outnorthwest issue 103

SAME MAGAZINE! NEW LOOK!

NEWS • COMMENT • HEALTH • SPORT • LISTINGS Your Magazine for Life

Published by

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

OUTNORTHWEST ISSUE 103 APRIL-MAY 2011

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

INSIDE THIS ISSUE MANCHESTER

PRIDE

MEET YOUR NEW

CONDOM

LADS!

PEACE LIP SERVICE’S HEATHER PEACE TALKS TO OUTNORTHWEST

IN OUR TIME

PLUS! THE BEAR BASH IS BACK IN TOWN!

EN LISTW NO !

OUTNORTHWEST EDITOR’S LETTER APRIL MAY 2011

AS GOOD AS A REST So, what do you think? outnorthwest has had the decorators in this issue and we’ve spruced up our layout.

I don’t think we’ve ever looked as good.

One thing we haven’t changed though, is our content. You’ll still find the same balance of (as our front cover proudly boasts) news, comment, health, sport and listings. In the interests of legibility, we’ve also increased our font size so you won’t be straining your eyes reading the information from now on.

One new regular section we have added is ‘Village People’ which you can find on page 16. Every issue we’ll be celebrating the work that local businesses, groups and charities are doing to improve our community’s wellbeing. You might think that bars and clubs are only interested in your pink pound, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Only last month we got down and dirty with venue owners from across Canal Street, the

Friends of Sackville Gardens and the LGF staff and volunteers to give the Beacon Of Hope a good scrub! See page 16 for the proof...

I was recently asked to appear on the Saturday morning Gaydio show ‘The Exchange’ to talk about outnorthwest, and what brought me to Manchester and host Michael Robinson asked me a question I get asked a lot, “How do you make sure outnorthwest is relevant to everyone?”. The simple answer is, we can’t. It’s an impossible brief, and we would never assume we were representing everyone in such a wide, wonderful community as ours. What I do think outnorthwest offers (and has done since Issue 1 in 2000), is something genuinely unique. In a sector brimming with free LGB magazines focussing on the social scene, outnorthwest stands out as magazine with your wellbeing at its heart.

And that will never change.

LGF ONLINE

WHAT WE’VE LEARNT THIS ISSUE WHAT THE HELL IS A QR CODE?

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

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 Photography: Andrew Whitton

EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR & LAYOUT Grahame Robertson LAYOUT Mark Eastwood NEWS EDITOR Joanne Dunning MEN’S HEALTH EDITOR Peter Boyle WEB EDITOR Marc Robinson LISTINGS EDITOR Mark Eastwood DISTRIBUTION Kate Hardy CONTRIBUTORS Emma Peate; Annie Emery; Andrew Gilliver; Peter Boyle; Darren Knight; Simon Kawalski; Paul Fairweather; Kat Szavai; Reece Goddard; Peter Whittem; GHT; Colin Armstead; Adam Winter; Albert Kennedy Trust; Marc Robinson; Joe Spencer; Lucy Rolfe; Sara Ashworth.

SPECIAL THANKS Heather Peace; Lee Beattie; Juliet Clegg; BBC; Tom Wright; Manbears; Jackie Crozier; Manchester Pride;Ross; Darren; Craig; Stephen; Rainbow Asian Project; Sarah Quinn; Outdoor Lads; Village Spartans; Paul Jones; Gaydio

You’ve probably seen these weird boxes in daily newspapers, posters, packaging and the like, but what exactly are they? Put simply, they’re shortcuts to websites, ADVERTISING phone numbers, text messages... you name it. If you’ve got For information on advertising in outnorthwest, one of them fancy iPhones we’ve found Red Laser is the best contact us on 0845 3 30 30 30. app to scan QR codes. It’s free in the App Store. If you’ve got Or e-mail grahame.robertson@lgf.org.uk an Android handset, download Barcode Scanner from the Marketplace. Other handsets are also capable of scanning QR codes. You’ll find these codes dotted around ONW, and TO toDIAL THIS they’ll give you loads more info and background related NUMBER NOW the articles in this issue. Give it a go! Amazing/scary...

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IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS WEEK END HOMOPHOBIA AT YOUR OLD SCHOOL!

Were you bullied and teased at school because you were lesbian, gay or bisexual? Imagine you could go back to your old school and make it safer for those young people who are suffering the same today. You can. For a small donation of only £20, the LGF’s Enough Is Enough campaign will send a ‘Safer Schools Pack’ to your old school on your behalf. You can even send a personal message with the pack. To find out more, visit www.lgf.org.uk/enough today.

f.org.u www.lg

INSIDE OUT REGULARS

06 ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! How you can make your old school a safer place for LGB students.

08 NEWS & OPINION The LGF opens its brand new Community Resource Centre. PLUS Pride and the Bears!

16 VILLAGE PEOPLE A brand new regular section on how the Village is supporting the community.

obia moph st Ho again N IO gh ACT k/enou

10

THE GREAT BRITISH BEAR BASH IS BACK!

18 UP YOUR WAY What’s going on in your region.

38 LISTINGS Every LGB&T service in the north west.

FEATURES

26 HEATHER PEACE The multi-talented acress and performer answers your questions.

24 FAMILIES What are the options open to LGB people who want to have children?

9

MANCHESTER PRIDE

26

WELLBEING

20 GEORGE HOUSE TRUST The latest developments from GHT.

HEATHER PEACE ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

22 & 28 WOMEN’S HEALTH Have you had your Screen Test? Also come to a screening of ‘The Kids Are Alright’..

30 & 36 GAY MEN’S HEALTH Meet the new faces of the LGF free condom packs. Also news of a new Asian project.

32 DRUGS & ALCOHOL Is Melanotan too good to be true? The answer of course, is yes...

34 BEFRIENDERS Find out how you can get involved in an exciting Befriending project.

44 SPORT & FITNESS Village Spartans on bringing The Bingham Cup to Manchester.

30

MEET THE NEW CONDOM LADS

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.

16 CHRISTOPHER AND HIS KIND

Homophobia ACTION against

www.lgf.org.uk/enough

TAKING ACTION HOW YOU ARE TAKING ACTION AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA

a more accurate picture of how many LGB people are actually living in the UK. Only no sexual orientation question was asked.

That’s why this summer, with your help, we want to encourage organisations to give their staff and service users the opportunity to disclose their sexual orientation by carrying out sexual orientation monitoring.

And that is only the half of it! We want to encourage lesbian, gay and bisexual people to have the confidence to tick the sexual orientation box when you see it - come out, use your rights and let the world know “I exist!”

SUMMER OF

ACTION! This Summer The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s Enough is Enough!

Action Against Homophobia campaign will be out and about at Prides and Festivals across the country, encouraging people to say “I’m lesbian, gay and bisexual and ‘I exist!’”.

Too often lesbian, gay and bisexual people are forgotten, or ignored and we want that to change! Last year, the Office of National Statistics (ONS) published figures that estimated the UK’s lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) population to be 1.5%.

And if you are not lesbian, gay or bisexual you can play your part too! Encourage your workplace to carry out sexual orientation monitoring, and encourage your friends to tick the box!

We’ve even known some people take action by doing their own sexual orientation monitoring - by adding in sexual orientation when they see it missing on a form!

While we were overjoyed that the ONS asked about sexual orientation, we think that 1.5% is a massive underestimation, way below the usually quoted 5-7%.

When you think that the estimated population of Manchester is around 450,000, according to the 1.5% estimate, that would mean there would be only 6,750 LGB people in Manchester, this is only a fraction of those who attend Manchester Pride, as over 40,000 people regularly attend Pride’s Big Weekend every year.

No doubt, you’ve recently filled in your National Census 2011 form – this would have been the perfect opportunity to get

If the lesbian, gay and bisexual population is not recorded or recognised, it makes it extremely difficult to provide targeted and appropriate services to help meet our needs.

We contribute, so why aren’t we counted?

That’s why it is so important to stand together and say Enough is Enough! Action Against Homophobia “I Exist”.

To get involved in Enough is Enough’s!

Summer of Action 2011 email enough@lgf.org.uk or call 0845 3 30 30 30

Have you checked out our hard-hitting Enough Is Enough campaign video? It stars Corrie’s Antony Cotton, and megastar Sir Ian McKellen...

SCAN TO WATCH THE

VIDEO NOW

LIKE US!

Search for ‘Enough Is Enough! Action Against Homophobia’ on Facebook.

“My daughter suffered a great deal of bullying at school on the grounds of her sexuality.

I think they could do more on this issue, so I’m getting them a safer schools pack.”

SAFER SCHOOLS PACKS In the last edition of outnorthwest we launched a public appeal to get as many Enough is Enough! Safer Schools Packs as possible into UK schools, before May 17th - International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia (IDAHO).

For a donation of £20 we will send out a Safer Schools Pack to the school of your choice, it might be your old school, your local school or your children’s school – simply nominate the school and we’ll do the rest.

So far we’ve had a great response – we’ve had parents, friends, teachers, youth services and individuals buying the packs – which challenge homophobia and encourage understanding. Once the packs are posted out, the LGF will be following up with the schools to find out how they are using the packs, and will update supporters on the difference their donations are making.

If you can’t think of a school to send the pack to, you can still donate to a Safer Schools Pack, as vulnerable young people reporting homophobic bullying contact the LGF every week. Your donation means we could send a much needed Safer Schools Pack to their school.

To find out what’s in the packs or how to donate email enough@lgf.org.uk, call 0845 3 30 30 30 or visit www.lgf.org.uk/makeschools-safer/

IDAHO: HOW ARE YOU TAKING ACTION? The next outnorthwest is out on May 25th after IDAHO on May 17th, but if you’re doing something to celebrate IDAHO we want to know, so we can shout about it on www.lgf.org.uk . Email: joanne. dunning@lgf.org.uk with your IDAHO info.

TWEET US!

Follow us and get involved in the conversation on Twitter, @lgfoundation

OPINION PAUL FAIRWEATHER

The events in the Middle East have been transfixing the whole world in recent weeks.

The success of mainly secular revolutions calling for freedom, civil liberties and democracy has been heartening to watch.

The brutal attempts by the Gadaffi regime to keep power at any costs have horrified the world.

For LGBT people across the region it provides hope and the possibility that our rights and civil liberties will begin to be supported and respected in an area of the world where for too long we have been hidden, repressed and persecuted.

It is women and young people who have often been at the forefront of these revolutions aided by modern communications like Twitter and Facebook. They are much more likely to be willing to support equality across a whole range of issues.

These revolutions have been driven by thousands of ordinary people prepared to take a stand. Thousand of lesbians and gay men have also taken a stand for many years now and achieved real and substantial changes in our country.

One of the key changes has been a recognition by a wide range of public bodies that we as LGBT people are users of services and need to be treated fairly and have our needs met.

So for me the recent attacks by the government on public services and the health service are extremely worrying for all of us- regardless of our sexuality. The idea of “any willing provider” being able to bid for most public services opens the door to a society where the private sector dominates. Profit not quality of service becomes the driving force and there is no democratic accountability.

Many key figures in the health service are arguing against these proposals and

a leading doctor said recently that he was extremely concerned that we could return to the days before the NHS was formed when there was a patchwork of treatment available and it was the poorest and most disadvantaged in our society we received the worst care.

The danger in the health service with a combination of commissioning by GPs and a move to far more provision by private companies is that the issues we have been fighting to get on the agenda whether it is lesbian health or the specific needs of gay men living with HIV get ignored. Many GPs have not been exposed to the demands of LGBT people and will not necessarily have the same strategic overview provided by the PCT (Primary Care Trusts) at the moment.

Even at the moment it is hard for example to get many GPs to do simple things like advertise a local helpline or support group.

In recent years the police, local councils and the health service have become more aware of the needs of LGBT service users and staff - but often only because of pressure from ourselves.

Self organised groups of LGBT staff have been able to argue for changes from the inside supported by changes in the law and pressure from community groups.

For many generations people have chosen to work in the public or voluntary sector because of its culture of not being driven only by profit. That is not to say it is without its problems or rigidities or inefficiencies, yet I think on balance it has helped to create a society which tries at least to care for everyone include the most vulnerable and dispossessed.

We need to be arguing that the public sector and the voluntary sector can and do provide services in an effective and innovative way. We need to counteract the argument that says that private sector provision can only be good. We need to remain vigilant and lobby and organise.

Paul Fairweather www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 07

AGENDA

IN DEPTH NEWS, COMMENT AND ANALYSIS

WE ARE

OPEN!

APRIL-MAY 2011 “Where Manchester leads, it is clear the rest of the country will follow.”

Lynne Featherston Minister for Equality

THE LGF COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE OPENS ITS DOORS which already has the support of the Football Association and other governing sports bodies to tackle homophobia and transphobia in sport. Sign up on facebook to Love Sport, Hate Homophobia & Transphobia.

The Minister highlighted that challenges still exist and that full equality will only be realised when “every lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individual is accepted for who they are.”

Honoured

Photo: Sarah Quinn

Paul Martin, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s Chief Executive said, “We were delighted that the Minister for Equalities officially opened our new community building, and we welcome the Government’s new LGB&T action plan and look forward to supporting the Government Equality Office with its implementation.”

We were delighted this month when Lynne Featherstone MP, Minister for Equalities, officially opened The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s (LGF) Community Resource Centre on Richmond Street in the heart of Manchester’s gay village.

Our new location means we can reach out to, and provide increased services and support for more lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Ms Featherstone met the charity’s volunteers, staff and trustees before cutting the (huge pink) ribbon to open the Centre, she said: “It is a great pleasure to be at this fantastic facility, where Manchester leads, it is clear the rest of the country will follow.”

Taking Action Ms Featherstone then took the opportunity to launch Working for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality: Moving Forward a Government action plan to tackle LGB&T inequality. Ms Featherstone said: “It makes clear that where the law is still unequal, we will correct it.” The action plan highlights the government’s continued commitment to challenging homophobia, transphobia and inequality in all areas, including: education, the workplace, and across public sector services. Ms Featherstone added: “The struggle for LGB&T equality is about so much more than any policy we can enshrine into the law...it’s about opening hearts and minds, and transforming behaviours.”

