outnorthwest issue 101

FITTER THAN BEYONCE!

NEWS•COMMENT •HEALTH•SPORT•LISTINGS

DECEMBER 2010-JANUARY 2011 ISSUE 101

PUBLISHED BY Registered Charity No.1070904

EN LISTW NO !

10 Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS

THE

T S E R E E U Q SHOW ON !

TV

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S W E I V R E T N I MORE! & EXCLUSIVE • N E R R A W • TONY

SOPHIE

COLLINSON IL H P • N O T T ONY CO & SIAN • ANT

08 EDITOR’S LETTER DEC - JAN 2011

38 test and health, than someone who doesn’t unds surro that a stigm The late. d nose diag is cs are Clini . ated outd is sexual health check ups g bein staff with res, cent e hcar modern healt to help. completely non-judgemental and there name if You don’t even have to give your real treatments and tests all and to, want t don’ you find full are free, and fully confidential. You can about est orthw outn of issue this information in in your area. how you can access clinical services

This World Aids Day (1st December) The Lesbian and Gay Foundation is aiming to encourage men who have sex with men to think about HIV in relation to their sexual partners, with a campaign encouraging guys to know their own HIV status. where Check out the back page of this issue the end of By er. post aign camp the find l you’l le in the 2011 there will be over 100,000 peop West of h Nort the in y Toda HIV. UK living with le living England there are now over 7,729 peop t for men treat ved recei le with HIV. 3,754 peop . These 2009 in e alon ter ches Man ter Grea HIV in tics. are still startling and concerning statis ng undi surro usion conf of lot a There is often en every happ tions infec new but tics statis the men day amongst men who have sex with is so HIV of nosis diag Early UK. here in the one who important because it means that some ted infec are they after is diagnosed not long of long term ce chan r bette a stand will HIV with

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Corrie Elsewhere in this issue we’ve gone here at mad! We’re all huge fans of the soap lucky mely extre were we outnorthwest, and cast and to k spea and set the visit to tly recen queerest, crew about what makes Corrie the out our k Chec . ision telev on campest show Sian, Phil exclusive interviews with Sophie and , starting more s load and Collinson, Tony Warren, 26. on page Paralympic We were also very lucky to speak to is an Lee tly. recen son Pear Lee pion Cham ld all be shou we n inspiration and a sportsma 38. page on view inter the proud of. Read season, make Whatever you’re doing this holiday be back at We’ll one. y happ and safe a sure it’s the end of January.

Grahame

LGF 10

You might have noticed that this issue of outnorthwest is slightly chubbier than normal. Don’t worry, we haven’t overdosed on the turkey leftovers. Nestled neatly in this issue is a retrospective of the last ten years of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation. This year LGF has been celebrating ten years of delivering groundbreaking services to the LGB communities in Greater Manchester and beyond, and this fascinating supplement serves as a snapshot of the last ten years - not only of LGF but of the queer community here in the North West. We hope you enjoy it, and that it might spark some memories.

Here’s to the next ten years!

} REGULARS 06 ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! New regular feature. How the Enough Is Enough campaign is making a difference and how you can get involved.

08 THE AGENDA

An in-depth look at the issues affecting us over the next two months. This issue we focus on the launch of Liverpool’s annual queer arts fest, Homotopia and report back on the party conferences.

17 FABULOUS!

It’s been a busy couple of months, with loads of fundraising!

40 LISTINGS

The most comprehensive guide to the LGBT north west.

28

AS CORRIE CELEBRATES ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY, WE TALK TO THE LGB PEOPLE BEHIND AND IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA.

Registered Charity No.1070904

MISS!

IT’S ALL ABOUT US...

DON’T

10 Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS

}CONTENTS } FEATURES

26 SCREEN TEST!

On the eve of a groundbreaking cervical screening campaign, we explode the myth that lesbians and bisexual women don’t need to screen.

24 BEING LGB

Kevin Maxwell is Liverpudlian, Gay and Black. He shares his experiences - good and bad - with outnorthwest.

} WELLBEING 28 GHT

George House Trust on the popular Positive Gay Men’s Space.

32 OUT OF YOUR MIND? Coming out doesn’t mean you have to overdose on drugs and alcohol...

28 GAY SEX

We talk to guys of all ages about their attitudes to safer sex.

34 WOMEN’S HEALTH

It’s breast cancer awareness month, and we look at the importance of women looking after their health.

} OUT & ABOUT 38 GET IN!

The LGF has just launched a major new LGB sporting guide to the north west. Find out how to get your copy and... get in!

39 SPORTING SHORTS

Manchester bids for the Eurogames, and successfully wins hosting duties for The Bingham Cup...

outnorthwest is published every two months by The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Number 5, Richmond Street, MANCHESTER. M1 3HF. General Enquiries: 0845 3 30 30 30 E-mail: grahame.robertson@lgf.org.uk Cover: Coronation Street, ITV Granada

}EDITOR & LAYOUT Grahame Robertson }DESIGN Mark Eastwood }NEWS EDITOR Joanne Dunning }GAY MEN’S HEALTH EDITOR Peter Boyle }WEB EDITOR Marc Robinson }LISTINGS EDITOR Mark Eastwood }DISTRIBUTION Kate Hardy and Peter Boyle CONTRIBUTORS Kati Szavai; Adam Berry; Emma Peate; Annie Emery; Andrew Gilliver; Peter Boyle; Kate Hardy; Paul Fairweather; GHT; Colin Armstead; Adam Winter; Albert Kennedy Trust; Marc Robinson; Joe Spencer; Lucy Rolfe; Sara Ashworth.

SPECIAL THANKS Brooke Vincent; Sacha Parkinson; Phil Collinson; Tony Warren; Jonathan Harvey; Craig Gazey; Shobna Gulati; Antony Cotton; Michael LeVelle; Sally Dyvenor; David Neilson; Julia Hesmondhalgh; ITV Granada; Everyone at Coronation Street Press Office, who made working on our cover feature this issue such a great experience; Lee Pearson; Paul Jones; Gaydio; and to all of our supporters.

ADVERTISING For information on advertising in outnorthwest, contact us on 0845 3 30 30 30. Or e-mail grahame.robertson@lgf.org.uk DISCLAIMER

Publication of the name or photo of any person in this magazine should not be taken as any indication of the sexual orientation or HIV status of that person.

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

“You can’t rehearse majesty, Mr Tatlock. Either you’ve got it or you haven’t.”

ACTION! ACTION 2011!

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f.org.u www.lg

TAKING

HOW YOU ARE TAKING ACTION AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA EVERY DAY!

ACTION GALLERY

The wonderful band Charming Thieves busked in the name of Enough is Enough! on Spirit Day

page gh is Enough!

It’s not an Enou Paterson (pictured here Joe without him – tony Cotton) Linda and An with his mum Foundation Lesbian & Gay comes to The ard. aw ro He Homo to pick up his

How are YOU taking action against homophobia next year?

Thanks to qg2010 for these amazing Corrie avatars for Anti-Bullying Week. They’re available now on the Enough Is Enough! Facebook page.

Team LGF brave wind, snow and the Old Man of Coniston to raise £500 for the LGB community.

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It’s the time of year where schools, organisations and individuals are encouraged to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people, their history and achievements.

Marking LGBT History Month can have a real impact; one school in North London say that they have more or less eradicated homophobic bullying as a result of celebrating LGBT History Month over the last five years. The Equality & Human Rights Commission’s recent “How Fair is Britain?” report highlighted how much work is still to be done, it revealed that two-thirds of lesbian, gay and bisexual students in Britain report being bullied, and those who are bullied are likely to do 15% worse at GCSE. Here in Manchester, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) have worked with thousands of pupils and staff to encourage understanding between different communities,

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

challenge homophobia and help make schools a safer and more welcoming place for lesbian, gay and bisexual students, staff and parents, as part of the Exceeding Expectations Anti-Homophobic Bullying initiative.

This November, Coronation Street stars Brooke Vincent (Sophie Webster), Sacha Parkinson (Sian Powers) and Antony Cotton (Sean Tully) all supported Exceeding Expectations work in Manchester schools over Anti-Bullying Week.

But across England only 1 in 6 secondary school teachers believe that their school is very active in promoting respect for lesbian, gay and bisexual students. LGBT History Month is a perfect opportunity to change that, so Enough is Enough! is urging you to take action and encourage your local school to celebrate it in February 2011.

You’ve got plenty of time to get planning, and if you need any help or ideas to approach your school with, simply get in touch with the LGF at enough@lgf.org.uk

JOIN THE CAMPAIGN TODAY! There are thousands of you supporting the campaign on Facebook. Join the community today. Search Facebook for ‘Enough is Enough! Action against Homophobia’.

You can also sign up at www.lgf.org.uk/enough. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @lgfoundation

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY 2011

The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2011 (January 27th) is Untold Stories. On Holocaust Memorial Day 2011everybody in the UK is going to be asked to consider an Untold Story; their place in it, and the Untold Stories in their lives.

To commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27 2011 and running into LGBT History Month in February 2011, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation will be playing host to a very special exhibition organised in collaboration with Callum Stubbs, a young man from Carlisle who has previously written a short dissertation on the homosexual victims of the Nazis and Aron Sterk Chair of Manchester Liberal Jewish Community to remember the gay victims of the holocaust and also show what gay life was like in Berlin between the last two world wars.

UNTOLD STORIES: Holocaust Memorial Day & LGBT History Exhibition is currently being put together and will feature posters, photographs, information and hopefully video clips and songs from the Weimar Republic era. The content will focus on the Nazi persecution of gay people, the work of Magnus Hirschfield and the Institut für Sexualwissenschaft, the campaign to repeal paragraph 175,Christopher Isherwood in Berlin, Berlin today and a continuing Holocaust - murder, execution, suicide of LGBT people today that will tie-in with The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s current campaign Enough is Enough! Action against Homophobia.

This small but unique exhibition is aimed to highlight Untold LGBT Stories as we remember the victims of the Holocaust and inspire today’s communities to continue the fight against homophobia.

For more information please e-mail: andrew.gilliver@lgf.org.uk

A gay radio station? It’s all just Madonna, Kylie and Lady GaGa right? Think again! Gaydio’s playlist is more diverse than you might think...

What music does a gay radio station play?

It would be a lie to say that you won’t hear any Madonna or Lady Gaga on Gaydio. But that’s not all the station is about musically. Look in the right places and you’ll find upfront dance DJ’s like Nik Denton on a Friday and Saturday night through to Gaydio’s campest of offerings, The Biz on a Sunday morning - doesn’t everyone secretly love a good musical?

If you’re looking for something a bit beyond the usual , you might also want to tune in weekday evenings from 9pm.

MONDAYS : The AMP The AMP is Gaydio’s Alternative Music Programme, presented by Manchester music connoisseurs Loz Newy and Meera Pattni. The girls play everything and anything left of the mainstream; from progressive nu-folk, through to synthdriven electro beats along with classic indie nod-alongs, rock and punk. The AMP showcases the freshest indie talent, the latest alternative news and a unique perspective on the ever-expanding musical spectrum.

TUESDAYS: The Groove The Groove with Lydia and Candice is Gaydio’s weekly MOBO Show. That’s Music Of Black Origin if you’re not in the know. James Brown, Lionel Ritchie, Missy Elliot: the girls will take you through the decades from the 50s to now – if its black, its in. After all, black is the new

black sweetie. As cool as Ella Fitzgerald, as kitsch as Shabba Ranks.

WEDNESDAYS: The Mirrorball Take trip back to the fabulous gay clubs of yesteryear with The Mirrorball. Brian Day plays 2 hours of Disco Dance Classics from the 70s, 80s and early 90s including some HiNRG and Eurobeat favourites.

If you like the sound of Miquel Brown, Seventh Avenue, Hazel Dean, Diana Ross, Bronski Beat, Dead Or Alive and Divine, then The Mirrorball is for you.

THURSDAYS: The Loop Before La Roux - there was Yazoo! The Loop is Gaydio’s eighties show. New wave, the PWL hit factory, the rise of Madonna, early Madchester - you’ll hear it all in the decade that started with Blondie and ended with Big Fun. Host John Ryan was there the first time round, but if your only eighties references are what you’ve heard at Poptastic, Legends or in retro movies, let The Loop be your guide to the decade from ABC to ZZ Top. Gaydio is on 24 hours a day, so you’ll find plenty off variety across the week. And Gaydio’s specialist shows will soon be available on demand at any time at www.gaydio.co.uk

You can listen across Greater Manchester on 88.4FM and there’s an iPhone app available now! www.lgf.org.uk

07

AGENDA

NEWS

CONTACT US: outnorthwest The Lesbian and Gay Foundation Number 5, Richmond Street Manchester M1 6DD EMAIL: joanne.dunning@lgf.org.uk

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

OVER THE RAINBOW

Prossy.

KATI SZAVAI on the issues facing LGB&T people seeking asylum in the UK. This year’s Supreme Court ruling on gay asylum seekers means that people can no longer be sent home to live discreetly, but now the focus is on proving you are gay, Kati Szavai reports.

On 7th of July the UK Supreme Court announced a decision long overdue: it took several years of campaigning from numerous organisations and high-profile individual cases for the court to reach the verdict that being gay in a country that persecutes homosexuality is sufficient grounds for asylum. However, many cases are still being refused as asylum seekers are at a loss when asked to prove that they’re gay.

The previous stand on LGBT asylum cases was that ‘it was permissible (...) to refuse asylum to a homosexual person who, if returned to their home country, would deny their identity and conceal their sexuality in order to avoid being

08

persecuted, provided that the homosexual person’s situation could be regarded as ‘reasonably tolerable’. This ‘reasonable tolerability’ test would have required gay people to abstain from relationships or even marry for the sake of survival.

A lot of people oppose the idea of asylum, thinking that refugees are ‘free-loading’ off benefits. However, once the individual cases are presented, people quickly understand the horrific treatment many asylum seekers were subjected to in their home countries.

Such was the case with Ugandan lesbian Prossy, whose story was widely reported across the North West. When Prossy’s family found out she was gay they marched her and her partner naked to the police station, where both of them were repeatedly raped and tortured. Homosexuality is punished with lifetime imprisonment in Uganda and Prossy only escaped because her parents bribed the guards to release her – they wanted to save the families’ honour by murdering Prossy.

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

Although her medical report clearly proved the viciousness of the attacks, her case was initially rejected as the judge decided they were ‘random actions of individuals’ and Prossy could return to another town in her country.

Thanks to the effective campaign supported by the Manchester Metropolitan Community Church, Prossy’s case was revisited and she was given refugee status for 5 years. This case has helped others as it has resulted in a better understanding of the situation in these countries. The legal background is now up to date: although the Supreme Court only mentions gay and lesbian asylum seekers, they suggest a similar policy for bisexual and transgender individuals.

July’s ruling has given hope to people like Zac, 19, who now lives in Liverpool. He fled from a strict Muslim country where same-sex relationships are punishable by jail, or even the death penalty. Zac’s solicitor has said that his case to stay in the UK is now stronger thanks to the new legal framework.

However, are the Home Office and the UK Border

WORLD AIDS DAY 2011 p10 1st December is World AIDS Day, and there are a host of events happening across our region. Check out our comprehensive listings on page 10.

A lot of people oppose the idea of asylum, thinking that refugees are ‘freeloading’ off benefits.

However, once the individual cases are presented, people quickly understand the horrific treatment many asylum seekers were subjected to in their home countries.

Agency up to speed with the new ruling? Asylum seekers arriving in the UK may face questions like ‘Why do you choose to be a homosexual when you know it is illegal in your country?’

basing their sentence on whether the applicant had any same-sex relationships before. However, involvement in the gay scene, attending events and having gay friends in the UK can all support the claimants’ cause.” The famous ‘gaydar’ seems Since the Supreme Court made it clear that to work its way into the courtrooms: one of the asylum seekers can’t be told to go home to most effective ways of helping someone’s case is be ‘discreet’, the Home Office’s new focus is other gay people testifying, in person, that they questioning the claimants’ sexual orientation. believe the claimant is gay. Social support groups The Home Office expects evidence of previous such as the Manchester based Gay in the UK and relationships, when the claimant has had to cover the Lesbian Community Project’s Lesbian Asylum up being gay all his or her life in countries where it Group offer initial contact points leading to the is illegal. Also, someone who has been previously gay scene. owever, the LGBT community also questioned or tortured at a police station in their needs to be aware of the invaluable help we can country of origin, will be terrified to speak freely offer gay asylum seekers and their fight to stay in about their sexual orientation to the authorities the country. in the UK. In these trials the importance of the legal representative’s knowledge in the field is For more on this story visit: www.lgf.org.uk vital. Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit (GMIAU) has been providing legal advice for LGBT LGBT Refugee & Asylum Seeker Open Evening asylum seekers for years. Ruth Heatley - a case Tuesday 30 November (6.30-8pm) at the LGF, worker at GMIAU - told us how a court would Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester. Free ‘decide’ someone’s orientation.“The judges often event with refreshments provided. To attend or demonstrate a rather narrow view of sexuality – for more info, email: rainbow@lgf.org.uk

CORRIEFEST!

p15

We’ve gone Corrie mad at outnorthwest this issue. And we’re not the only ones.

Check out details of The Lass O’Gowries CorrieFest event on page 15!

MANCHESTER BASED CONTACT POINTS FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS Greater Manchester Immigration Aid Unit

Provides legal advice to asylum seekers, including LGBT asylum. Their last fundraiser saw Carol Ann Duffy read some of her poems, check out the website for the latest events. www. gmiau.org Tel: 0161 740 7722

Refugee Action

Refugee Action has over 28 years’ experience in the reception, resettlement, development and integration of asylum seekers and refugees. www.refugee-action.org.uk Tel: 0161 831 5420

Lesbian Asylum Group

A social support group for lesbian and bisexual asylum seekers. www.lesbiancommunityproject. co.uk Tel: 0161 273 7128

Gay in the UK

A social support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) asylum seekers and refugees in Greater Manchester. www.refugeeaction.org.uk/manchester/support_groups.aspx Tel:0161 233 1204

David Blank Furniss

A law firm with years’ experience in LGBT asylum. www.mccmanchester.co.uk Tel: 0161 834 3568

OTHER WEBSITES UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group A London based organisation providing support and information to LGBT asylum seekers. www.uklgig.org.uk 020 7922 7812 LGBT Asylum News madikazemi.blogspot.com This blog documents the situations in countries from which LGBT people are fleeing to the UK hoping for a safe haven and the problems they can face from the UK asylum system.

Stonewall Report on LGBT Asylum seekers and the current Home Office practice: www. stonewall.org.uk/nogoingback

www.lgf.org.uk

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AGENDA DECEMBER-JANUARY 2011

NEWS

WORLD AIDS DAY WORLD AIDS DAY LISTINGS

December 1st marks World AIDS Day and it is a time when we come together to remember those we have lost to HIV/AIDS, to support those affected by the virus and to challenge HIV stigma and prejudice.

According to the World Health Organisation there are over 33 million people living with HIV worldwide, and by the end of 2011 there will be over 100, 000 people in the UK living with HIV. World AIDS Day is an international day of action, this year’s theme is “ACT AWARE” and there are lots of events around the region where you can get involved to support those affected by HIV.

MANCHESTER & LIVERPOOL KISSING WITHOUT PREJUDICE FREE exhibition for one night only Wednesday 1st December, at Liverpool Centre for Arts Design, Francey Street, (off Brownlow Hill).and Taurus Bar, Canal Street, Manchester, 4pm - 9pm.

One hundred people from the LGBT community, of all ages and from all walks of life, are to be celebrated in a new photographic exhibition to mark World Aids Day. Liverpool-based photographer Elaine Stapleton, decided to take images of the region’s LGBT community sharing a kiss, to create an inspirational exhibition. All images will be projected onto buildings in the city centres of Manchester and Liverpool simultaneously. www.insightphotography.co.uk LIVERPOOL WORLD AIDS DAY EVENT 1 December at St Georges Hall, Lime Street Liverpool.

7.30 - 8.30pm. FREE event.

During 2010 Sahir House have been celebrating 25 years of HIV services on Merseyside, and are holding a World Aids Day Event in St George’s Hall . With music, speeches, the reading of the remembrance list by candle light finishing with a balloon release. www.sahir.uk.com

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MANCHESTER IS HIV POSITIVE Manchester’s World AIDS Day Partnership (Manchester City Council, Manchester Primary Care Trust - NHS, Black Health Agency, George House Trust, Black Health Agency, and The Lesbian & Gay Foundation) continue their strong commitment throughout Manchester to raise awareness of HIV.

returns for another extravaganza of comedy, dance, song and mayhem! This year there are two nights of fabulous entertainment taking place at Blackburn Empire Theatre 24th Nov, and 53 Degrees Preston on 26th Nov. www. redribboncabaret.com/show.php

MANCHESTER STREET COLLECTIONS Throughout World Aids Week Every year volunteers are out on the streets selling red ribbons in Manchester city centre to raise money for charities that work locally to support those affected by HIV. To get involved E-mail: claire.taylor@lgf.org.uk or call 0845 3 30 30 30.

World AIDS Day, Karaoke and Disco, 7:30pm Friday, 3 December 2010, Stockport Labour Club, Lloyd Street In aid of HIV charities and awareness.www. stockportplus.org/wad

MANCHESTER WORLD AIDS DAY CANDLELIT VIGIL 1st December, 7pm. Sackville Gardens in the heart of the gay village.

George House Trust (who are also celebrating 25 years of HIV services across the region) organise the annual World AIDS Day candlelit vigil for Manchester with a choir, poetry, readings, candles. www.ght.org.uk

Everyone who is HIV positive has a very personal story about how they have been affected by HIV.

BODY POSITIVE NW SEMINAR November 29th, 10.30am-3.30pm What’s Next in Combating HIV Related Stigma?

Policy Approaches and Operational Implications.

Round Table Seminar at Body Positive Northwest, 33 Russell Road,Whalley Range. Tel: 0161 882 2200. E-mail info@bpnw.org.uk LGF RAPID HIV TESTING CLINIC Every Thursday (4pm - 6pm) at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3HF. Results within 30 minutes, no appointment necessary. www.lgf.org.uk

STOCKPORT

GAYDIO WORLD AIDS DAY SPECIAL

Join Gaydio this World Aids Day to hear the heartwarming stories from people who are living with HIV. You can get Gaydio on 88.4fm in Greater Manchester, online at www.gaydio.co.uk or you can download the iPhone app.

NATIONAL AIDS TRUST The National AIDS Trust (NAT) has launched their 2010 World AIDS Day campaign - a petition for a national strategy on HIV. The HIV charity highlight that the cur rent national strategy for HIV and sexual health in England expires at the end of 2010 and there are currently no plans to replace it.

BLACKBURN & PRESTON

NAT is calling on the Prime Minister to fulfil this commitment and put in place from 2011 a national strategy to combat HIV.Sign the petition for a national strategy on HIV - http://bit.ly/ HIVstrategy

Lancashire’s annual HIV awareness and fund raising event is back! The Red Ribbon Cabaret

Please read our gay men’s health pages on pages 29, 31 & 36, 37.

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

AGENDA DECEMBER-JANUARY 2011

NEWS

CIVIL PARTNERSHIP: 5 YEARS ON

FOR BETTER OR WORSE? Over 40,000 same sex couples have registered for Civil Partnerships in 5 years.

As the debate for gay marriage equality continues it’s worth noting that in the five years since the establishment of Civil Partnerships a total of 40,237 civil partnerships have been formed in the UK. Last year same-sex couples formed 6,281 civil partnerships (3,227 male and 3,054 female) in the UK. The number of civil partnerships in the UK peaked in the first quarter of 2006 at 4,869.

The high numbers for 2006 reflected the fact that many same-sex couples in longstanding relationships took advantage of the opportunity to formalise their relationship as soon as the legislation was implemented. The number of civil partnerships has since fallen to an average of 1,570 per quarter in 2009.

In 2009, 11 per cent of men and 21 per cent of women forming a civil partnership in the UK had been in a previous marriage or civil partnership. By the end of 2009, 0.9 per cent of male civil partnerships in the UK had ended in dissolution, while 2.1 per cent of all UK female partnerships had ended in dissolution.

THE EQUAL LOVE CAMPAIGN A Populus opinion poll for The Times in June 2009 found that 61 per cent of the public believe that ‘gay couples should have an equal right to get married, not just to have civil partnerships’.

Currently there is no equality in the law to address the difference between same-sex couples who can register a civil partnership and heterosexual couples who cannot have a civil partnership but have the right to marry each other in eyes of the law. The Equal Love campaign co-ordinated by human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell and sponsored by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender human rights organisation OutRage! received a setback recently when the first of eight straight and gay couples trying to challenge English law were denied permission .The Rev Sharon Ferguson and her partner Franka Streitzel were denied permission to get married in early November.

“In a democratic society, we should all be equal before the law, the ban on same sex marriage and opposite sex civil partnership is a form of sexual apartheid.“ says Mr.Tatchell.

“One law for gay couples and another law for heterosexual partners. Just as gay couples should be allowed to marry civil partnerships should be available to heterosexual couples.”

The UK government is currently considering the way forward for civil partnerships including how some religious organisations might be able to allow same sex couples the opportunity to register their relationship in a religious setting if that is what they want to do.

...AND WHAT IF YOU’RE TRANSGENDER? Over the summer the Government has been engaging with a wide range of interested parties including LGBT groups and organisations to discuss a broad range of issues including how this matter affects trans people.

Christine Burns MBE was closely involved with the previous Government in the drafting and passing of The Gender Recognition Act. She says, “The punitive provision in the Gender Recognition Act requiring married trans people to dissolve strong and loving marriages in return for full legal

recognition was something we fought hard, but unsuccessfully, to oppose at the time. The requirement was put there by the previous Government because of the equally unsatisfactory decision to restrict civil partnership to same sex couples and marriage to opposite sex unions. Married trans people were the ‘collateral damage’.

The two issues are so closely linked that any change must almost certainly address both issues. That must mean simultaneous consultation with both the trans and LGB communities, who need to learn again how to work in trust with one-another on this.”

WHAT THE LGF BELIEVE The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (along with other gay rights groups in the UK) believe in full marriage equality for those lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people who wish to get married, and likewise that civil partnerships should be available to heterosexual couples.

Equality means that we all have the same access to the legal opportunities to express our love and commitment, and at the moment this is not the case. www.lgf.org.uk

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AGENDA DECEMBER-JANUARY 2011

NEWS

KATE HARDY OPINION

PAUL FAIRWEATHER OPINION

A video you just have to watch...

One new message...

Social networking. Whether it’s constantly checking Facebook for fear of missing a vital notification, or logging on to Grindr when you’re sat on the number 86 on your way to Asda feeling a bit frisky.

Online chat has even taken a back seat to make way for more instant communication such as Twitter. We just can’t be arsed to type loads of words anymore. Why bother when you can summarise your feelings in just140 characters? I myself am a complete Facebook whore, I’ll admit.

It’s interesting, though, as I hardly ever use the chat function. The thought of ‘interacting’ (you know, one person saying something, then the other person saying something in response etc etc) is, to be honest, a complete inconvenience to me.

Don’t get me wrong, I talk to people face to face rather than online when I can, my Facebook usage is probably average, and I’m not even on the female equivalent to Grindr (oddly named Qrushr). But, it still worries me. I can’t seem to remember a time when I wasn’t on Facebook, and I couldn’t access the web on my mobile. What on earth did I do in these dark years? Look out of the window or, God forbid, read a book? Maybe this world that was previously unavailable to us is a good thing. We can feel close to someone half way around the world, and still feel connected, even in the smallest way, to people who you may never even meet again. But, just as it can be a productive medium, Facebook can also breed gossip and rumours, with some preferring to air their dirty laundry through their status updates (I think we all know someone who does this, don’t we?). Ex-relationships can be troublesome too (who’s that girl my ex has just added on Facebook? Are they dating? Has she completely forgotten about me? Why is she so heartless?

Etc etc), and, before you know it, most of the information you consume throughout the day is taken from a social networking site.

So, if you’re a social networking butterfly like me, enjoy it for what it is, but remember, this world can be distorted in more ways than one, and whatever you do, please don’t delete me as a friend, I would, like, completely die. LMAO.

I recently watched the most powerful clip on You Tube of an American local councillor in Fort Worth Texas talking about the recent spate of gay suicides in the States.

He used an opportunity at a local council meeting to talk about his own experiences of growing up gay and promised that it does get better. His speech has now been watched by over 1.5 million people on You Tube and became an worldwide sensation.

The whole of his speech was shown CNN News and he has been interviewed on local, national and international TV stations. It’s so powerful because Joe speaks from the heart about the difficulties he had when he was younger, but can talk now about the love he has from his partners, family and friends and say with absolute certainty that it will get better. It’s powerful because he’s a public figure from his local community speaking out.

The level of suicide of young gay people in the States highlights the damage that public outpourings of hatred and homophobia can do, especially to young people who are still very unsure about their sexuality and there place in the world.

One teenager killed himself after listening to a debate in a local council meeting full of hatred and homophobia.

I can still remember vividly as a young teenager the strong sense that my life was doomed. In my case in the early 70’s I also thought I was the only gay person in the world – never mind in the village – I heard so little that was public or positive about being gay that I was convinced I would be miserable and unhappy. If I could have spoken to the teenage me and told myself of the fun

Kate 12

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

and friendship, the range of experiences and the acceptance and support I would have in my life how much of a difference it would have made to those isolated times in my life.

Pressures on young people and the growing living of life through more public social networks can make it more difficult to protect young people.

I was bullied at school for being gay but when I went home was left alone –no texts or Twitter or Facebook. Although we have far greater legal equality and acceptance and visibility if we do not challenge homophobic bullying of young people we will still see too many cases of suicide, attempted suicide and self harm. We need more and different role models which can reflect the huge range of our lives and experiences.

So watch Joe Burns speech on You Tube (just serach for Councilman Joel Burns) and send the clip to your friends. Lets have more of a debate about what is happening o our people wherever they are, whoever they are and how old or young they are. Support a similar initiative that Stonewall has produced in this country with positive messages to young people that being gay is fine. Lobby your local schools to make sure they are doing all they can to challenge homophobia and creating an environment where young lesbian and gay men can flourish Above all lets us ensure that we do all we can to convince those young people who might be thinking that there lives are ruined that it will get better. That there will be a time in their lives when their sexuality is a fine and complete part of their lives.

Paul

AGENDA DECEMBER-JANUARY 2011

NEWS

BLACKPOOL BE INSPIRED!

BLACKPOOL CRUISING

NEW SEXUAL HEALTH WORK WITH ASIAN COMMUNITIES The Lesbian & Gay Foundation have partnered up with our colleagues at Trade Sexual Health in Leicester, to conduct some innovative work with Asian Men who identify as gay or men who have sex with men (MSM).

Cruising has been a part of gay life for centuries, and just because there are many other places to meet men these days such as bars, saunas and online many guys still frequent places like the Middle Walk area of Blackpool seafront which has been a well-known cruising spot since the first part of the last century.

Lots of guys go cruising, whether they don’t like or don’t identify with other places or venues, or if they like the feelings of danger or excitement of what might happen.

This idea of risk may draw some men to cruising grounds, but in January 2007 Malcolm Benfold was murdered on the Middle Walk in a homophobic related assault and robbery. After a high profile investigation and with great support from the gay and cruising community three criminals were found guilty in September 2007. However reports continue of trouble on the Middle Walk.

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation has some simple suggestions for how to play safer – • Wait to be invited before approaching someone.

• Remember everyone has the right to stop at any time, if they are uncomfortable with the situation for any reason.

• Litter or having sex where others can see you will and does attract police attention.

• Check out entrances and exits before you

start, so that if there is any trouble you have a quick getaway point.

• Tell someone where you’re going (if you can).

• Don’t take anything valuable out with you.

• If you’re wasted (on anything) you’ll be much less able to handle yourself and might do something you may regret later on.

• Always use condoms and lube to avoid STI’s like HIV. • If trouble happens, report it.

It isn’t illegal to cruise or have sex in public, as long as other people can’t see and there’s no litter or other illegal activities taking place. Men who want to cruise have as much right as anyone else to be treated with respect and to be protected by the police. But men also have a responsibility to protect themselves. Attackers and robbers now go to the Middle Walk as men who cruise for sex are seen as an ‘easy target’.

HELP AND SUPPORT Blue Phone: 07940 979610.

This is the phone that is held 24/7 by a police volunteer who is gay and which allows people a contact point if you may not trust the police, but want to report an incident or ask a question that is police related.

Sgt Steve Hodgkins: 01253 604110 or steven.hodgkins@lancashire.pnn.police.uk PC Julie Hall: 01253 604244 or julie.hall@lancashire.pnn.police.uk For local support in Blackpool contact SHIVER: 01253 311431. And don’t forget, you can speak to The Lesbian & Gay Foundation. Call us on 0845 3 30 30 30

The project, which is to commence in December, will provide targeted engagement and information for Asian MSM. Through focus groups and on going discussion and support, Asian MSM will be able to talk about and share their experiences, identifying what they feel are the barriers and enablers to engage in safer sex.

Findings from this innovative project will be shared with the community and wider stakeholders, via a report and the production of a toolkit on targeted engagement with Asian MSM.

SURVIVORS MANCHESTER Survivors Manchester is an organisation for male survivors of sexual abuse. Its new website has now been launched and already is getting some incredible feedback.

Over the next month they will be looking at the site and any feedback and beginning a continual state of improvement: www. survivorsmanchester.org.uk

FANCY A CRISP £20 FOR 1 HOURS WORK?

As outnorthwest 100 went to press Manchester Pride were still counting the money raised for local LGBT and HIV good causes at this year’s festival.

However, Festival Jackie Are you freeDirector starting atCrozier 6pm on announced at the Manchester Pride Dinner Thursday 2nd December? hosted by Hot Village on September 23rd, that a phenomenal £110,000 had been counted so far.

LGF are looking for young gay or bisexual men between to give their Manchester Pride18-25 will announce the opinions total raised oncharity a newat national HIVfestival prevention for this year’s by thecampaign middle of aimed at men who have sex with men, October. through the CHAPS partnership.

For updates visit: www.manchesterpride.com

For more information please email: shaun.lloyd@lgf.org.uk or call 0845 3 30 30 30. www.lgf.org.uk

13

AGENDA DECEMBER-JANUARY 2011

NEWS

COMING ‘OUT’ SOON

In July 2010, the LGF staff team donated the funds for their staff day to publish a new resource especially for families of people who have just come out. ‘Our Kids are All Right’ is an information booklet due to be released in February for parents and relatives of people who have recently come out, or are thinking of coming out. It contains tips, mythbusters and plenty of real life stories, aimed at families whether they’re finding it hard to come to terms with the news, or want to find out how best to support their son or daughter. The guide will be released in February.

WANTED: YOUR EXPERIENCES OF WORKING IN THE NHS Have you ever, or do you still, work in the NHS? We’re looking for memories and experiences of LGB staff, from significant moments in the service’s history to personal anecdotes. Whether you were there in the early days or have recently started, whatever your role or experience, we’d love to hear your story! Email: andrew.gilliver@lgf.org.uk

CALLING CHINESE LGBT’S IN MANCHESTER Calling Chinese LGBT’s in Gtr Manchester Manchester Chinese Centre are compiling an archive that tells the history of the Chinese in Greater Manchester and it’s not complete without the stories of Chinese LGBT people! More info at www. manchesterchinesearchive.org.uk/ or email direct archive@mchinesecentre.org.uk in Chinese or English.

OUT AT WORK? Is it important for you to declare your sexual orientation to your work colleagues?

Does it annoy you that people presume you are heterosexual and you feel that you have to out yourself every time a work colleague asks about your boyfriend /girlfriend/husband or wife? Sexual orientation monitoring is a key area of interest for organisations like The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, and we want to know what you think on this subject. www.lgf.org.uk/are-you-out-at-work/

RESEARCH

ADULT LEARNING & LGBT PEOPLE LGF & Babock Research to conduct new research project.

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation in partnership with Babcock research and the Gender Identity Research and Education Society have been commissioned by the Skills Funding Agency to conduct a national research project around the experiences of LGB&T people within adult learning.

The aim of this project is to provide evidence about the experiences and views of learners

with the protected characteristics of sexual orientation and gender identity .

This research will quantify the issues faced by LGB&T learners, as well as gather evidence to inform the Skills Funding Agency on future strategies to help and support LGB&T learners in the future.

If you identify as LGB&T and are currently involved within adult learning and interested in participating in this research please email: info@lgf.org.uk

MEETING THE NEEDS OF YOUNG LGB&T LEARNERS The Lesbian & Gay Foundation in partnership with the Accrington & Rossendale College have been awarded funds from the Learning & Skills Improvement Services Equality and Diversity Partnership Project Fund.

The project will establish the most effective method to ensure that needs of young Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender

(LGB&T) learners in the Accrington & Rossendale area will be met by the College.

The project will provide the opportunity to better understand the needs of LGB&T learners to maximise their participation and retention within education and reach their full potential.

If you identify as LGB&T and are currently studying at the Accrington & Rossendale College and interested in participating, please email info@lgf.org.uk for more info.

FREE LEGAL ADVICE! Did you know that the legal surgery at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation has been here when you need it for over three years and during that time we have had many people come through the doors and access this unique service?

Our partners Les Patient and Simon Harkinson continue to provide free general legal advice at the heart of the gay village here at Number 14

5, Richmond Street. The issues they can deal with range from employment to housing to civil partnerships and everything in between.

The service operates every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 6pm until 8pm from the LGF. No appointment is necessary, just drop in.

For more info, please contact the LGF on 0845 3 30 30 30.

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

AGENDA DECEMBER-JANUARY 2011

NEWS

WE LOVE CORRIE!

CO-OP FINANCIAL ADVICE

We’ve gone Corrie mad here. And so have The Lass O’Gowrie...

CO-OP LGBT NETWORK

Over the years many a stereotype has been busted on the cobbles of Coronation Street. Way back in 1998, Hayley Cropper toddled on to the Street making Corrie the first soap to introduce a trans character and tackle gender identity issues.

Since then, we’ve seen Todd Grimshaw outed, his brother Jason win Mr Gay Weatherfield, Blanche thinking that Ken was having a homoerotic affair with Ted - Gail’s gay dad, and of course we’ve watched as the hardest working seamstress and barmaid in the land – Mr Sean Tully – copped off with Michelle Connor’s boyfriend and then became a baby daddy!

But it’s this year’s action that makes 2010 Corrie’s queerest year yet! It might have taken the show 50 years to get round to their first lesbian storyline, but boy have they run with it. The love story between Sophie Webster and Sian Powers has been a realistic and touching portrayal of what can happen when teens come out.

outnorthwest isn’t the only one celebrating the queerst street in Britain. One of Manchester’s most iconic pubs is proud to host a one day celebration of Corrie on Sunday, 12th December from 10am11pm (Doors open 9am) The event has been backed

by Corrie Producer Phil Collinson who will be in attendance on the day, together with Casting Director June West and Director Graeme Harper, whilst celebrated rock photographer Karen McBride will be official photographer for the day. Expect ale, gossip, hotpots, screenings, talks and appearances from star guests from both sides of the camera!

The Lass O’Gowrie, 36 Charles Street, Manchester, M1 7DB.Tel: 0161 273 6932. Or e-mail: info@ thelass.co.uk Tickets cost £9.95 (All profit from the tickets sales will be donated to charity including The Lesbian & Gay Foundation and The Teenage Cancer Trust Unit at Christie Hospital) available from: www.wegottickets.com/event/98900 As Coronation Street celebrates its 50th year, Joanne Dunning caught up with the show’s cast, crew and creator to find out what makes it the queerest show on TV. Read all about it on pages 26, 27 & 28.

LIVERPOOL

DA-DA FEST

Deaf and disability arts festival showcases talent in Liverpool.

The UK’s leading and biggest deaf and disability arts festival celebrates its tenth year in 2010.

The events listed below which are happening as part of this year’s DaDaFest which are cobranded with Homotopia, andtaking place until 30th November 2010. For more on the festival visit www.dadafest2010.co.uk Thursday 25th November, 8.30pm FAT. Written and performed by Pete Edwards directed by Michael Achtman, FAT is the multi-media journey of a gay, disabled man in search of his heart’s desire. Combining innovative movement and images with bizarre and poignant anecdotes. Tickets £8 ( £6 concessions) .Tel: 0151 702 5234 or www. thebluecoat.org.uk Saturday 20th November 11am - 4pm, The Powerhouse Of The Supermen – Does

Gay Culture Exclude Otherness? The Powerhouse of Supermen’,is a day long event that looks at the still prevalent ethos of the body beautiful within the gay community: the gym ‘gaydonis’ culture. The event looks at this from the perspective of gay men and women, but also disability gay men and women.

This event is FREE but please register via 0151 702 5324 or: www.thebluecoat.org.uk Saturday 27th November, 8pm Corpo Ilicito. In their most recent production, Guillermo and Roberto use their bodies as a canvass to express the overwhelming feeling of political reinvention and combine their flair for experimental aesthetics, humour, music and audience participation to immerse the viewer with their artistic and political message. Collectively know as La Pocha Nostra, they are amongst the most celebrated performance artists in the world .

Tickets £8 ( £6) concessions. Tel: 0151 702 5234 or ww.thebluecoat.org.uk

The Co-operative’s LGBT Network is going from strength to strength. In 2008, the business turned up the focus on LGBT matters and a Diversity Champion was appointed to represent the 120,000 people which are employed nationwide in its diverse range of businesses ranging from Food to Pharmacy, Banking to Funerals. The organisation also boasts six million members who share in the profits of the business twice a year and also get their chance to say how the business should be run.

George Meudell, Diversity Champion, commented, “The last few years have seen us grow and grow as a Network and we are now around 500 strong in number.” The Network, called Respect, is run by a Steering Group who represent different areas of interest such as People, Product, Communications and Social. George commented, “Our People Coordinator works with the businesses to ensure our HR procedures engage LGBT colleagues, for example, at induction and through well-being programmes.

Meanwhile, our Product Co-ordinator works with the businesses to promote relevant products and services to the LGBT community”. The Network demonstrates the desire for LGBT people to feel welcomed and accepted by their employer and that LGBT issues need to be taken seriously.

George continues, “Gay/straight, black/white, tall/ small – we are all equally capable and we should be judged purely on our contribution to the business or organisation we work for. But in my view it is every organisation’s duty needs to create an environment where employees are empowered to make that contribution and that requires a commitment to diversity of talent and a zero tolerance of discrimination and bullying on any grounds, not least sexual orientation. The Respect Network helps create that inclusive environment and guide the business on LGBT matters. This is especially important for The Cooperative which has ethical business at its core and was founded on the principles of community focus, equality and solidarity. We work with a dedicated Diversity team at The Co-operative who help progress inclusiveness across the diversity spectrum.”

The success of The Respect Network in this area has placed The Co-operative firmly in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index’s Top 100 employers list and through its innovative marketing techniques has led it to appear in a recent publication produced by Stonewall on how to market to gay consumers. It has also stepped up its presence at Pride events up and down the country with a big presence at Manchester Pride as a main sponsor, along with presence at Brighton, Nottingham and Stoke to name a few!

For more information on the Respect Network you can email respectLGBT@co-operative.coop and for information on the Co-operative log on to www.co-operative.coop www.lgf.org.uk

15

AGENDA DECEMBER-JANUARY 2011

NEWS

YOUNG PEOPLE

THE DAY THINGS FINALLY GOT BETTER

The disturbing rise in suicide of young LGB people is cause for concern. If you’re young and struggling with your sexuality, there is help out there.

LUCY ROLFE investigates.

In recent months, there have been a disturbing number of young people in America deciding to end their own lives. This brings up all kinds of questions: did they all have some sort of pact? Why would they do this at such a young age? How did things get so bad? The answer is chillingly simple: they were bullied because of their sexuality.

Bullying can be life-shattering, it ruins your confidence, makes you feel alone, isolated and victimised. We frequently see pictures in the media of young people who have fallen victim to homophobic attacks, and the message is always clear: this must stop – but how much really changes?

This is where Joel Burns comes in. An unknown council member from Fort Worth in Texas took things into his own hands on 13th October and did what it now feels like has needed to be done for years; he told his story.

In the 12-minute video posted on YouTube, Joel opened up about the pain he suffered as a teenager, feeling different, singled out, ashamed of whom he was and always in fear of someone finding out that he was gay.

For some of you reading this, the story will be starting to sound all too familiar, and when Joel then went on to try to talk about one particularly dark day, after bullies:“said 16

Tyler Clementi, who committed suici de in October this year, after being bulli ed.

FINDING AND OFFERING SUPPORT If you, or someone else is feeling suicidal, make an appointment to speak to your GP or call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90.

To support our Enough Is Enough! campaign and pledge to end homophobia, visit www.lgf.org.uk/ enough

“The truth is you’re NOT alone, and there are people out there who can help... give yourself the chance to find out.”

that I was a faggot and that I should die” you could almost feel shockwaves rippling through the country. Joel couldn’t talk about what happened next on that day, it was too painful for him to recall, but what he did say, perhaps more importantly than that, was one clear, simple message: It gets better. Looking back at what he could have missed out on, Joel makes an emotional plea to put an end to homophobic bullying and urges young people out there to stick around and find out what life can offer.

Perhaps because Joel’s message is so personal, it has become an internet phenomenon, a story young LGBT people can relate to. There aren’t many things in life that can make you feel as alone as being bullied; the thoughts creep into your head that it would be easier if

CONTACT THE LGF

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

you weren’t here, or even that you must have done something to deserve the abuse you endure. The truth is that you’re not alone, and there are people out there who can help, and most importantly as Joel’s message so clearly states: it gets better, just give yourself a chance to find out. And remember, we’re here if you need us.

If you need to talk in a safe space in confidence, with someone who won’t judge you, call, email or pop-in to see us any time between 10am and 10am. The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s contact details are listed below.

Or, if you’d like to find out about our FREE counselling service for under-25s, email counselling@lgf.org.uk or call us on 0845 3 30 30 30 and ask for Lucy or Chris.

Contact us on 0845 3 30 30 30, visit our website at www.lgf.org.uk, drop us an email at info@lgf.org.uk or pop in and see us at Number 5, Richmond Street Manchester M1 3HF (we’re above Queer)

Registered Charity No.1070904

10 Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

r the LGF

FUNdraising fo

www.lgf.org.uk

2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS

R A E Y NEW !

U O Y NEW ESSENTIAL

X FACTOR

Whether you’re a Wagner fan or on Team Cher Lloyd, get down to Essential who’ll be hosting a live PA from an X-Factor finalist every Saturday night until Boxing Day when they’ll be hosting the series winner! We’ll be fundraising at Essential every Saturday night with an X-Factor finalist so if you see us, make sure you make a donation! We’d like to say a MASSIVE thank you to Essential for having us!

2CH0ALL1EN1GE If you’re thinking that 2011 is going to be your year to get out there and get active then why not sign up to one of our charity challenges?

Charity challenges are a great way to stick to those New Year resolutions, giving you a goal and a sense of achievement to make it all worthwhile!

They’re also a great way to raise some much needed cash for a great cause! Why not hit the ground running and join team LGF at the Great Manchester Run on Sunday May 15th. Britain’s premier 10k run is open to all abilities whether you were born to run or just getting started!

We have 20 places available on a first come first served basis.

If running isn’t for you then take the plunge and join team LGF at a Great Outdoor Swim.

The one mile (about 64 lengths in a 25m pool)

GOING OLD SKOOL!

outdoor swims take place around the UK either at Lake Windermere, Strathclyde Loch or Salford Quays and are open to all abilities whether you’re a water baby or a tri-athlete! Entry is just £25 includes your entry fee, event pack (Great Swim swim hat to keep and timing chip), Great Swim souvenir medal and t-shirt, not to mention the huge sense of achievement!

Pedal Power! Team LGF will also be at the Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride! Starting at Old Trafford and pedalling on till at Blackpool’s South Promenade on Sunday 10th July. We’ll also be here to give you all the help and advice you need in raising sponsorship from your friends and family.

If you’d like to take part in any of these charity challenges then don’t delay! Contact Joe at Joe.spencer@lgf.org.uk or on 0161 235 8012.

