outnorthwest issue 113

FOR OVER 16’s ONLY!

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

Published by

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

OUTNORTHWEST ISSUE 113 DEC-JAN 2013 FREE!

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

EN LISTW NO !

STATUS UPDATE DO YOU KNOW YOURS?

OUTNORTHWEST EDITOR’S LETTER DEC-JAN 2013

Do You Know Your HIV Status?

The recent broadcast of ‘Unsafe Sex In The City’ on BBC Three brought the issues of sexual health testing into the living rooms of millions of people throughout November.

We had lots of feedback from the community about the programme and its choice of larger-than-life ‘characters’, but there’s no denying that the programme had an impact.

Clinical services offered at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation saw a huge spike in attendees, so regardless of how the message may been have presented, it certainly hit home.

Throughout this issue of outnorthwest, and tied into World AIDS Day (1st December), we’re pushing the message even more. Knowing your HIV status - regardless of the result - puts you in control of your life, so it’s important you get tested.

Amongst all the safer sex and testing messages, sometimes we can forget that sex is meant to be fun, which is why it’s great to see the publication this month of the new edition of ‘Sex Tips For Men’ by The Lesbian & Gay Foundation. Written by every day gay and bisexual men, this fantastic guide is full of real-life sex tips and advice to help you have the sex you want. Make sure you pick your copy up.

We’ll be back in the New Year, but in the meantime The LGF Helpline will be taking calls over the festive season. This can be a stressful time for many, so if you want to talk to someone, call the helpline on 0845 3 30 30 30 anytime from 10am-10pm.

Have a safe and happy festive season from everyone here at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from everyone at

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

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

EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR & LAYOUT Grahame Robertson LAYOUT & LISTINGS Mark Eastwood NEWS EDITOR Andrew Gilliver FEATURES EDITOR Sarah McNally MEN’S HEALTH EDITOR Peter Boyle WEB EDITOR Marc Robinson DISTRIBUTION Shaun Lloyd, James Derham; Martin Cooper.

CONTRIBUTORS Lucy Rolfe; Samantha Days; Jake Arturio Braden; Gaydio; Frankie Stevens; Martin Cooper; Patrick Ettenes; Chris Fisher; Ben Squance; LJ; Pete Davies; Daniel Brady; Caroline Wilson; Darren Batey, Bury POG. SPECIAL THANKS Jackie Crozier; Maggie O’Carroll; Ian Wallis Photography; Tony; Alex Bryce; Juliet Oldfield; The Eagle Manchester. And to all our models.

ADVERTISING For information on advertising in outnorthwest, contact us on 0845 3 30 3 0 30.

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

Ending Homopho

bia, Empowering Peop le

www.lgf.org.uk Registered Charit

y No.1070904

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! How to take action in schools!

08 NEWS & OPINION Do You Know You HIV Status? Plus all the latests news from across the LGB North West!

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

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

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

FEATURES

22

32

JACKIE CROZIER

SEX TIPS FOR MEN

27 BURY POG We asked young people’s group Bury POG to design a testing campaign for us.

23 MAGGIE O’CARROLL Caroline Wilson talks to Maggie O’Carroll from ‘The Women’s Organisation’

AND MORE!

20 HEAD TO HEAD The positive and negative opinion page.

26 BY THE BI How does HIV affect the bisexual community? Pete Davies investigates.

18

WORLD AIDS DAY

22 OUTSPOKEN! This issue: Jackie Crozier.

34 GROUPWORK The LGF has a whole host of support and social groups for you to get involved with!

06

30 YOUTH ALMIGHTY A new service for young LGB people.

36 GET INVOLVED! How do you fancy getting fit, and raising money for a good cause at the same time? Get involved!

Homophobia ACTION against

TAKE ACTION IN SCHOOLS!

www.lgf.org.uk/enough

DISCLAIMER Publication of the name or photo of any person in this magazine should not be taken as any indication of the sexual orientation or HIV status of that person. All views expressed in outnorthwest are not necessarily those of the Editor or The Lesbian & Gay Foundation. outnorthwest recognises all copyrights. Where possible, we have acknowledged the copyright holder. Contact us if we have failed to credit your copyright and we will happily correct any oversight.

36

JULIET OLDFIELD

Homophobia ACTION against

www.lgf.org.uk/enough

TAKING ACTION HOW YOU ARE TAKING ACTION AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA

GIFTS THAT

KEEP GIVING! During the season of good will, why not consider supporting The LGF?

As times get harder, it is understandable that charitable giving is not in the forefront of people’s minds. However even small amounts can make a big difference and one of the areas The Lesbian & Gay Foundation continues to ask for support with is to help tackle homophobic bullying in UK schools.

The LGF’s Safer Schools Packs help schools support their lesbian, gay and bisexual students. A donation for a pack to your old school, your local school or your children’s school can really help to encourage schools to take ACTION against homophobia.

One person who did just this was Giles a school teacher, who after ordering one of our Safer Schools packs, decided to run in the Jersey Marathon for us back in October raising £125 and running the course in an impressive

3 hours and 34 minutes. Here Giles talk about his marathon challenge: “I ran the Jersey marathon 2 years ago and wanted to beat my time. I couldn’t do it last year so I decided to do it this year. Last time I didn’t raise any money and ran just to prove myself I could do it, but this time I thought I might add something else to the run!

I wanted to raise money for The LGF as I am a (gay) teacher in a secondary school and I see how kids speak to each other and how they often bully each other, sometimes in a homophobic way and sometimes not even realising what they’re saying is hurtful. You see everywhere (especially abroad) how “oldfashioned” or/and uneducated people are about homosexuality and I wanted to raise awareness by raising money and also support your cause.

The training was good, tough at times. I actually damaged my Achilles tendons 2 weeks before running and couldn’t train until

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

I got about 4 days before the race. I took it gently, put lots of ice, took lots of ibuprofen and it worked!

Raising money was quite easy. The Just Giving website makes it so easier, especially when people say they will sponsor you, have no cash on them so they just go online and donate.

IIronically, I did raise more money by cash, especially after the race when people saw that I had actually done it! I also wanted my colleagues at work (I only advertised it at school) to see that it was a worthy cause and that homophobia in schools shouldn’t be overlooked.”

For a donation of just £20, we can send out a Safer Schools Pack to the school of your choice, simply nominate the school and we’ll do the rest. www.lgf.org.uk/schoolspack For more on how you can support LGF: www.lgf.org.uk/getinvolved

LIKE US!

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

KEEP TAKING ACTION! Enough is Enough! – ACTION against Homophobia is one of the key overarching campaigns that forms part of the LGFs key message, it links directly into our mission of ‘Ending Homophobia, Empowering People’ .

The campaign to encourage people to take ACTION against Homophobia has been our most successful in terms of numbers of people engaging with The Lesbian & Gay Foundation year on year, we have continued to see an increase in the number of people engaged.

The current reach of the campaign on Facebook alone is 1.69m people thanks to its 4,500 fans.

Over 8,200 people are currently signed up to Enough is Enough! as of November 2012.

In the next issue of outnorthwest we will be publishing a report on the campaign so far. We would like to thank everyone for their support and encourage those who haven’t got involved yet to do so! www.lgf.org.uk/enough

www.lgf.org.uk/enough

TWEET US!

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

FRANKIE

SAYS There seems to be a national day, week or month for just about any cause these days and given the sheer number of such campaigns it is all too easy for even some of the most worthy causes to be missed. In light of this I am kindly asking you to keep an eye out for one such worthy causes in the form of National Anti-Bullying month, which is taking place throughout November.

Homophobia is rife amongst schools, yet despite the fantastic work being done by many LGB&T campaigners and groups such as the teacher Elly Barnes, Sue Sanders and her charity Schools Out and the LGF’s very own ‘Exceeding Expectations’ project and their Safer Schools Packs, there is still a lingering sense of reluctance to address homophobic bullying in schools and its potentially devastating effects. Whilst I count myself extremely thankful not to have been the direct target of homophobic bullying, I was still was subjected to a very intolerant environment when I arrived at school each morning, with the odd suggestive remark thrown at me from time to time.

I hated secondary school for a number of reasons but the main cause was due to a foreboding sense I had of feeling like an outsider, not being able to relate to anyone or anything. This sense was at its height during my GCSE years, when I finally reached a point where I was able to realise I was gay; after a few pubescent years of battling confusion I could finally acknowledge it within myself. Having said that I was a long way from reconciling this and I was in no position

to talk to my friends about it, let alone be out to the rest of the school, that was still a few years away, mainly due to the lack of understanding and lazy attitude my school had in addressing this issue.

To my delight and relief leaving secondary was when it all clicked into place; I went to college and relished the new found independence it gave me, made some better suited (and far more mature) new friends and I was genuinely happy. It was the making of me. Yet that unsettling feeling that accompanied me throughout my time at school occasionally pops up again.

So, rather than just musing about it to myself I decided to do something about it, something my 14 year old self could have never done. I donated an LGF Safer Schools Pack to my old secondary school, in my name so they know who donated it.

These packs are truly wonderful and from the feedback the LGF have received they are making a real difference to pupils and teachers alike. I only wish these packs were around when I was at school. It has given me immense satisfaction to donate a Safer Schools Pack to my old secondary school and even if it only makes one pupil or teacher feel happier and safer then it will be the best £20 I have ever spent.

If you would like to do your bit for anti-bullying month and help tackle homophobia in schools you can.

For just £20 you could make a real difference by donating a Safer Schools Pack to a school of your choice (or geographical area if you prefer). To donate online please go to www.lgf. org.uk/Take-Action/Action-Centre/ make-schools-safer or call the LGF on 0845 3 30 30 30.

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

AGENDA

IN DEPTH NEWS, COMMENT AND ANALYSIS

DEC-JAN 2013

DO YOU KNOW YOUR HIV STATUS? More than 90,000 people are currently living with HIV in the UK and globally an estimated 33.3 million people have HIV.

LGF CLINICS

LGF clinical services are a partnership between The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Manchester Centre for Sexual Health, and Manchester Public Health Development Service. The LGF outreach clinic runs every Monday at one of three locations around Manchester every month and offers the chance to get a full sexual health check up. Testing includes; Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, HIV and Hepatitis B. Current dates are online at www.lgf.org.uk/testing or call 0845 3 30 30 30 for information.

SAME DAY HIV-TESTING With more people than ever living with HIV, it has never been more important to get tested regularly. Some infections can be treated easily with antibiotics and are completely curable. HIV is not curable, but effective health monitoring and treatments are available in the UK. Some testing centres offer ‘rapid tests’ with results within 30 minutes, using blood from a finger prick.

The LGF offers this service every Thursday afternoon between 4pm and 6pm, (the last test available is at 5:30pm).

Photo: Ian Wallis (www.ianwallisphotography.co.uk)

LGF OUTREACH CLINICS

More than 90,000 people are currently living with HIV in the UK and globally an estimated 33.3 million people have HIV. Although World AIDS Day is a great opportunity to get the public talking about HIV, we need to remember the importance of raising awareness of HIV all year round particularly among men who have sex with men. According to The Health Protection Agency over 10,000 gay men in Britain have HIV without knowing it, meaning that they could also be passing HIV on to someone else. Furthermore if you have HIV it can do damage to your immune system that cannot be seen, but if you start treatment before this happens, you can expect to live about as long as someone who doesn’t have HIV. That’s why The Lesbian & Gay Foundation are making sure the testing message gets out with all our free gay men’s safer packs and also in articles and adverts in this very magazine

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

Free, Confidential and Easy It’s never been easier to look after your sexual health and get tested and every major town and city has sexual health clinics where you can get free, confidential tests along with specialist organisations catering for the LGB&T community. Some testing centres offer ‘rapid tests’ with results in just minutes, using blood from a finger prick.

These and other HIV tests are free and confidential. Whatever kind of support you need, it’s there for you before and after the test, and it’s completely confidential. Sexually active gay and bisexual men are encouraged to get a full sexual health screen at least once a year, or more often if you have different sexual partners .

Gay men who have tested for HIV report being happier with their sex lives, whatever their result. (Source: The UK Gay Men’s Sex Survey 2010) The LGF offers free, friendly and safe clinical services every single week.

AGENDA DEC-JAN 2013 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

WORLD AIDS DAY 2012

TESTING

RU CLEAR RU Clear is currently offering Home Testing Kits, with the help of The LGF, and gay and bisexual men of any age can access these kits by following the link from the LGF website to RU Clear to request a postal kit.

BE THE LIGHT! Manchester’s World AIDS Day Partnership to host a Candlelight Procession through the Gay Village.

On World AIDS Day (1st December), Manchester is hosting a Candlelight Procession around the city’s famous Gay Village.

Please join Manchester World AIDS Day Partnership in a celebration of friends and loved ones affected by HIV and AIDS. As a community we are pledging our ongoing commitment to reducing the spread of HIV.

The Procession will depart from Sackville Gardens at 6.30pm, make its way around the Village, ending again in Sackville Gardens where candles can be placed in memoriam.

After the event, all are welcome to attend a fully-inclusive gathering at Eagle Bar where Katherine Ellis (of Freemasons/Roger Sanchez collaboration fame) will be performing. And there will be mulled wine and mince pies for everyone. www.facebook.com/McrWorldAIDSDay

The test uses a finger prick test, so there are no needles to worry about.

