outnorthwest issue 102

“WOMAN STANLEY. WOMAN.”

NEWS•COMMENT •HEALTH•SPORT•LISTINGS

Registered Charity No.1070904

aroline Aherne • ISSUE Beth FEBRUARY-MARCH 2011 102 Ditto • Patti Smith • Kathleen Hanna • Sara ilbert • Rosa Parks • Sophie Webster • Kelly Smith • Rita Mae Brow Ellen DeGeneres • Karen O • Nicola Schindler • Dusty Springfield Mum • Grandma • Mary Portas • Michelle Obama • Dannii Minogue ortia de Rossi • Cell Block H Ladies • Maggie Jones •PUBLISHED Emmeline Pan BY hurstLIS • TAnnie Lennox • Margaret Thatcher • KD Lang • Cyndi Craw EN NOW! ord • Angela Mason • Portia Di Rossi • Jennifer Saunders • Kath urke • Louise Bourgeois • Tracey Emin • Margot James • Ari Up • Daw 10 rench • Polystyrene • Mary Daly • Victoria Wood • Judith Butler ette Davis • Sarah Lucas • Kate Schellenbach • BjorkEnding • Emily Bront Homophobia, Empowering People Jackie Kay • Carol Ann Duffy • Pat Pheonix • Beryl Reid • Ena Sharp www.lgf.org.uk es • Lily Allen • Helena Whitbread • Sisters of langoghlin • Sappho 2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS at Butcher • Cath Kidston • Wonder Woman • Katie Price • Ann Liste Heather Peace • Jeanette Winterson • Virginia Woolf • Frida Kah o • PJ Harvey • Germaine Greer • Kate Winslet • Shami Chakrabarti aroline Lucas • Greta Garbo • Sarah Waters • Lisa Simpson • Grac ent • Drew Barrymore • Aung San Suu Kyi • Hilary Clinton • Sigour ey Weaver • Rita Sullivan • Angela Eagle • Maggie Hambling • Rizzo kin • Queen Latifa • Maxine Peake • Christine Burns • Liza Minelli • Au rey Hepburn • Sian PowersW•OGrace • Mo Mowlam • Guinever AY DJones ’S N E M L A N IO T A ERN urner • Jamie Babbit • Mary Gaskell • Madonn ARS OF INTGoldberg 100•YEWhoopi Lady Gaga • Lynne Featherstone • Barbara Nice • Sam Fox • Sue Per ins • Sandi Toksvig • Jo Brand • Hope Powell • Cyndi Lauper • Lindsa ohan • Sam Ronson • April Ashley • Wanda Sykes • Tina Fey • Oprah ly Tomlin • Jennifer Beals • Debbie Harry • Jane Czyzselska • Moir tewart • Kylie • Sandra Bernhard • Lea DeLaria • Jane Hill • Beyonce ngelina • Jodie Foster • Julianne Moore • Annette Bening • Marlene Margaret Rutherford • Kelly Holmes • Helen Mirren • Joanna Lum ey • Captain Kathryn Janeway • Heather Hogan • Horse • Yvette Coo er • Helena Kennedy • Lady Gaga • J K Rowling • Rachel Maddow arah Fawcett • Elizabeth Montgomery • Delta Goodrem • Ana Ma ronic • Bridget Barkan • Chrissi Poland • Zita Holbourne • Phyl Opoku • Diane Abbott • Doreen Lawrence • Mary Seacole • Aime Mullins • Sonia Burgess DorisWOMAN Lessing • Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf THINGS •EVERY manda Palmer • NEEDS Radclyffe • Pink • Vita Sackville West • Ange TO Hall KNOW! ! a Merkel • Allison Goldfrapp • Yoko Ono •SSister Rosetta Tharpe TED S I L T N E V E MONT Y udy Garland B •T Aretha Franklin •H Lee Miller • Annie Liebowitz • Nin R O T S I H LG !

S LU P imone • Rhona Cameron • Tina Turner • Clarissa Dickson Wrigh

1911 2011 100

EDITOR’S LETTER FEB - MAR 2011

A proud history...

CATCH FEMALE TROUBLE IN LIVERPOOL THIS FEBRUARY!

15

10

ERASURE RETURN TO THE NORTH WEST

ng this Please try and get along to somethi nt we orta imp so LGBT History Month - it’s ents. evem achi and celebrate our heritage

First off, a belated Happy New Year to you all from everyone here at outnorthwest...

a We’ve come such a long way in such short time.

two This edition of outnorthwest marks ndar. cale pink our in s date nt very importa l iona rnat Inte see’s uary First of all, Febr es brat cele year this h whic Women’s Day, 100 years.

in 1999, When outnorthwest was launched ion Sect l crue we were living under the ed gnis reco not 28, our relatonships were sex have only d legally, and gay men coul t the if they were over 18. Who know wha r neve let’s but , next ten years may hold e mad ’ve they past forget the fights of the are. we us into the community

on the Turn to page 26 for a great feature . know to s need an wom y ever 100 things in s load e’s ther guys and , read It’s a great a there for you as well. You might learn ! thing or two th, February also hosts LGBT History Mon ts even t grea of s load are and there We’ve happening all over the North West. into ts even e thos of best the condensed e Ther 11. and 10 es pag on our listings from , yone ever for ng ethi really is som ates. club nights to film screenings to deb

Elsewhere in this issue, we have the living fascinating story of Sal, a gay Muslim to had he’s s ggle in Bradford,and the stru sure e Mak ion. relig face from family and you check it out, starting on page 30. the We’ll be back at the end of March. In book Face on us w meantime, you can follo est). at Twitter (@outnorthw

Grahame

LGF ONLINE

Have you visited The Lesbian & Gay Foundation website recently? If not, you’re missing out on a site packed with news, information, advice and loads of opportunities for you to get involved with our work. It’s also the best place to go for up-to-the-minute developments in our ‘Enough Is Enough! Action Against Homophobia’ campaign. Make sure you bookmark the site - and visit every day!

www.lgf.org.uk

} 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 vital work of Victim Support, and offer up some tantalising listings of events marking LGBT History Month.

18 UP YOUR WAY!

Two pages of new from around the region and how you can get involved.

40 LISTINGS

The most comprehensive guide to the LGBT north west.

IT’S ALL ABOUT US...

DON’T

Registered Charity No.1070904

MISS!

26

obia moph st Ho again N IO T gh AC k/enou

TO MARK INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, HERE ARE 100 THINGS EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW. AND BOYS... YOU CAN LEARN SOMETHING TOO!

f.org.u www.lg

}CONTENTS } FEATURES

26 THE HOT 100

To mark 100 years of International Women’s Day, we present our list of 100 things every woman needs to know. And boys, here’s your chance to learn!

24 SECRETS

We asked women from across the North West to share their intimate secrets with us. Here’s just a small sample...

} WELLBEING 20 GHT

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

34 FOOD FOR THOUGHT? Doing eating disorders adversely affect the LGBT community? We investigate.

30 SAL’S STORY

We talk to Sal, a gay Muslim about the challenges he’s faced as a gay man.

36 HIV IS NOT AGEIST!

HIV doesn’t discriminate when it comes to age. It’s important that men of all ages are fully aware of the risks.

} OUT & ABOUT 38 GET IN!

Village Manchester FC, Pride Sports get flooded, and the Slam Dunkin’ Divas!

Something for everyone, then.

39 SPORTING SHORTS

Football versus Homophobia returns, and our lovely friends at Vanilla have a special event to mark it...

10 Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS 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: Channel 4 Picture Publicity

}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 Kate Tattersall; 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 Kim; Rohan; Patrick; Abe; Sal; Trade Sexual Health; Victim Support; Morven MacLean; Village Manchester FC; Slam Dunkin’ Divas’; Trevor Burchick; Pride Sports; Kriss Herbert; Callum Stubbs; Aron Sterk; 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’re about to board the Sue Sylvester express. Destination horror.”

obia moph o H t ins N aga O I T gh C A k/enou

}

f.org.u www.lg

ACTION!

TAKING

HOW YOU ARE TAKING ACTION AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA EVERY DAY!

SAFER SCHO JOIN THE CAUSE!

You can catch-up with everything around the Enough Is Enough campaign by visiting our Facebook page and clicking on ‘Like’. Every day we post stories from around the globe highlighting homophobia and giving you direct links to have your voice heard. Search Facebook for ‘Enough Is Enough! Action Against Homophobia’... and spread the word!

CAMPAIGN VIDEO

Visit www.lgf.org.uk/enough and watch our hard-hitting Enough Is Enough campaign video.

Voiced by the legendary Sir Ian McKellen and starring Corrie’s Antony Cotton, it’s a reminder that homophobia affects us all! Share the video with your friends too!

06

Make a difference to your school or uni - invest in a Safer School Pack!

Last year’s “How Fair is Britain?” report by The Equality & Human Rights Commision, revealed that two-thirds of lesbian, gay and bisexual students in Britain report being bullied, and those who report being bullied perform 15% worse at GCSE.

safer and more welcoming place for lesbian, gay and bisexual students, staff and parents, as part of the multi-agency Exceeding Expectations AntiHomophobic Bullying initiative.

The report also revealed that 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.

The idea has been inspired by The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network in the USA who have launched a Safe Space Campaign to place a Safe Space Kit resource in every middle and high school in the States.

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation have worked with thousands of pupils and staff to encourage understanding between different communities, challenge homophobia and help make schools a

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

February sees the launch of the Enough is Enough! Safer Schools Packs, because we want to get as many Packs into UK schools in time for May 17th International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia and the campaign’s one year anniversary, because every child has the right to learn in a safe environment and achieve their full potential.

The Enough is Enough! Safer School Packs include the new and improved Enough is Enough!

PowerPoint and the Enough is Enough! DVD

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’.

OLS! “I wish it had been available when I was at school; it might have made things a little easier to deal with.” SARAH, LGF Service User

starring Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton and Sir Ian McKellen for use anywhere, but especially powerful in assemblies and lessons, supportive resources for teachers and other school staff, posters and stickers to highlight where to go in your school if you need support and to celebrate that your school is a safe space for lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

The Enough is Enough! Safer School Packs cost £20 each, there is a secondary pack and a primary pack, buy one for your old school, your local school or your kids school and take positive action for the future of lesbian, gay and bisexual youth and leave a lasting legacy to the fight against homophobia.

Want to Make a Difference?

Visit www.lgf.org.uk/donate and give £20 and the address of the school you want us to send the pack to and we’ll do the rest. We’ll even phone up to ensure the school has received the pack and is using it. Or if you prefer, we can send the pack to you and you can hand deliver the pack to your school of choice. For more information email: enough@lgf.org.uk or call 0845 3 303030.

£20 could make a huge difference to making a young lesbian, gay or bisexual person feel safe, confident and able to achieve at school. Please donate today.

You can also sign up at www.lgf.org.uk/enough. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @lgfoundation for daily updates on the fight against homophobia!

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY 2011

UNTOLD STORIES To commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day and running through LGBT History Month in February, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation are playing host to a small exhibition to remember the gay victims of the holocaust, highlight Untold LGBT Stories and show what gay life was like in Berlin in the early 20th century to inspire today’s communities to continue the fight against homophobia.

The exhibition will focus on the; Nazi persecution of gay people, the work of Magnus Hirschfield, the campaign to repeal paragraph 175, Christopher Isherwood in Berlin, Berlin today and the Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s current campaign Enough is Enough! Action Against Homophobia.

This exhibition has been organised in collaboration with Callum Stubbs - who has written a short dissertation on the homosexual victims of the Nazis - and Aron Sterk Chair of Manchester Liberal Jewish Community Callum is 25 years old and a volunteer with both Victim Support and Pride In North Cumbria youth group (PINc).Outnorthwest asked him about what first got him interested in The Holocaust and this this era of LGBT history.

“I have been researching this topic for 15 years but I guess it all began when I was a child. My grandma had lived through the second world war, and she would tell me all about her times working in the munitions factory in Carlisle, and then when I went to school we studied the holocaust but they only told us about the Jewish victims of the holocaust.”

“I began to research further as I got older and found out that there were many other victims of the Nazis. One in particular stood out from the rest and that was the experiences of gay people,

as a gay man I felt it was important to research this, and to tell the story of what happened and why it happened. It is one of those things that many people in today’s society do not know about and they should know, perhaps it may make a difference in the on going persecution we still see today.”

How you can see LGBT Untold Stories This small but unique exhibition is available to view free of charge, by appointment from 28th January throughout February until 7th March. For more information, e-mail andrew. gilliver@lgf.org.uk or call 0845 3 30 30 30. 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

VICTIM SUPPORT ADVICE

MORVEN MACLEAN, Volunteering Development Co-ordinator at Victim Support writes for outnorthwest about the LGB&T support they offer.

Victim Support is the national charity that provides free and confidential support to victims and witnesses of crime. We are independent of the Police and other agencies, and can offer you emotional and practical support, whether or not you have reported the crime to the police.

It doesn’t matter whether the crime happened yesterday, last week or several years ago. Our trained volunteers will provide support for as long as necessary. Every year, Victim Support helps over 1.5 million people nationally, thanks to our network of specially trained volunteers. Last year we contacted over 118,000 victims of crime in the North West, to offer help and support.

We also run the Witness Service, which is in every criminal court across the North West.

The Witness Service can help you and your friends/family to cope with going to court by giving you information and support. None of this would be possible without our volunteers.

We are always keen to recruit new volunteers 08

who have the time and passion to help people come to terms with the impact that crime has had on their lives. In return for your time and commitment, we will provide you with excellent training, regular support and social events.

CALLUM’S STORY

Callum Stubbs, a volunteer at Cumbria Victim Support, began volunteering with Victim Support in April this year. After completing his core training with the charity, he began supporting victims of homophobic hate crime.