Get down to Puzzles Bar, Liverpool for a back to school themed wild night of Karaoke, raffle, quiz and dancing! Free shot for those in school uniform! All money raised from the evening goes directly to The Lesbian & Gay Foundation.

Date TBC

DEAD GOOD!

Zombie Pride returned with a vengeance this Halloween raising an incredible £2017.22! A massive thank you to everyone who came, dressed up and made Zombie Pride 3 the best ever! A special thank you goes to Legends - who hosted the mayhem, The New Union where the Zombie Crawl began then on to The Parlour and Belinda Scandal’s. We couldn’t have done it without you! www.lgf.org.uk

17

YOUR WAY

UP

FOCUS ON: MEN

EDWARD CARPENTER COMMUNITY The Edward Carpenter Community offers men who have sex with men, a safe and supportive environment as an alternative to the commercial gay seen.

The Manchester branch of this national organisation holds ‘Heart Circle’ meetings every fortnight for gay men to share their feelings with one another. For more information please contact paul.melia@btinternet.com. On 28 November there is a one day event at the LGF ‘Gayzing into our future’ featuring a speech by Peter Tatchell.

Contact: andrew.mccall@care4free.net or ring: 0161 941 1534) For more general info visit www.gaycommunity.org.uk

TRANS GUYS Created by a mix of happy coincidence and hard work in 2005, MORF continues to thrive as the Manchester-based group for FTMs in the Northwest.

MORF offers support and socializing opportunities for anyone born or raised as female who identifies anywhere along the FTM/male spectrum, whether or not they intend to transition. We meet once a month on the fourth Monday from 7pm at the Gay Centre on Sidney Street, just behind the Eighth Day Café, off Oxford Road. The majority of the meetings are for transguys only but there are a number each year which are open to SOFFAs (Significant Others, Friends, Family and Allies) including the very popular Pride Social and Christmas meal!

For more info email morf@morf.org.uk, visit www.morf.org.uk or find MORF on Facebook.

GAY FARMERS The Gay Farmers helpline (07837 931894) was set up last Christmas by the Agricultural Chaplaincy in Cheshire and has had an overwhelming response to its service, from farmers young and old, married and single.

The helpline is looking for people with rural knowledge and an understanding of gay issues to become part of its service. The helpline has been a life line for its users:“Today is much better than yesterday. Our chat did me the world of good, am able to talk about issues that I bottle up. Knowing that there are people that understand makes all the difference”.

18

FOCUS ON: HOME & FAMILY

FAMILY MATTERS LESBIAN & BISEXUAL WOMEN PARENTS

Rainbow families are a social group run by and for lesbians and bisexual women who have children or are thinking of having children.

There are regular drop-ins (including a free crèche for the smaller children and organised activities for older children) for socialising, peer support and information-sharing.

Rainbow Families also organise a wide variety of leisure events and the highlight of the year is a weekend away in Wales. Many activities, including the drop-ins, are free and we fundraise so that we can offer partly or fully subsidised places to families.

If you would like more info please email: rainbow_families@hotmail.com.

PARENTS OF LGB CHILDREN Manchester Parents Group is a voluntary organisation for parents of LGB sons/daughters and in 2011 will be celebrating 25 years of helping parents on their own personal journey to greater

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

understanding and acceptance of their child’s sexuality. The group continues to flourish and meets each month at Taurus on Canal Street in Manchester as an informal support group, and there is also web based support (www.manpg. co.uk) and a telephone helpline (0845 652 2674).

HOUSING & SUPPORT FOR LGB&T YOUNG PEOPLE The Albert Kennedy Trust, based in Manchester and London has provided housing help and support to LGB&T young people for over 20 years.

The Manchester office is now welcoming a new operations manager Annette Pinner (annette@ akt.og.uk 0161 228 3308) who will be helping the Trust develop a family mediation service and its own direct managed housing. If you would like to find out more about AKT’s work or volunteer with us then please contact Annette.

They are particularly looking for carers in the Manchester City area. If you know of a young LGBT person in Greater Manchester who is at risk of becoming homeless please let them know that AKT is here for them.

NORTH WEST FOCUS ON: TRANS

TRANS GROUP MARKS FIRST ANNIVERSARY The Trans Resource and Empowerment Centre (TREC) celebrated its first birthday on Saturday, 13th November. Around 50 people from the North West trans community joined in the celebrations, held at TheLesbian & Gay Foundation at 5 Richmond Street (where TREC meets the second Saturday of the month).

TREC is the first service-providing organisation for the UK trans

community and an executive member of the recently-formed National LGB&T Partnership.

TREC provides a monthly programme of activities centred on well-being and empowerment and hosts a number of workshops and social/support groups.

More information about TREC, including forthcoming events and contact information, can be found at www.transcentre.org.uk

FOCUS ON: EDUCATION

PINK TRIANGLE THEATRE Pink Triangle Theatre is committed to challenging homophobia in educational settings and has delivered its SHOW ONE! Theatre piece and discussion workshops to over 1,000 people.

PTT also recently launched it’s ‘Tell it like

FOCUS ON: CUMBRIA

THE SPENDING CUTS AND YOU... voice their concerns about life in Cumbria for LGB&T people. One of the key actions

On 23rd October Cumbria County Council asked OutReach Cumbria (LGBT project) to consult with the LGB and T communities on its proposed spending review and the affects these reviews might have on service provision in Cumbria.

OutReach Cumbria will be exploring is the provision of a Cumbria LGBT telephone helpline.

For more information contact Richard on outreachc@btinternet.com

Participants from across the county came together, to

FOCUS ON: LANCASHIRE

NAVAJO CHARTER MARK

it is campaign’, which aims to ‘tell it like it is’, to ALL of their audiences, regardless of age.

The Navajo LGB&T Charter Mark in Lancashire is now celebrating 11 years of helping Lancashire organisations and businesses to take positive steps to include LGB&T people.

the county. Anybody in the Lancashire region expressing an interest in or wishing to apply for the Charter Mark can do so by visiting www.navajoonline. org or write to:

For more information visit www. pinktraingletheatre.co.uk, email info@ pinktriangletheatre.org.uk or call Paul on 07932 928134.

The Navajo Mark now has now been achieved by over 130 Lancashire organisations from across

Navajo c/o Drew James Drake LGBT Project Officer, Age Concern Central Lancashire, Stoneygate, Preston PR1 3XT

VOLUNTEERING AT

THE LESBIAN & GAY FOUNDATION

If you want to have a chat before this though, please do give me a call, email me or drop in to the office even if it’s just to say hello. The same applies for anybody out there who is thinking of volunteering and would like more information, particularly as moving to 5 Richmond Street will generate some new exciting volunteer opportunities!”

For further details please see our website www.lgf.org.uk, email me on Claire.taylor@lgf.org.uk or call me on 0845 3 30 30 30.

WE’RE HERE IF YOU NEED US

Registered Charity No.1070904

“Hello! I’m Claire

and I recently took up post as Volunteer Manager, which is a brand new role at LGF. I can already see there is amazing work happening every day which would not be possible without the commitment and dedication of our volunteers.

Over the next couple of months I’d love to have a chat with as many existing volunteers as I can, and will soon be inviting volunteers to come in and give feedback so watch this space for more details!

10 Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS

Words: Chris Morley

Photos Paul Jones (Exposure)

Many men pretend HIV doesn’t exist and avoid thinking, talking and doing much about it. There’s a core of guys who really are putting their head under the duvet by taking risks, but hoping HIV somehow misses them.

While most men act smart around HIV most of the time, and many of us slip up sometimes, some guys are really pretending, wishing and hoping.

Thousands of NW gay and bi men, more than half the NW men in the gay men’s sex survey, had anal sex without a condom sometime last year. Last year in North West England • 1 in 3 gay and bi men have never even taken a HIV test • Almost 1 in 5 gay and bi men who have a regular partner don’t even know their partner’s HIV status • 1 in 5 gay and bi men told the gay men’s sex survey they thought they may even have got or passed on HIV • Ten men out of every one hundred gay and bi men have HIV; and three out of those one hundred men don’t even know it.

Why do so many smart men among us put our heads under the duvet and act like ostriches around HIV? Men who have never had a HIV test or who haven’t had one recently, men who have regular partners but who haven’t found out each other’s HIV status, men having anal sex without condoms while knowing they are taking risks, could find HIV is already there under their duvet.

Act Aware

Many guys act like HIV risks just aren’t there. Almost half the gay men having casual sex never talk about HIV status with their partners. are positive, encourage the men you know to take tests

Act Aware is the slogan for World AIDS Day (Wednesday 1 December) and this means face the HIV facts, up our game, and be smarter around HIV in future.

• Act Aware Once a day, say something positive about men living with HIV

• Act Aware Take a HIV test now, if you have never tested • Act Aware Take a HIV test every year, when you are undiagnosed

Some men find HIV status embarrassing or hard to talk about, worrying that chatting about HIV will frighten the guy off. Thinking,‘If I say anything, he won’t have me. If I talk about condoms, I may lose the guy.’

• Act Aware Talk about HIV with partners, regular and casual

But saying nothing and not using a condom puts your and your partner’s health on the line.

• Act Aware If you have a condom-less shag, test and talk again

It’s better to be safe than sorry. Lots of men are honest, but many men don’t truly know their HIV status because they have never tested, or tested too long ago. Three out of every one hundred gay and bi men you see in our saunas, bars, clubs, and on the web in NW England do not know they have HIV. Ten in every hundred men around us have HIV.

• Act Aware If you and he do not talk about HIV, assume one of you has HIV and use a condom • Act Aware Be cool when a guy tells you he’s positive; respect, not shun and shame • Act Aware Try this: this World AIDS Day spend the 24 hours as if you already have HIV; and if you 20

TALK, TEST, TELL

www.lgf.org.uk

Talking

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

Most of us can’t be certain of another man’s HIV status, so smart men know the HIV risks, reduce the risks with condoms, talk and test.

Talking and Telling confidence Talking about HIV, and telling partners about having HIV, become easier the more we do it. Practice builds our confidence. We have the experience and survived - telling the first people we are gay wasn’t so easy.

Even bad boys can talk about HIV. HIV is common among gay and bi men. Whether you’ve been a good or bad boy, it’s normal to take HIV tests.

All of us can be cool around HIV. Telling others about our HIV status is really no big deal. Cutting transmission risks with condoms, even when we’d rather be raw, is what most of us do, most of the time.

Act Aware, for yourself, and for those around you.

DIARY

INVOLVED!

DATES!

GET

WOMEN’S EVENTS

Photo: Sarah Quinn

WOMEN’S EVENTS

DJ WORKSHOP SATURDAY 11th DECEMBER

SPREAD THE WORD! The LGF’s new “Are You Ready For Your Screen Test?” campaign aims to dispel the myths around lesbian and bisexual women and cervical screening, and raise awareness that lesbian and bisexual women do need regular cervical screening tests.

All women between the ages of 25 and 64 who have a cervix – including lesbian and bisexual women need to go for regular cervical screening. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer, can be passed on during sex. This includes sexual activity between two women.

We need to get this message out to as many lesbian and bisexual women across the North West as possible, and we need your help!

We are looking for volunteers across the North West – in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire and Cumbria – to help us to get this message out.

We’ll be taking the campaign to as many events, groups and venues for lesbian and bisexual women as possible, and we’d love it if you came along too! Help us spread the word, give out resources, and encourage women to attend screening appointments.

We want all lesbian and bisexual women to know that their cervix is worth it!

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AT THE LGF, 2pm - 5pm

Budding DJ? Fancy setting up your own club night? Top DJ’s will be in the house to show you how to mix, and club promoters will be dropping by with top tips on starting your own night. No matter what music you are into – mix it up at the LGF!

DUVET DAY SATURDAY 15th JANUARY AT THE LGF, 2pm - 5pm

Making an appointment for a cervical screening test takes hardly any time at all, and the test itself takes just a few minutes – not long for something that could save your life.

Fancy a duvet day? Come along and indulge in hot chocolate, board games and general comforting activities, a great end to a busy festive season.

To get involved, or if you’d like “Are You Ready for Your Screen Test?” at your event, email women@lgf.org.uk

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

STOP PRESS! “Are You Ready for Your Screen Test?” The LGF’s new cervical screening guide for lesbian and bisexual women.

The “Are You Ready For Your Screen Test?” resource, lets you know what to expect at your cervical screening, goes through the test step by step, gives advice on how to make it the best possible experience, and encourages you to use your rights to get the test that you want and are entitled too!

Lesbian and bisexual women need cervical screening tests too! Don’t get left in the dark!

For more information email: women@lgf.org.uk, call 0845 3 303030, or visit: www.lgf.org.uk/screening

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

SATURDAY 15th FEBRUARY AT THE LGF AND AROUND MANCHESTER, 2pm - 5pm

SUGAR AND SPICE 5 SATURDAY 5th MARCH AT THE LGF, 2pm - 5pm

The LGF’s International Women’s Day event is back for a fifth year. This year we’re celebrating 100 years of IWD, it’s gonna be bigger and better than ever! Read more about it in the next outnorthwest

For further info about these events, keep an eye on www.lgf.org.uk, or email women@lgf.org.uk

BASED ON A TRUE STORY

Registered Charity No.1070904

“lesbian & bisexual women need cervical screening too”

10 Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS

for more on this campaign visit www.lgf.org.uk/screening or e-mail women@lgf.org.uk call 0845 3 30 30 30

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Lesbian & bisexual women need screening tests too!

GOING FOR YOUR SCREENING TEST!

Lesbian & bisexual women need screening tests too!

Registered Charity No.1070904

10 YEARS OF LGF 10 Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS

Registered Charity No.1070904

PAULMARTIN

10 Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

“We’ve always tried to find better ways of doing things.

We don’t ask ‘Why?’, we ask ‘Why not?’”

PAUL MARTIN Chief Executive Paul Martin is the Chief Executive of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, and before that Healthy Gay Manchester.

As the LGF celebrates its tenth year of operation and moves into a future of challenge and opportunity, we sat down with Paul to talk about the past, present and future of the country’s most progressive LGB charity.

From 1994 – 1999 Healthy Gay Manchester (HGM) was hugely popular, groundbreaking, with lots of community buy-in. At what point did you realise it was time for an organisation like The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF)?

Paul: We were aware with HGM that we’d

reached a glass ceiling really. We were doing an awful lot of work with gay and bisexual men around HIV and sexual health, and we recognised that you can’t look at sexual health and HIV in isolation – it has to be seen as part of men’s general lives.

So we were very interested in exploring the development of other services. We’d already started to develop some groupwork programmes; we were very interested in terms of counselling services; we were interested in developing a helpline. It just felt that we were ready to take HGM to another level.

We were also conscious that there were other organisations in the city doing some of this work. In particular, Manchester Lesbian & Gay Switchboard. We had a fairly good and close working relationship with Switchboard anyway, and we spent some time talking to them about what they

wanted, and they were really struggling to find funding. They were up to a point where they felt they wanted to do a lot more, but couldn’t. So, it kind of became quite an interesting fit. Whilst there were lots of fits and lots of opportunities, there were also some real obstacles and some real challenges that we had to deal with. But, we began to have a number of conversations, and slowly but surely we reached a point where it felt very, very sensible to merge.

Did it feel like taking a risk?

Yes, of course it did. I think the whole history of developing LGB voluntary community sector organisations is absolutely a risk.

You’ve only got to remember that we founded Healthy Gay Manchester back in 1994 and we struggled to get the Charity Commission to recognise our application to become a charity and we were actually turned down on a number of occasions.

“I don’t like lesbian and gay people being treated differently because of who they are. I don’t like people being told they can’t have things because of who they are and who we love.”

They told us that working with gay and bisexual men wasn’t a charitable issue. The world was such a different place back then.

of a staff team at HGM. So, by becoming a lesbian and gay organisation things were going to change quite radically.

What was the reaction from similar organisations?

I don’t think there were an awful lot of organisations around, to be honest with you. I was part of a national network of gay and bisexual men’s HIV organisations called CHAPS. I was the only chief officer that was even contemplating broadening our remit to work with lesbian and bisexual women.

I think that LGF and HGM before it were always about breaking the mould. We’ve never, ever stood still. We’ve always tried to find better ways of doing things. I don’t think we ask “Why?”, I think we ask “Why not?”

So, why not turn a gay men’s organisation into a gay and lesbian organisation? Why not give Manchester the absolute best LGB organisation in the country?

Looking at the last ten years of LGF, what do think have been the biggest challenges and achivements?

I think that often people can take some of the services we provide for granted and don’t necessarily realise how difficult it is to raise the money, win the argument, provide the service, and run it professionally.

People sometimes just expect it. And of course, part of me wants them to expect it – absolutely they should expect the best.

Lesbians, gay and bisexual people should get the best services in this city from the LGF – absolutely. But on the other hand, it’s very difficult in terms of being able to sometimes meet people’s needs and motivate people.

So I think the biggest achievement is the fact that we’re still here and that we have achieved so much – and we still very much want to continue being here and we’ve got so many ideas and so many plans, and so many dreams and aspirations, and I think that’s always something that is really important, even when we go through challenging times. I think the staff in particular at LGF bounce back very quickly from bad times. They’re a testament to their community, and I hope their community values them and appreciate what they do, because they are amazing.

How difficult was it to communicate the change to a gay male audience who were tremendously loyal to HGM? It was quite a challenge. There were campaigns against it. These days, anyone can set up a website and put frankly vile stuff on it. But back in those days, if you wrote a letter to the Pink Paper and it got published criticising your organisation, you were mortified. I remember week after week there were letters in the Pink Paper criticising HGM and Switchboard for even thinking about merging together. There were a whole series of very, very difficult public meetings where people were shouting and walking out. It was very difficult then. But of course the reality was that everything was going to change, because gay men up until this point had had the exclusive focus

What would you say to people who argue that in another ten or so years time, organisations like the LGF might not be needed?

I have always disagreed with people who say that. I think we’re just at the beginning of the journey to liberation. I think that it’s a very common mistake to make to say that

we’ve got all our legal rights and protections, let’s shut up shop and go home. People are still being murdered because they’re gay, people are being beaten because they’re perceived to be gay. People are being beaten, brusied and killed because of who they love, in this country and abroad. More than 30 years ago women won the legal right to earn the same amount as men - and now 30 years on we’re being told it’s going to take 80 to 100 years for that naturally to occur. Just because we’ve got some piece of paper that says lesbian and gay people are protected now, doesn’t mean that it’s over. Every single day we have people coming through our doors crying their hearts out because of how the world is treating them as lesbian and gay people. People are still being refused services. The reality is I think we’re only just starting on this journey.

I’m reminded at least a couple of times a week of how the LGF has touched people’s lives. I always remember a quote from a gay man who was interviewed for the condom and lube distribution scheme who told us, “you’ve been beside me every night of my adult life since I’ve been in Manchester.” An organisation like the LGF can play such an intimate part in someone’s life and we’re quite literally providing that gay man with the tools to potentially save his own life and his partners.

If you could go back in time ten years and give yourself some advice, what would it be?

I think I would say to myself back then, “Don’t worry it get’s better. And learn from your mistakes.” Lot’s of people have said they would like to do my job, but actually it’s quite a difficult seat to sit in because lots of people have lots of different expectations, and those expectations can be enormous.

People might see something in a newspaper or on the news and come up to me and say “The LGF should do something about that.” and of course we should but often we can’t.

What do you think has been your biggest motivation in the last ten years?

I’ve never forgotten experiencing people that I love dying from HIV and that was a massive motivator for me in the early days of my career. That’s never left me. I don’t like lesbian and gay people being treated differently because of who we are. I don’t like people being told they can’t have things because of who they are and because of who we love.

www.lgf.org.uk

MISSION: Improving the quality of life for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people.

2000/01 A NEW organisation for a new millennium.

LGF launch event on the canal barge at Metz (now Eden) on Canal Street, 28th April 2000.

“It’s a sobering thought, but The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) exists because prejudice, inequality and discrimination towards our communities is as widespread today as it’s always been.”

So began the LGF’s first annual report, published towards the end of the organisation’s first year of operation.

And what an eventful first year it was.

Formed from the unification of Healthy Gay Manchester and Manchester Lesbian & Gay Switchboard Services (see ‘Unification’, opposite page), the LGF immediately became the largest LGB&T health and community services charity in the UK; offering an unrivalled range of services including groupwork, counselling, sexual health outreach, free condoms and lube, printed resources and helplines.

To mark National Coming Out Day in October, the LGF Helpline opened for 24 hours, taking over 100 calls in that time. Over the course of our first year, the LGF Helpline supported over 3,500 callers and clocked up 3,285 hours of service. Similarly, our TV/TS Helpline took

432 calls, offering support and information for transvestites, transsexuals, and their friends and family.

Key resources produced included a One Stop Guide to Manchester’s gay Village, oral sex and cruising guides, syphilis postcard (Oi! Slag!), Section 28 repeal postcards, and of course our annual Guide To Services. We also launched our community magazine ‘Out In Greater Manchester’ (see ‘Inside Out’, opposite page).

2000 was a rocky year for Manchester’s annual pride event; at one point it looked like there would be no event at all, until representatives from local gay businesses, organisations and community members formulated a plan that resulted in the successful Gayfest. The LGF participated with the theme of ‘We Are All Equal’. The generosity of those attending Gayfest resulted in an impressive £40,550.21 being donated to the LGF. £10,000 of this money was given back to local community groups through the establishment of the Community Development Fund.

Other notable events included the unveiling of The Beacon Of Hope on 1st December 2000, to which the LGF contributed by writing

“It has been a year of achievement, and one all involved in the LGF should be proud of.”

CHRIS TUCKER Chair 2000 and researching the ‘timeline’ panels detailing the history and development of HIV and AIDS (now sadly vandalised); the unveiling of the Alan Turning Memorial in Sackville Gardens; and a thought-provoking display of images running the length of Canal Street, marking Holocaust Memorial Day. Never losing sight of the importance of its volunteers, our committed and passionate volunteer team contributed to everything from condom packing to groupwork, donating in hours the equivalent of more than 20 full time jobs to their community.

All of this (and more!) was achieved during a year in which LGF moved into Unity House on Charles Street, delivering a diverse range of services all from under one roof.

FACTS: 489,875 condoms and sachets of lube distributed. 673 hours of counselling provided.

TWO become

IN THE NEWS The dawn of a new millennium see’s the ban on lesbians and gay men serving in the UK armed forces lifted and the Scottish Parliament repealing Section 28, the law that banned local authorities from “promoting homosexuality”. The rest of the UK would have to wait another three years. In another landmark on the road to equality, the age of consent across the United Kingdom is equalised at 16. It wasn’t easy – the government had to eventually envoke the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949 after The House Of Lords repeatedly blocked the move. Elsewhere, Vince, Stuart and Nathan (above) strut down a fictional Canal Street for the last time in Queer As Folk 2, Big Brother launches a TV phenomenon that would last the decade, and Hilary Swank wins a Best Actress Oscar for her gender-bending role in Boy’s Don’t Cry. Gay Anthem of the Year? Kylie’s Spinning Around. Kylie went on to open Manchester superclub Essential the same year.

INFORMATION

INSIDE OUT In April 2000, the LGF took the bold decision to launch a community magazine. The idea had been tried before to varying degrees of success, but with Out In Greater Manchester, we tried to deliver a magazine that not only presented vital healthy living information, but did so in an appealing and accessible way. Out In Greater Manchester combined health information with traditional magazine features such as interviews, reviews, vox pops and volunteer involvement in the production of the magazine. In its first year, 65,000 copies were distributed covering issues from sexual health to mental health. Many local celebrities were interviewed too, including Russell T Davies, Denise Black and Julie Hesmondhalgh. Towards the end of 2000/01, Out In Greater Manchester undertook one of many revamps in an attempt to keep the magazine relevant and exciting to our readers. Ten years later, we’ve just published our 100th issue as outnorthwest. Thank you for sticking with us.

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UNIFICATION In 2000, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation was created from the unification of two organisations...

HEALTHY GAY MANCHESTER (HGM) Drawing upon experience gained from MeSMAC Manchester, Healthy Gay Manchester was formed in 1994 by Paul Martin and Gerard Gudgion with a clear aim to reduce the incidence of HIV infection through sex between men. Famed for its innovative approach to safer sex campaigning, HGM was a pioneering gay men’s health organisation offering free condoms and lube, counselling, services, groups and volunteering opportunities such as the hugely popular Condom Packing evenings every Thursday.

