GM LGBTQIA+ Community Newsletter
Thursday, 29th January 2026It will soon be February, which means it’s 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=201
George House Trust: Monthly Newsletter
https://crm.ght.org.uk/civicrm/mailing/view?reset=1&id=5822&cid=5010&cs=a8c203226d6ddf3da61c6a516d446477_1769083819_168
Fighting With Pride: A roundup from 2025 Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/fightingwithpride/fwp-jan-2026-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/
Consortium: For Stronger LGBT+ Communities
Funding News: https://mailchi.mp/90e4b5bffffb/funding-news-jun23-10901907?e=4ef77ba796
Sector News: https://mailchi.mp/331116633136/january26?e=4ef77ba796
Stonewall: Rainbow Laces – “A New Era”
https://mailchi.mp/stonewall/the-new-era-of-rainbow-laces?e=78e7d82d93
Mermaids: Calling trans people aged 16-19
Do you have a passion for advocacy and change making? Are you interested in learning about intersectional activism and how to run campaigns? Mermaids’ MANGO Roots 12-week programme could be just what you’re looking for.
As a young person, the future is yours to shape. By joining this course, you’ll become part of a network of activists. Together, you’ll learn about building collective power and trans liberation, and explore intersectional issues like ableism, racism, poverty, classism, and more.
Find out more and sign up via our form, by clicking the button below. Applications close at 9pm on Wednesday 4th February and places are limited, so don’t delay.
If you know someone who you think would love to take part, please do forward this email to them.
Through the Queer Lens: with Stuart ‘LINDEN’ Rhodes and Rachel Adams
By The Whitworth
The Whitworth, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER
Feb 26th – 6pm to 7:30pm
Join Stuart ‘LINDEN’ Rhodes and Rachel Adams as they discuss what it means to capture the Queer community through photography.
Join them for an evening discussion called Through the Queer Lens where Stuart and Rachel will discuss photography’s role in building community and shaping culture and how they have captured these within their own practice.
Book your tickets now
VETERANS PRIDE 2026 is moving back to LGBT+ History Month and they would love you to attend.
This event encourages the coming together of LGBTQIA+ Veterans, Serving Personnel and their Ally’s, to reflect, recognise and celebrate their unique experiences.
Join Veterans and members of the Armed Forces LGBTQIA+ Community for a Rainbow Honours recognised cabaret style event in the heart of Liverpool at:
HMS EAGLET, 80 Sefton Street, East Brunswick Dock, Liverpool L3 4DZ (18:00-23:55)
Saturday 21st February
Included: arrival drink and a hot buffet with dessert.
Dress Code – In traditional terms the event is Black tie, but we don’t want, or expect, anyone to go to any expense. We are asking for guests to be ‘authentically glamourous’, so please dress in what makes you comfortable, with a bit of Glam!
There will also be an opportunity to network with local community-based Charity Stalls.
https://www.outsavvy.com/event/30952/veterans-pride-2026
‘Out on the Radio’ show is on ALL FM 96.9 from 2pm – 3pm on the first Tuesday of the Month. You can listen to the fabulous Tony Openshaw talking all about LGBTQI+ Events going on across Greater Manchester.
If you miss it, you can listen again on Mixcloud just download the App and search for the show!
Bury LGBTQ+ Forum also are in the process of planning the Bury Pride Rainbow Train, They have booked the East Lancs Railway for Sunday 19th April, Tickets will go on sale soon. Watch this space.
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
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.
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.
Sharing Our Stories: STEM edition
Join the Stockport LGBTQ+ Network on Saturday 7th February 2:30 pm — 4:30 pm at Edgeley Library, Edgeley Rd, SK3 9NB.
They will be hearing the stories of some amazing LGBTQIA+ people with experience in STEM and innovation.
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: 10th – 14th Feb, Hope Mill
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:
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 y
ou 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]