LGBT HISTORY MONTH
NEWS•COMMENT •ANALYSIS•HEALTH•SPORT•LISTINGS
FEBRUARY - MARCH 2010 ISSUE 96
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Registered Charity No.1070904
PUBLISHED BY
JACKIE CROZIER
10 Ending Homophobia,
Empowering People
www.lgf.org.uk
MAYA CHOUDRY
2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS
CHRISTINE BURNS LOUISE BALDOCK MARGOT JAMES
N O I T AC N E M WO
WOMEN! INSPIRATIONAL
want.” y e th g in th y n a e b to tential “Women have the po
PLUS!
? P U CLOSE
OUR Y R O F Y D A E R ARE YOU
OM PACKS! D N CO F LG EW N E TH BE THE NEW FACE OF LD U CO U O Y W O H FIND OUT
EDITOR’S LETTER FEB - MAR 2010
2010: a year of celebration.
21
can of us. They’re fantastic guides, and you 26. page on ing start them of get a sneak peek
FAR? SO HOW HAS IT BEEN FOR YOU SO ? A BIT MISE FULL OF EXCITMENT AND PRO OF ING UNDERWHELMING? WE’RE TALK .. THE NEW YEAR OF COURSE. good A new year brings with it all sorts of , huge e intentions and pressures to mak up Give . sweeping changes to our lives job. It’s smoking, go to the gym, find a new come ted no wonder we end up disappoin any than e March. At this time of year, mor your on k chec other, it’s important to keep a all we that g mental health. We’re not sayin it’s but n, slip into unconsolable depressio brain is always a good idea to make sure the bodies. our of as well looked after as the rest new This month sees the release of two The by es accessible mental health guid d at aime Lesbian & Gay Foundation. One rest the at r young LGB people, and the othe
2010 is certainly shaping up to be an the LGB&T important year of anniversaries for chester Man t. Wes h Nort communities in the !) (20th 20th it’s g ratin Pride will be celeb of sure be can we so , anniversary this year t. even ’s year this at rises some amazing surp and s year 25 rates celeb t George House Trus you can find out more on page 24. n will be Finally, The Lesbian & Gay Foundatio ut the ugho thro day birth marking its tenth rises. surp and ts even of year with a range west orth outn of s page Keep an eye on the s - old issue 100 and s year (which is also ten course of and on, mati infor e this year!) for mor . rg.uk .lgf.o at our website: www
DON’T
hope Whatever your New Year brings - let’s back be l We’l one. thy heal it’s a happy and again at the end of March!
MISS!
EDITOR
BIG SMILE!
35 } REGULARS 08 THE AGENDA
An in-depth look at the issues affecting us over the next two months. This issue, we focus on International Women’s Day and LGBT History Month. We also have news of a new initiative in Blackpool for victims of sexual abuse.
06 YOUR LETTERS
Two pages every month of your news, views, opinions, rants and raves. P22
Ever fancied yourself as a bit of a model? Can you see yourself beaming proudly from the next LGF Free Gay Men’s Safer Sex Pack? No matter your age, size, background or experience, the sexual health team at LGF are looking for brand new models to star in a huge range of sexual health campaigns. Interested? Get to page 22!
07 OPINION
Paul Fairweather on the culture of hatred we’ve seen over the last 12 months..
46 LISTINGS
The most comprehensive guide to the LGBT north west.
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AHEAD OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY, WE TALK TO SIX INSPIRING WOMEN IN THE NORTH WEST.
Registered Charity No.1070904
MISS!
IT’S ALL ABOUT US...
DON’T
10 Ending Homophobia,
Empowering People
www.lgf.org.uk
2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS
}CONTENTS } FEATURES
18 ACTION WOMEN
We talk to six inspiring women, based in the north west, who tell us of the challenges they’ve faced and the obstacles that still face many women.
21 THE HISTORY OF YOU There are loads of events happening around our region to mark LGBT History Month. Here’s just a sneek peak.
} WELLBEING 24 GHT
George House Trust on why it’s so important for gay men to test.
22 SEX TALK!
Fancy being the face of the new LGF condom packs? Now’s your chance!
26 FREE YOUR MIND
Good health starts with a healthy mind. Here’s some tips to get you started.
outnorthwest is published every two months by The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Princess House, 105-107 Princess Street, MANCHESTER M1 6DD General Enquiries: 0161 235 8035 E-mail: grahame@lgf.org.uk
}EDITOR & LAYOUT Grahame Robertson }PRODUCTION/SPORT Simon Pearson }NEWS EDITOR Joanne Dunning }DESIGN & LAYOUT Simon Pearson and Mark Eastwood }HEALTH TEAM EDITORS Daniel Gomez and Peter Boyle }WEB EDITOR Marc Robinson }LISTINGS EDITOR Mark Eastwood }DISTRIBUTION Kate Hardy, Marc Robinson and Peter Boyle
29 GIRLS ON POP!
CONTRIBUTORS Paul Martin; Annie Emery; Andrew Gilliver; Peter Boyle; Daniel Gomez; Kate Hardy; Paul Fairweather; GHT; Colin Armstead; Samantha Days; Adam Winter; Albert Kennedy Trust; Marc Robinson; Sian Payne; Darren Knight; Rachel Barlow; Emma Peate; Simon Pearson; Joe Spencer.
} OUT & ABOUT
SPECIAL THANKS Contact Theatre; Paul Graham; North Manchester FM; Adam Zane; Det. Insp. Sue Cawley; John Leech MP; Keman Allen; Maya Choudry; Jackie Crozier; Christine Burns; Louise Baldock; Margot James; Trevor Burchick; Lou Englefield; Anna Verges; Essential (we’ll miss you!); Paul Jones; Stuart Rainsbury; Sarah Quinn; Glen Monks; and to all of our supporters.
Are all those weekends of drinking and dancing getting too much? We’ve got some practical tips for a tip top night out!
44 SPORT
The only LGBT magazine to feature a regular sports section, two pages of the latest NW queers sports.
34 FABULOUS!
Challenge yourself to achieve something big this year! Why not get involved with our charity challenges?
ADVERTISING For information on advertising in outnorthwest, please contact us on 0161 235 8035. Or e-mail grahame@lgf.org.uk 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. Glee is very good isn’t it?
OUTBOX }YOUR COMMENTS.YOUR OPINIONS.
WRITE TO US: outnorthwest The Lesbian and Gay Foundation. 4th Floor Princess House, 105-107 Princess Street Manchester M1 6DD EMAIL: grahame@lgf.org.uk
PAUL FAIRWEATHER OPINION
Are you ready for 2010? 2010 promises to be an interesting year. Here are some of my predictons for the year ahead...
“I WAS UNABLE TO COME COMING SOON IN OUT AT AN EARLY AGE AS I OUTNORTHWEST LACKED ANY SUPPORT...” }The recent column ‘Young, gay and living in the UK’ by Josh Booth was very interesting and I related to it very much. One thing I would like to suggest you add to outnorthwest is more educational stuff for schools. I was unable to come out at an early age as I lacked support of any kind, and I believe this may have been helpful to me. Now I’m older and more confident I was able to confide in my family and get their support. This has meant a lot to me, and I now feel a lot happier. I hope my letter helps other people to realise that in time, and with support, they will be able to come out and feel happier in themselves. Thanks for listening. Tony Kelly, Liverpool.
Stonewall announces a major new camp aign to reinstate communal changing room s at Top Man. There will be a major scandal involving a premier league football player, a cabinet Mini ster and Iris Robinson which has major implicatio ns for national security and for Starbucks. The surprise film hit of 2010 is The Soun d of Music 3: The Revenge of the Baroness. The next You Tube sensation is a duet between Susan Boyle and the Archbishop of Canterbury in an interesting new version of the Sex Pistols classic God Save the Queen. The latest reality hit show is Bio Chem ists from Hell which follows the antics of a grou p of out of control Bio Chemists as they terrorise liberal arts professors.
The latest and unexpectedly popular iPhone apps is The Straightener which pinp oints the location of straight men who have secret longings that they are waiting to act upon. Oswestry wins the British Tourism awar d for gay holiday destination of the the year. The British Legion wins Stonewall Emp loyer of the Year Award. The X Factor is won by a troupe of danc ing nuns with their version of Keep the Home Fires Burning. Mathew Bourne follows up his all male production of Swan Lake with an all male ballet of Cranford with Anton du Bec as Miss Matty. The number one Christmas hit is Iris Robinson singing I Did It My Way.
“HOLLY IS AN INSPIRATION!” }Thank you so much for the fantastic interview with Holly Johnson in your Christmas edition. Growing up he was a huge inspiration to me and it’s easy to forget the impact he has made. Please pass on my best wishes to him and the hope he’ll release new music soon! Paul Naismith, Liverpool.
NEED ADVICE?
Whether you’re looking for relationship advice, you’re concerned about your sexual health, you want to know the opening times for Essential, or you want to get involved with your community, give the LGF Helpline a call on 0845 3 30 30 30. Staffed from 7pm - 10pm every night!
