outnorthwest issue 105

SAME MAGAZINE! NEW LOOK!

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

Published by

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

OUTNORTHWEST ISSUE 105 AUG-SEPT 2011

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

A YEAR IN

THE LIFE OF

LGF

EN LISTW NO !

FREE INSIDE! YOUR 8 PAGE OFFICIAL PRIDE GUIDE!

MANCHESTER

PRIDE!

PLUS! THE TOP 7 QUEER FILMS YOU MUST SEE!

OUTNORTHWEST EDITOR’S LETTER AUG-SEPT 2011

UNASHAMED PRIDE This is the 12th Manchester Pride event that outnorthwest has covered, and the 21st Pride event that our city has seen.

In that time we’ve seen first-hand the highs and lows that the August Bank Holiday event brings. But above all, no matter who has taken responsibility for organising the event over the last twelve years, we’ve seen just how much hard work and dedication it takes to put it on. Manchester Pride gets bigger every year because it’s a hugely successful event that people want to attend.

For thousands of people, it’s a real highlight of their year. An opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come as a community and - yes have a big party. There’s no shame in that.

And, despite its size, Manchester Pride is a very unique and personal experience for every single person who attends. In our12 years Manchester Pride has evolved and changed immeasurably, and it’ll continue to do so.

support continues in this issue with an unashamed celebration of an event that is consistently voted the UK’s best Pride event in the Pink Paper Reader’s Awards.

As you’re enjoying what will undoubtedly be a world-class Pride event, just take a second to appreciate the work that Jackie Crozier, her small staff team, the Board, and an army of volunteers have achieved. It’s no mean feat, and they deserve our thanks.

Finally, to our friends and readers in Liverpool, once again our print deadlines mean limited coverage for your fantastic Pride event. This year though, we persuaded our printers to hold the presses so we could print a selection of pictures from Liverpool Pride. Check them out on page 14, along with a fantastic competition.

Have a wonderful, safe and happy Manchester Pride, and we hope you had a fabulous Liverpool and Oldham Pride. Look out for our next issue at the end of September.

LGF ONLINE

WHAT THE HELL IS A QR CODE?

INFORMATION

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: Baxter Models: Greg and Lyndsey Special thanks to the wonderful Adam Zane

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 Reece Goddard; Catherine Conchar; George House Trust; Gaydio; Annie Emery; Andrew Gilliver; Peter Boyle; Paul Fairweather; GHT ;Colin Armstead; Adam Winter;Marc Robinson; Lucy Rolfe; Sara Ashworth.

outnorthwest has always been a strong supporter of Manchester Pride, and that

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Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

SPECIAL THANKS Jackie Crozier; Everyone at Manchester Pride; Adam Zane; Greg and Lyndsey; Lee Baxter; Les Patient; Simon Harkinson; Liverpool Pride; Gerrard Woods; Gaydio; Rob Martin; Pete Smith; the guys at Pants!

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 NOW the articles in this issue. Give it a go! Ooh, w e’re soNUMBER modern!

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IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS WEEK FILL OUT OUR ‘I EXIST!’ SURVEY! It only takes 15 minutes to complete (and you win an iPad2, holiday and shopping vouchers), but the answers you give will be used to sustain and improve services for LGB people. It is vitally important that as LGB people we stand up for our needs and experiences, and have them acknowledged by decision makers. To find out more, and complete the survey, visit www.lgf.org.uk/iexist today.

INSIDE OUT REGULARS

06 ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! How you can help stop the spread of homophobia in our schools with one simple act!

08

SAY “I EXIST!”

08 NEWS & OPINION Vote for your community Homo Heroes, and take part in our I Exist survey. Also the latest funding update from Stockport.

16 VILLAGE PEOPLE The dangers of Ketamine and its effect on the Village. A club owner speaks out.

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

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

FEATURES

26 FILM THERAPY Reece Goddard returns to ONW with his 7 must-see queer movies. Plus news of a new LGF Film Therapy group.

WELLBEING

20 GEORGE HOUSE TRUST The latest developments from GHT.

26

TOP 7 MOST INSPIRING QUEER FILMS

49

22 & 24 WOMEN’S HEALTH Have you had your Screen Test? The results are in! Plus upcoming events for women.

YOUR 8-PAGE GUIDE TO MANCHESTER PRIDE 2011!

30 & 36 GAY MEN’S HEALTH Gentlemen of a certain age. How difficult is it getting older in LGBT Manchester?

32 DRUGS & ALCOHOL Is your drinking a problem?

34 SURVIVE PRIDE! The key to a marvellous Big Weekend is not to overdo it. We’ve got all the top tips you need to survive Pride!

44 SPORT & FITNESS All the latest news and events from Pride Sports.

This issue also includes the LGF Annual Review and our Pride Guide.

06

HAVE YOU BOUGHT A SCHOOLS Homophobia PACK? ACTION against

www.lgf.org.uk/enough

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.

www.lgf.org.uk/enough

TAKING ACTION HOW YOU ARE TAKING ACTION AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA

MAKE

SOME NOISE! This summer, Enough is Enough!

Action Against Homophobia is urging you to take positive action and say, “I Exist, I have rights and I’m going to use them!”

Pride, Huddersfield Pink Picnic and Oldham Pride – where we launched the new I Exist legal rights guide for lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

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help celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual & trans people and life loudly and proudly. If you’d like to join us contact enough@lgf.org.uk

Fabulous Ambassadors

We want to say a huge thanks to everyone who has signed up to Enough is Enough! this summer, and let the world know that homophobia is unacceptable and needs to stop!

Next up is the Manchester Pride Big Weekender (August 26th – 29th), where we’ll be encouraging people to take positive action against homophobia and add their name to the campaign, we are also proud to be taking part in the Manchester Pride Parade on Saturday 27th August.

Our fabulous Enough is Enough! ambassadors have been spreading the anti-homophobia message further afield in Belfast and beyond, look out for our ambassadors at Sunderland Pride and Hawick LGBT Festival.

We’ve been at Blackpool Pride, Peel Park Pink Picnic, Beech Road Festival, Liverpool

We want as many people as possible to join Enough is Enough! at Manchester Pride, to

If you’d like to take positive action and sign people up to the campaign at your local

Scan here NOW to buy a Schools Pack!

Homophobia ACTION against

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

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VIDEO NOW

LIKE US!

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

“I think the school is now more inclusive than ever before. I have had boys openly talking about their homosexuality in lessons, with a warm and respectful reception from peers. So overall – effective and very much useful and used!”

Teacher from a Safer Schools Pack School. pride, email enough@lgf.org.uk and we’ll send you an info pack.

New Term = New Start It might seem like the schools have only just broken up, but believe it or not, thousands of students will be heading back to schools across UK at the start of next month.

Some will be raring to get back to school, others will be dreading it, as for them it will mean another term of bullying and taunting – for many that bullying and taunting will be because they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or are perceived to be.

ROGER CROUCH In the last issue of outnorthwest, we spoke to Roger Crouch about the dreadful impact homophobia had had on his life, after his son Dominic (15) took his own life when rumours spread at school that he was gay.

Roger took action and recorded a video for Enough is Enough! backing our Safer Schools Packs campaign – which help schools challenge homophobic bullying and support young people.

Over 8000 people have watched Roger’s video, he’s had messages of support from all over the world, and recently was a guest speaker at the Stonewall Education Conference.

What happened to Dominic should never have happened, and must never happen again.

Please donate to a Safer Schools Pack for the new term, to help make schools safer.

We get regular helpline calls from vulnerable young people who are being bullied in UK schools, and these packs really make a difference!

TWEET US!

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

OPINION PAUL FAIRWEATHER

...on tabloid behaviour The ongoing saga of News International has highlighted the specific issues of the behaviour of the tabloid press but also a wider issue of press freedom and regulation.

For our communities these issues always been important and we need to be putting forward our ideas, views and opinions.

There have been some significant changes in reporting over the years.

I remember well the campaign in the 1980s of the Manchester Evening News attacking the City Council for trying to turn Manchester into the San Francisco of the North or even Sodom and Gomorrah when it began to develop positive policies on lesbians and gay men. There were typical tabloid headlines about lesbian gym mats and tea parties for deaf gay men. In those pre internet days local papers like the Manchester Evening News had huge influence but lesbians and gay men fought back , picketed argues and wrote letters and over time views changed. So today the MEN can write a major editorial speaking about the great value that Manchester Pride brings to the city.

The News of the World was much worse and from the 1950s ran endless stories about perverts and degenerates out to destroy our society. In the 70s and 80s celebrities were outed and the growing confidence of LGBT politics continually attacked and derided.

It has become clearer and clearer that the level of collusion and corruption between News International and politicians and the police was greater than anyone imagined and that this had a real impact on more radical policies being developed.

So now there is an opportunity to have a far more powerful and effective

regulation of the press which will not stop genuine investigative reporting but which will prevent for example peoples sexuality being used and exploited simply to sell newspapers. Maybe it will now be easier for famous people who are still in the closet to come out and act as role models, especially for young people, if they are less afraid of being attacked and ridiculed by the tabloids.

Although we now have blogs and tweets and in some ways we can all have our say and put our every thought out there into the ether the power of the popular press, TV and radio remains strong. It still has a bias towards the conventional and conservative and supports those with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo.

There are strong and compelling arguments out there whether about the urgency of real action on climate change the need to tax financial transactions as a realistic and sensible alternative to massive cuts in public spending. But how often do most of us hear about them?

We need to be arguing for all forms of media to reflect the depth and diversity of our communities. We need a far wider range of views and opinions in the mainstream media and not just one or two familiar voices and stars of soaps and reality TV shows. We need far more serious LGBT journalism with depth and originality asking questions that we are reluctant to answer or want to ignore.

With such renewed interest in the power and role of the press maybe we can also encourage new voices to appear in our communities with urgent questions to ask and things to say.

The danger is that once the furore dies down we simply return to the old ways of lazy journalism and cheap prejudice. My hope is that both the broadsheets and popular press will now feel empowered to open their pages to different views and ideas. Let’s be sure we all have challenging new and thought provoking things to say to them.

Paul Fairweather www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 07

AGENDA

AUG-SEPT 2011

IN DEPTH NEWS, COMMENT AND ANALYSIS

SAY “I EXIST!” FRAIZB ES!

HAVE YOUR SAY IN A MAJOR SURVEY OF LGB LIFE

P

& Gay Foundation produced an information resource to enable LGB people to have upto-date information about their legal and civil rights. It proved to be one of our most popular resources. However, over the last four years there have continued to be major changes in legislation that affect our lives. newTHIS FOR MORE This is why we have produced a brand TO DIAL INFORMATION guide to rights for lesbian, gay and NUMBER bisexualNOW Scan here NOW to take the survey! people called ‘I Exist’.

Photo: Paul Jones (Exposure)

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This Summer, the LGF launched our I Exist survey, to find out about a range of issues affecting lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people, from health to homophobia and relationships to legal rights.

It only takes 15 minutes to complete, but the answers you give will be used to sustain and improve services for LGB people. It is vitally important that as LGB people we stand up for our needs and experiences, and have them acknowledged by decision makers.

In return for your time, there is the chance to win some fantastic prizes, including £500 worth of holiday vouchers, an iPad 2 or £100 worth of shopping vouchers!

The 2011 National Census was carried out to gather information necessary to planning and improving service provision across the country. But there was no question asking about sexual orientation. This means there is still a lack of evidence about LGB people. It is important that we are confident to make our needs and experiences heard, and to fight discrimination faced by lesbian, gay and bisexual people because of our sexual orientation. We need to stand up and be counted, and say “I Exist!” www.lgf.org.uk/iexist

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This new 72 page pocket booklet includes updates on: The Equality Act 2010,education & safer schools, sex & the law, relationships, same-sex parenting, housing, domestic violence, homophobic hate crime, LGB health, employment equalities regulations, later life ,LGB refugee & asylum, useful contacts and legal services and much more! ‘I Exist’ also discusses the importance of Sexual Orientation Monitoring.

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I Exist - A Guide to Your Rights for lesbian, gay and bisexual people

It is vitally important that we keep informed, and inform each other; about our legal and civil rights so that we are better able to use these rights whenever we need to. We hope that ‘I Exist’ will inspire you to learn more about your rights.

Today, lesbian, gay and bisexual people have many legal protections in the law but do we know what they are, do we know how to use them? Back in 2007 The Lesbian

If you would like more information, or for copies of this resource, please let us know.Tel:0845 3 30 30 or e-mail: info@lgf.org.uk

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

SCAN TO DIAL THIS NUMBER NOW

AGENDA AUG-SEPT 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

FREE LGB&T

LEGAL ADVICE The Lesbian & Gay Foundation has been providing a legal advice surgery to Manchester’s LGB&T community for five years. Here we talk to Legal Eagles, Les Patient and Simon Harkinson who are regularly on hand to help inform us all about our rights .

How did the Surgery begin?

Simon and I as gay lawyers have wanted to provide this service as a way of giving something back to our own. The service runs on a rota, myself and Simon, Geraldine O’Reilly and Suzanne Moore, all trainee solicitors or solicitors who give freely of their time. We specialise in different aspects of the law and if we have not been able to help straight away we obtain help or direct people to the right place.

What have been the most common and unusual enquiries?

There have been a lot of relationship issues, homophobia and employment issues but it is pretty varied and NOTHING is unusual. There is nothing we haven’t heard before or are uncomfortable in listening to. It is important that people are able to talk openly and know nothing will be shared with anyone other than the appropriate colleague who is going to help.

Do you find that LGB&T people are aware of their legal rights ?

People are generally so unaware of their rights or where they can find out about them, no matter what their sexual orientation or gender! There is a lot of information online, but it doesn’t beat a human face, a friendly ear and people like to see a gay or gay-friendly solicitor who is not judgemental, in relaxed circumstances and with no prejudice.

Do you often have to do a lot of research yourself?

There have been so many changes in the law affecting LGB&T people over the last decade. We have to constantly update

HOW YOU CAN ACCESS FREE LEGAL ADVICE

ourselves thank goodness, as we need stimulus to keep interested in the law which can often be a bit dry.

Is there one particular area that you think is really important for LGB&T people to become better informed about?

Employment rights are a big issue for people.

People just seem to put up with much more prejudice than they have to. There is far more prejudice out there than I imagined especially in the places away from the City. It makes me very sad as a civilised gay man.

What would you say to anyone worrying about a particular situation ?

They should come and talk to us. We are able to reassure people, defend people and send people away with one less worry and with reassurance. What have they got to lose ?

ACCESS THE SERVICE The LGB&T Legal Advice Surgery takes place on the second and fourth Tuesday evening of the month from 6pm to 8pm from the LGF’s headquarters in Manchester’s gay village. No appointment is necessary. For more info, please contact the LGF on 0845 3 30 30 30.

We would like to thank Les,Simon and all the team for all the support over the years and please do continue to use this invaluable service!

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 09

AGENDA AUG-SEPT 2011 PROTECT THE ACT

STOCKPORT

SURVIVORS MANCHESTER

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

There are so many myths and misconceptions surrounding the issue of sexual abuse and rape, especially when it comes to men as victims.

Researchers in the field of Sexual Violence generally accept that 1 in 6 men are victims of sexual violence, which would equate to 201,362 male survivors of sexual abuse or rape in Greater Manchester; 38,178 in Manchester alone. Survivors Manchester exists to support male survivors of sexual abuse and rape.

