outnorthwest90

Issue 90 MARCH 2009 FREE Published by The Lesbian & Gay Foundation www.lgf.org.uk

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

WOMEN LIKE US Celebrating International Women’s Day

PLUS!

S...

I C N A R F A M I MEET KAR

D N A E C A THE F OF 2009 SOUND

Registered Charity No. 1070904

YOUR MAGAZINE FOR LIFE

EDITORIAL OUTNORTHWEST HAS LOST ITS PUSSY! Hidden somewhere in the pages of this issue is the outnorthwest pussy cat. If you can find her, there’s a special package of fabulous goodies on offer. Just let us know what page she’s on, and email your details to grahame@lgf.org.uk. Oh, and the pussies on the front cover, and on this page don’t count! Good luck!

Grahame Robertson grahame@lgf.org.uk

COVER DESIGN: Simon Pearson outnorthwest is published monthly by The Lesbian & Gay Foundation Princess House, 105-107 Princess Street MANCHESTER M1 6DD General Enquiries 0161 235 8021 Email grahame@lgf.org.uk EDITOR & LAYOUT Grahame Robertson PRODUCTION, LAYOUT AND LISTINGS EDITOR Simon Pearson DESIGN & LAYOUT Mark Eastwood SPECIAL FEATURES/NEWS EDITOR Andrew Gilliver

LAST YEAR WE PUBLISHED AN ISSUE OF OUTNORTHWEST THAT WAS UNASHAMEDLY AIMED AT OUR FEMALE READERS. RESPONSE TO THIS EDITION WAS - PERHAPS PREDICTABLY - MIXED, WITH MANY READERS WONDERING WHY AN LGB&T TITLE SHOULD PRODUCE AN ISSUE THAT AUTOMATICALLY ALIENATES OVER HALF ITS READERSHIP. For me the key word in that criticism is ‘alienates’. It suggests that the lives of lesbian and bisexual women don’t touch, affect or enhance the lives of gay and bisexual men, and the wider community.

They do. Of course they do. I’m sure I’m not alone as a gay man with more than one female friend. I share secrets I wouldn’t with my male friends, I ask for advice, and I have fantastic nights out. It works both ways, too.

I can see that lesbians and bisexual women are ill-served in the LGB&T community socially, politically and individually. Yet often

they are at the forefront of all these areas.

For example, women have been crucial in the fight against HIV, both in a supportive role and also at the highest level of campaigning.

And so we come to this year’s women’s issue. If you’re a gay/bisexual man thinking, “There’s nothing in this magazine for me this month...”, think again. This issue is full of personal stories of courage that we can all take inspiration from. From Drag Kings to what it’s like to be a women in our community, there are some real eyeopeners of the female experience in this issue.

As my female friends often tell me (and, indeed Tammy Wynette), “sometimes it’s hard to be a woman...”, but it’s also joyous, liberating, exciting, and wonderful. Let’s celebrate that as a whole community.

GRAHAME

STAFF WRITER/REPORTER Joanne Dunning HEALTH TEAM EDITORS Samantha Days Nathan Perry WEB EDITOR Marc Robinson ADVERTISING & SALES Jo Hutton DISTRIBUTION Kate Hardy Peter Boyle CONTRIBUTORS Annie Emery; Paul Swan; Paul Fairweather; GHT; Colin Armstead; Albert Kennedy Trust; Emma Peate; Gwyn Starkey; Sam Tennant; Sarah Barlow; Sian Payne; Rachel Barlow; Reece Goddard; Helen Burdett; Peter Boyle; Sean Young; Suzanne Moore; Nicci Hollihead; Emma-Leigh Dickson; Jill Hodgkinson; DJ Carmen; Andy Green; Alex; Lenna. Apologies to anyone we’ve missed.

SPECIAL THANKS Paul Jones; Sarah Quinn; Darren Haslam; James Johnson; Paul Howes; Simon Bell; Mari Wilson; Sharon Davis; Ajamu X; Kevin Peel; Chris Mitchell; Sandi Hughes; Wolfie; Claire Ruddock; Karima Francis; Leanne; Julia Gregg; Gabriella Jozwiak; Phil Minns; Pride Sports; Lindsay England; Glen Monks; A huge thank you to all the women who came along to our photo shoot last month; and to all of our advertisers and supporters.

ADVERTISING For information on advertising in outnorthwest, please contact JO HUTTON on 07970 296608, or email her at jo@lgf.org.uk DISCLAIMER Publication of the name or photo of any person in this magazine should not be taken as any indication of the sexual orientation or HIV status of that person.

All views expressed in outnorthwest are not necessarily those of the Editor or The Lesbian & Gay Foundation. outnorthwest recognises all copyrights. Where possible, we have acknowledged the copyright holder. Contact us if we have failed to credit your copyright and we will happily correct any oversight.

BIG GAY WORLD! LESBIAN POLITICIAN BECOMES WORLD’S FIRST OPENLY GAY PRIME MINISTER Congratulations to Johanna Sigurdardottir, who has recently been sworn in as interim Prime Minister of Iceland. She is the first openly gay or lesbian Prime Minister of any country, so this is a real milestone. She is also Iceland’s first female PM. Ms Sigurdardottir is currently heading a coalition of socialists and Greens until the Icelandic General Election in May. She has been influential in Icelandic politics since she was elected as an MP in 1978, and she is widely credited with unifying the political left in the country.

Before she was sworn in as Prime Minister, she was serving as Social Affairs Minister. She was recently voted the most trustworthy politician in Iceland, with a 60-70% approval rating. Iceland has a small population with a largely integrated gay scene. The country is regarded as one of the safest places in the world to be gay. Johanna Sigurdardottir’s registered partner is Jónína Leósdóttir, a well-known playwright, author and journalist.

The couple married in a civil ceremony in 2002. Ms Sigurdardottir prefers to keep her personal life and family out of the spotlight, and it remains to be seen whether her partner will accompany her to official state functions.

INSIDE NO90 outnorthwest issue 90 MARCH 2009

NEWS & COMMENT 06

Our acclaimed round-up of the latest queer news from around the north west, the UK, and the world. Also the lastest from George House Trust.

YOUR SHOUT! 18 Your letters.

WHAT IT FEELS LIKE... 20 What’s it like to be a woman in the LGB&T community?

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LIFE’S A DRAG 24 We speak to a couple of drag kings about why they dress as men, and the (surprising) reaction they have from the community.

YOUR HEALTH 26 Four pages of healthy living information and advice.

LIFESTYLE 32 Home, garden, legal, and life. In a nutshell.

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44

DUSTY 38 To mark the tenth anniversary of Dusty Springfield’s death, we speak exclusively to those who knew her about her life and her inspiration.

CULTURE! 40 The latest music, shows, gadgets, days out and sport...

SCENE & LISTINGS 50

DON’T MISS! OUT AND ABOUT day trips, theatre, exhibitions and more!

Page 46/47

>OUTTHERE Any news to report? Contact ANDREW GILLIVER on 0161 235 8001 or email andrew@lgf.org.uk You can also send your news to news@lgf.org.uk

Photo: Sarah Quinn

THEBIGSTORY

A WOMAN’S WORK...

www.newsfrom nowhere.org.uk/ noticeboard/ localevents

There are some fantastic events for LB women this month in celebration of International Women’s Day...

SATURDAY 7TH - SUNDAY 8TH MARCH Join the Lesbian and Gay Foundation and experience belly dancing, self defence, line dancing, song writing, knitting and badge making.

Workshops on sexual health, smoking cessation, nutrition, asylum seekers and more. Followed by a film night at 7pm showing D.E.B.S by Angela Robinson. On Sunday, visit the information stall at Manchester Town Hall before going out on a high with Barbara Nice – Hiya and Higher! – an amazing evening of comedy at Vanilla.

For more information or to register contact Annie on 0161 235 8024 or women@lgf.org.uk Tickets for Barbara Nice available from Vanilla and Clone Zone or by calling Rachel on 0161 235 8016.

LES-BI-CON SATURDAY 7TH MARCH, 11AM - 6PM The Lesbian and Gay Centre, Sidney Street Manchester An all day event for young bisexual and lesbian women to get together, have fun, learn from each other and discuss the issues affecting them while looking at how to improve the world through creativity and art, volunteering and getting active.

Late afternoon the group will make costumes and banners to represent issues that are important to 06

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LESBIAN PRIDE: IT’S A SHOE-IN! MARCH 4TH IS THE 6TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL SHOE DAY! WHETHER YOU’RE IN FLIP FLOPS, SNEAKERS, BIRKENSTOCKS OR DOCS, LESBIANS FROM EVERY CORNER OF THE WORLD WILL BE HANGING THEIR SHOES OUTSIDE THEIR WINDOW ON MARCH 4TH TO SHOW THEIR LESBIAN PRIDE. The founders of the popular lesbian online community site www.shoe.org asked their members 6 years ago for fun ideas to promote lesbian pride back in 2004. Now it’s become a cult as women all over the world can walk around their neighbourhoods and check out where other lesbians live. For a whole day, the lesbian community unites by simply hanging their shoes outside their window without fear for those who haven’t come out to their friends and family yet. Get your shoes out of the closet – it’s time to publicly display lesbian pride!

REGIONAL EVENTS

SUGAR AND SPICE

OTHER EVENTS

them before heading to the Town Hall.

The event is free thanks to an International Women’s Day grant from Manchester City Council. For more information and to book contact: LIK: T on 0781 398 1338 or likt_info@yahoo.co.uk

“WHEN I GROW UP I WANT TO BE A...”

MONDAY 9TH MARCH, 7.30PM Lesbian Community Project This event will look at aspirations and how they may or may not have changed for women in modern society. Are women able to choose more diverse careers? It is hoped that women of all ages and backgrounds will come along and share their experiences alongside some women who are doing what was traditionally ‘man’s work’.

Contact: 0161 273 7128 or mail@manchesterlcp.org.uk www.manchesterlcp.org.uk

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY SUNDAY 8TH MARCH, 1PM - 5PM Manchester Town Hall This year's theme is the inspirations and aspirations of Manchester women. Manchester City Council has a tradition of celebrating the event by supporting an exciting variety of local events across the city during the month of March. www.internationalwomensday.com

www.shoe.org/shoeday

HERE’S TO THE LADIES WHO LUNCH! Manchester-based group Lesbian Diners was established 7 years ago by Paula: ‘I was out on Canal St and couldn’t have a decent conversation due to the level of music.’

After (finally) managing to speak to her friends, Paula found a number of people who said that it was difficult to meet other gay women, and some women who didn’t like the mainstream gay scene at all.

Paula arranged for the group to get together for lunch, and Lesbian Diners was born and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Lesbian Diners offers women the chance to relax, meet others, chat and enjoy good food in an informal setting. The group meets on a Sunday six times a year, usually in the Canal St area in Manchester.

To book a place, contact Paula at paulad650@aol.com, or phone 07813 083242. www.lesbiandiners.co.uk

Anything to report?

OTHER NEWS

LGBT STRATEGY

Photo: Paul Jones, Exposure Photography

news@ lgf.org.uk

WE’VE GOT A PLAN!

BLACK, GAY AND FABULOUS! MANCHESTER’S QUEER BLACK COMMUNITY IS FINALLY BEING PUT ON THE MAP AFTER RECENTLY WINNING SEVERAL AWARDS IN THE PINK PAPER READERS AWARDS 2009, THE COUNTRY’S BIGGEST LESBIAN, GAY AND BISEXUAL AWARDS. Homiesexual won the award for top black or minority ethnic club night and Black Angel came a respectable fourth place in the same category which otherwise features London based club nights. Not only that but the award for best black/minority ethnic group or organisation in Britain went to Black North West which meets at the Lesbian and Gay Foundation (more info below). Derek Urgohide is one of the three volunteers who co-ordinate the group. He told outnorthwest, “It came as a surprise to me as I did not even know, we were nominated!”

The Lesbian and Gay Foundation launch a groundbreaking new LGBT strategy.

THE LESBIAN AND GAY FOUNDATION HAS JUST LAUNCHED AN INNOVATIVE NEW PIECE OF WORK – ‘BREAKING THE CYCLE’ – A FIVE YEAR STRATEGY TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANS PEOPLE IN THE NORTH WEST REGION.

Beverley Hughes MP, Regional Minister for the North West and Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families, hails ‘Breaking the Cycle’ as: “an important step in helping to promote awareness… Discrimination against people for any reason is completely unacceptable.”

The Rainbow Partnership - the network of members who strengthen and empower Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGB&T) communities and the frontline organisations who support them in the North West of England - were integral to the consultation process.

The NHS has also welcomed the strategy. Shahnaz Ali, Associate Director of Equality and Diversity, NHS North West, comments: “ ‘Breaking the Cycle’ enables us to focus and target initiatives towards improving and developing services and better health outcomes for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities.”

This is the first strategy of its kind in the North West. It highlights the issues facing LGB&T communities, and provides recommendations to bring real and substantial change to over half a million LGB&T people who are estimated to live in the region.

The strategy will play a key role in informing the policies and practices of regional organisations over the next 5 years and beyond, helping them engage with LGB&T communities and improve services and provision. The work has been well received by politicians and public sector bodies across the North West, and has the full support of Manchester City Council.

Paul Martin, Chief Executive of the LGF said: “The report has the potential for local, regional and indeed national significance. We now look forward to the messages of support this strategy has already generated translating into action across all sectors.”

The LGF hopes that the strategy will bring about lasting change. “We can no longer afford to remain invisible,” Paul Martin continues, stressing that LGB&T people will also have “a responsibility to stand up and be counted.” www.lgf.org.uk

To celebrate this achievement The Lesbian and Gay Foundation in collaboration with Ajamu X of rukus Federation are proud to present a special all day event on Saturday 28th March to help develop local projects for and by black lesbian, gay and bisexual people living and working in the North West. Where We Live will feature speakers, discussion groups, films and lots of information. It’s a free event, and food and refreshments will be provided. Followed by evening social event in Manchester.

Details are still being finalised, but for more information, call 0161 235 8001 or e-mail: andrew@lgf.org.uk

NATIONAL SUPPORT FOR BLACK LGBT’S THE CONSORTIUM OF LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL AND TRANSGENDER VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS HAS ESTABLISHED A BLACK MINORITY ETHNIC NETWORK TO BRING LGB&T BME COMMUNITIES TOGETHER. The Consortium are interested in hearing from organisations who work with, or represents, BME LGBT people, and ultimately for them to get involved in the network.

The Networks aims are to raise awareness of our organisations' profiles; identify service gaps; develop regional champions; and raise awareness around international issues To find out more contact: Darren Peters on 020 7064 6503, or Jocelyn Watson on 020 7064 6514. You can also e-mail: bmenetwork@lgbtconsortium.org.uk

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Anything to report?

news@ lgf.org.uk

STATISTICS

LIVERPOOL

MURDER TRIAL NEARS CONCLUSION Michael Causer

died in hospital from injuries to the head a week later.

O’Connor, 19, of Runcorn has pleaded guilty to Causer’s murder, but denies the attack was motivated by homophobia. Alker, also 19 and from Runcorn, denies all charges and insists he acted in self defence.

Michael Causer case near its end as two men are accused of his murder.

TWO MEN ACCUSED OF THE MURDER OF GAY TEENAGER MICHAEL CAUSER HAVE BEEN ON TRIAL AT LIVERPOOL CROWN COURT. Gavin Alker and James O’Connor allegedly attacked Causer while he slept in a house in Biglands Drive, Huyton, on July 25th 2008. Causer

Witnesses for the prosecution have given evidence describing the events. Michael Binstead, 18, of Prescot, described how O’Connor and Alker launched an unprovoked attack on Causer, kicking and punching Causer in the head as he lay sleeping after a night out. Binstead also alleges that Alker, a student, shouted homophobic abuse at Causer during the attack. Binstead originally claimed that he had seen Causer being attacked and beaten in the street, and that he did not know Causer’s attacker. He has since pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice.

The jury retired to consider their verdict as outnorthwest went to press. Check www.lgf.org.uk for any further updates. Liverpool's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Network has established The Michael Causer Fund in memory of Michael and to assist his family in any appropriate way. To donate to the fund, simply go to the Liverpool Charity & Voluntary Services website . www.lcvs.org.uk

HOMOPHOBIC HATE CRIME ACROSS THE NORTH WEST INCIDENT STATISTICS AS REPORTED TO POLICE FORCES ACROSS THE REGION: Key: 07/08 Financial year 2008 - calendar year Force

No. of homophobic hate crimes/incidents

Cheshire

130 (‘07/‘08)

Cumbria

31 (‘08)

Greater Manchester 533 (‘07/‘08) Lancashire

368 (‘07/‘08)

Merseyside

TBC (although Liverpool City Council recorded 17)

NORTH WEST TOTAL TO DATE

1,079

LIVERPOOL: NEWS ROUND-UP

LIVERPOOL HOMOTOPIA POLICE HOST PRIDE SET FOR SECURES £80K STONEWALL 2010 IN FUNDING EVENT LIVERPOOL'S LGB&T NETWORK ARE CELEBRATING AFTER PLANS TO STAGE AN ANNUAL PRIDE EVENT IN THE CITY WAS APPROVED BY LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL.

LIVERPOOL’S HOMOTOPIA FESTIVAL IS ONE OF A HANDFUL OF ARTS ORGANISATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN AWARDED A TWO YEAR FUNDING DEAL FROM LIVERPOOL CITY COUNCIL.

MERSEYSIDE POLICE WILL HOST A STONEWALL DIVERSITY EVENT AFTER BEING RANKED JOINT 8TH IN STONEWALL’S ‘WORK EQUALITY INDEX’ EARLIER THIS YEAR.

The council was addressed by the Development Officer for the Network, who stressed how important it is for young people growing up to see a Pride Festival taking place in their own city.

Matthew Fox, from the Liverpool LGB&T Network, said: "The likelihood is there will be some sort of event this year, but it will not be the beginning of Pride... Realistically, to get it right, we are probably talking early 2010."

The festival will receive £80K towards its core funding to develop an annual arts festival.

The festival is one of the city’s cultural success stories attracting over 12,500 visitors last year (a 400% increase since launching in 2004). Audiences for the burgeoning digital presence have attracted 160,000 for Homotopia TV alone. Artistic director Gary Everett commented ‘The award is testament that the city is supporting an important part of the city’s cultural offer and that arts has a significant part to play in the ongoing development of the LGBT community’. The entire programme is online and the unique homotopia.tv offers archive and original footage of festival content straight to your laptop, ipod or pc. www.homotopia.net

They will share their experiences as a top performer with other public and private sector organisations from around the North West. The event is scheduled to take place on March 2 at Liverpool’s Crown Plaza Hotel.

The Stanley Street area, widely known as Liverpool's gay quarter, is one of the leading contenders to stage the imminent Pride event. To keep up to date with plans for the event you can keep up with the Liverpool group on Facebook.

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Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Helen King, said: "We are delighted to have been chosen to host such an important regional event. “ “It is a tribute to our staff, partner agencies and community members who have helped us to be an employer of choice for LGB&T people." www.mereseyside.police.uk

Anything to report?

news@ lgf.org.uk

EAGLE FLIES IN TO SUPPORT LGBT LABOUR Out MP warns LGBT Labour group against complacency in the North West.

OUT LESBIAN MP ANGELA EAGLE AND LGBT LABOUR GROUP WARN AGAINST COMPLACENCY IN THE NORTH WEST On 31st January, Angela Eagle, Labour MP for Wallasey, paid a visit to the North West’s LGBT Labour Group. Miss Eagle, the only openly lesbian MP in parliament, spoke to the group about the importance of LGBT representation in parliament and the contrasts between the different political parties on attitudes to gay issues. Kevin Peel, chair of LGBT Labour North West explains that although LGBT rights have progressed in recent years, following civil partnerships and the Adoption Act, there is now a danger of complacency. He explains: “There is much more to achieve. Just take a look at MP’s voting records on lesbian and gay issues and you will see that the Tories particularly are still rabidly opposed to anything like equal rights for the LGBT communities.” www.theyworkforyou.com

British National Party getting seats to represent the North West.

There are currently 55 BNP councillors at district/borough level across the country. Their campaign for seats in the European Parliament is thought to be particularly strong in the North West, where BNP leader Nick Griffin is standing.

BNP organisers in Blackpool have declared that “2009 will be the year of the BNP.” Kevin Peel of LGBT Labour NW says: “No matter what your political views are we cannot allow the BNP, a party who is vehemently anti-gay, who have at times maintained that homosexual acts should be recriminalised, to get any more powerful than it already is.”

LGBT Labour organised a ‘Labour Loves You’ campaign day on Valentine’s Day for their South Ribble candidate, gay MP David Borrow. The group also plan a big presence at this year’s Manchester Pride.

To find out more about their campaigning activities and get involved in LGBT Labour social events in the region, email: LGBT Labour NW will also be campaigning strongly in the run up to the European elections kev.peel@yahoo.co.uk, www.lgbtlabour.org.uk in June to counter the very real prospect of the

OVER AND OUT Inspirational Greater Manchester Sergeant signs off leaving LGBT Staff in great shape.

JULIE BARNES-FRANK IS A POLICE SERGEANT IN THE GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE AND FOR THE PAST 8 YEARS SHE HAS BEEN THE FULL-TIME COORDINATOR FOR THE LESBIAN AND GAY STAFF AFFILIATION (LAGSA).

LAGSA is a staff support group in GMP for all staff providing advice and support for especially for those staff who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and Trans.

Julie retired from the Police service in February after 30 years of service. When she formed LAGSA the police service was a different organisation and people were afraid to ‘come out’. Along the way Julie has challenged inequality and discrimination issues and stood up as the voice for LGB&T staff within the force. It has taken a long time and there is still a long way to go until LGB&T issues are legally on a par with other minority issues.

However, the organisation has now benefited from Julie’s determination and passion for LGB&T equality, training now includes specific

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courses for LGBT Liaison Officers and, the Professional Standards department have worked closely with LAGSA on disciplinary and grievance procedures in the workplace.

One of the most important areas of work for LAGSA and GMP has been taking part in the Manchester Pride parade, this has sent out such a positive message to all communities. Julie has been the driving force behind the police officers and police staff walking proudly through the streets of Manchester.

Her colleagues have said that they will miss her when she retires, but they all know that she has been an inspiration to them all, as she has affected their lives in some way or another whether that be on a personal or professional basis, or indirectly by changing attitudes around LGB&T issues in GMP so that inequality ceases to exist.

Everyone at the Lesbian and Gay Foundation and outnorthwest would like to wish Julie and her partner Linda all the very best for the future.

Photo: Paul Jones, Exposure Photography

THE THREAT OF THE BNP

Fun and Fundraising Supporting our Communities Your contact for fun filled, fundraising fuelled information is Joe Spencer.

E-mail: joe.spencer@lgf,org.uk or Telephone: 0161 235 8015

SNIPPETY BITS

LADIES CHEESE AND WINE NIGHT!

Photo: Curious Orange by Gabrielle Santos

Take a night off on 29th March, and indulge it our Ladies Cheese and Wine evening here at the LGF. Pokusevski Deli Heaton moor will be providing the finest selection to give your taste buds a treat. Become a wine tasting connoisseur tasting wines from around the world, with the option to buy at a special reduced rate for one night only! So if you want to get your lips smacking and your tongue tingling, book your tickets at £10 all of which goes to the LGF. Contact joespencer@lgf.org.uk (0161 235 8015)

VIA KARAOKE NIGHT

CATWALK CATFIGHT! The fashion world NEEDS you! (And so do we...)

ARE YOU THE NEXT GAULTIER, WESTWOOD OR EVEN THE NEXT LEIGH BOWERY? THE LGF (AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, FASHION NEEDS YOU!) The LGF is hosting its very own catwalk challenge culminating in a HUGE catwalk show.

You don’t have to be a wiz on a sewing machine, you don’t even have to know how to sew! All you need is your own distinctive individual style.

If you’re bold, take chances a want make a statement then step in to the ring and get your claws out!

Designers will be given three challenges to create three unique outfits, ripping it up and starting again you’ll create and breath new life

A HUGE

THANK

YOU!

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into old, abandoned unloved clothes, customising is key! Strut your stuff! Your designs will take to the runway being shown in front of a panel of judges at the catwalk final!

The winner will receive a photo shoot to show off your own designs and exclusive coverage in outnorthwest.

Catwalk Catfight aims to challenge the fashion industry showing that fashion shouldn’t have to cost the earth, proving it should be fun and that anyone can look good.

So if you’ve got what it takes and want to get involved contact Joe. He could use a little help fashion-wise.

Contact joespencer@lgf.org.uk (0161 235 8015)

A very big thank you goes out to GoGoGayGo.co.uk and Cruz 101 who raised a rather fabulous £279.02 at the launch night of the brand new social directory for 2009. We’ve fallen head over heels in love with Manchester Metropolitan University’s LGBT Society who very generously donated a pound from each T-shirt sale from their big refreshers bar crawl. As ever our hearts go out to Essential who raised a dreamy £450.83 in January. The superdooper club will be collecting for us every weekend, so make sure you drop something wonderful in our buckets!

Get those vocal chords warmed up because a star could be born! On March 23rd for one night only Via will be host to the most fabulous karaoke night on Canal Street. Don’t like what you hear? Then drop a couple of quid in our bucket to pull the plug and get them off!

Hosted by Via resident Smiley Steve.

Contact joespencer@lgf.org.uk (0161 235 8015)

HOT HEELS! The LGF is offering you the once in a lifetime opportunity to try firewalking!

We’ll provide the burning hot coals if you bring the sponsorship! Walking on fire has existed for thousands of years with records dating back to 1200 B.C. Cultures across the globe, from Greece to China, used fire walking for rites of healing, initiation, and faith. Now we’re going to do it in a gay way. Take a big step forward and face your fears!

Contact joespencer@lgf.org.uk (0161 235 8015)

NEW FOR NEWTON HEATH On Friday the 13th The Kippax (formerly The Gibraltar) Newton Heath is getting taken over by the GAYS! Expect a whole weekend of camp entertainment including Play your Cards Right, Pink Bingo, Karaoke and a raffle for A DVD Player, A meat hamper from Gabbots and 2 bottles of wine all proceeds going to the LGF! The camp classics will be pumped out by resident DJ Gay Stephen! For more information call 0161 205 2612.

Contact joespencer@lgf.org.uk (0161 235 8015) The LGF Fundraising Team are always looking for creative, passionate, and outgoing people to join our motley crew. So if you’ve got some spare time, get involved! Volunteering is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, get out there and have a fabulous time!

DON’T FORGET! IF YOU ARE UP FOR SOME FUN AND WANT TO FLAUNT IT FOR A GOOD CAUSE THEN GET IN TOUCH!

Anything to report?

news@ lgf.org.uk OPINION

PAUL FAIRWEATHER

Our sisters in arms...

THIS MONTH SEES THE CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY AND GOT ME THINKING ABOUT THE CHANGING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN LESBIANS AND GAY MEN OVER THE LAST FORTY YEARS. In the 1970’s men and women were involved in the birth of the Gay Liberation Front (GLF) in this country which saw a sudden burst of radical activity, sit ins, demos and disruptions that shook a society completely unused to out and proud lesbians and gay men.

However soon there were huge splits because of women complaining about the sexism of gay men with many lesbians joining the Women’s Liberation movement which was also bursting out with its own radical activities from disrupting Miss World Competitions to producing critiques of male dominated left wing revolutionary movements.

However there were soon huge tensions heterosexual women and lesbians in the women’s movement particularly around the debate where many radical feminists, saw men as the enemy whilst socialists feminists thought that class was more important.

Many lesbians felt as alienated from the women’s movement as they had been from the gay movement.

The 1980’s saw the growth of the commercial gay scene and a wider range of lesbian and gay community and campaigning groups. However the tendency was still very much for lesbians and gay men to organise separately. In Manchester we saw the women involved in Manchester Lesbian and Gay Switchboard and Manchester Friend forming Lesbian

Link as a women only telephone help line. And in 1985 when the city council began its support for lesbian and gay rights and organized consultations meetings for a number of different groups in the city there were separate meetings for lesbians and gay men. These led to the formation of a Lesbian Sub Committee and a Gay Men’s Subcommittee as it was seen that the issues and the discrimination facing the two groups were very different and there was a strong sense that women’s needs would be ignored in a joint committee.

I was talking to a younger lesbian friend of mine about this who had grown up in a completely LGBT environment at college and in social and political groups and she was completely amazed when I was talking about this and really couldn’t understand why we couldn’t have a lesbian and gay committee. Of course throughout all this time there were always strong individual relationships between women and men and examples of groups working together and organising together when there was a common threat.

In the mid 1980’s with the start of the AIDS epidemic the whole dynamic changed. For many gay men our focus became caring for lovers and friends who were suddenly ill as well as challenging the medical profession and campaigning for resources and education. Many lesbians were involved in these, both as friends of gay men and as key players in HIV and AIDS organizstions. This shared experience was I think very powerful for those who lived through those times and cemented relationships and political alliances. This has continued today with lesbians

having key leadership roles in HIV organisations in the region. I think those experiences and relationships helped to change perceptions and developed the skills and confidences lesbians and gay men had in working together. Yet because the trend today is for everything to be lesbian and gay, if not LGBT, we can forget how different our experiences can be. It is easy to assume that our needs are identical or to pretend that sexism is dead or just a strange concept left over from the 70’s.

I would argue still that at times it is very useful to have single sex groups and spaces. My young lesbian friend was also very dismissive of the women’s space at Pride until she met an older women friend of mine who convinced her that it was all about choice and that we needed to respect people who have had very different experiences and who have a right to socialise how they please. The world is big enough to allow us to decide that sometimes we may want to be with our own group.

Look at most work or political environments and see who still tends to speak the most. Look at the gay scene and compare the numbers of lesbian bars and clubs or venues that are truly mixed in terms of lesbian and gay men. Look at how many gay men have been involved in campaigns around abortion rights or domestic violence. We are a long way off equal pay. Domestic violence is still commonplace.

Stereotyping in jobs and behavior is still rampant.

In a world in which men and women were truly equal and women had an equal share of power, our lives as lesbians and gay men would be transformed.

OPINION

NICCI HOLLIHEAD

Inequality? What inequality?

I MENTIONED TO A FRIEND THE OTHER DAY THAT INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WAS APPROACHING. THE FRIEND IN QUESTION WAS NOT AWARE THAT SUCH A DAY EXISTED, ALTHOUGH HER RESPONSE WAS THAT MOST THINGS SEEM TO HAVE A “DAY” SO WHY NOT WOMEN AS WELL?

“Within the LGBT community I have never felt that there is a social inequality between men and women.”

I am not too sure what shocked me the most; my friend’s severe lack of knowledge or the blasé attitude towards the feasibility of having such a day. So it was therefore fair to deduce that my friend does not have an opinion on what being a women means to her. It got me thinking however, just what does being a woman actually mean to me?

because there is usually an event for the men as well.

Of course this is not true from certain male fractions from outside the community. You know the ones I mean, the scally lads who think that it is OK to go to an event aimed at the LGBT community in order to meet some straight girls. Then during their attempted ‘courtship’ of said girls proceed to hurl homophobic abuse at the community.

competition out there. Even if there is competition then it is usually another woman, as opposed to a man, so the male competitive ego is somewhat diminished. In its place, most of the time, is mutual recognition and the support from the LGBT community. There is not really anything which I am unable to do, with regards to civil rights, which my gay male peers can do. I can get hitched, vote, drink etc.

Being a woman within the LGBT community is, in my opinion, more equal to men in comparison to men and women outside the LGBT community. For a start it is less competitive. For a women to start an event for other women, generally there is far less

However with the exception of possessing the ability to relive one’s self whilst standing, I am content with being a woman, more so within the LGBT community as well. There is a whole wealth of opportunity out there for all women and not a glass ceiling in sight!

Within the LGBT community I have never felt that there is a social inequality between men and women.

There are venues aimed at men, venues aimed at women and some aimed at everyone. I have never come across animosity from men regarding a particular event being held for women, mostly 14

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THEBIGSTORY IGNORANCE AND STIGMA

NEVER ASSUME YOU WILL BE TOLD GAY MEN, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOUNGER AND UNTESTED, NEED TO GET A BETTER GRIP ON REALITY. YOU ARE QUITE LIKELY TO HAVE SEX WITH A MAN WITH HIV BUT WILL NOT KNOW THIS; MANY MEN WITH HIV DON’T KNOW THIS AND SO CAN’T TELL ANYONE; SOME MEN WITH HIV DO KNOW THIS, BUT WON’T TELL SEX PARTNERS, MAINLY BECAUSE WHEN THEY DO MEN WITH HIV GET TREATED BADLY. If you don’t look after yourself by using condoms, you run a real risk of becoming HIV positive yourself.

SHOCKING HIV IGNORANCE AND STIGMA The survey results are shocking because so many gay men still think HIV is a killer, and because the fear and loathing for gay men living with HIV leaps out of many men's answers to the survey.

BIG GAY MAJORITY FOR HIV BLAME AND JAIL MOST GAY MEN IN THE UK THINK THE LAW IS RIGHT TO PUNISH PEOPLE WHO PASS ON HIV TO A SEXUAL PARTNER. Worryingly, most gay men who are not diagnosed are riskily deluded - they also believe the law will somehow protect them from HIV. The law doesn’t and can’t protect anyone against HIV infection. The law can only shut the door after the horse has bolted. Very few gay men have been convicted in the UK and the latest cases have not ended in jail.

While the courts were sentencing the first gay man for reckless HIV transmission, the annual gay men’s sex survey was asking about HIV prosecutions. Is it a good idea to prosecute people who pass on HIV and why? Over 8000 gay men answered – and well over half (57%) said they agree with the prosecutions. One quarter (26%) were unsure. Under 1 in 5 (18%) gay men oppose prosecuting for HIV transmission.

Because this is clearly wrong and amounts to nothing short of murder. [37, last test negative, London].

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The way so many gay men continue to isolate and mistreat men with HIV is our biggest challenge. Men with HIV are all around, were, are and will be part of our communities. It's really time we all just got used to it.

“SEXUALLY CHARGED” FROM SIGMA RESEARCH sigmaresearch.org.uk/files/ report2009a.pdf

To have sex with someone when you know that you are HIV+ without telling them is one of the worst things that could ever be done. These people should be given life sentences. [22, never tested, Wales].

Because if you have a disease and you are about to have sex, then you have to tell the other person. It is their right to know and you could be putting them in danger.

[17, never tested, North West England].

Many men are seriously confused, misled and at risk – despite what most gay men may think and want, the law doesn’t protect negative and untested men at all against HIV. Despite what undiagnosed and untested men may think and expect, most will not be told by a partner that he has HIV.

I believe they should declare their status.

[40, last test negative, North West England].

DON’T KNOW, CAN’T TELL Three quarters (74%) of all men expect to be told about HIV by all potential sex partners.

Younger men are almost all deluded – almost all men under 20 (91%) and nearly as many men who have never taken a HIV test (85%), always expect to be told by a HIV+ positive partner.

If you are aware you are HIV positive you should notify the other person to give them a choice.

[30, never tested, North West England].

It seems the less contact you have with men diagnosed and living with HIV, the more mistaken you are likely to be. You believe other men, those with HIV, will always keep you safe and always tell you they have HIV before sex. It's a serious mistake to assume you will be told.

The only person who can keep anyone safe is yourself, using condoms and reducing your risks. Being told about HIV before sex is unlikely.

Those who don’t know they have HIV, can’t tell anyone else. And many men with HIV don't yet know this - 1 in 3 men with HIV in the North – West don’t know they have HIV – Don’t Know, so Can’t Tell anyone else.

The Pope: LGBT Catholics respond...

From: Keiran Quest Liverpool

Bohant, Convenor,

Since the Pope’s Christmas message got three separate mentions in the February issue, I thought it important, as a representative of a group for LGBT Catholics, to make clear what he did, and didn’t, say.

CONTACT US Mail: outnorthwest The Lesbian & Gay Foundation 4th Floor, Princess House 105-107 Princess Street MANCHESTER M1 6DD

E-mail:

The Editor wrote: “you couldn’t make it up.”

But someone somewhere did, and most of the world’s press has reported it without question.

Let’s be clear – I’m not writing to defend the indefensible. After all, before he became Pope, Benedict XVI (aka Joseph Ratzinger) wrote in 1986 that homosexual orientation is an “objective disorder” towards an “intrinsic moral evil.” But our challenge to the Catholic Church’s condemnation of LGBT people is not advanced by a gross misrepresentation of its position, which is what happened in this case.

grahame@lgf.org.uk

Website: www.lgf.org.uk

Facebook: Join our Facebook group, Friends of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF)

ONLINE

If you’re a member of Facebook, why not join the interesting outnorthwest Facebook group? Talk to hundreds of other readers about what you want to see in the mag, and keep up-to-date with features we’re planning and get involved with them!

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First, the speech in question was a review of the year addressed privately to his staff, not to the whole church or the world, as some commentators claimed.

Second, he made no mention of sexual orientation or transgender status. He criticised “gender theory”, the idea that the distinction between male and female is down to cultural rather than biological influences which, he believes, undermines the natural order of creation and so is harmful to human nature. He claimed that, just as the earth “is not simply our property to be exploited according to our needs and desires,” so is our human nature.

The speech is complex and academic – it could just as easily be seen as a critique of women’s emancipation or a defence of a traditional view of marriage. It is open to interpretation, but not that LGBT people are “as big a threat to the world as climate change.”

Finally, contrary to popular belief, Catholics do not believe that everything the Pope says is infallible. The Catholic Church also encourages people to develop informed consciences in choosing how to live, not merely to follow blindly the words of the Pope. Just as many Catholic men and women now use contraception or have been through divorce, so many more are lesbian or gay and actively involved in their faith community.

Quest is the national organisation for lesbian and gay Catholics, whose aim is to support those who seek to reconcile their spirituality with their sexuality. It has a network of local groups, offering support, socialising and worship, and a helpline for those seeking advice, or just a listening ear. It has also campaigned for change in the Church for more than 30 years.

The Liverpool group meets on the second Saturday of each month in the city centre.

For further details, please email liverpool@questgaycatholic.org.uk or call 07983 021 589.

Divine Correspondance?

From: ‘A

Reader’, via E-mail

I was reading Paul Fairweather's piece on the Popes speech and thought perhaps you could include contact info for people if they wanted to get in touch with the Vatican to air their views.

I've included his email and the email and address for matters regarding Faith, moral teachings and doctrinal issues just in case.

The Pope: benedictxvi@vatican.va Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith: cdf@cfaith.va Cerdinal Levada, Prefect Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith 11 Palazzo di S. Uffizio 00193 Vatican Italy

UPDATE

THE GOOD OLD DAYS...

Last month we featured an letter from Margaret Beswick about a gettogether for those wishing to re-live the heady days of Manchester’s gay scene in the 60’s and 70’s. It is with great regret that this event has had to be postponed until further notice. We will keep you up to date with any further news on this event.

Customers of the UK's second-largest gay dating site have complained after the site's co-owner launched a recent fourletter rant about TV celebrity Jade Goody on YouTube. However, it's not the only thing that our readers have become angry about regarding the site, which has more than 250,000 subscribers, most of them in the UK.

Offensive Postings on Social Networking Sites From:

Chris, Manchester

The stuff that is happening on www.fitlads.net I think is disgusting especially the amount of abuse the guys who are HIV+ are getting.

