outnorthwest issue 117

FOR OVER 16’s ONLY!

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

Published by

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

OUTNORTHWEST ISSUE 117 AUG-SEPT 2013 FREE!

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

MANCHESTER PRIDE’S ALL-STAR LINE UP! • THE FEELING • KATE NASH • Mutya Keisha Siobhan • MISHA B • SAM SPARRO • PATRICK WOLF

+ MORE!

DAN GILLESPIE-SELLS INTERVIEWED

FEELING

PRIDE L GUIDE

IA PLUS! YOUR OFFIC

3

RIDE 201 P R E T HES C N A TO M

OUTNORTHWEST EDITOR’S LETTER AUG-SEPT 2013

We are 10!

Ten years ago - TEN! Manchester hosted EuroPride, and it just so happens that was also when The LGF launched outnorthwest.

So this issue see’s us reach the grand old age of 10, and I just want to thank everyone who has supported us over the years.

For any magazine to survive ten years is a remarkable feat, and we really couldn’t have done it without your support, and the support of every venue that carries us.

Onwards and upwards!

No time for birthday celebrations though, not when we have Manchester Pride on the horizon! Once again, outnorthwest is an official media partner for Manchester Pride, which means we can bring you the latest, official up-to-date news and interviews. In this issue we speak to Dan Gillespie-Sells,

lead singer of The Feeling who are headlining Manchester Pride’s Main Stage. We also go straight to the top and interview John Stewart, Chief Executive. Whether this is your tenth Manchester Pride or your first, we hope you have a fantastic, safe time. Don’t forget to pop in to The LGF - our doors are open all through The Big Weekend.

Each year, we produce an Annual Review highlighting the key work that The LGF has undertaken during the previous year. This is a summarised version of our Annual Report, and is designed to be more community friendly. We’ll be publishing our Annual Review 2012/13 in the next issue of outnorthwest, but in the meantime,we’ll also be uploading it to our website mid-August.

Check out www.lgf.org.uk/about-us

POCKET GUIDE TO THE LGF The Lesbian & Gay Foundation have just published their latest services guide.

‘Pocket Guide To The LGF’ is available now, and details all the services that we offer, along with how to contact us, and how to get involved with our work. If you’re here for Manchester Pride, make sure you pick up your copy from The LGF on Richmond Street, or from our stall at the Lifestyle Expo.

For more information about The LGF, visit our website: www.lgf.org.uk

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

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

EDITORIAL TEAM EDITOR & LAYOUT Grahame Robertson LAYOUT & LISTINGS Mark Eastwood NEWS EDITOR: Sarah McNally MEN’S HEALTH EDITOR Stacey Adams WEB EDITOR Marc Robinson DISTRIBUTION Shaun Lloyd, Sam Whalley, James Derham; Martin Cooper.

CONTRIBUTORS Stef Hartley; Frankie Stevens; Caroline Wilson; Toby Whitehouse; Sean Gordon; Patrick Italo Ettenes; Darren Adams; Lucy Rolfe; Kate Hardy; Martin Cooper; Staccey Adams; James Derham; Jake Arturio Braden; Claire Baldwin; Ross Bewley; Andrew Gilliver.

SPECIAL THANKS Carol Ramsay; Dan Gillespie-Sells; Sarah Quinn; Barclays; Lewis Turner; Sarah Marchant; Schuylar Kerkhoff-Harvey; Kush; Rosie; Kelly Edwards; Ben Squance; Liverpool Pride; Gaydio; Sarah Emmott; John Stewart, and everyone at Manchester Pride.

Good luck guys!

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

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

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

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

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

f.org.u www.lg

INSIDE OUT REGULARS 06 ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! Barclays raises funds for Schools Packs.

08 NEWS & OPINION Innovative new arts exhibition at The LGF, plus all the new for LGB&T North West.

16 VILLAGE PEOPLE Meet Stef Hartley.

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

15

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

KELLY EDWARDS

FEATURES 23 JOHN STEWART Ahead of Manchester Pride 2013, we talk to Chief Executive John Stewart about his plans for the years ahead.

24

24 DAN GILLESPIE-SELLS They’ll be performing on the Main Stage at Manchester Pride. We talk to The Feeling.

AND MORE!

DAN GILLESPIESELLS

20 HEAD TO HEAD The positive and negative opinion page.

27 SURVIVING WOMB CANCER We speak to Laura, who was diagnosed three years ago...

22 OUTSPOKEN! This issue: Sarah Emmott.

14

ROSIE’S STORY

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

06

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

30 GONORRHOEA! Hard to spell, easy to catch...

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

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.

23

JOHN STEWART

LIKE US!

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

Homophobia ACTION against

www.lgf.org.uk/enough

TWEET US!

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

OPINION

FRANKIE

SAYS Yes, it really is that time of year again, Pride season is upon us.

Pride events are a real divide amongst the LGB community; some revellers liken the excitement of the big weekend to a ‘Gay Christmas’, whilst others sternly boycott any kind of Pride event.

Photos: Sarah Quinn

Love it or loathe it, Pride isn’t something we should take for granted.

Whilst I’ll be the first to admit that Pride isn’t always my cup of tea, I fully appreciate its significance and how a number of worthy causes greatly benefit from the funds raised over the bank holiday weekend.

LOVE EQUAL MARRIAGE THANK YOU! Last month the Bill allowing same-sex couples to marry in England and Wales passed its final hurdle in Parliament, and was given royal assent. This was a historic day for all lesbian, gay and bisexual people across the country and a huge step forward for equality.

All of us at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank-you to everyone who ensured their voices were heard by supporting our Love Equal Marriage campaign.

Why not become a supporter of The LGF and help us to continue our fight for equality by giving a regular monthly donation? For more information visit www.lgf.org.uk/donate

www.lgf.org.uk/enough

Pride parades have been fiercely opposed across Eastern Europe, and in some cases banned outright. Such uncivilised acts of discrimination must serve as a reminder of how fortunate we are to be able to enjoy Pride events without fearing imprisonment, or even for our own lives. Russia is the most extreme example of this, as in August 2012 Pride parades were banned for 100 years and in June of this year a bill was introduced which classes the dissemination of “propaganda of non-traditional sexual relations” as an illegal act. Russian politicians voted unanimously in favour of this bill, 436-0.

The banning of Pride parades paired with the recent bill preventing ‘gay propaganda’ has angered the Mayor of Reykjavic, Jan Gnarr, who has proposed cutting all cultural and political ties with Moscow in protest of their treatment of LGB&T people.

Should Manchester follow suit and examine its relationship with St. Petersburg?

Forceful oppositions have also taken place this year in Georgia, Ukraine and Macedonia. In Tbilisi, Georgia, a parade marking International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) was violently interrupted by thousands of protestors. The protest was led

by Father Basil Mkalavishvili, an Orthodox priest, who declared the parade insulted “people’s traditions and national sentiments.” This was shortly followed by a separate attack in June on an LGB&T Centre in Skopje, Macedonia, as people watched a movie inside. This attack prompted officials to cancel the Pride parade due to be held the following week, as the Ministry of Interior could not guarantee security for those marching in the parade.

However, such homophobic attacks have been bravely overcome in Ukraine. In May, Kiev’s Pride parade took place despite a court ban in place to stop the event. This marks a brave front following the parade that was due to take place in 2012, which was abandoned at the last minute due to threat of violence from neo-Nazi skinheads.

This is just Europe. Further afield homosexuality is punishable by death in Mauritania, Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia and Iran. Furthermore, homosexuality is illegal in 78 countries, with 15 of these countries inflicting a prison sentence of at least 10 years on those arrested. Pride parades could never take place under such harsh conditions. Can you imagine being met by thousands of violent protesters on Deansgate or being arrested purely for openly celebrating your sexuality?

LGB&T people haven’t always been treated with the equality we deserve in this country over the decades, but at least significant changes in the law and in public attitudes are now afoot - namely, the same-sex marriage bill that was given Royal Assent this week. So, regardless of whether you want to be on the first train out of Manchester come 23rd August or be first in line for a wristband, we should all count our blessings that we have the choice to attend such an event without any fear.

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

AGENDA

IN DEPTH NEWS, COMMENT AND ANALYSIS

CAN YOU

CAN YOU HEAR ME?

EXHIBITION TIMETABLE Details of when you can see the Can You Hear Me? Exhibition at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation. It’s free to enter and light refreshments will be available.

AUG-SEPT 2013

HEAR ME?

Tuesday 20th August 2013 5.30pm – 9pm Launch of ‘Can You Hear Me?’ and launch event ‘Loud and Clear’ Wednesday 21st August until Friday 23rd August, 4-8pm Exhibition open to the public Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th August 2013,12-8pm Exhibition open to the public. A Manchester Pride pass will be required.

OTHER NEWS

LOUD & CLEAR Join The LGF for free food, free refreshments and free thinking at their Pride Fringe event for lesbian and bisexual women on Tuesday 20th August from 5.30pm!

‘Loud & Clear’ will provide a space for lesbian and bisexual women to come together for a fun and friendly discussion event. A panel featuring inspirational lesbian and bisexual women will talk about the different ways in which we ‘come out’.

We’ll ask you to join in for a discussion of how we can celebrate lesbian and bisexual women and make our voices heard!

‘Loud & Clear’ is open to anyone who self-identifies as a lesbian or bisexual woman. Join us at The LGF, Number 5 Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3HF for food, refreshments and exhibition launch from 5.30pm. The panel discussion will commence at 6.30pm but places are limited so arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Please email women@lgf.org.uk if you have any access requirements.

Innovative arts-based exhibition highlights stigma experienced by lesbian and bisexual women around issues of mental health.

In April 2013, we launched a creative project to challenge the stigma and discrimination, experienced by lesbian and bisexual women who have a mental health problem.

We believe that the kitchen is at the heart of the home and the kitchen table is where many of our difficult and sometimes lifechanging conversations happen. The group would like to invite you into their kitchen sets, to sit at their tables and talk about mental health and the stigma around it.

‘Can You Hear Me?’ is funded by Time to Change and is being delivered in partnership with local arts company, Creative Curve.

We’ve been working with a group of around 20 lesbian and bisexual women with firsthand experience of a mental illness, all about speaking up and speaking out about mental illness.

We’re hoping that by giving people the opportunity to share experiences and learn about mental health, we’ll be making the world a much more accepting place for lesbian and bisexual women who experience distress.

We’ve now completed all 12 of our workshops, and we’re now focussed on making our Main Exhibition in August a huge success. On 20th August at 5.30pm, Sue Baker, the Director of Time to Change, will be officially opening our exhibition, featuring a set of 10 kitchen spaces designed and constructed by our participants.

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

For more information about the project and the exhibition, visit www.lgf.org.uk/canyouhearme or call us on 0845 3 30 30 30.

AGENDA AUG-SEPT 2013 CONTACT US: outnorthwest, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3HF EMAIL: sarah.mcnally@lgf.org.uk TWITTER: @lgfoundation CALL: 0845 3 30 30 30

THE LGF AT PRIDE

COMING UP! August Manchester Pride Fringe Over 40 events from music and theatre to sport and film. To see the full listings visit www.manchesterpride.com/ whatson/fringe Homo Heroes Awards Voting From early August, you can vote for the top three nominees in each category! www.lgf.org.uk/hero

We’ve been out and about all Summer at Pride events across the region.

This summer The LGF have been attending Pride events around the country. We’ve already been to Sheffield, Essex and Bristol Pride doing research for our Part of the Picture study into substance misuse among lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

We’ve also been touring the North West and beyond showcasing our range of services including Blackpool, L Fest in Staffordshire, Oldham, Peel Park Picnic in Salford and Liverpool. Check out some of the fabulous Pride Pictures from around the region on page 16.

Looking ahead to Manchester Pride, we’ll be out and about in our pink t-shirts, and our

LGF and Part of the Picture stalls will be at the Lifestyle Expo – so come down and say hello.

We’ll once again be doing our walking entry in the parade and are very excited! Traditionally we march donned in our iconic Enough is Enough! t-shirts, but this year we are doing something new. We want to keep it under wraps but we can tell you there will be lots of PINK! On a more serious note, we’ll be highlighting some of the issues that LGB people face and ensuring people know, ‘We’re Here If You Need Us’.

Take the online survey at www. partofthepicture.co.uk. If you want to join us in this year’s Manchester Pride Parade or for other volunteering opportunities email volunteer@lgf.org.uk

HOMO HEROES! Who get’s your vote in The LGF Homo Heroes Awards?

Earlier this month, we launched the voting stage of our fabulous Homo Heroes Awards.

The top three nominees for each of the categories are now up for a public vote – so what are you waiting for?

Visit ww.lgf.org.uk/hero and get voting!

17th On the Trail of LGBT History Join us for August’s Heritage event, and discover the stories that lie beneath the city’s rainbow mosaics. For more information visit www.lgf.org.uk/history 20th Loud & Clear The LGF’s Pride Fringe event, bringing together lesbian and bisexual women to come together for a free, fun and friendly discussion event. More information on page 8 and at www.lgf.org.uk/women 20-25th Can You Hear Me? The LGF’s major new art exhibition, sharing women’s experiences of mental health issues. More on page 8 and at www.lgf.org.uk/canyouhearme 23rd-26th Manchester Pride’s Big Weekend Join tens of thousands of people who come to the city for one of the UK’s biggest parties. More information at www.manchesterpride.com/whatson/ big-weekend

September 23rd Bi Visibility Day Bi Visibility Day, also known as International Celebrate Bisexuality Day, has been marked each year since 1999 to highlight biphobia and to help people find the bisexual community.

More information at www.september23.bi.org

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 09

AGENDA AUG-SEPT 2013

VOLUNTEERING AT THE LGF

PHIL WHITE

MEG BARKER

Back in June we held our annual Volunteer Awards which recognise the contribution all our 150+ volunteers make, last year giving over 7,200 hours of their time.

Each and every one of our volunteers play an important part, whether they help to deliver a crucial service to those in need of support or water the plants in our office – making it a nicer place to work. Here we interview two of our Volunteer Award Winners, they tell us a little more about what they do and why they like volunteering at The LGF.

Phil White Volunteer of the Year “I’ve mostly been working on setting up a library in the office for people to come in and use, but I’ve also been transcribing and subtitling some of the videos on the LGF website to make them more accessible.

I’ve met a lot of friends through the LGF

LGF holds annual volunteer awards. Why don’t you get involved and ‘give something back’? and the transcription work I’ve done has actually led to some paid work in that area as well, which has been a huge bonus.

The best thing was being able to do some fire-breathing at Pride last year to catch people’s attention to some LGF resources.

Its great fun to do anyway, so I really liked being able to put it to some use! It’s a really supportive and friendly environment to work in. People there really get a lot out of the work volunteers do, so you’re always made very welcome.”

recommendations for policy and practice which are now informing UK government strategy regarding LGBT&Q people. Meg works as a Volunteer Counsellor at The LGF.

Dr. Meg Barker is a senior lecturer in psychology at the UK online university, the Open University, as well as being a qualified therapist specialising in sex and relationships. Meg founded the BiUK group which works in the dialogue between research and activism.

“I started volunteering at The LGF a couple of years ago because I had moved up North from London and was looking for an LGBT&Q friendly place to practice. The LGF gang made me feel very welcome! I provide therapy at the LGF on a Monday afternoon/ evening for both individuals and people in relationships. I’ve also got involved in training on the subjects that I know about - so I’ve provided training days on kink/BDSM and on non-monogamous relationships, and we’re having a day on bisexuality in September. It was absolutely wonderful to win the award.