MANCHESTER LESBIAN AND GAY SWITCHBOARD SERVICES (MLGSS) MLGSS begin life over 35 years ago on the 2nd January 1975 when six gay men got together to provide an information and support service for a growing number of gay men coming out following the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967. The line ran from 7-9pm each evening, lots of calls were taken on a wide range of issues. Over the decades the services broadened out to include counselling, group work and e-mail support, however, the phone service continues to be the core. Currently, we take over 5000 calls per year and the service is delivered by our trained volunteers.

FACTS: 35,000 copies of Out In Greater Manchester distributed.

2001/02 ENDING homophobia.

“We believe the work that we do helps to combat the effects of homophobia...”

SAM DAYS Chair 2001

Carl Austin, Mr Gay UK, helps promote the free condoms and lube.

“I’ve only been at this school for three weeks and I’ve heard the word ‘gay’ used as an expletive on six occasions.”

The words of a teacher speaking to LGF after the organisation tackles homophobic bullying in five schools in Greater Manchester.

LGF offered training and education through theatre workshops. This groundbreaking work continues today under the guise of the ‘Exceeding Expectations’ project.

Following the union of Healthy Gay Manchester and Manchester Lesbian and Gay Switchboard Services the previous year, it was quickly determined by staff and volunteers that many calls to the organisation involved more than just being a “listening ear”.

Many issues centred around complex sets of circumstances arising from homophobia, violence, misunderstanding and discrimination.

In response to this the LGF partnered with Victim Support, Monsons Solicitors and Greater Manchester Police to provide an Advice Service specifically for our communities here in Manchester. Running directly from Unity House, these “surgeries” offered direct access to information in a safe environment, and they continue to be developed today.

Continuing to make Unity House (the home of LGF) a welcoming space, 2001 saw us in the position to hire out the comfortable meeting rooms and halls to other organisations and agencies. On average between 600-800 people were using the facilities at Unity House every single month.

Sexual health continued to be a priority, with the LGF’s outreach team speaking to over 900 men in cruising areas about the importance of safer sex; not to mention the distribution of 433,620 condoms and sachets of lube. 2001 also saw Manchester in the grip of a syphilis

epidemic, and LGF responded with one of it’s most successful campaigns - Spreads Easily - and radically slowed infection rates. The Jarman Clinic at Withington Hospital - a sexual health clinic specifically for gay and bisexual men - also continued to offer a welcome, nonthreatening service.

Also launched this year was Sex Talk, a groundbreaking outreach programme, which spoke directly to over 1000 men who accessed the popular gay Village in Manchester. Through one-to-one chats, we discovered that the majority of the men we spoke to didn’t realise that having an STI increased the likelihood of HIV transmission.

Their responses shaped our sexual health programme. Our volunteer Safer Sex Squaddies also ensured vital sexual health messages were delivered in a fun and engaging way.

The Face to Face Counselling service also grew this year, offering 1,566 hours of counselling to the LGB&T communities - with self-esteem being the key issue clients faced. Switchboard services - now branded LGF Helpline - also saw a sharp rise in calls (over 5,200), and saw a 23% increase in calls from women.

2001/2 was a year of consolidation and growth, but there was still more to be done...

FACTS: 220,000 information leaflets and other resources produced.

LASTING monument

IN THE NEWS In June of this year football hooligans, ultranationalist youth and far-right skinheads storm the first Pride march in Belgrade, attacking and seriously injuring several participants and stopping the event from taking place. September see’s the first couples sign the Greater London Authority’s Partnership Register. September also see’s the world face the most devastating terrorist attacks in history, as New York’s Twin Towers are razed to the ground by plane hijackers. Of the 2,998 fatalities that day, one of them was openly gay Mark Bingham (above) a passenger on United Airlines Flight 93. Mark was a frequent visitor to Manchester in his capacity as a successful amateur rugby player. He is believed to have been among the passengers who attempted to storm the cockpit and prevent hijackers from using the plane to kill hundreds more victims on September 11th. In Manchester, once again doubts are cast on whether the city would have a Pride event...

ALAN TURING This year saw a lasting memorial to Alan Turing placed in Sackville Gardens.

INFORMATION

THE FATHER OF MODERN COMPUTING

INSIDE OUT After a year of publication, issue seven of Out In Greater Manchester saw our community magazine grow in page count and distribution as we rebranded and relaunched the magazine in full colour and increased volunteer involvement. Out was instrumental in providing information about the syphilis epidemic in Manchester, as part of the Spreads Easily campaign, and reader feedback was overwhelmingly positive. It was clear that the demand for the magazine would mean a move from bimonthly to monthly publication in the not-to-distant future. Also this year Out came runner-up in the Best Graphic Design category at the 2000 Charity and Not For Profit Organisation Publishing Awards in London. These prestigious awards, which were presented at The Rembrandt Hotel in Knightsbridge, London gave recognition to what the judges saw as an “important and unique” charity publication. Over the course of the year, 35,000 copies of Out In Greater Manchester were distributed around Greater Manchester.

Unveiled on June 23rd 2001, The Alan Turing Memorial is situated in Sackville Gardens in the heart of Manchester’s lesbian and gay Village. Often dubbed “the father of modern computing”, the statue commemorates the life and contribution of Alan Turing. Turing committed suicide in1954 after being prosecuted by the police because of his (then illegal) homosexuality. He is shown sitting on a bench situated in a central position in the park. On Turing’s left is the University of Manchester and on his right is Manchester’s lesbian and gay Village. Turing is shown holding an apple, a symbol classically used to represent forbidden love, as well as the fruit of the tree of knowledge. A plaque at the statue’s feet says “Father of computer science, mathematician, logician, wartime code breaker, victim of prejudice”.

FACTS: 1,828,280 - the number of pages printed by LGF this year (all on paper from sustainable forests)

2002/03 ON AGAIN OFF AGAIN

‘Welcome To Our Diverse City’

“The week of 19th August 2002 will go down as one of the most important in the history of the LGB&T community in Manchester.”

So reported the LGF’s community magazine Out In Greater Manchester. The week in question saw the city’s annual LGB&T celebration ‘Mardi Gras’ thrown into doubt.

Word had filtered out on Monday 19th August that due to difficulties over alcohol tolerance zones, the Village Business Association (VBA) had no option but to cancel the event.

A public meeting was called on Canal Street which saw over 400 members of the community attend. A protest march was planned, instead of the usual parade; but thanks to some last minute negotiation with the City Council and Greater Manchester Police the event was put back on. With rumour and gossip spreading like wildfire, LGF decided to publish a daily newsletter, called ‘Daily Out’ to keep the community informed. It’s a publication that continues when necessary even today.

With the event now on, LGF, along with George House Trust and Body Positive North

West decided to pool resources and raise money at Mardi Gras together under the monikor Operation Fundraiser. It saw all three charities working closely together for the first time. Half the money that was received

by LGF from Mardi Gras was earmarked to developing and improving health information for women.

This would lead to a hugely successful breast cancer campaign aimed at lesbian and bisexual women.

This year also saw The Lesbian & Gay Foundation significantly increase its work and services aimed at lesbian and bisexual women. In 2002/03 over 40% of visitors to our offices at Unity House were women most of whom were lesbian or bisexual. LGF was also a co-author with Sigma Research of a signifcant piece of national research - the country’s first report on health services for lesbian and bisexual women. Called ‘First Service’, it was launched in Manchester and was invaluable in helping meet the needs of local lesbian and bisexual women.

2002 also saw LGF expand and deliver a package of equality training - Dealing With Difference - to over 50 organisations (and reaching over 1000 people) across Greater

“LGF is at a turning point.

We are now beginning to ask ourselves, ‘where next?’”

PAUL MARTIN LGF Chief Exec Manchester. Over half of those organisations asked to become repeat clients. Training reached organisations as diverse as Greater Manchester Police, Social Services, NHS and Housing Departments.

This year, Manchester hosted The Commonwealth Games, and to mark the event, and welcome the thousands of visitors from all over the world, the LGF undertook its first ever ‘flyposting’ campaign with huge posters adorning the city proudly stating “Welcome To Our Diverse City”.

Finally, in another first, the LGF Helpline began an automated service outside of staffed hours offering essential information and advice 24 hours a day, all available at the push of a button.

FACTS: 1,435,786 - the number of people we worked with across our services this year.

EVERY PENNY counts

IN THE NEWS LGB equality around the world sees some significant wins. Homosexuality is finally decriminalized in the People’s Republic Of China, and in Switzerland voters vote 63% to 37% to give same-sex couples the same legal rights as married opposite sex couples. Equalisation of the age of consent is introduced in Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Hungary, Moldova, Romania and the Australian state of Western Australia. On TV, Will Young wins the first series of Pop Idol. The singer would later come out to very little fanfare and continuing success. In Manchester, the annual LGB&T celebration – Gayfest – looked in doubt as police safety fears and outdoor drinking laws force the festival to cancel just two days before the event. Thankfully, concerns are addressed and Gayfest goes ahead as planned. Gay anthem this year went to Girls Aloud with their debut single, Sound Of The Underground.

OPERATION FUNDRAISER

A unique approach to fundraising is launched...

INFORMATION For Manchester Mardi Gras 2002 the importance of raising money from the event and distributing funds to good causes became hugely significant.

With this in mind the first official charity collection element of Manchester Pride (as it was to become known) was created to help the event become not only a successful commercial event but also an important fundraising one too.

INSIDE OUT Over the course of the year, Out In Greater Manchester interviewed many famous faces.

Further cementing our slight obsession with Big Brother - gay housemate Josh Rafter came to the office to share his experience of life in the Big Brother house, and to tell us about the launch of his LGB&T housing agency, Outlet in Manchester. This year also saw Out In Greater Manchester feature it’s first cover mounted free gift, in the shape of an expanding “bum sponge”. Don’t ask. The Commonwealth Games in Manchester saw the magazine feature a double cover launching the LGF’s flyposting campaign in the city. Later in the year we spoke to Faith Brown, who was appearing in Sunset Boulevard, and the fabulous Paul O’Grady who was in town to play the Evil Queen (who else!) in panto Snow White. We also published an official guide to Manchester Lesbian & Gay Mardi Gras.

Operation Fundraiser the joint fundraising initiative between The Lesbian & Gay Foundation and George House Trust began to set in motion a plan to enable community groups to access grants to support the development of their work with LGB&T people or people living with HIV/AIDS. Between 2003 and 2006 Operation Fundraiser, working together with Manchester Pride raised nearly half a million pounds which was distributed to over eighty local LGBT and HIV groups and charities and benefitting a wide range of diverse local community projects.

Today Manchester Pride is a charity in it’s own right and remains the largest fundraising initiative of it’s kind in the UK.

MISSION: Ending homophobia, Empowering people.

2003/04 WORKING together.

LGF Patron Sir Ian McKellen at EuroPride with Chief Executive Paul Martin, Chair Jill Cunningham and Communications Manager Andrew Gilliver

“(Partnership work with LGF) has provided real health impact to our service users... long may it continue!”

So wrote Bridget Hughes, Public Health Development Manager for Manchester Public Health Development Service (MPHDS) in our 2003/4 Annual Review. During the year we worked with MPHDS to produce Sort It Out, a guide for young LGB people, not to mention exciting and innovative work around sexual health. This included the establishment of a Hepatitis B vaccination programme for gay and bisexual men, with clinics based at the LGF office, Unity House; and the launch of male sauna outreach work.

Condom and lube distribution continued to grow, with 498,940 safer sex packs distributed. It was a significant year for our safer sex packs, as we took the bold decision to provide regular strength condoms, rather than the extra-strong condoms supplied in previous packs. It was a move that caused much debate across the community, and across the country. The LGF believed that there was no evidence to support the view that gay men needed extra-strong condoms,

and our Condoms Are Changing set out to explain to our communities why. Before long, organisations across the country were following our lead.

In August 2003, Manchester played host to the largest EuroPride festival to date. The LGF’s contribution was significant and included design and production of many resources, including the official guide; distributing over 93,000 resources and over 62,000 free gay men’s safer sex packs. The LGF also coordinated the information point for the event.

Our patron Sir Ian McKellen also joined us during the Parade to rapturous crowds.

Following the successes of Mardi Gras and World AIDS Day in 2002, the LGF and George House Trust (GHT) decided to pool their fundraising activities into an exciting new joint venture - Operation Fundraiser. Launched in time for EuroPride, Operation Fundraiser oversaw the selling of tickets for The Big Weekend and a record amount of £127,000 was raised. Money raised through Operation Fundraiser was distributed to local LGB&T and HIV cahrities through the Community Futures Fund. During its existence, Operation Fundraiser would raise over £500,000 for good causes in Manchester.

“I’m priviledged to work with talented, dedicated and motivated people.”

PAUL MARTIN Chief Exec.

This year also saw the LGF make a firm commitment to meet the needs of women.

We recruited 25% more women volunteers to our Helpline service, and we led the region’s first health promotion work specifically targeting lesbian and bisexual women. Hello Girls was a city wide, fly-posted campaign around breast cancer and screening; and BV Or Not BV highlighted the issues around Bacterial Vaginosis.

Finally, this year also saw the LGF adopt the mission and vision that it retains to this day. Our mission: Ending homophobia, empowering people. Our vision: We believe in a fair and equal society where all lesbian, gay and bisexual people can achieve their full potential.”

FACTS: 2,279,946 hits to our website, www.lgf.org.uk

BIG

IN THE NEWS The biggest news of the year saw (finally!) the repeal of Section 28. Despite successive defeats in the House of Lords the government passed legislation to repeal this section as part of the Local Government Act 2003 by a vote of MPs. It was passed through the Lords on 18 September 2003 and the repeal became effective on 18 November 2003. The LGF celebrates with a poster campaign proudly declaring “We won!”. LGB equality around the world also saw some significant wins: Sweden legalized adoption for same-sex couples, and homosexuality was finally decriminalized in the People’s Republic Of China. In the US, Gene Robinson became the first openly gay Bishop in the Episcopal church. In the UK charts, faux Russian lesbians Tatu reach number one with All The Things She Said, and on TV LGF patron Russell T Davies scares us to death with his apocalyptic Christopher Eccleston starring thriller, The Second Coming.

INFORMATION

victory!

SECTION 28 A significant victory for equal rights was gained in 2003 with the repeal of Section 28.

28

Section 28, the law that banned local authorities from “promoting homosexuality,” was repealed on Tuesday 18th November 2003.

The legislation, when it was proposed in 1988, sparked a campaign of protest lead by gay and lesbian groups.

The amendment stated that a local authorities...

INSIDE OUT A year of huge and significant change to our community magazine saw the title change to outnorthwest, our distribution increase three fold and reach across the north west of England, and a page count increase from 24 pages to 64. Content was also expanded to include lifestyle and culture sections, with regular columns from a large number of volunteers. The revamp was timed to coincide with EuroPride, and not only did we produce a 64 page magazine, but the team also turned around a 56 page EuroPride guide at the same time, too. Delivery of 15,000 copies of outnorthwest and 10,000 EuroPride guides took its toll on Unity House, with the floor buckling under the weight of all these resources! The launch of outnorthwest also saw the LGF rebrand its website to better reflect content in the magazine, and the site was also briefly renamed as www.outnorthwest.com.

“...shall not intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality or promote the teaching in any maintained school of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship.”

Manchester was the scene of large demonstrations against the proposed law and later became a centre of activity for groups campaigning for its repeal.

In the 15 years (1988-2003) of its existence many groups were forced to close or limit their activities or self-censor.

FACTS: The LGF Clinic sees over 700 people, a third of whom had never had a check-up before.

2004/05 HAPPY birthdays.

LGF moved close to the gay Village, with a relocation to Princess House in 2005.

“Good ideas, innovation and dedication are embodied in LGF’s work - along with a large amount of humour.”

trained. The 30th anniversary was marked by a special event hosted by the Lord Mayor in Manchester Town Hall. Manchester Town Hall was also the location for Operation Fundraiser’s World AIDS Day Big Red Ball, in December.

Debra Malone, Specialist in Public Health at Oldham NHS wrote in support of the LGF in our annual review for the year. 2004 was another year of enormous change for the organisation, not least of which was the move to our new offices in Princess House, just on the edge of the gay Village. And we were enormously proud to have international film star, and LGF Patron Sir Ian McKellen to officially open our new premises, along with Coronation Street creator, Tony Warren.

2004 saw the annual August Bank Holiday LGB&T celebration renamed as Manchester Pride, and this year LGF organised the highly successful Women’s Space. Festival Director Claire Turner (who had also been the face of our Hello Girls campaign), was impressed with the event saying, “They are an incredible team with a wide range of knowledge and skills in a multitude of areas.”

2004 was a year of anniversaries. First of all, it saw the tenth anniversary of the condom and lube distribution scheme and during the year a record breaking 516,320 condoms and sachets of lube were distributed to over 60 individual venues.

For LGF, Manchester Pride 2004 was even more hectic than normal, as we played host to Big Brother winner, Nadia Almada. Nadia was the show’s first trans winner and thousands of Pride revellers were eager to meet her. With a constant police escort, and crowd control issues, it’s fair to say that she was the main attraction at Manchester Pride 2004.

The 30th anniversary of the LGF Helpline was also marked this year, making it the second longest-serving helpline in the country, outside of London. During 2004, over 5,000 calls were taken, and 22 new operators were

One of the most high-profile visitors to LGF in 2004 was The Bishop of Manchester. The Bishop was invited to LGF at the height of the Church of England’s convulsions about gay

“So we continue to make progress and I feel optimistic we’re on the right track.”

BEN AMPONSAH Chair Bishops. The meeting led to the formation of The Bishop of Manchester’s Advisory Group on Sexuality, which met on a monthly basis to explore and foster a greater understanding of LGB issues and provide help and support to LGB Christians. The work has led to two highly successful faith events at Manchester Cathedral over the last few years. We also welcomed the Government’s Public Minister to our office. A first for and LGB organisation.

Our forward thinking - and completely unfunded - women’s work programme continued with a successful cervical smear campaign which dispelled the myth that women who sleep with women don’t need smear tests; and we launched our women’s football team, the LGF Beavers!

FACTS: 1,000 hours of counselling delivered.

BIG

IN THE NEWS Gay men are warned to be aware of a sexually transmitted infection that is being increasingly seen in Europe. Outbreaks of lymphogranuloma venereum [LGV] had been reported in the Netherlands, Belgium and France, and a small number of cases were now being diagnosed amongst gay men in the UK. The Civil Partnerships Bill goes through its “second reading” in the House of Lords, and after three hours of debate, the Bill was sent to the “grand committee” stage without opposition. On television, Big Brother broadcast its most controversial series which nonetheless ended on a high when trans woman Nadia Almada was crowned winner. Only one week later, Nadia would arrive triumphant as a special guest of LGF at Manchester Pride. She joined stars of Coronation Street including Bruno Langley (Todd Grimshaw), Jennie McAlpine (Fizz Brown) and newcomer Antony Cotton (Sean Tully) at Manchester Pride.

INFORMATION

year

THE DIVERSITY OF LGF...

We couldn’t let 2004 pass without mention of the year’s biggest media star. And of course, the launch of a vital LGF service that continues to this day...

THE CLINIC LGF launched The Clinic a unique drop in sexual health screening service planned and delivered in partnership with Manchester Centre for Sexual Health and Manchester Public Health Development Service.

The service has now expanded into outreach, rapid HIV testing and late night testing. Today sexual health screening and HIV Testing services remain crucial in the battle against HIV and sexually transmitted infections

NADIA! Our relationship with Manchester Pride this year means that we are incredibly fortunate to play bodyguard to newly victorious Big Brother 5 winner Nadia Almada who becomes internationally symbolic as a positive role model for trans people.

INSIDE OUT outnorthwest continued to develop in 2004, and our news team also began supplying LGB&T news from the North West to the country’s national gay newspaper, The Pink Paper. Editor, Tris Reid Smith told us, “Working with the very efficient team at LGF has made a big difference to us. Thanks to them, we are able to have regular news from Manchester and the North West - a first for our paper. We believe publishing this kind of information really helps the community, and we know our readers appreciate it.” During 2005, outnorthwest covered a huge range of issues, including 40 years of LGB&T campaigning, civil partnerships, mental health, older LGB&T people, and the return to television of Doctor Who! During the year we also interviewed many influential LGB&T people from Sir Ian McKellen to Scissor Sisters. Our World AIDS Day issue (above) highlighted the fact that over 3,000 people knew they were living with HIV in the North West; and potentially many, many more didn’t...

If any one person represents the true spirit of Pride it is Nadia . The Portuguese siren triumphed over adversity by winning the nation’s hearts. 3 million viewers voted for Nadia to win series 5 of the hit reality TV show and Nadia got a whopping 75% of the votes. The whole nation took Nadia to its hearts - gay and straight alike. The LGBT community understands only too well the struggles that Nadia has been through to become the woman that she is today. She has come along way since then and has had her fair share of ups and downs but remains the same infectiously effervescent person she was then.

FACTS: 9,172 people walked through the doors of Princess House this year.

2005/06 REACHING FOR OUR POTENTIAL

Sir Ian McKellen (centre) formally opens Princess House.

This year saw The Lesbian & Gay Foundation take a more strategic approach to the work we delivered.

In his introduction to the year’s Annual Review, Chief Executive Paul Martin set out the organisations four strategic programmes around Services, Information, Advocacy and Research. In a further push towards transparency and accountability each of these strategic programmes established firm commitments to be met within a specified timeframe. Paul noted that “The LGF has the potential not just to meet these challenges, but to exceed them.”

The 30th anniversary of the LGF Helpline service was celebrated throughout the year, with highlights including our float at Manchester Pride, and a special party at Manchester Town Hall on National Coming Out Day in October. The anniversary also saw the launch of a new e-mail advice services - further opening the channels of communication to our community. With 75 Helpline volunteer operators, shift coverage was increased to 94% - including Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Over the year,

over 6,000 people accessed the Helpline and e-mail service.

With the passing into law of the Civil Partnerships Bill, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation was one of the first organisations in the country to publish a Civil Partnerships Guide. Sponsored by O’Neill Patient Solicitors, it quickly became the preferred guide on Civil Partnerships by many registrar offices around the North West and was nationally acclaimed.

One of the biggest moves (literally) in the organisation’s history until this point took place when we moved from Unity House to the outskirts of the gay Village and into Princess House. With two massive floors, we were able to instantly expand access to services and to offer new ones. We were honored that patron’s Sir Ian McKellen and Coronation Street creator Tony Warren officially opened our new home.With our move, the LGF was also in a unique position to offer six different sized rooms for hire. The facility was very quickly subscribed to, and during our time at Princess House, there were booking virtually every single day.

The Free Gay Men’s Safer Sex Packs undertook a radical facelift this year too,

“Whenever I step into our new home, I think ‘now we’re starting to fulfil our potential.”

BEN AMPONSAH Chair as we started to feature local guys on the packs for the first time. It’s a tradition that carries forward to this day, and we’re proud that the faces of your free condom and lube packs are all enthusiastic, local volunteers. No professional models. This year also saw us increase (due to popular demand) the amount of lube in each pack by 20%. Elsewhere in sexual health, three year contracts were secured with Manchester, Salford and Oldham Primary Care Trusts, and as a result we were able to employ our own Sexual Health Nurse Practitoner to oversee our Clinical Services.

Manchester’s LGB&T community continued to show their generosity throughout the year as Operation Fundraiser continued to organise events across the Village and beyond; as well as crucial fundraising during Manchester Pride.

FACTS: 5,200,000 times this year, LGF was accessed via our range of services.

BEING

IN THE NEWS Manchester’s Gay Village Businesses, LGF, Operation Fundraiser, George House Trust and Oxfam joined forces for an event on Canal Street in May to encourage the queer community to support the Make Poverty History campaign, a UK coalition of organisations and celebrities that asked world’s leaders to take a stand against global poverty. Elsewhere in Manchester, small concrete rainbow mosaics started appearing at key locations across the city. The flags signified venues and events that illuminate what was once a ‘hidden history’ as part of Manchester LGB Heritage Trail. In music, queer supergroup Scissor Sisters made a huge impact in the UK with their self-titled debut album. On telelvision, the BBC causes outrage from certain quarters after broadcasting Jerry Springer: The Opera, and Faze TV, a digital channel aimed at gay men, cancels its launch after failing to secure funding to deliver “sufficient quality.”

civil

I DO I DO I DO I DO A huge step forward for recognition of LGB relationships.