The sort of stuff that is being said on there is disgusting and this has been going on now for months and months and the admin and the owners of this site have said that there is nothing wrong with free speech but to me that is bullying and I think that something should be done. I set up a profile with an ethnic origin on it and the abuse I got on there was disgusting I was called all sorts on there. I myself have sent the admin team numerous emails about how upsetting the forums are in regards to the amount of abuse that gay men of ethnic origin face and also men who are living with HIV I would like them to give a valid response as to why they allow the bullying against gay men with HIV and also gay and bisexual men from different ethnic backgrounds.

People are entitled to freedom of speech but when gay and bi men are bullied because they have HIV or are open and honest about their HIV status those forums don't get suspended or deleted and the individuals don't get deleted themselves, this should be the same for the racist threads too.

EDWARD MOSS FROM FITLADS RESPONDS: “The situation regarding abuse by less than honourable postings on fitlads (as I write this there are over 3500 of the 265469 membership live online on the site) is similar

to that of any responsible social networking site. When anti-social comments are identified by members of the fitlads administration team, they are removed immediately, and without question. However, with a site as large as fitlads and the equally large membership using it, it is not always possible to nip all of these anti-social comments in the bud, so as with any site offering free public interaction, we rely on sensible people to report these unsafe posts to our administration team if they haven’t already picked up on them for themselves.

There are always those undesirables whose views differ from either the site owners or the normal range of members, and who will vent their ignorance in the only way they can – through anonymous, yet often offensive and acrimonious postings during unsocial hours when moderation of the site can be at its slimmest.

The general terms and condition for usage of the fitlads site are prominently displayed on the joining screen however, the duty of care to the community doesn’t of course end there, extending to general decorum and activity in daily usage of the site my members and guests.

There are essentially three main user activities which attract zero tolerance from fitlads, and which will result in posts being removed, or members barred and their membership rescinded. Closely monitored by the fitlads administration, these are: 1. Racism of any description, contra to race, creed or belief; 2. Under 18’s; 3. Paedophilia However, without diluting the above, it must be mentioned that the fitlads Forums are intended for adult use, and as such, it is expected that those who become members act responsibly. Should any complaints regarding postings be received, these are investigated immediately.

I hope this goes towards explaining the fitlads policy on undesirable postings within their Forums, and I can assure you that we will continue to monitor and deal accordingly with those postings which are contra to the above etiquette."

Legal advice at hand From:

James Johnson

Oddly enough visiting the LGF’s Legal Advice Surgery was my final port of call.

Over a stressful six-month debacle with my employer, following a wrongful dismissal which resulted in an employment tribunal, I had spoken to a multitude of legal and advice organisations including ACAS, CAB, an employment tribunal chairman, a cousin who practices the law, and a Manchester based judge. It had become a hopeless pattern of opinions; everyone sat on the fence, unwilling to commit to a real answer without retainers or for fear of trespassing outside of professional boundaries. The legal system became as hard to fathom as quantum physics. A week and a half before the tribunal date, after being bullied by a stream of threatening letters from my employer’s solicitor and feeling incapable of walking into the tribunal with any sense of conviction in my case, I found myself at the door of the LGF. Simon Harkinson and Les Patient, the two solicitors on hand to dole out advice, good humour and a cup of tea, are the antithesis of their vocation. Having dealt with bureaucracy, it was a blessed relief to sit down with two people as casual in their attire as they were in their manner. When I sat down, I was lugging a cloud of self doubt above my shoulders; it didn’t take them long to unshackle it and plant my feet on terra firma. I discussed why I was seeking advice from them, gave them an overview of my case and answered questions that arose from them both. They were patient and understanding, yet deft at arriving at the core issue of the case quickly. I had never heard of ‘breach of contract’ yet it was these two stalwart volunteers who gave me the key legal phrase to get my case beyond the first hurdle of the day.

The importance of this service to the LGBT community is paramount. Few people wish to face the idiosyncrasies of the legal system; it’s an unnerving and frequently jarring environment. To have a free advice space to learn from – and in which the solicitors can learn to – is an indispensable service to be utilised. Go ahead and bombard Les and Simon –they’ll even make you coffee. Use it.

On the back of their advice, I won.

The Legal Advice Surgery service at the Lesbian & Gay Foundation operates every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 6pm until 8pm from the LGF’s headquarters in Manchester’s gay village.

No appointment is necessary.

For more info, please contact the LGF Helpline on 0845 3 30 30 30 (6pm -10pm) or 0161 235 8035 (office hours).

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LIFE’S A DRAG “Every girl should try it once.”

In the simplest terms, cross-dressing occurs when one sex wears the clothes of the other for any reason.

The term "drag" is thought to be a colloquialism from the Elizabethan and Jacobean period of English history, when male actors performed female parts in a transvestite theatre.

Although this practice stopped after the Restoration of Charles II in 1660, when female actresses were introduced to the English stage, the inversion of roles continued but with a twist. Instead of boys or men playing female roles, women often impersonated men on stage in the "roaring girl" roles that featured the actress in breeches.

Male impersonation is a staple of theatrical and cinematic tradition.

Examples range from the famous stage performances of Sarah Bernhardt as Hamlet to the memorable presences in male attire of movie actresses as varied as Clara Bow, Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn, and Julie Andrews. It has also been recently shown in the TV adaptation of the Sarah Waters novel, Tipping the Velvet when first Kitty and then Nan perform as ‘men’ in Music Hall. outnorthwest spoke to two women who drag up...

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ALEX

What made you start to play around with gender?

A friend of mine was doing a short film featuring a drag "king" and asked me to be in it. I'd never heard of female drag before so I thought why not?

Do you feel different when you're dragged up?

Definitely. It enhances some aspects of your personality and brings out ones you never knew you had. It definitely helps you know yourself better.

What inspires you to do it?

For me I don't really have a source of inspiration or something that "triggers" a need to do it; I just get an urge to drag up sometimes! I love trying new things and drag allows me to do that.

Is there a particular inspiration behind your persona?

I like the idea of chivalry and strong, yet sensitive masculinity, and I try and convey that when I'm in drag. I like to be the one to sweep a girl off her feet every now and again...

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Do you find it an empowering experience?

Yes, when I'm in drag I can say things and behave in ways I wouldn't normally when I'm a girl. I feel more confident and cheeky.

Why do you think there's so many more drag queens out there than drag kings?

I think it's partly because drag queens are so much a part of our culture, people find it more acceptable, and partly because some gay women would find the idea of dressing up as a man quite contradictory to what they stand for! For me, drag isn't about trying to be a boy, it's just about playing around with gender.

How do you think other people perceive you when you are in drag?

Some people don't look twice because they just think I'm a bloke, others try and start fights because I'm in drag, and some girls find it hot, so it varies! I like the last one the best, but it definitely keeps you on your toes. It never gets old for me, I think every girl should try it once.

Photo: Kristen Harrison at www.gingerbeer.co.uk

“In drag I feel hyper masculinised - almost ‘hard’.”

LENNA32 What made you start to play around with gender?

I've always been a bit gender variant in that I'm a masculine woman. My first official foray into Drag was a ball in Vermont called "Winter is a Drag" where my friends literally dragged me along. They wanted me in a dress, (which would definitely have been a drag for me), I went for a gangster outfit and ended up the crowned King! That night handed me my first Drag King title.

Do you feel different when you're dragged up?

Yes, but in different ways. When I'm in drag and just about on the street (usually going to an event) then I feel hyper-masculinsed.

Almost like I have to behave as 'hard' as I look. When I'm in queer company then I'm usually just myself and when I'm on stage, then I'm performing whichever character I've taken on.

What inspires you to do it?

I like the celebration of other aspects of my personality that I get to explore when I'm in drag. I also like the subversiveness of it, but especially, I like the fact that it claims a little space back for women that is usually taken up by men.

Is there a particular inspiration behind your persona?

I have a couple of different characters that I usually go out as. Leon is my generic bloke.

He's cool, he's suave, he's like those black men that you see out there that are just so unbelievably comfortable with themselves that you just drawn to them. Uncle Lenny is totally different. I created him to be an unattractive and completely full of himself type of character. The kind of guy who thinks that he is God’s gift to women and yet doesn't have a clue. Yet I underestimated his pulling power because Uncle Lenny won me a Drag King title as well.

Why do you think there's so many more drag queens out there than drag kings?

I think that has to do with the power and privilege afforded men. Historically, drag kings have an equal if not firmer place on stage. However, as time passes by, male privilege provided more freedom to men and put more restrictions on women. As such, drag queens became a part of every day society where as drag kings went underground. I think that if there are more drag queens than drag kings, it's because there are more famous drag queens than there are kings.

Do you find it an empowering experience?

Absolutely. Especially when I'm out in public and people see me as a man. There's a lot of power in our society in being male and I experience that when I'm out in drag. It has opened my eyes personally to male privilege and I can see how women often give that power up. Having seen it enables me to grasp some of it back even when I’m not in drag.

How do you think other people perceive you when you are in drag?

Most people who perceive me don't know that I'm in drag. I pass as male (usually a 13 year old boy) on an every day basis. Add a moustache and I'm seen as a bloke undoubtedly. As for those who know that I'm in drag and have come specifically because they knew there'd be drag... I have no idea, but I would love to know, so do tell!

The other side of the story...

We also wanted to get the other side of the story when it comes to playing with gender and how it feels for the boys!

We will be running the second part of this feature very soon when we’ll talk to drag queens about their experiences. Watch out for it! outnorthwest

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HOW MUCH ARE YOU DRINKING? WHAT EFFECT IS IT HAVING ON YOU?

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

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23 MARCH 6-8PM VANILLA Manchester

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DESTINATION: MANCHESTER

YOUR GAY VILLAGE!

These venues are PROUD to be part of Manchester’s Gay Village

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Redundancy! Decisions!

Suzanne Moore on the word all of us fear in the “current climate”...

Suzanne Moore Les Patient and Suzanne Moore are part of O’Neill Patient Solicitors.

Contact them at: 2 Chester Road, Hazel Grove Stockport SK7 5NU. Or call 0161 419 6990.

UNFORTUNATELY, THE NEW YEAR HAS NOT BROUGHT A GREAT DEAL OF JOY FOR MANY PEOPLE, PARTICULARLY IN RELATION TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT. NOT A DAY GOES BY WITHOUT US HEARING OF YET MORE REDUNDANCIES AND THIS SEEMS LIKELY TO CONTINUE FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE. Redundancy is a form of dismissal from your job caused by the employer needing to reduce the workforce. This can occur for many reasons.

If an employer is making 20 or more employees redundant in one company, within a 90 day period, this is called collective redundancy. In this case, the employers have a duty to consult with the representatives of the employees that could be affected, which may be a trade union official or an elected representative.

If the employers fail to consult, then an employment tribunal may agree a protective award over and above the redundancy payment.

Again, there are certain procedures which need to be followed if there are to be individual redundancies and this is to ensure that the employee is selected fairly, is warned and consulted about the redundancy, that

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"Unfortunately, the New Year has not brought a great deal of joy for many people, particularly in relation to their employment.

Not a day goes by without us hearing of yet more redundancies and this seems likely to continue for the foreseeable future.” reasonable steps are taken to redeploy the employee elsewhere and that redundancy is paid, including notice, holidays etc.

You have a right to redundancy pay if you are an employee who has worked continuously for a period of 2 years.

This includes when a fixed term contract of 2 years or more expires and is not renewed because of redundancy.

You are not entitled to redundancy payment if your employer offers to keep you on or offers you suitable alternative work, which you then refuse without good reason. Also, if you leave the job before the end of your notice period, your payment may also be affected.

As well as redundancy payment, the employer should also pay you through your notice period or payment in lieu of notice, depending on the circumstances.

Suzanne Moore, suzanne.moore@oneillpatient.co.uk

Sean Young on how to make the right decisions in your life...

Sean Young Sean Young is a qualified Life & Business Coach and specialises in working with LGBT communities. For more details log on to www.piercoaching.com

"Sometimes even making those small yet important decisions for ourselves can go a long way...”

• Who did I need to include in this decision?

• Did I turn to family, friends, and colleagues.

ARE YOU THE TYPE OF PERSON WHO LOOKS AT LIFE AND WHATEVER COMES ALONG IS MEANT TOO? Then on the back of that you just get on with it and come out the other end smiling? Or, are you the type of person that sits down and lists goals, actions, and looks at a work around when need be?

Truth be told, each of us can adopt both of these traits depending the situation, the topic, and our overall investment. Studies suggest that we make decisions on what we feel is important to us but also coupled with this is our perception on the situation.

Although everyone is different in how they approach decision-making.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR PROCESS Think of a time either personally or professionally you needed to make a significant decision – change of job, a move, ending a relationship, coming out, having a Civil Partnership, anything that was big for you.

• Cast your mind back and work through the following questions: • How did I know a decision had to be made?

• What signs made me realise that I had to make a decision.

• What resources did I need to make a decision?

• Did I need time, more information of any sort to support my decision.

• How did I execute my decision?

• Once I reached a decision, how did I follow through with it?

By completing this quick exercise you can start to look at how you go about making decisions for yourself. Be sure to write down your answers so you can come back to it in a few days.

We have all had situations in our lives where we have been proud of the decisions we’ve made for ourselves, and ones where we are not.

Positive and affirmative decisions we make in our lives cannot only be empowering but also very addictive.

But before we all run out and quit our jobs and move to the sun we all need to consider the impact these decisions will have on our lives, both short term as well as long term.

Good luck. Sometimes even making those small yet important decisions for ourselves can go a long way.

CHALLENGE Start small and make a positive decision for yourself every day for a month & be sure to let me know how you get on.

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in the garden WITH CRAIG SAVILLE

in the kitchen WITH GWYN STARKEY Brought to you in association with

IF YOU CAN’T STAND THE HEAT... CHEAT!

SHIRLEY SPEARS’ MARMALADE PUDDING

THISMONTH

SERVES 8 I’m sure you must have noticed by now that the ‘cheat’ element has either been drastically reduced or removed completely! The main reason for this is my renewed enthusiasm for cooking. On a recent episode of ‘Saturday Kitchen’, I watched a dish being prepared by Nick Nairn followed by the joy of the panel in devouring his offering. I have now cooked ‘his’ dish on three occasions; the result being empty plates and full stomachs!

INGREDIENTS: - 125g/4_oz butter, plus extra for greasing - 150g/5oz fine brown breadcrumbs - 25g/1oz self-raising wholemeal flour - 125g/4_ oz soft light brown sugar - 175g/6oz good quality course cut marmalade, plus 5 tbsp extra - 3 large free-range eggs - 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda - 1 tbsp water, to mix METHOD: 1. Grease a 1.7 litre/3 pint pudding basin. A plastic basin with a tight fitting lid is easiest to use.

2. Place the breadcrumbs, flour and sugar into a large mixing bowl.

3. Melt the butter with the marmalade in a pan over a low heat, but do not boil.

4. Pour the butter and marmalade mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients and mix together thoroughly.

5. Place the eggs into a bowl and whisk until light, then stir into the marmalade mixture until well combined.

6. Dissolve the bicarbonate of soda in a tablespoon of cold water. Add to the pudding mixture and stir well. The mixture will increase in volume as it absorbs the bicarbonate of soda.

7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pudding basin and leave to stand for five minutes.

8. Cover with a close fitting lid, or kitchen foil tightly secured with kitchen string.

9. Carefully place the pudding basin into a pan of boiling water - the water should reach halfway up the side of the pudding basin. Simmer the pudding for two hours. The water level may need to be topped up during the cooking period.

TO SERVE Tip the pudding onto a serving plate.

Top with remaining marmalade. Serve with custard or ice cream.

Coffee Shop and Licensed Restaurant Open 9am - 5pm Monday to Saturday Friday & Saturday evenings – booking essential 10am - 4pm Sunday Tasty Hot & Cold Snacks Lunch 2 Courses £8.99, 3 Courses £10.99 Dinner 2 Courses £12.95, 3 Courses £15.95

Don’t forget Mothers Day 22nd March and join us at Dahlias £14.99 per person. Plus free gift for every mother from 12 ‘til 4 - booking recommended (01253 761499)

25% OFF ALL SEEDS

- Now’s the time to start sewing!

A QUICKIE IN THE GARDEN What takes ten minutes and leaves you feeling really satisfied? Yes that’s right – quick and easy jobs in the garden.

Here are my top tips for getting you back down the garden path this March.

Cut back shrubby herbs such as lavender. You know what a nice whiff it brings to your old drawers.

Also ready for a trim are sage and thyme, both perfect additions to a good stuffing. But beware. Only cut back into new growth – steer clear of that old wood.

Once they’ve finished fluttering and dancing in the breeze, it’s time to dead-head yours daffs as the flowers fade. Resist the urge to go all the way (I know you can do it if you try) and don’t cut back the foliage until it has turned brown or next year’s performance will be weaker - always a worry. There’s nothing worse than a slimy trail in your beds I’m sure you’ll agree. So now is time to protect emerging

shoots from snails and slugs. These slimy foes are a threat to your precious young plants. One of the best things to use is Slug Clear Liquid, which kills the eggs as well.

Buy a few packs of flower seeds – hardy annuals. Try ‘Love in a Mist’, oooh that sauna; English Marigolds – no not the rubbers dear; Poached Egg plants, the healthy alternative to the fried egg plant; Californian poppy, bright and gay for a summer’s day. Just sow them straight into the garden or in pots and let them get on with it.

But if you prefer the spring temperatures of Benidorm to Blackpool there’s always a few little tasks to do indoors with your houseplants. Start watering cacti and succulents again, but be careful. The last thing you want is an unwanted prick in your hand!

Happy Gardening!

Craig

At the Fylde Coast’s friendliest garden centre.

KOOL KAMPING

Kool Kamping outdoor centre coming soon to the Garden centre…

Watch out for more details!

Manchester Pride would like to pay tribute to Peter Beswick, who has ran the Rembrandt pub for many years.

Manchester Pride began as a bring and buy sale outside the Rembrandt 18 years ago and without Peter's enthusiasm for Manchester's gay village it would not be the vibrant community it is now.

Manchester Pride would like to wish Peter all the happiness and success in the future and will be very much missed in the community.

From All at Manchester Pride.

A GAY LOVE STORY BY

FRANK MCGUINNESS DIRECTED BY RACHEL O’RIORDAN

“Frank McGuinness has come up with one of his best plays, a moving meditation on the transience of love, life and theatre” The Guardian

“Overwhelming” Evening Standard

“An awesome event” Sunday Telegraph

20th March – 11th April 2009 Tickets and Information

0161 236 7110 www.librarytheatre.com

FEATURE

On Friday 6th February, the Lesbian and Gay Foundation launched the North West’s first ever Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGB&T) strategy. All sounds a bit lofty, doesn’t it? But here’s what it means for you…

1) Find out more about the LGB&T communities they serve;

If you are experiencing homophobic abuse, harassment or bullying, tell someone. Make it a teacher, or a housing provider, or the police.

2) Let the right people have this information so they can see the bigger picture when designing services and making policies;

Know your rights! The LGF produces a rights guide, and the internet always has loads of information about what you are entitled to and how the law protects you.

AS A LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL OR TRANS INDIVIDUAL, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU KNOW THAT THE WIDER WORLD RECOGNISES THE DIFFICULTIES THAT YOU MIGHT FACE.

3) That the LGB&T voluntary and community sector needs to be encouraged to grow to better support and represent people that spend too much time hidden and not enough time being heard.

Don’t let anyone make you think your sexual orientation makes you a second class citizen. Be proud to be who you are!

It might be that you’re doctor keeps asking you if you’re on the pill, despite you repeatedly telling them you’re not.