I had no idea it was coming. The work I’m doing around bisexuality in particular is so important to me and it feels incredible to be recognised for it.”

Meg led writing on The Bisexuality Report, which summarises international and UK research on bisexuality and pulls out

For more on the latest volunteering opportunities visit www.lgf.org.uk/volunteer

MEG BARKER

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

e i n n CLingus

N! NEW COLUM BARCLAYS FLYS THE RAINBOW FLAG!

“Hello again Bush Rangers!

On Thursday 11 July Barclays hosted their annual Summer Fundraising Event in support of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, raising over £13,500 for our Safer Schools Packs, which tackle homophobic bullying in schools across the country.

Held at The Battery Club, with stunning views over the River Thames and London skyline, over 150 people attended, including representatives from Barclays, and law firm Allen & Overy, who co-hosted the event. Guests were treated to canapes and wine, whilst enjoying the fancy dress photobooth and elite close-up magician. Scottish Comedian and Author Rhona Cameron spoke about her experiences of growing up and coming out, entertaining the crowd with funny anecdotes and stories. There was also a raffle and silent auction on the night - a huge thankyou to all those who donated prizes. For more information on our Safer Schools Packs visit www.lgf.org.uk/schoolspack

THE STRETFORD HIVE The Stretford Hive is a collaboration between The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, BlueSci, Gorse Hill Studios, Trafford College and Trafford Council.

The former shop unit will become a ‘hive of activity’ for communities and individuals to learn, connect, relax, socialise, be creative, get advice and information and also allowing them to undertake training, development and further skills.

Christopher, The LGF’s LGB&T Community Development Worker for Trafford will be delivering a weekly drop in session. If there’s something on your mind that you want to

talk about, or if you need some guidance on the best place to get help for a specific problem, pop in and talk to him, between 3pm and 6pm each Tuesday at The Hive.

Appointments can be made for other times.

Christopher would also like to hear from any community groups or organisations that would be interested in being part of the project and would like to use Stretford Hive to deliver activities or workshops that would provide information, advice, support or social activities for Trafford residents.

The Stretford Hive unit is located on the gallery of Stretford Mall, opposite Tesco.

For more information, please contact Christopher christopher.dunn@lgf.org. uk, call 0845 3 30 30 30. Or visit www.stretfordhive.co.uk

I’ve had an overwhelming response to my column and it’s all down to you! You’ve been in touch about all sorts of issues, but there was one issue that kept cropping up: how do you avoid those nightmare first date situations? Before sharing my top tips for first date etiquette, I thought I’d better relate my own personal worst first date story.

My worst date happened one wintery December evening. I’d met a future potential wife online (let’s call her Lady X) and we got on well on the interwebs so decided to take it to real life. I spent a bit too long femming myself up and arrived my usual 10 minutes late, ladies, I looked fine!

Unfortunately, that’s where the happiness ends for this story. As I went to give the customary kiss on the cheek hello, she put her finger up to my face and told me to hang on whilst she finished texting HER EX! Lez-bi honest I should have ended it right there and then, but lady lovers I had faith.

We got to the bar and she asked me what I wanted to drink, but after telling her my poison of choice she told me that wasn’t a proper drink and ordered something for me instead. She was already on two strikes. Lady X then chose to sit down opposite me but put her feet up ON ME- ON MY NEW DRESS! I pulled away to excuse myself to the bathroom and as I turn my back Lady X spanked me. Ladies, I’ll get into my enjoyment of BDSM in a later issue, but this unwanted physical contact was the last straw - safe to say I didn’t come back from the bathroom. Who knows, she might still think I’m in there!

So what advice can I offer you on first dates?

Some basic rules: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Don’t text while you’re on a date.

If you’re buying a drink, get them what they actually want, not what you think they want.

Physical contact is only OK with consent! This isn’t the Stone Age. If you’re not sure, ask!

Make sure you meet for the first time in a public place and ALWAYS have an escape route (this can be established when notifying the best friend or housemate where you’re going - STRATEGISE LADIES!) I’m not going to reveal whether or not I’d ever put out on a first date (um, maybe…) but if sex seems to be on the cards remember to be safe, only consent to stuff you’re comfortable with doing and be confident to say no (and to respect her if she says no).

For tips on safer sex for women who have sex with women, check out The LGF’s guide: ‘Beating About The Bush’. If you wanna suggest any other topics, please Write in to Connie.Lingus@LGF. org.uk or feel free to tweet me @LGFoundation #ConnieLingusLGF” www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 11

AGENDA AUG-SEPT 2013

FIXING HOMOPHOBIA Two young women, who have been victims of homophobic abuse throughout their lives, are creating a unique art installation to highlight the effects of these attacks.

Sarah Marchant, 24 and Schuylar KerkhoffHarvey, 17, from Norwich, are constructing a “gay booth” to highlight the abuse gay people across the UK receive on a daily basis.

People entering the booth will be plunged into darkness while typical homophobic insults are hurled at them through speakers, giving them insight into how it feels to be a victim of homophobic bullying.

Sarah and Schuylar are ‘Fixers’ – a movement of young people tackling issues they feel strongly about to make a difference to others. As part of their campaign they are working with professional producers. Due to a recent grant from the Big Lottery Fund, Fixers is expanding over the next three years throughout the UK – including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – recruiting up to 20,000 new Fixers to tackle issues affecting everyone today, often based on ideas from their own experiences.

What made you decide to choose the topic of Homophobic bullying?

“It’s still a major issue in schools today that needs to be addressed and people need to be aware of the negative impact that it has on individuals. It is not just something that happens in schools to young people; but to lesbian, gay and bisexual people of all ages in their everyday lives.”

Why is this topic important to you?

“Because it’s such a common issue. Whilst

Meet Sarah and Schuylar, two young women fighting homophobia in a very creative way... homophobic bullying may never end, it still needs to be highlighted, especially the impact it can have on people’s mental health!”

How has your sexuality influenced the life you live today?

“The fact that we won’t accept being treated like second class citizens has made us stronger. We tend to get on with our everyday lives and the older we get the more we realise that sexuality is only a small part of who we are.”

How do you think mainstream society should treat LGB people?

“The same as everyone, with respect and understanding. That isn’t much to ask is it?”

What made you think of the idea of the gay booth?

“It was one of those light bulb moments that just comes to you! Even though we have the

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

posters that we made with ITV Fixers, reading about homophobic bullying is different so we thought it would be great if individuals could experience the verbal insults that some LGB individuals experience in the streets.”

What is the main message you want the people who experience the gay booth to see?

“That being gay is still no different to being heterosexual yet we still continue to be a target of abuse. We really want people who enter the gay booth to have an understanding of what it is like to be abused. If people are offended on the day of the exhibition of “Take a walk in our shoes” then job done is all we can say!”

For more information about the Fixers scheme visit www.fixers.org.uk

AGENDA AUG-SEPT 2013

THE ISAAC HITCHEN

PROJECT

We speak to Lewis Turner, Project Manager at The Isaac Hitchen Project.

The Isaac Hitchen project began in December 2012, and works across the whole of Lancashire with and for LGB&T communities.

The aim of the project is to increase social inclusion, improve mental health and wellbeing for LGB&T people as well as to increase the active involvement and influence of LGB&T people in their communities and improve awareness of the needs of LGB&T people with service providers.

Lancashire LGBT named the Isaac Hitchen project after one of a group of five men from Warrington who were hanged at Lancaster Prison in 1806 for the offence of sodomy. Isaac Hitchen refused the offer of a reprieve in return for information that would incriminate others. We spoke to Lewis Turner, Project Manager at The Isaac Hitchen project.

What does a usual day entail?

I’m responsible for the delivery of the project outcomes for the Big Lottery as well as managing a fantastic team of 4 people – so there is a lot of planning, discussion and paperwork involved. My day also involves networking with outside agencies, looking at partnership working opportunities and putting in funding bids for other projects as we identify needs. I also have to deal with the increasing number of complex enquiries we are getting – both from community members, as well as professionals, asking advice on how to support LGB&T people they are working with.

What is the best part of your job?

All of it – it’s a dream job! It is great to have the opportunity to work with and for LGB&T people in Lancashire – particularly the most vulnerable and isolated.

Your most memorable moment?

So far I think our launch – we had some inspiring speakers and incredible support from people working in the public, private and voluntary sectors. There was a really positive mood in the room.

What is your biggest challenge?

There are lots of challenges in this work but I would say the biggest is raising and maintaining awareness of the needs of LGB&T people –arguably some of the most neglected, least popular and least prioritised of the ‘equality strands’.

What or who inspired you?

I have been inspired by many people I have worked with in this field over the years – particularly campaigners and people working in equalities. But my biggest inspiration has been from Stephen Whittle and Christine Burns who I worked with in Press for Change

- campaigning for respect and equality for all trans people. They taught me it is possible to be passionate as well as professional and pragmatic – and how being respectful towards those who don’t share your views goes a long way in building bridges.

Your plans for the future?

This is just the beginning! We have funding from the Big Lottery until November 2015 but there is so much work that needs to be done across Lancashire. We are looking at future funding and commissioning so that we can continue working with and for the LGB&T communities.

For more information and volunteering opportunities visit www.lancslgbt. org.uk; www.facebook.com/ IsaacHitchenProject or follow them on Twitter @LancsLGBT www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 13

Each issue we want to dedicate this page to YOU, to the people who have used The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s services and want to share their story with the community. This time, we hear from Kush and Rosie.

,

KUSH S STORY Kush, 30 is originally from Bangalore South India, and now lives in Manchester City Centre. He has been a befriender for The LGF since last summer.

“I have always wanted to be part of the wider gay community and volunteering helps me to feel like a contributing member. I understand social isolation, and confusion caused by sexuality, although I had the strength to go through these alone I believe it would have been a smoother ride if I had the support of a community. As a gay person I am of the

belief that we all should help and support one another wherever and whenever possible.

It has been a long standing ambition of mine to be involved with The LGF. I am very proud to say that I am part of the befriending project which is a fantastic supportive way of helping socially isolated individuals. It’s a great opportunity to build your own skills and interact with a highly capable team and meet some lovely individuals who may not have had the same opportunities in life as others.”

For more information on befriending visit www.lgf.org.uk/befrienders

,

ROSIE S STORY

GET INVOLVED! If, like Rosie you want to be an advocate for lesbian, gay and bisexual people and you live in Greater Manchester why not become an LGB Community Leader? To find out more visit www.lgf.org.uk/volunteer or email andrew.gilliver@lgf.org.uk.

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

Rosie Adamson-Clark recently retired as an NHS psychological Therapist/Clinician. She became disabled following a near fatal hit and run incident while she was studying for her PhD on M/Otherhood lesbian identities and mothering (for adoption and social services organisations). Previously Rosie had done a Masters degree on Section 28 and has also worked for the Disability Equality Commission teaching social services students about disability equality and inclusion. Now at 57, Rosie finds that she still wants to be involved in helping to ensure that healthcare services are aware of the needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual people, She is involved in the LGF’s LGB Community Leaders programme to help support our communities to have their voices heard and their needs met. Rosie lives in the Bolton area with her long term partner Chrissy.

“I got involved with the LGB Community Leaders Project as some services can be a bit focussed on the needs of heterosexual people. I want to help dispel prejudice and exclusion from discussion about health needs and provision and to get rid of the stereotypes. I have had more than a few bad experiences of prejudice against me for being a woman with a female partner over the last 19 years, some quite recently. It still shocks me when people treat me in a different or unhelpful way just because of who I love and choose to spend my life with. I want everyone to feel comfortable and able to speak freely to their doctors or health providers about who they are and what their needs are without fear or recrimination or ill treatment.”

KELLY EDWARDS CAROLINE WILSON talks to Kelly Edwards about her role at MAG, an organisation that deals with “the remnants of conflict.”

Can the old adage, ‘you are never more than 6ft away from a rat’, be applied to gay people?

I must clarify here, that I am NOT comparing gay people to vermin. I am merely musing that there are lots of us about, living our lives, loving our wives, and playing our part in the daily 9 to 5 rat race. Whilst the battle to end homophobia in the UK is not yet won, progress has certainly been made. In my own experience, now that I am lucky enough to feel comfortable in my own sexuality, I am far less likely to notice when other people are gay. Take, for example, Kelly Edwards. Kelly, a work colleague of mine, is Procurement and Logistics Manager at Mines Advisory Group (MAG). My first impressions of Kelly included that she was friendly, she was kind and she had excellent taste in knitwear.

It was not until a few months later that I noticed she has a same sex partner.

It’s not that the signs weren’t there, I just happened to be more interested in the fact that she makes her own pickles and preserves, than I was in questioning her sexuality. But to be honest, the fact that Kelly has a same sex partner is little more than an excuse to draw your attention to the important work that MAG does. As Kelly herself acknowledges, “For me, my motivation is to raise the profile of MAG in Manchester, and in the North West. I don’t think that enough people know about us. I believe that local support can really make a difference.’

So what exactly is MAG? Kelly takes a deep breath and begins, “MAG is an organisation that deals with the remnants of conflict.

Initially we focused on the clearance of landmines, but we have since widened our

remit to include physical stockpile security and violence reduction.” At which point she stops, and suggests looking at the website www.maginternational.org. I would agree, as I feel that it is not until you actually see a photo of a child holding a gun, or a man on crutches with a missing limb that you can really begin to comprehend the significance of the work MAG does.

As Procurement and Logistics Manager, Kelly is responsible for supporting the field programmes, in places such as Angola, Cambodia, Iraq, Libya, Somalia and Vietnam.

This involves both buying and shipping equipment, whilst also providing support to the MAG staff in these programmes.

Kelly explains, “Wherever possible, MAG encourages local procurement. So if an item is available in country, of the requisite standards, quality and pricing, then we will buy it in country. This is because part of MAG’s remit is to support the countries in which we work, by training national staff.

We want to equip the people in these places with the skills to do what we do.”

So what are the key skills necessary for success in procurement and logistics? Kelly identifies these as, “At MAG, world events can really impact what we do, and we have to be able to respond quickly. We have to find solutions to the problems we encounter, while ensuring that, at all times, we maintain a transparent process.”

To be able to anticipate problems, and to act accordingly, is, I would imagine, another key skill? Kelly laughs, “Yes, but sometimes things can happen that you would never even dream of. For example, we once had great difficulty in getting hold of one of our suppliers. It was because they sell gas masks, and they had been inundated

by orders from people who believed that the world was going to end on the 21st December!”

Kelly reflects, “The more I see of the world, the more I appreciate what I have and how lucky I am.” She goes on to say how, “... working at MAG has really opened up my eyes to the rest of the world.” As an example, Kelly cites the explosion in the arms depot in Brazzaville, in March 2012, which killed at least 280 people and injured a further 1,500. MAG’s response to this emergency situation was rapid and effective.

MAG’s country team on the ground immediately expanded their programme to work with the national authorities to secure the area, to carry out technical assessments, to conduct risk education and to begin safe clearance activities. With this happening just twenty-four hours after Kelly had left the city, having been there on a business trip, she describes her shock: “It was reported in some newspapers, but when I emailed my family to reassure them I was safely back home, I discovered that none of them had even heard of the disaster.”

This story highlights just how unaware we can be in the UK about problems, both at home and abroad. So I leave you with a question. Did you know that if you stand in the middle of Canal Street, you are less than 200 yards (and approximately 100 rats...) away, from two great organisations, The LGF on Richmond Street, and MAG on Sackville Street? One is working towards, ‘Ending Homophobia, Empowering People’, and the other ‘saves lives and builds futures’.