INFORMATION The first ceremonies took place on 21 December 2005.

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation produced 15,000 copies of the first edition of our Guide to Civil Partnerships in late 2005.

It was such a huge success that we decided to reprint and update it in 2007 because we simply ran out of copies.

INSIDE OUT outnorthwest reaches a milestone this year, publishing it’s 50th edition and celebrated with a relaunch and redesign. 15,000 copies were freely distributed throughout the North West in both scene and non-scene venues with thousands more copies now being downloaded from our website. Throughout the year, outnorthwest was also an important media sponsor for events such as Manchester Pride, queerupnorth, The Big Gay Read and Homotopia in Liverpool. Big name interviews this year included the Queen of comedy Joan Rivers, the legendary Julian Clary, and Corrie star (and LGF patron) Antony Cotton, who told us, “I’m not Will Mellor, so (the gay press) don’t want me in their magazines with no top on. That’s fine. Just don’t pretend to be cutting edge or the voice of the people. I’ve never done an interview for Gay Times since I started this job (on Coronation Street). I’m astounded by that.” outnorthwest was proud to have Antony as our cover star for our 51st (and 92nd!) issue.

Over 18,000 same sex registrations took place in the UK in the first year after the Civil Partnership Act became law. The number of civil partnerships in the UK peaked in the first quarter of 2006 at 4,869.

The high numbers for 2006 reflected the fact that many same-sex couples in long-standing relationships took advantage of the opportunity to formalise their relationship as soon as the legislation was implemented.

Over 40,000 same sex couples have registered for Civil Partnerships since then.

FACTS: 584,936 resources were printed by LGF this year.

2006/07 WE ALL HAVE POTENTIAL

An LGF volunteer at Manchester Pride.

“An end to Homophobia?

We’re in it for the long haul – will you help us?”

In the LGF’s annual report for 2006/07 Chief Executive Paul Martin wrote about the financial challenges that face charities like The Lesbian & Gay Foundation. With so much vital work to deliver, sources of funding are very often few and far between. This year we made a direct request to our communities to help fund our work. Paul continued, “It is our long term goal that the North West’s LGB community are amongst the most well informed, safest and healthiest in the country. This is where you come in.” With funding still an issue for LGF, you can still help us today in 2010, by visiting www.lgf.org.uk/donate This year’s major LGF campaign focussed on helping LGB people to fulfill their potential.

‘We All Have Potential’ encouraged our community to think about what they could achieve, or might want to achieve in their lives.

Throughout the year we snapped pics from events across Greater Manchester and the North West of thousands of people holding their own personalised ‘I Have The Potential To...’ placards.

For Manchester Pride we enlisted the help of ‘The Apprentice’ runner-up, and hugely successful north-west based entrepreneur Ruth Badger to help push the messages that there is nothing stopping LGB people fulfilling their potential In March of 2007, the pioneering work for lesbian and bisexual women continued with the launch of what has now become an annual women’s event - Sugar & Spice. For an afternoon, lesbian and bisexual women were offered the opportunity to attend the conference, network, attend holistic therapy sessions and listen to live music. The event was a great success and in succeeding years has been expanded to a whole weekend event.

In 2006/07 through our telephone Helpline and email support service, over 3,000 people were able to talk through their worries and concerns with a trained advisor. We provided 790 hours of counselling, helping to improve the mental health of LGB people across Greater Manchester and into the North West.

During 1,808 visits to groupwork sessions, people were able to explore coming out, meet others and gain vital support and information in a safe and supportive environment. 791

“There should be agencies like The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, supported by the community at large in terms of funding, volunteering and everything else.”

SIR IAN McKELLEN LGF Patron people received training from the LGF, enabling them to develop skills and promote their own health and wellbeing.

Following research with local LGBT people in 2005, The Lesbian and Gay Foundation was successful in campaigning for a dedicated LGBT Liaison Officer to provide a regular weekly service at the home of the LGF. The UK’s first ever LGBT Police Support team based at the LGF’s offices in the heart of the LGBT community operated a weekly police surgery helping with any issues that the LGBT community need support with.

FACTS: 790 hours of counselling provided.

NUMBER crunching

IN THE NEWS Chris Moyles, the BBC Radio 1 breakfast DJ is lambasted by the gay community for his derogatory use of the word “gay” (to mean “rubbish”) during his morning show.

However, the BBC later completely exonerates Moyes. Later in the year, Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand gets into hot water after calling Chris Moyles a “faggot” live on air. EuroPride returns to the UK for the first time since Manchester hosted the event in 2003 as London welcomes LGB&T people from across Europe. Manchester’s World Aids Day this year raises £20,000 for local HIV ‘good causes’. Concerts by openly homophobic reggae stars Buju Banton and Beenie Man are cancelled in Brighton and Bournemouth following successful lobbying of council leaders and police by local gay community organisations, with the support of gay human rights group OutRage!

INFORMATION

THE YEAR IN NUMBERS In any given year, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation reaches out to thousands of people. Here’s just a snapshot of statistics from 2006/07...

3,000 people talked through their worries and concerns through the LGF Helpline and e-mail service.

790 hours of counselling were provided to improve the mental health of LGB people.

791 people received training from the LGF.

7,000,000 hits to our website this year alone.

185,000 issues of outnorthwest were distributed around the North West of England.

587,000 condoms and sachets of lube were distributed, allowing gay and bisexual men access to safer sex.

INSIDE OUT The year started with an exclusive interview with entertainer John Barrowman who teased readers with the upcoming Doctor Who spin-off, Torchwood - and shared his experience of being gay in the entertainment industry and growing up with tremendously supportive family and friends. Our special World AIDS Day edition marked 25 years of HIV and looked back at a quarter of a century of HIV prevention campaigns. Other celebrity interviews this year included singer Sia Furler, and the cast of the Channel 4 lesbian comedy drama, Sugar Rush. outnorthwest’s support of local and regional LGB&T events continued throughout the year, as we became media sponsors of Queer Up North, Homotopia in Liverpool, and of course Manchester Pride. Throughout 2006/07, over 185,000 copies of outnorthwest were distributed to nearly 500 points across the North West of England.

11,982 people walked through our doors to receive crisis intervention, work in partnership, or simple to ask for some information or advice.

774,503 individual people accesed the LGF through our various services and resources. And that doesn’t include the guys who picked up the condom packs!

FACTS: 185,000 issues of outnorthwest were distributed this year.

2007/08 PROUD TO BE BEHIND YOU

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation won the award for Best Walking Entry at Manchester Pride.

“I’m glad you came to our school and hopefully it will change the way people think... it upsets me that people laugh and use the word ‘gay’. It’s horrible how people can be hurt just for being themselves.”

A powerful statement from a Manchester High School student in reaction to a new play ‘Outloud’ which told of young people’s experiences of homophobia and bullying in Manchester schools. The play was delivered as part of the Exceeding Expectations programme, of which LGF is the leading partner.

The Rainbow Partnership was launched in 2007. With funding from Capacity Builders, LGF co-ordinated this unique partnership of LGB&T sector organisations, businesses and individuals from across the North West, enabling partnership working and a way forward to work together. It continues today.

2007 saw the National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Health Summit is

come to Manchester and The Lesbian and Gay Foundation, along with Manchester City Council, were the main event organisers. The LGBT Health Summit shared good practice, research and evidence base, exchanged ideas and debate, shared successes and failures, and gave organisations from across the UK the opportunity to learn from each other. Over 350 delegates from all over the UK and other countries came to Manchester for two days of discussion, debate and exploration.

Our participation at Manchester Pride this year pushed some stark and thoughtprovoking statistics showing the many issues still facing us as a community - from high suicide rates, to alcohol/drug addiction, to homophobic bullying. For the first time in many years, we decided not to have a float in the Parade, and instead take to the streets with placards. This approach, coupled with highlighting some important issues, won the organisation the award for the Best Walking Entry at Manchester Pride in 2007.

This year saw LGF continue to give a huge focus to HIV preventon and sexual health promotion for gay and bisexual men. Over 600,000 individual condoms and sachets of lube were distributed across Greater

“The LGF will use all of its resources to champion LGB people’s right to equal treatment.”

PAUL MARTIN Chief Exec Manchester, and 25,000 copies of our Sexual Health Guide were also distributed.

At this point in the LGF’s development, we were providing more direct services and resources for more lesbian, gay and bisexual people than any other charity of our kind in the UK. Other examples of our impact in 2007/08 included: 774,503 people accessing the LGF via our services, resources, magazine and other printed resources.

11,982 people walked through our doors to receive crisis intervention, work in partnership or simply to receive information, advice or training. And, we provided over 1,000 hours of counselling.

FACTS: 3,000 people were supported and informed through LGF Helpline and e-mail service.

INVISIBLE

IN THE NEWS To celebrate LGBT History Month in February the men of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation stopped shaving in an attempt to grow a good old fashioned 70’s gay moustache. The fundraiser - Retro Homo - picked up significant publicity.

Successful Manchester based gay football club Village Manchester FC were crowned champions at the first Ford Pride Football Tournament, organised as part of the Pride London festival. In December 2007, the world of broadcasting lost an influential Radio 1 DJ as Kevin Greening was found dead from a self-induced drugs overdose at his home in London. At Manchester Pride this year eight couples took part in the first group civil partnership ceremony demonstrating their committment and love, and the event played host to Belinda Carlisle, and the awe-inspiring The Gossip.

INFORMATION

women

GIRL POWER The LGF’s ANNIE EMERY on why it’s so important that, despite a lack of direct funding, women’s resources remain high on the LGF’s agenda.

“Historically within the LGB community there has always been much more funding available for gay and bisexual men due, in part, to the HIV/Aids epidemic.

Sadly, there is currently very limited funding available for lesbian and bisexual women’s projects. As such, there are significantly less specific resources and services for lesbian and bisexual women as their needs are often overlooked or not viewed as a priority. The LGF addressed this when it began in 2000, by developing an internal working group to specifically concentrate on, raise the profile of, and address the needs of lesbian and bisexual women leading to targeted campaigns, events, advocacy work and service provision.

INSIDE OUT Although our Christmas 2007 issue featured the iconic Kylie Minogue on its cover, sadly we didn’t carry an interview with the star. Instead we looked at the phenomenon behind Kylie, and her battle with breast cancer. Another unique feature in outnorthwest, saw us asking our readers if they would ever take a pill that would turn them straight. We received hundreds of responses, and, perhaps unsurprisingly, the huge majory (92% to be precise) of our readers said they wouldn’t. On the celebrity front, we visited the set of Hollyoaks to talk to cast members James Sutton and Guy Burnett on playing gay i n n one of the UK’s favourite soaps. With Big Brother still launching short-lived media careers, we spoke to two of this year’s gay housemates, Seany and Gerry.

“Butch, skinhead, wife-beating pint drinkers?”, outnorthwest ended the year with a hard-hitting feature on lesbian stereotypes. “If we carry on using lesbian stereotypes in our own community, why should we expect straight people not to?”, noted one reader.

The LGF is an organisation of action – of pioneering work developed by people with passion and dedication to a cause. We, as a women’s community in Manchester and beyond, wanted resources to call our own, and we were not going to rest until we got them!

Thus the idea for Beating About the Bush came about – an empowering and informative guide to sex and sexual health for women who have sex with women. And how was it funded? By selling advertising to businesses aimed at lesbian and bisexual women. Beating About the Bush was published in 2008 and became the LGF’s most requested resource to date – a very clear indication of the need for these sorts of resources. Since then the women’s work programme continues to grow – our resources include; a safer sex information pack, Thanks for The Mammaries – a guide to breast health, Girls on Pop - a resource about alcohol, a Chlamydia campaign, and our current campaign Are You Ready For Your Screen Test? -about cervical screening.

The campaigns we run aim to be engaging and fun - in order to break down barriers about potentially scary subjects - whilst getting out very important messages to our community.”

FACTS: 192,831 resources were printed by LGF this year.

2008/09 FAITH IN OUR COMMUNITY

LGF staff with the Bishop of Manchester at the Celebrate event (Manchester Cathedral)

“Thank God then for The Lesbian & Gay Foundation whose outstanding service to the vulnerable and distressed we celebrate, as we pray that God may continue to strengthen them in their ministry of counselling and support.”

The words of the Bishop Of Manchester, as the work of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation and the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people were celebrated in a service of prayer, remembrance and commitment in Manchester Cathedral on Thursday 12th June. Over 200 people attended the special service to hear The Bishop of Manchester Rev Nigel McCulloch reaffirm his commitment to recognising and including the cities LGBT communities.

A significant piece of work developed by The Lesbian & Gay Foundation was launched in February 2009. ‘Breaking The Cycle’ is a five year strategy underpinning the development of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans sector in the North West. This comprehensive

document highlights the cycle of barriers that LGB&T people and communities face, and provides a wide range of practical recommendations for implementation to improve the lives of LGB&T people.

2008 also saw the launch of ‘Part Of The Picture’, a major national five year project funded by the Big Lottery, to research the drug and alcohol usage of LGB people, and undertaken in partnership with the University of Central Lancashire.

“The LGF is reliant on the support and enthusiasm of our volunteers.”

DAVID McGOVERN LGF Chair

In May of 2008, we launched our successful event, ‘The Walk Against Homophobia’. Over 200 people walked the streets of Manchester to Walk Against Homophobia, which was led by Coronation Street star and LGF patron Antony Cotton, and finished in Sackville Gardens near Canal Street in Manchester’s gay village.

Continuing our work tackling homophobic bullying in schools, Exceeding Expectations, Manchester’s multi-agency partnership to end homophobia through education, produced a resource for young people in schools and a total of 8 newsletters which reached every adult working in secondary and primary schools across Manchester.

Despite a lack of funding for women’s work, through determination and sponsorship, we produced a ground-breaking sexual health resource for women this year called ‘Beating About The Bush’. Validating the need for this kind of information, ‘Beating About The Bush’ quickly became the LGF’s most requested resource, with organisations around the UK asking for copies.

In 2008/9, the LGF’s website www.lgf.org.uk - continued to be an increasingly significant resource, providing news, information and advice to people not only regionally, but indeed nationally and internationally. With content developed on a daily basis, the number of unique users more than doubled during the year to over 138,000.

FACTS: 6,000 hours. The amount of time our volunteers donated this year.

MICHAEL

IN THE NEWS This year was overshadowed by a shocking display of homophobic violence that led to the death of a young gay man in Liverpool. On Thursday 24 July 2008, 18 year old Michael Causer was out with friends in Merseyside. Those acquaintances included James O’Connor (19), Michael Binsteed (18) and an old school friend of Michael’s Kyle Kennedy. After the pub the group went on to a party at a house on Biglands Drive in Huyton which belonged to Binsteed’s Grandmother. The group were joined at the house by Gavin Alker (19), a friend of O’Connor’s. Michael was upstairs asleep in one of the bedrooms when O’Connor and Alker came into the room and subjected Michael to a sustained and brutal beating which would leave him unconscious. After the attack it is alleged that Alker said: “He’s a little queer, he deserves it.” On August 2nd 2008, Michael Causer died from serious head injuries which he sustained in the attack

causer

A LOVING SON In June 2009, outnorthwest spoke to Marie and Mike Causer and they told us about their son Michael...

INFORMATION

INSIDE OUT The year began with an exclusive interview with Sandra Bernhard, who was appearing in Manchester for an exclusive performance for the annual Queer Up North arts festival.

We also asked if lesbians and gay men really do get on, or if there was a War Of The Sexualities. The feature provoked one of the biggest reader responses in the magazine’s history - so much so we had to run a follow up feature in the following issue. Manchester’s Director of Public Health, Sally Bradley also spoke to outnorthwest this year in a landmark interview. In it she made clear how serious the health of the LGB community was being taken and what steps were being taken to ensure vital health messages were being targeted to our communities. We ended the calendar year with a major interview with LGF patron Russell T Davies who talked us through his career from Queer As Folk to Doctor Who and beyond. This issue picked up more national publicity than any other issue of outnorthwest to date.

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

He worked at the Village Hotel and he’d do all the functions and get on stage singing for them and dancing for them, and he’d dance with the old people and the young people. We laugh ‘cos we look back at these photographs on the internet and he’s in his work uniform but he’s up on the stage dancing and he should have been serving. He was at College training to be hairdresser but he had been off for quite a few weeks because he’d had colitis, but he was hoping to go back in September.

He said he wanted to go back and further his education and do Business Studies. We told him as soon as he passed out as a hairdresser, we’d buy him and Louise (his other sister) a Salon and set them up in business. Michael was amazing and he had amazing friends. He was made out in court to be a thug. He wasn’t a bully…he’d never had a fight.

www.lgf.org.uk/enough

FACTS: 160,000 unique users visited our revamped website at www.lgf.org.uk

2009/10 HOMO HEROES

The LGF in the Parade at Manchester Pride, 2009.

Throughout 2009, the LGF celebrated the contribution of LGB people from all walks of life as we launched the Homo Heroes campaign.

Whether your heroes were friends and family, or TV entertainers, we encouraged the community to celebrate and be inspired by their heroes. Throughout the year we asked for your queer heroes and the final list featured a diverse range of people from Alan Turing to Tony Blair. American entertainer Ellen DeGeneres eventually topped the list.

This year saw the LGF launch a number of new initiatives. Backed by funding from the Department of Health, Caring With Confidence was a unique service offering support to carers of LGB&T people, or for those caring for LGB&T people. Long recognised as an under-represented group in the caring field, Caring With Confidence sessions ran twice a week in Manchester, and also in Blackpool and Liverpool thanks for partnership working with organisations SHIVER and The Armistead Project. In the first year of the project, Caring With Confidence provided tailored support for over 140 LGB&T carers.

For Manchester Pride this year, LGF cut a formidable shape parading the streets with the Homo Hero campaign. This year we also moved into the viral video arena by producing, with the invaluable help of BellyFlop TV, a ‘sing-along’ YouTube video to the music of Lily Allen’s ‘F**k You’. Featuring revellers miming along to the track, the video was a massive success and to date has had over 120,000 views on You Tube. Check it out now.

In October of this year, 22 year old trainee police officer James Parkes from Liverpool was leaving Superstar Boudoir on a Sunday night with his partner and two friends, when he was attacked by a gang of up to 20 youths.

PC Parkes suffered multiple skull fractures, a fractured eye socket and a fractured cheek bone. In response to this brutal attack, representatives from The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, along with Liverpool’s Armistead Centre and Merseyside Police raised awareness of homophobic hate crime and reporting in Liverpool’s gay quarter and gave out copies of the new LGBT safety resource “Enough is Enough say no to homophobic hate crime” (which was written designed, and published within a week of the attack on James), and talked to people about the importance of personal and community safety.

“Homophobia in any form or context is unacceptable and needs to stop.”

ANTONY COTTON LGF Patron Tying in with International Day Against Homophobia, the launch of ‘Flying The Flag’ this year was an extremely effective way for public sector organisations (and especially local authorities) to demonstrate their support for the LGB&T communities. The campaign received funding from the Association Greater Manchester Authorities and in 2009, 50 buildings, venues and public spaces took part throughout Greater Manchester.

In sexual health, as well as over 600,000 condoms distributed, the rapid HIV testing clinic served 165 people, and over 120 gay and bisexual men took part in sexual health workshops. and our tremendously successful sexual health resource for women, ‘Beating About The Bush’ was reprinted alongside special sexual health packs for women.

FACTS: 600,000 condoms and sachets of water-based lube distributed.

JUST THE

As The Eurovision Song Contest prepares to be staged in Moscow, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell attends Moscow Gay Pride to show his support of an LGB&T community who are not recognised by government. He said, ”All year round they risk arrest, imprisonment and queer-bashing attacks. These men and women are absolute heroes.” On September 25th 2009, 62 year old Ian Baynham was walking home near Trafalgar Square. At 11pm a woman and two friends - a man and another woman - attacked Baynham and kicked him to the ground. Baynham was taken to hospital with severe head injuries that would prove fatal. Boyzone star Stephen Gately also sadly passed away this year due to natural causes. His death was overshadowed by vicious homophobic reporting by Daily Mail columnist Jan Moir who stated that Stephen’s death “strikes another blow to the happy-ever-after myth of civil partnerships.”

INFORMATION

INSIDE OUT June 2009 saw outnorthwest face the biggest challenge of its almost ten years of publication when the LGF was faced with the difficult reality of a decline in advertising opportunities. Rather than give up and call it a day, the magazine regrouped, refocussed and relaunched as a bi-monthly publication. Editor Grahame Robertson explains, “In retrospect this was the best thing that could have happened to outnorthwest. It allowed us to focus on our original aims of providing valuable health and wellbeing messages, alongside important community information and features of real interest to our readers.” The relaunch issue reunited the cast, crew and creators of Queer As Folk as we looked back on a phenomenon that in many ways defined queer life in Manchester. As the year progressed we also spoke to Manchester Pride’s Jackie Crozier, North West musical legend Holly Johnson, equal rights campaigner Christine Burns, and comedian Stephen K Amos. Amongst many, many others.

FUTURE TENSE So where now for The Lesbian & Gay Foundation?

The final word goes to Paul Martin, LGF Chief Executive.

Registered Charity No.1070904

IN THE NEWS

start

10 Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS

Ten years later, what is the biggest challenge for an organisation like The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, going forward.

Surviving. Surviving is the biggest challenge for organisations like ours at this point in time.

Also just the fact that an organisation in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans sector is very fragile. We don’t have core funding, we don’t have regular contracts. All of our work is project funding , and a lot of that project funding is coming to an end. When you’re a very small sector, and when you’re serving a population with quite a lot of need it can be quite difficult to meet that need. But that doesn’t mean I don’t lose my optimism. The LGF’s Five Year Strategic Plan is essentially a plan of growth, a programme of development and a plan for expansion. I, and this organisation are still very much committed to our growth programme.

What message would you give to the LGB community?

What I’d like to say to the community is thank you to everyone that has been so supportive; but I’d also say to members of the community who haven’t been supportive, “Why not?” And not necessarily supportive to the LGF, but why aren’t you doing your bit for lesbian, gay and bisexual equality? Why aren’t you standing up and being counted? Why aren’t you putting money in the tin? Why aren’t you fundraising for lesbian, gay and bisexual organisations?

All the research shows that lesbians and gay men are just as generous as their hetereosexual peers. But I do think that quite a lot of lesbians and gay men forget, or don’t think about lesbian and gay charities... and my goodness, they really do need your support at this moment in time. ALL lesbian and gay organisations are under threat at the moment, and your support would make the biggest difference.”

We believe in a fair and equal society where all lesbian, gay and bisexual people can achieve their full potential.

Registered Charity No.1070904

For a large print format of this document, please call 0845 3 30 30 30 or email: info@lgf.org.uk

Published in November 2010 by:

10 Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester. M1 3HF. Tel: 0845 3 30 30 30 Fax: 0161 235 8036 Email: info@lgf.org.uk Web: www.lgf.org.uk Twitter: @lgfoundation Registered Charity No. 1070904 Registered Company No. 3476576

& bisexual women need screening tests too!

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!

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9

Out and proud with lovely nurse!

7

8

Winner’s Trophy

4

Tuppence playing pieces

Cut out and use a pencil or pen in the centre to make a spinner.

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Lesbian & bisexual women need screening tests too!

Took a friend with me for support!

Dice Spinner

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Visit: www.lgf.org.uk/screening Call: 08453 30 30 30

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Remember lesbian and bisexual women need cervical screening too. For more information on the Are You Ready for Your Screen Test? campaign

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3 2

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As the festive season is nearly upon us, why not crack open the chocolate tin, mix up an egg nog, pop the Christmas hits playlist on your MP3 and gather round for a game of Going For Your Screening Test? Now, it might not be the most appropriate game to play with Uncle Joe and Grandma as they settle in for their post lunch stupor following the Queen’s speech, but why not get your mates round on Boxing Day and see who’s first to make it to the finish line and successfully have their screen test? Simply cut out the handy tuppences and spinner provided below for endless holiday fun! Now don’t say we at outnorthwest never give you anything…

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Forgot to book appointment

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GOING FOR YOUR SCREENING TEST!