“From my training, I learned so much about myself and also about the great work that

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

Victim Support do in providing a nonjudgemental and confidential service to victims and witnesses of crime. It gave me a boost to know that I was able to make a difference to people’s lives and as a Victim Support volunteer I also became involved with an LGBT youth group known as ‘Pride in North Cumbria’ (PiNC), helping 13-25 year olds who are LGBT or questioning their sexuality.“ “Through my work with each organisation I became the link between Victim Support and PiNC and represented the two proudly at Pride in Manchester this year. With the support of my managers at Victim Support in Carlisle I was also able to continue to work with the other volunteers who contributed art work to exhibit at PiNC’s gallery.

“This was a great way for me to demonstrate the unity between the LGBT communities and Victim Support’s team.”

LGBT HISTORY MONTH

p10

There’s a whole month of events happening across the north west to mark LGBT History Month. Check out the highlights on page 10!

“Being a gay man, I have at times been subject to both covert and overt homophobia and turned to my friends and family for help. I know how difficult that can be sometimes, and it was refreshing to see Victim Support... gave accessible support to all inviduals.”

ADAM BRYANT ADAM’S STORY

Adam Bryant, a Greater Manchester Victim Support volunteer, completed core training and then proceeded to undertake enhanced training.

“One course which I participated in was ‘Supporting victims of homophobic/ transphobic crime’. Being a gay man, I have at times been subject to both covert and overt homophobia and turned to my friends and family for help. However, I know how difficult that can be sometimes, and it was refreshing to see that Victim Support not only recognised the societal issues facing the LGBT population but gave accessible support to all individuals.

This year I was asked if I wanted to take part in Manchester Pride by getting involved with the Victim Support float. Living in Manchester and knowing Pride, colloquially known as “gay Christmas”, was a red-circle-around-the-

date event, I jumped at the chance. The whole atmosphere was electric. Everyone was in high spirits and ready to party and Victim Support were no different. The whole crowd was cheering for us and it felt amazing to be a part of this. However I got a sudden reality check when we passed a group of people who were holding placards reading, “God hates fags”.

It brought home to me that whilst we were having fun, some people have had, and still have, a horrendous time at the hands of others.

It’s not just the physical attacks that people are faced with, but also the constant verbal attacks that people receive. I sometimes hear from people, “It’s just words!” and to that I’d say “tell that to the family of LGBT people whose siblings/children etc. have thought suicide is their only option. I think that’s why I see Victim Support as such an essential resource within the community.“ At Victim Support we are deeply committed to working with LGBT communities in the North West. This commitment is demonstrated by our annual participation in the Manchester Pride Parade. Last summer we were really excited to be part of Liverpool’s first Pride Festival.

We are proud to have secured a place in the Stonewall Top 100 Employers Equality Index for the second year running. We welcome volunteers from all communities and ask for no prior experience. As long as you are committed, enthusiastic and empathetic then we would love to hear from you!

If you would like to find out more about our services or if you would like to receive support from us, please contact: For Greater Manchester: 0161 727 0240 For Lancashire and Cumbria: 01772 201 142 For Merseyside and Cheshire: 0151 353 4025 If you would like to find out more about the ways in which you can become involved as a volunteer, please contact: For Greater Manchester: Morven MacLean, 0161 727 1374 or e-mail: morven.maclean@victimsupport.org.uk For Lancashire and Cumbria: Aanika Dhillon, 01772 201 142 or e-mail aanika.dhillon@victimsupport.org.uk For Merseyside and Cheshire: Catherine Fraser, 01244 612 332 or catherine.fraser@victimsupport. org.uk

RADIO TIMES p13 We’re spoiled for choice in the north west for LGB&T themed radio. Check out the latest from BBC Radio Manchester and Gaydio on page 13!

Historical Gay Convictions to be removed Men who were convicted for having gay sex at a time when it was deemed a criminal offence will have their records wiped clean this year as part of a new Freedom Bill.

Proposals for new legislation will clear those charged with having gay sex with a person over 16 when the act was deemed illegal. The new legislation will remove these records, meaning gay men will be free to apply for charity roles and jobs with children and in hospitals without having to disclose the conviction during Criminal Records Bureau checks. Lynne Featherstone, the Liberal Democrat equalities minister said it was “unfair” and “unjust” that men should still have a criminal record for something that has “long not been illegal”. She added: “Such men will never again have to disclose that information. I hope very much that those gay men whom that has inhibited from volunteering will now find that inhibition removed.” The Home Secretary, Theresa May, has said: “It is not fair that a man can be branded a criminal because 30 years ago he had consensual sex with another man.”

What are the Offences?

The offences that criminalised consensual homosexual sex between men over the age of consent were section 12 of the Sexual Offences Act 1956 for the offence of buggery and section 13 of the 1956 Act for the offence of gross indecency between men. Consensual sex in private between two men over the age of 21 was decriminalised in 1967; in 1994 the age of consent was lowered to the age of 18 and in 2000 it was lowered again to 16.

How Will this Work?

These proposals will apply only to those offences of consensual gay sex which were previously dealt with under Sections 12 & 13 of The Sexual Offences Act 1956. There are many thousands of records on the Police National Computer (PNC) that have a Section 12 or Section 13 element and as a result current thinking is that it is not a simple matter of deleting all Section 12 and Section 13 offences from the PNC. It is thought that anyone wishing to have these records removed permanently will have to apply to have their records deleted.

We will be publishing more information on the Freedom Bill and How it affects Historical Gay Convictions. In the meantime should you wish further information please contact us on 0845 3 30 30 30 or e-mail: info@lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk

09

AGENDA FEBRUARY-MARCH 2011

NEWS

LGBT HISTORY WORLD AIDS DAY MONTH 2011 LGBT HISTORY MONTH 2011

With lots of events happening across the region to mark LGBT History Month in February, outnorthwest has compiled this bumper diary of some of the highlights. Please check with venues for details and further information!

TuesDAY 1st STOCKPORT

JACKIE KAY Jackie Kay MBE reads from her latest book, Red Dust Road followed by Q&A. Free. Stockport Central Library, Wellington Road, SK1 3RS. Call 0161 480 1211. 6pm - 8pm.

THURSDAY 3rd

Contact,Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA.0161 274 0600. 6pm-9pm.

Gemma Bradely. Cost £5. Contact,Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA.0161 274 0600. 7.30pm.

MANCHESTER

LIVERPOOL

PRODIGAL SON: Q&A

The Myth of Gay Persecution in Nineteenth Century Manchester A talk by Jeff Evans of Manchester Metropolitan University introducing Greater Manchester County Record Office (with Manchester Archives) and Manchester Room at City Library sources relating to LGBT history. Becker Room, First Floor, City Library, Eliot House, Deansgate. 6.30-7.30pm

SUNDAY 6th MANCHESTER

LGBT In Focus: Lau your luppers on the strollers bona: The rise and fall of Polari A special talk to mark LGBT month by Dr Paul Baker of Lancaster University. Free. Imperial War Museum North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf Road, Manchester WA14 4LF.0161 8364099. 2.15pm

MONDAY 7th MANCHESTER

10

Female Trouble, FACT Liverpool, 16th February

FILM: PARIS IS BURNING With a special introduction and performance from dancer, Darren Suarez. Queerfest FACT is presents queer-related films and events spanning indie, art-house and cult cinema.FACT,88 Wood Street, Liverpool L1 4DQ,0151 707 4464. 6.30pm.

TUESDAY 8th MANCHESTER

PRODIGAL SON: EXHIBITION LAUNCH Showcasing Qasim Riza Shaheen’s photographic, film and performance work, alongside the work of young people participating in his workshop programme. Free. Contact, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA.0161 274 0600. 5.30pm.

OUTSPOKEN WORKSHOPS Two performance poetry landscapes led

by Dominic Berry and Danez Smith. Free.

Contact,Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA.0161 274 0600. 6pm - 9pm.

OUTSPOKEN WORKSHOPS

SHORT CUTS: WOMEN & GENDER THEORY

Two performance poetry landscapes led

by Dominic Berry and Danez Smith. Free.

Work-in-progress new theatre double-bill from Chris Hoyle, Fergus Evans, Jackie Hagen and

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

Learn more about Qasim Riza Shaheen’s artistic practice, the thoughts around Prodigal Son and what is in store for the upcoming residency at Contact. Free. Contact,Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA,0161 274 0600. 9.15pm.

WEDNESDAY 9th MANCHESTER

SHORT CUTS: WOMEN & GENDER THEORY Work-in-progress new theatre double-bill from Chris Hoyle, Fergus Evans, Jackie Hagen and Gemma Bradely. Cost £5. Contact,Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA.0161 274 0600. 7.30pm.

OUTSPOKEN Dominic Berry hosts a night of alternative voices featuring headliner Rosie Lugosi, the Outspoken poets, Regie Cabico (via live streaming) and Danez Smith. Cost £5. Contact,Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA,0161 274 0600. 9pm.

THURSDAY 10th MANCHESTER

SHORT CUTS: THE SECOND COMING FOR

AGENDA FEBRUARY-MARCH 2011

NEWS

Father I Have Sinned, Contact 11th February.

Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA,0161 274 0600.

8.00pm.

THURSDAY 17th

SALFORD

LIVERPOOL

LIBERATION Celebration of LGBT history through the fascinating collection at the Working Class movement library Salford. With readings from the works of Oscar Wilde and Edward Carpenter. Free. The Working Class Movement Library, Jubilee House, 51 The Crescent, Salford M5 4WX,0161 736 3601. 1.30pm 4.00pm.

MANCHESTER

FATHER I HAVE SINNED Triple-bill film installation during the afternoon of Queer Riot. Booking is not required. Free.

Contact,Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA,0161 274 0600. 4.00pm - 5.00pm.

QUEER RIOT Three hours of outrageous feminist and queer performers, discussion, workshops and networking.

Free. Contact,Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA,0161 274 0600. 4.00pm - 7.00pm.

THOSE WHO PRAY IN CLOSETS Work-in-progress new theatre double-bill from Chad McGitchie and Danez Smith. Cost £5.

Contact,Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA,0161 274 0600. 7.30pm.

PETER GRIST & COMPANY A triple bill of new exhilarating dance pieces that explore the gritty underworld of Manchester life.

Contact,Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA,0161 274 0600. 8.00pm.

FRIDAY 11th STOCKPORT

FILM: THE BIRDCAGE Plaza Theatre, Mersey Square,Stockport,SK1 1ES. 0161 477 7779. 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

MANCHESTER

SHORT CUTS: THE SECOND COMING FOR THOSE WHO PRAY IN CLOSETS Work-in-progress new theatre double-bill from Chad McGitchie and Danez Smith. Cost £5.

Contact,Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA,0161 274 0600. 7.30pm.

SOME LIKE IT HOT: LIVERPOOL PRIDE FUNDRAISER £10, includes a free glass of wine. FACT,88 Wood Street, Liverpool L1 4DQ,0151 707 4464. 6.30pm.

SATURDAY 19th MANCHESTER

MANCHESTER PRIDE LGBT HERITAGE TRAIL To celebrate LGBT History Month, the popular Manchester Pride LGBT Heritage Trail returns, starting from the Becker Room, First Floor, City Library, Eliot House, Deansgate. 2.30pm and 5.00pm.

FOOTBALL v HOMOPHOBIA February 19th marks Justin Fashanu’s birthday – the only professional footballer to openly come out as gay. Vanilla, Richmond Street on February 15th.

7.00pm - 11.00pm.

MONDAY 21st

OFF THE HOOK: QUEER CONTACT CLOSING PARTY

LIVERPOOL

Cost £5. Contact,Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA,0161 274 0600. 11.00pm - Late.

FACT, 88 Wood Street, Liverpool L1 4DQ,0151 707 4464.

6.30pm.

SUNDAY 13th

THURSDAY 24th

STOCKPORT

STOCKPORT

Tour Stockport’s history spots. Meet outside Staircase House,30/31 Market Place, Stockport SK1 1SP. 11.00am.

Drama by The Base Youth Group conveying the needs of older and younger LGBT’s.Stockport College, Peter Barkworth Theatre, Wellington Rd South,Stockport,SK1 3QU. 6.30pm - 9.00pm.

TUESDAY 15th

SATURDAY 26th

LIVERPOOL

PRESTON

FACT,88 Wood Street, Liverpool L1 4DQ,0151 707 4464.

6.30pm.

WEDNESDAY 16th

An interactive installation from Lancashire Age Concern’s LGBT group. Lancashire Record Office, Bow Lane, Preston PR1 2RE,01772 533039.Free,booking advised. 9.45am - 3.00pm.

STOCKPORT

SUNDAY 27th

PEOPLE LIKE US (PLUS) VALENTINE’S HERITAGE WALK

FILM: HE’S MY GIRL

LGBT WORKSHOP Workshop on LGBT issues by The Lesbian & Gay Foundation with a focus on carers. Disability Stockport,23 High Street,Stockport,SK1 1EG.07800 618830. 12.00pm - 3.00pm.

LIVERPOOL

EAT YOUR HEART OUT

FILM DOUBLE BILL: PINK FLAMINGOS & FEMALE TROUBLE

Another dose of experimental cabaret, left-field drag and aggressive dance. Cost £10/£6. Contact,

John Waters Double Bill. FACT,88 Wood Street, Liverpool L1 4DQ,0151 707 4464. 6.30pm and 9.00pm.

FILM: THE UNIVERSE OF KEITH HARING

GAYS INTO THE FUTURE

OUTING THE PAST!

LIVERPOOL

KENNETH ANGER’S MAGICK LANTERN CYCLE Special screening on 16mm of Fireworks (1947), The Inauguration of the Pleasure Dome (1954), Scorpio Rising (1963), Lucifer Rising (1972). Accompanied by a special introduction.£5/£4. 3.00pm.

For more info checkout www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk

11

AGENDA FEBRUARY-MARCH 2011

NEWS

KATE HARDY OPINION

PAUL FAIRWEATHER OPINION

My predictions for 2011 As is traditional in the first outnorthwest of the year, here are some of my predictions for the New Year - have a great 2011.