In the last year 70% of male survivors accessing services self identified as heterosexual, 21% gay and 9% bisexual.

To find out more visit www.survivorsmanchester.org.uk

LEARN NEW SKILLS Thanks to support from the Adult Community Learning Fund, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, in partnership with Gaydio and Manchester College will be delivering a series of workshops in the coming months on a whole range of subjects such as bike maintenance, photography, cookery, history and heritage, creative writing, radio production and radio presentation.

Participants will be given the opportunity to develop their skills in a safe and welcoming environment and have greater access to further learning and development opportunities. The workshops are free and will be starting in the autumn until March 2012. They are open to anyone who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or trans.

For more information please contact: info@lgf.org.uk or call 08453 303030

LGF FUNDING UPDATE:

STOCKPORT A great deal of interest followed the article in our last issue about NHS Stockport’s decision to stop funding The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s services.

Thanks to so many of you who have been in touch and written to NHS Stockport and also your local MP about this matter. We are pleased to announce that Stockport Primary Care Trust have fully reinstated the LGF’s sexual health contract, subject to a full community

consultation. This means that the LGF will now be able to provide services for lesbian, gay and bisexual Stockport residents, accessed both within Stockport and central Manchester.

In addition the LGF will be supporting Stockport PCT to conduct a community consultation in September which will help to shape future service provision and inform future commissioning.

Please let us know if you would like to be kept informed of this. Call 0845 3 30 30 30 or e-mail: info@lgf.org.uk

CONFERENCE

CALL!

Cardiff’s LGBT Excellence Centre have announced that the upcoming LGB&T Health and Human Rights Summits are now free.

The International LGB&T Human Rights Summit takes place betwee 31st August and 1st September. The National LGB&T Health Summit take places from 1st September until 2nd September.

The LGB&T Health Summit will be a two-day conference focused on advances in LGB&T rights in Health in the UK. Conference activities will include strategy working groups, paper presentations, plenary sessions, and various networking opportunities and celebrations.

These are followed by Cardiff Pride on 3rd September.

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

To register or to find out more visit: http://lgbtec.org.uk/page/come-outplay-2011-2

AUG-SEPT 2011 HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

PRIDE IN

Photo: Ben Light

PRACTICE Since 2009, the LGF has been funded by NHS North West, to help encourage GP surgeries to be more aware of the needs of their lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) patients, and more welcoming and inclusive places for them too.

This is one of several partnership projects which LGF has undertaken for the strategic health authority. The surgeries project encourages doctors and healthcare professionals to display our “We’re Here If You Need Us” posters and leaflets, and signpost people who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual to the LGF for services and support.

The next phase of the project is the GP Surgeries Charter Mark which will encourage GPs across the UK to be fully committed to

assuring that their lesbian, gay and bisexual patients are treated fairly, and that their services are inclusive of LGB people and their needs. The surgeries that sign up to the charter will be expected to create a welcoming environment – including using inclusive language and imagery, monitoring sexual orientation, consulting with LGB patients, LGB health promotion and outreach, and training staff around specific LGB issues. The standards will also progressively encourage a trans positive approach. The Charter Mark will encourage GPs to aim for excellence in LGB service delivery, and once a surgery demonstrates that it is an accessible and supportive service they will be awarded a bronze, silver or gold certificate of recognition.

Visit www.lgf.org.uk for updates on the Charter Mark and for more info email: dennis.baldwin@lgf.org.uk

TAURUS TURNS TEN! Taurus bar and restaurant is celebrating ten years at the very heart of Manchester’s LGB&T village. We asked Taurus’s Iain Scott about some of the highlights of Taurus’s first decade (in no particular order) 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

RAINBOW ASIAN PROJECT

6.

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation and Trade Sexual Health, Leicester have launched a new report looking at the needs of Asian men who have sex with men (MSM).

8.

The Rainbow Asian Project (RAP) is an innovative partnership, funded by CHAPS which has spoken to 126 Asian men across England from a range of identities who collectively identify as Asian MSM. The men have shared their experiences to promote a greater understanding of their problems when coming to terms with sexual orientation, accessing support and the barriers and enablers to engaging in safer sex.This report aims to help individuals and organisations

7.

9.

10. to become involved and stay involved in addressing the needs of Asian MSM. For more information or to get a copy of this report e-mail: andrew.gilliver@ lgf.org.uk. Next event for Asian MSM: Sexual Health Training Workshop 24th September 1-5pm. For more information contact: peter.boyle@lgf.org.uk

Introducing true diversity to Manchester in its clientele.

Bringing the Salford Ladies United Temperance Society to the attention of everyone through Pride.

Hosting Its a Gay Knockout -The infamous pre-pride event takes place 25th August at 9pm.

The fabulous Miss Taurus pageant.

Creating and maintaining the strongest and longest serving team in the Village.

Introducing Fringe theatre to the Village, as well as being amongst the early adopters across the whole city.

Making art accessible to large numbers of customers through exhibitions on the walls which are currently booked 2 years in advance.

Being the first ever LGB&T bar to be named Manchester’s ‘Bar of the Year’ in 2004.

Being called ‘The Community Centre’.

Michael Pollard aka Polly, being a board member of Pride.

Everyone at outnorthwest would like to wish Taurus a very Happy 10th Birthday.

Taurus, 1 Canal Street, Manchester, M1 3HE 0161 236 4593 www.taurus-bar.co.uk www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 11

AGENDA AUG-SEPT 2011 IN OTHER NEWS

MANCHESTER PRIDE 2011

QUEENS AWARDS!

The Chief Executive of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF), Paul Martin, was awarded an O.B.E. in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for Services to Equal Opportunities.

Paul has said that he is ‘genuinely delighted’ and adds; “It means a great deal to be recognised by your country in this way, and the work that all of us have done at the LGF over the years for the LGB&T community is recognised by this award too. It’s still rare for LGB&T people to be openly recognised in this way for the work we do in our communities.”

Also awarded the Order of the British Empire was NBA basketball playerturned-social entrepreneur John Amaechi for his services to sport and to the voluntary sector.Icebreakers - the self-help group for gay and bisexual men in Manchester - has been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Everyone at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation is incredibly proud that our Chief Executive has been recognised for the tremendous amount of hard work and dedication that has gone in to the ongoing work and development of the LGF, and we know that you will join us in congratulating Paul, John and everyone at Icebreakers on their thoroughly well deserved honours.

A SHAMELESS 21st

FOR PRIDE! For Pride’s 21st birthday, Adam Zane and Lee Warburton set out to create a short film to celebrate Manchester’s LGBT community.

Greg added, “After meeting such a brilliantly diverse mix of social groups and people, Ben Cohen was brilliant, the synchronized swimming was great and the football and rugby teams were hilarious!”

Adam and Lee first met on the set of Queer as Folk - Adam played the accident-prone Dane and Lee was one of the only characters to ever reject Stuart! The Pride film begins with a cheeky homage to Queer as Folk featuring Ciaran Griffiths (Mickey McGuire in Shameless) and Greg Howland-Scott.

Adam says “I don’t think Greg realised what he was letting himself in for! Dressing up in Clone Zone fetish-wear and getting naked in Sackville Park for a start. Since filming finished Greg has joined Adam’s Hope Theatre Company and has recently been touring Manchester schools with the play ‘Outloud’.

The film follows Greg as he experiences Canal Street for the first time - meeting members of the Spartans, Village FC, the LGF and a host of people who work and play in the village.

The play is part of Exceeding Expectations, the groundbreaking anti-homophobia project funded by Manchester City Council and produced by the LGF, Healthy Schools and Hope Theatre Company.

Adam Zane says “We wanted to celebrate Manchester’s LGB&T community and get as many people involved as possible. There are over 150 people in the film and I think it gives a quite loving snapshot of the village and Pride” Greg met Adam while studying at Salford University and was thrilled to be cast in the film.

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

The Pride film is now getting thousands of hits on YouTube from people across the UK and around the world. It will also be shown throughout Pride on screens near the main stage.

Watch now! www.manchesterpride.com

AUG-SEPT 2011

VOTE

Photo: Sarah Quinn

NOW!

VOTE NOW FOR YOUR

HOMO HEROES! Two years ago at Manchester Pride 2009 the LGF celebrated our communities with our Homo Heroes campaign.

•

At Pride 2009 almost 1,000 people gave us their nominations of homo heroes who were largely people in the public eye. This year we want to know who the Homo Heroes are in your life.

•

There are a total of seven categories in which you can put forward your nominations: • •

Community Champion of the year Business of the year

These nominations are open to anyone who wishes to vote for any person, group or organisation who they believe have made a difference to the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

significant contribution to supporting either you or people you care about. There is no committee involved in selecting candidates for inclusion in any round of the nominations so you can literally nominate any one you know who you think deserves to be called a Homo Hero!

It could be a member of your family, a worker who you think deserves special praise, an organisation that you believe deserves special recognition or someone who volunteers their time to support other people, it is entirely up to you!

The initial nomination period will be open until 18 August 2011.

We know that there are many unsung heroes out there in our communities so what Following this initial nomination period, the are you waiting for? Tell us who you think top three nominees for each award category has made a difference to the lives of lesbian, will be put forward for a public vote from 19 gay and bisexual August 2011; voting will officially close on people this year?

Thursday 8th September and the winners will be announced at a special Homo Hero Award Ceremony on 22 September 2011.

You can complete your nomination These awards are important because they form at our are voted for by you!

Manchester Pride Lifestyle Expo stall They are about celebrating people in or online at: FOR MORE INFORMATION our everyday lives who have made a www.lgf.org.uk/hero

SCAN

Scan here NOW to nominate!

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s ‘Homo Hero Awards’ are designed to showcase the contributions made by individuals, groups and organisations for, and on behalf of, the lesbian, gay and bisexual community.

It is an opportunity to celebrate those that have challenged homophobia, achieved significant gains for our communities and who share in the Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s values of innovation, diversity, excellence, fairness, integrity and engagement.

• • •

Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual role model of the year Public Sector Partner of the year Volunteer of the year Community Group or Organisation of the year LGB&T Venue of the Year

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 13

AGENDA AUG-SEPT 2011

THE PRIDE OF

PIC

SPEC

IAL!

LIVERPOOL! STOP PRESS! THE LATEST PICS FROM LIVERPOOL PRIDE.

WIN! Following the massive success of the Justice Vogue Ball in 2010, Renowned Dance Company House of Suarez return with ‘The Death By Glitter Vogue Ball’. For one night only club culture meets high art in a dazzling battle for supremacy on the Runway. It promises to be Liverpool’s most glittering event of 2011.

Voodou are a chain of six ladies and gents hairdressing salons in Liverpool. nVoodou work very hard, not only provide exceptional hairdressing skills, but to also give every client a very individual service.

HOST is an East meets West fusion of dining, housed in a classic building on the corner of Faulkner Street and Hope Street, in Liverpool’s cultural bohemian quarter. The service is relaxed and informal with a juice bar and main bar serving cocktails. For more information and for exclusive offers follow HOST on twitter at @HOST_Liverpool To be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize, simply answer the question below. E-mail your answer to grahame.robertson@lgf.org.uk Who sang the hit pop song ‘Vogue’ Kylie Minogue Madonna Whitney Houston The Death By Glitter Vogue Ball Sat 1 Oct, 7.30pm Tickets:£15 Book today at www.houseofsuarez.co.uk *beauty treatment is to the value of £15

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

Photo: Andrew Hall

Huge thanks to Liverpool Pride, Andrew Hall, the Liverpool Pride Facebook Page and Darren Knight for the pictures!

The Death By Glitter Vogue Ball, presented

by House of Suarez, stomps into the Black-E Liverpool on Saturday 1st October. outnorthwest have teamed up with the ball to offer one lucky reader tickets to the most glittering event of the year, plus a three course meal with wine at HOST restaurant on Hope Street. If that wasn’t enough, the lucky winner and their friend will also win a free cut, finish and beauty treatment* at Voodou the Hairdressers to ensure that you’re all glammed up for the big event.

YOUNG PEOPLE TOP TIPS: COMING OUT

FRESHERS: COMING OUT

Photo: Paul Jones (Exposure)

1

COMING OUT OF

2

YOUR SHELL 3 For many of us, September can be a time of change; moving away from home, starting a course, going to university or entering the world of work. This for you may mean moving away from friends and social circles and for the first time – going it alone.

Meeting new people can feel daunting; it can really take you out of your comfort zone, particularly if it’s yet another person who you may eventually come out to. Being shy can feel like a real burden at times; wishing you were the social butterfly rather than the quiet wall flower that often goes unnoticed.

Shyness can be linked to low self esteem and not having very much confidence, and can affect you more in certain areas of your life. The

loud, outgoing person from your year at school (who everyone wanted to be friends with) was probably quaking in their boots when they had to go for that first time job interview.

The friend-of-a-friend who knows anyone and everyone and is always the centre of attention probably spends a lot of their time worrying that nobody really likes them.

Meeting new people can be a really positive experience once you’ve recovered from those initial nerves. If you’re thinking about coming out about your sexuality to them too, it’s always worth waiting until you know you’re ready, rather than rushing into it.

Adding that into the mix and preparing yourself for it being either a positive or negative reaction can add to the nerves – but don’t retreat back into that shell yet! Have a look at our top tips because they may just help…

If you’d like to talk about coming out, contact The Lesbian & Gay Foundation on 0845 3 30 30 30 (10am-10pm), e-mail: info@lgf.org.uk. You can also visit our website for more information at www.lgf.orguk

4

5 6

The secret of confident people isn’t complicated – rather than shy away in the corner, take a deep breath, walk over to someone and ask them their name. Showing an interest in the other person is one of the easiest ways to strike up a conversation.

Act confidently and the rest will follow – even if you feel like a bag of nerves. Stand up straight, put your shoulders back and hold your head high!

Be careful about starting to rely on alcohol or drugs to make you feel more confident; it can be a dangerous cycle that won’t do you any favours in the long run.

Mix with people who make you feel good. Good friends shouldn’t put you down to make themselves feel better – its better to have fewer friends who you trust rather than loads of friends you don’t like.

Remember that in a new situation, everyone else probably feels just as nervous as you do. Break the ice by being open about it – they’ll probably feel relieved that someone else feels the same!

If you feel that you’d benefit from talking to someone about confidence and self esteem, and would maybe like a helping hand; contact us at the LGF and let us know how we can help. www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 15

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

GAY VILLAGE TACKLES DANGERS OF

KETAMINE

A report has highlighted a significant rise in Ketamine use among UK clubbers. outnorthwest caught up with Cruz 101’s Gerrard Woods and the LGF’s Sara Ashworth to talk about the risks of Ketamine, the impact it’s having on Manchester’s gay scene and why more needs to be done about it!

drug have prompted a number of awareness raising campaigns at the club. Gerrard says “Five years ago it wasn’t prevalent like it is now. I would say everyone I’ve had to exclude from the premises for any kind of possession of an illegal substance in the last 3 or 4 years, 95% of it has been possession of ketamine.”

A survey carried out in 2009 found that 68% of UK clubbers had taken Ketamine, compared with 25% back in 2001, a significant increase and one which is helping to raise the profile of the dangers of Ketamine use.

