Undertaking a placement through my university course is something I knew I wanted to do as soon as I learnt about the opportunities they offered. I had heard plenty about the benefits: earning valuable, real-life experience, gaining hard skills, and making your CV standout. As a second-year BA Jt Hons Sociology and Social Policy student, these benefits were really appealing to me. Everyone wants a job straight out of university, and according to statistics that is significantly more likely if you undertake a placement! So that is what I did.

When exploring the range of placements on offer through my university, LGBT Foundation really stood out to me. Why? Because not only did the goals and values of the organisation directly align with my own, but they also offered a role which really appealed to my interests – a Marketing and Communications Internship! Media, marketing, and communications are roles which I have always found interesting – and considering LGBT foundation’s range of work with the Equality Panel and their ‘Vote with Pride’ campaign, I felt that this placement was the perfect combination of my interests.

My Experience

As soon as I began my 3-week placement I was met with friendly faces, a warm atmosphere, and plenty of tasks to get stuck into. Due to the range of services and support they offer, the work that I was able to undertake was wide ranging, ensuring that I always felt engaged in the work I was doing.

During my placement I was able to:

• Connect with the amazing team
• Learn how to effectively use Canva and CapCut
• Work alongside the Education team, creating reels and posters to promote their ‘Vote with Pride’ campaign
• Create Instagram squares and carousels for Pride events
• Collaborate with the Sexual Health team, inputting data from their Ketso workshop
• Research and contact student groups regarding the ‘Vote with Pride’ campaign
• Research a range of podcasts we could collaborate with, promoting the work we do and engaging with a wider audience
• Write and upload a blog to the website (hello there!)
• Learn about WordPress, and how to make websites and documents more accessible
• Write a bulletin announcement to increase engagement with the Sexual Health team’s Salford STI campaign
• Partake in team meetings and creative jams

One thing I really appreciated during my placement here was their consideration around my workload, with regular check-ins and genuine consideration around what skills I wanted to gain from my time with them. This consideration is not something that was limited to their interns, with there being a range of campaigns and teams that volunteers could work with. I found that this made working here super enjoyable and beneficial for everyone!

Reflections

Overall, I really loved the time that I spent with LGBT Foundation. The experience I gained aided me with sector-specific knowledge and hard skills, allowing me to explore different areas and tasks to discover what I truly enjoyed. This really helped me to reflect on skills I already had, and other skills which I could develop, improving myself and my employability.

My experience here helped me to realise that this is something I would love to do in the future, and expanded my understanding of what working in the charity sector is like. I am so grateful that I undertook this experience, and it is definitely something I would recommend to anyone who is interested in expanding their skill set/exploring a new area of work. Working here has been such a joy, and anyone would be lucky to work alongside LGBT Foundation and their committed, welcoming team.

-Leah Russon Watkins

Achievements of the Pride in Ageing programme over the past five years include

• Promoting the inclusion of LGBTQ+ issues in training for the social care workforce with an educational tool made in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde for Skills for Care
• Artist residencies run in partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority to explore LGBTQ+ inclusivity and discrimination in residential housing.
• A takeover of the Manchester Pride stage in collaboration with Southway Housing, with older people performing scripts they had written alongside RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Series Four finalist Cheddar Gorgeous
• Opening a community garden space designed and looked after by older LGBTQ+ volunteers at Manchester Art Gallery, which was shortlisted for a Spirit of Manchester Award and has been visited by thousands of gallery visitors.
• An end-of-life care project in partnership with St Ann’s Hospice which produced a new training course for professionals and ‘Box of Me’ a workshop for LGBTQ+ communities on preparing for end-of-life care

At the five-year anniversary event in April, Sir Ian remarked on how pleased he was to see “older volunteers at the heart of LGBT Foundation – as they are the experts”. He wished the volunteers success with their current and upcoming projects for the Pride in Ageing Programme. Sir Ian, 84, reflected at Pride in Ageing’s launch event on his experiences as an older gay man. “I was criminalised, and that leaves a brand on you” Ian said, referencing the legal restrictions on homosexuality in England before 1967. “Older LGBTQ+ people need to be surrounded by friendship, love and respect”.

Lawrie Roberts, Pride in Ageing Manager: “The expression of hope and joy by Sir Ian McKellen at our launch has inspired our first five years of activity. We’d like to thank our amazing supporters, including Barclays, Age Friendly Manchester, Manchester City Council and Sir Ian, but most of all we’re celebrating our volunteers’ contributions to this programme – they’re a true inspiration to our LGBTQ+ communities and make a huge impact on the lives of many in Greater Manchester. 

