outnorthwest issue 111

FOR OVER 16’s ONLY!

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

Published by

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

OUTNORTHWEST ISSUE 111 AUG-SEPT 2012 FREE!

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

EN LISTW NO !

MANCHESTER PRIDE 2012

THE QUEEN OF ALL

PRIDES!

PLUS!

COMES

PRIDE WEL

STEPS!

OUTNORTHWEST EDITOR’S LETTER AUG-SEPT 2012

THE QUEEN’S SPEECH This year saw the 40th anniversary of the UK’s first ever Pride event, which took place in London in 1972.

Manchester’s first Pride was over 20 years ago and today events across the North West demonstrate how important Pride is to all of us, wherever we are.

Pride is hugely important whether we acknowledge it or not.

of inclusivity and celebration and to see how local communities, both LGB&T and straight, embrace the opportunity to come out and show their support for their fellow citizens. In the North West alone there are fantastic events from Blackpool to Oldham, Salford to Preston and Cumbria to Chester, all showcasing their own LGB&T communities, and all receiving support from local business, local authorities and members of the general public.

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

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

It’s the one time of the year when the entire queer community can come out in all of our glory and be whoever, or whatever we have always wanted to be. We may think that Pride events aren’t as important to us personally as they once were, but sometimes we forget that thousands of people are experiencing one of the most lifeaffirming experiences of their lives.

Manchester Pride itself is a fantastic example of what Pride means in being a glorious technicolour display of who we are. It’s encouraging to also witness younger events like Liverpool Pride grow into hugely significant demonstrations

At this time of year it’s important to recognise how far we’ve come as a community and as a society, but if we ever forget the importance of these events we will soon begin to notice that we’ve lost an important way in which to express ourselves - and most importantly to meet others who feel just like we do.

Together we are stronger, and to all those who are organising or attending Pride events this Summer I salute you.

And just like Manchester Pride, long may you reign.

LGF IMPACT 2011/12

Included in this special Manchester Pride issue of outnorthwest is The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s Annual Review for 2011/12. Find out what the UK’s leading LGB charity achieved over the last year, thanks to your help and support. Don’t forget to visit our website too, for all the latest updates: www.lgf.org.uk

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

CONTRIBUTORS Lucy Rolfe; Samantha Days; Jake Arturio Braden; Gaydio; Frankie Stevens; Adam Winter; Martin Cooper; Patrick Etennes; Chris Fisher; Ben Squance; Chris Holliday; Pete Davies; Heena Ali; Matt Ince; Marc Robinson; Sarah Quinn.

SPECIAL THANKS Darren Adams; Manchester Pride; Liverpool Pride; Gaydio; Annie Emery; Steps; Lousie Dearman; Scarlett’s Roses; Claire Harvey; The Village Spartans.

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! How to be a community champion!

08 NEWS & OPINION Vote for your Homo Heroes. Pics from Prides across the North West, including Liverpool.

Plus all the latest news and opinion.

28

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

PRIDE MAIN STAGE

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

40

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

CLAIRE HARVEY

FEATURES 26 PRIDE PULLOUT Steps are here! Steady! Plus your site map, interviews with the stars at Pride, and our pick of what’s on.

31 WHAT IS PRIDE? Has Pride lost it’s meaning. We asked for your opinions...

AND MORE!

20 HEAD TO HEAD The positive and negative opinion page.

24 BY THE BI What’s it like to be bisexual on the gay scene? Pete Davies investigates.

25

STEPS AT PRIDE!

23 OUTSPOKEN! This issue: The LGF’s Annie Emery.

06

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

34 NEW CONDOM PACKS Say hello to your brand new safer sex packs.

36 GET IN! Paralympian Claire Harvey talks to ONW.

Homophobia ACTION against

DID YOUR FAVE VIDEO WIN?

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.

16

VILLAGE ANGELS

Homophobia ACTION against

www.lgf.org.uk/enough

TAKING ACTION HOW YOU ARE TAKING ACTION AGAINST HOMOPHOBIA

COMMUNITY

CHAMPIONS

Photo: Sarah Quinn

How would you like to be a champion and represent the LGB&T community?

Have you ever felt that you wanted to represent your community in something that you are interested in but never thought you could do it? If so then The Lesbian & Gay Foundation would like to hear from you.

you’ve ever been interested in getting involved in something but felt restricted for some reason, then we want to encourage you to put yourself forward. We want to help you find the best way to use your voice and your skills as an LGB Community Champion, someone that is working on behalf of the community to support the needs and issues of lesbian, gay and bisexual communities.

Often the issues that directly affect the lesbian, gay and bisexual community may go unheard or un-addressed, unless there is an active voice around the table that is championing the needs of our community That’s why The Lesbian & Gay Foundation would like to encourage more lesbian, gay and bisexual people to represent themselves and the things that matter to them in all areas of public life. Areas where we are underrepresented, such as in schools, workplaces, housing, policing, politics, healthcare, infact anywhere where our voices need to be heard and lesbian, gay and bisexual people need to be supported. If

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation is looking for people from within the community, and those that support our community, to engage in local networks so that we can: • •

•

Motivate and mobilise community members to make a difference.

Share the research, data, the experiences and the life stories that we have available, to enable people to make positive changes for lesbian, gay and bisexual men and women.

Help people from within the community to be able to hold public services to account if they’re not meeting the diverse

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

•

needs of our community.

Provide people with the tools and information to challenge decisions that are unfair or have an impact on our community.

We can’t do this alone; we need to ensure that we’re working with as many people as possible in order to meet these needs and we are looking for people to help us to provide representation, to get to those places that we can’t reach.

LGB Community Champions To find out more about being an LGF Community Champion: E-mail: info@ lgf.org.uk or Tel: 0845 3 30 30 30 or write or pop in to: Number 5, Richmond St., Manchester, M1 3HF. Pick up our new resource: We Exist- A Guide to Getting Involved in Public Life for LGB People at our Lifestyle Expo stall at Manchester Pride or for more info checkout: www.lgf.org.uk/exist

LIKE US!

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

TWEET US!

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

BRAND NEW COLUMN!

SIGN UP & WIN BIG PRIZES! The Enough Is Enough campaign is on a mission to encourage over 2,500 people to sign up and take action against homophobia this Pride season.

Over the course of The Big Weekend we will be collecting signatures and entering people into draws when we reach our total. We will be awarding an increasing number of prizes decided by each landmark figure we pass on the way to our target of 2,500 signatures.

You could win anything from an Enough is Enough! t-shirt to a brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 from The Co-operative, dinner for two at the DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Piccadilly, £50 gift voucher for Richmond Tea Rooms or a 3 month Pure Gym membership, plus many more fantastic prizes! Winners will be notified by email so you must provide a valid email address.

All you have to do is come to our stall at The Lifestyle Expo and sign up to the campaign.

Prizes will be drawn randomly after the Big Weekend so we will email you if you’ve won, telling you what you have won and we’ll arrange with you how best to collect your prize.

www.lgf.org.uk/enough

FRANKIE

SAYS If you’re not you an avid reader of fashion’s glossiest magazines, you may have missed the plethora of articles focussing on lesbians, which have been cropping up in the most unlikely of sources.

In their August editions Tatler, Vogue and Cosmopolitan have all published features on lesbians, with Vogue coining the term ‘LOL’ – that’s late onset lesbianism to you and me.

Not to be outdone, Tatler goes as far to ask ‘Where are all the lesbians?’

Unfortunately they fail to provide an answer to this ever-perplexing question.

This sudden glut of lesbian appreciation is most welcome, if not a little surprising. But what has motivated magazines that most would deem as essentially heterosexual and/ or mainstream to publish such articles?

When appearing on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour Kate Reardon, the editor of Tatler, stated there was no frame of reference for gay women within high society or the ‘Tatler theme park’, compared to the multitude of happily open gay men. In light of this Reardon wanted to utilise the magazine’s influence, going on to say: “The one thing Tatler has control of is affecting what is socially acceptable.... most of the time we are talking about handbags and makeup....and if in this one instance we can do something good, then why not?”

Tatler, along with Vogue and Cosmopolitan should be applauded for writing such articles without too much hype. Publishing positive portrayals of lesbian women, these magazines are not only helping to dispel the stereotype of lesbians having little interest or sense of fashion, but also showing mainstream society a frame of reference, even if it is quite a niche

one at that. In the interview Reardon went onto say she wanted the feature to “normalise lesbianism”, without it being terrifying or titillating, and with Reardon’s wish in mind, I too hope more articles like this are written and reach a wider demographic of people without so much of a novelty element to it all.

Finally, I’ll leave you with the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) who released their annual report for 2011 earlier this month. The report revealed the sex scene in Black Swan was the “standout issue” amongst the majority of complaints it received over the last year. The scene is significant and justified to the film’s plot, yet some viewers felt “it was pornographic in nature”, arguing “portrayals of homosexual activity should either be restricted to the 18 category, or not shown at all.” Opinions like this only go to strengthen the need to ‘normalise’ lesbianism, rather than be stigmatised. It’s baffling how people could see oral sex between two women as pornographic, when the sex scene in Black Swan was actually portrayed in quite a discreet manner. Thankfully the BBFC had the common sense to challenge this, and responded to these complaints by stating it “applies the same standards to portrayals of sexual activity, regardless of sexual orientation.”

Well done the BBFC. Although some movie goers who went to see Black Swan clearly didn’t read the reviews before going to the cinema, as the report also revealed how some of those who complained “had expected to see a film about ballet rather than the story of a young woman’s mental disintegration”. Let’s just hope Ballet Monthly don’t decide to do a feature on lesbians for their September edition!

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

AGENDA

AUG-SEPT 2012

IN DEPTH NEWS, COMMENT AND ANALYSIS

YOU DECIDE! It’s time to cast your votes and nominate your Homo Heroes.

Scan here NOW to cast your votes!

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

For the past few month’s we’ve been asking you to nominate your Homo Heroes in The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s ‘Homo Hero Awards’.

We’re pleased to announce that your nominations for these years Homo Heroes have been now been finalised! Now we’re asking you to decide who you think has made a significant difference to the lives of lesbian, gay and bisexual people this year.

Those people you think are deserving of the title Homo Hero.

Hundreds of nominations have been cast in 7seven special categories and the top three now go into the next round of the public vote.

The Homo Heroes awards are designed to showcase the contributions made by individuals, groups and organisations for,

OUT & ABOUT IN THE NW

and on behalf of, the lesbian, gay and bisexual community.

Volunteer of the year Gwyn Starkey, Robert Mee, Martine Whitaker Community group or organisation of the year LGBT Out in the Bay, Outdoorlads, Village Spartans LGB&T venue of the Year Award Eagle Bar, Via, Icon Bar

Those nominated now need your votes to decide who should be voted this years Homo Heroes. The nominees, and the awards up for grabs are as follows: Community Champion of the year Anthony D Cooper, Karen Richards and Stuart Donnelly, Debs Bradshaw.

Business of the year Cooperative Respect Network, Pants - Men’s Underwear, Serenity Security Solutions lesbian, gay or bisexual role model of the year Prossy Kakooza, Kevin Maxwell, Thomas Anderson Public Sector Partner of the year Healthy Schools Manchester, Government Equalities Office, Lancashire Constabulary

Bury Walking Rainbow

Check out lgfonline’s Flickr gallery for more images www.flickr.com/photos/lgf/sets/ 08 OUTNORTHWEST Support the work of the LGF. Donate online today at www.lgf.org.uk

Oldham Pride 2012

The public vote will end on 3rd September 2012, so make sure you make your voice heard and that your favourite gets all the support they deserve! Winners will be announced at The Homo Heroes Awards Ceremony in Manchester on Thursday 20th September 2012.

Simply visit www.lgf.org.uk/hero to vote for the individual, group or organisation that gets your vote in each of the seven categories below.

One vote per category.

It’s been an eventful few weeks in the North West...

Salford Peel Park Picnic

S

S

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

OTHER NEWS

Photos: Paul Jones (Exposure)

SEXUAL HEALTH TESTING

I HEART GIRLS!

Have you seen the new women’s section of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s website?

HOME TESTING FOR HIV RU Clear is currently offering Home Testing Kits, with The Lesbian & Gay Foundation so that gay and bisexual men can request a postal kit by either following the link from the LGF website to RU Clear or picking a kit up in from the LGF’s Community Resource Centre ( between 10am and 8pm).

The test uses a finger prick test (full instructions are included with a number to call if you have any problems). Results from the test take up

to two weeks. If follow up tests are required (if the initial test result indicates positive) then you are sent a message advising you that you need to contact the clinic.

The test will also test for syphilis. If you know that you have had syphilis in the past, you should attend the LGF’s Outreach Clinic, Same Day HIV clinic, or attend a local sexual health clinic.

For times and locations go to: www.lgf.org.uk/testing or call 0845 3 30 30 30

NEW SAFER SEX PACKS The Lesbian & Gay Foundation have just launched our new condom packs.

Emblazoned with the campaign message of ‘Do You know Your HIV Status?’ to tie- in condom use with regular sexual health and HIV screenings. You can pick up the brand new safer sex packs now.

If you have any questions about safer sex, or if you’re worried about the sex you’re having, call the LGF Helpline 0845 3 30 30 30.

Here you’ll find a wide range of information on groups, workshops, events, volunteering opportunities and health information. Our main campaign for women this year is ‘Are You Ready for Your Screen Test?’ which aims to raise awareness that lesbian and bisexual women need regular cervical screening tests.

For more on our women‘s services, please contact women@lgf.org.uk or call 0845 3 30 30 30. www.lgf.org.uk/women

ARE YOU PART OF THE PICTURE?

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation have released findings from the first three years of the national Part of the Picture survey which takes a look at alcohol and drug use within the LGB community of England over a 5 year period. Part of the Picture is the largest study of its kind and was conceived in response to the extremely limited and often of poor quality information relating to substance abuse amongst lesbian, gay and bisexual people. To read the newly launched Part of the Picture 2009-11 report please see: www.lgf.org.uk/ potp11 If you would like to take part in the ongoing survey please visit: www.partofthepicture.org.uk

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 09

AGENDA

Pride

in Practice

Ensuring lesbian, gay & bisexual healthcare excellence

Royal College of General Practitioners, The British Medical Association and The General Medical Council come together for the first time to address LGB patient inequalities.

