outnorthwest92

BRAND NEW LOOK ISSUE!

NEWS•COMMENT•ANALYSIS•HEALTH•SPORT•LISTINGS

JUNE-JULY 2009 ISSUE 92

PUBLISHED BY

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS!

FRIENDS REUNITED QUEER AS FOLK 10 YEARS ON

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RUSSELL T DAVIES ANTONY COTTON CRAIG KELLY ADAM ZANE NICOLA SHINDLER PLUS! YOUR QAF MEMORIES!

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D E R T A H O STAND UP T CLUSIVELY FOR EX ES IT R W L L E H C >> PETER TAT TE AGAINST HATE IS VO A Y H W N O T ES W OUTNORTH TO THE FAMILY LK TA E W !

S U L P CRUCIAL >> NOT HATE! E P O H > > R SE U OF MICHAEL CA

EDITOR’S LETTER JUNE-JULY 2009

Welcome to your new-look outnorthwest!

AFTER WELL, WE’RE BACK TWO MONTHS NEW ND BRA A OUR LAST ISSUE WITH ER LOOK OUTNORTHWEST. WE’VE NEV K? LOOKED BETTER, DON’T YOU THIN OK, we’re slightly thinner and we’re ry published slightly less frequently (eve two months instead of every month), but... feel the quality! I’ve had a lot of ks people ask me over the last few wee our ce why we took the decision to redu for frequency. Well, we’d always planned e, and Issue 92 to be a revamped magazin a had has n ntur - yes - the economic dow only the definite impact on us. We’re not this publication to be affected, but we took ack. as an opportunity, rather than a setb looks west orth outn You’ll not only find that up beef to better, but we’ve taken the time ion our editorial. You’ ll find a lot more opin

with and analysis than before. For example, e we’v the Euro Elections on the horizon, on the asked Peter Tatchell to write for us why and t wes h nort the rise of the BNP in the than r othe your vote (for ANY party rly BNP) is more important than ever. Nea ser, a year after the murder of Michael Cau r thei ut abo nts pare his we’ve spoken to r thei of loss the fight to be heard, and how rs lette son has impacted their lives. Our a lively page has also grown, and you’ll find about debate both here and at our website .uk) f.org w.lg (ww the elections and the BNP - why not add your thoughts? new I’d love to hear your opinion on the t wha , liked ve outnorthwest; what you’ us see to you’ve hated, and what you’d like a is cover. Believe it or not, our next issue for us out look So ial. spec e Manchester Prid . now in two short months from P.S. Don’t forget, you can keep up with our outnorthwest every day of the week at hwest) tnort (@ou feed er Twitt and p grou Facebook

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MISS!

EDITOR

WHAT THE FOLK?

P20-23

Believe it or not, it’s TEN years since Vince, Stuart and Nathan trod those Canal Street cobbles in the revolutionary Russell T Davies drama, Queer As Folk. Don’t miss our EXCLUSIVE interviews with cast and crew ten years on. Starts on page 20.

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20 } REGULARS 08 NW AGENDA

An in-depth look at the issues affecting us over the next two months. This issue, we look at the upcoming Euro Elections, and why you’re vote is more important than ever. We also talk to the parents of Michael Causer; and look forward to the Walk Against Homophobia.

06 YOUR LETTERS

Two pages every month of your news, views, opinions, rants and raves

07 OPINION

Paul Fairweather on ‘community’.

38 LISTINGS

The most comprehensive guide to the LGBT north west.

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THE PARENTS OF MICHAEL CAUSER

“We’ll keep speaking out!”

Registered Charity No. 1070904

MISS!

IT’S ALL ABOUT US...

DON’T

}CONTENTS } FEATURES

20 WHAT THE FOLK?

In 1999, Queer As Folk put Canal Street on the map, and changed the face of television. Ten years later, we catch up with the cast and crew...

16 PETER TATCHELL

Writing exclusively for outnorthwest, Peter Tatchell looks at the rise of the BNP in the north west.

} WELLBEING 26 HOLIDAY SEX

Just about to jet off to sunnier climes?

Take our advice... (and condoms!)

28 SEX Q&A

Is your sex not the best it could be? We’re here to answer all your questions.

30 CRYSTAL METH

It’s not just big in the States - Crystal is now finding its way into the UK...

32 DO YOU CARE?

Are you an LGBT carer, or do you care for an LGBT person? A new NW project is here to offer you support.

} OUT & ABOUT 34 SPORT

The only LGBT magazine to feature a regular sports section, this month we talk to Matt Brady.

36 FABULOUS!

Going out isn’t always about drinking until you fall down. Why not get involved with our fundraisers?

outnorthwest is published every two months by The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Princess House, 105-107 Princess Street, MANCHESTER M1 6DD General Enquiries: 0161 235 8035 E-mail: grahame@lgf.org.uk

COVER IMAGE: Stuart Rainsbury }EDITOR & LAYOUT Grahame Robertson }NEWS EDITOR Joanne Dunning }DESIGN & LAYOUT Simon Pearson and Mark Eastwood }HEALTH TEAM EDITORS Nathan Perry and Peter Boyle }WEB EDITOR Marc Robinson }LISTINGS EDITOR Mark Eastwood }ADVERTISING & SALES Jo Hutton }DISTRIBUTION Kate Hardy and Peter Boyle CONTRIBUTORS Paul Martin; Annie Emery; Paul Fairweather; GHT; Colin Armstead; Albert Kennedy Trust; Emma Peate; Sian Payne; Darren Knight; Rachel Barlow; Helen Burdett; Emma Peate; Simon Pearson; Joe Spencer.

SPECIAL THANKS Peter Tatchell; Mike and Marie Causer; Russell T Davies; Granada Television; Allison Sinclair; Antony Cotton; Craig Kelly; Adam Zane; Nicola Shindler; Red Productions; Channel 4; Matthew Fox; Tommy McIllvery; Detective Inspector Richie Carr; Paul Jones; Sarah Quinn; Stuart Rainsbury; 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.

OUTBOX

WRITE TO US: outnorthwest The Lesbian and Gay Foundation. 4th Floor Princess House, 105-107 Princess Street Manchester M1 6DD EMAIL: grahame@lgf.org.uk

} YOUR COMMENTS. YOUR OPINIONS. E-MAIL: grahame@lgf.org.uk

LETTER OF THE MONTH

I’M ‘GAY’, AND I’LL BE VOTING FOR THE BNP! I am happy to call myself homosexual these days when referring to my sexual orientation rather than ‘gay’, and this Searchlight/Hope Not Hate LGBT campaign reminds me exactly why.

“My first allegiance is to my own kindred British people, and not what I feel is a nebulous, culturally and politically oppressive ‘community’ based on sexual preference.”

The presumption that ‘Gay and Lesbian’ must equate with support for mass immigration and other liberal/leftist causes highlights the socio-political constraints which the ‘LGBT community’ has come to represent and which I find completely alienating. I am a strong BNP supporter, and I’ve read up on their policies as well as statements some members have made about homosexuality. I am quite happy with BNP policy which is, as I understand it, to respect the rights of people to practice and express any sexual desire they wish providing it involves consenting adults, but to oppose

I am an atheist but I can understand and accept that homosexuality will always be abhorrent to many people with strong religious views as they interpret religious teaching - just as is it is our right not to believe. The Muslim, AfroCaribbean and African cultures are generally much more ‘homophobic’ than those of the BNP or native Britons. This is just one reason why I support a party which wants to stop immigration completely and to introduce voluntary, negotiated resettlement.

Thankfully, my first allegiance and affinity is to my own kindred British people, not to what I feel is a nebulous, culturally and politically oppressive ‘community’ based upon sexual preference.

‘Happy British Nationalist’ via www.lgf.org.uk

“THE BNP SHOULD BE OPPOSED AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY.”

trade unionists, nuns, the disabled, other minority groups and then decimated gays, bisexuals and lesbians. The BNP are of the same political thought train as the Nazis and other facists, hellbent on social conformity and eugenics.

hate everyone else who doesn’t conform to their fascist world view. Anyone with an OUNCE of sense would see through their guise of civility and get out and vote for HOPE not hate on June 4th.

Kevin Peel, via www.lgf.org.uk

}I’m queer, a committed Protestant Christian and fairly traditional in my views. I support the monarchy, the independence of the £, an English Parliament and wish to see better moral, spiritual and respectful qualities in Britain today.

Make no mistake, the BNP are committed to the same thing and you will all suffer if you misguidedly support these vile monsters. They should be opposed at every opportunity, and any self respecting gay lesbian or transgendered person who votes for them, ought to hang their head in shame.

Tony, via www.lgf.org.uk

“WHO WILL STAND UP FOR BLACK/BME LGBT PEOPLE?”

However, anyone who even considers voting for the BNP really need their heads examined. The BNP are a racist, intolerent, homophobic organisation.

Make no bones about it - if they come to influence or power, queers in Britain will be in a great exodus to escape from condemnation, intolerence and criminalisation. YES they want to recriminalise what they see as ‘deviant activity’.

Immigration is not the huge issue destroying our country or values, as some make out. I would argue its actually New Labour and the Blair/ Brown conspiracy that is destroying our civil liberties and identities. Wait until you’re all forced onto the new New Deal by the Labour government.

The Nazis persecuted Jews, Christians, other faiths,

“THE BNP HATE ME, AND THEY HATE YOU.” }A BNP organiser said that HIV / AIDS is a friendly disease because ‘the blacks and gays’ have it...

BNP Leader and Euro Candidate in the North West Nick Griffin has called for homosexuality to be recriminalised. The BNP hate LGBT people, they hate people from ethnic minorities, they hate everyone who wasn’t born in this country and doesn’t have a white face. They hate me, they hate you and they

Join the outnorthwest Facebook group today.

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teaching sexual ‘awareness’ - whether it be homo or hetero - to 6 year olds, as is soon to be introduced in schools.

Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk

}What worries me the most is the potential for a situation where at some point in the future this level of support for the BNP from within the LGBT community means that the official line drops homophobia, but retains the xenophobic pro-white line.

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic or Immigrant communities may still be a target for their negative policies yet since LGBT people feel less threatened by them that could be the ideal way for them to win new voters. BNP supporters often claim that “black people and muslims are homophobic”, but LGBT people can be racist too.

But what about those of us who are black/BME and LGBT/queer? Who stands up for us? I am glad to hear the LGF are now pro-actively running a Black LGBT forum and facilitating this type of debate as

You can also follow us on Twitter (@outnorthwest)

theVIEW PAUL FAIRWEATHER OPINION WEB: www.lgf.org.uk

Strength in numbers: the value of community.

there are sections of our community who have already joined the BNP’s cause - close friends of mine included who have been blinded by the propaganda and scape-goating. The fears about Britain becoming a hard-line Islamic state are so ludicrous. It is very upsetting.

I am “mixed race” but I was born here, and so were both of my parents and all of my grandparents except for one who came to Britain from a former colony to help with the war effort in the 1940’s - yet because of this even if I did subscribe to their dodgy school of thought I am “not eligible” because I’m “not British enough”! They should consider the fact that “Mixed Race” people are the fastest growing ethnic group in Britain and if that should be something to celebrate rather than something we should fear!

A few weeks ago I went, as a member of the Manchester Lesbian and Gay Chorus, to the Various Voices Festival held at London’s Southbank Centre.

This was a four-day celebration of LGBT singing with over 2,000 delegates and 60 choirs from all over the world.

As people mix more and more there will be more people like me that simply confuse and diffuse the aims of the BNP and the parties/ groups who are even more extreme than they are.

Sadly the existing political parties are part of the problem too - I agree with the message that any vote against the most destructive one is perhaps the only way to stop a very scary situation. Labour activists should take a look at themselves and consider why the BNP exists in the first place and why so many otherwise intelligent and tolerant people have become sympathetic to their cause.

David Henry, via www.lgf.org.uk

There was a Big Gay Sing with over a 1,000 queers singing along to ABBA and The Sound of Music. OK, so not everybody’s cup of tea. One friend cringed as I raved about it and said he would rather have been put in a cell for four days. But I think you do have to be pretty hard hearted not to be moved by such thing s. There was a real sense of harmony, of creat ivity, of people making connections across language and cultures. It got me thinking a lot about different communities and being part of a community.

“THE MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES SHOULDN’T TAKE OUR VOTE FOR GRANTED.” }If the BNP make grounds then it’s the fault of Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors that ignore their constituents.

At a time when you can see around us, regardless of sexuality, people isola ted, lonely, unable (or unwilling) to link in with other people, I want to say that there are communities out there for the taking. I often hear people, straight and gay, talking about the lack of community and about a growing fragm entation in our society. Sometimes they will hark back to a golden past of sugar borrowing and neighbourliness. If they are gay it will often be when there were no hen parties in the Village or if they are older when it was secretive but sexy.

All of the comments in this month’s OUTBOX were taken from visitors comments on our website. There’s a lively community giving their opinons every single day, so make sure you bookmark www.lgf.org.uk and make your voice heard online and in the pages of outnorthwest.

Registered Charity No. 1070904

I e-mailed my councillor as a transsexual woman needing her help, she has not replied.

Quite frankly it’s just not good enough. The major parties ignore their electorate, they are arrogant enough to think we vote for them like blind sheep. I hate the BNP, I have been abused something rotten by them in the past.

If the major parties want to stop the evil BNP, then they need to knock on doors and listen to people instead of taking my and other people’s vote for granted.

Stephanie, via www.lgf.org.uk

“At our best we are a model of accepting, supportive and creative communities.”

Yet I know that there are everywhe re still community groups out there determin ed to make their localities better and that for LGBT people there is a wealth of actu al and potential opportunities to be part of that community. Yes we can do more to make us more welcoming, more accessible.

Yes there are still many reasons, such as pove rty or lack of confidence or childcare that does mak e it hard for people to get involved. But some times it is just grumpiness, cynicism or being too stuck in our ways. If that sounds like you, do something about it! At our best we are a model of internationalist, accepting, supportiv e, creative communities with an energy that is infectious and life enhancing. A community wide r than geography, family or nation. A com munity we can all be part of without feeling over whelmed or constrained or criticized. We need to treasure, grow and protect this. We need to be aware that still in many parts of the world there is no access to such communities and that even here there are still many who would try and take it away from us.

LOOKING FOR ADVICE?

Whether you’re looking for relationship advice, you’re concerned about your sexual health, you want to know the opening times for Essential, or you want to get involved with your community, give the LGF Helpline a call on 0845 3 30 30 30. Staffed from 7pm - 10pm every night! www.lgf.org.uk

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AGENDA

CONTACT US: outnorthwest The Lesbian and Gay Foundation. 4th Floor Princess House, 105-107 Princess Street Manchester M1 6DD EMAIL: joanne.dunning@lgf.org.uk

NEWS

} IN DEPTH NEWS, COMMENT AND ANALYSIS. E-MAIL STORIES & COMMENTS: joanne.dunning@lgf.org.uk

VOTE FOR HOPE

JUNE

EUROPEAN ELECTIONS

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Y THURSDA

With the European Elections imminent, outnorthwest asked all the parties standing one simple question: “If you are elected, what will you do for the LGBT community?” Their responses are listed here in the order they arrived to us.* * (All the parties standing in the North West are here apart from the Independent Candidate Francis Apaloo and The Christian Party – we did get in touch but received no response.)

THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY Shadow Equalities Minister, Theresa May told us: “The Conservatives have made enormous strides on LGBT issues under David Cameron’s leadership.

We have been unstinting in our support for civil partnerships and David Cameron is - as far as I know - the only leader of any political party to stand before a party conference and say that marriage is important, and that it doesn’t matter whether it’s between a man and a woman, a man and a man or a woman and a woman. We’ve stood up to critics from across the political spectrum and said that it is right to support hate crime legislation. And we have been strongly calling for the Government to introduce the Equality Bill which they have now done. Although there are problems with some aspects of the Bill, it is right to consolidate equality legislation and we will be working with the Government to make sure we get the best legislation possible. Of course, we have to show that we are a modern, outward-looking party and not just say it. That’s why we will at the next election have gay and lesbian candidates fighting key marginal seats across the country.”

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THE GREEN PARTY “During the last Parliament the Green MEPs from the UK have been stalwart defenders of LGBT rights. More MEPs would enable us to achieve even more. The European Elections matter to LGBT people here, because UK human rights policy tends to follow European directives on issues like the age of consent and anti-discrimination laws in employment. Many recent gains have been driven by decisions made in Europe. In the present crisis it is important that LGBT people turn out to vote for a democratic party. There is a danger that the main parties’ betrayal of all their voters, gay and straight alike, in their scramble to benefit from expenses, will leave a political vacuum which could suck in the far right parties. This would be a disaster for our safety and peace of mind. Greens can be trusted to put environmental and social justice at the top of our agenda. We will meet the challenge of the recession head-on by creating new green jobs to provide renewable energy, insulation and local food, so that the economy would recover in a way that would be lasting, not like the quick fixes of scrappage and temporary VAT reductions.”

Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk

LIBERTAS “We believe in freedom of the individual, freedom of choice and a freedom from excessive regulation. We are the only PanEuropean Party and we are standing to restore democracy to the European Union, and restore national sovereignty so that laws are made closest to the people they affect. Libertas is against all forms of discrimination and prejudice.

One thing that we would do to support all lesbian and gay people across Europe would be to ensure that the EU accedes to the European Convention on Human Rights and respects any decisions made by the European Court of Human Rights.”

BRITISH NATIONAL PARTY (BNP) “We are not anti-gay. It isn’t a big deal for us but we don’t go championing lesbian and gay issues. We don’t discriminate, we have gay people in our party, we accept that being gay is part of life. Lesbian and gay people are concerned about the same issues as everyone else.”

A FAMILY TORN p12

POLITICS OF HATE p16

outnorthwest visits the family of MICHAEL CAUSER and asks how they are dealing with the tragic murder of their son.

UK INDEPENDENCE PARTY (UKIP) “We are a libertarian party. We have gay candidates who are valued party members and it is not an issue for us.

We believe in doing our best for all people.

If issues come up that affect the lesbian and gay community we believe we are best placed to deal with it.”

ENGLISH DEMOCRATS PARTY “We have nothing against Lesbian & Gay people and are more then happy for them to join our growing party. Indeed, I know at least two of our members who are gay. I am not aware of any lesbians currently, however it is not something we tend to go out of our way to find out about, as sexuality is not the “business” of our party, and we don’t ask any of these type of questions when people join our party.”

JURY TEAM “The Jury Team have committed not to support any policies that discriminate in any way on the basis of sexual orientation, disability, race, colour, gender, religious or other beliefs. Jury Team is founded on equality for all - that’s why we opened our primaries to the general public, and in doing so, we found the British public actually voted for diversity of their own accord. We’re proud to be supporting several LGB candidates standing as independents for the forthcoming European Elections. It’s important that these core ethics are upheld in every aspect of what the European Parliament does. This is especially relevant for the LGBT community which suffers discrimination, abuse, intimidation and violence across the European Union.

We’d work hard to safeguard the voice of the LGBT community in the European Parliament, work for the enforcement of the European Convention on Human Rights, and make sure that basic human rights come first.