EBOARD
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hop is The AIDS Mastery works r ways to reclaim it. Now on your life and discove HIV of act imp the explore effects of life with HIV in the lore exp d the space to more than ever, we nee ht be holding you back mig consider the ways HIV ing the 21st Century and to possibilities or rediscover ll and opening up new our ng lori and find ways of living we exp by ty uni ort can offer that opp them. The AIDS Mastery how we might live our ams. It is a chance to see dre and es hop s, nce experie ting HIV rather than ora orp inc to, nt re if we wa lives differently in the futu HIV/AIDS is and wherever to atever your connection being controlled by it. Wh The AIDS Mastery. welcome your inquiry into you are in the country, we idsmastery.co.uk @a info ail: 07780 844077 Em Telephone (voicemail):
www.lgf.org.uk
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AGENDA
CONTACT US: outnorthwest The Lesbian and Gay Foundation. 4th Floor Princess House, 105-107 Princess Street Manchester M1 6DD EMAIL: joanne.dunning@lgf.org.uk
NEWS
} IN DEPTH NEWS, COMMENT AND ANALYSIS. E-MAIL STORIES & COMMENTS: joanne.dunning@lgf.org.uk
ALL THINGS NICE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2010
MARCH
07 SUNDAY
Sugar and Spice is back for International Women’s Day with a packed programme.
As a lesbian or bisexual (LB) woman what are the issues and challenges you face on a daily basis? When was the last time you wished there were more LB women in high profile positions to help support and inspire you? Does the gender pay gap totally cheese you off? How many times have you picked up the paper and winced at an act of horrific violence inflicted on a woman? And can you remember the last time, you, as an LB woman wished you didnt feel quite so invisible? Well all this is about to change! At this year’s Sugar & Spice 2010 we want woman to take action and make their voices heard to mark International Womens Day, and with this year’s General Election, now is the perfect time to get our message across. 08
MARCH IN MARCH For the first time in its four year history, Sugar & Spice will be heading out of the Lesbian and Gay Foundation and on to the streets of Manchester. Come and join us, as we march through the streets of the city, suffragette style, raising awareness of your issues and demanding equality for women. The march route highlights the invisibility of women in Manchester - apart from Queen Victoria no other woman of note warrants a statue in the city - despite it being the home of Emmaline and Christabel Pankhurst and the suffragette movement. It’s ironic that the only statue should be that of Queen Vic - who famously denied the existence of lesbians! The march starts at the Lesbian & Gay Foundation at 11am on Sunday 7 March, we then march up to Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter (to the proposed site of a Emmaline Pankhurst statue, where there now stands a statue of a broom! Female domestic oppression anyone?) and then onto Exchange Square, Market Street, and Queen Victoria’s statue
Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk
in Piccadilly Gardens, before heading to our final destination, Manchester Town Hall – to join the council’s International Women’s Day celebrations. We will be marching with sashes, banners and placards; proclaiming what lesbian and bisexual women across the world want and need.
SPEAK OUT IN SACKVILLE GARDENS After the march, we head to Sackville Garden’s from 2 till 4 for an afternoon of action and empowerment. We encourage you to voice your opinions alongside the Sugar & Spice guest speakers in ‘Speaker’s Corner’, find out about registering to vote in the Take Action booth, or simply enjoy the range of activities that are on offer, including: the craft tent, music, poetry, free food, info tents and much, much more. So come on girls lets make the Pankhursts proud – and take action! Sugar & Spice 4 is completely free, and takes place on Sunday 7 March 2010 (11am-4pm), contact annie@lgf.org.uk for more information. If you have any access requirements please contact Annie on 0161 235 8024. Check www.lgf.org.uk for Sugar & Spice updates.
MOTHER CLAP’S MOLLY HOUSE
RADIO GAY GAY p12
p10
Adam Zane and Aspect Theatre Company in Salford present the groundbreaking Mark Ravenhill play in honour of LGBT History Month.
“For the first time in its four year history, Sugar & Spice will be heading out of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation and on to the streets of Manchester.”
THE BIG CAMPAIGN
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Sir Ian McKellen lends support to LGF’s anti-homophobia campaign.
In recent months there has been an alarming surge of violence committed against lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people in the UK. The North West has recorded that homophobic attacks are up by 40% in Liverpool and up by 63% in Greater Manchester.
WOMEN IN ACTION CRAFT WORKSHOP Make your very own suffragette style banner, placard or sash at this special craft workshop, ahead of the Sugar & Spice Women in Action march around Manchester on Sunday March 7. Work on your slogan, make your banner and meet new people at this one off event. The workshop take place on Monday 22 February (6pm-9pm) at the LGF, email: annie@lgf.org.uk if you want to come along.
Send your postcard to: Kate Hardy, FREEPOST RLZG-SLUJ-RXKJ LGF, Princess House, 105-107 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6DD.
Homophobic hate crime isn’t just a physical act. Last year BNP leader Nick Griffin on BBC’s Question Time said that two men kissing was ‘creepy’ and The Daily Mail article by Jan Moir about Stephen Gately implied that his gay lifestlye may have been a factor in his death. Outside of the UK homophobia is also a major concern. In November 2009, a 19 year old gay man, Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado was found burned, decapitated and dismembered in Peurto Rico, with the police agent handling this case
LGF 10 Registered Charity No.1070904
We want to uncover lesbian and bisexual women’s experience, it could be about coming out, sex, or about finding your place in the world. We want to give you a voice without ever having to say anything, and we want you to tell us your secret without ever revealing who you are. Everyone has them, so, for this unique project, send us your secret and liberate yourself.
saying that “people who lead this type of lifestyle need to be aware that this will happen’” suggesting the murdered boy was asking to get killed. It is fact that in 75 countries across the world you can go to jail for being gay and in 7 countries you can be put to death because of your sexuality,
Recent attacks in Liverpool on James Parkes, the 22 year old gay police officer who was brutally attacked by a mob of 20 teenagers and left for dead, and the sensless homophobic murder of Michael Causer the 18 year old trainee hairdresser last year are just two examples of devastating homophobic hate crime.
LIBERATE YOUR SECRETS Telling a secret sets you free, oh yes it does. And as part of the International Women’s Day 2011 centenary celebrations, the Lesbian and Gay Foundation have started to plan a one of a kind postcard book, full of your secrets. Taking inspiration from the Postsecret project which started in the US, we want to compile a book, aimed at, and written by, lesbian and bisexual women across the Northwest and beyond. Heartbreaking, humorous, stereotypebashing, revealing, dark or shocking, this project has no boundaries. Your secret will be totally anonymous, we do not wish to know your name or anything that identifies you, all we want is your secret and your artistic talent to decorate the postcard, (think of it as a blank canvas, be creative).
North Manchester FM is about to launch a brand new weekly LGBT magazine programme. Station controller Paul Graham talks to us about his plans.
This is why The Lesbian & Gay Foundation are launching a new campaign ‘Enough is Enough! – Say NO to Homophobia’ to make these stories heard, fight for change and get one million people to do one million things against Homophobia and you can join us and be one of those million people. LGF Patron Sir Ian McKellen has also pledged his support and participation in the campaign acknowledging that the work must start in schools. He said: “I’m currently visiting schools who are determined to eradicate homophobic bullying, and have been astonished by the level of concern amongst students and staff.” You can be part of the campaign which will be launched on International Day Against Homophobia 17th May 2010 as part of the LGF’s 10th Anniversary celebrations. Join the movement Enough is Enough! – Say NO to Homophobia visit www.lgf.org.uk There will be more about Enough Is Enough next issue.
WE ARE TEN! 10
LGF celebrates 10 years of service to the community.
Ending Homophobia,
Empowering People
www.lgf.org.uk
2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS
In April 2000, Healthy Gay Manchester (HGM) and Manchester Lesbian and Gay Switchboard joined forces to create The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (LGF). Throughout the year, the LGF will be marking this anniversary with community events and campaigns (including Enough Is Enough which you can read about above) along with new information resources and features in outnorthwest. There will be loads for you to get involved with, so keep an eye on outnorthwest and www.lgf.org.uk for more updates. www.lgf.org.uk
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AGENDA FEBRUARY-MARCH 2010
NEWS
HATE CRIME
CULTURE
Untitled (on a day unknown...) Check out this exhibition of new work by Jason E. Bowman at the Whitworth Art Gallery, which recreates a courtroom trial from 1936 of 29 men. The trial was a moment of interwar infamy when the burgeoning ‘protection’ of the home by the ‘security’ of the state forced the secret sex lives of this large group of men to become public. The exhibition includes thirteen portraits by an official court artist and nine pinhole photographs that were taken last year, when the trial was recreated. The exhibition and the courtroom recreation were developed by Bowman with Out in the City, the group of older gay men, lesbians, bisexual and transgendered people established in Manchester by Age Concern to counteract the isolation and vulnerability of the ageing LGBT community. Jason E. Bowman with Out in the City 16 January – 28 February 2010. The exhibition is free, for more info, visit: www.whitworth. manchester.ac.uk/
Queer Contact This LGBT History Month Queer Contact celebrates the very best in LGBT art and culture. Headlining the festival will be Manchesterfavourite David Hoyle, who returns to The Contact with Forward Into Battle In The Name Of Love. Elsewhere HBO Def Comedy Jam star Regie Cabico crosses the Atlantic to take part in Outspoken, a night of queer spoken word performance. Switchflicker Records present a night of cutting-edge music and there will be a special screening of FIT, Rikki Beadle-Blair’s groundbreaking anti-homophobia film. Contact Theatre, Manchester, 9 February - 13 February. To find out more about times, tickets and prices, visit:www.contact-theatre.org
The Invisible Death of Michael The documentary - The Invisible Death Of Michael - has been selected to be screened at IF Istanbul International Film Festival in February 2010. The short film which premiered at Homotopia 2009, examines the under reporting and lack of national media coverage of the murder of gay Liverpool teenager Michael Causer in 2008 and the subsequent trial. Directed by Liverpool film-maker Tim Brunsden and Homotopia’s Gary Everett, the film includes contributions from Peter Tatchell, journalists, and Michael’s family & friends. The film is a stark reminder of institutionalised homophobia in modern Britain. 10
LANCASHIRE POLICE LAUNCH LGBT RAPE CAMPAIGN
Blackpool police launch Aquamarine - a service for victims of sexual assault.
Police have launched a campaign in Blackpool and the Fylde to encourage people from LGBT community to report sexual assaults. Officers from Operation Aquamarine, a team of specially trained officers who deal specifically with rape cases, have been working with members of Blackpool’s LGBT forum as they believe that some victims are not reporting sexual assaults. Posters and business cards targeted at the LGBT community have been distributed in various venues including pubs, clubs and support groups and these will also be placed in local hotels. Officers have also visited a number of forums and venues to raise awareness of the campaign and have given training to members of the LGBT community on what to do if anyone makes a disclosure to them on a sexual assault.
Det. Insp. Sue Cawley said: “Confidence in reporting sexual offences in the LGBT community seems to be low and we want to make sure that all members of the community feel comfortable reporting this type of horrific crime. We have a team of specially trained officers to support victims of rape and we want to make sure that members of the LGBT community have the information that they need to report such crime. She continues, “I want to reassure people that if they do come forward to report a sexual assault, we will treat them with dignity and respect. It is vital that the police are aware of sexual assaults so that we can bring those responsible for these crimes to justice. Contact Aquamarine in complete confidence on 01253 293933 or 07940 979610. Or email: westernaquamarine@lancashire.pnn.police.uk
THEATRE
ACCLAIMED GAY PLAY DEBUTS IN SALFORD LGBT History Month marked with groundbreaking Mark Ravenhill play. As part of LGBT History Month, Salford University students are presenting the acclaimed play Mother Clap’s Molly House by Mark Ravenhill. The play was first performed at the National Theatre in 2002 and featured the Mamma-Mia actor, Dominic Cooper. Both provocative and fascinating, the play brings to life the hidden gay society of the early eighteenth century. The play is inspired by real events and the trials for sodomy of men arrested in gay brothels known as molly houses. We follow Mrs Tull as she transforms herself into the outrageous Mother Clap and creates London’s most legendary molly house. Director Adam Zane says, “the molly houses were a place where gay men could meet in private to drink, dance and have a ball – quite a risk really, considering homosexuality was illegal and punishable by execution.” The production is particularly challenging as it features explicit sexual scenes and nudity. Adam says, “we have a mixture of gay, straight and lesbian actors – all having to throw themselves into this extraordinary world of corsets, huge frocks and mollying - then suddenly they are at a drugfuelled orgy!”
Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk
Aspects Theatre Company Presents Mother Clap’s Molly House, by Mark Ravenhill. Directed by Adam Zane. Thursday 21- Friday 22 January 2010, 7.30pm. Robert Powell Theatre at Salford University, Frederick Road, Salford M5 4WT. Tickets £4.00 / £3.00 (on door).
AGENDA FEBRUARY-MARCH 2010
NEWS
TRAINING
TIMES ARE ACHANGING?
With the Equalities Bill fast approaching, the LGF’s Consultancy and Training Courses highlight to organisations the responsibility that they have to ensure the needs and rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people within in their workforces and communities are addressed. Dennis Baldwin, LGF Consultancy & Training Manager, explains: “We’re finding that the issues of sexual orientation in relation to faith are repeatedly coming up. There also seems to be some confusion regarding the impending Single Equalities Bill as it winds its way through government. As a result, we’re also delivering two masterclasses.” Masterclass: Keep The Faith Faith and sexual orientation 11th March 2010, £99 per participant Many employers find it difficult to get a handle on the sometimes conflicting needs and rights between sexual orientation and faith within their organisations. This Masterclass will explore issues that are associated between these two equality strands, highlighting the appropriate legislation and past case-studies. There will be opportunities to discuss the viewpoints and beliefs of different religions/faiths, the common conflicts encountered and ways of addressing these. This masterclass is for anyone working towards creating or maintaining a supportive and accessible organisation that values and celebrates the full diversity of their work-force and service users. Masterclass: Bill Please! Sexual orientation and the Single Equalities Bill 28th July 2010, £99 per participant The bill will introduce duties for organisations to make sure that they are providing equal access to services for all including the needs of lesbian, gay and bisexual people. This masterclass will investigate the issues and practicalities of the single equality bill with specific attention to sexual orientation. It will enable participants to gain a firm understanding and insight into the issues and practical implications that organisations will face and investigate how to prepare for its implementation. Both Masterclasses will be lead by Paul Martin, Chief Executive of LGF and take place at The LGF, Princess House, 105 - 107 Princess Street, Manchester. To find out about the full range of services and discounts, contact Dennis on 0161 235 8015 or email: training@lgf.org.uk. Alternatively, visit: lgf.org.uk/ bringing-the-training-to-you/ Take advantage of our fantastic courses at the LGF, all only £99 per participant: Sexual Orientation Awareness on 3rd February; We Are All Equal Managing equality and diversity for all on 4th Feb; and Sexual Orientation Sorted! Implementing Sexual Orientation Monitoring on 5th February.
SIAN PAYNE ACCESS TO HEALTH
Trafford Talks Health For the first in our series focusing on health and social care, we are looking at how you can help to shape the services you need. We asked Trafford PCT to let us know how they try to get the community involved in this, but remember that no matter where you live, there should be a very similar set up for you to access. So what are you waiting for? Get involved now so you know you’re getting the healthcare you want! What do you think of the services you receive from your local NHS? Do you know how and where to access specific types of services? Do you know how to have your say if there are issues about NHS services that you want to influence? At Trafford PCT, understanding the needs of our local population and using their views to inform our decision-making is a top priority. As the commissioner of health services for everyone living in Trafford, the PCT’s role is to ensure that we spend our budget on health services that meet the needs of local people and that provide patients with a positive experience of the NHS. That means that everyone living in Trafford has a right to tell us what they think. And for us to make informed decisions about the services we commission, we need to have input from as many Trafford residents as possible – taking into account the whole spectrum of age, class, disability, faith, race, gender and sexual orientation. Over the last few months, the PCT has been developing the Trafford Talks Health Network: a database of Trafford residents
“The more input we have from Trafford’s LGBT population, the better informed we can be when it comes to ensuring that your local NHS services meet your needs.” who are interested in being involved with PCT engagement activities. Members of the network can opt in for different levels of involvement, ranging from receiving information, to coming to PCT events in person to share your views. If you live in Trafford we warmly welcome you to join the network. If you are interested in sharing your views about the local NHS services available to you, and helping us make decisions about what type of services we commission in future then please get in touch. The more input we have from Trafford’s LGBT population, the better informed we can be when it comes to ensuring that your local NHS services meet your needs. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Trafford Talks Health Network you can join online at: www. surveymonkey.com/s/SCC9PBJ. Or, for membership information or with any questions about how to get involved with engagement activity at Trafford PCT contact traffordtalkshealth@trafford.nhs. uk We look forward to hearing from you!
sian.payne@lgf.org.uk
Come to training at the LGF, or arrange for us to come to you! www.lgf.org.uk
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AGENDA FEBRUARY-MARCH 2010
NEWS
RADIO
KATE HARDY OPINION
What lies ahead?
A vast, empty, unsure 12 months lie ahead of you. Instead of seeing life punctuated by events and milestones, a lot of people see life reflected in years. ‘2007 was the worst year for me’ some may say, or ‘I’ll be glad to see the back of 2009!’ Some people also see it as a fresh start, and from a simple number changing to the next number at midnight at the end of every year, a new years resolution is born. Of course that gas bill still needs to be paid, you still have that niggling pain in your knee, and you still have a stomach you can tuck into your pants, but none of that matters. A New Year equals a New You. Yes, we all like to ask each other what our resolutions are, maybe out of curiosity or politeness, or maybe we like to see each other succeed or maybe even fail. All I know is if I see one more diet advert or get fit programme on the telly, I may just eat a whole Toblerone in revolt. I watch a lot of telly, during Christmas time it told me to be decadent and drink a lot and eat lots of fatty foods in order to be at one
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with the world and have a better Christmas. Now it’s telling me to get off the bus a stop early and replace my mid morning chocolate bar with a banana and some pumpkin seeds. This New Year’s confusion is forcing me to make my own resolution, not to do the things above, but to simply stop watching the telly. So that’s what I’m going to do. There are unread books on my shelf that will surely change my life if read. I have a new camera which will propel me into the glamorous world of photography, and I also, by this time next year, will have the same piano skills as Tori Amos. I don’t actually own a piano and this may hinder me, but I can surely do the first two can’t I? My lack of telly will also lead me to a less reclusive existence, resulting in me probably finding the love of my life, who will surely be rich and buy me more books and maybe a piano. This will inevitably lead us to have a large musical family, kind of like the lesbian Von Trapps. My life will be complete if I only turned the bloody telly off. So to all those out there who have made resolutions, good luck with them, you never know what they could lead to. However, if they don’t turn out quite the way you thought they would, don’t give yourself a hard time, there’s always next year…
Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk
NEW LGBT RADIO SHOW FOR MANCHESTER
Very soon you’ll be able to tune in to ‘Out’, a brand new LGBT radio programme produced in Manchester by local radio station NorthManchester 106.6. Paul Graham has worked for the station since May, and is also the man behind the concept. He tells us outnorthwest why the show is so important. “Why, I have been asked numerous times, do we need a LGBT radio programme? The implication is that the equality wars have been fought and won; mince is now only a noun and the gay community is now fully integrated into society. Discuss. And indeed, many things have changed, but not necessarily disappeared. Less of a lifeline nowadays, radio for the LGBT community is more of a connection. Ten or so years ago, I was swallowed whole by BBC Radio Manchester’s GayTalk. Matt Foster had come up with the idea and together we huddled in a corner of Via Fossa to co-present the very first show, gripping our microphone in one sweaty hand whilst handling a huge pile of confused notes for thirty very long minutes. The show is still going strong and is the longest running, certainly in the UK. Testament that radio shows don’t stay on-air unless they have an audience. What makes a radio show gay or lesbian though? Since working for 106.6, here in North Manchester, I was asked to bump start a new LGBT programme - but I was truthfully reluctant. It’s been a few years since I’ve had any involvement in any of the gay media, and was wondering if I’d moved away from all that. Then I thought, would it be the only contact a teenage listener has with his confused emotions? Or could it - shock, horror - just be bloody good fun to listen to? The last thing it should be is forgettable. If you listen and you start shouting at us, swearing at our opinions, emailing your outrage to the show or phoning-in with praise, then it will be a job well done. Of course, you could always get involved and become part of the show. If you dare! OUT‚ starts on Wednesday 24th February at 8pm, repeated on a Sunday night at 8pm. If you want to get involved e-mail paul@ northmanchesterfm.org or ring on 0161 916 6910. For more: www.northmanchesterfm.org
AGENDA FEBRUARY-MARCH 2010
NEWS
POLITICS: INTERVIEW
“We must stop the deportation of gay asylum seekers to countries where homosexuality is punishable by death.”
AIMING HIGH
KEMAN IS COUNCIL ROYALTY
JOHN LEECH
JOHN LEECH MP
This issue we turn our attention to the Liberal Democrat and ask MP for Manchester Withington “What’s next for LGBT rights?” Do you think it is important that the UK government challenges homophobia and supports LGBT rights in other countries? Yes. It is vital that we are outspoken and steadfast in defence of LGBT rights at home and abroad. We must stop the deportation of gay asylum seekers to countries where homosexuality is punishable by death. It is time that same sex partnerships were mutually recognised by all the European Union countries that have them. Before, during and since last year’s European Elections I have been strongly supporting the ‘Partners without Borders’ campaign which calls for the European Union to legislate to ensure that the injustice of British same sex partnerships not being recognised in other EU countries - even in the many EU countries which recognise their own same sex partnerships. It is equally important that the Government strongly argues for recognition of LGBT rights and same sex partnerships globally. It is frustrating that many former British colonies, since gaining independence, have continued with legal attitudes that we have put behind us. Do you think a question about sexual orientation should be on the Census? I do and my colleague Stephen Williams (Lib Dem MP for Bristol) has led on this issue in Parliament. While I am sure that the Census figures will under-estimate the numbers of lesbian, gay and bisexual people the first time around, I don’t see why sexual orientation is something we shouldn’t ask about when we ask other questions which reflect the diversity of the population such as religion. One way that we can address that underrepresentation in the Census is if we can ask these questions in the ONS Household Survey, which is conducted individually rather than addressed to the “head of household”.
What’s next for LGB equality? Merging of marriage and civil partnerships into one. Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said last year “Although civil partnerships have been a step forward, until same sex marriage is permitted it is impossible to claim gay and straight couples are treated equally” - I am very happy to support that view and enjoyed campaigning on this issue with Liberal Democrat City Council and campaigner colleagues at Manchester Pride last year. And on transgender equality - the Government’s Equality Minister blocked changes to the Single Equality Act that my Lib Dem colleague Lynne Featherstone MP put forward that would have been good for trans and genderqueer people - which is annoying. I’m not sure when we will have a chance to re-address those issues in Parliament. As we will soon be facing a general election what message would you like to send out to the LGB & T community? The Liberal Democrats have led the field on lesbian, gay, bi and trans issues for decades, not just in recent times. We passed conference motions on equality in the 60s, had gay rights sections in our manifestos in the 70s, and were the only party to oppose section 28 from the start in the 80s. The centrepiece of the Liberal Democrat General Election campaign is fighting for a fairer society. In recent years, I believe that the Liberal Democrats have been right to oppose our involvement in the Iraq War, right to back Vince Cable’s campaign to tackle our unbalanced economy before the banking crisis and the recession and right to be at the forefront of resisting the erosion of our civil liberties. That is what Liberal Democrats are committed to achieving.
Keman Allen moved to Manchester to be with his boyfriend over a year ago and since relocating has begun to make a name for himself with his new business venture, a clothing label which is about more than just clothes. It’s a statement of being proud of who you are and where you come from. “I’ve always been creative and I’ve always liked to show my work off “ says the 24 year old from Birmingham. “I wanted to wear my own branded clothes so I went to The Prince’s Trust and told them of my idea. I wanted to produce fashionable garments that represented my background. The Trust made sure I was up to the challenge and helped me to become my own boss. I officially started my own clothes line with my mail order business last November. Each of my garments is named after someone who has made a mark on my life in some way. One of my logos is a block of flats wearing a crown because I want that to show where I have come from.” Kemal continues, “My whole brand is about the idea that you don’t have to be rich, white, straight or clever to succeed. What you do have to be is confident, ambitious, motivated, persistent and excited about what you want to do.” For the full interview with Keman go online at www.lgf.org.uk. Check out Keman’s clothes range at: www.councilroyalty.com
AIM HIGH
Twenty of the most influential lesbians and gay men have been interviewed for a new LGF information resource, Aim High. Included are former NBA basketball player John Amaechi; international film star Sir Ian McKellen; and punk rocker Beth Ditto - all examples of how LGB people can achieve just as much success as their heterosexual counterparts. If you would like a copy of Aim High, please e-mail:info@lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk
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Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk
Affected by cancer? Your partner? Your family? Your friends? You? As an LGB person, there is support. Come along to The Lesbian & Gay Foundation on 8th February between 5.30 and 8.30pm. Find out what support is on offer, tell us what you want, or get involved in supporting others. FREE food and travel costs are available. For details and to confirm your attendance, email samantha@lgf.org.uk or call 0161 235 8020
Registered Charity No.1070904
OUT ABOUT CANCER
10 Ending Homophobia,
Empowering People
www.lgf.org.uk
2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS
YOUR WAY
UP Photo: Paul Jones
“We want to hear about what you’re up to and if there’s anything we can do to help you.” you are and how they can access you? You can place a free listing in outnorthwest, which is distributed in over 550 venues across the North West!
FOCUS ON: NORTH WEST
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Are you involved in a voluntary or community group? At the Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s Rainbow Partnership Network we are working to link up with as many groups as we can. We want to hear from you about what you’re up to, how you do what you do and if there’s anything we can do to support and help you. We can offer your group support in terms of: Dedicated visit to your group We are going out across the region to speak to as many groups as we can to ensure our package of support reflects your needs. If you would like a member of our dedicated support team to come and visit you and your group, please let us know. Useful information direct to your inbox The Rainbow Partnership Network share information that is relevant to the network through a fortnightly E-bulletin, including funding, news, events, 16
Use of rooms at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s premises We have rooms of different sizes available at our offices in central Manchester. If you are struggling to find somewhere to hold a meeting, or if you have a regular meeting that you can’t find a regular location for, we can see if there’s availability here. We can also help you to find somewhere more local to your group. Access to The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s training The LGF run a range of training events that you can access. We will keep you up to date with what we are running, so you can pick and choose the most relevant to you.
policies, research, training and jobs. outnorthwest magazine We can send outnorthwest free of charge, direct to your group. The LGF’s magazine has articles and features submitted from groups across the North West, and comes out once every two months. If you would like to submit a story about your group or event please email rainbow@lgf.org.uk
Promotion and information on www.lgf.org.uk The LGF website is a good source of information about LGB&T issues and specific services. We can also offer a free listing on our website which has over 20,000 unique views every month. If you have an event or group you’d like us to promote, drop us a line at rainbow@lgf. org.uk
A series of ‘How To’ guides The voluntary and community sector explained with a selection of free ‘How to’ guides. Is there anything you particularly want to find out about? Let us know!
Free place on any consultation event facilitated by The Lesbian & Gay Foundation Do you and your group want to have your say? We get a lot of requests to hold consultation events with LGB&T people. We will let you know when these are taking place so you can have your say.
Help with accessing local support for your group We know it can be daunting knowing who to contact and how to go about it. We can help you identify the right person so you get the support you need sooner. Free listing in outnorthwest Do you want to let people know where
Need to know...
FIND OUT MORE...
Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk
Anything else… If you have any comments or suggestions around the type of support we offer, or would like to access any of the above services please contact Adam Winter on adam.winter@lgf.org.uk or 07825 254898.
If you’d like to access any of the above services, please contact Adam Winter on adam.winter@lgf.org.uk or e-mail 07825 254898
NORTH WEST
REGIONAL ROUND-UP LESBIANS OUT AND ABOUT FOCUS ON: CUMBRIA
Have you got some good news to report from the last few months? Are you running a new project? Have you got something to say about what your group is doing? If so, email us at rainbow@lgf.org.uk. You can share all your news and let people know about your group.
Cumbria Lesbian Network (CLN) is a well established social group. We’re a friendly, informal group, with no fee & always welcome all lesbians to join in. We have many activities organised throughout each month from walking, meals out, theatre trips etc. Our main get-together is on the first Saturday of every month at the Brewery Arts Centre, Highgate, Kendal, from 1pm.
For more info please contact clnetwork@sky.com we would be very happy to hear from you!
FOCUS ON: LANCASHIRE
HOMOPHOBIA IN SCHOOLS SURVEY LAUNCHED A Lancashire LGBT History Month Event and launch of the Lancashire NUT Prevalence of Homophobia in Schools survey.
Hosted by Lancashire County Council County please join education professionals, governors, county councillors, union representatives and young people for an evening of awareness raising, sharing and
reflection. There will be a formal welcome, presentations, workshops & showcase of resources preceded by afternoon tea The event will take place at County Hall Preston On Friday 26th February 2010 (6.00pm to 9.00pm). Book by 16th February 2010 via www.clph.net or phone 01772 777002
MERSEYSIDE
MANCHESTER
New group established on Merseyside: Friends of Liverpool LGBT Community and Scene
Manchester Pride Community Events Fund 2010 Open! Grants of up to £500 are available again this year for events that take place between Friday 20 and Thursday 26 August 2010. The fund is an initiative started in 2009 by Manchester Pride to raise the quality and diversity of events taking place throughout the 10 day festival, now Pride Fringe. They look for a variety of events and projects for the grant including arts, cultural activities, campaigning, political debate, health, fitness, events with a message to challenge discrimination or projects raising awareness of LGBT/HIV issues.
Friends of Liverpool LGBT Community & Scene was formed on 28th October 2009 following the horrific homophobic attack of PC James Parkes in order to organize an event that would unite Liverpool in a peaceful protest against homophobia and gather support for positive change on the streets Liverpool Following a successful vigil, the group is encouraging new members who want to get involved with tackling LGT issues in Liverpool. Please search on Facebook for “Friends of Liverpool LGBT Community and Scene”.
Volunteer opportunities at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation
For more info and how to apply please visit www. manchesterpride.com/ community/eventsfund.
BASED IN CENTRAL MANCHESTER
The Lesbian and Gay Foundation is looking for volunteers to join our team. You will, in conjunction with LGF staff, be the first port of contact for most people who contact the LGF. Our aim is to provide accurate information and guidance, including signposting to LGF services or services provided by other organisations. By volunteering for this role, you are making a real difference to people who may be in crisis and require instant and accurate information. This service will operate 7 days a week, from the start of the working day until 10.00pm.
Opportunities: Meeting and Greeting staff, volunteers, visitors and clients. Helping to host advice surgeries and clinics. Answering Helpline calls. Administration work. Benefits: Learn new skills via various training opportunities and working with experienced staff and volunteers. Be part of a dynamic team. Out of pocket expenses. Time Required: Variable to suit your needs, including daytime, late evenings and weekend work. Shifts vary, but we are asking for a minimum commitment of one 4 hour shift per month.
Opportunities: Self motivating, enthusiastic and confident. Able to ‘think on your feet’ and be good at problem solving. Able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people. Trustworthy and honest. A good understanding of the diverse Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities. Flexibility around volunteering availability. Good basic IT skills. Maintain a professional, open, honest relationship with clients, ensuring they are aware of the boundaries of the relationship and issues of confidentiality and disclosure. Maintain a non-judgemental approach and follow anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practices.
For further details and an application pack please see our website www.lgf.org.uk or contact Nigel Maddock on 0161 235 8035, e-mail: nigel.maddock@lgf.org.uk
Registered Charity No.1070904
IN CUMBRIA
10 Ending Homophobia,
Empowering People
www.lgf.org.uk
2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS
AC W T O IO M N EN ou D tn co unn ort th m in hw th is mu g t es e In ni alk t’s w te ty s ve or rn t a ld at bo o fi ry ne io ut ve ow ed na th h n s l W e igh wo m o ch m or m a fly e en lle in an o w ’s n g om D ge w f a o en ay s s m cti e on to (8t till n f sh h M fa ro Jo ak a cin m an e rch g the ne th ) w in an om LG gs d e BT up wh n y !
WOMEN
Each year around the world, International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Hundreds of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress For All
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Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk
MAYA CHOUDRY Writer
This International Women’s Day what do you think are the issues and challenges that still face lesbian and bisexual women? Although there are now discrimination laws in the UK there’s still a lot of homophobia, on the streets, in the workplace and in the media. My girlfriend still sometimes looks around before taking my hand. I want to work with Asian women but sometimes I have concealed my sexuality for fear of rejection. It is still dangerous to be lesbian or bisexual in many parts of the world. We take our lesbian scene for granted in the UK but in places such as India it’s difficult to meet other lesbians and you can feel quite marginalised and isolated. What would you say to encourage and inspire more women to take an active role in public life and society in general? You have to believe in yourself and who you want to be in the world. It’s a bit of “feel the fear and do it anyway!” Also it’s about finding what you’re interested in and how that can contribute to the world we’re living in. Who are your inspirations? Jackie Kay has been a big inspiration to me as a poet. I first met her when she was my tutor on a writing workshop at the Hen House. She encouraged me to write, to be myself - all of myselves together or however I wanted to be. At that time (it was the late 80s) it wasn’t so easy to be Asian and a lesbian and express yourself. That’s why I wrote the poem – ‘Is Gay a Country?’ Maya will be reading from her new poetry collection “The Seamstress and the Global Garment” at Manky Poets, 19th Feb, 7:30-9:30pm at Chorlton Library, Manchester.
JACKIE CROZIER
Manchester Pride Festival Director
This International Women’s Day what do you think are the issues and challenges that still face lesbian and bisexual women? I believe that there are certainly issues that face lesbian and bisexual women, most important being the invisibility of lesbian and bisexual women! The fact that we still live in a society where it’s ok to assume that if you are a woman with long hair, long nails and a skirt, you are straight! Other issues include safety at night for women coming out of a known gay area alone - it may be considered to be a “female” issue rather than a “lesbian/bisexual” issue, but I still think it’s relevant. What would you say to encourage and inspire more women to take an active role in public life and society in general? I think the best encouragement is just to remind them of what we women can accomplish... Emmeline Pankhurst, Marie Curie, Indira Gandhi, Harriet Tubman, Florence Nightingale to name but a few! Of course we have modern day women who inspire us, love her or hate her Margaret Thatcher was our first female Prime Minister and Hilary Clinton was so close to becoming the first female President of the USA. Women have the potential to be anything they want. They are free to choose and are limited only by fears. To succeed in life you need to find something to motivate you, something to inspire you. If you want something then just go for it, you may just surprise yourself.
“I f s th o yo e m u fo n e w j t m r it us hinant yo su ay . Y t g g ur rp ju ou o se ris st lf e !”
CHRISTINE BURNS Equality Champion
Who have been your inspirations? My own inspirations – I look to people who I work closely with and get strength and encouragement from them. I am lucky to work with and I am surrounded by some great people whom I have learnt a lot from, in particular Sarah Rowland who is a fantastic event manager and Steph Kay who is a very successful bar owner and member of the Manchester Pride Board. My Gran was a big inspiration to me. She now lives in an Alzheimer’s home and struggles to remember my name, however she always taught me to work hard and never accept second best. When you are looking for inspiration try and remember a quote by Eleanor Roosevelt “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.” Join Jackie and John Amaechi at the Village Drinks / Manchester Pride event at Cloud 23 on February 23rd, for more information visit: http://www.villagedrinks.co.uk/
What challenges still face women? I’m continually reminded that, 35 years after the Equal Pay Act was passed in 1975, women continue to earn substantially less than men doing equivalent work. The figures for men and women in employment also tend to mask the fact that there is immense occupational segregation. We also have to battle to ensure that it’s recognised that far more women are killed and injured by men they know than all the men killed in the wars of the last century. What would you say to encourage more women to take an active role in public life and society in general? Don’t succumb to the voice inside which says “I could never possibly do that”.We are all susceptible to looking at men in positions of power and just assuming we couldn’t do what they’re doing. That’s because we tend to be far more selfcritical. It’s important to recognise the different ways in which women acquire knowledge and skills, and the different ways we approach and solve problems. People design public services with a minds eye picture of what’s required, so if that picture is always a man’s view we’ll continue to have a society that’s not very well suited to half the population. Who have been your inspirations? My role models all tend to be rather formidable women who’ve not allowed themselves to be confined to stereotypes of what they can do or how they should behave. One example is a friend who has spent her career crawling inside merchant ships as a world expert on corrosion. I could list many more in the same vein and few of them are famous. What I realise they all have in common is that they feel confident enough in their own skin that they can break all the gender rules that might constrain their choices and yet they all enjoy being women too. Check out Christine’s regular Podcasts at podcast.plain-sense.co.uk/ www.lgf.org.uk
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WOMEN
MARGOT JAMES Politician (Vice Chair of the Conservative Party)
LOUISE BALDOCK Politician
(Labour Councillor for Kensington and Fairfield, Liverpool)
What are the challenges and issues still facing women? It is a sad fact that although superficially it appears women have made great strides in the world in the last hundred years, in reality there are still huge inequalities. It remains the case that women are under-represented in senior positions and over-represented in poorly paid ones, and equal pay remains a problem. There are still far too few female chief executives, directors, board members etc, whether that is in the private sector or the public sector. Do you think the challenges are the same for lesbian and bisexual women? Many of these challenges are just the same for gay women as they are for straight women – but some problems are clearly more pronounced or difficult for lesbians and bisexuals. Take public representation for instance, gay women are virtually invisible. There is only one openly gay female MP in Westminster, Angela Eagle who introduced the civil partnership bill and then used it to marry her long term partner, go girl! I don’t know whether the fact that we don’t see gay female politicians is because we don’t want to draw attention to ourselves by standing for public office. I suspect though that we feel we have so many battles to fight already, that we don’t feel we have much room left to start fighting them for everyone else too. Whatever the reason we are desperately underrepresented and this needs to change. What would you say to get women involved in public life? What I would say to inspire more women to get involved in public life is that it can be deeply satisfying. You can make real and positive change, to the lives of individuals or to whole communities. You can help people to help themselves or where they don’t have the wherewithal, you can become their advocate and make a difference. 20
What challenges still face women? Violence against women in all its forms: domestic violence, rape as a weapon of war, female genital mutilation and the trafficking of women and girls for forced prostitution and domestic enslavement. The violence and medieval rhetoric of Fundamentalism, at its most evil in the Afghan and Pakistani Taleban where girls are barred from education and killed for no reason. Maternal and child health care, particularly in the developing world where avoidable maternal mortality is scandalous What would you say to encourage and inspire more women to take an active role in public life and society in general? Stand up and be counted. Do as much or as little as you can. Standing for public office might seem daunting at first but political parties are always on the look out for good people, especially women, and training and mentoring is available. Of course it doesn’t have to be a political party, it could be a campaigning pressure group like Stonewall
or a charity like Age Concern or Save the Children. If you feel you are too busy at work and with family responsibilities you could try speaking to your employer about whether there are any causes the company supports you could contribute something to. Who have been your inspirations? The charity Abantu, was founded and led by an amazing Kenyan woman, Wanjiru Kihoro, who was an inspiration to me and despite her tragic death from a plane accident in Kenya, remains so. Angela Mason, ex CEO of Stonewall, always so reasonable and polite in argument, no one could possibly disagree. Chris Smith, now Lord Smith. I will never forget his coming out in Rugby twenty five years ago. Margaret Thatcher and Barbara Castle. My late father, Maurice James, my late brother in law, Roderick Doggett and my Politics teacher at school Clive Thomas
Equality Champion
Make your voice heard. Register to vote at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk/
RAF SERVICE WOMAN Anonymous What would you say to inspire more lesbian and bisexual women to get involved in public life and society? I am one of the first gay woman to stay in the RAF who was openly out. I feel that being openly gay in my job has helped so, so many gay men and women although it is still hard to be gay and out in the service and I face challenges everyday. I don’t regret it, I thrive on it. I do feel I am setting a standard though and paving the way for my squadron to understand it’s ok to work with gay people and that we are in fact normal. I am the only out gay person in my squadron and have been for 3 and half years, which is a long time, but everyday I educate them all by holding my head high and saying I am what I am. So, I would only say be true to yourself and get what you deserve and live your dreams, it’s your fairytale and only you can make it happily ever after! The fact that this contributor - who has overcome many barriers to serve openly - has asked to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions, highlights the largest challenge facing women in public life. Namely: what other people think.
Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk
EXTRA FEBRUARY-MARCH 2010
NEWS
TACT: FIT QUEER CON
QUEER CONTACT : DAVID HOYLE
THE HISTORY OF YOU... Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans History Month, takes place every year in February. It celebrates the history, lives and achievements of the LGBT community. The idea came from School’s Out! - the campaigning organisation for LGBT people involved in education. The North West has a rich gay heritage; from Manchester’s Canal Street to the use of the secret gay code Polari on the Liverpool docks. Below is a list of some of the events happening in our area. For up to date listings please checkout: www. lgbthistorymonth.org.uk
Monday 1st February STOCKPORT Launch of LGBT History Month. A Presentation from the Base Youth Group on the history of famous LGBT people followed by John Amaechi with - Learn,
Adapt, Grow- A talk to inspire. 5.30pm-8pm, Stockport College Wellington Road South Stockport, Cheshire SK1 3QU
Saturday 6th February
ABOVE: ‘The Invisible Death Of Michael Causer’, a film showing as part of Chester Diversity Festival on 26th February.
SALFORD The Bolton Whitmanites were a remarkable group of men united by their admiration of the American poet Walt Whitman. A talk by Harry Cocks, Lecturer in Modern British History (University of Nottingham). 2pm, Working Class Movement Library, Salford. www.wcml.org.uk
Tuesday 9th - Saturday 13th Feb MANCHESTER Queer Contact, a celebration of queer cabaret, film, music, spoken word and performance. Part of Part of LGBT History Month 2010 (see page 10) Contact, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA. www.contact-theatre.org
FIND OUT MORE...
Wednesday 10th February STOCKPORT LGBT Parenting event, information, support for LGBT parents and wannabe parents. 6pm-8pm. Connexions, 62-64 Chestergate Stockport, Cheshire SK1 1NP
Wednesday 10th February MANCHESTER LGBT people in military service. Talk by James McSharry of Imperial War Museum. 6.30pm. Manchester Central Library Committee Room, St. Peter’s Square Manchester M2 5PD
Friday 26th February CHESTER Film: The Invisible Death of Michael Causer. As part of Chester Diversity Festival LGBT Events. 12:30pm. University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester CH1 4BJ. To book email: d.mooney@chester.ac.uk or phone 01244 51 1138
Saturday 27th February STOCKPORT RAID! Gay life pre-war, wartime & today - exploring experiences through reminiscence, song, object handling and anecdotes. 1pm-4pm. Air Raid Shelters, 61 Great Underbank, Stockport, Cheshire SK1 1NE. airraid.shelters@stockport.gov.uk
For fully up-to-date listings of LGBT History Month events in our area, and across the country, visit the website at: www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk
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osure) and Kevin Allsopp
Images: Paul Jones (Exp
READY FOR YOUR CLOSE UP? Fancy being the face of our next gay men’s sexual health campaign? The Lesbian & Gay Foundation are asking local lads of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds to take part in photo shoots for our upcoming campaign materials. Who knows, YOU could soon be appearing on condom packs across Greater Manchester!
The gay men’s sexual health team at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation are working hard behind the scenes on some amazing new campaigns, and there will be loads of opportunities for you to get involved. The first thing we’re looking for are brand new models to feature on posters, postcards, condom packs... you name it. Don’t worry if you’ve never modelled before, we’ll make sure you have a fun day, and you might even make some new friends. We’re after as many different types of guys as possible - so don’t worry if you don’t think you’re the next Brad Pitt or Vin Diesel. Whether you’re big, small, old or young, we’d love to hear from you. We’ll even give you a disc of all the images for your online profiles!
If you’re interested in modelling for us, contact Peter or Daniel at models@lgf.org.uk. Oh, and don’t forget to attach a picture of yourself too! 22
Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk
SEXTALK
TALK DIRTY TO US! IF YOU’VE GOT ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SEX YOU’RE HAVING, OR YOUR SEXUAL HEALTH, DROP PETER AN E-MAIL: peter.boyle@lgf.org.uk
PETER BOYLE SEX IN THE CITY
HIV RISK
The fact of “TOPS CAN’T fiction. CATCH IT... RIGHT?”
“His name is Alonso…” if you didn’t catch the last episode of Doctor Who then this will mean very little to you, but I think it shows how much TV has evolved to include gay characters over the last ten years.
If there is one question that refuses to go away it is whether or not tops are at risk of catching HIV if they have sex without a condom.
Basically, the Doctor was introducing his omnisexual friend, Captain Jack, to a sailor in a an intergalactic gay friendly bar. Conf used? Well, that really doesn’t matter. The idea that the Doctor could set his men friends up with another man would have been unth inkable a few years ago. And to boot, Doctor Who was sandwiched in the middle of two episo des of Eastenders involving a gay muslim storyline. Quite a Ménage à trois for New Year s Day!
There was a report in the national gay press fairly recently which stated that tops are at about as much risk as guys who give blow jobs and have people cum in their mouths.
This is simply not true! Inside the arse of everyone is a substance called anal mucus. If a guy is HIV positive then this substance contains the highest concentration of HIV in the body. More than cum, pre-cum and even blood. If you are the guy doing the fucking then this mucus can get into your blood stream through the mucus membranes at the end of your cock.
Registered Charity No.1070904
Being the top is less risky than being the bottom, and that is probably where the confusion lies, but...
LOOKING FOR ADVICE? 10 Ending Homophobia,
If in doubt, always use a condom whether you like fucking, or being fucked.
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the future, wouldn’t it be nice if there was enou gh time and space for all of us?.
What this does show us is that gay story lines on TV are much more commonplac e in 2010, and quite right too. What you have to wonder though, is how welcome these story lines are? Well, Doc tor Who and Eastenders were both the highest rated TV shows for both Christmas Day and New Years Day, so a total of 42 million people can’t be that bothered by it, or they would have switched off (yes, we wou ld know if they had). Bit of an unfair measure ment though, as people will watch such high profile shows, no matter what the storyline. What is important is that the producers and writers felt that these shows were the best showcase to highlight the fact that gay people exist, in fact and fiction. It’s a far cry from the days of ‘Eastbenders’ with Colin
Now for the science bit…
Fucking a guy without a condom is the second riskiest thing you can do in terms of catching HIV, and leaves you open to all of the other sexually transmitted diseases on offer.
and Barry’s infamous ‘peck on the chee k’. If nothing else we should celebrate the fact that people are in people’s living room s on Christmas Day! I hope that many of us feel comfortable enough to be out and proud when we go back home, and for thos e of us that haven’t managed it yet, hopefully more high profile stories like this will help .
Empowering People
www.lgf.org.uk
2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS
Whether you’re looking for relationship advice, you’re concerned about your sexual health, you want to know the opening times for Essential, or you want to get involved with your community, give the LGF Helpline a call on 0845 3 30 30 30. Staffed from 7pm - 10pm every night! www.lgf.org.uk
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Words: Chris Morley
CHRIS MORLEY on a very special anniversary for George House Trust.
25 years ago six men laid the foundations of George House Trust in the old Gay Centre in Bloom Street, at the heart of Manchester’s gay village. After our 25 years of George House Trust proving there is ‘still life with HIV’, those six men would now be astounded, disappointed, yet proud. 2010 is George House Trust’s silver jubilee year, with our 25th birthday falling in July. We’re celebrating and building on that legacy for the next 25 years. We’ll have a party to be sure, and we’ll be campaigning in 25s for more action and change. We’ll partying hard on the Parade at Pride this year, while making sure HIV stays firmly on the agenda. This Spring we team up, in a high profile national conference, alongside the British HIV Association (BHIVA) and British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) at Manchester Conference Centre. They’ll be plenty of fundraising and HIV awareness raising too, and we’ve some surprises in store.
25 YEARS ON... NEWLY DIAGNOSED COURSE FOR GAY MEN
This is a very popular course, for gay men men diagnosed with HIV in the last 12 months. The next course runs in Manchester on five Wednesday evenings starting on 5 May, 5.30-8pm. There’s a different topic each week including - understanding HIV language, sex and risk, and employment issues. You need to be able to attend all of the sessions. For more information, or to book a place, please email colin@ght.org. uk or ring and ask him at 0161 2744 4499.
pushing public bodies to deal with the health crisis. But right from the start they were already looking further, higher and wider.
George House Trust has kept an eye always on the bigger picture – past the city boundary, past our first focus on gay men, past the year ahead, putting HIV in its wider social and political context, and working out how to reach our vision of the best quality of life for people living with HIV.
stigma and discrimination is still such an enormous obstacle in dealing with HIV, here and across the globe. The worst may not be as bad as it used to be: we remember Greater Manchester’s Chief Constable at the time blaming the victims, saying we were ‘swirling in a cesspit of our own making’. But stigmatising campaigns still happen – last year a German HIV organisation became notorious for using images of the dictators Hitler, Stalin and Saddam Hussein in its World AIDS Day campaign.
Astounded
Proud
What’s astounding about the last 25 years is that the men were so right to be worried and take action. In 1985 just three gay men were known to have HIV in the city. Now there are 1611 men, women and children in Manchester alone, 5601 across NW England (and that just counts the people diagnosed), now over 100,000 in the UK, and a multi-million global epidemic.
Our six founders can be enormously proud that their baby, George House Trust, has thrived and grown, and is now the second oldest HIV organisation in the UK. We’ve a strong national reputation for quality, innovation and leadership. And we’re proud of our radical northern roots and nononsense attitude to saying what needs to be said, and getting the job done.
Disappointed The men would be so disappointed that
There is still so much to be done around HIV. In 1985, the six men’s minds were on offering support and answers to gay men in the city about the new disease, and 24
www.lgf.org.uk
To find out more about the services offered by George House Trust, contact our services team at support@ght.org.uk or call us on 0161 274 4499.
www.ght.org.uk
Please join in supporting us this jubilee year – find out more at www.ght.org.uk
MENTAL HEALTH The key to a happy, healthy life is a happy, healthy mind. The Lesbian & Gay Foundation has just published two new guides to good mental health for LGB people. Text: Rachel Barlow
FREE your MIND We all have mental health, whether we are fit healthy and happy or we are not doing so well. Mental health is about how we think, feel and act and can be related to almost every aspect of our lives. It determines things such as how we cope with stressful and difficult situations, how we interact with other people and how we work and contribute to everyday life. The World Health Organisation describes mental health as being ‘the foundation for well-being and effective functioning for an individual and for a community.’ It is estimated that one in four of us will experience problems relating to our mental health and wellbeing during any one year. This means that even if we ourselves don’t experience these problems or difficulties, it is likely that someone we know and care about will. As a society we still do not have a great awareness or understanding of the issues around mental health and wellbeing and as such they are sometimes a bit of a taboo subject. We are afraid or embarrassed to talk about it and this leads to misunderstandings and an increase in prejudice and stigma surrounding mental health. Learning more about mental health and wellbeing would help us all to be more supportive and understanding and would also help us to look after our own wellbeing.
Where’s Your Head At and Know Your Mental Health are available now. You can also see them online at www.lgf.org.uk 26
Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk
GOOD MENTAL HEALTH “Having good mental health is not just about not having an illness that can be diagnosed by a doctor or health practitioner. There are lots of things we can do ourselves to ensure that we are making positive steps towards ensuring our own mental wellbeing.”
The Lesbian and Gay Foundation understand the importance of mental health and wellbeing in society and also recognise that sometimes there are issues and problems that may be specific to our own community. With this in mind we are about to publish two new printed resources which give an overview of some more common mental health problems and examines problems and issues that may affect the mental health and wellbeing of the LGB community. ‘Where’s Your Head At?’ is a guide aimed at young people up to the age of 25 and ‘Know Your Mental Health’ is for anyone over the age of 25. Both guides will be widely available across Greater Manchester over the coming months so please feel free to pick them up and have a read. Having good mental health is not just about not having an illness that can be diagnosed by a doctor or health practitioner. There are lots of things we can do ourselves to ensure that we are making positive steps towards ensuring our own mental wellbeing, you can see our ten top tips on the next page!
OUR TOP 10 TIPS 1 Eat healthily and drink sensibly. 2 Stay in touch with friends and family. 3 Talk to people about how you feel 4 5 6 7 8
If you would like to stock either of the guides in your venue or place of work you can contact our distribution team on 0161 235 8035.
9 10
easier than you might think. Exercise when you can, (even if it’s taking the stairs instead of the lift!) Give yourself a break - take time out, don’t be too hard on yourself. Find something you’re good at and do it- be proud of yourself! Sleep well. Do something good for someone else you might be surprised at how good it feels! Learn to love yourself and everything that makes you who you are. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. www.lgf.org.uk
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WEAR IT FILL IT BIN IT Reg. Charity No.1070904
(OR GET HIM TO!)
10 Ending Homophobia,
Empowering People
www.lgf.org.uk
THE LGF’S FREE GAY MEN’S SAFER SEX PACKS ARE AVAILABLE IN VENUES ACROSS GREATER MANCHESTER.
2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS
GIRLS ON Text: Sam Days
ALCOHOL
POP! TOP TIPS FOR A
1
Whether winding down after work, a big night out at the weekend, a few glasses of wine over lunch or to break the ice the reasons women drink are many. At the same time most of us do not know how our drinking habits are effecting our lives including how we look, our relationships, the sex we have or want and our long term health. In the past year over 15,000 women have been admitted to hospital with alcohol related illnesses. So what are the effects of drink on your body and why are women different to men when it comes to alcohol!
What’s the difference?
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As women have a smaller proportion of body water to fat then men it means we have less fluid available to dilute the alcohol, this makes the effects stronger and more concentrated. We also have lower levels of stomach enzymes (ADH) which effects how the body breaks down alcohol, we are also thought to have lover levels of alcohol dehyrogenase (ADH) activity in our livers and as this is what breaks down the alcohol in our body it means that it stays in our system for longer. You menstrual cycle also plays a part in drinking with many women finding the effects of alcohol stronger and more long lasting when they are ovulating or pre-menstrual. Many women also report craving alcoholic drinks just before their period. On the next page we’ll look at how alcohol affects your body...
3 4 5
TOP NIGHT OUT!
Try alternating alcoholic and soft drinks, it is recommended that women drink between 2-3 units of alcohol a day and anything more than twice your recommended units is classed as binge drinking. Switch to singles rather than doubles. If you are a beer drinker try a shandy or a spritser if you are having wine, this way you are still drinking alcohol but in smaller amounts. Don’t take part in drinking competitions, while it may seem fun at first ending up in a mess in not attractive to anyone. Eat a meal before or when you start drinking, this absorbs some of the alcohol and helps you stay a bit more together. Stick with your friends and that way if any of you are feeling a little worst for wear you can help each other out and make sure everyone gets home safe!
www.lgf.org.uk
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ALCOHOL
F O Y D O B EVIDENCE BRAIN
Alcohol related brain damage can occur at high risk levels, particularly if you are suffering from alcohol dependency. This can include permanent brain damage such as Korsakoff’s syndrome.
MENTAL HEALTH
Contrary to popular belief alcohol is in fact a depressant and not a stimulant. This means that depression, anxiety and insomnia can start to occur with small levels of drinking. It can also worsen existing mental health conditions.
LIVER DISEASE
Women are more than 13 times more likely to suffer liver cirrhosis at higher risk levels. One third of cases of liver cancer are caused by drinking.
DIGESTIVE DISORDERS
Alcohol irritates the digestive system often causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Long term complications such as gastritis, pancreatitus and bowel cancer are more likely.
NERVE DAMAGE
Over time, alcohol damages the nerve endings, causing symptoms such as pins and needles and numbness in the hands and feet.
MOUTH & THROAT CANCER
Higher risk drinking increases the risk of cancers in the mouth, upper food pipe and throat with women 5.4 times more likely to suffer.
BREAST CANCER
Every unit of alcohol of alcohol drunk per day increases the risk of breast cancer by a small amount, the more you drink the greater the risk.
HEART DISEASE
You double the chances of high blood pressure as well as increasing the risk of coronary heart disease or suffering a stroke.
OSTEOPEROSIS
Women are more likely to develop thin and soft bones later in life and alcohol increase this risk.
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Even small amounts of alcohol increases the risk of miscarriage in the first three months of pregnancy. Breast milk gets rid of 1 unit of alcohol every 2 hours so if you so have a drink make sure to express milk before hand. Increased risk drinking can also cause irregular periods and intensify menopausal symptoms.
NEED HELP? 30
Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk
Websites to check out for further tips and information: www.lgf.org.uk; www.drinkaware. co.uk
LGBT CARERS
Coming up for air... “The sessions are completely free and can really make a difference.”
Continuing with our regular focus on LGBT carers, and the Caring with Confidence programme, this month we look at how the sessions can really make a difference to carers’ lives and the life of the person they care for. Text: Annie Emery
After the excesses of the festive season - and saying goodbye to another year – January and February is often the time when we reassess our lives, make resolutions, consider ways we could change our lives for the better and move forward. Often for those of us with a caring responsibility, we as individuals can be the last thing we think about as we have so many different responsibilities and priorities which often means very little time for ourselves. In order to look after ourselves and those we care for, it is vitally important to take a step back sometimes and think about ourselves and our needs – in order to be the best that we can be. During the Caring with Confidence sessions, carers learn vital skills and techniques which can really help when dealing with the hectic and tiring responsibilities that come with any caring role. Carers also learn simple ways to improve their health and wellbeing. In this issue we share a technique with you, a session taster if you like – why not give it a go - see opposite page. Often carers find themselves in stressful situations and stress can make a bad situation seem so much worse and can be very detrimental to our health and wellbeing. One thing we tend to do when we are stressed is to tense our bodies up: the shoulders go up, the posture stiffens, our breathing
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Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk
becomes quicker and shallower. All this actually makes it harder for our bodies to process the stress, but most of the time we don’t even know we are doing it. However – when we do take the time to notice we are doing it , there are simple steps we can take, which are entirely in our control and which only take a couple of minutes, and which can make a lot of difference to our whole way of feeling and dealing with stress. When we are anxious, stressed or afraid our breathing tends to be rapid and shallow but we can turn these feelings around simply by changing the way we breathe. Breathing slowly can also be a great way to deal with anger, or if you feel as though you are going to blow up at someone. Breathing deeply brings oxygen to individual cells, which in turn creates more energy. When we don’t get enough energy we get tired and irritable. A few deep breaths can help to recharge our cells, gives us time to think, to rebalance and slow down, and respond more appropriately to a stressful situation. Each Caring with Confidence session is full of simple ideas and techniques like this, along with the opportunity to share ideas and experience with carers in similar situations, and also offers access to a wealth of information about local services and resources. The sessions are completely free and can really make a difference. If you think Caring with Confidence is for you, or want more information, contact Annie Emery at LGF: annie@lgf.org.uk, or call 0161 235 8024 to find out more about free sessions in your area. www.caringwithconfidence.net www.lgf.org.uk
Photo: Paul Farncis
Try it out!
Breathing Exercise 1
Firstly, take a moment to think of something you know is going to happen and which you know is going to be stressful or will trigger feelings of anger or guilt or fear. It might be an appointment or a phone call you have to make, or a situation that keeps happening and making you stressed. Thought of one? You’re probably already starting to tense up just thinking about it, right?
2
Now put down anything in your hands and sit or stand comfortably, placing your feet slightly apart and in line with your shoulders, so you are firmly balanced but not rigid.
3
Now look up and stretch your arms above your head, as if you are reaching for something above you. Imagine you are picking cherries, or climbing a rope. Reach and “pick” with alternative arms for a moment or two. Can you feel how the very movement of raising your arms releases the tension in your neck and shoulders?
4
Do you look after someone? FREE LOCAL SESSIONS. Are you an LGBT carer or care for someone who is LGBT? Caring With Confidence will: Help you build your strengths as a carer.
Now lower your arms and rest them by your side. And now just breathe. Even when we have very little or no time – all of us HAVE to breathe! There is no doubt that breathing deeply can have a profound affect on our bodies, our minds and our spirits.
Give you the opportunity to share experiences and learn from others in similar situations.
IMPORTANT! If you start to feel dizzy when breathing deeply stop straight away and return to normal breathing. Do the exercise gently and at your own pace.
Help you decide what you might like to change about your caring role.
Registered Charity No.1070904
BOOK YOUR PLACE TODAY! Introductory session Finding Your Way runs at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation on Thursday 28th January, 6pm - 9pm. Sessions run throughout the year. Contact Annie Emery to book your place, on 0161 235 8024, or drop an e-mail to: annie@lgf.org.uk
Give you useful information, ideas and tips about looking after someone
Provide travel and alternative care costs for those who need it.
10 Ending Homophobia,
Empowering People
www.lgf.org.uk
2000-2010 CELEBRATING TEN YEARS
For more information or to book a session contact Annie Emery annie@lgf.org.uk 0161 235 8024
r the LGF
fo FUNdraising
New Year... New You?
Challenge accepted! RUNNING!
Why not hit the ground running and join team LGF at The Great Manchester Run on Sunday May 16th. Manchester’s top fun run and sporting event is a 10k run open to all abilities.
SWIMMING!
If running isn’t for you then take the plunge and join team LGF at The Great Scottish Swim on Saturday August 21st! Scotland’s biggest outdoor swim is one mile (about 64 lengths in a 25m pool) on the 34
Start your New Year with a commitment to challenge yourself. Strathclyde Loch. This event is open to all abilities whether you’re a water baby or a tri-athlete! Entry is just £25 which includes your entry fee, event pack (Great Swim swim hat, and timing chip), Great Swim souvenir medal and t-shirt, not to mention the huge sense of achievement. You can’t put a price on that!
CYCLING!
Pedal Power! Team LGF will also be at the Manchester to Blackpool Bike Ride. Starting at Old Trafford and pedalling on ‘til at Blackpool’s South Promenade on Sunday 11th July.
If you’d like to take part in any of these charity challenges, contact Joe at joe.spencer@lgf.org.uk or on 0161 235 8012.
Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk
Images: Stuart Rainsbury
If you’re thinking that 2010 is going to be your year then why not sign up to one of our charity challenges! Charity challenges are a great way to stick to those new year resolutions giving you a goal and a sense of achievement to make it all worthwhile!
a f o t i b a It’s all
! H S A M H S I M 28 JANUARY
8pm The Circle Club 13 Barton Arcade, Barton Square, Manchester
THURSDAY
Following a hilarious night at The Circle Club in November, Mish Mash Cabaret returns for another night of fun - this time fundraising for The Lesbian and Gay Foundation’s Aim High campaign for inspiring young LGB people.
BE OUR
! E N I T N E VAL
The LGF have a number of Fundraisers over Valentines Day weekend, and if you’d like to get involved then get in touch! We’ll be bucket shakin’ and fundraisin’ the roof at top Manchester gay village venues so go on be a love! Contact Joe Spencer at joe.spencer@lgf. org.uk for more info!
Thank You!
Comedy collective Kookybabooshka will be bringing a touch of Vegas with their high octane hilarity and feline glamour. There will also be a saucy touch of burlesque, as well as live music, and comedy poetry from Rachael McGuninness and Julia Brosnan. Radio presenter Chris Holliday comperes the night as well as hosting the famous Mish Mash Celebrity Raffle complete with top prizes. PLUS the not to be missed ‘Fill My Slot” for anyone who’d like to do 5 minutes to ... fill our slot and make us laugh. FILL MY SLOTTERS should email us on mishmashwow@live.com, telling us how they plan to do it. Tickets are £6 available from www.lgf.org.uk/mish-mash This event is very likely to sell out so make sure you get them in advance!
! u o y k n a h t
As you might know, Manchester superclub Essential closed its doors in January. Club owner and LGF patron Nigel Martin-Smith said, “Thank you for the past ten years it’s been a blast”. Essential has always been a huge supporter and enthusiastic fundraiser. Emma Peate, Fundraising Manager at LGF said: “Over the years Nigel and the team at Essential have been committed to helping the LGBT community, they’ve always been on hand to help the LGF get our sexual health messages across and have helped raise tens of thousands of pounds. We wish Nigel Martin-Smith every success in the future and thank him for his continued support.”
A BIG WORLD AIDS DAY THANK YOU to all the venues that took ribbon boxes and helped support World AIDS Day 2009. Plus an extra special thank you to all our volunteers who braved the cold and sold red ribbons out and about in Manchester City Centre. Big sloppy kisses also go out to Poptastic and Sugar Pops who together raised over £900 over World AIDS Day Weekend! Brill! Big Hugs goes to our friends at Cruz 101 who raised a fantastic £859.51! A BIG thanks goes to Essential who raised a bloody fabulous £484.25. High Fives to the No. 1 Club for raising £167.72 at Freakshow! Also a big gay thank you to Via for throwing The Official World AIDS Day party! www.lgf.org.uk
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