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation hosted a consultation event on 1st August 2012 with GPs and their peak representative bodies to help address the health inequalities faced by lesbian, gay and bisexual patients.

For the first time ever representatives came together from the Royal College of General Practitioners, The British Medical Association, The General Medical Council, NHS Commissioning Board Authority, NHS Greater Manchester Cluster Board, The Gay and Lesbian Association of Doctors and Dentists, Manchester Central, North and South commissioning boards along and surgeries in Manchester.

Dennis Baldwin, GP Project Manger at the LGF commented “We cannot underestimate the level of influence of the people in the room, it is a momentous day for LGB primary care, by bringing these organisations together today has seen LGB health inequalities have been put firmly onto the agenda.” The group were presented with the LGFs ‘Taking Pride in Practice: Lesbian gay and bisexual patient experiences of their GP’ research report as part of the Pride in Practice project.

The research obtained details of LGB Patient Experiences of their GP through an online survey of 550 LGB respondents from across the United Kingdom and a focus group of LGB community members.

Tista Chakravarty-Gannon, the General Medical Council, Dr Tim Crocker-Buque, The British Medical Association, and Dr Iona Heath, President, The Royal College of General Practitioners.

“BE NICE, DON’T JUDGE, DON’T ASSUME, BLOODY PERFECT!” Key Healthcare Figures come Together to Discuss Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Health Issues At the event the group discussed how to support LGB patients to be open about their sexual orientation, referring through to specialist LGB support services, sexual orientation monitoring, supporting surgeries in their LGB patient services and the need for training and development for all surgery staff.

Dr Tim Crocker-Buque from the British Medical Association commented “All LGB people will at some point or other suffered a bad reaction or a negative response to being open about their sexuality. Going to the GP is already a stressful experience, as you are worrying about something related to your health.”

“If you’re LGB then you also have the additional anxiety caused by the potential reaction a GP may have to your sexuality.

What would happen if your GP reacts negatively? Simply having a poster in the

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

waiting room immediately relieves this additional level of anxiety, allowing an LGB patient to focus on their health needs.”

Dr Iona Heath, President of the Royal College of GPs gave a succinct clear message to GPs delivering health care to LGB patients “Be nice, don’t judge, don’t assume, bloody perfect!’” The ‘Taking Pride in Practice: Lesbian gay and bisexual patient experiences of their GP’ research report is being released in the summer 2012.

The brining together of these peak primary care bodies and GPs has paved the way for a future alliance in primary care to ensure that the health needs of LGB patients are acknowledge and that services are accessible and supportive of their needs.

For more info on Pride in Practise visit www.lgf.org.uk/prideinpractice

AGENDA AUG-SEPT 2012 MEDIA

OTHER NEWS

Behind The Scene: Stories from Manchester’s LGBT communities In this community exhibition, find out more about the history, development and impact of Manchester’s LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans) communities. Explore why there’s more to LGBT Manchester than just Canal Street, through the stories of those who have found something unique in Manchester. 11th August - 1st March. MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry), Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester, M3 4FP. www.mosi.org.uk

Burnley LGBT History Project The Heritage Lottery Fund is supporting an innovative new project to discover the hidden LGBT history of Burnley and surrounding areas. Working with

BBC Axe LGBT Programme FACEBOOK GROUP LAUNCHED TO SAVE BBC RADIO CITIZEn MANCHESTER SHOW. The BBC has confirmed that the only LGBT-interest programme on its national radio network will be cut from the schedules by the end of the year.

LGBT Citizen Manchester (also known as The Gay Hour) has been on the air in various guises since 1996 .The programme is volunteer-run and regularly covers all the news and events that affect the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community on BBC Radio Manchester on Monday evenings.

Kate Squire, Managing Editor, BBC Radio Manchester said, “BBC Radio Manchester knows how important the gay, lesbian,

bisexual and transgender communities are in Gtr Manchester. We will be reflecting those communities and the issues they are concerned about but in future in our mainstream output, confirming just how vital all communities are in regular life in our area. The hour-long programme has played an important part in our output over the years but now is the time to make this output a fully integrated part of our station and we’ll look to include the experience of the current programme team to help us do that. I’m excited about the challenge.”

An open group has been set up on Facebook with latest news updates and discussion about the campaign to save Citizen Manchester LGBT from BBC cuts.

volunteers the project will be producing exhibitions, collecting oral histories, creating a community arts project and even producing a Burnley LGBT history app. The project has already received a letter of support from Burnley born actor and gay activist Sir Ian McKellen.

For more information contact Paul Fairweather at burnleylgbt@yahoo. co.uk Tel 07966373110.

New Website for New Family Social New Family Social is the UK network for LGB&T adoptive and foster families, and this Autumn marks their 5th Birthday as well as the arrival of a brand new website. If you are thinking of becoming a parent and are considering adoption and fostering, the new site will be packed with information to help you. Whether you are an existing member, potential member, work for an agency or just a want to know more about LGBT adoption and fostering, check out the new website at the end of August at www.newfamilysocial.co.uk www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 11

AGENDA

LIVERPOOL PRIDE 2012 SATURDAY 4th AUGUST SAW LIVERPOOL EXPLODe WItH PRIDE. HERE’S JUST A TASTE OF THE DAYS...

Pictures: Bionic Media

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

CELEBRATE 2012

Celebrating LGB&T lives with God Being who we are born to be.

Manchester Cathedral Wednesday 10 October 2012 7.30pm -9,00pm ALL WELCOME

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

AGENDA AUG-SEPT 2012

CALL ME MAYBE Help is on the other end of the telephone. no matter what you’re going through, let the lgf’s young people’s telephone counselling service ease you through...

How many of you have used your mobile phone at least five times today? I imagine most of you have and you won’t be alone; there are almost 80 million mobile phones being used in the UK, with an estimated 9 in 10 children having their own – but have you ever thought of this as a way of getting support?

Here at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, we’ve been providing a free counselling service for young LGB people for nearly 4 years and more and more of you each year are coming to us, telling us you need support.

You might know others who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or questioning who are confident, happy and feel accepted by those around

them, this may even be you, but we all know there are times when we could really do with someone we trust to talk to about the things that are troubling us.

In July, we launched a new telephone counselling service, just for young people aged between 14 and 25. We decided to do this because of the amount of calls and emails we’ve received from young people who need support, but can’t, or don’t feel able to go to a face to face counselling service such as the one we have here at the LGF. We know that you have lots going on in your life and that sometimes fitting in an appointment that you may have to travel to, can be tough. Added to this, some of you told us that you were worried about what friends or family would think and were worried about being ‘outed’.

Through telephone counselling, you will have regular calls with one of our counsellors,

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

usually on a weekly basis, for up to 8 sessions. It won’t cost you anything and we’ll call you, so accessing the service won’t eat up your credit. It’s up to you what you want to talk about, as this might be different for everyone and it doesn’t have to be about your sexuality.

The one thing we can promise is that we won’t judge you, and we’ll try to arrange the appointment at a time that suits you.

So, if you think this is a service that might help, get in touch with Lucy Rolfe, Wellbeing Manager on 0845 3 30 30 30 or email counselling@ lgf.org.uk to request an application form and we’ll take you through what happens next.

Please note this service is only available for people aged 25 and under who live in the North West of England.

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

YOUR VILLAGE ANGELS AT PRIDE Village Angel MARTIN COOPER looks forward to Manchester Pride and offers some top tips to keep safe at the UK’s biggest and best Pride event.

Now, you may have missed this as we in the North West are shy, retiring types who like nothing better than a cup of tea and a cream scone, but this August Bank Holiday weekend we’re having a little party in the Village.

In reality, dubbed as ‘Gay Christmas’, Manchester Pride is a serious event!

Squillions of people come from all over Britain (nay, the world) to celebrate their similarities, their differences and what makes them who they are. Individuality, freedom, liberation, the fight for equality, it all plays a central role in Manchester’s huge celebration of LGB&T communities and inevitably, there is an involvement of a copious amount of booze!

It’s very easy to think that once you’re inside the boundaries of Manchester Pride, you are safe from the evils of the outside world, that you’re untouchable and that everyone inside the boundaries is just like you… honest and kind and generally fabulous and lovely. However, it is worth remembering that the thousands of people around you are still strangers, and you should take really good care of yourself and your possessions.

Keep a close eye on your belongings and don’t take anything of great value (for example, don’t wear your favourite tiara or you’re diamond encrusted Rolex) and remember how important it is to stay in control and be responsible. If you get to the stage where you feel you’ve had far

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

too much to drink and you feel like you want to go home, tell your friends. Ask them to help you. And if you get really stuck, come and find one of the Village Angels… as you can see from our picture, we’re a friendly bunch!

The Village Angels also have loads of local information about the village and even have maps available for you in case you forget your free one from this magazine’s Pride Guide. They also carry condoms and lube, so if you don’t want to fight your way through the crowds to the free condoms in the bars, just ask the Angels and they’ll always be happy to help.

Contact Martin Cooper on 0845 3 30 30 30, or e-mail martin.cooper@lgf.org.uk

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

YOUR STORY Chris Holliday writes for outnorthwest.

Your Story aims to find out.

Gaydio - supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, has been collecting stories from people all across Greater Manchester - charting the history of gay Manchester through the people who have lived it.

A team of volunteers has spoken to dozens of people about their lives.

LGBT people. People who have lived, loved, danced, shagged, mourned, laughed and cried in this iconic city.

People who have made Manchester the place it is today…

Keep safe this Manchester Pride with our new safety guide.

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation has recently published ‘Village Angels: Your Guide To Keeping Safe on Canal Street.’

“It was very difficult in those days. I did what was expected of a woman – I worked for a bit, got married, had children. I was always unfaithful with women… and I was lucky enough to work in a hospital! It suddenly clicked. I thought ‘WOW, yeah, that’s what I am.

I’m a lesbian. What shall I do?’

If you’re out and about in the Village over The Big Weekend, make sure you track down a Village Angel, and they’ll give you a copy!

To find our more, visit www.lgf.org.uk/ angels. If you’d like a copy of this guide, please call 0845 3 30 30 30, or e-mail martin.cooper@lgf.org.uk

Illustration: Rob Burgess

This pocket-sized, rollout leaflet is a straightto-the-point, no-nonsense guide to making sure your night out on Canal Street goes safely and smoothly. Packed with hints and tips, it’ll fit nicely into your pocket, purse, or wallet. Keep it handy!

There wasn’t anything I could do. I was walking up the road and I met them (my children). They said ‘Mum, we want to ask you something… why are all your friends dykes? … well, if you’re gay we’re not bothered. We just want you to be happy.’ So I literally came out on Heywood Road in Prestwich.” Cath

SCAN THE QR CODE to download the Gaydio iPhone app!

SAFE IN THE VILLAGE AT PRIDE!

“I remember Flesh. That was a big pull…we’d go to that amazing club - it was an amazing event. It was once a month and people really made the most of it. A pair of boots, pair of cut off denim shorts and some eyeliner.

That was it. I’ve often been known for dancing on a podium until the sun comes up.” Jo “He was typical of most gay men at the time. We were the same age, we were young, we were on the gay scene. We were going out most weekends – most nights. He was full of life – camp as a row of pink tents on a hillside, didn’t seem to have a care in the world. In the last few years of his life he started to develop lesions on his skin. We knew what it was. People knew the signs. He was taking AZT – unfortunately he couldn’t tolerate the drug and it took him 2 years to die.” Dunkan Gaydio has produced a series of special programmes, an exhibition and a special website where you can share Your Story.

For more information go to www.gaydio.co.uk/yourstory Chris Holliday

www.gaydio.co.uk www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 17

UP YOUR WAY FOCUS ON: ARTS AT MANCHESTER PRIDE

SECRET DIARIES OF A TEENAGE QUEER Art with Heart are back with the PREMIERE of their brand new play!

‘The Secret Diaries of a Teenage Queer’ Regulars at Manchester Pride, Art with Heart are proud to be kicking off the Pride Fringe on 17th Aug 2012 with a laugh out loud yet heart breaking tale of coming out, based on a true story using 10 years of private, original, teenage diaries.

The play focuses on the teenage journey of Hayley (played by Sarah Emmott). Set against an 80’s backdrop of laughter and tears, we see teenage angst, love, coming out and the most troubling question of all: Who on earth made Cliff Richard Christmas number one for two years?!

‘The Secret Diaries of a Teenage Queer’ at Taurus Bar, 8pm. Tickets £5 from www.quaytickets.com More info at www.artwithheart.org.uk and follow @artwith_heart

FOCUS ON: MERSEYSIDE STUDENTS

UNITING

VOICES New initiative to offer Support for LGBT students in Merseyside.

Merseyside Universities and Colleges are uniting to launch the Merseyside LGBT Student Network (MLSN) at this year’s Liverpool Pride Festival on August 4th.

Liverpool John Moores University LGBT (who ranked 10/10 on Stonewall’s University Rankings) as well as Edge Hill LGBT+. MLSN are also proud to announce their first college to be added will be Liverpool Community College LGBT – the city’s only outstanding ranked College.

By the end of the year the network will have expanded to include institutions of over 100,000 students, spanning all of the area’s Universities and welcoming many of the schools and colleges on board.

MLSN is proud to have the support of organisations across the city, including Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Pride.

Join us in concert square from 9.30am on 4th August and get into pride spirit ready for what is set to be an amazing day. People wanting to join the march with the Student Block should arrive no later than 10.15am.

The network’s aim is to unite the voices of student groups in the region giving them a bigger, fighting presence on campus, across the city and nationally.

The founders include the Award-winning HopeLGBT campaign, Liverpool Guild LGBT+ who have just celebrated their 40th year,

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

More information about the launch rally and march block can be found here: www.facebook.com events/ 200817360044387/

YOUR PAGES IN YOUR WORDS!