As well as HIV, the test will also test for syphilis. If you know that you have had syphilis in the past, the results may be affected, and you should attend the LGF’s Outreach Clinic or Same Day HIV clinic.

You can order your R U Clear kit online via: www.lgf.org.uk/testing

DECEMBER World Aids Day (1st) Worlds Aids Day takes place on 1st December each year and is an opportunity for people to unite world wide in the fight against HIV. Why not like our facebook page and keep up with partnership news. www.facebook.com/McrWorldAIDSDay or follow us on Twitter @ McrWorldAIDSDay

GETTING TESTED JANUARY information please call 0845 3 30 30 30 or e-mail: info@lgf.org.uk

Think about HIV

National HIV Testing Week 23-29th November On Thursday 29th November The LGF will be hosting an all day clinic from 9am-5pm at our community resource centre, Number 5 Richmond Street,M1 3HF. For support and

The National THIVK campaign aims to increase HIV testing among gay men so that the average period of time between HIV infection and diagnosis is reduced. As a result of the campaign it is hoped that more men are aware of undiagnosed HIV infection and its extent in their communities and that HIV treatment accessed in good time can secure a long and healthy life. www.tht.org.uk/thinkhiv

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (20th – 26th) Cervical Cancer Awareness Week is dedicated to women and their families who have been affected by Cervical Cancer. Did you know lesbian and bisexual women need screening too? www.lgf.org.uk/screening Holocaust Memorial Day (27th) Holocaust Memorial Day marks the anniversary of the liberation of of the Auschwitz concentration camp by soldiers of the Soviet Army in 1945. Watch this space for more to come!

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 09

AGENDA DEC-JAN 2013 SUPPORT

COMMUNITY

HELP OVER THE HOLIDAYS? CALL 0845 3 30 30 30

The Christmas and New Year period can be one of the hardest times for many LGB&T people and to make sure you have a friendly ear to talk to over the festive period, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s Helpline will be taking calls over the holidays. We would like to thank the volunteers who will be staffing the helpline over the holidays to make sure that we are here (on the end of the phone or via e-mail) when you need us.

Call: 0845 3 30 30 30 or if you prefer to e-mail: helpline@lgf.org.uk

CHAMPIONING YOUR COMMUNITY HOW LGB PEOPLE CAN GET INVOLVED IN PUBLIC LIFE Have you ever felt that you wanted to represent your community in something that you are interested in but never thought you could do it, or didn’t know how to get involved? If so then The Lesbian & Gay Foundation would like to hear from you.

Often the issues that directly affect the lesbian, gay and bisexual community may go unheard or un-addressed, unless there is an active voice around the table that is championing the needs of our community.

That’s why The Lesbian & Gay Foundation would like to encourage more lesbian, gay and bisexual people to represent themselves and the things that matter to them in all areas of public life. Areas where we are underrepresented, such as in schools, workplaces, housing, policing, politics, healthcare, infact anywhere where our voices need to be heard and lesbian, gay and bisexual people need to be supported.

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

Community Champions can share knowledge and information and play a role in making a positive change; through either volunteering time, expertise or just lending a helping hand.

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation is committed to equipping you with the tools, information, assistance and guidance on how to support the needs of your community.

We had such an overwhelming response to our ‘We Exist’ guide to getting involved in public life that we are hosting a special event on the evening of Thursday 24th January at LGF’s Community Resource Centre to share some of the ways in which lesbian,gay and bisexual people can have our voices heard and affect change in our local communities.

To get involved or to find out more about being an LGB Community Champion e-mail: darren. knight@lgf.org.uk or Tel: 0845 3 30 30 30 or you can write or pop in to: LGF, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3HF

For more information check out www.lgf.org.uk/exist

AGENDA DEC-JAN 2013

IN OTHER NEWS Keshet Manchester

Keshet Manchester is a social group based in Manchester for LGBTIQ individuals identifying themselves as Jewish. The group organise different events throughout the year for members. As a registered charity, Keshet’s mission is to work for and ensure the full welcome and inclusion of GLBT Jews as members of the Jewish community in North West England. www.keshetmanchester.org.uk/

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY 2013 The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day on 27th January 2013 is ‘Communities Together: Build a Bridge’ For HMD 2013 everyone is being asked to imagine waking up to find that the neighbours you have known all your life, now walk past you without stopping, or spit at you and even attack you. Imagine having nowhere to turn, that the walls are closing in and that there is no escape. Imagine that you have done nothing wrong, yet you are to be punished nonetheless and no one will stand by you.

The message is one that is designed to honour all those communities which were destroyed in the Holocaust, under Nazi Persecution and in subsequent genocides. It’s something that LGB&T communities can easily relate too.

On Holocaust Memorial Day – 27 January 2013, remember and stand by those who were forced to live through these experiences and those in our communities around the world who are still enduring similar atrocities.

To find out more about this years theme including where events are in your area and to list your own activities checkout: http://hmd.org.uk/

The LGF wins at the North West Public Health Awards 2012

The LGF have been highly commended for their Condom and Lube Distribution Scheme (CLDS) in the Wellbeing for All category. LGF staff and volunteers distribute over 600,000 condoms and 600,000 sachets of lube every year making it one of the largest health interventions targeted at LGB people in the UK.

Do you Tick the Box? Sexual orientation monitoring campaign

Tick the Box - Our new campaign aims to get lesbian, gay and bisexual people to understand why it’s important to be asked their sexual orientation and enable them to be confident in ‘ticking the box’. We’ve produced an online information resource to help you understand more about sexual orientation monitoring. Take our survey and tell us if you tick the box! www.lgf.org.uk/tickthebox

Anti Bullying Month

Anti-Bullying Month (November)aims to raise awareness of bullying of children and young people, in schools and everywhere and to

highlight ways of responding to it. We’ve been focusing on tackling homophobia in schools;Exceeding Expectations in Manchester & Salford Exceeding Expectations is a multi-agency partnership that aims to support schools in tackling homophobic language and bullying. The program is touring schools in Manchester and Salford throughout November. Find out more www.exceedingexpectations. org.uk

What does Same-Sex Civil Marriage mean to you?

The Government consultation to same-sex civil marriage ended back in June. Now we’re looking for real people to have their say on what the changes mean to them.

Are you in a civil partnership and want to make this into full marriage? Perhaps you’re waiting for same-sex marriage to become law? We want to hear from you! Contact Sarah; sarah.mcnally@lgf.org.uk; 0845 3 30 30 30

WE EXIST TOO!

We Exist Too! - Wednesday 28th November at 6.30pm.The Lesbian & Gay Foundation,Number 5, Richmond Street,M1 3HF.Free event. An event for black and minority ethnic lesbian, gay and bisexual people to SPEAK UP.Be part of the movement for increased visibility!You exist and you have a voice! Encourage organisations to listen! Make yourself heard!

For more information, please email: darren. knight@lgf.org.uk

CERVICAL CANCER PREVENTION WEEK

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 20th – 26th January 2012 is dedicated to women and their families who have been affected

by Cervical Cancer. Did you know lesbian and bisexual women need screening too?

Find out more on page 15 of this issue of outnorthwest and visit www.lgf. org.uk/screening www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 11

AGENDA DEC-JAN 2013

Pride

in Practice

Excellence in lesbian, gay & bisexual healthcare

The Bodey Medical Practice in Fallowfield are proud recipients of their Gold Award, from the Pride in Practice initiative, for ‘Excellence in Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Healthcare provision’.

Not resting on their laurels they have also been awarded ‘Practice Team of the Year 2012’ and Dr Siobhan Macintyre won ‘GP of the Year’ in the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) North West Primary Care Awards recently.

In addition, the practice was short-listed as finalists in the National General Practice Awards 2012 (held at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane London, 01/11/12) in the following categories: ‘Nursing Team of the Year’ and ‘Clinical Team of the Year - Sexual Health’.

All of these awards are in recognition of the team’s hard work and dedication, and the success of the Sexual Health Clinic that they have developed at the surgery, which has been led by Dr Siobhan Macintyre.

“We are very proud of the awards that acknowledge the hard work and commitment that the practice has put into developing and delivering it’s services.” Dr Stephen Tomkinson, Bodey Medical Practice.

“The Bodey Medical Centre has truly embraced the philosophy of Pride in Practice.

They deliver their services in an accessible an inclusive way that takes into account their patients sexual orientation, whilst treating LGB patients with dignity and respect. They are exemplifiers of not just excellent LGB

BODEY MEDICAL PRACTICE GO FOR GOLD! A model of best practice for their lgb patients healthcare, but health care in general.” adds Dennis Baldwin, GP Project manager at the Lesbian & Gay Foundation Some facts about the Bodey Medical Practice service: • They are the biggest general practice surgery in South Manchester with over 16,000 patients.

• Based in Fallowfield they have a large sexually active student and young adult population (under 25 years of age).

• They aim to tailor their services to meet the specific needs of the demographics of the population they serve.

• The Sexual Health Clinic is ideally placed to meet the health care needs of this young adult population.

• The surgery has invested heavily in the Clinic.

• All 11 doctors at the surgery have completed the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH), Sexually Transmitted Infection Foundation (STIF) course and 2 clinicians

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

•

•

• • •

have gone on to undertake advanced STIF training.

They have created close links with their local GUM clinics and receive regular educational sessions and updates from them.

The clinic has been very popular and sees approximately 1000 patients per annum.

The clinic offers an on the day service for patients with symptoms.

HIV, hepatitis and syphilis blood screening is offered as standard.

Patients have fedback that they like the convenience of being able to be seen at their own surgery and often by a clinician they know and trust, rather than being redirected to a GUM Clinic.

For more information on how your GP surgery can follow the excellent example of Bodey Medical practice contact: dennis.baldwin@lgf.org.uk or call 0845 3 30 30 30

AGENDA DEC-JAN 2013 TRAFFORD

OTHER NEWS

WE LOVE GIRLS!

Ending Homophob ia,

Empowering Peop le

www.lgf.org.uk Registered Charity

No.1070904

REACHING TRAFFORD New Community Development Worker in Trafford The Lesbian & Gay Foundation have employ a Trafford based Community Development Worker (part time, 4 days/week) thanks to Trafford Equalities, which will enable us to work predominantly with mainstream service providers in the area in order to ensure the needs of LGB Trafford residents are better met.

At the end of October Kathy McGuirk started to undertake a range of activities in order to support Trafford’s LGB&T community.

•

•

•

people are addressed and considered within these forums.

Ensure that The Lesbian & Gay Foundation support resources (such as guides on health and wellbeing issues affecting the LGB&T community) are distributed and available in a wide range of venues and organisations across Trafford.

Develop the ‘Flying the Flag’ initiative in Trafford to ensure that more organisations in the area unite in fighting against homophobia in recognition of International Day Against Homophobia.

Host a hate crime awareness event in Trafford about how to report an LGB&T hate crime, bring police and community together.

The key elements of Kathy’s role are; •

•

•

To support organisations to set up their own LGB&T staff networks or service user groups.

Facilitate organisations in implementing Sexual Orientation Monitoring, and support them to utilise data derived from this to positively influence policy and practice.

Attend relevant events, meetings and forums, ensuring the needs of LGB&T

So if you need any support of any kind regarding LGB&T issues, this could be regarding anything from sexual health, support coming out, setting up a service then contact Kathy. If she isn’t the expert then, she’ll ensure you find the relevant person. She is new to the area so all she asks in return is that you help her if you see her lost!

Contact Kathy on: 07739756178 or Kathy.mcguirk@lgf.org.uk

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation offers an array of different services which support lesbian and bisexual women. From cake decorating workshops to social/support groups and counselling, we’re here if lesbian and bisexual women need us. We’re currently running a survey for women to find out what they know of our services; if they’ve ever accessed any of them; and how they prefer to receive information that may affect or interest them. So whether you know a little or a lot about what we do, why not take part and help us build a picture of the needs and experiences of lesbian and bisexual women. The survey only takes 5 minutes to complete and you will be entered into a prize draw to win £50 worth of shopping vouchers! You can take the survey at: www.lgf.org.uk/weheartgirls

WAITROSE SUPPORTS THE LGF

Some of you might have seen the Waitrose Christmas TV Advert encouraging everyone to support local charities this Christmas, and this is exactly what the kind folks at the Spinningfields branch of Waitrose have decided to do. The LGF is really excited to have been chosen as one of three of the charities that the branch are going to support throughout December. There’s £1,500 up for grabs and this will be split between The LGF, Salford Lads Club and the Lord Mayor’s Charity. How much LGF receives depends on how many green tokens our supporters donate to us when they shop at Waitrose Spinningfield!

If you haven’t experienced Waitrose why not pop along and at the same time show your support for a fantastic cause (that’s us!) The appeal launches on 1st December and will last until the end of the month. Whatever funds LGF receive will go directly towards providing counselling bursaries for disadvantaged lesbian, gay and bisexual people. For more information on this fantastic appeal please contact frankie.stevens@lgf.org.uk or call 0845 3 30 30 30

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 13

AGENDA DEC-JAN 2013

U O Y D DI . . .