Gerrard is adamant that more needs to be done about Ketamine: “Up till now I think one of the reasons Ketamine has had so much success is partly because people know relatively little about the consequences of taking it long term. There is real need for more awareness and more information about Ketamine.”

Gerrard Woods, General Manager at Manchester’s legendary Village venue Cruz 101, has welcomed this national attention on ketamine, as his own concerns about the

As a venue manager, Gerrard is aware of the risks he is running talking so openly about Ketamine, but he feels a duty to raise awareness of this issue to people who go out in the Village and beyond.

Sara Ashworth, Drugs & Alcohol Research Officer at the Lesbian & Gay Foundation

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highlights some of those consequences.

“Damage to the bladder is the biggest long term concern that is coming to light with hospitals and drug services. People literally having no control over their bladders.”

The short term effects can include breathlessness, disorientation, it can leave you feeling cut off from your body, or in a dreamy, floating state.

The BBC has reported that the growing number of deaths linked to ketamine, have been caused by the users not being fully aware of their surroundings. Sara adds “like with almost all drugs, most of the time it’s not the drugs that kill you it’s the side effects. Injecting in the wrong way, not having the right equipment, and taking risks you wouldn’t take ordinarily – like thinking you can fly. The main dangers come from those feelings of disorientation; people fall over and have accidents - like hitting their heads, people choke on their own vomit.

Ketamine can slow your breathing down to such an extent, that you fall unconscious.

If you take too much, you can find yourself

“I’d really like to see everybody get together and put their names to a campaign. There is ketamine use in the Village and we have a duty to our customers to keep them informed of the dangers...”

Gerrard Woods General Manager, Cruz 101

Sara thinks more truths need to be told; “It’s harder to get E and M.D.M.A, so people are using Ketamine as a substitute and think it will be the same. It’s not, and people aren’t aware of the risks and the long term effects – it can get to the stage where people are injecting and people are psychologically addicted. I know someone who had 4 grams in a night and 2 months later was still in a K hole.

Now, after that one session, he says he feels like a different person. He’s had to move back in with his mum and dad; he’s lost his job and his house.”

Gerrard is also aware of others who have experienced issues and recalls one in particular: “we encouraged him to see different people, doctors, and therapists. He’s been off it and back on it, off it and back on it, and it’s been like that for a number of years. Nobody is saying that a particular venue has an issue with Ketamine, but it is almost certainly the case, that all Village venues have customers who either take, have taken or know people who take Ketamine, and it is important that everyone gets together and raises awareness about this.”

“I’d really like to see everybody get together and put their names to a campaign – there is ketamine use in the Village and we have a duty to our customers to keep them informed of the dangers of using ketamine. We might make people think twice about using Ketamine and how much they are using. If you only got one person to reduce the amount of Ketamine they have been taking then that’s a good thing.”

Sara adds that if people are struggling or concerned by their own, or a friend’s ketamine use: “People need to know they can get help and they are not alone.”

For help and support around Ketamine contact info@lgf.org.uk or call 0845 3 30 30 30

INFORMATION

TALK TALK! We love to talk. And who doesn’t secretly enjoy listening to that gripping conversation being had by the couple sat in front of you on the bus?

That’s pretty much the premise behind Gaydio’s daily discussion show, The Exchange: each night, three different people get together in a studio with the day’s news for a couple of hours and fight it out.

There’s a new lineup each night - putting the world to rights, chewing the cud and generally talking about what you’re talking about. outnorthwest caught up with three regular members of the panel to find out what they enjoy about the show.

Marc

“Its great to get listeners involved in the conversation.

Whether it’s a message through our Facebook page or somebody phones up desperate to have their say on a burning issue – we’ll be finding new ways of being even more interactive as the show moves to its new evening timeslot”

Annie

“Discussing important LGB&T news stories is one of the great things about the show because it just doesn’t/wouldn’t happen on other radio stations. But it’ not all serious stuff: one minute you’re having a full blown argument about marriage equality and before you know it you’re on to Lady Gaga’s lamb chop frock!”

SCAN THE QR CODE to download the Gaydio iPhone app!

in a K hole (leaving you feeling cut off from your surroundings or your sense of self).”

SCAN FOR MORE

Nick

“You don’t know what’s going to happen next.

The other day Jeff Banks was on the show talking about this Summer’s fashion trends. Before I knew it, he’s offering to style me and the other half for our Civil Partnership next year!”

From 22nd August, The Exchange moves to a new evening slot 8pm – 10pm.

You can listen to Gaydio on 88.4FM across Greater Manchester, online at www. gaydio.co.uk or through the station’s iPhone app. www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 17

S F

IN

S T

N

S

TO

V

UP YOUR WAY

FOCUS ON: TRANS

Informing Trans Communities The Trans Resource and Empowerment Centre (TREC) is developing a new online resource which will serve as a centralised trans information hub, bringing together existing research and information sources on trans topics. The website will be designed to benefit trans people, the voluntary and community sector, policymakers, educators and practitioners.

SCAN FOR MORE

There will be several opportunities for stakeholders to input directly into the new site. For more information about TREC, please visit our website: www.transcentre.org.uk or email us at board@transcentre.org.uk.

TREC is an Executive Member of The National LGB&T Partnership. For information about the Partnership, and how to join, please see - http://www.lgf.org.uk/the-national-lgb-tpartnership/.

FOCUS ON: COMMUNITY THEATRE

Sex and the Century VADA LGBT Community Theatre Company has been gathering stories during LGBT History Month, finding the hidden history of ordinary LGBT people who often led extra-ordinary lives, exploring characters and situations in a series of workshops throughout the early summer to create a show that will tour at regional Pride Arts festivals from August.

To find out more or get involved see ‘VADA LGBT Community Theatre’ on Facebook or email vada.theatre@gmail.com. ‘Sex and the Century’ starts on 25th August 8 pm at Chorlton Library and then at other venues near the Manchester Gay Village.

The director, Stephen Hornby, says “There is a wealth of brilliant stories, really compelling, moving, hysterical and often quite unexpected, not just in Manchester but across the North West. There’s so much still to be told about the last century and VADA is going to make a brilliant start this summer with Sex and the Century.”

FOCUS ON

CUMBRIA Cumbria is getting ready for its first big pride event on the 1st October 2011 at the Swallow Hill Top Hotel, Carlisle.

needed funds and promote Cumbria Pride.

Fun and frolics are planned provided by Basque and the Shoe Boutique. £3.00 on the door, all women welcome

There are a lot of organisations supporting the event, including Unison, Two Castles Housing Association, Cumbria Fire service, Cumbria Connexions, Variety Town, PiNC, Outreach Cumbria, Basque, The Shoe Boutique, Outrageous Cabaret Bar and Pride Colours.

As well as making a donation to Cumbria Pride Outrageous Cabaret bar is holding a fundraising event , on Saturday August 20th.

Stevie D will be performing along with other entertainment visit the Cumbria Pride 2011 and Outrageous facebook pages and keep up to date with what’s happening in the Cumbrian LGBT scene.

There will be information stands, music from local and international artists , stalls, activities and fairground rides so all the family can get involved. A big bus will be promoting the event through the city on the day and will be on hand to pick some people up to take them up to the event. There is also an after show party at Outrageous Cabaret Bar for those that want to keep the party going. For more info see www.cumbriapride.org.

Ladies night at the Currock The Currock Pub in Carlisle is holding a ladies night on Saturday 30th July, to raise much

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Outrageous Cabaret Bar

PiNC PiNC is working with Cumbria Connexions providing pre -pride workshops for youth groups to get involved in to help them gain a better understanding of Pride Events and the LGBT community. The workshops will also be developing positive images and publicity that can be used in youth clubs.

PiNC and Connexions will follow this work on by using the Enough is Enough Safer schools packs to develop workshops for schools and youth clubs to challenge homophobic bullying.

Photos: Paul Jones (Exposure)

INFORMATION

UP YOUR WAY

FOCUS ON...

Young People

LGBT YOUTH NORTH WEST FOCUS ON: EAST LANCS

PANDEMONIUM IN EAST LANCS! East Lancashire’s first ever Pride event will take place in 2012, with the new Burnley LGBT Community Group leading plans for the event. ‘Pandemonium’ is the first of many fundraising events for Burnley Pride.

The group are looking for people to get involved with fundraising and the Pride event - contact burnleypride@hotmail.co.uk or ring Rachel Moore on 07800 934 873. Celebrate Burnley’s LGB&T community, culture and history in style with Burnley Pride’s first official fundraising event ‘Pandemonium’ on Friday 9th September 2011.

The event will be a unique and unusual night of music and comedy at the Burnley Mechanics Theatre. With cabaret and burlesque songstress, Coco Malone having a vocal range that knows no limits, hailing influence from godmothers Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone. The Rockabelles featuring the exquisite Miss Eva Fox, performing a beautiful melee of Rockabilly style and poptastic tunes, and special comedy guest and compere, Bethany Black – the world’s only goth, lesbian, transsexual stand-up comedian - the night will leave you wanting more!

Tickets are £10 from the Burnley Mechanics Box Office or online at www.burnleymechanics.co.uk.

E.A.G.L.E. Burnley has got a new free and confidential drop in group which is run weekly for the LGBT community in Burnley and surrounding areas. We offer a chance to socialise with other people from the LGBT community and offer any support to anyone who may need it.

E.A.G.L.E (Equality for All Gays and Lesbians Everywhere) is an informal drop in group for anyone who would like to join us, we currently run one drop in every Tuesday 12 – 2pm in Burnley Town Hall and we are set to run a second one on Sundays at the New Keirby Park Hotel on Keirby Walk in Burnley Town Centre. The Hotel is currently being revamped and under new management so we will begin the group within the next month.

If you would like any further information please contact Alex on 07972 507 679 or email - e.a.g.l.e_support@hotmail.com

LGBT Youth North West have lots of free activities going on over the next few weeks. The LGBT Youth NW summer school for LGBT Young People aged 14-25 is from 22nd-26th August 11.00-6.00 p.m. each day at the LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney Street.

We will be making costumes for the Manchester Pride parade and doing some educational workshops on things like good sexual health awareness. The annual LGBT Youth Prom on Saturday 27th August is at Platt Chapel 6.30-9pm. The LGBT Youth Sports Camp is on 30th Sept until 2nd Oct (residential) in St Helens, to include cycling, rugby, archery, health and wellbeing activities. For all of them contact lgbtyouthnorthwest@ yahoo.co.uk, text/call 07900 680 725 or join the LGBT Youth North West Facebook

Bury

AN EVENING OF QUEER COMEDY AND MUSIC The fourth year of the hugely successful ‘Not the only gays in the Village’ event is at The Met Theatre, Bury on: Thursday 29th September 2011 (8pm start). An evening of lesbian and gay comedy and music featuring Jonathan Mayor, Claire Mooney and Susan Calman, presented by Bury LGBT. Tickets are £10 (£8 concs). Available from: The Met Market Street, Bury BL0 0BW 0161 761 2216 http://themet.biz/timetable/

Salford

OUT IN SALFORD Sunday really was a lovely day for a picnic!! It was good to see so many of you come along to the first annual Peel Park Pink Picnic. To build on the success of Sunday, Out IN Salford have arranged another evening to give you the chance to all get together again! In Salford we are “out, loud and proud” and we want to make sure that our LGBT community is visible! What would you think about having a Salford Pride? If you’re free on Thursday 4 August from 7pm, come along to The Angel Healthy Living Centre, 1 St Philips Place, Salford, M3 6FA to get involved or to chat with friends. Join us on the Out IN Salford Facebook group to keep informed of what’s going on in Salford.

Contact Gemma Pagett for more information gemma.pagett@salford.gov.uk or 0161793 3796 www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 19

So, where do you turn to for support after a HIV diagnosis? How do you work out the kind of support and advice you might need?

Sometimes the messages after finding out you’re HIV positive can be a bit confusing. We’re all signed up to the idea that it’s totally possible to live your life – working, having relationships, enjoying sex – after diagnosis and that HIV shouldn’t get in the way of you being the same person you were before. You’ll no doubt be told to get on with your life and make sure you keep up your hospital appointments.

The great news is that HIV treatments today mean – with an early diagnosis– that people living with HIV can expect to live a relatively normal healthy life, providing treatment is adhered to regularly.

So, what’s the big deal? Well, the fact is that living with HIV may bring issues into your life that you may not have paid much attention to before. They may not be that apparent immediately after your diagnosis, but inevitably, they’ll pop up – and sometimes when you least expect them to.

Getting to grips with understanding some of the terminology of HIV can be a daunting process. Having to think about who you’re going to tell – and who you’re not – might take you some time to work out. Knowing how to stay well and healthy with HIV might just feel a bit mysterious to you while you’re coming to terms with everything else.

Everyone needs a bit of a hand at some point and, at George House Trust, we’re here when you need just that.

Confused about what CD4 means?

Anxious about what to tell the guy you just met about your HIV? Starting treatment and want some support while you get to grips with the routine? Long term diagnosed with HIV and feeling like you want to meet some other people in the same situation?

Our services at George House Trust are here for you if you’re living with HIV and living in the North West – whether you’ve been diagnosed for two weeks or twenty years. Our experienced adviser team is

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!

here to offer you support and advice whenever you want it. We’ll make sure you have all the information you need to make your own choices about what’s right for you.

Whether it’s a one to one with someone because you’re recently diagnosed and need someone to talk things through with, or a chat with our Health Trainer about getting your head round CD4 and Viral Load counts - we’re here for you.

Maybe it’s the opportunity to meet some other gay men in the same situation as you that might help, or some advice on whether you should tell your boss about your HIV because you’re worried about time off for your hospital appointments – we’re here for you.

If you just want to let us know you’re living with HIV but don’t feel there’s anything you want right now, that’s fine too. Check in with one of our Services Advisers who’ll be able to run you through a list of all our services so that you know exactly what we do when you do need us.

We believe in supporting people living with HIV to feel confident about the future and to live fulfilling lives. We want to ensure that people living with HIV have access to the very best advice, support and information about HIV that’s around. We believe in structuring our services so that they’re relevant and useful.

It’s fantastic that we can now say that living with HIV needn’t be a barrier to doing those things that you’ve always wanted to do. But it’s right, too, that we recognise that sometimes, living with HIV can mean having to seek out that bit of support or advice that will help you get on with your life.

If you’re living with HIV and want either to know more about what we do, or to make an appointment to see a Services Adviser or our Health Trainer call us on 0161 274 4499.

Alternatively visit our website www.ght.org.uk to find out more about what we do. You can also email us at support@ght.org.uk and ask for advice or to book an appointment.

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

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SCAN HERE TO VISIT THE GHT SITE

WOMEN

THANK YOU! To all the women who took part in the campaign; those who came to the focus groups, filled out the surveys, watched the videos and played the games – we couldn’t have done it without you.

!

N I E R A S T L THE RESU

To our wonderful volunteers who took the campaign out into the community, and helped build confidence among lesbian and bisexual women in the north west and beyond to access cervical screening.

To our funders the NHS Cervical Screening Programme, and our partners in this project the University of Salford.

If you are a regular reader of outnorthwest you are probably well aware of the Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s (LGF’s) film themed cervical screening campaign for lesbian and bisexual women – Are You Ready for your Screen Test?

It’s been well documented in these pages with articles, games and posters, and further afield with viral videos spoofing Hollywood classics, online games, community outreach, resources and widespread media coverage across the UK – all to raise awareness that lesbian and bisexual women need regular cervical screening tests too.

