outnorthwest issue 109

FOR OVER 16’s ONLY!

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

Published by

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

OUTNORTHWEST ISSUE 109 APR-MAY 2012 FREE!

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

EN LISTW NO !

flag we’re flying the

so can you

+

latest! manchester pride g dr. clare erada xt e n id d ie k c ja t a h w : k c ladyro bic? o h p o m o h e l p o e p b g l e ar EN TALKS S Y H N O T N A R E Y A L P PLUS! OUT FOOTIE

TO ONW

OUTNORTHWEST EDITOR’S LETTER APR-MAY 2012

It’s unusual for ONW not to feature a person on our cover.

But this issue we’re defiantly flying the rainbow flag in in honour of International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO).

homophobia. We’re also really keen to hear your experiences. If you’ve got any comments or would like to share your story, please drop me an e-mail (grahame.robertson@lgf.orf.uk). We’re really keen to follow up this story, so please do let us know.

You can find out more about IDAHO, and the Flying The Flag project, on page 10. The fight against homophobia is extremely important to us at ONW and LGF - it’s at the heart of almost everything we do.

We say a sad goodbye to Joanne Dunning this issue, who has left us for pastures new. Jo was instrumental in compiling the news (and countless features) in ONW, and we’ll really miss her. We also say hello to a brand new columnist this issue. Frankie Stevens will be offering the les/bi women’s perspective, and you can read her first column on page 7.

But what if that homophobia comes from within our own community?

Have you heard homophobic comments from friends - even if they’re meant to be taken in jest? How can we expect to challenge homophobia in society, if we can’t even get our own house in order? For our feature this month, we’ve taken to Canal Street to ask for your experiences of ‘internal’

We’ll be back on 23rd May with a special Bingham Cup edition. See page 13 for more details. See you then!

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

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

EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR & LAYOUT Grahame Robertson LAYOUT Mark Eastwood NEWS EDITOR Andrew Gilliver MEN’S HEALTH EDITOR Peter Boyle WEB EDITOR Marc Robinson LISTINGS EDITOR Mark Eastwood DISTRIBUTION Shaun Lloyd CONTRIBUTORS Lucy Rolfe; Samantha Days; Kate Hardy; Jake Arturio Braden; George House Trust; Gaydio; Peter Boyle; Frankie Stevens; Colin Armstead; Adam Winter; Martin Cooper, Michael Brown.

SPECIAL THANKS Manchester College, John Stewart, Manchester Pride, Jackie Crozier, Manbears, Dr. Clare Gerada, Gaydio, Sandi Hughes, Anton Hysen, Serenity Security.

ADVERTISING

Homophobia ACTION against

www.lgf.org.uk/enough YOU CAN VOTE NOW FOR THE NEXT ENOUGH IS ENOUGH VIDEO ADVERT. TURN TO PAGE 6 NOW FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO VIEW THE VIDEOS AND CAST YOUR VOTE!

For information on advertising in outnorthwest, contact us on 0845 3 30 30 30.

Or e-mail grahame.robertson@lgf.org.uk

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

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

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

f.org.u www.lg

INSIDE OUT REGULARS

06 ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Vote for the next Enough Is Enough video ad!

08 NEWS & OPINION Gay Marriage, Coming Out At Church, The Great British Bear Bash, The Bingham Cup, LadyRock, IDAHO, Flying The Flag and the latest from Manchester Pride!

16 VILLAGE PEOPLE The LGF Village Angels are here to help!

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

36

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

ANTON HYSEN

FEATURES

26 FIGHT! Is Homophobia on the rise within the LGB&T community? We ask you...

22 OUTSPOKEN! The inspirational film maker, writer and DJ Sandi Hughes tells us what makes her tick.

And also tells us a very rude joke...

14

PRIDE IN PRACTICE

12

WELLBEING

LADYROCK

20 GEORGE HOUSE TRUST The latest developments from GHT. 32 LET’S BE FRIENDS How you can get involved in a new LGF service and improve others lives.

28 GET TO THE CLINIC! It’s now easier than ever to get to the clinic. LGF’s clinical services...

06

24 MEN & SEXUAL ABUSE How to get the help you need.

34 GAY MEN’S HEALTH Are sexual health messages being lost?

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

Homophobia ACTION against

www.lgf.org.uk/enough

HAVE YOU VOTED FOR YOUR FAVE VIDEO?

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.

11

MANCHESTER PRIDE

Homophobia ACTION against

www.lgf.org.uk/enough

TAKING ACTION HOW YOU ARE TAKING ACTION AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA

VIDEO STARS! Cast your votes NOW for the next Enough Is Enough video advert!

Students at The Manchester College have spent the last six months writing, researching and producing their own videos to highlight the importance of taking action against homophobia, and we want YOU to judge the best videos for the Enough is Enough campaign!

In October 2011 first year media students at The Manchester College were asked to create a 30 second video to promote the Enough is Enough –Action against Homophobia campaign as the campaign goes into its third year on International Day

Against Homophobia and Transphobia on May 17th. Each of the students had to do a live pitch (think Dragon’s Den) to a panel and the best ideas went into production and these are now going forward to a public vote.

All the students who wrote, devised and filmed these short films from scratch are aged between 16-19 years old. This is what they said about their experience of taking part in the project: “I was really excited about the project and straight away I started researching.”

“I was quite interested as it’s not something I’d ever looked at before.”

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

“When I first got the brief I wasn’t sure I wanted to do it.”

So what did the students think about homophobia?

“I’ve had personal problems with homophobia so I wanted to show my adaptation to an audience...I hate homophobia with my entire being.”

“My friend in school suffered a lot as his parents were quite homophobic.”

“People that can hate on someone for being gay, it’s just so stupid. I don’t understand why you should get so angry about something that doesn’t affect you”.

LIKE US!

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

TWEET US!

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

BRAND NEW COLUMN!

FRANKIE

SAYS

VOTE NOW! There are eight videos that have been shortlisted and the two videos that are voted the most popular will be used to promote the Enough is Enough campaign from 17th May onwards throughout the next year. We’re sure you will all agree that they are all worthy contenders so it’s over to you now to pick the ones you feel best represent the campaign!

Make sure you ‘Like’ our Facebook group (Enough Is Enough!

Action Against Homophobia), and then you can view and vote for your favourite video from our Facebook page.

You’ll see two buttons under our banner. One called ‘View The Videos!’ And one called ‘Videos VOTE!’ “I didn’t think originally it was such a big situation in terms of abuse etc.”

“I’ve had friends beaten up so savagely that they ended up in hospital.”

And has the process of making the videos changed their outlook on homophobia?

“For students who haven’t associated with the subject it can be tricky and you want to make sure you don’t offend anyone or hurt anyone’s feelings.

When you look back you can see that people’s attitudes were changing and have changed, so it wasn’t like we were making a project then never thinking about it again. We will all remember this experience, not just because we made something that’s really good, but because we have more knowledge about it too.”

The students of Manchester College have shown their commitment to taking action against homophobia and we hope that you will be inspired by their work to take action too. Remember to cast your vote for your favourite video! You can find out how to cast your vote above.

www.lgf.org.uk/enough

ONW has a brand new regular columnist. Say hello to Frankie Stevens.

Frankie will be looking at the issues of the day and offering the les/bi women’s perspective.

And boys... you might want to lend your ear too!

“Hello and welcome to the very first ‘Frankie Says’ column!

Despite what the title suggests, this won’t be a regular tribute to 80’s band Frankie Goes to Hollywood, so apologises if I got your hopes up there but I promise to do my best to entertain and inform you in the meantime.

This edition of ONW focuses on International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) and Flying The Flag. The concept of ‘flying the rainbow flag’ is an interesting one; what does it actually mean to the diverse range of people who make up LGBT communities? This got me thinking about the perceived lack of representation of lesbian and bisexual (LB) women not only in mainstream society but also within the LGBT communities. This lack of representation is by no means a new issue and is a complex one to say the least; it provides great fodder for debates but no-one can quite work out why LB women are still so underrepresented in today’s society.

Stonewall describe it as the ‘double glazed glass ceiling’, yet recently there have been a few things that have made me realise what positive and proactive steps some women are taking to help raise the profile of LB women.

The LGF’s annual ‘Sugar & Spice’ event in March (coinciding with International

Women’s Day) saw over 100 women celebrate their achievements at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s Community Resource Centre, with many leaving feeling inspired by the day’s events.

During the Women’s Power Panel Evelyn Asante-Mensah, Chair of NHS Manchester reminded the audience that even in tough social and economic times we should remember we are all empowered and talented; you just have to go for it, regardless of the obstacles you might face.

A great (and funny) example of such an attitude was demonstrated by Australian actress Magda Szubanski (aka Sharon from Kath and Kim) who came out on Valentine’s Day in support of legalising gay marriage in Australia. If you haven’t seen the interview she gave on ‘The Project’ it’s well worth watching it online.

Szubanski openly admits her concerns over going public with such a private matter, yet her belief in the cause lead her to put aside her own reservations and stand up and happily be counted as an out lesbian.

I appreciate these are just a couple of examples of LB women putting themselves out there as positive representatives and you may wonder what difference this all makes. Yet to me it makes a big difference, albeit to an issue I fully acknowledge will take a while to rectify. But it all has to start somewhere; apathy in the face of such a challenge won’t help the cause. We can all be positive portrayals of lesbian and bisexual women, not just on IDAHO but in every day life. Whether you cringe at the sight of a rainbow flag or not I think we could all heed the wise words of Evelyn Asante-Mensah – just go for it, whatever challenges you may face in the process.”

Frankie Stevens frankie.stevens@lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 07

AGENDA

IN DEPTH NEWS, COMMENT AND ANALYSIS

IS YOUR MP SUPPORTIVE? The Coalition for Marriage (who are against same-sex civil marriage), was recently launched alongside a petition signed by a number of MPs, including some in the North West: Fiona Bruce, MP for Congleton, David Nuttall MP for Bury North, Jim Dobbin MP for Heywood and Middleton, Joe Benton MP for Bootle.

MANCHESTER FIRST FOR RELIGIOUS CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS

APR-MAY 2012

GAY MARRIAGE

A CIVIL MATTER Make your voice heard!

Cross Street Unitarian Chapel, Manchester has been awarded a licence from Manchester City Council to hold civil partnerships on its premises.

The General Register Office believe that Cross Street Unitarian Chapel are the first religious premises in England & Wales to be licensed for Civil Partnerships. Contact details: Revd Jane Barraclough,Cross Street Unitarian Chapel,Manchester,M2 1NL.Tel: 0161 834 0019.

E-mail: revjvb@gmail.com

LETTER FROM AN OUTNORTHWEST READER...

We received this letter from an outnorthwest reader in Middleton...

“Has our MP jumped ship?

Jim Dobbin MP for Heywood & Middleton has openly admitted to putting his religious principals before his constituents. Does Jim Dobbin not realise that he is isolating 1 in 10 of his constituents?

Such neanderthalic views are detrimental to community cohesion, which Jim will know from the events in his home town of Heywood is extremely fragile.”

Linda Mooney,Middleton

Last year the Government lifted the ban on civil partnerships taking place on religious premises and now they are looking at removing the ban on same-sex couples having a civil marriage ceremony.

The government are looking at how to enable same-sex couples to have a civil marriage and are currently undertaking a consultation which will look at civil marriage ceremonies in a register office or other approved premises (such as a hotel).

There has been some confusion in the media and from certain religious groups about this consultation so the Government want to make it clear that there are no changes proposed to religious marriages (which continue to be legally possible only between a man and a woman.) The consultation will run for 13 weeks until the 14 June 2012.

The Government will then be looking to issue a response in the autumn.

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

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation believe same sex couples should have the right to a civil marriage and we would encourage all those who wish to support the right for two people of the same sex to have a civil marriage to support this and have their say using the consultation.

Chief Executive Paul Martin OBE says: “We are aware that the forces against us are very mobilized on this issue and the numbers who have signed the Coalition For Marriage petition outnumber the people who have signed the Coalition For Equal Marriage Petition by more than 4 to 1. It is therefore vital that we ensure that everyone we know participates in this consultation and ensure that the voices for positive change and for equality are heard.”

You can access a copy of the full consultation document and send in your views by completing a simple, online survey on the Home Office website: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/ equal-civil-marriage

AGENDA APR-MAY 2012 CONTACT US: outnorthwest, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3HF EMAIL: andrew.gilliver@lgf.org.uk TWITTER: @lgfoundation CALL: 0845 3 30 30 30

FAITH

“For me, church teaching contributes to creating a space in society where it’s OK to think of gay people as second-class citizens...”

After the Archbishop of Westminster instructed all priests across England and Wales to oppose the government’s plans to allow same sex civil marriage, one woman decided to come out to the Catholic church she attends.

She handed out her own written personal beliefs on the subject of homosexuality to the congregation after her Priest gave a sermon against same sex civil marriage.

Here she tells outnorthwest why she did this.

“As part of coming to terms with my own homosexuality I have been aware of different interpretations of scripture for some years and in my view the church’s arguments about homosexuality are based on incorrect interpretation and prejudice. For me, church teaching contributes to creating a space in society where it is OK to think of gay people as second-class citizens. I read the Archbishops’ letter and was so angry at the way it confused civil marriage with the sacrament of matrimony that I felt I had to do something to redress the balance. I knew that people would be more willing to listen to me because they had seen me being a faithful member of the church for many years. I had to make my own personal response, so I came out publicly.

COMING OUT AT CHURCH HOW ONE WOMAN TOOK A STAND AND CAME OUT TO HER CATHOLIC CHURCH

Most people were OK about it, I gave people the chance not to take what I had written. Some did, and only one person gave it back to me with a look of disgust on her face. One person told me about her gay child and said she hoped what I had written would help her with reconciling that with her Catholic faith. I haven’t had any response from the priest. I have sent a copy to the Bishop of this diocese and to the Archbishop of Westminster asking them to justify church teaching.

I think there are people who didn’t like the idea of gay people having civil partnerships but would accept it as it kept us quiet and out of the way. Now that we are asking for proper equality under the law, those people are finding that hard to cope with. I think a lot of people also confuse the civil issue with the religious issue and that offends them.

I am hoping that I have educated people and that they will ask why they have not been taught about different interpretations of scripture.

I would ask (anyone who uses religious texts to deny LGB&T people support and equal access to services) what they thought the main message of their religion was, and why they were straying so far from that. I would also ask them how they can pick and choose certain verses. Ultimately, though, if someone is determined to misconstrue scripture and ignore scholarship, then sadly there isn’t much you can do about it.

I think the strength of my approach lay in the fact that I was well-known to the congregation, so they were more willing to consider what I was showing them. The drawback is that you stand to lose a lot if your community rejects you. I’m very lucky that I have a supportive family and friends to fall back on.” outnorthwest would like to respect this woman’s wish to remain anonymous but we will be happy to pass on any correspondence to her directly.

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 09

AGENDA

Why IDAHO is important

WE’RE FLYING

In 76 countries it remains illegal to engage in same-sex conduct and in at least five countries – Iran, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen – the death penalty prevails.

The first ever United Nations plenary debate on LGBT human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity, took place early March at the United Nations in Geneva.

Despite opposition from Pakistan and Islamic nations, the UN Human Rights Council panel reaffirmed its commitment to fighting discrimination and persecution of LGB&T people sending a strong signal to countries still criminalising homosexuality or planning to introduce similar legislation which aims to limit the freedom of expression and association for LGB&T people.

Navi Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, called on countries to repeal laws that criminalize homosexuality, abolish the death penalty for offences involving consensual sexual relations, harmonize the age of consent for heterosexual and homosexual conduct, and enact comprehensive anti-discrimination laws.

THE FLAG! SHOW YOUR SUPPORT ON international day against homophobia... fly your flag high and proud!

Last year hundreds of organisations across the North West marked International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) by ‘Flying the Flag’ on 17 May. In 2012, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation would like to support organisations once again by enabling them to visibly show their support by ‘Flying the Flag’ on Thursday 17th May through providing information, publicity and promotion opportunities about participation and showing commitment to the local and the international campaign to end homophobia and transphobia.

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation are currently working on the plans for IDAHO 2012, however we recognise that organisations require adequate time in order to seek internal agreement to enable them to participate in flying a rainbow flag, as well as agreeing other innovative ways to mark the day.

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

We’re looking forward to welcoming many more people on board and supporting IDAHO 2012 with the flags that we have provided in previous years (or dusting the ones off that you may already have yourself). If you’d like to see some images of flags flying from 2011 and give yourself a reminder of last years’ activities, check out the website at:

www.lgf.org.uk/news/ success-for-flying-theflag-2011/ We’ll be collecting information on the premises that will be flying the flags this year and finding out what organisations are doing around innovative ways to mark the day over the next few months.

If you require any further information to mark IDAHO 2012, please don’t hesitate to contact: darren.knight@ lgf.org.uk or call 0845 3 30 30 30 for a chat.

APR-MAY 2012

John Stewar t, new CEO at Man

chester Pride

NEW FACES

NEW PRIDE? as a brand new team takes over, we look at what’s in store for manchester pride this year, and talk to new CEO john stewart.

Well, Jackie Crozier has moved on (see page 12), and the dust has well and truly settled on what was a fabulous 21st Birthday for Manchester Pride in 2011.

A brand-new team are in place at Manchester Pride now, and are busy planning another spectacular event for this year. The festival will take its customary spot during the August Bank Holiday Weekend, with Pride Fringe from 17-23 August and the Big Weekend 24-27 August. The parade will wind through the heart of the city, starting at Liverpool Road, ending in the Village, on Saturday 25 August, 1pm. The George House Trust Candlelit Vigil will commence at 9pm on Monday 27 August.

The team are planning shows, exhibitions and debates as part of the ever growing Pride Fringe, which last year staged around 45 events, many of which were free to attend. The Big Weekend will retain its stable format, running from 6pm on Friday through until the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Jackie Crozier, who led the team for four years and worked for the organisation for six, hung up her boots following this year’s festival and has tendered the reins to Aberdonian John Stewart. Stewart is no stranger to leading an organisation, having led Aberdeen Council from 2009-2011. John joins the organisation full-time in April, when he relocates to Manchester with his Civil Partner, Neil. Ninelives Event Management and Ear To The Ground have also moved on to work on other events, having managed the Big Weekend since 2002. Following this, the trustees at Manchester Pride took the decision to bring all services in-house, cue the appointment of Kieran Bussoopun as Events Manager and Michael Lever as Deputy Events Manager.

Bussoopun was an Events team leader at Lincolnshire Council and also acted as Vice Chair for Lincoln Pride, while Mancunian, Michael, moves around the corner from Edge Street Events, where their portfolio of events included the Food and Drink Festival. The team are supported by Darren Adams, who has been part of the festival since 2008,

Darren takes on the new role of Deputy Chief Executive.

John told ONW, “There are some really exciting times ahead, Manchester Pride is officially the best LGBT event in the UK and it is very humbling to be part of something that is woven into the fabric of Manchester and the north-west, whilst showcasing our city to the world. We are very lucky to have a robust formula here in Manchester and retain the level of raising money for LGBT and HIV charities and organisations year on year.

So many Pride Events across the UK are suffering each year and struggling to cover the cost of delivering events.”

So, there are some exciting times ahead, and we are sure the new team will stamp their mark, well and truly on this year’s event.

The new Manchester Pride website will be launched in April, ahead of tickets going on sale on 1st May. Ticket prices have been frozen this year and day tickets will be available in advance for £12.50 and weekend tickets £15.00 The parade theme has also just been announced, this year it will be ‘Queer’d Science’, recognising the Alan Turing Centenary. We’re thinking there will be a lot of silver latex and lab coats this year!

You can find out more about the new team and announcements at www.manchesterpride.com, or follow the organisation on Twitter @manchesterpride www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 11

AGENDA APR-MAY 2012

KT Tunstall

Jackie Crozier

THIS

Heather Peace

LADY ROCKS!

GRAHAME ROBERTSON talks to ex-Manchester Pride Festival Director Jackie Crozier about her move into the music industry and the return of GIRL POWER! For four years, Jackie Crozier headed Manchester Pride, and delivered a Pride that was the envy of other events, and frequently voted the best Pride in the UK. Jackie’s moved on now, and her first new venture is a brand new music festival - LadyRock - which launches in Manchester this May...

Why LadyRock?

Having led Manchester Pride for four years as its Festival Director I’ve come to learn what I enjoy, what I’m good at and where I can really make a difference. As a lover of live music, all things Manchester and the buzz you get when putting on a festival this seemed like an organic next step for me.

I’m a huge supporter of charity organisations

and causes: one of these is women’s issues.

With this in mind, it was the natural thing to create a women’s event, where female music and comedy talent will be showcased.

I’m extremely excited to also be able to present some fantastic up-and-coming Manchester-based acts. I can’t wait.

How have your experiences at Manchester Pride prepared you for organising an event like LadyRock?

A lot of things that people wouldn’t know about festivals - especially the length of time all different aspects of them take - are things that I knew from the get-go. Of course, we’re a very different event. We’re working with only female (or female fronted) acts, we don’t have the same financial support as Manchester Pride and we are a completely new brand trying to get across our ethos and message with what was essentially a blank press and PR canvas to start with.

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

Is LadyRock just for the girls?

Definitey not! It would make no sense to create something to ‘showcase women’ and tell men (or any group, for that matter) that they’re not invited. In terms of pioneering for equal footing and opportunities, I also personally see that concept as an enormous step backwards. Working at Manchester Pride, I’ve learned a lot about exclusion and it’s a horrific thing to experience. I would never, ever dream of putting on an event or working with an organisation that wasn’t fully inclusive. Men are more than welcome at LadyRockl, whether with best friends, sisters, girlfriends, fathers or sons.

Who will be performing at LadyRock?

KT Tunstall will be headlining the event. KT has been a favourite of mine for a long time, and I really think everything about her summarises the vibe and concept behind LadyRock - feminine, strong, sassy and good

fun. We will also have Heather Peace. With ‘Lip Service’ coming back to our screens this year, her new role on BBC drama ‘Waterloo Road’ and brand new album ‘Fairytales’ this couldn’t be a better time for Heather at LadyRock. We’re also proud to present New Young Pony Club, ‘hot for 2012’ Ronika and numerous other main stage acts. Our acoustic and unsigned stage will include the likes of Sophie Ballamy, Peach and Rafie and many more to announce soon. Gracing our comedy stage, we have Sarah Archer, Katie Truelove, Rosie Wilby and more.

How do you see LadyRock developing?

Our debut event allows us to give audiences a real taster of what we’re about. The music and comedy we wish to showcase, the vibe and attitude to us as an organisation and the ethos we’ll always stick by. Of course, there is a ‘dream, long-term plan’ of where I want to take the event, which will come with time. ‘Steady as she goes’ as they say, and hopefully when I next talk to ONW, I’ll be able to say “where we are now, this is exactly how we had planned and hoped to develop over the next few years”. That would be fantastic.

Who do you think has been the most influential female musician, and why?

For me, Joan Jett was the first woman of rock and roll, and was a pioneer for all the female (and in some cases, male) acts to come after her. Alongside Jett is Debbie Harry, who made female rock and roll ‘cool’.

The women wanted to be her and the men wanted to see her - she was, and still is, fabulous!

Finally, will you be coming to Manchester Pride this year?

I hope so. Manchester Pride is an absolutely fantastic event, organisation and charity and I will always respect and love it for what it brings to the community and surrounding areas. The organisation single-handedly raises hundreds of thousands of pounds for extremely deserving organisations. I’m extremely interested to see how new CEO John has taken on the new role, and the way he’ll represent Manchester Pride. It will be strange as a spectator this year, but I look forward to seeing what Manchester Pride is like for 2012!

LadyRock Festival 2012 Saturday 26th May at Manchester Rugby Club.

Tickets are £32.50. www.ladyrocksfestival.com

BEARING UP!

The Great british bear bash returns to manchester this may bank holiday weekend. WOOF! The 15th annual Great British Bear Bash returns to Manchester in May, and those big burly boys have got a weekend fit-tobursting with hairy shenanigans.

Taking the theme of ‘Law & Order’, hundreds of hairy guys and admirers are expected to flood into the Gay Village from 3rd - 7th May for five days of fun events, club nights, entertainment and socialising. Highlights include a Bears Picnic in Sackville Park on 5th May (2-5pm), a Wet Fur Pool Party at Levenshulme Swimming Baths and pop favourites Hazell Dean and Kelly Wild performing live at The Rem on Saturday 5th May. A highlight every year is ‘Bears At The Birdcage’, and this year is no exception with

Jonathan Mayor compering an afternoon of laughs and entertainment on Sunday 6th.