We have an incredibly busy events programme, last month we had a dance workshop, digital café and book club – all for free and which anyone who is older and LGBTQ+ can come along to. The programme’s activity is designed by an advisory panel of volunteers and we are currently taking on new members – if you are LGBTQ+, aged over 50 and from the Greater Manchester area and would like to get involved we would be really interested in talking with you. Please do get in touch with us via the volunteering section of LGBT Foundation’s website or over the phone.”

Mindy, 72, a volunteer with the programme: “Pride in Ageing welcomes the energy, drive and experience of older people within our LGBTQ+ communities in the region. LGBT Foundation is showing that being LGBTQ+ is not just about the youngsters on Canal Street, it’s about everybody.”

Pam, 74, a volunteer with the programme: “This work is literally lifesaving, it matters to me as an older lesbian woman that pride in all its diversity is recognised.”

The Pride in Ageing Programme is supported by Barclays, Age Friendly Manchester and Manchester City Council.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article or would like to find out more about volunteering, LGBT Foundation’s helpline can be accessed at 0345 30 30 30. To get in touch with the Pride in Ageing programme online you can read more about us at lgbt.foundation or email prideinageing@lgbt.foundation.

Below is a list of the locations, along with their dates. Join us in spreading love and acceptance at these vibrant celebrations!

Quitting is easier in the community

Quitting can be really difficult – but there’s support out there. LGBTQ+ people often face complex barriers to quitting, including fear of discrimination in mainstream healthcare. But our community has taken action to create peer support spaces that understand the unique experience of LGBTQ+ with smoking. No-one blooms in isolation – reaching out to your loved ones, peer support groups, and LGBTQ+-affirming healthcare professionals will provide the nourishment you need to stop smoking. Studies show that people who access local stop-smoking services are 3 times more likely to quit than going it alone. LGBT Foundation have worked hard over the past few years to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in Manchester’s stop smoking services – we’ve trained Greater Manchester’s stop smoking services and healthcare professionals in LGBTQ+ diversity & inclusion, created smokefree spaces in local Pride events, and fought for LGBTQ+ representation in Manchester’s stop smoking campaigns. If you want to start the Spring with a healthier heart, lungs, and mind, you can find support below:

• Be Smoke-Free Manchester: Manchester-based stop smoking service provided by Change Grow Live, in partnership with LGBT Foundation. Be Smoke-Free provides you with a dedicated stop-smoking nurse and free products for nicotine cravings. It’s available for anyone living in Manchester and provides LGBTQ+-affirming and inclusive stop-smoking support.
• Here and Now: A mutual aid support group for LGBT+ people to share their experiences with substance misuse and addiction with each other in a safe space and a friendly atmosphere. All people are welcome, including those worried about smoking addiction. Whether you’re right at the beginning of your journey or you want to maintain your goals in your recovery, Here and Now is a place for everybody to come together. Meetings are held every Tuesday at LGBT Foundation’s Community Centre: 2nd Floor Fairbairn House, Sackville Street, M1 3NJ.
• LGBT SMART Recovery: SMART Recovery is a self-management cognitive behavioural therapy recovery program where you can work with peers in a safe space to learn how to use simple tools to look at motivation, cravings, urges and relapse prevention. SMART tools can help you manage your addictive behaviours and also be used universally in your day-to-day life. This group takes place every Thursday 6pm both online via Zoom (email for access), and in person at LGBT Foundation’s Community Centre: 2nd Floor Fairburn House, Sackville Street, M1 3NJ.
• NHS Stop Smoking Helpline: The NHS has a free Stop Smoking Helpline running between 9am-8pm Monday to Friday and 11am-4pm Saturday and Sunday, providing advice and signposting. Call 0300 123 1044
• Smoke Free App: If you’d rather start your quitting journey without accessing other services, the Smoke Free app provides 24/7 stop-smoking support at the touch of a button. Use it to get expert, personalised support to crush your cravings, set goals to keep motivated, monitor health improvements and money saved. If you live in Greater Manchester, you’ll receive full access to all premium features in the app free for six months, usually worth £60. You’ll also be able to get a free 4-week vaping starter kit straight to your door as part of the national Swap to Stop scheme.
• Local stop smoking services across Greater Manchester: Each borough of Greater Manchester has community-based stop-smoking support. You can use Make Smoking History’s local services page to find a service near you.