FOCUS ON: BURY

NOT THE ONLY GAYS...

Fancy a good night out and a laugh?

Well, Bury LGBT Comedy Night, Not The Only Gays In The Village is an evening of lesbian and gay comedy that could be right up your street. It all takes place on Thursday 27th September, at The Met in Bury, and features Rosie Wilby and Tom Allen. Tickets cost £10 (£8 concessions), and are vailable from The Met, Market Street, Bury BL0 0BW. You can also call 0161 761 2216, or visit http://themet.biz/timetable/

FOCUS ON: FAITH

HOUSE OF RAINBOW House Of Rainbow Fellowship (HORF) in Manchester is an independent Christian fellowship.

The primary purpose of the group is to facilitate a safe place for LGBT people of faith to freely express themselves without fear and prejudice, to pray and worship, also aim to provide an inclusive Christian theological focus and interpretation of Scriptures. HORF is an inclusive and affirming religious community open and welcome to all people including Sexual minorities and marginalised people, a monthly gathering of “People of Faith” for “Prayer and Praise”, which focuses on the person’s journey towards reconciliation of sexuality and spirituality. The style of the HORF is Pentecostal with “High Praise”, Prayers and Christian fellowship.

HORF meets monthly on the second Tuesday, 6.30pm at the Lesbian and Gay Foundation Centre 5, Richmond Street, Manchester M1 3HF. HORF also has an interest is providing support for LGBT Asylum seekers. Main Contact: 07507510357. Local Contact: Derek 07751 693708 Email: Church@houseofrainbow. org. Follow HORF on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Blackberry: HouseOfRainbow

FOCUS ON: STOCKPORT

ON THE RADIO Under The Rainbow on Pure 107.8FM is Stockport’s LGBT community radio show.

They are currently looking for new volunteers to assist in putting the programme together. They need help with researching events, writing scripts and identifying stories of interest in Stockport and Manchester. There might even be a chance to be part of the team of presenters.

If you’re passionate about making quality radio for the LGBT community in Stockport, then email: rainbow@pureradio.org.uk

FOCUS ON: WARRINGTON PRIDE

PRIDE IN WARRINGTON!

LGBT Warrington in partnership with GLYSS (Gay, Lesbian Youth Support Services), Warrington Borough Council, Golden Gates Housing Trust, the LGF and Cheshire Police are pleased to announce Warrington’s first Pride Event on 29th September 2012.

LGBT Warrington and partners want to welcome you to this family friendly day. The aim of the day is to celebrate Warrington’s diversity, vibrancy and to raise awareness of the active and thriving LGBT community in Warrington. The parade stars at 12 noon (route to be confirmed). The main part of the day will begin at 1pm with entertainment on a main stage and a market place. The stalls will be from LGBT organisations and groups and statutory organisations including Warrington Borough Council to provide information. LGBT Warrington wants this to be a fun event for all and something to remember and look back on in a positive way.

To book a stall or volunteer visit www.warringtonpride.co.uk

FOCUS ON: BLACKPOOL

GOOD SPIRITS There is a huge range of support and social groups in Blackpool: 55+ older men’s luncheon group, SugarLounge (18+ female gay and bisexual), Transinclusion (Trans-female), Lancashire Lad’s (Trans-male), 16 - 25 Trans support and drop in clinic for support for mild mental health issues such as anxiety or stress, Icebreakers 25-55 men’s group, EnGAYge LGBT social housing group, Blackpool LGBT Forum, Blackpool PACT (Police & Community Together) and 50+ HIV support and advice. For more info visit b4.com/lgbtcommunity or call Andy on 07875 355 390. www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 19

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

“Do you think that during events like Pride, guys are less likely to have safer sex?”

THE HIV POSITIVE PERSPECTIVE

PATRICK ETENNES

+

“I think that people will do what people want to. I do believe the risk is higher as substances are involved and there is a fresh import of other gay men.

Four days of partying will add to the heightened risk. Temptation will always follow, remember the risks involved if you do have unprotected sex.

Pride, New Year, Bank Holidays, any event where days off bring parties and celebration could involve risk. I believe that if you want to do something you will do it, but you should understand the risks involved.

Accidents happen, we all make mistakes, but don’t forget what you did, don’t be scared of the outcome because at the end of the day, if you ignore what you did, it will surface eventually. Deal with it now and while you have a clear mind, and full consciousness. Don’t think to yourself, that HIV will not surface one day. It’s a virus that will affect you when you least expect it.

Pride offers more than just a celebration of gay rights, but a celebration of gay sex and the opportunity for lots of it, if that’s what we want to pursue. Remember that you don’t know your partner from the last guy he had sex with or the next.

The chain of uncertainty is long and risky, if you don’t protect yourself with him, don’t think he might have protected himself with the last guy.

Don’t be ignorant, be smart.

Enjoy your Pride with all the joys it brings, but come the next week try not to have any worries of these events come back to haunt you. “

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

THE HIV NEGATIVE PERSPECTIVE

CHRIS FISHER

-

“People sometimes behave differently when they are in the party mood. Inhibitions can go out of the window and rational thinking goes onto a backburner only to be replaced with sexual liberation, living for the moment and copious amounts of booze.

Obviously, I wouldn’t discourage liberation but this can lead to people putting their health at risk by either forgetting to, or simply opting not to use effective protection during new sexual encounters.

It’s amazing what a sea of new faces can do for one’s libido! Suddenly people become like a kid in a candy store, wide eyed, full of appetite and having that intimate moment far outweighs the need to have a safe encounter. This may stem from self esteem issues, insecurities or a lack of education on the potential outcomes of an unprotected sexual indulgence.

I feel that there aren’t enough campaign messages around and people simply aren’t aware of the dangers. Posters should be everywhere.

Safer sex packs should be thrust into people’s hands, whether they want them or not. People aren’t always confident enough to pick up the free packs in the bars so if they are physically handed out to them they needn’t feel embarrassed.

People need to be encouraged to take responsibility for their own health. We need to take real ownership of ourselves and recapture that feeling of self-worth that society sometimes tries to beat out of us with negative attitudes, stigma and bad press. We label our celebrations ‘Pride’ but whenever we have risky sex we are displaying a real lack of pride in our wellbeing. The sooner we discover that again, the sooner we’ll see HIV infection levels begin to drop.”

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

free confidential drop-in every thursday *

For more info, call

0845 3 30 30 30

(10am-10pm)

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

do you know

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

Reg.Charity Charity No. 1070904 Reg. 1070904

OUTSPOKEN WHO’S ANNIE? Annie Emery is The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s Head of Services and has worked for the organisation in various capacities since 2003. She also chairs the Women’s Leadership Group, who are responsible for the LGF’s ground-breaking campaigns and events for lesbian and bisexual women.

Which three items would you take to a desert island? iPod, solar powered iPod charger, suitably equipped pen knife.

What do you do to relax?

Coronation Street with the missus and the cat.

What do you owe your parents?

A strong work ethic – no pulling sickies at school for me!

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

Sia, Kate Bush and Victoria Wood. That would be very pleasingly bonkers.

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

It’s so hard to just have one, there are so many inspiring people. Anyone who has stood up for equality in the face of adversity;

Annie (pictured third from right, top row) with just some of the Women’s Leadership Group at The Lesbian & Gay Foundation

ANNIE EMERY Emmeline Pankhurst, Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, Ellen De Generes, Quentin Crisp. I could go on and on.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

That it’s over in the blink of an eye so make sure you live it.

What keeps you awake at night?

The cat usually. Worrying that there is always so much to be done.

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

I’m trying to eat healthily, so lots of fruit and veg. I won’t mention the home baked chocolate brownies or the fruity cider.

Cat or dog?

See above. She’s called Lily.

What is your favourite word?

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

That even in 2012 women are still not equal in any country in the world I think.

Recent research suggests that of the G20 countries, Canada is the best place for women to live in terms of equality and rights, and India the worst. In too many countries

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

women are banned from voting, driving, owning property, having bodily integrity and autonomy, holding public office. There are still countries where women don’t have the right to work, to fair wages or equal pay, to education, to serve in the military, to enter into legal contracts or to have marital, parental and religious rights. I think in so many arenas women are still not listened to or taken seriously, which makes having your voice heard very challenging. It’s a motivator to keep fighting though!

What’s the best thing about being a woman?

We have mystical powers Last book you read?

Room by Emma Donoghue Last album you bought or downloaded?

Olympics opening ceremony soundtrack What’s your favourite TV show?

Coronation Street.

Tell us a joke.

How many folk singers does it take to change a lightbulb? 10. One to change the bulb and nine to sing about how good the old one was.

LB WOMEN

WOMEN’S PRIDE FRANKIE STEVENS on an upcoming LGF event running as part of Manchester Pride 2012 Fringe.

As part of Manchester Pride’s Fringe Festival The Lesbian & Gay Foundation will be examining the importance of the history of the Pride movement and will be running an event called ‘Women’s Pride’.

The event will take a reflective look back at women’s contributions towards the Pride movement and asking what can be done in years to come. The role of lesbian and bisexual women is often over-looked when examining LGB&T history.

Our ‘Women’s Pride’ event will be an evening celebrating the significant contribution women have made past and present, with a chance to further explore how women can contribute to the future of the Movement.

Photo: Sarah Quinn

The evening will include a screening of film clips and archive footage highlighting the efforts made by influential women,

INFO

followed by a Q&A session led by a panel of representatives from local organisations, aiming to inspire women to continue their significant contributions within the LGB community.

If you are interested in coming along and finding out more about women’s role in Pride of past, whilst discussing what can be done in future we would love to see you there.

‘Women’s Pride’ will take place on Thursday 21st August, from 6pm to 9pm at our Community Resource Centre on Richmond Street. The event is free of charge and free food and refreshments will be provided on the night.

If you have any further questions regarding the event or have any access needs then please contact The LGF on 08453 30 30 30 or email women@lgf.org.uk. You can also visit the dedicated women’s space on our website: www.lgf.org.uk/women

If you’d like to talk about any aspect of your wellbeing, call the LGF on 0845 3 30 30 30, or e-mail helpline@lgf.org.uk. For more info please visit www. lgf.org.uk/women or or e-mail women@lgf.org.uk

EVENTS FOR WOMEN

WORK IT! SETTING YOUR CAREER GOALS

Saturday 15th September 2-5pm For a few fortunate people, finding the right career is a matter of luck. But for those who don’t wake up one day to find themselves in their dream jobs, getting into the right career takes a little bit of planning.

A major part of that planning involves establishing your career goals. This session explores how to do a career MOT, how to set yourself career goals and how to work to achieve them.

You can turn up on the day but places are limited, so contact women@lgf.org.uk to guarantee your place. www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 23

BY THE BI PETE DAVIES ON THE STRUGGLES OF BEING ‘OUT’ AS A BISEXUAL ON THE SCENE...

L A U X BISE ON THE

SCENE

“The gay scene often forgets the struggle of bisexual people...”

“Well it’s that time of the year again with Manchester’s Pride Festival.

People letting their hair down for the event and getting into the spirit. But I wonder where the Bisexual men and women are?

Surely nestled in crowded streets along the parade route and dotted in the gay bars, yes?

Perhaps, but on any other given time of the year on the gay scene the prevailing atmosphere is just that; gay, or indeed gay and lesbian for the majority. To nonscene goers the general assumptions seems to be that during the August Bank Holiday, Pride is a show of the high esteem for gay and lesbian people.

It is not initially thought of by everyone as inclusive of bisexual people. It’s an afterthought because bisexuality isn’t always assumed to be one of parading through the streets of Manchester

wearing the dutiful colours and going through the motions. This assumption isn’t helped either by the prevailing myth that bisexuality is often seen as a stepping stone to homosexuality by both gay scene and the non-gay scene people. Indeed for the remainder of the year the gay scene often forgets the struggles of bisexual people. Bisexual men and women both face as much discrimination as gay and lesbian people in day to day life.

Being a bisexual man myself, I find the scene hard going at times. Whilst defending myself from the “Who do you find more attractive?” questions through to the common myth that bisexual men and women can not be trusted at all in a relationship. I can’t help but feel the odd one out at times when I’m there.

I’ve heard friends and people say to me that fitting into Manchester’s Gay scene is reminiscent of the old Maxim: you either love it or hate it. Taking this saying ad-verbatim I can imagine new comers to the gay scene may well find it difficult to integrate into a place

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

they may have expected to find as a sanctuary of sorts. A place to further explore their sexuality and meet other people like themselves. Going back to the old saying, the problem there is the eventual dislike that could occur towards the Gay scene by new comers, though I hope not as bleak as to hate it.

Of course I’m speaking from an entirely male perspective. I have heard from bisexual women also having similar reactions at times. I think bisexual people often skirt around the edge of the gay Scene in figurative way, never really committing to join its ranks entirely.

Whatever the reasons are, there is room for improvement when it comes to debunking Bisexual myths. More and more bisexual people are coming out every year, maybe in time the word “Gay Scene” will become somewhat of a misnomer.

All that being said I have met some great men and women on the gay scene who are always willing to discuss, debate and sometimes agree to disagree on the matter.”

BiCon30

BiCon is a weekend-long gathering , for bi people, their friends, partners est inter and others with a supportive in bisexuality. There are discussion , groups and workshops in the daytime the in t men rtain ente social spaces and e evening. The 30th BiCon will take plac ust.

Aug th -13 9th from in Bradford e, For more details, or to book your plac visit the website at:

www.bicon.org.uk

STEPS MANCHESTER PRIDE MAIN STAGE

As we look ahead to this year’s Manchester Pride, we find out a little more about what the organisers have in store for the UK’s leading Pride festival.

First up, the ever-growing Pride Fringe takes place between 17 - 23 August and, in true Manchester style, the headline act is... well...camp to say the least! Famed for her awkward renditions of classic tunes, camp chanteuse Margarita Pracatan will be heading over from NYC for the UK premiere of her one-woman show. Running at the Radisson SAS Edwardian (and including a hot Mexican buffet!), tickets are available at manchesterpride.com/margarita. There are around 40 other events as part of Pride Fringe, including another two UK premieres.

