THEGAYUK

Tag: Manchester News

Get the latest LGBT+ Manchester news from THEGAYUK. Breaking news, features and interviews from the gay community in Manchester in England, UK.

  • COMMENT | Manchester Pride & Me: A time for community

    I recently attended one of the best pride events I have been to in a long time. For me, Manchester pride is a shining example of how a pride should be.

    The reminders of our past, the celebration of our achievements and the hope for our future all wrapped up in 1 event. All you have to do is look around at how everyone interacts and how the businesses operate and you get such a sense of community in the air. I’ve been to many different prides over the last 10 years or so including some of those in Europe and I would gladly place Manchester pride up there amongst the best.

    Yes I had a cider or 2, but then I’d have a cider or 2 regardless of it being pride. But for me it was a weekend of friends, old and new, learning about new things and pushing my boundaries to do and experience new things. To challenge some of my own prejudices and short comings and come out the other side with a sense of achievement.

    On the Monday evening, for those that did not stay the full weekend, in the community park a candle lit vigil occurs on behalf of the Georges House Trust (GHT). GHT have been in Manchester offering HIV-related services & support for 30 years and this year decided to remember those 30 years and some of those that have used the service.

    Each of the various different national and local well-known figures brought with them to the stage a memory, a memory of someone close to them that they are there to remember. Someone who cannot be with us but is with us in our hearts. Each talk, albeit short, was utterly moving and emotional. A local theatre company performed a selection of calls that had been received by the GHT to their telephone support line. The 3 performers read out the ‘call diary’ of the volunteers on call that detailed what the call was and what advice was given.

    Some calls were sweet. Some calls were creepy. Some were routine and some revealed the sheer scale of horror and injustice that living with HIV was like in the 80s and 90s. You could not help but be moved to tears when you hear about a man losing his partner because he committed suicide after finding out he was HIV+, or a mother so scared for her HIV+ son that she turns to the GHT for help in utter desperation. In each call the GHT volunteers were there to help and they, and all other organisations throughout the world that offer a similar service, are truly a shining light in the darkness of someone’s desperation.

    Many people ask me “what is the point of pride” especially when we enjoy such freedoms and exposure these days and all the say is a load of youths drinking. For me I answer with this; pride is not a march, it is a parade. It’s a celebration of all we have achieved but also a remembrance of all those we have lost. Those that have given their lives or suffered greatly fighting for what is right deserve to see the benefits of their work. To be remembered and celebrated and to allow people to be whomever they want to be and live in a world with no prejudice for phobia. Even if that is only during the pride festivities.

    Pride also reminds us is that we have still a long way to go on some areas. In the recent Dean Street data incident, the fact that some people have taken that list of email addresses and are sending the recipients abusive messages shows that HIV ignorance and prejudice is still a problem in this country. Even some of the news agencies listed Dean Street as an “AIDS clinic” rather than the sexual health clinic that it is. So long as ignorance and intolerance of HIV & AIDS exists then work will go on. For that matter, so long as HIV still exists then the work will go on.

    GHT handed out to everyone and encouraged them to share these 5 facts about HIV via social media. I encourage everyone to do the same. Even if you don’t engage in pride or know of anyone that has suffered with HIV you can do your bit and simply share some common facts to promote awareness.

    1 – Testing regularly for HIV is the right thing to do

    2 – Medication is stopping HIV from being passed on

    3 – HIV is a manageable condition when diagnosed early

    4 – People living with HIV are enjoying happy and fulfilling relationships

    5 – Positive attitudes encourage discussion about HIV

    by Scott Sammons | @i_scotty

  • Political Pride, An Alternative Pride In Manchester This Bank Holiday

    Since it began in 1995, Manchester Pride has grown into the UK’s largest pride event. The four days of the August Bank Holiday weekend sees teams of thousands descend on the city to party and watch performances from the likes of Texas and Danni Minogue.

    But with a tagline of Taking Pride Back To Its Roots, just a short walk from Manchester’s famous Gay Village, this year a team of volunteers are running a free two day event for the LGBT community called Political Pride. It’s designed to be an alternative to the commercial, mainstream weekend programme taking place around Canal Street.

    Catherine O’Donnell, one of the organisers of Political Pride explains where the idea came from.

    “It was originally conceived by LGBT Youth North West. They have a lot of young people who take part on their float in the parade every year but after it’s finished there is nowhere for them to go as they’re under 18”

    “So this is an alternative space for them or people who don’t want to drink or those who want to think about what Pride was originally’’

    With a weekend of events including international film screenings by Queer Story Showcase, spoken word performances, workshops and discussions, activism is very much at the heart of Political Pride.