Be a Sport!

The government aim to encourage cultural change through sport, and Ms Featherstone referred to the Government’s new Charter

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

“We are only too aware of the current economic climate, but it is crucial that if this action plan is going to be successful, there will be the necessary resources to support it. For full equality to be realised, it is everyone’s responsibility across society and government to support this document to challenge discrimination and support the LGB&T community.”

It was great to see so many people who have supported the LGF over the last ten years at the opening, and hear so many partners – like Manchester City Council and the NHS - speak about the crucial work we do together to support the LGB&T community.

Visit www.lgf.org.uk for more information.

Our friends at Bellyflop TV in Manchester filmed the opening of the new LGF Community Resource Centre. Scan here to watch it now, or FOR MORE DIAL THIS visit www.lgf.org.ukTO INFORMATION NUMBER NOW

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AGENDA APRIL-MAY 2011 CONTACT US: outnorthwest, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3HF EMAIL: joanne.dunning@lgf.org.uk TWITTER: @lgfoundation CALL: 0845 3 30 30 30

VOLUNTEER!

BE A PART OF IT!

Jackie Crozier with Manchester Pride patron Christopher Biggins.

PRIDE 21 From 19th-29th August, Manchester Pride celebrates its 21st birthday with a party to end all parties. Consistently voted the best Pride in the UK, we recently caught up with Festival Director Jackie Crozier to talk about plans for Manchester Pride’s Big 21.

In your time organising Manchester Pride, how have you seen the event develop?

I’ve seen the Fringe aspect of the festival grow into a series of art, heritage, debate, sport and film events that celebrate the great diversity of our community and it now stands as a major pull to the event. Not only that, but the Big Weekend has grown to attract big name acts such as Kelis, Human League and Rosin Murphy. Year after year, the event has gone from strength to strength and it’s because of the sheer enthusiasm and determination of everybody who gets involved. I hope we’ll continue to celebrate who we are, whilst raising large amounts of money for LGBT and HIV communities.

Have you got anything special planned for the 21st anniversary?

We’re currently in the planning stages, but I can tell you that this year’s parade theme is ‘Best of British’. We’re hoping to see everything from British fashion and sport, to music and film represented in the parade entries. We’re also holding an exhibition ‘Queer to Stay: 21 Years of Manchester Pride’ at The Lowry from 4 June - 16 October. It will tell the story of Pride using film, photography, stories and memorabilia and highlights the impact Pride has made on LGBT communities in and around Manchester - definitely worth checking out.

Why is it important that Manchester Pride is a fundraising event?

It’s extremely important! Fundraising is at the core of what we’re all about. Each year we work extremely hard to raise funds for HIV and LGBT charities in Greater Manchester and many wouldn’t even exist without the contributions and ticket sales generated from the Big Weekend. I think it’s really important to reiterate to everyone who purchases a ticket for Manchester Pride that they are supporting a number of fantastic charities.

Manchester Pride is your chance to show lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from all over the UK, Europe and further afield the very best that Manchester has to offer. Without volunteers, Manchester Pride would not be possible and they need your help, whether in the run up to the festival, or just for a few hours helping on Parade day. If you’re interested in being a part of the country’s BEST Pride event, visit www.manchesterpride.com

What is your proudest moment at the helm of Manchester Pride?

There are so many moments for me I find it hard to choose. Being part of the George House Trust Vigil last year was such an amazing moment - standing on the stage when the minutes silence taking place was humbling. I would also have to say pulling off our first Manchester Pride Gala dinner last year was just fantastic. It was wonderful to add another aspect to Pride and to extend the celebration. Another proud moment from last year was seeing Britain’s biggest soap (Coronation Street) in Manchester’s biggest parade. And of course, Human League performing on the Main Stage in 2009 – they were amazing and the crowd went wild.

When will we be able to buy our tickets?

Tickets will be on sale from Sunday 1 May. You can purchase your ticket via our website www.manchesterpride.com or call 0871 230 3450.

Visit www.manchesterpride.com for more information. www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 09

AGENDA APRIL-MAY 2011 GBBB14 EVENTS

NAVIGATING THE BASH Thursday 28 April

7pm-10pm Early Bird Welcome Party (The Rem,Canal Street) 10pm to 3am After Party (The Eagle, Bloom Street)

THE GREAT BRITISH BEAR BASH 14

BEARS

AHOY!

Saturday 30 April

12 noon-11pm Registation/Info (Ibis, Portland Street) 1pm-5pm Bear Sauna (Basement Complex, Tariff Street) 2pm-5pm Teddy Bears Picnic (Sackville Park) 6:30pm-8pm Wet Fur Pool Party (Manchester Aquatic Centre, Oxford Road) 9pm – Midnight Comedy Night with Jonathan Mayor & Friends (The Rem, Canal Street) 11pm-3am Club Night (Legends, Whitworth Street) 3am-6am After Party (The Eagle, Bloom Street)

Cut it out and keep it in your wallet! Grrrrr, etc.

Sunday 1 May

12 noon-1:30pm All You Can Eat Sunday Lunch (Yum Yum Chinese Buffet, opposite The Birdcage) 2pm-5pm Bears At The Birdcage (hosted by Jonathan Mayor and including the live final of the Mr Bearbash and special guest Alison Jiear) 7pm-11pm The Rem (Canal Street) 8pm-11pm Registation/Info (Ibis, Portland Street) 11pm–Late Club Night & Foam Party (Legends, Whitworth Street) 3am-8am (!) After Party (The Eagle, Bloom Street)

Every year, thousands of bears, cubs, daddies and admirers descend on Manchester for the Great British Bear Bash.

From Thursday 28th April, Manchester will be awash with fur and we can’t wait! We grabbed some time with Tom Wright from Manbears the organisers of what has become a major worldwide Bear event.

This is now the 14th year Manchester has hosted The Great British Bear Bash.

What’secret to its success?

Whilst we don’t take ourselves too seriously, we do try to organise a fabulous weekend with lots of activities. Some guys come for the club nights, others come to meet their friends and socialise so we do fun things as well: Funbears (think a Hairy Beary Fete), the pool party, and of course the buffet lunch and the Birdcage on Sunday.

What kind of feedback do you get – especially from overseas visitors?

They are always amazed how great the weekend is and how inexpensive it is compared to other international Bear events. We only charge what we need to to cover costs. We’re not doing this to make money. Everyone involved is a volunteer and

WIN! TWO REGISTRATION PACKS FOR GBBB14!

Monday 2 May

4pm Last Pizza The Action (The Outpost, Whitworth Street)

we do it for fun. Honest!

There’s only a small group of guys who organise the event, how can people get involved in helping?

There are just four of us at the moment. We’re always looking for volunteers to help. As well as bodies over the weekend, we need artists, graphic designers, help with administration etc.

Anyone interested in helping out with this years event can complete the form on the Manbears website or email events@manbears.co.uk.

The theme this year is Bear Navy – are there any events this year that you’re particularly excited about?

This is the first time we have had a Host Hotel and we are delighted to say that we have filled the Ibis on Portland Street with Bears and Cubs for this years Bear Bash. We’re also trying out a new venue on the Friday night - the Ritz on Whitworth Street - and we’re bringing over two of the resident DJ’s from Furball Amsterdam What’s your message to the guys coming to Bear Bash this year?

Be sure to check out the programme for the weekend to make sure you don’t miss anything.

We just want guys to enjoy themselves, and if you are a Bear Bash virgin, don’t be afraid to get stuck in. Every one remembers their first time! www.manbears.co.uk

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Those lovely blokes at Manbears have given ONW two GBBB14 registration packs. To win one, just tell us: HOW MANY BEAR BASHES HAVE THERE BEEN IN MANCHESTER? E-mail your answer to: grahame.robertson@lgf.org.uk

INFORMATION

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

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Photo: Kevin Allsopp

Friday 29 April

12 noon-11pm Registation/Info (Ibis, Portland Street) 3pm-5pm Screening of ‘Bear City’ (The Rem, Canal Street) 5pm - 11pm Get The Party Started!

(The Rem, Canal Street) 11pm-3am The White Party Night (The Ritz, Whitworth Street West) Guest DJ’s Bramsterdam and the Big General bring Furball to Manchester, and you could win a trip for two to Amsterdam to go to Furball!

3am-6am After Party (The Eagle, Bloom Street)

APRIL-MAY 2011

STONEWALL LAUNCH NEW GAY MEN’S HEALTH SURVEY

CHAPS

Photo: Paul Jones, Exposure

MAKING IT COUNT This month, the 14th CHAPS (Community HIV & AIDS Prevention Strategy) Conference came to Manchester, and the city welcomed a number of expert speakers from across the UK; all committed to addressing gay and bisexual men’s HIV and health needs.

The LGF were honoured to deliver a number of sessions at the conference, including: the role of sexual health services in the community, the health needs of Asian men who have sex with men, condom and lube distribution, issues around drugs and alcohol, and much more.

Also at the Conference, the CHAPS partners launched Making it Count 4, a document which describes the way in which the partners are approaching HIV prevention and education with gay men and bisexual men across England.

This new edition has been totally rewritten by Sigma Research and all the CHAPS Partners. It highlights the range of choices facing men who have sex with men that impact on HIV incidence, and increases the focus on the motivational factors that inform the decisions men make.

Peter Boyle the LGF’s Sexual Health Co-ordinator said: “We were delighted that the CHAPS campaign took place in Manchester this year, and it was great to be able to talk about LGF services and campaigns at a national conference. HIV prevention is always at the forefront of the LGF’s work, and the conference gave us the ideal opportunity to share best practice with our colleagues from across the country.

The conference also launched the new CHAPS HIV prevention strategy, Making it Count (4th edition) and this will be used to feed into our sexual health programme, which will help to promote good sexual health across Greater Manchester.

The CHAPS partners have also been working with NAM (National AIDS Manual) on a number of Making It Count Briefing Sheets – which summarise the information and evidence on key topics, such as: the role of fear in HIV prevention; herpes; LGV; gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, hepatitis C, and many more! To download them visit: www.sigmaresearch. org.uk Making It Count 4 aims to educate and empower men, and promotes the best sex with the least harm among gay men and bisexual men.

To find out more visit: www.mic4.org.uk

Gay blood ban announcement expected News reaches us via LGBTory that Anne Milton, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health has indicated that a government announcement on the gay blood ban could be expected soon. At a recent Commons debate on the National Blood Service she said: “people, in particular men who have had sex with men, are excluded from blood donation, and that issue is currently under consideration. I understand that there has been a lot of concern that the rules are outdated, and we will make an announcement on the issue at some point in the near future.”

Remember Stonewall’s fab ‘Prescription for Change’, their research into lesbian and bisexual women’s health needs?

Well now they are inviting gay and bisexual men to have their say!

Stonewall has launched what will be the biggest ever survey of gay and bisexual men’s health.

The survey will cover a range of issues including mental health, diet and general fitness, long-term health conditions and illnesses like heart disease and cancer, and experiences of using health services.

Ben Summerskill, Stonewall Chief Executive, said: ‘We know quite a lot about the sexual health of gay and bisexual men, but very, very little is known about their wider health needs.

This is an opportunity for gay men to have their say, contributing to the biggest ever health survey of its kind.’

Have your say at www.stonewall.org.uk/ healthsurvey www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 11

AGENDA APRIL-MAY 2011 TV REVIEW by Reece Goddard

YOUNG PEOPLE

CHRISTOPHER AND HIS KIND

Read Reece’s full review of Christopher And His Kind at www,lgf.org.uk

Inspired by Christopher Isherwood’s 1976 autobiography of the same name, BBC2’s first-class feature-length dramatisation of Isherwood’s formative years brilliantly presents the characters, proceedings, and atmosphere of ‘thirties Berlin in embryonic form.

The wonderfully witty screenplay smartly focuses on the Isherwoods’ first travels to Berlin in 1931 and 1933, where both the romanticised sexual freedoms and the threat of fascism are seamlessly integrated into this snapshot of the inter-war years. Wisely, Isherwood is never portrayed as just a writer or observer, only briefly seen at the typewriter, and the film overcomes many of the obstacles in creating dramas based on writers to the extent that the publication of Isherwood’s book ‘Sally Bowles’ remains just a passing reference, and receives little fanfare.

Matt Smith is effortlessly perfect in the role of Isherwood displaying the ease with which Isherwood integrates himself into the sexual underground and ‘divine decadence’ of the club scene. If it was Smith’s hope that this performance would inspire audiences to temporarily forget about his other BBC work then he has surely succeeded. Smith is perfectly accompanied by Toby Jones, as his rough-trade-loving neighbour and an impeccable Lindsey Duncan as his thoroughly British mother. Imogen Poots occupies the most difficult role as the proto-Sally Bowles, Jean Ross, all green fingernails and lousy torch-songs, a gift for any actress.

Christopher And His Kind BBC 2, 19th March FOR MORE2011

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A FISH OUT OF WATER We all feel like the odd one out from time to, but it doesn’t make it any easier when it’s you feeling like a fish out of water.

Figuring out who you are and coping with all the things that life throws at us from time to time can feel like a really big deal, and the good news is that you don’t have to go it alone.

One way you can get support you need is through our pop in service. You can come in to the LGF Community Resource Centre, right in the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village at 5 Richmond Street between 10am and 8pm and talk to one of our trained staff or volunteers about anything that is worrying you, as the old saying goes a problem shared is a problem halved.

Our staff and volunteers are trained to listen and explore with you whatever you want to

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talk about. We can also help you find further information about other services or groups you may want to go to. If you can’t make it into the centre then please give us a call on 0845 3 30 30 30 anytime between 10am and 10pm and we can chat about whatever you would like to talk about and again help you find any information about any services or groups you may want to know more about.

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation have a wide range of services including pop ins especially for people under 25, all designed to help you build your emotional resilience and get you back on your feet ready to take on the world again!

So whether its relationships, coming out, family stuff or just need someone to talk to, get in touch and tell us how we can help.

Full details of how to contact us, or access our services are below...

The LGF Community Resource Centre is located at Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3HF. You can all the LGF anytime between 10am and 10pm on 0845 3 30 30 30. Or scan the QR code to dial us straight away from your smartphone.