According to the 2021 Census, England & Wales has more than 1.5 million LGBTQ+ people living in its borders, a number that is bigger than the current NHS workforce or the total number of people to have ever run the London Marathon. The voting power of every single LGBTQ+ adult matters. 

The LGBTQ+ population of the UK is particularly invested in some major issues that affect our lives, whether they be direct impacts on our experiences as queer people or broader impacts on how we live in this country. Apart from being interested in LGBTQ+ equality, a survey that LGBT Foundation is still conducting has already found voter interest in a wide range of issues, including (but not limited to): 

• Education 
• Healthcare 
• Environment & Climate 
• Housing 
• Migration 
• Refuge & Asylum 
• Public Spaces & Public Safety 
• Equality for people based on disability, race, etc. 

We want to give you a brief overview of how these issues are affected at various levels of government and decision-making, so voters can have the best information about their choices. Remember, not all issues are affected equally at all levels of government, so it is crucial to understand the difference your vote can make at each level. 

General Election 

This is the most commonly understood election in the UK and the one that tends to have the highest voter turnout. Voters choose the MP who will represent their constituency in the House of Commons in Westminster, and the party with the most MPs (usually more than half of the membership of the House of Commons) will form the UK Government. By voting in the General Election, you can impact the following: 

• Equality Law – The content and implementation of national legislation, which determines the foundational legal and political frameworks that everyone has to follow. This includes how equality law is understood and practised in the UK. 
• Debates – The debates around and scrutiny of national legislation, including the information that MPs present in the House of Commons to influence decision-making. 
• The National Budget – this determines funding for all national services such as the NHS, as well as matters related to taxation rates and benefits. 
• National Climate Policies – this includes how the UK engages with global approaches to climate justice and environmentalism. 
• Foreign Policy – this includes immigration law, relationships with specific countries and international organisations, and decisions around humanitarian aid and interventions. 
• National Commemorations of Public Holidays and Events – this includes when MPs introduce information about specific communities directly in the House of Commons (such as on dates like International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, LGBT History Month, and Transgender Day of Remembrance). 

Local Elections 

Held every 2-4 years (depending on the relevant local authority), these elections determine who will run your council. Voters elect councillors who sit on city or borough councils, and this means that they take a more localised and ground-level view of issues compared to MPs in Westminster. Some local elections also see votes cast for mayors and for police and crime commissioners, though this does not happen at every local authority – so remember to check who you will be voting for this year! By voting in the local elections, you can impact who is responsible for the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of local areas. This can include: 

• The Provision of Local Services – local authorities are responsible for a broad range of services that can be important pillars of support in local communities, including: 

• adults’ and children’s social and health care services 
• maintaining public housing and supporting the homeless 
• public transport provision  
• waste management/rubbish collection 
• public parks and spaces 
• Supporting schools, colleges, youth and age-friendly services 

Depending on your local authority, this is determined by a combination of a city/borough council and a mayor, unless your authority does not have a mayor. 

• Local and Regional Budgets – these determine the funding available for the services listed above, as well as matters related to council tax and local benefit schemes. Depending on your local authority, this is determined either by a city/borough council or by a mayor. 
• Supporting Local Voluntary and Community Sector Services – includes the investment of council money towards community-based health and wellbeing services, such as local LGBTQ+ charities, advice centres, or homelessness support services. 
• Police & Crime – as well as monitoring the work of local police and fire rescue services, Police and Crime Commissioners can be responsible for effective police forces within their area of concern as well as the implementation of police and crime plans, which can include specific concerns around hate crime and discrimination. 
• Refuge & Asylum Support – The provision of services for people seeking refuge and asylum, including the oversight of migrant accommodation, personal finance, and resettlement schemes for people with specific nationalities (such as the ongoing resettlement schemes for people seeking refuge from Ukraine and Afghanistan). 

While it might feel like one individual vote might not matter in the bigger picture, you should always remember that you have the power to influence change in meaningful ways. Voting is one of those methods. So don’t lose out on your chance to have a say. #VoteWithPride 

The charity highlights that many veterans who were dismissed, imprisoned or suffered from degrading treatment, including physical and sexual assault, because of who they loved. They continue to suffer from the effects of the ban on their mental health and well-being today whilst many continue to suffer poverty and deprivation as a result of the ban’s impact, at a time when the cost of living continues to increase.

Together with other charity partners, the charity is calling for any compensation to be based on need, rather than capped at £50 million.