    ‘’One of our events is a panel discussion called Where Do We Go From Here? For example, after same sex marriage, there are still problems with that legislation especially for the trans community. So we are thinking about what are the next things to fight, not just in the UK but globally as well. There is still obviously a lot of homophobia”

    “We want to connect historical events to what’s happening today and inspire for the future.”

    Amongst all the serious discussion, the organisers are also keen to stress that there is much fun to be had at their weekend of events, especially bearing in mind that with Manchester Pride taking place around the bars and clubs of Canal Street, they’re programme is very much created with young families in mind.

    “There is a picnic in the park. And we have an indoor space too so if it rains it doesn’t matter!

    And there will be a lot of arts and crafts. We’re going to be doing some banner and badge making, thinking about the political side of art and how it can be used to make protest materials.

    Plus great news for fans of Great British Bake Off. Political Pride is presenting an opportunity to show off your skills. With a twist.

    Catherine O’Donnell explains,

    “On Sunday we have a cake competition. There will be prizes for the best tasting cake but also for the best political slogan. It will be very competitive. Make Cake Not War!!!”

    With support from Proud 2 B Parents, LGBT Youth North West and Manchester Metropolitan University, the overtly activism focused side of Political Pride will certainly not be to everybody’s taste. But on a weekend when the gay community are at its most visible in the city, an opportunity to hear different voices and perspectives can only be a positive step.

    Political Pride takes place in venues in Manchester City Centre on 29th and 30th August.

    More details can be found on their website http://politicalpride.weebly.com

  • Artist Turns Caitlyn Trans Hate Into Work Of Art

    The artist who turned homophobic hate for Tom Daley into an incredible portrait, has worked his magic again by turning 100 messages of hate and death threats against Caitlyn Jenner into a work of art.

     

    CREDIT: Conor Collins

     

     

    In 2014, Conor Collins took hundreds of homophobic messages about diver Tom Daley from Twitter and created a stunning work of art out of him.

    Now he’s turned his attention to Caitlyn Jenner, taking transphobic hate messages that he found online and recreating the now famous Vanity Fair cover of Ms. Jenner.

    Speaking to the HuffPo Collins said,

    “I admire what Caitlyn has done and how she has used her position and privilege to make a difference,

    “So, naturally like anyone curious, I went on her Twitter to see more and was horrified by some of the comments. When I saw these I wanted to show them because it is a reality of what trans people experience every day.”

    “Caitlyn is making a difference to the trans community however I didn’t want to hide the darkness and persecution [trans people] face in my art piece,”

    In 2014, articles from various news sources suggested that the Manchester based artist had sold the Tom Daley piece, but he rebuffed the suggestions saying,

    “Been told there are articles saying ive sold my Tom Daley piece! I’ve not!! It’s not my intention to make money from this piece!”

     

    Collins shared the portrait of Caitlyn Jenner on Twitter and it was retweeted 2,800 times and favourited 5,600 times.

  • Lucy Spraggan Wakes Up To Stray Dog In Her Garden

    Singer Lucy Spraggan has woken this morning to find a stray dog in her garden.

    In a tweet to her fans, the former X Factor singer Lucy Spraggan has asked whether anyone knows who the cute but skinny dog she found in her garden this morning belongs to.

    Fans have urged the singer to take the dog to her nearest vet to get her chipped.

    https://twitter.com/lspraggan/status/627401187822841856/photo/1

     

  • New Bar And Restaurant To Open In Manchester Gay Village

    New bar and restaurant is due to open in Manchester’s gay village in August.

    A new bar and restaurant is due to open in Manchester and will create around 50 jobs, the Manchester Evening News has reported. MCR42 hopes to follow on from the success of its sister site, Tea 42, in the Northern Quarter.

    The new establishment will be spread over two floors will take the place of Mongolian Grill on Chorlton Street. A drinks lounge will occupy the ground floor, whilst diners will enjoy food on the second.

    Will Hannah, co-founder of Tea 42 and MCR42 said: “MCR42 is an extension of Tea 42.

    “In that respect, what we’re retaining is an extremely high quality of delicious and creative dishes, coupled with a stunning backdrop that is still welcoming and relaxed.

    “But we’re also putting a little twist on it. We will continue to offer a large gluten free and vegetarian menu.

    “We are absolutely thrilled to be moving into the area – a cultural hub rich with entertainment, music and heritage.

  • WATCH: Horrific Glass Attack In Manchester Gay Village

    Police are looking to question two men in connection with a vicious attack in Manchester’s gay village, which left one man with a cut to his head.

    Police in Manchester have released CCTV footage taken from inside the New Union pub on Princess Street in the centre of Manchester’s gay village. The chilling footage, shot on the 7th June 2015, shows two men brawling with a man who was struck in the head with a glass. The victim, a 43-year-old male, was left with a cut to the head.

