outnorthwest issue 107

FOR OVER 16’s ONLY!

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

Published by

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

OUTNORTHWEST ISSUE 107 DEC-JAN 2012 FREE!

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

EN LISTW NO !

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW!

ELLY BARNES NUMBER ONE IN THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY’S PINK LIST 2011

T IT! DON’T SWEA

KNOW YOUR

PLUS!

STATUS!

JONATHAN HARVEY ON

OUTNORTHWEST EDITOR’S LETTER DEC-JAN 2012

1st December is World AIDS Day, and this year Manchester is asking everyone to know their HIV status.

There’s really no excuse these days for not taking care of yourself, and it’s easier than ever to get tested and find out your HIV status.

Elsewhere in this issue we also talk to Jonathan Harvey, writer of Beautiful Thing, which has just made a triumphant return to the stage at The Royal Exchange in Manchester. It’s on until 3rd December, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Don’t miss our chat with Elly Barnes too, who was recently voted number one in The Independent’s Pink List. She’s an amazing woman, and we really wish we had teachers like here when we were at school!

In this issue of outnorthwest, we’ve got details of events happening across the North West to mark World AIDS Day, and how you can get involved. On page 34, Patrick Ettenes writes for us again about how he dealt with his positive diagnosis. It’s a fantastic article, and I’d recommend you all read it.

Have a fantastic, and safe Christmas and New Year, and don’t forget, if you’re struggling over the festive period, or just need someone to talk to, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation is there for you. We’ll be available all through the holidays, so call us on 0845 3 30 30 30. There’s tonnes of useful advice on our website too, so make sure you bookmark www.lgf.org.uk

LGF ONLINE

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 Images: Paul Jones (Exposure) Jonathan Harvey by Joel Fildes

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 Joanne Dunning; Lucy Rolfe; Martin Cooper; Samantha Days; Patrick Ettenes; George House Trust; Gaydio; Annie Emery; Andrew Gilliver; Peter Boyle; Paul Fairweather; Colin Armstead; Adam Winter; Marc Robinson; Sara Ashworth; Kevin Maxwell; Martin Cooper; David Thompson.

See you at the end of January.

IF YOU WATCH ONE FILM THIS YEAR, MAKE IT THIS ONE

INFORMATION

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

Every Thursday between 4pm and 6pm, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation offers a free, confidential same day HIV testing service. You don’t even need to make an appointment. And on World AIDS Day, the clinic will be open from 12 noon until 6pm at the LGF’s Community Resource Centre on Richmond Street (we’re just above Queer).

So why not make a commitment to yourself and your health and come along and get tested?

SCAN FOR MORE

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

SPECIAL THANKS Jonathan Harvey; John Goodfellow; The Royal Exchange; Gaydio; Roger Crouch; Elly Barnes; Ian Bradley Marshall; Ben A Squance; Ian Reed (ianreedphotography.com).

Released on DVD on 5th December, We Were Here is the first film to take a deep and reflective look back at the arrival and impact of a definitive chapter in San Fransisco’s queer ADVERTISING history. It explores how the inhabitants were affected by, and For information on advertising in outnorthwest, how they responded to, a calamitous contact us on 0845 3 30 30 30. epidemic. It’s a deeply affecting film, and Or e-mail grahame.robertson@lgf.org.uk one that serves as a sharp reminder of the devastating impact HIV and AIDS has had on the LGBT community. PLEASE TOtoDIAL THIS watch this film. Scan the QR code NUMBER NOW take a look at the trailer.

SCAN

For Hazell x

IF YOU DO ONE THING THIS WEEK SUPPORT WORLD AIDS DAY Every 1st December, we mark World AIDS Day. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the impact HIV and AIDS has had on us a community, to remember the ones we’ve lost, and those still with us who are living with or are affected by HIV and AIDS. It’s a hugely important day, so if you see collectors on the street this December, give generously and wear your red ribbon with pride. Never forget.

INSIDE OUT REGULARS

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

08 NEWS & OPINION World AIDS Day events around the region, and all the latest developments.

16 VILLAGE PEOPLE We’re painting the Village red!

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

22

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

FEATURES

ELLY BARNES

26 JONATHAN HARVEY As Beautiful Thing returns to the stage, we talk to the writer, Jonathan Harvey.

34

22 OUTSPOKEN! Elly Barnes is the kind of teacher we wish we’d had at school!

23 WOMEN OF THE YEAR We look back on a year of influential women and women’s events.

DEALING WITH HIV

26 23

WELLBEING

JONATHAN HARVEY

20 GEORGE HOUSE TRUST The latest developments from GHT. 31 SURVIVING CHRISTMAS A three page guide to getting through the festive period in one piece!

28 MODEL BEHAVIOUR What happens when you model for a sexual health campaign?

24 DO IT! Get involved with our year-long LGBT skills academy!

34 GAY MEN’S HEALTH Dealing with a positive diagnosis.

36 SPORT & FITNESS All the latest news and events from the big gay world fo sport!

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.

THE WOMEN OF 2011

www.lgf.org.uk/enough

TAKING ACTION HOW YOU ARE TAKING ACTION AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA

ACTION STATIONS! You’ve taken thousands of positive actions against homophobia this year, and now you can make a difference in 2012! A huge thanks to everyone who has taken positive action against homophobia this year as part of Enough is Enough!

To all those who marched with us at Prides, those who signed new people up to the campaign, to Roger Crouch who shared his story with us, all those

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

Scan here NOW to buy a schools pack!

Homophobia ACTION against

Donate £20 to an Enough is Enough!

Safer Schools Pack for Christmas and we’ll get them into schools to help them celebrate LGBT History Month (Feb 1st), and challenge homophobic bullying, support lesbian, gay and bisexual young people and promote understanding across communities throughout the year.

who took the I Exist survey and signed the AllOut Stop PayPal Supporting Hate Petition, those who voted for us in the NatWest CommunityForce initiative or donated to a Safer Schools Pack, and those who shared the words that hurt them as part of Anti-Bullying Week.

And to those who are still to get involved – you can help us make such a difference in 2012!

It’s absolutely vital that we get packs into schools to help this generation and the next aim high and achieve.

We’re trying to get as many of our Safer Schools Packs into UK schools as possible.

www.lgf.org.uk/schoolspack

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...

SCAN TO WATCH THE

VIDEO NOW

LIKE US!

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

“It’s absolutely vital that we get packs into schools to help this generation and the next aim high and achieve!”

ACT

LESS

GAY? We were horrified to read that teachers in Essex had been telling pupils to act “less gay” to avoid homophobic bullying.

People have argued that the teachers were trying to protect their pupils, but wouldn’t those teachers be better off encouraging the bullies to change their behaviour.

It highlights that many schools and teachers need more support in talking about and approaching lesbian, gay and bisexual issues, and supporting all young people.

Why should these young people be told to change their behaviour, simply for being themselves! It’s simple – they shouldn’t!

Take action! Visit: www.lgf.org.uk/schoolspack

TWEET US!

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

OPINION PAUL FAIRWEATHER

...on making a connection I went to see the film Weekend recently which tells the story of two gay men who meet in a club and spend the weekend discussing love, life and the meaning of relationships. It has proved to be a surprising hit and generated a huge amount of discussion amongst the friends that I saw it with.

To see such a realistic portrayal of the gay scene and the dilemmas still facing us in searching for intimacy was a refreshing change from the way that the gay scene and gay relationships are often portrayed. For whilst it is undoubtedly much easier to be out in 2011 than it was in the past it the film shows very clearly the difference between being happy with being gay in the privacy of your own home and being gay and engaging with the world and wider society.

The ease of communicating with friends and lovers through texting and Facebook can put pressure on the way our relationships develop.

We are all much more available to be contacted and socialise yet that I wonder sometimes that there is no space for two people just to talk without interruption and develop more meaningful friendships and relationships. I know that some friends of mine have stopped using social networks sites completely because they felt that there had far too many friends that they didn’t really know and far too much information about total strangers. One friend has returned to placing ads in magazines and told me that the excitement of writing letters to people and receiving a letter back in return was a great experience for him.

How do we manage our most intimate relationships when they can now be observed by all and sundry? How do we begin to develop an intimate relationship out of a relationship often begun by sex and then potentially developed into something even more intimate? Often this is fuelled through the prism of drugs and alcohol and compounded by the insecurities that we all feel about ourselves. For lesbians and gay people this is still often influenced by the homophobia that is still all around us. Maybe much more subtle than it used to be but still a lingering presence that says that somehow we are less likely to succeed in maintaining our relationships.

The suicides of some young lgbt people still highlights the damage that homophobia can do and recent cases of cyber bullying have shown how a throwaway comment in a classroom can become a campaign of harassment supported by hundreds of people. This can create a pressure to conform that is so damaging for young people still coming to terms with their sexuality.

Has the fact that we can now can have civil partnerships created a pressure to be in more permanent relationships when for some of us this is not what we actually want or need? Or does it help us to cement our relationships and give them more stability in the way that marriage has for centuries seen to be the goal for most heterosexual people? Or maybe this is no longer the case? Ask your friends and see what they think for it is only when as a community we feel more able and confident about talking about these most intimate of issues that we can begin to find out what the answers to the questions that films like the Weekend pose for us.

Paul Fairweather www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 07

AGENDA

IN DEPTH NEWS, COMMENT AND ANALYSIS

DEC-JAN 2012

WORLD AIDS DAY 2011

AROUND

THE REGION

BLACKPOOL Blackpool will commemorate World Aids Day with two special events.

Starting at 3pm with a special Northern Rail train arriving at Blackpool North from Leeds dressed in the red ribbon icon. At 6.30pm there will be an event at the Winter Gardens with an exhibition of pictures of people from all over the world who are living with HIV. Music will be provided by a local school choir.

LIVERPOOL In Liverpool Sahir House are carrying out fundraising ahead of World Aids Day and encouraging local businesses to create special window displays .There will be an evening event at Mountford Hall (The Academy) at 7.30pm with speakers including The Lord Mayor of Liverpool and the reading of the remembrance list. For more information call:0151 237 3989.

CUMBRIA Are you living with HIV in Cumbria? or caring for someone who is? If so, you may be interested in a new initiative being promoted by Cumbria Equality Resource Centre. If you would like to attend a new support group for anyone affected by HIV please contact Liam Ryan on 01768 895242, or Val MacConnell on 07825 207046.

For more events go to: www.worldaidsday.org/events/

MANCHESTER SAYS

“KNOW YOUR STATUS” HIV is on the increase in Manchester, the north west and across the UK but with improved testing and better treatments Manchester is drawing attention to what more can be done to highlight the virus and also support those affected by it.

As of December 2010 there were: 3,980 people in Greater Manchester living with HIV. 8,330 total HIV diagnosis in the northwest of England. 114,726 people in the UK living with HIV. (Data: Health Protection Agency: September 2011). Manchester’s World AIDS Day Partnership wants you to be involved in events surrounding World AIDS Day on 1st December. This year the message is focusing on encouraging everyone to ‘Know Your HIV status’ and promoting HIV testing.

Whether you test positive or negative knowing your status means you can stay healthy Knowing your status means you can take control of your health. Knowing your status means you can have effective treatment if you need it.

Raising Awareness Lookout for volunteers from the Manchester World Aids Day Partnership selling red ribbons on 1st,2nd and

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

3rd December throughout Manchester city centre to support local people affected by the virus.

Same Day HIV Testing -The Lesbian & Gay Foundation will be carrying out same day HIV testing on Thursday 1st December between 1-6pm. To find out more go to: www.lgf.org. uk/testing Candlelit Vigil - The Official Manchester World Aids Day Vigil will take place at 7pm in Sackville Gardens on Thursday 1st December.

We look forward to seeing you there.

The Beacon of Hope The Beacon of Hope has been central to Manchester’s HIV remembrance for the last decade and we would like to encourage people to leave their thoughts and tributes to those affected by HIV near the Beacon.

A big THANK YOU to all the individuals and venues who are supporting this years World Aids Day efforts by holding an event, fundraiser or just making sure they help promote the message of encouraging everyone to know their HIV status. See page 16 for more info.

Look out for latest updates and how you can get involved on facebook: ‘Manchester World AIDS Day’.

AGENDA DEC-JAN 2012 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

COMPETITION

LGBT HISTORY MONTH 2012 COMP! Tackle homophobia and transphobia in sport. Design a logo and win prizes!

OUR 2011

HOMO HEROES LGF recently celebrated its first ever Homo Hero awards voted by you to recognise those people who you feel have made a significant impact on the lives of LGB&T people.

Nationally there are now quite a few awards and lists of this kind and there are two people that we feel deserve special recognition for making 2011 just that little bit easier for many young people.

Roger Crouch The Stonewall Awards recently celebrated those who have made a positive impact on the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual people in Britain in the last 12 months. Hero of the Year award went to Roger Crouch who has campaigned to raise awareness of homophobic bullying in schools, after his son Dominic, 15, took his own life in 2010 after rumours circulated at school that he was gay.

Roger said: ‘I see this as an award for Dom. I want to say by choosing us for this award you’ve also chosen to take a stand alongside

all the young people whose lives have been ended by bullying. We are parents who loved our son. We stood by him in life and we stand by him in death.’

ELLY BARNES Music teacher Elly Barnes was voted in first place by Independent on Sunday readers who nominated to recognise 101 heroes and heroines for their annual Pink list. Elly says homophobic bullying has more or less been eradicated in her school in Stoke Newington in the last five years, after running LGBT History Month at the school every February, and empowering pupils to report bullying.

Elly says: “By exploring the definitions of LGBT and looking at famous LGBT people in history, we’ve managed to change opinions and we have had a number of pupils come out during their time at school here. We have also changed the language used in the school. I used to hear the word gay being used all the time, as a derogatory term. Now we hardly hear that.”

Read our chat with Elly on page 22.