The Bear Bash will be taking over many bear-favourite bars too, including The Eagle, Legends, The Outpost and The Rem. Bear Bash is celebrated as a very friendly event, so if you’re heading into town that weekend, be prepared for a warm welcome!

So, what keeps guys coming back to the Bear Bash? We took to Facebook and asked you. Justin Knott told us, “With so many social sites for bears its a great way for everyone to come together in the flesh and meet like minded folk.”, and Marc Robinson summed it up perfectly, “It brings the best in bear talent from around the UK and the world! The original. The best.” WOOF! Great British Bear Bash, 3-7May. For the latest info: www.manbears.co.uk

BINGHAM CUP THE GAY RUGBY WORLD CUP IS HEADING TO MANCHESTER!

The 2012 Bingham Cup will take place in Manchester, between 1st and 3rd June 2012.

The Bingham Cup is the world championship of gay and inclusive rugby teams and is one of the largest men’s 15-aside rugby union tournaments in the sporting calendar outside of the IRB Rugby World Cup. Manchester 2012 will be the sixth Bingham Cup and is officially sponsored by the Rugby Football Union.

Manchester 2012 will be three days celebrating the very best of rugby, and will take place at Broughton Park RUFC in South Manchester. Hundred of players, friends and supported are expected to arrive in June, and the next issue of outnorthwest will be going all-out to celebrate this internationally significant event coming to Manchester.

Our Bingham Cup special edition will be published on 23rd May. Catch up on the latest about The Bingham Cup: www.binghamcup.com 13 www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 11

Pride

in Practice

Excellence in lesbian, gay & bisexual healthcare

PRIDE IN PRACTICE LAUNCHES!

Urban Village Practice staff with their Gold award.

NHS North West and The Lesbian & Gay Foundation on the 14th February launched Pride in Practice – a new patient standard for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) healthcare.

Health professionals from around the country gathered for the launch in Manchester. Ben Squires, from Greater Manchester NHS took the opportunity to celebrate both The Docs and the Urban Village Medical Practice both Manchester practices who have been piloting Pride in Practice and who were both awarded the gold standard of excellence in LGB healthcare. He said: “without accessible primary care people will never get good quality care.” To find out more or to register for Pride in Practice visit: www.lgf.org.uk/ Our-services/pride-in-practice/

PRIDE IN PRACTICE RECEIVES FUNDING TO BENEFIT PATIENTS Pride in Practice has received funding to test and develop innovative approaches to improve health and wellbeing, Care Services Minister Paul Burstow announced.

The fund will allow the further development and prepare for a national rollout of Pride in Practice which has been successfully developed and piloted in partnership with NHS NW. Paul Burstow said, “This new funding will improve the lives of thousands of people across England, helping them to lead healthier and more independent lives. These exciting projects are more than worthy of our support and I am delighted that the money will be spent on providing individuals and local communities with the tools to tackle health and wellbeing.”

Dr. Clare Gerada

Chair of GP’s champions Pride In Practice DR CLARE GERADA SAYS PROJECT IS “A FANTASTIC START” The Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners Dr Clare Gerada MBE has backed Pride in Practice – a new patient standard for excellence in lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) healthcare from NHS North West & The Lesbian & Gay Foundation.

simple and important messages, especially around lesbian and bisexual women’s risk of cervical cancer.” Dr Gerada referenced her experience of working with lesbian, gay and bisexual communities, she currently works as a GP in Vauxhall; which has the largest gay community in London outside of Soho, and she also drew attention to the existence of homophobia and biphobia within healthcare.

Dr Gerada speaking at the Pride in Practice launch said she “was disappointed to read that 1 in 10 LGB&T individuals have avoided using public services for fear of homophobia.”

“There has been great change, but still younger GPs worry about asking people about their sexual orientation. We must work together to address homophobia and biphobia in general practices as part of the journey to make healthcare better, for those patients who at the moment are not receiving optimum care.” She continued, “There’s a long way to go, but I’m optimistic for the future and Pride in Practice is a fantastic start. I’m committed to taking excellence in LGB healthcare forward and keeping it on the agenda.”

She welcomed the Pride in Practice benchmarking toolkit as a way to challenge these health inequalities faced by lesbian, gay and bisexual patients.

Dr Gerada said: “The Pride in Practice toolkit is music to my ears. It’s so important that we raise awareness of lesbian, gay and bisexual issues and debunk myths. It’s well written, full of useful information and

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

www.lgf.org.uk/Our-services/ pride-in-practice/

Working Help yourtogether GP take make pride in their to practice.

Ask them tohealthcare register! accessible for all.

Pride

in Practice

Excellence in lesbian, gay & bisexual healthcare

www.lgf.org.uk/prideinpractice

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

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

MARTIN COOPER introduces us to the LGF’s Village Angels.

MAKING YOUR VILLAGE SAFER, IT’S THE

VILLAGE ANGELS So, the clouds have parted and that big, shiny orange thing in the sky is rearing it’s head once again, signalling the start of British Summertime!!

That means endless invites to BBQ’s that get washed out, inappropriate shorts and insects. It also means that Manchester’s Gay Village starts to get that carefree summer vibe and we generally see more of you travelling from far and wide to visit the bars and clubs.

Here at the LGF we like to make sure that everyone is revelling in a safe way, so we have launched our own community

safety team – The Village Angels - to welcome you to the Village and be on hand should you need anything from us. Let’s say you don’t know where the nearest taxi rank is... You can ask us! Or if you’ve been split up from your mates and you’re not sure what to do? We will endeavour to help! Basically, we’re like super heroes with our pants on the inside… usually.

We launched the project in March and as you can see from the pictures, we had a great time! I can’t guarantee that PC Matt and WPC Misty Chance will be on hand, but our Village Angels will be around to offer a warm welcome!

It’s worth remembering that while the Village strives to be a welcoming, safe

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haven for LGBT people, it is still a mixed and vibrant community setting with lots of different characters out and about.

Trust yourself and your instincts and you’ll have a great time! And if you’re unsure about anything, or you just want a bit of help or advice with anything, you know that we’re here if you need us!

You won’t be able to miss us, we’re wearing pink high-vis vests, so if you see us while you’re out in the Village, make sure you come and say hi! We look forward to seeing you really soon!

To find out more, contact Martin Cooper at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation. Call 0845 3 30 30 30, or e-mail martin.cooper@lgf. org.uk

ON THE TOWN WITH THE VILLAGE ANGELS!

SCAN FOR MORE

PC Matt and WPC Misty Chance hit the Village on a Saturday night!

INFORMATION

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Gaydio Breakfast host CHRIS HOLLIDAY on opportunities to get involved at Gaydio.

“I was 16 when I first had a go in front of a microphone. It was at a little radio station in the town where I grew up – a place where there were comfy shoes aplenty and you’d never have trouble finding a nice cardigan.

I took it as my mission to introduce sleepy suburbia to the likes of Michelle Gayle and Daphne and Celeste (responsible for the beautiful songs – Ooh Stick You and UGLY). For those of you too young to remember – think Tulisa and Nicki Minaj having a stab at a Cher Lloyd song. Things are a little different now. Now - I’m playing Michelle and D+C to an audience who are not so into their comfy shoes – but still love a good cardi when they see one.

As well as presenting the breakfast show on Gaydio, I

also help to run a series of FREE radio workshops that Gaydio is offering to LGBT youth. So if you’ve ever fancied giving radio a go, then now’s your chance!

You’ll get to present, produce, read a news bulletin – as well as learning all about what happens behind the scenes of a radio station.

SCAN THE QR CODE to download the Gaydio iPhone app!

GET ON AIR!

So, if you’re aged between 13-19 and live in Greater Manchester, then head to www. gaydio.co.uk/youth for more info. …and I promise not to force anyone to play Daphne and Celeste. How about Girls Aloud?”

You can listen to Chris Holliday every weekday on morning from 7-10am on Gaydio Breakfast, Find out more about the FREE radio workshops at www.gaydio.co.uk/youth www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 17

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UP YOUR WAY FOCUS ON: POLICING

POLICING PRIORITIES

FOCUS ON: WOMEN

LET’S DO LUNCH The Let’s Do Lunch lesbian and bisexual women’s dining club is 10 this year!

Photo: Paul Jones, Exposure

The group is for lesbians of all ages to meet chat and enjoy Sunday. The group is always looking for new people to come along. So if you fancy a lazy Sunday afternoon in the Village having lunch and meeting new people come along. The next meetings will be May 13th, July 8th, September 9th, and November 11th .

As part of our ongoing consultation work, Greater Manchester Police Authority (GMPA) is consulting with diverse groups of people across Greater Manchester about policing priorities and confidence in the police.

We want to make sure that the voices of LGBT people are heard and their views taken into account when setting the Policing Priorities for 2013. If you would like to share your views and experiences please take a few minutes to complete our online questionnaire which can be accessed at: www.surveymonkey.com/s/LGBT_ Policing_Priorities If you would prefer hard copies of the questionnaire, please contact Lisa Korczynski on 0161 793 2507 or e-mail lisa. korczynski@gmpa,gov.uk

For more details contact Paula: 0781 308 3242, E-mail Paulad650@aol.com, www.lesbiandiners.co.uk.

FOCUS ON: TRANS

TRANS EMPOWERMENT!

In November 2011, TREC, (Trans Resource and Empowerment Centre), relaunched its monthly social meetings. Every third Friday of the month a great mix of trans people get together at the LGF (The Lesbian & Gay Foundation), in Manchester for a couple of hours.

So far we’ve had some excellent guest speakers, including Rev. Sarah Jones and Juliet Jacques and some great comedy from the wonderful Chrystine

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Moon. We have much more coming up. In May Ingo from Wotever World in London will talk about the history of Wotever and run a Wotever style event in Manchester. We are also planning sessions with staff from Charing Cross Gender Clinic and Paris Lees from Transmedia watch.

Check out our website for updated info on what’s on: www.transcentre.org.uk and if you have any ideas for workshops, speakers or events we’d love to hear from you.

YOUR PAGES IN YOUR WORDS!

FOCUS ON: OUT IN THE BAY

OUTING THE PAST For all LGB&T people who live in Lancaster or Morecambe, visit ‘Out in the Bay’, sponsored by The Duke of Lancaster pub.

Photo: Paul Jones, Exposure

The group meets at Lancaster Library on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 7 till 9 and Morecambe library on the last Thursday of the month from 6 ‘tll 8.

Everyone is welcome to come and we also do one to one support outside of these groups and are prepared to support anyone in any we can, either by ourselves or by signposting to other specialised agencies.

See our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ groups/104688999589887, or we can be contacted via email lgbtoutinthebay@ googlemail.com or via phone 07960 462921.

FOCUS ON: LIVERPOOL

BRIAN EPSTEIN The ommision of any mention of Brian Epstein shocked some during Liverpool’s year of culture in 2008.

FOCUS ON: YOUNG PEOPLE

STAND UP FOR US! Stand Up For Us! LGB&T Young People’s access and inclusion event in Lancashire 17th May. LGBT Youth North West and Young Lancashire are running an event for the voluntary youth and community sector in Lancashire.

The aim is to explore and learn ways to better support LGB&T young people in Lancashire. The conference is for: • • • • •

New audiences, those with little knowledge and awareness of these issues Anyone who works with young people, especially those in the Voluntary, Community of Faith Sectors Sports and Sports development workers/volunteers Community Arts workers/volunteers BME communities

There will be afternoon conference and evening workshops. Participants can attend either or both.

For more details or to book contact harveyht@younglancashire. org.uk or strategic@lgbtynw.org.uk or call 0781 398 1338. www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 19

In response Maggi Hambling, one of this countries most important artists, created a macquete for a proposed sculpture in tribute to the man who brought The Beatles to public recognition, and put Liverpool on the map of the world as a centre for art, music and culture. As yet it is only a proposal - there are currently ongoing negotiations with Liverpool City Council as to where best situate the sculpture, and with the country in recession funding is as yet unsure, but the project has received backing from the Epstein family, and there is a general feeling that it is time this oversight was put right.

For further info please contact hugh@hughmonk.com

FOCUS ON: FURNESS

MORE G-SPOTS! You might remember the Your G Spots feature in the last issue of outnorthwest - celebrating lesbian, bisexual and trans women’s favourite places in the north west.