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

APRIL-MAY 2011 IN OTHER NEWS

Photo: Sarah Quinn

IT TAKE TWO TO...

PRIDE SEASON

KICKS OFF! We can’t believe it’s that time of year either!? But Pride Season is getting closer; we welcome back some familiar faces and celebrate some brand spanking new ones!

Get Fruity AT Oldham Pride, Saturday 30th July A new Oldham LGBT Events and Activities Group has just been launched in Oldham to organise all kinds of exciting LGB&T events and activities. The new group is busy working with Oldham LGBT Forum to organise events to mark IDAHO on May 17 and Oldham Pride on Saturday July 30.

Oldham Pride 2011 will have a fruity theme, with their 5 a day fruity steps to health, wellbeing, equality and happiness: Freedom, Rights, Understanding, Involvement and Transformation. There will be a fruity parade through Oldham town centre, followed by live acts, entertainment, advice and information stalls and much, much more at the Gallery Oldham Fruit Bowl.

To get involved in making Oldham Pride and other LGB&T events and activities happen in Oldham contact oldhamlgbtforum@oldham.gov.uk.

First ever Cumbria Pride Saturday 1st October Cumbria is proud to announce the counties first major pride event which will take place on Saturday October 1st @ Bitts Park in Carlisle.

It promises to be the biggest celebration of the LGBT&Q community in the county’s history...with a plethora of drag queens, local entertainers and major artistes.

Cumbria Pride aims to bring the whole community together for the first time; there will be a youth zone, main stage, entertainment tents, stalls and information stands.

Cumbria has a number of community based groups; such as Pride in North Cumbria (PiNC) based in Carlisle and Barcode based in Whitehaven, aimed at the advancement of LGBT&Q awareness, and Pride Cumbria sees them coming together to make this community event a memorable one.

For more information or to volunteer please email info@cumbriapride. com, or search for Cumbria Pride on Facebook.

Dancing in a variety of forms has never been more popular, and now for the first time in the North West there’s a chance to learn the Argentinean Tango.

A six week course ‘An introduction to Queer Tango’ will be running on Tuesdays from 3rd May - 7th June, from 8pm–10pm. Classes are aimed specifically at the LGBT communities in the North West. You don’t need to have danced before, but you’ll be expected to learn how to dance both roles. Classes will be held in the centre of Wilmslow, Cheshire near the train station and with good parking available.

The course will cost £40.00 for the six classes or £7.00 a lesson, and will be taught by a very experienced local tango teacher. To find out more, email Paul at queertangonorthwest@hotmail. co.uk

QUEER NOISE A six week course ‘An introduction Manchester District Music Archive has launched ‘Queer Noise’ - an online exhibition that explores LGB&T music and club culture in Greater Manchester.

Think Canal Street, the James Anderton years, house music, alternative clubbing, Flesh, Morrissey and much more.

Check it out at www.mdmarchive. co.uk/queernoise www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 13

AGENDA APRIL-MAY 2011

FLYING

THE FLAG WILL YOU BE FLYING THE RAINBOW FLAG ON INTERNATIONAL DAY AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA?

On the 17th May 1990, homosexuality was removed from The World Health Organisations classification of mental disorders; a date that is now firmly pinned into the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGB&T) calendar as International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).

amount of recognition and success. We have moved forward, the argument has never been for lesbian, gay or trans rights; we always have, and will continue to campaign for equal rights!

committing suicide because of abuse they suffer around their sexuality or their gender identity.

In the UK, we have legislation that aims to tackle and challenge inequality but in over 70 countries internationally, people are still discriminated, battered, bruised and in some cases, murdered…for simply being the person that they are, or for showing their love openly.

This is where you say; Enough is Enough… what is your action against homophobia and transphobia on 17 May 2011? The Lesbian & Gay Foundation would like to make it simple for you; this year we’d like you to join the hundreds of individuals, groups, organisations and agencies that will be flying a rainbow flag on 17 May 2011.

Since that date, we have seen a tide of positive legislation, a positive change in social attitudes and the recognition of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality in this country. We have moved away from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans rights campaigning of the 70’s and we have collectively, as a community or cluster of communities, achieved a phenomenal

On the 27 January 2011, 3 individuals were sentenced at the Old Bailey for the homophobic attack on Ian Baynham. In this country, football is still struggling to deal with homophobia and too many schools are affected by homophobia …everyday, we continue to see on our doorstep people that have been verbally, physically, mentally abused…and in the worst cases murdered or

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

Our work isn’t done.

Raise the Rainbow It is as simple as hoisting a rainbow flag up a flag post for one day; why not make it a week if you can…but it’s so simple to do. If you haven’t got a flag post…hang a rainbow flag out of a window, print a picture off in colour of a rainbow flag and stick it

AGENDA APRIL-MAY 2011

“If you haven’t got a flag post…hang a rainbow flag out of a window, print a picture off in colour of a rainbow flag and stick it up in your reception area… it’s about raising visibility and awareness.” up in your reception area…it’s about raising visibility and awareness. NHS Salford used a rainbow flag image on their email footer to mark the date last year; we can support you in being innovative and creative, providing images and resources to raise awareness on the day.

Flying the rainbow flag for IDAHO shows that you, or your organisation, are fully committed to ensuring that LGB&T individuals and communities are supported, included and valued. It will show LGB&T people that you live, work or volunteer with that you support them and that that they are recognised as equal, that they are recognised for their contribution and are included in your community and are celebrated for their individuality.

Since 2008, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation has been encouraging and supporting public buildings, private organisations and

individuals to fly a rainbow flag to mark International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia on the 17th May. We can’t come and hoist the flag for you, but we can support you in sourcing a rainbow flag, in supporting you to encourage your employer to fly the rainbow flag and to promote the fact that you’re participating in flying the flag.

2009 saw around 50 rainbow flags flying across Greater Manchester. 2010 saw that number significantly swell by over 400%; with well over 200 flags flying across the county and across the North West, everywhere from town halls, parks and green spaces, schools, colleges, universities and housing providers; together with shops, pubs and even individuals flying the flag from their own home. Whether its visual or virtual, The LGF continues to work to raise the profile of the impact of organisations and

individuals flying the rainbow flag. Previously ‘Flying the flag’ has been sponsored by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities and now we see the need to ensure that this initiative continues in order to raise awareness of the issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans communities across Greater Manchester and beyond.

If you already have a flag from previous years, remember to dust it off and ensure that it is being hoisted on 17 May 2011, then send your photo’s to rainbow@lgf.org. uk.

If you would like more information, guidance or support around flying the flag to mark International Day Against Homophobia 2011; simply contact Darren Knight at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation on 0845 3 30 30 30 or email rainbow@lgf.org.uk. www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 15

VILLAGE PEOPLE LOCAL BUSINESSES, CHARITIES AND THE COMMUNITY WORKING TOGETHER!

REACH OUT

(We’ll be there!)

Over the past ten weeks the LGF’s Community Outreach project has gone from strength to strength.

With the support of local bars and clubs we have spoken to over 500 LGB&T people in Manchester’s Gay Village. The focus of our outreach project is to speak to people in our community about the services that the LGF offer.

We also focus on educating men who have sex with men about our various sexual health clinics and how important it is to ‘Know Your Status’. For women who have sex with women we talk about our Cervical Screening project.

The outreach project would not be a success without the committed volunteers of the LGF, if it weren’t for people giving up their spare time to support us we wouldn’t have been able to make such a success of the project. We have recently also been lucky enough to start working in partnership with ‘RU Clear?’ which is a Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea screening scheme aimed at 15 – 24 yr old people. So, we are now able to offer Chlamydia & Gonorrhoea tests when we are out and about!

Keep your eyes out for us at various bars and clubs in the village in the future and if you fancy volunteering for us drop us a line on 08453 30 30 30 or e-mail info@lgf.org.uk

A SHINING

BEACON! The LGF have been working closely with the Friends of Sackville Gardens and the Village Business Association (VBA) to make sure that the Village and the people who visit it get the very best!

Recently The Beacon of Hope, the only permanent memorial in the UK for those who have, or who have suffered from HIV/AIDS and located at the heart of Manchester’s Gay Village in Sackville Gardens has looked a bit worse for wear due to weather damage, graffiti and general wear and tear.

The Beacon which was unveiled at World AIDS Day 2001 and which celebrates its 10th Anniversary this December is still an important reminder to those who visit Manchester’s LGB&T village of the effect that HIV/AIDS and that is precisely why the LGF, Friends of Sackville Gardens and the VBA decided to give it some well deserved TLC.

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

On Friday 25th February the Beacon was given a makeover by the LGF, Friends Of Sackville Gardens and VBA members donned their pink marigolds and gave it a spring clean, making it look shiny and new.

But this is only the beginning, as chair of Friends of Sackville Gardens Emma Peate said “We have put in a grant application to Manchester City Council so hopefully we will be able to fully restore the Beacon to its full glory, replacing the timeline and repairing the foundations, basically giving it a great 10th Birthday Present!”

FUNDRAISING

GET YOUR RUNNING SHOES ON!

The BUPA Manchester 10k Run takes place on Sunday 15th May, and we want you to join Team LGF and get involve! All money raised goes to supporting the lesbian, gay and bisexual community.

The Manchester Run is one of the biggest events in the fundraising calendar and it’s a great way to get involved, meet new people, support your community and give you a warm fuzzy glow...

“It was a great achievement personally, it was also great to be raising money for a good cause. I felt like part of the LGF team helping them to raise money and keep services going such as counselling and the condoms being put out in the village.”

Shaun

“Running the Manchester 10K for the Lesbian & Gay Foundation was a really good experience.

There was a good team of us that took part, of all different abilities, and everyone was really encouraging. The atmosphere on the run itself is great, and I would recommend it to anyone.”

ADAM

“I was getting sponsorship from my mum and dad and it was great talking about where their money was going; that it was going towards HIV prevention work and stopping homophobia, because we’d not really spoke about that before.”

JO

To reserve your place email: emma.peate@ lgf.org.uk, and remember you can always show your support by donating, or cheering on the runners on the day. See you there with pom poms.

“Gaydio has always striven to attract the fairer sex – both in terms of listeners and presenters.

On International Women’s Day, Tuesday 8th March, Gaydio took this to extremes and went further than any other station when we banished male voices from the airwaves. Completely.

Some say it was simply a plot to let breakfast presenter Chris Holliday have his first lie in since June – but in truth he was up anyway to hear myself and Sara wake up gay Manchester from 7. We were joined by Pride Patron and singer/songwriter Claire Mooney, who named dropped like a trouper when she revealed that her gayest moment that week involved meeting Heather Peace.

Then from 10am we kept Kriss Herbert locked in a cupboard, and his Producer Meera Pattni took control. The What’s On Guide for the day was presented by weekend host Laura Duff. By lunch, it was an all-girl take over on Gaydio’s daily discussion show, The Exchange, with Annie Emery, Danni Matthews and Nichole Wynn. The whole day was supported by the LGF’s Cervical Screening Campaign, so they took the opportunity to talk through importance of the programme.

Nicksy was banished from Gaydio Towers, so it was up to Rowetta to take the reins for his Pink Pink Paper Awarded drivetime show. She was joined by

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Queen of showbiz gossip Debbie Manley and Comedienne Rosie Wilby, who rose to the challenge of reading the travel news. The girl power continued into the evening with Steph Smith mixing her way through an all girl version of the sessions, followed by The Groove – Gaydio’s regular MOBO show presented

by Lydia & Loz. Then last, but definitely not least, Mistress of Show Tunes, Emma Peate took us all into the wee small hours with a final burst of womanly wonders. So a full day – and not even a single blast of Robbie Williams. Delightful, I’m sure you’ll agree.

SCAN HERE to download the Gaydio iPhone app!

Gaydio Breakfast co-presenter EMMA GOSWELL on the day women ruled the airwaves!

And for those thinking it was a one off, then start listening, because there are plenty of Sapphic delights to be found on Gaydio. Listen to Chris Holliday at Breakfast every weekday morning from 7, as he’ll either be being heckled by my good self or one of the other breakfast beauties – Sara Ashworh, Julia Brosnan, Rachael McGuiness or Oonagh O’Brien.

Plus Meera, Rowetta, Emma Peate, Lydia & Loz, Laura and Annie can all be found doing their own shows – just go to www.gaydio.co.uk for a full list. Gaydio is always looking for people to volunteer and get involved in the best gay thing to hit Manchester since that little bring and buy sale outside The Rembrandt 21 years ago.”

Gaydio broadcast on 88.4fm, via the station’s iPhone app and online at www.gaydio.co.uk www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 17

S F

IN

S T

N

S

TO

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UP YOUR WAY

LANCASHIRE LEADS THE WAY

“We are very excited to launch with Preston City Council what is the UK’s first ‘pop-up’ LGBT centre.”

Guild Hall for the month of February. Over 500 people through the doors who were lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, straight, old, young and from different faiths and religious backgrounds.

Running alongside the drop in Centre the Lancashire LGBT Centre were undertaking research funded by the Community Foundation to find out about life for LGBT people in Lancashire and people’s views about a LGBT Centre in Lancashire. There has been overwhelming support for a permanent LGBT Centre in Lancashire. Many LGBT people in Lancashire feel isolated and would like to see a range of events happening in Lancashire and more information about events and services. We are looking for more people who live or work in Lancashire to take part in the survey. Scan the QR code or visit: www.kwiksurveys.com/online-survey. php?surveyID=IJIDGN_34053d11

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LGBT History Month was very significant this year in Lancashire, as the Lancashire LGBT Centre opened the doors to one of the first ever LGBT pop-up centres in the UK.

“We are very excited to launch with Preston City Council what is the UK’s first ‘pop-up’ LGBT Centre. It will be a great opportunity for people to find out about the activities and events of the Lancashire LGBT Centre and we will be launching a new LGBT magazine for Lancashire called ‘Oscar’.”

Preston City Council very kindly donated a retail unit in the Preston Guild Hall Arcade for the full month of February. The Lancashire LGBT Centre were supported by a number of agencies in particular Preston City Council, Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Constabulary, Disability Equality North West and Age Concern Preston furniture and other items were donated to ensure the Centre was welcoming.