Why we love our periods...

January is rubbish. Your credit card bill comes through, as well as your energy bills, and you start wondering why exactly you put your heating on when you weren’t in, and if you really did need to buy that pair of trainers as a Christmas present to yourself. You start thinking about your New Years’ resolutions and it doesn’t seem like you have ever seen the sun before or ever will again. Summer seems a long way off and all you want is something to make you feel good. A solution to this? Well, apart from the odd Toblerone, I would suggest a nice period drama.

Television schedules are clever, and, if you ignore all the diet and fitness DVD adverts, those schedulers out there actually do care about us.

With the return of Lark Rise to Candleford on BBC 1, and the occasional re run of Downton Abbey, the perils of modern day living don’t seem as bad do they?

I’m assuming everyone likes a good period drama, even when they say they don’t, I know they are lying and secretly fantasise about frolicking around in Victorian dress whilst weaving cotton. OK, this may be just me – but no one can deny the warm feeling you get whilst watching Julia Sawalha sell stamps in the Candleford post office. It’s pure escapism – none of the characters are on Facebook, and when they’re travelling in their carriage they don’t play annoying happy hardcore on their MP3s. I think I may have been born in the wrong era, and I often think what I would look like in a bonnet with all those dresses you have to put on, of course an disadvantage of this would be a) I’d look like a tit and b) Converse trainers would look silly with such attire.

Still, watching such pure romanticised fiction provides me with the comfort blanket I need in the mid-winter, it’s my thing at the moment. Of course that’s not all I watch, I flit between period dramas, Countryfile and Misfits, diversity is where I’m at, you know.

So, don’t beat yourself up about spending too much money, there’s more to life than bills, and if all fails and you can’t pay them, you can always work in the fields 14 hours a day, for, like a farthing a week

Kate

12

Smartphone app Grindr is overtaken in popularity

by Toastr which not only lets you know where your nearest gay neighbour is but exactly what they are having for their tea.

In soapland, not to be outdone by the Corrie tram crash, in Eastenders a space rocket followed by a meteorite crash into the Queen Vic and kill 15 cast members. There are 3 million complaints.

In the Archers Linda Snell falls off the church roof and sprains her ankle.

The surprise reality TV hit of the year is ‘Librarians From Hell’ which follows a group of rampaging librarians as they round children up and force them to read Dickens.

Paul O’Grady is chosen as the new James Bond for a remake of the classic Bond movie ‘Diamonds Are Forever’

In support of the campaign for gay marriage a lesbian couple interrupt a certain royal wedding and chain themselves to Prince Phillip.

Three million school children protesting against cuts in education invade a garden party at Buckingham Palace. Nick Clegg resigns.

Jeremy Clarkson becomes the new presenter of The Antiquea Roadshow.

The X Factor is won by a group of tap dancing lesbian nuns performing their unique mash-up of ‘Anarchy In The UK’ and ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’.

And finally, the unexpected Christmas number one is a hip hop version of Gracie Fields (Google her) singing ‘The Biggest Aspidistra in the World’.

Paul

KNOWSLEY

KNOW LGBT KNOWSLEY? The Lesbian and Gay Foundation is working on behalf of NHS Knowsley to carry out independent research into how LBG&T people in Knowsley access health and wellbeing services.

The aim of the research is to better understand the needs and experiences of local LGB&T people when it comes to health and wellbeing. If you live in Knowsley, we want to hear from you!

• •

•

Do you access health and wellbeing services locally – or do you use services elsewhere?

If you don’t you use health and wellbeing services in Knowsley – why not and how can we make them more LGB&T friendly?

Have you any experiences (positive or negative), that you would like to share?

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

Throughout February and March we will be undertaking a survey of LGB&T residents of Knowsley which will be available on our website or which can be posted out to you. Everyone who takes part will be entered into a prize draw for £100.

We will also be running some focus groups based in Knowsley, where participants will be given a £20 voucher as a thank-you for their input.

If you live in Knowsley then we want to make sure your voice is heard, so please get involved and encourage others to take part too!

Information will soon be available on our website (www.lgf.org.uk) and if you want to be kept updated about the survey and focus groups then please register your interest by emailing research@ lgf.org.uk or calling us on 0845 3 30 30 30.

AGENDA

NEWS

LGBT RADIO BE INSPIRED!

RADIO TIMES BBC Radio Manchester offers up an hour of topical LGB&T content every week...

The only regular current affairs programme specifically for the LGBT audience on BBC Radio, BBC Radio Manchester’s ‘The Gay Hour’ (previously known as ‘LGBT Citizen Manchester’) has been running since 2007.

MEET

KRISS HERBERT How did you get into radio?

I went to Salford Uni and studied TV and Radio. I joined the student station there called Shock Radio.

Whilst at Uni my other half Robo introduced me to Ian one of the bosses at Gaydio and I started during its second trial broadcast in 2007 doing the ‘Weekend Warm Up’. On the third trial broadcast Toby (the programmes boss) let me loose during the day doing mid mornings and I’ve been there ever since. You can still find me in the mix on Saturday nights too getting you in the mood to go out.

What keeps the programme fresh is the range of our features and interviews and the skill of it’s presenting team - sort of ‘Loose Women’ in style but ‘This Week’ in subject matter as Ashley Byrne, Andrew Edwards and Claire Mooney get to grips with some pretty gritty topics. Probably the proudest moment of the show’s history is when Ashley got Archbishop Desmond Tutu to apologise to LGBT people worldwide on behalf of the Anglican Church.

‘The Gay Hour’ tries to reflect the lesbian, bisexual and transgender as much as the Gay. Andrew regularly follows events in the Trans community and they often cover issues affecting Bisexuals. Ashley Byrne, who is the main presenter, interviewed singer Tom Robinson and explored his own bisexuality and the ignorance and prejudice that Bisexuals very often face.

Since the addition to the team of singer songwriter Claire Mooney this has strengthened the programme’s commitment to and reporting of Lesbian issues. In particular Lesbian health which is so very often overlooked.

The programme also strives to get beyond focussing just on the gay village in Manchester with regular reports and interviews from America, Asia and the Middle East. Most recently they ran a series with the writer Michael Loungo on his ‘Gay Tales from the Baghdad’. This year they will embark on a regular link up with Australian LGBT radio station, Joy FM. With a unique access to BBC programme makers this regularly allows the opportunity to ask them about how they reflect our very diverse community. A major feature last autumn was when BBC 3 presented their Lesbian drama Lip Service and the show interviewed the writer Harriet Braun and Fiona Button, one of the cast. Every year at the end of the August Pride celebrations The gay hour present a special simultaneous programme for BBC Radio Manchester and Gaydio as Sackville Gardens

Top: Andrew Edwards Bottom Left: Claire Mooney Bottom Right: Ashley Byrne prepares for the candle-lit vigil. The show also reflects on the arts and culture. Last year interviews included Julian Clary, Samuel Barnett, Marc Almond, Armistead Maupin,Val McDermid and everyone’s favourite Corrie star Betty Driver.

Ashley, Claire and Andrew make a feisty and humorous presenting team reflecting the full range of opinions that can be found among the LGBT community. Their different styles complement each other to make an exciting weekly hour of radio which can also be heard around the world via the BBC iplayer.

In 2011 The Gay Hour plans to get out and about more to the many parts of Greater Manchester and beyond which are under represented in the media. They also hope to break new ground by championing new music and new drama/ comedy from within the LGBT world. They welcome anyone across the LGBT community with an interesting story to tell and look forward to hearing from any Outnorthwest readers who wish to get in touch.

The Gay Hour (LGBT Citizen Manchester) is broadcast on Mondays from 9pm - 10pm.

Listen on 95.1FM in Greater Manchester and also on BBC I Player.

What’s the worst thing that’s happened on air?

Touch wood nothing bad has happened at Gaydio.

Whilst on the student station though I had to stand up to get something and I didn’t realise I was standing on my headphone cable. As I stood up the cable got tight and pulled me back down. Basically, I fell over making a very butch (or not) scream.

Away from radio, what’s your favourite song?

I don’t think I could ever say just one song, I have a few. I think the songs which hold the best memories for me are a couple of Tiesto’s tunes as these remind me of clubbing during my Uni days. Love Comes Again or Adagio for Strings comes to mind.

Best night out in Manchester? would have to be100 seeing Tiesto Academy, still AsItoutnorthwest went toatpress one of the best nights ever. Tiesto theme emerging.

Manchester Pride were still counting the money raised for local LGBT and What’s your Ideal night out?

HIV causes atinthis year’s Yougood can still find me Essential onfestival. the odd occasion though. When’s Tiesto next in town?

However, Festival Director Jackie Crozier announced at the Manchester Pride Dinner Where out more about you?a hosted bycan Hotpeople Villagefind on September 23rd, that I have a website, www.krissherbert.co.uk on phenomenal £110,000 had been counted soorfar.

Twitter - @krissherbert

Manchester Pride will announce the total raised forKRISS charity HERBERT at this year’s festival by theMonday middle ofto is on Gaydio October.

Friday from 10am - 1pm and Saturday nights

in the mix from 6pm. You can listen on 88.4fm

For visit: online www.manchesterpride.com inupdates Manchester, at www.gaydio.co.uk or

download the free iPhone app.

www.lgf.org.uk

13

AGENDA FEBRUARY-MARCH 2011

NEWS

House of Rainbow Fellowship This year The Lesbian & Gay Foundation is pleased to welcome The House of Rainbow Fellowship to Manchester. House Of Rainbow aim to provide an inclusive Christian theological focus and interpretation of Scriptures.

The vision of the House Of Rainbow Fellowship was founded by Reverend Rowland Jide Macaulay, an openly gay African theologian. House Of Rainbow Fellowship is an inclusive and affirming religious community open and welcoming to all people including LGBTI people. A new monthly which focuses on a person’s journey towards reconciliation of sexuality and spirituality is coming to Manchester.

Come along to the first meeting at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Number 5, Richmond Street, M1 3HF on Wednesday 9th February 2011, 6.30pm. Email: church@houseofrainbow.org, or call 020 855 83485. www.houseofrainbow.org

Support for LGBT Asylum Seekers LGBT asylum seekers based in the North West came together at the LGF event with people who work for asylum agencies, to discuss the challenges that face them.

It was highlighted that LGBT asylum seekers encounter homophobia in their accommodation, at non LGBT support groups, in the legal system and in society. Many people highlighted how difficult it was for asylum seekers to get good legal representation.

LGBT asylum cases are notoriously difficult, the proposed cuts to legal aid doubled with solicitors’ reluctance to take them on, will impact greatly on LGBT asylum cases being successful. Linked to poor legal representation, was also difficulty with interpreters. It was suggested that there is a reliance on interpreters from countries of origin, some of whom hold their cultures’ homophobic views. The suspicion and misunderstanding around asylum seekers was also highlighted.

It was also noted that more needed to be done with Home Office Staff and UK Border Agency Officials to help them understand the issues around LGBT asylum. The support of the local gay community was also raised, whether that be agencies helping gay asylum seekers to come out more openly, LGBT groups being better promoted and accessible, agencies writing support letters for LGBT asylum seekers that they know and work with, and more accessible information for LGBT refugee and asylum seekers.

If you are an LGBT Asylum Seeker, or work with LGBT Asylum Seekers and would like more information please e-mail: adam.winter@lgf.org.uk 14

SUPPORT

HAVE YOU SEEN THIS POSTER?

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) in partnership with NHS North West have produced a poster (promoting the LGF’s helpline and website), along with accompanying leaflets, to be displayed in and distributed through GP surgeries across Manchester.

This is to ensure that you as a Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual person have increased access to the appropriate services you need. These signposting resources will also help address possible shortfalls in GP surgeries, and also meet your needs whatever your health issues or concerns maybe. Further to this, displaying these posters and leaflets can help demonstrate that your GPs surgery is LGB affirmative. It acts as a tool to assure you that you will be treated fairly and can discuss your issues openly with your GP or health care provider. It also indicates that a GP is aware of where to refer you to if you request specific LGB service. So, next time you visit your doctors, look out for the “We’re here if you need us!” posters!

If you do see it in your local surgery please take a picture of the poster or just drop us a line and let us know. We want to celebrate the surgeries that are supporting their lesbian, gay and bisexual clients, as well as encouraging those who are reluctant to participate to get involved.

If you live in the Manchester area and you see the poster (or not as the case may be) please let us know! Send your pictures and comments to: dennis.baldwin@lgf.org.uk

BISEXUALS

AT LAST! SOMETHING FOR BISEXUAL PEOPLE! February sees the release of a brand new Information resource exclusively written by and for bisexual people!

Bisexuality isn’t complicated, or hard to understand, but people’s attitudes to bisexuality can be tangled.

There are a growing number of out bi people too, but it can still feel quite an isolated experience coming out as bi - for lesbians and gay men there are places like Manchester’s Canal Street, but Where do you go to find other bisexual people?

How do you keep a sense of identity, being bisexual in a world that finds it easier to define you as either straight or gay?

For many bisexual people there hasn’t been much information around. That’s why Community Foundation for Greater Manchester have helped BiPhoria produce a brand new guide, as BiPhoria is the longest-established social & support group run by and for bisexual people in the UK.

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

The new guide (above) will be published in February and features useful contacts and tips such as how to talk about being bisexual, bi-history, biphobia, group support, bi websites and much more.

For copies and more information contact : bis@biphoria.org.uk or write to BiPhoria, Box 101, c/o LGF, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3HF.

AGENDA FEBRUARY-MARCH 2011

NEWS

LIVERPOOL

FILM

Clubbing with a concscience.

CHEW DISCO

Liverpool native, Emma Obong, and New Jersey Boy, Khalil West, are the heart and soul behind Liverpool’s politically charged queer club night Chew Disco.

What motivated you to start Chew Disco?