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS “If elected: We will give top priority to working on the issue of Europe-wide and international recognition of civil partnerships building on the work of

Sharon Bowles, ( Lib Dem MEP for South East England), who has campaigned for equal recognition of UK civil partnerships in other EU Member States that also have same-sex partnership legislation. We will work to achieve full implementation of LGBT equality directives across the EU. We would look forward to being elected alongside and working with Jonathan Fryer, our candidate for London, who would be our first’out’MEP. As a Party that wields power in the chamber of the European Parliament we would look to develop the work in the current Parliament by Sarah Ludford,( Lib Dem MEP for London), who led a successful campaign to end the US policy of virtually refusing travel visas to people with HIV, opening up the USA to people from across 27 EU countries including Britain.As a member of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights Sarah has worked on a host of other issues such as asylum for gay people fleeing persecution, and ensuring Turkey complies on LGBT rights as part of the negotiations for them to join the EU.”

THE LABOUR PARTY Arlene McCarthy, Labour MEP for the North West of England told us: “Labour has a proud record of delivery on LGBT rights at home and in Europe. Some of our achievements include equalising the age of consent, ending the ban on LGBT people serving in the armed forces, giving LGBT couples the right to adopt and the right to a civil partnerships. I wrote the Parliament’s report on the law to ban employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, and we are now seeking to extend anti-discrimination laws to cover discrimination in the supply of goods and services. The Tories voted to restrict the proposal to discrimination on the grounds of disability therefore discriminating against LGBT people. The North West Labour team is fully behind the ILGA’s European election pledge and will work to continue to deliver for LGBT people in the next Parliament. ILGA-Europe’s 2009 European Election Pledge summarises the key issues that we want to see advanced at the EU level over the next five years. These are: 1. Adopting ambitious EU legislation on equal treatment: I pledge to continue to support and to actively work towards the adoption of an EU multi-ground antidiscrimination directive as an essential step in ending the hierarchy of rights. 2.

Human rights campaigner and gay activist PETER TATCHELL writes exclusively for outnorthwest on why your vote is so crucial.

BE HEARD! outnorthwest asks some key LGBT groups and individuals why it’s important to register your vote on 4th June.

STONEWALL “Stonewall urges all lesbian, gay and bisexual people to use their votes on June 4th. Many laws have been changed in favour of gay equality recently. But it’s crucial not to become complacent. These elections see a real prospect of success for candidates supporting homophobic policies. Stonewall encourages voters to vote for equality.”

Derek Munn, Stonewall’s Director of Public Affairs.

HOPE NOT HATE “It’s vital that we get every vote out for a mainstream Party to stop the BNP – they would be a disaster for Manchester and for the North West. The BNP believe that my friends Mariam and Tariq can never be British because they’re not white. The BNP would class them as racial aliens in their own country and would kick any non-white person out of Britain. The BNP would persecute my friends Kevin and Lindsay because they’re gay and lesbian. Nick Griffin (BNP Leader) thinks that LGBT people are “repulsive”. BNP organisers celebrate HIV as a “friendly disease” because it targets black people and gay people. These are just my stories, these are just the way in which the BNP threatens my way of life, my friends and my Manchester. But I’m sure for many readers out there the stories would be similar. The threat the same.

That’s why we have to continue to fight to expose the BNP’s politics of hate and ensure that as many people vote as possible on June 4th.”

Anthony McCaul, HOPE Not Hate Manchester Coordinator MICHAEL CASHMAN, MEP “We are in the European Parliament to directly represent our voters and UK citizens. The values of my party (Labour) – equality, fairness and social justice – underpin my work in Europe. We are also involved in writing European laws on issues including the environment and anti

discrimination. We work with other political parties across Europe, but our values always underpin it. We do not want a member of the British National Party in the European Parliament with other right wing organisations preaching intolerance and discrimination. We have worked to bring forward European laws which protect EU citizens. The Equality laws we’ve introduced prohibit discrimination including on the grounds of sexual orientation. Those laws were led by myself and the centre left. The Conservatives abstained or voted against them. When voting you need to look at the voting records of parties on LGBT rights, many of which undermine the great work of many of the countries in Europe.

Michael Cashman, Labour MEP

GEORGE HOUSE TRUST “It can be easy to assume that the European elections don’t have a direct impact on our way of life. But you only have to look at recent events such as the cancellation of Baltic Pride, or the Greek ruling on same-sex marriages to realise that things happening in Europe have a direct effect on us all. It is important to recognise that this European election, your voice, your choice, and your feelings have a right to be heard, and that you have a right to demand good quality representation.”

Katherine Moulder, George House Trust QUEER YOUTH NETWORK “Turnout in recent general and local elections has decreased but for European elections its rising. Voting is of course important, but do your research first! Read their manifestos, not just the odd party election leaflet.

Before you abstain or spoil your ballot paper, consider the responsibility you have for standing up for those who don’t have a choice in who runs all of our lives. If you’re a Young LGBTQ person you can still have your say!

The Queer Youth Network is running a poll on its website. Even if you’re not eligible or registered to vote for real we want to know what you think! www.queeryouth.org.uk/vote David Henry, Queer Youth Network

www.lgf.org.uk

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AGENDA JUNE-JULY 2009

NEWS

EURO ELECTIONS PAUL MARTIN CHIEF EXECUTIVE, LGF

Hope & Equality experienced the stinging blow of discr themselves.

imination

that we in The Single Equality Bill is something use. We must and can ity mun com T LGB& the have we what of need to take the positives st. fulle the to them it explo lobbied for and years of We need to shift our focus away from teaching campaigning for equality and start ctions we prote legal the use to how ourselves elves and ours for now have to achieve equality leaps The last ten years have seen huge next the ion opin my In ities. for our commun for the and bounds made towards equality going to be is lity equa for gle strug our of communities stage Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans the Tribunal fought and won in the Courtrooms, are only us of t mos as But try. coun of this of this bers Cham cil Coun the Hearings and has not yet up too aware, a lot of this legislation try. We need as a community to stand coun st gone far enough. fulle the play we re ensu and be counted, and and for elves ours for lity equa ng andi dem part in Single However, with the introduction of the provision the people we love, particularly in the ever in time first the for th, mon last Bill Equality r. secto ic publ the by ided of services prov potential this country LGB&T people have the le from to be on an equal footing with peop a signatory This is why the LGF are proud to be ively mass a is This ds. stran lity equa r the othe have and n, paig Cam Hate Not to the Hope positive step forward. events hosted and promoted a number of in the North aimed at the LGB & T communities must But, we must not be complacent. We upcoming the in ly wise s vote our use West to reached not assume that the Bill now it has for any political vote and ions elect pean Euro with law Parliament will automatically pass into ne who is party as long as its not the BNP. Anyo T people all of the legal protections for LGB & have failed ot cann site web our of user lar a regu in terms intact. There is still much to be done Hope not to see that the LGF’s support for the voices our ring ensu and MP’s our ying of lobb amount fair a rated gene has n Hate Campaig debate, are heard loud and clear within this boards, and age mess our on rsy rove cont of ies will because you can be sure that our enem plaints to we have been threatened with com us our full do everything in their power to deny in what ging enga for ion miss Com ity the Char country. legal rights as equal citizens of this But ity. activ ical is perceived to be party polit d in tene threa be to elves ours we won’t allow second The House of Commons saw a lively that we g ythin ever do will we and way, this h a small reading for the Equality Bill, in whic t and can to ensure that a deeply racist, sexis to kill it est hard their tried MP’s of ber num the to ed elect get not do party bic homopho does not completely. They claim that the Bill t. men Parlia pean Euro now in take into account the fact that we are is overly a recession and that the legislation munity to I urge everyone in the LGB & T com s at a bureaucratic and penalises employer ded people -min right join us and the many other g cut and time when public spending is bein 4th, June on Hope for vote and in this region such times, belts tightened. They claim that in Manchester in bia opho Hom nst Agai Walk to afford. These and equality is a luxury we can scarcely on June 13th. have not who le peop of s voice the ly clear are GAY CHIEF EXECUTIVE, THE LESBIAN &

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Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk

FOUNDATION

Ensuring the right to free movement in the EU for LGBT people: I pledge to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people are able to exercise their right to free movement in the EU with their families, including by closely monitoring the implementation of the Freedom of Movement Directive and by supporting measures to increase mutual recognition of partnerships. 3. Increasing explicit recognition of transgender people’s rights: I pledge to call for explicit recognition of the rights of transgender people in EU law, including by ensuring adequate coverage of transgender people in future EU gender equality legislation and policy and by closely monitoring implementation of the Gender Equality Directives with regard to their coverage of transgender people. 4.

Combating homophobia and transphobia through criminal law: I pledge to call for a Framework Decision on homophobic and transphobic violence, hate crime and hate speech following the recommendation issued in the legal study on homophobia of the EU Fundamental Rights Agency. 5. Promoting an inclusive definition of family: I pledge to promote a definition of family which recognises the diversity of family relationships, and to ensure that the needs of LGBT families are increasingly reflected in EU policy and legislation (e.g. the Parental Leave Directive). 6. Acting as the EU’s fundamental rights watchdog, including on LGBT rights: I pledge to hold EU Member States accountable to their human rights commitments and to be a voice against human rights violations targeting LGBT people in the EU (e.g. freedom of assembly, asylum of people at risk of persecution). 7. Protecting LGBT rights in Europe beyond the EU: I pledge to promote the human rights of LGBT people within the European Neighbourhood Policy, the EU Central Asia indicative programmes and Enlargement through political dialogue and recommending adoption of inclusive anti-discrimination laws.

8. Protecting LGBT rights in the world: I pledge to support Parliament resolutions and actions condemning human rights violations against LGBT people outside the EU and calling for the end of criminalisation of homosexuality.

9. Calling for an explicit commitment to fundamental rights from the new EU Commission: I pledge to prioritise the commitment to fundamental rights and equality in the approval of the new European Commission and to call for an explicit expression of this commitment by all the members of the EU Commission. 10.

Ongoing commitment to the EU agenda in the area of non-discrimination and equality: I pledge to support programmes that ensure continued EU funding for effective and necessary action to combat discrimination and promote equality on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.

Well, they’ve had their say. Now it’s over to you. Don’t forget to register your vote on 4th June!

Photo: Sarah Quinn

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD

ADVERTORIAL

Your experiences as an LGB or T person are valuable. Why not have your opinion heard, and earn some money in the process?

The North West Development Agency (NWDA) and partners have commissioned ECOTEC, an independent research and consulting organisation to undertake a research project to look at the views and experiences of lesbian gay bisexual and trans people in the north west region (Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire).

They are interested in your opinions about employment, business and enterprise, education, and health. This work will help to inform the Agency’s work on understanding the needs of everyone in the region and ensuring they have access to the same opportunities.

It is a really valuable opportunity for LGB&T people to make their voices heard.

ECOTEC has worked with a number of LGB&T organisations in the region to ensure they hear as wide a range of views

and experiences from LGB&T people as possible. They have recruited over 30 volunteer researchers to interview individual LGB&T people and to conduct focus groups. They have already identified dozens of LGB&T people who would like to participate in the study. But they need more.

WHY GET INVOLVED? This major piece of research may feed into decisions about the future design and delivery of services for LGB&T people from agencies involved with healthcare, education and employment in the region. Because the initial recruitment of interviewers was so successful, the NWDA decided to expand the project.

This means that ECOTEC would still like to hear from people who have something to say.

ECOTEC WANTS YOU! Many of the volunteer interviewees are drawn from people involved in LGB&T organisation, and so ECOTEC are especially interested in hearing from people outside these groups and also from LGB&T people who live in Cheshire, Cumbria and other rural parts of the region, people from minority ethnic groups and people who have a disability.

Need to know...

GET INVOLVED

If you would like to make your voice heard, and be paid for your time, further details can be found on The Lesbian & Gay Foundation website at: www.lgf.org.uk/ecotec-lgbt-survey www.lgf.org.uk

11

AGENDA JUNE-JULY 2009

NEWS

OUTNORTHWEST TALKS TO THE FAMILY OF MICHAEL CAUSER

“WE WOULD DO ANYTHING TO STOP THIS HAPPENING AGAIN.” A year ago an ordinary Merseyside couple like Marie and Mike Causer probably wouldn’t have expected to become spokespeople for gay rights. But it’s been a dark year for the Causer’s one full of tragedy, disappointment and lies.

On Thursday 24 July 2008 their son Michael Causer (18) - was out with acquaintances at The Crown Pub in Prescot, Merseyside. Those acquaintances included James O’Connor (19), Michael Binsteed (18) and an old school friend of Michael’s - Kyle Kennedy. After the pub the group went on to a party at a house on Biglands Drive in Huyton which belonged to Binsteed’s Grandmother. The group were joined at the house by Gavin Alker (19), a friend of O’Connor’s.

JOANNE DUNNING talks to the family of Michael Causer on how their son’s death has given them resolve to fight for justice, and challenge homophobia.

Homophobic Attack From this point on the events took a more sinister tone. Michael was upstairs asleep in one of the bedrooms when O’Connor and Alker came into the room and subjected Michael to a sustained and brutal beating which would leave him unconscious. Throughout the early hours of Friday 25 July, the pair continued to assault Michael and shout homophobic language at him. The boys turned on Michael after they had seen pictures of him on his mobile phone with his boyfriend George. After the attack it is alleged that Alker said: “He’s a little queer, he deserves it.”

12

Main Image: Michael Causer was only 18 years old when he was killed, almost one year ago.

It is unknown to what extent Michael Binsteed and Kyle Kennedy were involved in the attack, but they did not intervene and help Michael.

Kennedy callously left the scene in a taxi at 9am knowing that Michael was badly injured. While Binsteed along with Alker and O’Connor moved Michael’s body from the house to waste ground on nearby Tarbuck Road. Binsteed fabricated a story to the Paramedics, Police and Michael’s family that Michael had been attacked in the street by random men and that they had helped fight them off. Meanwhile, Alker absconded for the next five days.

When Marie and Mike were at the hospital they had no idea how bad Michael’s injuries were, Marie told outnorthwest: “We believed Michael just had a clot and it was going to be removed. We didn’t know he had a broken jaw, upper and lower. We

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knew his nose was broken, he had black eyes, his mouth was horrendously swollen.

But we didn’t know he had internal and neck injuries until Crown Court.” On August 2 2008, Michael Causer died from serious head injuries which he sustained in the attack, he was only 18 years of age.

No Justice Nine months on from Michael’s murder, of the four people who were present as this dreadful act of hatred unfolded, only one has received a custodial sentence.

Leaving huge question marks over the effectiveness of the British judicial system and their understanding of homophobic hate crimes. James O’Connor pleaded guilty to the murder of Michael Causer, on the basis that homophobia was not his motivation, he was sentenced to 23 years in prison, but is eligible for parole in eleven and a half years. Judge King accepted that

Tommy Mcillravey

“We must unite to stop another family going through what the Causer’s have!”

“Michael came out to his family at 14.

Their reaction was one of love and support.

When you realise the great family he had, you can’t hep but wonder what kind of a man he would have grown into. And you can’t help getting angry. Why aren’t we angrier about this?”

“Justice is just a word, it’s a word that means nothing. Even if they did get 30 years... even if they spent the rest of their lives in prison, it still wouldn’t compensate for what they’ve taken from us as a family.”

MARIE CAUSER it was not a homophobic attack, he offered no alternative saying that he did not know what had motivated O’Connor. Michael Binsteed pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice, despite being originally questioned for wounding with intent. He was used as a prosecution witness and was given a suspended sentence of 34 weeks and 200 hours community payback.

Despite being present throughout the attacks Kyle Kennedy was not charged, and was used as a prosecution witness.

Most shockingly, Gavin Alker, who was described by the Crown Prosecution Service as the “prime mover” in the attacks, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Causer and walked free.

Where did the trial go wrong?

The CPS were so confident of the case they assured the Causer’s that Alker would be sentenced to 30 years.

Marie and Mike talk of the perjury and dreadful errors that took place in the court room, which they feel prejudiced the jury against Michael. Marie explains: “The lies that Kennedy and Binsteed were coming up with saying that Michael was some sort of hooligan to cover themselves to make them look good. They said that Michael had spent the evening smashing telephone boxes, phone boxes that weren’t even there... bus stops, cars... nobody made any reports. From day one as soon as we knew that they were using Kyle Kennedy as a witness we might as well as not had any court case.”

Marie can’t understand why the CPS used Kyle Kennedy as a witness, when they had Stephen Baines’ statement - a barman at The Crown - who saw Michael that night and stated that we was not drunk or depressed as alleged, but was his usual self, singing Karaoke and having a dance.

“So what do we do for the future? Politically, we need to use our votes and challenge those people meant to represent us. People are more angry at MPs expenses than about Michael Causer and homophobia. Look at where they stand on LGBT issues and vote. Write to your MPs, your councillors and anyone else who needs your vote and ask them what they are going to do to end homophobia. In our communities: We need to get angry, we need to be seen on the streets, in the newspapers on the radio and television.

We need to be visible and remind people that we are as good as everyone else and make a contribution to society like everyone else. Individually we should think about the difference everyone of us can make. By challenging prejudice when we see it rather than turning a blind eye and by getting involved as volunteers, supporters or campaigners.”

Marie highlights the terrible errors that were made over the course trial by the CPS, Judge King and the Coroner; not only was her Victim Impact Statement virtually ignored , but “even on the day of the sentence Judge King didn’t know how old Michael was.” She continues: “Even the Coroner who did Michael’s post mortem came into Court saying that Michael was six foot one. Michael was five foot four - I ordered his coffin which was five foot six and that was to allow for a blue cushion with ‘The Prince is sleeping’ written on it.

Michael didn’t stand a chance - there was nothing in that Crown Court that went his way”.

Mike addes: “We were in there nearly three weeks and the whole court case was a farce.”

The trial left them feeling cheated, they can’t live with the Jury’s decision and feel that Alker, Binsteed and Kennedy are laughing at them. Marie says: “Justice is just a word, it’s a word that means nothing.

Even if they did get 30 years, even if they got 50 years, even if they spent the rest of their lives in prison. It still wouldn’t compensate for what they’ve taken from us as a family.”

Hope for the future However they are determined to keep fighting for Michael and are currently considering further legal action. Marie continues: “There is no way of appealing against Alker... he will fall on his own admissions.” But they are in the process of appealing Binsteed’s sentence, and feel they have a case against Kennedy as, allegedly he helped Binsteed clean Michael up and dispose of DNA evidence.

Throughout the aftermath of Michael’s death and the Trial, the Causer’s have somehow stayed strong, and pay tribute to the community who have rallied to support them. Marie comments: “We’ve had wonderful support from the LGBT Network in Liverpool, Matty Fox, Tommy, Andy and Jenny. There’s around 7000 people on the Michael Causer Facebook group writing comments. We get donations for Michael’s Fund and cards through the door.”

“Also, the police have been amazing - Jay Halpin, Ritchie Carr. Absolutely wonderful, couldn’t fault Merseyside Police. It’s just a shame that the CPS weren’t the same in presenting Michael’s case with different methods instead www.lgf.org.uk

continued overleaf

Chair of Liverpool LGBT Network

13

AGENDA JUNE-JULY 2009

NEWS

OUR MICHAEL

Marie and Mike Causer talk about their memories of the real Michael.

of using people as witnesses who should have been prosecuted.”

Along with Liverpool’s LGBT Network and Merseyside Police, Marie and Mike are determined that nothing like this will ever happen again. Marie says: “At first we were told that we could speak out, but anything we might say could jeopardise Michael’s trial. So we kept quiet. Then after the trial and the sentence, we said we’d speak out.” Mike regrets not doing it earlier: “We should have done before, because they’d have known what Michael was really like.”