Take a look at the full programme at manchesterpride.com/pridefringe The Big Weekend kicks off on Friday 24 August, with another stellar line-up, including pop-supergroup Steps. Other acts include Louise Dearman, the Scarlett’s Roses, the Showbears and Toyah, with more acts to be announced. As always there will be markets, an exhibition area and chilled-out performances in Sackville Gardens. The vibrant parade will run through the heart of the city centre on Saturday 25 August from 1.00pm, and includes entries from Coronation Street, and for the first time the cast of Hollyoaks, along with Margarita Pracatan, the Big Issue, George House Trust, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation and headed up by Easyjet and Manchester Airport as headline sponsors.

In the evening the events really hot up, with live music in the Gaydar Main Arena and a wealth of bar and club events taking you through into the early hours, all within the famous Gay Village.

Tickets are currently priced at £20 (weekend) or £12.50 (day). Get yours from manchesterpride.com/tickets

STEPS WILL BE HEADLINING THE MAIN STAGE AT MANCHESTER PRIDE. CONTAIN YOURSELVES!

This year not only marks the 10th year since their infamous split, but also celebrates the reunion and announcement of a UK arena tour of pop phenomenon Steps. The band who sung their way to success in the 90’s soon became a household name as their dance routines and catchy lyrics captured the hearts of fans all around the world.

Their arrival on the stage at Manchester Pride comes after a remarkable year which has seen the group put their differences aside and reform to show the pop world how it should be done.

The announcement of their 2012 UK tour has been welcomed by an evergrowing fan-base, seen their Twitter following triple in figures and the Ultimate Collection album to reach Number 1 on the charts on the first day of release. Lee Latchford-Evans stated “It just feels right to be performing together again”.

The group is made up of members Faye Tozer, Ian “H” Watkins, Lisa Scott-Lee, Lee Latchford Evans and Claire Richards.

Following a successful reunion TV special, and a follow-up series following the guys on their sell-out Arena tour, a little bird has told us that a documentary crew will be following the band at Manchester Pride too, so make sure you’re in fine voice and you might make it on telly!

At the time of going to press, the precise day and time of Steps performance was still to be announced, but if you want our advice, make sure you’re in the Manchester Pride site event from day one...

Space in the area around the Main Arena is likely to be at a premium when Steps perform, so we’d recommend checking the Pride website (www. manchesterpride.com) for performance times, and getting there at least an hour before they take to the stage. They’re going to be a HUGE draw, and we’d hate you to miss the show. That would be a... wait for it... tragedy. www.manchesterpride.com www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 25

site map

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

Pull out Impact Report to see full map.

On the corner of Canal Street and Minshull Street

ONW picks!

IF YOU DO ANYTHING AT PRIDE DO THESE...

BOLLOX: QUEER PRIDE PARTY As part of Manchester Pride, Bollox will be hosting a huge party exploring all four rooms of Legends nightclub on Sunday 26th August.

Look out for Madonna Aid, Tranarchy presents VOGUE BRAWL, and Kate’s Spin the Wheel makeovers. Plus the usual wondrous Bollox DJ’s Paula Horatio, Trash-O-Rama, Rod Connolly, Zoe McVeigh and DEAN BIRKETT. Doors open at 10pm, and we’ll SO see you there.

STRANGER IN THE NIGHT with MARAGARITA PRACATAN Friday 17 August and Saturday 19 August from 8pm at The Raddisson Edwardian. The one-of-a-kind music and comedy diva premieres her show, Stranger in the Night. An all-new evening of song, stories and unconventional wisdom featuring mindblowing and innovative interpretations of hits by Katy Perry, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Maroon 5!

Tickets are £25, which includes a hot Mexican buffet. PRACTAN!

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 27

MANCHESTER PRIDE MAIN STAGE

LOUISE DEARMAN FROM THE WEST END TO THE BIG WEEKEND, LOUISE DEARMAN HAS THE VOICE OF AN ANGEL. ANDREW ROBERTS CAUGHT UP WITH HER.

What has drawn you to performing at this year’s Manchester Pride?

It’s incredibly important to me to show my support to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities. I have so many gay friends, some of them I have been friends with throughout the life changing process of ‘coming out’. To be able to be who you are, love who you want to love and not be judged shouldn’t even be questioned let alone discriminated against. I’m so proud to be a part of Manchester Pride and can’t wait to perform for everyone!

The album, Here Comes The Sun features covers of some well known songs - if you had to pick a favourite from the album, which would it be?

I genuinely love all the songs for different reasons. I guess I have a soft spot for Gravity and Time After Time (being the soppy thing I am) but I also really enjoy performing Little Bird and Squander live.

You’ve come from a musical theatre background, notably Wicked, is it daunting crossing over to the ‘mainstream’?

This has felt like a very natural progression for me, I think because my first album You and I consisted solely of Musical Theatre songs, and Here Comes The Sun is all commercial music yet the production adds a certain ‘theatrical’ flare; it hasn’t felt like I’m suddenly trying to become a pop princess, I want to sing music that connects with people..

Your voice features on some wellknown TV adverts, do they ever catch you out when you hear them in the background?

Hahahaha yes, the Confused.Com ads.

I think I’m so used to hearing them now that I barely notice them in the background. It is a bit weird though hearing my voice blasting out of the TV from the mouth of a rather funny looking Cara!

SES O R S ’ T T LE R A SC With honest lyrics and catchy melodies, their unique British sound will have you humming and singing along for days.

Andrew Roberts speaks to Ryan and Scarlett from Scarlett’s Roses ahead of their Pride performance.

What sort of sound can we expect to hear from you?

Scarlett’s Roses are a live pop band. Our

music is ultimately pop, but with strong influences from ska and hip-hop. We like to think that anyone can relate to our songs, they are very honest, but you can also dance to them. We call them ‘happy heartbreakers’!

We like to have fun, and we think that comes across in the music. !

What’s attracted you to this year’s Manchester Pride?

I love Pride, it’s a wicked weekend, such a good vibe, and we are really happy to be a part of it this year! And to be on the main stage too... so cool!

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

Scarlett, as the only girl in the band, do you keep the boys - your roses - in check?

I certainly do. I’m very good at cracking the whip.

After Manchester Pride, what have you got coming up? Is there an album coming soon?

Yes! We nearly have a finished album, really excited about it! We’re just continuing to write and gig, and get Scarlett’s Roses out there. We feel we’ve got something very exciting to show the world

SEXUAL ASSAULT

You are not HELP

ALONE

Support for male victims of sexual assault and rape

An estimated 3 in 20 men have been affected by sexual violence, but this may in fact be higher, due to the number of incidents that go unreported.

Being the victim of any form of sexual violence can be devastating, and we know that it’s likely that there are men reading this article who are suffering alone, but there are people out there who can help.

Sexual violence against men is often misunderstood, with some common misconceptions being that men can’t be raped; it’s not assault if you know the perpetrator and that the victim is in some way responsible for what’s happened to them. None of these are true, as sexual violence can and does happen to men from all walks of life. Many cases involve perpetrators who are known by the victim, it doesn’t matter if it was your partner, an acquaintance or a complete stranger, no means no and you’ve not consented then it’s wrong. No one deserves to be victimised, attacked or violated, yet so many men live with the aftermath of rape and assault, coping alone and trying to deal with the consequences.

Men will often live in silence due to some of the common feelings and reactions that can occur in the aftermath of an assault, such as: shame, guilt and a feeling of overwhelming powerlessness. There is also an added twist in male sexual assaults and rape that doesn’t occur in female cases; sometimes the perpetrator will arouse the victim, causing devastating confusion for them around their role in what has happened.

This may be one of the reasons so many men live in fear and silence for so many years, feeling that their physiological reaction means that they’ve in some way consented to what’s happened, or even that they must

have enjoyed it. It’s important to remember that this is a natural reaction; the body will react in ways beyond our control when touched in certain ways, and arousal is definitely not a sign of consent, it is in fact something that may have been used by the perpetrator to further manipulate, control and confuse.

Nobody should push you into speaking up; the most important thing is that you feel ready and that it is your decision to seek help. There is support out there that you can access without having to report to the Police, if that is what you’d prefer. Here are a few key pointers to help you if you do decide that the time has come to seek some help: •

•

•

•

If you decide to seek support through counselling, you should never be pushed into disclosing what has happened in any detail. Re-living what you’ve been through may actually not be helpful at all – counselling should be at a slow and safe pace which you feel comfortable with; It’s never too late to ask for support; even if the rape or assault is historical, Waiting to speak out doesn’t mean your need for support is any less.

Shopping around for the type of support that suits you can help you feel more in control of your own healing journey.

We’ve provided some useful contacts at the bottom of this article; Your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) is a one-stop service, providing everything from medical care to support and you don’t have to report what’s happened to access these services.

Even if the time to speak out isn’t right for you at the moment, just know that you’re not alone. There are other men out there, who will be able to relate to how you’re feeling, and there’s plenty of help out there for when you’re ready to talk, the power is in your hands.

The Lesbian & Gay Foundation Helpline:

0845 3 30 30 30

Pop-In Service: 10am – 8pm Monday - Friday (no appointment needed) Face-to-Face Counselling: For more information and to request an application form, email counselling@lgf.org.uk, call us on 0845 3 30 30 30 or visit www.lgf.org.uk/counselling (sessions are free for those affected by sexual abuse or sexual violence) Sexual Health Information and Testing: Call us on 0845 3 30 30 30, email sexualhealth@lgf.org.uk Police Advice Surgery: Confidential support every Thursday evening between 6pm – 8pm at the LGF (no appointment needed)

Other useful contacts Survivors Manchester A survivor-led/survivor-run voluntary organisation supporting male survivors of sexual abuse and rape. www.survivorsmanchester.org.uk Email: info@survivorsmanchester.org.uk

Survivors UK A national organisation supporting male survivors of rape and sexual abuse www.survivorsuk.org Helpline: 0845 122 1201 Mon & Tue 7- 9.30pm, Thursday 12-2.30pm Email: info@survivorsuk.org

St. Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (Manchester) Offers forensic, medical and counselling services to men and women who have experienced rape or sexual assault. www.stmaryscentre.org Helpline: 0161 276 6515 Email: stmarys.sarc@cmmc.nhs.uk 23 www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 29

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

www.lgf.org.uk

Registered Charity No.1070904

“Life has moved on so much since I first attended a Pride event in 1994.”

WHAT’S THE MEANING OF

PRIDE?

2012 marks 40 years since the first ever UK Pride took place back in 1972 in London. Those who took to the streets were doing so in an atmosphere of fear, anger and hostility with homosexuality being decriminalised just five years earlier.

Nettie Pollard, 62, was at this historical event; “I was 22 and proud to march with other LGBT revolutionaries. Back then we had a radical agenda. We wanted to change the world and were questioning the way society ran. Taking part was serious but such fun, so exciting. Nobody had done it before.”

“Around 700 people took to the streets. Men and women all marched together, both young and old. The public threw things, some just looked bemused and others were supportive.

It brought national publicity and made a lot of people more aware”.

40 years on has Pride lost the original message of protest and revolution? Recently Pink News’ Topher Gen said that ‘in the fight for equality, Pride is starting to do more harm than good’. Has it moved from protest to profit machine?

Words: Sarah McNally

Claire Mooney, a patron of Manchester Pride says “I was one of thousands on the streets of Manchester protesting against Section 28 in the 1980s. We can’t lose sight of the fact that for all the many steps we’ve taken we still don’t have equality. We have a continual fight against homophobia. The Pride parade helps to counter this with tens of thousands of people coming out in support. I’ve lost count of the number of people who have told me that it was at Pride they found the support to come out - for me that’s a political event in itself! For many people worldwide that would mean imprisonment or death. We need to recognise there’s a bigger fight to win - Pride is very much about being loud and proud and not underground!”

Today thousands of prides are held across the world and for many, attending their first Pride is still as life affirming as Nettie’s experience in 1972.

INFO

Rachel Hyland, 22, attended her first Pride in Manchester in 2010; “As I walked down Canal Street and looked at all the amazing flags and banners I truly felt at home around people

who had felt exactly how I did and had been though what I had. It struck me that I should be completely proud of who I was – a major epiphany. My memories of Pride will stay with me forever”.

Yet Jonathan Robinson argues “I don’t think Pride is important anymore, life has moved on so much since when I first attended back in 1994 and what was not accepted then was so much different.”

Prides grow in number each year with 11 in the North West alone. Many are new with Warrington and Preston hosting their first ever events this year. This visibility is important to local residents; “I was thrilled to learn that Warrington is having it’s very first pride on the 29th of September. It gives me and my loved ones a chance to get involved in our own community. This year we’ll take part as a gay family and celebrate here at home!”

So are Pride events still a protest? This year violence erupted at events in Greece, Croatia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Bulgaria and India. Those taking part are often from countries where homosexuality is still punishable by imprisonment or even death, risking their life to celebrate their sexuality.

Nettie comments; “We have equality here but not everywhere. In some countries things are getting worse for LGBT people. Pride now is important in a different way and it can bring people together on a global issue to fight homophobia, biphobia and transphobia”.

For those attending an event this summer, remember, whilst having fun, you’re also showing solidarity for those who don’t have the same freedoms as we do here in the UK. Happy Pride www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 31

GROUPWORK

GROUPWOR The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s groupwork programme has been a long standing support service which has helped hundreds of bisexual, lesbian, gay and questionning people across the Northwest. rent Although each group has diffe ps grou all es, aims and purpos provide a safe, suppor tive and non judgemental environment for people to meet, talk, listen, be learn and explore. Suppor t can rent diffe of ber num provided in a ways, from structured discussions, informal chats, arts and crafts, watching ing documentaries and even play Wii! and board games ers, However, due to lack of volunte d nce some groups have experie n disturbance and some have eve for , why is this d, celle had to be can put the last few months, we have and g uitin recr into rts effo our all ers, training a new team of volunte rk pwo grou specifically for the programme. With these volunteers comes new exciting changes for the programme, and we are pleased to g announce that we are launchin rt (sta p grou s Men a new Older as date to be confirmed), as well r eve the of rn retu the ing com wel s Clas Art d popular and much love !