You have an important part to play too. Because there is so little understanding out there, we need to tell them what the problems are before they can start addressing them. You have to let people know that there is a thriving LGB&T community and that we have needs too!

Your neighbours might be calling you a ‘queer’ or a ‘dyke’. You might be an LGB or T person who lives alone and don’t know where to go for friendship and support.

Or you may feel that you’re fine, being gay isn’t an issue for you, and no-one at work, at play or even at home needs to know anyway.

The LGB&T strategy is about organisations that provide services, information and advice taking responsibility for knowing that there are LGB&T people out there and that they might have to do something to support them.

36

Through the strategy, the LGF has told them that they need to do three things:

outnorthwest

If there is something you are interested in, like walking or football, and you don’t feel there are any groups locally to meet your needs, get together with some friends and start a group.

The LGF can help you do this, or can put you in touch with other people who can.

If you do not feel you are getting fair treatment from your GP or health provider, let your PCT know by writing a letter or an email.

The LGF can help you by providing you with information and resources, or signposting you to specialist support organisations that can help you fight for your rights. But we can’t do it without you!

If you want any information about how you can play your part, contact rainbow@lgf.org.uk or call 0161 235 8035. You can also access the LGF Helpline on 0845 3 30 30 30.

Photos: Paul Jones, Exposure Photography

BREAKING THE CYCLE

usty D DUSTY SPRINGFIELD DIED TEN YEARS AGO OF BREAST CANCER, ON MARCH 2ND 1999. In tribute, ANDREW GILLIVER asked some of the people who knew her, and were influenced by her, what Dusty meant to them, ahead of what would have been her 70th birthday.

Simon Bell www.simonbell.com Simon is a singer/songwriter who was a close friend to Dusty. She herself requested that he sing The Wind Beneath My Wings at her funeral. Simon is widely regarded as a leading authority on Dusty’s music and Dusty as a person.

“On my first meeting with her as her backing singer, I was struck by how fragile and tiny she was. This was in stark contrast to the powerful presence she appeared to be when I was a teenage fan in the 60’s. Her singing was totally inspirational to me. Overnight she changed my approach to song - from the influences of 1950’s singers like Sinatra and Doris Day, to the blossoming Motown sounds of Martha and the Vandellas and The Four Tops. I was never the same again. My lasting memory of Dusty is a sadness that someone who gave so much of herself in her music had nothing in her own life that made her really happy. The greatest body of work of any singer, and vocals that will be forever unequalled by anyone.”

Favourite Dusty song?

I Had A Talk With My Man from her second album. It has a wonderful balance of soul and control. I find it totally mesmerising.

Mari Wilson www.mariwilson.co.uk Mari is probably most known for her beehive hairdo and retro-'60s musical sound. After a successful pop career of her own, Mari took on the challenge of playing Dusty in Dusty: The Musical, which toured the UK in 2000 and saw her tackle almost 30 Dusty songs.

“It was so good to sing all those songs. The early ones are especially emotional, like My Colouring Book and If You Go Away. I was always crying when I sang them. I have an older sister and

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outnorthwest

So much love she would do her make-up like Dusty, and I couldn't wait to get all that black and grey stuff on my eyes, the false lashes, and the big hair. I was a big Motown fan and she was kind of responsible for bringing those girls over here Martha Reeves and the Vandellas for instance. It made me realise that even though I was from North London, I could sing soul music! Dusty had that real American sound with soulful adlibs. Her voice is immediately recognisable.

When What Have I Done To Deserve This? came out it was like a breath of fresh air. When I heard her sing, "Since you went away . . .", it was like a long lost friend had come home. She’s still influencing young girl singers today. Fantastic!”

Favourite Dusty song?

Am I The Same Girl. So very soulful with that brass riff and her smoky sexy soft delivery. And Goin’ Back is so very emotional.

Paul Howes www.zonerecordsltd.com Paul has been a consultant on most UK and US Dusty Springfield CD releases . He also publishes The Dusty Springfield Bulletin, and is the author of The Complete Dusty Springfield.

“The first time I met Dusty, she was signing autographs outside the Playhouse Theatre in Northumberland Avenue after an Easy Beat performance in December 1963. Although it’s almost a lifetime ago, I know my first thought was, “I can’t believe this is really Dusty Springfield!” The two things that struck me were the amount of make-up she was wearing and her beautiful speaking voice. It's because of Dusty’s own eclectic tastes that I've explored many types of music that might otherwise have passed me by. Later of course she became the inspiration for my work on the Bulletin and all the other Dusty projects I’ve been involved in.

Perhaps my most personal memory is being introduced to her on Ready, Steady, Go! in 1964.

It was a thrilling moment. Her legacy is the exceptional quality of her body of recordings, but hopefully music history will also credit her as a pioneer for women in the music business. “ Favourite Dusty song?

I’d opt for Welcome Home from her 1967 album Where Am I Going. I love the whole atmosphere of the recording and Dusty’s vocal performance is so emotional yet at the same time restrained.

Sharon Davis www.bluesandsoul.com Sharon Davis is one of Britain's leading music writers and an authority on Motown. She is the author of many books on Motown artists and most recently A Girl Called Dusty which many fans consider the definitive Dusty biography.

“I spoke to Dusty about writing her life story when I met her in London in the early 90’s.

Would she help me? She declined, saying she'd got tunnel vision and there was so much going on in her life. But, she said she wouldn't stop me writing a book. "Be kind" she said! The book was relegated to the back burner as I became involved in other projects. Then Dusty passed over. I felt so awful that I hadn't written anything and that now, she wouldn't read it.

Dusty was an inspiration to anyone who loved life and who loved music. She was hugely talented, although she would never accept this.

Dusty was the leading promoter of Motown artists in this country and through her I became passionate about the music, and later wrote a Motown page for Blues & Soul magazine and worked for Motown as a publicity manager.

She was inspirational to cancer sufferers because her courage knew no bounds. Even when she went to hospital for chemotherapy she chatted and encouraged other patients. She was always more concerned about other people. And she could always laugh! Receiving her OBE in a plastic bag caused her to have hysterics. Dusty's legacy is her approach to music and her musical interpretation. Also, her stubbornness and determination to get the sound she wanted, which caused untold arguments and temper tantrums from musicians. She remained true to herself as a person and as an artist.”

Favourite Dusty song?

Her last album A Very Fine Love is particularly poignantly brilliant. I also love her first solo album A Girl Called Dusty, where she crossed the line from pop into soul. There will never, in my opinion, be another Dusty Springfield.

Dusty Tribute on BBC Radio Manchester March 2nd, LGBT Citizen Manchester, broadcast between 8pm -9pm on Mondays. Available to listen again on BBC iPlayer for a week afterwards.

FEATURE

Photograph: Dusty Springfield in full flow at the Golden Garter Club, Wythenshawe, Manchester. October 1968 (by Ian Berry, courtesy of magnumphotos.com) outnorthwest

39

Popzilla

popzilla pissing on indie’s chips

ALBUM OF THE MONTH

Paul Swan. Sticking it to your idols since 2004.

the really quite simple ratings system

EXPLAINED!

= GOOD!

= bad!

SINGLE OF THE MONTH BEYONCE SINGLE LADIES (PUT A RING ON IT) Goodness! You know, when I first heard this song, I thought Sasha Fierce was alluding to some subtextual dirtiness that the odd straight man is known to enjoy (and if you’re in any doubt, cast your minds back to the episode of Sex and the City where Miranda learns to talk dirty), but no, Beyonkey wouldn’t lower herself to such smut…would she? Anyway, as much as the song stands up by itself as a right little romp, the video’s a bit of a stonker as well and I must admit to having a slight trouser twitch when I saw it, now, whether that was because of the dancing or my longing to be able to fit into a leotard, I’m not entirely sure, but suffice it to say, I was captivated. Like you will be. Are already. Or something.

NEW RELEASE

SAINT ETIENNE LONDON CONVERSATIONS WHO/WHAT? Well, strap me down and call me Melinda (not sure why, but just do it!). Purveyors of perfect pop with a tongue-in-cheek indie bent St. Etienne have finally decided to grace us with a ‘Best Of’ album (if you discount the US release Travel Edition 1990 – 2005). Sarah, Bob and Pete were responsible for such smoothness you’d have been hard pressed to stay on for long, from the slightly wiggy Join Our Club to the pop danthem that was He’s On The Phone and beyond.

HIGHLIGHTS It’s a two-disc set, which means that if you don’t like them, you can always use them to round off your Bet Lynch/Pat Butcher drag-act, but I doubt you’ll be stooping to that level.

LOWLIGHTS Not many really, as long as you’re prepared to forgive early dance clichés and naff Italian piano riffs, and if you’ve bought the album, then I’m sure you can. The only criticism I could level at them is that two discs of perfectly produced music can leave the ear wishing for the tiniest piece of grit to irritate and reawaken the senses, but then, I’ve never been happy with anything, have I? Why do you look so surprised?

VERDICT Pristine pop! What else is there to say? Not a lot really, so I’ll go and let you wrap your ears around the sounds of the 90’s as provided by one of the best and most underrated groups to emerge from the British music scene in a long time. Oh, and if you’re one of those anoraks who think nothing of gathering facts to thrill and amuse your friends with, here’s one for you: in the early-ish 90’s, the boys ditched Sarah’s distinctive vocals and recorded two singles under the name Cola Boy. A goldfish is yours if you can name them both (I would offer a spiffing prize normally, but the advent of Google means that anyone could win it, and not just the dedicated few, so I’ll be keeping it, thankyouverymuch.)

40

PET SHOP BOYS LOVE, ETC. Quack quack oops. I feel that after this review I’ll no longer be writing for you dear viewer, as our lovely Editor is such a fan. I can only hope he’s fair of mind and stout of heart, or that he doesn’t read a single thing I write (... do your worst Mr P... - Editor). What. A. Load. Of. Shit. This. Song. Is. There, I’ve said it. Now that Neil’s hair is as thin as his vocals, it seems that the talent is following swiftly behind as this ghastly cross between Gary Glitter, Erasure and diarrhoea assaults my ears. Still, they’re just about to release their tenth studio album whilst the single I released at the turn of the millennium is now propping up wonky coffee tables the length and breadth of the country, so maybe I’ll shut up for once. (Three fact’s you’ve missed. 1. You’re wrong. 2. It’s their best lead single for years. 3. You’re fired! - Editor)

MADONNA PART 4,613,890 Lord woman, give it a rest! Not content with having negative body fat, the old cashcow has decided to resurrect the Sticky and Sweet Tour and whack the whole shebang back out on the road. Of course, the tickets were sold out before the ink had even dried on them, which just goes to prove how many completely mindless ninnies there are out there. Tina Turner, Bette Midler and Cher seem to be able to pull off the growing old gracefully bit (ok, not Cher, she’s now starring in her own show, When Plastic Surgery Just Goes), so why can’t MLVC do the same? It’s a good question, and one I’ve not got the answer to. You know I’m not the woman’s biggest fan (I’m sure some are fatter than I), but I can’t be the only one sick and tired of having to watch it drag itself across the floor like a dog with worms.

The AMP

the amp

the alternative music page

“I’ve never preached about being gay and people are beginning to listen to my music.”

- Karima Francis

MEET THE AUTHOR...

KARIMA FRANCIS JUST WHEN YOU THINK THE CONVEYOR BELT THAT IS UK MUSIC IS CONTENT TO CHUG OUT THE SAME OLD SAME OLD: WINO, ADELE, DUFFY...AN ARTIST COMES ALONG THAT BREAKS SYSTEM. When you hear 21-year-old Karima Francis and her debut album ‘The Author’ for the first time, you’re transported to another time and place. With its raw honest vocals and sparse production, it has won Francis comparisons to folk legends Tracy Chapman and Joan Armatrading.

Fiercely Northern, Francis grew up with her mum in Blackpool. Her mum encouraged Karima’s vocal talents by recording her as she sang along to Celine Dion hits; Francis assures us that all evidence of this has unfortunately been destroyed! Francis moved to Manchester and was spotted singing at the cities infamous ‘In The City’ music conference, where she was quickly snapped up by Kitchenware Records.

In this month’s Amp, Joanne Dunning gets the low down on Karima Francis’ life, loves and inspirations.

1) Your debut album isn’t even out yet, and already you are one of the tips of 2009. Is that daunting or are you coping with the pressure and attention? I’m on tour at the moment so I don’t really notice what is going on around me. You tend to be in a little bubble when on tour. I get the odd burst of excitement and then forget about it as there is so much going on with the gigs etc.

2) Who are your influences / inspirations? I’m more inspired by life’s surroundings than music itself. Ray LaMontagne’s music and voice inspire me at present.

3) What inspires your lyrics? Again it is the things that have and still happen to me.

4) How did you make the transition from drums to singer / songwriter? (Are you the new Phil Collins!?) I if I could be white and bald then I would love to be the new Phil Collins, unfortunately I’m not! The transition happened without me even knowing but was definitely not an overnight thing.

5) You seem proudly Northern, what do Blackpool and Manchester mean to you? The working class environment makes me feel safe and at home.

42

6) How do you feel when you are on stage?

Alive.

11) Who would you most like to duet with?

Ray LaMontagne

7) What’s your favourite song and why?

True Colours by Cindy Lauper. This song speaks for itself.

12) How has your life changed since “In the City” two years ago? It is the same day everyday but I get more compliments now!

8) Like any rising music star the papers have been quick to compare you to other people: Tracy Chapman, Alanis Morrisette, Joan Armatrading, and Jeff Buckley. Which do you approve of? All of the above! What an honour, it’s not like I am being compared to Gina G!!!

13) Where do you see yourself in a year’s time? In New York with Simon (guitarist and writing partner) writing my second album.

9) I read your comment in the Observer about being “androgynous” and not being a “girly girl”. Are you protective of your image and determined not to conform? I dress the only way that I can and I feel comfortable the way that I am. My image is not something that I even think about.

10) Do you think there are more barriers to making it and being yourself in the music industry for young gay artists? I’ve never preached about being gay and people are beginning to listen to my music. I think if you’re good it doesn’t matter. Just look at Rufus Wainwright and Anthony and The Johnston’s.

14) What is the most exciting thing that has happened in your musical journey so far?

Being picked as Single of the Week on Radio 2 this week.

15) What’s the best thing about being a woman? My Skin.

Karima’s next single ‘Again’ is out on March 9th, and her debut album ‘The Author’ is released on March 23rd. Karima’s nationwide tour will be calling in at Manchester’s Deaf Institute on March 25th so get your tickets now before it’s too late. www.gigsandtours.com To hear a sneak preview of ‘The Author’ and to get the low down on Karima’s tour dates, including a free gig at Blackburn College visit: www.myspace.com/karimafrancis

Eye Candy

film dvd tv

eyecandy

,

pieces

Reeces TV

quick fix media hits from the blockbuster syringe

DVD

Certificate 18. Released 9th March, ÂŁ14.99rrp. Peccadillo Pictures. beginning with the pointless Summer, a simplistic and pointless coming out scene and nothing more and closing with VGL Hung, an internet fantasy with a likable lead who wishes to be a popular hunk. The collection prides itself on it's diversity throwing everything at the wall and hoping some of it sticks.

Gay Zombie is exactly what it sounds like, Le Weekend is a french student's uneventful super 8 footage of London's Soho, the DVD's only documentary, Packed Lunch, will be a delight for Speedo lovers only and Cowboy Forever contributes the collection's docu-drama component with a tale of Brazilian cowboys in love. The two highlights of the set have to be the top quality UK entry, Scarred, an involving and surprising snapshot of a young man's past and present emotional and physical scars. MIrror, Mirror is a simple and touching dialogue between an older man and his female alter-ego, it shouldn't work but it does.

pieces Gay Zombie

A welcome showcase for gay short films finally arrives on DVD.

shorts

Any compilation of short films is likely to be a hitand-miss endeavour, especially when the sole connecting thread is an exploration of gay life and relationships. In 1993 Dangerous to Know was the pioneering video label which released the original Boys on Film compilation, the first in a successful and influential series which aimed to bring gay and lesbian films and filmmakers to to wider audience.

Now Peccadillo Pictures has resurrected the series and released over two hours of original material from around the world. The result is decidedly mixed

This is the first in a planned three part series of shorts to be released throughout the year, and though this first collection is a little disappointing overall the series potential is unlimited and exciting.

Sadly, the vast majority of gay and lesbian short films do not have a life, or audience, outside of the festival circuit and it's thanks to Boys On Film that these small bursts of creativity can now find an outlet and home.

REECE

DVD

pieces

Certificate 18. Released 30th March, ÂŁ14.99rrp.

Peccadillo Pictures.

This two disc set includes both a feature film, directed by a one-time Playgirl centerfold, and a documentary, When Boys Fly, both attempting to penetrate the lure of the circuit party.

Circuit starts promisingly with a small-town cop moving to LA and quickly immersing himself in a sex'n'pecs lifestyle of drugs and dance music. The 44

movie indulges in it's own superficiality for the next two hours as well as displaying the emptiness of it all, both warning and glamorising in the same style. The circuit party lifestyle is displayed as some sort of inevitable spiral which culminates in the self-induced overdose of a full-time hustler whose life has reached rock bottom due to the fact he's hit 30!

The unrelated documentary follows a supposedly diverse gaggle of party boys -one's got a drug problem another doesn't touch the stuff- over one weekend. The film ultimately reveals nothing as an incredibly high nipple count just gives way to darker footage of the night's casualties being dragged away by medics.

REECE

ANY LGBT FILM FESTIVAL AROUND THE WORLD WILL HAVE A PLENTIFUL ARRAY OF SHORT FILMS -USUALLY GROUPED BY SOME COMMON THEME- WHICH ARE ASSUMED AND HOPED TO BE THE STARTING POINT OF A DIRECTOR'S CAREER AND MOVE TOWARDS THE MAINSTREAM. One of the best short films of all time is the Oscar winning Trevor, made over fifteen years ago and set in the early eighties in which the title character's coming out is assisted by a pair of Diana Ross tickets and episodes of Fame. Not only is this a perfect example of gay-themed short story telling it also qualifies as one of the most likable and best coming out tales I've seen.

Many coming out or coming of age stories arrive at film festivals, gay stores and at outnorthwest every month and this predominant genre of gay cinema is fast getting stuck in a rut gasping for a new vision or voice. Seemingly every gay indie filmmaker what's to pick up a camera and trawl through the same old narratives to tell 'their story'. This usually consists of escaping from a small town, distant or angry parents and unresolved crushes. At the other end of the spectrum lies the aftermath of the American Queer As Folk, in which gay films involve a privileged and hedonistic lifestyle constructed from topless scenes and an overabundance of lazy club-based sequences.

These are minority films in every sense as they not only fix their sights on a gay audience but seemingly target only a fraction of that audience. These films will never break into the mainstream -if that's their goal, and which director doesn't really want that, no matter what they cry about perceived audiences. There's no question over the importance of gay and lesbian characters and images in the mainstream and self-indulgent earnestness will only ghettoize gay visibility. In a post-Milk cinematic landscape the idea of gay-film is dissolving into the multiplex and loosing it's definition. An openly gay director can now produce record-breaking comic book adaptations that work for all audiences with no overt gay content and in 2008 an openly gay actress played a romantic straight lead in the fastest selling DVD of all time.

There must be great, original coming out stories ready to be told but being gay does not, in itself, make great cinema; story first, sexuality second.

Red Button

red

butt n

Sam and Marc.

They’re a PC. We’re a Mac.

press to play

some neW faces & reGulars Back for more... t’s a new year and there’s lots of movers and shakers in the tech-world as always at this time.

Red Button looks at a couple of major shake up’s in ‘09 and one that we may get a year early....

I

Possibly coming 2009. Who knows?

OK, BEFORE YOU ASK, THEY WAY WE FIGURE IT IS WINDOWS 1, WINDOWS 2, WINDOWS 3(.1), WINDOWS 95, WINDOWS XP, WINDOWS VISTA AND TA DAH!; WE ARRIVE AT WINDOWS 7.