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GOING FOR Y

OUT

on the

STREET As

Coronation Street

celebrates its 50th year, Jo Dunning caught up with the show’s cast, crew and creator to find out what makes it the queerest show on TV.

It’s been quite a year for Sophie Webster (Brooke Vincent) and Sian Powers (Sacha Parkinson), as they became Corrie’s first lesbian couple.

We caught up with Weatherfield’s Juliet and Juliet.

Not only is your story one of the biggest of the year, it’s the first lesbian storyline in the show’s 50 year history. How much of an honour and a pressure is that?

Sacha: When I first got told about the story it was an honour, because I couldn’t believe they trusted me and Brooke, who are such young characters, especially because I’ve not been in it that long.

Brooke: I was 16 when I first got told and I was like wow they want me to do this, having this storyline is one of the highlights of my career.

Sacha: You forget how many people watch Corrie and just how many fans there are, so you forget how

much this story is going to affect people. Sometimes we are so absorbed with what we are doing, when you realise that you are making an impact on peoples’ lives - that’s when the pressure kicks in. It’s so flattering that people write in and say that we are doing good. People write to us on facebook and send letters saying that from watching our episodes they’ve come out to their parents. There was also one woman who wrote me a letter who was in her thirties, who said she wished she had something like our storyline on TV when she was young; and going through the same confusing stage and then realising that she was gay, but she had nothing to point her in the right direction and she had nothing to show her that it’s right, that’s it’s not wrong and that people can accept it.

What kind of an insight has the storyline given you into some of the issues facing young LGBs? Brooke: It’s made me realise that it’s not easy to say look I’m gay deal with it – because it’s not. Different people have different stories; some people have a terrible time telling their family, some people just

“What’s your campest Corrie moment?”

CAMP on the 26

COBBLES

breeze through. There are so many things that for gay people are a lot harder.

Sacha: It’s opened our eyes. With Sian, my character, her family really disagree with it, but Sophie’s family are getting there and then it turns out that they’re 100% fine and I move in with them. It’s not all plain sailing and some peoples’ parents are against it, of course others aren’t, but it must be so difficult for someone going through that.

I’m so glad that they have chosen younger characters to do it, because although people of all generations go through the same thing, you generally know whether you are gay or not at a young age – they need that to show the young people now.

Has this storyline affected you off screen?

Sacha: Me and Brooke are just so protective of the whole situation. When I hear things now I get so annoyed with people who are ignorant - you just think hang on a minute, there is nothing wrong with it and that’s why we are doing this. Brooke and I try and do things as much as we can – it’s only little, but we wear rainbow bands in interviews just to show that it is not just our job, we really mean what we are doing.

Brooke: We were doing a promo the other day and apparently two people of the same-sex can’t kiss on an advert before 9pm, but two different sexes can.

Now me and Sasha went absolutely ballistic. We were like Why? Why? It’s so weird now how I feel like it’s a part of me, and as soon as somebody has got a quick thing to say I’m there taking them on, saying don’t you dare. I just think it’s part of us now really – we understand the situation.

What’s your camp Corrie moment?

Sacha: When Sean (Antony Cotton) is dancing and singing “All the Single Ladies” it was the funniest thing. I’m not saying that someone who is gay or camp is funny, because they are gay or camp. How embarrassing is this? I watched it back on the i-Player so many times and showed my mum.

JONATHAN HARVEY (Corrie Writer/Playwrite)

“I don’t really think it’s that camp. I think it’s feisty, it’s got matriarchs. If camp is a velvet glove then there is an iron fist inside. It’s probably the fist of the ghost of Elsie Tanner - we’re on to fisting already.

Campest moments? Blanche opening a magazine about serial killers and saying “Ooo nasty gash!”

the EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

There is certainly a buzz around Coronation Street since former Doctor Who producer Phil Collinson took over, but is he consciously queering up the Street?

Since you’ve taken over there seems to be a real focus on LGBT storylines, was that a conscious decision?

Phil: No, not really a conscious decision. Obviously I’m a gay man, and being gay and the issues that come up as a result of that pre-occupy me. There’s a scene where Sally is in the cafe talking to Rita about her young daughter who has just come out, and she’s upset and worried for her, and Rita leans forward and says: “Well, how marvellous that she knows her own mind and that you brought her up to know she can talk to you and she’s happy.” I think that is an amazing thing to transmit to 10 million people.

Coronation Street is an amazing platform, what’s transmitted on Monday night people talk about in pubs, clubs, at work the next day. It’s not ending, it’s going to go on a long time and that’s the challenge for us now. I think Sophie’s a lesbian now and she will be for the rest of her life. And she’s embraced it, and it’s positive and her family and her neighbours are good - and transmitting that to the nation is a

“I hope I haven’t rammed anything down anybody’s throat, but this show has always had a GAY sensibility.” really positive powerful thing. I think you transmit something like that and you really make a difference to the way people think, even if you make five people think,“Oh actually to be gay could be a wonderful, amazing thing”. So from that point of view I suppose it’s conscious. I hope I haven’t rammed anything down anybody’s throats, but this show has always had a gay sensibility. It was created by a gay man 50 years ago, so in some way it is fitting that a gay man is running it again 50 years later.

Your campest Corrie moment?

Probably when I first started as Producer and they did a photo shoot with me outside the Rovers and I thought it was the campest thing I’d ever seen.

the CREATOR

When Corrie’s creator – Tony Warren – first put pen to paper over 50 years ago, did he think that by 2010 it would be such a hot bed of gay action?

“I hoped that the world was going to change, and from the moment I became well known I refused point blank to pretend to be anything other than gay, which of course was quite dangerous in those days, we never went past Strangeways Prison without shuddering, because we could be in there the next week for all we knew. Pat Phoenix used to say to me, do you always have to say “My name is Tony Warren and I’m gay?” And I said:“Yes I do”, because until people accept that we are contributors to this life then I am going to go on saying it, and I think I’ve just about stopped.”

Have you been impressed with this year’s storylines?

I think the lesbian storyline has been beautifully

CRAIG GAZEY (graeme)

“It has to be - without offending anyone - dressing up as Liz McDonald - that was pretty camp.”

toned. What is more, I think the public have accepted it as just a sweet, nice, romantic story and have got wrapped up in it and have not stopped to think that it is a same-sex relationship; it’s just young love as far as they are concerned, and this is healthy. I get a bit annoyed at some of the criticism aimed at Antony Cotton because the fact of the matter is; there are loads of Sean’s out and about. You go to the right end of Canal Street and I can point you to exactly the bar that they are in, he represents that. It’s not Antony - it’s Sean. Antony has been a proper activist for years. When he originally came in, there was the straight looking, straight acting Todd Grimshaw who was gay, and Antony was to restore the balance to show that everybody wasn’t straight acting and looking. But then Todd went, and everybody is saying we are only representing a certain type, now we are not, and as we see other gay characters are beginning to emerge.”

Your campest Corrie moment?

I think Reg Holdsworth and the wig.

SHOBNA GULATI (sunita)

“Reg and Maureen on the water bed!”

27

the FAMILY

sean tully

ANTONY COTTON Out and proud Antony Cotton plays Sean Tully – Corrie’s longest running gay character.

He came into the show as Todd Grimshaw’s friend and is now one of the cornerstones of the Corrie community.

We delved into the archive for Antony’s first outnorthwest exclusive, to find out about the actor’s love for the gayest show on TV. Antony: I originally wrote a letter to the then producer asking for the job, because I’m a punter as well. I watch television, and hopefully have good tele-visual taste.

As a viewer of Coronation Street - a show that I have loved all my life – I thought there should be a character like Sean on the show. Coronation Street is the gayest TV show in the world. Sean is who he is and that’s why it’s been so interesting and so courageous. What’s so nice about playing Sean on the Street, is that he absolutely makes no apologies for who he is. It’s a brilliant achievement to have a non- apologetic gay character. I want him to have a sex life. He will continue his quest for love, as did Raquel Watts as did Leanne Battersby, as does everyone else.

People are saying this character is like John Inman and Larry Grayson. No, he’s not! He’s had three one night stands already! They’ve never been mentioned because why mention them?

That was way back in 2005 and since then Sean has had a few more one night stands, serious relationships and even become a baby daddy. It’s no wonder that the rest of the cast and Tony Warren speak so warmly about him, for the last five years Antony has been doing wonders for gay visibility on TV, as well as always finding the time to help local LGBT organisations.

28

“And what if she was gay. Would your sky fall in?” If only Kevin Webster (Michael Le Velle) hadn’t been doing the dirty with Molly, he would have won father of the year for his supportive and loving response when Sophie came out to him. But her mum Sally (Sally Dyvenor) wasn’t quite as positive... at first.

How’s it been playing Sophie’s mum, getting use to the idea that she has got a gay daughter?

Sally: I’ve really enjoyed doing it, because I quite liked the idea that Sally was absolutely livid about it in the beginning, because the amount of girls that I’ve spoken to who say, “Oh my god that conversation I had with my mother like you had with Brooke” is just scary. Every person goes through that; having to tell their parents their sexuality. And I loved the fact that Sally was horrified about it first of all, because now she’s all for them, she’s all gung ho, she’s in

their corner against the world and I love that.

What’s your campest Corrie moment?

Sally: Actually I’m loving it because I am getting a lot of quite camp lines at the moment and I love that...“ There’s no dungarees in our house” was a good one.

What did you think about Kevin’s reaction to Sophie coming out?

Michael: Kevin’s been pretty cool. I think Brooke is turning into a terrific actress; she’s a joy to work with.

Was your camp moment your moustache? You were something of a gay icon in the ‘80s Michael: That was because of my moustache, as soon as I shaved it off no-one wanted to know. Anyway I didn’t think it was camp, I thought it was quite macho at the time. It was good to me that tache; I did every gay club from Lands End to John O Groats.

coming out to the family?

A quarter of the calls to the LGF relate to issues around coming out – whether you are questioning your sexuality, or are a parent or guardian of someone who has just come out – we are here if you need us. Call the LGF on 0845 3 30 30 30.

the MODERN COUPLE

It’s also been a big year for another Corrie couple, as Roy (David Neilson) and Hayley (Julie Hesmondhalgh) got married in a lavish ceremony.

Julie: It was a really special episode for me, because you’ve got this burgeoning romance between those two (Sophie and Sian) and all the problems they were going to face – Sally’s prejudice, all Claire’s problems with it and then them all celebrating Roy and Hayley’s wedding. Debbie Oates’ script was just perfect. And that beautiful thing that Roy says about him and Hayley staying the same, but the world has changed and turned to meet us. I mean we couldn’t have done this a few years ago, we’re still the same people in love trying to get married and that’s it.

David: The storyline has been fabulous. For me it’s about that relationship. I love Roy and Hayley together they are a great double act. It’s great the way that they are completely accepted. They’re just two human beings who are stronger together than they are apart. They compliment each other, they’re still ratty with each other, they are still funny together, they’re just a couple.”

So what are your campest Corrie moments?

Julie: Hayley’s fight with Tracey Barlow. It was brilliant, you don’t often see Hayley in that situation.

David: The Valentines Ball where Roy and Hayley dressed up, in a very un-Roy way.

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

HIV TESTING

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Early diagnosis of HIV is the most important thing that can happen to someone once they become HIV+. This means that someone who is diagnosed not long after they are infected with HIV will stand a better chance of long term health, than someone who doesn’t test and is diagnosed late.

In some areas of Greater Manchester, the late diagnosis rate of people with HIV is close to 50%. This means that they may have left themselves open to opportunistic infections, as well as leaving their immune system open to intense damage over many years.

be easily found. The two messages that men who have sex with men need to hear these days and particularly now as we approach World Aids Day are:

1. Protect yourself against contracting HIV 2. Get tested regularly By testing at least once every twelve months any infection by HIV will be relatively recent, and you stand the best chance of long term health.

Once you receive a positive diagnosis, your blood will be checked regularly and the viral load measured. Your immune system will also be checked to see how many of the cells that HIV targets are affected, and how many of the cells are healthy. By having these checks the HIV specialists will be able to work out when it is best for you to start on Anti-Retroviral

The reason that people present late

Therapy. All of this means that you will

with an HIV diagnosis usually is because

be healthy for longer, and stand the best

they were unaware that they were

chance long term.

infected with the virus. Any symptoms that showed up may have been so mild

Unfortunately, if this is left too late then

as to be missed, or simply put down to

the outlook is not as good. If the immune

other infections such as cold or flu. In

system has been damaged over a number

many cases, there wouldn’t have been

of years then combination therapy will

any symptoms to begin with.

not be as effective. This can lead to further complications, hospitalisation

Over the years the virus would have

and even death. Because symptoms for

been silently ravaging through their

HIV infection are so unreliable, it is not

immune system, and the viral load in

effective to think that an infection will be

the blood would have been increasing.

picked up through routine healthcare.

Sexual health check ups, including HIV

That isn’t to say that their body

testing, at least once every twelve months

wouldn’t have fought back a little in

for sexually active gay men is the best

an attempt to control the HIV, but the

way to ensure that any infection is picked

way that it works means that the more

up and treated to maximise your long

that the body tries to do, the more

term health.

of a grip the virus has. It is one of the unfortunate complexities of HIV, and one of the reasons why a cure cannot 30

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

Even if you feel perfectly well, get tested and take control.

ANDREW GILLIVER is Communications Manager at The

Lesbian & Gay Foundation, and has been writing for outnorthwest for 10 years. Here he shares his story of discovering his HIV status and the impact it has had on his life.

Ignorance isn’t bliss.

e if “What would have happened to m I hadn’t agreed to that HIV test? It really doesn’t bear thinking about.”

In 1987 I was 21. Legally old enough to have a same sex relationship and working as a postman in Sheffield, my hometown. that time was a One of the things we had to deliver at gh every letterbox throu leaflet about AIDS which was to go r advertising majo a hed launc nt in the UK. The Governme of Ignorance” Die t Don’ : “AIDS n sloga the with campaign last time that a and it was scary stuff. This was to be the to be delivered was HIV t abou aign camp e major nationwid ria. hyste in this country and there was a lot of people used to shout Because I was so very obviously gay, they presumed thing the word ‘AIDS’ at me as it was some ’t had sex with hadn I gh thou (even ire I was bound to acqu .) time that at man another tually made up for I was rather a late developer but I even status of many men lost time. I wondered about the HIV d about . I tried talke r neve was that I encountered but it as with many try say I y. safel d playe ys alwa I to make sure control. So of out bit situations things sometimes got a terrified was I as test HIV y yearl a for much so that I went my test results year after Year ive. posit HIV ming of beco to becoming a little came back negative and I must admit I was doing I must ever what that ght thou complacent and the virus out of my have developed the right tactics to keep body. you don’t know Well fate has a way of telling you that began to get I 1998 g durin time anything and some down to 120 llbs. went and stone a t abou lost I ill. seriously from my GP was osis diagn the I couldn’t eat solid food and ition which cond ry mato inflam nic chro a Crohn’s disease, loss. He didn’t ht weig causes stomach pains, diarrhoea, and teer any volun ’t didn I and life asked me about my sex on. informati toms of HIV infection I never twigged that these were symp Wirral were I was and soon ended up in hospital on the ne could work out No-o . er living with my long term partn nised that my recog they until me with g what was wron infection.

HIV of illness seemed to follow the pattern

mbed to the virus So arrogant was I that I had not succu for my results along went that I agreed to an HIV test and all of a but again yet tive nega was I waiting to be told sudden everything had changed. benefit and think I had to sign off work , go on incapacity ns. icatio med HIV ing about start started meds in I was diagnosed in October 1999 and needed some body my clear quite was it as 2000 January m. syste une imm assistance in building up its n therapy treatments Because of the advance in combinatio well . I am really s drug the to in the mid 1990’s I took hear about the I when and day a ts table two on currently s not working out for problems some people have with drug . lucky very lf them I consider myse ges your life and in Obviously this whole experience chan work again. Even ever could I if ered wond my early 30’s I I felt the need to get er though I was supported by my partn do?

I could what but involved in something store for Zone e Clon r’s heste Manc in rt I saw an adve this was that knew I and sexual health outreach workers ian & Lesb The to d trotte I off so do ld something I shou August 2000. since been have I e wher n datio Foun Gay been the most I can honestly say the last 10 years have life. my rewarding of in those early days of I wonder if I had been sexually active now? here be I d woul s, the 1980 I hadn’t agreed to that What would have happened to me if HIV test?

It really doesn’t bear thinking about. doesn’t think they I would say to anyone who is scared or you get checked sure make e pleas test HIV a for go need to up regularly . endeavour to wear Nobody is perfect and we should all enough. isn’t this condoms all of the time but health. I learned Please make sure you look after your ful that I did. grate so am I and before it was too late

To access the LGF’s sexual health clinics, and find out how you can get tested, call 0845 3 30 30 30 or visit www.lgf.org.uk/testing www.lgf.org.uk

31

DRUGS & ALCOHOL

Sara Ashworth shares her experiences of giving up smoking.

GOOD

ADVICE Smoking, almost half of all LGB&T people do it. People smoke for all kinds of different reasons, it’s pleasurable, it’s an emotional crutch, it’s what you do when you socialise but the biggest reason in because you are addicted.

We all know the bad side effects of smoking; it causes bad breath and premature aging not to mention the cancers, heart disease and stomach ulcers. It also costs a lot of money, and let’s face it adding up the amount you spend on cigarettes a month can be scary (and would pay for a rather nice pair of shoes).

I recently decided to give up smoking, I’m on day five now but by the time you read this I will be much further on. I have always known about all the health risks but never really acknowledged that anything bad would happen to me, even though I’m asthmatic! What’s the thing that’s made me quit I hear you cry, well in all honesty its vanity. I do not want to look old and full of wrinkles but if that’s what makes me want to quit then I’m ok with it.

I also recently learnt that smoking around your pets can really damage their health (the same is true for smoking around children and other adults) and shorten their life and the last thing I want is for my dog to become ill because I was smoking around her.

I have smoked for so many different reasons over the years but one of the main reasons is because a lot of my friends do and I really enjoy nipping outside of the pub or the office to have an extra gossip. I know that this is going to be where I weaken and want to smoke but I have

32

a few tips and plans to stop me when times get hard.

I have started to notice the difference in my body almost straight away; it’s a big myth that stopping smoking doesn’t improve your health for a long time. My energy levels have already increased because the carbon monoxide has gone from my body and I can smell and taste things a lot better too. I know that in a couple of weeks my circulation will be improved so I will find exercise easier, just in time for Christmas dancing. I also know that in about three months my asthma will have improved a lot as it’s around this time that breathing improves as your lungs have around ten percent more room for oxygen!

CONTACT THE LGF

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

Deciding whether or not to stop smoking is a very personal decision, I hope I manage to stick at it but even if I smoke it doesn’t mean I’ve failed I’ll just keep on trying. If you think that you may want to stop smoking then come and see us at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF), we have fully qualified stop smoking support staff and we can even prescribe you nicotine replacement therapy (such as patches, nasal spray, inhalers and lozenges).

You don’t have to make an appointment just come along, or if you want more information give us a call! We will be here for you every step of the way, especially as many of us understand what it’s like to stop smoking.

Contact us for information on stopping smoking on 0845 3 30 30 30, visit our website at www.lgf.org.uk, drop us an email at info@lgf.org.uk or pop in and see us at Number 5, Richmond Street Manchester M1 3HF (we’re above Queer)

DRUGS & ALCOHOL

WE’RE HERE IF YOU NEED US

Find out what the LGF can do for you. Pick up our brand new Guide To Services today.

Or call 0845 3 30 30 30 for your copy.

In January 2011 The Lesbian & Gay Foundation in partnership with UCLan will be realising the first year reports of Part of the Picture, an England wide database that measures the levels of drug and alcohol use among LGB people.

Previous research has shown that LGB&T people are far more likely to use drugs and drink at higher levels than the general population and this can be down to a whole number of factors that make the LGB&T population unique.

However we still need people to complete the anonymous survey so we have as much data as possible, the findings will then be used to help drugs and alcohol services around the country become more inclusive of the differing needs of LGB&T people. Go to www.partofthepicture.co.uk to complete the survey or give us a call at the LGF for more information.

If you feel like your drug or alcohol use is getting a bit too much for you, especially with the festive season approaching, then the LGF is here if you need us. Christmas can be hard time for everyone and drinking and drug taking is a large part of celebrating the festive season for many. Work parties, having to stay with family and money worries can all be factors for feeling like you need to drink or take more drugs to relax and it can be really easy to fall into a vicious cycle that can be hard to break.

WEAR IT FILL IT BIN IT (OR GET HIM TO!)

NEED HELP?

For information on drug taking, visit the Talk To Frank website: www.talktofrank.com

Reg. Charity No.1070904

If you need someone to talk to then pop in any time for a chat about any problems you may be having or even if you just want some more information.

You can also call our helpline any time on 0845 3 30 30 30.

10 Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

THE LGF’S FREE GAY MEN’S SAFER SEX PACKS ARE AVAILABLE IN VENUES ACROSS GREATER MANCHESTER.

2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS

WELLBEING

We’re facing a whole new year ahead of us full of good times and challenges.

Either way, it can be hard facing up to the future. It needn’t be. Here are our five top tips for clearing your head and preparing to take 2011 by the horns.

5

Text: Lucy Rolfe

EASY STEPS TO

CLEAR YOUR

HEAD FOR THE

NEW YEAR Where’s Your Head At and Know Your Mental Health are available now. You can also see them online at www.lgf.org.uk 34

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

Mental health is often one of those things we don’t think about until we have a problem with it. It is something we all have, and in fact, couldn’t function without it, and just like our physical health, we sometimes need a bit of help to get us back on our feet. In a recent study about how to improve our mental wellbeing, it was claimed that just 5 simple actions practised regularly can make a big difference to our emotional resilience. So why not give it a go and kick start your wellbeing for the New Year?

1

CONNECT

2

BE ACTIVE

3

With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community.

Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.

Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden.

Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy; one that suits your level of mobility and fitness.

TAKE NOTICE Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual.

Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are on a train, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.

4 KEEP LEARNING

5

Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike.

Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food.

Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident, as well as being fun to do.

GIVE Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone.

Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and will create connections with the people around you.

Five ways To Wellbeing: The Evidence, Foresight, October 2008 www.lgf.org.uk

35

SEXTALK In the North West of England there are now 7,729 people living with HIV, according to the Department of Health. Each year that number increases, and although there may be fluctuations in the number of new cases, the overall number is still growing.

There is often a lot of confusion surrounding the statistics, and you might be forgiven for thinking that HIV is no longer a big issue for gay men as the number of heterosexual people getting infected is increasing. This is true, but new infections amongst men who have sex with men happen here in the UK, whereas the majority of new infections amongst heterosexual people happen abroad.

HIV is an issue for men who have sex with men in the communities where we meet friends, socialise and meet for sex. About 1 in 10 gay or bisexual men in larger cities in the UK (and as many as 1 in 7 on London’s gay scene) has HIV, and between 25% and 30% are unaware that they are positive. Amongst men who have sex with men in the North West in 2009 there were 339 new cases of HIV infection and of these 202 were from Greater Manchester.

Photos: Paul Jones (Exposure)

Each one of those cases represents a person whose life has changed forever.

This World Aids Day the Lesbian and Gay Foundation is aiming to make men who have sex with men think about HIV in relation to their sexual partners with a campaign targeting this high risk group.

36

How many of us think about our partner’s sexual history when we are getting to know them? It is a difficult subject to talk about, particularly if we have just met someone, but simply thinking about it is a good starting off point. About 75% of HIV negative men would expect someone to tell them if they have HIV, yet only 25% of HIV positive men feel comfortable enough to be able to do this. Clearly there is a

TALK DIRTY TO US! IF YOU’VE GOT ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SEX YOU’RE HAVING, OR YOUR SEXUAL HEALTH, DROP PETER AN E-MAIL: peter.boyle@lgf.org.uk

KNOW YOUR HIV STATUS

GET TESTED! The Lesbian & Gay Foundation offer a range of clinical services that make your sexual health test and easy and friendly experience.