During the project, the research team spoke to almost 1000 lesbian and bisexual women

living in the North West, across two surveys which were carried out both before and after the awareness raising campaign.

The findings of those surveys were launched last month at The LGF’s Cervical Screening Seminar, where the Are You Ready for Your Screen Test? campaign published its findings into the attitudes, experiences and uptake of cervical screening in the lesbian, gay and bisexual women’s community of the North West. The findings have repercussions nationally; the awareness raising campaign saw an increase in women accessing cervical screening services, and 99% of respondents supported running this or a similar targeted campaign across the UK. Annie Emery, Programme Manager at The LGF comments, “The findings of the report highlight the overwhelming need for, and benefit of

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

targeted campaigns like Are You Ready For Your Screen Test? on a wider geographical scale, to ensure that lesbian and bisexual women get appropriate information about their health and the services available to them.

Cervical screening awareness is a key priority at the LGF and we will now be pushing forward with the report’s recommendations, including encouraging LGB specific training for health professionals, sexual orientation monitoring, developing partnership work, and more targeted, appropriate and accurate information for lesbian and bisexual women.”

Read the full summary report and the academic report at www.lgf.org.uk/screening

KEY FINDINGS

WOMEN

THE ABOVE IS JUST A SNEAK PEAK AT THE KET FINDINGS IN THE SUMMARY REPORT. TO READ THE FULL REPORT, VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

WWW.LGF.ORG.UK/SCREENING

CERVICAL SCREENINGEENING LATEST Thinking ofEVENT! starting a family or just wanting to watch the film, come along to The LGF on Tuesday 23rd of August for Our Kids Are Alright as part of the Manchester Pride Fringe Festival. Join us at this free event to explore all things family.

LIKE RIDING A BIKE? We will be watching the hit film ‘The Kids Are All Right’ - about lesbian mums, their two children and what happens when their anonymous sperm donor unexpectedly enters their lives.

OUR KIDS ARE ALRIGHT! Thinking of starting a family or just wanting to watch the film, come along to The LGF on Tuesday 23rd of August for Our Kids Are Alright as part of the Manchester Pride Fringe Festival. Join us at this free event to explore all things family.

about starting a family, whichever route you choose!

We will be watching the hit film ‘The Kids Are All Right’ - about lesbian mums, their two children and what happens when their anonymous sperm donor unexpectedly enters their lives. There will also be an expert panel on hand to share their stories of family life and answer your practical and legal questions

Our Kids Are Alright takes place at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3HF on Tuesday August 23rd (6-9pm).

Come along on the night, or for more information, or to advise us of access requirements email women@lgf.org.uk

Representatives from O’Neill Patient solicitors will be on hand with expert legal advice, there will be information on the different ways you can start a family from Pride Angel, Care Fertility, and After Adoption, and LGB&T parents will be sharing their experiences.

MORE EVENTS FOR WOMEN

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

Grab your smartphone and scan the code and keep checking www.lgf.org.uk , and future issues of outnorthwest for more details of up and coming monthly workshops, such as DIY, photography, history and heritage and much more. If you’d like to register your interest in these workshops or find out more info TO DIAL THIS contact women@lgf.org.uk

SCAN NUMBER NOW

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

There will also be an expert panel on hand to share their stories of family life and answer your practical and legal questions about starting a family, whichever route you choose!

Representatives from O’Neill Patient solicitors will be on hand with expert legal advice, there will be information on the different ways you can start a family from Pride Angel, Care Fertility, and After Adoption, and LGB&T parents will be sharing their experiences.

Our Kids Are Alright takes place at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3HF on Tuesday August 23rd (6-9pm).

Come along on the night, or for more information, or to advise us of access Want to get into cycling? requirements email women@lgf.org.uk

The latest in our events for lesbian and bisexual women and their friends.

Have a bike at home but never use it? Need know how to fix a puncture?

Come to our bike maintenance workshop to learn top tips from an expert on getting the most from your two wheels. Followed by a group cycle ride starting in Manchester and suitable for all abilities. Saturday 17th September (2-5pm).

Venue to be confirmed.

Contact women@lgf.org.uk for more info. Please bring your own bike and safety equipment (helmet etc).

FILM FILM THERAPY!

SEAN PENN IN MILK

LGB&T FILM AS THERAPY

LIANNA

LGF’s Counselling Officer Chris Murchison tells us about a new group that aims to use classic and cult films to discuss what it means to be LGB&T

“My first introduction to cinema started in the 1960’s when my mum took me every Friday afternoon after school. In those days cinemas were huge single screen auditoriums showing Pathe News, Look at Life, a black and white B movie, with ice cream, trailers for what was on the following week and at long last the main feature.

Fifty years later and my partner recently completed a film course at Manchester University. This used film to look at notions of Britishness and it set me thinking, would it be possible to do the same to explore sexuality and gender?

There’s a treasure trove of LGB&T films. These films are interesting in that they illustrate a particular period of our culture and history. For example:

Maurice A gay love story set against a backdrop of Edwardian England.

Victim Early 1960’s thriller portraying hidden sexuality and blackmail.

Before Stonewall Life in the U.S from the 1920’s to the Stonewall Riots.

Taxi Zum Klo Gay life in pre-AIDS Berlin.

Queer as Folk Canal Street in the late 1990’s.

Eyes Wide Open Gay love amongst Jerusalem’s Orthodox Community.

I wondered what it would be like to gather together an audience of LGB&T people to view these films and meet the following week to discuss them.

Details of the new group are detailed on the next page...”

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

REECE GODDARD’S TOP SEVEN

INSPIRING

QUEER MOVIES! DOG DAY AFTERNOON (1975) A pivotal moment in Seventies cinema from a time when studios took chances and filmmakers took risks. Based on true events which occurred just years before, Al Pacino gives an unforgettable performance as a robber who holds up a New York city bank to pay for his male lover’s sex change, played by Chris Sarandon. The heist becomes a media circus and brings New York to a standstill, as Pacino is seen as a revolutionary hero battling against the police. Though his lover is portrayed as a sad character this is arguably the first time a mainstream cinema audience would have seen a transgender character sympathetically integrated into a commercial Hollywood movie. Almost forty years later, this still remains one of the few Hollywood dramas with a central gay protagonist and groundbreaking anti-hero. “Attica! Attica!”

LIANNA (1982) Desert Hearts may be the hot lesbian favourite but John Sayles’ second film is the real independent breakthrough of the 1980’s. The real achievement is not just that a straight male writer-director can deliver one of the best lesbian love stories, but that the simple coming out story seems so fresh and original. The wife of a film lecturer falls in love with her graduate professor and sets out to explore her sexuality in a story devoid of melodrama and ‘issues’. The director even attempts to show the world differently after Lianna’s first relationship. Humorous, tender and believable this remains a little understated gem.

Maurice (1987) Beautiful Thing (1996) The settings are miles and decades - if not worlds - apart but these gay favourites still remain two of the greatest examples of gay on-screen romances. Maurice is a quality Merchant/Ivory production in every sense of the word, dripping in period detail and filled with established British talent. Jonathon Harvey says he wrote Beautiful Thing as ‘an antidote’ to Maurice, setting his contemporary play/film on a working-class south London council estate and for most audiences will obviously be the more relatable of the two. What both films have in common is that they are still rare examples of beautiful gay love stories complete with happy, or at least optimistic, endings.

Milk (2008) An inspiring piece of work about an inspiring individual. The film covers Harvey Milk’s rise from Castro street camera store owner to becoming the first openly gay elected politician. The screenplay wisely chooses to make the political personal and focuses on Milk the individual as well as the grass-roots campaigning and personal beliefs that drove him forward. This is a real snapshot of the Seventies and the burgeoning gay right movement, both an education and powerful, emotional storytelling. Also recommended: the 1984 Oscar-winning documentary The Times of Harvey Milk.

SHOW ME LOVE (1998) EYES WIDE OPEN (2009) World cinema is filled with many examples of great LGBT characters, stories and themes that transcend the label of ‘gay cinema’ and these are two of the finest examples. The Swedish Show Me Love (originally called Fucking Amal, referring to the town in which the film set) really captures what it is like to be young, gay and in love in a school, seemingly, in the middle of nowhere. One of the most beautiful films of recent years Eyes Wide Open is set in ultra-orthodox Jewish Israel where a married butcher falls in love with a young apprentice and must question his family life and faith. Both these films are love stories set in small communities in which characters feel isolated or alone but still refuse to deny their sexuality and, in contrast to their American counterparts, the sexuality, like the films themselves, are wonderfully understated.

New LGB&T Film Group In October on Friday evenings at 6.30pm a new free film group will start at the LGF, open to all LGB&T people (18+). The first meeting will be a chance to get to know each other and includes a short quiz about films and LGB&T history. The following week will see the first film screening, and the week after a discussion. We will score each film and ultimately create a favourite film list.

If you are interested in joining please email: filmgroup@lgf.org.uk

We will contact you to ensure the group is for you. It will be a closed group (ideally 10-15 members), and once it starts no new members will join. Don’t delay, apply today! www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 27

OLDER GAY MEN

FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET TESTED BY VISITING www.lgf.org.uk/testing

THE

SILVER AGE SEXUAL HEALTH & THE OVER 50’s

The Sexual Health and Harm Reduction team, within Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust are currently undertaking a range of work around the sexual health needs of the over 50s including an HIV story card project .

As society has changed so have the expectations and the experiences of older adults with regard to sex and sexual behaviour. There is often a belief that older people are not sexually active and have no needs in relation to sexual health.

Did you know?

The over 50s are the fastest growing group with HIV in the UK with half of them being infected when they were aged over 50 Incidences of chlamydia, syphilis, herpes and genital warts have risen within the over 50s age group There is a rising divorce rate in the over 50s resulting in an increase of single people, many of whom are back out on the dating scene and forming new relationships In a Saga poll of 8000 people over 50 it was identified that 46% of them were having sex once a week

“The over 50’s are the fastest growing group with HIV in the UK with half of them being infected when they were aged over 50.”

If HIV is diagnosed very late in the over 50s then the occurrence of short term mortality is 14 times more likely.

The aim of the cards is to promote good sexual health in the over 50s and particularly to:

HIV Story cards

•

The HIV story cards are a sexual health promotion project aimed at the over 50s.

It consists of 12 small story cards each of which features a different character who tells their particular experiences around HIV, sexual health and relationships. It works on the principal of using real people’s stories to engage their peers.

• •

The cards also include local information about where to get tested for HIV & sexually transmitted infections and where to go for support.

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

• •

raise HIV and STI awareness amongst the over 50s in Manchester decrease stigma around HIV encourage people to get tested for HIV and STIs reduce onward transmission encourage safer sex practices

If you are interested in having any of the story cards for the people you work with please contact: Pete Smith on 0161 248 1760 or email: Peter.smith@mhsc.nhs.uk

GROWING OLDER IN

Is being a gay man and forty-ish and over nothing but complete misery? Ageing in the gay world is not easy. But, based on interviews with 27 men who have sex with men and observations in Manchester’s gay village area, a PhD study at Manchester University by Paul Simpson challenges this view of ageing as a gay man as uniformly bleak.

The study complicates and challenges stereotypical thinking about growing older. For example, although we may feel our age more when we go to the village, this is not the whole story. There are more varied experiences of growing older – negative, mixed and positive.

The main points of the study are: • • •

•

•

•

•

Midlife gay men are not fixated on appearance.

The dominance of young/er gay men on the scene is a myth.

Midlife gay men can be ageist to men younger and older.

Midlife gay men are far from totally excluded from the village.

Some men have carved out a more convivial space there where they use their maturity/life experience to be themselves, blur the meanings of age/ageing and challenge ageism.

In midlife, gay men tend to recreate their gay scene in the guise of social ‘families of choice’ and away from the bar scene, though these families often exclude closeness with young/er and old gay men.

Homophobia persists in some public spaces but the main story nowadays is that heterosexual spaces are generally safer.

Midlife/older men often use their maturity to navigate good relations with heterosexual people.

The cyber scene and the sauna can be felt as exclusionary for midlife/older men, though they can use their maturity to make these spaces more habitable.

Men who took part in the study spoke of age as the most divisive aspect of gay life. We need a bigger debate within the LGB&T world to see how we can create a more inclusive community.

For more info: e-mail: Paul.Simpson-2@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk

GENTLEMEN

OF A CERTAIN AGE A new exhibition of photographic portraits celebrating gay and bisexual men between the ages of 40-90 is currently being planned to coincide with National Coming Out day on 11th October 2011 at a venue in Manchester’s LGB&T village with a preview at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s Community Resource Centre from mid-August.

Photographer Rob Martin is giving his time to capture the portraits to show ‘integrity and strength in growing older and encapsulating positivity and a celebration of the older gay man.’ The idea comes from Robin Nicholson a BA Hons social work student currently on placement with The Lesbian & Gay Foundation. He says, “I want older gay men to see this exhibition and identify with the images and see themselves in the narratives. The exhibition aims to encourage men to feel positive about getting older and embrace growing older as something that can still be celebrated” Grahame Robertson, editor of outnorthwest says: “Contrary to the myth, life doesn’t end for gay and bisexual men once they have passed the age of 40. This amazing photographic exhibition captures the lust for life and the wisdom that only comes when you reach ‘a certain age’. These men are an inspiration to all of us.”

If you would be interested in taking part in this project and in return receiving a free portrait by Rob Martin please contact: grahame.robertson@lgf.org.uk or robin.nicholson@lgf.org.uk Tel: 0845 3 30 30 30 and ask for Robin or Grahame.

To see some of Rob’s other work checkout: www.robmartinphotos.co.uk

Photo: Rob Martin

Photo: Paul Jones (Exposure)

MANCHESTER

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP

N O T P RAM ROUD! GAY & P

Catherine Conchar, Head of Equality and Diversity at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust writes about partnership working with LGF at Rampton Hospital.

Nottinghamshire Healthcare is very proud to be the leading the way in terms of LGB Equality within the NHS/Health sector, as demonstrated by its ranking of 12th place in the 2011 Stonewall Top 100 Workplace Equality Index.

The Trust is committed to ensuring that everyone who comes into contact with our services be they staff, service users or carers is treated with dignity and respect in relation to every aspect of their being including their sexual orientation. We are very much aware that Homophobia remains a significant feature of behaviour in our society, not least in the treatment experienced by many members of the LGB and Trans communities when accessing healthcare services.

The Trust has worked in partnership with The Lesbian & Gay Foundation for many years now, contracting the charity to deliver three support and social groups for lesbian, gay and bisexual patients. The three groups facilitated by the LGF; G.A.P, Female Friends and Horizons meet on a monthly basis, providing patients with a safe and supportive space within the

High Secure Hospital environment to be relaxed and open about their sexual orientation. Group activities vary each month, often tying into milestones in the ‘LGBT calendar’ such as Pride, LGBT History Month and Coming Out Day. This allows patients to develop a sense of identity relating to their sexual orientation and build a sense of community within the hospital.

Rampton Hospital is one of the three High Secure Hospitals in England, and the G.A.P. social club, facilitated by staff and volunteers from The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, was the first group of its kind to be established in the High Secure Mental Health system. The name GAP (Gay and Proud!) was chosen by the patients themselves as a way of helping them to feel a sense of belonging to the group and promote positivity around sexual orientation.

In a High Secure environment where all patients are required to be escorted by staff to the areas they visit for therapy, education or socialising, attendance at the GAP Club.

This meant that the individual had to ‘Out’ themselves to what is likely to have been the whole hospital community, something which was often a daunting and challenging hurdle. In the early days this often meant that individuals were subjected to unacceptable abuse by other

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

“Rampton Hospital is one of three High Secure Hospitals in England, and the G.A.P. social club, faciliated by staff and volunteers from The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, was the first group of its kind to be established in the High Secure Mental Health system.” patients, but the resilience of the group with the Hospital’s support has allowed them to overcome this. Congratulations to that first group of patients brave enough to be Gay and Proud in difficult circumstances and thank you to The Lesbian & Gay Foundation for your continued help and support.

DRUGS

ARE YOU PART OF THE PICTURE? This month the Lesbian & Gay Foundation and the University of Central Lancashire are launching the first year’s results reports for their research project Part of the Picture.

•

almost two thirds having exceeded the recommended units at least two to three times and over one third had done so twice a week or more frequently.

38.5% had used two or more different substances in the last month, 16.4% had used three or more and 8.9% had used four or more.

Alcohol was the most common ‘mixer’: 98.8% of those who combined substances reported that they had sued it with a drug in the past month.

Part of the Picture has three main aims: 1. To establish an England wide database of LGB peoples drug and alcohol use 2. To use the database to inform national and local policy and practice in addressing drug and alcohol use of LGB people.

3. To improve the knowledge and understanding of LGB drug and alcohol users amongst drug and alcohol agencies through dissemination of the research findings.

•

During 2009 the research team talked to people all around England about their drug and alcohol use and we found out that: • 72.3% of respondents told us they had used a drug (excluding alcohol) in the past month • 30.5% of those who had taken a drug had taken a Class A substance.

• 90.4% of respondents had used alcohol in the past month, with

However that’s not the end of the research, we still have three more years to go so make sure you become part of the picture by taking part in one of our focus groups (see contact details above) or by completing our confidential questionnaire, you can do it at www.partofthepicture.co.uk or come and find us at Manchester, Leicester or Sunderland Pride throughout the summer!

These are however only the headlines. If you would like a full copy of the report then you can get one by contacting Sara Ashworth at the Lesbian & Gay Foundation on 0845 3 30 30 30 or alternatively email partofthepicture@lgf.org.uk.uk

SCAN FOR MORE

SCAN TO DIAL THIS

INFORMATION

NUMBER NOW

SCAN FOR MORE

Hurrah! Pride season is here

again and no doubt plenty of sex, drugs and rock and roll (well, PIXIE LOTT!) alongINFORMATION with it.

The community elements, the being proud of who we are, being able to be open in public and the great atmosphere are all great parts of Pride but in all honesty most people come along for the party. We all have stories about drunken and drugged up Pride, some good and some very, very bad.

SCAN TO DIAL THIS

POOF!OUR TOP TEN TIPS

NUMBER NOW

With all the great club nights and day celebrations that are on over the Pride season it is easy to get carried away with the amount of alcohol and drugs you may consume, but if your main aim of Pride is to be on the pull then just remember nobody wants to go home with someone who is being sick in the street or chewing off their own face. Neither does anyone want to be the friend who gets stuck looking after someone who has had indulged a little too much, especially as they are at Pride to enjoy themselves too.

FOR SURVIVING PRIDE SEASON!

SCAN

it will mean they can treat you a lot quicker if it comes to needing medical intervention.

brings together out community and that often means bumping into people you’d rather not. This isn’t the time or the place to sort out your differences, it’ll ruin your weekend and theirs, so leave it till Tuesday and focus on having a good time instead (it’s the best revenge!)

TO WATCH THE Make sure you are out with people

4 NOW VIDEO

So how do you have a good Pride and not get into a state I hear some of you cry? Well, just follow these 10 top tips and you will be dancing all night and still be able to have fun for the whole of the weekend:

1 2

3

Remember that you are still the same person as ever other weekend through out the year; Pride does not make you or your liver and kidneys superhuman!

Stick to what you know you can handle and you will still have fun.

Space out your drinks (although this is easily done with the queues to get to the bar). Try sipping them a little slower, have a soft drink every few drinks or try something exotic like a shandy or spritzer (I know I said exotic, pretend it’s the 80’s) to lower the alcohol level.

If you are taking drugs make sure that you know what you are taking so if anything goes wrong you or your friends are able to tell medical staff what it is you have consumed,

you trust, nobody wants to be left in the gutter being sick on their own. It’s lonely and it looks bad.

5

6

7

Something that is as unavoidable as the huge toilet queues at Pride is the arguments! Whether it’s with your partner of your best mate, a few too many and before you know it World War III has broken out . What might seem like a huge deal after a shed load of beer probably won’t seem that big a deal on Tuesday morning, so take a step back, have a deep breath and let it go.

Make sure that for a few days before and as much as you can during Pride that you are eating healthily and drinking lots of water, that way your body will be more able to cope when the barrage hit’s it. It will also mean that you don’t look as dehydrated and have bad skin, limp hair or dark circles around your eyes.

You’re standing in the queue waiting for a burger minding your own business and there they are…the love of your life and they’re not with you. Pride

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

8

9 10

Just because it’s the busiest weekend in the gay calendar doesn’t mean you’ll be jumping for joy. Unfortunately things like depression and anxiety don’t always go away just because we want a good time but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some of the festivities.

Make sure you look after yourself and don’t beat yourself up if you feel like you don’t want to part for the whole weekend – Pride comes once a year but your mental health is for life.

The LGF will be holding Pop-In sessions between 10am and 6pm on the Sunday of Manchester Pride. We will be offering brief support from our Community Resource Centre on Richmond Street - just ask at our stall and they will direct you over to us.

Most of all have fun! Pride is a celebration and don’t let over indulging in drink and drugs ruin what could be the best weekend of the year. We want you fighting fit for Pride next year...

SURVIVING

WELLBEING

All photos: Paul Jones (Exposure)

PRIDE!

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 35

GAY MEN’S HEALTH

GUYS! GET TO WORK...

WEAR IT! LUBE IT! FILL IT!

Images supplied by Pants - www.pantsHQ.com

WEAR IT As part of the national CHAPS partnership of agencies, the LGF was recently chosen to lead on a campaign that is currently being rolled out over most of the larger Pride festivals in England (including London and Bristol) to encourage gay and bisexual men to use condoms.

The campaign was adapted from the LGF’s Wear it, Fill it, Bin it campaign that was the sexual health campaign for Manchester Pride in 2010.

The campaign has a simple message and an almost no-nonsense approach to the use of condoms if you are having anal sex. Don’t think about it, or question it, use them!

For a long time there has been the idea that all gay men’s safer sex messages focus on condoms and that people might have become immune to the message. I

LUBE IT

“The idea that gay men don’t need to be informed about condoms and lube anymore simply isn’t true.”

FILL IT

don’t know if this is the case, but ‘condom apathy’ is a real concern, particularly when sexually transmitted infections continue to rise amongst men who have sex with men.

According to the Health Protection Agency rates of sexually transmitted infections fell by 1% for the first time in 2010, except for the rates amongst gay and bisexual men.

As people we also have an amazing capacity to ‘other’ everything… “I always use condoms, but I know people that don’t…” Condoms and lube offer the best line of defence against sexually transmitted infections and HIV, yes it has been said before, but the moment we stop saying it, we are admitting defeat. This can’t happen.

The presence of other Sexually Transmitted Infections can increase the risk of HIV being passed on or contracted. As not all infections will show symptoms, the only way to protect yourself and your partners properly is to use condoms and lube and go for regular testing.

Look out for the campaign in Pride festivals this summer, the message is clear – Wear it, Lube it, Fill it – oh, and then bin it!

The idea that gay men (and other men who have sex with men) don’t need to be informed about condoms and lube any more simply isn’t true, particularly amongst young people. If men of a certain age who have heard the condom message before think that this is just the same messages being repeated, it should be reinforced that for some younger men this might be the first time that they have heard it.

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

Have a Happy and Safe Pride. www.chapsonline.org.uk

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

FIND OUT WHERE YOU CAN GET TESTED BY VISITING www.lgf.org.uk/testing

PETER BOYLE SEX TALK

“I know I should, but...”

This Pride sees the launch of the LGF’s new Gay Men’s Safer Sex Pack (pic above). The packs have been protecting gay and bisexual men across Greater Manchester for the last 17 years.

For a lot of people reading this, you will not have known a time when condoms and lube weren’t freely available in bars and venues. It is times such as Pride when we should remember why the safer sex message is still as important as it always was.

We all come up with reasons why we might not use a condom, or might not get a sexual health and HIV test as often as we should. The usual things, such as “I’m too busy”,“I’m probably ok” or “I’d know if something was wrong” all come into play. And for the most part, this is probably true, but it is very important to remember that this is not ALWAYS true.

MOST Sexually Transmitted Infections will show symptoms of some kind for MOST people, but not ALL will show symptoms for ALL people.

No longer is it enough to use a condom and think that you will never need to go for a test, all Sexually Transmitted Infections can be transmitted via oral sex, some more easily than others. If you are a man who has ever had sex

with another man, then you should be aware of your HIV status. If you have sex with a number of partners then you should be getting an HIV test at least annually or more often if you think you need to. Other Sexually Transmitted Infections need testing for too.

In 2011 there really is no excuse to not test regularly – every infection can be treated, and although HIV cannot be cured, the treatments available these days are so effective in keeping the virus under control. If you have HIV, getting tested for it won’t change anything, it will just put you in a much better place to be able to look after yourself.

One in ten gay and bisexual men in large cities has HIV, and approximately 25% of them are not aware of this.

Whatever you do, you should try and make sure that you don’t become either one of these statistics. If you use condoms, carry on using them, and get tested regularly, if you think you have been at risk, get tested to make sure you are as healthy as you can be.

Protect your self - use condoms, get tested, know your HIV status – there really is no reason not to.

For advice on testing, clinics and more see our listings section or call: 0845 3 30 30 30. E-mail: peter.boyle@lgf.org.uk The Lesbian and Gay Foundation would like to thank Manchester Pride and every single person who enjoys the festival every year that helps to ensure that we are able to continue to deliver this unique free Condom and Lube Scheme.

E-mail peter.boyle@lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 37

GET IN!

RUN WITH PRIDE! Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

Take part in the London Marathon 2012 for Team LGF (and if that’s too far, but you still want to run against homophobia, join us at the Adidas Half Marathon 2012 or the BUPA 10k).

Virgin London Marathon

ALL TEAM LGF RUNNERS WILL RECEIVE:

The Virgin London Marathon is one of the world’s best sporting events, as well as one of life’s great challenges, and for the first time ever The Lesbian & Gay Foundation has guaranteed places and we want you to be part of it.

There’s plenty of time to get training, as next year’s marathon takes place on Sunday April 22nd 2012.

This is a phenomenal event to be a part of, not just for the physical challenge of completing the 26.2 mile course, but also to be a part of the World’s largest fundraising event!

The London Marathon is one of the five top marathons that make up the World Marathon Majors; this doesn’t mean that first time runners can’t take part.

Every day, lesbians, gay men and bisexual people are being bruised, beaten or killed simply because of who they are, and who they love. Join Team LGF in the Virgin London Marathon 2012 and help us say ‘Enough is Enough!”

Email enough@lgf.org.uk to register your interest. www.virginlondonmarathon.com

•

•

The Adidas Half Marathon If you still want to run against homophobia for Team LGF but think that a full marathon might be a touch too much, the Adidas Half Marathon could be perfect for you.

• •

An Enough is Enough! Action Against Homophobia T-Shirt for you and your cheering squad Regular e-newsletters to keep you up to date with the Enough is Enough! campaign A fundraising pack with all sorts of ideas to help you smash your targets A special commemorative certificate

The BUPA London 10,000k

Why not join 10,000 other runners and do something inspirational! Email enough@lgf. org.uk for more info.

The popular BUPA London 10,000 k is a perfect race for beginners. It takes place on Sunday 27th May 2012 starting and finishing in St James’s Park, you’ll follow the 2012 Olympic loop through the heart of the big smoke and along the River Thames, passing historic sights such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster, Big Ben, The London Eye and Nelson’s Column.

If you fancy this Olympic challenge, contact enough@lgf.org.uk to get involved.

www.adidashalfmarathon.com

www.london10000.co.uk

The Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon, takes place at the historic Formula 1 motor racing circuit on Sunday March 11th 2012, the track is fast and flat making it great for a half marathon (13.1 miles) novice, and is perfect as a marathon stepping stone.

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

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

POLO PALAVER! Gareth Parkinson from Manchester Sharks on why water polo is the perfect game for those with “a bit of fire in their belly”.

HOMOPHOBIA IN SPORT

JUST A BALL GAME? The sports blog ‘Just a Ball Game?’ is inviting sports people and fans, in particular those who identify as LGBTQI, to get involved in a survey looking at homophobia in sport.

The survey is live until September 1st 2011, and you can find it online at http://app.fluidsurveys.com/s/justaballgame/ Just a Ball Game? Will also be at the It’s A Gay Knockout event on August 25th at Taurus, Manchester (8pm); as well as watching and participating in all the fun - you can fill out the survey there too.

TELL US YOUR SPORTING NEWS! Are you part of an LGB&T sporting group in the north west? Let us know what you’re up to and we’ll let our readers know! Just e-mail your news to: joanne.dunning@lgf.org.uk

What was the motivation behind starting the team?

Manchester Sharks was formed to give lesbian, gay and bisexual people the opportunity to enter the world of water polo. At first it was an off shoot of Northern Wave, as we’d have a game of water polo for fun at the end of a session. Then Manchester Sharks became a club in our own right.

What would you say to encourage people to get involved in the sport?

It’s great to get involved in a different type of team sport. It’s fast paced and it is something you can play throughout the year. It’s good for anyone with a bit of fire in their belly. It’s great when as a team you do well, there is a real buzz. People can come in at all levels – you really get out what you put in.

So can anyone play?

We welcome anyone who has got the desire to learn the sport.

There is a bit of a learning curve, but we help people as much as possible. We have a beginners session every month at Manchester Aquatics Centre. If you are a good swimmer it helps, then you’ve only got to learn the skills and rules of water polo.

Where do you play?

We have regular weekly mixed sessions every Thursday at Miles Platting Baths between 7 – 8.30pm. There are also Beginners Sessions and Women Only Sessions every month at Manchester Aquatics Centre. For more information visit: www.manchestersharks. co.uk What’s up next?

Our next big event is Polo Palaver - our annual event for Manchester Pride. This is very much a fun event, to give people a chance to have a go at polo and get them in the Pride party mood! It takes place on Saturday August 20th between 3-5pm at Manchester Aquatics Centre (£3 entry), and is an opportunity to come along, have fun and try your hand at water polo. For this event we make the pool shallower so everyone can take part.

So why wait? Grab your trunks, or your cozzie and contact Gareth on 07917568635 to get involved.