W O KN

an eligible 17.8% of LB women of r had a test. ve screening age have ne an eligible 40.5% of LB women of told they en screening age have be se of cau be don’t need screening sexual orientation. nk more 93% of participants thi in health tra needs to be done to s of LGB ed ne professionals in the screening. al vic women relating to cer 2012 and LGF Online survey results 1 201 vey Sur st We North

Are You Ready For Your Screen Test?’ is The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s national campaign which aims to dispel the myths around lesbian and bisexual women and cervical screening.

Below, Donna and Sarah speak to us about their experiences.

“At my last cervical screening I told the nurse that I was sexual active, I did not use protection and that I was not on the contraceptive pill – but not planning to get pregnant. Before I had chance to explain that I was in a long term relationship with another women, she began to lecture me about the risk of STI’s /pregnancy and how irresponsible I was!

When I eventually told her, the consultation was awkward, she was not sure if I still needed to have a cervical screen - even though she had not asked about my sexual history with men! I asked her if she had information about STI risks for lesbian women, she stated that there was no risk!

I’ve since changed GP practice and my new practice nurse is great.”

WHAT YOU'VE BEEN SAYING...

“I have always attended cervical screenings and my sexual orientation has not been raised or wasn’t an issue when it was. I continue to have the screens when needed - they saved my life when younger. I had CIN 4 (pre-cancerous tissue) and had surgery to prevent full blown cancer.

My girlfriend and I both had tests here before going on a round-the-world travelling trip for a few years ago. We both had the test because we thought we should even as lesbians, I had always believed that cancer is not sexually transmitted anyway. Also both of us had tried sex with men when younger.”

For more information, and to download our ‘Are You Ready For Your Screen Test? guide visit: www.lgf.org.uk/screening www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 15

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

BEING AN ANGEL! LGF volunteer DANIEL BRADY tells outnorthwest why he’s an Angel, and MARTIN COOPER gives us an update on the Angels over the Festive Season.

“I first start volunteering as for The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) last November. I wanted to meet new friends and do my bit my bit to help stop homophobia.

The best bit about the Angels is when we help someone, the worst is seeing people upset and crying – which can happen!

I was one of the first volunteer ‘ Village Angels’ and went out the very first night it launched, on Good Friday, 6 April. I decided to get involved with the Village Angels because the Village is not a as safe as it used to be and a lot of people go out there. I believe the Village Angels can help them be safer.

I won the ‘New Volunteer of the Year’ in June as part of the Volunteer’s Week Celebrations for the work I have done for the LGF. I feel the award is not just for me it’s on behalf of all the LGF volunteers.

As well as being a Village Angel I have also spoken about homophobia in schools, cheered on the LGF runners in the BUPA Manchester 10k and helped out with fundraising.

If anyone is interested in the Village Angels, I’d say GIVE IT A GO!”

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

YOUR CHRISTMAS ANGELS! As the festive season approaches and we all get into the ‘I’m not going to do any work’ frame of mind, the distant sounds of seasonal chorus and peeling bells draws us closer to The Village for a scooner or two of vintage sherry and a nibble on a couple of lovely, big puddings.

Because we are aware that this is the case (albeit slightly glamorised – perhaps swap ‘sipping vintage sherry’ for ‘gurgling alcopops through a straw’ and ‘nibbling Christmas puddings’ for ‘submerging your face into a tray of donner meat’) we have decided to increase the presence of the Village Angels over this holiday period.

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

LJ’S FESTIVE CHEER

SCAN THE QR CODE to download the Gaydio iPhone app!

Don’t forget to pick up your copy of The Village Angels guide to keeping safe on Canal Street. You can get your from The LGF on Richmond Street, or keep your eyes peeled for the LGF Village Angels out and about on Canal Street every single weekend!

Gaydio’s LJ on the magic of Christmas!

There’s something about Christmas that makes me go just a little bit nutty.

Amazingly, loved up, happy, free, not a care in the world, nutty. I spend more money than I can afford, I eat more than my belly can hold, not caring if I fit into my new pair of skinny jeans from TopShop. I also listen to (and more importantly enjoy) Mariah Carey Christmas songs, that if I heard at any other time of the year, I’d label as complete pants! Christmas has an untouchable, unseen magic about it and I flippin’ love it!

So, let us be the Angels on your tree this year!

And have a very, merry, not too much sherry, fabulous fairy, not too lairy, far from scary Chistmas! And a happy nude rear!

For more information on The LGF Village Angels, contact Martin Cooper on 0845 3 30 30 30, or e-mail him at martin.cooper@lgf.org.uk

Illustration: Rob Burgess

As well as the usual Friday and Saturday night presence which we have delivered since April, we will be putting additional Village Angels shifts in on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, so once you’ve finished trimming your festive bushes and decide to hit the town, you can expect to be welcomed by a cheery grin and a festive wave to outdo Ebenezer Scrooge after an encounter with his ghoolies.

If you’re honest, it makes the majority of us see the world and what it has to offer in a much happier way and that transcends in our behaviour.

We indulge in food, in music, in generosity, in our celebration of having great friends and family, but most importantly we indulge in happiness.

For me, Christmas allows us to catch the little moments that otherwise

go un-noticed throughout the rest of the year. That unseen magic I was talking about…well you can actually see it all around you. The little kiss on the cheek a guy gives his boyfriend as they walk down the high street Christmas shopping, the cute kid with only one mitten on because they’ve lost the other making snowballs to chuck at their big brothers head, the little smile I send my girlfriend over Christmas dinner because Mum’s gone a little stir crazy over an overcooked brussel sprout.

Christmas is without doubt my favourite time of year, and luckily for me, it’s not just about the 25th of December…Christmas has started now and it’s only mid-November!

Some say it’s too early – not me. It’s never too early to let some Christmas happiness into our lives, and if I had things my way we’d do it all year round. Now, where’s that Mariah CD…

You can catch LJ on weekday afternoons from 1 on Gaydio – 88.4fm, online at www.gaydio.co.uk or via their iPhone and Android apps. www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 17

UP YOUR WAY

FOCUS ON: WORLD AIDS DAY

WORLD AIDS DAY 2012 IT’S A BUSY TIME ACROSS THE NORTH WEST AS THE REGION MARKS WORLD AIDS DAY

Below is just a selection of events we have been made aware of.

For information about World AIDS Day visit www.worldaidsday.org

Chester To mark World AIDS Day on December 1st a ‘Walk of Light’ parade is taking place in Chester beginning at 4pm at the Cross followed by a remembrance vigil at the city’s Amphitheatre. If you would like to take part in the Walk of Light, the meeting point will be the Cross at 3:30pm. Lights for the walk will be available before the event for a small donation. All proceeds will go towards Body Positive Cheshire and North Wales. For more information contact Angela Doe / Rob Jones on 01244 976008 or email equalities@ cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk

CARLISLE Dragonfest V - 8 December from 8pm until late at The Brickyard, Fisher St, Carlisle. The fifth World Aids Day fundraiser organised by Craig Bandcamp. Previous year shave raised

over £5,000 in total and this year’s event promises to bring ‘rock n’ roll rapture say organisers. Bands include Bandcamp! The Sheepwagon and New Palace Talkies, drink, the colour red. Admission: £5.00 advance / £7.00 on the door. Ages 14+. Contact: Craig Stevens on 07917182261 or e-mail: craigincumbria@aol.com

way on to Sackville Gardens for the World AIDS Day Partnership Candlelight Procession which will proceed up Sackville Street, turning on to Bloom Street, then on to Minshull Street, before making its way down Canal Street and re-convening at Sackville Gardens.

More info at www.facebook.com/ McrWorldAIDSDay

LIVERPOOL

NORTHERN RAIL AWARENESS TRAIN

Service of Hope- Saturday, December 1st 11:00 am. A service of remembrance and celebration to honour World AIDS Day. A simple service of reflection and sharing of bread and wine. The service will be held at St Brides Liverpool Percy Street Liverpool L8 7LT. Refreshments will be served after the service. Everyone is welcome from all faiths and none. For more details, please contact Warren on stbridesliverpool@ yahoo.co.uk or call 07776 476024.

MANCHESTER Saturday 1st December 6pm St. Ann’s Church, St Ann’s Street Manchester City Centre. There will be a short Vigil Service of reflection so that participants can make their

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

Northern will commemorate World Aids Day on the morning of Saturday 1st December by running The Awareness Train displaying a specially designed ‘header board’ featuring the Red Ribbon and Northern logo on the 11.23 am Manchester Victoria to Leeds service. The train will receive a grand send off in Manchester and a warm welcome ceremony on its arrival in Leeds.

This is the second year the train operator has commemorated the occasion to raise awareness at all the stations the service passes through. Anyone is welcome to join this train during the journey. Check for news updates at www.northernrail. org/

YOUR PAGES IN YOUR WORDS!

FOCUS ON: MANCHESTER

North West Regional LGB&T Conference 2013 Saturday 2nd March 2013, 10am -5pm at LGF Community Resource Centre, Number 5 Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3HF. The Lesbian & Gay Foundation are hosting the fourth annual regional LGB&T conference for groups and public sector representatives to come together and share news, updates and discuss some of the current and upcoming issues facing our communities. Over 70 delegates attended last year’s event and issues to be covered in 2013 include: Equal Marriage, Gender Identity, Services for lesbian and bisexual women, research about lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans needs and experiences, updates from The Department of Health and a chance for LGB&T groups from around the North West to share their work. This is a free event with lunch and refreshments included.

Contact: andrew.gilliver@lgf.org.uk or call 0845 3 30 30 30 to book a place or for more information.

FOCUS ON: BARROW

Trans First for Barrow?

The Friends & Supporters of the Furness LGBT Community group were recently, successful in getting five pride flags flown in Barrow town centre (4 Trans flags and A Rainbow Pride) to mark Transgender Day of Remembrance which took place on 20th November to remember those who were brutally killed or took their lives due to bullying.

This visible sign of Barrow in Furness’ commitment to raise awareness of the LGBT and Transgender community is thanks to Trans Lakes Nights, Transactive group and support from Facebook supporters.

For further information on the group, write: C/O Furness Multicultural Community Forum, 15-17 The Mall, Duke Street, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria. LA14 2TR or Tel: 07833447604. http://furnesslgbt.wordpress.com/

FOCUS ON: SOCIALISING

LADIES WHO LUNCH Lesbian Diners meet six times a year in Manchester s gay Village and have recently celebrated ten years of meeting and lunching!

They are always looking for new people to join. The group meets in a relaxed atmosphere for Sunday lunch.

To eat good food chill and chat with up to forty other lesbian diners.

Contact Paula for more details on 07813083242. www.lesbiandiners.co.uk/

FOCUS ON: WELLBEING

LADIES WHO WALK Walks for Women is a Cumbrian business specialising in affordable guided walks exclusively for women of all ages and abilities in the English Lake District National Park, the Eden Valley and the North Pennines.

Walks for Women are located in Clifton a small village near Penrith.

More details available from Sal Cawley 01768 891464/Mobile: 07990 910258. www.walksforwomenlakedistrict.co.uk/

TELL US WHAT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY OR GROUP IS UP TO. DROP AN E-MAIL TO: andrew.gilliver@lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 19

HEAD TO HEAD CONTINUING OUR new feature we ask two men, one HIV positive and one HIV negative, to give their thoughts on sexual healtH. THIS TIME...

“If you had to make a New Year’s resolution about your sex life what would it be?”

THE HIV POSITIVE PERSPECTIVE

PATRICK ITALO ETTENES

+

THE HIV NEGATIVE PERSPECTIVE

CHRIS FISHER

-

“My new year’s resolutions used to be about having better sex! But what makes sex better?

“A new year’s resolution can be summed up as finding something you love and then resolving to stop doing it.

I learned a short while ago, that sex for me had to be split into a few categories. It’s filling the void for all of them until the biggest part of my sex life is reached, and that ultimately is sex with one partner. I enjoy sex more with just one guy than with a herd of strangers.

Smoking, drinking and endless meaningless one night stands (if you’re lucky enough). By denying yourself these guilty pleasures, you hope to better yourself. Maybe you resolve to stop drinking to excess and avoid waking up with Quasimodo in the morning. Maybe you’ll take more care of your sexual health by ensuring you always carry a love glove. Realistically, making a resolution for your sex life means there must be something wrong with it. If somebody who is risky with their sex life makes a resolution to be safer, will the promise be thrown out of the window along with their knickers? Most people don’t have the self-restraint to avoid a chocolate biscuit never mind the lust being felt at 3am on a Saturday night. Thinking of a resolution can highlight things you want to change about yourself. Even if you fail to keep the resolution, at least you’ll know that there’s room for self-improvement. I personally think that the only useful resolution is having more safe sex.

Making the promise to yourself might inspire confidence to approach your lucky target. Try resolving to do more rather than denying yourself the things that you enjoy. But why chose an arbitrary date to change yourself? Why wait?”