Both could benefit from your support.

From July onwards MAG’s new HQ is at South Central, Peter Street. www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 15

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

PRIDE... SO FAR!

Over the last few weeks, we’ve visited a fair few Pride events across the region.

Here’s just a small selection of pictures - including LIVERPOOL PRIDE!

LIVERPOOL PRIDE

BURY Walking Rainbow

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

Special thanks to Marc Robinson and Ben Squance

BLACKPOOL PRIDE

MEET STEF

“Hello, I’m The LGF’s Community Safety Co-ordinator. It’s my job to work out how we can keep our community as safe as possible!

We are working on a programme of safety schemes to help towards a happy and safe lgbt community in Manchester. We are working in partnership with Greater Manchester Police, Manchester City Council, healthcare professionals, local business owners and other stakeholders to make sure we are all driving towards the same goal of encouraging safety within our community.

The main project I’m working on at the moment is The LGF’s Village Angels scheme. You might have seen us out and about in The Gay Village on Friday and Saturday nights, rocking some glorious high-vis vests!

The aim of the Village Angels is to be a friendly and helpful point of contact for community members at these peak times in The Village. We’re there to advise and support people in need. If you’ve lost all your friends, had your phone nicked or had a row with your partner; the Angels are there to help you out so please use them if you need to! Us Angels are currently gearing up for Manchester Pride. We’ll be out on the streets on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night offering advice, support and making sure you have the happiest, safest Manchester Pride possible! Please say hello if you see us. Our volunteers are absolutely essential to the success of this programme, and we are currently recruiting more! So if you think being an Angel sounds like fun (it definitely is) please get in touch and we’ll get you trained, high-vis’d and out there helping the community in no time!” www.lgf.org.uk/angels @LGF_Angels stefanie.hartley@lgf.org.uk

THE GROWTH OF GAYDIO! Toby Whitehouse, Gaydio’s Station Director.

With the Jubilee and the Olympics last year, I think we all thought it was going to be hard to top 2012. But what a year 2013 is proving to be, with Murray winning Wimbledon, Equal Marriage being given Royal Assent and we’ve even had some sunshine! Its also been a big year for us at Gaydio. We started the year by taking on new DAB Digital Radio licences for London and the Sussex Coast; so if you’re visiting the capital, or having a seaside trip to Brighton, make sure you get tuned into Gaydio.

The growth of Gaydio didn’t stop there though, as on July 29th, we started a trial for another licence; this time in the North West, to tie in with Liverpool Pride. So if you live in Merseyside, Cheshire or North Wales you can now get us on DAB Digital Radio until September 8th... and possibly more permanently in the future.

We’re a small team at Gaydio, so everyone works really hard, but that makes it all the more fun when you find yourself doing jobs that you never imagined you’d be doing. I turned Art Director recently for our new advertising campaign, which is featured in this magazine. I may be bigging my role up

a little there, but I did find myself telling a semi-naked man in which position he looked best in bed. Honestly, check out the ad! It’s a hard life... so to speak.

The photographers that shot the ad are called Northern Love, and they specialise in portrait photography for the LGBT community. They’re offering a 50% discount to listeners of Gaydio and readers of OutNorthWest on their website at northernlove.co.uk.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling lucky, enter our competition to win a £1,000 photoshoot with them - just enter your details at gaydio.co.uk/photo.

Finally, if you’re at Manchester Pride this year, be sure to check out the brand new addition to the Big Weekend site The Gaydio Dance Arena. It’s going to be the place to party each evening with a great lineup including Gaydio DJ’s Kriss Herbert and Graeme Park and the mighty Horse Meat Disco. I’ll see you there!

Gaydio is available on 88.4fm across Greater Manchester and on DAB Digital Radio across London, and the Sussex Coast. From July 29th - September 8th you can also listen on DAB Digital Radio across Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales. Listen online at gaydio.co.uk www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 17

UP YOUR WAY FOCUS LIVERPOOL

FOCUS ON YOUNG PEOPLE

NEW C.A.B. ADVICE SERVICE FOR LIVERPOOL

AKT APPOINT NEW CHAIR

OUTreach Liverpool is a new project delivering advice to Liverpool’s LGBT community on welfare benefits, housing, debt, employment, and other issues at LGBT-friendly venues.

The main venue is the Armistead Centre, where an advice drop-in service operates on Tuesdays from 5pm to 9pm, and Thursdays from 2pm to 6pm.Further details from the Armistead Centre on: 0151 227 1931. The project delivers advice surgeries through other LGBT organisations.

To find out more, contact Joe Lavelle. Tel: 0151 207 6974 ext 308 or email: joe.l@ northliverpoolcab.org.uk

The Albert Kennedy Trust, the charity for young LGBT people has announced the appointment of Terry Stacy MBE as the new Chair of the charity.

Speaking of the appointment, Terry says: ”I am delighted to be joining the team;

we have so much to be proud of, with an exciting future ahead of us as we celebrate our 25th anniversary.” AKT supports young LGBT 16-25 year olds who are made homeless or living in a hostile environment across London, Newcastle and Manchester.

AKT also recently launched the first north west housing project exclusively for young people. For more visit www.akt.org.uk

FOCUS ON ROCHDALE

LGBTQ at Rochdale and District Mind FROM BERMUDA TO WIDNES WITH LOVE Valentino Tear is a gay activist (a.k.a D.J. V.I.P on Facebook).

He was born in Bermuda but has now settled in Widnes. Now Valentino wants to develop Bermuda’s LGBT Network and would like to hear from anyone interested in supporting his initiative.

To contact Valentino personally e-mail him at: vipstudios@hotmail.com

In 2009 Rochdale LGBT Mental Health Multi Agency Working Group was set up with an aim to promote inclusion of people who identify as LGBT but who felt unable to access services or felt that their needs were not adequately met within local mental health services.

Their current LGBTQ Wellbeing Group aims to provide a safe and discreet space for people who identify as LGBT. The group meets once a month; usually on the last Wednesday in the month. To join you need to self refer to

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

Rochdale and District Mind. Go to www. rochdalemind.org.uk for a referral form and information about services. You can chat with the facilitator first, contact the Shout Out Peer E-Mentoring service on shoutout@ rochdalemind.org.uk, or call 0758 4782112.

You can also contact the Personal Development Worker/ Wellbeing Group Facilitator neilkerr@rochdalemind.org.uk, or call 01706 752330. Currently there are volunteer vacancies for an LGBTQ Wellbeing Group Facilitator and an LGBT Peer E-Mentor.

Contact Caroline Schofield for more info and volunteer application form carolineschofield@ rochdalemind.org.uk, or call her on 01706 752330.

IN YOUR WORDS!

FOCUS ON EVENTS IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER

UPCOMING Manchester Pride Quaker Ceilidh

MANCHESTER PARENTS GROUP Times have changed since 1986 when Manchester Parents Group (MPG) was set up by three mothers of gay sons who realised there was a need for a helpline and for a place where parents of gay children could meet to support each other and learn to accept their children with love and pride.

Today MPG continues to have monthly Parents Support Group Meetings in Taurus (1, Canal St, Manchester) and run a telephone helpline.

If you like folk music, dancing and meeting new people, then come along to the fourth Pride Ceilidh on the 16th August 7pm until 10.30pm at the Quaker Meeting House on Mount Street (just behind the Central Library, St Peter Square) http://bit. ly/18rVOjy

LGBT Social Evening Barrow in Furness Friends & Supporters of the Furness LGBT Community will be holding the first of many social evenings starting on Friday 30th August 2013 and on the last Friday of each month at C.A.D.A.S 52 Paradise St Barrowin-Furness.

Warrington Pride

Salford’s LGBT network group’s main aim is to enhance community cohesion and build relationships between local LGBT groups, to bring them together.

The group meets on a monthly basis and future planned events include an Expo Stall at Manchester Pride, helping Salford LGBT Youth group with their Big Parade Entry, Bi-Celebration day at the end of September, raising the flag at Salford Town Hall for Transgender Day of Remembrance in November, Promoting World Aids Day on December 1st Visit www.outinsalford.org.uk for more information and to get involved.

Trans Lakes Nights in Cumbria ‘Trans lakes nights’ have started a walking section in South Cumbria having at the moment one short walk per month. Starting at about 11.00am -2pm then a drink and light lunch in a local hostelry. ‘Trans Lakes Nights’ Tuesday’s walk-in day, 10am 4pm. Evening meeting once per month, usually second Tuesday. Check them out on Facebook or E- mail: trans.lakes.nights@ googlemail.com

LGBT Out In The Bay - Lancaster/ Morecambe Coffee drop in every Friday afternoon 2pm - 4pm at St Leonards House Lancaster.

The third and last Thursday of every month support groups at Lancaster Library and Morecambe Library. Friendly and inclusive. E-mail: LGBToutinthebay@gmail. com, or telephone 07449311406. Visit the website at www.outinthebay.co.uk

For more information, call 0845 652 2674, or visit the website www.manpg.co.uk

OUT IN SALFORD

The group meet on the first Tuesday of every month at the LGF Community Resource Centre. For further information, contact Derek on 07751693708.

The second annual LGBT Pride in Warrington will take place on 7th September .For further details checkout: www.lgbtwarrington.co.uk or search for Warrington Pride on facebook.

Gay Kayakers

LGBT Comedy Night – Bury 8pm, Friday 27th September at The Met Theatre in Bury. Starring Kerry Leigh, Scott Agnew, Lara King and Lee Peart Tickets are £12 (£10 concessions) available from: The Met Market Street, Bury BL0 0BW. Call 0161 761 2216, or visi http://themet.biz/timetable/

House of Rainbow

The House of Rainbow is an inclusive fellowship for people of faith; it caters mainly for LGBTI Christians and those who value a safe and welcoming environment.

A new North West group of like minded people are getting together for kayaking.

The non-profit making group is a free resource for people who are interested in kayaking and open to people at all levels, people can also suggest ideas and places that as a group, they can explore. www.yakinfriends.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 Given that some Sexually Transmitted Infections such as Gonorrhoea may become untreatable, WE ASK...

Do you think gay and bisexual men are putting enough emphasis on testing for STI’s rather than just HIV? THE HIV POSITIVE PERSPECTIVE

PATRICK ITALO ETTENES

+

THE HIV NEGATIVE PERSPECTIVE

SEAN GORDON

-

“Well it’s Sod’s law isn’t it? That we might be some what closer to finding a vaccine for HIV and then something else comes along to bite us on the bum, quite literally. But as Shirley Bassey once sang, ‘It’s all just a little bit of history repeating’.

“In the never ending battle to cease the spread of all sexually transmitted infections, the one that seems to send alarm bells ringing in people’s heads is HIV. The incurable one, the one once known as the ‘Gay Disease’.

No, I don’t think gay or bisexual men are putting enough emphasis on getting tested for HIV. If Gonorrhoea becomes widely untreatable there would be the usual panic and a campaign to get more people aware and get tested (I hope), but humans will carry on doing what humans do.

With new research showing that one of the most common STI’s, Gonorrhoea, is showing continued resistance to antibiotics, it is looking likely that another medical breakthrough is needed rapidly. Maybe people are unaware of how easily STI’s are passed from person to person, or they believe that the type of sex they are having is low risk or maybe they would just rather not know. If diagnosed early, most STI’s are curable with treatment. The longer you leave being tested, the more STI related complications your body will experience, so wouldn’t you rather find out sooner than later?

As soon as a treatment is found, denial and old habits will re-emerge; remember that in today’s society the temptation to go out drinking with your mates takes priority over one’s health issues. Not with all of us but the majority of us I think. We do need to really and I mean really educate people about sex, which means being more informed about what is safer sex and what is unsafe sex.

This attitude of never talking about sex and health issues because we are so prudish needs to die and burn quickly. We’re having the sex (well some of us are!) but we’re just not talking about it.

We all need to be more honest and upfront with each other so people really know what ramifications may lurk around the corner if we slip up on the road when we are on this wonderful journey that we call sex.”

With a number of STI’s on the rise in gay and bisexual men, it’s important for us all to keep ourselves safe and have regular sexual health checkups. Testing is easy; a full screening involves a couple of tiny cotton swabs taken from the places most at risk, a urine sample and a quick blood test. Do not believe the horror story about the “Umbrella”! The Lesbian and Gay Foundation in Manchester offers a full STI screening service, and a rapid HIV clinic in which the results are revealed 30 minutes after a blood test. Keep yourself in the know!

By doing this you are stopping of the spreading of Sexually Transmitted Infections!”

Visit www.lgf.org.uk/testing for more information on where you can get tested.

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

GAY & BISEXUAL MEN

SAME DAY

HIV TESTING EVERY WEDNESDAY

12.00PM - 2.00PM*

AT THE LGF

NUMBER 5 RICHMOND STREET

MANCHESTER

*BUT GET HERE EARLY, THE LAST TEST IS AT 1.30PM

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US: (10AM-10PM)

0845 3 30 30 30 DO YOU KNOW YOUR HIV STATUS? Reg. Charity No. 1070904

www.lgf.org.uk/testing

OUTSPOKEN WHO’S SARAH? Sarah Emmott is a big cup of comedy with a snap of sass on the side. Born in Essex but a Mancunian at heart. “I would love to be on a journey with her, just to experience ten percent of the madness she has encountered”. She was never on Fun House, You Bet or Catchphrase, but she did (finally!) get a Blue Peter badge aged 19. Follow her on Twitter: @Emmott_Sarah Sum yourself up in three words...

Energetic, opinionated, passionate If we gave you £1million, what would you do with it?

Start up my own arts funding. I’d love to be able to say “I funded that!” So, if you gave me £1million, I’d give it away!

Do you have a favourite quote?

“Smell everything before you put it near your mouth”. Apply it to everything: food, clothes, make-up, drink, people, everything. The smell test is fool proof. Unless you have a cold. If in doubt, always ask for a second opinion.

I’ve only ever been turned down once… in a whiffing situation, that is!

If you were a biscuit, which one would you be?

A jaffa cake. Am I a biscuit? Am I a cake?

Who cares! I come in a yard long box at Christmas!

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Comedy dancing round strangers or challenging them to a dance-off. There’s very

SARAH EMMOTT few things better than pretending you’re in Run-D.M.C video, busting a move, pointing to them and shouting ‘BOOM!’.

If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?

For people to not hide behind their discrimination by saying they are ‘tolerant’.

Tolerance is so far from acceptance; it’s just an excuse for people to appear accepting in pubic and be prejudiced behind closed doors.

What food could you not live without?

Chocolate. I love it when it comes in fun shapes like at Easter; big spheres of chocolate with more chocolate inside!

If you were a superhero, what would be your super-power?

When I clicked my fingers, whatever was going on, we’d be in a musical. Imagine it, you’re at the shops and you see your Auntie Pat, 66 years young with a pregnancy test.

Suddenly we’re all clicking our fingers to her rapping about it. We harmonise with some ‘ooooo’s’. And EVERYONE knows the dance

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

routine. Here comes the chorus. Costume changes at the ready. Oh, wait, here comes my tap solo… Brilliant.

Where is your favourite place in the world?

I don’t really I have one. Wherever I go, as long as I have a pen, paper, camera, sunglasses and flip flops on, I’m pretty happy anywhere!

Tell us a secret about yourself…

Years ago, I was working in a school. Whilst they were working hard on an exam I farted really loudly and blamed it on a pupil by looking at them with disgust. I never did admit it was me.

The best thing about being a woman...

Feeling comfortable in your own skin.

