LGBTQ+ Advisor weekly newsletter 17.05.2022
Tuesday, 17th May 2022Morning all,
Today, 17th May is IDAHOBiT – International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
Today is recognised and is celebrated in over 130 countries worldwide including 37 countries that still criminalise our LGBTQ+ Community. There are over 70 countries in the world where same sex relationships are illegal and around 10 of these countries, the punishment could be death.
This year’s IDAHOBIT 2022 theme is ‘Our bodies, Our rights, Our choice.‘ As LGBTQI+ people this day highlights our basic human rights to live our sexualities and express our gender(s). We all deserve to be free from physical violence and oppression, from so-called ‘therapies’
GM LGBTQ+ EQUALITY PANEL LAUNCHES TODAY
WITH A COMMITMENT TO END CONVERSION THERAPY ACROSS GREATER MANCHESTER FOR ALL LGBTQ+ PEOPLE
The Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Equality Panel officially launches today on the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, with a promise to make the region better and safer for all LGBTQ+ communities by committing to free the city-region of so-called “conversion therapy”.
This powerful commitment to end this practice has been made on behalf of Greater Manchester Combined Authority and supported by many Greater Manchester-based organisations, local authorities and charities.
MAYOR OF GREATER MANCHESTER AND LEADING ORGANISATIONS PLEDGE TO END CONVERSION THERAPY IN THE CITY-REGION
Greater Manchester should be a safe city-region for everyone and we are committed to ending conversion therapy for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Conversion therapy is a practice where an individual or organisation seeks an intervention with a predetermined outcome to change, cure or suppress the sexual orientation or gender identity of a person. Just as we won’t do business with those who promote discrimination or division, we believe that organisations that support, promote or facilitate conversion therapy for any member of the LGBTQ+ community should not be receiving public funding.
Organisations that support, promote, or facilitate conversion therapy or which campaign against the ending of conversion therapy should not be able to provide services on behalf of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, or to receive support from the GMCA or its affiliated community funding streams.
I urge all public bodies, organisations and businesses in Greater Manchester to sign up to this commitment.
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
The Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Equality Panel believe that our people and communities are our strongest voice for change; we believe through policy and research we can change lives and through practice and action, we will make Greater Manchester a global example of a respectful and safe place to live, learn, work and play.
Signed and supported by:
Bev Craig, Leader, Manchester City Council
Dr. Paul Martin, OBE, LGBT Foundation
Dr Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL, LGBTQ+ Advisor to the Mayor of Greater Manchester
Paul Dennett, City Mayor, Salford City Council
Mark Fletcher, CEO, Manchester Pride
Lisa Harvey-Nebil – Chief Executive Officer, The Proud Trust
Tim Sigsworth MBE, Chief Executive, AKT
Darren Knight, Chief Executive, George House Trust
Read the full pledge in the attached document or online here
Created by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as one of a series of panels formed as part of the Mayor’s commitment to diversity and ending inequality, the LGBTQ+ Equality Panel are a group of dedicated volunteers working with LGBT Foundation, Carl Austin-Behan and the Mayor to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ residents of Greater Manchester.
The Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Equality Panel believe that people and communities are our strongest voice for change. Through policy and research the panel will change lives and through practice and example make Greater Manchester a respectful and safe place to live.
For more information about the Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Equality Panel visit: https://lgbt.foundation/gmpanel
Rochdale Borough Council / Rochdale in Rainbows: at 10am today they will be raising the Pride Progress flag outside Number One Riverside for IDAHOBIT 2022.
They would love it if you could join them for this event which will be followed by refreshments inside Riverside.
Read the weekly newsletter from Canal St Manchester
LGBTQ+ Weekly Bulletin from Reach (Manchester Evening News)
Proud 2 b Parents is an inclusive organisation for all routes to parenthood. They are run by and deliver services for LGBT+ parents/ carers to be, LGBT+ parents/carers and their children living in Greater Manchester and beyond. If you can support them and the vital work they do, please head over to their crowdfunding page – https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/proud-2-b-parents—the-future to donate now. This will help them to reach their target and continue to support LGBT+ parent/ carer led families.
GM Equality Alliance Bulletin, Issue 41, May 2022
LGBT+ Consortium Monthly Newsletter
LGBT+ Consortium Funding Opportunities
Fighting With Pride Monthly Newsletter
You can sign up for FWP news updates using this link
https://www.fightingwithpride.org.uk/newsletter-updates/
Mermaids UK are launching a free 12-week trans-led youth activist programme for gender diverse young people aged 16-20. The programme is called MANGO which stands for Mermaids Action Network Group Online.
