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.

  • Manchester Gay Village Bar Shuts

    Eden Bar in Manchester has closed its doors for the final time on Manchester’s famous gay village.

    The bar which opened in 2002 shuttered its doors for the last time resulting in the loss of 18 jobs, the Manchester Evening News is reporting.

    Insolvency practitioner Steven Wiseglass, of Inquesta, has been appointed a liquidator of SDB Bars.

    A statement on the bar’s website, which is still running, reads “Since opening in 2002 we have earned a reputation for combining quality food, exceptional service and a fantastic atmosphere to create an often unforgettable night out.”

    The last communication from Eden Bar on Twitter hinted that the bar was closing, but only for a facelift, saying,

    “Well folks Eden Manchester is off for a facelift. We will be closed until the beginning of February whilst the old girl has a spruce up. Try not to miss us too much and don’t worry I’m sure you’ll be seeing some familiar faces. Watch this space!!”

    The news comes amidst a number of other gay bar closures in 2015, with Manbar and Green Carnation in London announcing their closures.

  • Man Arrested For Having Sex With Postbox In Middle Of Shopping Arcade

    A drunken man who was aroused by a Royal Mail Postbox so much so, that he approached it with his trousers down and started to rub himself against it has been found guilty of sexual offences and has been made to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register.

    Paul Bennett, 45, was arrested and charged after he started to rub himself against a mailbox in front of horrified on-lookers at Scholes Precinct in Wigan, Greater Manchester. Alarmed witnesses called the police after the man exposed himself and began shouting “wow”. After finishing the act, witnesses say that he then started swinging on a lamppost.

    The court heard that the man began shouting abuse and became agitated as he was pulled away from the postbox by police officers. He pleased guilty to two counts of indecent exposure and using threatening and abusive words with abusive behaviour at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates Court, the Manchester Evening News reported.

    A witness who saw the scene has been said to be disgusted, Katie Beattie, prosecuting, said: “The victim was disgusted and alarmed by his behaviour. She rang the police.”

    Bennett, who was defended by Martin Jones said, “The lady watched for sometime and was ashamed, disgusted and upset and my client accepts that. Clearly there are issues that need to be addressed.”

    He was ordered to pay £50 compensation to a victim who witnessed the scene and £150 in court costs. He was also made to pay £60 in victim surcharges and had to sign the Sex Offenders’ Register.

  • You Were Known To Us: Transgender Day Of Remembrance

    ”Tiffany. 18 years old. Cause of death – dismemberment”

    ”Camille Verona. 24 years old. Cause of death – suffocation”

    ”Luna. 27 years old. Cause of death – gunshot to the chest”

    And that is just to pick a few examples at random.

    In the past year, there have been 268 reported murders of trans women and trans men around the world. And that is just the number we know about. The true figure is undoubtedly far higher. While the statistic in itself is depressing, it’s the individual stories of violence and brutality that lie behind it that is truly shocking.

    Since 1999, 20th November has been the annual date for Transgender Day of Remembrance. Its purpose is simple; to remember the members of the transgender community that have been victims, but also to acknowledge those who have committed suicide, as statistically the trans community are the social group most likely to be driven to take their own lives.

    In the UK, the largest commemorative event for TDoR is held in Manchester, also the site of the world’s first permanent trans memorial, a 12 foot tall wooden tree sculpture in Sackville Gardens, the green space in the heart of the city’s famous Canal Street area.

    From small beginnings, Transgender Day of Remembrance has steadily increased in profile and media coverage. Tony Cooper, organiser of the Manchester event and a trustee of trans charity Sparkle told me. ‘This is our eighth year in the park and it’s grown hugely every single year’.

    This year over 200 people crammed into a marquee in Sackville Gardens to hear the names of those who have died as a result of violence in the past year read out, listen to a rousing performance from the Manchester LGB Chorus and then at the end of the evening to light candles and assemble at the memorial. Some had also brought flowers and handwritten cards to leave in memory. From the trees close to the memorial hung photographs of some of those we had gathered to remembered; their faces watching us, a moving reminder of the unnecessary waste of human life and why so many felt compelled to gather in the park on a chilly Sunday evening in late November.