Sarah will be performing brand new standup material at IDENTITY PRADE MCR, part of Manchester Pride bringing together Mcr’s finest LGBT performers exploring Queer Identity. 24th May, 2.30pm and 7.30pm at The Lass O’Gowrie.

Tickets: £8 from www.wegottickets.com

ONW talks to the Chief Executive of Manchester Pride.

JOHN STEWART How are you feeling about this year’s festival?

With the fringe extended throughout the whole of August this year, it give more opportunity for people to attend events, while we’re much more advanced with planning for the Big Weekend.

Do you think there’s more or less pressure on you this year?

There’s always pressure. With so much of our income dependent on ticket sales, and the Manchester tendency to commit to things late you just hope that you get the numbers that allow us to support the charities and community groups we fund each year.

What is your favourite moment from last year’s event?

It was watching the reaction of the crowd at the Vigil when Alison Moyet walked on to the stage. No-one was expecting her and there was a visible ripple of excitement.

Manchester Pride was one of the only LGBT Pride festivals last year to actually turn a profit and raise money for local LGBT charities and projects. Why do you think that is?

Manchester Pride is well established. There’s a professional team who work hard all year round to deliver the festival an excellent relationship with partners and sponsors. People know when the festival happens and that they’ll have a good time. But there’s no doubt the economic climate is making things tougher. We can’t be complacent, and that’s why we’re looking at how we can freshen up the Big Weekend, and also do more throughout the year.

Tell us about some of the local LGBT projects that you’ve been able to support.

As well as supporting our two charity partners, the Lesbian and Gay Foundations’ condom and lube scheme, and George House Trust’s welfare fund. We support dozens of community groups and organisations. We supported immigration advice through the Metropolitan Community Church, helped LGBT Youth North West open a cafe at the Sydney Street community Centre, the Manchester Sharks bring a European water polo tournament to Manchester, and provided

money toward running costs for LGBT groups in Salford and Bury. It’s a real mix.

This year’s Big Weekend line-up includes many more LGBT and Manchester artists than previous years. Was this a conscious decision?

We are an LGBT event, and a Manchester event and I believe it’s important that our stages reflect that. So as well as chart acts from Manchester like Misha B and Ren Harvieu we have excellent up and coming local talent like Swiss Lips and Go Native. And every day on main stage has a leading LGBT artist, from Amy Lame and The Feeling’s Dan Gillespie-Sells on Friday, through Sam Sparro, Patrick Wolf to Lucy Spraggan and Rylan Clark on Monday.

Do you think the politics of the event has become lost over recent years?

There will always be a political element to Pride, and quite right, too. In many ways, coming out is a political act. While we’re moving towards legislative equality in the UK, there’s still a lot prejudice and bigotry out there, as the deaths of Lucy Meadows and Steven Simpson show. There’s also a whole world out there where LGBT rights are either non-existent or are being stripped away, and we need to highlight this, too.

Finally, what’s next for Manchester Pride?

We’re looking to repeat our Supersonic event at Concorde in April next year, and are planning an arts festival and community fundraising weekend in May. Of course, we’re already thinking about next year’s Fringe and Big Weekend, too. But we can’t do any of this without the support of the people who buy the tickets, our partners and sponsors, so on behalf of Manchester Pride I’d like to say a really big ‘Thank You!’ to you all.

Manchester Pride’s Big Weekend kicks off on Friday 23rd August and runs until Monday 26th August. For full details, visit www.manchesterpride.com www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 23

What a Feeling.

An interview with Dan Gillespie-Sells 24 OUTNORTHWEST Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk

Ahead of the performance at Manchester Pride, Martin Cooper talks with with The Feeling front-man Dan Gillespie-Sells about Pride, equality, marriage and redirecting his tour bus!

The Feeling front-man Dan Gillespie-Sells has never been shy of talking about his experiences of sexuality, whether it be his own or that of his parents (Dan was raised dividing his time between his mother and her partner Dilis and his father) and he has been vocal in many national campaigns to end homophobia and empower LGBT people, so it may seem surprising that Manchester Pride 2013 will be his first Pride event as a performer.

“It’s always been something I’ve wanted to do, but I’m the only gay one in the band, so it’s not just about me, it’s about the other four boys in the band having a chance to earn their living and do their jobs, but I knew they wouldn’t have a problem with doing it if we actually got booked! We’ve got a lot of history together and they’re like a really good, supportive family.”

At the Manchester Pride Supersonic event in April this year, Dan announced that he’d like to do more work with LGBT youth, particularly in schools. “It’s the story of most gay people that I know,” he says, “that the most difficult period in their lives was the time when they were coming to terms with their sexuality, and often at the same time as that happening they were being bullied at school or they were having trouble with fitting in and the last thing they wanted to do was ‘stand out’. It’s just a very fragile and awkward time in anyone’s life and if you have the added thing of something about your sexuality making you different then that makes it so much harder. I just think it’s a really valuable thing if you can help people through that in a way that’s going to make them feel good for the rest of their lives. It stays with you, that stuff, and it helps form the way you are as a human being. It really stays with you.”

With that in mind, I asked Dan what he thinks of The LGF’s Safer School Packs (training resources designed specifically to help both teachers and students tackle homophobia in schools). “They’re very helpful. I think anything that lets a kid know they’re not alone when they feel like they are, in school, is really important. The idea that you can tell a child that there are so many different ways to be gay, there are so many different ways to be lesbian, there are so many different ways to express yourself and the important thing is that you find the one that’s right for you. Kids will latch onto that and see that light at the end of the tunnel”.

Dan has been very vocal in his support for marriage equality, and perhaps the reasoning for this doesn’t lie as much in his own sexuality, but his experiences as a kid growing up. “To me it seems like a crazy thing that there is opposition to it because I grew up in a gay family, I was raised by two women and my story is of this alternative family and it seems very strange to me that anyone would think it’s a terrible

idea. The whole thing about this is, there has been this ban on same sex marriage that has protected the church from it’s divisions within itself. Because it hasn’t been possible they haven’t had to have this row amongst themselves. That’s the thing about the Church of England – half of them would be ok having gay marriage and half of them really don’t want it.”

“The establishments of any country are always going to be full of old fuddy-duddies who will die out eventually and we’ll have moved on a bit. There’s always going to be retrograde people in politics and there’s always going to be people in politics who are more progressive and moving forward… and then a bunch of people in the middle! That’s just how politics works.”

Further afield though, people are regularly arrested, tortured or put to death for expressing their sexuality and I asked Dan what he thinks could be done to help our brothers and sisters overseas.

“Its something I’ve wanted to do a lot more work on actually. My brother was recently in Uganda and met a lesbian woman who has been trying to do something about it in her country. She’s been trying to get the funds to come over here so she can create a framework that she can take back with her in order to fight what’s going on in Uganda.”

Closer to home though, Manchester gets ready to welcome The Feeling on Friday 23rd August as they headline the Manchester Pride main stage and Dan has ambitions of marching in the parade, although there’s a few people he’ll have to convince to change some plans!

“If I can get the tour bus to leave Edinburgh in enough time, I can arrive in time to get to the march…it’s not just me though! There’s the whole band and the crew! But I’m definitely going to make time to meet up with people and say hello to everyone.”

The Feeling have recently signed a new deal with BMG and have a new record coming out in October with single releases scheduled for before that, so they have plenty of work to be getting on with, but as a live act they go down a storm and describe themselves as a ‘party band’ who like to get the crowds going, so they certainly won’t disappoint at this year’s festival.

So, in closing, what are his feelings (pardon the pun) about performing at his first Pride? “Looking forward to it!”

So are we.

The feeling perform live at Manchester Pride’s Big Weekend 2013 on Friday 23rd August. You can find out more about the band by visiting www.TheFeeling.com www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 25

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34

33

31

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29. Sanctuary 30. Essential 31. Crunch 32. Napoleons 33. Village Off Licence 34. Oscars

WOMEN big shock. I was very quickly referred on to an NHS oncologist and I went from preparing to get pregnant to having a hysterectomy.

My oncologist tried to be positive and explained that as my partner is a woman she could carry a child, I could still be a Mum and be free of cancer. It was still very emotional for me to have the hysterectomy though, as I had really wanted to get pregnant.

Following the hysterectomy I had a nervous wait for the histology report to come back but when it did it was good news – the cancer hadn’t spread and I didn’t need further treatment. I had regular talks with a Macmillan nurse who advised me of possible symptoms if the cancer returned. As I’m a nurse myself, I was fairly confident that I’d be able to spot these symptoms.

Once I’d been given the all clear, Paula and I decided to try again to become parents, but this time with Paula trying to get pregnant.

Luckily everything went a lot more smoothly and Paula gave birth to our beautiful daughter, Erin, in January last year.

SURVIVING

WOMB CANCER September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month.

We spoke to Laura, who was diagnosed with womb cancer three years ago, about her experience.

One of the missions of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation is ‘empowering people’, and with the new Active Citizens part of our women’s programme we are aiming to do exactly that: empowering lesbian and bisexual women to make their voices heard.

“In 2010 I was in my late thirties and looking forward to a big change in my life – my partner Paula and I had decided we wanted to have a child. I was planning to carry the baby so we approached a fertility clinic to have artificial insemination. As part of the preparation for me trying to get pregnant the clinic insisted on various checks, including a Hysterosalpinogram (HSG) Scan, which examines the womb and fallopian tubes

for any abnormalities. The scan came back showing that there was what appeared to be a polyp in my womb which I’d need to have removed - this was confirmed by an internal ultrasound scan.

To be honest, I was quite relieved that they’d found something. For years I’d had really heavy periods and I’d also started to have bleeding mid-cycle. I’d seen my GP regarding my periods who referred me to a gynaecologist. I had an ultrasound scan which was reported as normal at the time and my gynaecologist had told me I was unlucky to have heavy bleeding. So when they told me I had a polyp I thought at last I had an explanation. Of course, I didn’t realise then that it would turn out to be malignant.

Because I was trying to get pregnant I paid to have the polyp removed privately. When the tests showed it was cancerous it was a

It was difficult when Paula was pregnant. I was worried that I wouldn’t feel connected to our daughter, or that she wouldn’t bond with me. Luckily I have a really supportive partner – she has been amazing the whole way through. And I really shouldn’t have worried – I adore our daughter and don’t think I could care more deeply about her if I’d given birth to her myself. If there are any other women out there who have symptoms such as heavy periods, bleeding between periods or anything else that just doesn’t seem quite right I would say don’t hesitate to go to your GP. If you don’t get a satisfactory answer at first, keep pushing until you do get one. There are many reasons for these symptoms but it’s best to get it checked out.”

Laura shared her story with us through The Eve Appeal, which campaigns to raise awareness of Womb Cancer and other gynaecological cancer. Womb cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women in the UK and is on the increase each year due to changes in our lifestyles. Over 7,500 women are diagnosed every year in the UK. Womb cancer is more common in women aged over fifty. Key symptoms are bleeding after the menopause or bleeding between periods so if you experience either of these you should seek medical advice.

To find out more about The Eve Appeal and about gynaecological cancer visit www.eveappeal.org.uk.

23 www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 27

WELLBEING

Continuing our A-Z of mental health and wellbeing.

B

is for

BIPOLAR

DISORDER

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

WELLBEING Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Bipolar Disorder, or manic depression as it used to be called, causes extreme mood swings, usually from overactive and excited behaviour (mania) to periods of deep depression, often with stable periods in between the two.

Syptoms of mania...

Sometimes someone with bipolar might go for months or even years without experiencing one of these mood swings.

For some, bipolar disorder can also cause hallucinations (seeing, smelling or hearing things that other people don’t or having unshared beliefs, known as delusions).

There are thought to be 5 different types of bipolar disorder, if you’re interested in reading more about them, the MIND website at www.mind.org.uk has some useful information.

Racing thoughts

Other symptoms during manic episodes include feeling irritable, talking a lot, over confidence, increased activity, ie doing a lot, behaving in ways that can get you into trouble, difficulty concentrating and lack of personal care. Around 1 to 2 percent of the general population will be diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, and for young people this is usually discovered between 14 and 19 years old. Little is known about the causes, but there does seem to be a genetic link, as it does run in families (although a lot of people have no family history too).

A feeling of euphoria

Talking and doing things quickly Increase in sex drive Sleeping very little Making plans that are unrealistic or grandiose

It’s important to remember that with monitoring and the right treatment (which may include medication, counselling and support groups), Bipolar Disorder can be managed. It is also possible for people who have had bipolar disorder for a number of years to recognise the start of an up or down phase and know to get the right treatment when this happens.

Celebrities such as Kerry Katona, Russell Brand and Stephen Fry have publically spoken out about their experiences of

Image: Beki Doig

Registered Charity No.1070904

bipolar disorder to dispel some of the myths around the illness and show that people who have the disorder can be successful and lead happy lives. The soap opera Eastenders has run several storylines about bipolar disorder with Jean and Stacey Slater to try and raise awareness of the issue. It’s important to remember that everyone is different, and their Bipolar Disorder may show itself in a number of ways. Some treatments work for some people, and for others not so much. But with the right support from professionals and/or family and friends, Bipolar Disorder need not mean you can’t lead a fulfilling life.

If you are worried you may have symptoms, go to see your GP and let them know your worries. There’s also a really useful website you can visit, especially for young people with mental health problems called ‘Young Minds’ (www.youngminds. org.uk).

If you want to speak to someone about bipolar disorder and where to get help, you can call us on 0845 3 30 30 30 or drop in to see us Monday-Friday between 10am to 8pm at Number 5 Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3HF. We have a range of free services for young people which can really help you cope with mental health problems and any other issues you may be worried about. The service is confidential and to find out more information, you can visit our website, or call us on 0845 3 30 30 30 30.

23 www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 29

GAY MEN’S HEALTH GONORRHOEA Text: James Derham

Gonoreeya Gonnohorea Gonuhreea

a e o h r r o n Go . h c t a c o t y s a E . l l e p s o Hard t Gonorrhoea is on the increase amongst gay and bisexual men.

Recent figures are showing that across England, the number of new cases of gonorrhoea diagnosed is up by 21%.

Unfortunately for gay and bisexual men, the statistic is even higher – the number of gonorrhoea diagnoses has risen by a staggering 37% over the past year.

The good news is that this increase in reported cases of gonorrhoea means that more people are getting tested, getting treated, and are taking responsibility for their sexual health. The bad news is that this figure suggests that there are high levels of unsafe sexual behaviour happening in our community, which is resulting in especially high levels of gonorrhoea transmission.

So what is gonorrhoea?

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection which can be caught through having anal, oral,

or vaginal sex with an infected person. It is most common in areas like the throat, vagina, penis, urethra (the tube that runs down the penis) and the arse. Symptoms for men include white, yellow or green discharge from the tip of the penis, pain when peeing, irritation or discharge from the bottom and pain and swelling of the testicles.

For women, symptoms may include white, yellow or green discharge from the vagina, pain when urinating, pain during sex and irritation or discharge from the bottom.

Whilst this all sounds rather unpleasant, it’s important to know that some people with gonorrhoea do not have any symptoms at all. For this reason, if you have had unprotected sex, it’s important to get tested.

What does getting tested involve?

Swabs (like very small cotton buds) will be used to take samples from the penis, vagina, bottom or throat and a urine sample may also be taken.

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

What if the test comes back positive?

Treatment is simple and effective and involves taking a single dose of two different antibiotics. As gonorrhoea has become resistant to some antibiotics one of these antibiotics is given by injection. This is followed by a second test 2 weeks later to make sure the infection has gone. If it hasn’t, another dose of antibiotics might be needed.