Earlier this year the Government, together with major sporting bodies, launched a Charter calling for anyone with an interest in sport to unite in a common cause to tackle homophobia and transphobia in sport. Now a competition is being launched to design a logo that sports clubs can use to show their commitment to kicking homophobia and transphobia out of sport. A design is needed that inspires change and helps spread the message that hate of any kind in sport is not acceptable. Rugby legend Ben Cohen will shortlist the top entries – then it will be over to you to crown the final winner through a public vote.

The winning entry will be used as the official campaign logo by sports clubs up and down the country.

Prizes include A mascot package for under 11’s at an England Football International at Wembley; 2 tickets to the Championship playoff finals at Wembley; 2 Tickets to the AEGON tennis Championship at Queens; 4 Tickets to the Rugby League Challenge Cup Final; A signed Ben Cohen shirt; A tour of Wembley Stadium. (travel or overnight stay is not included in any of the prizes) To enter Draw your logo on paper, paint it or design it on a computer and send it to arrive no later than 18th January by email to: sportscharter@ geo.gsi.gov.uk or by post to Nancy Tenenbaum at Home Office, 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF. Sign the Charter for Action: www.facebook.com/ lgbtsportcharter www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 09

AGENDA RELATIONSHIPS

Over 40,000 Civil Partnerships have taken place in the UK since December 2005 and currently there are plans to change the law to allow those religious premises (that wish to do so) in England and Wales to host same-sex civil partnerships. The UK government also plan to hold a formal consultation into samesex civil marriage in 2012.

All information correct at time of going to press.

It is hoped that places of worship in England and Wales will be able to host same-sex civil partnerships by 2012. The shift will cover religious premises of all beliefs and means those places of worship that wish to do so can perform civil partnerships; this legislation does not put places of worship under any legal obligation to perform civil partnerships if they do not wish to do so.

The Unitarian Church and the Quakers as well as Liberal and Reform Judaism have said that they would hold ceremonies for gay couples but the Catholic Church and Church of England have said they would not.

GAY

MARRIAGE ARE WE GETTING THERE?

If this issue is important to you remember to have your say for equality and LGBT rights when the consultation comes round in March.

We’ve seen this year that those opposed to LGBT equality are more than happy to get involved in these consultations, it’s absolutely vital that when we get the opportunity to have our say, about the issues that affect our lives, our rights and our futures - we must seize it!

Following on from the consultation to allow civil partnerships on religious premises the government have also recently announced that a formal consultation into same-sex civil marriage will be launched in March 2012.

It is testament to how far lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans rights have come when proposals for same-sex marriage are being discussed in government on a national level.

The news that the government are to launch a consultation to consider how to make civil marriage available to same-sex couples is to be welcomed but the consultation does not currently plan to cover same sex religious marriage or heterosexual civil partnerships.

However, we must not be complacent and see same-sex marriage as a foregone conclusion – we must fight to ensure that this gets through both Houses of Parliament, and then we’ll start to see the move towards true equality.

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

New Guide to Civil Partnerships To celebrate the sixth anniversary of Civil Partnerships and the upcoming changes in the law The Lesbian & Gay Foundation are producing an updated mini guide to the basic information on Civil Partnerships.

This will include the differences between civil partnerships and gay marriage, who can register, what documents and certificates are needed ,religious ceremonies, giving notice and pre- nuptual agreements, dissolution and wills, benefits, credits and bereavement, taxes and pensions and Civil Partnerships at home and abroad If you would like a copy of this free resource please e-mail: info@lgf.org. uk or go to www.lgf.org.uk/CivilPartnerships for more information and latest updates.

DEC-JAN 2012 HMD 2012

Manchester’s LGB&T Community for Holocaust Memorial Day 2012

SPEAK UP

SPEAK OUT! On January 27th 2012 the annual commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day takes place which provides us with an opportunity to pay tribute to all those who suffered persecution at the hands of the Nazi’s and for us to remember those people from the LGB&T community who were also victims of Nazi prejudice.

Holocaust Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to link the past with the present and highlight how hate and discrimination affects all communities all over the world in the 21st century.

The theme for 2012 asks us to think about the rights, responsibility and duty we all have to speak up when we see or hear something which we believe to be wrong. It challenges us to learn about what happens when we don’t speak out and what can happen when we do use our voice. Under

the Nazi regime of hatred (1933 – 1945), the voices of so many were taken away.

Whilst these atrocities have taken place, many have stood idly by and did not speak out against persecution and discrimination.

Today, we have an opportunity to Speak Up, Speak Out in many different ways. As well as telling others our opinion, we can start social media campaigns; record our views on film and audio and upload these to websites and blogs. We can write to those in power, expressing our opinion and we can organise or join demonstrations and protests to support what we believe in. For example, many people use the word ‘gay’ as a derogatory term of offence – we can all choose to challenge those who do this within our hearing.

We can also urge those who have been attacked or abused on our streets because of their sexual orientation to report what has happened to them.

To find out more about Holocaust Memorial Day and the 2012 theme go to: www.hmd.org.uk or www.speakupnow.org.uk

Building on the work of The Albert Kennedy Trust supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans homeless young people and The Lesbian & Gay Foundation around ending homophobia and empowering people, both organisations are taking inspiration from the past this January.

Challenging the language of hatred this coming January by encouraging Manchester’s LGB&T community to get involved in this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day activity ‘Speak Up Speak Out‘.

We would like to encourage people to share what issues they want to speak out about, sharing on the lessons learned from the Holocaust, to highlight what still needs to be done to challenge prejudice and discrimination in LGBT peoples lives today.

LGB&T Manchester Speak Up! An event will be held on the evening of Thursday 26th January 2012 (Venue tbc) to remember and reflect on the lessons learned from the Holocaust and to discuss what still needs to be done to challenge hatred and persecution in the UK today particularly from an LGB&T perspective.

To get involved or for more information e-mail: andrew.gilliver@lgf.org.uk or Darren@akt.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 11

AGENDA DEC-JAN 2012 LIVERPOOL

WRITING

LIVERPOOL IS STREETS AHEAD!

Liverpool has become the first city in Britain to have street signs displaying the rainbow arch, the first of which was unveiled on Stanley Street on November 11th.

The signs, which appear along Stanley Street, Cumberland Street, Temple Lane, Eberle Street and Temple Street, have been introduced following the decision by the city’s council to officially recognise the Stanley Street Quarter as a gay area.

Adam Simpson from Liverpool LGB&T Network said the move is the first step towards making the neighbourhood a prime destination.

The first sign was unveiled by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Liverpool and Councillor Sharon Sullivan in a ceremony attended by a number of residents and owners of local businesses.

Also attending was Marie Causer mother of gay teenager Michael Causer – who was killed in 2009 .Marie, who attended with her granddaughter Daisy, said: “Michael delivered Daisy weeks before he was murdered. Hopefully when she grows up everyone will be accepted for who they are, not judged on what they are.”

“YOU DIDN’T TELL US

IT WAS GAY!” Liverpool based author Ian Bradley Marshall has just published his second anthology Meanderings, we catch up with him about his life, inspirations and about being a gay writer.

Have you always been a writer?

My first Anthology Idle Thoughts was eight years in the making, and in 2009 I thought let’s put everything together. I sent it to Spiderwize, a publishers in Scotland who liked it and it started from there. I write in the conversational style. The reader comes away from the page and thinks “I’m in this”. I start with the first line and let the pen roll. It’s almost like being detached – something else controlling the pen.

Tell us about Meanderings?

There is some new writing and some has come from the past. There are some sexual pieces, and others that are entirely asexual to demonstrate to the general public we can talk about other things. My writing is inspired by so many people, Matthew Shepard and Michael Causer included, and those taking action to challenge homophobia like The Justin

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

Campaign and The Lesbian & Gay Foundation.

One piece, Comeuppance (The Justin Trilogy) is dedicated to the work of those two organisations. It’s about the protagonist in the FA’s anti-homophobia ad – a man full of hate and homophobia. It imagines this man’s son coming out to him as gay – it’s the flipside of the coin and what happens if this man does come around. It reminds me of my gay friend in Russia – his mum and his sister are supportive, but he daren’t tell his father or his employer.

He’s experienced what I experienced in this country over 30 years ago. It goes to show how far we’ve come, overseas there is still so far to go.

What’s your hope for your future work?

I’m not going to shut up. I’m going to write openly and be supportive of our community and get involved in the issues that concern us. I want to push boundaries – that’s my hallmark.

We’ve kept it in so long – well we won’t have it any more.

Meanderings is available online now for more information visit: www. ianbradleymarshall.com/ and order through Amazon.co.uk or through Waterstones.

DEC-JAN 2012 OTHER NEWS

ART THERAPY GROUP AT LGF

Pride

in Practice

Excellence in lesbian, gay & bisexual healthcare No doubt you will have seen and more importantly benefitted from NHS North West’s and The LGF’s GP’s Surgeries project, where we got thousands of affirmative posters and leaflets into GP surgeries to highlight services for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people; helping to make healthcare settings more welcoming to LGB patients.

Looking forward to 2012, NHS North West and The LGF are building on the success of the GPproject with the Pride in Practice Charter Mark. The Charter Mark will encourage GPs across the UK to make sure 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, monitor sexual orientation, consult with LGB patients, get

involved with health promotion and outreach, and train staff on specific LGB issues.

The Charter Mark will encourage GP’s 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.

Shahnaz Ali is associate director for Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights at NHS North West, and commissioned LGF to carry out this project. She says: ‘Despite the huge changes going on in the NHS, GPs will remain the first point of contact for the vast majority of people who need health care – that’s why a project like this is so important.

Lesbian, gay and bisexual people have a right to feel safe and welcome in the NHS and have equality of access to services.

There are some shining examples of good practice in surgeries already - which this project will help to build on’ To find out more about Pride in Practice email dennis.baldwin@lgf.org.uk

Starting in January 2012 will be the first ever art therapy group at the LGF. The group will be facilitated

by Christopher Whitehead, a qualified Art psychotherapist registered with the Health Professions Council and the British Association of Art Therapists.The group is aimed at the LGBT community (minimum age 18) and will allow individuals to explore issues in a creat ive way. There is no need to be a skilled artist. It is not an art class or an activity group. The group begins on Wednesday 25th January 2012 and runs weekly for 12 weeks. Each session will last 90 minutes from 6.30pm to 8.00pm.

The cost will be £20 per person per week.

Please contact Chris before 4th January, at lgbtarttherapygroup@ hotmail.com to express an interest or to ask any questions.

PIONEErS AND PROGRESS Around five years ago Mike Newman saw a letter in the Pink Paper, regretting the lack of awareness of the work of campaigners working for ’gay’ liberation, pointing out that they were ageing, and would not be with us much longer, and deserved recognition. This prompted Mike to produce a short history of freedom for gay men in Britain since the 1950’s that will be published by The Lesbian & Gay Foundation in February. “As I had not long come out myself, this prompted me to act, and to contact those I could, and to record what I found out.” says Mike. “I can verify that few gay men I have met are aware of the struggle, and the courage of those who took part in it. My notes are a small attempt to record what I found, and encourage others to take things further, before it all becomes a fading memory. I am particularly grateful to the late Leo Abse, Alan Horsfall, Peter Tatchell, who we met, and to the late Antony Grey, whose poor health prevented a meeting, but not exchanges of emails, witty and outspoken, but with care and sympathy too.”

A special event is being organised for LGBT History Month to share these unique interviews and you can read more about this in our next issue. To find out more please e-mail: andrew.gilliver@lgf.org.uk 13 www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 11

AGENDA DEC-JAN 2012 “I have learnt over the past two years that we are forced into a corner, we somehow find the strength to fight.”

Even though I was unwell, I could not allow anybody to hold me to ransom or think they had some sort of hold over in any way, shape or form and with the help of the LGF I ‘outed’ myself on my terms, taking away any power others thought they had. None of us are perfect, but I had been a loyal and dedicated public servant since 2001.

FORCED OUT It was a year ago in the 100th issue of ONW, that Kevin Maxwell ‘outed’ himself publicly with both his sexual orientation and mental health condition.

“This was by no means a choice for me as I, like others, had a right to a private life, but was forced to take action to preserve my integrity and reputation because of others.” says Kevin.

In July 2010, I found out that The Sun newspaper had obtained my personal and sensitive information, and was going to publish this in an attempt to discredit me.

This was because I had taken the not-easy decision to challenge my employer for behaviour in my job as a police detective I believed to be homophobic and racist.

The News International title which was the weekday sister newspaper of the now defunct News of the World, sided with

my employer without the full facts of my discriminatory treatment being known. I’ve commented previously, that it wasn’t so much the lies that were going to be printed about me but the fact that it wasn’t for The Sun to reveal my sexuality publicly to its millions of readers, or indeed make public the fact I was suffering with reactive depression as a result of my experiences of homophobia and racism.

This wasn’t a fair fight, but I knew being LGB (Liverpudlian, Gay & Black) that The Sun was never going to support someone like me and those communities I represent. The fact that it was still going to print the lies despite my pleas of further detriment and my partner Alex and I having to take further decisive action to prevent publication, speaks for itself.

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

I’ve learned over the past two-years or so that, when we are forced into a corner we somehow find the strength to fight. I never once thought that in October 2011, I would be involved in a six-week court battle because of discrimination in the workplace and the fact my private data was leaked by my employer to a national newspaper.

As the Public Inquiry into Phone Hacking gets underway, I hope that in the future others will not suffer as I and others have with the intrusion into private lives for the sake of sensationalism. I wrote in the ONW 100th issue that, sometimes we need to stand up for ourselves regardless of the consequences. I have done what I needed to do, and have no regrets whatsoever. I genuinely believe in fairness and equality for all.

My fate under employment law, is now in the hands of others - guilty or not - but regardless I know the truth, and what happened to me. I am currently writing my first memoir ‘Broken’ about how discrimination caused my breakdown, my two-year fight for justice and battle with depression, to help raise awareness and remove stigma. I’m empowering myself.