    The assembled crowd was truly diverse in terms of age and background and many had traveled long distances to be there and pay their respects. Many also had there own stories to tell of personal experiences of hate crime.

    As we set our candles in the sand boxes at the foot of the huge wooden sculpture, I chatted to a lady called Carol who had travelled overnight from near Bristol to be in Manchester.

    ‘I had trouble myself. I was in hospital earlier this year. It all got too much for me. I had this friend and she got killed. They smashed her face up. I saw her in the hospital. They made her look so horrible. I still see her all the time looking like that but it’s better now I’ve had help’.

    The overwhelming message of TDoR is a simple but powerful one ”You Were Known To Us”. Each speaker reinforced this. This does not just apply solely to victims of hate crimes on other continents however. A few speakers also noted that there were many instances of trans men & women who had died of natural causes but whose families had opted to bury them as their birth gender, denying them their identity. As one lady who had recently lost a close friend who was then buried as a man by her family told me, ‘I want to lay flowers on the grave of the woman I knew, not a man called David who was a stranger to me.’

    It was a theme that Tony Cooper focused on in his speech too, along with the importance of community and reaching out to others, both half a world away and far closer to home, ‘Do we need a day to remember? No, we don’t need a day… But a day to say you were us. Because you are us.’

    The Sparkle weekend, a celebration of the transgender community held in Manchester each July, has grown to a point where, after Pride, it is the Gay Village’s second biggest weekend of the year in terms of visitor numbers and revenue. In purely commercial terms, this year’s event generated a not inconsiderable sum of £2.8 million for the local economy. It is indicative of the growing visibility of the community in the UK.

    The remit that the trustees of Sparkle have set themselves is of ”education, action and accessibility”.

    Manchester is a city often celebrated for its tolerance and diversity and this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance saw a large number of attendees from across the wider spectrum of the LGBT community. It’s certainly a start. But when in 2014, there remains 21 European countries where by law trans women and men must be compulsorily sterilised prior to gender reassignment surgery, there remains much to be done.

    And to quote one of the speakers from the marquee ”268 people were murdered in the last year. Just for being themselves”

    https://www.facebook.com/pages/Transgender-Remembrance-Memorial-Project-Manchester/127795353947830?fref=ts

  • Two Gay Men In Horrific Anti-Gay Attack On Manchester Tram

    Two gay men were assaulted on a Manchester Tram in the early hours of Saturday morning (1st November) leaving one unconscious.

    Jean-Claude Manseau and Jake Heaton were singing songs from the hit musical Wicked when the pair were subjected to verbal abuse by an another passenger.

    When Manseau and Heaton got off at Piccadilly Gardens the homophobic passenger called over a group of 15 others and according to the victims proceeded to attack them physically.

    Manseau was knocked unconscious and sustained head injuries while Heaton was punched to the back of the head.

    Speaking to Manchester Evening News, Manseau said, ‘It has destroyed every bit of confidence I have. It will be a while before I go anywhere on my own. I don’t know when I’ll feel safe to go into Manchester again.

    ‘They split my forehead, my lip, broke my nose. My eyes are black and swollen. My ribs are painful, I can’t move much. My face is going to be scarred for life. That has upset me.’

    Heaton went on to say, ‘It was terrifying. They crowded around us and it probably only last a few seconds but it felt like a lifetime. It’s completely shocking. Nowadays you think people are mostly accepting of people’s sexuality, especially in a big city like Manchester.

    ‘We did nothing to provoke it. We were just having a laugh and a sing on the tram. It was definitely homophobic. Throughout it all, they were hurling abuse at us. I don’t feel safe now. You feel like you can’t be who you actually are when there are people like this walking the streets.’