It is important to avoid having sex until you get the ‘all clear’. Otherwise, as well as passing on the infection to people you have sex with; you’ll also keep on re-infecting yourself.

It’s also important for your sexual partners to get checked too. If you’re a bit embarrassed about doing this or are finding it difficult to get in touch with your partners, the clinic where you get tested can help. They can contact people on your behalf and let them know without giving your name. Because of some strains of gonorrhoea becoming resistant to antibiotics recently it is more important than ever to follow these tips...

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

How to reduce the chances of getting gonorrhoea: Follow these simple tips! s • Always use condom and water-based lube when having sex with rs. new or casual partne • Have an HIV and STI ally screen at least annu ths and every three mon if you are changing partners regularly. r • Reduce the numbe of sexual partners you have, and avoid overlapping sexual relationships.

• Use condoms and dental dams for oral sex and rimming. ving • And remember - ha s gonorrhoea increase your risk of getting . other STIs, and HIV LGF Outreach Clinics Every Tuesday, 12-3pm Takes place in one of three locations on the first and third Tuesday of the month at Basement Sauna, second Tuesday at H20 Sauna and fourth Tuesday at The LGF. There’s no clinic on any fifth Tuesday. The LGF Outreach Clinic offers full sexual health check-ups. Testing includes: Chlamydia, Gonorrhoea, Syphilis, HIV and Hepatitis B. Rapid HIV Clinic Every Wednesday, 12-2pm This service takes place at The LGF, Number 5 Richmond Street, Manchester between 12pm-2pm every Wednesday. For further information about clinic times, dates and locations visit www.lgf.org.uk/testing

OPINION JAKEB ARTURIO BRADEN

DEATH OF A PORN STAR Over the last few weeks, there have been suicides of two well known gay porn stars. This caused a fairly heated debate about the porn industry especially as both actors wrote regular blogs. There was a sense that the suicides were linked to being involved in the industry and that the two go hand in hand in some way.

There were a couple of hateful responses around the morality of porn and this in some ways is to be expected. If you put yourself out there, you can expect to get feedback, both positive and negative. For me what was interesting was the level of reaction. I couldn’t help but wonder what if it had been two average-looking gay rights activists that had taken their lives, rather than two ‘physically perfect’ gay porn actors. Would the reaction have been the same? Would there have been countless posts about how tragic a loss this was? As a gay male community, is everything over-sexualised? Are someone’s looks, body and dick size more important than their heart, and their contribution to the world?

Suicide, self harm, mental health issues, and drug and alcohol usage are far higher in gay and bisexual men than many other groups, and gay men are more likely to attempt suicide then their straight counterparts. Any suicide is tragic, and as someone who has had suicidal thoughts (due to feeling alone and isolated) it’s not nice to go through. Either acting or not acting on these thoughts is no easy thing, trust me. The darkness can be consuming, so when someone has taken that action and succeeded, the question for me is how can this be prevented in the future, what was going on with them, and where was the support?

For me, I can see how being involved in an industry that is driven by sex, having a big dick, an amazing physique and great looks might mean that ‘feelings’ come pretty low down the list, and that having needs and mental health issues may not be seen as very “horny” - and so there could be pressure to keep these issues to yourself. The same

As a gay male community, is everything oversexualised? Are someone’s looks, body and dick size more important than their heart, and their contribution to the world? could be said in the wider gay/bi male community. Being seen as having ‘baggage’, a past, or needing love and support aren’t really welcomed. Aren’t we supposed to be outgoing, partying, funny, bouncy and always happy? I could quote more mental health stats, but the routes of these issues are reasonably clear to me. When you grow up in a heterosexist society, there are still people out there saying how “wrong” we are, and how we don’t deserve equality. It’s not rocket science. This has effects. However when it comes down to my gay and bisexual brothers taking their lives - whether they’re a porn star, a teen or a gay rights activist - they all deserve acknowledging, and to have their stories shared.

We should all be working to reduce the number of gay men who attempt suicide, or who, sadly, succeed. As ever take care of yourselves.

Jakeb Don’t forget, you can call The LGF Helpline anytime you feel you need help. Just call 0845 3 30 30 30, visit the website at www.lgf.org.uk/men, or drop an e-mail to helpline@lgf.org.uk

You can find me here: www.youtube.com/user/NorthernFella www.theauthenticgayblog.wordpress.com/

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 31

METAL HEALTH STIGMA

STIGMA TACKLING THE

OF MENTAL HEALTH

Besides homophobia, perhaps one of the most stigmatised issues in our society is mental illness. According to Time to Change, nine out of ten of us who have lived with a mental health problem have faced stigma and discrimination as a result.

The fact that a national government and Comic Relief funded campaign aimed at ending stigma and discrimination around mental illness, such as Time to Change, even exists, speaks volumes. And a very important campaign it is too.

Over the years I’ve experienced ups and downs with my own mental health and the reactions I’ve had when opening up about it have often been surprising.

Stigma and discrimination can be subtle; what I’ve found can be just as hurtful as someone using words such as ‘loony’ or making assumptions, is when someone trivialises what you’re telling them; passing off depression as ‘a few down days’ or suggesting a nice bath will cure years of anxiety. I for one, wish it was that easy!

These are some of the things that have stayed with me; they’ve made me question whether or not I was just over-reacting and sometimes even stopped me from speaking up and asking for help. I don’t think I’m alone in feeling this way – many of the people we support here at The LGF worry about their problems not being ‘serious enough’ to use one of our services, which is absolutely not the case. Others find it hard to open up about the problems they’re living with, because of

negative reactions in the past, which have often caused even more distress. As hard as it might feel, it is important to open up and get the help you need and deserve. Starting off by telling one person or organisation you trust is a really good starting point.

Everyone who has a mental health problem at some point or another, will have a different experience and not everyone will face stigma and discrimination. Time to Change campaign are doing a fantastic job at banishing the myths and misconceptions around mental illness, but they can’t do it alone. Here at the LGF, we’re working with Creative Curve to run the ‘Can You Hear Me?’ project which is funded by Time to Change.

The project is all about the stigma and discrimination experienced by lesbian and bisexual women who have a mental illness and how we can all do things to challenge it.

It’s thought that lesbian and bisexual women are disproportionately at risk of developing mental health problems, potentially leaving them at increased risk of discrimination.

Mental illness affects each and every one of us and so does the stigma and discrimination that can go along with it. You might not be impacted directly, but think of partners, relatives, friends and colleagues; if one in 4 of them are likely to experience a mental health problem in any one year, it might be an issue closer to home than you first thought.

Support the Time to Change campaign and make a pledge at www.time-to-change.org.uk/ Find out more about our Can You Hear Me Project in our news section or visit www.lgf.org.uk/canyouhear me

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

LGF SERVICES

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

BLOOMERS

HAS LANDED!

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

This month has seen the launch of our new group for older women called Bloomers.

BEFRIENDERS If you are over 25 and would like to improve your confidence or make some new friends then the befriending service could be for you!

The befriending service offers you a chance to be paired up with a volunteer who will offer support over ten sessions.

You have the opportunity to do a range of activities such as going to social groups, art galleries, rock climbing and the ever popular Canal Street!

We here at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation know that not every LGB person likes the ‘scene’ so we provide a service where the scene is not the focus. Befriending provides a safe place to chat with your volunteer about any issues that you may be struggling with at that moment in time; the volunteers are trained in helping with concerning factors in your life. They can also help with not just advice but applications for jobs, courses and help in accessing groups.

Instead of just taking our word for it we have asked one of our befrienders to provide a few words about working with service users and what being a befriender is like for them:

“What is apparent about the LGF’s approach is the firm belief in recognising that our service users usually know more than us when it comes to their needs.

The Befriending session has allowed one of my service users to gain confidence in going out within the city centre whereas before they were wary of crowds: this has prevented isolation. Working as a befriender provides a friendly, safe, informal but professional relationship and I have found the Befriending service a flexible and great way for clients to choose how they wish to gain help, advice and confidence!”

Nigel Goldfinch

The group is a safe space for olde r women (older being self defining but we wou ld suggest the group is for women over 55!) to meet, chat and enjoy discussio ns and activities. The group was launched in response to many women telling us that there is a need for a specific older womens’ space amongst our services, and we hope that by starting this group, we will begin to reduce these feelings of isolation.

The first session had five people attend, and it was decided that Bloomers would be an informal social and support group, where people can meet and enjoy each othe rs’ company whilst discussing topics that were relevant to them. The group will give everyone an opportunity to share their experiences without being judged, as well as provide a space for people to listen and learn from others. Future topics that were suggested were; coming out to child ren and family, cancer awareness and relat ionships.

As you can see the befriending service is both beneficial for the volunteers as well as the individuals that use the service!

Everybody who has accessed this service has said that this has improved their confidence and helped them make friends.

There will be a fun element too, with every session having an informal atmosphe re where people can laugh and chat to each other, and take part in activities such as arts and crafts, board games and even film afternoons. Everyone has their past imes, so there is plenty of scope to get invol ved with things that are happening in the city.

We’ve even had a suggestion that we get involved in the local singing group!

The group is run by a volunteer calle d Donna, with help from the Wellbein g Officer Kate, and they are always looking for new ideas from members, after all, it’s their group!

For more information and an application form, please email kate.hardy@lgf.org.uk or phone 0845 3 30 30 30. You can also download an application form from our website www.lgf.org.uk/getsupport/befrienders/

Bloomers is every 1st and 3rd Tuesday afternoon, 1pm to 3pm , here at The Lesbian & Gay Foundat ion, in our comfy group room (brews and biscuits provided!). For mor e information, please ring 0845 3 30 30 30 or email kate.hardy@lgf.o rg.uk

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 33

GAY MEN’S HEALTH

HOMO

AWAY!

OFF ON YOUR HOLLYBAGS? MARTIN COOPER HAS SOME TOP TIPS!

So, you’ve been working on your beach body for the last few months, sticking to various fad diets (only eating yellow foods, no food that casts a shadow, bourbon cream only diets, etc) and you’ve selected the swim wear that best shows off your Beyonce bum and rippling pectorals.

You’ve suitably irritated everyone in the office by saying “only ‘x’ days to go now” for the last 6 weeks and you’ve happily saved your ‘out of office’ notifications on your email settings (best… feeling… ever)!

But there are a few essential items you must take on your travels this summer, and here we give you our definitive guide to staying safe abroad.

Sunscreen If I can offer you one piece of advice for the future, sunscreen would be it. Not our words, the words of Baz Luhrman, but still very fitting and true. The damage that direct sunlight can do to the skin is often very painful and can have

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

effects long term like premature aging and skin cancers. Wearing a sunscreen with a high SPF factor will prevent your skin from burning in the hot weather. Also a good after-sun treatment with aloe vera is good for recovering your skin after being out in the sun, can help prevent peeling and drying out and makes you smell awesome.

KEEP HYDrATED! While you’re out on the beach, or shopping in the local bazaars, or riding a llama, you’re going to get dehydrated so it’s really important to drink shed loads of water.

Buy bottled waters from the shops as the tap water is often unsuitable to drink.

Also, the more alcohol you drink the more you’re going to get dehydrated, so again, plenty of water is required. When you get a hangover headache it’s because your brain is swollen. Drinking lots of water will help reduce that swelling.

DRUGS & DRINKING Don’t forget that our standard measures are often quite different to standard measures abroad. Shots in this country usually come in a 25m or 35m measure whereas in Spain a ‘shot’ comes in a bucket with a funnel. It’s so important to remember your limits and stay in control. Remember, you’re in an unfamiliar environment and you need to be able to negotiate with taxis or through streets you haven’t been down before. Staying composed and in control will make this all so much easier!

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEKEND SIR?

It is obviously illegal to export any drugs outside of the country and border patrols around the world are highly vigilant about this issue. Some countries are extremely tough on anyone transporting any amount of illegal substances into or out of their country so the basic message is…. DON’T DO IT!! It’s really not worth the risk.

RESPECT THE LAW Laws differ from country to country and as a visitor in another nation it’s important that you take these laws seriously and abide by them (whether you agree with them or not). Take time to check out what you should and shouldn’t do while on your holiday and be aware that regardless of sexuality, a lot of countries have strict laws on things like public displays of affection, so make sure you are clear on these. Read up on the nation you are visiting if you can and get to know your hosts and embrace their way of life!

HEALTH When packing, it’s always a good idea to take a few essential first aid items.

Painkillers, plasters (including blister plasters for when your new Armani flip-flops start rubbing), bandages, skin healing cream for insect bites, safety pins, scissors, cellotape, sewing kit. Also, make sure you take a good amount of any medication you may need. Take more than the minimum amount in case of any long delays coming hom. You can always bring them home again with you if you don’t need them. Sort out health insurance before you go. If you don’t and you require any medical attention while you are there it is going to be an absolute nightmare to sort out. Look into getting a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you are travelling within the European Union.

MONEY Before you go on holiday, if you’re intending to use your cash card, be sure to call the bank and let them know you’re going away. They will make a note on their systems and it won’t flag up any ‘unusual activity’ if there are withdrawals

being made at a cash point in Thailand when they assume you’re in Tameside.

Make sure you’ve got more than you need in case of emergency and don’t spend it all on duty free gin It’s also a good idea to let your mobile phone company know you’re going away too. They can often offer packages to reduce the costs of data transfer, calls and texts while you’re away.

Turn off your roaming signal when you get there and use Wifi wherever possible.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS Write down your next of kin details somewhere and keep it about your person.

It’s a depressing thought, but if anything happens to you and someone needs to contact your family you will make the process much quicker if you have a contact card for your next of kin available.

condoms & LUBE! Hey, guess what? 25% of gay or bisexual men have had sex with someone who is not from the same country as them in the last 12 months. Also, men living with HIV were twice as likely to report sex abroad than negative or untested men. The point is that while people are on holiday they are having sex and lots of it by all accounts!

Therefore it is important, nay VITAL, that you make sure you have a healthy stock of condoms and lube if you are planning on getting lucky!!

Take as many packs as you can lay your hands on before you go. Slip them into every pocket of every garment. Just because you are on holiday doesn’t mean you should lower your guard or not practice the same levels of risk reduction that you would while here in the UK, so be prepared!!

FINALLY...

Have fun! You deserve it!

If you’re planning to have a break a bit closer to home - The LGF is here for you! Every Thursday from 4pm-8pm, come along to our Community Resource Centre (5 Richmond Street - we’re just above Queer), and we’ll make sure you’ve got all the information and equipment you need for a fabulous and SAFE night on the tiles.

Just pop along anytime between 4pm and 8m, and we’ll sort you out! www.lgf.org.uk/men

SHOW US HOW FAR YOU’VE COME!

So, are you off on holiday?

It doesn’t matter if you’re heading to Iceland, Sitges, Sydney or The Lakes, we’d love to see your pics!

Specifically, we’d love to see your pics of where you’ve taken your LGF condom packs!

There’s a prize for the best pic, so get snapping and send your pics to outnorthwest@ lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 35

GIVING SOMETHING BACK

Picture: Precinct Galvez-Soto

!

ED V L O V N GET I Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

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

RUN FOR THE !

LGF IN 2014 m of LGF

So far in 2013, a tea challengers have run over 100 miles between them, and raised over £15,000. Ongoing financial suppor t helps us to ensure that our services that are under-funded can continue, so that we can carry on changing the lives of thousands of LGB people every year. We’ve got places in next year’s Virgin London Marathon, the Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon, the BUPA London 10k and the BUPA Manchester 10k. To join our team of superstars, get in touch now with claire. baldwin@lgf.org.uk!