PALM PRE Coming 2nd QTR of 2009

WINDOWS 7

HOW ANNOYED MUST PALM BE AFTER UMPTEEN YEARS OF BEAVERING AWAY ON THE THANKLESS TASK OF KEEPING THE LATE 90’S GEEK AT THE TOP OF THEIR GAME IN MOBILE COMPUTING? Yes, we owned a Palm Pilot - but interlopers such as Apple et al suddenly came along and ripped the carpet from under them and everyone’s too busy playing on their Blackberry or Blueberry or Chuck Berry (although technically he too is a black Berry) to notice.

Well, Palm have been re-beavering at their workshops and have come up with the ‘Pre’, due out (well, in America at least) in the Spring.

This gorgeous little device comes with a brand new operating system that presently seems to challenge (clutches pearls) Apples in terms of aesthetics and usability (ie – you can copy and paste and suck on that Steve Jobs!).

There’s a 3.1 Megapixel Camera with LED flash and say goodbye to those 3 pin chargers clogging up your 4-gang: this one gobbles up the juice MAGICALLY. Well, not really, it uses magnetic conduction for power & data transfer. Just rest the Pre on the special ‘Touchstone’ unit and it sorts itself out.

How cool?

Originally planned for 2010, this may well slip into this year instead. We’ve had an extended fiddle with a Beta for a few months now and we’re pleasantly surprised. Already, it seems much ‘lighter’ than Vista and there’s a lot more integration with online sites such as Windows Live. It seems to boot up obscenely quickly too. Gadgets which were once relegated into the Sidebar now live freely as part of the interface itself.

Apparently there’ll be a version for netbooks, so those of us who got ickle baby laptops for Chrimbo may well be able to upgrade if you so wish, although we’ll probably stay with XP for a while yet. Mac fans please email us at waahwaahitsjustaripoffofMacOS@wedontcare.com for more info.

FREEVIEW HD

Coming 4t h QTR DO YOU KNOW HOW of 2009 YOU SPENT ALL THAT MONEY ON THAT BRAND NEW 52” FREEVIEW LCD TELLY IN PREPARATION OF THE ANALOGUE SWITCHOVER THIS NOVEMBER?

Well get prepared to shout abuse at it because the incompatible FreeviewHD is on the way. Don’t get too narked, mind. ‘Standard’ Freeview is going nowhere (in fact it’ll be getting an obscenely large signal boost once analogue is off ) but FreeviewHD will be using the newer MPEG4 codec which don’t work with 99.99999% of existing boxes or tellies.

Mancunians need not worry mind, as their fair city has also been chosen as a test ground for another trial – this time providing a further Multiplex containing around 7 more channels – albeit aimed at ‘local’ services.

So expect to see Andy Cranes’ fizzog on your Freeview box 17 times a day as per normal Channel M broadcasting guidelines (we love ‘em really).

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Out & About

46

Out & About

47

Sport

48

Sport

49

❏ GREATER MANCHESTER LISTINGS

MANCHESTER INCLUDING THE GAY VILLAGE

LGF Safer sex packs available at most venues 88 Listing Indicator

£ Portland Street

Major Street Hart Street

16

18

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11

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2

27 33

£

37

Whitworth Street

8

50

ne

Ba

et tre nS u to Ay

44 24 13

20

La

19 29 22

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8 CHURCHILLS Mixed 37 Chorlton St,

Do you play the lottery?

C

a hin

Canal Street

Whitworth Street

14 AXM LATE / AXM LOUNGE 100 Bloom St, 0161 228 1666 0161 236 5529 ----------------------------------------------------------churchillsmanchester.com lively 13 LEGENDS Mixed 4-6 Whitworth Street, 1 ALTER EGO 105-107 Princess St, 0161 236 5400 legendsmanchester.com 0161 236 9266 clubalterego.co.uk home to traditional bar.

Poptastic every Tuesday and Saturday night. ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------7 COMPANY BAR Men Only 15 MANTO Mixed 46 Canal Street, -----------------------------------------------------------28 Richmond St, 0161 237 9329.

0161 236 2667 mantobar.com popular 2 CRUNCH 2 Mixed companybarmanchester.co.uk village venue. www.crunch2.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------10 Canal St M1 3EZ 9 COYOTES Mixed Bar MINT LOUNGE 46-50 Oldham St, Tel: 0161 236 0446 Northern Quarter, 0161 228 1495, ------------------------------------------------------------ 14 Chorlton Street, 0161 236 4007 coyotesbar.co.uk pleasant two floor bar 5 BAA-BAR Sackville Street, an enjoyable and trendy bar. and eatery.

----------------------------------------------------------0161 247 7997 baabar.co.uk glitter balls ----------------------------------------------------------- 16 NAPOLEONS Trans 35 Bloom St, and a flashy dance floor.

0161 236 8800 napoleons.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------ 10 CRUZ 101 101 Princess Street, ----------------------------------------------------------2 BAR BELOW 34 Canal Street, 0161 236 0161 950 0101 cruz101.com one of 5757, intimate and modern bar serving 17 NEW YORK NEW YORK 94 Bloom St, Manchester’s most popular nightclubs.

0161 236 6556, busy fun pub which is drinks and food.

------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------- popular with lesbians and gays of all ages.

----------------------------------------------------------THE BAY HORSE 35-37 Thomas St, 11 EDEN 3 Brazil Street, 0161 237 9852 edenbar.co.uk OVERDRAUGHT Student Northern Quarter, 0161 661 1041, food served daily 121 Princess Street, 0161 237 0811 a traditional gay friendly pub ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------12 ESSENTIAL 8 Minshull Street, 6 BULL’S HEAD Gay Friendly 18 PADDY’S GOOSE 29 Bloom St, 0161 835 1300 essentialmanchester.com 0161 236 1246. Popular gay bar.

84 London Rd, 0161 236 1724, Manchester's gay super-club, two venues in one. ----------------------------------------------------------gay friendly pub.

------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------- 19 QUEER Mixed 4 Canal Street, 0161 228 1368 queer-manchester.com ----------------------------------------------------------20 RETRO BAR 78 Sackville Street, 0161 274 4892, ideal meeting place.

Well why sign up to www.LGF.lottopartners.co.uk and find a smarter ----------------------------------------------------------way to play the UK lotto & Euromillions!!

21 SPIRIT Canal Street, M1 3WB 0161 237 9725, www.spiritbar.uk.com ----------------------------------------------------------Have a share of 88 lines for just £5! Visit www.LGF.lottopartners.co.uk 22 TAURUS 1 Canal Street, watch the video and sign up to be in with a better chance of winning!

161 236 4593 taurus-bar.co.uk a delightful bar and restaurant experience.

The LGF does not encourage you to gamble, however, if you already ----------------------------------------------------------play the UK Lotto or EuroMillions, then increase your chance of winning 23 THE NEW UNION Mixed 111 Princess St 0161 228 1492 newunionhotel.com big and visit our new website www.LGF.lottopartners.co.uk today ----------------------------------------------------------and join our syndicate!

■ PUBS, CLUBS and BARS

43

London Road

Sackville Garden

Brazil Street

31

Chorlton Street

15

ff

35

Richmond Street

28 Sackville Street

Princess Street

21

7

ri Ta

46

et

38

Bloom Street

9

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45

34

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4

38 Richmond Street

23

Northern Quarter

r we Bre

40 42 39

Parking Cash Machine

Hart Street

36

Bloom Street

£

Major Street

Minshull Street

17

(Free City Centre Bus)

Chorlton Street Bus/Coach Station

26 Abingdon Street

3

Chorlton Street

Sackville Street

Princess Street

10

32 1

Train Station Metrolink Stop Metroshuttle Stop

Portland Street

ck

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Piccadilly Train Station

£

6

24 THE OUTPOST Mainly men 4-6 Whitworth St, 0161 236 5400, ----------------------------------------------------------25 THE REMBRANDT Mainly men 33 Sackville St, 0161 236 1311 rembrandthotel.com and the-rem.com popular bar, hotel and bistro.

----------------------------------------------------------26 THOMPSONS ARMS 123 Sackville Street, 0161 237 5919, a warm welcoming bar.

----------------------------------------------------------27 TRIBECA 50 Sackville Street, 0161 236 8300, tribeca-bar.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------28 VANILLA Mainly women 39-41 Richmond Street, 0161 657 8890 vanillagirls.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------29 VELVET 2 Canal Street, 0161 236 9003, food served daily.

----------------------------------------------------------30 VIA 28-30 Canal Street, 0161 236 6523, refurbished for 2008 ----------------------------------------------------------31 VIEW 40 Canal St, 0161 236 9033 -----------------------------------------------------------

❏ GREATER MANCHESTER LISTINGS continued ■ CLUB NIGHTS ALERT Monthly club nights at Legends www.club-alert.com ----------------------------------------------------------DECON ONE www.club-alert.com/defcon/ ----------------------------------------------------------KINK Leather, Rubber, Scally etc. Sub 101 (Under Cruz 101) kinkuk.com ----------------------------------------------------------RECREATION clubrecreation.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------POPTASTIC poptastic.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------FEDERATION clubfederation.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------BOLLOX Diverse mix bollox.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------

■ COMMUNITY & HEALTH 32 ALBERT KENNEDY TRUST Princess House 105-107 Princess St, 0161 228 3308 providing supported lodgings, mentoring, be-friending and information and advice to young LGBT people. admin@akt.org.uk akt.org.uk -----------------------------------------------------------33 BANNATYNES HEALTH CLUB 36-38 Whitworth St, 0161 236 6864, gay friendly.

-----------------------------------------------------------KATH LOCKE CENTRE 123 Moss Lane East, Hulme 0161 455 0211 ----------------------------------------------------------32 THE LESBIAN AND GAY FOUNDATION (LGF) Princess House 105-107 Princess St, 0161 235 8035 for all your LGB information and services, visit www.lgf.org.uk or email info@lgf.org.uk for more information.

----------------------------------------------------------THE CITY CENTRE PROJECT 52 Oldham Street, 0161 228 3308 and 3309 Project works with young people 16-25 yrs who’s primary disadvantage is homelessness.

-----------------------------------------------------------

PLEASE EMAIL YOUR LISTING TO listings@lgf.org.uk

PROUD 2 B PARENTS 07970 298559 or 0161 636 7507 matt.roberts@manchester.nhs.uk For LGBT parents and their children.

----------------------------------------------------------HUMANIST FUNERALS Helen Smith is a sympathetic listener who creates moving and personal ceremonies.

0161 881 9568 -----------------------------------------------------------

■ SHOPS / SERVICES

LGYM PO Box 153, 0161 273 7838, LGBT 14-25yrs

-----------------------------------------------------------

38 CLONE ZONE 36-38 Sackville St, 0161 236 1398 clonezone.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------39 FUNKY CROP SHOP 37 Bloom Street 0161 237 1032 Village hair shop.

----------------------------------------------------------FRINGE Richmond Street M1 3HF 0161 236 5554 ----------------------------------------------------------■ EATERIES 40 NICE ‘N’ NAUGHTY 39 Bloom Street 0161 228 0020 EIGHTH DAY 111 Oxford Road, 0161 273 1850 ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------LAVA CAFÉ BAR 0161 833 2444 lavacafebar.co.uk 41 OLIVE DELI 36-38 Whitworth St, ------------------------------------------------------------ 0161 236 2360 36 GENGHIS KHAN 16 Chorlton St -----------------------------------------------------------

LIFELINE 101-103 Oldham St, 0161 839 2054

------------------------------------------------------------ 42 PURE TANNING & VILLAGE OFF LICENSE 37-39 Bloom Street, 0161 236 1788 37 SHANG HI Gay Friendly 61 Whitworth ----------------------------------------------------------Street, 0161 228 7868 ------------------------------------------------------------ 43 ROB 17 China Lane, 0161 236 6222 rob.com leather, rubber and twisted gear.

THAT CAFÉ 1031 Stockport Rd 0161 432 4672 ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------UPPERCUTS BARBERS The Arndale THE LEAD STATION 99 Beech Road, Chorlton Market, Manchester 07784 156693 0161 881 5559 ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------LIVEBAIT Gay Friendly 22 Lloyd Street

-----------------------------------------------------------

0161 228 1631 genghiskhans.co.uk

0161 817 4110

-----------------------------------------------------------BRASSERIE Gay Friendly Albert Square 0161 834 7633

-----------------------------------------------------------35 DRIP COFFEE Coffee Bar Fourways House, 57 Hilton Street 0161 235 5100

-----------------------------------------------------------SAPPORO TAPANYAKI 91-93 Liverpool Road, Castlefield M3 4JN 0161 831 988

-----------------------------------------------------------CROMA Pizza and Pasta 498-500 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, M21 9AP 0161 881 1117

-----------------------------------------------------------CROMA Pizza and Pasta 1 Clarance Street, Manchester, Lancashire, M24 DE 0161 237 9799

-----------------------------------------------------------CROMA Pizza and Pasta 30 Longfield Centre, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 1AY 0161 798 7666 www.croma.biz

------------------------------------------------------------

■ HOTELS AND B&B

44 INTERNATIONAL HOTEL 34 London Road, 0161 236 1010 ----------------------------------------------------------CLYDEMOUNT GUEST HOUSE 866 Hyde Road, Debdale Park, M18 7LH 0161 231 1515 clydemount.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------

■ SAUNAS 45 H2O ZONE 36-38 Sackville St, 0161 236 3876 h2ozonesauna.com seven day sauna for gay and bi men.

----------------------------------------------------------46 THE BASEMENT 18 Tariff St, 0161 237 9996 basementcomplex.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------

■ AGENCIES

34 ACROBALENO Jackson’s Warehouse,

----------------------------------------------------------LIFESHARE male sex workers advice, 0161 953 4069

----------------------------------------------------------LIKT 0781 398 1338 coordinator@likt.org.uk health project for young LB women

----------------------------------------------------------MANCHESTER SMOKING CESSATION 0161 205 5998

----------------------------------------------------------PANKHURST CENTRE 60-62 Nelson Street, Chorlton-on-Medlock, 0161 273 5673

----------------------------------------------------------ST. MARY’S CENTRE Hathersage Road, 0161 276 6515, Sexual Assault Referral Centre.

THE LESBIAN COMMUNITY PROJECT 49-51 Sidney Street, 0161 273 7128

----------------------------------------------------------THE VILLAGE CITIZEN ADVICE BUREAU 0161 834 2005 advice@thevillage.org.uk

-----------------------------------------------------------

■ CLINICS BROOK ADVISORY Lever St, 0161 237 3001

----------------------------------------------------------WALKDEN MEDICAL CENTRE Dr Simon Wright, 2 Hodge Road, 0844 477 2434

----------------------------------------------------------JARMAN CLINIC Withington Hosp, 0161 217 4939

----------------------------------------------------------MANCHESTER CENTRE FOR SEXUAL HEALTH Oxford Rd, 0161 276 5200

----------------------------------------------------------NORTH MANCHESTER GUM Delauneys Rd, Crumpsall, 0161 720 2681

----------------------------------------------------------RUSHOLME HEALTH CENTRE Walmer St, 0161 225 6699

----------------------------------------------------------THE CLINIC @ THE LGF call Peter on 0161 235 8025 lgf.org.uk

---------------------------------------------------------KESHET. www.keshetmanchester.org.uk A group for LGBT queer and questionining jews

ADDACTION 31 Robert Street, 20 Tariff Street, Manchester 0161 228 2677 ------------------------------------------------------------ 0161 214 0770 addaction.org Prison resettlement for people with drug problems ----------------------------------------------------------ALCOHOL AND DRUG SERVICES 29A Ardwick Green North, 0161 272 8844 alcoholanddrugservices.org.uk ----------------------------------------------------------MANCHESTER DRUG SERVICE The Bridge, 104 Fairfield Street 0161 273 4040 ----------------------------------------------------------MANCHESTER FOYER 61 Booth Street West, Hulme 0161 276 1000 Supported accomodation for 16-25s ----------------------------------------------------------42ND ST 20 Swan St, 0161 832 0170, advice for young LGBs ----------------------------------------------------------BARNADOS MANCHESTER LEAVING CARE SERVICES 36 Monton St, M14 4ZT 0161 226 6722 ----------------------------------------------------------BARNARDO’S HEALTH THROUGH ACTION The Progress Centre, Charlton Place, Ardwick Green, 0161 273 2901

----------------------------------------------------------BLACK HEALTH AGENCY 464 Chester Rd, 0161 226 9145, AIDS Helpline 0800 0967500

----------------------------------------------------------BODY POSITIVE 39 Russell Road, Whalley Range 0161 882 2200

----------------------------------------------------------COMMUNITY ALCOHOL TEAM 0161 230 6382

----------------------------------------------------------COMMUNITY ARTS NORTH WEST 46-50 Oldham St, 0161 234 2975 info@can.uk.com

----------------------------------------------------------GEORGE HOUSE TRUST 77 Ardwick Green North, 0161 274 4499 ght.org.uk

----------------------------------------------------------LESBIAN DROP IN contact Chrissy, 01204 494307, first Sunday of the month, 1-4pm.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Open all week Midday to 11.00pm

SAPPORO ...not just sushi!

Sapporo Teppanyaki Where the finest quality ingredients, steaks, meats and fish are cooked in front of your own eyes by your very own flamboyant and colourful experienced Teppanyaki Show Chef!

A unique sizzling and sumptuous dining experience not to be missed! Book now. Visit our website to book online at: www.sapporo.co.uk

SAPPORO MANCHESTER 91 - 93 Liverpool Road, Manchester, M3 4JN

T: 0161 831 9888

F: 0161 839 4030 E: manchester@sapporo.co.uk

51

â?? GREATER MANCHESTER LISTINGS continued â– GROUPS MORF Transguys in Manchester LGBT Centre, 45-51 Sydney St Mcr, M1 7HB ----------------------------------------------------------40+ GAY MENS GROUP A support and social

MARRIED MENS GROUP A support group meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday 7.30-9pm.

0845 3 30 30 30

----------------------------------------------------------METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCH @ St Chrysostom’s Anson Rd, 0161 249 0649

group meets every Thursday 7.30-9pm.

0845 3 303030

-----------------------------------------------------------

ART CLASS Arts based activity group meets every Friday 7-9pm. 0845 3 303030

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------AS GOOD AS YOU 2 For LGBTs with learning difficulties. Call Iain 07709 494636

-----------------------------------------------------------

MMU LGB SOCIETY call Ellie on 0161 247 6487 or James on 0161 247 6437 NORTHERN CONCORD PO Box 258, Manchester M60 1LN, northernconcord.org.uk

----------------------------------------------------------OUT IN THE CITY call Sue 0161 833 3944, older LGBTs meet alternate Thurs at Taurus.

BIPHORIA bisexual support 18+ 07941 811124 biphoria.org.uk

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

BLACK NORTH WEST For lesbian, gay and bisexual people of colour, meet at the LGF onthe first Friday of the month from 7.30pm.

0845 3 30 30 30

QUEER YOUTH MANCHESTER 07092 031 086 info@queeryouth.org.uk

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

CAROUSEL A social group for Lesbian and Bisexual Women meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday 7.30-9pm. 0845 3 30 30 30

RIGHT2UNITE Zion Centre 0161 226 0170

OUTWRITE 07931 915 620 LGBT writing group

----------------------------------------------------------RAINBOW FAMILIES c/o LCP, 0161 273 7128

-----------------------------------------------------------

â– SPORTS GROUPS MANCHESTER STINGERS WFC manchesterstingers.net

GAY NATURIST SWIM nude_n_manchester@yahoo.co.uk all ages

EDWARD CARPENTER COMMUNITY OF GAY MEN - committed to personal growth, support, trust and friendship. www.gaycommunity.org.uk

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

ICEBREAKERS 0845 330 3030 Gay & Bi Men’s support group meets 8pm every Wednesday at the LGF icebreakersmanchester.org.uk

AGE CONCERN MANCHESTER 0161 833 3944 LGBT worker Sue Morris

VILLAGE MANCHESTER FC All Welcome.

Training Every Thursday. vmfc.co.uk

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

SM DYKES Manchester SMDykes.org.uk

INNER ENIGMA 0845 838 1264 7pm -10pm info@innerenigma.co.uk

-----------------------------------------------------------

MANCHESTER FRONT RUNNERS 07966 143123 manchesterfrontrunners.org

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

SPHERE contribute to a South Asian LBT theatre project. 07854 901330 all@sphere.org.uk

LESBIAN AND GAY YOUTH MANCHESTER 0161 273 7838 info@lgym.org.uk meets every Sat 3pm-7pm

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

4th Tuesday 7.30-9pm. 0845 3 303030 -----------------------------------------------------------

LET’S DO LUNCH 07813 083242 paulad650@aol.com

STEPPING STONES A support group for Lesbian and Bisexual women meets 2nd and

TRIANGLE CLUB group for deaf LGBs. triangle_club_@hotmail.com

----------------------------------------------------------MANCHESTER VIXENS LADIES FC manchestervixens.co.uk

----------------------------------------------------------WEEKENDERS LGBT walking group geocities.com/weekenders_uk

----------------------------------------------------------JESSIES WALKING GROUP manchesterjessies@yahoo.co.uk

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

its.elly@yahoo.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------

VADA THEATRE COMPANY PO Box 92, 0161 881 0886

MANCHESTER SHARKS water polo. manchestersharks.co.uk

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

MANCHESTER CHRISTIAN GROUP 07743 476191

MANCHESTER FOYER Part of St Vincents Housing Association, 61 Booth Street West, Hulme 0161 276 1000 manchesterfoyer.org.uk

NETBALL Women only group with weekly coaching, 8-10pm 07939 477 026

-----------------------------------------------------------

NORTHERN WAVE SWIMMING CLUB 0161 872 1990 northernwave.org

----------------------------------------------------------MANCHESTER LESBIAN AND GAY CHORUS 07944 056047 www.mlgc.org.uk

-----------------------------------------------------------

MANCHESTER LGB ASYLUMGROUP 07816 992218

SOUTH MANCHESTER WOMEN’S AID Support and advice to women and children experiencing domestic violence.

Refuge: 0161 861 8428

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

OUTDOOR LADS outdoorlads.com

MANCHESTER PARENTS GROUP 01565 733891

FRIENDS OF SACKVILLE GARDENS friendsofsackvillegardens@hotmail.com

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

KESHET www.keshetmanchester.org.uk info@keshetmanchester.org.uk A group for LGBT queer and questioning jews.

LGF RAMBLERS info@lgf.org.uk

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

OPEN ATHLETICS 07709 000436 openathletics.org

MANGO MENS DINING CLUB 07866 909677 mango.news@btopenworld.com

GAY GORDONS MANCHESTER Scottish Country and Ceilidh Dancing and classes. geocities.com/gay_gordons_mcr

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

MANCHESTER GAY SKINHEADS www.oi-skinhead.com

TEAM LGF CHARITY CHALLENGES Great Manchester Run, Great North Run, Great Swim, oversees charity challenges and Skydiving. email: emma@lgf.org.uk

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

MANCHESTER BADMINTON CLUB Badminton club 07939 477026

-----------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------QUEER SKINHEAD BROTHERHOOD QueerSkinBrotherhood@googlemail.com

-----------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------VILLAGE SPARTANS villagespartans.co.uk

-----------------------------------------------------------

NORTHERN ACES TENNIS GROUP northernacestennis.com

"10 !, 2+ % Meet at 2pm, 2nd Sunday of every other month in Manchester’s Gay Village. Next meetings: 8th March, 10th May Enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon, chill & chat over good food and a bottle of wine.

For info. or to reserve a place Tel 0781 308 3242 email paulad650@aol.com www.lesbiandiners.co.uk

OUT ON SUNDAY 07775 671691 Walking group

----------------------------------------------------------BELUGA DIVERS Scuba Diving club for the LGBT community. belugadiving.co.uk NORTHERN FLIGHT BADMINTON CLUB For experiences players. northernflight.org.uk

-----------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------ABSOLUTELY DANCING Trinity High School every Wed from 8-10pm.

----------------------------------------------------------MANCHESTER PRAIRIE DOGS LINE DANCE CLUB manchesterprairiedogs.co.uk

----------------------------------------------------------NORTHERN JUMP Volleyball Group 07783 297965 northernjump.org.uk

-----------------------------------------------------------

SALFORD - CLINICS SALFORD SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Oaklands Hospital, Lancaster Road 0161 212 5717 ----------------------------------------------------------BROOK ADVISORY 55 Regent Street, Eccles, 0161 707 9550 ----------------------------------------------------------THE GATEWAY, Bolton Road, Walkden 0161 212 5717 Monday’s 6pm-8.30pm ----------------------------------------------------------52

www.genesisclubnig ww .ge .ge ene ene essis es isc isscclu clu ub ub bn n nig ig igh ght.co.u .uk uk Facebook fans - search ‘Genessis clubnight’

MANCHESTER WALKING WOMEN

ESSENCE COUNSELLING info@essencecounselling.org www.essencecounselling.org

-----------------------------------------------------------

WOMEN’S NIGHT Funk unky.Vocal. al. l.D .Dis isc sco.Hous usse e

LANCE BURN HEALTH CENTRE, Churchills Way, M6 5QX 0161 212 4600 Tue 6-8.30pm ----------------------------------------------------------SWINTON CLINIC, 139 Partington Lane, Swinton. 0161 212 5100 Tue 6pm-8.30pm ----------------------------------------------------------HIGHER BROUGHTON HEALTH CENTRE, Bevendon Square, M7 4TP 0161 212 4500 Wednesday’s 6pm-8.30pm Friday’s 9.30am-11.30am ----------------------------------------------------------IRLAM MEDICAL CENTRE, MacDonald Road, Irlam M44 5LH 0161 212 5400 Wednesday’s 6pm-8.30pm ----------------------------------------------------------ECCLES HEALTH CENTRE, Corporation Road, Eccles. 0161 212 5500 M30 0EL ----------------------------------------------------------SALFORD PRIMARY CARE TRUST, Albert Street, Eccles M30 0NJ 0161 212 5717 sexualhealth@salford-pct.nhs.uk -----------------------------------------------------------

â– GROUPS

SALFORD LGBT NETWORK 07947 909 339 www.salfordlgbt.net -----------------------------------------------------------

❏ GREATER MANCHESTER LISTINGS continued SALFORD YOUTH SERVICE LGBT Youth Group @ The Base 0161 778 0702 steve.dyson@salford.gov.uk

-----------------------------------------------------------

CHORLTON-CUM-HARDY ■ SHOPS/SERVICES

PAD 105 Manchester Road, Chorlton, 0161 881 0088 pad-chorlton.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------

■ BAR BAR BRAW Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton, Manchester -----------------------------------------------------------

■ BAR/EATERIE THE LEAD STATION 99 Beech Road, Chorlton 0161 881 5559 -----------------------------------------------------------

■ SAUNA HEAT 496A Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton, 0161 860 6666, sauna for gay and bi men.

-----------------------------------------------------------

BOLTON

■ PUBS, CLUBS & BARS BEDROCK 362 Blackburn Rd 07745 517523

----------------------------------------------------------THE YORK 112-114 Newport St, 01204 403000

MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICE (MhIST) 30 Chorley New Road, Bolton BL1 4AP 01204 527200 www.mhist.co.uk

-----------------------------------------------------------

■ AGENCIES / CLINIC

BOLTON GAY & BISEXUAL GROUP Bolton PCT, call Howard, 01204 387442 or 07795 017886

----------------------------------------------------------TOUCH OF CLASS A monthly disco for lesbian and bisexual women. 139 High Street.

07834 483646 doreen.single@ntlworld.co.uk

----------------------------------------------------------BOLTON GAY & BISEXUAL GROUP Bolton PCT, call Howard, 01204 387442 or 07795 017886

----------------------------------------------------------BOLTON CENTRE FOR SEXUAL HEALTH Minerva Road, Farnworth, 01204 390771

----------------------------------------------------------HIV WORKER Emma Massey 01204 390772

-----------------------------------------------------------

■ CLINIC

SAME DAY HIV TEST CLINIC. North Manchester General Hospital 0161 720 2845

-----------------------------------------------------------

OLDHAM ■ CLINICS

ROCHDALE - continued ■ PUBS, CLUBS & BARS BAR VEGAS 37 Bailey Street, 01706 860 005 -----------------------------------------------------------

STOCKPORT ■ PUBS, CLUBS & BARS

HIV WORKER Emma Massey 01204 390772

ROYAL OLDHAM HOSPITAL Rochdale Road, 0161 627 0420

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

ARDEN ARMS 23 Millgate, 0161 480 2185 -----------------------------------------------------------

MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY SERVICE (MhIST) 30 Chorley New Road, Bolton BL1 4AP 01204 527200 www.mhist.co.uk

THE PHOENIX SEXUAL HEALTH CENTRE Royal Oldham Hospital, Oldham, 0161 627 8394

■ GROUPS

------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

■ GROUPS

GAY & BISEXUAL MEN’S GROUP Mondays 7-9pm, 01204 387442

----------------------------------------------------------UNDER 25 GAY & BISEXUAL GROUP Wednesdays 6-8pm, 01204 387442

----------------------------------------------------------READING GROUP FOR LESBIAN AND GAY LITERATURE Third Tues of month 6.30pm 01204 333173 central.library@bolton.gov.uk

-----------------------------------------------------------

PLEASE EMAIL YOUR LISTING TO listings@lgf.org.uk

----------------------------------------------------------THE STAR 11 Bow St, 01204 361113

CRUMPSALL

-----------------------------------------------------------

BURY

■ CLINIC/GROUPS THE BARLOW SUITE CLINIC Fairfield Hospital, Rochdale Old Rd, 0161 778 2755

----------------------------------------------------------CONNEXIONS 13-15 Broad Street, 0161 253 7165 Safe environment for young LGBTQ’s ----------------------------------------------------------YOUNG PERSON'S ADVISORY SERVICE (YPAS) Parsons Lane, Bury, BL9 0JZ. 0161 761 2136.

Sexual health services for under 20’s.

-----------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------------------------

■ GROUP

OUT IN OLDHAM 0161 627 0200 info@outinoldham.org.uk for 13-25 LGBs.

-----------------------------------------------------------

■ PUBS, CLUBS & BARS

DOG & DUCK 25 St. Domingos St, 07999 060646 www.thedogandduck.com ----------------------------------------------------------THE ABBEY INN Mixed 77 West Street, Oldham wynieladfreak.com -----------------------------------------------------------

■ SAUNA

PENNINE SAUNA 96 Rochdale Rd, Shaw, 01706 842 000 -----------------------------------------------------------

ROCHDALE ■ CLINICS

THE BRIDGE SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC, BAILLIE STREET 01706 627 8753 ----------------------------------------------------------CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM 01706 517 613 ----------------------------------------------------------SEXUAL HEALTH PROMOTION UNIT 01706 517 613 -----------------------------------------------------------

CENTRAL YOUTH ADVICE AND INFO. Counselling and sexual healh services for young people up to 25. 0161 480 9600.

----------------------------------------------------------PEOPLE LIKE US (PLUS) 07717 038868, 7.30PM Social support group info@stockportplus.org stockportplus.org LGBT Group, 2nd Wed of month at The Arden Arms ----------------------------------------------------------THE BASE LGB YOUTH GROUP 0161 477 4096 or contact Allison on 0161 476 1338 thebase@stockport.gov.uk ----------------------------------------------------------PLUS EXERCISE GROUP (PEG) - Arranges monthly walks in the Stockport area.

Contact Andy for details on 0161 419 4840.

----------------------------------------------------------PLUS READING GROUP Contact Andy for details on 0161 419 4840 -----------------------------------------------------------

■ CLINICS NHS WALK IN CENTRE MCR AIRPORT, TERMINAL 1 0161 489 2109, 7am-10pm ----------------------------------------------------------GUM DEPARTMENT STEPPING HILL HOSPITAL 0161 419 5370 -----------------------------------------------------------

❏ EMMA-LEIGH’S MANCHESTER SCENE doors are closed and everybody seems to be pouring themselves into a taxi.

Never Fear Spirit on Canal street hosts “Organic after hours party” from 2am till 8am every Sunday Morning.

MARCH 8TH MARKS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY WHICH IS CELEBRATED ALL AROUND THE WORLD TO MARK WOMEN'S STRUGGLE FOR EQUAL RIGHTS, JUSTICE, PEACE AND PROGRESS. THERE WILL BE LOTS OF EVENTS GOING ON AROUND MANCHESTER TO CELEBRATE THIS VERY IMPORTANT DAY. FOR THE BOYS For you boys who just cant stop dancing....even when the club

At only £5 entry on the door that's a whole lot of extra dancing brought to you by some of Manchester's best home-grown DJ's playing 100% house & electro beats till the A.M. FOR THE GIRLS Sugar & Spice @ Vanilla on Sunday 8th March. In celebration of International Women's day Barbara Nice will be gracing the stage with her hilarious show “hiya and higher”. Go to lgf.co.uk for ticket info. Coyotes have been hosting a big karaoke competition with the qualifiers every Tuesday since the 13th Jan the last qualifier will be on

Tuesday 10th March then the semi finals on 17th & 24th March with a big finale on 17th April with £750 to give away!!! Tuesday’s can be such a bore so get some mates together and either have a go yourself (bravery required) or just spectate which in my experience is always fun.

International Women's events will start on Sunday 8 March 2009 from 1 until 5pm in the Town Hall in Albert Square. On the day there will be a number of free exciting activities including interactive arts and crafts sessions, information stalls, discussions about women's health, education, employment, culture and details of other events being held throughout March.

BEST OF THE REST Cruz 101 on Thursday March 5th for one of Manchester’s busiest night's.

Cruz & Poptastic join forces and invite you to the ever loved “Poptastic”.

As you'd expect with such a fantastic team you will not be disappointed, the music will be a mix of Kitsch Classics V Dance & Trance anthems with a few wicked drinks promos thrown in its just too good to be missed!

LAST WORD Manchester Lesbian & Gay Chorus is held every Monday @ The Thompson's Arms from 7pm till 9pm. They are a community choir and welcome LGBT people with a diverse range of skills and abilities.

Join them to rehearse, socialise, and to perform at a range of events, including civil partnerships and events promoted by other LGBT community groups. Go to mlgc.org.uk for more info.

Much Love.

Emma-Leigh x ems_mojo@hotmail.co.uk

53

❏ GREATER MANCHESTER LISTINGS continued ■ SOLICITORS O'NEILL PATIENT SOLICITORS Chester House, 2 Chester Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport 0161 483 8555 oneillpatient.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------B. J. MCKENNA & CO 182A Heaton Moor Road, Heaton Moor, Stockport SK4 4DU 0161 432 5757 bj.mckenna@zen.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------

■ AGENCIES AGE CONCERN, 56 Wellington Street 0161 480 1211 ----------------------------------------------------------COMMUNITY HIV NURSE 07879 628918 ----------------------------------------------------------SOCIAL SERVICE HIV TEAM ADULTS 0161 419 5569 ----------------------------------------------------------SS HIV TEAM CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE 0161 475 6700 ----------------------------------------------------------STOCKPORT CENTRE FOR HEALTH PROMOTION Regent House Heaton Lane 0161 426 5091 -----------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------NO ATTITUDE 0161 912 2453, LGB Youth Group -----------------------------------------------------------

WIGAN ■ GROUPS THE B.YOU PROJECT 01942 203363, LGB Youth ----------------------------------------------------------WOMEN OUT IN WIGAN PO Box 287, Wigan, 07812 517543 ----------------------------------------------------------WIGAN PRIDE (WISK) 01942 242999 wiganpride.cjb.net -----------------------------------------------------------

■ PUBS, CLUBS & BARS

WIEND BAR 4-12 The Wiend WN1 1PJ 01942 824766 wiendbar.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------CLUB NIRVANA Monthly club night nirvana-wigan.co.uk ----------------------------------------------------------THE WAITING ROOM Weekly club / bar www.pop-wigan.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------

■ CLINIC

Manchester Pride would like to pay tribute to Peter Beswick, who has ran the Rembrandt pub for many years.

Manchester Pride began as a bring and buy sale outside the Rembrandt 18 years ago and without Peter's enthusiasm for Manchester's gay village it would not be the vibrant community it is now.

Manchester Pride would like to wish Peter all the happiness and success in the future and will be very much missed in the community.

From All at Manchester Pride.

SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Royal Albert Infirmary, Wigan Lane, 01942 822 277 -----------------------------------------------------------

TAMESIDE ■ CLINIC CRICKETS LANE CLINIC (GUM) Crickets Lane, Ashton-Under-Lyne, 0161 339 2222 -----------------------------------------------------------

WYTHENSHAWE

TRAFFORD

NEW START TRUST Alderman Downward House, Wythenshawe 0161 498 0615.

-----------------------------------------------------------

■ CLINIC THE TRAFFORD CENTRE FOR SEXUAL HEALTH Trafford Hospital, Moorside Rd, 0161 746 2621 -----------------------------------------------------------

■ AGENCIES

RELATE 346 Chester Road, 0161 872 0303 -----------------------------------------------------------

■ GROUPS

■ AGENCY

LISTINGS ARE CONTINUALLY BEING UPDATED. PLEASE EMAIL YOUR LISTING TO

listings@lgf.org.uk

HIV SUPPORT GROUP 0161 912 4611 hivpractitione@trafford.org.uk

❏ YORKSHIRE REGION INCLUDING LEEDS & BARNSLEY ❏ Leeds

LEEDS MAP 1

4 EATON’S H

TE BRIGGA

5

3

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SAUNA THE STEAM COMPLEX SAUNA Steam Complex, Eyres Avenue, Armley, LS12 3BA, 01132 798885 www.steamcomplex.com -----------------------------------------------------------SEXUAL HEALTH / CLINIC THE CENTRE FOR SEXUAL HEALTH Sunnybank Wing, Great George Street, Leeds. LS1 3EX Appointments: 0113 392 6724 or 0113 392 6725 Health Advisors: 0113 392 6057 -----------------------------------------------------------YORKSHIRE MESMAC www.mesmac.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------

❏ Huddersfield PUBS, CLUBS AND BARS THE GREYHOUND West Yorkshire HD1 3HJ 01484 420 742 -----------------------------------------------------------THE NEW UNION 3 Union Bank Yard, New Street, HD1 2BP Opening times: 'day to late' including Fri till 3am and Sat till 5am. 01484 535435 ------------------------------------------------------------

❏ Yorkshire - HEBDEN BRIDGE

➞

❏ Barnsley PUBS, CLUBS AND BARS THE MANX ARMS 32 Sheffield Road, Barnsley 07812 319976 www.themanxarms.com

54

E

PUBS, CLUBS AND BARS 1 CLONE ZONE 164 Briggate 0113 242 6967 Open ‘til 7, 7days a week -----------------------------------------------------------2 QUEEN’S COURT/LOFT 166 Lower Briggate 0113 245 9449 -----------------------------------------------------------3 BAR FIBRE Lower Briggate 08701 200888 -----------------------------------------------------------4 BASEMENT SAUNA 7 Heaton’s Court 0113 242 7730 -----------------------------------------------------------5 MISSION 8 – 13 Heaton’s Court 08701 220114 -----------------------------------------------------------6 BLAYDE’S BAR 3 – 7 Blayde’s Yard 0113 244 5590 ------------------------------------------------------------

7 THE NEW PENNY 57 – 59 Call Lane 0113 243 8055 -----------------------------------------------------------8 THE BRIDGE 1 – 5 Bridge End 0113 244 4734 -----------------------------------------------------------XIBIT 24 – 32 Bridge End 0113 368 4648 -----------------------------------------------------------VIADUCT 11 Lower Briggate 0113 245 4863 -----------------------------------------------------------RELIGION 174 Lower Briggate LS1 6DT 0113 246 9898 religionleeds.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------OLD RED LION Meadow Lane, Leeds. York Road, Whinmoor, LS14 2AD 0113 273 5573 ------------------------------------------------------------

PUBS, CLUBS AND BARS NELSONS WINE BAR Crown Street 01422 844 782 ------------------------------------------------------------

❏ Yorkshire - SCARBOROUGH PUBS, CLUBS AND BARS BACCHUS 7a Ramshill Road, Scarborough Lesbian and Gay Club, diverse crowd www.bacchus-scarborough.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------

❏ CUMBRIA, LANCS, STAFFS & ISLE OF MAN ❏ Cumbria - CARLISLE

❏ Lancashire - BLACKBURN

CLINIC CUMBERLAND INFIRMARY 01228 814814 --------------------------------------------------------SAUNA SWEAT SAUNA CLUB NOW OPEN Atlas House Nelson St CA2 5NB ---------------------------------------------------------

PUBS, CLUBS AND BARS BAR IBIZA 43 Darwen St 01254 695379 --------------------------------------------------------C’EST LA VIE Never Never Lane 11-15 Market St 01254 691877 --------------------------------------------------------STAGEDOOR 23 Mincing Lane 01254 674761 --------------------------------------------------------CLINIC SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Blackburn Royal Infirmary Bolton Rd 01254 687 304 --------------------------------------------------------SHOUT youngsters sexual health 01254 300126 shoutteam@yahoo.co.uk ---------------------------------------------------------

❏ Cumbria - KENDAL CLINIC SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Westmorland General Hospital Burton Rd 01539 795 217 --------------------------------------------------------GROUPS CUMBRIA SOCIETIES Brewery Arts Centre c/o Switchboard 01524 847 437 --------------------------------------------------------CUMBRIA LESBIANS NETWORK 1st Sat of month 01539 741 285 clnetwork@sky.com ---------------------------------------------------------

❏ Cumbria - AMBLESIDE GUEST HOUSES / B&B CHAPEL HOUSE Kirkstone Rd 01539 433 143 chapelhouse-ambleside.co.uk --------------------------------------------------------THORNCLIFFE lesbian owned - Windermere 015394 44338 thorncliffe-guesthouse.co.uk ---------------------------------------------------------

❏ Cumbria - WORKINGTON PUBS, CLUBS AND BARS STEAM PACKET INN 51 Stanley Street 01900 62186 --------------------------------------------------------CLINIC WORKINGTON INFIRMARY Infirmary Lane 01900 68737 ---------------------------------------------------------

❏ Cumbria - BARROW IN FURNESS CLINIC FURNESS GENERAL HOSPITAL Dalton Lane 01229 822760 --------------------------------------------------------GROUPS FURNESS LGBT FORUM c/o Wendy Phizacklea, 01229 836 426 or 07742 353 520 --------------------------------------------------------JIGSAW LGBT 18+ social group last Tues of month 7pm Railway Pub Abbey Rd 01229 836426 wendyphizacklea@youngcumbria.org.uk --------------------------------------------------------PAYGAL Tues 7pm till 10pm @ The Funky Monkey Suffolk Street --------------------------------------------------------LGBT YOUTH IN BARROW 13 -17 Thurs 7pm Resource Centre Suffolk St. Call Nikki or Wendy on 01229 836426 or 07742 353520 --------------------------------------------------------CUMBRIA LESBIANS NETWORK (CLN) 01524 858206 clnetwork@tiscali.co.uk ---------------------------------------------------------

❏ Lancashire - BURNLEY PUBS, CLUBS AND BARS GUYS AS DOLLS 133 St James Street 01282 414895 --------------------------------------------------------BACKSTAGE BAR 135 St James Street 01282 414895 --------------------------------------------------------GABRIELS Graffiti Club, Bethesda Road, Burnley Every Saturday from 10pm-3am --------------------------------------------------------CLINIC SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Burnley General Hospital Casterton Ave 01282 474032 --------------------------------------------------------CAFÉ RED TRIANGLE CAFÉ St. James Street 01282 832319 --------------------------------------------------------GROUPS QUAKER L&G FELLOWSHIP North West Group 16 Newfield Drive Nelson 01282 605724 --------------------------------------------------------FLAG - FORUM FOR LESBIAN AND GAYS 01282 430707 gayflagburnley.org.uk ---------------------------------------------------------

❏ Lancashire - CHORLEY GROUPS POUT! Youth group and helpline Every Wednesday 0800 7831524 pout99@hotmail.com --------------------------------------------------------AGENCY PROJECT OSCAR LGBT info. & support 0800 7835345 project-oscar@chorley-pct.nhs.uk ---------------------------------------------------------

AGENCIES - CONTINUED PROJECT OSCAR LGBT info. & support 0800 7835345 project-oscar@chorley-pct.nhs.uk -------------------------------------------------------GROUPS FAMILY & PARTNERS SUPPORT GROUP PO Box 72 Preston PR5 1PH 01772 621111 -------------------------------------------------------UCLAN LGBT SOCIETY Every Thurs at 8.30pm ro@cantthinkstraight.co.uk (female) or martin@cantthinkstraight.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------LANCASHIRE LESBIAN CONNECTION e-mail: lesbian_connection@yahoo.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------PRESTON LGBT CENTRE GROUP 07936 712478 prestonlgbt.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------CENTRAL LANCASHIRE HIV ADVICE Jacqueline Garcia Sanchez on 01772 825 684 HelpLine Office 01772 253 840 Drugline Lancashire Ltd, 2 Union Court Union Street, Preston PR1 2HD --------------------------------------------------------

❏ Lancashire - LANCASTER CLUB NIGHTS DANCING DIVA For more information, email: dancingdiva5@hotmail.com -------------------------------------------------------PUBS, CLUBS AND BARS THE GREGSON CENTRE Moor Lane Last Wed of Month 01524 849959 -------------------------------------------------------THE DUKE OF LANCASTER SHOWBAR 75 Church Street, Lancaster 01524 66909 -------------------------------------------------------GROUPS PYRO (Proud Youth Are Out) 07717 301821 pyro@ed.lancscc.gov.uk -------------------------------------------------------LESBIAN & GAY SWITCHBOARD 01524 847437 Thur/Fri 7-9pm -------------------------------------------------------LESBIAN SOCIAL GROUP (All ages) lunettes@btinternet.com for information --------------------------------------------------------

GAY FRIENDLY BAR IN ACCRINGTON: The Kings Arms, Gay run pub in Accrington CLINICS ROYAL LANCASTER INFIRMARY Ashton Community Care Centre 01524 387402 --------------------------------------------------------

❏ Lancashire - MORECAMBE CLINIC SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Queen Victoria Centre Thornton Rd 01524 405 704 --------------------------------------------------------

❏ Lancashire - ORMSKIRK PUBS THE LOLLIPOP LOUNGE thelollipop.co.uk -------------------------------------------------------GROUPS GAY COMMUNITY SUPPORT lgbt.uni.cc 07982 341496 / 07896 604593 -------------------------------------------------------AGENCY PROJECT OSCAR LGBT info. & support 0800 7835345 project-oscar@chorley-pct.nhs.uk ---------------------------------------------------------

❏ Isle Of Man HOTELS: DEVONIAN HOTEL Gay Friendly 4 Sherwood Terrace, 01624 674676 --------------------------------------------------------PITCARN HOTEL Gay Friendly 2 Church Road, Douglas 01624 674771 --------------------------------------------------------PUB - TRAFALGER PUBLIC HOUSE Gay Friendly South Quay, Douglas 01624 618131 ---------------------------------------------------------

❏ Staffordshire SOUTH STAFFS MESMEN PROJECT PO Box 3919 Lichfield Married Men’s Group TV/TS Group & Social Groups 01543 411413 --------------------------------------------------------SPACE LGBT YOUTH GROUP (16-21) 01543 419002 youth@mesmen.co.uk --------------------------------------------------------STAFFORDSHIRE BUDDIES PO Box 474 Hanley Stoke on Trent 01782 201251 ---------------------------------------------------------

❏ Lancashire - PRESTON PUBS, CLUBS AND BARS BLOWING WILD Grimshaw St 01772 881616 --------------------------------------------------------OBLIVION 12-14 Grimshaw St 01772 252876 --------------------------------------------------------CLINIC SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Royal Preston Hospital Sharoe Green Lane 01772 522814 --------------------------------------------------------AGENCIES PRESTON HIV SUPPORT TEAM PO Box 515 Preston PR1 8XP Helpline 01772 468170 phivst@aol.com ---------------------------------------------------------

55

❏ BLACKPOOL & CLASSIFIEDS

BLACKPOOL BLACKPOOL VILLAGE

L GIRLS GROUP Contact Lindsey on 07972 409551 or Andy on 07875 355 390 for further details TRANSINCLUSION GROUP For further details contact Charlotte on 07833 161 132 or Andrew Thompson on 07875 355 390

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Email: helpline@lgf.org.uk

LANCASHIRE LAD’S GROUP F/M Trans support and social group meets every second Tuesday of the month at he SHIVER offices 1020 Dickson Road Blackpool 01253 311 431. Contact Lewis on 07833 738 035 or Stefan on 07768 956 640 or Andy 07875 355 390 for further details

Local rate applies

RELAXATION GROUP contact Helen or Jo at SHIVER 102 Dickson Road Blackpool 01253 311 431 for further details HEP C SUPPORT GROUP Second and fourth Tuesday of the month contact Helen or Jo at SHIVER 102 Dickson Road Blackpool 01253 311 431 for further details WOMEN’S GROUP Contact Helen or Jo at SHIVER 102 Dickson Road Blackpool on 01253 311 431 CITY LEARNING CENTRE Bathurst Avenue, 01253 478 309 www.clcbusiness.com

❑ PUBS, CLUBS & BARS TRADES BAR Men Only 38-42 Queen Street FY1 2AY 01253 318798 tradesbar.co.uk 1

THE ALABAMA SHOWBOAT Gay friendly 1 Cocker Square FY1 1RX 01253 291155 thealabama.co.uk

2

FG2 Mixed 5 Dickson Rd FY1 2AX 01253 649153 fg2online.co.u

MILLENIUM VOLUNTEERS Young people 16-24, 15 Rigby Road, 01253 476656 sam.osborne@blackpool.gov.uk

LISTINGS ARE CONTINUALLY BEING UPDATED. PLEASE EMAIL YOUR LISTING TO listings@lgf.org.uk

THE WILLOWFIELD 01253 623406 51 BANKS ST. BLACKPOOL FY1 2BE

17

12 ROXY’S Gay friendly 23 Queen Street FY1 1NL 01253 622573 roxysonline.co.uk TABOO Mixed 69-71 Talbot Road FY1 1LL 01253 622573 tabooonline.co.uk

❑ SAUNAS

BED & BREAKFAST OPEN ALL YEAR Minutes from the Gay Scene email: willowfieldgh@blueyonder.co.uk www.willowfield-guesthouse.co.uk 5

6

THE FLAMINGO NIGHTCLUB Mixed 44 Queen Street, FY1 2AY 01253 649151 flamingoonline.co.uk THE FLYING HANDBAG Mixed 44 Queen Street FY1 2AY 01253 649155 flyinghandbagonline.co.uk

7

FUNNY GIRLS Gay friendly 5 Dickson Road FY1 2AX 01253 649154 funnygirlsonline.co.uk

9

MARDI GRAS Mixed 114 Talbot Road 01253 296262 gayzout.co.uk/themardigras.html

10 PEPE’S BAR Mostly men 94 Talbot Road FY1 1LR 01253 626691 pepesonline.co.uk 11 NEW ROAD INN Gay 244 Talbot Road FY1 3HL 01253 628872 astabgay.com/Blackpool_Gay_Pubs.htm

13 ACQUA SAUNA CLUB 25-26 Springfield Rd 01253 294610 acquasaunas.com HONEYCOMBE SAUNA 97-107 Egerton Road FY1 2NN 01253 752211 honeycombe.net 8 ❑WET WET WET SAUNA 01253 751 199 wetwetwetsauna.co.uk Blackpool's newest luxury sauna complex for Gay & Bisexual men

❑ EATERIES SLICES SANDWICH HOUSE Gay Owned 10 King Street. FY1 3EJ 01253 751441 AJ'S BISTRO Gay Friendly 65 Topping Street. FY1 3AF 01253 626111 16 AUTUMN LEAVES Gay Friendly 82 Topping Street. FY1 3AD 01253 620730 THE BUTTERY 1 Cheapside 01253 296667 14 CAFE USA 78 Talbot Rd 01253 752267 DON ANTONIO 91 Redbank Rd 01253 352440

15 LEVANTE 55 Topping St 01253 626941 MANDARIN CANTONESE RESTAURANT Gay Friendly 27 Clifton Street. FY1 1JD 01253 622687 NITE BITES Gay Friendly 50A Dickson Rd. FY1 2AJ 01253 627976 O’HENRYS EATERIE 76 Dickson Road 01253 752666 TRUFFLES STEAK HOUSE Gay friendly 51 / 53 Topping Street. FY1 3AF 01253 294804 18 WEST COAST ROCK CAFE Gay friendly 5/7 Abingdon Street 01253 751283

❑ GROUPS Ok2be Support service in Blackpool for young people up to 19 years of age.

Contact: Hayley Mills on 01253 754841 or email: Hayley.mills@Blackpool.gov.uk HEAL Info & help re: HIV 01253 290 052 LIBERTY CHURCH 07955 597771 libertychurchblackpool.org.uk

55+ OLDER MEN’S GROUP meets every second Monday of the month at the SHIVER offices 102 Dickson Road Ring Andrew Thompson on 07878 355 390.

SWOSS (SEX WORKERS SUPPORT SERVICES) drop in on a Monday 2.004.00pm at the SHIVER offices 102 Dickson Road Blackpool 01253 311 431 for further details contact Charleen on 07811 192 517 WOMEN’S GROUP Contact Helen or Jo at SHIVER 102 Dickson Road Blackpool on 01253 311 431

56

Chaps Hotel 9-11 Cocker Street, Blackpool, FY1 1SF. Telephone 01253 620541

Quality Accommodation Reasonable Prices

Exclusively Men Only Close to all the bars clubs and saunas

www.chapshotel.co.uk ❑ CLINICS / SEXUAL HEALTH SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Victoria Hospital Whinney Heys Rd 01253 306926 19 HIV NURSING TEAM 18a Queen St 01253 651930 20 NHS DROP IN CENTRE Talbot Rd BODY POSITIVE BLACKPOOL 23 South King Street 01253 292803 SHIVER Sexual Health HIV Education & Responses Drugline Lancashire Ltd at The Corner House, 102 Dickson Road, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 2BU 01253 311 431

❑ SOLICITORS ATKINSON, CAVE & STUART 45 Springfield Road, 01253 293151

❏ BLACKPOOL & CLASSIFIEDS continued ❑ BARBERS/HAIRDRESSING PAUL'S Unisex hairdresser 5 General Street. FY1 1RW 01253 290928

❏ HOTEL MAP & LISTINGS

DARAN HAIRDRESSING Gay owned 10 Edward Street. FY1 1BA 01253 441000 darans.co.uk

LISTINGS ARE BEING UPDATED! outnorthwest is constantly updating these listings.

If your details are incorrect, or you would like to be added to the listings, please contact listings@lgf.org.uk

EVOLUTION HAIR STUDIO Gay owned 255 Dickson Road. FY1 2JH 01253 620677

❑ GARDEN CENTRES THE GARDEN PLACE Gay Owned Cropper Road, FY4 5LB 01253 699987

❑ OTHER SERVICES

Some hotels share map numbers due to space restrictions

SMILE SPA AT HELIO FITNESS Newton Drive, Blackpool 01253 393909 atsmilespa.com

30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 37

HANDYBEAR Light deliveries and odd jobs 07880 743385

38

BLACKPOOL LGBT READING GROUP Blackpool Central Library, Queen Street, Blackpool Meetings every last Thursday of each month at 6.30pm www.blackpool4me.com /Blackpool4Me/Community/ LGBT/LGBTReadingGroup THE RENAISSANCE TRANSGENDER SUPPORT GROUP meetings twice monthly. Renaissance Web-site & Forum www.gynwayblackpool.com/ renaissance_transgender_forum.htm

24 25 26 27 28 29

40 41

41

❑ BLACKPOOL - HOTEL LISTINGS 1

TREMADOC 127 Dickson Rd 01253 624001

2

BROOKLYN 7 Wilton Parade 01253 627003

3

BARCIA HOTEL 40-42 Egerton Rd 01253 623130

4

HONEYCOMBE SAUNA 97-107 Egerton Rd FY1 2NN 01253 752211 honeycombe.net

5

GRAMPIAN HOUSE 4 Pleasant St 01253 291648

6

SHADOWLANDS Pleasant St 01253 625707

7 7 7 8 9 10 10 10 11 12

NEW BOND 72 Lord St 01253 628123 ASH LEA HOTEL 76 Lord St 01253 628161 GABRIELLE’S (Lesbian) 77 Lord St 01253 295565 WESTFIELD HOUSE 78 Lord St 01253 621992 LENBROOK 69 Lord St 01253 626737 THE WILCOT HOTEL 80 Lord St 01253 621101 PARK HOUSE 81 Lord St 01253 314571 ASTOR HOTEL 83-85 Lord St 01253 290669 COLIN’S 9 Cocker St 01253 620541 LONSDALE HOTEL 25 Cocker St 01253 621628

TRADES 51 Lord St Men only 01253 626401 KINGSMEAD 58 Lord St 01253 624496 BELVEDERE 77 Dickson Rd 01253 624733 DIXON 84 Dickson Rd 01253 752379 VIDELLA 80 Dickson Rd 01253 621201 THORNCLIFFE 63 Dickson Rd 01253 622508 WINDSOR HOUSE 47 Dickson Rd 0870 620 7000 windsorhousehotel.net EDWARD 27 Dickson Rd 01253 624271 JR’S 25 Dickson Rd 01253 752333 STRATFORD 72-74 Dickson Rd 01253 624020 ASHBEIAN 49 High St 01253 626301 ATHOL 3 Mount St 01253 624918 GRANBY LODGE 5 Lord St 01253 627842 HEATHERDALE LODGE 2 Pleasant St 01253 626268 GRAMPIAN HOUSE B&B 4 Pleasant Street, 01253 291648 WOODLEIGH 11 Yates St 01253 624997 ANCHORAGE 18 Withnell Rd 01253 341771 LYNDALE COURT HOTEL 01253 354033 CAMELOT 80 Hornby Rd 01253 620518 SUNNYSIDE 16 Charles St 01253 622983 SHAFTESBURY 26 Shaftesbury Ave 01253 352453 MERECLIFF HOTEL 24 Holmfield Rd 01253 356858 (See main map) VILLAGE HOTEL 14 Springfield Road, 01253 290840 McHALL’S HOTEL 5/7 Lord Street, 01253 625661 PRIDE LODGE 12 High St, Blackpool 01253 314752 www.pridelodge.com THE GYNWAY HOTEL 205 Dickson Rd 01253 314747 gynwayblackpool.com SUSSEX HOTEL 14-16 Pleasant Street North Shore 01253 627824 VALENTINE HOTEL 35 Dickson Road, FY1 2AT 01253 622775 valentinehotelblackpool.co.uk DERBY HOTEL, 2 Derby Road 01253 623708

FOR SALE Gay Friendly guest house for sale, right in the heart of Blackpool’s Gay Village.

8 bedrooms 4 with ensuite Licensed Bar.

13 WORCESTER HOUSE 22 Cocker St 01253 620007 14 PIER VIEW 16 Banks St 01253 624560 15 HIGHBANK HOTEL 46 Banks St 01253 294797 15 WARWICK HOLIDAY FLATS 01253 623787 16 SANDYLANDS 47 Banks St 01253 294670 17 WILLOWFIELD 51 Banks St 01253 623406 18 LYNMAR 74 High St 01253 290046 19 LEGENDS HOTEL 45 Lord St 01253 620300

19 MARDI GRAS 41 Lord St 01253 751087 19 BRENE HOTEL 37 Lord Street 01253 621854 19 RUBENS HOTEL 39 Lord St 01253 622920 19 SEACROFT SUITES 27 Lord St 01253 628304 19 NEVADA 23 Lord St 01253 290700 20 GUYZ 16 Lord St 01253 622488 21 NORTHERN STAR 9 Lord St 01253 628073 15 WARWICK 39 Bank St 01253 623787 23 CHAUCER 59 High St 01253 299099

Contact Lynne for details on 01253 624997 woodleighhotel.com

Woodleigh Hotel 11 Yates St, Blackpool FY1 2DE

10

Free F ree C Car ar Parking Parking a g Free Internet Free Intern net Access Access & Wi-fi Wi-fi Freeview Freeview Digital Digit ta al TV in n All Rooms Roo o ms E n-S Suite Rooms Roo o ms En-Suite Licensed Piano Pian no Bar Bar a Licensed Modern, Comfortable, Modern, Co m rtab mfo a le, Friendly Friend n ly Luxury Lu ux xury Refreshment Refreshme ent Trays Tra ay ys Gay Ga ay Owned Ow wned and an nd Run Run Rates Ra ates t From From £20

80 Lord St Blackpool FY1 2DG

01253-621101 012 253-6 62110 01 Check Our Our Webste Webste For Fo or Special Special Offers Offers

www.wilcothotel.com 57

❏ BLACKPOOL & CLASSIFIEDS continued THE STRATFORD HOTEL 72-74 Dickson Road Blackpool FY1 2AW Quality En-suite rooms Licensed Bar

33

❏ THE BLACKPOOL SCENE: With DJ Carmen PLANS ARE WELL UNDER WAY FOR BLACKPOOL’S FOURTH AND MOST EXCITING PRIDE FESTIVAL YET.

Close to Flamingos and Gay bars Full central heating Bears, Daddies, Stay Chubbies, with us for New Chasers Year Twinks, Hunks all welcome £25 per person, per night In (minimum our attitude free of 3hotel. nights).

Call: 01253 624020 www.dickinsatstratfordblackpool.com

stratfordblackpool@yahoo.co.uk

May 16th and 17th sees our event relocate right into the heart of the gay village. Dickson Road will become the Pride enclosure and will play host to an amazing main stage, marquees with stands providing information on the wide range of services on offer to our community, traditional Pride markets, the return of ‘Clitty Rub Quick’ in our Women’s Area and even funfair rides are thrown in.

Coinciding with Eurovision weekend we have a fantastic homage to this campest of international traditions and a whole host of British entries and past contestants are performing in a massive concert. The line up is expected to include Sonia, Bucks Fizz, Scooch, Hazell Dean, Andy Scott Lee and many others.

58

programmes of entertainment and there is going to be too much to get round!! In the evening, the Pride enclosure gives way to the Saturday night of all times!! Blackpool will come to life for the party of the year!!

Our ‘Golden Mile’ Carnival Procession, this year, sees the Promenade awash with camp and colour on the Sunday at 12.30pm so hangovers are strictly forbidden!! After the parade we all make our way back to the pubs and clubs for a bumper afternoon of fun and frivolity.

To close the weekend off we are having the most poignant of closing ceremonies with the help of one of our local LGBT Choirs and Liberty Church.

Further big names are soon to be confirmed.

The Pride committee urge members of all groups around the region to join with us in May. Take part in the Parade, hold a stall the Market or come along for the weekend!! All the details will be regularly updated on www.prideblackpool.com

All our venues including The Flying Handbag, Mardi Gras, Pepes, Taboo and Time Out are planning their own

See you next month DJ Carmen xxx carmen@djcarmen.com

EEnding nding Homophobia, Homophobia,

EEmpowering mpowering P People eople

www.lgf.org.uk w ww.lgf.org.uk

❏ LIVERPOOL, MERSEYSIDE AND CHESHIRE

LIVERPOOL THE GAY QUARTER

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Email: helpline@lgf.org.uk

Queer Quarter Tithebarn Street

Tithebarn Street

Slater Street

et Back Culquitt Stre

FACT

OUTRITE - Support and Social Groups, 121 Support Services, Counselling. Free Condoms and Lube by post.

01270 653156 www.outrite.org

LESBIANLINE Merseyside 0151 708 0234 -----------------------------------------------------------SAHIR HOUSE PO Box 11 Liverpool 0151 708 9080 -----------------------------------------------------------SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Royal Liverpool Hospital Prescot St 0151 706 2620 -----------------------------------------------------------AIDS HELPLINE 0151 709 9000 ------------------------------------------------------------

❏ SPORTS GROUPS MERSEY MARAUDERS Gay football club includes Liverpool, Wirral, Chester and Wigan mmfootball.co.uk mmfootball@hotmail.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------

❏ SAUNA’S PEACH SAUNA 22 Sir Thomas Street Liverpool 0151 236 5321 -----------------------------------------------------------LIVERPOOL SAUNA 1 Bank Hall Street Kirkdale 0151 944 2240 ------------------------------------------------------------

❏ SHOPS 20 NEWS FROM NOWHERE - BOOKSHOP 96 Bold Street 0151 708 7270 ------------------------------------------------------------

Are You Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual?

G Space is a Halton (Widnes and Runcorn) Youth service offering info and advice for young people. Contact us on 07789 332 880 or 0151 422 5503 haltongspace@hotmail.co.uk DIVA’S Womens Group @ The Armistead Project

Bold Street

-----------------------------------------------------------15 SUPERSTAR BOUDOIR THE FEATHERS 119-125 Mount 22-24 Stanley Street Pleasant St 0151 709 9655 feathers.uk.com 0151 236 6633 ------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------

19 THE ARMISTEAD PROJECT 1 Stanley Street 0870 9908996 armisteadcentre.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------

2

Roscoe Lane

OSQA’S 0151 709 6611 Oldham Square osqa-restaurant.co.uk 13 POSTE HOUSE 23 Cumberland St ------------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------------------------14 SOCIETY 64 Duke Street 0151 258 1230 societyuk.com ❏ HOTELS

❏ AGENCIES / CLINICS

et

Berry Street

Londo

------------------------------------------------------------

TRAVEL INN METRO Vernon Street 0870 238 3325 ------------------------------------------------------------

Roscoe Place

Wood Street

Back Berry Stre Seel Street

-----------------------------------------------------------FEDERATION LIVERPOOL Monthly Gay Night clubfederation.com -----------------------------------------------------------GIRLS GO DOWN Monthly Lesbian Night myspace.com/girlsgodown -----------------------------------------------------------17 DESTINATION LIVERPOOL Temple street, off Victoria Street giveusablow@club-destination.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------H BAR Victoria Street BENT at the PENT-House -----------------------------------------------------------18 Q CLUB Stanley Street -----------------------------------------------------------21 TUTTI FRUTTI Victoria Street ------------------------------------------------------------

20

Colquitt Street

Colquitt Street

Victoria Street 21

Bold Street

Wood Street

Fleet Street

Seel Street

6

Parr Street

9

Victoria Street

Concert Street

11

Suffolk Street

Duke Street

3

1

-----------------------------------------------------------6 PINK 4-6 Victoria St 0151 255 0502 ❏ RESTAURANTS / FOOD -----------------------------------------------------------7 G BAR Mixed Eberle Street 1 BAR DU FAY Mixed 25 Stanley Street 0151 258 1230 g-bar.com 0151 236 1623 myspace.com/bardufay ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------8 JUPITERS Hackins Hey off Dale St 2 CAFE TABAC Gay owned 126 Bold Street 0151 227 5265 0151 709 3735 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9 THE LISBON Mixed 35 Victoria Street PUSCHKA Gay owned Eatery 0151 231 6831 16 Rodney St 0151 708 8698 -----------------------------------------------------------puschka.co.uk 10 THE MASQUERADE Mixed -----------------------------------------------------------10 Cumberland St 0151 236 7786 THE MONRO Gastropub 92-94 Duke masqueradebar.com Street 0151 707 9933 themonro.com ------------------------------------------------------------ -----------------------------------------------------------11 MODO Concert Square, ESPRESSO PLUS COFFEE -----------------------------------------------------------Bar and Bistro 173 Rose Lane Mossley Hill, Liverpool 0151 724 6161 12 NAVY BAR 27-29 Stanley St 0151 231 1456 ------------------------------------------------------------

60

Duke Street

15

13

Sir Thomas Street

17

10

Cumberland Street

-----------------------------------------------------------5 GARLANDS Mixed 8-10 Eberle St 0151 709 9586 garlandsonline.co.uk

12

Stanley Street

BAR DU FAYE Mixed 25 Stanley Street 0151 236 1623 / 07943 255137 myspace.com/bardufay -----------------------------------------------------------2 CAFE TABAC Gay Owned 126 Bold Street 0151 709 3735 -----------------------------------------------------------3 QUEER NATION Gay Victoria Street 0151 236 4832 -----------------------------------------------------------4 CURZON CLUB Mixed Temple Lane 0151 236 5160 curzonliverpool.co.uk

Temple Street

1

Temple Lane

❏ PUBS, CLUBS & BARS

Princes Street

North John Street

£

Train Station Parking Cash Machine Pedestrianised

4

Davies Street

19

18

88 Listing Indicator

14

Dale Street

Dale Street

Sweeting Street

Cunliffe St. Hockenhall All.

5

Vernon Street

Eberle Street

7

Moorfields

Tempest Hey

£

Around FACT Hackins Hey

Exchange Street East

£

Local rate applies

Piccadilly Train Station

❏ MISCELLANEOUS BETHLEHEM COMMUNITY CHURCH Serving LGBT Christians across Merseyside bethlehemcommunitychurch.org.uk -----------------------------------------------------------GAYS OUT WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES (GOLD) 0870 9908996 -----------------------------------------------------------GAY PROFESSIONAL DINING CLUB 2nd Sat of month 0151 2807842 igdc@talk21.com -----------------------------------------------------------HOPE PRIDE Derwent House Taggart Ave Childwall 0151 2913651 lgbtofficer@hope.ac.uk -----------------------------------------------------------QUEST LGBT CATHOLICS 3rd Saturday of month 07983 021 589 liverpool@questgaycatholic.org.uk -----------------------------------------------------------GAY YOUTH ‘R’ OUT (GYRO) LGB youth 16-25 36 Bolton Street 0151 203 0824 gyro.org.uk -----------------------------------------------------------LIVERPOOL STUDENTS UNION LGBT SOCIETY 0151 231 4947 -----------------------------------------------------------M’SIDE L&G COMMUNITY FORUM 07970 680483 newsfromnowhere.org.uk -----------------------------------------------------------PARENTS & CARERS GROUP 0870 9908996 -----------------------------------------------------------QUEER NOTIONS Meet at the Armistead Project 0151 227 9977 queernotions@hotmail.com -----------------------------------------------------------UNI’ GUILD OF STUDENTS LGBT 160 Mount Pleasant, L69 7BR 0151 794 4165 liverpoollgbt@yahoo.co.uk -----------------------------------------------------------YOUNG GAY SEFTON 0151 330 5841 -----------------------------------------------------------GAYLIVERPOOL.COM Website of Gay Liverpool gayliverpool.com -----------------------------------------------------------OUR STORY LIVERPOOL LGBT History community project 07877 273913 -----------------------------------------------------------SPIRIT LEVEL Transgender support group 0151 227 1893 -----------------------------------------------------------GAY & LESBIAN CHRISTIANS Bold st 0151 547 3562 christian@portnahaven.fsnet.co.uk ------------------------------------------------------------

❏ LIVERPOOL, MERSEYSIDE AND CHESHIRE continued ❏ BIRKENHEAD

❏ CHESHIRE

GROUP EDUCATION, ADVOCACY, CAMPAIGNING SUPPORT ORGANISATION Transsexual intersex people in NW England 90-92 Chester Street, Birkenhead 07905 121656 transwirral.btik.com

CREWE - PUBS, CLUBS & BARS THE PARK 42 Wistaston Rd 07888 805903

❏ ORMSKIRK

AGENCIES BP CHESHIRE & NORTH WALES PO Box 321 Crewe 01270 653 150

GROUPS ORMSKIRK GAY COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUP 07875 603502 info@gay-mail.net gayormskirk.tk ORMSKIRK GAY COMMUNITY GROUP 07933 410732 and 07896 604593 Dumnezeu@hotmail.com lgbt.uni.cc CLINIC SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Ormskirk General Hospital Wigan Rd 01695 571043

CLINIC SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Leighton Hospital Middlewich Rd 01270 212 019

CASH PROJECT 01270 653156 GROUPS OUTSET 01270 585 492 outrite.org THE LOFT gay & bi men group 01270 653 156 outrite.org CHESTER - PUBS, CLUBS & BARS BAR 6T9 01244 313 608 LIVERPOOL ARMS Northgate St 01244 314 807

❏ SOUTHPORT

CLINIC SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Chester Hospital Liverpool Road 01244 363 091

PUBS, CLUBS & BARS CLUB GLITTER Mixed The Dam Bar, Cable St Every Monday 8pm till late 07989 694536

AGENCIES HEALTH DEVELOPMENT TEAM (LGBT) 01244 650534 or 07747 631021

SYNERGY Formerly The Crown Inn, Coronation Walk, PR8 1RE 07528 156525 synergysouthport@gmail.com

GROUPS CHESTER ICEBREAKERS Quaker House Union Walk Frodsham St 01244 682574

CLINIC SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Southport & Formby District General Hospital 01704 513303

CHESTER GAY BOOK GROUP 2nd Monday of the month at 7.30pm at the Bear and Billet pub on Lower Bridge St alispad@aol.com

GROUPS MEN’S GROUP 0870 9908996

CHESTER LOBBYING GROUP LGBTQEquality Alliance Forum PO Box 3135 Chester CH1 5ZS

SOUTHPORT GAY INFOLINE 01704 543612

❏ ST HELENS / WIRRAL CLINIC SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC St Helens Hospital Marshallcross Rd 01744 458383 PUBS, CLUBS & BARS PEGGY GLADFLYS 93 Victoria Rd New Brighton PUBS, CLUBS & BARS FLEX II Tolver St St Helens 01744 758 439 SAUNA DOLPHIN SAUNA 129 Mount Rd New Brighton 0151 630 1516 dolphinsauna.co.uk

UTOPIA LGB Youth Group 01244 602817 MACCLESFIELD - CLINIC SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Macclesfield District General Hospital Victoria Rd 01625 66463 GROUPS CORE Gay & Bi Men’s Group 01270 653 156 OUTPOST LGB Youth Group 01270 653 156 OUTRITE Support and social Groups 01270 653156 outrite.org

❏ PROMOTIONAL FEATURE DESTINATION OPENED TO HYPE OF MEDIA COVERAGE AND SPECULATION IN OCTOBER 2008, AND HAS QUICKLY BECOME THE CLUBBERS CHOICE IN LIVERPOOL'S GAY QUARTER. Open 7 nights a week, and being the largest gay club in the city, Destination has already brought a host of "firsts" to the gay scene, including being the first and only gay venue with indoor pyrotechnics and the first and only gay venue with a purpose-built performance stage; hosting monthly PA's from major names.

Already having had an array of Live PA's from artistes such as S Club, Kelly Llorenna, Marcella Woods, Tina Cousins and boyband Avenue, and being the venue that Katy Perry chose to chill out in during the MTV Awards; Destination has many more major acts booked to appear throughout 2009; as well as our legendary monthly Foam Parties and other special events.

Offering a variety of music styles over 7 nights, and with an exclusive VIP Mezzanine level for the more discerning customers (or available for private hire); Destination really does cater for everybody.

The Venue is continually improving its facilities and decor; and a heavy investment in sound and lighting really does bring a true Club atmosphere to this amazing space.

Some great drinks offers are

NORTHWICH - GROUPS VOICES IN VALE ROYAL LGBT group 07949 820138 voicesinvaleroyal@btopenworld.com

RUNCORN - CLINIC Sexual Health Halton General 01928 753217

AGENCIES TERRENCE HIGGINS TRUST HIV and Sexual Health advice and support.

5 Bridge Street, Birkenhead, CH41 1AS. 0151 666 9890 info.wirral@tht.org.uk www.tht.org.uk

EATERIES THE CANALSIDE BAR & RESTAURANT 45-47 Canal Street Runcorn 01928 580 669

WORK IT OUT Group for 14-18 year olds Wirral Brook 14 Whetstone Lane, Birkenhead, Wirral CH41 2QR 0151 670 0177. info@wirralbrook.org.uk outreach@wirralbrook.org.uk

KANDI BAR www.thekandibar.co.uk

WARRINGTON - PUBS, CLUBS & BARS WHITE HART Sankey Street 01925 241994 Pic courtesy of club destination

CLINIC SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Arrowe Park Rd 0151 604 7339 GROUPS WIRRAL DIVAS Lesbian & Bisexual Women’s Group. Weekly. 0151 666 9890 WIRRAL TRANSISTER Trans support group. Meets weekly.

0151 650 6939

available every night, and unlike some of its competitors, a strict door policy ensures a fun, safe and gay night out; wherever you're from.

The Club welcomes large groups, and if you contact us in advance we can arrange guest-list entry, provide something special to help celebrate a birthday or civil partnership; and even help with travel and accommodation needs.

Our Resident Drag Queen,Hostess and Liverpool Biggest Bitch "Miss Tiara" is supported by Martine McClutchbag and Miss Brenda; in ensuring all our customers have a night to remember; whether its joining in with the verbal bitch-fest early doors; enjoying the Sunday Cabaret; or getting hot & sweaty on our main dancefloor 'til the early hours every weekend.

The Liverpool Gay Scene has been lacking something like this for years, a gay owned and gay run Bar & Nightclub; listening to the needs of its customers; and giving back a fantastic night out.

The entire gay scene is well worth a visit, but in Liverpool, there's only one Destination to be seen in!

For further information; visit: www.club-destination.co.uk

Edge Hill LGBT Edge Hill University is proud to announce that their LGBT society is up and running again, and is more active than ever before! Group membership is significantly higher than ever before and members are currently working hard to organise key events such as a 'Gay Night' and celebrate annual events in the LGBT calendar such as WAD, IDAHO and LGBT HM. Should you wish to contact us, you may do so by emailing LGBT@edgehill.ac.uk or 20291914@edgehill.ac.uk, to receive further information on events and membership.

CLINIC - SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Lovely Lane 01925 662476 AGENCIES 1806 GROUP Initiative for Sexual Health 11 Palmyra Square South 01925 241994 GAY HEALTHY ALLIANCE PROJECT PO Box 539 Warrington WA1 1FW 01925 631101 GROUP (GLYSS) GAY & LESBIAN YOUTH SUPPORT SERVICES 07747 473 829 FLUID Freedon to Love Ur IDentity 07747 473 829

Are you an LGBT voluntary or community group in Cheshire? Do you know where you can get infrastructure support, advice and information for your voluntary and community group? For more information, contact rainbow@lgf.org.uk or check out www.lgf.org.uk and click on the Rainbow Partnership logo.

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