I’m hoping some good and learning, comes from my experience for others. You can find out more about me at www.kevinmaxwell. co.uk and follow my ‘View from the Bottom’ blog.

Kevin Maxwell is a Filmmaker, Writer and Performer

YOUNG PEOPLE

CONFIDENCE BUILDING

YOU ARE

IN CONTROL Sex, relationships and confidence all go hand in hand. This may seem like a confusing idea to begin with, but when you really think about it, how you feel about yourself in relation to your self esteem and people you go out with is all linked.

Starting a relationship takes confidence and the same goes for having sex and meeting people who you feel attracted to.

Being more confident will help you to make better decisions based on what you want and make you less likely to give in to peer pressure. Confidence is an important tool to have and in this guide, we’re giving you a few simple pointers on how to get it and use it when it comes to relationships and sex.

What is confidence?

Confidence is all about being comfortable with yourself and who you are. Accepting and loving your own strengths, talents and even your weaknesses can help you to believe in yourself and face life’s challenges

head on. When someone is confident, they will have a good understanding of their personal beliefs and values and feel OK about not always following the crowd.

Being confident isn’t about doing things before you’re ready; people who feel truly confident and comfortable with themselves won’t rush into doing things if they don’t feel ready – and that’s why confidence is so important when it comes to sex and relationships.

How do I become more confident?

Confidence isn’t something any of us are born with. We have to build our confidence bit by bit and this can be done in lots of different ways. Understanding what you’re comfortable with when it comes to meeting other people can help you to develop self confidence. This is because it will help you to say no if someone is being pushy, or think about ways to approach someone you’re attracted to.

Here are some pointers to think about to help you to think about building your confidence: Accept complements – they’ve said

something nice for a reason, so resist the urge to dismiss it and instead, say thank you.

Try not to put yourself down in front of other people – all the time you’re telling yourself and other people negative things about who you are, and the more you say them, the more you and other people will believe them.

Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in – everyone is different and that may mean you don’t feel ready to do things your friends are. Being able to assert yourself to others can give you a real confidence boost.

Spend time around people who make you feel good about yourself Taking care of yourself is one of the most important signs of confidence, whether this is with your appearance, health or safety. Taking risks, especially risks involving sex can have big consequences – and showing that you have respect for yourself can help others to do the same.

Remember that this is just a guide to help you get started; confidence is something that you build over a lifetime, so don’t be hard on yourself if it takes a while to notice any changes. If you feel like you need to talk to someone about confidence, sex or relationships then just give us a call on 0845 3 30 30 30.

Alternatively, you can pop-in and see us for a chat in confidence any time between 10am and 8pm Monday to Friday at Number 5 on Richmond Street in Manchester City Centre. www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 15

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

LET’S PAINT THE

Hello Village Dwellers! This month, as you perambulate around the craggy cobblestones of Manchester’s Gay Village, you may notice an overwhelming redness to the atmos.

There is good reason for this! As you now already know, due to the safer sex messages in this fine publication, December 1st 2011 celebrates World AIDS Day. This is an opportunity to raise loads of lovely wonga to help people who’s lives are affected by HIV and AIDS, but also a chance to get people thinking about it, talking about it and doing something about it! To show their support for World AIDS Day, all the venues in the visit have done their bit to PAINT THE TOWN RED! And here’s the proof. Contact Martin Cooper on 0845 3 30 30 30, or e-mail martin.cooper@lgf.org.uk Thompson’s Arms

G-A-Y

Vanilla Icon

The Lodge

Eden

Taurus Essential

RIchmond Tea Rooms

The New Union

Genghis Kahns

Crunch

The Molly House

Coyotes

Photos by Ben A Squance

VILL GE RED!

Cruz 101

View LGF

Villagio

AXM

Legends

Company Bar

Tonic

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

Baa Bar

Napoleons

PIC

SPEC

IAL!

Manto

Queer

Olive

SCAN FOR MORE

Clone Zone

INFORMATION

Outpost

Via

Village OffLicense

Retro Bar

The Eagle

Churchills Rem

New York New York Tribeca

Alter Ego

S D E E N O I D GAY OMEN! W Through listening to Gaydio, you’ll know that the boys are fairly well represented. In an effort to address the gender balance a little, they’re asking for applications from female members of the LGB&T community to join the station’s daytime lineup.

You’d be joining a bunch of great presenters on the station to host the 1pm - 3pm weekday show. Station Director and current afternoon presenter Toby Whitehouse says of the search “We’ve got a great line up of presenters, but it can be a bit ‘boysey’ during the day. So I’m looking for a feisty female who’s keen to grab the microphone from me!”

Ideal candidates will have presentation experience and would present the show live from Gaydio’s studios in Manchester.

However, it may be possible to work remotely or to pre-record.

Toby added “All of our team give their time voluntarily, but this is a great opportunity for somebody who might be looking to break into radio or has time and enthusiasm that they’re looking to put to use”.

The station is home to a number of high profile presenters including Hollyoaks’ stars Kieron Richardson & Bronagh Waugh, X Factor finalist Rowetta, and Nicksy, who presents the station’s award winning drivetime show.

SCAN THE QR CODE to download the Gaydio iPhone app!

Nossa Casa

If you’d like to express an interest in getting involved, go to www. gaydio.co.uk/wewantyou and fill in the form. In the meantime, you can listen to the station on 88.4fm across Manchester or online at www.gaydio.co.uk.

The station has recently launched a new Android app alongside its existing iPhone app. www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 17

UP YOUR WAY

FOCUS ON: BLACKPOOL

New LGBT bereavement group in Blackpool Getting through the pain of bereavement can be like trying to walk through boggy ground where progress is slow and you keep sinking. Finding some stepping stones along the way can make a difficult journey a little bit easier.

The first year following the loss of someone close can be overwhelming.

Sometimes offloading feelings in a safe environment is easier than coping alone and can reduce the feelings that you are ‘going mad’ or ‘not coping’.

Stepping Stones listeners are committed to offering non judgemental, non religious, confidential support in a group environment. They work in conjunction with Trinity Hospice Bereavement services. Professional Bereavement Counsellors support the listeners Stepping Stones groups have been set up throughout Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde.

Stepping Stones LGBT Group is to offer support primarily, but not exclusively, to the LGB&T Community. It is for people who would be more comfortable seeking support in an LGB&T environment.

On first and third Tuesday each month 7.15pm – 8.30pm.

Start date Tues Nov 1st. At ‘Renaissance’ 102 Dickson Road, Blackpool FY1 2BU Contacts: Matt 07753 265506 and Nina 0798 9393232

BOLTON UNI WAD EVENT FOCUS ON: BOLTON The University of Bolton is hosting a special HIV awareness event to mark International World AIDS Day. The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Noel Spencer MBE will be attending and the event will be opened by the University’s Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Rob Campbell.

The International World AIDS Day event is for everyone in Bolton and will involve

presentations from guest-speakers, including sexual-health professionals. All event partners will be attending and have stands so the public can ask questions about the issue. Guest speakers will be discussing different aspects of HIV and AIDS, from sexual health to public perception and awareness.

The event will take place on 1 December 2011 at the University of Bolton’s Social Learning Zone from 4 pm to 5.30pm.

FOCUS ON: BURY

BURY LGBT Bury LGBT Networking group are planning to have a social evening at Automatic Bar one Wednesday towards the end of February 2012.

If you are interested in joining the group or would just like to come along please e-mail burylgbtnetworking@live.co.uk and we’ll get you on our e-mailing list.

We are also on Facebook where you can find out what’s going on with the group.

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

YOUR PAGES IN YOUR WORDS!

FOCUS ON...

BARROW-IN-FURNESS

LGBT CHRISTMAS PARTY

FOCUS ON: TRANS

SPRINGBOARD! Inner Enigma & LAGIP provide subsidised workshops for LGB and Trans people Inner Enigma, the Manchester based charity for transsexual and intersexed individuals, has joined forces with LAGIP, the National Probation Service LGB&T staff association, to provide ‘Springboard’ and ‘Navigator ‘life development workshops for women and men for their members.

The self development workshops will be held at the YHA, Potato Warf, Manchester over 4 Saturdays in January – April 2012.

The programmes typically cost about £600 per person but Inner Enigma and LAGIP are subsidising the events so that the actual cost to members is £120.

Inner Enigma is further offering to reimburse the £120 for unwaged members subject to completion of the programme. There is further information about the workshops on both Inner Enigma’s and LAGIP’s websites: www. innerenigma.org and www.lagip.org.uk.

For further information about the Springboard and Navigator programmes http://www.springboardconsultancy.com/

FOCUS ON: MANCHESTER

GIRL TALK A new discussion group for lesbian, gay and bisexual women begins 12th January 2012 with a discussion on coming out and the second Thursday of each month thereafter.

Meets at: 6.00pm to 7.30pm, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3HF. Just turn up on the day!

For more information email woodsbowler@yahoo.co.uk Other topics include Dating, the workplace and older LGB people.

LGB& Christmas party, Barrow-in-Furness The two LGB&T groups & transgender group in Barrow-in-Furness are organising an LGB&T Christmas party for all LGB&T people and their supporters to join together and socialise in a safe environment. It’s a first for Barrow to do something LGB&T on this sacle for Christmas! The venue is Skint nightclub formerly Scorpios at 16th Dec - it is exclusively LGB&T from 7 until midnight but continues until 5 am for the party animals.

Affordable accommodation is available in the Majestic Hotel (rooms from £ 30 up to £55) for guests attending the event from away.

GOOD FOOD GOOD COMPANY

OUT TO LUNCH Out to Lunch Lesbian Diners Club. Around 40 women meet from all over the country to relax, chat and enjoy an informal Sunday lunch. The meetings for 2012, our tenth anniversary year will be: January 8th, March 11th, May 13th, July 8th, September 9th. November 11th. Please call Paula to book a place or for more details: call 0781 308 3242, email paulad650@aol.com or visit website www. lesbiandiners.co.uk

YOUTH

LGBT YOUTH NORTH WEST In December we have a fun packed programme for young people as well as some more serious topics; so we have a festive party, a festive meal and a session that looks at different faiths and a session on winter wellness. In January we will welcome young people back with a free New Year Party and workshops on emotional wellness after the festive season. In January we will be marking Holocaust Memorial Day and preparing for LGBT History month. For more info email lgbtyouthnorthwest@yahoo.co.uk

AND FINALLY...

Calling LGB&T Crown Green Bowlers! Looking for other LGBT crown green bowlers in the Manchester area?

Contact woodsbowler@yahoo.co.uk www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 19

Those of you who were at the Pride vigil in Sackville Gardens this year will have heard a moving and passionate speech by Les Pratt from Mission Malawi.

Comparing the concept our gay ‘village’ in Manchester with villages he had visited in Malawi, Les was eloquent about why he believed that we must make sure that we look outside of, and beyond, our own village and our own communities to reach out and offer support to those people in villages around the world whose lives are vastly different from ours. Doing this he said, made us better people and examples for other people to follow.

As World Aids Day comes around again, organisations such as George House Trust will be working hard to raise awareness, fight prejudice, educate people about HIV and raise much needed funds.

But why bother? What’s the point of World Aids Day? HIV is a global issue. To lose sight of this is to lose the very first battle in the fight against the epidemic. A global epidemic merits – and needs – a global response. UNAIDS now estimates that there are around 35 million people around the world living with HIV. In the developing world, fewer than half of the people who need ant retroviral treatment are receiving it. This is a shocking and utterly unacceptable fact.

WORLD AIDS DAY 2011

Gay men continue to be disproportionately affected

by HIV in this country and infection rates are not slowing down. Years of campaigning and educating since the epidemic first hit our community have not seen a subsequent fall in the numbers of people testing positive for HIV.

We cannot talk about tackling the HIV epidemic in this country unless we look at the situation globally. Universal access to anti retroviral medication is vital if there is to be any hope at all of slowing down the epidemic and reducing infection rates.

George House Trust believes that anyone living with HIV, no matter where in the world they happen to be, has a right to life saving medication.

What we do know is that HIV is far more likely to be passed on from one person to another when the person living with HIV hasn’t yet been diagnosed.

George House Trust is absolutely in support of Manchester World Aid’s Day Partnership’s ‘know your HIV status’ campaign to encourage all sexually active gay men to test regularly for HIV.

World Aids Day is our opportunity to reflect on what we can do to make this closer to becoming a reality. It is our opportunity to think outside of the confines of our own village and look to the needs of villages across the world where people living with HIV are dying for lack of treatment.

Knowing your HIV status means that you can plan properly for your future. Knowing your HIV status means that you can properly manage your health.

Knowing your HIV status means that you can take medication if and when you need it. It’s difficult to think of any reasons at all why gay men shouldn’t

As we have the global HIV epidemic in our sights, it is of course, appropriate and important that we spend time thinking about the epidemic here in the UK.

Think about it - testing regularly makes sense.

test regularly. It just makes sense to do it.

This World AIDS Day, think about how you can contribute to raising awareness, educating people about HIV or raising funds for HIV organisations.

Volunteer with your local HIV organisation. Join the campaign for global access to HIV treatment. Hold a fundraising event at your place of work or college.

And while you’re thinking about doing something good for World Aids Day, which might just make a difference to someone in a village somewhere in the world, why don’t you get in touch with your local sexual health clinic and make an appointment to have a HIV test?

You know it makes sense.

If you are living with HIV and need some advice, support or information, call George House Trust on 0161 274 4499 to make an appointment with a Services Adviser.

Alternatively visit our website at www.ght.org.uk where you can also request 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

OUTSPOKEN ELLY BARNES Music teacher ELLY BARNES first came on our horizon last year when she was applauded for eradicating homophobic bullying at her school through celebrating LGBT History Month.

Elly has just been named the UK’s most influential LGBT person in The Independent’s Pink List for her anti-bullying work. We caught up with Elly about Bad Girls, Capitalism, Clifford the Listerine Dragon and much more...