THANK YOU!

of our ama zing A huge thank you to all 10k! runners in the BUPA Manchester Pictured is Polly of Taurus Bar, Manchester who got together 10 people to raise over £2,000. people Check out some of the reasons why LGF… The ran ten whole kilometres for ly with Karen: “I have always struggled huge I think an wom gay r olde my sexuality, as an to en wom and els mod role there were less as ed Inde ger. youn was I n whe identify with zing ama its g sellin coun ing ongo my part of ety of how impactive the isolation and anxi , the efore Ther my sexuality has been for me. to out hing reac amazing work of The LGF in both s issue th heal g people and acknowledgin

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

rtant physical and mental is extremely impo shout to me s allow it Also ly. onal to me pers s out to all my friends and work colleague raise that I am in fact proud to be gay and awareness of the work of The LGF.” keen Kaylum and Darren: “We were both ever have us of er Neith LGF. to support The of The directly required the support/services e in the thos of y man so that e gnis reco LGF but . The LGB&T community of Manchester have g sellin coun work they do whether it be for e Villag the or g enin services, sexual health scre to unts amo all it , out” Angels that go “walkab y ways a service that is invaluable and in man UK.” the of rest unrivalled in the

ROSS’S TOP TIPS!

GET INVOLVED!

and this will ensure that your fitness is always being pushed to the next level. I would suggest reviewing your exercise plan at least every 8 weeks as your fitness develops. Over a period of 10 months or more you can expect to see significant changes in your health. Some of which include:

“When competing in any event the key to success is preparation. Taking time to improve your fitness levels will not only help to avoid the risk of injury, it will also help you to achieve better long term sustainable results.

• • • •

Initially you should set yourself a training goal. Remember that this must be realistic and achievable. Bear in mind factors such as time available for exercise and current fitness levels.

When training for an event which is more than 10 months away you should continually look to review your exercise plan. For a beginner I would recommend exercising 2-4 times per week initially from 20-40 minutes per session. You should develop this plan over your minimum 10 month period

• •

Improved cardiovascular endurance Reduced risk of illness and disease Fat loss Muscle gain and increased metabolism Lower risk of injury Increased energy levels and mental wellbeing

For more information please feel free to email me: ross@personaltraininginmanchester.com Ross Bewley, Personal Trainer/ Director Pure Body Training www.personaltraininginmanchester.com

CHALLENGE

Picture: Emily Cobb

YOURSELF

on We really need people to take e rais help to their own challenges st late Our .

LGF money for The : “I challenger was the fabulous Sian I that year the of nning begi the decided at really wanted to do something that would s’ push me and the ‘A Day In The Lake was e Ther triathlon seemed to fit the bill. bike the on over 4000 feet of climbing on the ride and over 1500 feet of climbing ing train My ! oad off-r run, which was also or ing runn , ming swim lved schedule invo 18 cycling six or seven days a week for e ramm Prog en’s Wom the As weeks.

Coordinator at The Lesbian & Gay rence Foundation, I see every day the diffe . lives ls’ idua that The LGF makes to indiv en happ ldn’t wou Much of what it does I’m without the generosity of supporters. ed play have ts effor my that really happy LGF The that sure ing mak in a small part continues to be ‘here if you need us’.” ort All fundraisers for The LGF receive supp an , staff of from a dedicated member Enough is Enough t-shirt to complete g the challenge in, access to fundraisin to e ficat certi ised onal pers materials, a . show how much you’ve raised and more e.

What are you waiting for? Email clair your baldwin@lgf.org.uk now to discuss idea!

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

For all the different ways you can get involved and support The LGF, scan the QR code above or visit www.lgf.org.uk/fundraise

ONWD13

£5

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SUPPORT!

Last year, our service s made a difference to thousands of lesbian, gay and bisexual pe ople.

We need your help to carry on. To donate text 70070 with the code ONWD13 followed by the amount you wan t to donate, for exampl e, ONWD13 £5. www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 37

Listings LGB&T North West Listings Including:

Venues, Clinics, Charities & Community Groups

Manchester 88 Listing Indicator

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© 2013, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation

0845 3 30 30 30

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The Lesbian & Gay Foundation Number 5, Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3HF. Tel: 0845 3 30 30 30 Fax: 0161 235 8036 E-mail: info@lgf.org.uk Website: www.lgf.org.uk Facebook: ‘The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’ Twitter: @lgfoundation

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Train Station Metrolink Stop Metroshuttle Stop

Portland Street

Provided by:

Free Safer Sex Packs available at most venues Funded and supported by local authorities across Greater Manchester.

YOU SHOULD HAVE A HIV & STI TEST AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR. TO FIND OUT WHERE, VISIT:

DO YOU KNOW YOUR HIV STATUS?

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

FACT

www.lgf.org.uk/testing

Supported by

www.lgf.org.uk/testing

2x Pasante Regular Condoms 2x 10ml Water-based Lube Sachets

Website: www.pasante.com E-mail: sales@pasante.com Reg. Charity Charity No. Reg. No. 1070904 1070904

PUBS, CLUBS & Bars 2 x Pasante Regular shaped, teat-ended condoms, nominal width 54mm at base, and 2 x Pasante 10ml clear water-based lubricant sachets. Use condom only once. Use of a condom cannot guarantee 100% protection against pregnancy, HIV or Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). This product is made from natural rubber latex and may cause an allergic reaction. Pasante condoms are certified to international standard ISO 4074. The Kitemark applies to the condoms only.

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

This pack is provided by The Lesbian & Gay Foundation and contains:

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

AXM 834 0297

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

NHS SEXUAL HEALTH CHECK-UPS ARE FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL.

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

www.lgf.org.uk/testing THIS PACK CONTAINS:

2

Venues Key Dance Floor

FACT

100 Bloom St, 0845

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 Cruz 101 101 Princess St, 0161 950 0101, one of Manchester’s most popular nightclubs, cruz101.com 11 Eden 3 Brazil St, 0161 237 9852, food served daily, edenbar.co.uk

All information provided by venues.

Please check before arrival

15 ICON Richmond St, 0161 237 3000, iconmanchester.co.uk

30 OSCARS 34 Canal St, 0161 237 9201 oscarsbarcanalstreet.co.uk

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

23 Overdraught Student 121 Princess St, 0161 237 0811

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 16 Monroes 38 London Rd, 0161 236 0564

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

20

The New Union HOTEL

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

111 Princess St, 0161 228 1492, newunionhotel.com

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

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

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

35 Polari 28-30 Canal St, 0161 236 6523, polarimanchester.co.uk 25 Queer 4 Canal St, 0161 228 1360, queer-manchester.com 4 Rem BAR 33 Sackville St, 0161 236 1311, traditional pub, rembar.co.uk 26 Retro Bar 78 Sackville St, 0161 274 4892, retrobarmanchester.com 27 The Lodge Richmond St, 0161 237 9667 28 Taurus 1 Canal St, 0161 236 4593, taurus-bar.co.uk

Let's Do Lunch

supported by:

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

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

For info or to reserve a place: Tel: 0781 308 3242 email: paula650@aol.com www.lesbiandiners.co.uk Thompsons Arms 23 Sackville St, 0161 228 3012 29

31 Tribeca Gay Friendly 50 Sackville St, 0161 236 8300, New York style lounge, tribeca-bar.co.uk 32 Vanilla 39-41 Richmond St, 0161 657 8890, vanillagirls.co.uk 34 Velvet 2 Canal St, 0161 236 9003, food served daily, velvetmanchester.com 35 Via 28-30 Canal St, 0161 236 6523, viamanchester.com

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

Club Nights ALERT Fetish at Alter Ego, 0844 884 8695, 4th Friday of the month club-alert.com BACK2BACK every Thus at Cruz 101 Bear Club UK at Alter Ego, 3rd Fri of the month facebook.com/bearclubuk

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

Manchester Pride 5 Oak St, 0161 831 7700, manchesterpride.com

MANCHESTER MIND Mental Health services, 0161 226 9907, manchestermind. org NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS LGBT Friendly group every Wed and Sat at the Joyce Layland LGBT Centre, Sidney St, 0300 999 1212 Self Help Services Zion Community Resource Centre Stretford Rd, 0161 226 3871, mental health services, selfhelpservices.org.uk Survivors Manchester Confidential support for male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, 07919 246 2671, survivorsmanchester.org.uk

The City Centre Project 52 Oldham St, 0161 228 7654 and 3309, project works with young people 16-25 yrs who’s primary disadvantage is homelessness THE COUNSELLING PARTNERSHIP Family, couples and individual therapy, thecounsellingpartnership.com 37 The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF) Number 5, Richmond St, 0845 3 30 30 30, for all your LGB information and services, lgf.org.uk

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

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

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

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

Central Manchester Osteopathy & Sports Therapy Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount St, 07866 705 385, help relieve your aches by looking at the bigger picture, centralmanchesterosteopathy.com 42 Clone Zone 36-38 Sackville Street, 0161 236 1398, clonezonedirect.co.uk

Counselling Services Manchester 07913 781 982, Experienced LGBT friendly woman counsellor based in Chorlton, counsellingservicesmanchester.co.uk

Men’s therapy Men’s Psychotherapist and relationship counselling, 0161 256 1890, menstherapy. co.uk ESSENCE COUNSELLING info@essencecounselling.org www.essencecounselling.org

52 LeVille Hotel 38-42 Canal St, 0161 937 1400, levillehotel.com 34 Velvet Hotel 2 Canal St, 0161 236 9003, velvetmanchester.com

Saunas 50 H2O Sauna 36-38 Sackville St, seven day sauna for gay and bi men, 0161 236 3876, h2osauna.co.uk 51 The Basement Complex 18 Tariff St, seven day sauna for gay and bi men, 0161 236 8131, basementcomplex.co.uk

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

43

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

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

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

Funky Crop Shop 37 Bloom St, 0161 237 1032, village hair shop

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

HANA K PLUMBING friendly female plumber, 0161 408 4605 or 07588 249 229, hanakplumbing.co.uk,

Eateries

BRASSERIE Gay Friendly Albert Sq, 0161 834 7633

Helen smith FUNERALS Ceremonies funerals that are individual fitting and true,0161 881 9568 or 07870 541 668, helensmithfunerals.co.uk

CROMA Pizza and Pasta 1 Clarance St, 0161 237 9799, cromapizza.co.uk

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

CROMA Pizza and Pasta 30 Longfield Centre, Prestwich, 0161 798 7666, cromapizza.co.uk

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

Barnardo’s Health Through Action The Progress Centre, Charlton Place, Ardwick Green, 0161 273 2901 BARNArDO’S MANCHESTER LEAVING CARE SERVICES 36 Monton Street, 0161 226 6722, barnardos.org.uk The BHA Stretford Rd, health, social care & advocay services for BME & other marginalised communities, 0845 450 4247, thebha.org.uk

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

PAMELA UNSWORTH PERSONAL TRAINER Home, gym or outdoor bootcamp training, 07710 572 283, pamela@bodyofbrilliance.co.uk

CENTRAL MANCHESTER WOMEN’S AID confidential accomodation & support services to lesbians experiencing samesex partner abuse, 0161 273 4366, info@ cmwomensaid.org.uk

Club HD Arch 66, Whitworth St West, gay/ mixed bar/club Fri & Sat nights

Eighth Day Vegan 111 Oxford Road, 0161 273 1850, eighthday.co.uk

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

Community Alcohol Team 0161 234 5055, manchestercat.org

CLub lash Fetish at Alter Ego, mixed fetish /SM night 2nd Fri of the month, clublash. com

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

Pink Counselling gay male Therapeutic Counsellor working in Didsbury & Altrincham, Roger: 07506 924 801

The Big Scrum Rugby/Sports Kit at Alter Ego, 1st Fri of the month, bigscrum.com BOLLOX Pop/Indie 3rd Friday of the month at Alter Ego

Countdown to the 80’s at Eagle, 0161 228 6669 Deviant Fetish at Eagle, 0161 228 6669, FEDERATION clubfederation.com Homoelectric homoelectric.com Morning Glory at Queer, Sat nights Organic at Spirit, after hours every Sat. POPTASTIC Pop/Indie at Alter Ego, 07974 248 247 poptastic.co.uk

Community & Health

Albert Kennedy Trust 5 Oak St, Northern Quarter, 0161 228 3308, providing supported lodgings, mentoring, be-friending and information and advice to young LGBT people, contact@akt.org.uk

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS LGBT Friendly group meets 1st Fri of the month at Joyce Layland LGBT Centre, Sidney St, 0845 769 7555 Eclypse Lifeline 73 Ardwick Green North, 0161 273 6686, young persons drug & alcohol support service, Mon-Fri 9-5, Thurs 9-7, fiona@eclypse-yps.org.uk

LIVEBAIT Gay Friendly 22 Lloyd St, 0161 817 4110, livebaitmanchester.com Olive Deli 36-38 Whitworth St, 0161 236 2360 46

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

52 Sanctuary 46 Sackville St, 0161 237 5551, sanctuarymanchester.co.uk

SAPPORO Teppanyaki 91-93 Liverpool Road, 0161 831 9888, sapporo.co.uk SIDNEY STREET CAFE The Joyce Layland Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 11am-5pm That Café 1031 Stockport Rd, 0161 432 4672, thatcafe.co.uk

Pro-Balance health gay friendly personal training gym in the City Centre, 0161 833 4777, pro-balance.co.uk Pure Tanning 37-39 Bloom St, 0161 236 1788 47

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

Spa Satori 112 High St, holistic health & beauty spa, 0161 819 2465, spasatori.co.uk THE SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE Offers fund-raising, performs camp housewarmings, memorials etc sister-jacquimoff@hotmail.co.uk for details

Villagio Canal St, 0161 244 5222, villaggiomanchester.co.uk

Therapy In Manchester Professional psychotherapy and counselling in south Manchester, 07592 340 211, therapyinmanchester.co.uk

Shops & Services

UPPERCUTS BARBERS The Arndale Market

Anubis Pack BDSM group raising awareness of the pack and pup community www.anubispack.com

Hotels & B&B’s

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

hilton double tree One Piccadilly Place, Auburn St, 0161 242 1000, cityinn.com

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

Community Arts North West 46-50 Oldham St, 0161 234 2975 can.uk.com turning Point The Exchange, 3 New York St, mental health support & short term crisis accomodation, 0161 238 5100, turning-point. co.uk George House Trust supporting people living with or affected by HIV in the North West, 77 Ardwick Green North, 0161 274 4499, ght.org.uk Gregory’s Place 69 Ardwick Green North, support for children and young people with HIV, 0161 273 2901, gregorysplace@barnardos.org.uk Lifeline 101-103 Oldham St, 0161 200 5486, lifeline.org.uk Lifeshare male sex workers advice, 0161 235 0744, lifeshare.co.uk Manchester Drug Service The Bridge, 104 Fairfield Street, 0161 273 4040 Manchester Rainbow support & Homecare providing care and support to adults in their own homes and communities, 0161 720 6369, m-r-s-h. co.uk Stop Smoking Service 0161 205 5998, stopsmokingmanchester.co.uk Pankhurst Centre 60-62 Nelson Street, Chorlton-on-Medlock, 0161 273 5673, thepankhurstcentre.org.uk

Greater Manchester Agencies Continued St. Mary’s sexual assault Centre New St. Mary’s Hospital, Hathersage Road, sexual assault referral centre, 0161 276 6515, stmaryscentre.org St Vincent’s Housing Association 0161 772 2120, svha.co.uk THE COUNSELLING PARTNERSHIP family, couples and individual therapy, thecounsellingpartnership.com ThE Manchester Foyer 61 Booth St West, Hulme, supported accomodation for young people 16-25’s, 0161 276 1000, svha.co.uk SALFORD CITY Citizen Advice Bureau 25a Hankinson Way, Salford Precinct, employment services for LGB&T people, 0161 834 2005, salfordcab.org.uk