As I’ve gotten older (29 seeing as you asked), I’ve learned to enjoy the company of one man for a period of time and leave happily contented after a few days. I grew up in London where men went on dates, shags slept over, and great sex meant a full night (and day) of pure ecstasy. I’m going to continue searching for the guys whom enjoy a good session, instead of a conquest or just getting their rocks off. I’m an old predator, if the prey is too easy to catch then I’ll be bored, a kiss isn’t just a kiss, it’s an invitation, but to what?

You never know what the outcome will be, chemical reactions between two bodies are more exciting than a lab experiment can ever conjure up. I want better sex next year with the men that fulfil what I need, do you know the men that can give you what you really need?

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

same day hiv testing In partnership with the Manchester Centre for Sexual Health

free confidential drop-in every thursday *

For more info, call

0845 3 30 30 30

(10am-10pm)

pm 0 .0 6 m p 0 .0 4 er 5, b m u N , F G L e Th Richmond St Manchester 0pm *Last test: 5.3

do you know

your hiv status? www.lgf.org.uk/testing

Reg.Charity Charity No. 1070904 Reg. 1070904

OUTSPOKEN WHO’S JACKIE? Jackie Crozier was the Festival Director of Manchester Pride from 2005-2011. She made the Independent on Sunday’s Pink List 2012 of influential LGBT people, and was nominated for Hero of the Year at the Stonewall Awards 2012 in recognition of her years of charitable work. Jackie is now a freelance event, marketing and project manager.

Which 3 items would you take to a desert island?

My iPad, my RayBans, and my spice rack.

Although above all of those things, I would rather take my beautiful girlfriend and our two dogs Henry and Misty!

What do you do to relax?

I think I tend to ‘unwind’ more than I do ‘relax’, in that what I do to have fun outside of work will rarely be a shy and retiring activity. I like drinks and dancing with friends, dining out and travelling. I love pottering around in my garden and am banned from buying anymore plants. As well as that, though, I like setting myself challenges – climbing Kilamanjaro, for example, or skydiving from ten thousand feet are the kind of things I enjoy preparing for when I ‘relax’.

I’m now training to run the Brighton marathon next year. I hate running by the way.

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

That’s an easy question to answer. My dad who passed away a year and a half ago. I miss him terribly and admire everything he did for my gran who has Alzheimer’s, my mum who has had a lot of health problems and for the support he gave me. He was a very calm, kind and caring man, who is sadly missed.

What do you owe your parents?

Wow, I definitely take after both of them.

They both gave me determination and a sense of independence.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Every individual matters. Every individual

JACKIE CROZIER has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.

What would be your chosen fancy dress costume?

I think I would come as Debbie Harry – not only is she my hero and one of my all-time favourite musicians, but she has fabulous taste and style, and it would not require too much time or thought as we are similar in certain ways!

What would we find in your fridge?

Lots of vegetables, Red Bull and humous.

Healthy living. Possibly some bottles of Corona too.

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

JFK, the stories he could tell. Queen Elizabeth I, and Debbie Harry.

Cat or dog?

Most definitely dogs, in terms of pets at home, I am a complete dog person!

However, if I had to return in a later life as one or the other, I think I would have to be a cat. They are definitely the more in control, independent of the two – which is how I imagine I am in human form!

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

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

I think so often the biggest challenge we face – whether female or otherwise – is our self. Obviously there are glass ceilings and backwards attitudes towards certain individuals or societal groups such as women, but often half of the fight to achieve your own ambitions and goals is overcoming this and convincing yourself that you can do it and you can deserve it. There is nothing more intimidating than self-belief, and if you have that, you can have the entire world.

What’s the best thing about being a woman?

We definitely have far better clothes!

Last book you read?

The Life Of Freddie Mercury Last album you bought or downloaded?

Ladyhawkes new album ‘Anxiety’. Saw her recently at the Rubgy Lounge. Pip is definitely a Lady That Rocks.

What’s your favourite TV show?

Countryfile. I know... I’m a geek.

INTERVIEW

MAGGIE O’CARROLL

CAROLINE WILSON TALKS TO THE CEO OF ‘THE WOMEN’S ORGANISATION’

At first glance, Maggie O’Carroll could be mistaken for any other stylish business woman. We meet in the foyer of the Radisson Edwardian hotel in Manchester, and she looks every inch the part in a smart suit and geek chic glasses.

It is a small pin badge on the lapel of her jacket, enigmatically bearing the letter ‘W’ (and on closer inspection, a tiny letter ‘O’) which offer the only clue that here is a woman who does business differently.

The badge displays the logo of the social enterprise Maggie founded in 1996, which is based in Liverpool and is now called The Women’s Organisation. The organisation’s core purpose is to provide services to meet the needs of female entrepreneurs startingup and growing their own businesses. As Chief Executive, what distinguishes Maggie from your average, stereotypical company head is not just that she is a woman, but that she puts the deliverance of public impact and social benefit first. She explains ‘it is not about personal profit. It is about great terms and conditions and a great place to work for me, my colleagues and my Board members.’

Which does not mean that profit is overlooked – quite the opposite, Maggie also emphasises her commitment to offer value for money to the investors in the organisation’s services.

When I ask if they are funded by grants, I am quickly corrected. She jokes, ‘I would love it if someone gave me a grant. I have always wanted a grant. I have always wanted a grant.’

But no, from day one, they have competitively tendered, like any other entity in the private sector. Maggie firmly believes that ‘if you are in business, and providing business support, you need to lead by example. You really need to behave like an entrepreneur yourself.’

Born and raised on the West Coast of Ireland, in a rural community, Maggie identifies her student years in the United States as the incubation period that gave rise to her ‘cando’ attitude. She reflects, ‘one thing about Americans is that they do have a sense of everything is possible until proven otherwise.’

It is this philosophy that she brought with her to Liverpool in 1991. At this time Liverpool was a depressed place, both physically and economically, which made it a challenging climate in which to secure employment. After a brief spell in publishing, ‘I was sacked within three months for giving a bit of lip to the managing director’, she decided to go it alone and, with a business partner, set up her own enterprise. After the oppressive environment of her first job, this was a welcome return to setting her own agenda. I ask, was it as a gay woman that you found your first job oppressive? ‘No’, reflects Maggie, ‘it was nothing to do with my sexuality per se. It was more to do with being a young woman. I am very aware of the discrimination, challenges, and particular difficulties that lesbians can face, but this has not been my personal experience, at least not in an overt way. So in terms of the politics that drive me, they are gender politics rather than queer politics.’

Several years later, after a successful exit from the first enterprise and six months travelling around South East Asia, Maggie returned to the UK with the aim of setting up a new business. However, as a woman, her attempts to access mainstream business support met with frustration. She entertainingly describes this experience as ‘pale, male, and stale’, explaining, ‘my business advisor was a very nice man, of a particular age and a particular hair colour. In his opinion, entrepreneurship was not a suitable option for a young woman. He thought it would be more appropriate for me to go away and find myself “a little job”. The thought stayed with me for a long time that there must be a better option.’

After a period of developing her own consultancy base, Maggie set up The Women’s Organisation (formerly known as Train 2000), with the aim of offering women this alternative option. Given that female unemployment is currently at the highest it has been for twentyfive years, demand for these services is now greater than ever before. 2012 has been an exciting year so far, with the recent relocation into a new £5.2 million Women’s International Centre for Economic Development (WICED). This is a research centre that links in to a global network of leading scholars and academics in the fields of gender and entrepreneurship, and gender and the labour market. Maggie enthuses about how the building was designed to reflect the core values of the organisation.

‘It screams quality, it screams accessibility, and it screams openness, professionalism and light. Most of all it screams empowerment; empowerment all the way.’

Towards the end of the interview, the conversation turns once more to sexuality. She reiterates that although it is important to her that she advocates on behalf of gay women, homophobia has not been a problem for her or her friends. I question this by asking, what about Joan? Joan Burnett is a mutual friend of ours, a fantastic woman who does a lot for the Liverpool LGBT community. I explain that Joan once told me that, even now, she still experiences some form of homophobic comment, weekly if not daily.

‘Oh’, says Maggie, and there is a pause as she digests this information, ‘now I’m thinking, should I be doing more for gay women?’ I am impressed. Even after all that Maggie has done for women – black and ethnic minority women, disabled women, gay women – she is still continuously striving to do more. She is a credit to the lesbian community. I want to encourage her. So perhaps, as a thank you for the interview, I should send her a small rainbow pin badge to add to her lapel? www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 23

LGB people are up to 8 times more likely to be heavy alcohol users. With Alcohol Awareness Week (19 – 25 November) coming up we take a look at the support out there. Inspire service user Allan, 48, a gay man, shares his story with ONW. ALAN’S STORY

My life as a drunk...

“Not long ago I had well and truly done 10 years on drugs, Heroin, Speed, E’s and acid, I not only had the tee shirt but 10% of the patent. This I gave up easily but not the booze... ‘Booze’, such a gentle word!

I woke up one day to find myself very lonely and a drunkard after living on my own for about 12 months. I was 48 years old and had been drinking some 30 months. The straw that broke the camel’s back was a silly ice breaking exercise during a training course. It asked me to list 3 interesting things that were true about me and 1 lie. I realised that I had to make up all 3 things of interest that were true. (The lie part came easily). I realised that drinking had left me an empty husk with no sense of self left. I have been employed for many years even during my drug and booze years. I was a functioning drunk and more by chance than design, managed not to get sacked. I heard about Inspire from a counselling opportunity I took

up through my employers care package, I went and found I liked the folks there. I am ruthlessly determined to change anything at all to get away from drink. Getting and staying sober will absolutely come first in my life, even before just about anything else in my previously sad existence. I was running on anger and stubbornness at first but now in a more thoughtful way. Inspire introduced me to AA meetings which I find very useful at this time and a SMART course ran at Inspire which I attend.

I’m in the early stages of sobriety, I’m not even bothering to count anymore because who the hell would want to drink again. I feel really great. I learn new things every day and have re discovered the old me I remember from my 30’s and I like that me, he’s fun and alive. My life has already changed fundamentally. I have taken and take great pleasure in revaluing and treasuring the simplest of life’s offerings.”

Alan

ALCOHOL

GET HELP! Inspire Inspire is East Lancashire’s integrated recovery focused substance misuse service, offering rapid and open access (no appointme nt or referral necessary) for people of East Lancashire affected by drug and or alcohol prob lems .For more information visit www.cri.org.u k

Addiction Dependency Solutions ADS provides support for people with drug and alcohol misuse issues and are the largest provider of services in the Nort h West. www.adsolutions.org.uk/

Addaction Free, confidential services across the UK. www.addaction.org.uk/

Manchester Community Alcohol Team

MCAT provides a community care serv ice for individuals, and their carers, expe riencing difficulties as a result of their alcoh ol use. www.manchestercat.org

OPINION BY THE BI PETE DAVIES ON WHY HIV & AIDS DOESN’T DISCRIMINATE BASED ON SEXUALITY.

HIV & AIDS: THE BISEXUAL

VIEW...

“HIV isn’t something just exclusive to homosexual men.”

“HIV/AIDS. If ever there was an acronym that since WW2 carried with it years of apprehension and woe, this would probably be a top contender to date.

30 years on, there is a steady rise in the number of HIV Positive Bisexual men, the emphasis on safe sex doesn’t discriminate between gay, straight or bi and HIV isn’t something just exclusive to Homosexual men.

December the 1st, as I’m sure you may have read in this magazine already is World AIDS Day. A day once a year to remember the risks still out there and the people affected by it.

Aside from LGF offering safer sex packs, something prevalent on the LGBT scene, education in men elsewhere seems to be missing the mark. Back at school, HIV was something that could affect anybody, but with a touch of bias I suspect on the part of the education

authorities, it was something mainly affecting gay men in their numbers, according to the teacher of course.

But what if you’re a man who doesn’t go out on the gay scene? It may or may not come as a surprise to hear that I’ve encountered more men up for no strings sex off of the scene than on it. Although this pays an obvious compliment to many men on the gay scene, it’s a concern for open minded men elsewhere. I can obviously relate to the adrenaline rush of hitting it off with another guy for the first time, but I was fortunate.

Carrying condoms about your person isn’t always practical if you don’t know when and where the next encounter may happen. Away from the scene, the usual safer sex packs emblazoned with advice and information on HIV are pretty much nowhere to be found.

With bisexuality in men having been around since ages gone and showing no signs of going anywhere, it’s

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

educating young men on the real dangers of unprotected sex with other men that is key. Because HIV can not be inhibited with an implant, a coil or a pill taken 3 weeks of the month.

Views on bisexual polygamy, the imagined picture of a bi guy sneaking about behind his current partners back, flame the fires that seems to be that bisexual men are spreading HIV between both genders, although this carefree behaviour is in no way exclusive to bisexual men. Bisexuality in men is more often seen as dishonest by both the homosexual and heterosexual sides of the spectrum, the fact remains that many of these individuals face the same prejudices, concerns and ill health as anybody else.

Bisexual stigma aside, the habit of casual sex is entirely down to the persons individual values. With the inc Bury’lusion of alcohol, perhaps this month it would be wiser to make this this year memorable for all the right reasons.

We’re all aware of the advances in science towards a curative approach to HIV/AIDS and that it’s not considered so much the monster it once was. But in the meantime protecting against all sexually transmitted infections by using a condom is a tried and tested method to avoid a lifetime of regret for all men.”

Don’t forget you can call The LGF Helpline if you need support. Our number is

0845 3 30 30 30

CAMPAIGNS

YOUNG PEOPLE AND TESTING

CAMPAIGN POSTER

1

BURY POG HAVE THEIR SAY!

CAMPAIGN POSTER 2

IF YOUNG LGB PEOPLE HAD FREE REIGN TO DEVELOP AN HIV TESTING CAMPAIGN... WHAT WOULD THEY COME UP WITH? WE ASKED BURY POG TO GET CREATIVE! A quick glance through any issue of outnorthwest, and you’ll quickly get the message that sexually active gay and bisexual men should be tested regularly.

But one of the hardest groups to communicate that message to is young people. outnorthwest visited the youth group Bury POG and asked them to develop two testing campaign posters aimed at young people. We’re proud to reproduce their fantastic posters, and their thinking behind them. Huge

thanks to everyone at Bury POG for their hard work! POG (Proud of Gayness) is a youth group for young people aged 13-19 who live or study in the borough of Bury and who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or who are questioning their sexuality. The group offers a safe space for young people to engage in positive activities, meet new people, develop new skills and have fun. For more information email youthservice@bury.gov.uk

GAY MEN’S HEALTH

“I’M NOT AN ELEPHANT WITH ONE TUSK!” Life carries on after a positive diagnosis from HIV but how you adapt to living with the virus and how it affects you is different for everyone. We can all learn from hearing the stories of those people who are living with HIV and that’s why outnorthwest is sharing personal experiences of living with the virus.

Tony is 55, he was born in Liverpool and lives in Manchester. Tony was diagnosed HIV positive in 1999. Here he shares his own story of the last thirteen years of living with HIV… and counting.

“I used to teach safer sex” says Tony on the irony of how he became HIV positive. “I did have a long term partner but there was one time when I got into a situation with a guy who forced himself on me and I just couldn’t talk about it for about 6 months.”

It was in the summer of 1999 that Tony and his then partner Karl were heading to Manchester for a night out with friends

One man’s story of living with HIV and how we can all learn from it when Tony suddenly felt ‘weak’. Some days later he got sick and felt unwell; he was sweating a lot and called the Doctor. Because Tony had always played safe he didn’t think anything about HIV, in fact he had had a HIV test just that week. However the doctor said Tony was suffering from pneumonia and put him on antibiotics which caused Tony to have some really unpleasant side-effects.

After a couple of weeks on treatment Tony began to feel better and thought he should go for another HIV test as at 43 years old he thought it was strange to be affected by pneumonia. Tony’s test came back positive for HIV. Tony remembers: “It was a beautiful day and I wanted Karl to come with me to the appointment, he was incredibly supportive.

I also wanted to tell my friends, to let

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

them know and also because I thought they would make a fuss of me and buy me drinks but sadly that didn’t happen, miserable shower of b****rds!”

In the space of a couple of days since his diagnosis everyone Tony knew had heard the news about his status-apart from his family, who he didn’t want to tell.

Within a month Tony’s viral load (the term used to describe the amount of HIV in your blood) became a cause for concern and he began treatment in November 1999. The initial treatment worked but over the years he has had to endure three changes of medication because of various side effects, which included constant vomiting, not being able to eat, severe fatigue, problems with glands in the groin and under the arm which still affect Tony today and means that the process of treating the HIV in a

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

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation provides support and counselling to anyone affected by HIV.

Call The LGF Helpline on 0845 3 30 30 30, or visit: www.lgf.org.uk

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

Scan here for more info on LGF’s testing services direct to your smart phone (including dates and times), or visit www.lgf.org.uk/ testing

SCA FOR M

Left: Tony’s diary detailing his CD4 count and viral load.

INFORM

way that his body can cope with has been far from easy.

Today Tony takes the drug Atripla combined with vitamin supplements, blood pressure tablets, sleeping tablets, medication for cholestoral, stomach disorders and depression.

However despite all these trials and tribulations Tony doesn’t want to be seen as an HIV survivor; “because it makes me feel like an elephant with one tusk!” Soon after Tony’s diagnosis (but not because of it) his relationship with his partner ended but it wasn’t long before he met his current partner who he has now been with for 12 years.

“When we first met I told him about my HIV status and he cupped my face and said to me ‘We’ll deal with it’. At 55 I still

have a strong sex drive but Richard’s sex drive isn’t a strong as mine. Although I have a great sex life and I always use condoms.We have a found a great balance that works for us and things are better now than ever. I have had to adhere to my drug regime to make sure that my HIV is undectable, but I still suffer sideeffects from the treatment. I regularly have waking/lucid dreams and sometimes I suffer from night time paralyses. I have to take sleeping tablets to regulate my sleep patterns because of the effects of my HIV meds.”

“It really is so unnecessary to become affected with HIV, knowing what we have to do to prevent it. I do think men and women sometimes need to be shocked into taking care of themselves. Whatever your age whether your 16 or 60 think about this: Do you want to have to

SCA TO DIA

remember to take your medication every single day for the rest of your life to avoid you getting sick? Do you want to wake up every day with a pain in your chest or your groin or some other side effects form other medications? Do you want to be out of work because your poor health means you can’t hold down a job?”

NUMBE

Tony continues: “We all have to discuss HIV in our relationships. It’s hard sometimes because you don’t know how the other person is going to react, but if you don’t know the history of your sexual partner you’re playing bingo with a card for 8 people. HIV affects people in different ways and you don’t know how it’s going to affect you - so why risk it? And if you think anyone is going to buy you a drink-forget it!”

SCA

TO WAT

VIDEO

We’d like to offer our sincere thanks to Tony for sharing his story with us.

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 29

WELLBEING

h t u yo

!

Y T H G I M L A Text: Darren Batey

The Youth Almighty project is a fun engaging and interactive programme for all young people aged 14- 18 in Manchester City centre. The life skills sessions are built to develop young LGBT people life skills which hopefully will develop them for their future!

The next session is based on Interview Skills, and will be held on the 26th January 2013, from 1-3pm.

Often young LGBT people can find it difficult to accept or understand what they are going through and often loose there self confidence and belief. There are very few mechanisms in place in schools to support young people, who experience homophobic bullying, Low self-esteem amongst LGBT people can lead to many different situations including becoming distant from society and their surroundings.

Supporting a child who is LGBT is becoming a more mainstream topic on Television and in the media, programmes constantly highlight the parents/guardians distress by the thought that their child is LGBT but not always show the opposite aspect from the young person this is caused by the fact that being gay is still seen to be negative in the

society in which we live. Most resources for young people who think they might be LGBT reiterate the thinking that being gay is usually a phase that will pass or might pass. For some young gay people, such reassurance can prove more confusing than the initial feelings.

confidence can be developed but also how you can take confidence and development from your surroundings, this really is one not to miss and is my personal favourite!

It is so important we support our young people in overcoming these anxieties and our Youth Almighty Project aims to do this. Tackling young people issues and offering life skills sessions that aim to develop and offer a fresh approach to their individual development needs.

Although the youth almighty project is new in Manchester they are proving to be a hit with young people; one quoting ‘a fun session that doesn’t make us feel stupid and more importantly I never felt bored’ … so if you know any young people who would be interested in taking part and benefit from these sessions then please drop me an email and if you can help promote the project in anyway that would also be amazing!

This session looks at confidence building through drama, looking at how your

Call The LGF Helpline on 0845 3 30 30 30 for more information.

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

SEXUAL ASSAULT

NATIONAL UGLY

MUGS The Lesbian & Gay Foundation recently became members of the UK Network of Sex Work Projects (UKNSWP), in a bid to support more LGB people who are involved in sex work. Lucy Rolfe, Wellbeing Manager at the LGF spoke to Alex Bryce (right), the Co-ordinator of their new ‘Ugly Mugs’ scheme.

You’re the Co-ordinator of the new National Ugly Mugs (NUM) Scheme which in run by the UKNSWP and funded by the Home Office. Who is the scheme for and how can people benefit from it?

Sex workers are targeted by offenders and, for a number of reasons, they often don’t report very serious incidents to the police.

Therefore, there is a huge gap in intelligence and these dangerous offenders are on the loose.

bisexual or lesbian but the vast majority of the punters are male so it’s difficult to tell how many lesbian or bisexual women we have signed up as individuals.

One example of how the Scheme can help LGB sex workers came recently when I worked closely with a male escort (who initially didn’t want police involvement) acting as a mediator and building his confidence to report. As a result, a dangerous repeat offender, who has targeted male escorts for years, is back in prison.

NUM is a third-party reporting system for sex workers to report crimes. It’s free to join and individual sex workers, organisations working with sex workers, escort sites or establishments are eligible.

For each incident, we distribute a warning – with enough information to alert but not to identify the offender –to all members of the scheme by e-mail, SMS and post them on the members’ section of the website. With consent, we also feed information to police intelligence systems throughout the UK and national crime analysts removing any details which could identify the victim.

Do you think they face the same issues as other people involved in sex work or are there some differences?

The relationship between the LGB community and the police has long been a fractured one. So, in terms of reporting violence, I have no doubt that many LGB sex workers may be even less likely to report incidents to the police. Additionally, there is a huge stigma around male rape so in cases where a male sex worker is raped there is a double stigma which can lead to an even smaller likelihood that the survivor feels comfortable in reporting to the police and accessing support.

Do you find that you come into contact with many LGB people involved in sex work?

As members, we have several LGB organisations, male escort sites and, although we don’t ask people to tell us their sexuality, we have over 80 male and about 10 trans escorts. I do know of female sex workers who identify themselves as

If there’s someone reading this article who is involved in sex work who needs support, what advice would you give?

Well, firstly I would say join NUM – it’s free easy and could save your life. I would also urge them to visit their local support project - in Manchester, The Men’s Room for men and Manchester Action on Street Health for women.

HELP The Lesbian & Gay Foundation Helpline:

0845 3 30 30 30

Pop-In Service: 10am – 8pm Monday - Friday (no appointment needed) Face-to-Face Counselling: For more information and to request an application form, email counselling@lgf.org.uk, call us on 0845 3 30 30 30 or visit www.lgf.org.uk/counselling (sessions are free for those affected by sexual abuse or sexual violence)

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 31

GAY MEN’S HEALTH

SEX TIPS FOR MEN A BRAND NEW GAY SEX GUIDE FOR MEN HAS JUST BEEN LAUNCHED

BY THE LGF. AND IT’S BEEN WRITTEN

BY GUYS LIKE YOU!

Photo: Ian Wallis (www.ianwallisphotography.co.uk)

Following on from the tremendous success of the first edition, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation is launching a brand new, fully-updated version of its ‘Sex Tips For Men’ guide at the end of November.

Sex Tips, which has been written (and modelled!) by local gay and bisexual men, aims to help guys gain confidence and be more comfortable about exploring their own sexuality - and their sexual partners. Not everybody is going to like the same thing, but whether you’ve just come out or you’ve been around the block a few times there will be something here that you can use. Sometimes we just aren’t very good at talking about the kind of sex we want. Simple conversations around what you do or don’t enjoy will often lead to a more satisfying experience. After all if we don’t tell our men what we want from them, how can we expect them to know what we like?

Sex Tips for Men is the simple answer to some of the most frequently asked questions around sex and covers (almost) everything that two or more men can do together, and even what you can do alone! If there is anything not featured in this guide that you would like answered why not get in touch we’d love to hear from you.

You can pick up your guide now, or call us on 0845 3 30 30 30 for more info.

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

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

LAUNCH EVENT THE EAGLE MANCHES TER 29th NOVEMBER To celebrate the laun ch of ‘Sex Tips For Men’ gu ide, the gorgeous guys at Eagle Bar Manchester are hosting a fundraising event on Thursday 29th Nove mber.

Starring the fabulous Angie Brown, this is going to be a night to remembe r, so clear your diar y and we’ll see you there!

JAKE ARTURIO BRADEN

GOODWILL AND GRATITUDE Well it’s that time of year again, Christmas, Yuletide, winter holidays or whatever you chose to call it. It can be a stressful time for many with family commitments and the urge to spend more money than be sensible, plus all the celebrations, extra eating and extra partying that takes place.

Ironically, it can be a challenge to find time this season to show goodwill to ourselves or to towards others. How many of the gifts you buy do you really need to buy? Or do you need to spend that much money? One year I didn’t buy any presents and instead painted small canvasses for people instead, sharing some of my creativeness and time. It’s all well and good to be generous and buy gifts for people however sometimes the greatest gift you give yourself and other is your time, care and attention.

So what can you do? Well you could volunteer your time at a charity, LGF, Albert Kennedy Trust, GHT, Shelter or where ever your feelings lead you to. You could spend more time with people, properly listening to them finding out more about them. You could spend more time to listening to yourself and spending quality time with yourself, finding out what you want out of life and maybe start thinking about the year ahead and what changes you may want to make!

Also showing goodwill and gratitude towards yourself and others really can make a difference to your life as goodwill and gratitude are contagious! So this can be just complimenting someone with no ulterior motive. Just doing something nice for stranger (have you seen the film ‘Pay It Forward’?)

The basic premise of this time of year is goodwill and gratitude, so pay it forward, as this is one thing that really creates a genuine alcohol/drug free feel-good feeling!

Jakeb www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 33

LGF SERVICES , Ending Homophobia ple

Empowering Peo

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE

www.lgf.org.uk Registered Charity

No.1070904

GAY MARRIED MEN’S GROUP A GROUP FOR YOU?

Does this sound like a group you’d be interested in being a part of? Email groups@ lgf.org.uk for more information!

The group exists for all men who are, or have been, in a significant relationship with a woman and experience attraction to other men.

We don’t offer solutions, nor do we offer specific advice: we are a talking group, providing support to all members in a confidential and non-judgemental way. The greatest asset of the group is the membership diversity; everyone is at different stages in their own pathway, meaning someone has been through what you’re going through and understands.

A wide range of men have benefitted from attending the group, and continue to do so.

Some who attend are married and have no desire to leave the relationship, others feel in turmoil and unsure of what they wish. Still others have left their marriage and finding their way. Some feel exposed and vulnerable because of their situation. There are frequently strong associations with self-hatred and internalised homophobia. A common thread within the attendees is that of relationship trauma, which given the circumstances we find ourselves in, is unsurprising. All who come

ERIK ANDRESEN ON THE LGF’S GROUP FOR GAY MARRIED MEN are made welcome and we have no contract to attend-the number of times an individual needs to come is personal to them, as is the frequency.

There is absolutely no pressure from the group to follow a particular path, nor to be a certain person. Each finds his own way, with support from the others. Although a well-worn phrase, we like to remind everyone that there really is a light at the end of the tunnel, we just cannot predict how long the tunnel is, and we all walk down it together. Shared experiences allow members to be open and frank in a way they cannot easily achieve outside the group.

The importance of the safe environment of the group is difficult to understate: time and again members tell of the relief of being able to be relaxed about who they are and accepted for that, regardless of internalised or external pressures to conform. We do not ascribe labels, nor do we ask whether you are gay, bi or questioning. It is enough that you come,

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

and we respect all who have the courage to do so. Coming for the first time is often the greatest challenge. We encourage those who wish to come to call the LGF helpline for advice first.

Perhaps the best illustration of the group’s worth is a real member’s story: “I was at my lowest ebb when I first turned up at the LGF. The first meeting I went to allowed me to see I wasn’t alone and wasn’t the only person living a life that wasn’t me. Talking to others in the same situation gave me strength I’d never had before and allowed me to face my problems head on. I’m so glad I found the courage to walk through the doors at the group.”

For more information about the group or any access requirements, phone 0845 3 30 30 30 or email groups@lgf.org.uk

FIND OUT MORE BY VISITING www.lgf.org.uk

MAKING

FRIENDS Feeling Isolated? Need one to one support?

The LGF’s Befriending programme offers up to 10 sessions with a volunteer Befriender, and can help people with a wide variety of issues such as low confidence, lack of motivation and feeling lonely and isolated. Sessions in the past have included activities such as; going for coffee and a chat, going to see a play, visiting art galleries, and even rock climbing!

The sessions are a good opportunity to gain support in a social setting, which can

lead to increased confidence, meeting new people and even taking up a new hobby. Our volunteers are fully trained, and we will do our best to match you with the right person who can support you. We are even able to travel to your home town to offer support there.

The service is open to anyone over the age of 25 in the Greater Manchester area, travel expenses will be covered and we’ll also provide you with money for activities!

For an application form, or if you have any questions, please contact kate.hardy@lgf.org.uk or phone 0845 3 30 30 30. Alternatively, just drop into our office!

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk Registered Charity No.1070904

DON’T FORGET

BEFRIENDING

If you feel isolated and lonely this season, why not check out our Befrienders Programme? We match you up with a volunteer befriender and offer up to 10 sessions. Just chatting to someone on a regular basis can help, and they can support you with accessing groups and taking up new hobbies.

For information and an application form, please email kate.hardy@lgf.org.uk or phone 0845 3 30 30 30. www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 35

GIVING SOMETHING BACK

!

ED V L O V N GET I Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk Registered Charity No.1070904

It is impossible to continue ending homophobia and empowering people without

financial help. Budget cuts are hitting us hard, and the next two years will be the toughest we have faced as a charity. Your suppor t is needed now more than ever to make sure that we can continue to suppor t lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

We have heard so many ple inspirational stories about peo who have run marathons, climbed mountains and even completed a zip slide over the Manchester Ship Canal – all in suppor t of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation.

Whether you raise £50 or £500, every penny counts. So please, if you can, take on a challenge and ask your friends, family and colleagues to donate money to The LGF. ; Visit www.lgf.org.uk/getinvolved call us on 0845 3 30 30 30 or email claire.baldwin@lgf.org. uk to see how you can get y involved. Maybe it’ll be your stor we feature in the next edition ofoutnorthwest!

JULIET’S RUN LS US WHY SHE’S RUNNING THE ACTRESS JULIET OLDFIELD TEL LESBIAN & GAY FOUNDATION LONDON MARATHON FOR THE

“I find it impossible to believe in this day and age so many people are homophobic. I hope that we can make a difference in opening people minds and hearts” be Juliet Oldfield is an actress and will in April us for n atho Mar on Lond running the ing 2013. She is best known for her lead red role in ‘Bronson’, in which she star can be opposite Tom Hardy. Currently she ke’s Clar l Noe in seen in a supporting role run to ted wan ys ‘The Knot’. “I have alwa n whe it ran er fath my the marathon as n an he was my age and its always bee ing runn be to ted exci very I’m n. inspiratio my to e clos very is e caus the as for LGF

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

gay heart. Both my brother and sister are ld. wor the for and I wouldn’t change them e! leng chal the I’m loving the training and selfYou have to have a huge amount of y bod my feel dy alrea motivation. I can is ion sess ing train each changing and getting a little easier.” rs “I’ve arranged a number of fundraise ey mon raise which not only is going to too. for The LGF but hopefully awareness 9th on Fair s tma Chris So far we have a y December and a private jewellery part and e onlin r orde also can ple where peo towards 10% of the purchase will be going our fundraising.” t visit If you would like to sponsor Julie ving. stgi w.ju ww her JustgGiving page rs iste com/The-Oldfield-S

GET INVOLVED!

! ! !

EE EEE WH LGF STAFFERS TACKLE AN AERIAL ASSAULT COURSE! Four LGF staff members, Sian, Shaun, Martin and Sarah took on a tough physical assault course challenge – including an aerial course suspended 35 feet up in the air!

Sarah, Press & Social Media Officer, commented “ I didn’t quite realise how hard it would be, and envisioned sailing gracefully from platform to platform 35 feet up the air,

instead we were crawling under ropes on the floor, climbing and running across tyres in a very fetching harness!”

The three hour challenge took place in Trafford’s Challenge 4 Change arena and was filmed by BellyFlop TV. You can watch the video on our YouTube channel.

If you would like to sponsor the team, you can at www.justgiving.com/ teamlgfoundation

SCAN

FOR MORE

INFORMATION

Scan here to watch a video of Sian, Shaun, Martin and Sarah take the challenge!

in October LGF supporters Precinct and Chris took part in A zip slide from The Lowry. Here Chris re-lives the adventure; “At the beginning of the year I created my own bucket list. My friend Precinct wanted to do similar things so we had an action plan meeting (in the pub!!) and drew up a list of activities we could do. After some research found out about the zip wire challenge in Manchester, where people hurl themselves 30 metres up off the Imperial War Museum in Salford Quays on a 250 metre long zipwire.”

A SLIDING SUCCESS!

“Once our places were booked the task of raising money started. Family, friends and sometimes complete strangers were asked on a regular basis for sponsorship. My employer also has something set up called a “Booster Fund” for sponsored events. This

meant that if I raised £100 or more they would donate £100 to my chosen charity. I now had a target to reach!”

“Precinct went first so if he survived then I knew it was ok! Then it was my turn. The worst bit is stepping off the ledge, but once that was over that the adrenaline kicked in.

You actually start off fairly slow but soon pick up speed and the whole ride is over before you know it! The feeling sliding over the Manchester Ship Canal is amazing and possibly the closest I’ve come to flying without being in a plane. I recommend doing a challenge like this to everyone, and if you raise money for charity then even better.

What next? Parachute jump anyone?!” www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 37

S F

I

S T

N

Listings LGB&T North West Listings Including:

Venues, Clinics, Charities & Community Groups

Manchester 88 Listing Indicator

£ Portland Street

Major Street

Hart Street

21

19

£

Free Safer Sex Packs available at most venues

36

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

ck

Ba

et

26

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La

25 34 28

Whitworth Street

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

49 22 16

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La

C

Piccadilly Train Station

£

5 All information provided by venues.

Please check before arrival 16 Monroes 38 London Rd, 0161 236 1788

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

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

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

45

Foo Foos 53 Bloom Street, 0161425 6408

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

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

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.

5

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

ina

Ch

Canal Street

to Ay

Venues Key Dance Floor

PUBS, CLUBS & Bars

6

e Str un

31 46

et

Whitworth Street

37

9

e Str

41

Richmond Street

Sackville Gardens

52

48

London Road

Brazil Street

35

5

et

11

4

38

44

tre nS

30

ff

ri Ta

51

lto

Canal Street

39

27

Chorlton Street

17

8

15

32 Sackville Street

Princess Street

14

Bloom Street

13

7 18

40 t ee Str

Hi

38

23

24

50 Richmond Street

20

3

42

Northern Quarter Hart Street

r we

45 47 43

Parking Cash Machine

Bre

Bloom Street

£

Major Street

Minshull Street

2

(Free City Centre Bus)

Chorlton Street Bus/Coach Station

29 Abingdon Street

1

Chorlton Street

Sackville Street

Princess Street

10

Train Station Metrolink Stop Metroshuttle Stop

Portland Street

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

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

30 OSCARS 34 Canal Street, 0161 237 9201 oscarsbarmanchester.co.uk 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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community & Health

Albert Kennedy Trust 5 Oak Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, 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.

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

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

Eateries

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

BRASSERIE Gay Friendly Albert Square, 0161 834 7633

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eighth Day Vegan 111 Oxford Road, 0161 273 1850

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

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

Disco Damaged Pop at Legends, 4th Sat of the month, clubdiscodamaged.com

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

Eager Beaver Friday at Manto Bar Lounge 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

Lava Café Bar Castle Quay, 0161 833 2444, lavacafebar.co.uk LIVEBAIT Gay Friendly 22 Lloyd Street, 0161 817 4110, santeonline.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

47

BARNArDOS MANCHESTER LEAVING CARE SERVICES 36 Monton Street, 0161 226 6722, barnardos.org.uk

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

The BHA Stretford Rd,0845 450 4247, health, social care & advocay services for BME & other marginalised communities thebha.org.uk

Pure Tanning 37-39 Bloom St, 0161 236 1788

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

52 Sanctuary 46 Sackville Street, 0161

Morning Glory at Queer, after hours every Saturday

237 5551, sanctuarymanchester.co.uk

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

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

SAPPORO Teppanyaki 91-93 Liverpool Road, 0161 831 9888

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

Sparkles Cafe Gay Friendly 66 Tib Street

Therapy In Manchester 07592340211, Professional psychotherapy and counselling in south Manchester, therapyinmanchester.co.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 George House Trust 77 Ardwick Green North, 0161 274 4499, ght.org.uk

UPPERCUTS BARBERS The Arndale Market, 07784 156 693

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

Hotels & B&B’s

Lifeline 101-103 Oldham St, 0161 839 2054, lifeline.org.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Organic at Spirit, after hours every Sat.

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

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

Villagio Canal St, 0161 344 5222, villaggiomanchester.co.uk

RECREATION clubrecreation.co.uk

Shops & Services

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

supported by:

Hilton Street, 0161 236 1128, hair salon, gayterhairdressing.com

27

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

Let's Do Lunch

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

Greater Manchester Agencies Continued Manchester Rainbow support & Homecare 0161 720 6369, providing care and support to adults in their own homes and communities, m-r-s-h.co.uk Manchester Smoking Cessation 0161 205 5998 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

House of Rainbow 07751 693708, meets at the LGF, LGBTI friendly Christian fellowship - People who may have come to the UK are especially welcome. 2nd Tuesday of the month.

Icebreakers gay & bi men's support group meets 8pm every Wednesday at the LGF, 0845 3 30 30 30, icebreakersmanchester.org.uk Imaan @ The LGF, 0845 3 30 30 30, For LGBT Muslim’s 1st Friday/mnth 7.309.30pm, imaan.org.uk Inner Enigma 0845 838 1264, trans and intersex support and advice, info@innerenigma.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Groups THE ART CLASS a mixed group for LGB and T people of all abilities. Equipment provided. Meets 2nd and 4th Monday of the month 7pm-9pm at the LGF BiPhoria 07941 811124, bisexual support 18+, biphoria.org.uk 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 CAROUSEL 0845 3 30 30 30, social support group for lesbian/bisexual women meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month 7.30-9pm at the LGF Edward carpenter community Heart Circles 1st Sunday of the month, 3pm 49-51 Sidney Street, edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk/ local-groups 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 gay MARRIED MENS GROUP support group for gay/bi men in, or just out of, a heterosexual relationship. Meets 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month 7.30-9pm at the LGF, 0845 3 30 30 30 Gay Naturist SWIM all ages, nude_n_manchester@yahoo.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 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 Let’s Do Lunch 07813 083242, lesbian diners every other month, paulad650@aol.com lesbiandiners.co.uk LGBT Meetup Group lgbt.socialnw@gmail.com LIK:T 07813 981 338, 49-51 Sydney St, run by and for young lesbian & bisexual women, 1st Monday of the month, likt_info@yahoo.co.uk 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 Manchester Christian Group 07743 476191 Manchester Concord transgender Social group every Wed 7pm upstairs bar, New York New York, Bloom St (changing room 5-11pm). mary@manchesterconcord.org.uk The Manchester counsellors & Psychotheripists Reading Group 07592 340 211, Meets regularly on Fridays (limited spaces) from 6:30-8:30pm for more information and dates please contact paul.melia@therapyinmanchester.co.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 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 Manchester Parents Group 01565 733891, meets at the LGF, support for parents of LGB children, manpg.co.uk Manchester Rubbermen social group for gay men into rubber/latex fetish, manchesterrubber.co.uk Mango Men’s dining club 07866 909677, 1st Thursday of the month, mango.news@btopenworld.com

trans lesbian group 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, social and support for LB transwomen. enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk VADA LGBT community theatre group drama workshops & performances, all welcome, vada.theatre@gmail.com women’s domestic violence Refuge: 0161 861 8428, Helpline: 0161 636 7525, support and advice to women and children experiencing domestic violence. wvdh.info@virgin.net UMSU LGBT Society student group, for social events, campagins, drop-ins and support enquiries@lgbt.manchester.ac.uk

Sports Groups

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

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 Social group for over 50’s LGBT. Drop in Weds at Mount St, activities every Thurs. outinthecity05.webs.com out to the theatre 01457 877 161, gay men’s social group, joncassun@yahoo.co.uk OLDER & BOLDER A social and support group for gay/bi men over 40. Meets 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month 7:30pm9pm at the LGF Proud 2 b Parents 0161 226 0162 or 07506 515932, 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 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 SM Dykes 49-51 Sidney Street, 07952 237 526, smdykes@smdykes.org.uk smdykes.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 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

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 Marlin Levenshulme Swimming Pool, Barlow Rd, trans swimming group, swim@marlin.org.uk NETBALL 07939 477 026, women only group with weekly coaching, training every Monday, 8-10pm.

NORTHERN ACES TENNIS GROUP Social tennis club for all abilities, including beginners hour and women’s hour taster sessions northernacestennis.com NORTHERN FLIGHT BADMINTON CLUB For experienced players, northernflight.org.uk northern jump 07783 297965, volleyball group, northernjump.org

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

NORTHERN Rebound LGBT squash club for all abilities. At the National Squash centre Wed & Fri & hold regular tournaments. northern_rebound@hotmail.com

LGB&T police liaison officers North Bury - kevin.day@gmp.police.uk South Bury - andrew.hall@gmp.police.uk Bury GUM Services Townside Primary Care Centre, 0161 762 1588

north Manchester LGBT Corner Safe new social web space for people of diverse sexualities, identities & lifestyles to come together, share thoughts & make new friends nmlgbtcorner@hotmail.co.uk

groups

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

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

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

Bury Anti-homophobic bullying group 0161 253 5884

bury Council lgbt employee group 0161 253 6625, lgbt@bury.gov.uk POG (Proud of Gayness) 0161 253 7733, Connexions, 13-15 Broad St, Bury, safe enviroment for young LGBTQ people to meet alt Mondays, connexions-bury.org.uk

SErvicEs

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

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

ChOrlTon

Slam Dunkin’ Divas 07769691360, basketball group for lesbian/ bi/trans women, tue eve, slamdunkindivas@googlemail.com

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

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

BoLtOn pubs, clubs & bars

Carbon Bar Gay friendly, 01204 776325 The Cotton Tree Prince St, 07861896500

The Star 11 Bow St, 01204 361113

pubs, clubs & bars

Rapture Club Nights The Chorlton Irish Club, 17 High Lane. Women centred but all invited - 7.15 until LATE, search facebook

EaTERIES

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

shops

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

CLINICs

HIV worker Emma Massey 01204 390772

GROUPS

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

ROcHdAlE pubs, clubs & bars

Britannia Inn 01706 670411, 4 Lomax St

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

CLINICS

shops

Sexual Health PROMOTION UNIT 01706 517 613

Manchester Rainbow support & Homecare 0161 720 6369, providing care and support to adults in their own homes and communities, m-r-s-h.co.uk

Manchester Rainbow support & Homecare 0161 720 6369, providing care and support to adults in their own homes and communities, m-r-s-h.co.uk

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

trAfFoRd CLINICs

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

aGENCIES & Services

Relate 346 Chester Road, 0161 872 0303

CITIZENS ADVICE, 0844 644019

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

Jamie Burnie Counselling/ Psychotherapy 07590926009, Accredited therapist

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

No Attitude 0161 912 2453, LGB youth group.

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

GROUPS

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Pennine Sauna 96 Rochdale Rd, Shaw, 01706 842 000

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

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.

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

THE ABBEY INN Mixed 77 West Street.

SaUNaS

aGENCIES & CLINICs

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

CLINICs

GROUPS

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

bUrY

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

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

sTOcKpOrT

aGENCIES & CLINICs

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

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

The feathers Show Bar 138 Stamford St Central, Ashton-under-Lyne, 0161 308 3586.

The Brewery Tavern 42 George Street,

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Twisty tuesdays J2 & The Attic Square

groups

pubs, clubs & bars

Brook Advisory 3 Derby Road, Weaste, 0161 622 9848

Age UK 68 Market St, 01942 241972, help, advice & support for over 50’s ageuk.org.uk/wiganborough/Our-services

OlDhAm

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

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

TamEsIde

aGENCIES & CLINICs

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

club NightS

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

SaLfOrD

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

THE BRIDGE SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Baillie Street, 0161 627 8753

GROUPS

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

ARDEN ARMS 23 Millgate, 0161 480 2185

aGENCIES

B.you project 01942 203 363, for LGBTQ young people (11-25), b.youproject@wigan. gov.uk

CLINICs

GUM DEPARTMENT Stepping Hill Hospital, 0161 419 5370

Open Minds Group 07759 352 974, group for 18-25yr old LGBTQ, openmindslgbt@gmail. com

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

Younger People’s LGBQ Group 01942 483180, 8 Ashton Gallery, for under 19’s, Tues 6-8pm louise@brookwiganandleigh.org.uk

aGENCIES

Age Concern 56 Wellington St, 0161 4801211

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

SOLICITORS

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

GROUPS

Out in stockport Stepping Hill, 0161 483 4784 outinstockport.wordpress.com People Like Us (PLUS) LGBT Social support group, 2nd Wed of the month at The Arden Arms, 7.30pm, stockportplus.org PLUS Exercise Group (PEG) 07880 746 079, arranges monthly walks in the Stockport area PLUS Reading Group 07880 746079

Wigan LGB Social Group Gay and Bi-sexual Men and Womens social group wchristopherdavid@rocketmail.com

wYtHenShAwE aGENCIES

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

WE’RE HERE IF YOU NEED US 08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk

Blackpool & Cumbria

17 58

10 25 9

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Dickson Raod 45 39 40 61

15

11 10 2 1

15 14 12 36 33 54 31 General Street

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General Stree

22 13 21 27 63

Promemade

Promemade

30 11

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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

19

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

£

Cash Machine Blackpool Tower

PHOENIX 12 Cocker Street, 01253 299130, phoenixblackpool.com

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

40

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

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

Brooklyn 7 Wilton Parade, 01253 627003 8

61 Brownes hotel 15 Vance Rd, 01253 753089 browneshotel.co.uk 9

Camelot 80 Hornby Rd, 01253 620518

10

CHaps 9 Cocker St, 01253 620541

11 Christine’s 1 Lord Street, 01235 312260, christineshotel@fsmail.net 12 Cumforth Hotel 24 Springfield Rd, 01253 626133, cumforth-hotel-blackpool.co.uk 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

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

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

Park House 81 Lord St, 01253 314571

Heatherdale Lodge 2 Pleasant Street, 1253 626268

Astor Hotel 83-85 Lord Street, 01253 290669 4

38

20

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

3

Parking Pedestrianised

Guyz 16 Lord Street, 01253 622488

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

1

22

39

Pier View 16 Banks St, 01253 624555

PRIDE LODGE 12 High Street, 01253 314752, pridelodge.com 41

42 Rubens Hotel 39 Lord Street, 01253 622920

59

Woodleigh 11 Yates St, 01253 624997

Worcester House 22 Cocker Street, 01253 620007 60

WESTBOURNE HOUSE HOTEL 21 Vance Road, 01253 624734, westbournehotel@ live.co.uk

Pubs, Bars & Clubs 1

Buzz 5 Dickson Road, 01253 649153,

43

Sandylands 47 Banks St, 01253 294670

Queen Vic’s Bar 23 Dickson Rd, 07946 528153

44 THE Seacroft 27 Lord Street, 01253 628304

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

46 Sunnyside 16 Charles Street, 01253 622983

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

47 SUSSEX HOTEL 14-16 Pleasant Street, 01253 627824

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

THE Berkeley 6 Queens Promenade, 01253 351244 selfcatering.tv

5 Mardi Gras Mixed 114 Talbot Road, 01253 296262

48 THE GYNWAY HOTEL 205 Dickson Rd, 01253 314747, gynwayblackpool.com

New Road Inn Gay Friendly 244 Talbot Road, 01253 422691

49 The Wilcot Hotel 80 Lord Street, 01253 621101

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

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

50 Thorncliffe 63 Dickson Road, 01253 622508

9 The Alabama Showboat Mixed 1 Cocker Sq, 01253 291155, thealabama.co.uk

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

51 Trades Men Only 51 Lord Street, 01253 626401

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

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

THE DUKE OF YORK Dickson Road, 01253 625218, traditional pub and live entertainment.

31

Merecliff Hotel 24 Holmfield Road, 01253 356858

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

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

Village Hotel 14 Springfield Road, 01253 290840

23 Legends Hotel 45 Lord Street, 01253 620300 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

27 Lyndale Court Hotel 01253 354033 28

Lynmar 74 High St, 01253 290046

29

Mardi Gras 41 Lord St, 01253 751087

32

33

New Bond 72 Lord St, 01253 628123

New Hertford 18 Lord Street, 01253 621831 34

35 North Central Hoilday Flats 29 Lord Street, 01253 621831

NORTHERN LIGHTS HOTEL 26 Springfield Road, 01253 317016 36

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

53

54

55 warwick Holiday flats 39 Bank Street, 01253 623787

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

57 WILLOWFIELD GUESTHOUSE 51 Banks Street, 01253 623406, willowfield-guesthouse.co.uk 58 Windsor House 47-49 Dickson Road, 01253 206 206, windsorhouse.info

10 The Flamingo NIGHTCLUB Mixed 44 Queen St, 01253 649151, flamingoonline.co.uk 11 The Flying Handbag Mixed 44 Queen Street, 01253 649155, flyinghandbagonline.co.uk

Eateries 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

15 Café Latté 30-32 Dickson St, 01253 752077

Don Antonio 91 Redbank Rd, 01253 352440

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

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

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

The Buttery 1 Cheapside, 01253 296667 19

20 Truffles Steak House Gay Friendly 51-53 Topping Street, 01253 294804 21 West Coast Rock Cafe Gay Friendly 5-7 Abingdon Street, 01253 751283

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

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

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

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

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

Blackpool Freinds of Dorothy 07985606802, LGBTQ Social Group for nonscene people who may feel isolated. Thurs 5.30pm except 2nd Thurs of month, Spencer Court Community Centre. secretary@ blackpoolfriendsofdorothy.co.uk Dorothy’s Tea Party Social group for 30+ gay men. Sundays 4-6pm, The Rock Café, Blackpool. 07742 904 836 engayge 01253 477911, Blackpool Coastal Housing’s LGBT Tenants Forum.

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

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

Freedom 07876 568260, mixed transgender group meets Mondays 12pm2pm at Spencer Court Community Centre

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

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

24

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

City Learning Centre Bathhurst St, 01253 478 309, clcbusiness.com Connect 01253 751047, connectyoungpeople.co.uk 26

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

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

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

richmond fellowship 07876 568260 or 01253 629400, Metal Health support to aid recovery for LGB&T people.

Blackpool Locality Office, 2nd floor, Winstone House, 199 Church Street.

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

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

Evolution Hair Studio Gay Owned 255 Dickson Road

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

Aldeane8@gmail.com 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 LGBT PACT (Police & Community together) 07940979610, police and community meetings 1st Thurs of the month.