    A second man then threw a chair towards the victim before being ejected from the pub. Police have now issued CCTV footage of the incident.

     

    The main offender is described as being white, in his 30s, of a medium build, with short dark hair and a bear. He was wearing a light coloured jacket and a light coloured T-shirt with a CND logo on the front, and dark trousers.

    The man who threw the chair was white, in his 30s, of a stocky build, with a shaved head and wearing a light-coloured hoody with the logo EAZ on the front.

    Detective Constable Sean Downey said: “The victim suffered a cut to his head as a result of being attacked, and in some ways is fortunate the injuries were not more severe.

    “The offender could have had no control over where the shards of glass went and we could have been dealing with a very grave injury. That we aren’t is pure luck, so we are treating this very seriously and we need to find the offender.

    “We have issued CCTV footage and I would urge anyone who recognises the man in the images to call us.

    “Alternatively, if you were in the pub that night and witnessed what happened, or you suspect who may be responsible, then please call us.”

    Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

  • Dannii Minogue To Make UK Return To Music Scene

    Darlings… we are officially excited and usually that takes a lot. Dannii, yes of the Minogues is making a return to the UK.

    (more…)

  • THEATRE REVIEW: wonder.land, Manchester International Festival

    ★★★★ | wonder.land, Manchester International Festival

    Now in its tenth year, the Manchester International Festival is a biannual showcase for newly commissioned work by leading artists from all around the world.

    One of 2015’s biggest shows is wonder.land, a new musical featuring music by Damon Albarn of Blur and Gorillaz fame.

    wonder.land, a new take on the classic story of Alice In Wonderland, tells the story of Aly. Aly is a lonely teenage girl, recently moved to a new area after the bitter split of her parents. Bullied at school and feeling neglected by her mother due to her baby brother, one day she stumbles across wonder.land, a website promising escape into a virtual world. Creating an avatar called Alice, in this world, Ali makes new friends and some refuge from her loneliness until the day her headmistress, Ms. Manxome confiscates her mobile phone and she is denied access to the game. Before long, Aly finds herself fighting for her existence in the game after her identity is stolen and her virtual friends turn against her.

    The story of Alice in Wonderland has long been one of the most loved and iconic of children’s books. This version, with themes of online gambling addiction, bullying and fractured families is a fiercely contemporary adaption. Elements of the Lewis Caroll tale remain but with a modern twist. For example, the Mad Hatter becomes Matt Hatton, Aly’s recovering gaming addict dad with a history of mental illness.

    If this sounds all a bit worthy then luckily wonder.land has enough sly wit and playfulness to prevent it feel like a preachy night at the theatre. The innovative design, mixing 3 dimensional back projection with moveable sets creating the two different worlds of the show also added a huge amount of visual excitement.

    wonder.land is not without flaws. The music, a combination of traditional musical theatre orchestration and electronica is pleasant if not especially memorable and the big climatic showdown between Ali and the villainous Ms Manxome feels rather rushed. This is not to deny however that this is a bold, exciting and original piece of work.

    In a strong ensemble cast, it was Anna Francolini who was the performance of the evening as Ms Manxome, this version’s Red Queen. Ms Manxome is an old fashioned big barnstormer of a role that it’s very easy to see musical theatre actresses of a certain age fighting to play. Francolini attacks the part with swagger and enormous charisma.

    Special mention must also go to Rosalie Craig in the lead role of Ali, who brings huge quantities of vulnerability to her performance matched by a strong singing voice. Her complicated relationships with her parents and budding friendship with Luke, himself a target for homophobic bullying, are affecting and powerfully portrayed.

    For all it’s modern trappings, at its heart wonder.land is a story about family and the quest for self-esteem. Lewis Carroll purists may very well hate it but plenty other will relate to its warmth, wit and the timeless themes under the hi-tech surface.

    wonderland
    Palace Theatre, Manchester
    2nd to 12th July 2015

  • Two Bar Staff And Customer At Gay Pub Attacked By “Berserk” Man

    A man has been charged and sentenced to 150 hours of community service after going berserk in the New York, New York bar in Manchester.

    Manchester Evening News is reporting that Stuart Jolley, 37, of Nettlebarn Road, Benchill assaulted two members of staff and a customer at the New York, New York drag bar in Manchester after being asked to take his beer glass inside.

    The pub in the city centre had to lock its doors after the man then attacked two bar staff. He also damaged a £1000 window.

    Jolley, pleaded guilty to charges of common assault and criminal damage. The court sentenced him to 150 hours of community service and ordered him to pay £1250 in compensation to the three men he attacked. He was also ordered to pay a £180 criminal court charge and £85 prosecution costs.

    According to his defence, Lindsey Brown said that Jolley had no recollection of his actions and had damaged his hand when he punched the window. She added, “It was totally inappropriate behaviour which he deeply regrets”.