Clinics North Manchester sexual health clinic Delaunays Rd, Crumpsall, 0161 720 2681 North Manchester Hospital Same day HIV test clinic Tues mornings and Thurs evenings , 0161 720 2845 outreach Clinic at the LGF and 4 other locations, Tuesdays, no appointment needed, if presenting symptoms, please go straight to a GUM clinic, 0845 3 30 30 30, lgf.org.uk/testing Rapid HIV Testing at the LGF Weds 122pm, no appointment needed (last test 1.30pm) results in 30 mins, if presenting symptoms, please go straight to a GUM clinic, 0845 3 30 30 30, lgf.org.uk/testing Rusholme Health Centre Walmer Street, 0161 225 6699 South Manchester Sexual Health Clinic Withington Hospital, 0161 217 4939 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, 0845 3 30 30 30 BiPhoria bisexual support 18+, meets 1st Tue of the month, 07941 811 124, biphoria. org.uk CAROUSEL social support group for lesbian/bisexual women meets 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month 7.30-9pm at the LGF, 0845 3 30 30 30 Edward carpenter community Heart Circles 1st Sunday of the month, 3pm 49-51 Sidney Street, edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk/ local-groups friends of sackville gardens Meets monthly to plan improvements, maintenance and new planting in Sackville Gardens, 0845 3 30 30 30, Gaydio info@gaydio.co.uk Gay in the uk Refugee Action, 23-37 Edge Street, LGBT social group for refugees & asylum seekers, 1st Tue of the month 6pm, 07824 473 479, refugee-action.org.uk Gay Naturist SWIM all ages, nude_n_manchester@yahoo.co.uk GOLD GROUP Support group for LGB&T adults with learning disabilities. Meets monthly at The LGF. For more information call Jane on 07708 564 697 Please note all listings information is provided by third parties. The LGF can accept no responsibility for the quality of the services/groups listed

House of Rainbow meets at the LGF, LGBTI friendly Christian fellowship Welcomes people struggling with their sexuality and belief. Meets 1st Tuesday of the month, 07751 693708 Icebreakers gay & bi men's support group meets 8pm every Wedn at The LGF, 0845 3 30 30 30, icebreakersmanchester. org.uk Imaan at The LGF, For LGBT Muslim’s 1st Friday/mnth 7.30-9.30pm, 0845 3 30 30 30, imaan.org.uk Inner Enigma 0845 838 1264, trans and intersex support and advice, info@innerenigma.co.uk KESHET Advocacy, education and support service for jewish LGBT, 07906700114, info@ keshetmanchester.org.uk Lesbian and Gay Youth Manchester (LGYM) LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, young LGBT people aged 14-25, Tues 7.30-10pm, Sat 3-7pm, 0790 0680725, lgbtyouthnorthwest.org.uk lesbian Culture Club Over the village but not over the hill? Monthly cultural socials for like minded women lesbiancultureclub@hotmail.co.uk Let’s Do Lunch lesbian diners every other month, 07813 083 242, paulad650@ aol.com lesbiandiners.co.uk LIK:T 49-51 Sydney St, run by and for young lesbian & bisexual women. Meets alternate Tue of the month, 07813 981 338, likt_info@ yahoo.co.uk Manchester gay Christians manchestergaychristians.org Manchester Concord transgender Social group every Wed 7pm Villagio upstairs bar, (changing room available), mary@manchesterconcord. org.uk The Manchester counsellors & Psychotheripists Reading Group Meets regularly on Fridays (limited spaces) from 6:30-8:30pm for more information and dates please contact, 07592 340 211, paul.melia@ therapyinmanchester.co.uk Manchester Deaf Triangle Club group for deaf LGB, 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, manchesterfeministnetwork@riseup.net Manchester Lesbian & Gay Chorus 07944 056 047, mlgc.org.uk Manchester Parents Group 0845 652 2674, 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 909 677, 1st Thursday of the month, mango.news@btopenworld.com Metropolitan Community Church United Reformed Church, Wilbraham Rd, LGB&T led christian church, 0161 881 6050, mccmanchester.co.uk MMU LGBT mmulgbt@live.co.uk MORF at The LGF, social & support for transguys 4th Mon of the month, 0794 824 3289, morf@morf.org.uk, morf.org.uk

New Family Social Meeting monthly in South Manchester. For more info go to newfamilysocial.org.uk

Crown Green Bowling in the Manchester area, for lGBT people, woodsbowler@yahoo.co.uk

Out In The City Social group for over 50’s LGBT. Drop in Weds at Mount St, activities every Thurs. outinthecity05.webs.com

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

out to the theatre , gay men’s social group, nigeladams@talk21.com

GAY OUTDOOR GROUP transpennine walking group, 07855 197 607, goc.org.uk

OLDER & BOLDER A social and support group for gay/bi men over 40. Meets 2nd and 4th Thur of the month 7:30pm-9pm at the LGF

Ghap badminton ghapbadminton.org.uk

Proud 2 b Parents for LGB&T parents and their children every 4th Saturday, 0161 226 0162 or 07506 515932, m.roberts4@ manchester.gov.uk

MANCHESTER BADMINTON CLUB Badminton club for the less experienced player, 07939 477 026

queer skinhead brotherhood queerskinbrotherhood@googlemail.com

Manchester Front Runners LGF Box 106, Number 5, Richmond Street, M1 3HF, running club catering for all abilities, meets every Thurs in the city centre, 07813 336 445, manchesterfrontrunners.org

Queer Youth Manchester 07092 031 086, info@queeryouth.net , queeryouth.org.uk

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

Rainbow Families peer support & monthly social for current & prospective lesbian parents and their children, 07903 397 108, rainbow_families@hotmail.com, rainbowfamilies-manchester.co.uk

MANCHESTER PRAIRIE DOGS line dance sessions, every Tue 7.30-10 at Thompson’s Arms, 07960 351 882, manchesterprairiedogs.co.uk

RAINBOW NOIR LGBTQ black & minority ethnic social/activist group. Meets fortnightly Thu at The Joyce Layland LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney st. Call 07725 581 945, rainbownoirmcr@gmail.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 0700, chris.rice@salford.gov.uk SM Dykes 49-51 Sidney Street, 07952 237 526, smdykes@smdykes.org.uk, smdykes.org.uk STEPPING STONES A support group for lesbian and bisexual women meets 2nd & 4th Tue 7.30-9pm, 0845 3 30 30 30 Transforum Ninian’s Church, Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton, TransGender discussion & mutual support group, meets 4th Sat of the month 3.30pm, 07500 741 955, transforum.org.uk VADA LGBT community theatre group drama workshops & performances, all welcome, vada.theatre@gmail.com VILLAGE BAKERS LGBT Baking Social group. Meets every 2nd Sun of the month at 1pm. details can be found at Facebook.com/villagebakers and Twitter @ villagebakers, villagebakersmanchester@ gmail.com WOMEN’S CORNERHOUSE FILM GROUP Informal social group for l&b women. Meets 6pm on 1st Sat of month at Cornerhouse, rachelm.cross@btinternet.com women’s domestic violence Refuge: 0161 861 8428, Helpline: 0161 636 7525, support and advice to women and children experiencing domestic violence, wdachoices.org.uk UMSU LGBT Society student group, for social events, campagins, drop-ins and support, enquiries@lgbt.manchester.ac.uk

Sports Groups Absolutely DANCING Trinity High School every Wed 8pm-10pm, latin and ballroom lessons for the LGB&T community, absolutelydancingmanchester@hotmail.com, absolutelydancing.org.uk CANALSIDERS UK LGBT Amateur Rugby League club. For more information or to get involved email info@canalsiders.co.uk, canalsiders.co.uk

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

Manchester SHARKS Miles Platting Pool, Varley Street, water polo club manchestersharks.co.uk Manchester Stingers WFC Womens football club for all abilities, manchesterstingers.co.uk manchester walking women its.elly@yahoo.co.uk Marlin swimming group Levenshulme Swimming Pool, Barlow Rd, trans swimming group, swim@marlin.org.uk, marlin.org.uk NETBALL women only group with weekly coaching, training every Mon 8-10pm, 07939 477 026 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 volleyball group, G/L/T/ TV meets weekly. All ages & abilities welcome, 07783 297 965, northernjump. org NORTHERN Rebound LGBT squash club for all abilities. At the National Squash centre Wed & Fri & hold regular tournaments, northernrebound.org 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 Northern Wave swimming club swimming for all, 0161 872 1990, northernwave.org 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 PEAK RUFTIES Lesbian walking group, holds longer walks in the Peak District, peakrufties. webs.com Slam Dunkin’ Divas basketball group for lesbian/bi/trans women, Tue eve, 07769 691 360, slamdunkindivas@gmail.com, slamdunkindivas.co.uk Village Manchester FC gay men’s football club for every level, vmfc.co.uk

Village Spartans Rugby Training sessions on Wed 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.

WOMEN TRI SPORTS Range of sports every Sat 12-1:30pm at Our Lady’s Sport Centre, Blackly, call Amelia on 07813 981 338

BoLtOn pubs, clubs & bars

Carbon Bar Gay friendly, 01204 776 325

The Star 11 Bow St, 01204 361 113

club NightS

Twisted tuesdays J2 & The Attic Sq

aGENCIES & CLINICs

Bolton Centre for Sexual Health Minerva Rd, Farnworth, 01204 390 771 Positive Bolton People Royal Bolton Hospital, HIV worker Emma Massey, 01204 390772 MENTAL HEALTH independent support (MhIST) Hanover Str Bolton, 01204 527200, mhist.co.uk The Parallel 9A Churchgate, 01204 462 444, theparallel@bolton.nhs.uk

groups

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

shops

The Rainbow house project LGBT community group based in Bury providing information and advice to LGBT people.

Hold a weekly coffee morning with guest speakers, therainbowhouseproject.org.uk

SaUNaS

SaLfOrD aGENCIES & CLINICs

Brook Advisory 3 Derby Road, Weaste, 0161 622 9848, brook.org.uk

NERO’S ROMAN SPA Whitelegge st, Toddington Rd, 0161 763 7440, nerosonline.co.uk

eccles gateway 28 Barton Lane, 0161 212 5717, Thu 6-8.30pm, drop in

SErvicEs

higher broughton health centre Bevendon Square, Wed 6-8.30, Fri 9.3011.30 drop in, 0161 212 4500

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

ChOrlTon pubs, clubs & bars

THE NIP & TIPPLE 197 Upper Chorlton Road, 0161 860 7330, nipandtipple.com Rapture Club Nights The Chorlton Irish Club, 17 High Ln. Women centred but all invited - 7.15 until LATE, raptureclubnight.co.uk

EaTERIES

CROMA Pizza and Pasta 500 Wilbraham Road, 0161 881 1117, cromapizza.co.uk The Lead Station 99 Beech Road, 0161 881 5559, theleadstation.co.uk

shops

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

irlam medical centre MacDonald Rd, Wed 6-8.30pm drop in, 0161 212 5400 Goodman Sexual Health Clinic Lancs Burn Health Centre, Churchill Way, 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, 0161 212 5720 Manchester Rainbow support & Homecare providing care and support to adults in their own homes and communities, 0161 720 6369, m-r-s-h. co.uk starting Out Project Salford City Council’s young LGBT tenancy support service, Neil 07766 550 264 / 0161 607 1620, neil.cochrane@salford.gov.uk

groups

Bury Anti-homophobic bullying group 0161 253 5884

bury lgbt networking group residents and service providers improving the LGBRT profile in our town, burylgbtnetworking@live.co.uk bury Council lgbt employee group 0161 253 6625, lgbt@bury.gov.uk 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

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

CLINICs

Sexual Health Clinic Ashton Primary Care Centre, 193 Old Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, 0161 342 7101 Outloud Diane King: 0161 368 0076, Tameside youth service 11-19 youth group.

GROUPS

lgbt group Tameside Young Peoples Centre, Duke Street, 0161 336 6615

trAfFoRd CLINICs

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

aGENCIES & Services

Groups

bUrY

YPAS Bury Townside Primary Care Centre, 0161 762 1588, buryccg.nhs.uk

Queen Inn 37 Oldham Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne, gay friendly, 0161 339 8145

THE ABBEY INN Mixed 77 West St, 0161 652 2226

SaUNaS

Bury sexual health Services Townside Primary Care Centre, 0161 762 1588, buryccg.nhs.uk

pubs, clubs & bars

Jamie Burnie Counselling/ Psychotherapy, 07590 926 009

The Brewery Tavern 42 George Street, 0161 287 0751

SALFORD LGBT YOUTH Group The Beacon Centre, 1 London Street, safe space for young LGBT people - loads of different activities, 0161 788 0702, chris.rice@ salford.gov.uk

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

TamEsIde

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

Sexual Health Oldham Oldham Integrated Care Centre, 5th floor, New Radcliffe Street, 0300 303 8565

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

PLUS Reading Group 07880 746079

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

OlDhAm

DEE SELECTA 20 Cawdor Street, deeselecta.co.uk

Connexions 13-15 Broad St, safe environment for young LGBTQ people to meet, 0161 253 7733, connexions-bury. org.uk

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

Relate 346 Chester Rd, 0161 872 0303, relategms.co.uk

CLINICs

aGENCIES & CLINICs

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

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

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

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

GROUPS

Pennine Sauna 96 Rochdale Rd, 01706 842 000

GROUPS

OLDHAM LGBT FORUM LGBT Events groups that helps run Oldham Pride. to get involved email oldhamlgbtforum@oldham. gov.uk OUT IN OLDHAM Youth group for young (13 to 21 year old) LGBTQ people, 0161 770 8648 OUT AND ABOUT Social group for the older LGBT community, 0161 633 0213 pink triangle theatre St Cuthberts House, Tanners Fold, 07932 928 134 pinktriangletheatre.co.uk

ROcHdAlE CLINICS

sTOcKpOrT PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

ARDEN ARMS 23 Millgate, 0161 480 2185, ardenarms.com

CLINICs

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

aGENCIES

Age uk 56 Wellington St, 0161 480 1211, ageuk. org.uk

CITIZENS ADVICE, 0844 644019

GROUPS No! Attitude LGB youth group, 0161 912 2453 STRETFORD HIVE Community hub with LGBT advice, Stretford Mall, Unit 47/48

WIGan CLINICs

Sexual Health Clinic The Shine Centre, No 6, Galleries Shopping Centre, 01942 483188 LEIGH CENTRE FOR SEXUAL HEALTH Leigh Health Centre Ent. C, The Avenue, 01942 483188

aGENCIES

Age UK 68 Market St, help, advice & support for over 50’s, 01942 241972

GROUPS

B.you project 01942 203 363, for LGBTQ young people (11-25), b.youproject@wigan. gov.uk Open Minds Group 07759 352 974, group for 18-25yr old LGBTQ, openmindslgbt@gmail. com brook LGBQ support Group 8 Ashton Gallery, for under 19’s, Tues 6-8pm, 01942 483 180, louise@brookwiganandleigh.org.uk

Sexual Health Improvement Service 1-to-1 support for young people, 01706 261 954

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

Specialist Health PROMOTION UNIT 01706 517 613

RELATE Relationship counciling, 0161 442 2443, relategms.co.uk

wYtHenShAwE

THE BRIDGE SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC Baillie Street, 0161 627 8753

SOLICITORS

aGENCIES

B. J. McKENNA & CO 182A Heaton Moor Road, Heaton Moor, 0161 432 5757, bjmckenna-solicitors.co.uk

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

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

GroupS

GROUPS

church group meets at the Inspiration Ministries Christian Spiritualist Community and healing Centre, 07906 795 712 LGBTq Wellbeing Group 3-11 Drake St, Promoting postive mental health and wellbeing for all, 07896146109, rochdalemind.org.uk

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

LGBT YOUTH GROUP youth group for ages 13-25 07762740133 or cliodhna@lgbtynw.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

Blackpool & Cumbria

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Dickson Raod 45 39 40 61

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Springfield Road

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Cocker Street

Yates Street

Mount Street

Pleasant Street

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24 51 Lord Street

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5 32 Dickson Road

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Topping Street 34 20 12 32

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Charles St.