10th ber on Monday Septem These pages will let you know what when each group meets and site web our it has to offer, also see re mo for ps www.lgf.org.uk/grou information.

THERE’S A GROUP FOR EVERYONE AT THE LGF Stepping Stones

STEPPING STONES Stepping Stones is a safe space for lesbian/bisexual women (or those who are questionning) to gain support through discussion and shared experiences.

We sometimes have external workshops around wellbeing, confidence and sexual health too. The group is really mixed, and everyone is supportive and encouraging.

You don’t have to talk, but we always say you would get a lot more benefit from participating in discussions!

CAROUSEL Carousel

Carousel is a safe space for lesbian and bisexual women (or those who are questionning) to meet and gain support through more social based activities such as; crafts, creative writing, board games, watching films and other hobby based activities. This is also a really mixed group of women, and is quite often a really good basis for improving your social networks.

MARRIED MEN Married Mens is for men who are in, or just recently out of, heterosexual relationships.

Support is gained through discussion, and exploring issues, and occasionally external

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

agencies may pop in to give advice, for example, legal advice.

Older & Bolder

Married Mens’

OLDER & BOLDER

The Older & Bolder group is a group for older (40 and above) gay/bisexual men to meet and socialise, whilst gaining support through discussion and activities that are relevant to them. This is a new addition to the LGF’s groupwork programme, so if you have any ideas of what you want from the group, please tell us…! THIS GROUP STARTS IN SEPTEMBER

ART CLASS Art Class is a group for LGB&T people and their friends to socialise and gain support through art and craft based activities, as well as discussions about the works of art you love (and hate!). All abilities welcome and there’s no need to bring your own equipment as we will provide it, just bring yourself (unless you want to bring your friends too!). PLEASE NOTE: The first Art Class will start on 0th September, 7.30-9pm.

Art Class

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

K AT

WHY JOIN AN LGF GROUP?

Ending Homophobia,

Empowering People

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

3 3 3 3 3

Meeting new people.

Sharing experiences.

Being in a safe and non judgemental environment.

Being part of something.

Encouraging creativity and hobbies can improve your sense of wellbeing.

3 NERVOUS ABOUT JOINING A GROUP? LET US MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOU...

Nervous about going to a group? Unsure as to what to expect? We know this can be a really scary experience, just walking into a room full of strangers can be really intimidating (although hopefully they won’t be strangers for long).

That’s why we are holding a GROUPWORK RECRUITMENT NIGHT on Friday 28th September, 6-9pm.

You will get a chance to meet the volunteers and ask questions, as well as meet existing group members and chat to them about their experiences. You can also experience taster sessions of the groups, so that you can get more of an idea of what goes on. Plus, on top of that, there’s going to be food and an arts and crafts space to explore.

No need to book, but if you have any access or dietary requirements, please contact kate.hardy@lgf.org.uk or phone 0845 3 30 30 30.

Gaining useful Information.

WHAT’S ON AND WHEN? MONDAYS

Art Class: Second and fourth Monday.

TUESDAYS

Carousel: First and third Tuesday. Stepping Stones: Second and fourth Tuesday.

THUR SDAYS

Married Mens: First and third Thursday. Older & Bolder: Second and fourth Thursday.

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 33

GAY MEN’S HEALTH

WE NEED TO TALK Over half a million free condoms and sachets of water based lube are distributed every year across Greater Manchester to gay and bisexual men.

Over Manchester Pride alone The Lesbian & Gay Foundation distributes around 80,000 condoms and sachets of lube throughout the ten day festival. Sexual health information continues to be provided by health organisations, including LGB&T organisations and HIV support organisations.

However last year The Health Protection Agency released figures showing that in 2010 there were 3,000 gay and bisexual men diagnosed with HIV in the UK, the highest yearly figure since records began.

what more can be done to stop gay and bisexual men community becoming HIV+?

We’ve been asking men online and in Manchester’s gay village for their thoughts. Here are some of their views....

“With people that are well educated about HIV, there seems to be a growing ‘I’m not that worried about getting it’ attitude.

It seems that as negative people start seeing positive people ‘coming out’ and living what appear to be normal lives with very limited side-effects, it makes HIV seem less threatening and less of a worry.”

• “Education on the subject needs to start younger and be a part of the schools syllabus. Perhaps include a section on sexually transmitted infections in the biology/chemistry GCSE curriculum.”

• “If people don’t have protection in the heat of the moment, they are likely to continue without it. Sex doesn’t always have to include anal sex, especially if there is no condom involved.”

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

“People’s need for a sexual encounter is often really high and overpowers conscious decisions about using protection at that particular moment, especially if they are under the influence of drugs/alcohol.”

• “People are ignorant to the messages.

They think it won’t happen to them.”

• “There are not enough campaign messages out there. The ones that are out are in places that people may miss them.

They should be more prominent in bars, clubs or even on Canal Street itself.”

• “The campaigns need to be more brutal with the statistics. People don’t know that infection/transmission rates are increasing in the local area, or exactly how many people are infected.”

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

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

FREE EVENT!

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

testing re info on LGF’s Scan here for mo e on ph t yo ur smar services direct to it vis and times), or (includ ing dates sting TO DIAL THIS www.lgf.org.uk/te NUMBER NOW

SCAN

“People are sometimes embarrassed to collect free condoms from the bar in the venues. It may be better if people go into the bars and physically hand them to everyone, whether they ask for them or not.”

• “People are having risky sex because of low self esteem levels. More work should be done in the gay/bi community into mental health issues and promoting positivity around sexuality and over time people may respect their bodies and health more.”

• “As an out HIV positive man I have been contacted by a number of people who ask me to actually infect them on purpose! I can’t get my head around this but after talking to a few of them, one reason for

their request seems to come from the idea that they think that as a gay man, they are going to be infected at some point in their life, so they would rather stop worrying about when it is going to happen and get it over with.”

• “An onus of responsibility needs to be placed back onto the HIV+ community too.

They should be encouraged to stop having unprotected sex both for their own health (as other infections and viruses are easier to pick up for them and will only add to their declining health) and to their sexual partners and to help stop the spread. It isn’t HIV- people who are infecting people so a duty of care has to be taken by the positive community.”

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

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Tell us what you think: talk@lgf.org.uk

On 22nd August The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, Gaydio and Manchester Public Health Development Service invite you to a Question Time-style public event with a guest panel who are all committed to making sure Manchester keeps up the fight against HIV. We want to hear your thoughts on how we can all bring down the number of new HIV infections across Greater Manchester.

If you have an opinion you would like to share then come to this Free Event.

We Need To Talk Venue: The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, 5 Richmond Street, Manchester, M1 3HF. Date: 22nd August 2012 Time: 7:00pm – 9:00pm Please e-mail: talk@lgf.org.uk if you have any thoughts or questions you would like to put to the panel which will consist of health professionals, members of the gay community and also HIV positive people.

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 35

GAY MEN’S HEALTH

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

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

Scan here for more info on LGF’s testing services direct to your smart phone(including dates and times)

NEW PACK SAME PROTECTION! FOR 18 YEARS, THE LESBIAN & GAY FOUNDATION HAS BEEN SUPPLYING FREE CONDOMS AND LUBE TO YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS. MEET YOUR NEW 2012 PACK...

The LGF’s free safer sex packs for gay and bisexual men have been a familiar sight in venues across Greater Manchester for 18 years.

Those of you who have been around that long, will remember the first packs distributed by Healthy Gay Manchester back in 1994. Ever since then, they’ve been freely available in bars and venues across the region, enabling gay and bisexual men to have safer sex literally millions of times.

The packs are updated and refreshed every year, and this year is no exception. So, next time you reach for a pack from the bar-top, you might notice the design has changed.

Don’t worry, you’ll still find two condoms, and two sachets of water-based lube, so you’ll still have the same protection you’re used to. These packs also contain vital information on why you should get tested regularly, and even where you can get tested. Each pack contains an information leaflet detailing local sexual health clinics, including those offered by The Lesbian & Gay Foundation.

WHY USE CONDOMS? Some people think that sex without a condom is much better, but it is worth remembering that you only have to have unprotected sex once to end up putting yourself at risk of acquiring HIV or any other.

The most common route of HIV transmission

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

amongst gay men is through unprotected anal sex. Body fluids in the bum mean that HIV can be passed on easily, either to the man shagging or to the man being shagged.

A condom is still the best way of avoiding picking up HIV and STI’s (if it is used correctly with plenty of water-based or siliconebased lube). There really is no better way of protecting yourself (unless you abstain from penetrative sex altogether).

You can pick up the brand new safer sex packs now. If you’ve got any questions about safer sex, or you’re worried about the sex you’re having, call us on our Helplne. The number is 0845 3 30 30 30.

GAY MEN’S HEALTH

THERE’S ALWAYS TIME FOR A

JAKE ARTURIO BRADEN

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE !

IE QUICK TODAY TO MAKE YOU FEEL PROUD? Well we are well into the Summer now and it’s Gay Pride season in the UK, many major towns and cities have some kind of Gay Pride event taking place.

Scan here to visit the LGF’s YouTube channel on your phone. and watch the latest Quickie!

I remember my first one in 1992, after the March we all went off to Brockwell Park on a really lovely warm and sunny day! Only to be greeted at Brixton by people spitting and cussing us. It’s so great that things have changed since then.

Thankfully the event in the Park was awesome and I remember feeling so happy and quite overwhelmed by how diverse lgb&t are.

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

Have you checked out the LGF’s series of safer sex videos yet? LGF Quickies are two minute videos filmed around the North West, with a safer sex twist.

Every two weeks (and every day over Manchester Pride!), we’ll be uploading a brand new episode presented by the LGF’s Marc Robinson. They’re quick, entertaining and full of vital information. Why not share them with your Facebook friends and Twitter followers too?

Visit our YouTube channel today to watch the latest LGF Quickie. And while you’re there, why not subscribe and you’ll never miss an episode! www.youtube.com/user/lgfonline

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Obviously one the main points of Pride to celebrate LGB&T diversity, TO DIAL THIS NUMBER celebrate our victories (in 1992 we NOW had a lot less rights, if any, than we do now) and show the world we are not always the stereotypes people may think or believe we are.

SCAN FOR MORE

So what are you proud of? Surely it’s good to celebrate ourselves, who we are and what we have achieved when we can? Now I appreciate that it isn’t always as easy as it sounds in practice, especially if we allow self talk, an unhealthy ego or other peoples points of view or judgements influence how we feel about ourselves. Sometimes when we need, or could do with, reminding what we have achieved, overcome or succeeded at, we

INFORMATION

SCAN TO DIAL THIS NUMBER NOW

cannot remember or recall all those times!

So when we feel low and we could do with a self boost how do we do it? Well there’s a simple technique called the “Victory Log” where you list all or as many of your victories as you can. However you choose to do it is up to you, so it could be ages ago! Like the first time you rode a bike on your own, passing exams, getting a good job, completing a project etc. So you write your list and put as many down as you can remember. As you can always come back to it and add stuff when you do remember or when something new occurs. It’s a good idea to put it somewhere that you can see it, too.

I would suggest that you look at it every morning and every evening, every day for three weeks. Then when you feel less than or low about yourself, or if something hasn’t gone well for you. You can then revisit your victory log and remind yourself of the things you achieved.

Have a great, and safe Manchester Pride!

Jakeb If you’d like to talk about any aspect of your wellbeing, call the LGF on 0845 3 30 30 30 or email helpline@lgf.org.uk www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 37

WELLBEING BEFRIENDING

BEFRIENDING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! The LGF’s Befriending Programme is a recently established service which helps to reduce isolation and increase wellbeing amongst lesbian, bisexual and gay people.

By offering 10 one to one sessions with a befriender, the individual can reduce their isolation, widen their social circles, and even gain the confidence needed to take up a new hobby or even apply for a college course.

Photos: Sarah Quinn

The future of the service in an exciting one, and to help it achieve its full potential, we need a dedicated team of volunteers befrienders to join our current team. We are currently looking for volunteers who can provide regular support, and most importantly, to help the person on their way to fulfilling their potential, whether that’s listening, taking part in activities with them, or encouraging them to take up a new hobby or go to a group. Any experience and understanding of working with lesbian, gay and bisexual people is an advantage, especially working with older people, as we believe that older people could really benefit from a service such as this.

For more information, email kate.hardy@ lgf.org.uk or phone 0845 3 30 30 30, she’ll pass on an application form to you, and also let you know about a special Befriending Recruitment Night in September.

FEELING GOOD AT PRIDE

PRIDE

THERAPY Escape the hustle and bustle of Manchester Pride with a relaxing therapy session.

On Sunday 26th August the LGF will be opening its doors to offer you the opportunity to work with a traditional talking therapist or to join a small Dramatherapy group.

Dramatherapy is a type of psychotherapy that uses play, storytelling, improvisation, music, art and movement.Dramatherapy seeks to provide clients with the opportunity to explore different solutions to difficult life experiences and can support clients in considering and making change. You do not need any previous experience to take part. The aim isn’t to perform but to work with the therapeutic aspects of drama at your own pace and with your own potential.

Dramatherapy session will be offered weekly (usually the same day and time) and will last for 50 minutes. Dramatherapists work to the Health Professions Council’s – (HPC) code of practice and ethics The Dramatherapy group will explore the theme: What is your sense of Pride?

The groups will use play, storytelling, improvisation, music, art and movement and will be limited to about 6 people so places will be offered on a first come first served basis.

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

Traditional counselling will be available from 11am to 2pm (last appointment 1.30pm) with each counsellor offering 25 minute sessions. You can experience counselling for the first time or talk with your counsellor about something that is troubling you.

Appointments on a first come first served basis. All therapies are FREE and open to people from the age of 18 upwards (sorry no couples).