Lottery grant scheme ‘Awards 4 All’ gave the project £9,700 for the set up of an administration base and launch event, but the events were self-funded. During the month a number of events and activities took place to promote LGBT History Month and encourage people from across Lancashire to come to the Centre and see what was happening. Within the Centre there were a number of displays promoting LGBT equality and raising awareness around HIV.

At the time of the launch Debs Bradshaw, chair of the Lancashire LGBT Centre, said:

The LGBT Centre holds a drop in on a monthly basis and this moved to the Centre at the

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

Our aim now is to move forward and evaluate the feedback we have received TO DIAL THIS NOW through the researchNUMBER project.

Funding for a permanent centre is always going to be a significant issue, but we have a dedicated group of trustees and many willing volunteers ready to support the project. We are currently working with the Lesbian & Gay Foundation to develop a funding bid, and are talking with Preston City Council to see if there is the option to reopen a smaller centre similar to what we have had on a more permanent basis in Preston City Centre.

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The future looks rosy for the group and the centre. Planning is already underway for a PrideNUMBER Event in Preston NOW Guild Year 2012 and a book club and dining club for the LGBT Community. We are also looking at a Big Camping Weekend.

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If you would like more details on the Lancashire LGBT Centre or would like to TO WATCH THE consider being a volunteer please visit us at www.lancashirelgbt.co.uk or email us at lancashirelgbt@yahoo.co.uk.

VIDEO NOW

UP YOUR WAY AROUND THE REGION Prestwich

NOT THE ONLY VILLAGE! Manchester

ICEBREAKERS As part of their Silver Jubilee celebrations Icebreakers are holding a reunion get-together at The Round, The Royal Exchange in Manchester on Saturday 9th April.

Tickets are available directly from Icebreakers volunteers or they can be booked by e-mailing icebreakrsmanchester@hotmail.co.uk. They cost £6 and this includes a glass of wine or soft drink and nibbles. All funds raised will go towards their entry into this year’s Manchester Pride Parade.

Manchester

HOME IS...

This year The Albert Kennedy Trust launches a LGBTQ project called ‘Home is…?’

Working in partnership with Mothers Ruin, greenroom, Contact Theatre and Manchester Pride Fringe Events Festival, The AKT is keen to explore the issues surrounding youth homelessness in our community and the impact it has on the lives of young LGBTQ people. Artist Niall Mills will be working with collaborators as diverse as David Hoyle and Paul Jones to create a youth orientated response to the interpretation of Home in our community. This body of work will be showcased at Mothers Pride in May (www.mothersruin.co.uk) and The Pride Fringe Events Festival in August (www.manchesterpride.com).

To find out how you can get involved or require a postcard for the Mail Art project email ashley@akt.org.uk or visit www.akt.org.uk/homeis

‘Out! Prestwich – not the only village in Manchester’ will feature Kylie Showgirl Tribute act and a DJ’s set with Zoe McVeigh and Lisa Loveheart.

This is a fundraising event for Bury LGBT Networking, a collaboration between Bury Police, Bury Council LGBT Employees Group, Service Providers and Bury Residents The event will be held at the Longfield Suite in Prestwich on Saturday 16th April from 7:30 pm until 1:30 am. All are welcome and Tickets are only £5 and are available from Ticket Line, The Longfield Suite and members of Bury LGBT Networking. To join Bury LGBT Networking e-mail burylgbtnetworking@live.co.uk and they’ll let you know when the next meeting will be.

Liverpool

WORKING TOWARDS LGB&T EQUALITY For 40 years now, staff and students at The University of Liverpool have been at the forefront of the fight for LGBT equality.

At the forefront of this work are the University’s Diversity team and staff & student networks. If you would like to know more contact our Diversity Team (Darren. mooney@liverpool.ac.uk), our Staff LGBT Network (LGBT@Liverpool.ac.uk) or the student LGBT Society (liverpoollgbt@gmail.com).

Cheshire/North Wales

ENCOMPASS

Manchester

OUT TO LUNCH

Encompass is a self organised social / information group for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and trans people from Chester, North Wales and surrounding areas.

The Out To Lunch dining club offers you the chance to relax, meet other lesbians, chat and enjoy good food in an informal setting.

Meetings are informal and cover a diverse range of activities and consultations by service providers. The next meeting is on Wednesday 2nd February at 7.30 at the Community Café Deeside CAB, Cable Street , Connah’s Quay CH5 4DZ. www.encompass.btik.com, encompass @live. co.uk and Salli 07790904718, Joanne 07833 114752 and Elen 01745 337144.

The group meets every second Sunday in alternate mon ths. Venues vary across the North West, but mostly centred in Manchester Village area. If you are interested and would like more details please visit lesbiandiners. co.uk or contact paulad650@aol.com or text 07813 083242. www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 19

GHT Around one quarter of the region’s gay men with HIV haven’t been checked for hepatitis C.

1 in 4 HIV+ gay men not checked for hepatitis C A new survey shows UK HIV clinics haven’t checked 26% of the gay men with HIV for hepatitis C. This is serious because we know at least 7% of positive gay men in the UK have hepatitis C. North-West England has around 3000 gay men with HIV and 26% means around 800 men are untested for hepatitis C. If those 800 gay men with HIV were tested, clinics could expect to find around 50 men with hepatitis C. Altogether we estimate that around 210 HIV+ men in NW England have hepatitis C, but almost one quarter of these men don’t know, are undiagnosed and untreated.

Ask for hepatitis test next time Colin Armstead, the gay men’s service manager at George House Trust told us: “It’s a serious worry that our HIV clinics don’t know if a quarter of all their gay men with HIV have hepatitis C, when we know at least 7% will have it.

“Gay men with HIV have ten times the risk of getting hepatitis C as men without HIV. We’re encouraging all HIV positive gay and bi men to ask their clinic for a hepatitis C check the next time they have their routine blood tests.”

Detecting Not everyone has symptoms with hepatitis C and with HIV it can be harder for doctors to spot. There’s a range of checks that can be used. Sometimes hepatitis C gives the HIV clinic useful clues, such as unusual results from liver function tests – but not always.

Treating early with HIV Treatment aims to cure but doesn’t always get rid of hepatitis C among

Photo Paul Jones (Exposure)

George House Trust estimates that one quarter of the gay men who have both hepatitis C and HIV are not being treated for it - their hepatitis C infection hasn’t been spotted. Hepatitis C and HIV together cause serious health harm, so gay men with both infections need careful monitoring and treatment. With undiagnosed and untreated hepatitis C, men’s health, quality and length of life all fall. Since 2004 everyone diagnosed with HIV should be checked for hepatitis C, and retested once a year.

MISSING CARE HIV+ GAY MEN WITH HEPATITIS C

people with HIV. Hepatitis C treatment has twice the rate of success when started within 6-12 months of hepatitis C infection. Hepatitis C treatment is long and gruelling – typically 12 months and it uses two drugs. Despite this long hard treatment lesson, some men get re-infected with hepatitis C within only a few years.

Infecting sexually Exactly how HIV positive gay men get hepatitis C sexually is hotly debated. But it is clear enough that it needs sex involving some contact with blood (possibly invisible traces), for example sharing sex toys and lube, fisting, and unprotected anal sex, in group sex situations - sex parties and back rooms - especially when fuelled by drug use. Having sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with sores such as syphilis, gonorrhoea and herpes increase hepatitis C transmission risks a great deal. Yet the single most common factor reported by men is unprotected anal sex.

Bare-backing Many experts now believe that increasing numbers of men are becoming infected through bare-backing (unprotected anal sex) alone. “I think the primary route of hepatitis C transmission has shifted,” says

Martin Fisher, HIV consultant at Brighton & Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust. “With the first cases we saw, the majority reported more than just unprotected anal intercourse. They tended to be people with multiple partners and fairly vigorous sexual activity such as fisting and toys, often taking recreational drugs as well. The majority of individuals I now see with acute, newly diagnosed hepatitis C don’t report those risk factors, except for unprotected sex.”

As Martin Fisher puts it “Unfortunately I think we’re at too early a stage to be able to give definitive guidance, and I think we have to be honest about that. We simply have to tell people what we know.”

There is almost no hepatitis C virus found in semen – sexual transmission is through blood. Hepatitis C lasts longer outside the body and is very much easier to pass on than HIV. HIV positive gay men can reduce the risks of transmission in various ways, such as by not sharing sex toys or lube, by wearing condoms and gloves, by always changing these between partners, and by avoiding anal trauma by using suitable lube.

Hepatitis C advice for positive gay men from Aidsmap http://bit.ly/h0mLD7

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

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

SCAN HERE TO VISIT THE GHT SITE

WOMEN

Capture your family on film as part of a unique celebration of family life.

THE KIDS ARE

ALRIGHT

As well as watching the hit film – The Kids Are Alright – about lesbian mums, their two children and what happens when their anonymous sperm donor unexpectedly enters their lives; there will be an expert panel on hand to share their stories of family life and answer your questions about starting a family and explain your legal rights.

As part of the event we want to gather photographs of lesbian and bisexual women and your families, as well as your thoughts about what family means to you.

It can be snaps and stories of you and your children, partner, wife, husband, mum, dad, guardian, brothers, sisters, friends, or whoever you think of when you hear the word family.

The photographs and stories we receive will be displayed at the Our Kids Are Alright event in August, to highlight the pride lesbian and bisexual women have in our families.

To get involved email your photo’s and stories to women@lgf.org.uk, or post them to LGF, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3HF (and of course when the exhibition is over we’ll mail them back to you).

Put it in your diary Our Kids Are Alright (film and discussion), Tuesday August 23rd (6-9pm) at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3HF.

COMING SOON

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SUGAR & SPICE HIGH FIVE!

The LGF’s monthly events for lesbian and bisexual women and their friends will be back soon. Last year we did bicycle maintenance, planting and growing, photography and much more. If there is a workshop you’d really like to see us provide, then let us know; email woman@lgf.org.uk with your ideas. Check the next edition of outnorthwest to find out what events TOover DIAL THIS will be taking place NUMBER2011/12.

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

A huge thank you to all the people who came to Sugar & Spice 5 - The LGF’s annual International Women’s Day event in March, and made it such a roaring success.

It was great to see so many people getting involved in such a wide range of activities; including drumming, zumba, self defence, women’s history, comedy and much, much more. The highlight’s of the day? The uber-cute Rubbish Revamped sock rabbits and Lenna’s Drag King Workshop – we’ve never seen so much facial hair in the LGF!

Photo: Paul Stuart

As part of the Manchester Pride Fringe Festival, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation is holding an event on August 23rd (6-9pm) called Our Kids Are Alright, which is all about family pride.

BIG THANKS!

PARENTING Apart from adoption some of the main issues that prospective same sex parents want more information on is surrogacy and sperm donation.

As the law is changing all the time there is a lot to consider before considering if either surrogacy or sperm donation is the right option for you and your family.

We are currently looking at providing more information on the subject of same sex parenting and wanted to share what we have been able to find out so far based on the huge number of requests we regularly receive for more information on this subject.

Although the information provided here is very brief there is a lot more information available out there so we strongly advise researching the links and if you know of any more valuable information please do let us know so that we can share it with our readers.

Surrogacy for gay men Surrogacy is not illegal in the UK but it is a criminal offence to advertise that you are looking for a surrogate or are willing to act as a surrogate.

It is also an offence to broker a surrogacy arrangement on a commercial basis. Surrogacy agreements are also unenforceable in UK courts.

Under English law, the legal mother of a child born through surrogacy, at the time of birth, is the surrogate mother. The legal father at birth is usually the surrogate’s husband irrespective of the biological relationships.

RICHARD & STEPHEN

In California the law is completely different and more liberal. The legal parent of the child would be the biological father; with the surrogate mother signing her rights to the child away 6 weeks after the child is born. Also the nonbiological father can be put on the birth certificate as parent number two.

Once a gay couple have battled through the complicated immigration and nationality rules and finally return to the UK, they are met with a whole different set of rules with regard to their legal status in respect of the child.

The biological father will have automatic parental rights whereas this is not the case for the nonbiological father. In order to remedy this situation the couple will have to apply to the court for a Parental Order.

This needs to be done within six months of the birth of the child and if granted by the court will confer the same parental status upon the non-biological parent as the biological parent. It will also extinguish the rights of the surrogate mother in respect of the child.

A gay couple from York are currently pursuing the legal system to find a surrogate mother for their child. You can read their story here (or scan the QR code below): www.lgf.org.uk/ seeking-a-surrogate www.rainbowsurrogacyuk.com www. creatingfamilies.com

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BIRDS, BEES & MAKING

BABIES

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

DONOR The most common way for a lesbian couple is to have a child with the birth mother’s own egg, inseminated with a donor sperm.

Egg sharing is also possible: the partner’s inseminated egg gets inserted into the prospective birth mother’s womb. This way the child will carry the physical features or genes of one partner (and the sperm donor) but have the intimate connection of childbirth and weaning with the other partner. This treatment however is more expensive than inseminating one’s own egg .

Knowing your donor can cut the costs of insemination: the syringe-and-speculum method (’DIY insemination’) is a cheap and relatively safe way to get pregnant. However even an infection screening can’t rule out all possible health risks.

Also legal parenthood comes into question. While the birth mother automatically becomes the legal parent, the civil partner might find herself with no actual rights. The law is still emerging, and it is important to consult a solicitor.

Being in a civil partnership will definitely provide the partner of the prospective birth mother with

more rights; otherwise the sperm donor will be considered the father. Using clinics makes it easier to clarify parenthood. Clinics might be expensive (the NHS only funds infertility-related inseminations at the moment) but they provide an excellent service and are usually LB friendly.

They will certainly offer a cheaper (around £500

as opposed to the full price of £3-5000) treatment in exchange for donated eggs.

However, before you decide to donate an egg in order to money, do consider that any child born from your egg can request access to your details when they reach 18.