Liberty Church North Shore Methodist, Dickson Rd, 07955 597771, libertychurchblackpool.org.uk LGB&T EMOTIONAL WELLNESS/ WELLBEING DROP-IN 16-25 year olds experiencing emotional distress. By appointment only call 01253 655 858 Ok2be 07827983392, support service for young people up to 19 years of age, amanda.hayes@blackpool.gov.uk Relaxation group 01253 311431 at SHIVER Sugar Lounge 07875 355390, gay & bi women’s group meet 7-9pm 1st Tues of the month The Renaissance Transgender Support Group 01253314717,meetings twice monthly, gynwayblackpool.com/ renaissance_transgender_forum.htm Transgender Freedom Group On the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Monday of the month 12-2pm and 1st Wednesday 6-8pm 01253629400 transgenderblackpool.com Transinclusion group (M2F) 7-9pm 3rd Tues of the month for an informal chat, 07875 355 390

Cumbria AGENCIES

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

AmBlESidE hotEls & B&B’s

Chapel House Kirkstone Road, 01539 433 143, chapelhouse-ambleside.co.uk Chestnut Villa Keswick Road, Grassmere 01539 435 218, gay run B&B, chestnutvilla.com

BarRow iN FuRNESs CliNICS

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

aGENCIES

GrOUPS

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

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

SaUNaS

Sweat Sauna Club Atlas House, Nelson St.

KenDal CliNICS

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

Connexions 237-241 Dalton Road, 01229 824052

aGENCIES

GrOUPS

Groups

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

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

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

trans lakes nights 07952278760 (evenings), One night per month at CADAS, 52 Paradise St. Also open every Tuesday 10am-4pm, trans.lakes.nights@googlemail. com Furness & South Lakes LGB&T Forum 24 hr helpline, drop in service and youth club, furnesslgbt@gmail.com

cArLisLe CliNICS

Cumberland Infirmary 01228 814 814

aGENCIES

Connexions 28 Lowther Street, 01228 596272

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

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

33

34 Perfect Fit Alterations 42 Topping Street, 01253 290156

08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk

Slick Gardens 0796 8329464, Gay run gardening business, facebook.com/slickgardens

SMILE SPA AT HELIO FITNESS Newton Drive, 01253 393909

THE GARDEN PLACE Gay Owned Cropper Road, 01253 699987

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

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

Steam packet inn 51 Stanley St, 01900 62186

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

Merseyside & Lancashire

Liverpool Stanley Street Quarter 21

Tithebarn Street

Tithebarn Street

AIDS Helpline 0151 709 9000 Liverpool Pride liverpoolpride.co.uk

22-24 Stanley St, 0151 236 6633

14 The Lisbon Mixed 35 Victoria Street, 0151 231 6831

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

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

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

Club Nights BROKEN BISCUITS Monthly at Jupiters Bar FEDERATION LIVERPOOL Monthly gay night, clubfederation.com

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

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

17 The Armistead Project 1 Stanley St,

0870 9908996, armisteadcentre.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

SAunas 21 Splash Sauna 5 Fazakerley St, 0151

236 1001, splashsauna.com

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

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

Roscoe Place

et

Back Berry Stre

19

2

Bold Street

13 Superstar Boudoir

Bold Street

nice 'n' naughty 16 Colquitt Street

Agencies & Clinics

FACT

Culquitt Street

Berry Street Roscoe Lane

Bar Wicked 25 Stanley Street

18

Wood Street

20

TRAVEL INN METRO Vernon St, 0870 238 3325

23 Cumberland Street

Wood Street

9 SHIVA LIVERPOOL 27-29 Stanley Street, findshiva.com

20

Culquitt Street

London Road

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

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

Back Culquitt Stre

Seel Street

nice 'n' naughty 85 Seel Street

Hotels

Modo Gay Friendly Concert Square

Fleet Street

19

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

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

18 NEWS FROM NOWHERE Bookshop

Eateries

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

12 Heaven Victoria Street, 0151 236 4832

Seel Street

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

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

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

et

1

Victoria Street

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

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

Parr Street

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

16

Duke Street

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

10

Sir Thomas Street

Baby D Temple Street

CAFE TABAC Gay Owned 126 Bold Street, 0151 709 3735

11

Stanley Street

Mathew Street

2

Slater Street

14

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

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

10 Poste House

4

13

Victoria Street

1

8

Temple Street

12

Pubs, Clubs & Bars

Temple Lane

Princes Street

North John Street

£

Train Station Parking Cash Machine Pedestrianised

3

9

15

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

£ £

Around FACT

Piccadilly Train Station

Open Table St Brides Church, Catharine St, 07776 476024, monthly eucharist for LGBT Christians and supporters 3rd Sunday of month at 6pm open.table@yahoo.co.uk OUR STORY LIVERPOOL 0151 709 4988, LGBT History community project. info@ourstoryliverpool.co.uk ourstoryliverpool.co.uk Parents & Carers Group 0870 9908996 Queer Notions 0151 227 9977, provides information and support at the Armistead Project queernotions@hotmail.com QUEST LGBT CATHOLICS 07983 021 589, 2nd Saturday of month, liverpool@questgaycatholic.org.uk SPIRIT LEVEL 0151 227 1893, Transgender support group.

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

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

Liverpool Students Union LGBT Society 0151 231 4947

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

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

Websites

LIV.FAST NETWORK an FTM support group, meeting on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month 18+ liverpool. ftm@gmail.com

Liverpool Gay Quarter liverpoolgayquarter.com

08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk

GAYLIVERPOOL.COM Website of Gay Liverpool, gayliverpool.com

Lancashire

ElLeSMerE PoRT GROUPS

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

SoutHpOrT PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

CLINICs

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

St HELens CLINICs

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

Groups

OUTRITE ST. HELENS 01270 653 156, outrite. org

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Flex II Tolver St, call 07594 050929 and ask for Stevie

tHE wIrRaL

BlACkBuRn

CHOrlEy

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

GROUPS

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 RENNAISSANCE @ drugline lancashire 2 Union Court, 01772 253840, Also has services for those living with & affected by HIV. enquiries@ druglinelancs.co.uk Lifeline Project 68-70 Darwen St, 01254 677493, supporting young people up to the age of 25, with substance and alcohol misuse issues, yps@lifeline.org.uk Sexual Health Clinic Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Bolton Road, 01254 687 304 SHOUT 01254 300126, young sexual health team up to 25 shoutteam@yahoo.co.uk

GROUPS

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

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

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

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

CLINICs

Sexual Health Clinic Arrowe Park Road, 0151 604 7339

SaUNas

WORK IT OUT Brook Blackburn, Darwen St, LGBT Tuesday evenings 6pm-8pm

Burnley

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

HYNDBURN GROUPS

WORK IT OUT LGBT Monday 4pm-6pm, call Jackie on 07889 057520

LanCAStEr CLUB NIGHTS

DANCING DIVA For more information, dancingdiva5@hotmail.com

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

GROUPS

Out in the Bay 07960 462 921, one to one friendship service, support group 3rd Thurs of month in Lancaster Library 7-9pm. Coffee afternoons Fri 2-4 at Sulyard St, Lancaster. lgbtoutinthebay@googlemail.com PYRO (Proud Youth Are Out) 07717 301821, 13-25 years, naomh.mckee@lancashire.gov.uk

CLINICS

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

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

BACKSTAGE BAR 135 St James St, 01282 414895

LeYlAnd

aGENCIES

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

GROUPS

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

GROUPS

Freedom Trans Youth Foundation, freedom@freedom.zzn.com freedom.btik.com Gay Wirral 0151 666 9890, Terrence Higgins Trust, 5 Bridge St, for all Wirral’s LGBT Community, contact for details, gaywirral@hotmail.co.uk OUTRITE WIDNES 01270 653156, outrite.org Tea Time Special 0151 666 9890, Terrence Higgins Trust, 5 Bridge St, Fri 4.30-6.30pm, safe space for LGBT, info.wirral@tht.org.uk TransWirral 90-92 Chester St, 07833 385126, for TS/Intersex, transwirral.btik.com WIRRAL DIVAS 0151 666 9890, weekly lesbian and bisexual women’s group.

WIRRAL TRANSISTERs 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

GuyS as dolls showbar 133-135 St James St.

CLINICS

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

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 Rossendale LGBT Youth Group 07817 541242, LGBT youth from Rossendale, Accrington and Burnley, rossendalelgbt@hotmail.co.uk WORK IT OUT LGBT Wednesday 4pm-6pm, call Jackie 07889057520

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

MorEcAmBe PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

CLINICS

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 462 921, one to one friendship service, support group meets 6-8 on the last Thursday of the Month at Morecambe Library. 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

GROUPS

edgehill university LGBT society search on facebook

PrEstOn PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Blowing Wild Club Grimshaw Street, open Thurs, Fri, Sat, 07752 512232 Oblivion 12-14 Grimshaw St, 01772 252876 Hangout Harry Reloaded Fridays 11pm-4am 134 Church Street. PR1 3BT. Search Hangout Harry on Facebook

CLINICS

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

AGENCIES

RENNAISSANCE @ drugline lancashire 2 Union Court, 01772 253840, Also has services for those living with & affected by HIV. enquiries@ druglinelancs.co.uk Preston HIV Support Team Helpline: 01772 468170, PO Box 515, Preston, PR1 8XP, phivst@aol.com

GROUPS

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

OLDER & OUT informal, friendly services for older LGB&T people, including, health promotion, anti-stigma activities, befriending and service user participation and older LGBT awareness training to service providers. Call 01772 552897 or email olderandout@55plus.org.uk, www. olderandout.org.uk OLDER & OUT - ToTo Twice monthly social group for 50+ LGB&T people on the first Thursday and third Thursday of every month @ Disability Equality North West, 103 - 104, Church Street, Preston. PR1 3BS and ‘straight allies’. Call 01772 552897 or email olderandout@55plus.org.uk, www.toto-olderandout.org.uk lancashire county council lgbt network lgbt@lancashire.gov.uk Lancashire LGBT Centre Last Tues of the month at The Urban Exchange, Mount Street, Preston between 6pm-8pm. lancashirelgbt.co.uk Lesbian Connection lesbian social group meeting monthly lesbian_connection@yahoo.co.uk The Rainbow house project LGBT community group based in Lancashire, therainbowhouseproject.org.uk UCLAN LGBT Society Every Thurs at 8.30pm lmcourtney@uclan.ac.uk, uclansulgbt.weebly.com 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

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

Cheshire

North West

CRewE

MACcLeSfIelD

WEBSITEs

CLINICs

CLINICs

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

aGENCIES

GROUPS

j4ldating.com a lesbian dating site. j4ldating.com

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

GROUPS

men’s Group 01270 653 156, outrite.org

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

CheStER PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS Bar 6T9 01244 313 608

Liverpool Arms Northgate Street, 01244 314 807

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

NOrtHWicH SaUNaS

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

RunCoRN CLINIC

Sexual Health Halton General Hospital, 01928 753217

EaTERIES

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

GROUPS

CLINICs

Halton LGBT Group meets at: Halton Voluntary Action, Public Hall St, twice a month on a Wed 7pm-9pm, haltonlgbt.co.uk

aGENCIES

OUTRITE RUNCORN 01270653156, outrite.org

Sexual Health Clinic Chester Hospital, Liverpool Road, 01244 363 091 LGBT Health Promotion 01244 650534 or 07747 631021, West Cheshire - help & support including LGBT health issues.

GROUPS

CHESTER lgbt BOOK GROUP 07818 021 947, 2nd Monday of the month at 7.30pm at the Bear & Billet pub, Lower Bridge Street, alispad@aol.com Dinin’ Divas womens dining group dinindivas@yahoo.com Encompass 07790904718, 07833114752, 01745337144, LGBT social & info group for Chester & N. Wales, encompass.btik.com

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

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 questioning 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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

Fierce 3 Goodson St, Hanley.

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

White Hart Sankey Street, 01925 241994

Club Nights

The Pink Lounge Piccadilly, Hanley, pinkloungebarandclub.com

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

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

CLINIC

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

Sexual Health Clinic Lovely Lane, 01925 662476

aGENCIES

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

Gay Healthy Alliance Project PO Box 539, 01925 631101

Sole Sisters Penny: 07917 533104 or Sandra: 07921 222101, womens walking group.

GROUPS

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

Gay North West Camping & Caravanning Club Free club for LGBT people who enjoy camping and caravanning, gnccc.co.uk

Queer Youth Network info@queeryouth.net, queeryouth.net

WARringToN

Mersey & Dee Women Social group, madw@merseymail.com

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

Groups

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

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.

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

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

CLINIC & agENCIES

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

Gaylife North Staffordshire 0300 1230970

Chester Uni Warrington Campus LGBT Society search facebook

Gay & Lesbian Youth Support Services (GLYSS) 07747 473 829, every Wed/Thurs 6.30-9.30pm and alternate Sat. glyss@hotmail.co.uk freewebs.com/glyss FLUID (Freedon to Love Ur IDentity) 07747 473 829 LGBT Warrington lgbtwarrington.co.uk

Yorkshire OLGA an all inclusive community group for Older Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans. Meet weekly. 07929465044

HUDdERsFiEld 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

HeBDEn BrIdgE PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

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

To find out more about leaving a legacy to The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, call 0845 3 30 30 30, or e-mail rachel.bottomley@lgf.org.uk