To take part in any of the above therapies come to The Lesbian & Gay Foundation’s Community Resource Centre, Number 5 Richmond Street, M1 3HF in the heart of the gay village. From Sunday 26th August groups will take place from 10.30am,11am and 12.30am on a first come first served basis with One to One therapies being available between 11am-1.30pm.Contact: chris.murchison@lgf.org.uk or call 0845 3 30 30 30.

For more information on therapies see the following websites: The British Association of Dramatherapists badth.org.uk The Sesame Institute UK www.sesame-institute.org Health Professions Council www.hpc-uk.org

GET IN!

Interview: Sarah McNally Research: Heena Ali

CHAMPION

OUT AND PROUD AT THE PARALYMPIC GAMES

Claire Harvey is Captain of the ParalympicsGB women’s Sitting Volleyball team that will compete at London 2012 in August. Always an active sportsperson, Claire became paralyzed in one leg after an accident in 2008 and discovered Paraalympic sports.

A Cambridge graduate, out lesbian Claire has earned over 40 caps for Great Britain.

Did you always have an interest in sport growing up?

I grew up a sporty child, always the girl with muddy knees and climbing anything - a typical tomboy. Then at 14, as I was starting to become aware about my sexuality, I started playing rugby. Initially I suspect I was attracted by the chance to get to be around gay women, but thankfully I learned to love the sport too!

It must have been difficult continuing after the accident. Did you ever think you might not be able to play a sport again?

The accident meant having to rethink lots of things in my life. I thought sport was lost forever, mainly because I had no experience of disability sport other than the perceptions I had from TV. It wasn’t until over a year after the accident that I was convinced to go to a Paralympic sports day and try different things, and I am so glad I did!

What’s the toughest thing about being a Paralympics athlete?

Elite sport is a roller coaster and having to compete against friends and teammates

CLAIRE

“I very much hope that my journey, as humble and normal as it is, might inspire or at least encourage LGB&T people...” for places in a squad is never nice. As I only started this journey in 2009, the hardest thing has been cramming in how much I have had to learn about the sport, my disability and all of the nutrition and fitness that lies behind a performance too. The sheer amount of time and commitment needed is massive, not just from me but all those around me. You hear athletes talk about sacrifices all the time, in my opinion it’s not me who has made sacrifices it’s those who love me

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

and have moved heaven and earth to enable me to do what was needed. I know I wouldn’t have made it without that help.

How old were you when you ‘came’ out?

I was quite young, about 15. I went through a period when I wasn’t sure, mainly because I was trying to be what I thought lesbians were (in that period very butch with short hair) rather than be

Two pages of sport and fitness every issue.

comfortable with who I am as a person and see my sexuality as just one part of that. My parents guessed because I was spending a lot of time with one articulate woman, and confronted me about it; in some ways it made it a lot easier because I didn’t have to initiate the conversation. I took a lot of negativity at school, from both teachers and pupils alike for being so open about being gay; with hindsight I probably did make a big deal of it, but I think that was because I felt people didn’t understand me.

Do you think it’s important to be ‘out’ especially when you’re in the public eye?

Being a Paralympic team captain throws you into the media spotlight. That’s the reality and there is nowhere to hide from it. I guess for me, I have to accept that and then it’s about how you use it. This is a hard question because I truly believe it should be everyone’s choice what they do and don’t share about their private lives with the media. If being out makes people uncomfortable then it isn’t for them. However, on the flip side, for those of us that are ok with it, providing positive role models for young people and proving to the public that the LGBT community is as diverse as any other and we don’t all live up to stereotypes is a positive thing. I also think the LGBT community has some work to do in terms of reflecting on its tolerance to diversity and difference within.

What are your hopes for the Paralympics?

We are realistic about our position and hope to achieve sixth place, but we want to do it in a competitive, entertaining way and show that sitting volleyball is on the map as the most exciting and inclusive Paralympic sport and GB has a bright future in it. All of my team, me included, want to use the games to inspire people to find out who they really are what they can achieve if they give it their all. I very much hope that my journey, as humble as normal as it is, might inspire or at least encourage young and not so young LGBT people to know that it’s great, there are teams and organisations who want you and where you will thrive.

What would you like to achieve for the future both personally and professionally?

After the games I want to ensure there is a strong legacy of sport, inclusivity and participation. I want to use my position to make a difference, as well as being part of the 2018 gay games bidding team. To bring the gay games to the UK would be so brilliant! It’s definitely time to give back and say thank you to all those people who have got me here and believed in me.

The Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony is on 29 August and the games run until 9 September. Sitting volleyball begins on 30 August. More information is available at www.london2012.com/paralympics

TELL US YOUR SPORTING NEWS! Are you part of an LGB&T sporting group in the north west? Let us know what you’re up to and we’ll let our readers know! Just e-mail your news to: sarah.mcnally@lgf.org.uk

The Village Spartans. Picture: Steve Joyce

Matt ince FROM THE VILLAGE SPARTANS ON THE BINGHAM CUP AND HOW TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE SPARTANS.

GIVe it A try!

The Village Spartans are immensely proud that the Bingham Cup 2012 held in Manchester in June was a tremendous success for both the Club and the city of Manchester itself.

Congratulations to the winners, the Sydney Convicts! Feedback from over 30 Clubs that took part says that it was the best Bingham Cup tournament yet both from the playing aspect and the socials. We’re confident that the tournament has helped to raise the profile of gay and inclusive rugby clubs around the World and the Spartans are now starting to prepare to compete in the next Bingham Cup in 2014 in Sydney. As the northwest’s only gay and inclusive rugby club we hope that the Bingham Cup will have demonstrated to people in the area that anyone can play rugby no matter what their past rugby experience, age, body shape, fitness levels and sexuality.

The Village Spartans recruitment drive off the back of the Bingham Cup has already seen over 30 new players at their pre-season training sessions. It is not too late to come along and get involved and the pre-season is the ideal time as you will not be the only new person there. We really do want as many people as possible to join us so please don’t hesitate!

Manchester Pride is a key recruitment weekend for the Village Spartans so please come and chat to us at The Lifestyle Expo over Manchester Pride to find out more about the Club.

www.lgf.org.uk OUTNORTHWEST 41

Listings LGB&T North West Listings Including:

Venues, Clinics, Charities & Community Groups

Manchester 88 Listing Indicator

£ Portland Street

Major Street

Hart Street

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Free Safer Sex Packs available at most venues

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

AXM

100 Bloom St,

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

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

4

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

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

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

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

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

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Foo Foos 53 Bloom Street, 0161425 6408

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

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

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

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

15 ICON Sackville St, iconmanchester.co.uk

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

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Chorlton Street

17

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32 Sackville Street

Princess Street

14

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Bloom Street

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Bloom Street

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Major Street

Minshull Street

2

(Free City Centre Bus)

Chorlton Street Bus/Coach Station

29 Abingdon Street

1

Chorlton Street

Sackville Street

Princess Street

10

Train Station Metrolink Stop Metroshuttle Stop

Portland Street

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30 OSCARS Opening Mid Aug 34 Canal Street, 0161 237 9201 oscarsbarmanchester.co.uk 22 The Outpost 4-6 Whitworth St, 0161 236 5400 legendsmanchester.com 23 Overdraught Student 121 Princess Street, 0161 237 0811 24 Paddy’s Goose 29 Bloom St, 0161 236 1246, traditional pub.

35 Polari 28-30 Canal St, 0161 236 6523

25 Queer 4 Canal Street, 0161 228 1360, queer-manchester.com 4 Rem BAR 33 Sackville St, 0161 236 1311, traditional pub, rembar.co.uk

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

27

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

28

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

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

29

Thompsons Arms 23 Sackville Street, 0161 237 5919.

Manchester Pride 5 Oak Street, manchesterpride.com

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

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

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

Survivors Manchester 07919 246 2671, Confidential support for male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, survivorsmanchester.org.uk

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

The Lodge Richmond Street, 0161 237 9667,

32

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

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

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

Club Nights ALERT Fetish at Legends, 4th Friday of the month club-alert.com Bear Club UK at Legends, 1st Sat of the month facebook.com/bearclubuk The Big Scrum Rugby/Sports Kit at Legends, 3rd Sat of the month bigscrum.com BOLLOX Pop/Indie at Legends, 3rd Friday of the month bolloxclub.com Club HD Arch 66, Whitworth St West, gay/mixed bar/club Friu & Sat nights, hdclubbing.com CLub lash Fetish at Legends, mixed fetish /SM night every 2nd Sat clublash.com Countdown to the 80’s at Eagle, 0161 228 6669, every Wednesday Deviant Fetish at Eagle, 0161 228 6669, last Sat of the month Disco Damaged Pop at Legends, 4th Sat of the month, clubdiscodamaged.com Eager Beaver Friday at Manto Bar Lounge FEDERATION Mainly Men at The Ritz, every bank holiday clubfederation.com Homoelectric at Legends, 1st Friday every other month homoelectric.com Mish Mash Cabaret Circle Club, every 2nd Friday of the month, 8pm £8, mishmash1.com Morning Glory at Queer, after hours every Saturday open mic night Women Only 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, Women only & alcohol free, last Wed of the month, 7-10pm, £1 admission. enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk Organic at Spirit, after hours every Sat. POPTASTIC Pop/Indie at Alter Ego, 07974 248 247 poptastic.co.uk Rapture Club Nights 186 Wilmslow Rd, Chorlton. Women centred but all invited - 7.15 until LATE, search facebook

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

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

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

Eateries

Central Manchester Osteopathy & Sports Therapy Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount St, 0786705385, help relieve your aches by looking at the bigger picture, centralmanchesterosteopathy.com 42 Clone Zone 36-38 Sackville Street,

0161 236 1398, clonezone.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 49 INTERNATIONAL HOTEL Gay 34 London Rd, 54 bedrooms, 0161 236 1010

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

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

Agencies

BRASSERIE Gay Friendly Albert Square, 0161 834 7633

45

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Eighth Day Vegan 111 Oxford Road, 0161 273 1850 39 Genghis khans 16 Chorlton Street, 0161 228 1631, genghiskhans.co.uk 40 jacksons Jackson’s Warehouse, 20 Tariff Street, 0161 228 2677, axm-arcobaleno.com

Lava Café Bar Castle Quay, 0161 833 2444, lavacafebar.co.uk LIVEBAIT Gay Friendly 22 Lloyd Street, 0161 817 4110, santeonline.co.uk Richmond Tea Rooms Richmond Street, 0161 237 9667, richmondtearooms.com 27

SAPPORO Teppanyaki 91-93 Liverpool Road, 0161 831 9888 Sparkles Cafe Gay Friendly 66 Tib Street

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

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

QueensClean.co.uk Gay owned cleaning service. 0753 329 2451/ 0161 298 0335, queensclean@2die4.com ROB 17 China Lane, 0161 236 6222, for all your leather, rubber and twisted gear, rob.com 48

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

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

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

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

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

UPPERCUTS BARBERS The Arndale Market, 07784 156 693

Shops & Services

Hotels & B&B’s

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

RECREATION clubrecreation.co.uk

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

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

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

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

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

Addiction Dependency Solutions 29a Ardwick Green North, 0161 272 8844, for people with drug problems (or their freinds and family) adsolutions.org.uk Barnardo’s Health Through Action The Progress Centre, Charlton Place, Ardwick Green, 0161 273 2901 BARNArDOS MANCHESTER LEAVING CARE SERVICES 36 Monton Street, 0161 226 6722, barnardos.org.uk The BHA Stretford Rd,0845 450 4247, health, social care & advocay services for BME & other marginalised communities thebha.org.uk Body Positive 39 Russell Road, Whalley Range, 0161 882 2200, bpnw.org.uk Community Alcohol Team 0161 230 6382, manchestercat.org Community Arts North West 46-50 Oldham St, 0161 234 2975 can.uk.com Crisis Point 24 Albert Road, Levenshulme, 0161 225 9500, mental health support & short term crisis accomodation, turning-point.co.uk George House Trust 77 Ardwick Green North, 0161 274 4499, ght.org.uk Gregory’s Place 69 Ardwick Green North, 0161 273 2901, support for children and young people with HIV gregorysplace@barnardos.org.uk Lifeline 101-103 Oldham St, 0161 839 2054, lifeline.org.uk Lifeshare 0161 953 4069, male sex workers advice, lifeshare.co.uk Manchester Drug Service The Bridge, 104 Fairfield Street, 0161 273 4040

Greater Manchester Agencies Continued Manchester Rainbow support & Homecare 0161 720 6369, providing care and support to adults in their own homes and communities, m-r-s-h.co.uk Manchester Smoking Cessation 0161 205 5998 Pankhurst Centre 60-62 Nelson Street, Chorlton-on-Medlock, 0161 273 5673, pankhurstcentre.org.uk St. Mary’s Centre New St. Mary’s Hospital, Hathersage Road, 0161 276 6515, sexual assault referral centre, stmaryscentre.org The Lesbian Community Project 49-51 Sidney Street, 0161 273 7128, enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk manchesterlcp.org.uk ThE Manchester Foyer 61 Booth St West, Hulme, 0161 276 1000, supported accomodation for young people 16-25’s, svha.co.uk The Village Citizen Advice Bureau 25a Hankinson Way, Salford Precinct, 0161 834 2005, employment services for LGB&T people thevillage.org.uk

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

Groups BiPhoria 07941 811124, bisexual support 18+, biphoria.org.uk Book Swap 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, 3rd Wed of the month 6-7pm. For LB women to discuss books as a group or to choose books from the library enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk CAROUSEL 0845 3 30 30 30, social group for lesbian and bisexual women meets 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesday 7.30-9pm.