    Anyone with information, please call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

  • 17-Year-Old Boy Raped By Two Men In Manchester Park, E-Fits Released

    Manchester Police are calling for witnesses and information with regards to a brutal rape of a 17-year-old boy in a Salford Park in Manchester.

    The 17-year-old unnamed victim was attacked by two men as he walked through Buille Hill Park, Eccles between 12:10 Am and 12:42AM on Wednesday 8th October.

    The police have released e-fits in a fresh appeal for witnesses.

    Police believe two men were standing at the gate of the Seedley Road entrance to the park and followed the boy along the path into the park. The victim then lost sight of the men and continued to walk further into the park, but a short time later the offenders approached him, one from the front and the other from behind, and raped him.

    Since the attack the victim has been supported by specially trained officers and detectives have been carrying out a number of inquiries. The victim has now managed to give a detailed description of the offenders and officers have today released the E-Fits.

    The men, both described as white, one in his late twenties and slim, the other in his thirties or forties and overweight, were both wearing shorts and hoodies with the hoods up. The slim male had blonde hair and was wearing glasses.

    Detective Inspector Kenneth Blain said:

    “This horrific incident left a boy traumatised and I’d like to reassure both him and the community that we are determined to catch those responsible.

    “The victim has managed to provide enough details for us to put together the E-Fits, so I would now like people to have a look and tell us if they recognise either of the men.

    “I would like to make a direct appeal to anyone who may have been walking near to where the incident took place to contact police immediately.”

    Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 5360 quoting log number 61 of 8 October 2014 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

    If you are affected by the issues raised in this article and would like to talk to someone please call LLGS on 0300 330 0630 or visit: http://www.llgs.org.uk

  • Gay Rugby Hunks Sing Disney

    Members from the Manchester Village Spartans have other interests other than Rugby…

    Okay, some gay men just love a bit of Disney and these Rugger hunks show off their musical theatre talents… Particularly the dude in the blue cap – who is ON POINT with his lyrics. (Well done that man.)

    The lads say this is a singalong of Lion King’s I Just Can’t Wait To be King whilst they were returning from the touch tournament in Birmingham this weekend.

    The Manchester Village Spartans RUFC is Manchester and Northwest England’s gay and inclusive rugby union football team based at Sale Sports Club, Manchester.

    The club is a full member of International Gay Rugby Association and Board (IGRAB)

  • Campaign Of Homosexual Equality Celebrates 50 years

    Unveiling of plaque to Commemorate 50 years since the founding of The Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE) at Church House, Deansgate, Manchester.

    Tuesday 7th October 2014 sees the 50th anniversary of the first meeting of The Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE) a democratic voluntary organisation, founded in 1964 as the North Western Committee for Homosexual Law Reform (NWHLRC) in Manchester.

    The plague will be unveiled by Lord Mayor, Representatives of Church House/Diocese of Manchester, in the company of invited guests including representatives of CHE, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation and invited local LGBT community members at 2pm.

    The Lesbian & Gay Foundation (The LGF) are organising a tribute and celebration in honour of the 50th anniversary of the birth of the modern in lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) rights movement through recognising the formation of The North West Homosexual Law Reform Committee and later The Campaign for Homosexual Equality.

    The charity has worked with The Diocese of Manchester to unveil a special commemorative plaque at Church House on Deansgate in the city centre to mark the very first meetings of NWHLRC/CHE on October 7th 1964. This will take place in the early afternoon and is also supported by Manchester City Council. The plaque unveiling will be followed by an afternoon tea in the presence of The Lord Mayor of Manchester at Manchester Town Hall.