Previous compensation caps, such as for compensation for the Windrush Compensation Scheme, resulted in the victims not being adequately compensated, adding to the expense to the taxpayer as schemes had to be revised and compensation significantly increased.

This may be our last opportunity as a community to influence the outcome of the reparations discussions. Our power lies in our strong, spirited, and resilient community coming together to amplify the voices of those that suffered under the unjust policies of the ‘Gay Ban’ so that the Government can hear them. The Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces have worked hard to put together a meaningful and appropriate set of reparations – as a community, we can influence how the Government intend to execute and deliver this.

RAF Veteran, Dr Carl Austin-Behan commented “LGBT Foundation have been working with LGBTQ+ veterans throughout our history, who suffered and continue to suffer from the ban on military service.”

“Their project, Operation Equality, seeks to help veterans affected by the ban, alongside other current and former military personnel and their families. The project has shown many have significant financial and healthcare needs, and those rightly need to be addressed by the Government.”

Operation Equality is a programme that brings all LGBTQ+ people who have served their country together, helping to link the community with hope and joy for the future, whilst improving their wellbeing.

LGBT Foundation is inviting those affected by the news of the cap to contact our helpline on 0345 3 30 30 30.

Operation Equality is a national programme of wellbeing support and activities for LGBTQ+ veterans, service personnel and their families working to reduce isolation and loneliness within the community.

To find more information about Operation Equality, email operationequality@lgbt.foundation.

Before we dive into this discussion, let me take a moment to shed light on the ethos of LGBT Foundation. Rooted in a passion for inclusivity and equality, we stand as a beacon of support for the LGBTQ+ community. Our commitment extends beyond advocacy; it’s a dedication to fostering a world where every individual, irrespective of their gender identity or sexual orientation, can live authentically and without fear and can live a life that is full of hope and joy.

Defining the Unseen Battles:

Gender-based violence is deeply entrenched in the roots of inequality, power imbalances, and societal norms that mercilessly affect individuals based on their gender identity. It’s a complex issue, one that reveals its ugly face in various forms within intimate partner relationships, transcending the boundaries of the gender spectrum. From physical violence to psychological abuse and everything in between, the intricacies of gender-based violence demand a comprehensive approach to dismantle its hold on society.

Facing the Harsh Realities in the UK:

Let’s delve into the numbers, the stark realities that linger behind closed doors. These statistics aren’t just cold figures; they represent the stories of real people. These statistics transcend mere data; they narrate the lived stories of individuals. A disconcerting one in four lesbian women and gay men has disclosed instances of domestic abuse from the age of 16. Save Lives underscores that bisexual women face an alarming likelihood—almost three times more than heterosexual women—of encountering various forms of domestic abuse. Additionally, domestic abuse affects over 50% more bisexual women than lesbians.

Furthermore, Galop’s recent Sexual Violence report unveils distressing figures from its LGBT+ survey respondents. A staggering 88% reported experiencing sexual harassment, while 77% faced sexual assault since turning 18. Notably, a significant majority (79% out of 755) of LGBTQ+ survivors indicated that the perpetrators of sexual violence were individuals known to them.

It’s not just about numbers; it’s about lives disrupted and voices silenced.

Becoming Architects of Change:

The call to action is both personal and collective. We want every individual to become an architect of change. It begins with awareness, challenging stereotypes, and providing unwavering support to survivors. Engage in workshops, contribute to online discussions, and share resources. Allies, your role is pivotal – amplify marginalised voices and champion policies that include everyone. Consider volunteering, attend training sessions, and stay informed; let’s collectively pave the way for change.

LGBT Foundation’s Guiding Hand:

Our commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals facing domestic abuse and sexual violence is unwavering. As the manager of the team, we as team extend a personal invitation to those aged 16 and above in Greater Manchester who want to talk about domestic abuse to call our helpline (Telephone: 0345 3 30 30 30) or email us (dasupport@lgbt.foundation).

During these 16 Days of Activism, catch us in the community, spreading awareness and offering information about our LGBTQ+ Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence support services.

Fostering Collaboration with Others:

Recognising that one size doesn’t fit all, we actively support organisations in developing LGBTQ+ specific or inclusive domestic abuse and sexual violence services. Collaboration is key. Let’s share knowledge, build safe spaces, and cater to the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community. If you’re in the field across the UK, let’s connect, let’s build a network that addresses the challenges faced by survivors head-on.

Ways to be an Activist Against Gender-Based Violence:

Now, let’s delve deeper into actionable steps individuals and organisations can take to be effective activists against gender-based violence, fostering a community of support, empathy, and lasting change.