Which 3 items would you take to a desert island?

Piano, iPhone, Clarins beauty flash balm.

What do you do to relax?

Sip a very dry and very minerally Alsace Riesling Which person, living or dead, do you most admire, and why?

Hard to pin the answer down to one person but generally all women who have fought for the women’s movement such as Rosa Luxemburg, Emmeline Pankhurst and Eleanor Marx.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Independence of spirit. Don’t rely on anyone.

What would be your chosen fancy dress costume?

Maybe Clifford the Listerine Dragon.

What keeps you awake at night?

Everything!

If you could be any character in fiction, who would you be?

‘Victor Victoria’.

What would we find in your fridge if we had a look?

New Zealand Riesling, Quorn hot dog sausages and a bottle of tequila rose.

Who are your three ideal dinner guests, living or dead?

Martina Navratilova, Leonard Bernstein, Leonard Cohen.

What would your superpower be?

The power to infiltrate minds...

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

Cat or dog?

All animals are quite fabulous but the guinea pig and the meerkat rule What is your favourite word?

Plethora What do you think is the greatest challenge facing women today?

Capitalism! Oppression generally – Exacerbated by the current economic crisis.

What’s the best thing about being a woman?

“Sometimes it’s hard…dum da dum da dum” Last book you read?

Spirit level – why equality is better for everyone by Kate Pickett and Richard Wilkinson Last film you watched?

I am the worst film watcher ever, can’t sit still and easily distracted if bored. I finally got around to watching ‘Gone With The Wind’ all the way through this week – took a whole day mind.

Last album you bought or downloaded?

Patrick Wolf – Lupercalia What’s your favourite TV show?

The old and new series of ‘V’ and also was a huge fan of ‘Prisoner Cell Block H’ and ‘Bad Girls’.

Tell us a joke.

Q. What’s the difference between a Weasel and a Stoat?

A. A weasel is weasily recognised but a stoat is stoatally different.

You can follow the theme by adding ‘Why can’t Koala’s get jobs?’

A.Cos they are Unkoalafied.

For more information about Elly’s ‘Educate and Celebrate’ LGBT training course for teachers e-mail ellybarnes@hotmail.com

CALENDAR GIRLS! AWARD WINNING!

“I’D LIKE TO THANK...”

INSPIRING!

WOMEN OF THE YEAR 2011 JESSIE J

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s “Are You Ready for Screen Test?” campaign was awarded the top accolade at the Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust 2011 Cervical Screening Awards.

The “Are You Ready For Your Screen Test?” campaign was a targeted project aimed at dispelling the myths around lesbian and bisexual women and cervical screening, and raising awareness that lesbian and bisexual women do need regular cervical screening tests. 51% of women surveyed during the project said they had changed their screening behaviour following seeing the campaign.

SUGAR & SPICE 5 As part of the celebrations of International Women’s Day, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation hosted their fifth annual conference for lesbian and bisexual women; Sugar and Spice.

The free event is a fantastic opportunity for lesbian and bisexual women to meet up, and get involved in a fantastic range of workshops, discussions and taster sessions.

Over 80 women attended and feedback included: “It’s amazing and I wish I’d known about it before!”; “Go and try it, everyone is so friendly.”; ‘It’s a great day with plenty to do and a good safe space.”

Sugar and Spice will be running its 6th conference on 10th March 2012. Check out the next issue on outnorthwest and www.lgf.org.uk to get the latest info.

100

8th March 2011 marked the centenary of International Women’s Day. One hundred years since the first event held in 1911, and International Women’s Day is still going strong, a reflection on the fact that the genders are still not as equal as we would like to think.

Pop sensation Jessie J, who exploded onto the music scene in 2011, is openly bisexual and stated in an interview on the “In Demand” radio show in March “I’ve never denied it.

Whoopie doo guys, yes, I’ve dated girls and I’ve dated boys – get over it’’.

MARY PORTAS Mary Portas opens store at House of Fraser!

Described, along with her civil partner Melanie Rickey as ‘fashion’s power couple’, Portas is a towering force to be reckoned with and said of her venture into the fashion world: “Over 50% of women in this country are over 40, so why hasn’t anyone gone, ‘I’m going to dress and style you, and create the shop for you.’ That’s what I’m doing. There’s only one rule in my shop: it’s not for girls, it’s for women.

Portas is blazing a trail not only for lesbian women, but for older women too. About time!

RUTH DAVIDSON Ruth Davidson MSP was elected as leader of the Scottish Conservative Party in November. Her election makes her the first openly lesbian or gay leader of a major British political party.

ELLY BARNES When Music Teacher Elly Barnes topped this year’s Independent Pink List it highlighted the impact that real people and community leaders have on changing people’s hearts and minds, she topped the poll ahead of TV stars and politicians.

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 23

CUT-OUT-AND-KEEP!

DO•IT CALENDAR FOR MEN (AND THEIR FRIENDS)

WORDS AND MUSIC Learn real skills and meet new friends.

The LGBT Skills Academy, DO•IT, continues with two fantastic free taster sessions in the next few weeks...

Murder She Wrote Creative Writing Workshop Saturday December 17th (2-5pm) With screenwriters from Manchester College and a special Q&A with Coronation Street writer Debbie Oates. Whether it’s drama, romance or humour that floats your boat, come along to this free workshop and learn the basics of writing a screenplay. Then put your questions to Debbie Oates – who boasts over 100 episodes of Corrie on her CV, as well as work on Primeval, Robin Hood and Fat Friends. The workshop takes place at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s Community Resource Centre, Number 5, Richmond St,

Manchester on Saturday December 17th (25pm). The workshop is free. To confirm your attendance or for more info please contact skills@lgf.org.uk

DISCO BALLS DJ Mixing Skills Saturday December 3rd (2-5pm) Fancy yourself as the next David Guetta?

Come along and learn from the professionals and get that dancefloor jumping! The workshop takes place at The Manchester College on Saturday December 3rd (2-5pm). This workshop is free. To confirm your attendance or for more info please contact skills@lgf.org.uk as soon as possible!

For more information about what’s on when, and coming along to the events visit www.lgf.org.uk/doit, email skills@ lgf.org.uk or call 0845 3 30 3030

DECEMBER Saturday 3rd: DJ Skills JANUARY Saturday 7th: Tweeting & Blogging FEBRUARY Saturday 4th: Photography MARCH Saturday 3rd: Photoshop Skills

FOR WOMEN (AND THEIR FRIENDS)

DECEMBER Saturday 17th: Creative Writing JANUARY Thursday 26th: Healthy Cooking FEBRUARY Saturday 18th: DIY Skills

FOR ALL (AND THEIR FRIENDS!)

DECEMBER Saturday 3rd: Radio Production Saturday 10th: Radio Journalism JANUARY Saturday 14th: Radio Presentation Saturday 28th: Radio Production FEBRUARY Saturday 11th: Radio Journalism Saturday 25th: Radio Presentation MARCH Saturday 17th: Radio Production Saturday 31st: Radio Journalism

SNAPSHOT!

VOLUNTEER FOR DO•IT!

SCAN TO DIAL THIS NUMBER NOW

There are also some fantastic volunteering opportunities with this project. Three roles have been created - Marketing Support, Office Support and Workshop Delivery Support. For more information on these volunteering roles, and to get involved in this exciting project drop Claire Taylor a line claire.taylor@lgf.org.uk or call her on 08453 303030 .

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

If you missed last month’s healthy cookery course, you missed out on a real treat. We were taught by a professional chef and created a three course gourmet meal! Don’t miss the next cookery course on 21st January!

READ (AND LISTEN!) TO OUR FULL INTERVIEW WITH JONATHAN AT www.lgf.org.uk

INTERVIEW

JONATHAN

HARVEY BEAUTIFUL THING, Jonathan Harvey’s coming-of-age play about two young gay lads on a Council Estate in London, is currently enjoying a triumphant return to the stage at The Royal Exchange in Manchester. We caught up with Jonathan and asked if the themes in Beautiful Thing still resonate 18 years later...

Have you seen this new production as an excuse to change any elements of the story?

No. I wouldn’t know what I’d change really.

There have been some productions where they’ve changed some of the references to make it like it’s set now, which never really sits easy with me because I was 24 when I wrote this, and I’m 43 now, and I think it stands OK now as a museum piece for what life was like in 1993. We’ve adapted to the space as this production is in the round, but that doesn’t really change anything dramatically.

Do you think the challenges for young people coming out today have remained the same as in 1993?

Yeah, I think so. Obviously the world’s moved on and there’s much more visibility these days. But, I think the fear of what your Mum might say when you tell her your gay is ever present.

This play has had a very big impact, especially on younger people. What kind of reactions have you had over the years from audiences?

I’ve had really lovely letters from people who have said how much they’ve enjoyed it, and

how much it helped them come out, or was a trigger for them coming out. Or that once they’d come out, that they’d shown their mum or dad a copy of the film. Talking to younger people, they say they remember seeing it on the telly in their bedroom when they were supposed to be asleep, and were watching with the sound down. I get nice messages on Facebook too from people who are still discovering it.

Do you think that’s one of the reasons for it’s success – the fact the the story of normal young gay people from normal background had never really been told before?

I don’t think they’ve been told with a happy ending before. I think the reason it made an impact at the time was because there weren’t many happy gay plays. And understandably so. There’d been a lot of reaction to the AIDS pandemic and stuff like that, and so it had probably been the first gay play in a while where the main character hadn’t died. But, it sort of transcended that a bit really. I think a lot of straight people like it too. We’ve all had a coming of age experience of some sort.

How much of your own background informed Beautiful Thing?

I think writers write best from a sense of outrage and anger, and although it’s not an angry play, what I was angry about at the time was the inequal age of consent that there was in this country. There was a lot in the House of Lords and House of Commons at the time about changing the law, and whenever they talked about it, they always talked about sodomy or buggery, which didn’t really fit in with my world view. I think they all related the gay experience to what they got up to in boarding school with the lights out, and I didn’t think life was like that.

So, I wanted to tell a story that challenged

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

that, and I knew that people from working class backgrounds should have tolerance and acceptance. So yes, it was slightly autobiographical, but mostly it was just a way of telling a story.

Music is very important in Beautiful Thing. Specifically the music of Mama Casa and The Mamas & The Papas.

Why did you want to make this such a strong element of the story?

Well fortunately, I’d bought a cassette tape from Greenwich Market at the time just before I’d wrote it and I was really into listening to her music. I listened to it more and more as I was writing the script, and I thought the music really tied in. Her message is very uplifting and of being yourself, standing out from the crowd and celebrating your life. It just tied in quite well really.

Have you ever considered returning to those characters and what they might be doing now?

No. Because it’s about first love, and I don’t think first love ever lasts. Or if it does, it’s very rare. So I think it would be quite sad to go back and have the splitting up version! I think Jamie would go to university, and Ste would get his job at the sports centre and I think they’re paths would drift apart. I think Jamie would go to University to get away from his mother!

As we wind the interview up, the sound of ‘Make Your Own Kind Of Music’ pipes up from the rehearsal area. Jonathan pauses for a moment then smiles. “It follows me around.

I’m glad I didn’t choose the fucking Nolan Sisters.”

BEAUTIFUL THING runs until 3rd December at The Royal Exchange in Manchester. To book your tickets, visit www.theroyalexchange.co.uk

Photo: Joel Fildes

How does it feel returning to something that has had such a huge impact, not only on your career, but on the lives of so many gay men over the last 18 years?

It’s just been really nice. I’d sort of put a stop to productions of it in the last few years, because lots of theatres wanted to do it, and there wasn’t much quality control from my end. But when it was The Royal Exchange, and Sarah Frankcom directing, I changed my mind quite quickly. I’ve always wanted to put a play on here. It’s weird, it’s like stepping into an old diary. It’s just got a life of it’s own.

“Obviously the world’s moved on and there’s much more visibility these days, but I think the fear of what your Mum might say when you tell her you’re gay, is ever present.”

I CAN DREAM CAN’T

I?

To celebrate the return of Beautiful Thing to theatre, The Royal Exchange has also planned a series of comedy, drama and music events. Look out for ‘I CAN DREAM CAN’T I?’ an exciting new project running over two nights and celebrating gay and lesbian writers. A different programme on each night will present newly commissioned pieces by Antony Cotton, Stella Duffy, Jackie Kay and Tom Wells alongside the work of young writers from Greater Manchester whose work is being performed for the first time.

To find out more, visit www.theroyalexchange.co.uk

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 27

GAY MEN’S HEALTH

MODEL BEHAVIOUR Last issue, ONW published a sexual health article illustrated with a picture of a volunteer model David Thompson. Here, David (pictured) tells us about the negative impact it had on him, and why it wouldn’t stop him modelling again...

Photo courtesy of ianreedphotography.com

Why do you think it’s important for local gay and bisexual men to support the sexual health messages of charities like The Lesbian & Gay Foundation?

I think we all know how tight-knit the LGBT communities can be, it’s impossible to go to a gay scene and not recognise a few people regardless of what city you are in. For me it presents itself as a community, and I feel that being part of a community necessitates sacrifice and support for one another. It’s clear that over the years the transitions that the LGBT community have undergone have been amazing, and the way we are stepping into the light and wanting to be recognised, wanting to be heard and wanting to be seen is empowering and will create a better future for us all.

However there is still so much more that can be done, and it’s down to us to make the changes. It’s local gay and bisexual men that benefit from places such as Canal Street, the safety that that presents to people is amazing. Which is why it’s important to give back to the community that helps protect you; and that could be modeling for a charity to promote safer sex or even volunteering to help at local events that raise awareness and offer support.

Why did you choose to volunteer as a model?

At the start of the year I agreed to do some underwear modeling for an organisation running a campaign designed at targeting everyday guys that wear fashion branded underwear. I really liked the ethos of what this organisation was trying to promote and the idea behind everyday guys modeling underwear instead of “Greek Adonis” style stock images. Unfortunately a decision was made by that organisation to allow the photos to be used without properly communicating with the people involved.

