outnorthwest95

WORLD AIDS DAY 2009

NEWS•COMMENT •ANALYSIS•HEALTH•SPORT•LISTINGS

DECEMBER 2009 - JANUARY 2010 ISSUE 95

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PUBLISHED BY

RELAX!

QUIZ OF THE

THE YEAR!

INTERVIEW!

HOLLY JOHNSON SHOOTS FROM THE LIP

HOLLY SAYS!

“Frankie were an exploding supernova.”

Y A D S D I A D L R O W D MORE N A N IO G E R E UND TH >> EVENTS ARO

WHAT’S YOUR NEW YEAR RESOLUTION? HOW ABOUT HELPING INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF LGB KIDS? Featuring contributions from Russell T Davies, Beth Ditto and Sir Ian McKellen, Aim High is an inspirational booklet aimed at young LGB people. Produced by The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, we’re keen to get this into as many schools as possible, but we need YOUR help to raise £5000 get it printed and distributed.

Please make a donation today at www.lgf.org.uk and help inspire the next generation of LGB kids!

EDITOR’S LETTER DEC - JAN 2010

Enough is enough!

ED MANY STRAIGHT PEOPLE, AND INDE THE T THA MANY LGB&T PEOPLE BELIEVE .

WON OST FIGHT FOR EQUALIT Y IS ALM , FOR ED ASK WE’VE GOT EVERYTHING WE N’T HAS T RIGHT? UP TO A POINT. WHA THS IS CHANGED, AND IF THE LAST 18 MON TEN GOT LY ANY INDICATION, HAS ACTUAL OF RED WORSE, IS HOMOPHOBIA. HAT WHO WE ARE BECAUSE OF WHO WE CHOOSE TO BE . k I sit here at the close of the year in shoc the over at what we’ve been witness to en and last few months. James Parkes beat his with out seriously injured after a night ter, quar gay ’s friends and partner in Liverpool Jan se cour of similar attacks in London, and acter Moir’s infamous and sickening char s after hour ly assassination of Stephen Gate and ly fami his tragic death and before his led coup This partner had even buried him. this UK the in with the rise of the facist BNP ) raises year (and particularly in the north west our tion direc alarming questions about the

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this.

We don’t have to sit back and accept and ing hear Enough is enough. You’ll be ing seeing this phrase a lot over the com n datio Foun months as The Lesbian & Gay huge the light high and outnorthwest plan to l We’l . ming problem homophobia is beco a of part a be be asking you to sign up and bes opho hom the global campaign to battle ms of and support those who are the victi s of page the on homphobia. Keep an eye how on rg.uk outnorthwest and www.lgf.o . As lved invo get you and your friends can ble capa e we’r t a community we know wha free year a of achieving. Let’s make 2010 to from hate. Enough is enough. Say no homophobic hate crime. thank Before I sign off for the year, a huge us in d orte supp you to everyone who has for ges chan of what’s been a landmark year des inclu se cour outnorthwest. And that of ths! you for picking us up every two mon ve festi the rate However you plan to celeb after look and ... season, have a great time

society is heading.

DON’T

MISS!

each other!

EDITOR

PARTY SEASON

13 } REGULARS 08 THE AGENDA

An in-depth look at the issues affecting us over the next two months. This issue, we focus on World AIDS Day and the events happening around our region to mark it. Also the VBA responds to your safety concerns in the Village.

06 YOUR LETTERS

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

P34-35

With the season of goodwill upon us, why not get the party started by coming along to one of the many LGF fundraisers happening over the next couple of months? You’ll have a fab time, and be making a real difference. Starting on p34.

07 OPINION

Paul Fairweather on the culture of hatred we’ve seen over the last 12 months..

46 LISTINGS

The most comprehensive guide to the LGBT north west.

18

OUR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH THE LEGENDARY HOLLY JOHNSON

Registered Charity No. 1070904

MISS!

IT’S ALL ABOUT US...

DON’T

}CONTENTS } FEATURES

18 HOLLY JOHNSON

The legendary Frankie Goes To Hollywood frontman, artist and national treasure talks exclusively to outnorthwest.

30 PARTY HARD!

Like it or not, it’s that time of the year of office parties, late nights and morning hangovers. Ease the pain a little with our simple survival guide.

} WELLBEING 24 GHT

George House Trust on why it’s so important for gay men to test.

22 POSITIVE SPEAKERS Local lads Craig and Chris share their experiences of living with HIV.

28 OPEN FORUM

We’ve trawled the internet forums for your opinions on HIV and prevention.

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

}EDITOR & LAYOUT Grahame Robertson }PRODUCTION/SPORT Simon Pearson }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 }DISTRIBUTION Kate Hardy and Peter Boyle

26 IT’S GOOD TO TALK

CONTRIBUTORS Paul Martin; Annie Emery; Andrew Gilliver; Peter Boyle; Kate Hardy; Paul Fairweather; GHT; Colin Armstead; Samantha Days; Albert Kennedy Trust; Marc Robinson; Sian Payne; Darren Knight; Rachel Barlow; Emma Peate; Simon Pearson; Co-op; Joe Spencer. And, of course, Larry.

} OUT & ABOUT

SPECIAL THANKS Holly Johnson; Craig and Chris; Village Business Association; Heather Peace; Matt Sephton; Lindsay England; Lou Englefield; Trevor Burchick; Diane Scott-Thomas; Jackie Crozier; Darren Adams; Everyone at Manchester Pride; Sarah Quinn; Glen Monks; and to all of our advertisers and supporters.

The end of the year is not always the best time of year. If you’re feeling a bit lost this festive season, we’ve got help for you.

44 SPORT

The only LGBT magazine to feature a regular sports section, two pages of the latest NW queers sports.

ADVERTISING For information on advertising in outnorthwest, please contact us on 0161 235 8035. Or e-mail grahame@lgf.org.uk

34 FABULOUS!

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.

DISCLAIMER

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

For Dougie ‘Hazell’ Cowan xx

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 “We’re much WHY DO WE CALL more than OURSELVES ‘QUEER’? getting drunk and sleeping I get your magazine every when I attend my group around and we month and it does have some good in it however I should let people information would like to ask readers if they would take offence to the see that.” word queer as I’ve noticed a lot

LETTER OF THE MONTH

a label your individual be proud of that. Being LGBT doesn’t mean it has to all be about sexual things. Younger people than me read ‘OUT’ why is most of it about clubs, pubs and dating hotlines?

Last month we printed three letters from readers who were concerned about their safety on Canal Street. We’ve had a number of responses to those letters, and as a result outnorthwest will now be working much more closely with the Village businesses and reporting back to you on the positive steps being taken to tackle safety concerns. In the meantime, The Rembrandt has responded directly to a readers concern last month...

of event and groups use that word and I think that only gives people the right to call us that as an insult.

I’m 19 years old and if my local group was called ‘queer youth’ it wouldn’t be very appealing to attend I don’t think we LGBT should just hide and blend in but also why should we stick out like a sore thumb. We are normal people we want people to accept us for that. But if we label are selves that only lets others do so. Be proud for who you are don’t be

“WE ARE GOING TO TRY TO MAKE THE PUB A MAJORITY GAY VENUE AGAIN...”

into the venue for a drink and the pub was losing money. We therefore had to start letting a different mix of people into the venue otherwise we would have continued to lose money.

}Following the letters page in last month’s issue I have been offered the opportunity to reply to the complaint raised by Stuart regarding his experience in The Rembrandt.

Having said this we are going to try again to make the pub a majority gay venue again although this will depend somewhat on the gay customers coming back in and helping us to make it what it was.

As many of you will be aware, there are an increasing number of straight people in the Village and its venues (both during the week and over the weekend) and this is becoming a concern of a large portion of the LGBT community. The Rembrandt has always been a place where people can drink and have an enjoyable time but I do recognise that the clientelle of the pub has changed in recent months, along with the composition of visitors to the village.

When we took over we intended not to change anything because we wanted to continue the tradition that The Rembrandt had enjoyed for many years of being a gay pub for gay men. However we quickly noticed that there was a big decline in the number of gay men coming

I do recognise that our customers may be feeling slightly more uneasy about drinking in the Rembrandt, or any of the village’s venues, as a result of the changes the village is seeing and with this in mind have made a few changes that will hopefully demonstrate our dedication to the LGBT community and its custom.

Over the next few weeks we will be retraining all our members of staff on how to ensure that our customers feel comfortable and safe in our venue (including on how to recognise people that may make others feel uneasy). We have also reviewed our door policy and issued specific instructions to our door security regarding the type of people allowed into the venue - we will not tolerate

Join the outnorthwest Facebook group today.

06

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

We’re all much more then getting drunk and sleeping around. we should let people see that Thanks.

Sian, Wirral ONW: The use of the word ‘queer’ is a contencious one for some. Many LGB&T people use the word as a way of reclaiming what has historically been used against us.

What do other readers think? On your other point, outnorthwest has a policy not to accept adverts for dating hotlines, and we’ve even cut back on pub and club advertising (especially around drinks offers), so I’m confused that you think that ‘most’ of the magazine is about these things. Our chief responsibility as a health focussed LGB&T title is the wellbeing of our readers.

“I do sincerely hope that we wil see some of the regulars back in the venue and help us to return to former glory.” any behaviour that makes our customers feel uncomfortable or unsafe. We have also decided to remove the pool table from the pub, having come to the conclusion that it may be attracting the wrong type of people into the venue.

Lastly, as I’m sure most of you will agree, the Rembrandt interior is in need of a little TLC and so we have decided not before time to redecorate the venue over the coming weeks so please bear with us whilst this is happening.

I do sincerely hope that we will see some of the regulars back in the venue and help us to return to its former glory.

Many thanks.

Lee, The Rembrandt

You can also follow us on Twitter (@outnorthwest)

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

A culture of hatred.

I saw a production of the Laramie Project - 10 Years On recently whi ch revisited the story of Matthew Shepard a young gay man who was brutally murdered in a small American town. The researchers who wrote the originally story went bac k to see what had changed in the ten years since Mathews death.

There was some fascinating insights into how individuals and communities react to homophobia. Some people were now saying that it wasn’t really a homophobic attac k but was a robbery gone wrong. There is no evide nce to support this but it was clear that some people in the community were far happier belie ving this than having to confront the fact that such hatred and hostility towards gay people exist ed in their own community. For the first time there were interviews with the two men convicted of the murder and it was very hard to listen to them talk about what had happened and in parti cular how unrepentant McKinney, the main attac ker, was about the violence he had inflicted on Matthew.

For me the most moving part of the play was the interview with Judy Shepard, Matt hew’s mother who since her son’s death has become a tireless campaigner against hate crim e. Her passion and determination to reme mber what happened to her son and to ensure that such attacks doesn’t keep happening has been the driving force behind a national camp aign for legislation to specifically recognise and punish homophobic hate crime. The Matthew Shepard Act was recently agreed by President Obama and is a fitting tribute to the work of Judy Shepard The play is especially relevant at the moment when we are seeing an increase in hom ophobic hate crime in this country. The recen t brutal attack on James Parkes a young train ee police officer in Liverpool by a gang of youn g men has highlighted the level of violence that still exists against lesbians and gay men. There has been a

COMING SOON IN OUTNORTHWEST Have you ever sat in the doctors waiting room and wondered who chooses the posters and materials that go up on the board? Or been to a hospital appointment only to find the doctors would rather ignore your partner than acknowledge them? Or maybe every time you access health care services you have an amazing experiences and want to let other people know about it!

We know from recent research carried out with lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in the North West that a lot of people have negative experiences of health care. This includes everything from GP surgeries, to mental health provision and sexual health services. Sometimes people use inappropriate language to refer to our partners or our identity; sometimes people don’t understand our health needs properly; and sometimes they just pretend we don’t exist.

But we want to know what you want to hear about. Maybe you’ve had an experience and would like to know why that’s happened, or how to resolve it. You might also want to highlight a service local to you that is particularly good.

Whatever it is, let us know by emailing sian. payne@lgf.org.uk and we will try to cover it over the coming months.

Registered Charity No. 1070904

Our new feature, Access to Health, will be looking at the ways in which you can make sure that you get what you want from the health care system. We’ve got some ideas about the kinds of things we’d like to feature, from how you can get involved in shaping the services that are delivered, to where you go to make a complaint if you’re not getting the service you deserve.

huge response in Liverpool against this attack and a large candlelit Vigil heard his partner speak movingly about what had happened and how we must ensure that such attacks stop .

But we need to be asking serious ques tions about why, in spite of huge changes in law and public attitudes, there can still be such outbursts of violence against us. We need even ts like the Vigil to publicise what is happening to our communities but we also need to tackl e the roots causes at a much earlier age.

Homophobia is wired into some peop le at an early age. They grow up in a culture of hatred that has to be tackled early on This is why projects like Exceeding Expectations, which is working in Manchester schools to tackle homophobia, are needed in every scho ol in the country. Teachers need to have the skills and confidence to tackle any signs of prejudice and hostility and need to know they will be supported by parents and governors .

There can be no complacency from government the police or the legal system.

We need a lead from all three to show that homophobia is challenged whenever it occurs.

We also need as a community to repo rt any incidents of homophobia, however small they might seem to us, and to complain if we feel they are not taken seriously. We have to be concerned about what is happenin g around us and to recognise that at a time of growing economic recession there is always a danger that those perceived to be different can easily become scapegoats. We need a pow erful presence in all forms of media to talk about what is happening, to ask what we are all doing about it and show that we are determined to eradicate it completely from our society

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 WORLD AIDS

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 WORLD AIDS DAY 2009

ER

DECEMB

01 TUESDAY

What are you doing to support World AIDS Day this year?

December 1st is World Aids Day, we take a look at what’s going on across the North West to raise awareness of HIV / AIDS, support those living with HIV and remember those we have lost. It’s so important that we keep HIV high on the agenda, so please try and support these events wherever you can.

• Red Ribbon sellers around Manchester City Centre, 10am – 10pm • Information Stall in the European Market, Albert Square, 10am – 6pm • World Aids Week Flash Mob in Manchester city centre, 2pm–3pm • Fundraisers for World AIDS Day at various venues in the Gay Village

Greater Manchester

SUNDAY 29th NOVEMBER • Red Ribbon sellers at Manchester Arndale, 10am – 6pm • Red Ribbon sellers around Manchester City Centre, 10am – 10pm • Information Stall in the European Market, Albert Square, 10am – 6pm • Fundraisers for World AIDS Day at various venues in the Gay Village

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, George House Trust, Black Health Agency and Manchester City Council make up the World Aids Day Partnership.

Together, the partnership have a host of events planned across the city.

FRIDAY 27th NOVEMBER • Red Ribbon sellers at Manchester Arndale, 10am – 6pm • Fundraisers at various venues in the Gay Village SATURDAY 28th NOVEMBER • Red Ribbon sellers at Arndale, 10am – 6pm 08

WORLD AIDS DAY - TUESDAY 1st DECEMBER • Red Ribbon sellers around Manchester City Centre, 7am – 6pm

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

• Information Stall in the European Market, Albert Square, 10am – 6pm • Candlelit Vigil St Ann’s Church, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, 6pm -7pm • Candlelit Vigil Sackville Gardens, Gay Village, 7pm -8pm • After the Vigil there’s mince pies, mulled wine & karaoke at Via, Canal Street, 8pm – late.

Merseyside Sahir House offer support, information and services to individuals and families living with or affected by HIV on Merseyside.

WORLD AIDS DAY - TUESDAY 1st DECEMBER • Sahir House World Aids Day Vigil, 7pm – 8pm •Liverpool Get Tested, December 1st, 2nd & 3rd.

Free HIV testing in 4 city centre venues. For more information: enquiries@liverpoolgetstested.org • Open Day at Arrowe Park GU Medicine Open day for GPs, practice, community and school nurses and other health care professionals. 2nd Floor, Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral 0151 604 7339

MATT SEPHTON

p13

With a General Election on the cards next years, we’ve been talking to the key political parties. This issue, we focus on LGBTories.

DAY Knowsley Social Services ‘Wear Red to Work Day’ Fundraiser

Blackpool The World Aids Day group are planning a variety of awareness raising campaigns across Blackpool, including events in: schools, colleges, venues, saunas and public buildings.