Marie continues: “We’d do anything to stop this from happening again. We know gay people, we go to the pub, we go to the Trigger Pond and Chris Wallace is there and he so reminds you of Michael, his mannerisms, everything. I look at Chris and he’s the same build as Michael.”

“I find with the gay community, that I’m more supportive towards them because you look back and see what has happened to Michael. We knew he’d be vulnerable when he came out, because of the size of him - 5 ft 4 and 7 stone. We knew he’d be more vulnerable than his brothers. I think gay people are more vulnerable, because of the way people react to them.”

“We’ll keep speaking out and hopefully go into schools and educate young people that gay people don’t have two heads, they are the same people that they are. It’s just wrong that some people won’t accept them. Then there’s the Fund. We’ll keep fundraising and doing different things for a lasting memorial, and then maybe go on to books to educate the children of today. You look back at Binsteed’s, 14

Detective Inspector Richie Carr

Senior Investigating Officer into Michael Causer’s Murder “Two men were convicted in respect of the crime committed against Michael. I am satisfied that a strong case was presented in respect of the third, however, the jury determined there was insufficient evidence to convict.

Although we are all disappointed in this respect, we have to accept the verdict. This matter was treated as a Hate Crime from the outset and we involved members of the LGBT community from the very start.

Although there was evidence to suggest that Michael was killed because of his sexuality, this was not upheld by the courts.

I would maintain the view that it is extremely important for all crimes to be reported to the Police even though there are occasions when prosecutions are unsuccessful. If it is not reported, it won’t be investigated.”

“You hear youngsters say ‘go away, you’re gay’. It might be just a word to them, but the parents need to pull them up and tell them that it’s wrong.”

O’Connor’s and Alker’s generation of ‘89 and then this next generation...will they show more hate towards gay people? This generation of infants need to be educated.

You hear youngsters as young as four and five saying, ‘go away you’re gay’. It might be a word to them, but their parents need to pull them up and tell them that it’s wrong. They need better education to let them know that gay people are no different.”

Mike and Marie Causer are determined to keep Michael’s story alive and there are offers from This Morning and The Oprah Winfrey Show. But it’s the private things that take the most strength. Marie and Mike have taken the handle off Michael’s bedroom door and haven’t been in since Michael passed away. Marie says: “That was his private place”. Mike adds, “It’s hard, but we’ll get there one day. We’ll do whatever we can to stop this from

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MARIE: He was fun loving, lively, very caring. He loved the elderly…his Nan and grandad have both got emphysema. They had breatheasies and Michael would go along and do the raffles, make tea, do the dishes, and entertain the old people. He went to work with Debbie (his sister) and did the raffles in the old people’s homes. He was just fabulous, he loved life, lived for life, his friends, and his family. He helped deliver his little niece Daisy six weeks before he died. He loved music, singing and dancing.

He worked at the Village Hotel and he’d do all the functions and get on stage singing someone else.” and he’d forhappening them and to dancing for them, dance with the old people and the young people. We laugh ‘cos we look back at these photographs on the internet and he’s in his work uniform but he’s up on the stage dancing and he should have been serving.

He was at College training to be hairdresser but he had been off for quite a few weeks because he’d had colitis, but he was hoping to go back in September. He said he wanted to go back and further his education and do Business Studies. We told him as soon as he passed out as a hairdresser, we’d by him and Louise (his other sister) a Salon and set them up in business. Michael was amazing and he had amazing friends. He was made out in court to be a thug. He wasn’t a bully…he’d never had a fight.

MIKE: He wasn’t a fighter, he didn’t go to fighting school. I’d taken him to martial arts, got all the stuff and everything for him, he only lasted three weeks. The way they went on in court they had him down as a violent person.

MARIE: My guess is that his attackers were totally jealous of Michael. Of his personality, of how popular he was. It doesn’t matter where you go, everybody knew him. Even Councillor Fricker. We got a beautiful letter when Michael was in Walton Hospital and it said from Mr and Mrs Fricker. We thought who are Mr and Mrs Fricker we’ll ask Michael when he wakes up. Michael was a very warm person, we put everything into them when they were little and taught them to be affectionate, loveable, loyal, honest and that shone out from Michael. Whatever you put into them, they’ll be. We can stand up and say that we were proud of that from Michael.

You can donate to the Michael Causer Fund at www.lcvs.org.uk or by calling 0151 227 5177

AGENDA JUNE-JULY 2009

Photo: Glen Monks

NEWS

JUNE

13 SATURDAY

“It’s a great opportunity for people of all ages, races and backgrounds to come together in a visibly powerful demonstration of action and compassion.

EMMA PEATE

LGF’S FUNDRAISING MANAGER

WALK PROUD! LGF’S WALK AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA 2009

Saturday June 13th - mark that date in your diary - see’s the second annual Walk Against Homophobia make its way through Manchester city centre.

It’s time to lace up your trainers and walk proud with the LGF and other north west LGB groups, as the LGF once again fills Sackville Gardens and walks through the streets of Manchester against homophobia.

Started in 2008, the LGF’s Walk Against Homophobia is a 5km fundraising walkathon benefiting The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s vital work in ‘Ending Homophobia and Empowering People’.

This inspirational day is filled with energy, excitement, hope, and even a sprinkling of celebrities!

This year, participants can register and pay for the walk in advance online at www.lgf.org.uk. Registration is just £5 and participants will also be raising money through sponsorship. Emma Peate, Fundraising Manager at the LGF is really excited about this year’s

Main Image: The Walk Against Homophobia has quickly become a highlight of Manchester’s queer calendar. Come along, and stop the traffic!

And if you enjoy walking, why not get involved with Gay City Strollers? A great day out, and a chance to meet new people. See page 41 for more info!

Walk Against Homophobia. She says: “It’s a great opportunity for people of all ages, races and backgrounds to come together in a visibly powerful demonstration of action and compassion. Come along, bring your friends, bring your family and help end homophobia and empower people.” Last year over 300 people walked to raise awareness of the discrimination that LGB people face, and to provide an opportunity for community empowerment.

This year the Walk Against Homophobia is teaming up with the Friends of Sackville Gardens group, who will be hosting their BBC Springwatch event after the

Need to know...

WHEN& WHERE

walk in Sackville Gardens. There will be opportunities for a nice relaxing massage, Tai Chi, or just relaxing in the chill-out area. Look out too for a whole afternoon of environmental activities, including: planting workshops, bird box making, and plant pot painting, a children’s fun area, a creative and craft space, a wish tree, and a exhibition by a local art-group.

There will also be lots of entertainment and giveaways on the day, in addition to the BBC Springwatch TV team and Radio Manchester attending throughout the day to capture the action as it happens. It’s a great opportunity to raise awareness and connect with your community. So, what are you waiting for...?

The second Walk Against Homophobia, takes places on Saturday 13th June.

Sackville Gardens (Sackville Street, Manchester, M1) will be open from 11.30am for walkers to collect their Walk Against Homophobia t-shirts and goodie-bags.

The Walk will set off at 1pm. More details at www.lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk

15

opinion

Peter Tatchell

“The leader of the neo-Nazi British National Party (BNP), Nick Griffin, could be elected to the European Parliament if there is a low turnout in the elections on 4 June.

He is standing in the North-West of England Euro-constituency, which includes Manchester.

urges a big pink vote in the European elections, to help block the election of BNP leader, Nick Griffin.

Under the proportional representation voting system for the European elections, candidates from minor parties like the BNP can get elected.

Although Labour, Conservative and Lib Dem candidates are likely to win most of the region’s Euro seats, the battle for the last seat in the North-West will be between anti-gay Nick Griffin and pro-gay Peter Cranie, the Green Party candidate.

A big vote for the Greens is the surest way to stop the BNP winning the seat. But if you don’t want to vote Green, then voting for any party other than the BNP will help reduce Griffin’s chance of being elected.

In other words, you can help stop the BNP winning its first European Parliament seat by using your vote in the 4 June elections.

A high voter turn-out will scupper the BNP 16

by reducing its share of the vote.

If the BNP gets a low share of the vote, the Greens are likely to win the last seat and the BNP will walk away empty handed.

Main Image: 0BNP Leader Nick Griffin stands a real chance of election to the European Parliament.

Make your voice heard on 4th June.

As we all know, the BNP is a racist and homophobic party. It refuses to allow nonwhite people to be members and wants to pressure black people to leave the UK. As well as supporting a policy of ‘ethnic cleansing,’ the BNP has fought previous general elections on a pledge to outlaw homosexuality. It has described Aids as “nature taking revenge” on gay men. It opposed the repeal of Section 28 and the equalisation of the age of consent.

BNP leader Nick Griffin has denounced homosexuality as a “behavioural deviancy” and attacked gay people for “flaunting their perversion.” He also ridiculed homosexuals as “repulsive.”

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Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender voters – and their straight friends – should quiz all the Euro-candidates on gay rights, and on other issues like the economy, and then vote for those candidates with the most progressive and homo-friendly policies. It is important that we elect more pro-gay politicians, to help us secure stronger policies to tackle homophobic bullying and hate crimes.

With one-in-ten voters being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, the queer vote could influence the election result in the North-West. Our votes could help stop Nasty Nick and the BNP being elected.

As well as the party’s long history of homophobia, BNP activists also stand accused racism, anti-Semitism, holocaust denial and Islamophobia. A disturbing number of past and present BNP members have criminal convictions for violence.

PETER TATCHELL Peter Tatchell has been campaigning for human rights, democracy and global justice since 1967. He is a member of the queer human rights group OutRage!, and the left-wing of the Green Party.

“With one-in-ten voters being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, the queer vote could influence the election result in the North-West.”

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ British_National_Party) Although the BNP has publicly ditched some of its most extreme and bigoted policies, many critics believe this makeover is just an astute public relations exercise designed to con people who were put off by its thuggish, macho neo-Nazi image.

They say the BNP hasn’t changed at all; it has just got more professional and media savvy. Disguising its extremist views and donning sharp suits, its game-plan is to copy the tactics of successful European far right parties, such as the Front National in France, the Vlaams Blok in Belgium and the National Democratic Party in Germany.

Ex-BNP activist turned anti-fascist campaigner, Matthew Collins, is a Director of Searchlight’s Operation Wedge. He

says the new-look BNP is all spin and PR. The party may have toned down its open racism, homophobia and street violence, but behind the smiling face of its leader Nick Griffin lurks the same old hateful bigotry. It hasn’t really changed its core values and aims.

A more true reflection of the BNP’s real agenda have been some its website postings. These have previously claimed such nonsense as: “Sexually-transmitted diseases are no joke. Thanks to them, the average life-expectancy of a gay man is now 40, compared to 71 for all men.”

(Source: http://www.bnp.org.uk/articles/ traditional_values.html)

Want to know more?

CLICK HERE!

Born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1952, he began campaigning for human rights in 1967, aged 15. His first campaign was against the death penalty, followed by campaigns in support of Aboriginal rights and in opposition to conscription and the Australian and US war against the people of Vietnam. In 1969, on realising that he was gay, the struggle for queer freedom became an increasing focus of his activism.

For nearly 30 years, he has called for a single, comprehensive, all-inclusive Equal Rights Act to harmonise the uneven patchwork of equality legislation, to ensure equal treatment and non-discrimination for everyone.

He writes regular columns for The Guardian’s Comment is Free website, and hosts a weekly TV current affairs programme, Talking With Tatchell, on 18doughtystreet.com

Suggesting that the “gay rights lobby target school children,” the BNP has condemned and ridiculed LGBT History Month and has warned that it might reintroduce Section 28.

(Source: http://www.bnp.org.uk/articles/ lgbt_month.htm) Soon after the neo-Nazi bombing of a gay bar in Soho, London, in 1999, which killed three people and maimed dozens more, BNP leader Nick Griffin seemed to excuse and endorse the homophobic hatred that inspired the terrorist atrocity. He attacked lesbian and gay people for “flaunting their perversion” and said this showed why “so many ordinary people find these creatures so repulsive”. (Source: Stranger things have happened, Nick Griffin, Spearhead (BNP magazine), June 1999.)

Griffin has also denounced homosexuality as a “form of behavioural deviancy” and “not a valid lifestyle choice”. He claims the BNP speaks for “the majority of the population” who, he says, believe “homosexuality is wrong” and that it “needs to be pushed humanely but firmly back into the closet”. Griffin warns that if gays continue to “press their aims further” there will be an “almighty backlash” which will result in the imprisonment of all homosexuals. (Source: Putting the record straight, Nick Griffin, Identity (BNP Magazine), December 2003.)

Griffin is not alone. Mark Collett, former chairman of the Young BNP and possibly the party’s future leader, described homosexuals as “AIDS Monkeys”,“bum bandits” and “faggots” and said the idea of homosexuality was a “sickening thought.”

(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ British_National_Party)

For all these reasons, we need a big turnout against the BNP on 4 June. Our message must be: “hope, not hate.” Spread the word. With your help we can stop Nick Griffin and the BNP.”

For more information about Peter Tatchell’s human rights campaigns, visit www.petertatchell.net. For more information about the European Elections, visit www.europarl.europa.eu www.lgf.org.uk

17

YOUR WAY MERSEYSIDE

UP

It’s been a busy first year for Liverpool’s lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender (LGB&T) Network - a year of intense highs and crushing lows.

The Network, launched in June 2008, gives a democratic voice to the LGB&T communities of Merseyside. It’s governed by a Steering Group, elected from and by members of the Network.

Membership is open to any LGB&T person who lives, works or plays in Liverpool.

18

FOCUS ON: MERSEYSIDE

A YEAR OF HIGHS AND LOWS...

The lows of our first year you will have heard about: the horrific homophobic murder of teenager Michael Causer in August 2008, and the sudden, shocking death of one of the most popular - and beautiful - figures on Liverpool’s gay scene, Phil Yates, in May this year. Michael was just 18 when he was beaten to death; Phil was just 29 when we lost him. They will be missed.

Despite this terrible pain and sadness, the LGB&T communities of Merseyside remain determined to press on with a

International Day Against Homophobia saw the rainbow flag fly above Liverpool Town Hall for the first time in it’s history.

democratic agenda for change, and the network has been spectacularly successful in this:

A motion in support of Liverpool Pride has been passed by a full meeting of Liverpool City Council; Michael Causer: The horrific murder of Michael Causer ended 2008 on a distressing note.

The Michael Causer Fund was created by the Network to support Michael’s family, create a lasting memorial to Michael, and raise awareness of homophobic hate crime; IDAHO (International Day Against Homophobia) event saw the rainbow flag fly above Liverpool Town Hall for the first time in history – and hundreds of LGB&T

Need to know...

FIND OUT MORE...

Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk

people sat down for tea with the Lord Mayor, Councillor Steve Rotheram.

Liverpool’s LGB&T Network: Year two will see more of the same - but we need your help to do it!

The first, and most important thing, is to join the Network. Email the LGB&T Development Officer on matthew.fox@lcvs. org.uk for a form.

Secondly, if you’re on Facebook, join the Liverpool LGB&T Network and Liverpool Pride groups – and invite all your friends to join these groups as well. The more members we have, the more influence we have with local decision-makers.

To find out more about Liverpool’s LGB&T Network: Year Two, email: matthew.fox@lcvs.org.uk

THE WIRRAL

REGIONAL ROUND-UP Have you got some good news to report from the last few months? Are you running a new project? Have you got something to say about what you group is doing? If so, email us at rainbow@lgf.org.uk. You can share all your news and let people know about what your group is doing.

NORTH WEST

FOCUS ON: THE WIRRAL

WIRRAL LGBT FORUM

Do you want to start a new sports group?

With Pride games running from Sunday 31st May to Sunday 7th June 2009, the time has never been better to get into exercise. Pride Sports can help you set up a new sports club or group.

If you need to understand governance, or access funding, or get advice on how to recruit new members, use their expertise to help you.

The Wirral LGB&T forum is a voluntary network which aims to improve the representation of LGB&T people in the Wirral.

Hospital Trust on their “Gender & Sexual Orientation Project”. The forum is also working with Wirral Borough Council on the 2nd Wirral ‘Diversity Day’, following last years success. The day, to be held on 4th November 2009, will be open up to the public and celebrates the diversity of the communities from across the Wirral.

We work with different voluntary and community networks and local organisations to provide and enable effective consultation and engagement with LGB&T communities from across the Wirral. We have recently focused on working with the Wirral Voluntary & Community Sector Network and supporting the Wirral University

Wirral LGB&T forum hold committee meetings monthly and you can contact us directly on 0796 952 7887.

Contact Trevor Burchick on trevor@pridesports.org or visit www.pridesports.org

Please visit our website at http://sites.google.com/site/ wirrallgbtforum/ or http:// merseysidelgbt.ning.com.

New group for Trans people in Cheshire

GAY WIRRAL Gay Wirral began in early 2008 as a Facebook group for LGB&T people in Wirral to make friends and swap information and stories.

Members of the group wanted to do more and since late 2008, a series of social events have been held. Gay Wirral seeks to work and cooperate with other LGB&T groups in Wirral and Merseyside on the basis of equality, mutuality and respect.

We have established a committee to

oversee the group and draw upon the energy and diverse talents of Wirral’s LGBT communities. It is deliberately large, open, democratic and inclusive, drawing on all sections of the LGBT community with a broad range of ages, ability and gender.

If you too would like to be involved in helping to shape Gay Wirral - you would be very welcome!

For more information, or to get involved, email gaywirral@ hotmail.co.uk or visit the Gay Wirral Facebook Group and www.wirrallgbt.com

CHESHIRE

TransWarrington is a new group based in Warrington offering support and a safe space to meet for trans people in the region.

To find out more information or get involved, email transwarrington@yahoo.co.uk

CUMBRIA PiNC–Pride In North Cumbria PiNC is an LGBTQ group for young people aged 13 to 25. We meet weekly on Wednesdays which is a ‘social’ night and on Tuesdays to do ‘work’ projects - like getting a PiNC website up and running.

PiNC meets in Carlisle but young people from all over

Cumbria are really welcome!

PiNC can even help with travel costs to and from the sessions.

If you would like to come along or find out more please contact Cat Hunt on 07743266317 or pinc-carlisle@hotmail.co.uk or Ros Willatt at Connexions Cumbria 01228 596272 or ros. willatt@connexionscumbria. co.uk.

GREATER MANCHESTER New drop in for LGBT’s in Wigan Are you LGB or T and living in Wigan? A new drop in has opened up providing information, resources and a place to meet. Come along, give your opinions and help to make it want you want.

For further information and to get involved, phone or skype 0161 408 8693 or email wiganlgf123@aol.com.

Visit www.geocities.com/ boroughpride/lgbt-drop-incentre.html

LANCASHIRE Do you live in Chorley and South Ribble?

The idea of an LGBT forum for the area has been gaining pace, and there have been some very successful meetings of interested people.

If you would like to join them or would like more information, email John at project-oscar@ centrallancashire.nhs.uk www.lgf.org.uk

19

QUEER AS FOLK 10

WHAT THE

FOLK? Photo: Channel 4

Between February 23rd 1999, and February 22nd 2000, Channel 4 broadcast ten episodes of Queer As Folk. It offered an uncompromising look at gay men in Manchester at the turn of the century, and changed television forever. Ten years later, outnorthwest catches up with its creators and cast about the lasting effect the show has had, and why we’re still talking about it today. Words: Grahame Robertson

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

20

Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk

QUEER AS FOLK 10

“Complete strangers still tell me how they used to lock themselves in their bedrooms with a portable television and watch Queer As Folk. It’s bizarre.”