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

What kind of impact has the modeling you’ve done had?

When I found out my image had been used for articles/promotions that didn’t run in line with what I had initially been told, I was mortified. Especially with the context of the last article. I honestly felt like I had been betrayed and used. The following days led to several conversations and meetings to try and establish how to fix the problems that had been created. I felt under enormous pressure to try and come up with a solution that didn’t result in a charitable organisation having to recall 15,000 copies of a magazine that fundamentally created an awful lot of awareness for many issues that need addressing.

However those emotions were mixed with a fear that people would look at my photograph being used next to quite a graphic article around STI’s and would not have the mentality to understand that it doesn’t necessarily reflect who I am or anything that I may have gone through. I made the decision to allow the magazine to be released, and in my mind did the right thing. However in doing so I hurt someone very close to me, and caused them upset and pain and I would like to say to that person I’m sorry for not considering your feelings in this matter. However the issues raised in the article needed to be addressed, and they needed to be hard hitting and I felt that if my images could help draw attention to something as important as that then I had to look beyond my own feelings and consider the bigger picture.

What advice would you give to anyone reading this who is thinking of volunteering as a model for sexual health work?

Seriously consider the implications it could have on you and the people around you.

Many people believe modeling to be a lavish

PETER BOYLE SEX TALK

“I would encourage people to volunteer and help wherever possible... just make sure you’re 100% confident in knowing what your image will be used for...” lifestyle created by people that love being looked at and love being popular. But that’s not the truth. When someone takes your photo, you allow that person a certain aspect of control over how they use it and the kind of person that they could portray you to be through articles and promotional work. It takes a pretty strong character to be able to present that vulnerability and sacrifice their own time to help others. I would encourage people to volunteer and help wherever possible because more than ever people need to be made aware of some pretty serious risks, awareness still needs to be promoted, not only around safe sex but also around equality, choices and lifestyles. Just make sure you are 100% confident in knowing what your image will be used for and you discuss it with the people around you.

Would you model again?

I actually would. When the last article was released about Shigella I prepared myself for some serious grief, however on the whole the majority of people that approached me about it were supportive, with the odd person being an absolute fool. However regardless of peoples attitudes towards me, I know that my image helped draw attention to a very important message trying to be told by the LGF and the NHS. I would say that in future I’d be a little more cautious over where my image was being used but I would still like to be part of a team that are trying to create a better support network for the whole LGBT community. I just hope now that people understand a little more that behind a photograph is an actual person, and they should always be considered and consulted.

Everyone at ONW and the LGF would like to thank David for allowing us to use his image again, and for his support of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation.

PICTURE THIS...

Here at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation we have a lot of printed resources, including this magazine, and the many different sexual health booklets, as well as a huge amount of information on our website.

In order to bring these resources alive, we are always looking for people to become the face of the gay community, and pose for the pictures we need to ensure that people actually pick up the information and look at it! The best way that we think to do this is to use real people, from the local gay community. We don’t hire models, or use stock images, as this can be very detached from the very people that we are trying to reach.

Sometimes we do come under criticism with people saying that the models used don’t speak to them as individuals. It is true that sometimes people may not

feel represented, or may not fancy the particular model that we have used, but (as I’m sure you can appreciate) it is nigh on impossible to appeal to all of the people all of the time, and even harder to make sure that absolutely everybody feels that they have been represented one way or another (but we do try!). All of the models that volunteer for us to be the face of the condoms, or appear in one of our many printed materials, do so on their own time, and a huge amount of them report that they are happy that they have done this, as it is an opportunity to give something back to the community, as well as benefit from a little taste of fame! If you feel that you have got what it takes to have your face known amongst the gay community here in Greater Manchester, and maybe even the North West, then the LGF holds regular photo sessions to ensure that our collection of photos are as relevant, and up to date as possible. If you are interested then get in touch, we’d love to hear from you.

peter.boyle@lgf.org.uk

Peter Boyle is the Sexual Health Co-ordinator at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation

SEXUAL HEALTH UPDATE

POSITIVE ABOUT PREVENTION For some time now it has been internationally acknowledged that effective HIV prevention work should not just be targeted at people who might be at risk of HIV, but should also include those already infected with the virus.

HIV and AIDS charity Avert highlight the need for people already living with HIV to be given information and support to protect their own health and to ensure that they don’t transmit HIV to others.

With this in mind the Sexual Health and Harm Reduction Team within Public Health Development Service (PHDS) is developing health promotion work around positive prevention. Initially this work will focus upon the needs of HIV positive gay men as well as men who have sex with men. It is

hoped that this project will be developed to eventually include work with other HIV positive communities. To ensure the work being developed is meaningful and relevant, Pete Smith from PHDS would like to hear from positive men about what positive prevention work they would like to see. ‘’We believe work around positive prevention is so important and we want to get it right,’’ said Pete. ‘’I would be really grateful if any positive gay men could let me know the information that they believe we should be giving to positive men and the how best way to get it out there.’’

If you are a positive gay man and you have any thoughts around this area, then please contact Pete Smith on Peter. smith@mhsc.nhs.uk . All feedback will be treated in complete confidence. www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 29

LOOK OUT FOR! WORLD AIDS DAY SAME DAY HIV TESTING 1st DECEMBER 12-6pm

WELLBEING

SURVIVING CHRISTMAS The Lesbian & Gay Foundation presents everything you need to know about looking after your self over the festive season and beyond.

Christmas and the New Year can be a busy and turbulent time, so it’s really important that you try to look after yourself.

Improving your overall sense of wellbeing doesn’t just come down to eating healthily and doing a bit of exercise, it’s much more than that – but where do you even start? LGF have put together this handy and easy to follow guide to help you to take some simple steps to help you look after number one.

MENTAL HEALTH

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Everyone has mental health and it needs to be taken care of. Too much stress, partying and even isolation can have a big impact on how you feel about yourself. Around 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem at any one time, and this is thought to be even higher for lesbian, gay and bisexual people. Giving your mental health a bit of TLC can help you to feel more emotionally resilient, and it really is as easy as 1,2,3...

December and January are not kind to our body; over indulgence followed by drastic dieting and hammering the gym, the cold weather and dark nights can make you feel like sluggish and tired. Taking everything in moderation will help you to feel on top form:

1. Make time to relax and do something you enjoy – even our brains need a bit of ‘down time’ 2. Know where to turn to if you are worried about your mental health – visit your GP, call LGF, talk to a friend. There’s no shame in admitting you’re having a hard time.

3. Taking regular exercise and eating at least 5 fruit and vegetables a day will give your brain the fuel it needs to work at its best.

1. A little bit of what you fancy never did anyone any harm – enjoy the festive food but make sure you’re getting a balanced diet.

2. Aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week – setting yourself realistic goals will help to keep you motivated.

3. Don’t starve yourself in January – crash dieting doesn’t work long-term and it’s not good for your health. A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise will help you to lose weight gradually and keep it off – we recommend you speak to your GP for some advice on where to start.

MORE TOP TIPS OVERLEAF!

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 31

SURVIVING CHRISTMAS LGF SERVICES

WE’RE HERE IF YOU NEED US!

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk Registered Charity No.10

70904

Helpline

Call us for information and support on 0845 3 303030 between 10am a and 10pm daily. You can also report a are we as e crim hate obic homoph third party reporting centre.

E-MAIL SUPPORT

Email us for information and support on helpline@lgf.org.uk, we aim to rs. respond to your email within 72 hou

POP-IN

Our service provides short information and support sessions with no appointment necessary during on opening hours. We can support you cant we if and es issu of e rang a wide help then we will always refer you on to someone who can. Contact us for further information.

COUNSELLING

Individual counselling for the times you may need to work through life’s difficult issues in a safe and confidential space. Contact us for further information.

RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING

This service may be useful to help resolve issues that arise within relationships. Contact us for further information.

Alcohol Many people enjoy a drink because it helps them to feel more relaxed, less shy and more confident. Some people use it to block out upsetting thoughts or feelings, or sometimes just so that they feel like they can ‘fit in’. This can be especially so at Christmas where there is that pressure to fit in and join in. In small doses, you will become relaxed and more confident and sociable.

In high doses, you will become drunk and uninhibited.

Tips for safe usage: • Plan alternatives to replace the good things about your drinking.

• Reduce how much you drink before you go out.

• Choose lower strength (abv %) drinks or pour smaller measures at home.

• Choose Best Bar None Venues for safer nights out.

• Avoid caffeinated mixers and pace your drinks.

• Spend time with friends and family who will support you.

• Try to alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks.

RELATIONSHIPS Relationships, whether they are with your partner, friends or family can be sometimes

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

be tested over the festive season, with all the pressure and expectations to spend lots of time together and lots of money( you may not have) to spend on presents. Here are a couple of hints and tips on how to enjoy your time over the festivities!

If you are single you might feel out of place over the holidays as the pressure and the messages are all about couples, you can spend time with your family if that is what you want to do or your friends. Or you can invite people to your house and if you don’t want to do any of that then why not volunteer with one of the homelessness charities and serve Christmas Dinner.

If you have a partner and want to spend time with both your partner and family then time spent planning how this will work is time well spent. Sit down with your partner and work it out over a coffee as soon as you can and definitely before your family starts asking you, don’t worry if one family is maybe not as supportive as the other, its your holiday and you can go where you want!

If you know money is going to be difficult this Christmas then don’t break yourself buying presents, why not make them or give your own time doing a task for that person like cooking?

And don’t forget yourself, if you know you are going to feel pressured then make sure have some space for yourself, go for a walk, go out with your friends, etc

LGF SERVICES

WE’RE HERE IF YOU NEED US! BEFRIENDING

“Making a few small changes to your day to day lifestyle can make a big difference to how good you feel about yourself, not just over the festive period, but all year round.”

YOUR SAFETY Take a look at our tips for personal safety, these are not just for the party season but for all year round: • Always always think about your safety when you go out!

• Leave venues with friends, if not possible, let them know where you are going and when you will be back • Walk away from trouble if you can, if not report it • Don’t be tempted to take shortcuts down unlit streets etc • Have your keys in your hand when you reach your home or your car • Keep money for bus fares or taxis • Carry a personal alarm and know how to use • Make sure your phone is registered with your network operator and you have a copy of your IMEI number at home.

• If alone set your phone to vibrate so it doesn’t attract attention

• Don’t take all your bank and credit cards out with you on a night out. Its temptation waiting to happen, drawing all that money out may seem like a good idea at the time, however when you check that balance next day maybe not!

LOOKING FORWARD Making a few small changes to your day to day lifestyle can make a big difference to how good you feel about yourself, not just over the festive period, but all year round.

This guide gives you just a few simple tips to help you get started – but it doesn’t stop there...

In the next issue of outnorthwest we’ll be letting you know how we can help through the services we offer. If you feel like you need to talk to someone before then, feel free to give us a call on 0845 3 30 30 30, remember that we’re here if you need us.

CALL US

0845 3 303030 Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

The befriending scheme offers up to ten sessions with an LGF volunteer, providing an opportunity to get out into the community and meet new people whilst being supported by you r befriender. Financial help will be give n towards travel expenses and the cost of the activities will be covered.

Contact us for further information.

SUPPORT GROUPS

Here at the LGF we have a number of support and social groups that run during the week, everything from coming out to an art group for both men and women. Contact us for further information.

LEGAL SURGERY

Our legal surgery in partnership with O’Neill Patient, provides free gay friendly advice on legal matters. The surgery is every 2nd and 4th Tuesday , 6-8pm. No appointment needed just drop in

POLICE SURGERY

Our weekly advice surgery with a friendly police officer to talk to about issues such as hate crime, violence and homophobia. The surgery is ever y Thursday, 6-8pm. No appointment needed just drop in.

For further information about any of our services or how to access them, please contact us on 0845 3 303030 or visit www.lgf.org.uk/ Our-services/ E-MAIL US helpline@lgf.org.uk

POP IN

WRITE TO US

Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester

LGF, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3HF

Registered Charity No.1070904

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 33

GAY MEN’S HEALTH

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

DEAL WITH IT

PATRICK ETTENES on dealing with a positive diagnosis.

“Well here I am again. This is turning into Sex And The City for the HIV positive!

Since my stories are about myself and my status, I can spill my guts about my past, in the hope that someone will learn something.

To touch on a topic that might affect those with HIV or simply those who question it, how the hell do we accept it? Live with it and move on? The truth is, you just do, but don’t think there will ever be a time that you never wish you didn’t have HIV.

themselves away from society, or go head long into a path where sex and drugs rule daily life.

Self-destructive behaviour is common amongst gay men. Believe me I was no angel. I wanted to forget that I was positive; I wanted people to love me for who I was but believing that I had accepted my HIV status was my first mistake.

I started to drink. Every Friday night I would go out and have fun but soon getting home was a blur. I drank and moved onto drugs.

I was no stranger to drugs but I never did them alone, drugs are part of our weird and wonderful culture. Right or wrong, I knew why I was doing substances, but I didn’t know why I would do a gram of coke on my own.

When I was diagnosed, my father once looked at me and said, you’re never going to find anyone to love you, now that you’re positive. Hurtful statement, but I forgive him, as he was just as scared as me; it was exactly what I was thinking. Who in their right mind would want to touch me, knowing I was positive?

I watched friends form drug addictions, had alcoholic boyfriends, coke addiction ex’s and best friends. I saw people who were HIV positive lose self-respect, and age before my eyes. Now, I’m vain I’m not ashamed to say it, but so vain that I promised myself that I didn’t want to be the sort of guy that you could look at, and tell he was positive.

I wanted to grow old, and look good for it.

After everything I saw with what drugs could do, I didn’t want to go down that path.

Taking the advice of friends, I went off men.

If I continued to live in London, I knew I would go completely off the rails. I’ve seen far too many guys either become reclusive, and shut

My obsession with proving to everyone that I was actually “Fine” was my mistake. I did too much, 14 grams of coke on one weekend.