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 39

greater manchester

Manchester

Free Safer Sex Packs available at most venues

88 Listing Indicator

£ Portland Street

Major Street

Hart Street

17

42 44 41

16

33

10

32

7

20 30 23

et

tre nS

tou Ay

18

38

£

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

AXM

100 Bloom St,

Baa-Bar 27 Sackville Street, 0161 247 7997, glitter balls and a flashy dance floor, baabar.co.uk 3

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

43 21

Eden 3 Brazil Street, 0161 237 9852, food served daily, edenbar.co.uk 50 Essential 8 Minshull St, 0161 835 1300, nightclub over three floors.

Venues Key

Mixed

Mainly Men

6

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

Club Fizz Charlton Club, women only 2nd Friday of the month, 9pm-1am £5, see facebook

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

40 The Parlour Richmond St, theparlourmanchester.com

Club HD Arch 66, Whitworth St West, gay/mixed bar/club Friu & Sat nights, hdclubbing.com

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

18 Overdraught Student 121 Princess Street, 0161 237 0811

12

£

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

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

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

Piccadilly Train Station

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

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

11

e

an

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

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

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

in Ch

13 Eagle 15 Bloom Street, 0161 228 6669, open daily from 5pm till late. eaglemanchester.com

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

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

25 14

Whitworth Street

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

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Major Street

Minshull Street

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Chorlton Street Bus/Coach Station

27 Abingdon Street

1

Chorlton Street

Sackville Street

Princess Street

11

Train Station Metrolink Stop Metroshuttle Stop

Portland Street

16

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

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

27 Thompsons Arms 23 Sackville Street, 0161 237 5919.

Eager Beaver at Manto Bar Lounge, Friday’s

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

FEDERATION Mainly Men at The Ritz, every bank holiday clubfederation.com

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

19

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

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

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

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

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

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

22 Spirit Canal Street, 0161 237 9725, lively and modern three-floor bar, spiritbar.uk.com 23 Taurus 1 Canal St, 0161 236 4593, taurus-bar.co.uk

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

Mainly Women

All information provided by venues. Please check before arrival

Mainly Trans

Bar

Mish Mash Cabaret Circle Club, every 2nd Friday of the month, 8pm £8, mishmash1.com Morning Glory at Queer, after hours every Saturday

Organic at Spirit, after hours every Sat.

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

Man Bears present Hairy! Bear at Legends, 2nd Saturday of the month manbears.co.uk

open mic night Women Only LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, Women only & alcohol free, last Wed of the month, 7-10pm, £1 admission. kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk

32 View 40 Canal St, 0161 236 9033

Dance Floor

Homoelectric at Legends, 1st Friday every other month homoelectric.com

Cash Point

POPTASTIC Pop/Indie at Alter Ego, 07974 248 247 poptastic.co.uk Pretty in Pink 80’s club night RECREATION clubrecreation.co.uk Outdoor Seating

Disabled Access

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

Eclypse Lifeline 73 Ardwick Green North, Ardwick, 0161 273 6686, young persons drug & alcohol support service, MonFri 9-5, Thurs 9-7, fiona@eclypse-yps.org.uk

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

Self Help Services Zion Community Resource Centre Stretford Rd, 0161 226 3871, mental health services, selfhelpservices.org.uk

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.

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

Eateries

BRASSERIE Gay Friendly Albert Square, 0161 834 7633

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

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

Eighth Day Vegan 111 Oxford Road, 0161 273 1850

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

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

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

BARNArDOS MANCHESTER LEAVING CARE SERVICES 36 Monton Street, 0161 226 6722, barnardos.org.uk Black Health Agency 464 Chester Rd, 0161 226 9145, AIDS Helpline: 0800 0967500, blackhealthagency.org.uk Body Positive 39 Russell Road, Whalley Range, 0161 882 2200, bpnw.org.uk

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

Community Alcohol Team 0161 230 6382, manchestercat.org

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

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

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

Crisis Point 24 Albert Road, Levenshulme, 0161 225 9500, mental health support & short term crisis accomodation, turning-point.co.uk

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

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

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

QueensClean.co.uk Gay owned cleaning service. 0753 329 2451/ 0161 298 0335, queensclean@2die4.com 45 ROB 17 China Lane, 0161 236 6222, for all your leather, rubber and twisted gear, rob.com

room to relax @ Fitness First, 7-11 Lower Mosley St, 07815672235, We offer a wide range of holistic treatments.

Spa Satori 0161 819 2465, 112 High St, holistic health & beauty spa, spasatori.co.uk UPPERCUTS BARBERS The Arndale Market, 07784 156 693

Gregory’s Place 69 Ardwick Green North, 0161 273 2901, support for children and young people with HIV gregorysplace@barnardos.org.uk 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 St. Mary’s Centre New St. Mary’s Hospital, Hathersage Road, 0161 276 6515, sexual assault referral centre, stmaryscentre.org

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

LIVEBAIT Gay Friendly 22 Lloyd Street, 0161 817 4110, santeonline.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

SAPPORO Teppanyaki 91-93 Liverpool Road, 0161 831 9888

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

Clinics

38 Shang Hi Gay Friendly 61 Whitworth St, 0161 228 7868

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

Jarman Clinic Withington Hospital, 0161 217 4939

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

Saunas

North Manchester GUM Delaunays Rd, Crumpsall, 0161 720 2681

47 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

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

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

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

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.

Let's Do Lunch

supported by:

Meet at 2pm, 2nd Sunday of every other month in Manchester’s Gay Village.

Next Meetings: 11th September and 13th November Enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon, chill & chat over good food and a bottle of wine.

For info or to reserve a place: Tel: 0781 308 3242 email: paula650@aol.com www.lesbiandiners.co.uk 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 gay MARRIED MENS GROUP A support group meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday 7.30-9pm at the LGF, 0845 3 30 30 30 Gay Naturist SWIM all ages, nude_n_manchester@yahoo.co.uk Icebreakers gay & bi men's support group meets 8pm every Wednesday at the LGF, 0845 3 30 30 30, icebreakersmanchester.org.uk Imaan @ The LGF, 0845 3 30 30 30, for LGBTQI Asian men 1st Thurs of the month 7.30-9.30pm, imaan.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

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

greater manchester & lancashire Groups Continued 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

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.

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

salford youth service lgbt youth group at The Base, 0161 778 0702, steve.dyson@salford.gov.uk

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

sofa (support or fun activities) LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LBT or questioning women, Wed 7-9, peer support and fun activites enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk

LIK:T 07813 981 338, run by and for young lesbian and bisexual women, 1st Monday of the month, likt_info@likt.org.uk 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 lilac.cfsites.org Manchester Christian Group 07743 476191 Manchester Concord transgender Social group every Wed 7pm upstairs bar, New York New York, Bloom St (changing room 5-11pm). mary@manchesterconcord.org.uk Manchester gay skinheads oi-skinhead.com Manchester Lesbian & Gay Chorus 07944 056047, mlgc.org.uk manchester lesbian community project drop in LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LB women, meets 2nd & 4th Thur of the month, 7-9pm, kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk Manchester Parents Group 01565 733891 Manchester Rubbermen social group for gay men into rubber/latex fetish, manchesterrubber.co.uk Mango Men’s dining club 07866 909677, 1st Thursday of the month, mango.news@btopenworld.com Metropolitan Community Church United Reformed Church, Wilbraham Rd, 0161 881 6050, LGB&T led christian church mccmanchester.co.uk

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

Sphere 07854 901330, contribute to a South Asian LBT theatre project, all@sphere.org.uk STEPPING STONES 0845 3 30 30 30, A support group for lesbian and bisexual women meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday 7.30-9pm.

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

Proud 2 b Parents 0161 226 0162 or 07506 515932, Moss Side Surestart Children’s Centre, 30 Selworthy Rd, for LGB&T parents and their children every 4th Saturday, m.roberts4@manchester.gov.uk queer skinhead brotherhood queerskinbrotherhood@googlemail.com Queer Youth Manchester 07092 031 086, info@queeryouth.net

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

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

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

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

bury lgbt networking group residents and service providers improving the LGBRT profile in our town, burylgbtnetworking@live.co.uk

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

bury Council lgbt employee group 0161 253 6625, lgbt@bury.gov.uk

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

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

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

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

outdoor lads climbing club outdoorlads.com

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

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

ChOrlTon

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

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

Slam Dunkin’ Divas 07949604610, basketball group for lesbian/ bi/trans women, tue eve, slamdunkindivas@googlemail.com Touch Rugby Call on Paul 07775 022797 paul.scanlon-wells@rfl.uk.com

Sports Groups

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

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

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

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

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

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

OutWrite 07931 915 620, LGBT writing group, outwrite.org.uk

Marlin Levenshulme Swimming Pool, Barlow Rd, trans swimming group, swim@marlin.org.uk

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

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

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

out to the theatre 01457 877 161, gay men’s social group, joncassun@yahoo.co.uk

manchester walking women its.elly@yahoo.co.uk

aGENCIES & CLINICs

OPEN ATHLETICS Trains on Weds, 5K every 1st Sun. 07709 000 436, openathletics.org

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

Out In The City 0161 205 3851, 24 Mount St, Wed 1-4. oitc.wordpress.com

MANCHESTER VIXENS LADIES FC 07921 838 733, LBT football clubs, emphasis on fun, manchestervixens.co.uk

bUrY

trans lesbian group LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, social and support for LB transwomen. enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk

MMU LGBT mmu_lgbt@hotmail.co.uk

Older women’s drop in 0161 205 3851, London Scottish House, Mount St. 1st Tues of the month 2-4pm, social group aimed at women 50+, sue.nzilani@silverservice.org.uk

Manchester Stingers WFC Womens football club for all abilities, helenamcdonald@hotmail.com

GAY OUTDOOR GROUP transpennine walking group, 07855 197607 goc.org.uk Ghap badminton text 07946 191 482, ghapbadminton.org.uk MANCHESTER BADMINTON CLUB 07939 477026, Badminton club for the less experienced player.

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

BoLtOn

pubs, clubs & bars

The Star 11 Bow St, 01204 361113

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

SErvicEs

pubs, clubs & bars

THE NIP & TIPPLE 197 Upper Chorlton Road, 0161 860 7330

EaTERIES

CROMA Pizza and Pasta 498-500 Wilbraham Road, 0161 881 1117, croma.biz The Lead Station 99 Beech Road, 0161 881 5559

shops

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

sauNas

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

CLUB NIGHTS

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

OlDhAm

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

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

aGENCIES & CLINICs

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

MENTAL HEALTH independent support (MhIST) 30 Chorley New Road, 01204 527200, mhist.co.uk

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

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

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

ROcHdAlE

groups

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

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

Bolton Centre for Sexual Health Minerva Road, Farnworth, 01204 390771 HIV worker Emma Massey 01204 390772

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

SaUNaS

Pennine Sauna 96 Rochdale Rd, Shaw, 01706 842 000

GROUPS

CLINICS

Sexual Health PROMOTION UNIT 01706 517 613

THE BRIDGE SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Stone Hill Block, Rochdale Infirmary, 01706 517 686

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

GROUPS

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

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

Hotel

The Britannia Inn 01706 644019, 4 Lomax St

SaLfOrD

aGENCIES & CLINICs

Brook Advisory 55 Regent Street, Eccles, 0161 707 9550 eccles gateway Church Street, 0161 212 5717, thurs 6-8.30pm, drop in. higher broughton health centre Bevendon Square, 0161 212 4500, Wed 6-8.30, Fri 9.30-11.30 drop in. irlam medical centre MacDonald Rd, 0161 212 4500, Wed. 6-8.30pm drop in.

Goodman Sexual Health Clinic Oaklands Hospital, 0161 212 5717, Appt only: Mon 9-11.30am, 1-4.30pm, 6-9.30pm, Tue 9-11.30am, Wed 1-4.30pm, Thurs 9-11.30am & 1-4.30pm, Fri 9-11.30am. DROP IN: Tue 2-4.30pm & 6-8.30pm. starting Out Project Neil 07766 550264 0161 607 1620, Salford City Council’s young LGBT tenancy support service. neil.cochrane@salford.gov.uk swinton clinic 139 Partington Lane, 0161 212 5100, Mon 2-4.30pm, Tue 6-8.30pm, Fri 2-4.30pm drop in.

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

SPORTS GROUPS

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

TamEsIde

pubs, clubs & bars

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

ARDEN ARMS 23 Millgate, 0161 480 2185

CLINICs

GUM DEPARTMENT Stepping Hill Hospital, 0161 419 5370 Stockport Council HIV Social Care Team 0161 474 3636, HIV social care service for people with HIV and their carers. hiv.services@stockport.gov.uk

aGENCIES

GROUPS

Glossop LGBT group glossoplgbt.co.uk

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

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

trAfFoRd CLINICs

The Trafford Centre for Sexual Health Trafford Hospital, Moorside Rd, 0161 746 2621 Relate 346 Chester Road, 0161 872 0303

GROUPS

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

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

GROUPS

OrMsKIrk

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

BACKSTAGE BAR 135 St James St, 01282 414895

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

CLUB NIGHTS

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

CLINICs

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

GROUPS

Just Us Wigan - LGBT Drop in Centre 11 Newmarket Street, 0756 490 3489, Providing information, facilities and a place to meet for individuals and groups. Open 12.10 - 2pm Mon-Tue, Most Fri from 7pm. wiganlgf123@aol.com, justus01.community.officelive.com OIpen Minds Group 07989 101 459, group for 18-25yr old LGBTQ, openminds-lgbt.co.uk

aGENCIES

PrEstOn

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

CLINICS

Oblivion 12-14 Grimshaw St, 01772 252876

bsure 0845 602 0894, Chlamydia screening for under 25’s, b.sure@bwdpct.nhs.uk b-sure.org.uk Sexual Health Clinic St. Peter’s Centre tel 01282 644300

The Hangout Hammonds Row (opposite Bus Station), 07751 711335, Saturdays 21.302.30 (student nights), preston-hangout.co.uk

CLINICS

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

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

EaTERIES

AGENCIES

Red Triangle Café St James St, 01282832319

GROUPS

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

WIGan

edgehill university LGBT society search on facebook

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

No Attitude 0161 912 2453, LGB youth group.

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

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

GuyS as dolls showbar 133-135 St James St.

GROUPS

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

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

CLINICS

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

E.A.G.L.E. - EQUALITY FOR ALL GAYS & LESBIANS EVERYWHERE 07972 507679, meets Tues 12-2pm at Burnely Town Hall, informal LGBT drop in, e.a.g.l.e_support@ hotmail.com

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

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

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

GROUPS

wYtHenShAwE

SOLICITORS

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Burnley

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

Age Concern 56 Wellington St, 0161 4801211

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

MorEcAmBe

CLINICs

CITIZENS ADVICE, 0844 644019

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

CLINICS

Groups

sTOcKpOrT

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

GROUPS

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

aGENCIES

SALFORD LGBT YOUTH Group The Beacon Centre, 1 London Street, 0161 778 0700, safe space for young LGBT people loads of different activities. chris.rice@salford.gov.uk

Lifeline Project 68-70 Darwen St, 01254 677493, supporting young people up to the age of 25, with substance and alcohol misuse issues, yps@lifeline.org.uk

LeYlAnd

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

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

Salford LGBT Network meeting regularly in Salford to socialise and looks at ways of improving LGB&T life in the city, gemma.pagett@salford.gov.uk

Lancashire County Council Blackburn with Darwen HIV Partnership 0300 365 0070, health and social care service porivders for those living with HIV across Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen.