LIFE IN

1999 Was this all really ten years ago...?

Photo: Dan Goldsmith

IN THE NEWS The Queer Youth Alliance is founded in the UK. On April 30, the Admiral Duncan pub in Soho is the target of a terrorist bomb blast when the Neo-Nazi British National Party member David Copeland kills three people and wounds around 70. Boyzone’s Stephen Gately comes out to The Sun newspaper before they can out him. Healthy Gay Manchester celebrates its fifth birthday.

WRITER & PRODUCER

Russell T Davies

Russell needs no introduction to outnorthwest readers, and since his stellar success with Doctor Who, he’s now a household name around the country.

There’s a strange sense of deja-vu interviewing Russell T Davies for this revamped issue of outnorthwest. It was almost ten years ago that we first spoke to him for our very first issue, which marked the end of the second series of Queer As Folk.

Since then Russell’s star has been in the ascendent, with a CV boasting some of the most ground-breaking and popular television of the last ten years. We look forward to a Russell T Davies production more than a new Kylie or Madonna album.

He’s THAT good.

To mark the tenth anniversary of the first screening of Queer As Folk, outnorthwest meets with Russell on the world-famous standing set of the show - Canal Street - to reminisce about the show that changed how gay men were portrayed in television forever.

Queer As Folk still has such a massive effect on us as a community doesn’t it?

Yes. People still stop me and say “I came out thanks to Queer as Folk”, and now it’s

ten years on and I’m meeting people who were 15 then, who are now 25! Literally complete strangers will tell me how they used to lock themselves in their bedrooms with a portable television and watch Queer As Folk. It’s bizarre.

Do you think those young gay people need a Queer As Folk of their own on television today?

That’s an interesting question. I think you find your own Queer as Folk. It’s not so much the television programme, as the mind that finds it, and that’s a mind that’s bursting to come out, bursting to be honest. All it needs is that trigger. It’s not like young men have stopped coming out because Queer as Folk isn’t on, in fact the opposite is true, which is the most brilliant fact in society today. It isn’t recognised yet how brilliant that is. So to answer your question, no... much as I’d like to say yes!

And you can find it in Coronation Street now. Just look what Antony Cotton is doing.

Of course, and our television is streets ahead of America in that sense. There

THE VILLAGE So, who remembers Prague 5 (now View); The Slug and Lettuce (now Queer) and Abbaye (now Villagio)? Check out the opening scene of Episode One, and you’ll notice that Spirit didn’t even exist... just one big empty space. Other notable scene events in 1999 - Kylie Minogue open Manchester gay super-club Essential, and Manchester Mardi Gras takes over Granada Studios for the legendary Treat In The Streets.

MUSIC Martine McCutcheon (Perfect Moment), Britney Spears (Baby One More Time), and S Club 7 (Bring It All Back) were chart toppers. Feeling old yet?

WE LOST 1999 saw the deaths of queer icons Quentin Crisp, Dirk Bogarde and Dusty Springfield.

are a huge number of gay and lesbian characters, but you still get gay men and lesbians complaining that there aren’t enough gay characters on television. I think that’s because they don’t watch television. It’s very often middle-aged people remembering television when they were 20. There aren’t many gay leads, but, we’re not the majority, so that’s always going to be the case.

Looking back, is there a specific moment you’re proud of in the history of Queer As Folk?

It was the whole thing. Actually, there was a brilliant night where we screened the last episode of the first series in Prague 5 on Canal Street (now View). It was also Poptastic’s second anniversary, so they were expecting 100 people and I think 400 people turned up! The place was packed, and it was a really special night because the ‘complainers’ weren’t there and the politically correct boring people weren’t there. People just kept on partying and I was dreading it because I thought they’d all come for the Poptastic anniversary, and we were going to play this on the big screen and nobody was going to listen.

But, they did. They sat and they stood there, crushed into this bar and everyone listened to every word and I loved it.

Would you tell the same kind of story if you were doing a Queer as Folk type drama today?

Yes. I think part of its success was those three boys, who were very archetypal, and they’re still out there. We could be sitting here in 500 years time and those three types of people will still exist. There were moments of truth in Queer As Folk that will always be true, and I’m very proud of having written that.

Ten years later Queer As Folk is still blamed for the ‘invasion’ of hen parties to Canal Street...

Yes, even though they were always there!

The fascinating thing is, a hen party is blamed in episode three of Queer As Folk for turning the Village straight, and I wrote that a year before anyone had seen Queer As Folk - it was already a very common thing to say. It always smacks of mysogeny too, because it’s always hen nights that are blamed.

Are you tempted to return to that world?

I think so, in some shape or form. One day. I don’t know when. Or it might be the opposite... I might write a gay detective!

While we were walking down Canal Street today, it’s such a vibrant road and it’s begging for drama. So I’m sure one day I’ll come back to it. www.lgf.org.uk

21

Photo: Stuart Rainsbury

QUEER AS FOLK 10

Craig Kelly (Vince) and Antony Cotton (Alexander) on the set of their new home - Coronation Street. Photo: Stuart Rainsbury

VINCE AND ALEXANDER

Craig Kelly & Antony Cotton

Let’s be honest, we all loved Vince, and we all wanted a friend like Alexander. Ten years after they parted ways Craig Kelly and Antony Cotton find themselves working together again on Coronation Street - and their off-screen friendship is as strong as it ever was. Words: Andrew Gilliver The scene: a hospitality room at Granada TV in Manchester. Antony Cotton is glancing at the Queer As Folk soundtrack CD and noting how different he looks and how much Craig Kelly has hardly changed at all. This is the first time the guys have spoken together about Queer As Folk in ten years.

Craig Kelly is especially reticent about dwelling on the past and has given precious few interviews on the subject, but with the encouragement of his friend and co-star Antony Cotton, it’s not long before the ice is broken and fond memories of their time on Queer As Folk are being shared with outnorthwest...

Is it strange for the pair of you to be working together again after ten years?

Antony Cotton: It wasn’t weird so much as, “Oh my God, you’ve got a job here!” We’ve always spoken over the last ten years and when he was going for the job on Corrie we talked about it at every stage, he’d phone up and ask how things worked.

Craig Kelly: He was brilliant. On set, I’m trying to be in character and he’ll say, “Oh look it’s Vince!”, and I’m like, “Exsqueeze me, I’m playing this entirely differently from Vince. Vince was lovely. We love Vince, but I think there are a few differences!

22

A lot of people from the gay community still think of you as Vince, how do you feel about that?

CK: Do you know what, and I can say this hand on heart, I’ve always had nothing but respect from the gay community. When I was going to do it, a mate of mine, who was straight, said to me, “Don’t do that, the gays will come after you and they’ll give you loads of abuse”, and he meant in terms of flirting with me. I didn’t think that was going to happen, and it hasn’t, not once. I guess that’s the kind of thing that you have to deal with. Not all straight blokes think like that. I was quite surprised.

I thought he was an educated man.

AC: If you’d have listened to him, you’d have never met me!

When you were filming, did you have any idea what the public reaction might be?

AC: We used to have conversations saying, “This will never go out.”

CK: But there was magic on the set. We thought it was amazing but that it would have a cult following.

AC: Orginally it was to be called Queer As Fuck...

CK: I remember one script called it The Other End Of The Ballroom.

Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk

AC: I’ve still got those scripts. Between the cast and crew we had a bet about the title. Dining In The Downstairs Restaurant was one.

Weren’t there plans to develop a twice-weekly serial after the show ended?

AC: They signed me and Denise to do 26 episodes.

It was going to be called Hazel’s House and then The Misfits. Then a new commissioning editor came in. They chose a second series of Teachers instead. He didn’t want to inherit someone else’s work, so just threw out the greatest drama that Channel 4 had made in ten years. I was gutted.

They were amazing scripts. Russell said to me that it was the best thing he’d ever written.

Do you feel that the younger generation of LGB people need something like Queer as Folk now?

CK: I think they do. But I don’t think you could make something as good and important as the spirit of that show.

What do you think your characters would be doing today, ten years later?

AC: Well Alexander is alive and well and living in Weatherfield and is now called Sean. Without Queer as Folk’s Alexander a character like Sean in Coronation Street wouldn’t exist. The two go absolutely hand in hand.

QUEER AS FOLK 10

YOUR QAF

MEMORIES outnorthwest asks some of our Facebook friends about their memories of Queer As Folk...

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Nicola Shindler

Nicola Shindler’s production company Red was responsible for producing Queer As Folk. We asked her about the impact and influence of the show.

Nicola Shindler’s production company Red (named after her favourite football team, Manchester United) has always had a close relationship with Russell T Davies, producing not only Queer As Folk, but also Bob and Rose, Mine All Mine and The Second Coming. Queer As Folk, however, was Red’s first commission.

How did the concept of Queer As Folk arrive on your desk?

I had a small development deal with Channel 4, who also wanted to work with Russell. They’d already spoken to him, and said something, which was a stroke of genius really: “In your work there is often a sub-plot involving someone who is gay. Why not make that the main part?”

Russell did already have characters in his head for a long time – Stuart and Vince.

And into that came their relationship with a younger character. I then left a message with Russell who at the time was away for two months – his last holiday ever!

– and he then got back to me and it all happened very quickly.

What were your first thoughts when you read the script?

I was completely excited. I loved it, I loved the tone, the world, and the humour basically. Most of all I loved those characters – their warmth just shone out of it from the very beginning.

Russell has already mentioned he has the ‘seed’ of an idea for a ‘gay drama’ .

Would you like to work with him on this project?

I’d bite his hand off to do it. I’d absolutely love to do it, and I hope that’s what he’s thinking about. But he’s just so busy and I don’t want to put any pressure on him. But yes, the idea is once he’s finished Doctor Who, we’ll work together.

Are you surprised that Queer As Folk is still being talked about ten years later?

It’s completely unusual, and it just never goes away. And if people ask me ‘what has your company made?’, I always mention Queer As Folk even though it was ten years ago, because it’s always the thing that people remember. I’m hugely proud of it.

DANE

Adam Zane One of the comedy highlights of the first series of Queer As Folk, Dane was the hapless best friend of Alexander.

JAMES DOMINIC GALLAGHER: “All I can remember at the time was feeling disgust at the fact that they tied in under age sex and being homosexual within the first showing.

This to my mind gave homophobes ammunition to lambast gay men.

I know it was just a story and that they did need some shock value, but at the time as a 21 year old, it really did bother me.”

DANNY LITHERLAND: “When Queer As Folk first aired, I was still in High School and not at all happy. When I first saw an advert for it on TV, I was sat with my mum, and it showed Stuart licking Nathans back! I was like “Whoa!” and my Mum said, “I don’t think we’ll be watching THAT!”

Want to know more?

CLICK HERE!

Since his time on Queer As Folk, Adam has kept busy in the profession, and most of his time recently has been spent with the groundbreaking Hope Theatre Company, taking challenging productions such as The Laramie Project into schools across the region.

Photo: Adam Zane

Photo: Red Productions

DAVID HENRY: “When the show first came out, like Nathan I was in my last year of high school doing my GCSE’s and had made a similar journey of discovery.

Despite the prejudices it exposed in people I passed videos of the show around at school for my friends who wouldn’t dare risk getting caught watching it at home.

The tapes were eventually confiscated by a teacher. Coming out on the gay scene at such a delicate age is inevitable for lots of people, and I admire Russell T Davis for having the guts to put these real issues on the telly during such rocky times.”

What were your thoughts when you read the first script?

I was just blown away. You just knew it was going to be huge. On the day of the readthrough when we all came together and heard it, you just thought, “I’ve never heard anything like this before.” It was the most exciting thing that had ever happened to me.

There was huge controversy once the series aired. What was your life like after Queer As Folk was screened?

It was ridiculous. It still is. We were celebrities for that brief period in the Village. I couldn’t go anywhere on Canal Street without someone coming up to me and saying, “Oh my god it’s Dane!” One of the big memories for me was during the last episode when there was a big party in Prague 5 and Russell and Antony and everyone was there. I just remember durng the last scene everybody was just jumping and cheering and dancing. It still sends shivers up my spine when I think about that atmosphere.

Do you think that young gay people need something like Queer As Folk?

Yes, I think so. Queer As Folk was the first one.

It’s for that reason that it will always stay in our hearts, and we will always have that memory of that period when WE first saw it. It would be lovely to think that young gay kids could have their moment. But I think Hollyoaks had that with the John Paul storyline. Going around schools with OutLoud, and talking to kids about gay issues, they all talked about Hollyoaks and how brilliant that plot was. They felt really connected to it. So… that’s their Queer As Folk.

You can read the unedited versions of these interviews on our website: www.lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk

23

Words: Chris Morley

Two thirds of gay men’s HIV infections come from the men’s main partners, and one third comes from our casual partners.

That’s the picture in both the USA and Holland. And it’s not different here.

‘Negative’ and unknowing givers In couples, most of the men passing on HIV actually believed they were HIV negative, or weren’t sure. Almost half of the partners were convinced, ‘knew’ they were negative.

But they weren’t, had HIV and so infected their boyfriends. Of the rest of the men, close to 4 out of 10 of the partners weren’t sure whether they were positive or negative. They didn’t check, and passed on HIV to their partners. 5 times out of 6, HIV is passed on by men who ‘know’ they are negative, or by men who just aren’t sure, but haven’t recently checked by taking a test.

Diagnosed gay men are far less ‘giving’ Men who are diagnosed are the least likely to pass on HIV of all – by a long way. Only 1 in 6 cases of HIV among gay men comes from men who already know they have it. Most diagnosed men do a far better job of using condoms and protecting partners than undiagnosed men.

Successful HIV treatment with undetectable viral load is seen now as protection on a par with condoms (as long as you both avoid STIs). Somehow, despite most HIV coming from undiagnosed men to their own partners, it is diagnosed men who cop the blame and are shunned.

Be scared of your own man?

Men who are fearful of HIV should perhaps avoid their man – you are much more likely to catch HIV from a regular partner than from anyone else. To be safer, both men could test now, and test at least once a year after that. Testing is not much to ask of each other. Either of you could be so mistaken. If you both haven’t tested very recently, you cannot know for sure neither of you has HIV. There’s a lot of HIV about, and on the scenes in Manchester and Blackpool, Brighton and London, 1 in 10 men now have HIV. Everywhere, out of every ten men with HIV, three simply don’t know it yet. That’ll be several people you know. One of them might be you. One of them might be your partner.

24

www.lgf.org.uk

HIV

FROM THE ONES YOU LOVE

HIV Infections: Two thirds of gay men’s infections come from their main partner.

Testing Sense

You can’t tell who has HIV by looking.

Asking is pretty pointless, when so many men just can’t know for sure. Believing what you are told by him, is putting your health in his hands. Him believing you, means he is putting his health in your hands.

The evidence is stark. Most people with HIV get it from someone they love. Doesn’t both of you testing now make a lot of sense?

Trusting Partners Poser – Risk Recipe We face a tough problem. We want to trust our partners and for them to trust us. Trust is glue for relationships. How do many of us choose to show our trust during sex?

We take the worst risks, and more often, with those we love. We have more anal sex with partners than with casual shags, we get fucked more by partners than we are by casual shags, and when we most want to be intimate, bare seems best. That’s one recipe, not just for trust, but unfortunately

George House Trust, 77 Ardwick Green North, Manchester M12 6FX Tel: 0161 274 4499

www.ght.org.uk

for HIV transmission between lovers. If you are going to fuck without condoms some or all of the time, both get tested now. There’s no right time, ‘window periods’ are a waste of space as an excuse for putting off testing. Just do it. You can make a fresh start if it’s negative, and if it’s positive, you will be among friends at George House Trust, with men keen to help you through. There is still life with HIV, and men diagnosed soon enough can expect to live very close to a normal lifespan, into their 70s. Too many gay men leave testing too late. There are not many years for most men between becoming HIV positive and the CD4 count falling to 350, when the treatment really needs to start.

Testing might be a pain and the news for a few very unwelcome, but most men will be negative, at least this time. If you have got HIV, it’s better to know sooner, so the treatment can work its best by starting at the right time. Knowing usually helps men take care with their partner, so HIV does stop with them. With effective treatment, that is now much easier.

HOLIDAY SEX

“MY FRIEND WENT ON AND ALL HE GOT WAS THIS LOUSY DISCHARGE!” Words: Peter Boyle and Nathan Perry

As a consequence, this is also a time when people take more risks sexually, which in some cases mean that people return from Blackpool with more than just a stick of rock. Gonorrhoea, Syphilis and Chlamydia are just three of the infections that are commonly picked up through casual holiday encounters. It is also an alarming fact, but many British holiday makers also pick up HIV whilst abroad.

So what are the reasons for this?

Holidays are traditionally a time when we all let our hair down, alcohol is usually in full flow, and many of the usual cares and cautions are thrown into the (admittedly much warmer) wind. If we look at some of the places that are visited, and specifically those places which

26

cater for gay men, then casual sex is usually expected, and, some might say, encouraged. This also means that people may take advantage of encounters that may be spur of the moment, and a long way from everyday life. Unfortunately, this is a rife breeding ground for sexually transmitted infections, and just taking simple precautions can help minimise the risk of picking up any unwanted nasties. We all know the importance of using condoms to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. It is also very important to take condoms and lube with you if you are going abroad, as they may not be as freely available where you are going. Take as many LGF safer sex packs as you think you may need! They are available in most of the bars on Canal street, as well as selected

All photos: Paul Jones

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do..” so goes the old saying, so what about Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Skegness or Butlins?

Holiday makers, it seems, see the break from the hum drum of everyday life as a time to take more risks, and seek out new thrills.

BUG ALERT! SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS

GONORRHOEA Everything you need to know! Don’t forget to have regular sexual health check-ups. See the ad on page 29 for details of the LGF Outreach Clinic!

What is it?

Gonorrhoea or ‘the clap’ is a bactieral infection of the urethra, arse, throat (and even the eyes).

It can be passed-on by rimming, oral sex or anal sex without a condom. Gonorrhoea infection rates continue to rise amongst gay men.

How can I avoid it?

Condoms go a long way in preventing infection with gonorrhoea, and if you use condoms for oral sex the risk is reduced further. Don’t forget, he doesn’t need to cum in order to pass on gonorrhoea.

What is it like?

Not everybody shows symptoms, and for those that do, they may be quite mild. They can include pain or discomfort whilst pissing and a greenish/white discharge from the cock. Symptoms in the throat or arse are less common. A sore throat may indicate infection in that area, whilst an infection in the arse may be accompanied by pain when going to the toilet, and a discharge.

The LGF host an Outreach Clinic in partnership with the Manchester Centre of Sexual Health and MPHDS infour locations in Manchester, on a Monday afternoon. For more info, see the ad on page29, or visit: www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 1070904

venues throughout Greater Manchester.

For readers outside Greater Manchester, the LGF currently works in partnership with Durex, and offers 25% off all Durex products, just go to www.shopdurex. com and enter LGF01 at the checkout.

Remember, when abroad, condoms may only be available in a limited number of places, and lube may be even harder to come by Upon returning home, if you have had a number of ‘holiday romances’ you may want to get a full sexual health screen.

So, what do I do?

A sexual health check up will test for gonorrhoea, and the way that they do this is by taking a urine sample, and/or swabs from the areas. None of the tests are painful, but they might be a little uncomfortable.

Is there a cure?

Gonorrhoea is treatable by antibiotics, and is completely curable. In some cases, untreated gonorrhoea can spread to the prostate gland and balls. In the worst case scenario, it could also spread throughout your body causing inflammation of the joints and blood poisoning, which can, in very rare cases, be fatal.