After counting the bags, and what I turned

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

NEW GUIDE FROM THE LGF

LET’S GET CLINICAL! into, something snapped in me. I realised I was becoming the person I said I’d never become. Accepting my HIV status was hard.

In the gay society where clubs, sex and drugs are the norm, we can lose ourselves in a world that isn’t healthy.

The first guy I slept with after I was diagnosed turned into a good friend.He works with people who are HIV positive and as I talked to him, I asked so many questions, but talking made me feel better. I didn’t have anyone to discuss my feelings, how scared I was, all I did was try to be the person I was before, instead of accepting the person I have become.

You will NEVER be the same person, but you will find the reason, to go on, if you ACCEPT that you have changed. Do what you want, when you want, but don’t do it because you feel the need to forget. Substances, will only pave over your issues, for a short time. Once they wear off, that paved road will crack before your eyes and the past will resurface with a vengeance!

Acceptance, isn’t an illusion, it only is if you don’t know what you have to accept. Don’t cover up your problems, face them, discuss them, cry about them, scream if you must.

Trust me, dealing with this virus isn’t going to be covered up by alcohol and drugs or craving sex. You’re still going to have the same problems and frustration’s as you had before.

There are people out there who do understand, even if you don’t think so. Open up, and I promise you, you’ll be better for it.”

Patrick xx

Main photo: Paul Jones (Exposure)

To coincide with World Aids Day on 1st December, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation is releasing a new pocket guide which aims to dispel all of the myths surrounding going to a sexual health clinic.

It is well known that gay and bisexual men are more at risk of being exposed to sexually transmitted infections and HIV, and although more men are going for tests, there is still a sizeable number of people who would rather not know, and just hope that things are ok.

Going for a sexual health check-up has never been easier and sexual health clinics are no longer places to be embarrassed about.

You don’t need to ha ve symptoms to go for a test, and it should be built in to be a part of your regular health care. In fact, by having check ups before you have symptoms, you dramatically reduce the risk of running into complications later on.

Gay and bisexual men should be getting an HIV test at least once every 12 months, or more often

if you think that you may have put yourself at risk of exposure to infections.

How often you test is really up to you, but if you are having sex with different people, even just oral sex, you are putting yourself at higher risk of contracting chlamydia, gonorrhoea or syphilis. Regular check ups help to ensure that if you have picked up something, it can be dealt with quickly.

Most common STIs can be cured with antibiotics, and in the case of HIV (for which there is no cure) treatments are available, and you will be putting yourself in a much better place in terms of your long term health.

The LGF runs sexual health clinics in partnership with Manchester Public Health Development Service and the Manchester Centre for Sexual Health. Please go to www.lgf.org. uk/testing or call 0845 3 30 30 30 for more information.

Look out for the new guide from our usual distribution points. www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 35

GET IN!

MARATHON M IWAN ROBERTS 30, HR BUSINESS PARTNER AT VIRGIN

How many Marathons have you run?

After years of just sticking to 10ks and half marathons, this will be my first one What’s your motivation for running the London Marathon for LGF? I want to run for a charity that has supported me personally over the last couple of years, but also given the recent funding challenges to raise some money to help ensure that the LGF can continue to support the gay and lesbian community.

What do you think will be your biggest challenge?

I have done half-marathons over the last few years and the thought of finishing one of them and then running it back feels a bit scary! Also, I work away from home a few days a week so avoiding hotel food and drink and swapping it for training in the gym might be a challenge whilst I am away.

What are you most looking forward to about the Marathon?

Apart from raising money, the sense of achievement to completing the run is something I am really looking forward too.

How’s the training going?

How can people sponsor you?

I have set up my page at www.justgiving.com/IwanRoberts1

JAN GREUTER 31, SOLICITOR IN LONDON

How many Marathons have you run?

I have done three marathons. I ran London in 2008, New York in 2009 and earlier

IWAN

DAN this year I ran the Edinburgh marathon.

What’s your motivation for running the London Marathon for LGF? I think the LGF is providing some great and vital services that deserve a lot of recognition and support. For me a key aspect is their work to end homophobia and to support LGB people, in particular young people still at school. There’s still a lot of homophobia around in schools which makes it difficult for young LGB kids to come out and feel comfortable in their own skin, and I remember how I struggled at school and what weight had been lifted off me when I came out at university.

What do you think will be your biggest challenge?

I have been a bit out of shape in the last few months and am only just getting

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

JAN back into running now. It’s always a bit of a struggle to start getting the miles back in, but luckily I have enough time still to get back into shape.

What are you most looking forward to about the Marathon?

The buzz of running through London’s streets being cheered on by spectators will be great. It was the atmosphere at the London marathon a few years ago when I went to cheer for a friend, that got me to run my first marathon.

How can people sponsor you?

I will set up a website to make it easy for people to sponsor me and link the website to my facebook page. I will also host some sponsorship drinks in London in late January where people can make a donation.

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

ARVELS Next April Team LGF take on the London Marathon for the very first time. We catch up with three of the runners as they prepare for the 26.2 mile course and the challenge of a lifetime.

DAN KAYLEY

32, BUILDING SURVEYOR How many Marathons have you run?

None, this will be my 1st! The most I have ever run is 10k (6.2 miles) as I have entered the Bupa Great Manchester Run for the past 3 years.

What’s your motivation for running the London Marathon for LGF? It really was a no brainer for me. Charities like the LGF really need to stay strong and continue the great work that they do, and it’s only going to happen if we keep supporting them and raising as much money for them as possible.

What do you think will be your biggest challenge?

I think the biggest challenge will probably be being strict with myself and training properly throughout the winter. My job takes me all over the country and I stay away from home Monday to Friday. This means I can’t really sign up for gym membership. I never know what location my job will take me from one week to the next so I’m just going to have to plan a route to run when I’m there and brave the elements.

What are you most looking forward to about the Marathon?

I think the general buzz that an event of this magnit ude brings will just be incredible. I have run 10k events and have felt the buzz there, but those events are of a much smaller scale. The Marathon is just something else with huge amounts of runners and lots of money being raised for many worthy causes. Just being a part of it will be incredible!

How can people sponsor you?

By donating online at www.justgiving.com/dankayley, or you can text: DANK50 followed by an amount, ie £10 to 70070 A huge THANK YOU to Iwan, Jan, and Dan for supporting the LGF in such a fantastic way. Good luck guys!

YOU CAN RUN TOO! Team LGF still have places in the Adidas Half Marathon (13.1 miles) at Silverstone motor racing circuit on Sunday March 11th 2012, and the BUPA London 10,000 k 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 Capital City.

For more info email enough@lgf.org.uk

Football Clubs Sign Sports Charter

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

Bradford City FC have become the third Professional Football League club in signing up to the Government’s Sports Charter to challenge homophobia and transphobia in sport. Bradford join Wycombe Wanderers and Charlton Athletic in saying “Love sport, hate homophobia and transphobia.”

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 37

Listings LGB&T North West Listings Including:

Venues, Clinics, Charities & Community Groups

Manchester 88 Listing Indicator

£ Portland Street

Major Street

Hart Street

21

19

24

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36

£

Free Safer Sex Packs available at most venues

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Mixed Mainly Men Mainly Women Mainly Trans Bar Serves Food Cash Point Outdoor Seating Disabled Access

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

The Bay Horse 35-37 Thomas St, 0161 661 1041, a traditional gay friendly pub, thebayhorsepub.co.uk Belinda ScandAl’s Show Bar 33 Sackville St, 0161 236 1311, Cabaret, Competitions and Fabulous Shows.

4

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

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5 All information provided by venues.

Please check before arrival

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

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

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

14 G-A-Y 10 Canal Street, 0161 228 6201, lively and modern three-floor bar, g-a-y.co.uk

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

15 ICON Richmond St, iconmanchester.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Whitworth Street

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

PUBS, CLUBS & Bars

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Parking Cash Machine

Bre

Bloom Street

£

Major Street

Minshull Street

2

(Free City Centre Bus)

Chorlton Street Bus/Coach Station

29 Abingdon Street

1

Chorlton Street

Sackville Street

Princess Street

10

Train Station Metrolink Stop Metroshuttle Stop

Portland Street

10 Cruz 101 101 Princess St, 0161 950 0101, one of Manchester’s most popular nightclubs, cruz101.com 11 Eden 3 Brazil Street, 0161 237 9852, food served daily, edenbar.co.uk 12 Essential 8 Minshull St, 0161 835 1300, nightclub over three floors.

Mint Lounge Gay Friendly 46-50 Oldham St, 0161 228 1495, trendy bar, mintlounge.com The Molly House 26 Richmond St, 0161 237 9329, bar over three floors, themollyhouse.com 18

Napoleons 35 Bloom St, 0161 236 8800, welcomes all LGB&T customers, napoleons.co.uk 19

23 Overdraught Student 121 Princess Street, 0161 237 0811 24 Paddy’s Goose 29 Bloom St, 0161 236 1246, traditional pub.

25 Queer 4 Canal Street, 0161 228 1368, queer-manchester.com 4 Rem BAR 33 Sackville St, 0161 236 1311, traditional pub, rembrantmanchester.com 26 Retro Bar 78 Sackville Street, 0161 274 4892, retrobarmanchester.com 27 The Lodge Richmond Street, 0161 237 9667,

28 Taurus 1 Canal St, 0161 236 4593, taurus-bar.co.uk 29 Thompsons Arms 23 Sackville Street, 0161 237 5919.

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

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

Vanilla 39-41 Richmond Street, 0161 657 8890, vanillagirls.co.uk 32

Velvet 2 Canal St, 0161 236 9003, food served daily, velvetmanchester.com 34

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

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

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

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

43 Inked Tattoo Studio 37 Bloom Street, 0161 237 1032

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 37

View 40 Canal St, 0161 236 9033

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

Eateries

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

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

Bear Club UK at Legends, 1st Sat of the month facebook.com/bearclubuk

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

The Big Scrum Rugby/Sports Kit at Legends, 3rd Sat of the month bigscrum.com

Eighth Day Vegan 111 Oxford Road, 0161 273 1850

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

39 Genghis khans 16 Chorlton Street, 0161 228 1631, genghiskhans.co.uk

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

40

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

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

Lava Café Bar Castle Quay, 0161 833 2444, lavacafebar.co.uk

CLub lash Fetish at Legends, mixed fetish /SM night every 2nd Sat clublash.com

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

Eager Beaver at Manto Bar Lounge, Friday’s

Richmond Tea Rooms Richmond Street, 0161 237 9667, richmondtearooms.com

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

SAPPORO Teppanyaki 91-93 Liverpool Road, 0161 831 9888

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

Sparkles Cafe Gay Friendly 66 Tib Street

Mish Mash Cabaret Circle Club, every 2nd Friday of the month, 8pm £8, mishmash1.com

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

st

Morning Glory at Queer, after hours every Saturday 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 Organic at Spirit, after hours every Sat. POPTASTIC Pop/Indie at Alter Ego, 07974 248 247 poptastic.co.uk RECREATION clubrecreation.co.uk

Community & Health Albert Kennedy Trust Number 5, Richmond Street, 0161 228 3308, providing supported lodgings, mentoring, be-friending and information and advice to young LGBT people, admin@akt.org.uk 37

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

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

Olive Deli 36-38 Whitworth St, 0161 236 2360 46

Trans Resource Empowerment Cantre (TREC) Trans activities & info, transcentre.org.uk

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

Club Nights

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

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

BRASSERIE Gay Friendly Albert Square, 0161 834 7633

36

Jacqueline Hayes Therapy 07749498648, Counsellor and psychotherapist based in South Manchester, jachayes.co.uk

27

Shops & Services Bannatynes Health Club Gay Friendly 36-38 Whitworth St, 0161 236 6864 41

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 42 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

ProBalance Personal Training 0161 833 4777, gay friendly personal training gym in the City Centre, pro-balance.co.uk 47 Pure Tanning and Village Off License 37-39 Bloom St, 0161 236 1788

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

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

Please email any new or updated listing to: listings@lgf.org.uk Barnardo’s Health Through Action The Progress Centre, Charlton Place, Ardwick Green, 0161 273 2901 BARNArDOS MANCHESTER LEAVING CARE SERVICES 36 Monton Street, 0161 226 6722, barnardos.org.uk The BHA Stretford Rd,0845 450 4247, health, social care & advocay services for BME & other marginalised communities thebha.org.uk

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

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

Spa Satori 0161 819 2465, 112 High St, holistic health & beauty spa, spasatori.co.uk

Therapy In Manchester 07592340211, Professional psychotherapy and counselling in Didsbury and Chorlton, therapyinmanchester.co.uk

UPPERCUTS BARBERS The Arndale Market, 07784 156 693

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

CLYDEMOUNT GUEST HOUSE 866 Hyde Rd, Debdale Park, 0161 231 1515, bookings@clydemount.co.uk clydemount.co.uk 49 INTERNATIONAL HOTEL Gay 34 London Rd, 54 bedrooms, 0161 236 1010 34 Velvet Hotel 2 Canal Street, 0161 236 9003, velvetmanchester.com

Saunas 50 H2O Zone 36-38 Sackville Street, 0161 236 3876, seven day sauna for gay and bi men, h2ozonesauna.com

Community Alcohol Team 0161 230 6382, manchestercat.org Community Arts North West 46-50 Oldham St, 0161 234 2975 can.uk.com Crisis Point 24 Albert Road, Levenshulme, 0161 225 9500, mental health support & short term crisis accomodation, turning-point.co.uk George House Trust 77 Ardwick Green North, 0161 274 4499, ght.org.uk 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 Rainbow support & Homecare 0161 720 6369, providing care and support to adults in their own homes and communities, m-r-s-h.co.uk Manchester Smoking Cessation 0161 205 5998

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

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

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

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

Agencies 42nd St The SPACE, 87-91 Great Ancoats St, 0161 832 0170, advice for young LGB’s, fortysecondstreet.org.uk

43

Addaction 31 Robert St. 0161 214 0770, Prison resettlement for people with drug problems, addaction.org

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

supported by:

ROB 17 China Lane, 0161 236 6222, for all your leather, rubber and twisted gear, rob.com 48

ESSENCE COUNSELLING info@essencecounselling.org www.essencecounselling.org Funky Crop Shop 37 Bloom Street, 0161 237 1032, village hair shop.