FINDING DONORS www. prideangel.com www.gayfamilyweb.co.uk

FERTILITY SERVICES A full list of fertility clinics: http://guide.hfea.gov.uk/guide/ Manchester Fertility Services: www.manchesterfertility.com

LEGAL BACKGROUND

www.stonewall.org.uk (Search for donor insemination) www.gambleandghevaert.com www.alternativefamilylaw.co.uk

Many thanks to Richard and Stephen,Dennison Greer, Kati Szavai and Simon Kawalski for helping put together the information on these pages

A WILLING

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 25

INTERVIEW HEATHER PEACE

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

“We did literally say hello and then we were straddling each other!”

HEATHER PEACE

SEX, STRINGS &

ROCK AND ROLL Heather Peace first shot to fame as fire fighter Sally Fields on London’s Burning, since then she’s been in everything from Corrie to The Chase. She was last seen making waves in the middle of a lesbian love triangle playing DCI Sam Murray in BBC Three’s Lip Service alongside Laura Fraser (Cat) and Ruta Gedmintas (Frankie).

Service. Is it difficult, or as a lesbian do you embrace that kind of visibility?

It’s easy for me and Laura (Fraser) because we really only have to do scenes with each other, although when we started filming we did literally say hello and then we were straddling each other! Not like Ruta (Gedmintas) who had a different partner every episode. But we were very caring and looked after one another. There is an element of vanity involved in those scenes.

I really worked out.

Heather’s music has sometimes taken a back seat to her acting career, but that is about to change as she sets forth on her first UK tour and then heads to the studio to record the follow up to her acoustic album This Is Me. Jo Dunning caught up with Heather ahead of her Manchester and Liverpool dates to get the low down on Lip Service, music and being a role model.

Any spoilers for Series 2?

Absolutely no idea! It’s definitely happening, and I think we’ll see more about Sam’s back story. I hope Sam and Cat stay together. It didn’t look good at the end of the first series.

Maybe Cat will go back to Frankie and then spend another two series trying to get Sam back?

Can your music and acting career be combined as recognition of your musical talent increases?

Tweeted by @missingcurtain I think it can be combined but I’m sticking with the music at the moment. There’s nothing worse than doing a really bad script. It would be great if music paid the mortgage, then I could just do the real quality acting work.

This Is Me is your debut album, how’d you describe it?

It is and it isn’t. I made This Is Me quite quickly as a response to fans asking and it’s just me and the guitar and is pretty low key.

The fully produced follow up album won’t be out until October. I can’t even describe how it sounds. I want to take my time and see how the songs sound after the tour.

What are you looking forward to most about tour?

The tour is going to be raw. I’m so excited about it. It’ll be predominantly my own stuff, but I’ll still do covers like Ain’t No Sunshine and Hallelujah. Jill (Jackson) will be on guitar, Lisa (Tring) on percussion and I’ll be on the gretsch. I can’t wait to get the three of us together for rehearsals and start making the magic.

Photo: Andrew Whitton

Who are your musical inspirations?

I love Motown, Michael Jackson, Jackson 5, Jazz, and Nina Simone. I’m loving Adele and Ellie Goulding at the moment.

You’ve always tended to be involved in very physical roles (London’s Burning and Ultimate Force), do you miss that with Lip Service?

Massively, I’m craving a big running scene. I miss just mucking around on the grass in my combats on Ultimate Force. In Lip Service I’m always in smart clothes.

You do get physical in terms of your sex scenes in Lip

As the only out member of the cast do you get much input into shaping the script?

It’s our job to interpret the lines and the characters; we get no say in the script. I like Sam, I like that she’s strong but vulnerable, we saw her breaking down; everyone can identify with that because we’ve all been there.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Tweeted by Amy Calamity Jane – I loved musical theatre.

Is there a special factor in your life which you gave you the strength and positive attitude that you have now?

Tweeted by @modelbehaviour My mum and dad. Where I come from (Bradford) you didn’t say that you wanted to be an actor. But my parents fully supported me they told me that I had to take it seriously and put the work in. I started learning piano and going to the Bradford Youth Players.

What did you feel when you were named the 40th most influential gay person in the country on The Independent’s Pink List?

My mum told me, and I was a little bit shocked and thought I better buck up my ideas and start acting responsibly. I never covered up my sexuality – but I didn’t really talk about it. I was only in my early twenties when The News of the World said that they were going to out me. It was a really shitty and scary time and in the end they didn’t run the story. I never set out to be a role model, but if a teenager can look up at me and think well she’s done alright, then that is a brilliant thing.

Heather plays Manchester Sound Control on Wed 6th April and Liverpool The Masque on Fri 8th April. Tickets are available from www.ticketweb.co.uk or by calling 08444 771 000 www.heatherpeace.com www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 27

CERVICAL SCREENING might not need a test if you don’t sleep with men. There’s been more research done since then though and things have changed – it’s about getting that message out there now. Also, because lesbian and bisexual women haven’t been targeted for health promotion in the past it’s even more important now.

ARE YOU

READY? When we told Nurse Practitioner Juliet Clegg that LGF & University of Salford research, had found that lesbian and bisexual women are about 50% more likely not to have had a cervical screening test in the past 5 years, compared to the general population – she felt that she had to speak out!

Here, she encourages LB women to access cervical screening and have the confidence to use their rights to get the test that works for them!

Why is it important for lesbian and bisexual women to get a cervical screening test?

It’s as important for lesbian and bisexual (LB) women as it is for anyone. I think in the past LB women have been misinformed but it’s

important to have regular cervical screening tests regardless of sexuality – whether you are gay or bisexual or heterosexual. If you have a cervix get it tested! It can prevent Cervical Cancer so it is really important – it should just be a routine thing that women do.

What would you say to someone if they had been told they don’t need a test because of their sexuality?

I would say that they’ve been misinformed but that it’s as important for them to get tested as a heterosexual women – they are entitled to a test so they should have one.

Figures show that lesbian and bisexual women are much less likely than their heterosexual peers to go for a test. Why do you think this is?

People have been under the impression in the past that they didn’t need to go - either because their friend told them, or their nurse told them, or because the NHS advice suggested that you

UPCOMING: SURVEY 2

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If you were at Manchester Pride 2010, it’s highly likely that you might have taken part in The LGF’s and The University of Salford’s survey into lesbian and bisexual women’s experiences of cervical screening.

Well, Survey 2 is coming soon, so keep checking www.lgf.org.uk/screening to complete it and be in with TO DIAL THISof prizes. a chance of winning £1000

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

What advice would you give to women out there who are scared to go for a test?

Go and talk about it to a doctor or nurse you feel comfortable with as they will be able to address your fears, discuss your concerns and reassure you. It is not a painful procedure – yes, it may be unusual or uncomfortable but it’s over with really quickly, and at the end of the day it could save your life. When you look at it like that then it’s worth it!

Have you seen The LGF’s Are You Ready for Your Screen Test? cervical screening campaign for lesbian & bisexual women? What do you think of it?

Yes I’ve seen the campaign and I think it’s great, and really important - because lesbian or bisexual women haven’t always been encouraged to go in the past. It gets the message across and it’s great that the LGF are running this campaign as you have the links and the trust with the gay community, and that the NHS is supporting it.

Do you think that homophobia exists in the health profession?

I have a gay daughter so I am aware of issues for the gay community but I’ve never come across any homophobia where I’ve worked and studied. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. It’s like anything – some people will always have their own prejudices but still this shouldn’t mean anyone gets treated differently. If people do experience homophobia then tell people about it, for example you can follow the complaints procedure of your surgery. People should not experience any issues when accessing health care relating to sexuality – it’s not acceptable so make sure you don’t accept it!

What advice would you give to health professionals?

I think everyone should read the resource you have done as it spells it out really clearly. It would be great for you to bring this issue to nurses, perhaps through training, as they’d be more likely to proactively encourage people to attend screening if they receive detailed training on how to deal with lesbian and bisexual women’s needs.

GAY MEN’S SEX

CRAIG DARREN

ROSS

StepHEN

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

YOUR NEW CONDOM BOYS: IN THEIR OWN WORDS

ONW meets five guys who are helping promote the safer sex message by adding their faces to LGF’s latest condom and lube packs and boxes.

We asked the guys what motivated them to volunteer, what they think are the biggest barriers to using condoms regularly, and what more they would like to see happen by way of health promotion around sexually transmitted infections and HIV.

Ross is 30 and from Chester .He lives with his partner of 9 years.

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“I responded to a question asking if anyone would like to TO DIAL ‘pose’ for photos for the LGF.THIS I just thought, why not? If I can NUMBER NOW do my own little bit to help out why shouldn’t I? Personally, I don’t think guys will notice me if they see me out and about but if they do, I hope they say hello. I’m up for meeting new guys and making new mates and not many people can say, ‘I saw you the other night when I was ripping some guys clothes off, your face got covered in lube but I wanted to say hello’! Speaking for myself, there can be a lot of pressure to get involved in groups or scenes where condoms are almost frowned upon. Johnnies tend to affect the sensation, they take time and can kill a moment when a guy or group have to all put a condom on but, you can be seriously sleazy when the mood takes you and still do it safely.

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The key is to get loads of condoms and loads of great lube that works for you andNOW get involved with guys who are NUMBER happy to use them. I think there needs to be more done to get guys to get tested. There’s no stigma attached to getting checked out on a regular basis. I get a test every six months for piece of mind. If you don’t do it for yourself, do it so you know you won’t be responsible for passing something on to someone else.”

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VIDEO NOW Darren is 27, single and lives in Bradford.

“I always grab a few safer sex packs when I’m out. I still get lads even now insisting on unsafe sex to which I refuse.

Condoms can get in the way during sex and can take away a lot of the sensation; not always having them with you at a spontaneous moment can be a problem too. More

out of hours HIV and STI testing should be available, for example in my area there aren’t any drop- in centres for miles, and the only one that I can attend is only open whilst I’m at work and by appointment only. Even the appointment line is always engaged. Mobile drop-in centres may also encourage people whilst out and about; maybe concentrate on a mobile unit in the gay areas on busy clubbing nights.

Also I think more people need to be made aware of the stats of the amount of people with HIV or affected by different types of STIs.”

Photos Paul Jones (Exposure)

RUBBER ME UP!

Stephen is 32 and lives in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. He is currently single.

“I was motivated to help raise awareness of the importance of sexual health. My friends think that it is fantastic for me to have my face on lots of safer sex literature! It did not surprise some with them knowing how much I spend on cosmetics, staying fit and looking after myself! I personally think that the biggest barrier to gay and bisexual men using condoms regularly is that they perhaps do not get full pleasure or satisfaction. I would like to see more gay men’s health promotion in schools, colleges and universities to promote knowledge and understanding of the topic at an early age.”

Craig is 23 and in a relationship.

“Ever since my first visit to the Gay Village I have always thought what a wonderful idea the free condom and lube scheme is. I jumped at the chance to be part of the campaign. I seem to get a different text message each week from various friends saying they have seen me on the literature. The most common excuse I have heard for guys not using condoms is that using a condom affects their sensitivity during sex. Personally I think that a slight reduction in sensitivity is a fair price to pay in order to ensure your health and wellbeing. I think the current campaign has had a huge impact in changing attitudes towards safer sex.

The safer sex packs are a common feature in most of my friend’s homes and I think most of us have picked one up on a night out in the Village. Let’s all do our bit to help make sex safer for the gay community. If we all used condoms then the number of STI’s would be significantly reduced in the gay community, which is surely good news for us all.” www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 31

DRUGS MELANOTAN It gives you the pefect tan, makes you horny, and decreases your appetite.

Is MELANOTAN...

THE PERFECT DRUG? (Clue: of course not)

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How would you feel about a drug that reportedly makes you tanned, horny and decreases you appetite?

Well, Melanotan 2 has been reported as such a drug and started life as a hormone that was developed into a research drug in a bid to try and decrease the risk of skin cancer in people who were fair skinned but lived in hot countries.

While the side effects sound more like bonuses a careful look for information about the drug raises some serious concern.

The majority of the information about Melanotan 2 comes from the people who manufacture it and so it is to be expected to be positive, but looking around some of the user forums and speaking to some local drugs services it can be easy to find some of the down sides, including skin pigmentation, dizziness, itching, flushing and lethargy.

However the biggest danger for Melanotan users is that many of them have never injected a drug before and so don’t do it in a safe or correct way. Different things are injected in different ways and it is essential to get it right, injecting puts you at serious risk from:

• Ulcers • Circulation problems • Swelling of the hands and feet • Hitting and artery or a nerve.

• Abbesses, both infected and non infected • Blood clots • Septicaemia (also known as blood poisoning)

• Loss of needles in the body

When injecting it is essential to use a new needle every time so attending your local needle exchange is the best way to ensure that you are disposing of your used pins in a hygienic and responsible way. The use of image enhancing drugs is on the increase across all of the population but before you make any decisions about using and injecting just remember that this is an unregulated industry so do your research.

• Loss of limbs due to infection

Call 0845 3 30 30 30 for more info.

• Local infections around the injection site • HIV, Hep B, Hep C and a whole host of other blood born viruses if you are sharing or REUSING needles.

• Infection of the inner lining of the heart

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

ILLEGAL DRUGS & HIV MEDS If you are new to taking Anti HIV meds or you have recently changed your medication then it’s important to make sure you get all the facts about how they work in your body and about how they may react with any other substance that you take.

Little is really known about how HIV medication and street drugs react with one another and this is for a few reasons Because street drugs are not controlled it is hard to know how much is in a particular dose at a time, a lab would use a pure sample but this is not represented in street drugs. You may also think you are taking one thing when in fact you are taking another and you won’t usually find out until the effect start to hit you.

The government and drugs companies do not want to look as if they are condoning drug use and so rarely advise on or conduct research into such interactions The breaking down of street drugs varies greatly from individual to individual so most data is useless.

It is unclear how many street drugs are processed in the body

WE’RE HERE IF YOU NEED US

So if you are taking HIV med’s and you use recreational or illegal drugs it’s important to know what you are dealing with and how they react together, some hardly interact at all while others become toxic. It is wise to avoid doing any recreational drugs at all during the first six weeks of taking your medication as your body is getting used to processing all the new medication and so adding even more chemicals to the mix can have added risk.