SEXUAL HEALTH WORRIES? If you’re worried about your sexual health, or just want to put your mind at rest visit our website - www.lgf.org.uk - for full details on STI’s and sexual health. Or, give the LGF Helpline a call on 0845 3 30 30 30.

Staffed from 7pm - 10pm every night! www.lgf.org.uk

27

GOOD SEX

SEX

There’s no rule book when it comes to sex, and we all stumble from time to time. Don’t be afraid to ask us the difficult questions!

Q&A

Q

Can I get HIV from giving head?

The jury is still out on just how risky unprotected oral sex is when it comes to catching HIV. There are certain things that you can do to protect yourself if you are performing oral sex without a condom. Firstly, if you are suffering from gingivitis (bleeding gums) don’t clean your teeth before giving oral sex, and secondly, do not let the guy cum in your mouth. If this does happen get rid of the semen as quickly as possible by swallowing or spitting (stomach acids will normally kill the HIV virus if present). Saliva is also effective in disabling the HIV virus, but chemicals in toothpaste and mouthwash may affect this – so cleaning your teeth before giving oral sex is not advised.

Watch out for broken skin, ulcers, sore throats, and anything that might offer a transmission route into your bloodstream. If you’re having regular sex with different partners then it would be advisable to get an HIV test once every six to twelve months.

Offical statistics say that oral sex is low risk for HIV transmission, but low risk is not no risk. However, many other STIs, including syphilis and gonorrhoea can be caught easily through oral sex.

Q

Want to know more?

ANY QUESTIONS? 28

Got a question you’re burning to ask? E-mail your sex questions to nathanp@lgf.org.uk

How risky is being a ‘top’?

If you fuck without a condom with someone who’s HIV status you don’t know, you are still putting yourself at high risk of catching HIV. It is certainly more risky than giving someone oral sex. This is because anal mucus, which everybody has, contains the highest concentration of HIV present in a bodily fluid – even higher than blood or cum. Also, the mucus membrane at the tip of the penis can absorb liquids directly into the blood stream. Therefore there doesn’t have to be any cuts, tears or blood present to allow for the transmission of the virus. Other infections in or around the arse, such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia, herpes or hepatitis B can be passed to the insertive guy through

Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk

the urethra. So although the risks of transmission of HIV may be lower than being the receptive partner, the risk is still high, and other infections can be easily passed on. Condoms can significantly reduce the risk, and if used properly with plenty of lube the risk of transmission is minimal.

I’ve started Q seeing someone and want to stop using condoms.

When’s the best time?

The question depends on a couple of things. If you are 100% sure of your own HIV status, and his, and you are 100% sure that you are both free of any sexually transmitted infection, then you can stop using condoms straight away. The reality is that noone, hand on heart, can know their own STI status without having had a recent test. If you are in a committed relationship, and you have both agreed that this is going to be monogomous then this shows a level of trust that should demonstrate that you both want the best for each other. The best thing to do is go for a full sexual health check up, including an HIV test, and wait for the results. Then continue using condoms for another three months (due to the fact that an HIV+ result can sometimes take 3 months to show up in tests). Then, providing that you have been faithful to each other during this time, have another sexual health screen, and if both sets of results come back negative you can stop using condoms. Of course, such a set up requires a level of trust and commitment that you won’t sleep with anyone else. If you do sleep with other people outside of the relationship condoms should always be used, and to be especially safe, for oral sex as well. If you do sleep with somebody outside of the relationship without a condom, then you should go back to using condoms with your partner. Of course, how you approach this subject could cause complications as you would have to explain the reasons for this!

DRUGS

a n i e t a h h c u m o l s u t f i u t o u s a e g b n a bri e k a t n t a s r c t o I w . r n u o s o r y pe to n i t i n r u t st r o w s ’ soul and e f i l s ’ t I . e r a m t s of Crystal Meth. ct fe nigh ef e th es in am ex HELEN BURDETT ” ! y m ene Before

CRYSTAL METH

Over the last couple of years there has been increasing talk of crystal meth, which also goes by names such as Ice, Glass, Tina, Christine and yaba. It’s taken its time but crystal meth has started to hit the scene in London - especially when it comes to sex parties.

So, what is it?

Firstly it’s an amphetamine which can be smoked or injected, in much the same way as crack cocaine. It can make you feel exhilarated and also produces increased arousal and activity and also it suppresses your appetite and makes you feel more alert. You also experience a rush similar to that when crack cocaine is smoked but it can last for up to 12 hours.

There are numerous downsides to all this. Firstly the come down can make your emotions run wild and cause you to become irritable. Many men find they suffer from ‘crystal dick’ and start to use Viagra™, resulting in the ultimate aphrodisiac. Great if you want endless hedonistic, no-strings sex along with an increased libido, prolonged duration of arousal and delayed ejaculation. This can mean intensive, non-stop sex marathons with multiple partners lasting up to several days at a time.

30

THECTS EFFE SIDE EFFECTS Loss of sex drive Erectile dysfunction aka crystal dick Impotence Agitation Paranoia Confusion and violence Methylamphetamine-induced psychosis

After

WHEN TAKEN WITH VIAGRA TM

Main Image: Crytal Meth. Popular in the States, it’s now finding its way into the UK...

Due to crystal’s anaesthetising effect, users may be unaware of serious damage they are inflicting on their sexual organs. “I had been fucking for damn near six hours straight and it was not painful,” describes an LA user, “but my dick was like the hunchback of Notre Dame. Another time I had a cyst on the shaft of my dick removed in the doctor’s office!”

It has also been reported that ‘tops’ can become ‘bottoms’ and vice versa as well users being more likely to engage in fisting and barebacking. You may feel totally insatiable but potentially at the cost of your, physical mental and sexual health.

The association between sex and crystal becomes so strong, that users find it hard to break their cycle of use.

Want to know more?

ANY QUESTIONS?

Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk

Increased heart rate and blood pressure Increased risk of cardiac arrest

THE RISKS You’re more likely to bareback Hyper promiscuity Increased chance of rectal tears Abrasions and sores developing around sexual organs leading to increased risk of HIV transmission Methylamphetamine use can be associated with injecting and with sharing of paraphernalia with attendant risks of HIV and hepatitis virus infections.

Further information from www.talktofrank.com www.lifeormeth.com www.posh-uk.org.uk/ gmh/london_2005.html

ADVERTORIAL

BE PART OF THE PICTURE The LGF’s HELEN BURDETT has the unenviable taks of attending Pride events around the UK, and she needs your help...

“As I write this we are gearing up to attend Birmingham Pride, the surveys are printed the banners are ready and all we’re waiting for is wonderful weather.

We are due to launch the Part of the Picture survey online, so by the time you read this it will be live. We can’t wait to get started and find out about drug and alcohol use in the community.

Don’t know what I’m talking about? Let me explain...”

The LGF in partnership with The International School for Communities, Rights and Inclusion at the University of Central Lancashire have secured funding to carry out England’s first ever research into drug and alcohol use among lesbian, gay and bisexual communities.

of drug and alcohol use among our diverse lesbian, gay and bisexual communities. Over the course of the project Pride events across the country will be attended to begin to talk to people about their drug and alcohol use.

All the surveys are confidential so we want you to be as honest and frank as possible and you’ll not be judged.

Be Heard: If you see any of the team out and about at Prides across the country... come and talk to us!

This information will give us a better chance of getting the people who run and commission services to improve their accessibility and support towards the LGB community.

If you see us at a Pride event, come over and talk to us, or you can complete the questionnaire online or pick it up at a venue near you.

The project will take place over the next five years and will consist of a confidential survey to find out the levels www.lgf.org.uk

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LGBT CARERS

Do you

Care?

Everyone has someone they care about in their lives. Most of us care about lots of people.

And many of us care for other people. But how many of us recognise that we actually play the role of carer to a person in our lives?

Words: Annie Emery

Carers are often seen as those who have to give up their jobs to care for a relative or friend full time – doing everything from washing and dressing someone to making sure they take medication or can get out of the house. But there are lots of other ways we care for people.

Perhaps you go shopping for your neighbours once a week, or clean your Mum’s house? Perhaps you support your HIV positive partner – sorting out medication, or finding out the latest information?

Perhaps you take your grandmother for a day out once a month?

All these roles can define you as a carer. And that’s where Caring with Confidence, a free Department of Health backed knowledge and skills based learning experience for carers in England, comes in.

Following research, carers within the LGBT community have been identified as being an underrepresented group when it comes to accessing support and encouragement for their caring roles. People who are LGBT carers or carers

32

Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk

of LGBT people are being offered the opportunity to make a positive difference to their life and that of the person they care for with the Caring with Confidence programme.

“You made me realise how much I matter.

Thank you!”

Caring with Confidence is aimed at improving support for carers aged over 18, and carers can develop their skills and knowledge by taking part in free local group sessions. In the north west, LGBT sessions are being provided by The Lesbian and Gay Foundation in Manchester, The Armistead Centre in Liverpool and SHIVER in Blackpool. There are seven sessions to choose from, and to get

Want to know more?

ARE YOU A CARER? You may be caring for someone without even realising it. Why not get free support in a safe gay space in Manchester, Liverpool or Blackpool? If you think Caring with Confidence is for you, or you want more information, you can contact Annie Emery at The Lesbian and Gay Foundation. Email: annie@lgf.org.uk or call 0161 235 8024 to find out more about free sessions in your area.

You can also visit www.caringwithconfidence.net

started, carers can sign up to the first introductory session Finding Your Way, which is an opportunity to look at what matters to you and decide which other sessions you might want to do. You can then choose to do any or all of the following sessions: Caring and Coping, Caring and Me, Caring Day to Day, Caring and Resources, Caring and Life and Caring and Communicating.

Caring can sometimes be a lonely and isolating experience and the Caring with Confidence programme offers a fantastic opportunity to get support and share experience, meet new people who are in similar situations, learn new skills and best of all, it’s all free! There is also finance available to provide alternative care if the person you care for needs help full time.

“I realised how many people are in the same position.”

Do you look after someone?

Do you identify as LGBT or care for someone who identifies as LGBT? Caring with Confidence can help you to help them.

Free local sessions and distance learning options.

For more information or to book a session contact Annie Emery annie@lgf.org.uk 0161 235 8024

The programme will offer support and help to carers, with particular emphasis on the millions of people who provide care on a daily basis but don’t know where to begin when it comes to accessing the services and benefits available to them, which can be particularly challenging for LGBT people.

Caring: You may not even realise you are a carer. Even if you only spend a little time looking after a loved one, you could still benefit from Caring with Confidence. Get in touch and find out how we can help.

“You helped me to hear other people’s views on the challenges in their lives.”

Research also revealed that more than 60% of those people asked believed their caring role affected their health. As a result the need to support people looking after loved ones in a flexible manner has never been greater. www.lgf.org.uk

33

MATT PEDALS FOR RUBY

Continental Airlines have agreed to pay for the flights for me which is obviously a great help.

Simon: Hello Matt, this challenge you are setting yourself is amazing.

Have you done anything like this before?

Matt: Yes, sort of. Just before Ruby became ill a couple of years ago I cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats on my own - it was only a quarter of the distance I am doing in the states though.

What was that experience like?

Fantastic. It was the summer just before we had all that wet weather.

I didn’t get wet once you know - and met a lot of people along the way including my boyfriend (Alex) in Chester - as soon as I had completed the cycle - the heavens opened and that was the summer over!

Was you fundraising on this UK challenge?

Yes I was for prostate cancer. I think I raised about 2k which was great.

So tell me more about this bike challenge across America. Are you doing this challenge alone as well?

I am yes. I have heard all sorts of stories about my parents flying out to see me and my boyfriend Alex is meeting me at the finish in Astoria, Oregon on the west coast - I am scheduled to be flying back on the 20th September, so the plan is to have a week or so with Alex on the west coast, very exciting.

34

Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk

I fly out with them early July to Yorktown, Virginia on the east coast and then start the 4,200 mile journey.

I have to carry the obvious things like water and other supplies and I am camping most of the time so I will have all that kit with me as well.

I am affording myself the luxury of maybe one or two nights a week in a motel en-route just to get refreshed and to make sure I am getting enough rest but I am going to do a lot of the cycling in the first part of the day before it gets too hot then rest and then do a little bit more later in the day / early evening.

How much are you hoping to raise for the Ruby Fund and why have you decided to do this?

It would be fantastic to raise about 5,000. I think I am at about 3,000 at the moment so its going well. It’s great to be able to do this because the particular type of Brain Tumour that Ruby had was so rare, there isn’t really the funding in place to help other sufferers that bigger charities receive.

How do you overcome loosing your daughter and take up a challenge so demanding as this bike ride?

At the end of all this, its about doing something positive. You can’t stop what has happened to us happening to someone else completely, but maybe just maybe things might be just that bit easier for the next person that has to go through similar circumstances as Ruby did.

“Because of the particular type of brain tumour that Ruby had was so rare, there isn’t really the funding in place to help other sufferers”

Photo: Paul Jones Exposure

Simon Pearson talks to Matt Brady, an openly gay firefighter in Manchester who is going to cycle across America this July to raise money for the Ruby fund. Matt’s daughter Ruby died in July 2007 from a brain tumour - she was only four when she lost her life.

Can you tell me about some of the conditions you might face on this mammoth journey?

Well it will be quite warm but cycling earlier in the day should compromise that. It is a fairly flat route until you get to the central part of America then as you hit The Rockies it starts to get more difficult terrain and I will head further north.

I know there is a more direct route to the west coast which saves about 500 miles heading straight to San Fransisco, but the climbs are very difficult. My finishing point is Astoria, Oregon which isn’t too far from San Fran anyway so providing I stay injury free and avoid too many hiccups, I should get some time with Alex at the end of it all.

What other problems might you face?

Funnily enough I just don’t know to be honest which makes it quite exciting as well in a way. I have been told about dogs on farms in the rural areas on route just being left unleashed and often chasing cyclists.

Apparently, this is a major problem for cyclists out there. I’ve been advised to whistle the dogs or maybe get some pepper spray or something.

For any cyclist, learning the basics like repairing a puncture or changing a wheel is important - are you worried about anything like that?

I’d say I know the basics, puncture repair etc. I’ve done my homework regarding the route and I

Above: Firefighter Matt Below: Matt with Ruby & Mum Lysa

“I am affording myself the luxury of maybe one or two nights a week in a motel enroute to make sure I get enough rest!”

shouldn’t be anymore than 50 miles from civilisation at anyone time - so if something happens like minor damage to the bike - I should be ok!

We wish Matt the best of luck on this 4,250 mile journey (an average of 75 miles a day). outnorthwest will be updating our readers in a future issue about Matt’s progress and there will also be a news update via lgf.org.uk/news later in the year.

Support Matt’s fundraising efforts: donate online now at www.justgiving.com/mattbrady

LGB&T SPORT NEWS UPDATE: Pride Games is upon us again (31st May - 7th June) and this year Golf enters the games:

Calling All Golfers The very first Northern Pride Open Golf Championships at Altrincham Municipal Golf Course is on the 6th June, run in partnership with the Irons Golf Club, an experienced LGBT golf club. You’ll need a set of clubs.

Check out entry standards in registration. Great cash prizes available for winners! See registration for more details and you’ll need to register online before the event. Golf tees of at 12 noon - bacon butties from 10.30am. Registration from 10am.

ALSO ON THE 6TH JUNE:

Early Evening Tea Dance Special: Ballroom & Latin Dance These workshops are at John Thaw Studio Theatre (in The

Martin Harris Centre for Music and Drama), at The University of Manchester just off Oxford Road (behind the Museum). Starting at 4pm and runnning through till 7pm.

All are welcome to attend, but you will need a Pride Games registration pass to get in, or you will be asked to pay £5 on the door - discounted to £2 if you have booked it with workshops.

Get Squashed!

There is still time to register for the international

Squash Tournament at the National Squash Centre. Run in conjunction with Northern Rebound squash club from 10am - 4pm. Registration and payment online. If you like it you could end up joining the club if you wanted!

Visit the Pride Games website now at pridegames.org or ring Trevor on 07941 384 988.

ROBERTO CARLOS’S

THIGHS BLOG: With Lindsay England from the Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN)

Play football? Watch football? Hetero or Homo?

Back in the days of short pants we all used to love summertime every year, then we grew older and found the Beautiful Game to follow, and years ending in an odd number became a let down…..no major footie tournament to trip off across the world to attend or watch from yer mates big TV with a mountain of tinnies with half the village!

So, hetero or homo what will you be doing in a few weeks time to wipe away the days, hours, till next season?

Why not take in the two home England Women’s friendlies planned for 16th and 22nd June as warm up matches for their quest for glory in Finland in 3 months time at the Euro 2009 finals, or the U21’s Euros in Sweden June?

Then of course between July 25th-2nd August sees a number of LGBT teams participate in the World out Games in Copenhagen.

One word you will possibly hear quite a lot of if you are in those Danish isles is ‘HETERONROMATIVITY’ - is this then the new ‘in-word’ for the next couple of seasons ahead?

Homophobia in footie These days we are all too aware of the increase in abuse homophobic ally both on and off the field. Kick It Out have re done their Equality Standard set for Professional Clubs with the help of the GFSN. The F.A. did introduce new ground regulations in 2007, sadly a significant amount of fans from a number of professional clubs have been reported through the correct channels to the powers that be, some are persistent offenders, we wait to see what actions will be taken by the clubs, police, F.A. and leagues. Meanwhile watch this space when the media eventually pick up on how wrong homophobic abuse is and how damaging it could be, and go overboard with a certain 17 letter word. dj Lindsay.

www.lgf.org.uk

35

ooty...

B r u O g in k a Sh kets c u B r u O g in Shak

Cruzing!

If you weren’t in Cruz 101 on Saturday 23rd May, you missed a fantastic night.

Not only did Cruz celebrate their 17th birthday in grand style, they also hosted a huge fundraiser (raising over £5000! WOW!) for the LGF, with the star attraction being a raffle to win a brand new car - congrats to the winner Leon! Thanks and huge hugs to John, Gerrard, Paul and the directors from Cruz, and to everyone who came and made it such a night to remember!

Shake Your Money Maker!

WE NEED YOU! The Lesbian & Gay Foundation has lots of exciting fundraising events coming up over the next few months, and they wouldn’t be half as good without help from people like you.

Photo: Sarah Qu inn

Our fantastic fundraising volunteers pull out all the stops to help make sure our events are fun, and fruitful! They’re also doing their part to help the LGF in it’s mission to End Homophobia and Empower People.

They also have a fabulous night out. So, everyone’s a winner! If you fancy a fun, fabulous night out in the Village with the opportunity to meet new people, and have a great night, and making a real difference… then we need YOU!

We’re looking for outgoing, and enthusiastic people to shake their money makers. All we ask is If you can spare just one night a month. You’ll get free entry into the club and your taxi fare home covered, so all you need to do is help us collect.

Alternatively, why not organise your own fundraising event? You could throw a party or put on a show (and charge everyone an entry fee!). You could do your organise your own ‘Come Dine With Me’ evening and ask 4 people round for dinner… just remember to ask for a tip! Whatever you want to do to help raise money for the LGF, we can help. We’re here to help you do what you want to do!

We can supply you with a fundraising pack which includes sponsorship forms, help you find a suitable venue and make sure you get the message out there! All you need is creativity, passion, and a passion to End Homophobia and Empower People!

As well as raising vital funds fundraising volunteering has loads of benefits: you’ll meet new people, gain new skills and build your CV! So what’s stopping you!? To get involved contact Joe at joe.spencer@lgf.org.uk or on 0161 235 8015.

36

Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk

The LGF Bar and Club Scheme

We’d like to say a very big thank you to all the bars and clubs who have signed up to the LGF Bar and Club Scheme, and making us their charity of choice.

Throughout the last financial year they’ve been shaking buckets and raising vital funds for the LGF collectively raising over £12,000!

In 20008/09 Essential and Queer together raised an incredible £7,040.06. The very generous Cruz 101 raised a lovely £1,478.33.

The marvellous Manto raised £1,143.25, Our friends at Poptastic raised a wonderful £1,180.62. Our best buds at Baa Bar raised a superb £532.77.

And not forgetting the vivacious Via, who dug deep and raised a fan-bloody-tastic £1,131.70! All the money raised helps to fund vital LGF services.

Not to be Missed...

JUNE

On June 12th the LGF’s fabulous 80’s club night Pretty In Pink sets up stall at Alter Ego (the home of Poptastic).

12

Taking you all the way back to the era of the bubble FRIDAY perm and shoulder pad! If you’re a Girl On Film, Wild Boy or perhaps a Prince Charming this is the night for you! If you’re a Care Bear, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle or a Robot In Disguise then Pull Up To Our Bumper Baby! As ever DJ Molly Ringworm will be pumping up the volume from New Wave to New Romantic, Dallas to Dynasty. No stone will be left unturned. We know money’s too tight to mention (are you sensing a pattern here?), so get to Pretty in Pink before midnight, and ! get in for £3! After that it’s £5. All proceeds from Pretty in Pink go to LGF so you T H IG 80’S N are raising much needed funds for a great charity while you’re dancing on the A GAY I CALL T A H W !

4 ceiling! We’ll stop now… ’S ll T ti A H 11 NOW T th - Alter Ego

Our fabulous friends at Essential will be collecting every weekend so make sure your drop a couple of quid in our bucket, Essential have some incredible nights lined up so make sure you don’t miss The Muscle Shack on 6th June and the Beach Bender on the 13th June!

2

June 1

Reg. Charity

4

No. 107090

Baby We Were Born To Run! Team LGF hit the ground running at the Great Manchester Run! We’d like to say a very big thank you to everyone who took part, and a special big-up to Mantrav and Novartis for sponsoring our fabulous Team LGF! 34 runners limbered up and ran the 10K course all raising vital funds for the LGF. You can check all the pictures of Team LGF at The Great Manchester run on our website www.lgf.org.uk/gallery If you’d like to do something fit and fabulous for the LGF then don’t despair, there are still places in our upcoming charity challenges! Why not feel the ultimate adrenaline rush with a skydive or join team LGF in the Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride on Sunday 12th July, and pedal from Old Trafford to South Promenade Blackpool? If you’d like to take part contact Emma Peate at emma@lgf.org.uk.

Photo: Glen Mo nks

Photo: Stuart Rainsbury

Thanks Furry Much

Photo: Craig Parker

Photo: Craig Pa rker

rker Photo: Craig Pa

Thank You!

The May Bank Holiday saw Manchester invaded by the big and the hairy… and the generous! The Great British Bear Bash has become the BIGGEST Bear event in the world, and our hairy friends pulled out the stops to help raise funds for the LGF. The guys raised a whopping £1761.767 – so Big Bear Hugs go out to Manbears and all the gorgeous guys who dug deep!

We had an Eggcellent Easter Weekend fundraising all over the Village, so a HUGE thank you goes out to Cruz 101 who helped up raise a cracking £371.50. A big sloppy kiss to Poptastic who were visited a certain big eared furry someone and raised a delicious £398.59! And to the wonderful Via, who raised £263.40 from there Tutti Fruitti Easter Sunday event and sit down stand up karaoke!

If you are a venue and would like to hold a fundraiser for the LGF and help us to End Homohobia and Empower People contact Joe -161 2358015 or email joe@lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk

37

greater manchester

MaNchEsTeR

Free Safer Sex Packs available at most venues

MaNchEsTeR MaNchEsTeR

88 Listing Indicator

£ Portland Street

Major Street

Hart Street

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16

et

26

31

10

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PUBS, CLUBS & Bars 1 Alter Ego 105-107 Princess St, 0161 236 9266, home to Poptastic every Tuesday and Saturday night, clubalterego.co.uk 2 AXM 100 Bloom St, 0161 228 1666

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Baa-Bar 27 Sackville Street, 0161 247 7997, glitter balls and a flashy dance floor, baabar.co.uk Bar Below 34 Canal Street, 0161 236 5757, intimate and modern bar serving drinks and food.

4

5 Bar fifty7 Fourways House, 57 Hilton Street, 0161 236 5757

Bull’s Head Gay Friendly 84 London Rd, 0161 236 1724.

6

7 Churchills 37 Chorlton St, 0161 236 5529, lively traditional bar, churchillsmanchester.com 8 company bar Only 28 Richmond St, 0161 237 9329, companybarmanchester.co.uk 9 Coyotes 14 Chorlton Street, 0161 236 4007, pleasant two floor bar, coyotesbar.co.uk

Crunch 2 10 Canal Street, 0161 236 0446, crunch2.co.uk 10

Cruz 101 101 Princess St, 0161 950 0101, one of Manchester’s most popular nightclubs, cruz101.com 11

Venues Key

Mixed

43

Mainly Men

12 Eden 3 Brazil Street, 0161 237 9852, food served daily, edenbar.co.uk

23 Taurus 1 Canal St, 0161 236 4593, a delightful bar and restaurant experience, taurus-bar.co.uk

Essential 8 Minshull Street, 0161 835 1300, Manchester’s gay super-club, two venues in one, essentialmanchester.com

The Bay Horse 35-37 Thomas St, 0161 661 1041, a traditional gay friendly pub, thebayhorsepub.co.uk

13

Legends 4-6 Whitworth Street, 0161 236 5400, legendsmanchester.com 15 Manto 46 Canal Street, 0161 236 2667, popular village venue, mantobar.com

Mint Lounge 46-50 Oldham St, 0161 228 1495, an enjoyable and trendy bar, mintlounge.com 16 Napoleons 35 Bloom St, 0161 236 8800, welcomes all LGBT customers, napoleons.co.uk

New York New York 94 Bloom St, 0161 236 6556, busy fun pub, popular with lesbians and gays of all ages.

17

18 Overdraught Student 121 Princess Street, 0161 237 0811

ne

La

25 14

Piccadilly Train Station

£

6

cluB Nights ALERT Monthly club nights at Legends club-alert.com BOLLOX Diverse Mix bolloxclub.com FEDERATION clubfederation.co.uk

24 The New Union 111 Princess St, 0161 228 1492 newunionhotel.com

gen-e-sis Women genesisclubnight.co.uk KINK Leather, Rubber, Scally etc. Sub 101 (Under Cruz 101) kinkuk.com

The Outpost 4-6 Whitworth St, 0161 236 5400 25

The Rembrandt 33 Sackville St, 0161 236 1311, popular bar, hotel and bistro, rembrantmanchester.com 26

POPTASTIC poptastic.co.uk Pretty in Pink 80’s club night joe.spencer@lgf.org.uk RECREATION clubrecreation.co.uk

27 Thompsons Arms 23 Sackville Street, 0161 237 5919, a warm welcoming bar.

Tribeca 50 Sackville Street, 0161 236 8300, featuring New York style lounge, tribeca-bar.co.uk 28

29 Vanilla 39-41 Richmond Street, 0161 657 8890, vanillagirls.co.uk

commuNity & HEalth 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

19

Paddy’s Goose 29 Bloom St, 0161 236 1246, popular gay bar.

30 Velvet 2 Canal St, 0161 236 9003, food served daily, velvetmanchester.com

Queer 4 Canal Street, 0161 228 1368, queer-manchester.com

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Via 28-30 Canal St, 0161 236 6523, viamanchester.com

Kath Locke Centre 123 Moss Lane East, Hulme, 0161 455 0211

21 Retro Bar 78 Sackville Street, 0161 274 4892, ideal meeting place. retrobarmanchester.com

32 View 40 Canal St, 0161 236 9033

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.

20

Spirit Canal Street, 0161 237 9725, lively and modern two-floor bar, spiritbar.uk.com 22

Mainly Women

Mainly Trans

Bar

Listings are continually being updated.

Please email your listing to: listings@lgf.org.uk Dance Floor

All information provided by venues. Please check before arrival

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18

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40

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Northern Quarter Hart Street

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Bloom Street

Parking Cash Machine

£

Major Street

Minshull Street

2

(Free City Centre Bus)

Chorlton Street Bus/Coach Station

27 Abingdon Street

33 1

Chorlton Street

Sackville Street

Princess Street

11

Train Station Metrolink Stop Metroshuttle Stop

Portland Street

Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk

Serves Food

Cash Point

34 Bannatynes Health Club Gay Friendly 36-38 Whitworth St, 0161 236 6864

33 The Lesbian and Gay Foundation (LGF) Princess House, 105-107 Princess St, 0161 235 8035, for all your LGBT information and services, lgf.org.uk

Outdoor Seating

Disabled Access

greater manchester EatEriEs 35 Arcobaleno Jackson's Warehouse, 20 Tariff Street, 0161 228 2677, axm-arcobaleno.com

BRASSERIE Gay Friendly Albert Square, 0161 834 7633

CROMA Pizza and Pasta 1 Clarance St, 0161 237 9799, croma.biz

CROMA Pizza and Pasta 30 Longfield Centre, Prestwich, 0161 798 7666, croma.biz 36 DRIP COFFEE Fourways House,

57 Hilton Street, 0161 235 5100, relaxed and friendly coffee bar.

Eighth Day Vegan 111 Oxford Road, 0161 273 1850 37 Genghis khans 16 Chorlton Street, 0161 228 1631, genghiskhans.co.uk

Lava CafĂŠ Bar Castle Quay, 0161 833 2444, lavacafebar.co.uk LIVEBAIT Gay Friendly 22 Lloyd Street, 0161 817 4110, livebaitrestaurants.co.uk SAPPORO Teppanyaki 91-93 Liverpool Road, 0161 831 9888 38 Shang Hi Gay Friendly 61 Whitworth St, 0161 228 7868

That CafĂŠ 1031 Stockport Road, 0161 432 4672, thatcafe.co.uk

Shops & sERVICES 39

Clone Zone 36-38 Sackville Street, 0161 236 1398, clonezone.co.uk 40

FRINGE Richmond Street, 0161 236 5554

41 Funky Crop Shop 37 Bloom Street, 0161 237 1032, village hair shop.

Helen smith FUNERALS 07870 541668, funerals that are individual fitting and true, helensmithfunerals.co.uk 42 NICE ‘N’ NAUGHTY 39 Bloom Street, 0161 228 0020 43 Olive Deli 36-38 Whitworth St, 0161 236 2360 44 Pure Tanning and Village Off License 37-39 Bloom St, 0161 236 1788 45 ROB 17 China Lane, 0161 236 6222, for all your leather, rubber and twisted gear, rob.com

UPPERCUTS BARBERS The Arndale Market, 07784 156 693

HOTELS & B&B's

CLYDEMOUNT GUEST HOUSE 866 Hyde Rd, Debdale Park, 0161 231 1515, bookings@clydemount.co.uk clydemount.co.uk

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INTERNATIONAL HOTEL Gay 34 London Rd, 54 bedrooms, 0161 236 1010

"10 !, 2+ %

30 Velvet Hotel 2 Canal Street, 0161 236 9003, velvetmanchester.com

Meet at 2pm, 2nd Sunday of every other month in Manchester’s Gay Village. Next meetings: 8th March, 10th May

SaUNaS H2O Zone 36-38 Sackville Street, 0161 236 3876, seven day sauna for gay and bi men, h2ozonesauna.com 47

inferno 496a Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, 0161 860 6666, seven day sauna for gay and bi men, infernosauna.com The Basement 18 Tariff Street, 0161 237 9996, sauna for gay & bi men, basementcomplex.co.uk 47

aGENCIES

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

Let’s Do Lunch 07813 083242, lesbian diners every other month, paulad650@aol.com lesbiandiners.org.uk Manchester Christian Group 07743 476191 Manchester gay skinheads oi-skinhead.com Manchester Lesbian & Gay Chorus 07944 056047, mlgc.org.uk Manchester LGB Asylum Group 07816 992218 Manchester Parents Group 01565 733891

CLINICS

Mango Mens dining club 07866 909677, first Thursday of the month, mango.news@btopenworld.com

42nd St 20 Swan Street, Jarman Clinic Withington Hospital, 0161 832 0170, advice for young LGBs, Lets Do Lunch Classified.indd 1 19/2/09 16:59:25 MARRIED MENS GROUP 0161 217 4939 fortysecondstreet.org.uk A support group meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday North Manchester GUM 7.30-9pm, 0845 3 30 30 30 Addaction 31 Robert St, 0161 214 0770, Delaunays Rd, Crumpsall, 0161 720 2681 Prison resettlement for people with drug Metropolitan Community Church problems, addaction.org North Manchester Hospital at St Chrysostom’s, Anson Road, Same day HIV test clinic, 0161 720 2845 0161 249 0649, mccmanchester.co.uk Alcohol and Drug Services 29a Ardwick Green North, 0161 272 8844 Rusholme Health Centre M’CR METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY LGBT alcoholanddrugservices.org.uk Walmer Street, 0161 225 6699 mmu_lgbt@hotmail.co.uk or s.u.lro@student.mmu.ac.uk Barnardo’s Health Through The Clinic @ the LGF Action The Progress Centre, Charlton call Nathan or Peter on 0161 235 8035, MORF LGBT Centre, 45-51 Sydney St, Place, Ardwick Green, 0161 273 2901 lgf.org.uk social and support group for Transguys in Manchester, morf.org.uk BARNArDOS MANCHESTER LEAVING the hathersage centre CARE SERVICES 36 Monton Street, 280 Upper Brook St, 0161 901 1555 Northern Concord PO Box 258, 0161 226 6722, barnardos.org.uk Manchester. M60 1LN. northernconcord.org.uk Black Health Agency 464 Chester Rd, Out In The City call Sue 0161 833 3944, GROUPS 0161 226 9145, AIDS Helpline: 0800 0967500, older LGBTs meet alternate Thurs at Taurus. blackhealthagency.org.uk 40+ GAY MENS GROUP 0845 3 30 30 30, OutWrite 07931 915 620, Body Positive 39 Russell Road, Whalley support and social group meets every LGBT writing group, outwrite.org.uk Range, 0161 882 2200, bpnw.org.uk Thursday 7.30-9pm.

Community Alcohol Team 0161 230 6382, manchestercat.org

AGE CONCERN MANCHESTER 0161 833 3944, LGBT worker Sue Morris.

Community Arts North West 46-50 Oldham St, 0161 234 2975 can.uk.com

Aquaint Social group for LGB professionals, aquaint@hotmail.co.uk

George House Trust 77 Ardwick Green North, 0161 274 4499, ght.org.uk

ART CLASS 0845 3 30 30 30, arts based activity group meets every Friday 7-9pm.

LGYM PO Box 153, 0161 273 7838, LGBT group 14-25yrs, lgym.org.uk

As Good As You 2 07709 494636, For LGBTs with learning difficulties.

Lifeline 101-103 Oldham St, 0161 839 2054, lifeline.org.uk

BiPhoria 07941 811124, bisexual support 18+, biphoria.org.uk

Lifeshare 0161 953 4069, male sex workers advice, lifeshare.co.uk

BLACK NORTH WEST 0845 3 30 30 30, for lesbian, gay and bisexual people of colour, meet at the LGF on the first Friday of the month from 7.30pm.

LIKT 0781 398 1338, health project for young LB women, coordinator@likt.org.uk likt.org.uk Manchester Drug Service The Bridge, 104 Fairfield Street, 0161 273 4040 Manchester Foyer 61 Booth St West, Hulme, 0161 276 1000, supported accomodation for 16-25s, manchesterfoyer.org.uk Manchester Smoking Cessation 0161 205 5998 Pankhurst Centre 60-62 Nelson Street, Chorlton-on-Medlock, 0161 273 5673, pankhurstcentre.org.uk St. Mary’s Centre Hathersage Road, 0161 276 6515, sexual assault referral centre, stmaryscentre.org

th June 12 o - 11 till 4!

Alter Eg

Enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon, chill & chat over good food and a bottle of wine.

Lesbian and Gay Youth Manchester 0161 273 7838, meets every Sat 3pm-7pm, info@lgym.org.uk

The Lesbian Community Project 49-51 Sidney Street, 0161 273 7128, manchesterlep.org.uk The Village Citizen Advice Bureau 25a Hankinson Way, Salford Precinct, 0161 834 2005, advice@thevillage.org.uk

Proud 2 b Parents, 07970 298559 or 0161 636 7507, for LGBT parents and their children, matt.roberts@manchester.nhs.uk queer skinhead brotherhood queerskinbrotherhood@googlemail.com Queer Youth Manchester 07092 031 086, info@queeryouth.org.uk Rainbow Families c/o LCP, 0161 273 7128, rainbowfamilies.co.uk Right2Unite Zion Centre, Hulme, 0161 226 0170, LGB group meets every Tues. salford youth service lgbt youth group @ The Base, 0161 778 0702, steve.dyson@salford.gov.uk SM Dykes smdykes.org.uk

CAROUSEL 0845 3 30 30 30, social group for lesbian and bisexual women meets 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesday 7.30-9pm.

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

Edward carpenter community of gay men for support, trust and friendship, gaycommunity.org.uk

STEPPING STONES 0845 3 30 30 30, A support group for lesbian and bisexual women meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday 7.30-9pm.

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

Triangle Club group for deaf LGBs, triangle_club_@hotmail.com

friends of sackville gardens friendsofsackvillegardens@hotmail.co.uk Gay Naturist SWIM all ages, nude_n_manchester@yahoo.co.uk Icebreakers 0845 3 30 30 30, gay & bi men's support group meets 8pm every Wednesday, icebreakersmanchester.org.uk

VADA Theatre Company PO Box 92, 0161 881 0886 women’s domestic violence Refuge: 0161 861 8428, Helpline: 0161 636 7525, support and advice to women and children experiencing domestic violence.

Inner Enigma 0845 838 1264, 7pm -10pm, info@innerenigma.co.uk KESHET Group for LGBT, queer & questioning jews, info@keshetmanchester.org.uk keshetmanchester.org.uk

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Email: helpline@lgf.org.uk

www.lgf.org.uk

Local rate applies

39

greater manchester SPORTS GROUPS BALLROOM DANCING A good way to make new friends, meets at Trinity High School every Wednesday 8pm-10pm.

BELUGA DIVERS Scuba Diving club for the LGBT community, belugadiving.co.uk Gay city strollers 0845 3 30 30 30, city centre walking group, info@lgf.org.uk

Pennine Sauna 96 Rochdale Rd, Shaw, 01706 842 000

The Star 11 Bow St, 01204 361113

GROUPS

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

O’Neill Patient Solicitors Chester House, 2 Chester Rd, Hazel Grove, 0161 483 8555, oneillpatient.co.uk

ROcHdAlE

GROUPS

pubs, clubs & bars

The YORK 112-114 Newport St, 01204 403000 TOUCH OF CLASS 139 High St, 07834 483646, A monthly disco for lesbian and bisexual women, doreen.single@ntlworld.co.uk

aGENCIES & CLINICs

Gay gordons manchester Scottish Country and Ceilidh Dancing and classes gaygordons-manchester.co.uk Ghap badminton ghapbadminton.org.uk jessies walking group manchesterjessies@yahoo.co.uk MANCHESTER BADMINTON CLUB 07939 477026, Badminton club for the less experienced player.

Manchester Front Runners 07966 143123 manchesterfrontrunners.org MANCHESTER PRAIRIE DOGS LINE DANCE CLUB manchesterprairiedogs.co.uk Manchester SHARKS water polo group manchestersharks.co.uk Manchester Stingers WFC Womens football club for all abilities, manchesterstingers.net MANCHESTER VIXENS LADIES FC The newest LGBT football club - the emphasis is on fun, manchestervixens.co.uk manchester walking women its.elly@yahoo.co.uk NETBALL 07939 477 026, women only group with weekly coaching, training every Monday, 8-10pm.

NORTHERN ACES TENNIS GROUP Tennis play in a social yet competitive environment, professional coaching, northernacestennis.com NORTHERN FLIGHT BADMINTON CLUB For experienced players, northernflight.org.uk northern jump 07783 297965, volleyball group, northernjump.co.uk

HIV worker Emma Massey 01204 390772 MENTAL HEALTH independent support (MhIST) 30 Chorley New Road, 01204 527200, mhist.co.uk The Parallel 9A Churchgate, 01204 462444 theparallel@bolton.nhs.uk

GrOUPS

Bolton Gay & Bisexual Group Bolton PCT, 01204 387442 / 07795 017886, boltonlgb.co.uk Gay & Bisexual Men’s Group 01204 387442, Mondays 7-9pm.

READING GROUP FOR LESBIAN AND GAY LITERATURE 01204 333173, 3rd Tues of the month 6.30pm, central.library@bolton.gov.uk

CLINICs

The Base LGB YOUTH GROUP 0161 477 4096 or 0161 476 1338 thebase@stockport.gov.uk

Brook Advisory 55 Regent Street, Eccles, 0161 707 9550

TamEsIde pubs, clubs & bars

eccles health centre Corporation Road, 0161 212 5500 higher broughton health centre Bevendon Square, 0161 212 4500, Wed. 6-8.30pm, Fri. 9.30-11.30am. irlam medical centre MacDonald Rd, 0161 212 5400, Wed. 6-8.30pm. lance burn health centre Churchills Way, 0161 212 4600, Tues. 6-8.30pm.

The Turnpike Gay Owned Lees Road, AshtonUnder-Lyne, 0161 343 0220

CLINICs

Sexual Health Clinic Ashton Primary Care Centre, 193 Old Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne, 0161 342 7100

GROUPS

Outloud Tameside Young People Centre, Duke Street, Denton, LGBT young peoples group.

Proud Tameside - LGBT Network 0161 339 4985, tinyurl.com/proundtameside

The gateway Bolton Road, Walkden, 0161 212 5717, Monday's 6-8.30pm.

The Trafford Centre for Sexual Health Trafford Hospital, Moorside Rd, 0161 746 2621

Walkden Medical Centre Dr Simon Wright, 2 Hodge Road, 0844 477 2434

aGENCIES

The Barlow Suite Clinic Fairfield Hospital, Rochdale Old Rd, 0161 778 2755 Young Person’s Advisory Service (YPAS) Parsons Lane, 0161 761 2136, sexual health services for under 20’s.

SErvicEs

Timeless Funeral Services 265 - 267 Dumers Lane, Radcliffe, 0161 959 0108

ChOrlTon bar braw Mainly Women 483 Barlow Moor Rd.

EaTERIES

Groups

Salford LGBT Network 07947 909 339, salfordlgbt.net SALFORD YOUTH SERVICE LGBT Youth Group @ The Base, 0161 778 0702, steve.dyson@salford.gov.uk

sTOcKpOrT PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

ARDEN ARMS 23 Millgate, 0161 480 2185

CLINICs

GUM DEPARTMENT Stepping Hill Hospital, 0161 419 5370 NHS WALK IN CENTRE Manchester Airport, Terminal 1, 0161 489 2109, 7am-10pm.

The Lead Station 99 Beech Road, 0161 881 5559

aGENCIES

Age Concern 56 Wellington Street, 0161 480 1211

shops

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

sauNas

Village Spartans Rugby Training sessions on Wednesday evening from 7pm, villagespartans.co.uk

OlDhAm

wheelies fc Manchester Leisure Sports Centre, Denmark Road, mixed womens football every Sunday from 11am to 1pm.

SaLfOrD

PLUS Reading Group 0161 419 4840

Connexions 13-15 Broad St, 0161 253 7165, safe environment for young LGBTQ people to meet.

aGENCIES & CLINICs

inferno 496a Wilbraham Road, 0161 860 6666, infernosauna.com

WEEKENDERS LGBT walking group based in the North of England, geocities.com/weekenders_uk

THE BRIDGE SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Bailie Street 01706 627 8753

swinton clinic 139 Partington Lane, 0161 212 5100, Tues 6-8.30pm.

Village Manchester FC All welcome, training every Thursday, vmfc.co.uk

WALKING GROUP general and transpennine walks, Brian Murphy: 07855 197607 transpennine@hotmail.co.uk

PLUS Exercise Group (PEG) 07880 746 079, arranges monthly walks in the Stockport area

Crisis Intervention Team 01706 517 613

bUrY

CROMA Pizza and Pasta 498-500 Wilbraham Road, 0161 881 1117, croma.biz

Out on Sunday 07775 671691, walking group, outonsunday.co.uk

Sexual Health PROMOTION UNIT 01706 517 613

Bar Vegas 37 Bailey St, 01706 630 708

Salford Sexual Health Clinic Oaklands Hospital, 0161 212 5717

orca divers 125 Manchester Road, Chorlton, 0161 718 3118, orcadivers.com

outdoor lads climbing club outdoorlads.com

CLINICS

People Like Us (PLUS) 07717 038868, LGBT Social support group, 2nd Wed of the month at The Arden Arms, 7.30pm, stockportplus.org

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Under 25 Gay & Bisexual Group 01204 387442, Wednesdays 6-8pm.

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

OUTDOOR LADS gay and bi-sexual lads into outdoor activities, outdoorlads.com

40

Bolton Centre for Sexual Health Minerva Road, Farnworth, 01204 390771

Northern Wave swimming club 0161 872 1990, swimming for all, northernwave.org

OPEN ATHLETICS 07709 000436, openathletics.org

B. J. McKENNA & CO 182A Heaton Moor Road, Heaton Moor, 0161 432 5757, bj.mckenna@zen.co.uk

BoLtOn

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Dog & Duck 25 St. Domingos Street, 07999 060646 thedogandduck.com THE ABBEY INN Mixed 77 West Street.

CLINICs

The Phoenix Sexual Health Centre Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Rd, 0161 627 8753

SaUNaS

Central Youth ADVICE AND INFO 0161 480 9600, Counselling and sexual healh services for young people up to 25.

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

SOLICITORS Listings are continually being updated.

Please email your listing to: listings@lgf.org.uk

Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk

trAfFoRd CLINICs

Relate 346 Chester Road, 0161 872 0303

GROUPS

HIV Support Group 0161 912 4611, hivpractitione@trafford.org.uk No Attitude 0161 912 2453, LGB youth group.

WIGan

Club Nights

Pop NIght @ Club wn1 Monthly club night, pop-wigan.co.uk

CLINICs

Sexual Health Clinic Royal Albert Infirmary, Wigan Lane, 01942 822 277

GROUPS

Borough Pride LGBT Drop in Centre 11 Newmarket Street, 0161 408 8693, geocities.com/boroughpride/lgbt-drop-in-centre Wigan Pride (WISK) 01942 242999 wiganpride.cjb.net Women Out in Wigan PO Box 287, Wigan, 07812 517543

wYtHenShAwE aGENCIES

New Start Trust Alderman Downward House, 0161 498 0615, drug advice and support.

Yorkshire and Lancashire YorKsHIre

YorKsHIre

SaUNaS 11 Basement Sauna

YorKsHIre 7 Heaton’s Court, 0113 242 7730, basementcomplex.co.uk

BArnSlEY THE MANX ARMS 32 Sheffield Road, 07812 319976, themanxarms.com

CLINIC & agENCIES

88 Listing Indicator

£

£

11

3

9

Briggate

Heaton’s Court (front)

10 5 1

Heaton’s Court (back)

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

THE GREYHOUND Manchester Road, 01484 420 742

8

Swinegate

The Calls Parr St.

1 7

8

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

1 Bar Fibre Lower Briggate, 08701 200888

Blayde’s Bar 3-7 Blayde’s Yard, 0113 244 5590 2

Mission 8-13 Heaton’s Court, 08701 220114 3

Old Red Lion Meadow Lane, 0113 242 6779 4

BACCHUS 7a Ramshill Road, lesbian and gay club, diverse crowd bacchus-scarborough.co.uk 12/5/09 12:21:30

The Bridge 1-5 Bridge End, 0113 244 4734 8

VIADUCT 11 Lower Briggate, 0113 245 4863 9

SHOPS

Nice 'n' naughty 164 Briggate, 0113 242 6967, leeds@niceandnaughty.co.uk 10

Lesbian Social Group (All ages) lunettes@btinternet.com

POUT! 0800 7831524, youth group and helpline, every Wed, pout99@hotmail.com

PYRO (Proud Youth Are Out) 07717 301821, pyro@ed.lancscc.gov.uk

aGENCIES

CLINICS

MorEcAmBe

Oblivion 12-14 Grimshaw St, 01772 252876

Sexual Health Clinic Ormskirk General Hospital, Wigan Road, 01695 571043 Sexual Health Clinic Queen Victoria Centre, Thornton Rd, 01524 405 704

AGENCIES

OrMsKIrk

Helpline: 01772 468170, PO Box 515,

BlACkBuRn

Project Oscar 0800 7835345, LGBT info. & support, project-oscar@chorley-pct.nhs.uk

Bar Ibiza 43 Darwen St, 01254 695379

GROUPS

CENTRAL LANCASHIRE HIV ADVICE 01772 825 684, Helpline: 01772 253 840, Drugline Lancashire Ltd, 2 Union Court.

Stagedoor 23 Mincing Lane, 01254 674761

Family & Partners Support Group 01772 621111, PO Box 72, Preston. PR5 1PH

Sexual Health Clinic Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Bolton Road, 01254 687 304

Lancashire Lesbian Connection lesbian_connection@yahoo.co.uk

SHOUT 01254 300126, young sexual health shoutteam@yahoo.co.uk

PRESTON LGBT CENTRE GROUP 07936 712478 prestonlgbt.co.uk

Burnley

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

UCLAN LGBT Society Every Thurs at 8.30pm ro@cantthinkstraight.co.uk (female) or martin@cantthinkstraight.co.uk

BACKSTAGE BAR 135 St James St, 01282 414895

GUYS AS DOLLS 133 St James Street, 01282 414895

CLINICS

Sexual Health Clinic Royal Preston Hospital, Sharoe Green Lane, 01772 522814

LanCaSHire

CLINICS

Royal Lancaster Infirmary Ashton Community Care Centre, 01524 387402

PrEstOn

LanCaSHire Preston, PR1 8XP, phivst@aol.com

C’est La Vie 11-15 Market St, 01254 691877

The New Penny 57-59 Call Lane, 0113 243 8055

CHOrlEy

LanCaSHire Preston HIV Support Team

RELIGION 174 Lower Briggate, 0113 246 9898, religionleeds.co.uk 7

Lesbian & Gay Switchboard 01524 847437, Thursday/Friday 7-9pm

CLINICS

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

GROUPS

Quaker L&G Fellowship 16 Newfield Drive, Nelson, 01282 605724

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

6

THE DUKE OF LANCASTER SHOWBAR 75 Church Street, 01524 66909

NELSONS WINE BAR Crown St, 01422 844 782

Queen’s Court/Loft 166 Lower Briggate, 0113 245 9449 5

GROUPS

Project Oscar 0800 7835345, LGBT info. & support, project-oscar@chorley-pct.nhs.uk

SCaRBoROuGh

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Gregson Café/Bar Gregson Community and Arts Centre, 33 Moorgate, 01524 849959, gregson.co.uk

HeBDEn BrIdgE

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

CLUB NIGHTS

EaTERIES

GROUPS

The New Union 3 Union Bank Yard, New Street, 01484 535435

Briggate

Blayd’s Yard

Blayd’s Mews

HUDdERsFiEld

6

DANCING DIVA For more information, dancingdiva5@hotmail.com

FLAG - FORUM FOR LESBIAN AND GAYS 01282 430707, gayflagburnley.org.uk

YORKSHIRE MESMAC mesmac.co.uk

Gascoigne St.

Parking Cash Machine Pedestrianised

CLINICS

Red Triangle Café St. James St, 01282 832319

The Centre for Sexual Health Sunnybank Wing, Great George Street, appointments: 0113 392 6724/0113 392 6725, health advisors: 0113 392 6057

LEeDs

LanCAStEr

Sexual Health Clinic Burnley General Hospital, Casterton Ave, 01282 474032

THE STEAM COMPLEX SAUNA Eyres Av, 01132 798885, steamcomplex.com

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

GABRIELS Graffiti Club, Bethesda Road, Burnley, every Saturday from 10pm-3am.

CLUB NIGHTS

THE LOLLIPOP LOUNGE Disraelis 1, 26 Church St, every Tuesday thelollipop. co.uk

GROUPS

GAY COMMUNITY SUPPORT 07896 604593, dumnezeu@hotmail.com lgbt.uni.cc ORMSKIRK GAY COMMUNITY support GROUP 07875 603502, info@gay-mail.net gayormskirk.tk

aGENCIES

Project Oscar 0800 7835345, LGBT info. & support, project-oscar@chorley-pct.nhs.uk Listings are continually being updated.

Please email your listing to: listings@lgf.org.uk

GaY CITY STrOLLErS There’s nothing like a good, brisk walk to help you feel rejuvinated in both body and mind.

That’s why Gay City Strollers is back. The first group won rave reviews and this is your opportunity to get involved in our next exciting project.

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

The short walks are free and will take place around Manchester City Centre. They will run every Wednesday from 1.30pm and each participant will get a free step counter!

Gay City Strollers is brought to you by the LGF and is part of The Ramblers Association’s Get Walking Keep Walking initiative.

So if you fancy doing something different come along to Gay City Strollers, it’s a great way to keep fit, meet new people, and build your confidence.

For more information or to book a place, please contact Rachel: rachel.barlow@lgf.org.uk or call 0161 235 8035, alternatively, Jen: jen.green@ramblers.org.uk or call 0161 232 3106.

www.lgf.org.uk

41

Blackpool 13 21 27

8 31 48

30

23

Mount Street 4 49 3 56 38 2 5 16 32 33 17 Yates Street 59 6

BlAckpOoL BlAckpOoL

High Street

53

20 18 47 Pleasant Street

Lord Street

Dickson Road

General Street

Promemade

14

BlAckpOoL

HOTELS 1 Anchorage 18 Withnell Road, 01253 341771

50

9 25 10

51

Banks Street 55 23 43 57

General Street

17 58

29

52

15 14 54 36 12

33

15

Athol 3 Mount St 01253 624918

Belvedere 77 Dickson Road, 01253 624733 5

Brene Hotel 37 Lord St, 01253 621854

8 Brooklyn 7 Wilton Parade, 01253 627003

34

7

19

35

9

44

10

CHaps 9 Cocker St, 01253 620541

11

Christines 1 Lord St, 01253 312260

Camelot 80 Hornby Rd, 01253 620518

Cumforth Hotel 24 Springfield Rd, 01253 626133, cumforth-hotel-blackpool.co.uk 12

37

2 1

41 High Street

Dickson Raod

30 11 3 10 11 Queen Street

et

Abingdon Stre

Promemade

27 7

4

7

22 Springfield Road

31

3 Astor Hotel 83-85 Lord Street, 01253 290669

6 BLENHEIM HOTEL 75 Lord Street, 01253 623204, blenheimhotel.org.uk

42

22

28

28

High Street

40

Cocker Street 60 24 Lord Street

Promemade

45

26

Dickson Raod

39

Ash Lea Hotel 76 Lord Street, 01253 628161, ashleighotel.com 2

4

13

DERBY HOTEL, 2 Derby Rd, 01253 623708

14

Dixon 84 Dickson Rd, 01253 752379

15

Edward 27 Dickson Rd, 01253 624271

16

FOUR SEASONS 74 Lord St, 01253 622583

21

24

et

13

18

reet

46 Charles St.

Caunce St.

25

S. King St.

Loepold Gr.

Coronation St.

Train Station Tram Stop Parking

George St.

Milbourne St.

Chur ch St

88 Hotel Indicator

42

gS tre

12

Kin

Promemade

34 20

Chur ch St

reet

9

88 Venue Indicator

£

Cash Machine Blackpool Tower Pedestrianised

38

Park House 81 Lord St, 01253 314571

PHOENIX 12 Cocker Street, 01253 299130, phoenixblackpool.com 39

40

Pier View 16 Banks St, 01253 624560

PRIDE LODGE 12 High Street, 01253 314752, pridelodge.com 41

42 Rubens Hotel 39 Lord Street, 01253 622920 43 Sandylands 47 Banks St, 01253 294670 44 Seacroft Suites 27 Lord Street, 01253 628304 45 Stratford 72-74 Dickson Road, 01253 624020 46 Sunnyside 16 Charles Street, 01253 622983 47 SUSSEX HOTEL 14-16 Pleasant Street, 01253 627824

49 The Wilcot Hotel 80 Lord Street, 01253 621101

Guyz 16 Lord Street, 01253 622488

21 HOTEL Bacchus 326 Queens Promenade, 01253 350387, hotelbacchus.co.uk

Cookson Street

32

Topping Street

Abingdon Street

19

1

6

37 Northern Star 9 Lord Street, 01253 628073

18 Grampian House 4 Pleasant Street, 01253 291648

Heatherdale Lodge 2 Pleasant Street, 1253 626268

Talbot Road 5

36 NORTHERN LIGHTS HOTEL 26 Springfield Road, 01253 317016

48 THE GYNWAY HOTEL 205 Dickson Rd, 01253 314747, gynwayblackpool.com

20

8 26 29 16

35 North Central Hoilday Flats 29 Lord Street, 01253 621831

17 Gabrielle’s Women Only 77 Lord Street, 01253 295565

19

North Pier

34 New Hertford 18 Lord Street, 01253 621831

22 HOTEL NEVADA 23 Lord Street, 01253 290700, gaybeds.co.uk

Legends Hotel 45 Lord Street, 01253 620300 23

24

Lenbrook 69 Lord St, 01253 626737

25

Liberty's Hotel 01253 291155

26 Lonsdale Hotel 25 Cocker Street, 01253 621628 27

Lyndale Court Hotel 01253 354033

28

Lynmar 74 High St, 01253 290046

29

Mardi Gras 41 Lord St, 01253 751087

McHALL’S HOTEL 5-7 Lord Street, 01253 625661 30

Merecliff Hotel 24 Holmfield Road, 01253 356858 31

32 MOUNT PLEASANT 75 Dickson Road, 01253 620362, mountpleasanthotel.com 33

Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk

New Bond 72 Lord St, 01253 628123

50 Thorncliffe 63 Dickson Road, 01253 622508 51 Trades Men Only 51 Lord Street, 01253 626401 52 VALENTINE HOTEL 35 Dickson Road, 01253 622775, valentinehotelblackpool.co.uk 53 VIDELLA HOTEL 78-82 Dickson Road, 01253 621201 54 Village Hotel 14 Springfield Road, 01253 290840 55 warwick Holiday flats 39 Bank Street, 01253 623787 56 Westfield House 78 Lord Street, 01253 621992, westfieldhouse.co.uk 57 WILLOWFIELD GUESTHOUSE 51 Banks Street, 01253 623406, willowfield-guesthouse.co.uk 58 Windsor House 47 Dickson Road, 0870 620 7000, windsorhousehotel.net 59

Woodleigh 11 Yates St, 01253 624997

60 Worcester House 22 Cocker Street, 01253 620007

Listings are continually being updated.

Please email your listing to: listings@lgf.org.uk

Blackpool and cumbria 27 Connexions 2-8 Market Street, 01253 754840, connexions-direct.com

HIV Nursing Team 18a Queen Street, 01253 651930 28

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Email: helpline@lgf.org.uk

Local rate applies

Pubs, Clubs & BaRs 1 FG2 Mixed 5 Dickson Road, 01253 649153, fg2online.co.uk 2 Funny Girls Gay Friendly 5 Dickson Rd, 01253 649154, funnygirlsonline.co.uk

KAOS Mixed 38-42 Queen St, 01253 318798, kaosbar.co.uk 3

4 Lucy's Two Mixed 68-70 Abingdon Street, 01253 753598

Mardi Gras Mixed 114 Talbot Road, 01253 296262 5

Pepe’s Bar Mainly Men 94 Talbot Rd, 01253 626691, pepesonline.co.uk 6

ROXY’S Gay Friendly 23 Queen Street, 01253 622573, roxysonline.co.uk 7

TABOO Mixed 69-71 Talbot Road, 01253 622573, tabooonline.co.uk 8

9 The Alabama Showboat Mixed 1 Cocker Sq, 01253 291155, thealabama.co.uk 10 The Flamingo NIGHTCLUB Mixed 44 Queen St, 01253 649151, flamingoonline.co.uk

The Flying Handbag Mixed 44 Queen Street, 01253 649155, flyinghandbagonline.co.uk 11

EatErIES 12 AJ’s Bistro Gay Friendly 65 Topping Street, 01253 626111 13 Autumn Leaves Gay Friendly 82 Topping Street, 01253 620730 14

Buddies Chippy 28 Dickson Street

15 Café Latté 30-32 Dickson St, 01253 752077

Don Antonio 91 Redbank Rd, 01253 352440 Mandarin Cantonese Restaurant Gay Friendly 27 Clifton Street, 01253 622687 16

17 Nite Bites Gay Friendly 50a Dickson Road, 01253 627976

SLICES SANDWICH HOUSE Gay Owned 10 King Street, 01253 751441 18

29 NHS Drop In Centre 26 Talbot Road, 01253 655871

lackpool B to r te s e h c Man 2th 2009 1 ly u J e id Bike R

Sexual Health Clinic Victoria Hospital, Whinney Heys Road, 01253 306926 30 SHIVER (Sexual Health HIV Education & Responses Drugline Lancashire Ltd) The Corner House, 102 Dickson Road, 01253 311 431

SOLICITOrS Atkinson, Cave & Stuart 45 Springfield Road, 01253 293151 31

Join Team LGF!

For more details email emma@lgf.o rg.uk or call 0161 235 8012 Ok2be 01253 754841, support service for young people up to 19 years of age, hayley.mills@blackpool.gov.uk

SHoPS 32 Daran Hairdressing Gay Owned 10 Edward St, 01253 441000 darans.co.uk

Evolution Hair Studio Gay Owned 255 Dickson Road Paul’s 5 General St, 01253 290928 unisex hairdresser.

33

Perfect Fit Alterations 42 Topping Street, 01253 290156 34

SMILE SPA AT HELIO FITNESS Newton Drive, 01253 393909

THE GARDEN PLACE Gay Owned Cropper Road, 01253 699987

GROUPS

Relaxation group 01253 311431 at SHIVER SWOSS (Sex Workers Support Services) 01253 311 431/07811 192 517, drop in on a Monday 2.00-4.00pm at SHIVER. The Renaissance Transgender Support Group meetings twice monthly, gynwayblackpool.com/ renaissance_transgender_forum.htm

Blackpool LGBT Reading Group Blackpool Central Library, Queen Street, meetings every last Thursday of the month at 6.30pm, blackpool4me.com/Blackpool4Me/ Community/LGBT/LGBTReadingGroup City Learning Centre Bathurst Av, 01253 478 309, clcbusiness.com HEAL 01253 290 052, info and help re: HIV

GrOUPS

PINC 07743266317, Young people 13-25 in North Cumbria pinc-carlisle@hotmail.co.uk

SaUNaS

Sweat Sauna Club Atlas House, Nelson St.

Sexual Health Clinic Westmoorland General Hospital, Burton Rd, 01539 795 217

CuMbrIa

CliNICS

aGENCIES

CuMbrIa Groups AmBlESidE hotEls & B&B's

Chapel House Kirkstone Road, 01539 433 143, chapelhouse-ambleside.co.uk

BarRow|iN FuRNESs CliNICS

Furness general hospital Dalton Lane, 01229 822 760

Connexions 124 Highgate, 01539 730045

Cumbria LesbIans Network 01539 741 285, 1st Saturday of the month, clnetwork@sky.com Cumbria Societies Brewery Arts Centre, c/o Switchboard 01524 847 437

PeNRIth aGENCIES

outREACH Cumbria gaycumbria.info

WInDerMerE HOTELS & B&B's

HEP C support group 01253 311431, 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at SHIVER.

aGENCIES

Connexions 237-241 Dalton Road, 01229 824052

Thorncliffe Lesbian Owned Prince's Rd, 01539 444 338, thorncliffe-guesthouse.co.uk

Lancashire Lad’s group 07833 738035, 07768 956640, 07875 355390, F/M Trans support and social group meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month at SHIVER.

GrOUPS

WorKiNgToN

Cumbria Lesbians network (CLN) 01524 858 206, clnetwork@tiscali.co.uk

20

Liberty Church 07955 597771, libertychurchblackpool.org.uk

Jigsaw 01229 836426, LGBT 18+ social group, wendyphizacklea@youngcumbria.org.uk

West Coast Rock Cafe Gay Friendly 5-7 Abingdon Street, 01253 751283

Millenium Volunteers 15 Rigby Road, 01253 476656, young people 16-24, sam.osborne@blackpool.gov.uk

LGBT youth in barrow Resource Centre, 13-17 Suffolk Street, 01229 836 426 or 07742 353 520, Thursday 7pm.

21

Connexions 28 Lowther Street, 01228 596272

Women’s group 01253 311 431, at SHIVER.

L GIRLS GROUP 07972 409551/07875 355 390

Truffles Steak House Gay Friendly 51-53 Topping Street, 01253 294804

Cumberland Infirmary 01228 814 814

aGENCIES

KenDal

Furness LGBT forum c/o Wendy Phizacklea, 01229 836 426 or 07742 353 520

19 The Buttery 1 Cheapside, 01253 296667

CliNICS

Transinclusion group 07833 161 132/07875 355 390

CuMbrIa

55+ 07878 355 390, older men’s group meets every second Monday of the month at SHIVER.

cArLisLe

CliNICS

Workington Infirmary Infirmary Lane, 01900 68737

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

Steam packet inn 51 Stanley St, 01900 62186 Listings are continually being updated.

Please email your listing to: listings@lgf.org.uk

SaUNas ACQUA SAUNA CLUB 25-26 Springfield Road, 01253 294610, acquasaunas.com 22

23 Honeycombe Sauna 97-107 Egerton Road, 01253 752211 honeycombe.net 24 WET WET WET SAUNA 1-3 Charles Street, 01253 751 199, wetwetwetsauna.co.uk

CLINICS & aGENCIES Body Positive BLACKPOOL 23 South King Street, 01253 292803 25

26 Connect 01253 751047, connectyoungpeople.co.uk

ADVERTISING “outnorthwest reaches the people other LGB mags don’t!” “outnorthwest is a fabulous magazine to get your message across to the most diverse readership in the country. We have the most concentrated distribution of any other LGB title in the north west - and that’s a fact. If your interested in advertising in outnorthwest, drop me an email, or give me a call.”

Jo Hutton, Advertising & Sales 07870 296608 jo@lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk

43

Merseyside

LiVeRpOoL

LiVeRpOoL LiVeRpOoL

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Email: helpline@lgf.org.uk

Queer Quarter

Around FACT Tithebarn Street

Tithebarn Street

23 Cumberland Street

12 QUEER NATION Victoria Street, 0151 236 4832 13 Superstar Boudoir

22-24 Stanley St, 0151 236 6633 14 The Lisbon Mixed 35 Victoria Street, 0151 231 6831 15 The Masquerade Mixed 10 Cumberland St, 0151 236 7786, masqueradebar.com

Club Nights BROKEN BISCUITS Monthly at Jupiters Bar FEDERATION LIVERPOOL Monthly gay night, clubfederation.com GIRLS GO DOWN Monthly lesbian night, myspace.com/girlsgodown

EatErIES 1 CAFE TABAC Gay Owned 126 Bold Street, 0151 709 3735

ESPRESSO PLUS COFFEE Bar & Bistro 173 Rose Lane, Mossley Hill, 0151 724 6161

Hope PrideDerwent House, Taggart Ave, Childwall, 0151 291365, lgbtofficer@hope.ac.uk Liverpool Students Union LGBT Society 0151 231 4947 Merseyside L&G Community Forum 07970 680483, newsfromnowhere.org.uk

GROUPS

2

Bold Street

11 Poste House

Bold Street

10 PINK 4-6 Victoria St, 0151 255 0502

et

Back Berry Stre

19 Berry Street

Roscoe Lane

Navy Bar 27-29 Stanley Street, 0151 231 1456 9

Roscoe Place

Culquitt Street Wood Street

Modo Gay Friendly Concert Square

Wood Street

8

20 Culquitt Street

London Road

TRAVEL INN METRO Vernon St, 0870 238 3325

18

1

Seel Street

HotEls

Fleet Street

16 THE MONRO Gastropub 92-94 Duke St, 0151 707 9933, themonro.com

Seel Street

0151 708 8698 puschka.co.uk

Parr Street

Mathew Street Gay Owned 16 Rodney St,

Puschka

et

Duke Street

OSQA’S Oldham Square, 0151 709 6611, osqa-restaurant.co.uk

5 Garlands Mixed 8-10 Eberle Street, 0151 709 9586, garlandsonline.co.uk

Jupiters 10 Hackins Hey, off Dale Street, 0151 227 5265

16

Back Culquitt Stre

Victoria Street

10

The Feathers 119-125 Mount Pleasant St, 0151 709 9655, feathers.uk.com

7

Duke Street

Victoria Street

Slater Street

FACT

14

4 DESTINATION LIVERPOOL Temple St, off Victoria St, club-destination.co.uk

6 G Bar Mixed Eberle Street, 0151 258 1230, g-bar.com

11

Sir Thomas Street

4

9 13

15

Cumberland Street

12

3 Curzon Club Mixed Temple Lane, 0151 236 5160, curzonliverpoo­­­­l.co.uk

44

3

Stanley Street

CAFE TABAC Gay Owned 126 Bold Street, 0151 709 3735 2

Temple Street

3345 Mixed 33-45 Parr St, 0151 708 6345, 3345parrst.com 1

Temple Lane

PUBS, CLUBS & Bars

Princes Street

£

Train Station Parking Cash Machine Pedestrianised

North John Street

88 Listing Indicator

Davies Street

17

Concert Street

8

Suffolk Street

Dale Street

Dale Street

Sweeting Street

Cunliffe St. Hockenhall All.

5

Vernon Street

6

Eberle Street

7

Moorfields

Tempest Hey

Hackins Hey

£

Exchange Street East

£

Local rate applies

Piccadilly Train Station

Men’s Group 0870 9908996 Southport Gay Infoline 01704 543612

St|HELens PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Flex II Tolver St, 01744 758 439

OUR STORY LIVERPOOL 07877 273913, LGBT History community project.

CLUB NIGHT

Parents & Carers Group 0870 9908996

CLINICs

WORK Bridge Street, every Wednesday.

Queer Notions 0151 227 9977, meet at the Armistead Project queernotions@hotmail.com

Sexual Health Clinic St Helens Hospital, Marshallcross Rd, 01744 458383

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Sahir House PO Box 11, 0151 708 9080

QUEST LGBT CATHOLICS 07983 021 589, 3rd Saturday of month, liverpool@questgaycatholic.org.uk

Sexual Health Clinic Royal Liverpool Hospital, Prescot St, 0151 706 2620

SPIRIT LEVEL 0151 227 1893, Transgender support group.

CLINICs

17 The Armistead Project 1 Stanley St,

Uni’ Guild of Students LGBT 160 Mount Pleasant, 0151 794 4165, liverpoollgbt@yahoo.co.uk

SaUNas

aGENCIES & CLINICs

AIDS Helpline 0151 709 9000

0870 9908996, armisteadcentre.co.uk

SauNas

Young Gay Sefton 0151 330 5841

LIVERPOOL Sauna 1 Bank Hall Street, Kirkdale, 0151 944 2240

Shops 18 NEWS FROM NOWHERE Bookshop

96 Bold Sreet, 0151 708 7270, newsfromnowhere.co.uk 19

nice 'n' naughty 85 Seel Street

20

nice 'n' naughty 16 Colquitt Street

GRoups BETHLEHEM COMMUNITY CHURCH Serving LGBT Christians across Merseyside, bethlehemcommunitychurch.org.uk

SpoRts Groups Gay Kick Boxing Armistead Centre, Wednesday Evenings 7-8pm, info@armisteadcentre.co.uk MERSEY MARAUDERS Gay football club includes Liverpool, Wirral, Chester and Wigan, mmfootball@hotmail.co.uk mmfootball.co.uk

WEBSITES GAYLIVERPOOL.COM Website of Gay Liverpool, gayliverpool.com

tHE|wIrRaL Peggy Gladflys 93 Victoria Road, New Brighton Sexual Health Clinic Arrowe Park Road, 0151 604 7339

Dolphin Sauna 129 Mount Road, New Brighton, 0151 630 1516, dolphinsauna.co.uk

aGENCIES

Terrence Higgins Trust 5 Bridge Street, Birkenhead, 0151 666 9890, HIV and sexual health advice and support, info.wirral@tht.org.uk tht.org.uk WORK IT OUT Wirral Brook, 14 Whetstone Ln, Birkenhead, 0151 670 0177, group for 14-18 year olds, info@wirralbrook.org.uk outreach@wirralbrook.org.uk

GROUPS

TransWirral 90-92 Chester St, 07905 121656, education, advocacy, campaigning and support organisation for transsexual intersex people in NW England, transwirral.btik.com

SoutHpOrT

GAY & LESBIAN CHRISTIANS Bold Street, 0151 547 3562, christian@portnahaven.fsnet.co.uk

WIRRAL DIVAS 0151 666 9890, weekly lesbian and bisexual women’s group.

CLUB GLITTER Mixed The Dam Bar, Cable St, 07989 694536, every Monday 8pm till late.

WIRRAL TRANSISTER 0151 650 6939, Trans support group, meets weekly.

Gay Professional Dining Club 0151 2807842, 2nd Sat of month, igdc@talk21.com

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

Gay Wirral Terrence Higgins Trust, 5 Bridge St, for all Wirral’s LGBT Community: Tea Time Special - every Friday, 4.30 to 6.30pm, gaywirral@hotmail.co.uk

Gay Youth ‘r’ OUT (GYRO) 36 Bolton St, 0151 203 0824, LGB youth 16-25, gyro.org.uk Gays Out with Learning Difficulties (GOLD) 0870 9908996

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

CLINICs

Sexual Health Clinic Southport & Formby District General Hospital, 01704 513303

Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk

Listings are continually being updated.

Please email your listing to: listings@lgf.org.uk

cheshire staffs and isle of man ChESHire

WALKTHAGAINST HOMOPHOBIA

ChESHire ChESHire CRewE

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

The Park 42 Wistaston Rd, 07888 805903

CLINICs

Sexual Health Clinic Leighton Hospital, Middlewich Rd, 01270 612255

aGENCIES

BP Cheshire & North Wales PO Box 321, 01270 653 150 outrite 01270 653 156, outrite.org

GROUPS

outrite Group 01270 653 156, outrite.org

CheStER

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS Bar 6T9 01244 313 608

Liverpool Arms Northgate Street, 01244 314 807

CLINICs

Sexual Health Clinic Chester Hospital, Liverpool Road, 01244 363 091

aGENCIES

Health Development Team (LGBT) 01244 650534 or 07747 631021

GROUPS

CHESTER GAY BOOK GROUP 2nd Monday of the month at 7.30pm at the Bear & Billet pub, Lower Bridge Street, alispad@aol.com Chester Icebreakers 01244 682574, Quaker House, Union Walk, Frodsham St.

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

JUNE 13 - MANCHESTER SIGN UP ONLINE NOW! www.lgf.org.uk

Sole Sisters 07917 533104 or 07921 222101, Womens walking group.

WARringToN

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

UTOPIA 01244 602817, LGB youth group.

KANDI BAR thekandibar.co.uk

MACcLeSfIelD

White Hart Sankey Street, 01925 241994

CLINICs

CLINIC

Sexual Health Clinic Macclesfield District General Hospital, Victoria Road, 01625 264116

Sexual Health Clinic Lovely Lane, 01925 662476

GROUPS

aGENCIES

GROUPS

South Staffs MESMEN Project 01543 411413, PO Box 3919, Lichfield, Married Men’s group, TV/TS group and social groups.

SPACE 01543 419002, LGBT Youth Group (16-21), youth@mesmen.co.uk

CORE 01270 653 156, gay and bi men’s group.

1806 Group 11 Palmyra Square South, 01925 241994, initiative for sexual health.

OUTRITE groups 01270 653156, support and social groups, outrite.org

Gay Healthy Alliance Project PO Box 539, 01925 631101

NOrtHWicH

GROUPS

Gay & Lesbian Youth Support Services (GLYSS) 07747 473 829

DEVONIAN HOTEL Gay Friendly 4 Sherwood Terrace, Douglas, 01624 674676, thedevonian.co.uk

FLUID (Freedon to Love Ur IDentity) 07747 473 829

PITCARN HOTEL Gay Friendly 2 Church Road, Douglas, 01624 674771

trans warrington 01925 241904, transwarrington@yahoo.co.uk transwarrington.webs.com

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

GROUPS

Cheshire Rainbow 07949 820138, LGBT group, cheshirerainbow@btinternet.com

SaUNaS

Sauna Sauna Winnington Lane, 01606 784881, sauna-sauna.info

RunCoRN

CLINIC

Dinin’ Divas womens dining group dinindivas@yahoo.com

Sexual Health Halton General Hospital, 01928 753217

Mersey & Dee Women Social group, madw@merseymail.com

EaTERIES

The Canalside Bar & Restaurant 01928 580 669, 45-47 Canal Street.

StaFfOrdSHIRE PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

THE Club 14 Hillcrest St, 01782 201829

The Three Tuns 9 Bucknall New Road, 01782 769293

Staffordshire Buddies PO Box 474, Stoke on Trent, 01782 201251

IsLe|oF|MaN HOTELS

TRAFALGER PUBLIC HOUSE Gay Friendly South Quay, Douglas, 01624 618131 Listings are continually being updated.

Please email your listing to: listings@lgf.org.uk

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45