SATURDAY 28th NOVEMBER • There will be a short service and candle lighting vigil in the club Mardi Gras at 11pm ahead of World Aids Day. MONDAY 30th NOVEMBER • SHIVER work as part of Blackpool’s LGB&T community, they along with Liberty Church are attending several school/college assemblies this week presenting short interactive talks around HIV and awareness issues.

WORLD AIDS DAY - TUESDAY 1st DECEMBER • Short service and candle lighting vigil in Pepe’s Bar at 11pm.

SUNDAY 6th DECEMBER • A charity all-dayer is planned at the Flying Handbag where to raise funds for next year’s event there will be raffle prizes and collections.

Lancashire FRIDAY 27th NOVEMBER • Preston Red Ribbon Cabaret. Preston’s annual red ribbon cabaret is back for another year of fundraising for HIV/AIDS causes. The cabaret takes place at 53 Degrees, Brook Street, Preston. For more information call 07936 712478

Cheshire WORLD AIDS DAY - TUESDAY 1st DECEMBER • World Aids Day Memorial quilt. Age Concern invite you to view the memorial quilt at the Pop in Cafe, Lower Hillgate, Stockport (12-3). Enjoy a seasonal mince pie, sausage roll and a warming glass of non alcoholic mulled wine. Enter the quiz and win a fantastic prize! Buy your ribbon with Pride! For more info call Jane or Lesley at Age Concern on 0161 480 1211.

Something happening in your area for World Aids Day? Let us know at info@lgf.org.uk

VILLAGE PEOPLE

p10

Canal Street businesses are working together and with the police to curb homophobic hate crime. Find out how in our regular Village update.

SACKVILLE GARDENS It’s our very own little green oasis in the gay Village, and it has its own blooming programme of events coming up over the next few weeks and months...

HONOURING ALAN TURING Homo Hero Alan Turing is being honoured at a ceremony in Sackville Gardens on Saturday 5 December (12.45pm).

The war hero and father of the modern computer, was given a posthumous apology this year following his conviction for homosexuality by the Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Manchester City Council is organising a small event in Sackville Gardens to mark the importance of the apology and look at further ways of honouring Turing’s memory.

A statue of Alan Turing currently sits in the Gardens (Sackville St, Manchester) and anyone who wants to see Turing’s work further celebrated is encouraged to attend the ceremony. We’ll see you there!

SUGAR & SPICE 2010: GIRL ON GIRL ACTION DAY To celebrate International Women’s Day 2010, Sugar & Spice is back and this year it’s all about lesbian and bisexual women getting our voices heard and taking action!

The General Election will definitely be on our radar and for the first time we’re on the move as we’ll be marching suffragette stylee through Manchester with our banners and sashes. After the march we’ll be heading to Sackville Park for an action packed afternoon; rant to your hearts content in the speakers corner, get creative with your inner thoughts in the gazebo of secrets, and after all that marching let us pamper you in the massage tent.

All this is just a mere slice of what’s on offer at Sugar & Spice Sunday March 7 2010, so keep a look out for Sugar & Spice updates in the next outnorthwest and on www.lgf.org.uk

www.lgf.org.uk

09

AGENDA DECEMBER-JANUARY 2010

NEWS

“We must always be accepting of all.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight, or we face becoming as bad as those that discriminate against us.”

THE VILLAGE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

THE VILLAGE

VBA ADDRESS VILLAGE SAFETY CONCERNS Village Business Association and Greater Manchester Police take positive action to address safety concerns.

In the last issue of outnorthwest we featured a number of reader’s letters on concerns about safety in Manchester’s gay Village with regard to the Facebook group ‘Gangs of Canal Street’, which understandably caused alarm among local businesses in the area.

With the level of current anxiety in the Village it’s encouraging to see that both the Village Business Association and Greater Manchester Police have recently made statements to reassure users of the area that both organisations are doing everything they can to reduce crime in and around the Canal Street area.

The VBA in an official statement have pointed out that crime in the area has dropped by 13% during 10

September and that regular vigilance by Village security staff along with ongoing police support is actually working to make sure that the local LGB & T communities are safer. In a statement released last month, a spokesperson for the Village Businesss Association said, “What it’s important to remember is that together we are stronger and it is up to all of us, as a community, to pull together so that we can create a Village that we can proud of. We must always be accepting of all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender – and straight – or we face becoming as bad as those that discriminate against us.”

Inspector Joanne Marshall from Greater Manchester Police says “We have a number of operations in place at the moment and I can assure you that this will continue with further operations planned in the lead up to Christmas, linking with our City Safe policing team to tackle –alcohol related crime.”

Be heard

ANY QUESTIONS

outnorthwest Editor Grahame Robertson has recently begun attending meetings of The Village Business Association and the VBA have kindly agreed to keep readers of outnorthwest up to date with events and comment on initiatives that are helping ensure that the Village continues to be renowned as a safe place for LGB&T people to visit. Grahame said, “In light of recent homophobic attacks in our region, it’s understandable that our readers are more concerned for their safety than ever before. It’s great to see that the VBA is taking such an active role in ensuring the safety of their customers.”

From next issue we’ll be printing regular updates on what the VBA is doing to make your gay Village a safe and fun place to be. For more on this story, turn to our letters page this month, where The Rembrandt respond directly to a readers concerns.

The VBA have also agreed to answer a selection of readers questions in our upcoming regular updates. If you’ve got a question you’d like to ask the VBA, send it to grahame@lgf.org.uk

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

AGENDA DECEMBER-JANUARY 2010

NEWS

HATE CRIME

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: SAY NO TO HOMOPHOBIA The UK is in shock following a number of high profile homophobic attacks. Last month, we were horrified to learn of the brutal homophobic gang attack on James Parkes - a 22 year old gay trainee police officer - in Liverpool.

He was left with multiple skull fractures, a fractured eye socket and a fractured cheek bone, after a gang of up to 20 teenagers attacked James, his partner and two friends, as they left Superstar Boudoir on Stanley Street in Liverpool’s gay quarter on Sunday 25 October. This dreadful attack on James took place little more than a week after the death of Ian Baynham, 62, who died from fatal injuries inflicted in a homophobic attack in Trafalgar Square which took place on September 25. Two 18 year old girls and a twenty year old man have been charged with manslaughter. The LGB&T community and allies have since stood shoulder to shoulder at vigils and events across the country to say no to homophobia and hatred. At the Lesbian & Gay Foundation we produced a pocket/wallet/purse sized personal safety guide for LGB&Ts, called Enough is Enough!

Say No To Homophobic Hate Crime.

On the Friday after the horrific attack on James (October 30), a team of staff and volunteers from the LGF along with Liverpool’s Armistead Centre and Merseyside Police went out into Liverpool’s gay quarter to reassure the community after the attack, talk about the importance of personal and community safety and to give out copies of Enough is Enough! Darren Knight, the LGF’s Development Manager was in Liverpool as part of the outreach team, he said: “By speaking to the people that our organisations collaboratively support, we were able to help people realise that a hate crime can be anything from name calling to murder, and anything within that spectrum should under no circumstances ever be tolerated and always reported.” On the same night, another LGF team headed out into Manchester’s Gay Village to distribute the guide. The LGF’s Operation’s Manager Samantha Days, was out and about in the Village as part of the outreach, she said: “It was great to get out and speak to people face to face about their experiences. There is a real need for this kind of targeted hate crime information.”

For more about Enough is Enough visit www.lgf.org. uk/hate-crime/ or email: kate.hardy@lgf.org.uk for copies of the guide and posters.

PETER BOYLE GUEST COLUMNIST

Stigma and the city.

PETER BOYLE IS THE GAY MEN’S HEALTH OFFICER AT THE LESBIAN & GAY FOUNDATION. TO MARK WORLD AIDS DAY, PETER ASKS WHY STIGMA AROUND HIV IS STILL SUCH A BIG PROBLEM .

Remember the saying, people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones? Well, what if we were people in stone houses throwing glasses? Bit of a mess isn’t it?

Having said that, at least the house isn’t damaged.

What am I on about? Well, as a community in one of the largest gay scenes in Europe, we do have a tendency to damage ourseleves from within, or at least make a mess of things for other people. Seeing as though we are in a western city, with a vibrant and lively scene, it stands to reason that there are a large number of men who are living with HIV. Yet, people don’t consider this. They still see HIV as something that isn’t talked about – mainly because they see it as somewhere else’s issue. London maybe. Not here, not in the North West.

Sorry to burst your bubble, but in Manchester, one in ten of us (at least) is living with the condition, and 3 in ten of us don’t even know it. Why is that? Well, probably because of the horrendous stigma that still surrounds HIV. What’s the reason? Fear? Judgement? Probably a bit of both. If there’s one thing that the gays are good at it is judgement, whether it be hair, looks, age or even who you are backing on the X Factor (John and

“Sorry to burst your bubble, but in Manchester one in ten of us is living with HIV, and three in ten of us don’t even know it.”

Edward…?!). So what can we do about it? Surely we have enough problems as a community without self harming from within.

HIV stigma exists for many reasons, but perhaps the most obvious is that people are able to judge someone else’s behaviour. “Oh, they must have caught it because they sleep around” or “They must have behaved in a way that caused them to catch it”. Way back in the day, it seems that the only ‘victims’ of HIV were those that caught it through blood transfusions.

It wasn’t their fault. Is it someone’s fault if they catch a verucca because they go swimming? Or someone’s fault if they catch measels because they go to school?

Of course not, so why attach blame to another virus?

Some people are living with HIV… get over it.

Peter Boyle peter.boyle@lgf.org.uk

www.lgf.org.uk

11

AGENDA DECEMBER-JANUARY 2010

NEWS

CO-OP

KATE HARDY OPINION

Me, myself, and... ... that lezzer over there.

Note that I am a lesbian, and most people would not describe other people by their sexuality when they see them on the street, but I seem to do it all the time.

“Bloody ‘ell this place is full of lesbians!”, “Look at the lesbians over the road.”, “Obviously a lesbian.” This kind of statement is a common theme from my perceptions of the outside world, my vocabulary is limited mind since I stopped reading books (I buy them for my bookshelf, they look pretty).

It’s the gaydar you see. The more you use it, the more accurate it becomes, I am even in the process of training up my straight friends to fine tune their gaydar (although it’s not as enjoyable for them and they’re crap at it).

There’s no science to it, it’s just made up of stereotypical tit bits (expensive outdoor clothing, comfortable shoes, vegan appetites on occasion) we get from the world around us. Wrong or right, we all use it (ok maybe some of you are more subtle than I am) and it’s quite a useful little tool to have, especially in mainly straight areas, like the meat counter at Tesco. So to anyone who may have overheard my ramblings, I blame it on the Gaydar, it’s now on mute.

I really must stop referring to people as lesbians, like they are some kind of new exotic animal in a zoo, shipped from an unknown location where they were becoming endangered; “Look, that lesbian’s chewing on a leaf, it’s amazing, get the camera!”

To the outsider overhearing my observations I could be seen as being terribly rude or maybe even homophobic. I don’t mean to be, I just feel sometimes my observations are my inability to see myself as a lesbian, or maybe it’s a comforting thing to know that where ever I seem to go, there are lesbians.

12

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

THE CO-OP JOINS OUTNORTHWEST

outnorthwest is delighted to introduce a new feature working with The Cooperative, one of the biggest private sector employers in the North West, who will be introducing the different areas of support and advice on offer to LGBT customers, with an opportunity for you to ask questions to an expert in their field.

Liz Bramley, Head of Engagement and Diversity at The Co-operative is delighted the Co-operative will be working with outnorthwest, “The Co-operative is rooted in the communities we serve and since 1844 has been doing everything it can to be a business that’s ‘good for everyone’.” The Co-operative also has an LGBT Network group which gets involved in supporting LGBT people who work for the business, in community activities and in developing product offerings to LGBT customer groups, and is headed up by George Meudell, a Project Manager within The Co-operative Funeralcare business. George said, “Our co-operative values are a great fit with supporting the LGBT community and are part of the reason why we decided to sponsor Manchester Pride this year – a fantastic community event right here in our home city. We were also delighted to win best commercial entrant in the parade.”

The first Co-operative business to feature will be the The Co-operative Legal Services, offering a range of services including Will writing, Personal Injury, Employment claims and Estate administration. In addition Co-operative members are offered access to free legal advice on things such as neighbour disputes and consumer issues.

If you have a question that you would like to ask The Co-operative Legal Services free of charge for the next feature then please e-mail us at grahame@lgf.org.uk. For example if you are in a civil partnership you may have questions about writing a Will, Inheritance Tax or about custody of children.

The featured question will win a free will from The Co-operative legal services.

For more information on The Co-operative or to sign up for Co-operative Membership, visit www.cooperative.coop

AGENDA DECEMBER-JANUARY 2010

NEWS

MANCHESTER PRIDE

POLITICS: INTERVIEW

HEATHER PEACE “LGB&T people can be confident that our issues and concerns will be well taken care of by people in Parliament who are also LGB&T and understand those concerns well.”

MATT SEPHTON

MATT SEPHTON We ask the Chair of LGBTory why the LGB&T community should vote Conservative.

Last issue we quizzed Labour MP Angela Eagle in the first of our series of interviews with LGB figures from across the political spectrum ahead of next year’s General Election. This time we talk to LGBTory Chairman Matthew Sephton about Section 28, the future of LGB&T rights, and ask why gay people should vote Conservative?

The general election is imminent, what message would you send out to the LGB&T community?

I would urge all members of the LGB&T community to use their votes by voting for the candidate they believe will represent them best in the House of Commons. It is only by being involved in the political system that we can hope to influence government, both nationally and locally. There are many issues that people vote on when it comes to electing a new Government, such as the state of the economy, crime, education and the NHS. However, as LGB&T people, we also need to be engaged in order that we can help bring about an end to homophobia in all its forms and at all levels of society. We have seen in the recent hate crime attacks that there is still much work and education needed and each one of us can help consign homophobia to the dustbin of history by getting involved in the political system.

The Conservative Party, historically, have not been popular with the LGB&T community. Why should gay people vote for them?

Section 28 was a mistake and David Cameron

has already apologised for its introduction in the 1980s. (I would, however, like to remind readers that members of the then Labour Shadow Cabinet also supported its introduction.) David Cameron has changed the Conservative Party, and we now have three openly gay ministers and at least two dozen openly gay parliamentary candidates selected so far. Yes, we continue to believe in small government and freedom of the individual, together with a belief in the need for successful businesses to be promoted as they are the wealth-creators in society. However, LGB&T people can be confident that our issues and concerns will be well taken care of by people in Parliament who are also LGB&T and understand those concerns only too well at first hand.

Manchester Pride raised a record breaking £135,000 for charity this year. We get the low down from actress and festival Patron Heather Peace on Pride 2010. You can also catch her in Lip Service - the Beeb’s hotly anticipated new lesbian drama, early next year.

What motivated you to become a Manchester Pride Patron?

I was performing in Macbeth at the Royal Exchange and Jackie Crozier , the Festival Manager turned up at a performance and plied me with drinks until my resolve to not take on any more commitments became a blur! She made it sound like the best gig ever, which it has actually become, and I am very pleased to say that (stone cold sober) I am very happy to be a part of the event next year.

Can you describe how you felt when you heard that Manchester Pride 2009 had raised a fantastic £135,000?

Hearing the amount raised this year, considering the weather over the Big Weekend and also the current financial climate completely bowled me over. It is a credit to the Pride team and board that this has been achieved, so many other festivals are struggling to even cover costs.

What’s next for LGBT equality?

One of the biggest worries that continues to exist in areas of society is that of prejudice and homophobia. Recent horrific attacks such as the killings of 62 year old Ian Baynham in London and 29 year old Andrea Waddell in Brighton, as well as the attack on 22 year old trainee police officer James Parkes, show that there is still much work to be done. It is important that we educate our young people, through schools and from an early age, that equality of opportunity and individual freedom to live our lives without fear, is paramount and is not restricted to certain sections of society but to ALL people, regardless of gender, colour, race, sexuality or gender identity.

Where will the money be going?

The £135,000 that has been raised this year supports the Lesbian and Gay Foundation’s Condom and Lube Scheme throughout the village as well as the George House Trust Welfare Fund, the Manchester Pride Community Fund and the four HIV charities in the North West. It is important that we’re able to support the many varied lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups and HIV projects across Manchester, as without this funding many would be unable to maintain the essential activities, services and support that they provide for individuals. It’s fantastic year on year to be able to raise this money and it just highlights what the festival is all about.

Read the full interview online at www. lgf.org.uk

www.manchesterpride.com www.lgf.org.uk

13

AGENDA DECEMBER-JANUARY 2010

NEWS

NEW GROUP FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

JOIN OUR CLUB! ER

NOVEMB

“Starting in January 2010, we’ll be getting together once a month as part of our new range of services aimed at young people.”

SESSIONS All sessions will take place on a Wednesday 5:30 – 7pm January 20th New Years Resolutions We’ll watch a film, get to know each other and chat about our hopes and wishes for the year ahead.

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation is launching an exciting new group for young people.

Are you aged between 14 and 21? Interested in meeting new people, trying new things, eating free food and getting information and advice about a wide range of topics? Want to come with us to Alton Towers AND be entered into a competition to win an iPod Nano?

If the answer is yes, then we’ve got just the thing for you!

Starting in January 2010 we will be getting together once a month as part of our new range of services aimed at young people.

The group will last for 1 hour 30 mins between 5:30 and 7pm you can expect food, a friendly group atmosphere and hopefully lots of laughs! LGF staff will be on hand to chat, offer advice and join in the fun.

Each month there will be a focus on a different topic, maybe we’ll watch a film, go out exploring the city or share our thoughts and ideas about the things that are important in our lives. You can see a list of topics and dates of these sessions 14

at the rights hand side of this page. The second half of the session will be your own free time to do what you like with, this could be using the internet, eating some of the great food on offer, chatting with new found friends or getting some information or advice on a one to one basis.

Your new best friend: The Lesbian & Gay Foundation has loads of services on offer to help make your life in go the best it can. Including this very magazine!

Check out our website for info on how you can get involved and make a real difference: www.lgf.org.uk

Each time you come along to the group we’ll sign your log book to say you’ve been there and if you come to 5 out of 7 sessions you will be eligible to come on a trip to Alton Towers with us in August 2010. You’ll also be entered into a competition to win an iPod Nano!

If you have any questions or you want to find out a bit more contact Rachel in the office on 0161 235 8035, or email rachel. barlow@lgf.org.uk.

Otherwise all you need to do is turn up at the LGF offices on Princess Street at the advertised dates and times. We’d love to see you there!

Need to know...

FIND OUT MORE...

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

February 17th Lets Talk About Sex(uality) Informal Q&A and discussion about sex, coming out and sexuality. Special guest speaker from the LGF’s community engagement team.

March 17th Bullying and Homophobia Talking about our own experiences and those of other people with a topic related video. How do we cope with or challenge homophobia? How can we support each other?

April 21st Staying Healthy Trying new foods, talking about healthy eating and cooking for yourself. Take a walk around the city – exploring places you’ve never been before.

May 26th Dealing With Stress Looking at stress and how it affects us, how do we react, is this good or bad, what could we do differently? What strategies could we put in place to manage this better? Are there any hints and tips we can share with each other?

June 23rd Back to Nature Getting out into Sackville Gardens, doing some planting, decorate your own bird box, learn about growing your own plants, herbs and vegetables.

July 21st Relationships Dealing with the different relationships in our lives; ranging from families, and friends to boyfriends and girlfriends and everything in between. How do these relationships affect our lives, how can we ensure they are as positive as we can make them?

For more information contact Rachel Barlow by e-mail - rachel.barlow@lgf.org.uk, or give her a call on 0161 235 8035

y r r a L

BIG PINK

END OF THE YEAR

ROUND 1

QUIZ!

“Shut that door!”

d proud in 2009?)

(or, who was out an

1. Which boy band me mber used to be a shade of Blue but is now a little more lav ender after coming ou t as bisexual?

2. Who was born in Kla genfurt, Austria and gained controve rsial film success thi s year?

3. Who was ‘pardone d’ for his homosexua lity half a century after his death?

4. Which world-class cabaret entertainer and gay icon passed away thi s year aged 81?

5. What was the name of the American infan try officer who came out to challenge America’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy?

ROUND 2

“What a gay day!” (or, gay successes in 2009)

tance ademy Award accep 6. Who opened his Ac -loving mo ho ie, : “You comm speech with the words sons of guns!”? int a lesbian came the first to appo 7. Which country be s year? thi r iste Min me Pri nt as former flight attenda endly s named most gay-fri 8. Which company wa sbian Le d an y Ga al on ernati in the world by the Int e? erc Chamber of Comm a success l gay party was hailed 9. Whose first officia hts rig m one of the top gay despite a boycott fro groups this year? all top 100 ntly tops the Stonew 10. Which bank curre Britain? list for gay people in

ROUND 3

“Seems like a nice boy.” (or, gay friendly in 2009)

ople often zard has said that pe 11. Which student Wi esome”. “aw it’s g that he thinks think he’s gay, addin name to heart throb added his 12. Which Hollywood ed their own nat do o als e hav o a list of celebrities wh sition 8 in California? cash to defeat Propo group ger inspired a French 13. Which British sin ge llen cha to ester group who inspired a Manch y? wa e typ e Tub You homophobia in a big to host an first British premier 14. Who became the nth? mo y tor His BT LG e rat official event to celeb star left former Golden Girls 15. Which deceased nagers? tee s les me ho r for gay $300,000 to a shelte

ROUND 4

“Look at the muck in ‘ere!” o Zeroes)

(or, this year’s Hom

16. Who became this year’s most homoph obic bigot after an attack on an Irish pop star?

17. Who hit the head lines announcing tha t he was to cut funding for his town’s annual Gay Pri de celebration?

18. Who lost their cro wn this year after ma king public her stance against gay marriage?

19. Who was condem ned this year after cal ling an Australian journalist a “lesbian pig”?

20. Who was censur ed by Ofcom for derog atory comments about Will Young?

PRIZE ROUND!

“Isla, the scores on the doors!” (or, global gay right

s in 2009)

21. Who has been seeking to address US gay groups after being criticised for the lack of action on gay marriage and the military issue?

22. Activists in which country said a court ruling decriminalising gay sex in the country was historic?

23. Which city’s Pride event was banned at the same time it was hosting the Eurovision Contest?

24. The European Parliament passed a resolution condemning which countries version of Section 28 prohibiting discussion of homosexuality in schools?

25. In August Human Rights Watch published an extensive report detailing torture of men accused of being gay in which country?

For your chance to win a copy of Larry Grayson Live at ITV on 3-disc DVD, just email your anSwers to questions 21-25 to grahame@lgf.org.uk before Wednesday 16th December! www.lgf.org.uk

Looking for the answers? Check www.lgf.org.uk from 16th December!

,s

15

YOUR WAY CHESHIRE

UP

We’re back with the latests updates from your region. This time, we thought we would have a closer look at some of the activity in Cheshire.

There are a lot of very dedicated and fun loving people involved in work for the lesbian, gay bisexual and trans (LGBT) communities that needs to be celebrated. If you want to get involved in anything that’s going on in the area, use the contact details to get in touch directly.

Your views and opinions are vitally important because they will have a direct impact on existing and future services in your area.

FOCUS ON: CHESHIRE

IT’S TIME TO TELL US WHAT YOU THINK...

Outrite; the Gay and Bisexual Men’s Project for Cheshire will be carrying out research to gain an understanding of the sexual health needs of our local communities and to gain an understanding of the specific needs of people who are HIV+.

A key part of this research is a survey of local communities. Your views and opinions are vitally important because they will have a direct impact on existing and future services in your area.

16

The research has been commissioned by local NHS Primary Care Trusts who are eager to gain a better understanding of the needs of the community in to provide new and improved services.

The data collected will also be used directly by Outrite and Body Positive Cheshire & North Wales to directly improve some aspects of our service, such as Outreach, Condoms by Post and HIV Social Care provisions.

If you would like to tell us what you think, you can complete our online survey which can be found at www.outrite.org and www.bpcnw.co.uk. Alternatively, give

Need to know...

FIND OUT MORE...

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

us a call and we will send you a paper copy with a free return envelope. Each and every response really does matter and the survey only takes between five and ten minutes of your valuable time to complete.

The survey is anonymous and requires no personally identifiable information.

If you have any questions or would like a paper copy of the survey, give us a call on: 01270 653156 or email: info@outrite.org.

You can also contact us to find out about the drop in sessions we run and what else is going on across Cheshire.

If you have any questions or would like a paper copy of the survey, give us a call on 01270 653156 or email info@outrite.org.uk

CHESHIRE

REGIONAL ROUND-UP FOCUS ON: CHESHIRE

SUPPORT AVAILABLE ACROSS CHESHIRE...

Cheshire Community Action (CCA) and Cheshire Halton and Warrington Race and Equality Council (CHaWREC) are organisations that work across a wide range of networks and partnerships to represent and champion the concerns of different communities and the wider voluntary sector across Cheshire.

CCA promote, encourage and support self help in the communities of Cheshire, Halton and Warrington. CCA’s vision is strong and active communities. We do this by working with grassroots organisations offering information and networking, one to one support, signposting and training, identifying and writing funding applications, advising and

supporting the set up and development of new groups.

CHaWREC are working towards the elimination of racial discrimination and promoting equality of opportunity and good relations. In addition, they offer support through their dedicated community development team and they offer support across equalities issues and to groups.

For further information about Cheshire Community Action contact 01244 323 602 or visit our website on cheshireaction.org.uk and for further information about CHaWREC please telephone 01244 400 730 or email office@chawrec.org.uk.

FOCUS ON: MERSEYSIDE

HELP SOUGHT FROM LGB&T DISABLED PEOPLE Merseyside Disability Federation, working in collaboration with the Lesbian and Gay Foundation, Breakthrough UK, the Trans Resource and Empowerment Centre and other partners, is looking at the barriers faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) communities in accessing and using personalised care and support in the North West of England.

We will be holding a number of focus groups across the region with disabled people who identify as LGB or T to ask their opinions and thoughts about how they

access social care services and would like to invite you to join us. The focus group will last for no more than an hour and a half, and we will reimburse all reasonable travel expenses and access costs. The focus groups will be held across the region, so wherever you are based we want to include you.

If you are interested, contact Sian Payne by e-mail at sian.payne@lgf.org.uk or by telephone on 0161 235 8018, stating your access and dietary requirements. We appreciate all your help and look forward to hearing from you.

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 your group is doing? If so, email us at rainbow@lgf.org.uk. You can share all your news and let people know about your group.

GREATER MANCHESTER Salford LGBT Network has been in existence for approximately 6 years and has 60+ members.

Membership is open to LGBT people who live, work or study in Salford as well as to non-LGBT people from organisations who support the aims of the Network.

The Network aims to: create a sense of community identity for Salford’s LGBT communities; address issues that affect LGBT people such as homophobic hate crime, housing, health; and to enable our voices to be heard by feeding into decision-making processes. The Network is funded by Partners IN Salford to deliver a Community Engagement Action Plan and details of our meetings and forthcoming events can be found by visiting our new website: www.salfordlgbt. net which has been designed

by David Aldred. We would very much welcome feedback about the website which you can send to us by clicking on ‘contact’ on our home page.

We look forward to hearing from you!

LANCASHIRE Blackpools LGBT Reading Group will

meet on the last Thursday of the month at Central Library on Queen Street, Blackpool at 6pm - 7pm starting tomorrow, the 24th Sept.

Central library holds a collection of books, stories etc from LGBT authors and the group will look at and discuss these.

Contact the Central Library on 01253 478080 or email central. library@blackpool.gov.uk for more information.

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. www.lgf.org.uk

17

INTERVIEW

Y R A D N E LEG amatic factor”

“sound as a dr 18

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

olds a h N O S N H O J Y HOLL heart e h t n i e c a l p special grew o h w n e m y for ga our f r o F . s ’ 0 8 e up in th , Holly s r a e y l u f s s e c suc astic, b m o b e h t d e front ankie r F c i t s a t p o p dramatic, ollywood. They Goes To H f outrageous lo blazed a traiting, innovative marke is is h t ( d n a , s l a u vis sic. u m e n fi n m a important) d

hame Robertson

!

D L CHI

Interview: Gra

Frankie ng doing the Are you enjoyi cially since It pe Es fection? n thing again? af io ot ith w om it pr urself? on ck d distanced yo ing Do you look ba ed that you ha eet some amaz em m y other se m to t d e go ha I I ik t ly.

M x.

Yes, absolute uld say that, bu en a hero of co the story. Rela be u ’d yo ow ho kn w l… y made l, el d) all W ho ul dy War You (sho I’ve now actu a one. But if you people like An promote really. wood and be in ars at number to lly k ankie. ye or Fr Ho w 15 to ith n. w go d Ba y .

Read ine. To actuall ise just what a suburb lo than I ever di m al in so re s g ’t in rd liv on co w re at my u e th g or yo m ese things be promotin ic . weren’t there movie… all th d on the publ us that I would ve dreamed of ha vio ha e r ob ki to ve it’s an ne ve Fr So ld ha ct u ou uw a huge impa ve to really. Yo hnson pushed of Liverpool yo is material. You ha se 1984, Holly Jo lo el In so ... ne . m -o ss ea no ne dr e d An us conscio Although I di n drum, becaus and visibility. ow ity ur al yo xu se ng y ba of ga the envelope for you. an on Saturday credible time going to do it nfident gay m shared that in co ly al xu se t, e your ou vers.

Of course you ar co t ts ha Hi W . h es as at r bandm shows. Sm ht of your solo with four othe morning kids We’ve rticular highlig ? y. pa es da a ki e, as an m Fr tm r r ris Fo Children he e ot ps on Ch k ‘Legendary of is memories of th Top Of The Po ings about all ial was the trac th er the pop world r, werful at ive te m po sit la a s po ar ch ly ye su 26 eer)’. It was There’s definite xuality. ps and Qu hi se missed Holly. ns em its io Th of f lat h O re at ll nt (A d differe d scared to de . them, and I ha them. But the controlled, an record lyrically e for me when times with all of y pp ha ite nt qu re as ffe at a difficult tim w di as ne ck w yo ba rd er e co ev ar re e n ki at ee Th an tw Fr be s, and I only at n ue th tio iss r ac h ss then chemical re vel I remembe st of my healt le to or l n w ua io e Thank goodne ct th vid d di lle d ‘Love in ha co I on an and a song calle a greatest hits whole combustible. So lust for ed to make that lt times… the its ag cu this month with n 1991 se ffi an ee di lo m , tw t es n’ be ld o tim uchi Sakamot n times, hard that pop shou fu Ry , ith re w ’ su te ea Ha sI pl d y. remind us all rd An ling the ions reall only two reco ary. And doub gamut of emot . They were the lo 96 was so 19 n’ ’s d re the extraordin lly an ild Ho of is t. ‘Legendary Ch ted to re-issues there’s still th aged to get ou rning’, Can’t at an Bu ey th m Is we’re also trea on u ris M yo ‘Pa e at m ris Th s ired by the fil Does it surp es To st’ and ‘Dream end very much insp st in Frankie Go pop trips ‘Bla ry first Gay honoured to sp endous intere as em w tr rmed it at my ve t es rfo w pe th st fir I n d so an hn was almost Jo Buy’. outnor Holly there Park in 1994. It Hollywood? the legendary e at Brockwell answer. I know id to Pr n I’ve got very tio t. es some time with en qu ev y. d rd That’s a ha t he had to sa by all concerne tailored for that ha rt lly w fo ca is ef ifi is d ec quite te Th . sp er ly nc co recent song. I think it’s ly was a particular emories of that t as they possib m ea and nd gr al do fo as xu w s se ho rd bi , y, co ht me lesbian, ga to make the re years hindsig vor Horn) for so re 26 to (T of nt lax fit rta Re of ne po rt of be im oducer With the cause it’s a so g d era of 1984 could be. The pr ered people be that whirlwin st record bearin nd fir on e ge ck th ns ba be tra to ok ? it lo s. w d es you t. I’d sitting no example wante ation of queern where you’re ted it to be grea positive affirm and 1985 from s. was a sort of print. We all wan It es im e. cc T su tim ZT p g e in po th cit ve s ha ingly ex anged ked contemporarie It was an amaz ds sexuality ch mething I’d wor ardrop seen lots of my titudes towar rnova. It was so nnymen and Te at pe Bu ic ve e su us g Ha th m in d I e n an od th pl he ex as 13 w worked the worse in People like Echo young age – I w r the better of mething that I’d fo so ur as yo w it all towards from a d e lik an , was Explodes r me. Everyone songs – and it of industry? ms ng overdue fo started writing s Something sort d all your drea and so it was lo an , at ce on ing the record ak at g m in k for the worst. to in in th e 1990’s ul e I th so tim in d e er an ns t ov birthdays com te put their hear ervative took esenting them ns as also a very in pr w co d it ly t an ge s, Bu rd an l. e. el co str tru w the re coming g successes as and promoting ork and amazin ening at pp of very hard w o. ha als gs in lly th ua g vis ost amazin the next page!”

It was all the m “continued on once. www.lgf.org.uk

19

“thank you for your

attention, read er.”

INTERVIEW after the advent of PWL that ca tered for the gay community rather than inclu ded the gay community. Ev erything turned very conservativ and rock orient e ated again in th e 90’s. As the m business was fa usic iling in terms of not catching up with the advent of the internet , a concern for ‘bottom line’ an the d what is safely marketable to over. Sadly. But ok there you go.

How importan t do you think it is for public figures like m usicians to co me and decla their sexuality re ?

I think it’s very important. In re cent years we’v had Anthony An e d The Johnsons and their transgender id entification. Al though, it’s be much rarer for en gay men or wom en to declare or identify their se xuality. I think that is a lot to with business do pressures and the desire to ac sell records with tually out alienating middle-America or other demog raphics. I think some gay artis are actively ad ts vised not to di vulge their sexu I think that’s sa ality. d, obviously. Th ey’re definitely there. out

“I was very saddened to hear about the death of Michael Causer, and the recent homophobic attack on James Parkes.

Michael could have been me in the 1970’s.

Who knows what that boy might have achieved in his life.”

HIV, beca

Can you think of anyone at th e moment that young LGBT m usic fans coul d look up to?

Well of course they have Will Young don’t th who is a very re ey, spectable, mid dle-class, educ gentleman who ated you could alway s take home to mother. I supp ose he, and of course Scissor are openly gay, Sisters so there are ar tists there.

You disclosed your HIV status in 1993 , how that come abou did t? use a lifetime of It was Easter 19 taking anti-retro 93 and I gave an medication is no viral interview to Al t something to Jackson of the an look forward to Saturday Times Th er e ca n be . an se d Piers Morgan rious side-effe got hold of the cts, and disfigu story, got hold ones also. I can’t ring of the intervie em in fact, and scoo ph asise enough re w ped him by th about safer sex ally ree days in a practices and re sensationalised ally wouldn’t version of the re co mmend havin story in The Su g to take HIV m n. edication to anyone. Or wat ching bareback What did you porn either! think of the re ac tion you received at th e time from th What would yo e press, the pu ur advice be to and your peer blic, someone who s in the music m ay have receiv industry? ed a positive There was quite di agnosis today? a big press resp Th at’s difficult. It’ onse, it was s a different sit slightly defuse uation today. If d by the fact th yo u lo ok after yourself an at they’d forced out Kenny Ever d adhere to ta ett a week or so medicine on a king your before, but it w daily basis, ther in absolutely ev as e’s no reason w ery newspaper yo u should ever pr hy , an d ev ogress from be seemed to have eryone ing HIV positive an opinion on to having AIDS my health issue .

Th e and it was a di pr og nosis is so muc s fficult time for today than whe h better me and my pa n I was diagno Wolfgang. It w rtner sed at the end as very stressfu 19 91 , w hen there was of l, and being th identifiable pe no effective m e only rson walking th edication and lots of frien e streets of Engl ds an with HIV wasn’t d ac qu aintances of m and the easiest thin were disappea ine g to deal with. ring at a very fa did receive som I st rate with terri e negative reac iso lat ed lives and illnes ble tions in the pres and everything ses. So on one s . It opened som lucky that med level you’re e doors and clo ica l a lot. I didn’t he ad va nc es sed have occurred, ar from a hell of really you shou but a lot of people ld look after yo the music indu in urself and not stry. My friends ou t m ixi go ng medication with Kirsty McColl an Janice Long ca party drugs ev d me round to vis night. er y it m e shortly after I came out abou t the HIV thing.

I remember a bi later on Jimmy t Sommerville co I wanted to as ming to my bo k you about Li launch and pres ok verpool. Do yo enting me with still get back u a to the city ofte ha ndbag and congratulating n? me on coming No t as of te n as I should. I out about HIV. you know, I didn was very sadd But ’t hear from m to hear about ened any people at the death of M You could coun all. ichael Causer, an t them on one th e re ce nt homophobi d hand really. c attack on the policeman (Jam trainee es Parkes) that HIV is still a hu we’ve had rece ge issue for us That saddened ntly. . Do you think me particularly. eyes have sort our I always have of been taken a go od tim e when I go ba off the ball with the advances ck to Liverpool in treatment? think that’s pa , but I What would yo rtly to do with say to a young u who I am. I have man today who certain level of a might not thin recognisability it’s a particula up there. But 17 k r concern of hi year old Michae s? l Causer could Well, first of all have been me I’d say PLEASE the 1970’s. Who in don’t be lax ab knows what th out at boy might ha achieved in his ve life. Although Liv erpool is a grea t

place anyway, I think the who le resurgence in homophobic vio lence is a very sad thing.

Did you have any experienc e of homopho when you lived bia in the city?

There was a lo t of abuse and bullying as a teenager in th e 70’s in an all-b oys school, so there was alway s the threat of physical violenc in that particu e lar situation – when it’s all yo heterosexual m ung en together w ho wanted to disassociate th emselves with anything gay or flamboyant. I fe el strongly that education as fa as gay people r being protecte d in the system where it all be is gins.

Frankie Say Gr eatest is availa ble now.

Blast and Drea ms That Money Can’t Buy are also available now.

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N I W Y A S E I K N A FR

20

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

deluxe We’ve got FIVE new e th of ts 2CD se y Sa e ki Fran ction Greatest colle ith w , ay to give aw and es ix m re c classi ! ks unreleased trac

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HIV & ME HIV still affects our communities as much as it ever did. It hasn’t gone away, and it shows no signs of going anywhere anytime soon. It’s up to ALL of us to keep informed and pass our experiences and our advice on. Here’s Craig’s story...

y r o t S s ’ G I A CR

Name: CRAIG Age: 23 Occupation: BAR MANAGER Residence: MANCHESTER Can you tell us about your initial diagnosis?

I found out from a guy that I was seeing that one of his friends had HIV, turns out I was one of those partners. I went for my test and I was positive.

How did your life change from that moment?

I was completely in denial, I was working in gay bars and used alcohol and going out to escape from it.I was scared of the reaction I would get from being positive.

Did you reveal your HIV status to your friends and family?

My family don’t know. I told my best friend the day after I was told about my ex. Then I told a few people as and when I wanted. It wasn’t until I found out some people I knew were telling everyone that I actually stopped caring who knew, I stopped worrying about other people’s reactions.

22

What’s been the hardest thing for you since being diagnosed?

Having bad results from the hospital. It crushes me, it’s happened twice. The second time was just a few weeks ago, I’d been really sick and kind of expected it, but it stills scares me.

For the first time I thought HIV might actually kill me. It’s done me good to have a bad result as it’s made me realise the reality of having to look after myself.

Are your attitudes to sex and sexual health different now?

I go for my bloods every 3 months and if I’ve been sexually active (which is pretty much always). I get screened for everything, I’m shocked after talking to people who have never been before. With sex I tell everyone I’m Positive, it kills me when they tell you to fuck off but it’s their loss. I like having sex with other positive guys as it takes away the worry of passing on the virus, this isn’t exclusive mind!

What is the most surprising thing that you have learned about yourself and others?

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. Being a positive speaker for George House Trust, and listening to other people’s stories has opened my eyes to the world. I went from being in a dark

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

scary place to being strong and confident. I did a speech at Manchester Pride’s candlelit vigil, in front of 3500 people. It was the most amazing thing I’ve done in my life!

Do you think that we are complacent about HIV now?

Absolutely! HIV is all around us, and the more we continue to ignore it the more it will continue to grow. The easiest way to stop the spread of HIV, as well as wearing a condom, is by talking about it…stigma and discrimination are usually the biggest things that affects a positive person.

What is the most notable thing in your day-today life that has changed since your diagnosis?

Taking my meds - hate it! Remembering to take them same time every day, to take them out with you etc. It’s a pain in the arse but they are a means to an end and keep me alive - so I guess they’re not that bad!

What are your hopes/plans for the future?

I ‘m on the look out for a boyfriend, but that will come when it comes. At the moment I’m having lots of me time, and sorting my life out. This year has been tough, but if I’ve got through it, and survived being diagnosed positive, I can do anything!

CHRIS’S STORY “Nobody was responsible for my diagnosis except me. Only you can look after yourself.”

Chris is 35 and from South Cheshire. He was diagnosed with HIV four years ago.

“My partner had been poorly and I encouraged him to see his GP who asked him to have an HIV test. A month later a letter came asking him to contact the clinic and when we finally got the news it was like bereavement. I was a nurse but my knowledge of HIV was limited. I had a lot of questions as I instantly realised that I would probably be positive too.”

How did this affect your lives?

“I needed to take time off work as I was suffering from depression and anxiety. I found it hard to look after myself but because we were both going through the same thing we helped each other which made things easier.”

What about other people?

“I felt that I needed to tell people but now I wish I hadn’t. My family told some neighbours and I ended up with smashed windows and fireworks posted through my letter box. I had to re-locate.

What made things worse was the year after my diagnosis my employers told me that my job wasn’t there for me anymore. I ended up having to re-build my life on benefits but my coping mechanisms turned out to be stronger than I thought they were. I can now help other people come to terms with a positive diagnosis.

I’m happy to be part of George House Trust’s Positive Speakers programme and my health has improved but I don’t take things for granted .I go for regular check-ups. I’m still with the same partner and I’m happy with the way things are now.”

Do you think we are complacent about HIV now?

“People don’t talk about HIV enough .I don’t want people to take their sexual health for granted. Nobody was responsible for my diagnosis except me. Only you can look after yourself.”

Our thanks to both Craig and Chris for sharing their stories with us.

If you want to know more about George House Trust go to www.ght.org.uk

WHERE TO GET

TESTED Getting an appointment at a sexual health clinic has never been easier, with most clinics now offering walk in sessions, or an appointment within a short space of time. Please see the list below for a list of the main GUM/Sexual Health Clinics in the region, or follow the link below to find another clinic if necessary.

Blackburn GUM Blackburn (Royal Blackburn Hospital) - 01254 736 045 Jarman Centre, 53 James Street, Blackburn BB1 6BE – 01254 263525 Blackpool • GUM Blackpool (Victoria Hospital) 01253 306926 Bolton • Bolton Centre for Sexual Health – 01204 390 771/772

Manchester • Manchester Centre for Sexual Health 0161 276 5200 • The Lesbian and Gay Foundation 0161 235 8035/ Helpline 0845 3 303030 • Body Positive North West (HIV testing) – 0161 882 2200 • GUM (Withington Hospital – South Manchester) 0161 217 4393 • GUM (North Manchester Hospital) – 0161 627 8753

Burnley • GUM Burnley – 01282 644 300

Oldham • Pheonix Sexual Health Centre (Royal Oldham Hospital) - 0161 627 8395

Bury • GUM Bury (Fairfield General Hospital) 0161 627 8753

Rochdale • Bridge Sexual Health Clinic (Baille Street Centre) - 0161 627 8753

Carlisle • GUM Carlisle (Carlisle Cumberland Infirmary) - 01228 814 814

Salford • Goodman Centre for Sexual Health – 0161 212 5720

Chester • GUM Chester (Countess of Chester Hospital) - 01244 363 091

Stockport • GUM Stockport (Stepping Hill Hospital) - 0161 419 5370/5371

Lancaster • GUM Lancaster (Ashton Community Care Centre) - 0845 059 0015

Tameside •Tameside and Glossop Centre for Sexual Health – 0161 342 7101

Liverpool • GUM – Royal Liverpool University Hospital – 0151 706 2620 • Brook Liverpool – 0151 207 4000 www.brook.org.uk • GUM – Liverpool Abacus Great Charlotte Street - 0151 284 2500

Trafford • Trafford Centre for Sexual Health – 0161 746 2621

Macclesfield • GUM Macclesfield (Assura Health and Wellbeing Centre) - 01625 264 116

Wirral • GUM Wirral (Arrowe Park Hospital) – 0151 604 7339/0151 678 5111

Warrington • GUM Warrington Hospital – 01925 662 476

www.lgf.org.uk

23

Words: Chris Morley

CHRIS MORLEY on why we all have to take responsibility and have an HIV test at least every year.

It’s that simple.

There’s no excuse for gay men not to have annual sexual health MOTs, including an HIV test. If you have not been diagnosed, gay men need to get used to the new reality - testing yearly.

Things have changed. Gay men who are smart now get tested at least once a year.

If you’ve never had a HIV test, or haven’t had one for a couple of years, you do need to grab your mobile now and fix an appointment. Use either THT or NAM websites to find a handy place and time to test: www.tht.org.uk/informationresources/ hivandaids/testingforhiv/#where www.aidsmap.com/cms1038781.aspx Treatment for HIV has become very good over the last ten years or so. These days it is always better to know.

Stealth health damage Putting off testing won’t make HIV go away. If you have HIV, delay causes stealth damage to your health all the time you’re untested and untreated. And one day you could fall dangerously ill. The longer you put off testing and treatment, the less damage HIV treatment can undo.

But test soon enough and treatment keeps most people healthy. HIV deaths are now uncommon, but people who die of HIV these days are usually the ones who didn’t test in time. Testing puts you in control of your life. It’s really that simple.

People you care about Testing saves and protects not just your own life and health but also those around you. Imagine how you’d feel if you didn’t know you had HIV and infected others around you? They really won’t be thanking you.

Stress buster Simply not knowing if you have HIV ramps up your stress. Until you get a test 24

www.lgf.org.uk

STILL NOT TESTED? WHAT’S YOUR

EXCUSE? GAY MEN’S SPACE

Gay Men’s Space is every Monday evening for gay men living with HIV from 5pm to 8pm.

It’s a warm, friendly, safe and comfortable place to chat and socialise with other men living with HIV. Light snacks, tea, coffee and soft drinks are provided. George House Trust volunteers and staff are on hand if you need them. Occasional speakers, events, and outings are organised check our website diary for details. Feel free to come to one of the group spaces whenever you wish. If you have never been in contact with George House Trust before, please give us a call first 0161 274 4499.

result, the stress of not knowing festers and grinds you down. Many men who think they’ll test ‘positive’, find they test ‘negative’. Why worry for nothing if you turn out to be HIV negative, like most men? Testing negative would be a big relief. You can make a fresh start, and it’s a new chance to cut your sex risks. Testing negative brings you certainty and peace of mind.

And if you do have HIV? Once you know you’re ‘positive’ you’ve got the best chance for a long, healthy life thanks to treatment.

A positive result helps many men look after themselves better. Like others before you, you can make it a turning point towards having a better life. Whatever your result, testing puts you in control and lets you know where you stand.

If worried because you’re not British and are applying to stay in the UK, your test result will not count against you, whatever the result. HIV can even help your application to stay.

Delay is for dummies Men who test late, after HIV has had a few

To find out more about the services offered by George House Trust, contact our services team at support@ght.org.uk or call us on 0161 274 4499.

www.ght.org.uk

years to damage your immune system, find treatments really don’t work as well. HIV treatment needs to start by the time the immune system CD4 count has fallen to 350. Half the people getting a positive test are late testers - their results come after their CD4 has fallen below this. Some leave it really late, when they become ill.

Once the CD4 has fallen to 200 without treatment, getting HIV symptomatic illnesses becomes highly likely. Waiting until you become ill is for dummies. Smart gay men just get tested. Yearly.

The longer you put off testing, the less treatment can help. Why not do the smart thing? Test yearly. It’s that simple.

Where can I test?

THT and NAM websites have easy ways to find the nearby clinics www.tht.org. uk/informationresources/hivandaids/ testingforhiv/#where, and www.aidsmap.com/cms1038781.aspx

Want to talk about testing?

You can call the LGF Helpline 0845 330 3030 (local call rate, 6pm-10pm)

>TALK TIME We all need information and support at times. The Lesbian and Gay Foundation Helpline Service is here for you whenever you need it.

We provide thousands of hours of advice and support to thousands of people every year. Here's what you need to know..

XMAS HOURS

Over Xmas the Helpline wil stil be running, even on Xmas Day itself, with operators staffing the phones between 6pm and 10pm.

The LGFHelpline has been running for over 30 years, and is run by a team of dedicated volunteer operators, who are all trained to the highest standards.

Operators are people like you and me who give their free time to help and support others. They can give you information ranging from where is the latest cool venue in the village to events and club nights to stuff about sexual health, dealing with bullying or supporting you with difficult decisions such as coming out. Anything that you feel you need help or support with, the LGF helpliners are there for you.

Tom (27) rang the helpline after a night out in the village had resulted in a one night stand. He was worried about the risk of STIs and didn’t know what he should do, he was too embarrassed to speak to his GP or even his friends about the situation. When he phoned the LGF helpline, the operator was able to discuss his worries with him and ask important questions about signs and symptoms and the way that Tom felt. They advised him about where he could go for a sexual health check up and suggested that he may benefit from accessing the counseling service at the LGF for a few sessions to help him sort his head out.

‘The helpline was there at a time when I felt there was nobody else to turn to, their advice and reassurance meant I felt confident to access services that really helped me. I am really grateful to the LGF for being there for me when I needed it.’

The Helpline at the Lesbian and Gay Foundation operates 365 days a year, every evening from 6pm until 10pm. Outside of these hours we have an automated system, providing information on bars, clubs, support groups, health issues and the LGF’s extensive range of services. We also have and e-mail information support service, if you would prefer to make an enquiry in this way you can email us with the guarantee that you will receive a totally confidential reply within 72 hours.

LGF Helpline

0845 3 30 30 30

Local call rate, 6pm-10pm (Staffed), 10pm-6pm (automated system). helpline@lgf.org.uk 26

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

one to one

There's no need to feel isolated and alone when you're going through a tough time. The LGF has a dedicated LGB&T counselling service..

You will no doubt have heard the phrase, ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’ at some point in your life.

Not only is this phrase well known and well used, but it is also very true. By talking about your problems, worries, fears and anxieties with someone else, you lighten the load on yourself and may very well begin to find solutions or alternatives to your situation.

The LGF has been providing counselling to the LGBT community of the North West for well over a decade.

We have a large team of volunteer counsellors and currently offer counselling to individuals between 10am to 8pm Monday to Friday.

Our Face-to-Face counselling service offers short term counselling usually between six to twelve sessions.

Our revolving door policy also means that clients can undertake a period of counselling, and return at a later date (usually a minimum of 3 months later) for further counselling should the need arise. We offer counselling to all people regardless of their ability to pay and will agree a fee with you at your counselling assessment.

be having problems in your relationship or are feeling anxious or depressed.

Around this time of year many people feel isolated and alone as the rest of the world appears to be enjoying itself and reveling in the festivities and excitement of Christmas and New Year. Perhaps you have nobody to spend the holidays with or your celebrations have turned into a disaster, your new year may have got off to a bad start or the prospect of facing another year alone or in a job you hate may be getting you down. You are not alone, hundreds of people access helplines and counselling services around the festive season to obtain advice and support from trained professionals who understand that this may be a difficult and challenging time for many people.

Whatever your reasons, if you feel you might benefit from a period of counselling you can refer yourself to the Face-to-Face counselling service at the Lesbian and Gay Foundation by completing and returning a simple application form which can be downloaded from our website (www.lgf.org.uk) or if you do not have access to a printer we can post one out to you.

We are currently able to offer free counselling to all people under the age of 25

If you would like an application form please contact us on 0161 235 8035 or email your name and address to counselling@lgf.org.uk. You may also wish to call and speak to one of our operators on our helpline which is open between 6-10pm 0845 3 30 30 30.

Why Would I Need Counselling?

People of all ages consider counselling and for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you are thinking about coming out, or are struggling to accept your sexuality, you may

If you have a question about our counselling service please email our counselling Officer at counselling@ lgf.org.uk or alternatively contact us on 0161 235 8035. www.lgf.org.uk

27

HIV

>OPEN FORUM_ Online it’s easier to reveal your HIV status than in a bar, a sex venue or a bedroom and you can find other positive people to talk to or meet. Easier too to find out what people really think about subjects such as HIV and safer sex.

Organisations like The Lesbian & Gay Foundation are constantly looking for new and engaging ways to talk with gay and bisexual men about sex and sexual health but just what works? We went online and visited a few forums to see what the guys thought...

QUESTION

If you were targeting a new campaign to raise awareness of HIV among men who have sex with men - what would YOU say? > My impression is that many men who are suffering

> What strikes me about this thread is that it was

awful side effects both don’t want to dwell on

posted yesterday and only has a few posts so far.

the negative, and don’t want to seem like they

If this was say,1989, there would be a gazillion

are looking for pity. Particularly considering the

posts. This says a lot about where HIV stands in our

past, when diagnosis was a death sentence, the

community. We’ve become complacent. _

“community” wants to put a brave face on things, as well. Unfortunately, that is giving young guys the

> Over the years, I’ve gotten to watch as my dearest

impression that HIV is nothing more inconvenient

friends, my lovers, and even my worst enemies have

than something like chronic depression at best, or

been laid low, one by one, by HIV. I stopped counting

diabetes at worst...just be sure to take your pill every

bodies at 60. Before he died, my grandfather called

day._

me a ‘haunted man’. It’s very true -- I’ve seen too much death._

> Just like that annoying dirty old guy who hangs around the young people, just watching and licking

> As far as the risks, and the danger, people will do

his lips, really just making everyone around him feel

what they will do. They know the risks, and anyone

uneasy....HIV has still not gone away._

who tests positive these days, well, that’s pretty much their own responsibility. In the end, sometimes

> Remember those ridiculous Tamagotchi - eggs? The

people get desperate, sometimes they just want to

ones you had to nurse them on a daily base to keep

give up fighting it._

them alive? Pimp them up a bit, make them more attractive with a red ribbon logo. And hand them out

>I wouldn’t, there is so much bare-backing going

when educating the ones who don’t grasp the effect

on in gay youth and in gay men old enough to know

of HIV. See if they can keep their egg alive._

better that I’ve long given up._

INSTANT MESSAGE RECEIVED>>>

> I’ve known a couple of guys now who in their mid 40’s, after protecting their HIV neg status for years, decided they wanted a life without rubbers and stopped using them . I just can’t think of anything that would have stopped them._ 28

www.lgf.org.uk

QUESTION

Many men choose not to have sexual contact with men who they know to be HIV+ Is this simply a matter of preference or fear? > I’m sure I’ve had sex with many positive men

> Anyone who fucks around a lot and thinks they

without even realising it. I remain negative only

have never had sex with a poz man is living in a

because I assume everyone is poz and so always

dream world. I am always amazed and flattered if

engage in safer sex._

a positive guy has the guts to be up front about it ,I find this incredibly attractive._

> I’m not afraid of guys who have HIV ... I’m afraid of getting and living with HIV but that fear hasn’t

> I do sometimes have sex with guys who are

lead me to ignoring poz guys._

positive. Barebacking is so expected now by both HIV+ and HIV- people that upon meeting/chatting

> I know medicine has advanced a lot in recent

without fail it comes up in all conversations within

years but I‘m still terrified of HIV . I don’t think I

the first 5 minutes and the conversation ISN’T about

would ever knowingly have any sexual contact

HIV or Safe Sex, it’s about Barebacking._

with someone who was HIV+. I would rather never have sex than even have the slightest chance of

> Educate yourself on the facts surrounding HIV.

contracting the virus._

Then, you can have fun with, have sex with, and maybe fall in love with a wonderful guy, regardless

> There is real prejudice within the gay community,

of his HIV status. My Long term partner was recently

which I find sad when we ought to be protecting

diagnosed HIV+. I am still HIV- and plan to stay

others from this prejudice. It has become a fact

that way. I am NOT afraid of having sex with him.

of life and we must live with it and being scared

we use protection. There is no reason to fear HIV+

of it wont make it go away. I have some very dear

guys embrace them. They just happen to have a

friends who are HIV+ and I would not change them

manageable illness._

or treat them any different to any one else._

CHAT INSTANT MESSAGE RECEIVED>>>

> It’s fear of HIV itself that perpetuates the horrible stigma that guys feel who are poz, not to mention how difficult it is to find someone to date or just have sex with, it’s most likely they’ll be immediately ostracised. Who wants to deal with that?_

> A guy may not want to tell me he’s hiv+ , maybe because he doesn’t know it yet, or maybe he knows, but is afraid of rejection.

I’ve seen too many people die of HIV related illness. They are in my heart, but not in my arms anymore._ > What’s scary is that we’re STILL having this conversation like it’s 1984! Most people knew the drill in the 80s. Now we have a new generation, that knows less than we did back then._ www.lgf.org.uk

29

Y T R A P !

D R A H ALCOHOL

30

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

Well the festive season is almost upon us and the round of parties, whether we like it or not is starting. So here are just a few simple hints and tips about making your night out safer and ultimately more enjoyable, helping you wake up the next day hopefully with your possessions, your dignity and your mates intact! And of course, most importantly don’t forget to enjoy yourself! Words: Samantha Days

MOBILE PHONE! Keep your mobile in your pocket in your pocket or bag and don’t be flashing your brand new phone all over, it just gets you noticed for all the wrong reasons. Don’t lend your mobile to anyone, if you feel you want to help someone then make the call yourself. Don’t forget you can register your mobile on immobilse.com so you know if the worst happens you phone is registered and can be stopped.

SAFE DRINKING Pace yourself! Drink a glass of water between rounds or swap one alcoholic drink for a soft drink. Don’t mix your drinks and don’t get into rounds, your cash will disappear fast! Try and eat before you go out as this slows alcohol absorption. Avoid people topping up your drinks and don’t leave your drink unattended as it may be spiked. The recommended limits for alcohol for men is 3-4 units per day and for women 2-3 units and the most widely accepted definition of a binge is the equivalent of double those recommended units!

DRUGS Being high can disrupt your thought processes and lower your inhibitions. This may lead to you taking more risks both physically and sexually, we have all heard of beer goggles!

MATES

CARDS & MONEY

If you pull or need to leave don’t just leave your mates high and dry, let them know where you are going and if you are planning to come back, where you will meet them.

Make sure you have your phone with you, charged and loaded with credit and then at least you can call your friends if you need them.

GETTING HOME Try not to take out all your bank and credit cards with you as you know by the end of the night you will be going into your overdraft to buy that final round of cocktails! Try and take as much cash as you need. If possible don’t get in a round, your cash will just disappear faster and keep some separate for you taxi home.

If you are getting a cab make sure you get in a registered taxi, try and book in advance if possible and then you don’t have to worry about trying to get one and spoiling your evening. If you are going home on the night bus then try and go home in a group or at least with one other friend or if all fails your partner!

NEED HELP?

Websites to check out for further tips and information: www.lgf.org.uk; www.drinkaware.co.uk; www.talktofrank. com; www.citycentresafe.com (Manchester only) www.lgf.org.uk

31

LGBT CARERS

Another perspective S. REAL LIVES. REAL STORIE Continuing with our regular focus on LGB carers, and the Caring With Confidence programme, this time we focus on the facilitators of the programme, and the impact Caring With Confidence has had on them.

ABOUT SHIVER

SHIVER provides support for those living with and affected by HIV in Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde.

Offering comprehensive co-ordinated support for those living with and affected by HIV. Services include a needs assessment, counselling, befriending, complimentary therapies, self help groups, access to Positive Living courses and Help 2 Cope sessions for positive people. Opportunities for volunteering and accredited learning. LGBT community working including condom distribution, community advocacy and peer support, Sexual Health Training. Also various outreach projects promoting targeted sexual health wellbeing, advice and information and support for the LGBT community, men who have sex with men, Sex Workers and men who have sex in PSE’s and saunas.

32

A new development at SHIVER is the provision of free Caring with Confidence sessions in Blackpool and North and Central Lancashire.

SHIVER is working in partnership with The Lesbian & Gay Foundation based in Manchester and Liverpool’s Armistead Centre to help deliver the Department of Health’s new Caring with Confidence programme.

Three of the SHIVER team members Nicki DaCosta, Andrew Thompson and Leah Emerson have been trained to become facilitators for Caring with Confidence.

What is Caring with Confidence?

Andrew Thompson: Caring with Confidence modules are designed to help carers discover the skills they are often unaware they possess as well as presenting an opportunity to learn new skills and network with people who are facing similar problems on a day-to-day basis.

Leah Emerson: This is a Government initiative for unpaid carers to receive support, to be surrounded by like minded people and a chance to enhance their experience in the caring roles that they perform.

Nicki DaCosta: Caring with Confidence is free training for carers to improve their day to day life. It is an opportunity for carers to increase and

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

develop their existing knowledge to improve their own circumstances What do you bring to the role of facilitator?

Andrew: CWC sessions can be very emotional. In this vein I think a little well timed light hearted humour is good to ensure every one feels at ease amongst strangers, helping them to not only learn from the sessions but also to contribute and to learn from each other.

Leah: I bring empathy to the role. I aim to create a warm, positive atmosphere for carer’s that is safe, supportive and non-judgemental.

Nicki: I am a working mum and I support my grandmother whilst working full-time so I am able to understand some of the complexities involved in being a carer and how this can impact on daily living.

What impact has being a facilitator had on you?

Andrew: Being a facilitator has made me aware of other people and the challenges they face each day. I add this to my life experience and aim to bring the collective knowledge to my role at SHIVER and as a facilitator.

Leah: Being a facilitator has opened my eyes to people and their individual situations. I previously had had limited contact with carers.

Nicki: Finding out what being a carer really involves and learning about the reality of what people are committed to on a daily basis has been a very humbling experience for me.

What would you like to say to the OUTNORTHWEST readers?

Andrew: If you are in a caring role of any shape or form, jump at the opportunity to attend these courses even if you don’t think that this is something that you will benefit from.

Leah: If anyone reading this is in a caring role at the moment I strongly recommend attending a Caring with Confidence session. The feedback from people who have attended these courses has been very positive.

Nicki: Make the most of this free opportunity to network with other carers, share ideas, experiences, receive support and meet new people.

To find out more and sign up, contact: Manchester and North West: The Lesbian and Gay Foundation 0161 235 8024, annie@lgf.org.uk Blackpool and Lancashire: SHIVER 01253 311 341, hward@druglinelancs.co.uk Liverpool and Merseyside: The Armistead Centre 0151 227 1893, info@armisteadcentre.co.uk

If you would like more information about Caring with Confidence or to book a place, please contact Annie Emery annie@lgf.org.uk 0161 235 8024. You can access sessions in Manchester, Blackpool and Liverpool, and we may be able to deliver in a venue near you.

BOOK YOUR PLACE...

For more information and to book your place contact Annie Emery on 0161 235 8024 or email annie@lgf.org.uk. You can also visit www.lgf.org.uk and www.caringwithconfidence.net

Photo: Paul Farncis

“If you are in a caring role of any shape, jump at the opportunity to attend these courses. Even if you think you won’t benefit from them.”

Do you look after someone?

FREE LOCAL SESSIONS. Are you an LGBT carer or care for someone who is LGBT? Caring With Confidence will: Help you build your strengths as a carer.

Give you the opportunity to share experiences and learn from others in similar situations.

Give you useful information, ideas and tips about looking after someone Help you decide what you might like to change about your caring role.

Provide travel and alternative care costs for those who need it.

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

bells, r u o g n li g in J ets! k c u b r u o g shakin

There is nothing like a Dame!

PIANOKE! Think Val Doonican meets the fabbiest, campiest Christmas ever! We’ll have a more than one Mary, no doubt a Joseph or two and we may sing a song or two about the “little ‘un” (and let’s not forget the donkey!) We may even have a visit from certain special someone in a red suit!

In addition to some brilliant guest singers and a chance to sing-along with some festive favourites there’ll be Christmas carols as you arrive with a complimentary glass of mulled wine and mincing pies! Also have your picture taken with Santa, spend your pennies at the Christmas Crappers Tombola and enter a raffle with some very special prizes!

Remember that Christmas jumper that you were planning on palming off to your dad/binning this year? Don’t (yet)! The greatest of all competitions will be taking place. Yes, that’s right, we are looking for the “Worst Christmas Jumper Ever”. Anyone welcome to enter – just turn up on the night wearing your jumper!

34

DECEMBER

20 SUNDAY

CHRISTMAS PIANOKE

AXM’S PIANO BAR 7pm - Late!

There’ll be lots of chances to sing-along with Josh and Clair, although, if you want a chance to sing solo, you’ll get it! There are open mic slots at the end of the evening – just sign up on the night or if you’d like a chance to sing solo/duet on the night in one of our guest spots, then you can book your place in advance. All music enquiries to joshruding@ mac.com Christmas Pianoke takes place at AXM’s Piano Bar Sunday 20th December 7.00pm ‘til late!

This event is looking like it’s going to be a sell out so make sure you get your tickets in advance from www.lgf.org.uk/events priced at £10, all of which goes to The Lesbian and Gay Foundation!

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

D N A N U F F A NIGHT O

!

R E D R U M 06

DECEMBER

MURDER MYSTERY FUNDRAISER

SUNDAY

EDEN BAR, CANAL STREET Insignia Media invite you to solve a mysterious murder, at Eden Bar on the 6th December.

L A I C I F F O RTY

WAD PA

1st DECEMBER 2009

This exclusive fundraising event, in AIDof The Lesbian and Gay Foundation, includes welcoming drinks and canapés, followed by a fabulous three-course meal accompanied by wine. Watch the mystery unravel in front of your eyes, meet and quiz the main suspects; can you solve the crime before the inspector arrives?

Tickets for the evening are £50 each but we’re offering you and up to 4 guests a 20% discount, which makes them just £40 each.

We are also offering the chance to book a group of 10 for £350, that’s just £35 per person. This exclusive offer for OutNorthWest Readers is for a limited time only.

Tickets include a chance to win some fantastic prizes in the big charity prize draw and all the money raised on the night will be donated to The LGF, to continue with their life-changing work with the Manchester, and Northwest Gay communities.

A whole of night fun and fabulousness kicks off at 8.30pm at Via, Guests will be warmed up with mince pies and mulled wine on arrival and don’t miss your chance to win some fabulous prizes in the big red raffle!

Why not take the opportunity to celebrate Christmas early in a unique and special way? Or just take this chance to do something different in the Village and give something back to the community.

Then the main event the fabulous David Dale performing live!! DJ Smiley Steve will be playing the best party tunes to keep you going into the early hours!

This modern twist on the classic murder mystery evening promises to be a sell out success. For more information or to book your tickets email your contact details to alex@insigniamedia. co.uk quoting the reference code “ONW”

Thank You!

A BIG THANK YOU goes out to our friends at Legends who hosted Zombie Pride raising a hairaising £631.49!

Thank you’s also go to Via, Poptastic and Essential who all collected over Halloween. Big Bear Hugs to Manbears who held a raffle at their Pre-Hibearnation Showbears event. Also massive thanks go to brand new webstore Lockergear, Velvet Hotel, Nandos and Olive who all very generously donated raffle prizes. An extra special thank you goes to SugarPops for raising a whopping great £549.34 at Viva La Diva’s Birthday celebrations! www.lgf.org.uk

35

greater manchester

MaNchEsTeR

Free Safer Sex Packs available at most venues

MaNchEsTeR MaNchEsTeR

88 Listing Indicator

£ Portland Street

Major Street

Hart Street

17

42 44 41

16

31

10

32

7

38

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, 3 Baa-Bar 27 Sackville Street, 0161 247 7997, glitter balls and a flashy dance floor, baabar.co.uk 4 Bar Below 34 Canal Street, 0161 236 5757, intimate and modern bar serving drinks and food.

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

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

6

7 Churchills 37 Chorlton St, 0161 236 5529, karoke Tues and Thurs, churchillsmanchester.com 8 company bar Only 28 Richmond St, 0161 237 9329, companybarmanchester.co.uk

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Whitworth Street

21

23 Taurus 1 Canal St, 0161 236 4593, taurus-bar.co.uk

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

Essential 8 Minshull Street, 0161 835 1300, nightclub over three floors, essentialmanchester.com 13

14 Legends 4-6 Whitworth Street, 0161 236 5400, legendsmanchester.com

The Bay Horse 35-37 Thomas St, 0161 661 1041, a traditional gay friendly pub, thebayhorsepub.co.uk The New Union 111 Princess St, 0161 228 1492 newunionhotel.com 24

Mint Lounge Gay Friendly 46-50 Oldham St, 0161 228 1495, trendy bar, mintlounge.com 16 Napoleons 35 Bloom St, 0161 236 8800, welcomes all LGB&T customers, napoleons.co.uk 17 New York New York 94 Bloom St, 0161 236 6556, busy fun pub, popular with lesbians and gays of all ages.

Overdraught Student 121 Princess Street, 0161 237 0811 18

Paddy’s Goose 29 Bloom St, 0161 236 1246, traditional pub.

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

10

Crunch 10 Canal Street, 0161 236 0446, crunchbar.co.uk

Retro Bar 78 Sackville Street, 0161 274 4892, retrobarmanchester.com

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

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

20

21

46 25 14

Piccadilly Train Station

£

6

cluB Nights ALERT Fetish at Legends, 4th Friday of the month club-alert.com BOLLOX Pop/Indie at Legends, 3rd Friday of the month bolloxclub.com

Eager Beaver at Manto Bar Lounge, Friday’s

40 The Parlour Richmond St, theparlourmanchester.com 26 The Rembrandt 33 Sackville St, 0161 236 1311, traditional pub, rembrantmanchester.com 27 Thompsons Arms 23 Sackville Street, 0161 237 5919.

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

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

19

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La

CLub lash Fetish at Legends, 2nd Friday of the month clublash.com

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

Manto 46 Canal Street, 0161 236 2667, bar over three floors, mantobar.com 15

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Ba

Sackville Gardens

Coyotes 14 Chorlton Street, 0161 236 4007, pleasant two floor bar, coyotesbar.co.uk 9

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28 Whitworth Street

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Chorlton Street

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Brazil Street

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Princess Street

22

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19

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Bloom Street

£

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

30 Velvet 2 Canal St, 0161 236 9003, food served daily, velvetmanchester.com 31 Via 28-30 Canal St, 0161 236 6523, viamanchester.com

FEDERATION Mainly Men at The Ritz, every bank holiday clubfederation.com gen-e-sis Women at Eden, lesbian club, 1st Sat of the month genesisclubnight.co.uk Homoelectric at Legends, 1st Friday every other month homoelectric.com Man Bears present Hairy! Bear at Legends, 2nd Saturday of the month manbears.co.uk Morning Glory at Queer, after hours every Saturday Organic at Spirit, after hours every Sat. POPTASTIC Pop/Indie at Alter Ego, 07974 248 247 poptastic.co.uk Pretty in Pink 80’s club night joe.spencer@lgf.org.uk RECREATION clubrecreation.co.uk

32 View 40 Canal St, 0161 236 9033 Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Listings are continually being updated. Please email your listing to: listings@lgf.org.uk Venues Key

Mixed

Mainly Men

Mainly Women

Mainly Trans

Bar

Dance Floor

All information provided by venues. Please check before arrival

36

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

Serves Food

Email: helpline@lgf.org.uk

Cash Point

Outdoor Seating

Local rate applies

Disabled Access

manchester NorTh WeStgreater Queer Youth Network info@ Groups

NorTh NorTh weSt WeSt 45 ROB 17 China Lane, 0161 236 6222, for all your leather, rubber and twisted gear, rob.com

commuNity & HEalth

33 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

UPPERCUTS BARBERS The Arndale Market, 07784 156 693

HOTELS & B&B's

Kath Locke Centre 123 Moss Lane East, Hulme, 0161 455 0211, traditional & complimentary medicine.

City Inn Manchester One Piccadilly Place, Auburn Street, 0161 242 1000, cityinn.com

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.

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

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

EatEriEs

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 35 DRIP COFFEE Fourways House, 57 Hilton Street, 0161 235 5100, relaxed and friendly coffee bar.

Eighth Day Vegan 111 Oxford Road, 0161 273 1850 36 Genghis khans 16 Chorlton Street,

0161 228 1631, genghiskhans.co.uk 37

jacksons Jackson’s Warehouse, 20 Tariff Street, 0161 228 2677, axm-arcobaleno.com Lava Café Bar Castle Quay, 0161 833 2444, lavacafebar.co.uk LIVEBAIT Gay Friendly 22 Lloyd Street, 0161 817 4110, santeonline.co.uk SAPPORO Teppanyaki 91-93 Liverpool Road, 0161 831 9888 38 Shang Hi Gay Friendly 61 Whitworth St, 0161 228 7868

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

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

39

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

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

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

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 48 The Basement Complex 18 Tariff Street, 0161 236 8131, seven day sauna for gay and bi men, basementcomplex.co.uk

aGENCIES 42nd St 20 Swan Street, 0161 832 0170, advice for young LGBs, fortysecondstreet.org.uk Addaction 31 Robert St. 0161 214 0770, Prison resettlement for people with drug problems, addaction.org Alcohol and Drug Services 29a Ardwick Green North, 0161 272 8844 alcoholanddrugservices.org.uk Barnardo’s Health Through Action The Progress Centre, Charlton Place, Ardwick Green, 0161 273 2901 BARNArDOS MANCHESTER LEAVING CARE SERVICES 36 Monton Street, 0161 226 6722, barnardos.org.uk Black Health Agency 464 Chester Rd, 0161 226 9145, AIDS Helpline: 0800 0967500, blackhealthagency.org.uk Body Positive 39 Russell Road, Whalley Range, 0161 882 2200, bpnw.org.uk Community Alcohol Team 0161 230 6382, manchestercat.org Community Arts North West 46-50 Oldham St, 0161 234 2975 can.uk.com George House Trust 77 Ardwick Green North, 0161 274 4499, ght.org.uk

42 NICE ‘N’ NAUGHTY 39 Bloom Street, 0161 228 0020

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

43 Olive Deli 36-38 Whitworth St, 0161 236 2360

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

44 Pure Tanning and Village Off License 37-39 Bloom St, 0161 236 1788

Manchester Drug Service The Bridge, 104 Fairfield Street, 0161 273 4040

QueensClean.co.uk Gay owned cleaning service. 0753 329 2451/ 0161 298 0335, queensclean@2die4.com

Manchester Foyer 61 Booth St West, Hulme, 0161 276 1000, supported accomodation for 16-25’s, svha.co.uk

LGBT Youth Northwest PO BOX 153, Manchester. M60 1LP, 0753 106 1777, Support & fun projects for LGBT Young people 14-25; support & training for practitioners working with young people, lgbtyouthnorthwest@yahoo.co.uk

queeryouth.net, queeryouth.net

trans youth support (north west) 07530 352079, Supporting Trans young people & those questionning their gender identity, aged under 25, through email, phone & up coming Trans Youth Events, trans.youth@yahoo.co.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 New St. Mary’s Hospital, Hathersage Road,

0161 276 6515, sexual assault referral centre, stmaryscentre.org 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

CLINICS Jarman Clinic Withington Hospital, 0161 217 4939

Gay Naturist SWIM all ages, nude_n_manchester@yahoo.co.uk

North Manchester GUM Delaunays Rd, Crumpsall, 0161 720 2681

Icebreakers gay & bi men's support group meets 8pm every Wednesday at the LGF, 0845 3 30 30 30, icebreakersmanchester.org.uk

North Manchester Hospital Same day HIV test clinic, 0161 720 2845 Rusholme Health Centre Walmer Street, 0161 225 6699

Inner Enigma 0845 838 1264, trans and intersex support and advice, info@innerenigma.co.uk

outreach Clinic @ the LGF and 4 other locations, Mondays, no appointment needed, 0161 235 8035, lgf.org.uk

KESHET Advocacy, education and support service for jewish LGB&Ts, 07528 700 926, info@keshetmanchester.org.uk

Rapid HIV Testing @ the LGF Thursdays 4-6pm, no appointment needed, results in 20 mins, 0161 235 8035, lgf.org.uk

Lesbian and Gay Youth Manchester (LGYM) LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0790 0680725, young LGBT people, 14-25, Tues 7.30-10pm, Sat 3-7pm info@lgym.org.uk

the hathersage centre 280 Upper Brook St, 0161 276 5200 / 5212

GROUPS 40+ GAY MENS GROUP 0845 3 30 30 30, support and social group meets every Thursday 7.30-9pm.

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

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

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

Edward carpenter community of gay men fortnightly meetings for gay men support, trust and friendship - also longer breaks away, gaycommunity.org.uk ESSENCE COUNSELLING info@essencecounselling.org www.essencecounselling.org friends of sackville gardens friendsofsackvillegardens@hotmail.co.uk Gaydio c/o The LGF, Princess House, 105-107 Princess St, 00845 310 2712, info@gaydio.co.uk Gay in the uk Refugee Action, 23-37 Edge Street, 07824 473 479, LGBT social group for refugees & asylu seekers, 1st Tue of the month 6pm, lgbtsocial@yahoo.co.uk gay MARRIED MENS GROUP A support group meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday 7.30-9pm at the LGF, 0845 3 30 30 30

lesbian asylum group LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LB women who have gained or are attempting to gain asylum status. kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk lesbian discussion group LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LB women, meets 3rd Wed of the month, 7-8.30pm, ro debate issues & share views kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk lesbian mental health support group LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for 18+ LB women and M2F transwomen, meets every other friday. kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk lesbian reading group (& lending library) LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LB women, meets 3rd Wed of the month, to discuss or choose books from the library 6-7pm, kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk Let’s Do Lunch 07813 083242, lesbian diners every other month, paulad650@aol.com lesbiandiners.org.uk LIK:T 07813 981 338, run by and for young lesbian and bisexual women, 1st Monday of the month, likt_info@likt.org.uk lilac - lesbian cancer support LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LB women who have experienced any form of cancer. kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk Manchester Christian Group 07743 476191 Listings are continually being updated.