Angela from Furness has been in touch to tell us about one of her favourite places in Furness - the Furness and South Lakes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Forum - it offers a 24 hour helpline, drop in service and youth club.

For more contact furnesslgbt@gmail.com

Debate and discussion about the concept of ‘treatment as prevention’ has now reached the point where everyone, regardless of HIV status, is having to sit up, take notice and learn more about what it means.

So what exactly does it mean and what are people living with HIV – as well as people working in the field of HIV prevention – getting so excited about? For someone living with HIV, taking anti -retroviral medication regularly and as directed should mean that the ‘viral load’ – put very simply, the amount of the virus in the body – reduces to a level which is undetectable by the methods used to measure it. This doesn’t mean that the virus isn’t present – it simply means that there is so little of it that the way in which it is measured can’t detect it. This is referred to as an ‘undetectable’ viral load. This is the aim of anti-retroviral medication and, along with a healthy CD4 count, the best place to be in terms of living healthily with HIV. In 2008, a study amongst heterosexual couples produced what has now become known as the ‘Swiss statement’. What this said – as a result of the research that had been undertaken - was that a person living with HIV with a viral load which had been consistently undetectable over a period of 6 months and who did not have any other sexually transmitted infections, was, to all intents and purposes not ‘infectious’ and could therefore not pass on HIV to someone else. Note that this study was amongst heterosexual people and not gay men.

However, other studies with gay men – as well as with injecting drug users - have found significant associations between the average viral load across a range of patients and the lessening in the number of new infections. There’s also evidence to show that in those African countries with widespread access to anti- retroviral treatment, rates of new HIV infections have fallen dramatically without any evidenced change in sexual ‘risky’ behaviour.

So what about treatment as prevention and HIV positive gay men? What are the implications?

The widely accepted view now is that it is perfectly possible, and plausible – and in all likelihood very probable – that an HIV positive gay man with a consistently undetectable viral load and no other STI’s, will not be able to pass HIV on to someone else.

Of course, we can only stretch to describing this as ‘very probable’ – in much the same way that we can only describe condoms

TREATMENT AS PREVENTION WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

as being the ‘most effective’ way of preventing HIV transmission. Nothing in this life is ever 100% certain.

The implications however are potentially massive. What this thinking clearly does is to put people living with HIV at the very centre of HIV prevention work. How should gay men living with HIV manage this new information?

What are the implications for organisations involved in HIV support work in terms of the advice we give to people? What about getting people on to HIV treatment straight after diagnosis in order to reduce viral load as quickly as possible – regardless of what the cost implications might be?

Many gay men living with HIV will certainly begin to think about the way in which sexual risk behaviour is managed. Does the very probable absence of risk of transmission from someone who meets the necessary ‘conditions’ mean that we should focus on this as at least as effective a strategy as consistent condom use?

The whole concept of treatment as prevention appears at the minute to be as exciting as it is confusing.

There are obvious implications for the work that is going on across the country around promoting safer sex and trying to reduce the number of new HIV

infections. But the real difference now really appears to be that that we could potentially achieve far more in terms of reducing infection rates if we focus on supporting people living with HIV around adherence to medication and ensuring a good understanding of how HIV is transmitted Good adherence means more effectiveness of the anti-retroviral drugs means undetectable viral load means probable lack of infectivity.

None of this means of course that we should advocate a treatment as prevention strategy as the only – or indeed most important – way of reducing the risk of the onward transmission of HIV. Reducing risk is way more complicated than this. What it does mean is open and honest discussion about a concept which, in recent months, has gained more and more publicity and which will gain even more in the months and years to come.

If you are living with HIV and want to talk about the implications of ‘treatment as prevention’ – or talk about anything else – call George House Trust on 0161 274 4499 or make an appointment through our website www.ght.org.uk

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 SANDI HUGHES SANDI HUGHES is an inspiring woman. She’s a documentary film maker, a writer and a DJ from Liverpool. Sandi is 68. ONW thought it was about time we asked Sandi some of life’s most important quetions...

IN HER OWN WOR DS I was born in Bristol in 1943, and was brought up in a children’s home and foster care. I got married to a Scouser at 19 and moved to Liverpool. I had four children by the time I was 24, and ‘came out’ at 27. I got divorced but was deemed ‘unfit’ to mother my daughters because of being a lesbian and was denied custody.

Liverpool’s gay community became my family, and I became ‘god-mother’ to young gay people disowned by their families. In 1987 my 20 year old son died of cancer, which drove me to look for my mother and father. My bad experiences have propelled me into constantly re-inventing myself, and I tap into my emotions by speaking directly to people.

I am now 68 and my daughters are all ‘big women’, I have a grandson who is 22, and we all have a fabulous relationship together, I love them to bits and they love me and all my friends ‘the way we are’

Which three items would you take to a desert island?

A trampoline, a mirror, and a photo of my family.

Which person, living or dead, do you most admire, and why?

Angela Davis from the 60’s Black Panther movement, because she is very passionate, and a political activist. I love her courageous voice of conscience on matters of race, class and gender, and I love her for making the ‘afro’ hairstyle a fashion statement which has lasted for over 60 years and is still going strong.

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

Lisbeth Salander from the film “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo”.

What do you owe your parents?

I owe my mother nothing because she couldn’t open her heart and welcome me, even though, after finding her I kept in touch for 15 years with birthday cards, Christmas cards, even wedding anniversary cards to her n her husband and she never got back to me. I found my father when I was 53 years old, and because he had spent all his life looking for me, I owe him the confidence and self-respect I have gained through ‘closure on abandonment’, and I feel proud knowing that ‘my dad wanted me’, and that has given me a profound ‘sense of belonging’.

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

The misrepresentation of women in

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mainstream media with portrayals of women that make it difficult for women and girls to see their leadership potential. Plus the misogyny and exploitation of women in hip hop.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

To love and believe in myself and inspire others to do the same.

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

Brioche bread rolls, Lurpak butter, a pan of chicken and peppers in sweet ‘n’ sour sauce, a jar of chocolate spread, small sweet tomatoes on the vine, salmon, blackeye beans soaking in water. In in the door is organic milk, orange and mango juice, a bottle of water, a can of Budweiser, Leicester cheese, a packet of mozarella cheese, and a jar of real mayonnaise.

Last book you read?

Jackie Kay’s ‘Why Dont You Stop Talking?’

Last film you watched?

‘The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest’.

Last album you bought?

Patti Smith’s double album.

What’s your favourite TV show?

‘Boondocks’.

What’s the best thing about being a woman?

I love my intense female passion and intellect, I love the sensual pleasures and enjoyment I can feel with my soft, curvaceous and voluptuous body, and I love the fact that women give birth to the human race. How powerful is that.

Tell us a joke.

How do you confuse an archaeologist?

Give him a used tampon and ask him which period it came from.

CERVICAL SCREENING

You may remember that back in August 2010 The Lesbian & Gay Foundation ran an awareness raising campaign across the North West to let lesbian and bisexual women know that they need to attend regular cervical screening tests.

The success of this campaign was rigorously analysed by the University of Salford and the campaign was found to have almost halved the amount of under-screening across the region – a huge achievement! Due to this success, NHS Cancer Screening Programmes are now funding a national roll-out of the campaign – which makes it the first ever national campaign for lesbian and bisexual women!

The campaign aims to let lesbian and bisexual women know that they need to go for regular cervical screening tests; every three years if they are aged 25 - 49 and every five years if aged 50 - 64.

The campaign challenges many myths that lesbian and bisexual women have been told about cervical cancer. Now that women across the North West are better infromed it is time to let lesbian and bisexual women know across the rest of England.

INFO

MYTH! Lesbian and bisexual women do not need to go for cervical screening tests because they are not at risk.

FACT! Research has found that the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer, can be passed on during sexual activity between two women

NHS Advice All women of an eligible age (25-65) who are registered with a GP will be sent a letter inviting them to book a test. Until 2009, guidance sent with this letter stated that women who only sleep with women might chose to decline their invite. The NHS now advise that all women attend screening regardless of sexual orientation or behaviour - our campaign aims to communicate this new message and support les/bi women to make informed choice. www.lgf.org.uk/screening Thank you to everyone who has helped make this campaign such a huge success and allowed women across the country the opportunity to be better informed about their health.

If you would like to help lesbian and bisexual women outside of the North West, please signpost them to: www.lgf.org.uk/screening Tel: 0845 3 30 30 30, or E-mail: women@lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 23

Wellbeing

Healing the Painful Past: Men and sexual abuse

In 2011, the NSPCC released a report on childhood sexual abuse in England and Wales which told us that there were at least 2.5m young male adults who have been sexually abused and have never told anyone. It was reported that in 2010/11, there were 17,787 sexual crimes against children recorded in England and Wales, with approximately 11% of victims thought to be boys.

Research has suggested, that it’s not uncommon for men to report taking in excess of 20 years to talk about their experiences of childhood sexual abuse (O’Leary & Barber, 2008), but why? And what makes them decide to open up the painful past in adulthood? outnorthwest spoke to The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s Wellbeing Co-ordinator, Lucy Rolfe to find out.

Can you tell us how you would define childhood sexual abuse?

There are many definitions of childhood sexual abuse, as it can be difficult to capture something which describes such a complex issue. Childhood sexual abuse is when a child or adolescent is forced or enticed into taking part in sexual activities or is encouraged to act in sexually inappropriate ways. Sexual activities can include touching, penetration, exposing the child to sexual images and intentionally engaging in sexual activities in front of a child. Perpetrators of sexual abuse can be an adult or older child/ adolescent and they can be male or female.

reporting, whether it’s at the time of the abuse or many years later – but there are very good reasons why this is the case.

Most professionals, mainly those working in specialist sexual abuse services, use the figure 1 in 6 to estimate how many men have experienced sexual abuse before the age of 16, but many believe that this may in fact be much higher.

So you mentioned low levels of reporting, particularly from men.

Why is this case?

Do we know how many men have been victims of childhood sexual abuse?

Each survivor of abuse will have their own reasons for not reporting and this can sometimes be different for male and female survivors. For men however, sexual abuse can still be perceived as a taboo subject, primarily because it’s a subject which is still very often misunderstood and not widely talked about.

This has been an issue for some time; unfortunately we don’t have an accurate figure which tells us how many men are survivors of childhood sexual abuse. One of the main issues here is the low levels of

Historically, there has been a lack of services, specifically for boys and men who have been sexually abused, so it can be down to the simple fact that people just don’t know where to go. Male sexual abuse is

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still somewhat unspoken of and there are a lot of myths and misconceptions around the issue, such as ‘boys can only be abused by men’ and ‘men who are abused as children are more likely to be gay’.

The good news is that in recent years we have seen a noticeable increase in the number of specialist services, dedicated to supporting male survivors of sexual abuse and rape and we are already seeing the positive impact. These services, such as Survivors Manchester, are leading the way in getting people talking about male sexual abuse, primarily by sharing experiences and offering specialist support. For a man who has been victimised and is experiencing feelings of powerlessness and shame, these stories can be extremely powerful; to know that you’re not alone and that there’s someone out there who is experiencing similar thoughts and feelings can give men the confidence to break the silence and seek the support they deserve.

Childhood sexual abuse is a highly complex and traumatic issue and it’s thought that for a high percentage of victims, the perpetrator is someone who they know and are likely to have trusted. The affects of abuse can be devastating and for some people, can stop

Wellbeing them from disclosing to anyone, whether that’s at the time of the incident(s) or when they’re an adult. It’s important to remember that many victims have been threatened by their abusers, often telling them that they won’t be believed, or that they’ll ‘get in trouble’ if someone finds out. People can be gripped by this fear for a lifetime and it can stop them from ever telling anyone about what they have been through.

What is the impact of childhood sexual abuse?

Each victim’s experience will be different, and the aftermath of abuse can be complex and long-lasting. There are some common feelings and experiences which survivors may recognise, both from being a child and then moving into adulthood. For male survivors, abuse can also bring up feelings of de-masculinisation, confusion if there was a physical reaction, and intense feelings of shame.

This isn’t a comprehensive list of common thoughts, and if you’re a survivor yourself, some of the things you have felt may have been different:

Shame: “I feel disgusting” “I can’t get clean” “I feel filthy” “What will people think of me?”

Denial: “Did I make this up?” “Maybe it wasn’t as bad as I think it was” Shock and numbness: “Why can’t I cry?”

“Why don’t I feel anything?”

Despair: “I can’t cope...” “I can’t live with myself knowing this has happened to me” Disgust and repulsion: “I felt physically aroused; does that mean I enjoyed it/ consented to it?”

Guilt: “How could I have let this happen?”

“Why didn’t I fight back?” “Why didn’t I say something to someone?”

Feeling powerless: “They still have control over me” “There’s no way I can tell anyone...”

Fear: “What if I tell someone and the perpetrator finds out?” “What if someone finds out about this, will I be in trouble?” “What if I see them again?”

Flashbacks: Can be triggered by smells, sights, sounds, feelings Anger: “How could they do this to me?”

“Why didn’t anyone notice what was happening?” “Why me?”

Physical effects: Can include aches, pains, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), physical injury/trauma, shaking, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep

“...many victims have been threatened by their abusers, often telling them that they’ll ‘get in trouble’... People can be gripped by this fear ... and it can stop them from ever telling anyone...”

What if someone wants to get help?

If there’s someone out there who needs help, then the good news is that there is support out there, you won’t have to tackle this alone. Here are a few things to consider: •

Only you can decide when you’re ready to talk about abuse, you shouldn’t feel pushed into it;

•

It’s never too late to talk about abuse, no matter how long ago it happened. You won’t be judged for staying silent.

•

When you do decide to open up about abuse, you shouldn’t be pushed into reporting it, again it is your decision whether or not to report it;

•

You have a choice who you talk to and most organisations have a website you can look at first to help you decide.

Useful Organisations and Contacts: The Lesbian & Gay Foundation 0845 3 30 30 30, 10am -10pm Monday to Friday counselling@lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk We offer counselling which is currently free to gay and bisexual men who have experienced childhood sexual abuse, rape or domestic abuse.

Survivors Manchester Supporting male survivors of sexual abuse and rape www.survivorsmanchester.org.uk for a list of services info@survivorsmanchester.org.uk to arrange a call-back NAPAC - National Association for People Abused in Childhood www.napac.org.uk 0800 085 3330 support@napac.org.uk If you are a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and would like to report it, you can contact your local Police or the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 25

FIGHT! Homophobia a disease. And like any disease it spreads. Has it now spread to the LGB&T community? Do gay men really hate lesbians? Do lesbians think gay men have it all their own way? Are bears and twinks just chalk and cheese?

MARTIN COOPER took to a busy Canal Street to ask for your experiences of homophobia from within our very own community...

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HOMOPHOBIA

JON & LORA JON COLLINTON (43) and LORA MARSDEN (24) are from WIGAN ONW: Have you ever experienced homophobia?

JON: I’m bisexual and I’ve had people tell me that I was dirty, that bisexuals were dirty, so yeah I have. When I’ve told people this, they’re not as open to bisexuals as they are to lesbians or gay men. I think maybe it’s because they understand that women like women, and men like men. But if you say you don’t care, and that you like men and women, they don’t get it. They don’t understand that you can like both.

LORA: I’ve certainly witnessed it. I’ve had experiences with men and with women, so I’d probably categorise myself as bisexual.

I’ve often been to clubs with some of my very openly gay male friends and they’d often have problems getting into certain clubs, and yet they had no problem with me. I just thought it was a great irony that people who worked in what is essentially a gay establishment or a gay nightclub are making those judgements. They’re almost accepting what other people have put down as the stereotype… they’ve almost taken that on themselves and are putting that to people. I just think that it’s just a little bit…

not offensive… just annoying on behalf of my friends. They would say well what have I got to do to prove that I’m gay, is there something I should be doing? Should I fall into a stereotype in order to be accepted here?

ONW: Do you think there are any problems within the gay community of homophobia towards each other?

LORA: Certainly. One of my close friends is a lesbian, and I remember going out with her and her girlfriend several times. I remember once we were in a gay club and she picked up one of the LGF condom packs and this guy came up to her and said “you fucking put that down!” My friend is very bold, and very brash and she just mouthed off at this guy and essentially asked him why, and the guy said ‘well they’re not for you are they?’, and she said ‘well they are, because if I’m doing my girlfriend with a strap-on, I want to be safe and clean and I have every right to use this lube and this condom.’ And I thought, well that’s the whole point, they’re for anyone who needs it, and if that means that girls is being safe with her girlfriend or her sexual partner then that’s a good thing.

JON: My experience with my gay male

friends is that they tend to be a lot more accepting of anybody, but with my lesbian friends – and I’ve lived with two girls, and I’ve got lesbian friends at work and I love them to pieces – but they’re a lot more homophobic, and a lot of them are more anti-male than my gay friends. That’s what I’ve experienced. I don’t want to sound prejudiced, but the lesbian community are very masculine, and they’re very aggressive… they’re in your face… and in my experience they want to shout a little bit too loud, “I’m a lesbian! I’m a lesbian!” Lora and I are both bisexual and we’re not judgemental at all.

THOMAS WELSBY THOMAS is 21 and comes from OPENSHAW ONW: Have you ever experienced homophobia?

THOMAS: Yeah, there’s been a couple of times, but nothing really bad. It was mostly last year. It was my female friends boyfriend.

He kicked off because he thought I was checking him out all night. Then there was my dad. When I first came out he couldn’t accept it. he kicked me out the house and didn’t want anything to do with me. Then after two or three weeks he kinda got used to it. He’s accepted me for who I am now.

My boyfriend comes over every week now, and he’s fine with it all.

Homophobia, wherever it comes from, is unacceptable.

If you hear your friends being homophobic, challenge them. Ask them how we can challenge homophobia in society, if we can’t even support each other. Be the change you want to see, and accept people for who they are. And remember... you can choose your friends!

ONW: What about homophobia within the gay community. Have you seen it, or experienced it?

THOMAS: Yeah, I see it all the time. You’ll see drag queens getting abused simply because they’re dressed up. Or you’ll have guys dressed up with heels on, and people will kick off because they’re wearing heels.

What’s the problem? The other week I was working, and I saw it. This guys was in heels, and he had a pair of jeans on, and this other guy was like “He’s just asking to be picked on!” I don’t often see homophobia between gay men and lesbians though.

Are you experiencing homophobia?

Scan here to call the LGF right now. Or dial 0845 3 30 30 30 www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 27

GAY MEN’S HEALTH

WITH

YOU IN MIND What sexual health messages will you be hearing over the next 12 months, and what exactly is “the best sex with the least harm”?

This month saw the 15th annual CHAPS conference in Bristol, which brought together representatives from the gay and bisexual men’s sexual health sector, to share up to date knowledge and expertise aimed at bringing down levels of HIV among gay and bisexual men.

The conference provides a space for people who work in gay and bisexual men’s sexual health to share best practice, but more importantly, it provides an opportunity for us to be able to share with you some of the topics, and issues that are currently at the forefront of HIV prevention in England.

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

One of the main messages to come out of the CHAPS framework that is used (Making it Count) is ‘the best sex with the least harm’. Basically, it states that men face choices when it comes to sex, and these choices ultimately decide whether men are putting themselves at risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s) or HIV. Does this message speak to you? Do you think that it is possible to have great sex, whilst still looking after your sexual health? The old message of “wear a condom” does not seem to get through to everyone these days, and although the LGF will always promote the use of condoms and lube as the best way to protect yourself, are there other ways of avoiding HIV if condoms aren’t used? Certainly the idea that all gay men have anal sex is simply not true and there are other sexual practices that reduce the risk of HIV transmission without the need for condoms.

Oral sex without getting cum in the mouth is very low risk for HIV transmission, and things like mutual masturbation effectively reduce the risk of HIV transmission altogether.

Other STIs like gonorrhoea, chlamydia and syphilis are more easily spread through oral sex, but only you can be sure of the amount of risk that you are putting yourself at. If you are having sex with different partners, and you are happy with your sex life, regular

Photo: Paul Jones, Exposure

Scan here for more info on LGF’s testing services (including dates and times)

PETER BOYLE SEX TALK

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OM TO DIAL THIS D N O NUMBER NOW C AR A

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sexual health check ups are strongly recommended, even if you use condoms and lube for anal sex.

Positive Prevention Other topics that were discussed included a session on Positive Prevention, which looked at how men can avoid passing on HIV, particularly if they have been newly diagnosed. Work is being done around how to work with HIV+ men, but the responsibility for reducing the transmission of HIV is with both HIV+ men and HIVmen. And let’s not forget that at least one in four people with HIV are not aware that they are infected. Again, regular testing for HIV (at least once every 12 months) is crucial in trying to reduce the number of new infections.

As you can imagine, testing was at the forefront of many of the discussions, with different ways to test, it really has never been easier. Community based testing services featured high on the agenda, as well as a very interesting topic on the future of home HIV testing. In Greater Manchester we are lucky to have a pilot project under way from R U Clear which offers HIV testing at home. That coupled with the LGF’s community based testing (in partnership with the Manchester centre for sexual health and Manchester Public Health Development Service) and a wide range of sexual health clinics offering walk in sessions, we are really spoiled for choice in terms of how we test. Let’s use them.

Have a look at the CHAPS website www.chapsonline.org.uk which contains all the presentations from the conference.

For LGF testing services please go to www.lgf.org.uk/testing and for RU Clear, go to www.ruclear.co.uk

!

YOUR STATUS

SCAN FOR MORE

KNOW

HIV & STI’S

ARE RISING!

GET T E

STED! INFORMATION

SCAN TO DIAL THIS

Do sexual health posters and campaigns just wash over you? What could agencies like LGF do better to make sure gay/bi men are still listening?

NUMBER NOW

One of the ways in which we try to ensure that our campaigns and sexual health messages are relevant is to listen to the views of gay and bisexual men.

SCAN

One of the challenges in this is trying to make sure that the messages are relevant to as many people as possible.

We do this by trying to use different sorts of images, using real men from our community in our images, and making sure that we have relevant and up to date information to give out to you.

TO WATCH THE

VIDEO NOW

Having said all of that, do our messages speak to you? Does anyone really notice the HIV and Sexual Health messages in 2012, or have they all become part of the back drop of gay venues, and not as eye catching as they used to be. Maybe even the message just doesn’t seem as worrying anymore?

The challenge in trying to put sexual health information out there, is that people often ask why the messages don’t frighten people any more.

Campaigns that rely on frightening people, have been shown not to be

very effective in the long run. One of the reasons is that people use their own experiences, and if they don’t see the evidence of “worst case scenarios” in their own lives, then they will largely ignore the message.

Are you aware of the current LGF campaign encouraging people to know their HIV status? This message is on posters, in this very magazine and also on each and every gay men’s safer sex pack distributed in Greater Manchester. Have you been affected by the campaign? Has it encouraged you to go for an HIV or sexual health test? Or maybe this message has largely passed you by?

We would love to hear your views on LGF campaigns, or maybe other HIV and sexual health campaigns that you have noticed. Are they relevant to your life? Do you they speak to you? Are there any more comments you like to make?

If so please email them to sexualhealth@lgf.org.uk All comments/queries will be treated as confidential.

Peter Boyle is the Sexual Health Co-ordinator at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 29

WELLBEING

“I guess in the same way most gay men see their sexuality as just another part of who they are, I feel the same about my Bipolar.”

WHEN I CAME OUT...

AS BIPOLAR MICHAEL BROWN lives with Bipolar. He tells ONW about his experiences.

“Want to know what I have in common with Ruby Wax, Jim Carey and Sinead O’Connor? We all have a diagnosis of Bipolar.

Bipolar is a mental disorder (formely Manic depression but calling it that is so 90s) in which you have abnormally elevated high and low moods. These mood swings are often seperated by periods of “normality”.

I guess it is a unique illness in that it has some positives. Throughout history Bipolar people have been recognised for significant creative talent. Associated with the higher moods (the hypomania, the crazy part if you like) one book by Kay Redfield Jamison refers to this as “touched by fire”.

Van Gogh created his most famous paintings during the most severe parts of his Bipolar, Kurt Cobain wrote some of Nirvanas most famous songs during his manic depression

and Stephen Fry made a BBC documentary about his Bipolar.

When I think about my creativity I guess to me its normal but I suppose others would see touring with a band around Europe, DJing at clubs and festivals, performing as a published poet, constantly working on artwork and photography, being a freelance journalist and promoter as alot of work, or more like exhausting. My mind is always working overtime and I generate loads of ideas. You have the energy to keep going but now and again you crash and can become very depressed. The recent movie Melancholia portrays manic depression in the character of Justine (played by award winning Kirsten Dunst).

When I spent my time in the Priory psychiatric hospital (trust me its nothing like Shutter Island and yes there is the odd celebrity about) I met two gay friends there both being treated for other mental health conditions. Actually though I formed closest friendships with a straight lad who is anorexic and a married man with kids who is bipolar. Also since being out of

hospital one of my closest mates, Tom, who is straight has been really supportive and understanding. I guess I realised I had been hanging out with some very destructive gay mates down Canal Street and I just couldn’t do that lifestyle anymore.

I guess in the same way most gay men see their sexuality as just another part of who they are, I feel the same about my Bipolar.

My friend Dean said I had a second coming out, first as gay and then as bipolar.

Also a very close bisexual friend of mine mis-heard me first time round and his jaw dropped when he thought I meant I also now was attracted to women. Sorry ladies I am still very much homosexual, maybe I need to think of a new funky name for Bipolar? Anyway most of you have seen Kerry Katona on that famous This Morning interview and we all have bad days don’t we? People who are bipolar just want to be accepted and I know we have so much to contribute to the world.”

If you’d like to talk about any aspect of your wellbeing, call the LGF on 0845 3 30 30 30 or email helpline@lgf.org.uk

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 31

VOLUNTEER AT THE LGF!

Would you like to make a huge difference to the lives of LGB people? This fantastic volunteer opportunity could see you changing lives...

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) are currently looking for volunteer befrienders who can support and mentor isolated lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in the Greater Manchester area. The service is designed to provide a safe environment to people who are suffering from low confidence and who could benefit from having one to one support.

who can listen and provide support, as well as signpost to other organisations.

Experience with working with the older LGBT community would be an advantage.

Here’s one of our current volunteers, James, who started being a Befriender when the programme started:

We need volunteers who have had experience working with LGBT people, and

What do you enjoy about it?

I always enjoy meeting new people and

What got you into Befriending?

When I came out only 6 years ago I was desperate to be accepted and welcomed into my new gay community of friends.

I found the LGF and everything the LGF does helped me integrate and enjoy my new life. Now I am desperate that others in that position should feel welcome and comfortable with themselves and all the new friends waiting to meet them.

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

sharing their stories and I love it if I can help someone who feels less comfortable begin to enjoy life again after difficult times.

What tips could you give a potential befriender?

Befrienders need to be patient as some people need time to change any negative feelings and get over their fears. Always avoid being judgmental about what you might hear; we’ve all had different lives and experiences. Be open to a learning experience as everyone has something to offer from their lives.

For information about volunteering to be a Befriender for the LGF, please e-mail kate.hardy@lgf.org.uk or phone 0845 3 30 30 30

GET IN TOUCH!

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

CUT IT OUT AND STICK IT ON YOUR FRIDGE!

Could you offer your expertise as an LGF Group Work volunteer?

Registered Charity No.1070904

CALL US

0845 3 303030

POP IN

STRENGTH IN

Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester

E-MAIL US helpline@lgf.org.uk The Group Work programme at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation has a strong history, and encompasses an art class, a social group for lesbian and bisexual women, a support group for lesbian & bisexual women, a group for older gay and bisexual men, a group for lesbian, gay and bisexual people from a Black and Ethnic Minority background, a support group for carers of lesbian, gay and bisexual people and a support group for gay married men.

Most groups occur every two weeks, on a weekday evening and are held at The LGF’s

Community Resource centre on Richmond Street.

We are currently looking for a team of dedicated volunteers to plan and facilitate these groups in order to continue this success, could this be you? If you have experience in facilitating support groups and a good understanding of how group work can encourage wellbeing and reduce feelings of isolation, then this volunteering role could provide you with an opportunity to use your skills.

We will give you full training, regular supervisions to encourage your development and an excellent expenses package. The skills you will develop could also contribute to your employability skills and look excellent on your CV! Deadline for applications is Monday 9th April.

WRITE TO US LGF, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3HF

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Any questions?

Scan here to call the LGF right now.

INFORMATION

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 33

GAY MEN’S HEALTH GET TO THE CLINIC!

WE’VE GOT A DATE FOR YOU...

The LGF make it quick and easy to access safe, non-judgemental sexual health clinics for gay/bi men. So, when’s good for you?

A visit to the sexual health clinic can be a nerve-wracking affair, but it needn’t be. It shows you’re looking after yourself and your sexual partners. The clinical services offered by The Lesbian & Gay Foundation are a safe, supportive environment. Here’s all the info you need to access the clinics...

Photo: Paul Jones, Exposure

SAME DAY HIV CLINIC The Manchester Centre for Sexual Health, in partnership with the LGF, host the HIV rapid testing clinic, with results usually available within 30 minutes.

WHERE? The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3HF WHEN? Every Thursday from 4pm-6pm, no appointment needed, though the last slot is 5.30pm. The HIV clinic on the 5th April has moved to Wednesday 4th April due to Good Friday. As well as offering HIV testing, this clinic also offers syphilis testing and Hepatitis B vaccinations.

For more information about the LGF clinics email info@lgf.org.uk. Alternatively, get in touch with us on 0845 3 30 30 30. www.lgf.org.uk/testing

OUTREACH CLINIC The LGF outreach clinic runs every Monday at one of three locations around Manchester and offers the chance to get a full sexual health check up. You do not have to be a paying customer to access the clinic in saunas. Just inform staff that you are there for the LGF Outreach Clinic.

DATES FOR APRIL-JUNE 2nd April at Basement Sauna (1-4pm) 10th April* at H20 Sauna (1-4pm) 16th April at Basement Sauna (1-4pm) 23rd April at LGF (4-6pm) 30th April NO CLINIC 8th May at Basement Sauna (1-4pm) 14th May at H20 Sauna (1-4pm) 21st May at Basement Sauna (1-4pm) 28th May at LGF (4-6pm) 6th June** at Basement Sauna (1-4pm) 11th June at H20 Sauna (1-4pm) 18th June at Basement Sauna (1-4pm) 25th June at LGF (4-6pm) LGF clinical services are a partnership between The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Manchester Centre for Sexual Health, and Manchester Public Health Development Service.

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

* Tuesday due to Bank Holiday **Wednesday due to Bank Holiday

GAY MEN’S HEALTH

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

JAKE ARTURIO BRADEN

DEALING WITH THE NEGATIVE Thursday17th May is IDAHO - International Day Against Homophobia - and I would imagine that most of us have probably experienced homophobia at certain times in our lives!

There are a raft of statistics which demonstrate that LGB people are more likely to self harm, attempt suicide, have mental health problems, and have issues with drugs and/or alcohol. No wonder really when we can experience homophobia at varying degrees in our lives, and sometimes from people who nurtured us as children. And no wonder that we can have issues integrating a healthy self esteem or acceptance of our sexual orientation!

I used to facilitate assertiveness courses for gay men. In one exercise we examined the messages we received growing up about gay and bisexual men.

90% of these were negative and just doing the exercise often bought up strong emotions from the men attending. These were out gay men, who felt comfortable and at ease with sexual orientation, they were surprised by their reactions. The standard response was “I ‘thought’ I had dealt with that years ago!”

There is something called internalised homophobia, and this is when we subconsciously (the “ego”) take onboard these “negative” messages we received and believe them to be true! How many of us have an internal homophobe who speaks to us about how we are as gay and bisexual men and what it means to us? Do we act on that information in some way, do we attempt to drown it

out with substances such as alcohol and drugs? The content of these messages isn’t always important, it’s the context. If it’s a healthy supportive message then fine. If it isn’t, then what can you do?

1. Breathe, simply breath in and out deeply focusing on your breathing!

2. Just say to yourself “stop” or “not true” 3. Write them (do not read it!) Just write them all down then destroy the list 4. Change the tone of the voice (make it into a silly voice or one helps you laugh) Change the volume turn the voice down! Move the voice away from you!

5. Picture it coming from someone who you find silly, you can even imagine dropping that person in custard or something!

6. Counteract the information with clear messages that support or are positive about your sexual orientation.

7. Repeat these often, the more you do it the less likely they are to return and affect you!

8. If you feel you need support then please get it You can contact agencies like LGF for help. to to support you and minimalise the effects of your “inner homophobe”.

Have faith that these messages can be deleted from mental hardware and that you can affirm a positive feeling/attitude towards your sexual orientation.

If you’d like to talk about any aspect of your wellbeing, call the LGF on 0845 3 30 30 30 or email helpline@lgf.org.uk

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 35

GET IN!

n ANTON Hysé

ON THE BALL It’s one year since Anton Hysén came out as gay to a Swedish football magazine, making him only the second active professional football player to come out, after English footballer Justin Fashanu in 1990.

1990, ironically, was the year Anton Hysén was born but in all of his 22 years not a lot has changed as far as homophobia in football is concerned. “It’s absolutely tragic” says Hysén (pronounced hu-sein).

“There’s always going to be concerns, I had concerns, my family had concerns but it is all about the football. People are always going to be ignorant but why would you want to hurt someone because of their sexuality? It’s just stupid. Say if a premier league footballer does come out and has always played well and continues to play well, I can’t believe that someone would want to hurt that person just because of their sexuality.”

“For myself, I don’t worry about it too much. Everyone in Sweden took my coming out as a good thing and a positive thing for football and I have a lot of support here but I think England has still got a lot of work to do on this issue.”

The Football Association currently have a four year plan to challenge homophobia in football but is this enough?

“They should do a lot more and they also need help maybe even from a premier league player to speak out on this issue.

There is no difference between football

Martin Cooper talks to the gay Swedish Footballer who can’t do a Liverpool accent even though he was born there (his dad used to play for Liverpool FC) but is still the most prominent out gay football player in the world today. and other sports I can’t come up with a good answer as to why football can’t deal with homophobia like other sports, all sports are the same initially .It is the biggest sport in the world so perhaps in rugby it may be easier to come out as it isn’t as popular but it’s horrible when we have to discuss it like this.”

tolerant and to talk about this issue more openly. We need someone like a straight football player to speak out about it and make it a better and safer place for gay players to come out in. My brother here in the Swedish League says all that matters is that a player is doing his job and scoring goals it doesn’t matter what his sexuality is.

So if you were advising the F.A what would you say to them? “I would tell everyone in the League to be more

There have to be role models, both gay and straight to keep the discussion going.

Homophobia is getting less attention than

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

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

“Everyone in Sweden took my coming out as a good and positive thing for football...

England still has a lot of work to do on this issue.” racism but even racism shouldn’t even be an issue today. If I was a successful player in England I wouldn’t care about my sponsors in the premier league as long as I played a good game, people would see that you are a good player. If we tell players not to come out, how are we ever going to support them? It will always be an endless discussion. Nothing will change unless someone tries to do something, we need another straight player to publicly say they don’t give a damn if there is a gay player in their team ,we need more ambassadors. We need someone straight to stand up for gay players.

SERENITY GO THe EXTRA MILE FOR LGF! LGF have places in the BUPA Manchester 10k run on the 20th May 2012, and the BUPA London 10k run on the 27th May 2012. Run for the LGF, wear your Enough is Enough! t-shirt with pride, and show everyone that homophobia is unacceptable.

TELL US YOUR SPORTING NEWS!

We caught up with Kam from Serenity Security, a Greater Manchester security company with a zero tolerance policy on discrimination, to find out why she’s put together a team who are running and raising money for the LGF. Kam, Director, says “Myself and a significant percentage of our staff consider themselves part of the Manchester LGB&T community. It’s the first time Serenity have entered the BUPA 10k as a business, so it’s a great opportunity for everyone to challenge themselves, bond and raise money for a worthy cause.” Kam says Serenity are supporting the LGF because of our proactive work and campaigns “to educate those who give homophobic abuse, as well as supporting victims of abuse… Homophobia is a very real and current problem in today’s society that we have all experienced at some point and discrimination is wrong, full stop”. When asked why ONW readers should donate to Serenity Security (here www.justgiving.com/company/ serenitysecurity/), or take part in the run themselves, Kam says “If the efforts of the LGF can stop even a small percentage of hate crime or young people taking their own lives, then it’s a worthy cause to donate to in my opinion.”

Later this year, Serenity Security are planning further fundraisers for the LGF so watch this space!

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: grahame.robertson@lgf.org.uk

All runners will receive an Enough is Enough! campaign t-shirt to run in, support with fundraising, a training plan and more. If you want to get involved and run in this year’s 10k, contact Claire at claire.taylor@lgf.org.uk now!

Only a few football teams in the F.A have so far signed a pledge to end homophobia in the government’s LGBT Sports Charter

“I don’t understand the problem it has nothing to do with what goes on the pitch. An entire team challenging homophobia would be even better. I think that some people would not sign me because of being gay. I’m not bothered about that. I may not be in a top league but people need to know that gay people can play football!”

FOR MORE ON ANTON AND THE LGBT SPORTS CHARTER www.antonhysen.com www.facebook.com/#!/lgbtsportcharter

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

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24

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£

Free Safer Sex Packs available at most venues

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

AXM

100 Bloom St,

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

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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Major Street

Minshull Street

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(Free City Centre Bus)

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5 All information provided by venues.

Please check before arrival

25 Boyz 4 Canal Street, 0161 228 1360, queer-manchester.com

12 Essential 8 Minshull St, 0161 236 0077, nightclub over three floors. essentialmanchester.com

18 The Molly House 26 Richmond St, 0161 237 9329, bar over three floors, themollyhouse.com

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

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

16 Monroes 38 London Rd, 0161 236 1788

6 Churchills 37 Chorlton St, 0161 236 5529, karaoke Tues and Thurs, facebook.com/ churchillsmanchester

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

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

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

Cruz 101 101 Princess St, 0161 950 0101, one of Manchester’s most popular nightclubs, cruz101.com 10

Eden 3 Brazil Street, 0161 237 9852, food served daily, edenbar.co.uk 11

45

Foo Foos 53 Bloom Street, 0161425 6408

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

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

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

15 ICON Sackville St, iconmanchester.co.uk

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

16 Legends 4-6 Whitworth Street, 0161 236 5400, legendsmanchester.com 17 Manto 46 Canal Street, 0161 236 2667, bar over three floors, mantobar.com

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

22 The Outpost 4-6 Whitworth St, 0161 236 5400 legendsmanchester.com 23 Overdraught Student 121 Princess Street, 0161 237 0811 24 Paddy’s Goose 29 Bloom St, 0161 236 1246, traditional pub.

35 Polari 28-30 Canal St, 0161 236 6523

25 Queer 4 Canal Street, 0161 228 1360, queer-manchester.com

Rapture Club Nights Platt Chapel, 186 Wilmslow Rd, Women centred but all invited - 7.15 until LATE, search facebook

4 Rem BAR 33 Sackville St, 0161 236 1311, traditional pub, rembar.co.uk

RECREATION clubrecreation.co.uk

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

The Lodge Richmond Street, 0161 237 9667, 27

Taurus 1 Canal St, 0161 236 4593, taurus-bar.co.uk 28

29 Thompsons Arms 23 Sackville Street, 0161 237 5919.

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

30

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

32 Vanilla 39-41 Richmond Street, 0161 657 8890, vanillagirls.co.uk 34 Velvet 2 Canal St, 0161 236 9003, food served daily, velvetmanchester.com

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

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

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

Manchester Pride 5 Oak Street, manchesterpride.com Self Help Services Zion Community Resource Centre Stretford Rd, 0161 226 3871, mental health services, selfhelpservices.org.uk Survivors Manchester 07919 246 2671, Confidential support for male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, survivorsmanchester.org.uk

The City Centre Project 52 Oldham Street, 0161 228 3308 and 3309, project works with young people 16-25 yrs who’s primary disadvantage is homelessness.

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

View 40 Canal St, 0161 236 9033, viewbar.co.uk 36

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

Bear Club UK at Legends, 1st Sat of the month facebook.com/bearclubuk The Big Scrum Rugby/Sports Kit at Legends, 3rd Sat of the month bigscrum.com BOLLOX Pop/Indie at Legends, 3 Friday of the month bolloxclub.com

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) Number 5, Richmond Street, 0845 3 30 30 30, for all your LGB information and services, lgf.org.uk 37

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

Eateries

BRASSERIE Gay Friendly Albert Square, 0161 834 7633

rd

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

CROMA Pizza and Pasta 1 Clarance St, 0161 237 9799, croma.biz CROMA Pizza and Pasta 30 Longfield Centre, Prestwich, 0161 798 7666, croma.biz 38 DRIP COFFEE Fourways House,

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

57 Hilton Street, 0161 235 5100, relaxed and friendly coffee bar.

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

Eighth Day Vegan 111 Oxford Road, 0161 273 1850

Countdown to the 80’s at Eagle, 0161 228 6669, every Wednesday

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

Deviant Fetish at Eagle, 0161 228 6669, last Sat of the month

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

Disco Damaged Pop at Legends, 4th Sat of the month, clubdiscodamaged.com Eager Beaver at Manto Bar Lounge, Friday’s FEDERATION Mainly Men at The Ritz, every bank holiday clubfederation.com Homoelectric at Legends, 1st Friday every other month homoelectric.com Mish Mash Cabaret Circle Club, every 2nd Friday of the month, 8pm £8, mishmash1.com Morning Glory at Queer, after hours every Saturday open mic night Women Only 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, Women only & alcohol free, last Wed of the month, 7-10pm, £1 admission. enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk Organic at Spirit, after hours every Sat. POPTASTIC Pop/Indie at Alter Ego, 07974 248 247 poptastic.co.uk

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 47 Bloom Street Off License 37-39 Bloom St, 0161 236 1788

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

Counselling Services Manchester 07913781982, Experienced LGBT friendly woman counsellor based in Chorlton, counsellingservicesmanchester.co.uk

Dr Phil Tyson 0161 256 1890, Men’s Psychotherapist and relationship counselling. menstherapy.co.uk ESSENCE COUNSELLING info@essencecounselling.org www.essencecounselling.org 43 Funky Crop Shop 37 Bloom Street, 0161 237 1032, village hair shop.

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

Helen smith FUNERALS 07870 541668, funerals that are individual fitting and true, helensmithfunerals.co.uk 43 Inked Tattoo Studio 37 Bloom Street, 0161 237 1032

Into-Latex 0161 336 8723, for all your rubber gear, into-latex.co.uk

Jacqueline Hayes Therapy 07749498648, Counsellor and psychotherapist based in South Manchester, jachayes.co.uk NICE ‘N’ NAUGHTY 39 Bloom Street, 0161 228 0020 45

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pure Tanning 37-39 Bloom St, 0161 236 1788

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

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

SAPPORO Teppanyaki 91-93 Liverpool Road, 0161 831 9888

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

Sparkles Cafe Gay Friendly 66 Tib Street That Café 1031 Stockport Road, 0161 432 4672, thatcafe.co.uk Villagio Canal St, 0161 344 5222, villaggiomanchester.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

47

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

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

Therapy In Manchester 07592340211, Professional psychotherapy and counselling in south Manchester, therapyinmanchester.co.uk UPPERCUTS BARBERS The Arndale Market, 07784 156 693

Let's Do Lunch

supported by:

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

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

For info or to reserve a place: Tel: 0781 308 3242 email: paula650@aol.com www.lesbiandiners.co.uk

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

LeVille Hotel Opening Soon Canal Street, levillehotel.com 34 Velvet Hotel 2 Canal Street, 0161 236 9003, velvetmanchester.com

Saunas 50 H2O Sauna 36-38 Sackville Street, 0161 236 3876, seven day sauna for gay and bi men, h2osauna.co.uk

inferno 496a Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, 0161 860 6666, seven day sauna for gay and bi men, infernosauna.com 51 The Basement Complex 18 Tariff Street, 0161 236 8131, seven day sauna for gay and bi men, basementcomplex.co.uk

Agencies 42nd St The SPACE, 87-91 Great Ancoats St, 0161 832 0170, advice for young LGB’s, fortysecondstreet.org.uk Addaction 31 Robert St. 0161 214 0770, Prison resettlement for people with drug problems, addaction.org Addiction Dependency Solutions 29a Ardwick Green North, 0161 272 8844, for people with drug problems (or their freinds and family) adsolutions.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 Body Positive 39 Russell Road, Whalley Range, 0161 882 2200, bpnw.org.uk Community Alcohol Team 0161 230 6382, manchestercat.org Community Arts North West 46-50 Oldham St, 0161 234 2975 can.uk.com Crisis Point 24 Albert Road, Levenshulme, 0161 225 9500, mental health support & short term crisis accomodation, turning-point.co.uk

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

Greater Manchester Agencies Continued 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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Manchester Smoking Cessation 0161 205 5998 Pankhurst Centre 60-62 Nelson Street, Chorlton-on-Medlock, 0161 273 5673, pankhurstcentre.org.uk St. Mary’s Centre New St. Mary’s Hospital, Hathersage Road, 0161 276 6515, sexual assault referral centre, stmaryscentre.org The Lesbian Community Project 49-51 Sidney Street, 0161 273 7128, enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk manchesterlcp.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

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

Manchester Deaf Triangle Club group for deaf LGBs, triangle@manchesterdeafcentre.com manchestertriangleclub.co.uk Manchester gay skinheads oi-skinhead.com Manchester Feminist Network Women only group, meets 2nd Sat of the month 2-4pm at Friends Meeting House Manchester Lesbian & Gay Chorus 07944 056047, mlgc.org.uk

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

Transforum 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 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, social and support for LB transwomen. enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk

Manchester Parents Group 01565 733891, meets at the LGF, support for parents of LGB children, manpg.co.uk

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

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

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

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

Lesbian & Bi Women Wednesday Drop In 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, LB women to socialise and make friends away from the scene, every Wed 1-4pm, enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk

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

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

MMU LGBT mmu_lgbt@hotmail.co.uk

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

Lesbian and Gay Youth Manchester (LGYM) LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0790 0680725, young LGBT people, 14-25, Tues 7.30-10pm, Sat 3-7pm info@lgym.org.uk lesbian asylum group 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LB women who have gained or are attempting to gain asylum status. enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk lesbian Culture Club Over the village but not over the hill? Monthly cultural socials for like minded women lesbiancultureclub@hotmail.co.uk lesbian discussion group 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LB women, meets 3rd Wed of the month, 7-8.30pm, to debate issues & share views enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk

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

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

LGB Discussion Group c/o The LGF, % Ricmond St, 2nd Thurs of the month, 6-7pm at LGF woodsbowler@yahoo.co.uk

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

sofa (support or fun activities) 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LBT or questioning women, Wed 7-9, peer support and fun activites sofaatlcp@gmail.com

Imaan @ The LGF, 0845 3 30 30 30, for LGBTQI Asian men 1st Thurs of the month 7.30-9.30pm, imaan.org.uk

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

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

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 lesbian community project drop in 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LB women, meets 2nd & 4th Thur of the month, 7-9pm, enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk

Groups

Book Swap 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, 3rd Wed of the month 6-7pm. For LB women to discuss books as a group or to choose books from the library enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk

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

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

lesbian mental health support group 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for 18+ LB women and M2F transwomen, meets every other Friday. enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk

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

Manchester Christian Group 07743 476191

LGBT Meetup Group lgbt.socialnw@gmail.com LIK:T 07813 981 338, 49-51 Sydney St, run by and for young lesbian & bisexual women, 1st Monday of the month, likt_info@yahoo.com lilac - lesbian cancer support 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

Please email any new or updated listing to: listings@lgf.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 New Family Social 08432899457, peer support & social group for current & prospective LGBT adopters, foser carers& their children, every 2 months in south Manchester newfamilysocial.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 Out In The City 0161 205 3851, 24 Mount St, Wed 1-4. oitc.wordpress.com 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, rainbow_families@hotmail.com Rapture play day Platt Chapel, 186 Wilmslow Rd, For LGBT parents and kids, 3.30-5.30, search facebook salford youth service lgbt youth group at The Base, 0161 778 0702, steve.dyson@salford.gov.uk

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

Crown Green Bowling in the Manchester area, for lGBT people, woodsbowler@yahoo.co.uk Gay city strollers 0845 3 30 30 30, city centre walking group, info@lgf.org.uk Gay gordons manchester Scottish Country and Ceilidh Dancing and classes gay-gordons-manchester.co.uk GAY OUTDOOR GROUP transpennine walking group, 07855 197607 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 manchester walking women its.elly@yahoo.co.uk

Sexual Health PROMOTION UNIT 01706 517 613

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

bUrY

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

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

THE BRIDGE SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Baillie Street, 0161 627 8753

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

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

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

NORTHERN ACES TENNIS GROUP Social tennis club for all abilities, including beginners hour and women’s hour taster sessions northernacestennis.com

aGENCIES & CLINICs

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

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

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

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

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

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 Out to Dance LGB&T Latin Dance group, check website for details, out2dance.org.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

club NightS

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

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

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

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

GROUPS

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

Goodman Sexual Health Clinic Lancs Burn Health Centre, Churchill Way, 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.

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

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

SErvicEs

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

ChOrlTon pubs, clubs & bars

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

EaTERIES

CROMA Pizza and Pasta 498-500 Wilbraham Road, 0161 881 1117, croma.biz The Lead Station 99 Beech Road, 0161 881 5559 Pad Gift Shop 105 Manchester Road, 0161 881 0088, pad-chorlton.co.uk inferno 496a Wilbraham Road, 0161 860 6666, infernosauna.com

OlDhAm PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS The Brewery Tavern 42 George Street, 0161 287 0751

aGENCIES & CLINICs

CLINICs

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

shops

Nice n Naughty rear of 72 Newport St, 01204 396 944, nicennaughty.co.uk

TamEsIde

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

Bury Anti-homophobic bullying group 0161 253 5884

THE ABBEY INN Mixed 77 West Street.

HIV worker Emma Massey 01204 390772

PLUS Reading Group 07880 746079

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

groups

Twisty tuesdays J2 & The Attic Square

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

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

The ladysmith Gay Owned 52-54 Wellington Rd, 0161 343 0220

sauNas

The Cotton Tree Prince St, 07861896500

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

pubs, clubs & bars

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

The Star 11 Bow St, 01204 361113

SaLfOrD

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

Brook Advisory 55 Regent Street, Eccles, 0161 707 9550

shops

pubs, clubs & bars

Lesbian, Gay, Bisxeual, Trans Wellbeing Group 07896146109, 3-11 Drake St, Promoting postive mental health and wellbeing for all. rochdalemind.org.uk

GROUPS

aGENCIES & CLINICs

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

BoLtOn

GROUPS

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

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 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

Out in Salford LGBT Network meeting regularly in Salford to socialise and looks at ways of improving LGB&T life in the city, outinsalford.org.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

The Phoenix Sexual Health Centre Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Rd, 0161 627 8753

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

SaUNaS

GUM DEPARTMENT Stepping Hill Hospital, 0161 419 5370

Pennine Sauna 96 Rochdale Rd, Shaw, 01706 842 000

GROUPS

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

ARDEN ARMS 23 Millgate, 0161 480 2185

CLINICs

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

ROcHdAlE

Age Concern 56 Wellington St, 0161 4801211

pubs, clubs & bars

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

Britannia Inn 01706 670411, 4 Lomax St

CLINICS

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

SOLICITORS

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

CLINICs

Glossop LGBT group glossoplgbt.co.uk

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

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

B.you project 01942 203 363, for LGBTQ young people (11-25), b.youproject@wigan. gov.uk Open Minds Group 07759 352 974, group for 18-25yr old LGBTQ, openmindslgbt@gmail.com Younger People’s LGBQ Group 01942 483180, 8 Ashton Gallery, for under 19’s, Tues 6-8pm louise@ brookwiganandleigh.org.uk

wYtHenShAwE aGENCIES

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

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

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

16 Mandarin Cantonese Restaurant Gay Friendly 27 Clifton Street, 01253 622687

AmBlESidE

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

hotEls & B&B’s

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

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

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

The Buttery 1 Cheapside, 01253 296667 19

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

BarRow iN FuRNESs

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

CliNICS

THE GARDEN PLACE Gay Owned Cropper Road, 01253 699987

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

Groups

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

aGENCIES

Connexions 237-241 Dalton Road, 01229 824052

GrOUPS

18/25 LGBTQ Support Group 07875355390 or 07876568260, mixed support group to promote wellbeing.

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

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

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

24

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

Clinics & Agencies

engayge 01253 477911, Blackpool Coastal Housing’s LGBT Tenants Forum.

5.30pm 2nd Tues/mnth @ 102 Dickson Rd sandy.o’grady@bch.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Freedom 07875 355390, laid back mixed m2f &f2m space, 12-2 Mondays, HIV/HEP C support group 07875 355 390, call for details.

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, Informal meeting between LGB&T communities & local agencies. Meets: Town Hall every 2nd Thurs monthly at 6.30pm. lgbtforum@hotmail.com

cArLisLe CliNICS

Cumberland Infirmary 01228 814 814

aGENCIES

The Renaissance Transgender Support Group 01253314717,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

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

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

outreach cumbria lgbt project 07896 250662, outreachcumbria@live.co.uk

Groups

GrOUPS

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

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

CliNICS

aGENCIES

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

Stepping Stones LGBT Bereavement Group 07989393232/07753265506, 1st & 3rd Tues/month at 7.15pm

KenDal

Connexions 28 Lowther Street, 01228 596272

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

Relaxation group 01253 311431 at SHIVER

08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk

Furness & South Lakes LGB&T Forum 24 hr helpline, drop in service and youth club, furnesslgbt@gmail.com

LGBT PACT (Police & Community together) 07940979610, police and community meetings 1st Thurs of the month.

Ok2be 07827983392, support service for young people up to 19 years of age, amanda.hayes@blackpool.gov.uk

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

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

SaUNaS

Sweat Sauna Club Atlas House, Nelson St.

Connexions 124 Highgate, 01539 730045 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

Merseyside & Lancashire

Liverpool Stanley Street Quarter

Around FACT

Tithebarn Street

Hotels The Feathers 119-125 Mount Pleasant St, 0151 709 9655, feathers.uk.com TRAVEL INN METRO Vernon St, 0870 238 3325

Agencies & Clinics

10 Poste House

11 Secrets

23 Cumberland Street

25 Stanley Street

13 Superstar Boudoir

22-24 Stanley St, 0151 236 6633 14 The Lisbon Mixed 35 Victoria Street, 0151 231 6831 15 The Masquerade Mixed

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

Piccadilly Train Station

Parents & Carers Group 0870 9908996 Queer Notions 0151 227 9977, provides information and support at the Armistead Project queernotions@hotmail.com

Groups

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

2

Berry Street

18 Splash Sauna 5 Fazakerley St, 0151

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

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

Roscoe Place

SAunas 236 1001, splashsauna.com

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

et

Back Berry Stre

19

Victoria Street

Eateries

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

FACT

Culquitt Street

Culquitt Street

Bold Street

Mathew Street

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

Bold Street

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

20

18

Roscoe Lane

Victoria Street

Back Culquitt Stre

Wood Street

Modo Gay Friendly Concert Square

Wood Street

8

14

et

1

London Road

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

16

Seel Street

0151 236 4832

Victoria Street,

Fleet Street

12 Heaven

Seel Street

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

10

Parr Street

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

Slater Street

Duke Street

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

9

15

Sir Thomas Street

Baby D Temple Street

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

4

13

Stanley Street

12

Temple Street

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

Temple Lane

Pubs, Clubs & Bars

Princes Street

North John Street

£

Train Station Parking Cash Machine Pedestrianised

3

21

Cumberland Street

11

Davies Street

17

88 Listing Indicator

Concert Street

8

Dale Street

Dale Street

Sweeting Street

Duke Street

5

Hockenhall All.

6

Eberle Street

7

Vernon Street

Tempest Hey

Hackins Hey

Exchange Street East

£ £

Tithebarn Street

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.

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

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

Liverpool Students Union LGBT Society 0151 231 4947

Websites

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

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

10 Cumberland St, 0151 236 7786, masqueradebar.com

17 The Armistead Project 1 Stanley St,

0870 9908996, armisteadcentre.co.uk

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

Club Nights

Shops

GROUPS

BROKEN BISCUITS Monthly at Jupiters Bar

18 NEWS FROM NOWHERE Bookshop

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

utopia (Ellesmere Port) Whitby Rd, Ellesmere Port, 0151 348 5621, LGB youth meets every Tues 6.30-9, eport@utopialgb.org.uk

FEDERATION LIVERPOOL Monthly gay night, clubfederation.com Gen-e-sis Vinyl Vasement Bar, Lark Lane, Women’s night last Sunday of the month.

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

96 Bold Street, 0151 708 7270, newsfromnowhere.co.uk 19

nice 'n' naughty 85 Seel Street

20

nice 'n' naughty 16 Colquitt Street

08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk

ElLeSMerE PoRT Tea with Teela (TV/CD social) 0151 356 855, 7pm 3rd Monday of the month at Transpose, trans-pose.com

Lancashire

Please email any new or updated listing to: listings@lgf.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 Flex II Tolver St, 01744 758 439

CLUB NIGHT

WORK Bridge Street, every Wednesday.

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

tHE wIrRaL PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

BlACkBuRn PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

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.

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 Sexual Health Clinic Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Bolton Road, 01254 687 304 SHOUT 01254 300126, young sexual health team up to 25 shoutteam@yahoo.co.uk

GROUPS

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

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

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

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

CLINICs

Cygnets2Swans Jarman Centre, 53 James St, supports those who are or considering going through gender reassignment, both Trans Women and Trans Men, 4th Tuesday of the month 6.30pm-8.30pm, cygnets2swans.org.uk

Sexual Health Clinic Arrowe Park Road, 0151 604 7339

SaUNas

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

aGENCIES

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

GROUPS

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

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

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

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

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

TransWirral 90-92 Chester St, 07833 385126, for TS/Intersex, transwirral.btik.com WIRRAL DIVAS 0151 666 9890, weekly lesbian and bisexual women’s group.

WIRRAL TRANSISTERs 07759045117, support/social group for TV/CD/TS, 1st Tues of the month, mazykate@toucansurf.com WORK IT OUT Wirral Brook, 14 Whetstone Ln, Birkenhead, 0151 670 0177, group for 14-18 year olds, info@wirralbrook.org.uk outreach@wirralbrook.org.uk

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

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

EaTERIES

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

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

LanCAStEr CLUB NIGHTS

DANCING DIVA For more information, dancingdiva5@hotmail.com

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

AGENCIES

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

THE DUKE OF LANCASTER 75 Church Street, 01524 842843, info@thedukeoflancaster.com Gregson Café/Bar Gregson Community and Arts Centre, 33 Moorgate, 01524 849959, gregson.co.uk

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

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

GROUPS

GROUPS

CENTRAL LANCASHIRE HIV ADVICE 01772 825 684, Helpline: 01772 253 840, Drugline Lancashire Ltd, 2 Union Court.

Out in the Bay 07960 461 921, one to one friendship service, support group meets on 3rd Thurs of month in Lancaster Library from 7-9pm. lgbtoutinthebay@googlemail.com

Freinds of Dorothy Age Concern, Arkwright House, 01772 552 862, befreinding and support services andrewdrake@55plus.org.uk

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

lancashire county council lgbt network lgbt@lancashire.gov.uk

CLINICS

Lancashire LGBT Centre services for the community inc drop in 1st Thurs/ month at Diusabillity Equality North West Preston, 6.30-8.30pm lancshirelgbt.co.uk

Lancaster GUM Clinic Ashton Community Care Centre, 08450590015, apps only (in the next 48 hrs)

LeYlAnd GROUPS

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

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

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

MorEcAmBe

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

CLINICS

Morecambe GUM Clinic Queen Victoria Centre, Thornton Rd, 08450590015, apps only (in the next 48 hrs) Under 19 Young Person’s GUM & Contraception Drop In The Information Shop, Mon & Thurs 3:30 -5:30

GROUPS

Out in the Bay 07960 461 921, one to one friendship service, support group meets on 3rd Thurs of month in Lancaster Library from 7-9pm. lgbtoutinthebay@googlemail.com

OrMsKIrk CLUB NIGHTS

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

CLINICS

Sexual Health Clinic Ormskirk General Hospital, Wigan Road, 01695 571043 edgehill university LGBT society search on facebook

CHOrlEy

PrEstOn

GROUPS

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

CLINICS

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.

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

breakout LGBT community radio

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

GROUPS

Blowing Wild Club Grimshaw Street, open Thurs, Fri, Sat, 07752 512232 Oblivion 12-14 Grimshaw St, 01772 252876

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

skelmersdale GROUPS

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

WE’RE HERE IF YOU NEED US 08453303030 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

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

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

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

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

NOrtHWicH

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

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

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

Sexual Health Clinic Lovely Lane, 01925 662476

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

aGENCIES

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 LGBT Warrington lgbtwarrington.co.uk

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

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904