To find out where you can access these services, call 0845 3 30 30 30 or visit www.lgf.org.uk/ testing

difference of expectation here. Are you 100% sure?

Assumption is usually the mother of all bad decisions – never assume. By only having the kind of sex that puts you at the minimal risk of contracting an STI or HIV, you know that you are doing the best to look after yourself, and your health.

Condoms and Lube offer the best protection against HIV and STIs, but remember you don’t always have to have anal sex. STIs can be passed on through oral sex as well, however not always as easily. If you avoid any kind

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

of penetrative sex altogether for casual partners then your risk of getting most STIs, including HIV is essentially nonexistent.

Gay and bisexual men who are having sex with different people should be getting a full sexual health screen, including an HIV test at least once every 12 months.

To find our more about the clinical services offered by LGF, call 0845 3 30 30 30 or visit www.lgf.org.uk/testing

ONLINE SEX ADVICE

SAFER SEX IN YOUR POCKET

For even more practical advice about how to have a happy, healthy sex life, visit The Lesbian & Gay Foundation website today.

Bookmark www.lgf.org.uk now!

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation have a range of publications available - free of charge about sex and sexual health. Call 0845 3 30 30 30 for more information.

PETER BOYLE

SEX IN THE CITY

Status update Procrastination is the thief of time, or in some cases is a far more dangerous adversary. When talking about fears and things that we worry about, embarrassment usually comes out near to the top of the list.

Another one of our greatest fears is being diagnosed with a long term, or chronic illness. Put these two things together, and we probably see why so many gay and bisexual men put off going for a routine sexual health check up. For years sexual health clinics were seen as the part of the hospital that no-body talked about.

People would shuffle in nervously, and everyone ‘knew’ why they were going there.

Things have changed.

Sexually active gay and bisexual men are encouraged to get a full sexual health screen at least once a year, or more often if you are sleeping with lots of different people. With more people than ever living with HIV and about 27% unaware of their infection, it has never been more important to get tested regularly. Some infections can be treated easily with antibiotics and are completely curableHIV is not curable, but effective health monitoring and treatments are available in the UK. Fears and myths surrounding sexual health check ups are usually unfounded.

There are no instruments used to ‘scrape’ your insides, most tests can be done with a urine sample. If swabs are used, they are nothing scarier than a small cotton bud. If you are afraid of needles, the talk to the nurses about this, blood tests are used, but talking about your concerns beforehand will help you. Some places offer same day HIV testing, with the results available within the hour. The LGF offers this service every Thursday afternoon between 4 and 6pm, (the last test available is at 5:30pm).

The stigma that surrounds sexual health check ups is outdated, as are the fears surrounding them. Clinics are modern healthcare centres, with the staff being completely non-judgemental and there to help. You don’t even have to give your real name if you don’t want to, and all tests and treatments are free, and the tests are fully confidential (the records are completely separate to your doctor’s records, for example). Knowing whether or not you have an STI is one of the most important things you can do to look after your health. As well as passing these on to other people, having an STI can make it more likely that you will pick up or pass on HIV. By having regular testing, you will feel more in control of your own health, and this is turn can make decisions around having safer sex seem more important.

By taking personal responsibility, each one of us can make a proactive decision to halt new STI and HIV infections, or at the very least ensure that we do everything we can to reduce them.

Registered Charity No.1070904

Know your status, protect yourself, protect your partner and protect your community.

10 Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS www.lgf.org.uk

45

NEED ADVICE?

Whether you’re looking for relationship advice, you’re concerned about your sexual health, or you want to get involved with your community, call the LGF any time between 10am and 10pm on 0845 3 30 30 30.

SPORT

Lee Pearson is a one-off. Often described as the world’s most successful paralympic dressage rider. He has amassed a total of 27 gold medals since starting Paralympic dressage competitions in 1998.

An amazing feat for anyone but even more so when you consider that Lee has a condition called arthrogryposis, which means his muscles didn’t grow correctly and he does not have mobility in his ankles or knees and also has restricted movement in his other limbs.

Lee had 15 major operations to straighten his limbs as a child but he has never let his disability get him down and has no plans to have any more operations at the present time.

It has never been a problem for him or others around him however, he wasn’t bullied at school and infact was Mr Popular and even dated a girl in the year above.. oh how times have changed!

Lee recently became civilly partnered to his other half Mark Latham. outnorthwest has been planning to interview Lee for quite some time and while Lee was waiting to hear from us (!) he has gone on to win three gold medals at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky,U.S.A in October. There seems to be no stopping this man who at just 38

LEE PEARSON

GOEURTS! Y

Pick up your copy of the LGF’s LGB&T sports guide ‘Get In’, just e-mail us for a copy at info@lgf.org.uk, or visit our website: www.lgf.org.uk

36 years old has already achieved so much in his life.

27 gold medals is an amazing achievement. Is there one single medal that you are most proud of?

“The first paralympic gold medal which was won in Sydney in 2000 has to be the one.”

Many people would never think of getting involved in a sport like dressage or even think it was available to them, what would you say to anyone who would like to give it a try?

“Dressage is just the training of a horse to be more balanced and responsive, there are riding schools all over the country and they are not very expensive and easily accessible to people who would like to ride. But like any sport at an elite level it does become more expensive.”

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

In recognition of your equestrian success and services to disability sport, you were awarded an MBE in 2001, an OBE in 2005 and then a CBE in the 2009 New Year’s Honours list. Is there anything you have not yet achieved that you would like to?

“A knighthood would have been nice after the past three games. It’s strange that a paralympic athlete has to win much more than an Olympic athlete to gain the same recognition within the honours system.”

If you hadn’t gone into equestrian sports what would you have done?

“I would like to have been a car racing driver. Racing cars at a fast speed is all about feel, feeling the vibrations, seat, power, speed. This is the same as riding a horse, it is all about the feel, feeling to make changes, not to make changes through the seat.”

“We don’t have the choice to change who we are. I am now very happy with who I am and I make no apologies to anyone about being myself.”

SPORT

SPORTS

S T R O SH

Lee says he has been on a car racing experience which is the closest thing he has got to that career.

You came out when you were 21 years old was it a difficult process for you?

“Very difficult, I neither wanted to be gay or disabled in an ideal world.

But we don’t have the choice to change who we are, I am now very happy with who I am and make no apologises to anyone about being myself.”

We often here how important it is for the gay community to have people in the world of sport to be out to the public - what are your views on this?

“I thinks it is very important for not only the gay community to have an association with successful gay people from all walks of life, not just in front of the media but it is also good for the general public to have positive exposure to gay and disabled people and accept them as an important and normal part of society.”

Who is your Homo Hero ?

I think Gareth Thomas was a very brave man and I admire his courage to come out. Some sports are perceived to be more masculine then others and hence can be more difficult for people to come out. I don’t understand though how kicking a ball around is perceived to be more masculine than riding half a ton of powerful crazy horse?!

BEN COHEN SPEAKS OUT TO YOUNG LGB&T PEOPLE

Do you have a motto that you live your life by?

“Make the most of every opportunity. Try and enjoy every day!”

Lee is a most deserving Homo Hero and we would like to wish him continued success for the future. We hope the knighthood isn’t too far away and as he is currently aiming to compete at the London Paralympic Games in 2012,outnorthwest would like to wish Lee (and Mark!) the very best of luck for the future and thank him for taking the time to talk to us.

FAB FLORENT

Sale Shark’s Ben Cohen has recorded a video message of support after 7 teenagers in America took their own lives because of being targeted by homophobic bullies. Ben’s message highlighted that things do get better, he said:“Remember life is worth living. You have the right to be happy, to be loved and to love others. Think twice. Stop whatever you’re thinking of doing and find someone to talk to and make them listen.” www.ben-cohen.com

LGBT HISTORY MONTH PRELAUNCH Rugby legend Gareth Thomas, former NBA basketball player and Manchester Pride patron John Amaechi and Clare Harvey - the GB sitting volleyball player - were among the big sporting names at Twickenham Rugby Ground for the LGBT History Month pre-launch. LGBT History Month will have a sports theme for the next two years. For more on what you can do to support LGBT History Month and make sure that it is celebrated turn to pages 6 & 7.

CLUB FOR BIRDIES Pride Sports would like to hear from LGBT golfers in the North West, who would like to be part of a new LGBT golf group. Ideally, the new group will be open to men and women from across the North West and surrounding areas. Pride Sports are planning to set up a Golf Ladder. It is a concept used successfully to organise squash matches and could help golfers meet other players and to arrange matches to suit themselves. The system will allow members to choose a player of an appropriate standard and go green. If you would like to get involved send your name and contact details to trevor@pridesports.org

Chelsea’s French International - Florent Malouda - has been speaking out against homophobia; highlighting that homophobia is no different from other forms of discrimination in society. He said:“you have to accept people as they are and once you understand that, you understand our differences are our strength.’

Get In! If you would like to see your sporting group adorning the pages of Get In! E-mail: joanne.dunning@lgf.org.uk

www.leepearson.co.uk

2 pages of sport and fitness every issue supported with enthusiasm by: www.lgf.org.uk

39

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

33

10

32

7

20 30 23

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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

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

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

6

Churchills 37 Chorlton St, 0161 236 5529, karoke Tues and Thurs, churchillsmanchester.com 7

8 company bar Only 28 Richmond St, 0161 237 9329, companybarmanchester.co.uk 9 Coyotes 14 Chorlton Street, 0161 236 4007, pleasant two floor bar, coyotesbar.co.uk

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

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

Whitworth Street

21

13 Eagle 15 Bloom Street, new venue.

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

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

The Parlour Richmond St, theparlourmanchester.com 40

Mint Lounge Gay Friendly 46-50 Oldham St, 0161 228 1495, trendy bar, mintlounge.com

26 The Rembrandt 33 Sackville St, 0161 236 1311, traditional pub, rembrantmanchester.com

16 Napoleons 35 Bloom St, 0161 236 8800, welcomes all LGB&T customers, napoleons.co.uk

27 Thompsons Arms 23 Sackville Street, 0161 237 5919.

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.

19

Queer 4 Canal Street, 0161 228 1368, queer-manchester.com 20

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

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

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

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

Essential 8 Minshull St, 0161 835 1300, nightclub over three floors.

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

50

Venues Key

Mixed

Mainly Men

tonic 34 Canal Street, 0161 236 5757, intimate and modern bar serving drinks and food.

4

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

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

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

23

Mainly Women

Mainly Trans

Bar

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 Club Fizz Charlton Club, women only 2nd Friday of the month, 9pm-1am £5, see facebook CLub lash Fetish at Legends, 2nd Friday of the month clublash.com Eager Beaver at Manto Bar Lounge, Friday’s 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 Mish Mash Cabaret Circle Club, every 2nd Friday of the month, 8pm £8, mishmash1.com Morning Glory at Queer, after hours every Saturday Organic at Spirit, after hours every Sat.

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

All information provided by venues. Please check before arrival

40

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32 View 40 Canal St, 0161 236 9033

Registered Charity No.1070904

18

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London Road

34

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Canal Street

36

Chorlton Street

15

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Sackville Street

Princess Street

22

Bloom Street

13

37

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38

Northern Quarter Hart Street

Hi

47 Richmond Street

24

3

39

19

Parking Cash Machine

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Bloom Street

£

Major Street

Minshull Street

2

(Free City Centre Bus)

Chorlton Street Bus/Coach Station

27 Abingdon Street

1

Chorlton Street

Sackville Street

Princess Street

11

Train Station Metrolink Stop Metroshuttle Stop

Portland Street

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

Serves Food

Cash Point

Outdoor Seating

Disabled Access

greater manchester

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

commuNity & HEalth 33 Albert Kennedy Trust Number 5, Richmond Street, 0161 228 3308, providing supported lodgings, mentoring, be-friending and information and advice to young LGBT people, admin@akt.org.uk

Pink Counselling Roger: 07506924801, gay male Therapeutic Counsellor working in Didsbury & Altrincham.

ProBalance Personal Training 0161 833 4777, gay friendly personal training gym in the City Centre, pro-balance.co.uk 44 Pure Tanning and Village Off License 37-39 Bloom St, 0161 236 1788

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.

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

EatEriEs

BRASSERIE Gay Friendly Albert Square, 0161 834 7633

HOTELS & B&B's

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

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

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

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

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

Becky Johnson Counselling 07841 837029, Experienced individual and couples counsellor. M2 and SK9 locations. integrative-psychotherapy.eu 39 Clone Zone 36-38 Sackville Street, 0161 236 1398, clonezone.co.uk

Dr Phil Tyson 0161 256 1890, Men’s Psychotherapist and relationship counselling. menstherapy.co.uk 41 Funky Crop Shop 37 Bloom Street, 0161 237 1032, village hair shop.

49 Gayter Hairdressing 57 Hilton Street, 0161 236 1128, hair salon, gayterhairdressing.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 The Basement Complex 18 Tariff Street, 0161 236 8131, seven day sauna for gay and bi men, basementcomplex.co.uk 48

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

from the scene, meets every Wed 1-4pm, kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk

Pankhurst Centre 60-62 Nelson Street, Chorlton-on-Medlock, 0161 273 5673, pankhurstcentre.org.uk

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

St. Mary’s Centre New St. Mary’s Hospital, Hathersage Road, 0161 276 6515, sexual assault referral centre, stmaryscentre.org

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

The Lesbian Community Project 49-51 Sidney Street, 0161 273 7128, manchesterlep.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.

The Village Citizen Advice Bureau 25a Hankinson Way, Salford Precinct, 0161 834 2005, advice@thevillage.org.uk

UPPERCUTS BARBERS The Arndale Market, 07784 156 693

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

Manchester Smoking Cessation 0161 205 5998

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

45

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

Eighth Day Vegan 111 Oxford Road, 0161 273 1850

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

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

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

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) Number 5, Richmond Street, 0845 3 30 30 30, for all your LGB information and services, lgf.org.uk

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

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

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

33

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

Helen smith FUNERALS 07870 541668, funerals that are individual fitting and true, helensmithfunerals.co.uk

CLINICS Jarman Clinic Withington Hospital, 0161 217 4939 North Manchester GUM Delaunays Rd, Crumpsall, 0161 720 2681

outreach Clinic @ the LGF and 4 other locations, Mondays, no appointment needed, 0845 3 30 30 30, lgf.org.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

Rapid HIV Testing @ the LGF Thurs 4-6pm, no appointment needed, results in 20 mins, 0845 3 30 30 30, lgf.org.uk the hathersage centre 280 Upper Brook St, 0161 276 5200 / 5212

GROUPS 35+ Lesbian & Bi Women LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for 35+ women to socialise and makre freinds away

gay MARRIED MENS GROUP A support group meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday 7.30-9pm at the LGF, 0845 3 30 30 30 Gay Naturist SWIM all ages, nude_n_manchester@yahoo.co.uk Icebreakers gay & bi men's support group meets 8pm every Wednesday at the LGF, 0845 3 30 30 30, icebreakersmanchester.org.uk

NorTh WeSt

NorTh NorTh weSt WeSt WEBSITEs

BARNArDOS MANCHESTER LEAVING CARE SERVICES 36 Monton Street, 0161 226 6722, barnardos.org.uk

Gay North West Camping & Caravanning Club Free club for LGBT people who enjoy camping and caravanning, gnccc.co.uk

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

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

Gaydio 1st Floor, Portland Tower, Portland Street, info@gaydio.co.uk

j4ldating.com a lesbian dating site. j4ldating.com

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

Edward carpenter community of gay men fortnightly meetings for gay men support, trust and friendship - also longer breaks away, gaycommunity.org.uk

Rusholme Health Centre Walmer Street, 0161 225 6699

Barnardo’s Health Through Action The Progress Centre, Charlton Place, Ardwick Green, 0161 273 2901

Community Alcohol Team 0161 230 6382, manchestercat.org

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

North Manchester Hospital Same day HIV test clinic, 0161 720 2845

Just4lesbians.com a friendship site for singles and couples all over the world. just4lesbians.com

Body Positive 39 Russell Road, Whalley Range, 0161 882 2200, bpnw.org.uk

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

friends of sackville gardens 0845 3 30 30 30, Meets monthly to plan improvements, maintenance and new planting in Sackville Gardens, emma.peate@lgf.org.uk

Alcohol and Drug Services 29a Ardwick Green North, 0161 272 8844 alcoholanddrugservices.org.uk

Black Health Agency 464 Chester Rd, 0161 226 9145, AIDS Helpline: 0800 0967500, blackhealthagency.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

Please note all listings information is provided by third parties. The LGF can accept no responsibility for the quality of the services/groups listed

Groups

Gay Outdoor Group - Ability Group Outdoor activities for people with all types of abilities/disabilities and their friends and family, ability@goc.org.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

Queer Youth Network info@queeryouth.net, queeryouth.net Trans Resource Empowerment Centre (TREC) 07513 880647, Trans activities and info, meets 2nd Sat at the LGF, board@transcentre.org.uk transcentre.org.uk 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

SHOPS & Services

D.C.H.A. Services Dean Cooper: 07534 509108, Help for and training around the needs of disabled people, dchaservices.co.uk Listings are continually being updated.

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

www.lgf.org.uk

41

greater manchester GROUPS (CoNt.) Inner Enigma 0845 838 1264, trans and intersex support and advice, info@innerenigma.co.uk KESHET Advocacy, education and support service for jewish LGB&Ts, 07528 700 926, info@keshetmanchester.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 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, to 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, 3rd Mon of the month, 7-8.30pm, for LB women who have experienced any form of cancer. lilacgroup@hotmail.co.uk Manchester Christian Group 07743 476191 Manchester Concord Social group, every Wed from 7pm at the Rembrandt, Canal St. mary@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 Manchester Rubbermen social group for gay men into rubber/latex fetish, manchesterrubber.co.uk Mango Men’s dining club 07866 909677, 1st Thursday of the month, mango.news@btopenworld.com Metropolitan Community Church United Reformed Church, Wilbraham Rd, 0161 881 6050, LGB&T led christian church mccmanchester.co.uk MMU LGBT mmu_lgbt@hotmail.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 admission. kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk

42

Out In The City call Sue 0161 205 3851, meets Thursdays. oitc.wordpress.com 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 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, peer support & monthly social for current & prospective lesbian parents and their children, rainbowfamilies.co.uk 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

Manchester jessies Lesbian & bisexual women’s walking group, meets twice monthly manchesterjessies@googlemail.com

The Parallel 9A Churchgate, 01204 462444 theparallel@bolton.nhs.uk

MANCHESTER PRAIRIE DOGS 07960 351 882, line dance sessions, every Tues 7.30-9 beginners, 9-10.30 intermediate, manchesterprairiedogs.co.uk

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

Manchester SHARKS Miles Platting Pool, Varley Street, water polo club manchestersharks.co.uk

groups

Manchester Stingers WFC Womens football club for all abilities, helenamcdonald@hotmail.com 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 NETBALL 07939 477 026, women only group with weekly coaching, training every Monday, 8-10pm.

SM Dykes 49-51 Sidney Street, 07952 237 526, smdykes@smdykes.org.uk smdykes.org.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OPEN ATHLETICS Trains on Weds, 5K every 1st Sun. 07709 000 436, openathletics.org

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

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

Touch Rugby Call on Paul 07775 022797 paul.scanlon-wells@rfl.uk.com

SPORTS GROUPS

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

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

Village Manchester FC gay men’s football club for every level, vmfc.co.uk

GrOUPS

Loud & Proud LGBT Youth 07824 541211 or 07918 913937, Meets Wednesdays 5.30 - 8. For 13-19 yr olds, boltonlgbtyouth@bolton.gov.uk

bUrY

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

LGB&T police liaison officers North Bury - kevin.day@gmp.police.uk South Bury - andrew.hall@gmp.police.uk 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.

groups

Bury Anti-homophobic bullying group 0161 253 5884

bury lgbt networking group residents and service providers improving the LGBRT profile in our town, burylgbtnetworking@live.co.uk bury Council lgbt employee group 0161 253 6625, lgbt@bury.gov.uk LGBT Reading Group Meets at: Automatic Lounge, Market Street, 0161 253 6625, last Monday of the month 6.30-8.00, i.jenkinson@bury.gov.uk n.franklin@bury.gov.uk POG (Proud of Gayness) 0161 253 7733, Connexions, 13-15 Broad St, Bury, safe environment for young LGBTQ people to meet, connexions-bury.org.uk

SErvicEs

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

ChOrlTon pubs, clubs & bars

THE NIP & TIPPLE 197 Upper Chorlton Road, 0161 860 7330

EaTERIES

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

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

WEEKENDERS lesbian and gay walking group based in the North of England, geocities.com/weekenders_uk

The Lead Station 99 Beech Road, 0161 881 5559

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

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

Gay gordons manchester Scottish Country and Ceilidh Dancing and classes gay-gordons-manchester.co.uk

BoLtOn

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

The Star 11 Bow St, 01204 361113

GAY OUTDOOR GROUP transpennine walking group, 07855 197607 goctranspennine.org.uk

CLUB NIGHTS

club NightS

Absolutely DANCING Trinity High School every Weds 8pm-10pm latin and ballroom lessons for the LGB&T community. absolutelydancingmanchester@hotmail.com BELUGA DIVERS Scuba Diving club for the LGBT community, belugadiving.co.uk Gay city strollers 0845 3 30 30 30, city centre walking group, info@lgf.org.uk

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, LGF Box 106, Number 5, Richmond Street, M1 3HF, running club catering for all abilities, meets every Thurs in the city centre, manchesterfrontrunners.org

pubs, clubs & bars

Original TOUCH OF CLASS Womens Disco Tramways Hotel, 307 Blackburn Rd, 07709 185235, A monthly disco for lesbian and bisexual women, touchofclasswomensdisco.co.uk

shops

sauNas

Club Fizz Charlton Club, women only 2nd Friday of the month, 9pm1am £5, see facebook

OlDhAm

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Twisty tuesdays J2 & The Attic Square

Dog & Duck 25 St. Domingos Street, 07999 060646 thedogandduck.com

aGENCIES & CLINICs

THE ABBEY INN Mixed 77 West Street.

Bolton Centre for Sexual Health Minerva Road, Farnworth, 01204 390771 HIV worker Emma Massey 01204 390772 MENTAL HEALTH independent support (MhIST) 30 Chorley New Road, 01204 527200, mhist.co.uk

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

CLINICs

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

SaUNaS

Pennine Sauna 96 Rochdale Rd, Shaw, 01706 842 000

Lancashire

GROUPS

pink triangle theatre St Cuthberts House, Tanners Fold, 07932 928134 pinktriangletheatre.co.uk

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 Stone Hill Block, Rochdale Infirmary, 01706 517 686

GROUPS

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

SaLfOrD

aGENCIES & CLINICs

Brook Advisory 55 Regent Street, Eccles, 0161 707 9550 eccles gateway Church Street, 0161 212 5717, thurs 6-83.0pm, drop in. higher broughton health centre Bevendon Square, 0161 212 4500, Wed 6-8.30, Fri 9.30-11.30 drop in. irlam medical centre MacDonald Rd, 0161 212 4500, Wed. 6-8.30pm drop in.

Goodman Sexual Health Clinic Oaklands Hospital, 0161 212 5717, Appt only: Mon 9-11.30am, 1-4.30pm, 6-9.30pm, Tue 9-11.30am, Wed 1-4.30pm, Thurs 9-11.30am & 1-4.30pm, Fri 9-11.30am. DROP IN: Tue 2-4.30pm & 6-8.30pm.

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

GROUPS

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

The Base LGBt YOUTH GROUP Diverse City, 0161 475 7700, 0161 426 9696, thebase@stockport.gov.uk

SPORTS GROUPS

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

TamEsIde

sTOcKpOrT PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

ARDEN ARMS 23 Millgate, 0161 480 2185

CLINICs

GUM DEPARTMENT Stepping Hill Hospital, 0161 419 5370 Stockport Council HIV Social Care Team 0161 474 3636, HIV social care service for people with HIV and their carers. hiv.services@stockport.gov.uk

aGENCIES

Age Concern 56 Wellington Street, 0161 480 1211 Central Youth ADVICE AND INFO 0161 426 9696, 1 St Peters Square, counselling and sexual health services for young people up to 25.