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

www.lgf.org.uk

37

greater manchester GROUPS (CoNt.) Manchester Concord Social group, every Wed from 7pm at the Rembrandt, Canal St. mary@manchesterconcord.org.uk manchesterconcord.org.uk Manchester gay skinheads oi-skinhead.com Manchester Lesbian & Gay Chorus 07944 056047, mlgc.org.uk manchester lesbian community project drop in LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LB women, meets 2nd & 4th Thur of the month, 7-9pm, kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk Manchester Parents Group 01565 733891

VADA Theatre Company PO Box 92, vada.theatre@googlemail.com

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

women’s domestic violence Refuge: 0161 861 8428, Helpline: 0161 636 7525, support and advice to women and children experiencing domestic violence. wvdh.info@virgin.net

outdoor lads climbing club outdoorlads.com

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

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

SaUNaS

UMSU LGBT Society student group, for social events, campagins, drop-ins and support enquiries@lgbt.manchester.ac.uk

SPORTS GROUPS Absolutely DANCING Trinity High School every Weds 8pm-10pm latin and ballroom lessons for the LGB&T community. absolutelydancingmanchester@hotmail.com

Metropolitan Community Church United Reformed Church, Wilbraham Rd, 0161 881 6050, LGB&T led christian church mccmanchester.co.uk

BELUGA DIVERS Scuba Diving club for the LGBT community, belugadiving.co.uk

MORF Manchester Lesbian & Gay Centre, 45-51 Sydney St, 0794 824 3289, soial & support for transguys 4th Monday of the month, morf@morf.org.uk morf.org.uk open mic night Women Only LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, Women only & alcohol free, last Wed of the month, 7-10pm, £1 addmission. kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk Out In The City call Sue 0161 833 3944, older LGBTs meet alternate Thurs at Taurus. out to the theatre Jon: 01457 877 161, gay men’s social group, joncassun@yahoo.co.uk OutWrite 07931 915 620, LGBT writing group, outwrite.org.uk owls (older wiser lesbians) LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for older or non-scene LB women to socialise & make friends, meets every Wed, 1-4pm, kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk Proud 2 b Parents 0161 226 0162, Moss Side Surestart Children’s Centre, 30 Selworthy Rd, for LGB&T parents and their children every 4th Saturday, matthew.roberts@manchester.nhs.uk queer skinhead brotherhood queerskinbrotherhood@googlemail.com Queer Youth Manchester 07092 031 086, info@queeryouth.net Rainbow Families c/o LCP, 0161 273 7128, rainbow_families@hotmail.com rainbow-families@hotmail.com Right2Unite Zion Centre, Hulme, 0161 226 0170, LGB group meets every Tues. salford youth service lgbt youth group at The Base, 0161 778 0702, steve.dyson@salford.gov.uk SM Dykes 49-51 Sidney Street, 07952 237 526, smdykes@smdykes.org.uk smdykes.org.uk Sphere 07854 901330, contribute to a South Asian LBT theatre project, all@sphere.org.uk STEPPING STONES 0845 3 30 30 30, A support group for lesbian and bisexual women meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday 7.30-9pm.

Triangle Club group for deaf LGBs, triangle_club_@hotmail.com Listings are continually being updated.

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

38

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

Mango Men’s dining club 07866 909677, 1st Thursday of the month, mango.news@btopenworld.com

MMU LGBT mmu_lgbt@hotmail.co.uk

OlDhAm

Transforum Ninian’s Church, Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton, 07500 741 955, TransGender discussion & mutual support group, meets 4th Sat of the month 4.30pm, jennyannebuk@yahoo.co.uk

Gay city strollers 0845 3 30 30 30, city centre walking group, info@lgf.org.uk Gay gordons manchester Scottish Country and Ceilidh Dancing and classes gay-gordons-manchester.co.uk GAY OUTDOOR GROUP transpennine walking group, 07855 197607 goctranspennine.org.uk Ghap badminton text 07946 191 482, ghapbadminton.org.uk MANCHESTER BADMINTON CLUB 07939 477026, Badminton club for the less experienced player.

Manchester Front Runners 07813 336 445, running club catering for all abilities, meets every Thurs in the city centre, co-chairs@manchesterfrontrunners.org manchesterfrontrunners.org Manchester jessies Lesbian & bisexual women’s walking group, meets twice monthly manchesterjessies@googlemail.com MANCHESTER PRAIRIE DOGS 07960 351 882, line dance sessions, every Tues 7.30-9 beginners, 9-10.30 intermediate, manchesterprairiedogs.co.uk Manchester SHARKS Miles Platting Pool, Varley Street, water polo club manchestersharks.co.uk Manchester Stingers WFC Womens football club for all abilities, manchesterstingers.net MANCHESTER VIXENS LADIES FC 07921 838 733, LBT football clubs, emphasis on fun, manchestervixens.co.uk manchester walking women its.elly@yahoo.co.uk Marlin Levenshulme Swimming Pool, Barlow Rd, trans swimming group, swim@marlin.org.uk

OPEN ATHLETICS 07709 000 436, openathletics.org

Village Manchester FC gay men’s football club for every level, vmfc.co.uk Village Spartans Rugby Training sessions on Wednesday evening from 7pm, villagespartans.co.uk WEEKENDERS lesbian and gay walking group based in the North of England, geocities.com/weekenders_uk wheelies fc Manchester Leisure Sports Centre, Denmark Road, mixed womens football every Sunday from 11am to 1pm.

BoLtOn

pubs, clubs & bars

The Star 11 Bow St, 01204 361113

club Night

TOUCH OF CLASS 139 High St, 07834 483646, A monthly disco for lesbian and bisexual women, doreen.single@ntlworld.co.uk Twisty tuesdays J2 & The Attic Square

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

CLINICs

Pennine Sauna 96 Rochdale Rd, Shaw, 01706 842 000

ROcHdAlE PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Bar Vegas 37 Bailey St, 01706 630 708

CLINICS

Crisis Intervention Team 01706 517 613

Sexual Health PROMOTION UNIT 01706 517 613 THE BRIDGE SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Bailie Street 01706 627 8753

GROUPS

Proud Youth around rochdale 07531 061 777, LGBT young people from Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton 14-25 lgbtyouthnorthwest.org.uk

SaLfOrD CLINICs

Brook Advisory 55 Regent Street, Eccles, 0161 707 9550

aGENCIES & CLINICs

eccles health centre Corporation Road, 0161 212 5500

HIV worker Emma Massey 01204 390772

higher broughton health centre Bevendon Square, 0161 212 4500, Wed. 6-8.30pm, Fri. 9.30-11.30am.

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

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

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

bUrY

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

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

NETBALL 07939 477 026, women only group with weekly coaching, training every Monday, 8-10pm.

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

NORTHERN ACES TENNIS GROUP 07929 917 361, tennis play in a social yet competitive environment, professional coaching, northernacestennis.com

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

NORTHERN FLIGHT BADMINTON CLUB For experienced players, northernflight.org.uk

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

bar braw Mainly Women 483 Barlow Moor Rd.

EaTERIES

The Lead Station 99 Beech Road, 0161 881 5559

shops

northern jump 07783 297965, volleyball group, northernjump.co.uk

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

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

sauNas

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

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

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.

Salford Sexual Health Clinic Oaklands Hospital, 0161 212 5717 swinton clinic 139 Partington Lane, 0161 212 5100, Tues 6-8.30pm.

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

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

Groups

Salford LGBT Network 07947 909 339, for people who live, work or study in Salford, salfordlgbt.net SALFORD YOUTH @ The Base, 0161 778 0702, for young LGBT people to meet, recieve advice, info and support. 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

aGENCIES

Age Concern 56 Wellington Street, 0161 480 1211 Central Youth ADVICE AND INFO 0161 480 9600, Counselling and sexual healh services for young people up to 25.

Stockport Centre for Health Promotion Regent House, Heaton Lane, 0161 426 5091 Team 0161 474 3567, HIV social care service for people with HIV and their carers. hiv.services@stockport.gov.uk

Lancashire SOLICITORS

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

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

CLINICS

CLINICS

MorEcAmBe

AGENCIES

Royal Lancaster Infirmary Ashton Community Care Centre, 01524 387402

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Email: helpline@lgf.org.uk

Local rate applies

CLINICS

drugline lancashire 2 Union Court, 01772 825 684, enquiries@druglinelancs.co.uk

Sexual Health Clinic Queen Victoria Centre, Thornton Rd, 01524 405 704

Preston HIV Support Team Helpline: 01772 468170, PO Box 515, Preston, PR1 8XP, phivst@aol.com

LanCaSHire Sexual Health Clinic Ormskirk General Hospital, Wigan Road, 01695 571043

GROUPS

LanCaSHire LanCaSHire

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

OrMsKIrk

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

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

Out in stockport Stepping Hill, 0161 483 4784 outinstockport.wordpress.com

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

BlACkBuRn Bar Ibiza 43 Darwen St, 01254 695379

Stagedoor 23 Mincing Lane, 01254 674761

CLINICS

PLUS Reading Group 07880 746079

bsure 0845 602 0894, Chlamydia screening for under 25’s, b-sure@bwdpct.nhs.uk

The Base LGBt YOUTH GROUP Training and Development Centre, 0161 477 4096 thebase@stockport.gov.uk

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

SPORTS GROUPS

SHOUT 01254 300126, young sexual health team up to 25 shoutteam@yahoo.co.uk

stockport lesbian & gay dance group Latin and Ballroom dance group, Thursdays 7-9pm. jpguard@hotmail.com

Burnley

TamEsIde

BACKSTAGE BAR 135 St James St, 01282 414895

pubs, clubs & bars

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

CLINICs

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

GROUPS

Glossop LGBT group glossoplgbt.co.uk

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

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

trAfFoRd

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

CLINICS

aGENCIES

Rossendale LGBT Youth Group 07817 541242, LGBT youth from Rossendale, Accrington and Burnley, rossendalelgbt@hotmail.co.uk

GROUPS

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

WIGan

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

miners lamp pub Gay Owned Ormskirk Rd, Pemberton.

Club Nights

CHOrlEy GROUPS

breakout LGBT community radio group, c.o Chorley FM, lgbt@chorley.fm breakoutshow.co.uk POUT! 0800 7831524, youth group and helpline, every Wed, pout99@hotmail.com lancsycs.org/pout

CLINICs

DANCING DIVA For more information, dancingdiva5@hotmail.com

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

Project Oscar 0800 7835345, LGBT info & support, project-oscar@centrallancashire.nhs.uk clangles.com

PrEstOn

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Lesbian Connection lesbian social group meeting monthly lesbian_connection@yahoo.co.uk PRESTON LGBT CENTRE GROUP 07936 712478, meets 1st Wed of the month at Disability Equality (NW), 103 Church St prestonlgbt.co.uk UCLAN LGBT Society Every Thurs at 8.30pm ro@cantthinkstraight.co.uk (female) or martin@cantthinkstraight.co.uk uclan lgbt employee network lgbtstaff@uclan.ac.uk

Listings are continually being updated. Please email your listing to:

listings@lgf.org.uk

VIBE c/o Young Peoples Service, 07814 493750, LGBT youth group meets Thurs evenings. rachel.heaps@lancashire.gov.uk yps.lancashire.gov.uk/get-vibe

ENOUGH IS

ENOUGH! O SAY NO TIC

Project Oscar 0800 7835345, LGBT info & support, project-oscar@centrallancashire.nhs.uk clangles.com

LanCAStEr

GROUPS

Freinds of Dorothy Age Concern, Arkwright House, 01772 552 862, befreinding and support services andrewdrake@55plus.org.uk lancashire county council lgbt network lgbt@lancashire.gov.uk

aGENCIES

aGENCIES

Pop NIght @ Club wn1 Monthly club night, pop-wigan.co.uk Sexual Health Clinic Royal Albert Infirmary, Wigan Lane, 01942 822 277

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

GROUPS

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

Relate 346 Chester Road, 0161 872 0303

Ormskirk & Skelmersdale LGBT Community support services west lancashire 0844 357 8062, includes support for the Romanian community, info@gayinternational.org gayinternational.org

Oblivion 12-14 Grimshaw St, 01772 252876

CLINICs

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

edgehill university LGBT society search on facebook

Sexual Health Clinic St. Peter’s Centre tel 01282 644300

Red Triangle Café St. James St, 01282 832319

GROUPS

GROUPS

Blowing Wild Club Grimshaw Street, open Thurs, Fri, Sat, 07752 512232

EaTERIES

Project Oscar 0800 7835345, LGBT info & support, project-oscar@centrallancashire.nhs.uk clangles.com

CLUB NIGHTS

bsure 0845 602 0894, b.sure@bwdpct.nhs.uk b-sure.org.uk

Sexual Health Services for the Under 25’s www.condomcollective.com

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

HOMOPHOB

CLUB NIGHTS

HATE CRIME

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Gregson Café/Bar Gregson Community and Arts Centre, 33 Moorgate, 01524 849959, gregson.co.uk THE DUKE OF LANCASTER 75 Church Street, 01524 842843, info@thedukeoflancaster.com thedukeoflancaster.com

MANCHESTER

CHESHIRE

LIVERPOOL

BLACKPOOL

OUTREACH CUMBRIA

GROUPS

Lesbian Social Group (All ages) lunettes@btinternet.com PYRO (Proud Youth Are Out) 07717 301821, pyro@ed.lancscc.gov.uk

CUMBRIA

SHIVER Call Call Call 0845 3303030 01270 653156 0151 227 1931 or visit or visit or visit outrite.org lgf.org.uk armisteadcentre.co.uk

Call 01253 311431 or visit

Call 07896 250662 or visit

drugslinelancs.co.uk

outreachcumbria.org

www.lgf.org.uk

39

Blackpool 8 31 48

13 21 27 63

30

23

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

BlAckpOoL BlAckpOoL HOTELS

High Street

53

20 18 47 Pleasant Street

Lord Street

Dickson Road

General Street

Promemade

14

BlAckpOoL

Listings are continually being updated.

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

Anchorage 18 Withnell Road, 01253 341771 1

2 Ash Lea Hotel 76 Lord Street, 01253 628161, ashleighotel.com 3 Astor Hotel 83-85 Lord Street, 01253 290669 4

33

Athol 3 Mount St 01253 624918

Belvedere 77 Dickson Road, 01253 624733 5

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

50

9 25 10

61

51

Banks Street 55 23 43 57

General Street

17 58

29

52

15 33 14 54 36 12

15

11

Christines 1 Lord St, 01253 312260

35

13

DERBY HOTEL, 2 Derby Rd, 01253 623708

44

14

Dixon 84 Dickson Rd, 01253 752379

15

Edward 27 Dickson Rd, 01253 624271

16

FOUR SEASONS 74 Lord St, 01253 622583

41 High Street

30 11 3 10 11 Queen Street

et

Abingdon Stre

Promemade

Dickson Raod

37

Talbot Road 5

6

21

24

et gS tre

12

Kin

13

Cookson Street

Promemade

34 20

Topping Street

Abingdon Street

32

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

40

CHaps 9 Cocker St, 01253 620541

19

62

8

1

10

Chur ch St

reet

9

Cash Machine Blackpool Tower Pedestrianised

34 New Hertford 18 Lord Street, 01253 621831 35 North Central Hoilday Flats 29 Lord Street, 01253 621831 36 NORTHERN LIGHTS HOTEL 26 Springfield Road, 01253 317016 37 Northern Star 9 Lord Street, 01253 628073 63 north grange hotel 238 Queens Promenade, 01253 351409, info@northgrangehotel.com northgrangehotel.com 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

41 PRIDE LODGE 12 High Street, 01253 314752, pridelodge.com 42 Rubens Hotel 39 Lord Street, 01253 622920 43 Sandylands 47 Banks St, 01253 294670 44 Seacroft Suites 27 Lord Street, 01253 628304

18 Grampian House 4 Pleasant Street, 01253 291648, info-onw@grampianhouse.com

45 Stratford 72-74 Dickson Road, 01253 624020

Granby lodge 15-17 Lord St, 01253 627842, granbylodge.com 62

Guyz 16 Lord Street, 01253 622488

46 Sunnyside 16 Charles Street, 01253 622983 47 SUSSEX HOTEL 14-16 Pleasant Street, 01253 627824

20 Heatherdale Lodge 2 Pleasant Street, 1253 626268

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

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

49 The Wilcot Hotel 80 Lord Street, 01253 621101

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

50 Thorncliffe 63 Dickson Road, 01253 622508

23 Legends Hotel 45 Lord Street, 01253 620300

51 Trades Men Only 51 Lord Street, 01253 626401

24

Lenbrook 69 Lord St, 01253 626737

25

Liberty's Hotel 01253 291155

52 VALENTINE HOTEL 35 Dickson Road, 01253 622775, valentinehotelblackpool.co.uk 53 VIDELLA HOTEL 78-82 Dickson Road, 01253 621201

Lonsdale Hotel 25 Cocker Street, 01253 621628 26

27

Lyndale Court Hotel 01253 354033

28

Lynmar 74 High St, 01253 290046

29

Mardi Gras 41 Lord St, 01253 751087

54 Village Hotel 14 Springfield Road, 01253 290840 55 warwick Holiday flats 39 Bank Street, 01253 623787

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

56 Westfield House 78 Lord Street, 01253 621992, westfieldhouse.co.uk

31 Merecliff Hotel 24 Holmfield Road, 01253 356858

57 WILLOWFIELD GUESTHOUSE 51 Banks Street, 01253 623406, willowfield-guesthouse.co.uk

88 Venue Indicator

£

New Bond 72 Lord St, 01253 628123

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

19

26 29 16 19

Camelot 80 Hornby Rd, 01253 620518

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

4

North Pier

Brooklyn 7 Wilton Parade, 01253 627003

7

2 1

27 7

Brene Hotel 37 Lord St, 01253 621854

8

34

22 Springfield Road

31

7

9

42

22

28

28

High Street

40

Lord Street

Promemade

45

Dickson Raod

39

bradbury HOTEL 25/27 Banks St, 01253 624972, bradburyhotel@hotmail.co.uk bradburyhotel.co.uk 61

26 Cocker Street 60 24

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

58 Windsor House 47 Dickson Road, 0870 620 7000, windsorhousehotel.net 59 Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Email: helpline@lgf.org.uk

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

Local rate applies

Woodleigh 11 Yates St, 01253 624997

Worcester House 22 Cocker Street, 01253 620007 60

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

FG2 Mixed 5 Dickson Road, 01253 649153, fg2online.co.uk 1

2 Funny Girls Gay Friendly 5 Dickson Rd, 01253 649154, funnygirlsonline.co.uk 3 KAOS Mixed 38-42 Queen St, 01253 318798, kaosbar.co.uk

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

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

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

The Alabama Showboat Mixed 1 Cocker Sq, 01253 291155, thealabama.co.uk 9

THE DUKE OF YORK Dickson Road, 01253 625218, traditional pub and live entertainment.