KW: I moved here in early 2006 and I’d been doing punk/electro and video art nights in Brooklyn before, and I really wanted to start something similar in Liverpool – live DIY music, politically and creatively empowering and queer-centric. When I met Em, we really clicked – especially in terms of our politics and music. EM: We wanted to create a space were all queer thinkers could get together and express themselves through different forms of art. Plus it’s really important for me to be creating something alternative in my home town Liverpool!

Is Liverpool’s growing (and increasingly diverse) LGBT scene a positive response to the recent homophobic incidents in the city?

KW: It’s either a response to Liverpool’s recent homophobic incidents, a response to the invisibility of various ethnicities and identities in the queer scene, or just the natural evolution of the city’s queer

culture. Hopefully, it’s all three.

How was it being involved in Liverpool’s first official Pride event?

EM: Walking along Stanley Street to a sea of Rainbow flags sent me to tears! And seeing friends, families, celebrating together was just overwhelming! I was very proud to be Scouse that day, that’s for sure KW: It was an honour to have even been asked to participate. But I hope next year that Chew Disco is just one of several alternative queer options.

Some of the proceeds of Chew Disco go to LGBT Iraqi – why is it so close to your heart?

KW: Proceeds go to Iraqi LGBT as well as other LGBT and women’s rights organisations operating in and/ or on behalf of queers and women in countries and territories that are hostile environments for gay and trans people and women, but not just in terms of cultural bias. Most of the charities we’ve donated to do work in countries where even kissing someone of the same gender can result in state-sanctioned imprisonment and execution.

CHEW DISCO 29th January 2011,The Shipping Forecast, 15 Slater St, Liverpool L1 4BW. Doors 9pm – LATE, £4 entry.

MUSIC

ERASURE POP TO THE WOODS! Synth duo to play Delamere Forest!

LGBT Festival de Cine Espanol en Manchester!

on 3rd March Scene from Chuecatown, showing

Longing for a bit of culture? then why not take advantage of some free gay Spanish films showing over the next few weeks at Manchester’s Instituto Cervantes, every Thursday at 6.30pm.

After the screening, audiences will be invited to discuss the films over a glass of wine. The films being shown are:

AndeR 10th February

Ander is a Basque countryman well into his forties whose life consists only of work and looking after his farm. But this all changes when he breaks his leg and is forced to employ a Peruvian immigrant whom he begins to develop feelings towards.

Campillo, si quiero (Campillo, Yes I Do)

17th February When the Spanish Parliament passed the law giving same-sex couples the right to marry in June of 2005, Mayor Francisco Maroto from Campillo de Ranas, a small mountain village, was one of the first to step forward to perform the marriages.

20 Centímetros (9 INCHES)

Delamere Forest in Cheshire doesn’t immediately spring to mind as a music venue, but that’s precisely where synth favourites Erasure will be performing on Friday 1st July this year!

24th February A narcoleptic transvestite works as a prostitute and dreams of losing the unique 20 centimetre reminder of her maleness. She yearns to become a transsexual and dreams up elaborate musical numbers in which she is the star.

After more than four years away from recording and live performance, Erasure have announced a series of dates for Summer 2011 playing their hits as part of Forestry Commission Live Music, where acts perform in spectacular woodland locations across the country. Commenting on the tour, Erasure’s Andy Bell said, “This wonderful opportunity to perform for the fans in such a unique backdrop feels like just the right way to jump back in to Erasure after a four year break. We’re excited to be playing in the woods.” It’s great to see Erasure returning to the north west, and we’ll certainly be

3rd March Victor works in a real estate agency, he makes apartments available for sale by murdering the old ladies owners, then, refurbishes and decorates the apartments to sell them to gay couples!

All films are in Spanish with English subtitles.

Please email: secman@cervantes.es or call 0161 661 4206 to reserve a place. Instituto Cervantes de Mánchester, 326/330 Deansgate, Campfield Avenue Arcade, Manchester M3 4FN

CHUECATOWN

finding a prime spot in the woods! Look out for more info in an upcoming outnorthwest.

Tickets cost £34.50 (subject to booking fee) from the Forestry Commission box office tel. 03000 680400, or buy online at www.forestry.gov.uk/ music. You can find out more about the band at www.erasureinfo.com

www.lgf.org.uk

15

AGENDA FEBRUARY-MARCH 2011

NEWS

OUR KIDS ARE ALRIGHT! YOUNG PEOPLE

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation is about to launch a new support guide for parents and families of lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

One of the most frequently asked questions we get at the Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) is from parents or family members asking,“I think my child is gay, what do I do?”

This February we are launching Our Kids Are Alright a guide designed to help answer that question, it gives parents, family members and loved ones advice and support if you’re unsure about what to do or how to react if your child or someone close to you has come out.

Lots of mums and dads have shared their stories of their experiences of their child (and in some cases more than one child) coming out to them as lesbian, gay or bisexual; they talk about how they responded, their concerns and the support they gave their children and themselves.

In some cases, their children also share their experiences of the courage it takes to come out to your parents and family, for fear of the unexpected and rejection.

There’s also lots of practical advice on supporting your child; from what to say and what not to say, to realising that being gay or bisexual isn’t a choice and isn’t anybody’s fault! There is also no

16

“Lots of Mums and Dads have shared their stories of their children coming out to them... and the support they have offered them.”

THIS GUIDE WOULD NOT EXIST WITHOUT:

nonsense myth-busting about what this might mean for you and your child, and signposts to groups, resources and other parents who might be able to help if you are struggling to understand.

The staff of the LGF donating their tea money to make Our Kids Are Alright possible.

Whether you’re the parent of a lesbian, gay or bisexual person, or think your child might be questioning their sexual orientation, we hope that this new guide will be able to help you understand, support and continue to love your child.

We’d also like to thank Linda and Joe Paterson, Andrew Levey and his parents, Stuart Blackburn, Collette from Families Together London (FTL), and Lois from Manchester Parents Group for all sharing your stories.

Whether you’re the friend of a person with a lesbian, gay or bisexual child and think your friend might need a helping hand understanding their child’s sexuality, please get your hands on a

CONTACT THE LGF

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

copy of Our Kids Are Alright and give it to them or get them to call the LGF on 0845 3 303030.

Or, if you are the lesbian, gay or bisexual person struggling to come out to your parents and family, or maybe you already have and it hasn’t gone well, give this guide to them or leave it around the house, because hopefully, in time, they’ll come round, and support you for the amazing individual that you are. And remember, you can always call the LGF on 0845 3 303030 for support.

For your copy of Our Kids Are Alright email info@lgf.org.uk or call 0845 3 303030.

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)

YOUR WAY

UP

FOCUS ON: LANCASHIRE

NEW LGBT ARTS PROJECT

A new LGBT arts project ‘Personal Best’ is being launched in January 2011 at the Harris Museum and Art Galleries in Preston in partnership with Lancashire LGBT Centre.

The project is a community arts project, open to everyone and it will explore LGBT people’s relationships to sport, the theme of LGBT History Month 2011. The project will run throughout LGBT History Month in February 2011 and it will culminate in a collaborative art work which will be exhibited in the Harris Art Galleries. The first session takes place on Saturday 15 January 2011 at 1pm – 3pm at the Harris Museum (meet in the cafe at the Harris Museum). You don’t need to book, just turn up. For more information, contact Elaine Brown on 07966 373 110 or at lancashirelgbt@ yahoo.co.uk

POP IN PRESTON FOR LGBT HISTORY MONTH!

Preston is to get the UK’s first pop-up LGBT Centre! The pop-up Lancashire LGBT Centre will run throughout the whole of February 2011 for LGBT History Month and will be revealing its location in January 2011.

We will have a range of events happening from relaxing massages, gay salsa lessons, art workshops, planning sessions for Lancashire Pride 2011 and an LGBT information marketplace. The full programme of events will be available on our website in January 2011 (www.lancashirelgbt. co.uk). We need people to contribute ideas for the interior design and/or help get the venue ready during January 2011. This is a great opportunity to help design an appealing and welcoming centre for LGBT people in Lancashire. So if you are interested in getting involved then please contact Elaine Brown on 07966 373 110 or Deb Bradshaw on 07825 931 316 or email at lancashirelgbt@ yahoo.co.uk

FOCUS ON: ICEBREAKERS

MANCHESTER ICEBREAKERS IS 25!

2011 marks the 25th anniversary for Icebreakers; Manchester’s weekly mutual support group for gay & bisexual men.

Icebreakers will be celebrating their Silver Jubilee with a party to be held in the Spring, followed by a walking entry in this year’s Manchester Pride Parade. If you have been involved with Icebreakers in any way; why not join in the celebrations?

To be kept informed of when the party will be held and other plans for 2011 please email to register your interest via icebreakersmanchester@hotmail. co.uk or visit the website www.icebreakersmanchester.org.uk .

18

FOCUS ON: THE GREAT OUTDOORS

OUT & ABOUT!

GAY OUTDOOR CLUB

walking at all levels. To find out more about us go to www.goc.org.uk

The Gay Outdoor Club operates throughout Great Britain and provides a wide range of outdoor and indoor sports and recreational activities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender men and women.

OUTDOOR LADS

The Transpennine GOC group covers from the Wirral, Merseyside, North Cheshire, right across to South Yorkshire and Derbyshire, so provides a glorious variation of areas and history to explore.

Events include walking, cycling, mountain biking, canoeing, caving, rock climbing, mountaineering, skiing, swimming and badminton. Most of our events are one day but we also organise weekend and longer events such as hostelling weekends, an arctic adventure and a white water rafting expedition.

Hopefully this year we are seeking to form a local Merseyside group, so if you are interested in getting out with a group of friends, please contact GOC on transpennine@hotmail. co.uk for an alternative to the usual Gay scene.

Experienced members are volunteering to offer help and guidance in obtaining skills in outdoor

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

If the festive season has left you a little skint, or podgy round the edges, a walking weekend away in The Lakes might be just what the doctor ordered!

OutdoorLads is the UK’s largest gay outdoors charity, running hundreds of free and paid events every week by volunteers, all over the country. The group exists to help gay guys experience and enjoy the outdoors. On the 2527th February OutdoorLads are heading to the waters of Coniston for “The Lake District Winter Walking Weekend.” The views are fantastic, and this is one of the must-visit locations in the Lake District National Park. The three days and two nights will include activities for a broad range of abilities, and opportunities for people to get to know each other.

The cost is £53.58 for full members of OutdoorLads and £59.65 for guest members, including accommodation. To find out more, join for free at www.outdoorlads.com

NORTH WEST FOCUS ON: MERSEYSIDE

POLICE ADVISORY GROUP NEED YOU Policing issues have always been an issue of importance to the lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) community on Merseyside.

For a number of years, there has been a small ‘working group’ of LGB people who work closely with the police, in order to discuss and progress a wide range of policing-related issues. Many

The society also take part in local and

OUT IN THE CITY

of the ideas which have been put into practice have been discussed by the group.

If you are interested in policing issues and either live or work anywhere on Merseyside, we would like to hear from you, please contact the group Chair, Mike Homfray, on o7970 680483 or by emailing homf@ portnahaven.fsnet.co.uk

LIVERPOOL GUILD LGBT SOCIETY The Liverpool Guild LGBT Society is there to support you in your time at the University of Liverpool, with information, regular socials and a buddying scheme that can provide people to listen and offer support.

FOCUS ON: OLDER PEOPLE

national campaigning externally and within the University, Guild and NUS. To keep up to date with what’s going on, check out LGoS.org/LGBT, which has links to the Facebook group, Twitter & YouTube pages.

You can also get in touch at Liverpoollgbt@gmail.com

Out in the City is a lively and dynamic group of older LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) folk.

We still enjoy the occasional pint on Canal Street but are beginning to put our creative heads together to do some art, craft and creative writing in our new

‘drop-in’ centre at Silver Service, 24, Mount Street, Manchester.

The group welcome newcomers and so if you know of anyone who you think might enjoy or benefit from a group like ours don’t hesitate to get in touch with Sue Nzilani 07835303680 or visit http://outinthecity05. webs.com/

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)

Most sex education in schools is almost useless for lads growing up gay and bi. Schools should be as enthusiastic about HIV prevention for young gay and bi lads, as about preventing teenage pregnancy and Chlamydia among girls.

Instead, gay and bi guys often get HIV as teenagers and in their early twenties. 1 in 6 of the people with HIV in North-West England are teenagers or in their twenties.

Already there are about 150 gay and bi guys under 25 with HIV in North-West England. 13,000 under 25s have HIV in the UK. Young gay men have major HIV information needs at an age when they are having the most sex they are likely to have in their lives. HIV means gay teenagers need to learn lessons about HIV very quickly, at a hard time in many guys’ lives.

Many young gay and bi lads are coming to terms with being gay, coping with homophobia and bullying at school, and dealing with depression and anxiety. Lads who’ve had less success in education than most, or with an ethnic minority background, or with little money, find things are tougher still.

Porn education Gay teenagers get almost all their ‘sex education’ from the net and on their mobiles. Graphic movies of bareback, raw and risky sex, messaging and online chat can make this seem normal and highly desirable. Porn may open young guys eyes to what’s on the gay sex menu, but it is not a proper sex education. Risky ‘bad’ habits and misunderstandings quickly set in, before most young gay men find any gay-friendly accurate HIV information and support.

Young gay men take HIV risks thinking they are not taking risks, and many do not know how HIV is passed on, or how to avoid this. The younger you are, the less likely you are to take an annual HIV test; and the more likely you are to make mistakes using condoms.

TOP TIPS FOR YOUNG GAY & BI MEN •

20

Assume every partner may have HIV, and use a condom for anal sex. Asking partners their HIV status won’t give you answers you can usually depend on. The only dependable answer is when a guy tells you he has HIV. Most www.lgf.org.uk

YOUNG LADS NEED HIV BASICS Why it’s important young gay men need sex education of their own.