Edward carpenter community Heart Circles 1st Sunday of the month, 3pm 49-51 Sidney Street, edwardcarpentercommunity.org.uk/ local-groups friends of sackville gardens 0845 3 30 30 30, Meets monthly to plan improvements, maintenance and new planting in Sackville Gardens, emma.peate@lgf.org.uk Gaydio info@gaydio.co.uk Gay in the uk Refugee Action, 23-37 Edge Street, 07824 473 479, LGBT social group for refugees & asylu seekers, 1st Tue of the month 6pm, lgbtsocial@yahoo.co.uk

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

Icebreakers gay & bi men's support group meets 8pm every Wednesday at the LGF, 0845 3 30 30 30, icebreakersmanchester.org.uk Imaan @ The LGF, 0845 3 30 30 30, For LGBT Muslim’s 1st Thurs/mnth 7.309.30pm, 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 LGB&Ts, 07906700114, info@keshetmanchester.org.uk Lesbian & Bi Women Wednesday Drop In 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, LB women to socialise and make friends away from the scene, every Wed 1-4pm, enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk Lesbian and Gay Youth Manchester (LGYM) LGBT Centre, 49-51 Sidney St, 0790 0680725, young LGBT people, 14-25, Tues 7.30-10pm, Sat 3-7pm info@lgym.org.uk lesbian asylum group 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LB women who have gained or are attempting to gain asylum status. enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk lesbian Culture Club Over the village but not over the hill? Monthly cultural socials for like minded women lesbiancultureclub@hotmail.co.uk lesbian discussion group 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LB women, meets 3rd Wed of the month, 7-8.30pm, to debate issues & share views enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk lesbian mental health support group 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for 18+ LB women and M2F transwomen, meets every other Friday. enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk

Manchester Lesbian & Gay Chorus 07944 056047, mlgc.org.uk manchester lesbian community project drop in 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LB women, meets 2nd & 4th Thur of the month, 7-9pm, enquiries@lesbiancommunityproject.co.uk Manchester Parents Group 01565 733891, meets at the LGF, support for parents of LGB children, manpg.co.uk Manchester Rubbermen social group for gay men into rubber/latex fetish, manchesterrubber.co.uk Mango Men’s dining club 07866 909677, 1st Thursday of the month, mango.news@btopenworld.com

New Family Social 08432899457, peer support & social group for current & prospective LGBT adopters, foser carers& their children, every 2 months in south Manchester newfamilysocial.co.uk Older women’s drop in 0161 205 3851, London Scottish House, Mount St. 1st Tues of the month 2-4pm, social group aimed at women 50+, sue.nzilani@silverservice.org.uk Out In The City Social group for over 50’s LGBT. Drop in Weds at Mount St, activities every Thurs. outinthecity05.webs out to the theatre 01457 877 161, gay men’s social group, joncassun@yahoo.co.uk OutWrite 07931 915 620, LGBT writing group, outwrite.org.uk

LIK:T 07813 981 338, 49-51 Sydney St, run by and for young lesbian & bisexual women, 1st Monday of the month, likt_info@yahoo.co.uk

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

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

Manchester Deaf Triangle Club group for deaf LGBs, triangle@manchesterdeafcentre.com manchestertriangleclub.co.uk

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

Manchester gay skinheads oi-skinhead.com

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

Manchester Feminist Network Women only group, meets 2nd Sat of the month 2-4pm at Friends Meeting House

Sports Groups

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

MORF Manchester Lesbian & Gay Centre, 45-51 Sydney St, 0794 824 3289, soial & support for transguys 4th Monday of the month, morf@morf.org.uk morf.org.uk

queer skinhead brotherhood queerskinbrotherhood@googlemail.com

The Manchester counsellors & Psychotheripists Reading Group 07592 340 211, Meets regularly on Fridays (limited spaces) from 6:30-8:30pm for more information and dates please contact paul.melia@therapyinmanchester.co.uk

UMSU LGBT Society student group, for social events, campagins, drop-ins and support enquiries@lgbt.manchester.ac.uk

MMU LGBT mmu_lgbt@hotmail.co.uk

LGBT Meetup Group lgbt.socialnw@gmail.com

Manchester Concord transgender Social group every Wed 7pm upstairs bar, New York New York, Bloom St (changing room 5-11pm). mary@manchesterconcord.org.uk

women’s domestic violence Refuge: 0161 861 8428, Helpline: 0161 636 7525, support and advice to women and children experiencing domestic violence. wvdh.info@virgin.net

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

Proud 2 b Parents 0161 226 0162 or 07506 515932, Moss Side Surestart Children’s Centre, 30 Selworthy Rd, for LGB&T parents and their children every 4th Saturday, m.roberts4@manchester.gov.uk

Manchester Christian Group 07743 476191

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

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

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

lilac - lesbian cancer support 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, 3rd Mon of the month, 7-8.30pm, for LB women who have experienced any form of cancer. lilacgroup@hotmail.co.uk lilac.cfsites.org

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

Rainbow Families peer support & monthly social for current & prospective lesbian parents and their children, rainbow_families@hotmail.com Rapture play day 186 Wilmslow Rd, Chorlton. For LGBT parents and kids, 3.305.30, search facebook salford youth service lgbt youth group at The Base, 0161 778 0702, steve.dyson@salford.gov.uk SM Dykes 49-51 Sidney Street, 07952 237 526, smdykes@smdykes.org.uk smdykes.org.uk sofa (support or fun activities) 49-51 Sidney St, 0161 273 7128, for LBT or questioning women, Wed 7-9, peer support and fun activites sofaatlcp@gmail.com Sphere 07854 901330, contribute to a South Asian LBT theatre project, all@sphere.org.uk STEPPING STONES 0845 3 30 30 30, A support group for lesbian and bisexual women meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday 7.30-9pm.

Transforum Ninian’s Church, Wilbraham Rd, Chorlton, 07500 741 955, TransGender discussion & mutual support group, meets 4th Sat of the month 3.30pm, jennyannebuk@yahoo.co.uk

Crown Green Bowling in the Manchester area, for lGBT people, woodsbowler@yahoo.co.uk Gay city strollers 0845 3 30 30 30, city centre walking group, info@lgf.org.uk Gay gordons manchester Scottish Country and Ceilidh Dancing and classes gay-gordons-manchester.co.uk GAY OUTDOOR GROUP transpennine walking group, 07855 197607 goc.org.uk Ghap badminton text 07946 191 482, ghapbadminton.org.uk MANCHESTER BADMINTON CLUB 07939 477026, Badminton club for the less experienced player.

Manchester Front Runners 07813 336 445, LGF Box 106, Number 5, Richmond Street, M1 3HF, running club catering for all abilities, meets every Thurs in the city centre, manchesterfrontrunners.org Manchester jessies Lesbian & bisexual women’s walking group, meets twice monthly manchesterjessies@googlemail.com MANCHESTER PRAIRIE DOGS 07960 351 882, line dance sessions, every Tues 7.30-9 beginners, 9-10.30 intermediate, manchesterprairiedogs.co.uk Manchester SHARKS Miles Platting Pool, Varley Street, water polo club manchestersharks.co.uk Manchester Stingers WFC Womens football club for all abilities, helenamcdonald@hotmail.com MANCHESTER VIXENS LADIES FC 07921 838 733, LBT football clubs, emphasis on fun, manchestervixens.co.uk manchester walking women its.elly@yahoo.co.uk Marlin Levenshulme Swimming Pool, Barlow Rd, trans swimming group, swim@marlin.org.uk NETBALL 07939 477 026, women only group with weekly coaching, training every Monday, 8-10pm.

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

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

LGB&T police liaison officers North Bury - kevin.day@gmp.police.uk South Bury - andrew.hall@gmp.police.uk The Barlow Suite Clinic Fairfield Hospital, Rochdale Old Rd, 0161 778 2755 Young Person’s Advisory Service (YPAS) Parsons Lane, 0161 761 2136, sexual health services for under 20’s.

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

SaLfOrD aGENCIES & CLINICs

Brook Advisory 55 Regent Street, Eccles, 0161 707 9550

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

groups

Bury Anti-homophobic bullying group 0161 253 5884

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

orca divers 125 Manchester Road, Chorlton, 0161 718 3118, orcadivers.com

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

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

OPEN ATHLETICS Trains on Weds, 5K every 1st Sun. 07709 000 436, openathletics.org OUTDOORLADS 0161 420 0001,outdoor pursuits org aimed at gay and bi lads.

Climbing, hiking, camping, caving and more, all abilities welcome, outdoorlads. com Out on Sunday 07775 671691, walking group, outonsunday.co.uk Out to Dance LGB&T Latin Dance group, check website for details, out2dance.org.uk Slam Dunkin’ Divas 07769691360, basketball group for lesbian/ bi/trans women, tue eve, slamdunkindivas@googlemail.com Touch Rugby Call on Paul 07775 022797 paul.scanlon-wells@rfl.uk.com Village Manchester FC gay men’s football club for every level, vmfc.co.uk

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

SErvicEs

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

ChOrlTon pubs, clubs & bars

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

EaTERIES

CROMA Pizza and Pasta 498-500 Wilbraham Road, 0161 881 1117, croma.biz

Village Spartans Rugby Training sessions on Wednesday evening from 7pm, villagespartans.co.uk

The Lead Station 99 Beech Road, 0161 881 5559

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

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

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

BoLtOn pubs, clubs & bars

Carbon Bar Gay friendly, 01204 776325

shops

sauNas

inferno 496a Wilbraham Road, 0161 860 6666, infernosauna.com

OlDhAm PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

Goodman Sexual Health Clinic Lancs Burn Health Centre, Churchill Way, 0161 212 5717, Appt only: Mon 9-11.30am, 1-4.30pm, 6-9.30pm, Tue 9-11.30am, Wed 1-4.30pm, Thurs 9-11.30am & 1-4.30pm, Fri 9-11.30am. DROP IN: Tue 2-4.30pm & 6-8.30pm.

Manchester Rainbow support & Homecare 0161 720 6369, providing care and support to adults in their own homes and communities, m-r-s-h.co.uk starting Out Project Neil 07766 550264 0161 607 1620, Salford City Council’s young LGBT tenancy support service. neil.cochrane@salford.gov.uk swinton clinic 139 Partington Lane, 0161 212 5100, Mon 2-4.30pm, Tue 6-8.30pm, Fri 2-4.30pm drop in.

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

Groups

sTOcKpOrT

club NightS

CLINICs

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

groups

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

shops

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

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

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

SaUNaS

Pennine Sauna 96 Rochdale Rd, Shaw, 01706 842 000

GROUPS

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

ROcHdAlE pubs, clubs & bars

Britannia Inn 01706 670411, 4 Lomax St

CLINICS

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

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

GROUPS

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

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

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

CLINICs

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

GROUPS

Glossop LGBT group glossoplgbt.co.uk

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

trAfFoRd CLINICs

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

aGENCIES & Services

Relate 346 Chester Road, 0161 872 0303

CITIZENS ADVICE, 0844 644019 Jamie Burnie Counselling/ Psychotherapy 07590926009, Accredited therapist

GROUPS

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

CLINICs

THE ABBEY INN Mixed 77 West Street.

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

pubs, clubs & bars

SALFORD LGBT YOUTH Group The Beacon Centre, 1 London Street, 0161 778 0700, safe space for young LGBT people loads of different activities. chris.rice@salford.gov.uk

The Star 11 Bow St, 01204 361113

aGENCIES & CLINICs

TamEsIde

WIGan

The Brewery Tavern 42 George Street, 0161 287 0751

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

PLUS Reading Group 07880 746079

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

The Cotton Tree Prince St, 07861896500

Twisty tuesdays J2 & The Attic Square

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

ARDEN ARMS 23 Millgate, 0161 480 2185

CLINICs

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

pubs, clubs & bars

Officers Club Gay Friendly Barrack Sq.

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

aGENCIES

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

GROUPS

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

aGENCIES

Age Concern 56 Wellington St, 0161 4801211

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

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

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

SOLICITORS

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

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

wYtHenShAwE aGENCIES

GROUPS

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

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

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

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

Blackpool & Cumbria

17 58

10 25 9

52

Dickson Raod 45 39 40 61

15

11 10 2 1

15 14 12 36 33 54 31 General Street

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General Stree

22 13 21 27 63

Promemade

Promemade

30 11

3

Talbot Road

62 37

Queen Street

55

50 14 53

34 19

Springfield Road

60

23 29 42 7 35 44 22 Banks Street

Cocker Street

Yates Street

Mount Street

Pleasant Street

30

24 51 Lord Street

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59

5 32 Dickson Road

8 31 48 64

26

6

Topping Street 34 20 12 32

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4

13

Abingdon Street

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Abingdon Stree

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28 7 27

Stree t S. King St. 25

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Dickson Raod

8

9

gS tre

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3 38 17 Lord Street 4 49 56 2 16 33

18

Kin

18

43

Chur ch

Cookson Street 24

57 47

46

Caunce St.

High Street

21

16 19

Promemade

Stree t

41

Loepold Gr.

Chur ch

High Street 28

Charles St.

High Street

George St.

23

Milbourne St.

Blackpool Coronation St.