During the 12 weeks, young people will explore themes such as knowing our history, the importance of solidarity and coalitions in liberation movements, working with the media, social justice fatigue and the importance of knowing and upholding boundaries, hope as a discipline, practical tips on how to run a campaign, and navigating social media effectively.
The sessions will be facilitated by qualified youth workers and there will also be community activists as guest speakers. At the end of the programme, we will have a celebration event and the young people who have successfully completed the full course will be invited to join the Mermaids Activist HUB where they can find a mutual support network and be able to participate in future consultations, projects and events.
We’ve worked hard to make MANGO accessible, and we have resources to support young people who do not have access to technology or internet data. All the participants will receive some goodies which include MANGO merch and a copy of the book ‘How to Change it – Make a difference’ by Joshua Virasami.
This programme will also be accredited so young people can also gain a qualification to help with their personal and educational development.
Attached is a poster that gives more detail about the programme and how young people can sign up.
If you have any questions please get in touch via [email protected]
Best wishes
The Mango Programme Team
https://mermaidsuk.org.uk/young-people/mango/
Black Beetle Health would love to invite you to the launch of their brand-new Toolkit
The one-hour session will dive into the resources on healthcare, mental health and wellbeing that they provide to LGBTQ+ BPoC communities.
Their work is evidence-based and community-led and driven. They’re so excited to be showcasing everything that they do – from our training programmes to resources – that can help you understand the health disparities for QTIPOC folks.
Join them to learn more:
Date: Monday 23rd May
Time: 17:00PM – 18:00PM (BST)
Where: Zoom
You can RSVP on Eventbrite and they’ll send you a Zoom link closer to the time.
If you know of any other organisations, groups or people who would be interested in attending, please do forward on this email to them. Let them know if you have any questions, too.
http://www.blackbeetlehealth.co.uk/
LGBT Foundation is organising a photoshoot around the Greater Manchester Area to showcase the different services and supports they provide. Crucial to that is reflecting the diversity that exists within our community. To that end, they’re reaching out to see if you would be interested in taking part in this project.
There’re hoping to begin the photoshoot during May (a precise date will be communicated in due course), with a view to organise events across the city’s different boroughs. they’re especially welcoming of interested participants who are:
- LGBTQ+ persons of colour
- Trans and non-binary youth (ages 18 – 25)
- Intersex individuals
- Asexual people, and other under-represented sexualities
- LGBTQ+ people from a working-class background, and
- Disabled LGBTQ+ people
I’ve attached a flyer to this email that explains what the project is, who they’re looking for, what’s involved, and so on, If you’re interested please contact [email protected].
Pride Season 2022: Save The Date….
STARTING TODAY: Pride in Trafford: 17th – 21st May
Twitter: @PrideTrafford
Salford – The Pink Picnic: Saturday 25th June
Facebook: @salfordprideuk
Twitter: @salfordprideuk
Rochdale in Rainbows:25th June – 2nd July
Twitter: @RochdaleCouncil
Sparkle Weekend: Friday 8th – Sunday 10th July
Facebook: @sparkletg
Twitter: @SparkleWeekend
Tameside: Saturday 16th July
Facebook: @PrideTameside
Twitter: @PrideTameside
Oldham Pride: 22nd – 24th July
Facebook: @PrideOldham
Twitter: @oldham_pride
Stockport: Sunday 31st July
Facebook: @stockportpride
Twitter: @StockportPride
Bolton Pride: Friday 5th – Sunday 7th August
Facebook: @boltonpride
Twitter: @BoltonPride
Levenshulme Pride: 12th – 14th August
Facebook: @levenshulmepride
Twitter: @levepride
Wigan: Saturday 13th August
Facebook: @OfficialWiganPride
Twitter: @WiganPrideLGBT
Manchester Pride: Friday 26th – Monday 29th August
Facebook: @ManchesterPride
Twitter: @ManchesterPride
Didsbury Pride: Saturday 3rd September
Facebook: @didsburypride
Chorlton Pride: Saturday 17th September
Facebook: @ChorltonPride
Twitter: @ChorltonPride
Instagram: @chorltonpride
Wythenshawe: T.B.C
Facebook: @prideinwythy
Twitter: @PrideinWythy
Pride in Trafford: Tue 17 – Sat 21 May 2022
Trafford’s five day annual exploration and celebration of LGBTQ+ arts is back for 2022. Now in its third year, Pride in Trafford brings together an exciting and diverse range of performers and performances, from comedy and cabaret, storytelling and solo shows to photography and physical theatre. All events take place in venues and spaces around the borough, including leading arts venue, Waterside.