The basics of HIV information for everyone is clearly explained at the aidsmap website http:// www.aidsmap.com/ hiv-basics/HIV-AIDS/ page/1412437/ If you are diagnosed with HIV, George House Trust offers information and support on living well with HIV. E-mail support@ght. org.uk or call 0161 274 4499 The Lesbian and Gay Foundation offers information about HIV and testing at www.lgf.org.uk/ testing. You can call LGF in confidence about anything to do with sexual health and HIV peter.boyle@lgf.org.uk or call 0845 3 30 30 30

guys just cannot be sure they do not have HIV, because most men have taken at least one HIV risk, since their last HIV test. And around 1 in 3 guys have never tested, so cannot even know. 1 in 4 teenage gay and bi men got fucked without a condom by a guy whose HIV status he did not know, or who he knew had HIV, in the past year.

•

Using poppers while being fucked without a condom triples your risk of getting HIV. If you are using poppers, using condoms become 3 times more important. Many gay men, of all ages, do not know this.

•

Practice with condoms with the lights out – younger men have more condom problems, through using only spit, or no lubricant at all, or oil-based lubricants (oil-based lubes invisibly rot condoms), by not

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

changing condoms after a lively 30 minute session, or by unrolling condoms before putting them on.

•

Get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, at least once a year, even if you feel perfectly well.

Take charge and stay in charge of your sexual health.

•

Sexual risk taking is far more likely when we are drunk or using drugs.

We can still avoid HIV transmission risks, but it is easier to take care of ourselves and our partners, when we stay more in control.

•

The risk of getting HIV from giving a blow job is much smaller than from anal sex without a condom. Younger guys can cut blow job risks by not taking cum in the mouth from a guy whose HIV status you do not know, or a man who tells you he has HIV.

DIARY

INVOLVED!

DATES!

GET

WOMEN’S EVENTS

OTHER EVENTS “SAY CHEESE!” PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Photo: Sarah Quinn

SATURDAY 19th FEBUARY AT THE LGF, 25pm

OOH, SPICY! This year, Sugar & Spice, the Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s annual event for lesbians, bisexual women and their friends, will be bigger and better than ever to celebrate 100 years of International Women’s Day. On 19 September 1893 New Zealand became the first country in the world to give women the right to vote.

In 1910 a second International Conference of Working Women was held in Copenhagen. A woman named Clara Zetkin tabled the idea of an International Women’s Day. She proposed that every year in every country there should be a celebration on the same day, a Women’s Day, to press for their demands. The conference, of over 100 women from 17 countries; representing unions, socialist parties and working women’s clubs, greeted Zetkin’s suggestion with unanimous approval resulting in the first International Women’s Day in 1911.

One hundred years later, and International Women’s Day is still going strong, a reflection perhaps on the fact that the genders are still not as equal as we would like to think.

Now in it’s fifth year, Sugar & Spice takes place on Saturday March 5th from 11am until 6pm and offers you the chance to get involved in a fantastic range of workshops, discussions and taster sessions, including:

22

Want to know your ISO from your fstop? The rule of thirds?

How to frame? Then come to Say Cheese where a skilled photographer will give you tips on how to use your camera to it’s full potential, as well as stepping out to the village to practice what you have learnt!

Whether it’s your phone camera, a compact, or a fancy DSLR bring it along and test your skills!

assertiveness and self-defence; starting a family; the history of the women’s movement; good sexual health and health awareness; literary lesbians, and Zumba dancing! Drag up as a king for a day, or bang an African drum. The choice is yours!

The LGF’s lesbian secrets project will also be on display – last year we asked LB women to share their secrets us – those that did will have their secrets exhibited as part of a unique exhibition, giving you an insight into their most intimate thoughts and desires.

Throughout the day there will also be free complimentary therapies, community consultations, food and refreshments.

Plus of course Sugar and Spice’s very famous not too be missed craft room which this year will feature jewellery making, knitting, card making, along with making fantastic crafts out of recycling rubbish (very eco friendly).

Sugar and Spice really is an amazing opportunity to meet new people, try new skills, pick up info, air your views, get involved and have loads of fun. Oh yeah, and it’s all free as well!

Celebrate 100 years of International Women’s Day at Sugar & Spice 5, LGF, Number 5, Richmond St, Manchester, M1 3HF. Saturday 5th March 11am til 6pm. Visit www.lgf.org.uk, call Annie on 08453 30 30 30 or email women@lgf.org.uk 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

Women’s monthly events at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation will be continuing from March 2011. Keep checking www.lgf.org.uk for details. if you have any suggestions for future events, e-mail women@lgf.org.uk For further info about these events, keep an eye on www.lgf.org.uk, or email women@lgf.org.uk

GET

TESTED!

Photo: Sarah Quinn

CERVICAL SCREENING

GIRLS S T L U S E R E H T ON FILM Back in the sunny days of last August the Lesbian & Gay Foundation ran a survey, in partnership with Salford University, over the Manchester Pride festival and spoke to over 600 lesbian and bisexual women about their knowledge and experience of cervical screening.

This is survey one of the project to give us information about the uptake of cervical screening and whether there are any barriers to accessing cervical screening, or whether lesbian and bisexual women have ever been told they don’t need a cervical screening test. The results contain some worrying statistics: •

bisexual women’s community that the general women’s population. For example, the national percentage of women having been screened within the last 5 years stands at 79%, compared to 70% of women we surveyed, meaning lesbian and bisexual women are about 50% more likely to not have been screened in the past 5 years than the general population.

•

50% of women surveyed said that they had at some point failed to respond to an invitation for a cervical screening test

•

36.5% identified they had been told that lesbian and bisexual women did not require a cervical screening test.

14.5% of women surveyed had been refused or discouraged from having a test by a health professional because of their sexual orientation.

•

19% of all lesbian and bisexual women surveyed aged 25 and over had never been for a cervical screening test.

•

•

Of those who had had a cervical screening test, 27% had not had their last test within the recommended time frames.

These statistics highlight the need for an awareness raising campaign and just how important it is that lesbian and bisexual women go for the regular cervical screening tests they are entitled to. We’ll be doing another survey later in the year and we’re confident that these figures will change for the better.

•

24

40% of women surveyed (aged 25 and over) had either never had a cervical screening test, or not had one within the recommended time frames.

ARE IN!

These figures indicate that the rates of testing are significantly lower in the lesbian and

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

With Oscar season upon us, as part of our cervical screening campaign “Are You Ready For Your Screen Test?” the LGF have produced a series of videos playing homage to some of Hollywood’s most iconic film scenes and giving them a Sapphic twist.

Check out: www.lgf.org.uk/screening For further info about women’s work at LGF, keep an eye on www.lgf.org. uk, or email women@lgf.org.uk

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 1911 - 2011

100 THINGS EVERY LESBIAN, BISEXUAL AND QUESTIONING WOMAN

NEEDS TO KNOW 1

You need a cervical screening test. If you are over 25 make sure you make an appointment to get screened with your GP or at a clinic.

Check out www.lgf.org.uk/ screening and page 23 for more info.

The LGF are here if you need us. 08453 303030 helpline@ lgf.org.uk

2

3 4 Meet new people and learn new skills.

Come along to Sugar & Spice at LGF on March 5th – see the ad on page 25!

Report hate crime! Visit www.lgf.org.uk for details.

5 A good pair of jeans is essential • 6 Be yourself you don’t have to fit into any stereotype • 7 There are people out there who will accept you for you • 8 It’s OK to love Cath Kidston • 9 Don’t jump to conclusions over thumb rings and baggy jeans…not everyone that wears them is a lady lover! • 10 You can come out to your doctor, have the confidence to do it – you are entitled to the right services for you • 11 You are protected by law if anyone discriminates against you • 12 Don’t stay with a psycho • 13 You don’t have to have a girlfriend to be happy • 14 You are not alone • 15 The scene isn’t the only place you will meet someone • 16 Don’t worry if you’re not like Bette Porter • 17 It’s ok if you don’t like football • 18 Be there for your gay brothers • 19 Todmorden Women’s Disco is a right of passage • 20 Dig Me Out by Sleater Kinney is the best break up album ever • 21 All your friend’s don’t have to be gay • 22 Have any hair style you want • 23 Find out what tribadism means • 24 Sarah Waters should be on your bookshelf 26

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

33 25 You need to watch Sophie and Sian on Coronation Street 26 It gets better

You can catch STIs. Visit www.lgf.org. uk/beatingabout-thebush/ for more information!

34

27 Tick the sexual orientation box – you don’t have to fit into it!

28 Cunnilingus 29 Know your history – February is LGBT history month – find out what’s on in your area 30 You can be religious and have faith 31 You can start a family, you can get pregnant, adopt or foster 32 Check your breasts and check hers too! Visit www.lgf.org.uk/thanksfor-the-mammaries

During the lesbian TV-free months try one of these web series’ out: • 35 3Way • 36 We Have to Stop Now • 37 Girltrash! • 38 Anyone But Me

39 Pride events are everywhere, from the big cities to local villages.

Check yours out! • 40 Too lazy to search? Then check these out...• 41 Manchester 19 - 29 August 2011 • 42 Liverpool, they had their first event last year and it was a smash! 6th August 2011 • 43 Blackpool June 11th &12th 2011

44 Jane Lynch is one of us, and that’s how Sue “C’s” it...

45 The faces behind the cause are just as important as the cause itself • 46 Buying DIVA in your newsagents isn’t as embarrassing as you’d think • 47 Not convinced? Then subscribe and get it delivered! • 48 You’re never too old for toys… • 49 Volunteering is a great way to meet new like-minded people www.lgf.org.uk/volunteering • 50 It’s ok to be devastated that P!nk is pregnant • 51 Tegan and Sara should be listened to at least once, if only to say you’ve done it • 52 There are loads of local support networks for LGBT people of all ages all across the North West. Search online, call LGF on 08453 303030 or see the listings in the back of this very magazine • 53 Looking through the FHM Top 100 Girls and rating them with your mates – definitely allowed • 54 Try a new sport, there are many LGBT teams around • 55 Or just join your local team and see who you meet! • 56 Take up guitar lessons, after all who doesn’t love a girl with a guitar?! • 57 Recreate Alice’s Chart from The L Word and see where it leads – be ready for the fall out though! • 58 Safer sex isn’t an option it’s essential • 59 Chances that you’ve met a ‘newbie’ are slim to none; you can guarantee at least two ‘mutual friends’ • 60 Looking for a gay friendly employer? Check out Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index • 61 You’re free to live your life your way!

62 You need to know the offside rule • 63 Rent/ buy/watch The Kids Are Alright if only for Julianne Moore • 64 Check out AfterEllen.com • 65 Tune into Pretty Little Liars, Emily Fields is a character not to be missed • 66 A trip to IKEA is practically a night in a lesbian bar • 67 Soak up some culture – check out Queer Contact in February, Queer Up North in May, Manchester Pride fringe in August and Homotopia in November for a start • 68 If the scene isn’t your scene check out groups in your area. www.lgf.org.uk/ be-part-of-something-great/ • 69 Brighton is a must see, get yourselves down there • 70 Lip Service will be back for a second series • 71 Heather Peace aka PC Sam will be performing at The Masque in Liverpool 8th April • 72 Nail varnish is allowed, nail length is your decision… 73 Looking like a clone of your mates/ girlfriend is inevitable – it’s the urge to merge! • 74 Enjoying Santana and Brittany’s friendship on Glee a bit too much is perfectly normal • 75 If the hangovers are lasting much longer than the nights out then get in touch – there’s lots of support about alcohol and drug use available. • 76 26th February sees Lancashire Record Office hosting its first LGBT event - Outing the Past • 77 Watching a TV programme just because there are lesbians in it? A-ok! • 78 If you’re a smoker and you don’t want to be, access a smoking cessation group or find support online • 79 Remember it’s not OK to be gay in some countries in the world – check before you go • 80 Get involved in your community!

81 Our voice may not be loud enough, but Lady Gaga’s certainly is • 82 Love me; love my cat/dog/horse/hamster/goldfish (delete as applicable) • 83 Check out Liberation! For the exploration and celebration of LGBT history •84 Google Amber Heard…she’s hot, she’s out and she’s a Hollywood actress. Shocking! • 85 Dresses are allowed • 86 As are heels • 87 Retail guru and ginger stud Mary Portas is back on our screens! • 88 Don’t just try to get the support of the community, become part of it • 89 Episodes of Bad Girls can still be scouted out in the TV guide • 90 If you and/or your partner know where you stand then labels aren’t essential • 91 It’s OK to text back straight away • 92 It’s not OK for anyone to hit you, push you around, or control what you do, even if they’re a girl. www.broken-rainbow.org.uk

93 Everyone should own a pair of Converse, there’s many a colour so no excuses! • 94 Turns out lesbians can be models too – check out Kayla on the new America’s Next Top Model • 95 FACT in Liverpool are hosting a month of Queer movies starting February 7th • 96 Black Swan has a scene worth watching, even if ballet isn’t your thing • 97 Ellen DeGeneres. As if you didn’t know already 98 Come out when the time is right for you. If you need support try the LGF’s pop in service or Helpline: 08453 303030 • 99 The LGF holds monthly get togethers for women and their friends to learn new skills – find out more at www.lgf.org.uk/ diary

100 It really DOES get better!

www.lgf.org.uk

27

Lesbian Secrets Project e their LB women to shar Last year we asked ve ha ll wi d di ose that secrets with us – th ue iq un a of rt pa as ited their secrets exhib eir th o int you an insight exhibition, giving too u Yo . es sir de ghts and most intimate thou ll be wi it – on iti hib ex of this can become part there will lay at the LGF and sp di t en an rm on pe can en m wo available so be blank postcards Project ts cre Se e Th t. ous secre ret add their anonym ec sts inspired by the Po idea was originally y all ion at but, as Intern project in the US, we is nearly upon us, 11 20 y Womens’ Da at lesbian ely siv clu ex it aim thought we would rate it’s en, in order to celeb m wo al xu se bi d an centenary.

28

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

REAL LIFE

SAL’S

Sal is a gay Muslim. he tells us what it was like for him growing up as a Muslim, coming out, and why he thinks Asian gay and bisexual men need more support.

Growing up Muslim..and Gay I grew up in Bradford, the youngest of six and lived with my parents until I was nineteen. My Muslim upbringing was very confusing, being told to fit into English society but also hold onto the customs of my Indian culture and following my Islam faith. Religion paid a huge part in my growing up, going to mosque from the age of six was mandatory. I battled with my faith and continuously raised questions with no answers. I knew I was “different” from around seven years old. My first crush being David Hasselhoff in Knight Rider! As a teenager I definitely knew I was attracted to men but felt I could never express this to anyone. With messages that normal was being straight and anything else was wrong, I was fearful of my reserved place in Doezahk (hell) just for wanting to be with another male. This drove me to be very quiet, depressed and questioning God- why did he make me like this?

I stepped away from my religion and decided I was not going to accept a faith, which was making me feel suicidal.

30

STORY

Getting Support

As my siblings got married, the pressure of following in their footsteps was more worrying and depressing.

I felt I needed to get some support with my sexuality.

I managed to find some literature at my college and booked an appointment to see a counsellor at Yorkshire Mesmac. The counselling was really useful and helped me to realise I was gay and how I dealt with it was up to me. I joined two social groups LGBT Youth Out and the Kali Group. Both groups gave me a sense of belonging and normality. I grew as a person and felt more comfortable with my sexuality. The next step was telling my family!

Marriage, Men and Movies

My parents started to pressure me about marriage and asked if I was dating anyone? I really wanted to say, “Yes I’m seeing a man and I would love to marry him as long as I wear the red sari!” I had a choice, do I get married and lead a double life? I realised I could not live with myself being unhappy, or for the girl I marry to be unhappy. I would need to come out to my family. I decided to tell my brothers and sisters. Well, I didn’t get a punch in the face so it was ok. I thought about how I would tell my parents. I noticed a film about a gay couple was being shown on TV and thought it would be a good idea to sit my parents down and ask them to watch the film while I left the room. Two hours later my mother stormed into my bedroom and slapped my face.

From then on life at home was difficult, my male friends were given the cold shoulder if visiting

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

me, phone messages were not passed on and if I was on the phone my parents would earwig, my bedroom door had to be left open at all times. I was reminded daily of the huge sin I was committing by being intimate with men. On reflection I realised my parents never actually expressed how they felt but all the concerns were about what would my relatives / Muslim community say about the family? I was often tricked into visiting molisaabs (holy man) who would attempt to get rid of my homosexuality by making me drink blessed water, wearing a taweez (amulet) and sometimes being forced to inhale smoke from burning red chillies! Life became unbearable.

Leaving and Finding Home

I decided to leave home and relocate to Leicester where I had a circle of friends . My decision felt good because I could be me and bad because I would lose all connection with my family. I moved without telling my parents, only leaving a note. My family disowned me for two years although I did secretly speak to my sister.

Since the move I am now in contact with all of my immediate family and have a closer relationship with them. My parents haven’t totally accepted my sexuality and seem to think the phase that has continued for 14 years and the fact that I have lived with my male partner for 10 years will end sometime.

I have settled at thinking they are as ok as they are ever going to be.

Over the years I gained a sense of understanding of my faith. I realised the negative messages that ruled my mind were not from the Quran. I realised for me

“I noticed a film about a gay couple was being shown on TV and thought it would be a good idea to sit my parents down and ask them to watch the film while I left the room. Two hours later my mother stormed into my bedroom and slapped my face.”

S P TI EX S

being a Muslim is about my relationship with Allah, treating people with respect, empathy and love. I may not pray five times a day but I still read the Quran and pray to Allah, not to change me but to thank him for my life to date. I faced many challenges coming out and lost a lot in the process but have no regrets. I am proud of who I am.

health within the Black and Asian community. In my experience the problem Asian men find when accessing support is they don’t know it exists. Any publicity and prevention work tends to be in the gay press or in gay bars, which they do not read or socialise in. Asian gay men feel that LGB&T specialist services will not understand the problems they face in terms of culture, religious beliefs. I think targeted Asian MSM work is needed now more than ever.

After visiting Trade for some sexual health advice I was surprised how little I knew. After a discussion with friends it was shocking to find we knew nothing of STI’s, HIV, safer sex. I joined Trade as a volunteer and focused on raising awareness around sexual

outnorthwest would like to thank Sal for sharing his story with us and we hope it inspires some of you reading this to get in touch with The Rainbow Asian Project. See details below.

Sexual Health and Asian Men

RAINBOW ASIAN GROUP The LGF have partnered with our colleagues at Trade Sexual Health in Leicester, to conduct some innovative work with Asian Men who identify as gay, bisexual or men who have sex with men (MSM).

The Rainbow Asian Project has developed a survey in order to gain a greater understanding of the needs of these men. The feedback will be evaluated so that services can better meet the needs of this under-represented group in the LGB&T community.

We’re looking for men who identify as Asian/Asian British to complete a confidential survey either online or by contacting LGF on 0845 3 30 30 or Trade on 0116 254 1747.

We also need volunteers for more in depth interviews or to take part in small group discussions (small cash reward for this extra work!)

If you’re interested contact us or complete the online survey in complete confidence at:

www.lgf.org.uk/rap

ORAL SEX

Oral sex is not without risk in terms of HIV. Many factors come into play when it comes to the biological transmission of the virus.

Things such as mouth ulcers, open sores or bleeding gums would increase the risk of transmission, as well as oral piercings or the presence of other Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Other risk factors that are potentially more serious would be only using condoms for anal sex some of the time, starting sex without a condom, and putting one on later, or always having unprotected anal sex .

As well as HIV, there are other STIs that are passed on much more easily during sex , and the main reason for the huge rise in cases of syphilis amongst men who have sex with men is that it is passed on easily during oral sex.

Condoms and lube should always be used with someone whose HIV status is unknown. To be on the safe side, avoid getting cum in the mouth and have a full sexual health screen at least once every 12 months.

Pick up your copy of ‘Sex Tips For Men’ at the usual venues or download now at www.lgf.org.uk

www.lgf.org.uk

31

DRUGS & ALCOHOL

GOOD

ADVICE

Almost everyone drinks alcohol. It forms a big part of what many consider a good night out and plays a big part of most peoples weekends and relaxation time.

We all have different ways to deal with hang over’s from a hair of the dog to a big burger and chips but sometimes hangovers come with more than throwing up and feeling a bit rough.

Some people are able to drink sensibly, stick to the guidelines (well maybe a few out) and enjoy alcohol without it becoming a risk factor in there lives. Some however are not so lucky and it can become a crutch in your life without you knowing. Drinking to medicate a problem you may already have is common but in the long run can end up making things a lot worse.

Some drink more than is healthy to do so because going out to bars and clubs every night

32

is an easy meet new people, its how LGB&T people have traditionally socialised.

•

If you need to drink to relax or feel better about yourself

It can be hard to identify if you are starting to have a problem with alcohol because everyone is different but some common themes seems to be:

•

If your drinking has lead you to neglect other things in you life

•

Feeling guilty or ashamed about your drinking

•

If you have family or friends that may have mentioned being worried about the amount hat you are drinking

•

If you are regularly drinking more than you intend to

•

If you are lie about your drinking habits to others and your self

•

If you are blacking out

CONTACT THE LGF

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

If you feel like any of these applies to you then you are not alone, many people feel this way and it is a big first step to realise that perhaps your drinking is becoming a bigger part of your life than it should be.

If you want any help or advice about alcohol then get in touch with us here at the Lesbian & Gay Foundation. You can call us on 0845 3 30 30 30 or ‘pop in’ between 10am – 8pm to have a chat with someone.

We wont judge or lecture, we just listen and help you on your way having more healthy habits around alcohol.

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)

DRUGS & ALCOHOL

WE’RE HERE IF YOU NEED US

Photo: Sarah Quinn

FREE EVENT!

Was your new year’s resolution to stop smoking? Didn’t quit manage it? Never mind help is at hand!

It can be harder when you put pressure on yourself to stop at a certain time like New Year, so if you tried but didn’t quite manage then don’t worry because help is at hand. You can come into The Lesbian & Gay Foundation at any time during our opening hours to get some help, advice and information about the best way for you to stop smoking. Or if you prefer you can contact us and book an appointment so you have something to aim for.

On March 11th we’re holding an event to celebrate National No Smoking Day, and you can come along and set a quit date, get your vouchers for free NRT or just get a bit more information on how stopping smoking would be beneficial to your health, but we wont be pressuring you to stop. We will have all sorts of activities and freebies on hand to get you started or even just give you a bit more information about the benefits of stopping.

Did you know that only eight hours after stopping smoking the oxygen levels in your body return to normal after the carbon monoxide levels in your blood are halved, after 48 hours the nicotine in the body is completely gone and you will be able to taste and smell things much better.

You may feel that you don’t smoke enough to make a difference if you stop, but if smoke two cigarettes a day over six months you will save over £100, that rises to £522 if you smoke ten a day.

You may have a variety of reasons for wanting to stop or you may just know that it’s bad for you, it makes you smell and is very expensive. Whatever your reason come and see us and we can help you out. We won’t pressure or preach, just listen and help.

NEED HELP?

For information call The Lesbian & Gay Foundation on 0845 3 30 30 30 or email smoking@lgf.org.uk

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.

WELLBEING

FOOD FOR

THOUGHT

With a worrying increase in young people with eating disorders, we sort out the myths from the facts.

Text: Lucy Rolfe

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

“Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia are much more likely to occur as a way of coping with difficult situations.”

In the last few years, there has been a worrying increase in the number of young people developing an eating disorder.

And just as we assume that eating disorders are all caused by peer pressure and wanting to look like our favourite celebrity, we might also assume that it is a problem which only affects young women – but this isn’t the case.

An eating disorder is an illness where someone will use food and eating as a way of taking control over their life and the feelings that they experience. The cause of eating disorders is often blamed on the media and the images of underweight celebrities appearing on everything we pick up or switch on.

However, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia are much more likely to occur as a way of coping with difficult situations and experiences which we don’t feel like we have any control over.

Eating disorders may lead to a person becoming very secretive about their eating habits, which makes it difficult to say how many people suffer from them.

Recent research by the NHS suggests it’s possible that up to a quarter of all people with eating disorders are men, and it’s a growing problem.

At the moment, there is no solid evidence to suggest that gay and bisexual men are more likely to develop an eating disorder, but a recent study did find that 20% of male sufferers who took part were gay. Perhaps it’s the fear and stress of coming out, worrying about rejection or having difficulty coming to terms with their sexuality, but it’s looking like eating disorders amongst young gay and bisexual men is becoming a very real issue.

There are loads of assumptions made about people with eating disorders, and if you’re worried about it, finding information can be a minefield. So we’ve made it easy by uncovering some of the myths and facts about eating disorder.

Myth Eating disorders only affect young people.

FACT Eating disorders are more likely to develop when someone is young, but can still affect people of any age.

Myth It’s only something that happens to women

Anorexia Nervosa

Men can develop an eating disorder too, in fact research is starting to show that the number of men, particularly gay and bisexual men receiving help for eating disorders is increasing.

‘Anorexia nervosa’ means ‘loss of appetite for nervous reasons’ and is a refusal to maintain a health body weight, often leading the person to take extreme measures, such as starvation.

Myth

Bulimia

FACT

I’d know if my friend had an eating disorder because they’d loose a lot of weight and look really thin

FACT You can’t always tell when someone has an eating disorder, as they are often very secretive about their eating habits and their weight, if you’re worried about someone, encourage them to get help.

Myth There are only two types of eating disorder; bulimia and anorexia

FACT

Bulimia causes a person to overeat to fill an emotional gap, and then purge the food by either making themselves sick or taking laxatives to relieve feelings of guilt and shame.

Binge Eating Disorder (BED) This eating disorder causes a person to excessively overeat, but this is not then followed by purging.

Although these are the two most common types of eating disorder, there are others such as binge eating , which can have just as big an impact on someone.

Myth I’m overweight so constantly worrying about losing weight and what I’m eating isn’t a problem

FACT If you’re worried – talk to someone! It’s easier to manage things if you catch them early and there’s loads of support out there which can help.

Myth Someone with an eating disorder just wants to be thin

FACT Eating disorders are much more complicated than that, they are serious illness where a person uses food as a way of controlling their circumstances and their feelings.

Myth I’ll be happier if I’m thinner

FACT Being underweight seriously affects your health and wellbeing. Drastically restricting your food intake or making yourself sick can eventually lead to things such as stomach and heart problems, rotting teeth, dry, scaly skin just to mention a few.

Getting help f you’re worried about eating disorders, the best person to speak to is your GP, but there is other support out there:

B-eat B-eat is the national eating disorders charity www.b-eat.co.uk help@b-eat.co.uk 0845 634 1414

LGF The Lesbian & Gay Foundation offer free counselling for under 25s, for an application form, email counselling@ lgf.org.uk, visit our website, or call us for a chat on 0845 3 30 30 30 any time between 10am and 10pm. www.lgf.org.uk

35

SEXTALK

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

HIV IS NOT AGEIST! No matter what age you are, if you are a gay or bisexual man and sexually active you need to be aware that HIV is ever present.

New research has shown that while the basic messages around HIV prevention remain (i.e.: always wear a condom for anal sex, get tested for HIV regularly) there are specific issues to be aware of for men of different age groups and experiences.

Very often different age groups will think that another age bracket is more at risk but no matter what your age, or who you are sleeping with, the risks are out their for all of us. If you are a sexually active man having sex with other men you need to consider how you can best protect yourself against contracting an STI.

20’s and 30’s

Photos: Paul Jones (Exposure)

Younger people who have missed out on a lot of the early campaigns around HIV may not realise the risks that they take with their health.