Stockport Centre for Health Promotion Regent House, Heaton Lane, 0161 426 5091

CLINICS

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Bar Ibiza 43 Darwen St, 01254 695379

Royal Lancaster Infirmary Ashton Community Care Centre, 01524 387402

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

MorEcAmBe

Stagedoor 23 Mincing Lane, 01254 674761

CLINICS

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

GROUPS

Blackburn LGB Youth Group Brook Advisory Centre, 54-56 Darwen St, BB2 2BL. 07809 847541, jonny.daniels@brookblackburn.org.uk Lifeline Project 68-70 Darwen St, 01254 677493, supporting young people up to the age of 25, with substance and alcohol misuse issues, yps@lifeline.org.uk

pubs, clubs & bars

Queen Inn 37 Oldham Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne, gay friendly.

Out Youth LGBT Group East Lancs The Hub, Accrington & Rossendale College, 07895 794850, 14-19 yr olds, 6-8pm 1st & 3rd Tues.

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

Burnley

CLINICs

BACKSTAGE BAR 135 St James St, 01282 414895

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

GROUPS

Glossop LGBT group glossoplgbt.co.uk

Outloud Lisa Matthews: 0161 336 6615, Tameside youth service 11-19 youth group.

CLINICs

SALFORD YOUTH @ The Base, 0161 778 0702, for young LGBT people to meet, recieve advice, info and support. steve.dyson@salford.gov.uk

BlACkBuRn

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

swinton clinic 139 Partington Lane, 0161 212 5100, Mon 2-4.30pm, Tue 6-8.30pm, Fri 2-4.30pm drop in.

Salford LGBT Network 07947 909 339, for people who live, work or study in Salford, salfordlgbt.net

PYRO (Proud Youth Are Out) 07717 301821, 13-15 years, naomh.mckee@lancashire.gov.uk

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

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

Groups

LanCaSHire

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

PLUS Reading Group 07880 746079

trAfFoRd

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

CLINICS

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

EaTERIES

CITIZENS ADVICE, 0844 644019

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

WIGan CLINICs

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

GROUPS

Just Us Wigan - LGBT Drop in Centre 11 Newmarket Street, 0756 490 3489, Providing information, facilities and a place to meet for individuals and groups. Open 12.10 - 2pm Mon-Tue, Most Fri from 7pm. wiganlgf123@aol.com, justus01.community.officelive.com OIpen Minds Group 07989 101 459, group for 18-25yr old LGBTQ, openminds-lgbt.co.uk

wYtHenShAwE aGENCIES

New Start Trust Alderman Downward House, 0161 498 0615, drug advice and support Listings are continually being updated.

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

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

OrMsKIrk CLUB NIGHTS

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

CLINICS

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

GROUPS

edgehill university LGBT society search on facebook West Lancs LGBT Community Support Group 0844 357 8062, 143 Tarlswood, New Church Farm. Wn8 8NU, includes support for the Romanian community, westlancashirelgbtcommunity.co.uk

aGENCIES

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

PrEstOn

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Blowing Wild Club Grimshaw Street, open Thurs, Fri, Sat, 07752 512232 Oblivion 12-14 Grimshaw St, 01772 252876

CLINICS

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

No Attitude 0161 912 2453, LGB youth group.

CLINICS

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

aGENCIES

HIV Support Group 0161 912 4611, hivpractitioner@trafford.org.uk

oscar’s bar 25 Victoria St, 07543 900678, gay friendly/mixed, oscars@tiscali.co.uk

The Hangout Hammonds Row (opposite Bus Station), 07985 327052, Saturdays 21.302.30 (weekday student nights coming soon), preston-hangout.co.uk

Red Triangle Café St. James St, 01282 832319

GROUPS

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

The Trafford Centre for Sexual Health Trafford Hospital, Moorside Rd, 0161 746 2621 Relate 346 Chester Road, 0161 872 0303

GROUPS

LanCaSHire

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

starting Out Project Neil 07766 550264 0161 607 1620, Salford City Council’s young LGBT tenancy support service. neil.cochrane@salford.gov.uk

WALKDEN gateway 2 Smith Street, 0161 212 5717, Mon 6-8.30pm, Tue 2-4.30pm drop in.

LanCaSHire

GROUPS

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

aGENCIES

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

LanCAStEr CLUB NIGHTS

DANCING DIVA For more information, dancingdiva5@hotmail.com

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Gregson Café/Bar Gregson Community and Arts Centre, 33 Moorgate, 01524 849959, gregson.co.uk Sylvesters (Formally The Vine and Hops) 84 King Street, mixed cabaret bar THE DUKE OF LANCASTER 75 Church Street, 01524 842843, info@thedukeoflancaster.com

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

AGENCIES

drugline lancashire 2 Union Court, 01772 825 684, enquiries@druglinelancs.co.uk Preston HIV Support Team Helpline: 01772 468170, PO Box 515, Preston, PR1 8XP, phivst@aol.com Project Oscar 0800 7835345, LGBT info & support, project-oscar@centrallancashire.nhs.uk

GROUPS

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

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 Lesbian Connection lesbian social group meeting monthly lesbian_connection@yahoo.co.uk

PRESTON LGBT CENTRE Drop-in Sean 07966 373 110, 1st Thurs of the month, 6.30pm at Disability Equality (NW), 103 Church St search facebook 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 VIBE c/o Young Peoples Service, 07814 493750, LGBT youth group meets Thurs evenings. yps.lancashire.gov.uk/get-vibe

www.lgf.org.uk

43

Blackpool 8 31 48

13 21 27 63

30

23

BlAckpOoL BlAckpOoL HOTELS

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

High Street

53

20 18 47 Pleasant Street

Lord Street

Dickson Road

General Street

Promemade

14

BlAckpOoL

Anchorage 18 Withnell Road, 01253 341771 1

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

Astor Hotel 83-85 Lord Street, 01253 290669 3

4

Athol 3 Mount St 01253 624918

5 Belvedere 77 Dickson Road, 01253 624733 6 BLENHEIM HOTEL 75 Lord Street, 01253 623204, blenheimhotel.org.uk

50

9 25 10

61

51

Banks Street 55 23 43 57

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

14

Dixon 84 Dickson Rd, 01253 752379

44

16

FOUR SEASONS 74 Lord St, 01253 622583

22

Gabrielle’s Women Only 77 Lord Street, 01253 295565

62

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

17

41 High Street

Dickson Raod

37 30 11

3 10 11 Queen Street

Heatherdale Lodge 2 Pleasant Street, 1253 626268

21

K in

13

18

reet

46 Charles St.

Caunce St.

25

S. King St.

Loepold Gr.

Coronation St.

Train Station Tram Stop Parking

George St.

Milbourne St.

Chur ch St

88 Hotel Indicator

44

24

et

12

gS tre

34 20

Legends Hotel 45 Lord Street, 01253 620300 23

Cookson Street

32

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

Talbot Road 5 Topping Street

Promemade

1

Guyz 16 Lord Street, 01253 622488

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

6 Abingdon Street

19

19

Homecliffe Hotel 5-6 Wilton Parade, 01253 625147 homecliffehotel.com

8 26 29 16

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

20

4

North Pier

CHaps 9 Cocker St, 01253 620541

12

et

Abingdon Stre

Promemade

27 7

Camelot 80 Hornby Rd, 01253 620518

35

19

2 1

9

DERBY HOTEL, 2 Derby Rd, 01253 623708

7

31

Brooklyn 7 Wilton Parade, 01253 627003 8

13

34

15

Brene Hotel 37 Lord St, 01253 621854

10

29

52

15 33 14 54 36 12

7

Chur ch St

reet

9

88 Venue Indicator

£

24

Lenbrook 69 Lord St, 01253 626737

25

Liberty's Hotel 01253 291155

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

33

New Bond 72 Lord St, 01253 628123

New Hertford 18 Lord Street, 01253 621831 34

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 624555

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

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

THE Berkeley 6 Queens Promenade, 01253 351244 selfcatering.tv 48 THE GYNWAY HOTEL 205 Dickson Rd, 01253 314747, gynwayblackpool.com 49 The Wilcot Hotel 80 Lord Street, 01253 621101 50 Thorncliffe 63 Dickson Road, 01253 622508 51 Trades Men Only 51 Lord Street, 01253 626401 52 VALENTINE HOTEL 35 Dickson Road, 01253 622775, valentinehotelblackpool.co.uk 53 VIDELLA HOTEL 78-82 Dickson Road, 01253 621201 54 Village Hotel 14 Springfield Road, 01253 290840 55 warwick Holiday flats 39 Bank Street, 01253 623787 56 Westfield House 78 Lord Street, 01253 621992, westfieldhouse.co.uk

30

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

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

31 Merecliff Hotel 24 Holmfield Road, 01253 356858

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

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

59

Cash Machine Blackpool Tower Pedestrianised

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

Registered Charity No.1070904

General Street

17 58

42

22

28

28

High Street

40

Lord Street

Promemade

45

Cocker Street 60 24

Dickson Raod

39

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

26

Listings are continually being updated.

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

Woodleigh 11 Yates St, 01253 624997

60 Worcester House 22 Cocker Street, 01253 620007

Please note all listings information is provided by third parties. The LGF can accept no responsibility for the quality of the services/groups listed

Blackpool and cumbria Pubs, Clubs & BaRs

GROUPS

Cruz Bar 23 Dickson Rd, 07946 528153

1 BOOTCAMP Mainly Men 5 Dickson Road, 01253 649153, fg2online.co.uk

Funny Girls Gay Friendly 5 Dickson Rd, 01253 649154, funnygirlsonline.co.uk 2

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

18/25 Icebreakers 07875 355 390, for gay & bi men, 1st Tues of the month, 7pm.

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

25/55 Icebreakers 07875 355 390, meets every last Tues of the month, 7pm.

south lakes Girls Various nights for M2F, CD, TV. trans.lakes.nights@googlemail.com

55+ older men’s group 07875 355 390, meets every 2nd Mon of the month at 2pm and every Thurs 12.30pm.

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

5 Mardi Gras Mixed 114 Talbot Road, 01253 296262

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

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

HIV/HEP C support group 07875 355 390, call for details.

aGENCIES

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

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.

GrOUPS

6

7

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

TimeOut Party Bar Mixed 68-70 Abingdon Street, 01253 628502 4

EatErIES AJ’s Bistro Gay Friendly 65 Topping Street, 01253 626111 12

14

Buddies Chippy 28 Dickson Street

Cascades Restaurant Gay Owned 82 Dickson Road, 01253 621201

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

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

Honeycombe Sauna 97-107 Egerton Road, 01253 752211 honeycombe.net 23

WET WET WET SAUNA 1-3 Charles Street, 01253 751 199, wetwetwetsauna.co.uk 24

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

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

15 Café Latté 30-32 Dickson St, 01253 752077

26 Connect 01253 751047, connectyoungpeople.co.uk

Don Antonio 91 Redbank Rd, 01253 352440

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

fuel sandwich Bar 33 Adingdon Street, 01253 749813 fuelblackpool.com

HIV Nursing Team 150/158 Whitegate Health Centre, 01253 657171

16

Mandarin Cantonese Restaurant Gay Friendly 27 Clifton Street, 01253 622687

NHS Drop In Centre 26 Talbot Road, 01253 655871

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

Sexual Health Clinic 150/158 Whitegate Health Centre, 01253 657171

SLICES SANDWICH HOUSE Gay Owned 10 King Street, 01253 751441

SHIVER (Sexual Health HIV Education & Responses Drugline Lancashire Ltd) The Corner House, 102 Dickson Road, 01253 311 431

18

The Buttery 1 Cheapside, 01253 296667 19

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

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

!

RE-Opening

27

29

30

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

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

Evolution Hair Studio Gay Owned 255 Dickson Road 33 Paul’s 5 General St, 01253 290928 unisex hairdresser.

34 Perfect Fit Alterations 42 Topping Street, 01253 290156

SMILE SPA AT HELIO FITNESS Newton Drive, 01253 393909

THE GARDEN PLACE Gay Owned Cropper Road, 01253 699987 Listings are continually being updated.

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

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

LGBT PACT 07875 355 390, police and community meetings 1st Thurs of the month.

cArLisLe CliNICS

Cumberland Infirmary 01228 814 814

Connexions 28 Lowther Street, 01228 596272 Pride in north cumbria 07901 765453, Young people 14-25 meet twice weekly, prideinnorthcumbria.webs.com

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

Outrageous 77-79 English Street, 01228 593745, outrageouscarlisle.com

TRhe Sugar Lounge 001253 311431, SHIVER @ The Cornerhouse, 18+ lesbian/bi women, hward@druglinelancs.co.uk

SaUNaS

Liberty Church North Shore Methodist, Dickson Rd, 07955 597771, libertychurchblackpool.org.uk

KenDal

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

Sweat Sauna Club Atlas House, Nelson St.

CliNICS

Sexual Health Clinic Westmoorland General Hospital, Burton Rd, 01539 716 706

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 south lakes lesbians for lesbian & bi women meeting monthly in Kendal for socials etc & walking groups, southlakeslesbians@gmail.com

CuMbrIa PeNRIth aGENCIES

outREACH Cumbria gaycumbria.info

CuMbrIa CuMbrIa wHiTeHaveN 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

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

Chestnut Villa Keswick Road, Grassmere 01539 435 218, gay run B&B, chestnutvilla.com

WorKiNgToN

BarRow|iN FuRNESs

Workington Infirmary Infirmary Lane, 01900 68737

sexual health clinic Furness General Hospital, Dalton Lane, 01229 404 464

Steam packet inn 51 Stanley St, 01900 62186

CliNICS

aGENCIES

Connexions 237-241 Dalton Road, 01229 824052

GrOUPS

CliNICS

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

Please note all listings information is provided by third parties. The LGF can accept no responsibility for the quality of the services/groups listed

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

Registered Charity No.1070904

Lucy’s at TABOO Mixed 69-71 Talbot Road, 01253 622573, tabooonline.co.uk 8

Freinds & Supporters of Furness LGBT Community c/o Multicultural Centre, 07833 447604, klwicks@hotmail.co.uk lgbtq darts team Wendy Phizacklea, 01229 836 426, 07742 353 520, wendyphizacklea@youngcumbria.org.uk

www.lgf.org.uk

45

Merseyside

Registered Charity No.1070904

LiVeRpOoL

LiVeRpOoL LiVeRpOoL Queer Quarter

Around FACT Tithebarn Street

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 Gen-e-sis Vinyl Vasement Bar, Lark Lane, Women’s night last Sunday of the month.

Motor City Puzzle Bar, monthly alt night 1st Fri of the month (Starts oct 1st).

46

2

Bold Street

14 The Lisbon Mixed 35 Victoria Street, 0151 231 6831

Bold Street

22-24 Stanley St, 0151 236 6633

et

Back Berry Stre

19 Berry Street

Victoria Street

Roscoe Lane

puzzle 25 Stanley Street

13 Superstar Boudoir

Roscoe Place

Culquitt Street Wood Street

11

23 Cumberland Street

Wood Street

10 Poste House

20 Culquitt Street

London Road

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

18

1

Seel Street

Modo Gay Friendly Concert Square

Fleet Street

8

et

Piccadilly Train Station

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

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

Liverpool Guild LGBT Society 160 Mount Pleasant, 0151 794 4165, liverpoollgbt@googlemail.com lgos.org/lgbt

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

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

liverpool lgbt community network LCVS, 151 Dale St, 0151 227 5177.

1 CAFE TABAC Gay Owned Mathew Street

126 Bold Street, 0151 709 3735

WEBSITES

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

Liverpool South Gay Dining Club 2nd Sat of month, igdc@talk21.com

GAYLIVERPOOL.COM Website of Gay Liverpool, gayliverpool.com

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

Liverpool Students Union LGBT Society 0151 231 4947

Liverpool Gay Quarter liverpoolgayquarter.com

Liverpool Women’s Book Group Meets last Tues of the month, liverpoolbookgroup.com

ElLeSMerE|PoRT

HotEls The Feathers 119-125 Mount Pleasant St, 0151 709 9655, feathers.uk.com TRAVEL INN METRO Vernon St, 0870 238 3325

Heaven Victoria Street, 0151 236 4832 Jupiters 10 Hackins Hey, off Dale Street, 0151 227 5265

16

Back Culquitt Stre

Hope Pride Derwent House, Taggart Ave, Childwall, 0151 291365, lgbtofficer@hope.ac.uk

EatErIES

12

7

Seel Street

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

Parr Street

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

FACT

14

Victoria Street

Slater Street

Duke Street

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

Duke Street

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

10

Sir Thomas Street

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

13

9

15

Cumberland Street

21 Bar Candy 8-10 Stanley Street, 0151 236 5160, curzonliverpoo­­­­l.co.uk

4

21

Stanley Street

Baby D Temple Street

Temple Street

3

12

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

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

£

Tithebarn Street

aGENCIES & CLINICs

AIDS Helpline 0151 709 9000

Merseyside L&G Community Forum 07970 680483, newsfromnowhere.org.uk Open Table St Brides Church, Catharine St, 07780 568 754, monthly eucharist for LGBT Christians & supporters, 3rd Sun of the month, open.table@yahoo.co.uk

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

OUR STORY LIVERPOOL 0151 709 4988, LGBT History community project. info@ourstoryliverpool.co.uk ourstoryliverpool.co.uk

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

Parents & Carers Group 0870 9908996

17 The Armistead Project 1 Stanley St,

0870 9908996, armisteadcentre.co.uk

Shops 18 NEWS FROM NOWHERE Bookshop

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

nice 'n' naughty 85 Seel Street

20

nice 'n' naughty 16 Colquitt Street

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

Gay Youth ‘r’ OUT (GYRO) 36 Bolton St, 0151 203 0824, LGB Tyouth 13-25, gyro. org.uk

GROUPS

Tea with Teela (TV/CD social) 0151 356 855, 7pm 3rd Monday of the month at Transpose, trans-pose.com utopia (Ellesmere Port) Whitby Rd, Ellesmere Port, 0151 348 5628, LGB youth meets every Tues 6.30-9, eport@utopialgb.org.uk

SoutHpOrT PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

AXM Southport Coronation Walk, axmgroup.co.uk/southport The Crown 20 Coronation Walk Velvet Gay Friendly Coronation Walk

Queer Notions 0151 227 9977, provides information and support at the Armistead Project queernotions@hotmail.com

CLINICs

QUEST LGBT CATHOLICS 07983 021 589, 2nd Saturday of month, liverpool@questgaycatholic.org.uk

St|HELens

SPIRIT LEVEL 0151 227 1893, Transgender support group.

Storm LGBT Christians Level 2, 96 Bold Street, 0151 547 3562, meets 1st Sun of the month 3pm storm@somewhere-else.org.uk Young Gay Sefton 0151 330 5841

SpoRts Groups Gay Kick Boxing Armistead Centre, Wednesday Evenings 7-8pm, info@armisteadcentre.co.uk

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

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

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

CLINICs

Sexual Health Clinic St Helens Hospital, Marshall Cross Rd, 01744 646 473, free & confidential sexual service, rapid HIV testing results in 30 mins. sthk.nhs.uk

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Flex II Tolver St, 01744 758 439

CLUB NIGHT

WORK Bridge Street, every Wednesday.

Pink Flamingo The Venue, 11-19 Westfield St. See facebook for details.

tHE|wIrRaL PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

DV8 @ The Picture House 46 Conway Street, Birkenhead, 0151 647 8883, Wed 8pm till late, hello@thepicturehousewirral.co.uk

cheshire yorkshire staffs and isle of man Tallulah’s Late Lounge Rowson St/ Victoria Rd, New Brighton, 0774 7561587, Wed nights till late, marion@tallulas.co.uk

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, Sexual health info& LGBT affirmative counselling, info.wirral@tht.org.uk tht.org.uk

GROUPS

Freedom Trans Youth Foundation, freedom@freedom.zzn.com freedom.btik.com Gay Wirral 0151 666 9890, Terrence Higgins Trust, 5 Bridge St, for all Wirral’s LGBT Community, contact for details, gaywirral@hotmail.co.uk Tea Time Special 0151 666 9890, Terrence Higgins Trust, 5 Bridge St, Fri 4.30-6.30pm, safe space for LGBT, info.wirral@tht.org.uk TransWirral 90-92 Chester St, 07833 385126, for TS/Intersex, transwirral.btik.com WIRRAL DIVAS 0151 666 9890, weekly lesbian and bisexual women’s group.

WIRRAL TRANSISTER 07833 385126, for TV/CD.

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

StaFfOrdSHIRE

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

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

THE Club 14 Hillcrest St, 01782 201829

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

MACcLeSfIelD CLINICs

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

GROUPS

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

NOrtHWicH GROUPS

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

SaUNaS

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

RunCoRN CLINIC

Sexual Health Halton General Hospital, 01928 753217

EaTERIES

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

GROUPS

Halton LGBT Group meets at: Halton Voluntary Action, Public Hall St, meets twice a month on a Wednesday night between 7pm and 9pm, haltonlgbt.co.uk

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

The Three Tuns 9 Bucknall New Road, 01782 769293

GROUPS

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

IsLe|oF|MaN HOTELS

Guys & Dolls Showbar Gay Friendly Peverill Sq, Douglas,

YorKSHire

HUDdERsFiEld

LEeDs

THE GREYHOUND Manchester Road, 01484 420 742

88 Listing Indicator

£

Parking Cash Machine Pedestrianised

WARringToN

£

Heaton’s Court (front)

CRewE

CheStER

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS Bar 6T9 01244 313 608

Liverpool Arms Northgate Street, 01244 314 807

CLINICs

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

aGENCIES

LGBT Health Promotion 01244 650534 or 07747 631021, West Cheshire - help & support including LGBT health issues.

GROUPS

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 Dinin’ Divas womens dining group dinindivas@yahoo.com Mersey & Dee Women Social group, madw@merseymail.com Sole Sisters Penny: 07917 533104 or Sandra: 07921 222101, womens walking group.

HUGG Social group for gay & bi men, 18+,every Tuesday from 8pm. hugg.org.uk

HeBDEn BrIdgE

Sexual Health Clinic Lovely Lane, 01925 662476

aGENCIES

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

Gay Healthy Alliance Project PO Box 539, 01925 631101

Blayd’s Mews

8

Swinegate

Chester Uni Warrington Campus LGBT Society search facebook Leeds.indd 1

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

Inn on the Bridge Gay Owned & Run 1-5 Market St, 01422 844 229, inn_on_the_bridge@live.co.uk The Calls

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PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Bar Fibre Lower Briggate, 08701 200888 1

GROUPS

2 Blayde’s Bar 3-7 Blayde’s Yard, 0113 244 5590 3 Mission 8-13 Heaton’s Court, 08701 220114 4 Old Red Lion Meadow Lane, 0113 242 6779

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

6

Parr St.

men’s Group 01270 653 156, outrite.org

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GROUPS

10 5 1

Briggate

GROUPS

3

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

White Hart Sankey Street, 01925 241994

Blayd’s Yard

outrite 01270 653 156, social and support groups, counselling, condoms and lube by post, outrite.org

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

YorKSHire

Heaton’s Court (back)

BP Cheshire & North Wales PO Box 321, 01270 653 150

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

YorKSHire YORKSHIRE MESMAC mesmac.co.uk

CLINIC

aGENCIES

SaUNaS 11 Basement Sauna

CLINIC & agENCIES

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

11

Sexual Health Clinic Leighton Hospital, Middlewich Rd, 01270 612255

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

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

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

CLINICs

SHOPS

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

ChESHire ChESHire

8 The Bridge 1-5 Bridge End, 0113 244 4734 9 VIADUCT 11 Lower Briggate, 0113 245 4863

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

Briggate

ChESHire

FLUID (Freedon to Love Ur IDentity) 07747 473 829

Gascoigne St.

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

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

8

NELSONS WINE BAR Crown St, 01422 844 782

SCaRBoROuGh PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

GROUPS

OLGA 07929 465 044, Older Lesbian, Gay, Bixexual and Trans Association, olga@mypostoffice.co.uk

WE’RE HERE IF YOU NEED US! 0845 3 30 30 30 www.lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk

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