61

Promemade North Pier

88 Hotel Indicator 88 Venue Indicator

Train Station Tram Stop

Hotels

19

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

£

Cash Machine Blackpool Tower

PHOENIX 12 Cocker Street, 01253 299130, phoenixblackpool.com

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

40

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

5 Belvedere 77 Dickson Road, 01253 624733, belvederehotel@fsmail.net belvederehotel.biz 6 BLENHEIM HOTEL 75 Lord Street, 01253 623204, blenheimhotel.org.uk 64 bracondale Guest House 14 Warley Road, 01253 351650, nosmokingblackpool.co.uk

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

7

Brene Hotel 37 Lord St, 01253 621854

Brooklyn 7 Wilton Parade, 01253 627003 8

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

Camelot 80 Hornby Rd, 01253 620518

10

CHaps 9 Cocker St, 01253 620541

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

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

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

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

Park House 81 Lord St, 01253 314571

Heatherdale Lodge 2 Pleasant Street, 1253 626268

3 Astor Hotel 83-85 Lord Street, 01253 290669

Athol 3 Mount St 01253 624918

38

20

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

4

Parking Pedestrianised

Guyz 16 Lord Street, 01253 622488

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

23 Legends Hotel 45 Lord Street, 01253 620300 24

1

Lenbrook 69 Lord St, 01253 626737

Bay liberty's on the square Hotel Cocker Square, 01253 291155 bayhotels.co.uk 25

26 Lonsdale Hotel 25 Cocker Street, 01253 621628 27 Lyndale Court Hotel 01253 354033 28

Lynmar 74 High St, 01253 290046

29

Mardi Gras 41 Lord St, 01253 751087

39

Pier View 16 Banks St, 01253 624555

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

42 Rubens Hotel 39 Lord Street, 01253 622920

Sandylands 47 Banks St, 01253 294670 43

THE Seacroft 27 Lord Street, 01253 628304 44

Sunnyside 16 Charles Street, 01253 622983 46

SUSSEX HOTEL 14-16 Pleasant Street, 01253 627824 47

THE Berkeley 6 Queens Promenade, 01253 351244 selfcatering.tv THE GYNWAY HOTEL 205 Dickson Rd, 01253 314747, gynwayblackpool.com 48

49 The Wilcot Hotel 80 Lord Street, 01253 621101

59

Woodleigh 11 Yates St, 01253 624997

Worcester House 22 Cocker Street, 01253 620007 60

Pubs, Bars & Clubs 1

Buzz 5 Dickson Road, 01253 649153,

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

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

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

50

Thorncliffe 63 Dickson Road, 01253 622508

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

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

51 Trades Men Only 51 Lord Street, 01253 626401

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

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

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

31 Merecliff Hotel 24 Holmfield Road, 01253 356858

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

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

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

54 Village Hotel 14 Springfield Road, 01253 290840

33

New Bond 72 Lord St, 01253 628123

New Hertford 18 Lord Street, 01253 621831 34

35 North Central Hoilday Flats 29 Lord Street, 01253 621831

NORTHERN LIGHTS HOTEL 26 Springfield Road, 01253 317016 36

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

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

55 warwick Holiday flats 39 Bank Street, 01253 623787

14

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

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

56 Westfield House 78 Lord Street, 01253 621992, westfieldhouse.co.uk 57 WILLOWFIELD GUESTHOUSE 51 Banks Street, 01253 623406, willowfield-guesthouse.co.uk

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

Buddies Chippy 28 Dickson Street

53

15 Café Latté 30-32 Dickson St, 01253 752077

Don Antonio 91 Redbank Rd, 01253 352440

fuel sandwich Bar 33 Adingdon Street, 01253 749813 fuelblackpool.com

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

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

18 SLICES SANDWICH HOUSE Gay Owned 10 King Street, 01253 751441 19 The Buttery 1 Cheapside, 01253 296667

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

33

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

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

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

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

5.30pm 2nd Tues/mnth @ 102 Dickson Rd sandy.o’grady@bch.co.uk Freedom 07875 355390, laid back mixed m2f &f2m space, 12-2 Mondays,

Cumbria AGENCIES

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

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

AmBlESidE

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

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

lgbt forum 0787 355 390, Informal meeting between LGB&T communities & local agencies. Meets: Town Hall every 2nd Thurs monthly at 6.30pm. lgbtforum@hotmail.com LGBT PACT (Police & Community together) 07940979610, police and community meetings 1st Thurs of the month.

Liberty Church North Shore Methodist, Dickson Rd, 07955 597771, libertychurchblackpool.org.uk Ok2be 07827983392, support service for young people up to 19 years of age, amanda.hayes@blackpool.gov.uk Relaxation group 01253 311431 at SHIVER Stepping Stones LGBT Bereavement Group 07989393232/07753265506, 1st & 3rd Tues/month at 7.15pm 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

hotEls & B&B’s

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

BarRow iN FuRNESs CliNICS

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

aGENCIES

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

GrOUPS

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

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

SaUNaS

Sweat Sauna Club Atlas House, Nelson St.

KenDal CliNICS

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

Connexions 237-241 Dalton Road, 01229 824052

aGENCIES

GrOUPS

Groups

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

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

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

south lakes Girls 07952278760 (evenings), Various nights for all trans people or those querying. trans.lakes.nights@ googlemail.com Furness & South Lakes LGB&T Forum 24 hr helpline, drop in service and youth club, furnesslgbt@gmail.com

cArLisLe

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

Maryport HOTELS & B&B’s

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

wHiTeHaveN

CliNICS

Groups

aGENCIES

WInDerMerE

Transgender Freedom Group On the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Monday of the month 12-2pm and 1st Wednesday 6-8pm 01253629400 transgenderblackpool.com

Cumberland Infirmary 01228 814 814

Transinclusion group (M2F) 7-9pm 3rd Tues of the month for an informal chat, 07875 355 390

Connexions 28 Lowther Street, 01228 596272

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

HOTELS & B&B’s

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

34 Perfect Fit Alterations 42 Topping Street, 01253 290156

WorKiNgToN

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

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

CliNICS

08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk

SMILE SPA AT HELIO FITNESS Newton Drive, 01253 393909

THE GARDEN PLACE Gay Owned Cropper Road, 01253 699987

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

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

Steam packet inn 51 Stanley St, 01900 62186

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

Merseyside & Lancashire

Liverpool Stanley Street Quarter 21

Tithebarn Street

Tithebarn Street

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

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

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

10 Poste House

Liverpool Pride liverpoolpride.co.uk

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

Sahir House 2nd Floor, 151 Dale St, 0151 237 3989, providing free & confidential services to people & families living with or affected HIV on Merseyside, info@sahir.uk.com Sexual Health Clinic Royal Liverpool Hospital, Prescot St, 0151 706 2620 17 The Armistead Project 1 Stanley St,

Club Nights

0870 9908996, armisteadcentre.co.uk

BROKEN BISCUITS Monthly at Jupiters Bar

Shops

FEDERATION LIVERPOOL Monthly gay night, clubfederation.com

18 NEWS FROM NOWHERE Bookshop

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

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

Groups

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

AIDS Helpline 0151 709 9000

Bar Wicked 25 Stanley Street

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

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

11

SAunas

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

Agencies & Clinics

23 Cumberland Street

nice 'n' naughty 16 Colquitt Street

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

Hotels

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

nice 'n' naughty 85 Seel Street

et

Back Berry Stre

19

Liverpool Guild LGBT Society 160 Mount Pleasant, 0151 794 4165, liverpoollgbt@googlemail.com lgos.org/lgbt liverpool lgbt Choir For all abilities, meets Sun 6-8.30pm at St Stephens Church, liverpoolgaychoir@hotmail.co.uk liverpool lgbt community network LCVS, 151 Dale St, 0151 227 5177.

Liverpool Students Union LGBT Society 0151 231 4947 Liverpool Women’s Book Group Meets last Tues of the month, liverpoolbookgroup.moonfruit.com MerseyBois Peer support/social group for Transguys. Monthly at Armistead Centre, weekly socials on Wednesday evenings 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

08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk

2

Berry Street

Victoria Street

20

Roscoe Place

Bold Street

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

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

Bold Street

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

FACT

Culquitt Street

Culquitt Street

Roscoe Lane

Modo Gay Friendly Concert Square

Eateries

20

18

Wood Street

8

Wood Street

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

Mathew Street

Back Culquitt Stre

London Road

0151 236 4832

Victoria Street,

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

et

1

Seel Street

12 Heaven

Fleet Street

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

Seel Street

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

16

14

Victoria Street

Parr Street

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

Slater Street

Duke Street

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

10

Sir Thomas Street

Baby D Temple Street

4

13

Stanley Street

12

Temple Street

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

Temple Lane

Pubs, Clubs & Bars

Princes Street

North John Street

£

Train Station Parking Cash Machine Pedestrianised

3

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

ourstoryliverpool.co.uk Parents & Carers Group 0870 9908996 Queer Notions 0151 227 9977, provides information and support at the Armistead Project queernotions@hotmail.com QUEST LGBT CATHOLICS 07983 021 589, 2nd Saturday of month, liverpool@questgaycatholic.org.uk SPIRIT LEVEL 0151 227 1893, Transgender support group.

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

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

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

Lancashire

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

SoutHpOrT PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

BlACkBuRn

AXM Southport Coronation Walk, axmgroup.co.uk/southport

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

The Crown 20 Coronation Walk

C’est La Vie 11-15 Market St, 01254 691877

Velvet Gay Friendly Coronation Walk

Stagedoor 23 Mincing Lane, 01254 674761

CLINICs

agENciEs & CLINICS

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

St HELens CLINICs

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

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS Flex II Tolver St, 01744 758 439

CLUB NIGHT

WORK Bridge Street, every Wednesday.

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

tHE wIrRaL PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

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

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

Bar Ibiza 43 Darwen St, 01254 695379

bsure 0845 602 0894, Chlamydia screening for under 25’s, b.sure@bwdpct.nhs.uk b-sure.org.uk RENNAISSANCE @ drugline lancashire 2 Union Court, 01772 253840, Also has services for those living with & affected by HIV. enquiries@ druglinelancs.co.uk Lifeline Project 68-70 Darwen St, 01254 677493, supporting young people up to the age of 25, with substance and alcohol misuse issues, yps@lifeline.org.uk Sexual Health Clinic Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Bolton Road, 01254 687 304 SHOUT 01254 300126, young sexual health team up to 25 shoutteam@yahoo.co.uk

GROUPS

Blackburn LGB Youth Group Brook Advisory Centre, 54-56 Darwen St, BB2 2BL. 07809 847541, jonny.daniels@brookblackburn.org.uk Out Youth LGBT Group East Lancs The Hub, Accrington & Rossendale College, 07895 794850, 14-19 yr olds, 6-8pm 1st & 3rd Tues.

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

Burnley PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

BACKSTAGE BAR 135 St James St, 01282 414895

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

GuyS as dolls showbar 133-135 St James St.

CLINICS

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

EaTERIES

Red Triangle Café St James St, 01282832319

GROUPS

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

Hangout Harry Reloaded Fridays 11pm-4am 134 Church Street. PR1 3BT. Search Hangout Harry on Facebook

LanCAStEr

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

CLUB NIGHTS

DANCING DIVA For more information, dancingdiva5@hotmail.com

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

THE DUKE OF LANCASTER 75 Church Street, 01524 842843, info@thedukeoflancaster.com Gregson Café/Bar Gregson Community and Arts Centre, 33 Moorgate, 01524 849959, gregson.co.uk The New Albert 84 King Street, 7 days a week, serving food and entertainment, thenewalbert.com

GROUPS

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

CLINICS

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

LeYlAnd GROUPS

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

MorEcAmBe

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

GROUPS

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

Freinds of Dorothy Age Concern, Arkwright House, 01772 552 862, befreinding and support services andrewdrake@55plus.org.uk lancashire county council lgbt network lgbt@lancashire.gov.uk Lancashire LGBT Centre Last Tues of the month at The Urban Exchange, Mount Street, Preston between 6pm-8pm. lancashirelgbt.co.uk Lesbian Connection lesbian social group meeting monthly lesbian_connection@yahoo.co.uk Pozitive Lancashire 07599 545540, info & advice on HIV to people living in the Lanc. & Gtr Manc. area, pozitivelancashire. co.uk UCLAN LGBT Society Every Thurs at 8.30pm ro@cantthinkstraight.co.uk (female) or martin@cantthinkstraight.co.uk

CLINICS

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

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

GROUPS

Out in the Bay 07960 462 921, one to one friendship service, support group meets 6-8 on the last Thursday of the Month at Morecambe Library. lgbtoutinthebay@googlemail.com

OrMsKIrk

Quaker L&G Fellowship 16 Newfield Drive, Nelson, 01282 605724

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

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

GROUPS

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

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

uclan lgbt employee network lgbtstaff@uclan.ac.uk

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

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

GROUPS

AGENCIES

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

CHOrlEy

CLINICS

CLUB NIGHTS

CLINICS

edgehill university LGBT society search on facebook

PrEstOn

skelmersdale GROUPS

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

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

WE’RE HERE IF YOU NEED US

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

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

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

NOrtHWicH SaUNaS

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

RunCoRN CLINIC

Sexual Health Halton General Hospital, 01928 753217

EaTERIES

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

GROUPS

CLINICs

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

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

aGENCIES

WARringToN

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

GROUPS

CHESTER lgbt BOOK GROUP 07818 021 947, 2nd Monday of the month at 7.30pm at the Bear & Billet pub, Lower Bridge Street, alispad@aol.com Dinin’ Divas womens dining group dinindivas@yahoo.com Encompass 07790904718, 07833114752, 01745337144, LGBT social & info group for Chester & N. Wales, encompass.btik.com 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, elen@uniquetg.org.uk uniquetg.org.uk UTOPIA (chester) 0151 348 5621, LGB youth group meets every Weds 7.30-9pm, chester@utopialgb.org.uk

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

aGENCIES

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

Gay Healthy Alliance Project PO Box 539, 01925 631101

GROUPS

Chester Uni Warrington Campus LGBT Society search facebook

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

Please note all listings information is provided by third parties. The LGF can accept no responsibility for the quality of the services/groups listed Queer Youth Network info@queeryouth.net, queeryouth.net Trans Resource Empowerment Centre (TREC) 07513 880647, Trans activities and info, meets 2nd Sat at the LGF, board@transcentre.org.uk transcentre.org.uk trans youth support (north west) 07530 352079, Supporting Trans young people & those questioning their gender identity, aged under 25, through email, phone & up coming Trans Youth Events, trans.youth@yahoo.co.uk

SHOPS & Services D.C.H.A. Services Dean Cooper: 07534 509108, Help for and training around the needs of disabled people, dchaservices.co.uk

Staffordshire PUBS, CLUBS & BarS

GROUPS

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 Staffordshire 0300 1230970

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

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

HUDdERsFiEld PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS THE GREYHOUND Manchester Road, 01484 420 742

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

GROUPS

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

HeBDEn BrIdgE PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

Isle of Man HOTELS

PUBS, CLUBS & BaRS

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

Guys & Dolls Showbar Gay Friendly Peverill Sq, Douglas,

Reg. Charity No. 1070904

08453303030 www.lgf.org.uk