36

13,000 people in this age group are living with HIV in the UK and research shows that younger men are most at risk from acquiring HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections through unsafe sex practises. Sexual activity that is most likely to result in acquiring HIV is most common in teenagers according to findings from the most recent Gay Men’s Sex Survey for the UK (from 2008).S40% of men under the age of 20 reported that during oral sex they allowed other guys to cum in their mouth without knowing their partner’s HIV status.

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

According to the survey younger men figured higher than any other age group when it came to having unprotected anal intercourse with a partner of unknown, or HIV-positive status as the receptive partner. 23% of men under the age of 20 reported this.

30’s and 40’s Research suggests that on average men who have sex with men pass HIV on to men younger than themselves. While it seems the behaviours that are most likely to acquire HIV are most common among younger men, behaviours most likely to pass on HIV are most common

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

among men in their thirties. 46% of men in their thirties reported cumming in the mouth of a partner of unknown or HIV-negative status, higher than any other age group.28% of men in their thirties reported being the active partner during unprotected anal sex with a partner of unknown or HIV-negative status.

over 50’s For older people who can remember the early HIV campaigns, time seems to have moved on, and attitudes with it. For those people who have managed to avoid HIV or STIs throughout their sexual life, they may assume that they are immune to infections. While The Gay Men’s

SEX TIPS FOR MEN PAGE 31

We could all do with some good advice about our sex lives - and how to make it even better. Turn to page 31 now for some invaluable advice about oral sex.

You know you want to...

PETER BOYLE

SEX IN THE CITY

Older and wiser?

The rise of Viagra (if you’ll pardon the pun) and a healthier lifestyle beyond middle age means that many more people are enjoying a varied full sex life for much longer.

Whilst it might have seemed strange to imagine your grandparents doing it (no, scratch that, it still seems strange to imagine your grandparents doing it!), many more people are continuing, or starting out on their sexual career way into their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond.

This is, of course, to be celebrated! What it does mean, though, is that more and older people might be putting themselves at risk of catching sexually transmitted infections – including HIV. The term ‘older people’ is not really a one size fits all description either. There are many different reasons why people choose to have the kind of sex that they do.

One person might have been married for a long time, only to be able to accept their sexuality much later in life, for them condoms have probably never factored into any part of their sexual behaviour. More worryingly, some older people may have avoided any STIs or HIV through sheer chance, and assume that the sex they are having is safe, or that they are somehow immune to anything by now. More worrying still is the increasing trend for more mature people to have reached ‘condom fatigue’ and want to have sex like they used to before the AIDS crisis of the 1980s.

For any age group, the reasons to have safer sex (or not to have safer sex) are probably about the same. But just as the reasons for doing this are the same, so are the reasons for taking responsibility for your health, and looking after yourself.

Although treatments for HIV have come a long way in controlling HIV for the vast majority of people, as we get older our body’s ability to cope with medicines and drugs becomes less effective than it once was. Many of the side effects associated with HIV can be worsened as we get older, and this is at a time when other things as part of getting older could require medical attention.

The World Health Organisation has identified that screening for HIV is less common for older adults who are assumed not to be at risk. HIV in older people can be more problematic due to compromised immune systems and the likelihood of other on- going health conditions.

Anecdotal evidence in Manchester suggests that the over 50s are not routinely offered sexual health screening and are being misdiagnosed.

Examples include STIs being mistaken for prostrate problems in men or the menopause in women and HIV related illness being mistaken for dementia or non specific respiratory conditions.

Also, HIV itself, particularly if it isn’t picked up early can have more long term effects on the immune system leaving them open to opportunistic infections, and other problems. Early diagnosis is arguably even more crucial in older people, and HIV testing is vital to doing this.

So no matter what your age, young or old (or however you choose to define it yourself!) regular testing, at least once a year, is so important to make sure that there aren’t any unwelcome passengers hitching a ride on your sexual journey.

Using condoms is also important in looking after yourself - at any age.

Registered Charity No.1070904

Sex Survey findings may provide evidence of the need to do more focused work with men under 50, for all sexual risk behaviours, the age group least likely to report them according to the survey was men over 50. We know that many over 50’s are enjoying fantastic sex; the problem is that whether they are single or dating, many older guys don’t think safer sex applies to them.

10 Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS

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. www.lgf.org.uk

37

SPORT

Now in its fifteenth year of action, Village Manchester Football Club continues to go from strength to strength midway through the 2010/11 season.

The club is comprised of two sides, with the first team competing in a local Sunday league and the second team facing other gay teams from around the UK in a series of tournaments and friendlies across the country.

The club was established in 1995 with the intention of showing that gay men could play football and were capable of competing against straight teams.

Since then both the number of players and quality of the squad has continually increased, with the club winning the league for the first time in 2007.

Pete Ransom, who joined the club in 2009, tells us that he was initially sceptical about joining the VMFC. “A team comprised solely of gay men seemed a strange concept to me as I’d only ever played in straight teams. I was concerned that the standard would be very low and that the football wouldn’t be taken too seriously. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I first arrived at a training session and saw that there were some really talented players at the club and the quality of football was good.”

The social side continues to thrive. “I didn’t know too many people when I first moved into the city centre and it feels like I’ve made 30 best friends in the last 18 months. We’ve got players aged 20 up to their late 40s so whether it’s hitting Canal Street for a night out or heading round to each other’s houses for something to eat there’s always something going on.”

38

FOOTBALL GERTS! YOU

CRAZY!

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

Last July saw the team take 35 players to the week-long Gay World Cup in Cologne, where the first team were unlucky to bow out at the quarter final stage after being the top ranked team after the group stages. “It was an absolutely phenomenal experience to see so many LGBT athletes from around the world taking part in such a wide array of sports.“ “The football location was fantastic, playing on the training pitches at Cologne’s football stadium, though it was a shame we couldn’t go on to win the competition. Having said that, we had a terrific time and more than made up for our exit by partying hard in the gay district on the final couple of nights. We’re hoping to go a couple of steps further when we compete in the

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

Eurogames in Rotterdam this summer.”

There’s obviously lots going on at Village Manchester FC so what do you do if you want to join the team? Maybe you’ve not played in a few years or perhaps you’re looking at a new way to get fit in 2011.

The club run weekly training sessions at Albert Park in Lower Broughton on Thursday Nights. Your first session is free so come down and see how you find it – there’s nothing to lose.

Full details can be found at www.vmfc.co.uk or by adding Village Manchester Football Club on Facebook.

You can e-mail the team at: villagemanchester@hotmail.com

SPORT

SLAM DUNKIN’

DIVA’S Could the Manchester based all-girl basketball team - Slam Dunkin’ Diva’s - hold the key to your New Year’s Resolutions?

How many people are on the team?

We currently have around 20 active members on our list, and on a good night we have 10 people attending our training sessions.

Which league do you play in and how many teams are involved?

We are not currently in a league, but are discussing the possibility of doing so this year. However, we organise friendly games on a regular basis and have taken part in many international LGBT Tournaments across Europe.

How often, when and where do you practise?

Our Training night is Tuesday, we train 7-9pm at Chorlton High School.

We also run a fitness training session at Alexandra Park every Sunday morning, at 09:30am, and in the summer months, we play street basketball every Friday in Longford Park.

At this time of year lots of people are making New Year’s Resolutions to get fit, how could joining Slam Dunkin Divas help?

Basketball is a really fast and exciting game, which involves a lot of running and jumping whilst trying to bounce a ball! It really does keep you fit, so if you’re into team sports and not so keen on going to the gym, the Divas can definitely help. In addition, the Sunday sessions are great for those who would like to improve their running skills and cardiovascular activity.

Can people of any ability come and train with you?

Yes, of course. At least half of the girls who come to our sessions are beginners, and we are very keen on training people from “never having bounced a ball” upwards! The Divas are a multinational team as well, and it is composed of a diverse group of women: from mums to teenagers and an age range of 16-50! We would like to attract a few more younger players in order to retain our age diversity.

What’s the club’s greatest achievement to date?

Participating at the 2010 Cologne Gay Games - it was overall an amazing experience for us!

Where do you play?

Chorlton High School and... beyond!

How can people who are interested in getting involved get in touch with you?

Email: slamdunkindivas@googlemail.com or look for us on Facebook.

SPORTS

SHORTS FLOODED WITH OPPORTUNITIES Manchester-based Pride Sports, suffered a major loss early this New Year, when burst water pipes caused major internal flood damage and destroyed all but a few waterproof items in the office. Losses included exhibition stock, stationary, merchandise, computers, records, Out & Active sports guides, merchandise - even the furniture did not escape, with most units swelling badly!

Once the leaks were stopped and the office dry enough to safely enter, staff and volunteers helped clear the very mushy debris into skips and a few more resilient items into dryer area to see if anything could be salvaged. Although most of the office contents have had to be written off, a few things were saved, including a small stock of medals and some volunteer hi-vis vests. Sadly, the building now faces permanent closure, leaving Pride Sports and the Youth Centre operation without a home!

Pride Sports Director, Trevor Burchick MBE said; “The most painful aspect of this disaster is losing the volunteers’ hard work that had been devoted to creating art, photography and banners. We will surely need help, to make sure this unfortunate set back amounts is no more than that” The replacement estimate, including cost of development is in the region of £80k stock, ICT £24K, exhibition equipment £18k and a range of records that include some accounts, training records, correspondence and product development materials. In the meantime, Pride Sports is working flat out to host the International Gay and Lesbian Football Association’s (IGLFA) brand new European Football Championship at Pride Games 2011, 4 – 12 June. Plus, EuroGames in 2015, an event that will attract up to 5,000 LGBT athletes, plus many thousands of international gay sports visitors to Manchester from across Europe.

Trevor added; “This damp disaster from our cold winter makes us more determined than ever to overcome these obstacles and I must call on the whole LGBT community to be creative in supporting us to bring these great events to our City”.

FOOTBALL v HOMOPHOBIA AT VANILLA February 19th marks Justin Fashanu’s birthday – the only professional footballer to openly come out as gay – he sadly took his own life on May 2nd 1992. The Justin Campaign was set up in his memory to eradicate homophobia from the beautiful game, and one of their most ambitious projects is Football V Homophobia which takes place every February 19th. Manchester has its own Football V Homophobia event taking place at Vanilla, Richmond Street in the Gay Village on Tuesday February 15th (7pm-11pm); call in for free football goodies, wear your team colours with Pride and get involved in a special Football V Homophobia flash-mob event.

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

et

e Str un

to Ay

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

ne

La

32 View 40 Canal St, 0161 236 9033

Registered Charity No.1070904

18

43

46

London Road

34

h kC

c

Ba

Canal Street

28 Whitworth Street

e

an

aL

in Ch

ina

Sackville Gardens

Brazil Street

45

et

31

5

48

e Str

12

26

49

et

4

35

Richmond Street

40

29

ff

ri Ta

t ee Str

tre nS

Canal Street

36

Chorlton Street

15

9

8

Sackville Street

Princess Street

22

Bloom Street

13

37

50

lto

38

Northern Quarter Hart Street

Hi

47 Richmond Street

24

3

39

19

Parking Cash Machine

r we Bre

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

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

POPTASTIC Pop/Indie at Alter Ego, 07974 248 247 poptastic.co.uk

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

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

ProBalance Personal Training 0161 833 4777, gay friendly personal training gym in the City Centre, pro-balance.co.uk

commuNity & HEalth 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 33

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

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

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.

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

EatEriEs

BRASSERIE Gay Friendly Albert Square, 0161 834 7633

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

CROMA Pizza and Pasta 30 Longfield Centre, Prestwich, 0161 798 7666, croma.biz 35 DRIP COFFEE Fourways House, 57 Hilton Street, 0161 235 5100, relaxed and friendly coffee bar.

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

0161 228 1631, genghiskhans.co.uk

37 jacksons Jackson’s Warehouse, 20 Tariff Street, 0161 228 2677, axm-arcobaleno.com

Lava Café Bar Castle Quay, 0161 833 2444, lavacafebar.co.uk LIVEBAIT Gay Friendly 22 Lloyd Street, 0161 817 4110, santeonline.co.uk SAPPORO Teppanyaki 91-93 Liverpool Road, 0161 831 9888 38 Shang Hi Gay Friendly

61 Whitworth St, 0161 228 7868 That Café 1031 Stockport Road, 0161 432 4672, thatcafe.co.uk

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

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

Helen smith FUNERALS 07870 541668, funerals that are individual

Lifeline 101-103 Oldham St, 0161 839 2054, lifeline.org.uk Lifeshare 0161 953 4069, male sex workers advice, lifeshare.co.uk Manchester Drug Service The Bridge, 104 Fairfield Street, 0161 273 4040 Manchester Smoking Cessation 0161 205 5998 Pankhurst Centre 60-62 Nelson Street, Chorlton-on-Medlock, 0161 273 5673, pankhurstcentre.org.uk

GROUPS 35+ Lesbian & Bi Women LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for 35+ women to socialise and makre freinds away from the scene, meets every Wed 1-4pm, kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk 40+ GAY MENS GROUP 0845 3 30 30 30, support and social group meets every Thursday 7.30-9pm.

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

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

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

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

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

UPPERCUTS BARBERS The Arndale Market, 07784 156 693

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

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

HOTELS & B&B's City Inn Manchester One Piccadilly Place, Auburn Street, 0161 242 1000, cityinn.com

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

Registered Charity No.1070904

fitting and true, helensmithfunerals.co.uk

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

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

CLINICS

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

Jarman Clinic Withington Hospital, 0161 217 4939

46

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

North Manchester GUM Delaunays Rd, Crumpsall, 0161 720 2681

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

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

SaUNaS

Rusholme Health Centre Walmer Street, 0161 225 6699

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

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

Edward carpenter community of gay men fortnightly meetings for gay men support, trust and friendship - also longer breaks away, gaycommunity.org.uk ESSENCE COUNSELLING info@essencecounselling.org www.essencecounselling.org friends of sackville gardens 0845 3 30 30 30, Meets monthly to plan improvements, maintenance and new planting in Sackville Gardens, emma.peate@lgf.org.uk Gaydio 1st Floor, Portland Tower, Portland Street, info@gaydio.co.uk

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

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

inferno 496a Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, 0161 860 6666, seven day sauna for gay and bi men, infernosauna.com

Rapid HIV Testing @ the LGF Thurs 4-6pm, no appointment needed, results in 20 mins, 0845 3 30 30 30, lgf.org.uk

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

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

gay MARRIED MENS GROUP A support group meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday 7.30-9pm at the LGF, 0845 3 30 30 30

Listings are continually being updated.

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

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

aGENCIES 42nd St 20 Swan Street, 0161 832 0170, advice for young LGBs, fortysecondstreet.org.uk Addaction 31 Robert St. 0161 214 0770, Prison resettlement for people with drug problems, addaction.org Alcohol and Drug Services 29a Ardwick Green North, 0161 272 8844 alcoholanddrugservices.org.uk Barnardo’s Health Through Action The Progress Centre, Charlton Place, Ardwick Green, 0161 273 2901 BARNArDOS MANCHESTER LEAVING CARE SERVICES 36 Monton Street, 0161 226 6722, barnardos.org.uk Black Health Agency 464 Chester Rd, 0161 226 9145, AIDS Helpline: 0800 0967500, blackhealthagency.org.uk Body Positive 39 Russell Road, Whalley Range, 0161 882 2200, bpnw.org.uk Community Alcohol Team 0161 230 6382, manchestercat.org Community Arts North West 46-50 Oldham St, 0161 234 2975 can.uk.com Eclypse Lifeline 73 Ardwick Green North, Ardwick, 0161 273 6686, young persons drug & alcohol support service, Mon-Fri 9-5, Thurs 9-7, fiona@eclypse-yps.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

NorTh WeSt

NorTh NorTh weSt WeSt WEBSITEs

Just4lesbians.com a friendship site for singles and couples all over the world. just4lesbians.com j4ldating.com a lesbian dating site. j4ldating.com

Groups

Gay North West Camping & Caravanning Club Free club for LGBT people who enjoy camping and caravanning, gnccc.co.uk 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.) Icebreakers gay & bi men's support group meets 8pm every Wednesday at the LGF, 0845 3 30 30 30, icebreakersmanchester.org.uk 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

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

Out In The City call Sue 0161 205 3851, meets Thursdays. oitc.wordpress.com

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

Loud & Proud LGBT Youth 07824 541211 or 07918 913937, Meets Wednesdays 5.30 - 8. For 13-19 yr olds, boltonlgbtyouth@bolton.gov.uk

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

bUrY

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 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

Let’s Do Lunch 07813 083242, lesbian diners every other month, paulad650@aol.com lesbiandiners.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

LIK:T 07813 981 338, run by and for young lesbian and bisexual women, 1st Monday of the month, likt_info@likt.org.uk

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

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

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

42

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

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

HIV worker Emma Massey 01204 390772 MENTAL HEALTH independent support (MhIST) 30 Chorley New Road, 01204 527200, mhist.co.uk

groups

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

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

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

Village Manchester FC gay men’s football club for every level, vmfc.co.uk

The Lead Station 99 Beech Road, 0161 881 5559

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

shops

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

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

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

WEEKENDERS lesbian and gay walking group based in the North of England, geocities.com/weekenders_uk wheelies fc Manchester Leisure Sports Centre, mixed women’s football every Sun 11am-1pm.

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

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

sauNas

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

CLUB NIGHTS

BoLtOn

Club Fizz Charlton Club, women only 2nd Friday of the month, 9pm1am £5, see facebook

The Star 11 Bow St, 01204 361113

OlDhAm

pubs, clubs & bars club NightS

Original TOUCH OF CLASS Womens Disco Tramways Hotel, 307 Blackburn Rd, 07709 185235, A monthly disco for lesbian and bisexual women, touchofclasswomensdisco.co.uk Twisty tuesdays J2 & The Attic Square

aGENCIES & CLINICs

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

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

The Brewery Tavern 42 George Street, 0161 287 0751 THE ABBEY INN Mixed 77 West Street.

CLINICs

The Phoenix Sexual Health Centre Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Rd, 0161 627 8753 Listings are continually being updated.

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

Lancashire

SaUNaS

LanCaSHire

Pennine Sauna 96 Rochdale Rd, Shaw, 01706 842 000

Stockport Centre for Health Promotion Regent House, Heaton Lane, 0161 426 5091

LanCaSHire

GROUPS

SOLICITORS

BlACkBuRn

pink triangle theatre St Cuthberts House, Tanners Fold, 07932 928134 pinktriangletheatre.co.uk

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

ROcHdAlE PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Bar Vegas 37 Bailey St, 01706 630 708

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

CLINICS

GROUPS

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

Out in stockport Stepping Hill, 0161 483 4784 outinstockport.wordpress.com People Like Us (PLUS) LGBT Social support group, 2nd Wed of the month at The Arden Arms, 7.30pm, stockportplus.org PLUS Exercise Group (PEG) 07880 746 079, arranges monthly walks in the Stockport area

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

The Base LGBt YOUTH GROUP Diverse City, 0161 475 7700, 0161 426 9696, thebase@stockport.gov.uk

SaLfOrD

SPORTS GROUPS

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.

PLUS Reading Group 07880 746079

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

TamEsIde pubs, clubs & bars

Queen Inn 37 Oldham Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne, gay friendly.

LanCaSHire PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Bar Ibiza 43 Darwen St, 01254 695379 C’est La Vie 11-15 Market St, 01254 691877 Stagedoor 23 Mincing Lane, 01254 674761

CLINICS

bsure 0845 602 0894, Chlamydia screening for under 25’s, b.sure@bwdpct.nhs.uk b-sure.org.uk Sexual Health Clinic Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Bolton Road, 01254 687 304 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 Out Youth LGBT Group East Lancs The Hub, Accrington & Rossendale College, 07895 794850, 14-19 yr olds, 6-8pm 1st & 3rd Tues.

Burnley

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

BACKSTAGE BAR 135 St James St, 01282 414895

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

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

irlam medical centre MacDonald Rd, 0161 212 4500, Wed. 6-8.30pm drop in.

CLINICs

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.

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

CLINICS

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

GROUPS

Glossop LGBT group glossoplgbt.co.uk

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

Outloud Lisa Matthews: 0161 336 6615, Tameside youth service 11-19 youth group.

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

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

EaTERIES

starting Out Project Neil 07766 550264 0161 607 1620, Salford City Council’s young LGBT tenancy support service. neil.cochrane@salford.gov.uk swinton clinic 139 Partington Lane, 0161 212 5100, Mon 2-4.30pm, Tue 6-8.30pm, Fri 2-4.30pm drop in.

WALKDEN gateway 2 Smith Street, 0161 212 5717, Mon 6-8.30pm, Tue 2-4.30pm drop in.

Groups

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

sTOcKpOrT PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

ARDEN ARMS 23 Millgate, 0161 480 2185

CLINICs

GUM DEPARTMENT Stepping Hill Hospital, 0161 419 5370 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.

trAfFoRd CLINICs

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

aGENCIES

Relate 346 Chester Road, 0161 872 0303

CITIZENS ADVICE, 0844 644019

GROUPS

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

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

Red Triangle Café St. James St, 01282 832319

GROUPS

Quaker L&G Fellowship 16 Newfield Drive, Nelson, 01282 605724 Rossendale LGBT Youth Group 07817 541242, LGBT youth from Rossendale, Accrington and Burnley, rossendalelgbt@hotmail.co.uk

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 yps.lancashire.gov.uk/pout-lesbian-gaybisexual-trans-youth-group

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

GROUPS

CLINICS

Royal Lancaster Infirmary Ashton Community Care Centre, 01524 387402

LeYlAnd GROUPS

POUT! 0800 7831524, youth group and helpline, every Wed. pout99@hotmail.com yps.lancashire.gov.uk/pout-lesbian-gaybisexual-trans-youth-group

MorEcAmBe PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

oscar’s bar 25 Victoria St, 07543 900678, gay friendly/mixed, oscars@tiscali.co.uk

CLINICS

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

PrEstOn

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Blowing Wild Club Grimshaw Street, open Thurs, Fri, Sat, 07752 512232 Oblivion 12-14 Grimshaw St, 01772 252876 The Hangout Hammonds Row (opposite Bus Station), 07985 327052, Saturdays 21.302.30 (weekday student nights coming soon), preston-hangout.co.uk

CLINICS

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

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

PYRO (Proud Youth Are Out) 07717 301821, 13-25 years, naomh.mckee@lancashire.gov.uk

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, videllahotel.com 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

53 Cascades Restaurant Gay Owned 82 Dickson Road, 01253 62120, cascadesrestaurant.co.uk

Café Latté 30-32 Dickson St, 01253 752077 15

Don Antonio 91 Redbank Rd, 01253 352440

fuel sandwich Bar 33 Adingdon Street, 01253 749813 fuelblackpool.com Mandarin Cantonese Restaurant Gay Friendly 27 Clifton Street, 01253 622687 16

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

18 SLICES SANDWICH HOUSE Gay Owned 10 King Street, 01253 751441 19 The Buttery 1 Cheapside, 01253 296667 20 Truffles Steak House Gay Friendly 51-53 Topping Street, 01253 294804

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

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 26 Connect 01253 751047, connectyoungpeople.co.uk

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

HIV Nursing Team 150/158 Whitegate Health Centre, 01253 657171 NHS Drop In Centre 26 Talbot Road, 01253 655871 29

Sexual Health Clinic 150/158 Whitegate Health Centre, 01253 657171 SHIVER (Sexual Health HIV Education & Responses Drugline Lancashire Ltd) The Corner House, 102 Dickson Road, 01253 311 431 30

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

21

!

RE-Opening

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

CLINICs

Sexual Health Clinic Arrowe Park Road, 0151 604 7339

aGENCIES

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 TRANSISTERs 07833 385126, support/ social group for TV/CD/TS, 1stTues of the month, mazykate@toucansurf.com 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

£

MACcLeSfIelD

Parking Cash Machine Pedestrianised

CLINICs

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

Heaton’s Court (front)

11

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

3

9

Heaton’s Court (back)

NOrtHWicH GROUPS

SaUNaS

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

Blayd’s Mews

8

Swinegate

outrite 01270 653 156, social and support groups, counselling, condoms and lube by post, outrite.org

GROUPS

men’s Group 01270 653 156, outrite.org

CheStER

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.

8

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

1 Bar Fibre Lower Briggate, 08701 200888

GROUPS

OLGA 07929 465 044, Older Lesbian, Gay, Bixexual and Trans Association, olga@mypostoffice.co.uk

StaFfOrdSHIRE

RunCoRN

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

Sexual Health Halton General Hospital, 01928 753217

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

The Pink Lounge Piccadilly, Hanley, pinkloungebarandclub.com

EaTERIES

4 Old Red Lion Meadow Lane, 0113 242 6779

The Factory 67 Bryan St, Stoke, thefactorystoke.co.uk

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

The Polari Lounge 52 Piccadilly, Hanley, 01782 212200, gaystoke.com

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

SaUNas

CLINIC

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

WARringToN

2

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

9 VIADUCT 11 Lower Briggate, 0113 245 4863

BP Cheshire & North Wales PO Box 321, 01270 653 150

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

The Calls

ChESHire ChESHire CLINIC

aGENCIES

SCaRBoROuGh

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

Leeds.indd 1

White Hart Sankey Street, 01925 241994

Sexual Health Clinic Leighton Hospital, Middlewich Rd, 01270 612255

NELSONS WINE BAR Crown St, 01422 844 782

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

1 7

ChESHire PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

CLINICs

Inn on the Bridge Gay Owned & Run 1-5 Market St, 01422 844 229, inn_on_the_bridge@live.co.uk

10 5 1

6

The Bridge 1-5 Bridge End, 0113 244 4734

CRewE

18+,every Tuesday from 8pm. hugg.org.uk

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

GROUPS

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

GROUPS

HeBDEn BrIdgE

£

Parr St.

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

88 Listing Indicator

Briggate

GROUPS

LEeDs

Blayd’s Yard

Terrence Higgins Trust 5 Bridge Street, Birkenhead, 0151 666 9890, Sexual health info& LGBT affirmative counselling, info.wirral@tht.org.uk tht.org.uk

YorKSHire

YorKSHire HUGG Social group for gay & bi men,

Briggate

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

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

YorKSHire

Gascoigne St.

SaUNas

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

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

GROUPS

Chester Uni Warrington Campus LGBT Society search facebook

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 FLUID (Freedon to Love Ur IDentity) 07747 473 829

8

SHOPS

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

SaUNaS 11 Basement Sauna

Inferno 14 Garth St, Hanley, heatsauna.com/stoke-on-trent

CLINIC & agENCIES

Gaylife North Staffordshire 0300 1230970

GROUPS

LGBT Network 01782 266998, charity providing support, advice for all LGBT & social groups, gaystoke.com Panthers LGBT Badminton/Squash 01782 266998, meeting weekly in Stoke

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

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

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

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

CLINIC & agENCIES

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

The Centre for Sexual Health Sunnybank Wing, Great George Street, appointments: 0113 392 6724/0113 392 6725, health advisors: 0113 392 6057 YORKSHIRE MESMAC mesmac.co.uk

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

12/5/09 12:21:30

Fierce 3 Goodson St, Hanley.

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

THE GREYHOUND Manchester Road, 01484 420 742

IsLe|oF|MaN HOTELS

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Guys & Dolls Showbar Gay Friendly Peverill Sq, Douglas,

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

WE’RE HERE IF YOU NEED US!

Registered Charity No.1070904

Tallulah’s Late Lounge Rowson St/ Victoria Rd, New Brighton, 0774 7561587, Wed nights till late, marion@tallulas.co.uk

08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk

47