The Flamingo NIGHTCLUB Mixed 44 Queen St, 01253 649151, flamingoonline.co.uk 10

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

EatErIES

lgbt forum 0787 355 390, council led community meeting every 2nd Tues 6.30pm.

26

Connect 01253 751047, connectyoungpeople.co.uk

LGBT PACT 07878 355 390, police and community meetings 1st Thurs of the month.

27

Connexions 2-8 Market Street, 01253 754840, connexions-direct.com

L GIRLS GROUP 07972 409551/07875 355 390, 18+ lesbian/bi women

28

HIV Nursing Team 18a Queen Street, 01253 651930

Liberty Church Stratford Hotel, 07955 597771, libertychurchblackpool.org.uk

NHS Drop In Centre 26 Talbot Road, 01253 655871

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

29

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

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

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

33

34 Perfect Fit Alterations 42 Topping Street, 01253 290156

SMILE SPA AT HELIO FITNESS Newton Drive, 01253 393909

Autumn Leaves Gay Friendly 82 Topping Street, 01253 620730

THE GARDEN PLACE Gay Owned Cropper Road, 01253 699987

Buddies Chippy 28 Dickson Street

Café Latté 30-32 Dickson St, 01253 752077 15

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

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

GROUPS 18/25 Icebreakers 07878 355 390, for gay & bi men, 1st Tues of the month, 7pm.

25/55 Icebreakers 07878 355 390, meets every last Tues of the month, 7pm.

The Duke Of York

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

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 Transinclusion group (M2F) 3rd Tues of the month 7pm, 07875 355 390

CuMbrIa

Traditional pub with live entertainment and karaoke.

Food served noon till 9pm all day, everyday.

Award winning beer garden and great prices.

Anton’s Cafe-bar Gay Owned 9 Park Rd, Lytham St Annes FY8 1QX 01253 724721

Cash machine on site.

The Duke Of York Dickson Road, Blackpool (50 yards from funny girls) Tel: 01253 625218

cArLisLe CliNICS

Cumberland Infirmary 01228 814 814

aGENCIES

Connexions 28 Lowther Street, 01228 596272

GrOUPS

Pride in north cumbria 07901 765453, Young people 14-25 meet twice weekly, prideinnorthcumbria.webs.com

SaUNaS

Sweat Sauna Club Atlas House, Nelson St.

KenDal CliNICS

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

aGENCIES Connexions 124 Highgate, 01539 730045

Groups

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 CuMbrIa CuMbrIa

outREACH Cumbria gaycumbria.info

AGENCIES

cumbria police hate crime reporting line 0845 33 00 247 cumbria.police.uk

AmBlESidE hotEls & B&B's

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

BarRow|iN FuRNESs CliNICS

sexual health clinic Furness General Hospital, Dalton Lane, 01229 404 454

aGENCIES

Connexions 237-241 Dalton Road, 01229 824052 Cumbria Lesbians network (CLN) 01524 858 206, clnetwork@tiscali.co.uk

West Coast Rock Cafe Gay Friendly 5-7 Abingdon Street, 01253 751283 21

Ok2be 01253 754841, support service for young people up to 19 years of age, hayley.mills@blackpool.gov.uk

GrOUPS

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

19 The Buttery 1 Cheapside, 01253 296667

HIV/HEP C support group 07878 355 390, call for details.

City Learning Centre Bathhurst St, 01253 478 309, clcbusiness.com

AJ’s Bistro Gay Friendly 65 Topping Street, 01253 626111

14

City Learning Centre Bathurst Av, 01253 478 309, clcbusiness.com

Lancashire Lad’s group (for trans f to m) 07833 738035, 07768 956640, 07875 355390, meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month at SHIVER, 7pm.

12

13

Blackpool LGBT Reading Group 01253 478 080, Blackpool Central Library, Queen Street, meetings every last Thursday of the month at 6.30pm. central.library@blackpool.gov.uk

Body Positive BLACKPOOL 23 South King Street, 01253 292803, info@bodypositiveblackpool.org 25

Pubs, Clubs & BaRs

55+ older men’s group 07878 355 390, meets every 2nd Mon of the month at 2pm and every Thurs 12.30pm.

lgbtq darts team Wendy Phizacklea, 01229 836 426, 07742 353 520, wendyphizacklea@youngcumbria.org.uk

wHiTeHaveN Groups

lgbt youth group 07727 297948, 13-25 lgbt youth meets every Tues

WInDerMerE HOTELS & B&B's

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

WorKiNgToN CliNICS

Workington Infirmary Infirmary Lane, 01900 68737

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

Steam packet inn 51 Stanley St, 01900 62186

Can’t Pick Up A Copy

Don’t Miss An Issue

pro active young gays and lesbians (paygal) Wendy Phizacklea, 01229 836 426, 07742 353 520, wendyphizacklea@youngcumbria.org.uk

Your magazine for life - from only £14!

south lakes lgbt forum Wendy Phizacklea, 01229 836 426, 07742 353 520, 48-50 Suffolk Street, 13-24 LGBTQ youth meets weekly, wendyphizacklea@youngcumbria.org.uk

Subscribe to the best regional LGBT magazine in the UK and guarantee a fresh copy delivered straight to your door every two months.

Email info@lgf.org.uk or call 0161 235 8033 for more information.

www.lgf.org.uk

41

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

Modo Gay Friendly Concert Square

TRAVEL INN METRO Vernon St, 0870 238 3325

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

10 Poste House

23 Cumberland Street

aGENCIES & CLINICs

AIDS Helpline 0151 709 9000

Being Out with Learning Difficulties (BOLD) c/o Armistead Centre, 0870 9908996, meets every other Monday.

GAY & LESBIAN CHRISTIANS Bold Street, 0151 547 3562, christian@portnahaven.fsnet.co.uk Gay Professional Dining Club 0151 2807842, 2nd Sat of month, igdc@talk21.com Gay Youth ‘r’ OUT (GYRO) 36 Bolton St, 0161 203 0824, LGB youth 16-25, gyro.org.uk Hope Pride Derwent House, Taggart Ave, Childwall, 0151 291365, lgbtofficer@hope.ac.uk liverpool lgbt community network LCVS, 151 Dale St, 0151 227 5177.

Liverpool Students Union LGBT Society 0151 231 4947 Merseyside L&G Community Forum 07970 680483, newsfromnowhere.org.uk OUR STORY LIVERPOOL 0151 709 4988, LGBT History community project. info@ourstoryliverpool.co.uk ourstoryliverpool.co.uk Parents & Carers Group 0870 9908996

22-24 Stanley St, 0151 236 6633

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

22 Stray 9 Victoria Street

17 The Armistead Project 1 Stanley St,

puzzle 25 Stanley Street

12

QUEER NATION Victoria Street, 0151 236 4832 13 Superstar Boudoir

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 the closet Women’s night 1st Sun of the month ast Vinyl Vasement Bar, Lark Lane Listings are continually being updated.

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

0870 9908996, armisteadcentre.co.uk

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

Shops

Queer Notions 0151 227 9977, provides information and support at the Armistead Project queernotions@hotmail. com QUEST LGBT CATHOLICS 07983 021 589, 2nd Saturday of month, liverpool@questgaycatholic.org.uk SPIRIT LEVEL 0151 227 1893, Transgender support group.

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

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

19

nice 'n' naughty 85 Seel Street

Young Gay Sefton 0151 330 5841

20

nice 'n' naughty 16 Colquitt Street

18 NEWS FROM NOWHERE Bookshop

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 GAY OUTDOOR GROUP 07855 197607, transpennine@hotmail.co.uk goctranspennine.org.uk

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

2

Berry Street

Victoria Street

Sahir House PO Box 11, 0151 708 9080, provides services to HIV positive people, their families and freinds, info@sahir.uk.com

11

et

Back Berry Stre

19

Bold Street

8

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

Bold Street

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

HotEls

Roscoe Place

Culquitt Street

Roscoe Lane

0151 707 9933, themonro.com

20 Culquitt Street

Wood Street

16 THE MONRO Gastropub 92-94 Duke St,

Wood Street

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

18

1

London Road

Puschka Gay Owned 16 Rodney St, 0151 708 8698 puschka.co.uk

et

Seel Street

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

Fleet Street

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

Seel Street

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

Parr Street

126 Bold Street, 0151 709 3735

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

16

Back Culquitt Stre

Duke Street

1 CAFE TABAC Gay Owned Mathew Street

6

Duke Street

EatErIES

Slater Street

FACT

14

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

5

10

Sir Thomas Street

13

15

Cumberland Street

4

Stanley Street

12

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

4

42

3

9

Victoria Street

PUBS, CLUBS & Bars 1 3345 Mixed 33-45 Parr St, 0151 708 6345, 3345parrst.com

Temple Street

22

Temple Lane

Princes Street

£

Train Station Parking Cash Machine Pedestrianised

North John Street

88 Listing Indicator

11

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

MERSEY MARAUDERS part of the Gay Football Supporters Network practice weekly, mmfootball.co.uk

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

SoutHpOrT PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

superstar boudoir 241 Lord Street

The Crown 20 Coronation Walk, info@gaycrown.com gaycrown.com

CLINICs

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

GROUPS

Men’s Group 0870 9908996 Southport Gay Infoline 01704 543612

St|HELens PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Flex II Tolver St, 01744 758 439

CLUB NIGHT

WORK Bridge Street, every Wednesday.

CLINICs

Sexual Health Clinic St Helens Hospital, Marshall Cross Rd, 01744 458383, free & confidential sexual service, rapid HIV testing results in 30 mins. sthk.nhs.uk

tHE|wIrRaL PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Peggy Gladflys 93 Victoria Road, New Brighton

CLINICs

Sexual Health Clinic Arrowe Park Road, 0151 604 7339

SaUNas

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

cheshire yorkshire staffs and isle of man 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

Freedom Trans Youth Foundation, freedom@freedom.zzn.com freedom.btik.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

WIRRAL TRANSISTER 0151 650 6939, for TV/CD.

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

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

SaUNaS 11 Basement Sauna

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

LEeDs

NOrtHWicH

GROUPS

ChESHire

Sexual Health Halton General Hospital, 01928 753217

BP Cheshire & North Wales PO Box 321, 01270 653 150 outrite 01270 653 156, social and support groups, counselling, condoms and lube by post, outrite.org

GROUPS

men’s Group 01270 653 156, outrite.org

CheStER

CLINIC

Sexual Health Clinic Lovely Lane, 01925 662476

Swinegate

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

aGENCIES

Gay & Lesbian Youth Support Services (GLYSS) 07747 473 829, every Wed/Thurs 6.30-9.30pm and alternate Sat. glyss@hotmail.co.uk freewebs.com/glyss

StaFfOrdSHIRE

aGENCIES

THE Club 14 Hillcrest St, 01782 201829

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

Health Development Team (LGBT) 01244 650534 or 07747 631021

The Three Tuns 9 Bucknall New Road, 01782 769293

GROUPS

GROUPS

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

Chester Icebreakers 01244 682574, Quaker House, Union Walk, Frodsham St.

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

Dinin’ Divas womens dining group dinindivas@yahoo.com

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

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

IsLe|oF|MaN

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

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

HeBDEn BrIdgE

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

NELSONS WINE BAR Crown St, 01422 844 782

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

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

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

GROUPS

12/5/09 12:21:30

4

Gay Healthy Alliance Project PO Box 539, 01925 631101

The New Union 3 Union Bank Yard, New Street, 01484 535435 HUGG Social group for gay & bi men, 18+,every Tuesday from 8pm. hugg.org.uk

2

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

8

GROUPS

1 Bar Fibre Lower Briggate, 08701 200888

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

THE GREYHOUND Manchester Road, 01484 420 742

The Calls

1 7

6

HUDdERsFiEld PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Old Red Lion Meadow Lane, 0113 242 6779

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

UTOPIA (chester) 01244 602812, LGB youth group meets every Weds 7.30-9pm, chester@utopialgb.org.uk

6

KANDI BAR thekandibar.co.uk

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

unique tg support group N. Wales & West Cheshire meets 3rd Tues of the Month, 8pm, elen@uniquetg.org.uk uniquetg.org.uk

Blayd’s Mews

8

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

Liverpool Arms Northgate Street, 01244 314 807

CHESTER lgbt BOOK GROUP 07818 021 947, 2nd Monday of the month at 7.30pm at the Bear & Billet pub, Lower Bridge Street, alispad@aol.com

YORKSHIRE MESMAC mesmac.co.uk

Heaton’s Court (back)

WARringToN

FLUID (Freedon to Love Ur IDentity) 07747 473 829

CLINICs

9

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS Bar 6T9 01244 313 608

3

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

10 5 1

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

Leeds.indd 1

White Hart Sankey Street, 01925 241994

aGENCIES

CLINIC & agENCIES

RunCoRN

CLINIC

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

£

11

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

The Park 42 Wistaston Rd, 07888 805903, theparkfunpub.co.uk Sexual Health Clinic Leighton Hospital, Middlewich Rd, 01270 612255

Parking Cash Machine Pedestrianised

Heaton’s Court (front)

SaUNaS

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

CLINICs

£

UTOPIA 01606 350 750, LGB youth group meets every Weds 6.45-9.15pm, northwich@utopialgb.org.uk

CRewE

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

88 Listing Indicator

Cheshire Rainbow 01606 867 681, social & support group for LGBT members, thier families and friends in mid-Cheshire, cheshirerainbow@btinternet.com

ChESHire EaTERIES ChESHire

SHOPS

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

Parr St.

utopia (Neston) Burton Rd, Neston, 0151 348 5621, LGB youth meets every Weds 4-6pm, neston@utopialgb.org.uk

GROUPS

9 VIADUCT 11 Lower Briggate, 0113 245 4863

BArnSlEY

Briggate

utopia (Ellesmere Port) Whitby Rd, Ellesmere Port, 0151 348 5628, LGB youth meets every Tues 6.30-9, eport@utopialgb.org.uk

YorKSHire

Blayd’s Yard

work it out 0151 670 0177, 14-18 support group Thurs 6.30-8.30pm workitoutatbrook.org.uk

YorKSHire

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

Briggate

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

CLINICs

YorKSHire

Gascoigne St.

TransWirral 90-92 Chester St, 07905 121656, for TS/Intersex, transwirral.btik.com

MACcLeSfIelD

SCaRBoROuGh PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

BACCHUS 7a Ramshill Road, lesbian and gay club, diverse crowd, bacchus-scarborough.co.uk

Listings are continually being updated. Please email your listing to:

listings@lgf.org.uk

WE’RE HERE IF YOU NEED US!

HOTELS

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

TRAFALGER PUBLIC HOUSE Gay Friendly South Quay, Douglas, 01624 618131

www.lgf.org.uk

Email: helpline@lgf.org.uk

Local rate applies

www.lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk

43

44