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

CHOrlEy GROUPS

breakout LGBT community radio group, c.o Chorley FM, lgbt@chorley.fm breakoutshow.co.uk POUT! 0800 7831524, youth group and helpline, every Wed. pout99@hotmail.com yps.lancashire.gov.uk/pout-lesbian-gaybisexual-trans-youth-group

LanCAStEr CLUB NIGHTS

DANCING DIVA For more information, dancingdiva5@hotmail.com

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

drugline lancashire 2 Union Court, 01772 825 684, enquiries@druglinelancs.co.uk Lancashire County Council Blackburn with Darwen HIV Partnership 0300 365 0070, health and social care service porivders for those living with HIV across Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen.

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 Pozitive Lancashire 07599 545540, info & advice on HIV to people living in the Lanc. & Gtr Manc. area, pozitivelancashire.co.uk

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

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

Sylvesters (Formally The Vine and Hops) 84 King Street, mixed cabaret bar

uclan lgbt employee network lgbtstaff@uclan.ac.uk

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

THE DUKE OF LANCASTER 75 Church Street, 01524 842843, info@thedukeoflancaster.com

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

Stagedoor 23 Mincing Lane, 01254 674761

GROUPS

skelmersdale

Lancashire BlACkBuRn

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Bar Ibiza 43 Darwen St, 01254 695379

agENciEs & CLINICS

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

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

CLINICS

Royal Lancaster Infirmary Ashton Community Care Centre, 01524 387402

GROUPS

West Lancs LGBT Community Social Group 0845 0046994 (12-5) 24hr text: 07514819063, USA helpline: +1 646 439 0177, includes support for the Romanian community, westlancashirelgbtcommunity.co.uk

blackpool & cumbria 8 31 48

13 21 27 63

30

50

9 25 10

61 General Street

15 14 54 36 12

10

19

35

11 Christine’s 1 Lord Street, 01235 312260, christineshotel@fsmail.net

44

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

22

41 High Street

Dickson Raod

30 11 3 10 11 Queen Street

gS tre

et

24

K in

18

Milbourne St.

reet

Caunce St.

25

S. King St.

Loepold Gr.

Coronation St.

Chur ch St

88 Hotel Indicator

46 Charles St.

Chur ch St

reet

9

88 Venue Indicator

£

Cash Machine Blackpool Tower Pedestrianised

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

New Bond 72 Lord St, 01253 628123

New Hertford 18 Lord Street, 01253 621831 34

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

Park House 81 Lord St, 01253 314571

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

Pier View 16 Banks St, 01253 624555

16

FOUR SEASONS 74 Lord St, 01253 622583

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

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

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

Guyz 16 Lord Street, 01253 622488

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

George St.

31 Merecliff Hotel 24 Holmfield Road, 01253 356858

Dixon 84 Dickson Rd, 01253 752379

Heatherdale Lodge 2 Pleasant Street, 1253 626268

Cookson Street

12

Topping Street

Abingdon Street

Promemade

34 20

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

40

20

32

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

DERBY HOTEL, 2 Derby Rd, 01253 623708

19

Talbot Road 5

08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk

14

13

37

13

Train Station Tram Stop Parking

CHaps 9 Cocker St, 01253 620541

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

21

61

Camelot 80 Hornby Rd, 01253 620518

7

et

Abingdon Stre

Promemade

1

8 Brooklyn 7 Wilton Parade, 01253 627003

34

62

6

19

Brene Hotel 37 Lord St, 01253 621854

9

15

8 26 16

7

61 Brownes hotel 15 Vance Rd, 01253 753089 browneshotel.co.uk

4

North Pier

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

42

2 1

27 7

28

29

31

28

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

Banks Street 55 23 43 57

33

22

Belvedere 77 Dickson Road, 01253 624733, belvederehotel@fsmail.net belvederehotel.biz

51

52

Athol 3 Mount St 01253 624918

5

Cocker Street 60 24

17 58

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

4

High Street

40

1 Anchorage 18 Withnell Road, 01253 341771

3 Astor Hotel 83-85 Lord Street, 01253 290669

Lord Street

Promemade

45

Blackpool Hotels

26

Dickson Raod

39

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

High Street

53

23

Lord Street

Dickson Road

General Street

Promemade

14

20 18 47 Pleasant Street

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

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

Legends Hotel 45 Lord Street, 01253 620300 23

24

Lenbrook 69 Lord St, 01253 626737

25

Liberty's Hotel 01253 291155

Lonsdale Hotel 25 Cocker Street, 01253 621628 26

27

Lyndale Court Hotel 01253 354033

28

Lynmar 74 High St, 01253 290046

29

Mardi Gras 41 Lord St, 01253 751087

Manhattan 27 Cocker St, 01253 290070, manhattanblackpool.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

41

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

THE Berkeley 6 Queens Promenade, 01253 351244 selfcatering.tv 48 THE GYNWAY HOTEL 205 Dickson Rd, 01253 314747, gynwayblackpool.com 49 The Wilcot Hotel 80 Lord Street, 01253 621101 50 Thorncliffe 63 Dickson Road, 01253 622508 51 Trades Men Only 51 Lord Street, 01253 626401 52 VALENTINE HOTEL 35 Dickson Road, 01253 622775, valentinehotelblackpool.co.uk 53 VIDELLA HOTEL 78-82 Dickson Road, 01253 621201, videllahotel.com 54 Village Hotel 14 Springfield Road, 01253 290840 55 warwick Holiday flats 39 Bank Street, 01253 623787

Waves Hotel 12 Wilshaw Rd, 01253 593312, john@wavesblackpool.co.uk 56 Westfield House 78 Lord Street, 01253 621992, westfieldhouse.co.uk

SMILE SPA AT HELIO FITNESS Newton Drive, 01253 393909

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

THE GARDEN PLACE Gay Owned Cropper Road, 01253 699987

Windsor House 47-49 Dickson Road, 01253 206 206, windsorhouse.info 58

59

Groups

Woodleigh 11 Yates St, 01253 624997

25/55 Icebreakers 07875 355 390, gay and bi men 22-25. Meets last Tues of the month, 7-9pm.

Worcester House 22 Cocker Street, 01253 620007 60

Pubs, Bars & Clubs 1

55+ older men’s Luncheon Club 07875 355 390, meets Thurs 12.30pm for light lunch and chat.

Buzz 5 Dickson Road, 01253 649153,

Queen Vic’s Bar 23 Dickson Rd, 07946 528153

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

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

Lancashire Lad’s group (trans f to m) 07875 355390, meets 7-9pm 2nd Tues of the month for chat and support.

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

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

5 Mardi Gras Mixed 114 Talbot Road, 01253 296262

New Road Inn Gay Friendly 244 Talbot Road, 01253 422691

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

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

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

lgbt forum 0787 355 390, council led informal community meetings at Town Hall every 2nd Tues 6.30pm.

LGBT PACT (Police & Community together) 07875 355 390, police and community meetings 1st Thurs of the month.

lgbtq darts team Wendy Phizacklea, 01229 836 426, 07742 353 520, wendyphizacklea@youngcumbria.org.uk pro active young gays and lesbians (paygal) Wendy Phizacklea, 01229 836 426, 07742 353 520, wendyp.rorys@googlemail.com south lakes Girls 07952278760 (evenings), Various nights for all trans people or those querying. trans.lakes.nights@ googlemail.com 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

cArLisLe CliNICS

Cumberland Infirmary 01228 814 814

aGENCIES

Connexions 28 Lowther Street, 01228 596272 outreach cumbria lgbt project 07896 250662, outreach@btinternet.com

GrOUPS

Saunas

Liberty Church North Shore Methodist, Dickson Rd, 07955 597771, libertychurchblackpool.org.uk

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

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

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

The Alabama Showboat Mixed 1 Cocker Sq, 01253 291155, thealabama.co.uk THE DUKE OF YORK Dickson Road, 01253 625218, traditional pub and live entertainment.

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

Relaxation group 01253 311431 at SHIVER

SaUNaS

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

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

Sugar Lounge 07875 355390, gay & bi women’s group meet 7-9pm 1st Tues of the month

KenDal

7 ROXY’S Gay Friendly 23 Queen Street, 01253 622573, roxysonline.co.uk 9

10

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

Eateries AJ’s Bistro Gay Friendly 65 Topping Street, 01253 626111 12

14

Buddies Chippy 28 Dickson Street

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

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

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

City Learning Centre Bathhurst St, 01253 478 309, clcbusiness.com 26 Connect 01253 751047, connectyoungpeople.co.uk 27 Connexions 2-8 Market Street, 01253 754840, connexions-direct.com

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

NHS Walk-In Centre Whitegate Health Centre, 150 Whitegate Dr, 01253 953953

Outrageous 77-79 English Street, 01228 593745, outrageouscarlisle.com Sweat Sauna Club Atlas House, Nelson St.

The Renaissance Transgender Support Group meetings twice monthly, gynwayblackpool.com/ renaissance_transgender_forum.htm Transinclusion group (M2F) 7-9pm 3rd Tues of the month for an informal chat, 07875 355 390

Cumbria AGENCIES

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

CliNICS

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

aGENCIES Connexions 124 Highgate, 01539 730045

Groups

Cumbria LesbIans Network 01539 741 285, 1st Saturday of the month, clnetwork@sky.com south lakes lesbians for lesbian & bi women meeting monthly in Kendal for socials etc & walking groups, southlakeslesbians@gmail.com

wHiTeHaveN

AmBlESidE

Groups

hotEls & B&B's

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

WInDerMerE HOTELS & B&B's

16

Mandarin Cantonese Restaurant Gay Friendly 27 Clifton Street, 01253 622687

richmond fellowship 07876 568260 or 01253 780952, Metal Health support to aid recovery.

Nite Bites Gay Friendly 50a Dickson Road, 01253 627976

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

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

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

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

aGENCIES

Connexions 237-241 Dalton Road, 01229 824052

Sexual Health Clinic Workington Community Hospital, Park Lane. 01900 705050

GrOUPS

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

Solicitors

17

19 The Buttery 1 Cheapside, 01253 296667

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

Shops

BarRow iN FuRNESs CliNICS

Freinds & Supporters of Furness LGBT Community c/o Multicultural Centre, 07833 447604, klwicks@hotmail.co.uk

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

WorKiNgToN

CliNICS

Steam packet inn 51 Stanley St, 01900 62186

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

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

Evolution Hair Studio Gay Owned 255 Dickson Road

08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk

33 Paul’s 5 General St, 01253 290928 unisex hairdresser.

34 Perfect Fit Alterations 42 Topping Street, 01253 290156 Reg. Charity No. 1070904

merseyside, cheshire, yorkshire, staffordshire, isle of man & north west

Liverpool

08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk Reg. Charity No. 1070904

Queer Quarter

Around FACT Tithebarn Street

FEDERATION LIVERPOOL Monthly gay night, clubfederation.com

Bold Street

BROKEN BISCUITS Monthly at Jupiters Bar

Bold Street

Club Nights

Roscoe Lane

15 The Masquerade Mixed 10 Cumberland St, 0151 236 7786, masqueradebar.com

Wood Street

35 Victoria Street, 0151 231 6831

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

2

Berry Street

Piccadilly Train Station

Sports Groups Gay Kick Boxing Armistead Centre, Wednesday Evenings 7-8pm, info@armisteadcentre.co.uk GAY OUTDOOR GROUP 07855 197607, transpennine@hotmail.co.uk goc.org.uk

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

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

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

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

Websites

Hotels

Liverpool Students Union LGBT Society 0151 231 4947

GAYLIVERPOOL.COM Website of Gay Liverpool, gayliverpool.com

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

Liverpool Gay Quarter liverpoolgayquarter.com

TRAVEL INN METRO Vernon St, 0870 238 3325

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

Agencies & Clinics

Merseyside L&G Community Forum 07970 680483, newsfromnowhere.org.uk

GROUPS

AIDS Helpline 0151 709 9000

14 The Lisbon Mixed

22-24 Stanley St, 0151 236 6633

et

Back Berry Stre

19

Victoria Street

Gay Youth ‘r’ OUT (GYRO) 36 Bolton St, 0151 203 0824, LGB Tyouth 13-25, gyro.org.uk

Roscoe Place

Culquitt Street

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

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

25 Stanley Street

20 Culquitt Street

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

13 Superstar Boudoir

11 Secrets

23 Cumberland Street

18

1

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

Sahir House 2nd Floor, 151 Dale St, 0151 237 3989, providing free & confidential services to people & families living with or affected HIV on Merseyside, info@sahir.uk.com

10 Poste House

Wood Street

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

et

London Road

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

16

Back Culquitt Stre

Seel Street

Modo Gay Friendly Concert Square

126 Bold Street, 0151 709 3735

Fleet Street

8

1 CAFE TABAC Gay Owned Mathew Street

Seel Street

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

Eateries

Parr Street

12 Heaven Victoria Street, 0151 236 4832

FACT

14

Victoria Street

Slater Street

Duke Street

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

Duke Street

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

13

10

Sir Thomas Street

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

4

9

15

Cumberland Street

Baby D Temple Street

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

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

17 The Armistead Project 1 Stanley St,

0870 9908996, armisteadcentre.co.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 OUR STORY LIVERPOOL 0151 709 4988, LGBT History community project. info@ourstoryliverpool.co.uk ourstoryliverpool.co.uk Parents & Carers Group 0870 9908996

ElLeSMerE PoRT 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

Shops

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

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

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

CLINICs

19

nice 'n' naughty 85 Seel Street nice 'n' naughty 16 Colquitt Street

SPIRIT LEVEL 0151 227 1893, Transgender support group.

St HELens

20

Storm LGBT Christians Level 2, 96 Bold Street, 0151 547 3562, meets 1st Sun of the month 3pm storm@somewhere-else.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

GIRLS GO DOWN Monthly lesbian night, myspace.com/girlsgodown

SAunas

Gen-e-sis Vinyl Vasement Bar, Lark Lane, Women’s night last Sunday of the month.

18 Splash Sauna 5 Fazakerley St, 0151 236 1001, splashsauna.com

Motor City Puzzle Bar, monthly alt night 1st Fri of the month (Starts oct 1st).

Groups

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

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

Young Gay Sefton 0151 330 5841

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

Velvet Gay Friendly Coronation Walk Sexual Health Clinic Southport & Formby District General Hospital, 01704 513303

CLINICs

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS Flex II Tolver St, 01744 758 439

CLUB NIGHT

WORK Bridge Street, every Wednesday.

Pink Flamingo The Venue, 11-19 Westfield St. See facebook for details.

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 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

Dinin’ Divas womens dining group dinindivas@yahoo.com

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

Encompass 07790904718, 07833114752, 01745337144, LGBT social & info group for Chester & N. Wales, encompass.btik.com

SaUNas

Mersey & Dee Women Social group, madw@merseymail.com Sole Sisters Penny: 07917 533104 or Sandra: 07921 222101, womens walking group. unique tg support group N. Wales & West Cheshire meets 3rd Tues of the Month, 8pm, elen@uniquetg.org.uk uniquetg.org.uk UTOPIA (chester) 01244 602812, LGB youth group meets every Weds 7.30-9pm, chester@utopialgb.org.uk

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

MACcLeSfIelD

aGENCIES

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

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

GROUPS

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

GROUPS

men’s Group 01270 653 156, outrite.org

CheStER

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS Bar 6T9 01244 313 608

Liverpool Arms Northgate Street, 01244 314 807

CLINICs

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

aGENCIES

LGBT Health Promotion 01244 650534 or 07747 631021, West Cheshire - help & support including LGBT health issues.