Two incredible exhibitions features in this year’s Pride in Trafford: award-winning photographer Allie Crewe’s moving and poignant Your Own Light – featuring a series of striking portraits of trans/non-binary subjects; and Interstice a digital display of artist Paul Scott Bullen’s experience of homophobic resistance.
Live cabaret and comedy comes from musical theatre diva Vivienne de Vil, as well as a fabulous evening of alternative comedy with MC Jonathan Mayor, comic and improviser Kate McCabe; stand-up, drag queen and live streamer Red Redmond and acclaimed stand-up Bethany Black.
Theatre and dance enthusiasts will enjoy Rowena Gander’s experimental, thought-provoking new work Barely Visible which uses contemporary pole dance fusion; as well as Making Waves: Queer Edition – an evening celebrating new work by emerging LGBTQ+ artists and theatre makers around Greater Manchester.
Free events for younger audiences include a special collaborative event between Gorse Hill Studios and Rainbow Reflections; outdoor pop-up performance Wildflower and fun family activities on Waterside Plaza; as well as a special Meet the Author event with Emmy Clarke, writer of Vampire Hunter Jess – a funny and heart-warming short story for children.
‘There is a real sense of ‘coming together’ weaved through the themes, the artists and the collaborators involved in this year’s programme. Through their work, all our performers celebrate inclusivity, love, diversity and togetherness.’ Darren Adams, Producer for Pride in Trafford and Manager of Waterside.
For more info and to book tickets visit prideintrafford.org
You are invited to the Exhibition Launch of
Your Own Light by Allie Crewe – Thu 19 May, Drop in from 17:30
Waterside Arts, 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, Trafford, M33 7ZF
As part of Pride in Trafford 2022, An ongoing series of portraits of transgender and non-binary people that challenges perceptions about gender construction and performance.
Your Own Light is an emotive and authentic exhibition filled with heart and empathy and sheds a vital and timely spotlight on one of society’s more marginalized groups. Allie Crewe’s work was shortlisted for the prestigious BJP Portrait of Britain award in 2017, which she won in 2019 with Grace (pictured at the top).
The exhibition is part of a year-long photography programme at Waterside, supported by Arts Council England and curated by Castlefield Gallery in partnership with Creative Industries Trafford.
You will also have the opportunity to see a new digital display on Screenlight, as part of Pride in Trafford.
Interstice is an autobiographical embodiment of Paul Scott Bullen’s own experience of homophobic resistance. Through movement, sound and spoken word the artist explores memory and reflect through retrospect regarding shifts in an ever-changing political landscape.
If you’d like to join them then please RSVP here
More info on the Pride in Trafford 2022 programme – www.prideintrafford.org
The exhibitions will run from Fri 20 May – Sat 30 Jul ’22
On Saturday 21st May we are launching ‘Pride on the Plaza’ along with Sale pizzeria Mano a Bocca, The Slug and Lettuce, the Bridge, Waterside Arts and Sale Library. The event is family friendly with free live performances of Wildflower by Curious Arts. Join the Wildflowers as they ride by for a fun, floral pop-up performance, creating a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive!
This is the first Pride on the Plaza and we would really welcome your support. Join us in Sale from midday to 16:00.
Full details on this and the full festival programme can be found at www.prideintrafford.org
Proud 2 b Parents: Family Festival Sunday 22nd May
https://www.proud2bparents.co.uk/p2bp-family-festival-2022
Also Proud 2 b Parents have opened some bookable training sessions for individuals/professionals around the inclusion of LGBT+ parents/carers and their children. Please can you share it across your networks. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/proud-2-b-parents-37792135003
As part of Oldham Pride, This Wednesday 18th May:
The George Tavern, 42 George Street, Oldham OL1 1LB aka The Glitter Palace, will be hosting a Ladies & Queens Night in aid of raising money for Oldham Pride 2022. It will be a full night of amazing and outstanding entertainment from some of the most famous names that Oldham has to offer, tickets will be on sale very soon from the bar at the George Tavern
£8 pre booked and £10 on the door on the night there is limited seating so book early , and come and see the very very best in Entertainment with PJ Robinson Samm Peter Hewitt Easyer Nicole Gage, The Glitter Palace show girls and much more , camp bingo, raffle and some surprizes along the way.
Aries UK (Tameside based LGBT+ Charity) are relaunching their LGBT+ Safe Space Group after the group was established in 2019 and then during the pandemic this was moved online, now Aries UK has their new space on Market Avenue is looking forward to inviting people back in person.
Launching from Thursday 26th May 5pm to 7pm, with our Tameside LGBT+ Safe Space Social Peer Support Group at our new meeting room at 1b Market Avenue, Ashton Under Lyne, OL6 6AR,
The first session is free then a donation of £1 going forward towards costs, it’s an opportunity to socialise with other local people in the area. For more information you can email [email protected], message on our social media @Ariesukcharity or call on 0330 112 7437
Pub Pride 2022 returns on Friday May 27th at pubs, bars and venues across the UK. Launched in 2021, Pub Pride backs up the Ask For Clive campaign by empowering pubs to celebrate Pride with their local LGBTQ+ community, and show their commitment to inclusivity.
This year’s event will be on Friday May 27th, with partners encouraged to keep flags and bunting up for all of Pride Month.
They’ll be showcasing some of the events, activities and partnerships already confirmed for Pub Pride 2022 during registration period and up to the event. Some fab venues are already in, and they’ll have live music, cabaret, karaoke, fundraisers, even film screenings across the UK. It’s up to you. Signage, support and a welcome space is enough.
Their product range has grown for this year, now with Badges and t-shirts also available for pubs to sell to visitors. All they ask is a 10% donation to Ask For Clive.
Once registered, they’ll send you digital assets, add you to the list of host venues and promote on Social Media.
They’ll have everything from West End pubs to rural inns in the Shetlands. It’s important to them that Pub Pride comes to the people and is a localised event! They had over 200 venues commit in 2021, and the event was mid-pandemic. They aim to get into 1k+ venues in 2022. Monies raised go directly back into Ask For Clive, and they’ll share these 50/50 with local Pride organisations.
Please register at www.pubprideshop.com or contact them at [email protected]
The Sunday Boys – are a low-voiced open access LGBTQ+ choir here across Greater Manchester – are looking for a variety of writers and songwriters (or song writing teams) for some upcoming projects. They’re administering a simple open call-in order to find voices that are new to them. Michael would appreciate it if you could share this with your networks and interested parties. Or you yourself might be interested if you’re a writer/songwriter!
Songwriter (or team) with connections to Blackpool – https://www.thesundayboys.com/autumn-2022
Writer for Christmas 2022 – https://www.thesundayboys.com/writer-christmas-2022
Writers for HIV Project Spring 2023 at The Lowry – https://www.thesundayboys.com/writers-spring-2023
Songwriters (or team) for HIV Project Spring 2023 at The Lowry – https://www.thesundayboys.com/spring-2023
Michael Betteridge, Composer & conductor www.michaelbetteridge.com
Job Vacancies:
LGBT Foundation:
Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Policy Coordinator
Find out about the latest job vacancies with the LGBT Foundation:
https://lgbt.foundation/jobs
National LGBTI+ Experience Network
If you would like to be involved but cannot commit to the time requirements of the Sounding Board or would be interested in being involved in a more casual way, please consider joining our wider National LGBTI+ Experience Network.
Volunteers’ part of the LGBTI+ Experience Network will be kept up to date with this project and be invited to be involved on a more ad hoc basis. To join the LGBTI+ Experience Network please complete the expression of interest.
For more information about these volunteering opportunities and to apply visit https://lgbt.foundation/news/lgbti-experiences-in-healthcare/465 or email [email protected] or call/text 07716085273
Canal Street VIP Card new/renewed card holders: I hope you are already enjoying its benefits post lockdown.
Over time they have been able to grow their list of village-based venues offering unique offers/benefits to holders of a CANAL ST CARD.
For the current list please CLICK HERE
As ever, they continue to grow the number of venue/business partners beyond our beloved village boundaries.
They invite you to visit our ally traders when/where possible.
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]
Kind Regards
Carl Austin-Behan OBE DL