Let's Do Lunch

Addiction Dependency Solutions 29a Ardwick Green North, 0161 272 8844, for people with drug problems (or their freinds and family) adsolutions.org.uk

The Lesbian Community Project 49-51 Sidney Street, 0161 273 7128, manchesterlep.org.uk ThE Manchester Foyer 61 Booth St West, Hulme, 0161 276 1000, supported accomodation for young people 16-25’s, svha.co.uk The Village Citizen Advice Bureau 25a Hankinson Way, Salford Precinct, 0161 834 2005, employment services for LGB&T people thevillage.org.uk

Greater Manchester Clinics South Manchester Sexual Health Clinic Withington Hospital, 0161 217 4939 North Manchester GUM Delaunays Rd, Crumpsall, 0161 720 2681 North Manchester Hospital Same day HIV test clinic, 0161 720 2845 Rusholme Health Centre Walmer Street, 0161 225 6699 outreach Clinic @ the LGF and 4 other locations, Mondays, no appointment needed, 0845 3 30 30 30, lgf.org.uk Rapid HIV Testing @ the LGF Thurs 4-6pm, no appointment needed, results in 20 mins, 0845 3 30 30 30, lgf.org.uk the hathersage centre 280 Upper Brook St, 0161 276 5200 / 5212

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

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

Beyond the rainbow 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.

BiPhoria 07941 811124, bisexual support 18+, biphoria.org.uk 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 House of Rainbow 07751 693708, meets at the LGF, LGBTI friendly Christian fellowship - People who may have come to the UK are especially welcome. 2nd Tuesday of the month.

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

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

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

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

lesbian Culture Club Over the village but not over the hill? Monthly cultural socials for like minded women lesbiancultureclub@hotmail.co.uk

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

lesbian discussion group LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LB women, meets 3rd Wed of the month, 7-8.30pm, to debate issues & share views kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk lesbian mental health support group LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for 18+ LB women and M2F transwomen, meets every other friday. kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk lesbian reading group (& lending library) LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LB women, meets 3rd Wed of the month, to discuss or choose books from the library 6-7pm, kerry.maskell@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk Let’s Do Lunch 07813 083242, lesbian diners every other month, paulad650@aol.com lesbiandiners.co.uk LGBT Meetup Group lgbt.socialnw@gmail.com LIK:T 07813 981 338, run by and for young lesbian and bisexual women, 1st Monday of the month, likt_info@yahoo.com 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 Deaf Triangle Club group for deaf LGBs, triangle@manchesterdeafcentre.com manchestertriangleclub.co.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, meets at the LGF, support for parents of LGB children, manpg.co.uk Manchester Rubbermen social group for gay men into rubber/latex fetish, manchesterrubber.co.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

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

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

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

KESHET Advocacy, education and support service for jewish LGB&Ts, 07906700114, info@keshetmanchester.org.uk

MMU LGBT mmu_lgbt@hotmail.co.uk

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

out to the theatre 01457 877 161, gay men’s social group, joncassun@yahoo.co.uk OutWrite 07931 915 620, LGBT writing group, outwrite.org.uk Proud 2 b Parents 0161 226 0162 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 Rainbow Families peer support & monthly social for current & prospective lesbian parents and their children, rainbowfamilies.co.uk

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.

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 Manchester jessies Lesbian & bisexual women’s walking group, meets twice monthly manchesterjessies@googlemail.com MANCHESTER PRAIRIE DOGS 07960 351 882, line dance sessions, every Tues 7.30-9 beginners, 9-10.30 intermediate, manchesterprairiedogs.co.uk Manchester SHARKS Miles Platting Pool, Varley Street, water polo club manchestersharks.co.uk Manchester Stingers WFC Womens football club for all abilities, helenamcdonald@hotmail.com MANCHESTER VIXENS LADIES FC 07921 838 733, LBT football clubs, emphasis on fun, manchestervixens.co.uk

Right2Unite Zion Centre, Hulme, 0161 226 0170, LGB group meets every Tues.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ransforum Ninian’s Church, Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton, 07500 741 955, TransGender discussion & mutual support group, meets 4th Sat of the month 3.30pm, jennyannebuk@yahoo.co.uk trans lesbian group LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, social and support for LB transwomen. enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk VADA LGBT community theatre group drama workshops & performances, all welcome, vada.theatre@gmail.com women’s domestic violence Refuge: 0161 861 8428, Helpline: 0161 636 7525, support and advice to women and children experiencing domestic violence. wvdh.info@virgin.net UMSU LGBT Society student group, for social events, campagins, drop-ins and support enquiries@lgbt.manchester.ac.uk

Sports Groups Absolutely DANCING Trinity High School every Weds 8pm-10pm latin and ballroom lessons for the LGB&T community. absolutelydancingmanchester@hotmail.com BELUGA DIVERS Scuba Diving club for the LGBT community, belugadiving.co.uk Gay city strollers 0845 3 30 30 30, city centre walking group, info@lgf.org.uk Gay gordons manchester Scottish Country and Ceilidh Dancing and classes gay-gordons-manchester.co.uk

Northern Wave swimming club 0161 872 1990, swimming for all, northernwave.org orca divers 125 Manchester Road, Chorlton, 0161 718 3118, orcadivers.com OPEN ATHLETICS Trains on Weds, 5K every 1st Sun. 07709 000 436, openathletics.org OUTDOORLADS 0161 420 0001,outdoor pursuits org aimed at gay and bi lads.

Climbing, hiking, camping, caving and more, all abilities welcome, outdoorlads. com Out on Sunday 07775 671691, walking group, outonsunday.co.uk 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 Village Manchester FC gay men’s football club for every level, vmfc.co.uk Village Spartans Rugby Training sessions on Wednesday evening from 7pm, villagespartans.co.uk

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

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

ChOrlTon

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

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

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

BoLtOn pubs, clubs & bars

The Cotton Tree Prince St, 07861896500

The Star 11 Bow St, 01204 361113

club NightS

Twisty tuesdays J2 & The Attic Square

aGENCIES & CLINICs

Bolton Centre for Sexual Health Minerva Road, Farnworth, 01204 390771 HIV worker Emma Massey 01204 390772 MENTAL HEALTH independent support (MhIST) 30 Chorley New Road, 01204 527200, mhist.co.uk The Parallel 9A Churchgate, 01204 462444 theparallel@bolton.nhs.uk

groups

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

bUrY

pubs, clubs & bars 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

SaUNaS

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

Pennine Sauna 96 Rochdale Rd, Shaw, 01706 842 000

GROUPS

LGB&T police liaison officers North Bury - kevin.day@gmp.police.uk South Bury - andrew.hall@gmp.police.uk

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

The Barlow Suite Clinic Fairfield Hospital, Rochdale Old Rd, 0161 778 2755

ROcHdAlE

Young Person’s Advisory Service (YPAS) Parsons Lane, 0161 761 2136, sexual health services for under 20’s.

Britannia Inn 01706 670411, 4 Lomax St

groups

Bury Anti-homophobic bullying group 0161 253 5884

bury lgbt networking group residents and service providers improving the LGBRT profile in our town, burylgbtnetworking@live.co.uk bury Council lgbt employee group 0161 253 6625, lgbt@bury.gov.uk LGBT Reading Group Meets at: Automatic Lounge, Market Street, 0161 253 6625, last Monday of the month 6.30-8.00, i.jenkinson@bury.gov.uk n.franklin@bury.gov.uk POG (Proud of Gayness) 0161 253 7733, Connexions, 13-15 Broad St, Bury, safe enviroment for young LGBTQ people to meet alt Mondays, connexions-bury.org.uk

SErvicEs

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

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

pubs, clubs & bars CLINICS

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

Sexual Health PROMOTION UNIT 01706 517 613 THE BRIDGE SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Baillie Street, 0161 627 8753

GROUPS

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

SaLfOrD aGENCIES & CLINICs

Brook Advisory 55 Regent Street, Eccles, 0161 707 9550 eccles gateway Church Street, 0161 212 5717, thurs 6-8.30pm, 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.

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

Groups

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 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

sTOcKpOrT PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

ARDEN ARMS 23 Millgate, 0161 480 2185

CLINICs

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

aGENCIES

Age Concern 56 Wellington St, 0161 4801211

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

SOLICITORS

B. J. McKENNA & CO 182A Heaton Moor Road, Heaton Moor, 0161 432 5757, bj.mckenna@zen.co.uk O’Neill Patient Solicitors Chester House, 2 Chester Rd, Hazel Grove, 0161 483 8555, oneillpatient.co.uk

GROUPS

PLUS Reading Group 07880 746079

TamEsIde pubs, clubs & bars

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

CLINICs

Sexual Health Clinic Ashton Primary Care Centre, 193 Old Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, 0161 342 7101

GROUPS

Glossop LGBT group glossoplgbt.co.uk

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

trAfFoRd CLINICs

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

aGENCIES

Relate 346 Chester Road, 0161 872 0303

CITIZENS ADVICE, 0844 644019

GROUPS

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

WIGan pubs, clubs & bars

The ladysmith Gay Owned 52-54 Wellington Rd, 0161 343 0220 Officers Club Gay Friendly Barrack Sq.

CLINICs

Sexual Health Clinic The Shine Centre, No 6, Galleries Shopping Centre, 01942 483188 Sexual Health Clinic leigh Leigh Health Centre Ent. C, The Avenue, 01942 483188

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 Younger People’s LGBQ Group 01942 483180, 8 Ashton Gallery, louise@brookwiganandleigh.org.uk

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

wYtHenShAwE

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

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

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

08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk

aGENCIES

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

Blackpool & Cumbria

17 58

10 25 9

52

Dickson Raod 45 39 40 61

15

11 10 2 1

15 14 12 36 33 54 31 General Street

t

General Stree

22 13 21 27 63

Promemade

Promemade

30 11

3

Talbot Road

62 37

Queen Street

55

50 14 53

34 19

Springfield Road

60

23 29 42 7 35 44 22 Banks Street

Cocker Street

Yates Street

Mount Street

Pleasant Street

30

24 51 Lord Street

et

59

5 32 Dickson Road

8 31 48 64

26

6

Topping Street 34 20 12 32

6

4

13

Abingdon Street

t

Abingdon Stree

26

28 7 27

Stree t S. King St. 25

5

Dickson Raod

8

9

gS tre

20

3 38 17 Lord Street 4 49 56 2 16 33

18

Kin

18

43

Chur ch

Cookson Street 24

57 47

46

Caunce St.

High Street

21

16 19

Promemade

Stree t

41

Loepold Gr.

Chur ch

High Street 28

Charles St.

High Street

George St.

23

Milbourne St.

Blackpool Coronation St.

61

Promemade North Pier

88 Hotel Indicator 88 Venue Indicator

Train Station Tram Stop

Hotels Blackpool Accommodation for Gays (BAGs) 56 High Street, 07762938783, bagsblackpool.com 1 Anchorage 18 Withnell Road, 01253 341771

£

Cash Machine Blackpool Tower

Parking Pedestrianised

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

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

19

Guyz 16 Lord Street, 01253 622488

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

Heatherdale Lodge 2 Pleasant Street, 1253 626268

Astor Hotel 83-85 Lord Street, 01253 290669

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

2

3

4

Athol 3 Mount St 01253 624918

Belvedere 77 Dickson Road, 01253 624733, belvederehotel@fsmail.net belvederehotel.biz 5

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

bracondale Guest House 14 Warley Road, 01253 351650, nosmokingblackpool.co.uk 64

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

7

Brene Hotel 37 Lord St, 01253 621854

20

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 Bay liberty's on the square Hotel Cocker Square, 01253 291155 bayhotels.co.uk

Lonsdale Hotel 25 Cocker Street, 01253 621628 26

8 Brooklyn 7 Wilton Parade, 01253 627003

27 Lyndale Court Hotel 01253 354033

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

28

Lynmar 74 High St, 01253 290046

29

Mardi Gras 41 Lord St, 01253 751087

61

9

Camelot 80 Hornby Rd, 01253 620518

10

CHaps 9 Cocker St, 01253 620541

Mardi Gras 2 9-11 Lord Street, 01253 628073 37

11

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

Manhattan 27 Cocker St, 01253 290070, manhattanblackpool.co.uk

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

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

12

13

DERBY HOTEL, 2 Derby Rd, 01253 623708

14

Dixon 84 Dickson Rd, 01253 752379

16

FOUR SEASONS 74 Lord St, 01253 622583

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

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

30

31 Merecliff Hotel 24 Holmfield Road, 01253 356858 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

North Central Hoilday Flats 29 Lord Street, 01253 621831 35

1

36 NORTHERN LIGHTS HOTEL 26 Springfield Road, 01253 317016

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

63 north grange hotel 238 Queens Promenade, 01253 351409, info@northgrangehotel.com northgrangehotel.com

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

38

Park House 81 Lord St, 01253 314571

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

Pier View 16 Banks St, 01253 624555

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

Thorncliffe 63 Dickson Road, 01253 622508 50

51 Trades Men Only 51 Lord Street, 01253 626401

58 Windsor House 47-49 Dickson Road, 01253 206 206, windsorhouse.info 59

Woodleigh 11 Yates St, 01253 624997

Worcester House 22 Cocker Street, 01253 620007 60

Pubs, Bars & Clubs 1

Buzz 5 Dickson Road, 01253 649153,

Queen Vic’s Bar 23 Dickson Rd, 07946 528153 2 Funny Girls Gay Friendly 5 Dickson Rd, 01253 649154, funnygirlsonline.co.uk 3 KAOS Mixed 38-42 Queen St, 01253 318798, kaosbar.co.uk 8 Lucy’s at TABOO Mixed 69-71 Talbot Road, 01253 622573, lucysattobago.co.uk 5 Mardi Gras Mixed 114 Talbot Road, 01253 296262

New Road Inn Gay Friendly 244 Talbot Road, 01253 422691 7 ROXY’S Gay Friendly 23 Queen Street, 01253 622573, roxysonline.co.uk 9 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.

52

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

53

VIDELLA HOTEL 78-82 Dickson Road, 01253 621201, videllahotel.com

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

54 Village Hotel 14 Springfield Road, 01253 290840

Eateries

VALENTINE HOTEL 35 Dickson Road, 01253 622775, valentinehotelblackpool.co.uk

55 warwick Holiday flats 39 Bank Street, 01253 623787

Waves Hotel 12 Wilshaw Rd, 01253 593312, john@wavesblackpool.co.uk

12 AJ’s Bistro Gay Friendly 65 Topping Street, 01253 626111 14

Buddies Chippy 28 Dickson Street

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

Cumbria

15 Café Latté 30-32 Dickson St, 01253 752077

Don Antonio 91 Redbank Rd, 01253 352440

AGENCIES

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

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

The Buttery 1 Cheapside, 01253 296667 19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outrageous 77-79 English Street, 01228 593745, outrageouscarlisle.com

AmBlESidE

SaUNaS

hotEls & B&B’s

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

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

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

Evolution Hair Studio Gay Owned 255 Dickson Road 33 Paul’s 5 General St, 01253 290928 unisex hairdresser.

34 Perfect Fit Alterations 42 Topping Street, 01253 290156

SMILE SPA AT HELIO FITNESS Newton Drive, 01253 393909

THE GARDEN PLACE Gay Owned Cropper Road, 01253 699987

KenDal

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

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

BarRow iN FuRNESs

aGENCIES

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

aGENCIES

Connexions 237-241 Dalton Road, 01229 824052

GrOUPS

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

cArLisLe CliNICS

Waxing Specialist & Male Grooming Cleveleys, 07950 944460 kt.lamb@live.co.uk

Cumberland Infirmary 01228 814 814

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

Groups

aGENCIES

Connect 01253 751047, connectyoungpeople.co.uk

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

26

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

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

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

richmond fellowship 07876 568260 or 01253 780952, Metal Health support to aid recovery for LGB&T people.

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

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

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

Sweat Sauna Club Atlas House, Nelson St.

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

CliNICS

Solicitors

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

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

Connexions 28 Lowther Street, 01228 596272 outreach cumbria lgbt project 07896 250662, outreachcumbria@live.co.uk

GrOUPS

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

CliNICS

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

Maryport HOTELS & B&B’s

Calder House Hotel Gay Owned The Banks, Seascale, 019467 28538, calderhouse.co.uk

wHiTeHaveN Groups

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

WInDerMerE HOTELS & B&B’s

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

WorKiNgToN CliNICS

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

Steam packet inn 51 Stanley St, 01900 62186

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

Liberty Church North Shore Methodist, Dickson Rd, 07955 597771, libertychurchblackpool.org.uk Ok2be 01253 754841, support service for young people up to 19 years of age, hayley.mills@blackpool.gov.uk Relaxation group 01253 311431 at SHIVER Sugar Lounge 07875 355390, gay & bi women’s group meet 7-9pm 1st Tues of the month 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

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk

Merseyside & Lancashire

Liverpool Queer Quarter

Around FACT Tithebarn Street

22-24 Stanley St, 0151 236 6633 14 The Lisbon Mixed 35 Victoria Street, 0151 231 6831 15 The Masquerade Mixed 10 Cumberland St, 0151 236 7786, masqueradebar.com

Club Nights BROKEN BISCUITS Monthly at Jupiters Bar FEDERATION LIVERPOOL Monthly gay night, clubfederation.com GIRLS GO DOWN Monthly lesbian night, myspace.com/girlsgodown

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

nice 'n' naughty 16 Colquitt Street

TRAVEL INN METRO Vernon St, 0870 238 3325

Agencies & Clinics

AIDS Helpline 0151 709 9000

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

SAunas 18 Splash Sauna 5 Fazakerley St, 0151

236 1001, splashsauna.com

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

Gay Youth ‘r’ OUT (GYRO) 36 Bolton St, 0151 203 0824, LGB Tyouth 13-25, gyro.org.uk Liverpool HopeLGBT Liverpool Hope Student Union, Hope Park, 0151 291 3651, lgbt@hope.ac.uk Liverpool Guild LGBT Society 160 Mount Pleasant, 0151 794 4165, liverpoollgbt@googlemail.com lgos.org/lgbt liverpool lgbt Choir For all abilities, meets Sun 6-8.30pm at St Stephens Church, liverpoolgaychoir@hotmail.co.uk liverpool lgbt community network LCVS, 151 Dale St, 0151 227 5177.

Roscoe Place

et

Back Berry Stre

19

2

Bold Street

13 Superstar Boudoir

20

Bold Street

25 Stanley Street

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

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

FACT

Culquitt Street

Culquitt Street

Berry Street Roscoe Lane

11 Secrets

23 Cumberland Street

nice 'n' naughty 85 Seel Street

Hotels

20

18

Wood Street

10 Poste House

19

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

Wood Street

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

18 NEWS FROM NOWHERE Bookshop

Eateries

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

Back Culquitt Stre

London Road

Modo Gay Friendly Concert Square

Shops 96 Bold Street, 0151 708 7270, newsfromnowhere.co.uk

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

et

1

Victoria Street

Motor City Secrets, Stanley Street, monthly alt night 1st Fri of the month.

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

Slater Street

Seel Street

8

Mathew Street

Fleet Street

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

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

Seel Street

12 Heaven Victoria Street, 0151 236 4832

14

Victoria Street

Parr Street

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

10

16

Duke Street

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

Duke Street

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

4

9

15

Sir Thomas Street

Baby D Temple Street

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

12

13

Stanley Street

3

Temple Street

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

Temple Lane

Pubs, Clubs & Bars

Princes Street

£

Train Station Parking Cash Machine Pedestrianised

North John Street

88 Listing Indicator

21

Cumberland Street

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

Piccadilly Train Station

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

Storm LGBT Christians Level 2, 96 Bold Street, 0151 547 3562, meets 1st Sun of the month 3pm storm@somewhere-else.org.uk Young Gay Sefton 0151 330 5841

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

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

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

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

17 The Armistead Project 1 Stanley St, 0870 9908996, armisteadcentre.co.uk

Liverpool Students Union LGBT Society 0151 231 4947

Websites

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

Liverpool Women’s Book Group Meets last Tues of the month, liverpoolbookgroup.moonfruit.com Merseyside L&G Community Forum 07970 680483, newsfromnowhere.org.uk

08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk

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

Lancashire

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

ElLeSMerE PoRT GROUPS

Tea with Teela (TV/CD social) 0151 356 855, 7pm 3rd Monday of the month at Transpose, trans-pose.com utopia (Ellesmere Port) Whitby Rd, Ellesmere Port, 0151 348 5621, LGB youth meets every Tues 6.30-9, eport@utopialgb.org.uk

SoutHpOrT PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

AXM Southport Coronation Walk, axmgroup.co.uk/southport The Crown 20 Coronation Walk Velvet Gay Friendly Coronation Walk

CLINICs

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

St HELens CLINICs

Sexual Health Clinic St Helens Hospital, Marshall Cross Rd, 01744 646 473, free & confidential sexual service, rapid HIV testing results in 30 mins. sthk.nhs.uk

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

BlACkBuRn

LanCAStEr

Oblivion 12-14 Grimshaw St, 01772 252876

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

CLUB NIGHTS

DANCING DIVA For more information, dancingdiva5@hotmail.com

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

CLINICS

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

agENciEs & CLINICS

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

GROUPS

Burnley PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

BACKSTAGE BAR 135 St James St, 01282 414895

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

GuyS as dolls showbar 133-135 St James St.

CLINICS

Sexual Health Clinic Arrowe Park Road, 0151 604 7339

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

SaUNas

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

aGENCIES

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

GROUPS

Freedom Trans Youth Foundation, freedom@freedom.zzn.com freedom.btik.com Gay Wirral 0151 666 9890, Terrence Higgins Trust, 5 Bridge St, for all Wirral’s LGBT Community, contact for details, gaywirral@hotmail.co.uk Tea Time Special 0151 666 9890, Terrence Higgins Trust, 5 Bridge St, Fri 4.30-6.30pm, safe space for LGBT, info.wirral@tht.org.uk

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

MorEcAmBe

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Lesbian Connection lesbian social group meeting monthly lesbian_connection@yahoo.co.uk

CLINICS

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

OrMsKIrk

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

oscar’s bar 25 Victoria St, 07543 900678, gay friendly/mixed, oscars@tiscali.co.uk Sexual Health Clinic Queen Victoria Centre, Thornton Rd, 01524 405 704

CLUB NIGHTS

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

CLINICS

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

GROUPS

uclan lgbt employee network lgbtstaff@uclan.ac.uk VIBE c/o Young Peoples Service, 07814 493750, LGBT youth group meets Thurs evenings. yps.lancashire.gov.uk/get-vibe

edgehill university LGBT society search on facebook

skelmersdale

EaTERIES

PrEstOn

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

Red Triangle Café St James St, 01282832319

GROUPS

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

CHOrlEy

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

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

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

GROUPS

AGENCIES

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

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

WIRRAL TRANSISTERs 07759045117, support/social group for TV/CD/TS, 1st Tues of the month, mazykate@toucansurf.com

CLINICS

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

LeYlAnd

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

GROUPS

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.

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

tHE wIrRaL

CLINICs

The New Albert 84 King Street, 7 days a week, serving food and entertainment, thenewalbert.com

Royal Lancaster Infirmary Ashton Community Care Centre, 01524 387402

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

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

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

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

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

DV8 @ The Picture House 46 Conway Street, Birkenhead, 0151 647 8883, Wed 8pm till late, hello@thepicturehousewirral.co.uk

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

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

CLUB NIGHT

WORK Bridge Street, every Wednesday.

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

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

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

Flex II Tolver St, 01744 758 439

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

GROUPS

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

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

GROUPS

WE’RE HERE IF YOU NEED US

Even over the holidays Over the holiday season The Lesbian & Gay Foundation will be offering telephone support 10am-10pm every day.

0845 3 30 30 30 www.lgf.org.uk

Cheshire, Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Isle of Man & North West

Cheshire

North West

CRewE

MACcLeSfIelD

WEBSITEs

CLINICs

CLINICs

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

aGENCIES

GROUPS

j4ldating.com a lesbian dating site. j4ldating.com

Sexual Health Clinic Leighton Hospital, Middlewich Rd, 01270 612255 BP Cheshire & North Wales PO Box 321, 01270 653 150 outrite 01270 653 156, social and support groups, counselling, condoms and lube by post, outrite.org

GROUPS

men’s Group 01270 653 156, outrite.org

UTOPIA 01270 253633, LGB youth group Weds evenings, utopialgb.org.uk

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

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

NOrtHWicH SaUNaS

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

RunCoRN CLINIC

Sexual Health Halton General Hospital, 01928 753217

EaTERIES

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

GROUPS

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

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

WARringToN

GROUPS

Club Nights

CHESTER lgbt BOOK GROUP 07818 021 947, 2nd Monday of the month at 7.30pm at the Bear & Billet pub, Lower Bridge Street, alispad@aol.com Dinin’ Divas womens dining group dinindivas@yahoo.com Encompass 07790904718, 07833114752, 01745337144, LGBT social & info group for Chester & N. Wales, encompass.btik.com Mersey & Dee Women Social group, madw@merseymail.com Sole Sisters Penny: 07917 533104 or Sandra: 07921 222101, womens walking group.

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

White Hart Sankey Street, 01925 241994

Exposed Showbar, 15/17 Friars Gate, alexvalentine@mail.com

CLINIC

Sexual Health Clinic Lovely Lane, 01925 662476

aGENCIES

Groups Gay North West Camping & Caravanning Club Free club for LGBT people who enjoy camping and caravanning, gnccc.co.uk Gay Outdoor Group - Ability Group Outdoor activities for people with all types of abilities/disabilities and their friends and family, ability@goc.org.uk LGBT Youth Northwest PO BOX 153, Manchester. M60 1LP, 0753 106 1777, Support & fun projects for LGBT Young people 14-25; support & training for practitioners working with young people, lgbtyouthnorthwest@yahoo.co.uk

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

Staffordshire PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

GROUPS

Fierce 3 Goodson St, Hanley.

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

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

SaUNas

Panthers LGBT Badminton/Squash 01782 266998, meeting weekly in Stoke South Staffs MES MEN Project 01543 411413, PO Box 3919, Lichfield, Married Men’s group, TV/TS group and social groups.

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

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

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

Gay Healthy Alliance Project PO Box 539, 01925 631101

CLINIC & agENCIES

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

GROUPS

Gaylife North Staffordshire 0300 1230970

Chester Uni Warrington Campus LGBT Society search facebook

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

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

UTOPIA (chester) 0151 348 5621, LGB youth group meets every Weds 7.30-9pm, chester@utopialgb.org.uk

FLUID (Freedon to Love Ur IDentity) 07747 473 829

Yorkshire HUDdERsFiEld

HeBDEn BrIdgE

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

THE GREYHOUND Manchester Road, 01484 420 742

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

GROUPS

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

Inn on the Bridge Gay Owned & Run 1-5 Market St, 01422 844 229, inn_on_the_bridge@live.co.uk NELSONS WINE BAR Crown St, 01422 844 782

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

Isle of Man HOTELS

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

Guys & Dolls Showbar Gay Friendly Peverill Sq, Douglas,

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk