March & April Foundation 2014

n o i t a found 14

March-April 20

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

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ou Welcome to y

er ing the Volunte d n e tt a re e w at we ations e last month th ain, the nomin lik g d a e s m u e n o se p ly u is n g It o ain its commin ominate? There g n a u ce yo n ill o t w u o b h Awards, (Though stion is w ly Baby Eloise ed but the que n ve e lo p e o n th e d e n b a have y Claire s from Mumm word!). also some new ver, mum’s the co y it rn te a m r for ou ne of an insight on o s u g in iv g e to fil an introduction t volunteer pro a d n re a g h a it e ve K a h m o We also nt Winter rs, Ruby fr ok at the rece g LGF voluntee lo in a d s n a ke st ta g x n le lo the ager. A otlight, F’s Giving Man erson in the sp p T & B LG a g diffrent Debbie The LG thought of bein mething a little e so th d ve n a a h s o ic ls p a e in Olym nges’, so delv e difficult. We a b h n C ca ht h g ic Li h e w th ptember something k review, ‘In Se o o b a s, e m from Ja e-edition. and enjoy this

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tion Team a d n u o F r u o Y & Writer h Alex - Researc ia & Digital Med Ben - Design h & Writer rc a e s e R s e Jam arch & Writer Jen - Bi Rese & Writer h rc a e s e R h Keit

l With Specia Thanks To: Ruby Lily s Debbie Edward Claire & Eloise

s eam? Drop u t e h t g in in Fancy jo your ideas! h it w il a m e an To contact any of us or to suggest content for the next edition of foundation, email foundation@lgf.org.uk and make your email for the attention of the relevant person!

Volunteer Awards It’s that time of year again! The event of the season is on its way. The Volunteer Awards will be on Thursday 5th June. As usual, this date has been chosen to coincide with Volunteers Week, which is taking place on 1st – 7th June. The Volunteer Awards are our chance to celebrate all of you and the fantastic work that you do; and more than anything, to say an enormous thank you! We ask both volunteers and staff to get involved in the nominations. Final winners are chosen by our Chief Executive Paul Martin and the Chair of our Board of Trustees David McGovern. The ceremony will take place here at 5 Richmond Street and will start at 6pm. Once the ceremony is over volunteers can join us over on the barge at Eden Bar for a few celebratory tipples. Drinks vouchers will be provided.

The categories for this year’s nominations are as follows: Newcomer of the Year, Volunteer Supervisor of the Year, Volunteer Team of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Volunteer Going the Extra Mile. It would be amazing if you all wanted to nominate someone for each of the categories but don’t worry if you only have one or two you would like to nominate – we still very much want to hear from you!

Please save the date of the awards, you will also need to RSVP to charlotte.cooke@lgf.org.uk via email and to nominate please go to: www.lgf.org.uk/nominate

Volunteer Profile: Ruby Lily

• Ruby is an exp erienced volu who has clock nteer ed up almost 14 years’ volu • nteering time Ruby with The LGF meeting andhgas undertaken many volu re n te e ti e n ri g n ro g a ivities, from transgender a le dvice and suspto mail-out preparatioct ns and giving p o rt to others Ruby joined Th e LG F as a vo ntee based at Unity r in 2000, when House on Oxflu the organisatio as a means to o rd R o ad confidence. Shmeet new people, learn.nReuby first took up volunteenri was something Rube has gained important so w skills and to boost her ng Pride events ovey is very thankful for! She cial skills whilst volunteeri and assisted w r the years, where she hashas been involved in num ng; volunteering shith fundraising opportunit helped to promote serv erous ices but her most m e has racked up a whole ies for The LGF. Whilst h e o m st of positive me t. She tells u “T orable activity was he mories, r first Sugar an he first activity followed by s: an African drum I experienced was a re d Spice even laxa ming session – How awesomtieon massage, was that!”

The LGF has be e n a lif e lin e for Ruby. R limited visio y has a sight im undertake, bnu,twhich restricts the kindsub o f activities and pairment and th is d oesn’t hold he really positive, employment sh r b ac e can you can enjoy, she tells us. “It gets you offk. Volunteering has been so ra yo m th e u e th r r b ing th o tt an o like to keep as m busy as I canboeing stuck at home feeling and doing activities that.” She has n a day-t ay so y for yours elf. I basis and TherrLG currently undealso encountered some olif-d F h e lp e rg s ch w o al in ith le g n g ges in recent ye ender reassign to-day life can m ar e b s. n e “I t, ” tr am sh ic ky e te b lls u have to put p t with any typeyoou have to gain a thick skuins. “That means dayhas experienuce …. Nob dy sh f hassle ould LGF have the tod any form of hate crim.e” She would encourage anoyo or verbal abuse ne who ols to help you to report it and do just that.

The Ruby is a keen p music. The m hotographer, and she are both rescuost important things in Rualbso likes reading and listenin top of a doublee cats. She also likes travelliy’s life are her two moggie g to s, w -decker bus! ng and to see th e world from hthich e Ruby, you’re a real inspiration to others, so ke ep up the goo d work!

Keith

Volunteer Database d address? e v o m u o y e v • Ha e number? n o h p r u o y d • Change tion? c u d In F rs G L r u on all voluntee ld e h n • Had yo io at rm fo y

rmed b ks the in w will be perfo ation is comming wee e h vi rt re fo e e h T th . r d ve e O at rm ewed and upd ct contact info is due to be revi mail and check that the corre make sure you have to e telephone and er part of this process will be nteer policies and also lu th recoarded, ano n booklet, LGF induction, vo missing any of the re io /a ct u ad d h had your in If you have not . e g ad b ID r e your volunte mail Charlotte. above, please e nteer temporary Volu d e m so r fo y it n use an opertu of this task, the learning how to With the scale he oppertunity will include cting the volunteers and .T ta Admin support olunteer Database, and con accurate.

V d w e an update the n ld is up to date e h n io at rm fo ensuring the in LGF come into The . ly al e id ill w is Friday ed in th that are intrest ours Monday to Any volunteers + per week during working h d to have good IT skills e rs office for 4 hou ly flexible. Volunteers will ne other volunteers on the ir to fa g d talkin The times are making calls an le ab rt fo m co e and b phone. rg.uk lotte.cook@lgf.o ar ch l ai m e e as ted in this, ple If you are inters

Charlotte

r o f t i g n i o d e r a y ll a e r s Sister This March we celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), but what’s it all about? Well, it’s global, it’s about women and it’s officially marked on 8th March. It’s a day that recognises the role of women in society and celebrates their achievements and contribution, highlighting the continued struggle for equal rights and the need to challenge the barriers women face – both locally and globally.

The facts tell us so much… You’d think in this day and age that things would have changed, that women would have an equal footing with men in the world and that they would be equally valued for the contribution they make to society and the world – this isn’t the case. There are some shocking statistics out there that validate this and it reinforces the fact that the challenge is not yet over: • • • •

Up to 3 million women across the UK experience rape, domestic violence, stalking, or other violence each year.

70% of people in low paid jobs or earning the minimum wage are women; Women earn 30-40% less pay than men for the same work.

On average, only 31% of women assume top posts across 11 sectors.

Clearly, the fight is not over and there is so much more to be done.

Its roots, IWD first grew out of the socialist and labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century. The first national women’s day was celebrated on February 28th,1909 in the US and it was a response to the protests of 1908 when 15,000 women marched through New York City demanding shorter working hours, better pay and the right to vote.

In 1910 an International Conference of Working Women was held in Copenhagen, prompting the need for reform and improved working conditions. One of the speakers at the event, a woman named Clara Zetkin (Leader of the ‘Women’s Office’ for the Social Democratic Party in Germany) coined the idea of an International Women’s Day. She proposed that every year in every country there should be a celebration on the same day – a Women’s Day – to press for their demands. The conference of over

! s e lv e s m e r th

100 women from around the globe approved the initiative and International Women’s Day was the result.

The following year and as a consequence of the 1910 conference, IWD was first celebrated in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on 19 March. Various rallies were organised, campaigning for women’s rights to work, to vote, to be trained, to hold public office and to challenge discrimination.

Since its birth, IWD has grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration. It has been adopted by the United Nations, where an annual IWD conference is held, providing a platform and vehicle to coordinate international efforts for women’s rights. The United Nations began celebrating IWD on 8 March, 1975 – a year that was designated as ‘International Women’s Year’ – and the date has remained ever since.

Since the year 2000 and beyond, IWD is now observed as an official holiday in some countries. The tradition sees men honouring their mothers, wives, girlfriends, colleagues, etc. with flowers and small gifts.

Make Love Not War, Sugar and Spice is The Lesbian and Gay Foundation’s annual celebration of International Women’s Day for lesbian and bisexual women. 2014 promises to be a bigger and better celebration than ever before and this time it will take place over a whole weekend.

The free festival features workshops, talks, health and wellbeing events, crafts and so much more. You may need to book for some of the events so check out the website details below.

The festival kicks off at The LGF on Saturday 8th March, from 12–6pm and then on Sunday, from 11am–4pm.

For a complete list of events or more information, go to: www.lgf.org.uk/news/sugar-and-spice To see how Manchester City Council is observing IWD, go to: www.manchester.gov.uk/info/200041/equality_and_diversity/5881/ engagement_and_events For a complete list of events in the UK and overseas, go to: www.internationalwomensday.com/events.asp

Keith

r a d n e l Ca

The . 1070904 Reg. Charity No

The following groups meet regularly at The LGF, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3HF. • ART CLASS meets on the 2nd & 4th Monday of the month 7-9pm.

• BIPHORIA meets 1st Tuesday of the month 7.30-9pm.

• BLOOMERS meets 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month 1-3pm.

• CAROUSEL meets on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month 7:30-9pm.

• ICEBREAKERS meets every Wednesday from 8pm.

• IMAAN (LGB&T Muslim Group) meets 1st Thursday of the month 7:30-9:30pm.

• OLDER & BOLDER meets 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month 7:30-9pm.

• OUT WITH PROSTATE CANCER meets 1st Saturday of the month 2-4pm.

• STEPPING STONES meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month 7:30-9pm.

• TREC (Trans Resource and Empowerment Centre ) meets 3rd Friday of the month 7-9pm.

• YOUNG MENS’ GROUP for 18-25 year olds, meets 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month 7-9pm

The following services are available at The LGF, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3HF. • LEGAL ADVICE SURGERY every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month 6-8pm.

• OUTREACH CLINIC Every Tuesday for more details. visit www.lgf.org.uk/testing or call 0845 3 30 30 30.

• POLICE SURGERY every Thursday 6-8pm.

• RAPID HIV TESTING every Wednesday 12-2pm.

ALBERT KENNEDY TRUST 0161 228 3308 GEORGE HOUSE TRUST 0161 274 4499 SURVIVORS MANCHESTER 07919 246 2671 For more listings please see www.lgf.org.uk/directory

CO Stepping Stones Carousel

Art Class

Older & Bolder

MARCH & 4 1 0 2 IL R P A

The following volunteering opportunities take place regularly at The LGF. If you’re interested in any of the below, just ask Charlotte for more information!

• BEFRIENDING various flexible opportunities available (training required).

• CUSTOMER SERVICE SUPPORT flexible opportunities (training required).

• GROUPWORK PROGRAMME dependent on group times (training required).

• HPE (HIV PREVENTION ENGLAND) various shifts available (training required).

OMING UP!

• LIBRARY AND ARCHIVE group meets every Wednesday 5 – 8pm.

• OFFICE SUPPORT flexible opportunities that can be arranged with the Volunteer Manager.

• RAMPTON GROUP FACILITATOR every month, application and relevant skills & experience required.

• VILLAGE ANGELS March various shifts available (training required).

Diary Dates

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3rd-9th Mar: LGBT Adoption & Fostering Week 7th Mar: Vagina Monologues, at Eden Bar (9:30pm) 8th Mar: Sugar & Spice for LB Women, The LGF (12pm-6pm) 9th Mar: Sugar & Spice for LB Women, The LGF (11pm-4pm) 9th Mar: Vagina Monologues, at Eden Bar (7:30pm) 15th Mar: Sign Language Workshop for LB Women, The LGF (12pm-6pm) 27th Mar: AKT Fundraiser – An Evening of Murder Mystery. Tickets £35

Palace Hotel (7pm) email darren@akt.org.uk for more info.

11th April: Manchester Pride Supersonic Event (7pm) 12th April: Movement Improvisation/Dance Workshop for Gay Men,

The LGF (7pm-9pm) 10th May: BiFest Wales (Swansea) see www.bifest.org 17th May: Big Bi Fun Day (Leicester) see www.bigbifun.tk

s d r a w d E e i Meet Debb g wards the Givin d E ie b b e D t e e me f foundation w

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e LGF? perform at Th new regular u o y o d s sk ecific ta rough a What role or sp ease the individual giving th ising to ensure the cr dra My role is to in nd also to look at legacy fun o to look at the way ls a donor scheme the charity going forward. A ho we help and how w f , o is ty sustainabili ortant our work these difficult funding p im w o h e at we communic ions from the public are in at important don times. the upcoming re a t a h W t? n e mome orking on at th w u o y re a t a Wh ill Week’ where ‘W c fi ci e sp s?

B e ti LG priori on an onices in a safe n t I am working At the momen the UK are offering will serv ate the need for legacy nic nd solicitors arou ironment, this is to commu se the awareness of v ea n e cr l judgementa and also to in es, especially now more rs e rt o p p su r u n o pledges from of looking after your loved o me sex marriages from sa the importance tting married with the new e g e b couple will rch. the end of Ma you? role throw at rstand that although r u o y s e o d s ge le unde What challen to make peop ch’ organisation because of is e g n lle a ch st ri The bigge s to be a ‘cash do, that this funding goes m e se s e m ti e work we rvices.

The LGF som y and range of life changing and saving se it rm o n e r e e ore the sh livering these pporters there is so much m d e d to in ck a b t straigh from su who we’ ual donations y more people Without individ g that we can’t and so man oin we could be d ’s just not possible. t it u like to help b ualities? ttributes or q unicate with donors and the a st e b r u o y not to e comm What are ging the way w ss, its hard (being a Gemini) tand that n a h C ! ce n ie at P ce ers porters to und is a gradual pro outside world rnight success. Helping sup needs careful handling, lp ve want instant o onations and needs their he d help but we do, we d ee s n d e e e w n us, g The LGF good at sayin isis who need n cr e e in b le s p ay o e lw p a B r those LG we haven’t ays be here fo be able to do so. lw a to d e is m to pro elp from others but we need h

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F as a place o ut LG e h T se o o to p ou ch What made y and this 2 year post is ideal sector e g ty n ri the cha in d I like a challe e in a g e putation nce I hav all the experie od use. The LGF’s amazing re ver o he since 2006 to g do so much good work wit ly for p to p a le b to a for being spurred me on and make o ls a g in d n fu ctify this decreasing I can help to re needs us for e p o h I s a le the ro e who re for everyon sure we are he ! g that years to come st exciting thin o m e th s t’ a h w me at The LGF, ting During your ti involved in? efore and mee bin b it f o n e rt e a b p e n v e a and ca you h ever be my little wristb st August, I’d n I loved Pride la ople over the weekend from and seeing so many LGB e o so many new p fun, the parade was great to d in support of their LGB n d a o r was really go alking togethe w s n io at is n a people and org irational. friends was insp re? ut working he nd most of all the o b a st o m e same a enjoy th What do you e work, no two days are the very supportive. is th The variety of mily like atmosphere which fa lovely friendly this be? , what would ability and d rl o w e th in g l ange anythin ental / physica If you could ch ardless of skin colour, age, m ey want to be without th g That anyone re n can just be free to be who That and that Brad Pitt . tio sexual orienta and verbal or physical abuse m......... o n tt o io sb ct je m fear of re nd move to Ra a a lin e g n A p would dum ottom rests? obbies or inte e hills near my lovely Ramsb h y n a e v a h u lk in th Do yo ine!) le of bands, wa I sing in a coup of cooking (and drinking w lots home and do e LGF and the work of Th r please visit g in rt o p p su Regular Dono e interested in If you would b ople in crisis by becoming a rm or email e fo assisting LGB p donate and fill in the online . k/ www.lgf.org.u r further details fo k .u rg f.o lg s@ debbie.edward

w e i v e R k o o B LGB&T In September the Light Changes,

by Andrew Holleran Andrew Holleran is widely known for his 1978 novel Dancer from the Dance, considered one of the more significant works of LGB&T fiction produced during the 1970s. It’s a marvellous book that manages to capture the spirit of the times with well-crafted prose and relatable characters. But, as I discovered, Holleran’s talent is not limited to novels: his 1999 collection of short stories In September, The Light Changes is an equally beautiful, if sombre, reflection on the LGB&T (primarily gay) scene of the 1970s and 1980s, from the perspective of an older gay man.

I can’t recommend Holleran enough to anyone interested in LGB&T fiction, and I think In September, The Light Changes is a great place to start. For one, the short story format means you can devour one or two complete pieces of fiction in a single sitting. This means that, like a piece of poetry, the writer’s intended effect is usually more apparent to you. Short stories are, in general, a great way to figure out if the writer is for you.

But there’s something about In September that makes it particularly timely. Holleran’s subject matter consists exclusively of gay men – couples, occasionally, but single men for the most part – as they navigate age, death, loss, and the changes to the gay scene as it transitioned from the sexual free-for-all in the 1970s to the anxiety-drenched medical nightmare that was the start of the AIDS crisis.

Despite this somewhat morbid focus, his stories never feel glum, didactic or judgemental. He treats his characters with care. Moreover, he reminds

us of the passion gay men in both decades felt for each other, regardless of the crumbling world around him.

I found this incredibly life-affirming.

Indeed, given what some might see as the continued commercialisation of the LGB&T scene, twinned with the Conservative-led erosion of public services, working out ways to stay hopeful and passionate as a member of the LGB&T community seem a lesson we could sorely do with learning.

He has a real knack for evoking a scene. You know the locations, the people, the familiar dramas and betrayals. Partly, this comes down to his style –rather than exotic language, he builds a rich world using everyday speak, simple but well-constructed prose, and recognisable plot structures. This might make his stories sound pedestrian. I would say he privileges reader communication, which means that his chief aim (to demonstrate how LGB&T life has changed over a period of 30 years) is very much at the fore.

Certainly, In September focuses almost exclusively on gay men, and tends to elide or ignore the rest of the acronym (the Ls, the Bs and the Ts).

Furthermore, he never really moves out of the US, so those expecting a view of late 1970s Manchester will be disappointed. So there are problems with his work (ones likely common to the other gay male writers of the period).

Ultimately, In September’s real strength is its universal ability to remind us we’ll all change, diminish and fade in one way or other, but this is okay: okay, joyful, and just as important as burning brightly during our youth.

James

4 1 0 2 s c i p m Russian Oly I wonder what it must be like to be an LGB&T athlete and represent your country at Olympic level? To not only show your ability to compete and succeed at world level but also to be brave enough to be visibly and openly LGB&T in a foreign environment outside your comfort zone.

Here at home, social commentators have opinionated that LGB&T athletes attending the Russian Olympics have ‘sold-out’ for money. With all the bewildering social push and pull going on it must be difficult as an athlete to do anything at all, apart from being frozen with fear, knowing that whatever you do you can’t please everyone.

Being visible and showing everyone that LGB&T people live normal lives helps with acceptance and helps initially fearful people overcome a common social phobia surrounding gay and lesbian people.

It is to our credit that both current and retired Olympic athletes have chosen to represent their countries in varied ways.

We have retired amateur jockey Clare Balding providing Olympic commentary and then there are American delegates such as the 1988 figure skating Gold Medal winner Brian Boitano and Hockey player Caitlin Cahow raising, the profile of LGB&T people in a publicly positive manner.

There are several athletes that are openly LGB&T taking part in

the Sochi Olympics – the Dutch snowboarder Cheryl Maas, who has recently made a Gay rights Video. There is Austrian skier Daniela Iraschko-Stolz who has focused on her area of skiing and just continuing to live a normal life. There is also Ireen Wust, the bisexual Dutch speed skater who won Gold in the women’s speed skating 3000m.

There have been several positive aspects that have come out of the Olympics – sport, medals, debate, gay rights awareness, lots of different forms of communications, signalling, a world consensus, a peer review of the hosting country – plenty of food for thought.

Alex

e r i la C m o r f A Message

A big hi to everyone, and a huge welcome to you new volunteers who’ve started in my absence.

My start to maternity leave was much earlier and more dramatic than anticipated, I must thank all of you, and Charlotte for doing such a sterling job of picking up where I left off. I am truly grateful.

Eloise was born 13 weeks early, and spent the first 10 weeks of her life in neonatal care. I’m not going to lie, there were some hairy moments, but she exceeded everyone’s expectations and came home 3 weeks before her due date. Most parents to their first child will probably tell you bringing their newborn home is pretty daunting - bringing home a 4lb 4oz still preterm baby at the beginning of coldest part of the year with lots of colds and coughs flying around is not for the faint-hearted!!

We were told on discharge that it was very likely we would be back in A&E before long as Eloise would be much more vulnerable to infections, so we’ve had to be very careful, at times feeling like we were running an extension of the neonatal unit in our home! Yes, all visitors were expected to fully handwash and apply alcogel...

It can be confusing sometimes knowing what to expect from Eloise, with most developmental milestones such as smiling, holding toys, being measured by her ‘corrected’ age (the date she should have been born), but some by her actual age, for example starting to try solid foods. Happily, she has a good appetite and has been enjoying chomping her away through a variety of purees! According to the docs, she should catch up with her actual age by about 2 years old. We’re just going with the flow, and enjoying watching our healthy happy little girl grow. She really does do something new every day!

I think of you all every day and the amazing contributions you make, and am looking forward to seeing you again soon.

All the very best,

Claire

Charlotte’s Corner

e, Hello everyon ing ll about plann a is th n o m is For me, th e diaries. I will b r u yo r fo s e at and d teer ll via the Volun a u yo g n ili a m e ates also passing d e-Bulletin, and the ervisors, but in p su r u yo ia v on es… are the key dat meantime here le! ur s, now availab have started yo o h LGF Induction w u yo f o se have ful to tho This will be use f months and so o le p u co t as p the sessions volunteering in l induction. The ra e n e g r u yo the r F, the history of been waiting fo LG e Th to n io troduct about will cover: an in u need to know yo g in th ry ve e d need to organisation, an ember, you only m e R s! u h it ple a w volunteering ted to give peo an w I t u b , n io sess sign up for ONE choice of dates: – 8pm or th March 6pm 9 1 ay sd e n d e W pm March 6pm – 8 Tuesday 25th ark alk @ Tatton P W l: a this but ci o S r e ion out about Volunte at rm fo in e ill be m sent so me so far. We w d e ct I have already ta n co . e o of you hav ay 29th March rd u at S n o rk only one or tw a nP ill lk around Tatto terested and w in e n yo n going for a wa a r fo ment! arrange travel pub for refresh e th We will aim to to ip tr a h the day wit probably end st! the Volunteer g in n n ru e b Volunteer Fea ill w for all r demand, we get-together l a u n Back by popula n a r u o is year! This is Feast again th . and volunteers affecting staff, trustees r say on issues u yo e av h to y ch! It portunit have a free lun d n a y, It will be an op it n u m 1am – e LGB&T com on 11th May 1 ce la The LGF and th p ke ta ill treet. the feast w n Richmond S o s ce ffi o is looking like r u o will be held at firm your 3.30pm, and it you can to con s a n o so s a e ct m Please do conta nts, the above eve attendance at org.uk tte.cooke@lgf. o rl a ch g n ili a em

x e t t o l r a Ch

r

by Eve Ensle

Friday 7th March 9:30pm Sunday 9th March 7:30pm Eden Bar,

Canal Street, Manchester.

Tickets: ÂŁ8 (ÂŁ6 Concession)

www.wegottickets.com/TheLGF Tickets available from The LGF (Number 5, Richmond Street), Eden and on the door.

10% per ticket booking fee applies online.

Part of

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For a large print version of this magazine, please contact us on 0845 3 30 30 30 or email: info@lgf.org.uk

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BSL Interpreted Performances

www.lgf.org.uk/sugarandspice

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Reg. Charity No. 1070904