  • Gay Domestic Violence Charity Relocates To Manchester

    The North West will be the base for Broken Rainbow’s main office and as well as new outreach programmes, such as the LGBT Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy (IDVA) role. The Broken Rainbow helpline will still be based in London, giving the charity much wider remit.

    Jo Harvey Barringer, Broken Rainbow’s Managing Director, says:
    “We’ve had such a warm welcome from LGBT groups and organisations here in Manchester and we are so excited to be part of a place with such great LGBT history and community. And as a national charity it is only right that we have a base outside of London.”

    As part of Broken Rainbow’s relocation it has also recruited of its first ever LGBT IDVA in partnership with Manchester City Council. The role’s inaugural incumbent, Tiffany Cunningham, brings a huge amount of experience to the position, and is keen to hit the ground running, ‘We’re keen to provide the service and support that this community needs, and actually deserves’

    The LGBT IDVA’s role will be to offer LGBT victims/ survivors support and assistance, such as help with safety planning and risk assessments, liaising with agencies as well as support through the criminal justice system.

    Last year Broken Rainbow made headlines after it was uncertain that it could continue its services after the government failed to make clear funding options for the year ahead. MP Caroline Lucas said:

    “If Broken Rainbow is forced to close its services as a result of Government cuts, it will mean the loss of a unique service which has made a real difference to the lives of tens of thousands of people. To see it close just at the time when its services are under greatest demand would be perverse and counterproductive.”

    An LGBT specific IDVA service is important because it will enable LGBT victim/survivors, to receive the targeted support that they need, with the reassurance that as a service we fully understand the dynamics of LGBT domestic violence and work in a respectful, confidential and professional manner.

    Jo Harvey Barringer, Broken Rainbow’s Managing Director, says:
    ‘One of the main things our service users ask for is on-going support by a caseworker and with this new IDVA post we will finally be able to offer this service. And although this initial role will be based in Manchester, our hope is that the service will grow and we will be able to host IDVA’s across the UK.’

    Manchester City Council is very excited to be in partnership with Broken Rainbow and is looking forward to collaborate with them and other organisations in the North West in the near future.

  • Gay Man Left “Shaken” After Being Removed From Pub In Manchester

    A gay man has allegedly been escorted from a pub in Manchester after kissing another man on the lips.

    • Friends say man was left “Shaken”.
    • Man was reportedly removed from the pub after kissing another man on the lips.
    • Pub claims man was drunk and removed as normal.
    • Twitter users respond suggesting “Kiss In” retaliation.

    A man was allegedly removed from Mulligans in Manchester after kissing another man on the lips at the bar, reports have serviced via the Twitter social network.

    https://twitter.com/mulligans_MCR/status/578220756137603072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.archive.thegayuk.com%2F_snippet%2Fblog%2F4009928388%2F9531798%2FzjOiyEqv1Ec20XyFNhtc8zZ0574.html

    Actor John Last tweeted, “My friend was just escorted out of ‪@mulligans_MCR for kissing a man on the lips. Disgusting homophobia.

    “…He was escorted from the bar after kissing a man.”

    Speaking with TheGayUK, Last said, that his friend was left “shaken” after the incident that happened on the evening of 17th March.

    The man was removed by Security.

    Hannah Martin a campaigner for Greenpeace reported the incident on Twitter today, claiming the unnamed man was “escorted out” of the pub, before adding, “This is 2015 not 1915”

    The pub, which is based in Deansgate, Manchester, a short walk away from the centre of Manchester’s gay village, responded to the allegations by tweeting Mr Last saying:

    “Your friend (went) outside for a cig, drank too much, advised, as is norm, no re entry. The ONLY reason. ALL customers welcome.

    “No interest WHATSOEVER in any customers personal preference, nor should we have, we sell entertainment

    “No further comment from Mulligans.

    According to a spokesperson for the pub, the man asked to retrieve his jacket and was escorted through the pub by security, reported as normal procedure.

    An email was sent to THEGAYUK for clarification from Padraig Brady, “The customer in question went outside to have a cigarette, whilst outside he was observed to be unsteady on his feet. He was spoken to and it was obvious that he had consumed too much alcohol (no crime) and was advised that he would not be re admitted. We were asked for a jacket to be retrieved, as is the NORM, a member of security, escorted went in and retrieved the jacket and the customer left. On a day like yesterday, there are numerous occasions whereby, a customer, of WHATEVER, personal preference will be deemed to have consumed too much alcohol and therefore not be re admitted to the premises. Are you suggesting that 1 customer among 20 outside smoking was somehow, in amongst a group of 250 customers, was somehow, through, CLOSED DOORS, not allowed to re enter the premises because they have a particular preference???

    We are a business that sells entertainment to customers of whatever preference.”