    Later on in the evening on 7th October, The LGF’s annual Homo Heroes Awards ceremony will be held at a city centre hotel in Manchester to mark the 50th Anniversary of CHE. The awards, supported by Barclays, are now in their fourth year and provide an opportunity to celebrate those people that have made a difference to the lives of people in LGBT communities.
    Paul Martin OBE, Chief Executive of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, said: “Many people know a little about LGBT history from the decriminalisation of male homosexuality in 1967 but there is a story that goes back much further and one that Manchester and the North West played a key part in. The men and women behind CHE have made huge steps forward in fighting for LGBT rights for over half a century and we are delighted that representatives from CHE, who still have an important voice in campaigning for equality and respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people, will be attending the commemorations of this historic date in the LGBT calendar.”

    Peter Tatchell, Patron of The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, LGBTI and human rights campaigner, said: “The North West Homosexual Law Reform Committee was Britain’s first grassroots gay rights organisation. Led by openly gay people such as Allan Horsfall, it organised one of the early gay law reform public meetings in the UK. Held in Manchester on 7 October 1964, it urged the decriminalisation of homosexuality. We celebrate the 50th anniversary of this meeting and salute the pioneers of the NWHLRC. They trailblazed for LGBTI freedom. We remember and honour them – with pride.”
    Ross Burgess, representing CHE’s national Executive Committee, said: “This country has seen enormous changes since CHE’s foundation in 1964, when all sex between men was still illegal. CHE is proud to have played a great part in those changes, both by campaigning for law reform, and by organising a nationwide network of local groups that touched the lives of thousands of lesbian and gay people. We are greatly honoured by this recognition in Manchester, where it all started, and our only regret is that so many of the early pioneers, such as Allan Horsfall and Ray Gosling, are no longer here to celebrate with us.”

    The Rt Revd David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, said: “Fifty years ago, sexual activity between adult males was still a criminal offence in England. The attitudes of the wider population to same sex relationships were gleaned from court cases and comedians, spiced up by innuendo and accusation, and fuelled by fear. Half a century on, most of us are informed in our views by our friends, work colleagues and close family members who are able to be open about their sexual identities. That we are in such a better place is a tribute to those who were here in October 1964. This plaque is a modest recognition of that fact and of the debt we owe.”

    Lord Mayor of Manchester Councillor Sue Cooley, said: “Manchester has a long and illustrious history of fighting for inclusion, representation and equality for all members of our diverse society, a fact that we should all be proud of. The Campaign for Homosexual Equality is one of the oldest gay rights organisations in the UK and on their 50th anniversary it is only fitting that a plaque is unveiled to create a permanent reminder of everything they achieved. Attitudes have dramatically changed since the 1960’s, when the CHE was founded, but there is still work to be done in fighting discrimination and I hope people find inspiration in the work of organisations like CHE.”

  • Man celebrates amazing 13 STONE weight loss

    A gay man from Manchester is celebrating a whopping 13 stone in weight loss after pioneering surgery.

    • At his heaviest Gareth weighed 30 STONE
    • Tried surviving on PEANUT BUTTER and MILKSHAKES diets
    • Lost 13 stone with gastric bypass

    Gareth Roberts, 36, is celebrating with his partner after managing to lose over 13 stones in weight after undergoing a gastric bypass.

    Gareth, who grew up in Wythenshawe, Manchester, but now lives in Baroda, an Indian city between Mumbai and Delhi, said: “The surgery has completely changed my life for the better and opened up so many new things to me.

    “My partner Marco is an engineer who had the opportunity to go and work in India – before the operation, I never would have had the confidence to even contemplate going to live over there. But now we are enjoying a whole new life together there.”

    The 36-year-old added: “Health-wise I knew it was only a matter of time before my weight started to catch up with me.

    “I already had raised blood pressure and my weight was affecting my mobility as well as putting strain on my joints – I knew it wasn’t going to be long before things got worse. But now I am feeling fitter and more active than I ever have in my life.”

    Gareth underwent his procedure in 2011 at Spire Manchester in Whalley Range, one of five hospitals which make up the Spire Weight Loss Surgery (SWLS) specialist bariatric surgery network.

    Gareth had struggled with his weight since childhood, and admits over the years the problem had escalated to the point where he had lost control over what and how much he was eating.
    He said: “I used to live in an open plan apartment and I’d be sitting in the living room, next to the kitchen, and almost hear the food calling to me in my head. If I knew there was a multi-pack of crisps in the cupboard you could guarantee they’d be gone by the end of the night.”

    Over the past 20 years he had made numerous attempts to shed the excess pounds in all manner of different ways, surviving on diets consisting of everything from milkshakes to peanut butter.
    He did once lost five stone through a slimming club but would always end up piling the weight back on, and more.

    Gareth remembered: “There would be a sense of camaraderie at the clubs, but you’d often also encourage each other to be bad. You’d congratulate each other on being good all week and losing 3lbs so then you’d tell yourself you deserved a treat that night – and put on all that you’d lost again anyway.”
    The former manager in social care, who now volunteers with a charity in India, said the bypass procedure carried out by Mr Alan Li, one of Spire Weight Loss Surgery’s expert surgeons, was now giving him confidence with food for the first time since he was a child.

    “This is one of the major benefits for me,” Gareth said.

    “The surgery has given me a tool to not only lose the weight, but to alleviate the fear that always lived in me whenever I lost some weight that I was going to pile it all back on again. Having the operation is a life-changing decision, but it brings life-changing results.”

    He praised Spire Weight Loss Surgery and its team of specialist nurses, expert surgeons and helpful dieticians for their advice and support over the past two years.

    “I had such a positive experience with Spire Weight Loss Surgery – they were so supportive from the very start and still are today, two years on. I’ve always felt like they were there for you and you could ask them anything. It’s a very friendly, nurturing environment.”

    And he said he was feeling the difference in all areas of his life.
    Gareth said: “I can actually move and breathe now – I can run up the stairs without gasping for breath!

    “My partner is quite active – he enjoys things like mountain hiking and going on roller coasters which I just couldn’t physically do before because of my size. I was missing out on so many things – you try to pretend it doesn’t matter, but it does.

    “That’s not me any more. I’m so much physically fitter – after all I’m no longer dragging another person around with me! I enjoy swimming and walking and I work out at the gym. I’m also happy to fly back regularly to Manchester to visit friends and family on my own – something I would have dreaded before I lost the weight.

    “After years of dieting, I finally feel like I’ve got control back over food and over my life.”

    For more information about Spire Weight Loss Surgery, please call 0800 142 2200 or email weightloss@spirehealthcare.com or go to www.spirewlsurgery.com.

  • Investigation Opened Over £28,000 of Fake Beyoncé Tickets

    The British Transport police are opening an investigation after more than 100 cases of ticket fraud reported at the Phones 4 U Arena in Manchester.

    Detective Constable Mike Dermody said: “It seems that someone has been selling fake tickets to concert goers who only realise the tickets aren’t genuine when they get to the venue.

    “We believe there have been more than 140 sets of fake tickets sold, though only seven victims have come forward so far.

    “In most cases the tickets have sold for at least £100 each and each victim has bought at least two tickets, so we are potentially looking at a fraud worth more than £28,000.”

    DC Dermody added: “Each transaction has taken place over the internet, using public selling websites, with the victims arranging to meet someone in Manchester to pick up the tickets.

    “I believe the victims of this fraudster will be spread far and wide as people travel from all over the UK to see Beyonce.

    “I am, therefore, appealing to anyone who has been sold fake tickets, but has not yet spoken to police to come forward.

    “We have a number of leads, but need as many people as possible to get in touch.”

    If you have any information about the fraudulent tickets please call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40. In all calls please quote BTP log NWA/B5 of 28/2/14.

  • Pride To Be Open Manchester Store

    Married lesbian couple open greeting cards and gift shop in Manchester.

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  • MANCHESTER: Spread The Sparkle

    As different cities up and down the country are gearing up and winding down from pride events, it’s an entirely different scene in Manchester’s village.

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