GROUPS

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

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

Panthers LGBT Badminton/Squash 01782 266998, meeting weekly in Stoke

NELSONS WINE BAR Crown St, 01422 844 782

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

SCaRBoROuGh

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

NOrtHWicH

Yorkshire

GROUPS

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

88 Listing Indicator

£

SaUNaS

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

Parking Cash Machine Pedestrianised

£

Heaton’s Court (front)

RunCoRN

11

3

9

DEVONIAN HOTEL Gay Friendly 4 Sherwood Terrace, Douglas, 01624 674676, thedevonian.co.uk 10 5 1

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Guys & Dolls Showbar Gay Friendly Peverill Sq, Douglas,

CLINIC

Heaton’s Court (back)

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

Blayd’s Mews

8

Halton LGBT Group meets at: Halton Voluntary Action, Public Hall St, meets twice a month on a Wednesday night between 7pm and 9pm, haltonlgbt.co.uk

WARringToN

1 7

Bar Fibre Lower Briggate, 08701 200888 1

CLINIC

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

aGENCIES

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

Gay Healthy Alliance Project PO Box 539, 01925 631101

GROUPS

Chester Uni Warrington Campus LGBT Society search facebook

8

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Sexual Health Clinic Lovely Lane, 01925 662476

WEBSITEs

The Calls

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

White Hart Sankey Street, 01925 241994

North West

6

Swinegate

GROUPS

2

Old Red Lion Meadow Lane, 0113 242 6779 4

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

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

7 The New Penny 57-59 Call Lane, 0113 243 8055 8 The Bridge 1-5 Bridge End, 0113 244 4734

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

9 VIADUCT 11 Lower Briggate, 0113 245 4863

FLUID (Freedon to Love Ur IDentity) 07747 473 829

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

StaFfOrdSHIRE

SaUNaS 11 Basement Sauna

SHOPS

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

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

The Pink Lounge Piccadilly, Hanley, pinkloungebarandclub.com

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

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

CLINIC & agENCIES

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

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

IsLe oF MaN HOTELS

LEeDs

Parr St.

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Briggate

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

HeBDEn BrIdgE

LGBT Network 01782 266998, charity providing support, advice for all LGBT & social groups, gaystoke.com

Blayd’s Yard

aGENCIES

GROUPS

GROUPS

Leeds.indd 1

Sexual Health Clinic Leighton Hospital, Middlewich Rd, 01270 612255

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

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

EaTERIES

CLINICs

GROUPS

Gaylife North Staffordshire 0300 1230970

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

GROUPS

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

Cheshire CRewE

CLINIC & agENCIES

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

Sexual Health Halton General Hospital, 01928 753217

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

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

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

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

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

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

Briggate

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

THE GREYHOUND Manchester Road, 01484 420 742

Gascoigne St.

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

CLINICs

HUDdERsFiEld

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

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 12/5/09 12:21:30

Gay Outdoor Group - Ability Group Outdoor activities for people with all types of abilities/disabilities and their friends and family, ability@goc.org.uk LGBT Youth Northwest PO BOX 153, Manchester. M60 1LP, 0753 106 1777, Support & fun projects for LGBT Young people 14-25; support & training for practitioners working with young people, lgbtyouthnorthwest@yahoo.co.uk Queer Youth Network info@queeryouth.net, queeryouth.net Trans Resource Empowerment Centre (TREC) 07513 880647, Trans activities and info, meets 2nd Sat at the LGF, board@transcentre.org.uk transcentre.org.uk trans youth support (north west) 07530 352079, Supporting Trans young people & those questionning their gender identity, aged under 25, through email, phone & up coming Trans Youth Events, trans.youth@yahoo.co.uk

SHOPS & Services

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

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

WELCOME TO

manchester pride!

jackie crozier FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

How long have you been working at Manchester Pride, and what is it that you like most about being a part of the organisation and festival?

I started working for Manchester Pride in 2005 and have not looked back since. What I love most about being a part of it is that we raise money for great LGBT and HIV/ AIDS organisations whilst at the same time host one of the best festivals not only in Manchester, but the UK. Have you got a favourite Manchester Pride memory?

Walking down with the Parade is always fantastic. As part of the festival that is free for the public to attend, it is always a fantastic sight to see mothers, brothers, families, friends and supporters come down in their masses to watch the floats go down and around the City Centre.

In ten words, what does Manchester Pride mean to you?

Love, equality, support, fun, togetherness, talent, friends, memories, nostalgia, hope What can we expect from this year’s all anticipated ‘Big Weekend’?

This year expect all things British! Alongside our ‘Best of British’ theme for the fantastic parade (Saturday 27 August) we have some fantastic homegrown musical talent performing over the weekend, including Pixie Lott, Sugababes, Blue, Patrick Wolf and Alexandra Burke! This should be one of Pride’s best years and – as we turn 21 – expect a few surprises!

Manchester Pride is a charity organisation and festival which celebrates the lives and culture of Manchester’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.

Over the years the festival has come under different names, such as Mardi Gras and Gayfest and was host to EuroPride back in 2003. However, the aim of the festival and organisation has always been to raise money for deserving causes, and Manchester Pride is the only event of its kind in the UK that does so.

Since 2003, the organisation has raised £895,000 for these causes. The money is divided between LGBT organisations and HIV/AIDS organisations – absolutely no profit is made by the organisation. This year as the festival turns 21 it hopes to reach the £1M mark.

As Manchester Pride approaches its 21st birthday, the festival is comprised of four distinct parts. Its ‘Big Weekend’ (Friday 26 – Monday 29 August), where a large and diverse number of musical acts perform across numerous stages; the Pride Fringe (19 – 25 August), a week-long series of art, theatre, music and events prior to the weekend to celebrate creativity and culture within the community; our Pride Parade (Saturday 27 August), taking place throughout Manchester’s City Centre celebrating LGBT community with its sponsors, friends, partners and supporters, and finally our Candlelit Vigil (Monday 29

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

August), paying respects to those we have lost to the HIV/AIDS virus. You do not need a wristband to attend Manchester Pride’s Candlelit Vigil (organised by George House Trust) or its Pride Parade, nor do you for Fringe events (though some of these are ticketed and priced).

For 2011, the festival hopes to commemorate its roots as well as move forward with the future. A ‘Bring and Buy’ sale will be held on Sunday 21 August – over Pride Fringe – in homage to the original stalls outside of The Rembrandt from which the first ever Manchester Pride event was comprised. And in a step towards the future, the festival will have its very on App available for download, so you will be able to look up the site map, scheduled set times and weekend ‘hot spots’ from the comfort of your own phone. Handy!

Manchester Pride works extremely hard each year to put on a fantastic festival whilst at the same time raise money for the groups it strives to help. This would not be possible without its dedicated volunteers from the LGF (Lesbian and Gay Foundation) and George House Trust, who help with things such as ‘wristband exchange’, as well as our fantastic patrons and other supporters.

19th-2th AUGUST

fringe Manchester Pride’s week-long Fringe takes place before the festival’s ‘Big Weekend’, this year from Friday 19 August – Thursday 25 August 2011.

The fringe features a number of events spanning arts, sports, music, comedy, theatre, community and family, and offers something for everyone.

The events take place in and around Manchester City Centre and you do not need a wristband to attend; some will be priced and ticketed events (usually offering concessions) whilst others will be free to attend. Manchester Pride’s Fringe Brochure – outlines these events in full detail.

Some firm favourites for this year’s Pride Fringe include ‘The Pink Dog Show’, OutdoorLads’ free in-door climbing session, Hollyoaks and EastEnders’ writer Rob Ellis’ sop-star-studded ‘Fetish Knights’. In addition to this is ‘Queer to Stay’, an exhibition being held at The Lowry until Sunday 16 October, which documents nostalgic memorabilia collected by the festival’s attendees over the past twenty one years. Valentino King’s ‘Drag King’ workshop is another one to look out for, taking place on Tuesday 23 August. Hosted by the UK’s number one ‘Drag King’ the event is free – though you are advised to bring a change of clothes to really get into your new alter-ego!

Manchester Pride Fringe is an opportunity to really immerse oneself in the culture and social issues going on within the LGBT community, and showcases what they and our city of Manchester has to offer – so get your hands on the listings, circle your favourites and make the most of the fabulous week long extravaganza…

INTERVIEW

antony cotton PATRON OF MANCHESTER PRIDE

As a Manchester local, Pride Patron and member of the Coronation Street cast you have many a tie with the city of Manchester.

What are your favourite things about our wonderful and vibrant city?

My favorite thing about Manchester is the sense of community that we have here. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Manchester is the greatest city in the world.

What are you looking forward to at the festival most this year?

I’m looking forward to the Parade and the Vigil which for me bookend the weekend perfectly. These are the two key elements, the very meaning and purpose of what we’re doing that makes Pride still so important. It’s about visibility and it’s about respect.

Without those two things we have nothing. This year Manchester Pride marks its 21st year celebrating its LGBT community.

What are your earliest and best experiences of Manchester Pride?

My earliest memories of Pride are at Flesh at The Hac, and Manto and Paradise (and that bitch on the door!)

For all you young funsters, let me tell you - those were the days!

What would you say to encourage those who have not come to Manchester Pride before to do so?

Because this is the city that gave you Coronation Street, Manchester United, Oasis, Queer As Folk and most importantly Alan Turing. If you don’t know who he is - Google him...

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 51

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

On the corner of Canal Street and Minshull Street

ONW picks FOUR EVENTS ONW WON’T BE MISSING! Kraak Gallery Queer Art Show Friday August 26 - September 1, 11am - 6pm (closed bank holiday Monday) Expect a mix of art and activism @ Kraak Gallery, 11 Stevenson Square, Northern Quarter, Manchester.

Please note, this is not an official Manchester Pride event. http://kraak.co.uk/

A LITTLE PIECE OF OUR HEART Saturday August 20, 2pm & 4pm, Lass O’Gowrie, Free.

LGBT Youth North West have been working with Art with Heart collecting intergenerational stories about LGBT experiences of the heart. For more, email: sarah.artwithheart@gmail.com

CHEEKI_CHOPS Throughout August at Taurus, Canal Street Pop down to Taurus, Canal Street throughout August to see the work of their artist of the decade - the wonderful Nicholas Franklin. For more information on Nick’s work, visit his website: www.materialboy.info

site map

BOLLOX Sunday August 28, 10.30pm - 4am, Legends. £7/£5 As we went to press, there was still loads to confirm, but take a sniff at the line-up (so far!) to tempt you into their den of iniquity... Patrick Wolf (DJ set); Uncivil Partnerships (get married at Bollox); Celebrity Cottager; Trash-O-Rama; Zoe Mc Veigh; The Blige Sisters; Anthony Crank; Dansette disco; and the 80’s-tastic Pretty in Pink. For more, visit: www.facebook.com.bolloxclub www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 53

26th-29th AUGUST

the big weekend!

Coinciding with Manchester Pride’s Parade theme of ‘Best of British’, the Big Weekend is set to feature a fantastic group of home-grown artists – old, new, borrowed and ‘Blue’.

Pop princess Pixie Lott is set to headline over the Big Weekend; Pixie’s latest single ‘All About Tonight’ has just hit the airwaves and we can expect to hear some great new material as well as some of her classics for her performance. Also featuring on the Manchester Pride Gaydar Main Arena, and presented by G-A-Y, are both the fabulous Sugababes – Jade, Keisha and Amelle – and X-Factor winner and double platinum Alexandra Burke.

Other known acts who will feature over the weekend include boyband Blue – who were this year’s UK Eurovision entry – and Patrick Wolf.

In addition to the well-known and chart topping talent, Manchester Pride will also present both some lesser known and newer acts the Summer, such as Cosmo Jarvis, Manchester-based group Rubika and Horse, a female Scottish singer with a loyal fan-base who has been making music for over twenty years. There will also be performances from Manchester Gay and Lesbian Chorus, Proms in the Park (Monday 29 August) and a joint set from singer and ‘Lip Service’ actress Heather Peace and Coronation Street’s Bruno Langley and his band ‘Bruno and the Wonderland Band’.

27th AUGUST

parade

Manchester Pride’s Parade will take place this year on Saturday 27 August between 1pm and 3pm. The starting point of the parade is the top of Deansgate and it comes to a close in Manchester’s Gay Village.

The parade is free to attend and watch and will feature floats from our sponsors, partners, friends and supporters – and leading it this year is the fabulous ‘trolley dolly’ Pam Ann (alter-ego of comedienne Caroline Reid).

Ann, acting as ‘part of the commonwealth’ in-line with our ‘Best of British’ theme will be just one of many familiar faces featuring – look out for bigger, better and brighter costumes than ever before!

54 OUTNORTHWEST

29th AUGUST GEORGE HOUSE TRUST

candlelit vigil As a part of the Manchester Pride Closing Ceremony is the George House Trust Candlelit Vigil.

Situated in Sackville Gardens and free to attend without a wristband, this sees members of the community and general public come together to pay respects to those lost to HIV/AIDS. Speeches, readings and songs take place on the stage, whilst the park becomes lit from front to back by all of those holding their candles. The Vigil is notably many Pride goers’ favourite element of the festival, as it brings people together and reminds us what it is that Manchester Pride is trying to do for the community.

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

Manchester Lesbian & Gay

chorus!

If you’ve ever watched the Manchester Pride Parade, or been to the Candlelit Vigil, you’ve heard the Manchester Lesbian & Gay Chorus in action.

Manchester’s only community choir for LGBT people have been making music and making friends for 10 years. This August they can been seen walking in the Pride Parade, chatting up potential new members at their Expo stall and performing on the main stage on bank holiday Monday.

But the biggest event of the MLGC year will be their 10th anniversary celebration concert at the RNCM on Saturday 3rd September. It promises to be a fun-packed evening as the chorus revisit some old favourites from the last 10 years as well as singing some new number.

It’s been an emotional journey getting to this point. The chorus started out as a small group of friends meeting in a pub, but quickly got the bug for performing in public and after their 2006 trip to Montreal where they competed in the cultural strand of the World OutGames and came home with a bronze medal, began to grow rapidly and expand their musical ambitions.

Something the MLGC are particularly proud of is how much they have achieved in musical terms. Most members have had no formal training or experience of performing before joining the chorus. Always open to new members, the chorus has become a much-loved part of Manchester’s LGBT community and intends to be around to fill the air with song for a long time yet. www.mlgc.org.uk

A TASTE OF BRAZIL ...IN THE HEART OF MANCHESTER Prime cuts of meat - slow barbecued for up to 11 hours.

Carved ‘rodizio’ style at table from open skewers to capture the freshest individual flavours. Eaten with a selection of gourmet salads, breads, hot traditional meat side dishes, dips and sauces.

Seafood, vegetable and Halal options are also available when ordered in advance.

SPECIAL ‘PRIDE’ OFFER

10% food discount throughout the weekend and a FREE Brazilian caipirinha cocktail for each diner!

Brazil Street (on the corner with Sackville Street) Manchester M1 3WF Tel: 0161 923 6846 e-mail: info@nossa-casa.co.uk web: www.nossa-casa.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/nossacasa