Anti HIV meds have profound effects on your liver, kidney function and on bone marrow and because of this it will take time for your body to adjust to processing all the new medication. The liver uses the same process to metabolise (break down) many street drugs as many HIV meds, as your liver is will be trying to process it all at once is causes a blockage. This can mean that you are not able to handle some drugs in the same way you did before, your usual amount may now seem much stronger as it stays in your system for longer.

Whilst this may sound like a good thing it’s actually putting you at an increased risk of overdose and significantly increases the usual risk associated with the drug you may be taking.

If you decided to take any substance with your HIV meds then it is important that you talk to your GP or HIV doctor to make sure that you have all the information you need to ensure your medication can work to its full potential.

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.

BEFRIENDING

Because we all need a friend.

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Recent reports show that one in two LGB people have reported feeling isolated and one in three trans people is isolated from their family.

These statistics are worrying and the LGF are working to help people to make better connections within their community offering support whilst doing so.

to meet up with a LGF volunteer on a regular basis (At least once a week) The meetings will be arranged directly between yourself and your befriender at a time that is suitable for you both. The introductory meeting will take place in The Lesbian & Gay Foundation building, giving you and your befriender a chance to meet and get to know each other a little in a comfortable environment and discuss any interests or activities that you may want to look into.

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The Lesbian and Gay Foundation are soon to begin offering a new service for members of the LGBT community who are aged 25 and over.

The service is a befriending scheme offering supportive relationships to anyone who is maybe finding it difficult to get out and socialise within their community.

If you are based in Manchester and identify as a member of the LGBT community you may be interested in the LGFs new befriending scheme.

If you have ever found yourself feeling isolated, lonely or maybe just needing someone to come along with you to a new support group or a class you have always wanted to try, this service is for you. The befriending scheme will take place over ten sessions during which you will arrange

From that point on the meetings may take place away from the LGF and the sessions can include socialising, going along to a group or class, going to the cinema or just meeting for a coffee and a chat. The sessions are a chance to get out into the community maybe meet new people while being supported by your befriender.

The service is being provided to support users to attend groups and take part in activities that they are interested in within the community. Financial help will be given towards travel expenses and the cost of the activities will be covered.

For more information on the befriending programme or if you require an application form call Lucy Rolfe on 0845 3 30 30 30 or email lucy.rolfe@lgf.org.uk

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

THE LGF’S LUCY ROLFE EXPLAINS...

“Isolation is a problem we support people with every day through our other services, but never before have we had a project dedicated to this problem alone. Recent reports show that loneliness is a growing problem, particularly for people who identify as LGB or T, and is linked to poor mental and physical health, as well as low confidence and self esteem. There are loads of things out there people can get involved in, but going along to a class or group for the first time can be a really intimidating experience. Having a friendly face there with you can make a world of difference until you’re ready to go it alone.”

GAY MEN

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RAINBOW ASIAN PROJECT

THE LAST

TABOO

Over 120 Asian gay and bisexual men from all over the country have taken part in the Rainbow Asian Project survey, put together by LGF and Trade sexual health on behalf of the CHAPS partnership to explore the needs of Asian men who have sex with men .

This project will provide targeted engagement and information for Asian MSM. Through focus groups and on going discussion and support, Asian MSM will be able to talk about and share their experiences, identifying what they feel are the barriers and enablers to engage in safer sex. To keep up to date with developments, search for ‘Rainbow Asian Group’ on Facebook and ‘Like’ us!

Compared to other ethnic groups, research conducted by Sigma Research identifies that Asian men are significantly less likely to have ever had a HIV test.

Hash is one of the guys who took part in the survey and talked to us in detail about his experiences .

“Speaking about sex within the South Asian community is a taboo.

Many communities don’t believe in contraception but rather see procreation as the purpose of life; therefore they don’t need to know about safer sex.

Having seen many of my own friends go through the scary thought they may have contracted something, and the only reason they didn’t get tested, was because they weren’t confidant enough to get checked out.

There are too many misconceptions within the

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

South Asian community and one of them being that HIV is a white man’s problem, and if you have unprotected sex once or twice, its fine.

South Asian men don’t talk about sexual health, because of the taboo status it has - ‘Somehow, if you don’t talk about it, and don’t think about it, the issue will disappear’, which results in many South Asian men having sexually transmitted infections and even HIV but they never know about it.

As a result, many young South Asian gay and bisexual men carry on practising sex without sufficient knowledge of contraception, HIV and STI prevention, making South Asian men a very high risk group.”

Photo posed by model Photography: Paul Jones, Exposure

“Speaking about sex within the South Asian community is a taboo. Many communities don’t believe in contraception but rather see procreation as the purpose of life; therefore they don’t need to know about safer sex.”

One clear finding from the survey is that there is a need for more effective targeted interventions for Asian men so that they feel more able to talk about and share their experiences. More men it seems would like to feel comfortable about their sexual orientation.

It was felt by many who took the survey that a specific group to support Asian men would make services a lot more accessible and comfortable to use if they were in a non judgemental and culturally sensitive setting.

“It is important to access the support that is out there, because the support is available.“ says Hash. “Every man has a choice, and should never be forced into anything they don’t want to do. Every man has a right to live how they want, without losing their identity, their family, or their faith. It would be ideal to have a South Asian support group, that is non judgemental, and most importantly discrete, that can provide support services to individuals, with the service users feeling a part of a community within their own community that would make users aware they are not alone.”

Although the survey is now closed we would very much like to develop services for Asian gay and bisexual men so please do let us know if you would like further information or support. Call 0845 3 30 30 30 or e-mail info@lgf.org.uk

GOOD CONDOM USE

Slippery little buggers!

It has been said time and again, but when used correctly our old friend the condom (with plenty of lube!) still remains the most effective way to protect yourself, and others, against the transmission of STIs, including HIV. But even though this is true, condoms can’t offer 100% protection against infections, because in some cases they can tear, break or slip completely off Slippery little buggers! So why do condoms break or slip off during sex?

There are many reasons, and breakages are different to slippages…

Breakages • It is vital that you check the expiry date on the condom packet to ensure that the condom is still a way away from its expiry date. If the date has passed then the quality of the condom is reduced, making it more likely to break.

• What lube are you using? If you are using latex condoms then you should NEVER use oil based lube such as Vaseline or baby oil as these will quickly rot the latex making it useless, and it will break VERY easily. Also be careful around other creams, sun tan lotions and anything that is oil based.

• Talking of lube, make sure you use enough of it! Plenty of water based lube will reduce any friction that could lead to breaking.

• How did you open the condom? If you used your teeth, or wear rings or jewellery, you could unknowingly damage the condom when you open it.

• It is always worth checking the

condom when you are having sex, just to make sure that it hasn’t torn or broken.

SLIPPages • Condoms may come off during sex if they are not put on properly. Make sure that the condom is rolled down fully over your manhood!

• Is the condom the right size?

Condoms are available in smaller sizes, larger sizes. Truth be told, standard size condoms will usually fit most men, but some people do have genuine needs that might be met by trying a smaller or larger size.

• NEVER put lube on before a condom, this will increase the likelihood of it slipping off during sex.

• Drugs and alcohol can affect the hardness of your erection, which could make the condom more likely to slip off.

Drugs and alcohol can also affect your judgement, take extra care if you are having sex under the influence, and try not to do anything that you wouldn’t normally do.

Condoms that break or tear during sex effectively remove any of the barrier protection that you were using, resulting in unsafe sex. If this does happen you should consider what you would do if you have had unprotected sex.

You might even feel that you want to contact a sexual health clinic and ask for PEP. PEP is a month long course of antiHIV medication that could prevent you from becoming infected with HIV. It must be taken within 72 hours of possible exposure, and can have side effects. Full sexual health screens are also recommended, as other STIs are spread more easily than HIV. www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 37

GET IN!

SPARTAN PRIDE! The guys at Manchester Pride recently caught up with the Village Spartans RUFC Manchester and the North West’s gay and inclusive rugby team. Here they talk about coming out and why they’re looking forward to the 2012 Bingham Cup. The Spartans are renowned as Manchester and the North West’s gay rugby team. Can you tell us a little bit about the team?

The Village Spartans was formed over a decade ago in 1999. The team currently plays competitively in the North West League - Division 5 East and we play each week on a Saturday between August/ September and March/April with training on Wednesday evenings.

The Village Spartans is an inclusive rugby club – we welcome gay, bisexual and straight men. Our focus is on providing a supportive environment for gay men and we welcome all players of all abilities – from those starting out to veterans.

We recently won the bid to host the 2012 Bingham Cup, a biennial competition which is regarded as the “Gay Rugby World Cup.” This is the largest XV a side rugby tournament in the world outside the Rugby World Cup. Bringing it to Manchester is a great achievement and we look forward to getting 1,000 gay rugby players from round the world to Manchester! Register at www. binghamcup.com to find out more.

Village Spartans RUFC has been granted some community funding from Manchester Pride. Please can you tell us what this money will be used for and the difference it will make to your team?

The community funding recently given to us

by Manchester Pride will enable us to do a number of things. The funds will be used in our preparations to host the Bingham Cup; for example on the website and

MANCHESTER PRIDE speak to The Village Spartans about the year ahead... marketing materials. Without the funding, the club would have found it particularly difficult to afford the set up costs involved, including the dedicated website and other IT functions.

What advice would you give to sports people who are thinking of coming out for the first time?

Coming out is a very significant time in anyone’s life, regardless of whether or not they are sports people. I suppose the important thing to remember is that there is plenty of support out there from a number of organisations. If, after coming out, people feel uncomfortable playing with “straight” teams, there are plenty of gay and gay friendly sports teams out there.

Can you tell us a little bit about any games you have coming up?

We have a number of league games still to play this season and we’re hoping to get promoted to a higher league next year, so

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

we have a lot of hard work still to do. As well as our regular league games, we also have a couple of tours coming up, including: The Hadrian Cup a yearly national gay rugby tournament held in Newcastle.

We have won the cup for the last 2 years running, so we hope to retain it this year.

The Union Cup a European gay rugby tournament held every two years. This year, the competition will be held in Amsterdam and we’re in with a good chance of winning. We narrowly lost (3-0) in the final in 2009 to the tournament hosts, The Kings Cross Steelers so we hope that we can beat them this time.

Find out more at villagespartans.co.uk With special thanks to Manchester Pride for allowing us to reproduce this interview.

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Two pages of sport and fitness every issue supported with enthusiasm by

SPORTING SHORTS

WAMM BAM WAMM - Women’s Aquatic Meet Manchester – is an international event for lesbian and bisexual women across Europe, which takes place in Manchester on the weekend of June 10-12.

It’s the brainchild of a group of women who swim with Northern Wave, the LGB&T swimming group in Manchester, who wanted to organise a women’s swimming event and social weekend. Imogen one of the WAMM organisers told outnorthwest: “It’s not a scary event - it’s for swimmers of all ages and abilities; as long as they can complete the distances that they sign up for. There will also be a full programme of social events over the weekend too, including: a welcome event, the competition itself, a women’s party, brunch at the Piccadilly Ramada on the Sunday morning, and a film showing of ‘Training Rules’.

SPORTING HOMO HERO

If you don’t want to swim, you can still get involved. There is loads of room for spectators and WAMM are also looking for volunteers. The price for the whole weekend is £30, and £15 for non-participants.

For more info visit www.wamm.org.uk

STEVEN DAVIES While everybody was waiting for a footballer to come out, cricketer Steven Davies (above), 24, beat them to it!

The England and Surrey wicketkeeper publicly came out in an interview with The Telegraph. He is the first professional cricketer to come out, and is one of only a handful of professional sportsmen to do so. Davies told the paper that hiding his sexuality from his team mates had caused him personal turmoil, on coming out he said: “It’s easier now I’ve got nothing to hide.”

BIG SPRING CAMP!

SWEDISH FOOTBALLER COMES OUT Swedish footballer Anton Hysen has revealed that he is gay in this month’s Offside magazine.

Anton plays for Swedish side Utsiktens BK, and is the son of former Liverpool and Fiorentina star Glenn Hysen. On potential homophobia he said: “People may call me anything they want, it will just make me even more psyched.” Hysen’s brave step begs the question - how long will it be before a UK based elite gay or bisexual footballer follows his lead?

Join OutdoorLads on their action packed Big Spring Camp in North Wales 27th – 30th May 2011. Get involved in mountaineering, white water rafting and gorging; the gay outdoor pursuits team offers over 11 different activities with something for all abilities.

When the sun-sets; ‘Camp Central’ throws open its doors and is the place to party and chill-out on an evening with food, drinks and entertainment. This is the biggest annual event on the OutdoorLads calendar. It’s perfect for people who have never tried OutdoorLads before and would like to have a go at something different and make new friends.

OutdoorLads have exclusive use of the whole campsite; you’ll need to bring a tent and suitable clothing. Big Spring Camp costs from £30 and places are limited and going fast. It is free to join OutdoorLads, so book your place now at www.outdoorlads.com

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 39

greater manchester

Manchester Manchester

Free Safer Sex Packs available at most venues

88 Listing Indicator

£ Portland Street

Major Street

Hart Street

17

42 44 41

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

AXM

100 Bloom St,

3 Baa-Bar 27 Sackville Street, 0161 247 7997, glitter balls and a flashy dance floor, baabar.co.uk 5 Bar fifty7 Fourways House, 57 Hilton Street, 0161 236 5757 6 Bull’s Head Gay Friendly 84 London Rd, 0161 236 1724.

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

company bar Only 28 Richmond St, 0161 237 9329, companybarmanchester.co.uk 8

9 Coyotes 14 Chorlton Street, 0161 236 4007, pleasant two floor bar, coyotesbar.co.uk 10 Crunch 10 Canal Street, 0161 236 0446, crunchbar.co.uk

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

43

Whitworth Street

21

13 Eagle 15 Bloom Street, new venue.

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

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

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

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

Thompsons Arms 23 Sackville Street, 0161 237 5919.

16

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

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

20 Queer 4 Canal Street, 0161 228 1368, queer-manchester.com 21 Retro Bar 78 Sackville Street, 0161 274 4892, retrobarmanchester.com 22 Spirit Canal Street, 0161 237 9725, lively and modern three-floor bar, spiritbar.uk.com

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

23 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

Mainly Women

Mainly Trans

Bar

All information provided by venues. Please check before arrival

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

27

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 29 Vanilla 39-41 Richmond Street, 0161 657 8890, vanillagirls.co.uk 30 Velvet 2 Canal St, 0161 236 9003, food served daily, velvetmanchester.com

£

6

Club Fizz Charlton Club, women only 2nd Friday of the month, 9pm-1am £5, see facebook Club HD Arch 66, Whitworth St West, gay/mixed bar/club Friu & Sat nights, hdclubbing.com 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

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

View 40 Canal St, 0161 236 9033 32

Club Nights ALERT Fetish at Legends, 4th Friday of the month club-alert.com Serves Food

25 14

Piccadilly Train Station

Morning Glory at Queer, after hours every Saturday

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

Dance Floor

ne

La

BOLLOX Pop/Indie at Legends, 3rd Friday of the month bolloxclub.com

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

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

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London Road

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Brazil Street

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Chorlton Street

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Princess Street

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Northern Quarter Hart Street

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47 Richmond Street

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£

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

Cash Point

Please email any new or updated listing to: listings@lgf.org.uk Outdoor Seating

Disabled Access

POPTASTIC Pop/Indie at Alter Ego, 07974 248 247 poptastic.co.uk Pretty in Pink 80’s club night joe.spencer@lgf.org.uk RECREATION clubrecreation.co.uk

Community & Health 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

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

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

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

49 Gayter Hairdressing 57 Hilton Street, 0161 236 1128, hair salon, gayterhairdressing.com

Community Alcohol Team 0161 230 6382, manchestercat.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pants 3rd Floor, Aflecks Palace, 07816276925, men’s designer underwear store, pants.uk.com

Gregory’s Place 69 Ardwick Green North, 0161 273 2901, support for children and young people with HIV gregorysplace@barnardos.org.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

CROMA Pizza and Pasta 30 Longfield Centre, Prestwich, 0161 798 7666, croma.biz

UPPERCUTS BARBERS The Arndale Market, 07784 156 693

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

Hotels & B&B’s

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

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

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

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

The Village Citizen Advice Bureau 25a Hankinson Way, Salford Precinct, 0161 834 2005, employment services for LGB&T people thevillage.org.uk

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

Clinics

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

Jarman Clinic Withington Hospital, 0161 217 4939

Saunas

North Manchester GUM Delaunays Rd, Crumpsall, 0161 720 2681

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

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

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

Becky Johnson Counselling 07841 837029, Experienced individual and couples counsellor. M2 and SK9 locations. integrative-psychotherapy.eu

Central Manchester Osteopathy & Sports Therapy Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount St, 0786705385, help relieve your aches by looking at the bigger picture, centralmanchesterosteopathy.com 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 ESSENCE COUNSELLING info@essencecounselling.org www.essencecounselling.org

46

47

inferno 496a Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, 0161 860 6666, seven day sauna for gay and bi men, infernosauna.com 48 The Basement Complex 18 Tariff Street, 0161 236 8131, seven day sauna for gay and bi men, basementcomplex.co.uk

Agencies 42nd St 20 Swan Street, 0161 832 0170, advice for young LGBs, fortysecondstreet.org.uk Addaction 31 Robert St. 0161 214 0770, Prison resettlement for people with drug problems, addaction.org Alcohol and Drug Services 29a Ardwick Green North, 0161 272 8844 alcoholanddrugservices.org.uk Barnardo’s Health Through Action The Progress Centre, Charlton Place, Ardwick Green, 0161 273 2901 BARNArDOS MANCHESTER LEAVING CARE SERVICES 36 Monton Street, 0161 226 6722, barnardos.org.uk Black Health Agency 464 Chester Rd, 0161 226 9145, AIDS Helpline: 0800 0967500, blackhealthagency.org.uk

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

Registered Charity No.1070904

Organic at Spirit, after hours every Sat.

Rusholme Health Centre Walmer Street, 0161 225 6699 outreach Clinic @ the LGF and 4 other locations, Mondays, no appointment needed, 0845 3 30 30 30, lgf.org.uk Rapid HIV Testing @ the LGF Thurs 4-6pm, no appointment needed, results in 20 mins, 0845 3 30 30 30, lgf.org.uk the hathersage centre 280 Upper Brook St, 0161 276 5200 / 5212

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

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

BiPhoria 07941 811124, bisexual support 18+, biphoria.org.uk BLACK NORTH WEST 0845 3 30 30 30, for lesbian, gay and bisexual people of colour, meet at the LGF on the first Friday of the month from 7.30pm.

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

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

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

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

SHOPS & Services

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

Please email any new or updated listing to: listings@lgf.org.uk

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

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 41

greater manchester & lancashire Groups Continued

MMU LGBT mmu_lgbt@hotmail.co.uk

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

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

Gay Naturist SWIM all ages, nude_n_manchester@yahoo.co.uk Icebreakers gay & bi men's support group meets 8pm every Wednesday at the LGF, 0845 3 30 30 30, icebreakersmanchester.org.uk Inner Enigma 0845 838 1264, trans and intersex support and advice, info@innerenigma.co.uk KESHET Advocacy, education and support service for jewish LGB&Ts, 07528 700 926, info@keshetmanchester.org.uk Lesbian and Gay Youth Manchester (LGYM) LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0790 0680725, young LGBT people, 14-25, Tues 7.30-10pm, Sat 3-7pm info@lgym.org.uk lesbian asylum group LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LB women who have gained or are attempting to gain asylum status. kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk lesbian discussion group LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LB women, meets 3rd Wed of the month, 7-8.30pm, to debate issues & share views kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk lesbian mental health support group LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for 18+ LB women and M2F transwomen, meets every other friday. kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk lesbian reading group (& lending library) LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LB women, meets 3rd Wed of the month, to discuss or choose books from the library 6-7pm, kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk Let’s Do Lunch 07813 083242, lesbian diners every other month, paulad650@aol.com lesbiandiners.org.uk LIK:T 07813 981 338, run by and for young lesbian and bisexual women, 1st Monday of the month, likt_info@likt.org.uk lilac - lesbian cancer support LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, 3rd Mon of the month, 7-8.30pm, for LB women who have experienced any form of cancer. lilacgroup@hotmail.co.uk

Out In The City call Sue 0161 205 3851, meets Thursdays. oitc.wordpress.com out to the theatre Jon: 01457 877 161, gay men’s social group, joncassun@yahoo.co.uk OutWrite 07931 915 620, LGBT writing group, outwrite.org.uk Proud 2 b Parents 0161 226 0162, Moss Side Surestart Children’s Centre, 30 Selworthy Rd, for LGB&T parents and their children every 4th Saturday, matthew.roberts@manchester.nhs.uk queer skinhead brotherhood queerskinbrotherhood@googlemail.com Queer Youth Manchester 07092 031 086, info@queeryouth.net Rainbow Families c/o LCP, 0161 273 7128, peer support & monthly social for current & prospective lesbian parents and their children, rainbowfamilies.co.uk Right2Unite Zion Centre, Hulme, 0161 226 0170, LGB group meets every Tues. salford youth service lgbt youth group at The Base, 0161 778 0702, steve.dyson@salford.gov.uk

VADA LGBT community theatre group drama workshops & performances, all welcome, vada.theatre@gmail.com

Manchester gay skinheads oi-skinhead.com

Sports Groups

Manchester Lesbian & Gay Chorus 07944 056047, mlgc.org.uk

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

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

bUrY

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Manchester Concord Social group, every Wed from 7pm at the Rembrandt, Canal St. mary@manchesterconcord.org.uk

Manchester Rubbermen social group for gay men into rubber/latex fetish, manchesterrubber.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

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

Manchester Christian Group 07743 476191

Manchester Parents Group 01565 733891

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

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

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

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

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

HIV worker Emma Massey 01204 390772

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

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

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 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

Northern Wave swimming club 0161 872 1990, swimming for all, northernwave.org orca divers 125 Manchester Road, Chorlton, 0161 718 3118, orcadivers.com OPEN ATHLETICS Trains on Weds, 5K every 1st Sun. 07709 000 436, openathletics.org OUTDOOR LADS gay and bi-sexual lads into outdoor activities, outdoorlads.com outdoor lads climbing club outdoorlads.com Out on Sunday 07775 671691, walking group, outonsunday.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

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

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

WEEKENDERS lesbian and gay walking group based in the North of England, geocities.com/weekenders_uk

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

sauNas

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

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

wheelies fc Manchester Leisure Sports Centre, mixed women’s football every Sun 11am-1pm.

Gay city strollers 0845 3 30 30 30, city centre walking group, info@lgf.org.uk

BoLtOn

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

Gay gordons manchester Scottish Country and Ceilidh Dancing and classes gay-gordons-manchester.co.uk

The Star 11 Bow St, 01204 361113

OlDhAm

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.

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

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

CLUB NIGHTS

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

Please email any new or updated listing to: listings@lgf.org.uk

SaUNaS

Pennine Sauna 96 Rochdale Rd, Shaw, 01706 842 000

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

GROUPS

SOLICITORS

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

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Bar Vegas 37 Bailey St, 01706 630 708

CLINICS

Sexual Health Crisis Intervention Team 01706 261 954, 1-to-1 support for young people.

Sexual Health PROMOTION UNIT 01706 517 613 THE BRIDGE SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Stone Hill Block, Rochdale Infirmary, 01706 517 686

GROUPS

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

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

Groups

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

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

GROUPS

CLINICS

PLUS Reading Group 07880 746079 The Base LGBt YOUTH GROUP Diverse City, 0161 475 7700, 0161 426 9696, thebase@stockport.gov.uk

SPORTS GROUPS

pubs, clubs & bars

Age Concern 56 Wellington St, 0161 4801211

Central Youth ADVICE AND INFO 0161 426 9696, 1 St Peters Square, counselling and sexual health services for young people up to 25.

BACKSTAGE BAR 135 St James St, 01282 414895

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

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

trAfFoRd

GROUPS

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

Red Triangle Café St James St, 01282832319

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

GROUPS

breakout LGBT community radio group, c.o Chorley FM, lgbt@chorley.fm breakoutshow.co.uk

No Attitude 0161 912 2453, LGB youth group.

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

GROUPS

aGENCIES

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

CLINICS

sTOcKpOrT

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

Burnley

CLINICs

WIGan

GUM DEPARTMENT Stepping Hill Hospital, 0161 419 5370

Out Youth LGBT Group East Lancs The Hub, Accrington & Rossendale College, 07895 794850, 14-19 yr olds, 6-8pm 1st & 3rd Tues.

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

SALFORD YOUTH @ The Base, 0161 778 0702, for young LGBT people to meet, recieve advice, info and support. steve.dyson@salford.gov.uk

CLINICs

Blackburn LGB Youth Group Brook Advisory Centre, 54-56 Darwen St, BB2 2BL. 07809 847541, jonny.daniels@brookblackburn.org.uk

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

HIV Support Group 0161 912 4611, hivpractitioner@trafford.org.uk

ARDEN ARMS 23 Millgate, 0161 480 2185

MorEcAmBe

OrMsKIrk

Salford LGBT Network meeting regularly to socialise and looks at ways of improving LGB&T life in Salford, adam.winter@lgf.org.uk

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

agENciEs & CLINICS

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

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

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

swinton clinic 139 Partington Lane, 0161 212 5100, Mon 2-4.30pm, Tue 6-8.30pm, Fri 2-4.30pm drop in.

Stagedoor 23 Mincing Lane, 01254 674761

GROUPS

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

eccles gateway Church Street, 0161 212 5717, thurs 6-8.30pm, drop in.

starting Out Project Neil 07766 550264 0161 607 1620, Salford City Council’s young LGBT tenancy support service. neil.cochrane@salford.gov.uk

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

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

TamEsIde

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.

LeYlAnd

Bar Ibiza 43 Darwen St, 01254 695379

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

Brook Advisory 55 Regent Street, Eccles, 0161 707 9550

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

BlACkBuRn

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

SaLfOrD

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

Royal Lancaster Infirmary Ashton Community Care Centre, 01524 387402

CLINICS

GROUPS

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

aGENCIES & CLINICs

Lancashire

CLINICs

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

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

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

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

CLUB NIGHTS

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), 07751 711335, Saturdays 21.302.30 (student nights), 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

Please email any new or updated listing to: listings@lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 43

8 31 48

13 21 27 63

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

Blackpool Blackpool Hotels

High Street

53

23

Lord Street

Dickson Road

General Street

Promemade

14

20 18 47 Pleasant Street

1 Anchorage 18 Withnell Road, 01253 341771 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

Belvedere 77 Dickson Road, 01253 624733 5

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

50

9 25 10

61

51

Banks Street 55 23 43 57

General Street

17 58 52

15 33 14 54 36 12

Brooklyn 7 Wilton Parade, 01253 627003 61 Brownes hotel 15 Vance Rd, 01253 753089 browneshotel.co.uk

29

9

42

10

Camelot 80 Hornby Rd, 01253 620518 CHaps 9 Cocker St, 01253 620541

19

35

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

44

13

DERBY HOTEL, 2 Derby Rd, 01253 623708

22

14

Dixon 84 Dickson Rd, 01253 752379

16

FOUR SEASONS 74 Lord St, 01253 622583

15

12

62 41

37

High Street

Dickson Raod

Abingdon Stre

Promemade

30 11 3 10 11 Queen Street

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

Guyz 16 Lord Street, 01253 622488

12

21

K in

13

18

Train Station Tram Stop Parking

reet

George St.

46 Charles St.

Caunce St.

25

S. King St.

88 Hotel Indicator

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

Milbourne St.

Chur ch St

Loepold Gr.

Coronation St.

61

24

et

34 20

Cookson Street

Promemade

1

32

Topping Street

Abingdon Street

19

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

Talbot Road 5

6

Chur ch St

reet

9

88 Venue Indicator

£

Cash Machine Blackpool Tower Pedestrianised

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

34 New Hertford 18 Lord Street, 01253 621831 35 North Central Hoilday Flats 29 Lord Street, 01253 621831 36 NORTHERN LIGHTS HOTEL 26 Springfield Road, 01253 317016 37 Northern Star 9 Lord Street, 01253 628073 63 north grange hotel 238 Queens Promenade, 01253 351409, info@northgrangehotel.com northgrangehotel.com 38

Park House 81 Lord St, 01253 314571

39 PHOENIX 12 Cocker Street, 01253 299130, phoenixblackpool.com 40

Pier View 16 Banks St, 01253 624555

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

47 SUSSEX HOTEL 14-16 Pleasant Street, 01253 627824

Homecliffe Hotel 5-6 Wilton Parade, 01253 625147 homecliffehotel.com

gS tre

26 29 16

New Bond 72 Lord St, 01253 628123

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

Heatherdale Lodge 2 Pleasant Street, 1253 626268

8

North Pier

33

46 Sunnyside 16 Charles Street, 01253 622983

20

4

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

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

19

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27 7

Brene Hotel 37 Lord St, 01253 621854

8

7

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28

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High Street

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

Lord Street

Promemade

45

26 Cocker Street 60 24

Dickson Raod

39

Registered Charity No.1070904

blackpool & cumbria

23 Legends Hotel 45 Lord Street, 01253 620300 24

Lenbrook 69 Lord St, 01253 626737

25

Liberty's Hotel 01253 291155

26 Lonsdale Hotel 25 Cocker Street, 01253 621628 27

Lyndale Court Hotel 01253 354033

28

Lynmar 74 High St, 01253 290046

29

Mardi Gras 41 Lord St, 01253 751087

30 McHALL’S HOTEL 5-7 Lord Street, 01253 625661 31 Merecliff Hotel 24 Holmfield Road, 01253 356858

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 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 57 WILLOWFIELD GUESTHOUSE 51 Banks Street, 01253 623406, willowfield-guesthouse.co.uk 58 Windsor House 47 Dickson Road, 0870 620 7000, windsorhousehotel.net 59

Woodleigh 11 Yates St, 01253 624997

Worcester House 22 Cocker Street, 01253 620007 60

Groups

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

18/25 Icebreakers 07875 355 390, for gay & bi men, 1st Tues of the month, 7pm.

25/55 Icebreakers 07875 355 390, meets every last Tues of the month, 7pm.

Pubs, Bars & Clubs

Cruz Bar 23 Dickson Rd, 07946 528153

55+ older men’s group 07875 355 390, meets every 2nd Mon of the month at 2pm and every Thurs 12.30pm.

1 BOOTCAMP Mainly Men 5 Dickson Road, 01253 649153, fg2online.co.uk

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

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

8 Lucy’s at TABOO Mixed 69-71 Talbot Road, 01253 622573, tabooonline.co.uk

HIV/HEP C support group 07875 355 390, call for details.

Funny Girls Gay Friendly 5 Dickson Rd, 01253 649154, funnygirlsonline.co.uk 2

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

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

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

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

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

Saunas

24 WET WET WET SAUNA 1-3 Charles Street, 01253 751 199, wetwetwetsauna.co.uk

Eateries

Clinics & Agencies

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

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

12

14

Buddies Chippy 28 Dickson Street

53 Cascades Restaurant Gay Owned 82 Dickson Road, 01253 62120, cascadesrestaurant.co.uk 15 Café Latté 30-32 Dickson St, 01253 752077

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

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

The Buttery 1 Cheapside, 01253 296667 19

!

RE-Opening

south lakes lgbt forum Wendy Phizacklea, 01229 836 426, 07742 353 520, 48-50 Suffolk Street, 13-24 LGBTQ youth meets weekly,wendyp.rorys@googlemail.com

aGENCIES

TRhe Sugar Lounge 001253 311431, SHIVER @ The Cornerhouse, 18+ lesbian/bi women, hward@druglinelancs.co.uk

TimeOut Party Bar Mixed 68-70 Abingdon Street, 01253 628502 4

south lakes Girls 07952278760 (evenings), Various nights for all trans people or those querying. trans.lakes.nights@ googlemail.com

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.

23 Honeycombe Sauna 97-107 Egerton Road, 01253 752211 honeycombe.net

pro active young gays and lesbians (paygal) Wendy Phizacklea, 01229 836 426, 07742 353 520, wendyp.rorys@googlemail.com

cArLisLe

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

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

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

Liberty Church North Shore Methodist, Dickson Rd, 07955 597771, libertychurchblackpool.org.uk Ok2be 01253 754841, support service for young people up to 19 years of age, hayley.mills@blackpool.gov.uk

CliNICS

Cumberland Infirmary 01228 814 814

Connexions 28 Lowther Street, 01228 596272

GrOUPS

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

SaUNaS

Sweat Sauna Club Atlas House, Nelson St.

KenDal CliNICS

Relaxation group 01253 311431 at SHIVER

Sexual Health Clinic Westmoorland General Hospital, Burton Rd, 01539 716 706

25

SWOSS (Sex Workers Support Services) 01253 311 431/07811 192 517, drop in on a Monday 2.00-4.00pm at SHIVER.

Groups

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

The Renaissance Transgender Support Group meetings twice monthly, gynwayblackpool.com/ renaissance_transgender_forum.htm

26 Connect 01253 751047, connectyoungpeople.co.uk

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

Cumbria Societies Brewery Arts Centre, c/o Switchboard 01524 847 437

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

Cumbria

south lakes lesbians for lesbian & bi women meeting monthly in Kendal for socials etc & walking groups, southlakeslesbians@gmail.com

HIV Nursing Team 150/158 Whitegate Health Centre, 01253 657171

AGENCIES

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

aGENCIES Connexions 124 Highgate, 01539 730045 Cumbria LesbIans Network 01539 741 285, 1st Saturday of the month, clnetwork@sky.com

PeNRIth

29 NHS Drop In Centre 26 Talbot Road, 01253 655871

AmBlESidE

Sexual Health Clinic 150/158 Whitegate Health Centre, 01253 657171

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

wHiTeHaveN

30 SHIVER (Sexual Health HIV Education & Responses Drugline Lancashire Ltd) The Corner House, 102 Dickson Road, 01253 311 431

Chestnut Villa Keswick Road, Grassmere 01539 435 218, gay run B&B, chestnutvilla.com

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

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

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

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

aGENCIES

outREACH Cumbria gaycumbria.info

hotEls & B&B's

Groups

BarRow iN FuRNESs WInDerMerE CliNICS

sexual health clinic Furness General Hospital, Dalton Lane, 01229 404 464

aGENCIES

Connexions 237-241 Dalton Road, 01229 824052

GrOUPS

Cumbria Lesbians network (CLN) 01524 858 206, clnetwork@tiscali.co.uk Freinds & Supporters of Furness LGBT Community c/o Multicultural Centre, 07833 447604, klwicks@hotmail.co.uk Registered Charity No.1070904

5 Mardi Gras Mixed 114 Talbot Road, 01253 296262

Please email any new or updated listing to: listings@lgf.org.uk

HOTELS & B&B's

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

WorKiNgToN

CliNICS

Workington Infirmary Infirmary Lane, 01900 68737

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

Steam packet inn 51 Stanley St, 01900 62186

Please note all listings information is provided by third parties. The LGF can accept no responsibility for the quality of the services/groups listed Please email any new or updated listing to: listings@lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 45

merseyside, cheshire, yorkshire, staffordshire & isle of man Registered Charity No.1070904

Liverpool Liverpool Queer Quarter

Around FACT Tithebarn Street

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

Liverpool South Gay Dining Club 2nd Sat of month, igdc@talk21.com

16 THE MONRO Gastropub 92-94 Duke St,

Liverpool Students Union LGBT Society 0151 231 4947

Hotels

Liverpool Women’s Book Group Meets last Tues of the month, liverpoolbookgroup.com

0151 707 9933, themonro.com

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

AIDS Helpline 0151 709 9000

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).

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

18 NEWS FROM NOWHERE Bookshop 96 Bold Sreet, 0151 708 7270, newsfromnowhere.co.uk

BROKEN BISCUITS Monthly at Jupiters Bar

Bold Street

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

14 The Lisbon Mixed 35 Victoria Street, 0151 231 6831

Club Nights

Piccadilly Train Station

liverpool lgbt community network LCVS, 151 Dale St, 0151 227 5177.

Shops

10 Cumberland St, 0151 236 7786, masqueradebar.com

Victoria Street

Websites

22-24 Stanley St, 0151 236 6633

15 The Masquerade Mixed

Bold Street

13 Superstar Boudoir

2

Berry Street Roscoe Lane

23 Cumberland Street

puzzle 25 Stanley Street

Wood Street

11

Wood Street

10 Poste House

et

Back Berry Stre

19

London Road

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

Roscoe Place

Culquitt Street

Seel Street

Modo Gay Friendly Concert Square

20 Culquitt Street

Liverpool Guild LGBT Society 160 Mount Pleasant, 0151 794 4165, liverpoollgbt@googlemail.com lgos.org/lgbt

Agencies & Clinics

8

18

1

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

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

Mathew Street

12

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

et

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

TRAVEL INN METRO Vernon St, 0870 238 3325

Heaven Victoria Street, 0151 236 4832

16

Back Culquitt Stre

Hope Pride Derwent House, Taggart Ave, Childwall, 0151 291365, lgbtofficer@hope.ac.uk

Eateries

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

Fleet Street

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

Seel Street

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

Parr Street

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

FACT

14

Victoria Street

Slater Street

Duke Street

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

Duke Street

Bar Candy 8-10 Stanley Street, 0151 236 5160, curzonliverpoo­­­­l.co.uk

13

10

Sir Thomas Street

21

4

9

15

Cumberland Street

Baby D Temple Street

12

21

Stanley Street

3

Temple Street

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

Temple Lane

Pubs, Clubs & Bars

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

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

Please email any new or updated listing to: listings@lgf.org.uk

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

Queer Notions 0151 227 9977, provides information and support at the Armistead Project queernotions@hotmail.com

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

ElLeSMerE PoRT 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

CLINICs

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

St HELens CLINICs

QUEST LGBT CATHOLICS 07983 021 589, 2nd Saturday of month, liverpool@questgaycatholic.org.uk

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

SPIRIT LEVEL 0151 227 1893, Transgender support group.

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

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

CLINICs

Sexual Health Clinic Arrowe Park Road, 0151 604 7339

SaUNas

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

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

MACcLeSfIelD

GROUPS

GROUPS

Parking Cash Machine Pedestrianised

11

9

Northwich Sauna Winnington Lane, 01606 784881, sauna-sauna.info Leeds.indd 1

RunCoRN CLINIC

Sexual Health Halton General Hospital, 01928 753217 The Canalside Bar & Restaurant 01928 580 669, 45-47 Canal Street.

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

Blayd’s Mews

8

6

Swinegate

Bar Fibre Lower Briggate, 08701 200888 1

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

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

Old Red Lion Meadow Lane, 0113 242 6779 4

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

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

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.

aGENCIES

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

SHOPS

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

SaUNaS 11 Basement Sauna

Gay Healthy Alliance Project PO Box 539, 01925 631101

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

GROUPS

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

Chester Uni Warrington Campus LGBT Society search facebook

CLINIC & agENCIES

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

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

FLUID (Freedon to Love Ur IDentity) 07747 473 829

YORKSHIRE MESMAC mesmac.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

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

StaFfOrdSHIRE 12/5/09 12:21:30

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS Fierce 3 Goodson St, Hanley.

The Pink Lounge Piccadilly, Hanley, pinkloungebarandclub.com The Factory 67 Bryan St, Stoke, thefactorystoke.co.uk The Polari Lounge 52 Piccadilly, Hanley, 01782 212200, gaystoke.com

SaUNas

CLINIC & agENCIES

9 VIADUCT 11 Lower Briggate, 0113 245 4863

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

GROUPS

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

CLINIC

aGENCIES

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

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

Sexual Health Clinic Leighton Hospital, Middlewich Rd, 01270 612255

Sexual Health Clinic Lovely Lane, 01925 662476

8

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

White Hart Sankey Street, 01925 241994

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

1 7

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

WARringToN

SCaRBoROuGh

The Calls

Cheshire CRewE CLINICs

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

Parr St.

SaUNaS

GROUPS

3

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

10 5 1

Briggate

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

WORK IT OUT Wirral Brook, 14 Whetstone Ln, Birkenhead, 0151 670 0177, group for 14-18 year olds, info@wirralbrook.org.uk outreach@wirralbrook.org.uk

HeBDEn BrIdgE

Heaton’s Court (back) Blayd’s Yard

GROUPS

EaTERIES

HUGG Social group for gay & bi men, 18+,every Tuesday from 8pm. hugg.org.uk

£

Heaton’s Court (front)

NOrtHWicH

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

GROUPS

NELSONS WINE BAR Crown St, 01422 844 782

Gay Wirral 0151 666 9890, Terrence Higgins Trust, 5 Bridge St, for all Wirral’s LGBT Community, contact for details, gaywirral@hotmail.co.uk

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

£

Sexual Health Clinic Macclesfield District General Hospital, Victoria Road, 01625 264116 OUTRITE groups 01270 653156, support and social groups, outrite.org

TransWirral 90-92 Chester St, 07833 385126, for TS/Intersex, transwirral.btik.com

88 Listing Indicator

CLINICs

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

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

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

LEeDs

Briggate

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 Gascoigne St.

aGENCIES

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

HUDdERsFiEld

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

THE GREYHOUND Manchester Road, 01484 420 742

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

SPACE 01543 419002, LGBT Youth Group (16-21), youth@mesmen.co.uk Staffordshire Buddies PO Box 474, Stoke on Trent, 01782 201251

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,

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 Encompass 07790904718, 07833114752, 01745337144, LGBT social & info group for Chester & N. Wales, encompass.btik.com Mersey & Dee Women Social group, madw@merseymail.com Sole Sisters Penny: 07917 533104 or Sandra: 07921 222101, womens walking group.

WE’RE HERE IF YOU NEED US!

Registered Charity No.1070904

GROUPS

08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 47