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23

Milbourne St.

Blackpool Coronation St.

61

Promemade North Pier

88 Hotel Indicator 88 Venue Indicator

Train Station Tram Stop

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

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

Astor Hotel 83-85 Lord Street, 01253 290669 3

4

Athol 3 Mount St 01253 624918

BENTLEYS OF BLACKPOOL 55-57 Banks Street, 01253 622 814 5 Belvedere 77 Dickson Road, 01253 624733, belvederehotel@fsmail.net belvederehotel.biz

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

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

61 bradbury HOTEL 25/27 Banks St, 01253 624972, bradburyhotel@hotmail.co.uk bradburyhotel.co.uk 7

Brene Hotel 37 Lord St, 01253 621854

Brooklyn 7 Wilton Parade, 01253 627003 8

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

9

Camelot 80 Hornby Rd, 01253 620518

10

CHaps 9 Cocker St, 01253 620541

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

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

13

DERBY HOTEL, 2 Derby Rd, 01253 623708

14

Dixon 84 Dickson Rd, 01253 752379

16

FOUR SEASONS 74 Lord St, 01253 622583

£

Cash Machine Blackpool Tower

Parking Pedestrianised

62 Granby lodge 15-17 Lord St, 01253 627842, granbylodge.com 19

Guyz 16 Lord Street, 01253 622488

20 Heatherdale Lodge 2 Pleasant Street, 1253 626268

Homecliffe Hotel 5-6 Wilton Parade, 01253 625147 homecliffehotel.com 21 HOTEL Bacchus 326 Queens Promenade, 01253 350387, hotelbacchus.co.uk

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

38

Park House 81 Lord St, 01253 314571

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

40

Pier View 16 Banks St, 01253 624555

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

24

Legends Hotel 45 Lord Street, 01253 620300 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

Lyndale Court Hotel 01253 354033 27

Lynmar 74 High St, 01253 290046

31 Merecliff Hotel 24 Holmfield Road, 01253 356858

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

33

New Bond 72 Lord St, 01253 628123

34 New Hertford 18 Lord Street, 01253 621831

North Central Hoilday Flats 29 Lord Street, 01253 621831

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

36 NORTHERN LIGHTS HOTEL 26 Springfield Road, 01253 317016

35

59

Woodleigh 11 Yates St, 01253 624997

Worcester House 22 Cocker Street, 01253 620007 60

Pubs, Bars & Clubs 1

Buzz 5 Dickson Road, 01253 649153,

46 Sunnyside 16 Charles Street, 01253 622983

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

47 SUSSEX HOTEL 14-16 Pleasant Street, 01253 627824

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

THE Berkeley 6 Queens Promenade, 01253 351244 selfcatering.tv

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

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

5 Mardi Gras Mixed 114 Talbot Road, 01253 296262, mardigrasblackpool.com

Thorncliffe 63 Dickson Road, 01253 622508

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

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

Taboo Bar 23 Dickson Rd, 07946 528153

Mardi Gras 2 9-11 Lord Street, 01253 628073, mardigras2.co.uk

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

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

THE Seacroft 27 Lord Street, 01253 628304

49 The Wilcot Hotel 80 Lord Street, 01253 621101

37

WESTBOURNE HOUSE HOTEL 21 Vance Road, 01253 624734, westbourneblackpool.co.uk

44

29 Mardi Gras 41 Lord St, 01253 751087, mardigrashotel.co.uk

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

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

23

28

1

50

51 Trades Men Only 51 Lord Street, 01253 626401

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

VIDELLA HOTEL 78-82 Dickson Road, 01253 621201, videllahotel.com 53

Village Hotel 14 Springfield Road, 01253 290840 54

55 warwick Holiday flats 39 Bank Street, 01253 623787, warwickflats. co.uk

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

New Road Inn Gay Friendly 244 Talbot Road, 01253 422691 7 ROXY’S Gay Friendly 23 Queen Street, 01253 622573, roxysonline.co.uk 9 The Alabama Showboat Mixed 1 Cocker Sq, 01253 291155, thealabama.co.uk

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

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

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

Don Antonio 91 Redbank Rd, 01253 352440

Cumbria

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

34 Perfect Fit Alterations 42 Topping Street, 01253 290156

16

Mandarin Cantonese Restaurant Gay Friendly 27 Clifton Street, 01253 622687

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

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

AGENCIES

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

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

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

SMILE SPA AT HELIO FITNESS Newton Drive, 01253 393909

AmBlESidE

REGENCY CARLISLE 6-8 Fisher Street, 01228 267 247, regencycarlisle.com

18

SLICES SANDWICH HOUSE Gay Owned 10 King Street, 01253 751441

THE GARDEN PLACE Gay Owned Cropper Road, 01253 699987

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

The Buttery 1 Cheapside, 01253 296667

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

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

19

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

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

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

Saunas 22 ACQUA SAUNA CLUB 25-26 Springfield Road, 01253 294610, acquasaunas.com 24 WET WET WET SAUNA 1-3 Charles Street, 01253 751 199, wetwetwetsauna.co.uk

LIQUID SAUNA 22-24 General Street, www.liquidsauna.co.uk

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 also runs a counselling service, by appointment only Tue 11:30am-13:15pm call 01253 655 858 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/NEXUS 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, nexus@richmondfellowship.org.uk

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

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

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

Evolution Hair Studio Gay Owned 255 Dickson Road

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

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

Groups

hotEls & B&B’s

BarRow iN FuRNESs CliNICS

Eateries

Sticky Bits cafe community cafe at LGBT HQ, Fisher Street 10am-8pm

SaUNaS

Sweat Sauna Club Atlas House, Nelson St.

KenDal

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

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

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

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

aGENCIES

aGENCIES

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

5.30pm 2nd Tues/mnth @ 102 Dickson Rd sandy.o’grady@bch.co.uk Freedom 07875 355 390, Transgender support group 11-2pm. meets at Renaissance Dickson Rd. Call for more info.

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

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

Aldeane8@gmail.com lgbt forum 07875 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 WALKING GROUP Mixed LGB&T meets every Monday Stanley Park cafe @ 2pm. For more details call Darren 0787 656 8260

Advice services, delivered by Inspira 237-241 Dalton Road, 01229 824052

GrOUPS

Freinds & Supporters of Furness LGBT Community52 Paradise Street, 07833 447604, klwicks@hotmail.co.uk pro active young gays and lesbians (paygal) Wendy Phizacklea, 01229 836 426, 07742 353 520, wendyp.rorys@googlemail.com 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

Advice services, delivered by inspira 28 Lowther Street, 01228 596272

CliNICS

advice services, delivered by inspira 124 Highgate, 01539 730045

Groups

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

Maryport HOTELS & B&B’s

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

wHiTeHaveN Groups

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

WInDerMerE HOTELS & B&B’s

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

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

WorKiNgToN

GrOUPS

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

Pride in north cumbria 07901 765453, Young people 13-25 meet twice weekly, Tues & Thurs 6-8pm prideinnorthcumbria.webs.com

CliNICS

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

Steam packet inn 51 Stanley St, 01900 62186

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

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

Merseyside & Lancashire

Liverpool Stanley Street Quarter 21

Tithebarn Street

Tithebarn Street

11

Bar Wicked 25 Stanley Street

13 Superstar Boudoir 22-24 Stanley St, 0151 236 6633 14 The Lisbon Mixed

35 Victoria Street, 0151 231 6831 15 The Masquerade Mixed

10 Cumberland St, 0151 236 7786, masqueradebar.com

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

18 NEWS FROM NOWHERE Bookshop

19

nice 'n' naughty 85 Seel Street

20

nice 'n' naughty 16 Colquitt Street

SAunas 21 Splash Sauna 5 Fazakerley St, 0151 236 1001, splashsauna.com

Groups

Hotels

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

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

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

TRAVEL INN METRO Vernon St, 0870 238 3325

Liverpool Hope LGBT Liverpool Hope Student Union, Hope Park, 0151 291 3651, lgbt@hope.ac.uk

Agencies & Clinics

AIDS Helpline 0151 709 9000

Liverpool Pride liverpoolpride.co.uk

OUTREACH LIVERPOOL Citizens Advice Beareau drop-in at Armistead Centre. Tues 5-9pm & Thurs 2-6pm joe.l@northliverpoolcab. org.uk

Roscoe Place

et

Back Berry Stre

19

2

Bold Street

Poste House 23 Cumberland Street

Bold Street

10

FACT

Culquitt Street

Berry Street Roscoe Lane

Navy bar 27-29 Stanley Street

18

Wood Street

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

Wood Street

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

20

Culquitt Street

London Road

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

Back Culquitt Stre

Seel Street

Modo Gay Friendly Concert Square

Fleet Street

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

0151 707 9933, themonro.com

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

Seel Street

Eateries

16 THE MONRO Gastropub 92-94 Duke St,

7

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

Shops

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

et

1

Victoria Street

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

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

Victoria Street,

16

14

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

Parr Street

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

Slater Street

Duke Street

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

10

Sir Thomas Street

Stanley Street

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

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

Temple Street

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

8

4

Mathew Street

Baby D Temple Street

0151 236 4832

Temple Lane

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

12 Heaven

12

13

Victoria Street

Pubs, Clubs & Bars

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

Liverpool Women’s Book Group Meets last Tues of the month, liverpoolbookgroup.moonfruit.com LIV.FAST NETWORK an FTM support group, meeting on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month 18+ liverpool. ftm@gmail.com 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.

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

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

LIVERPOOL GAY MEN’S DATING meets quarterly. for more information, email igdc@ talk21.com

Young Gay Sefton 0151 330 5841

Sports Groups

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

liverpool lgbt Choir For all abilities, meets Sun 6-8.30pm at St Stephens Church, liverpoolgaychoir@hotmail.co.uk

Gay Kick Boxing Armistead Centre, Wednesday Evenings 7-8pm, info@armisteadcentre.co.uk

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

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

Liverpool Students Union LGBT Society 0151 231 4947

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

08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk

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

Lancashire

LIVERPOOL QUEER GAMES AND ADVENTURE (LQGA) mixed sports group, lgqa.org.uk MERSEY MARAUDERS part of the Gay Football Supporters Network practice weekly, mmfootball.co.uk

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

ElLeSMerE PoRT GROUPS

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

SoutHpOrT 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

tHE wIrRaL PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

DV8 @ The Picture House 46 Conway Street, Birkenhead, 0151 647 8883, Wed 8pm till late, hello@thepicturehousewirral.co.uk Tallulah’s Late Lounge Rowson St/ Victoria Rd, New Brighton, 0774 7561587, Wed nights till late, marion@tallulas.co.uk

CLINICs

Sexual Health Clinic Arrowe Park Road, 0151 604 7339

SaUNas

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

aGENCIES

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

GROUPS

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

BlACkBuRn

CHOrlEy

OrMsKIrk

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

GROUPS

CLINICS

Bar Ibiza 43 Darwen St, 01254 695379 C’est La Vie 11-15 Market St Stagedoor 23 Mincing Lane, 01254 51691

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

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

HYNDBURN

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

CLUB NIGHTS

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

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

LanCAStEr DANCING DIVA For more information, dancingdiva5@hotmail.com

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

GROUPS

PrEstOn 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

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

RENNAISSANCE @ drugline lancashire 2 Union Court, 01772 253840, Also has services for those living with & affected by HIV. enquiries@ druglinelancs.co.uk

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

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

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

AGENCIES

GROUPS

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

GROUPS

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

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

WYRE & LANCASTER DISTERICT HATE CRIME PROJECT support and advice for victims of hate crime, 07791318772, wldhatecrime.net LUNNETES social group for lesbians in Lancaster & South Lakes area, lunettes@ btinternet.com

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

Garden Bar 133-135 St James St.

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

Burnley BACKSTAGE BAR 135 St James St, 01282 414895

TOWN MOUSE gay friendly bar/b&b, 2 Royal Road, Burnley, 01282 458 006

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

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

WIRRAL TRANSISTERs 07759045117, support/social group for TV/CD/TS, 2nd Tues of the month, mazykate@toucansurf.com

edgehill university LGBT society search on facebook

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

OUTRITE WIDNES 01270 653156, outrite.org

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

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

GROUPS

EaTERIES

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

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

RENNAISSANCE @ drugline lancashire 2 Union Court, 01772 253840, Also has services for those living with & affected by HIV. enquiries@ druglinelancs.co.uk

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

Tea Time Special 0151 666 9890, Terrence Higgins Trust, 5 Bridge St, Fri 4.30-6.30pm, safe space for LGBT, info.wirral@tht.org.uk

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

CLINICS

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

LeYlAnd GROUPS

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

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 UCLAN LGBT Society Every Thurs at 8.30pm lmcourtney@uclan.ac.uk, uclansulgbt.weebly.com

Red Triangle Café St James St, 01282832319

MorEcAmBe

GROUPS

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

uclan lgbt employee network lgbtstaff@uclan.ac.uk

CLINICS

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

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

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

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

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

Cheshire

North West

CRewE

MACcLeSfIelD

WEBSITEs

CLINICs

CLINICs

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

aGENCIES

GROUPS

j4ldating.com a lesbian dating site. j4ldating.com

Sexual Health Clinic Leighton Hospital, Middlewich Rd, 01270 612255 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 GENDER BENDER @ ROSIES 12-16 Northgate street, 01244 327 141

CLINICs

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

aGENCIES

LGBT Health Promotion01244 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 St, 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 WOMEN IN CHESHIRE Social group for lesbian and bisexual women living in Cheshire meetup.com/gay-women-in-cheshire Mersey & Dee Women Social group, madw@merseymail.com Sole Sisters Penny: 07917 533104 or Sandra: 07921 222101, womens walking group. unique tg support group N. Wales & West Cheshire meets 3rd Tues of the Month, 8pm, uniquetg.org.uk UTOPIA (chester) 0151 348 5621, LGB youth group meets every Weds 7.30-9pm, chester@utopialgb.org.uk

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

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

Halton LGBT Group meets at: Halton Voluntary Action, Public Hall St, twice a month on a Wed 7pm-9pm, haltonlgbt.co.uk OUTRITE RUNCORN 01270653156, outrite.org

WARringToN PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

White Hart Sankey Street, 01925 241994

Club Nights

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

CLINIC

Sexual Health Clinic Lovely Lane, 01925 662476

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

Chester Uni Warrington Campus LGBT Society search facebook

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

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

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

GROUPS

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

Yorkshire

aGENCIES

Gay Healthy Alliance Project PO Box 539, 01925 631101

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

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,

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

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

Staffordshire PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

GROUPS

Fierce 3 Goodson St, Hanley.

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

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

SaUNas

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

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 Staff 0300 1230970

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk