+ communities and activism in the North West and beyond, from 1975 to the present day.
The ON IT Conference (Manchester’s First CHEMSEX Conference) will take place on Friday 30th January 2026, at Eagle Bar Manchester 9:30am – 4:30pm it is an in person ticketed event, the link is below. The event is open to anyone who wishes to learn more about ON IT and the four pillars, Sex, Chems, HIV and Consent.
If you cannot attend, they are recording the event, which will be released at a later date, so do keep an eye out on their socials!
https://www.bit.ly/ONITConference
https://x.com/ThisIsSurvivors
https://www.facebook.com/ThisIsSurvivors/
Stockport LGBTQ+ Network & 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/
Invitation to their WhatsApp group
They would like to make their WhatsApp group a more active tool for helping to arrange the network’s work.
If you would like to join, you can use this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kk15QkdXgAg5W2JnCY28kx
February is LGBTQ+ History Month
They are in the process of planning a few great events for February so keep an eye on this space for more details soon.
Transgender Day of Visibility (TdoV)
They are also in the process of planning a great event for TDoV which is held at the end of March. Likewise keep your eyes on this space for more details soon.
Be/Here Burnout Workshop
Burnout can hit LGBTQIA+ individuals especially hard. That’s why Be/Here is hosting a free workshop to help you understand and recover from burnout in a safe and affirming environment. Join them on 10 January 2026, from 11:00 to 12:30 (GMT).
What You’ll Learn:
What burnout really is and how it manifests.
Why LGBTQIA+ individuals are particularly vulnerable.
Practical strategies for recovery without guilt.
Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today! Take the first step towards reclaiming your well-being. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with others and learn valuable self-care techniques.
Register here: https://www.beheremcr.co.uk/event-details/lgbtqia-free-workshop-on-burnout
Stockport LGBT+ PLUS monthly social meet-up
Their LGBT+ PLUS Big Monthly Social takes place on the 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7pm at the Old Rectory, Churchgate, Stockport SK1 1YG. The next one will be Wednesday 14th January.
The Night Larry Kramer Kissed Me. Part love letter, part rallying cry, David Drake’s award-winning solo play is a fierce, funny and deeply moving journey through queer life and the legacy of ACT UP. It’s theatre as activism. Urgent, uplifting and made for LGBT History Month.
A powerful, funny LGBTQ+ classic lands at Hope Mill for one week only this LGBT History Month 2026
Produced by the team behind sell-out smash, Jock Night which was at HMT earlier this year!
Fresh from his standout performance in Jock Night, Gabriel Clark takes the stage for a blistering, intimate performance that celebrates community, confronts stigma and reminds us how hard-won our rights really are.
In Manchester for just 8 performances. Get your tickets now because when they’re gone, they’re gone. https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/event/the-night-larry-kramer-kissed-me/?dm_i=5K77,1A5Z0,1D07NG,5YDHY,1
Manchester Frontrunners presents IT’S A PIECE OF CAKE 10K
Running followed by cake? What could be better? Saturday 2nd May 2026 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, then indulge in a delectable array of homemade delights from their legendary charity cake sale in aid of George House Trust. Whether you’ve run with them in the past or not, they’d love to see you there!
More information: https://www.manchesterfrontrunners.org/itsapieceofcake10k
Entries: https://bookitzone.com/manchester_frontrunners/ErjFFX
Pro-Manchester:
Wellbeing Champions have launched their first annual survey to explore how effectively businesses are supporting mental wellbeing in the workplace: The link to the survey is here:
Some of the events Pro-Manchester are hosting in the next few weeks:
How to Build an EDI Strategy that Works
Date: Tuesday 13th January 2026
Time: 08:30 AM – 10:00 AM
https://www.pro-manchester.co.uk/event/how-to-buil…
Online Training: Managing Difficult Conversations
Date: Friday 16th January 2026
Time: 09:00 AM – 12:30 PM
https://www.pro-manchester.co.uk/event/online-trai…
Unlock the Secrets to Successful Corporate-Charity Partnerships
Date: Tuesday 20th January 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 01:30 PM
https://www.pro-manchester.co.uk/event/unlock-the-…
Breaking Barriers: From Challenges to Change
Date: Tuesday 27th January 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 02:00 PM
https://www.pro-manchester.co.uk/event/breaking-ba…
The 2026 Hospitality Forecast: Manchester Edition
Date: Tuesday 3rd February 2026
Time: 08:30 AM – 10:00 AM
https://www.pro-manchester.co.uk/event/102597/
Overcoming Challenges in Social Value
Date: Wednesday 4th February 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 01:30 PM
https://www.pro-manchester.co.uk/event/overcoming-…
The Made in Manchester Awards 2026
Date: Thursday 5th February 2026
Time: 06:15 PM – 01:00 AM
https://www.pro-manchester.co.uk/event/the-made-in…
Navigating Multiple Identities in the Workplace – Intersectionality Webinar
Date: Wednesday 11th February 2026
Time: 12:30 PM – 01:30 PM
https://www.pro-manchester.co.uk/event/navigating-…
LGBTQ+ & Allies Networking
Date: Thursday 19th February 2026
Time: 05:00 PM – 07:00 PM
https://www.pro-manchester.co.uk/event/lgbtq-allie…
Online Training: Building Inclusive Workplaces: DEIB in Action
Date: Friday 20th February 2026
Time: 09:30 AM – 12:30 PM
https://www.pro-manchester.co.uk/event/feedback-pe…
Job Vacancies / Volunteering:
Clerk to the Greater Manchester Lord-Lieutenant & Lieutenancy
https://manchesterlieutenancy.org/the-lieutenancy/job-vacancies/
Fighting with Pride:
Community Team Manager (CTM) for LGBTQ+ Veterans Vacancy
https://www.fightingwithpride.org.uk/fwp-recruitment/job-reference-vcwctm/
Agent Academy:
Communications Assistant
This role is a great early career opportunity for an individual with a flair for creative communications, a passion for community-building and the energy to help them amplify their work and impact.
The job is based in their brand-new Manchester HQ on Princes Street, with the added benefit of a 4-day working week.
You can find all the details and application process here:
https://www.agentacademy.org.uk/jobs/communications-assistant/
The Proud Trust: Volunteer Expression of Interest Form
Offering your time and skills to support LGBTQ+ young people. There are a number of ways that you can get involved in their work – for further details of the volunteering roles they recruit to, as well as how they use your Skills Bank for ad-hoc volunteering projects, check out their Volunteering page at https://www.theproudtrust.org/about-us/our-team/volunteer-with-us/.
If you have additional questions, or need assistance with completing this form, please contact [email protected].
Vacancies for Various Charity Organisations across GM:
LGBT Foundation can be found here: https://lgbt.foundation/vacancy_type/job-opportunities/
We Are Survivors can be found here: https://www.wearesurvivors.org.uk/…/new-opportunities…/
Big Life Group are here: https://www.thebiglifegroup.com/work…/opportunities/
42nd Street Young People’s Mental Health Charity https://www.42ndstreet.org.uk/about-us/work-with-us/
GM Recruitment Hub can be found here: https://gmworkforcehub.org.uk/recruitment-hub/
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
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 3000 contacts which in turn gets sent out through their networks: [email protected]