1. Community Engagement: Actively participate in local workshops and events focused on gender-based violence. These gatherings not only provide valuable insights but also create a space for dialogue, fostering a sense of community. By attending, you contribute to a collective effort to raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, and inspire change at the grassroots level.
2. Online Advocacy: Engage in online discussions to amplify the conversation surrounding gender-based violence. Utilise social media platforms, forums, and online communities to share information, personal experiences, and resources. By leveraging the power of the internet, you extend the reach of your advocacy, creating a digital space where diverse voices are heard and acknowledged.
3. Resource Sharing: Share resources widely to enhance awareness. Circulate informative articles, videos, and support materials within your networks. Educate others on the multifaceted nature of gender-based violence, encouraging open dialogue and understanding. By being a resource hub, you empower individuals to educate themselves and others, fostering a more informed and compassionate community.
4. Allyship and Amplification: Be an ally by actively supporting and amplifying the voices of those who are marginalised and underrepresented. Advocate for inclusivity in all spaces, ensuring that diverse perspectives are heard and valued. Through allyship, you contribute to creating an environment where survivors feel supported and empowered to share their stories, breaking the silence surrounding gender-based violence.
5. Advocacy for Inclusive Policies: Champion policies that are inclusive and sensitive to the diverse needs of all individuals. Advocate for the implementation of laws and regulations that address gender-based violence comprehensively, including provisions that protect LGBTQ+ individuals. Collaborate with local and national policymakers to influence positive change and ensure that the legal framework reflects the realities faced by all survivors.
6. Volunteering with Dedicated Organisations: Make a tangible impact by volunteering with organisations dedicated to combating gender-based violence. Offer your time and skills to support survivors, whether through helplines, outreach programs, or community events. Volunteering allows you to directly contribute to the well-being of those affected, fostering a sense of connection and solidarity within the activist community.
7. Continuous Education: Attend training sessions and workshops to continually educate yourself on the complexities of gender-based violence. Stay informed about evolving issues, emerging trends, and best practices in supporting survivors. By continuously educating yourself, you equip yourself with the necessary tools to be an effective advocate and ally.
8. Collaborative Partnerships: Form collaborative partnerships with other individuals and organisations. Strengthening alliances allows for the pooling of resources, knowledge, and expertise, creating a more robust and interconnected network dedicated to combating gender-based violence. Through collaboration, activists can share experiences and strategies, leading to more effective and sustainable initiatives.
9. Grassroots Initiatives: Initiate grassroots projects and campaigns within your community to address specific issues related to gender-based violence. These initiatives can range from awareness campaigns and educational programs to support groups and artistic expressions that highlight the impact of violence. Grassroots efforts have the power to create transformative change at the local level.

Let’s Talk, Let’s Act:

As we stand together during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, our call echoes with a personal touch. Engage in conversations, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. If you’re involved in this vital work across the UK, reach out to us at the LGBT Foundation. Let’s explore ways to develop your services and expand your knowledge. Together, let’s craft a world free from gender-based violence, where everyone can live authentically and without fear.

Closing Reflections:

For us, this isn’t just a campaign; it’s a journey, a shared experience. By understanding the intricacies of LGBTQ+ domestic abuse and sexual violence, actively advocating, and teaming up with organisations like ours, we’re steering towards a future where everyone, irrespective of their gender identity or sexual orientation, can break free from the chains of violence and fear. Let’s make it happen.

With heartfelt determination,

The Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Team LGBT Foundation

LGBT Foundation expresses deep disappointment regarding the recent announcement by the UK Health Secretary, which outlines the government’s intention to ban trans women from accessing female hospital wards. We firmly highlight the importance of safeguarding the privacy, dignity, and safety of all patients while upholding patient-centred, respectful, and flexible healthcare practices nationwide.

The decision made by the UK Government will have detrimental effects on the health and well-being of trans and non-binary individuals who already face barriers to accessing essential healthcare services. This decision will further discourage, or in some cases stop, trans and non-binary people from seeking care or openly discussing their gender identity and healthcare needs, ultimately leading to long-term health issues and an increased financial burden on an already under-pressure and under-resourced NHS.

Inclusive language has played a crucial role in dismantling barriers within the UK healthcare system in recent years, fostering an environment where trans and non-binary individuals feel more comfortable coming forward and discussing their healthcare needs. This leads to quicker and better life-saving healthcare interventions.

We urge the government to reconsider this decision and redirect their focus towards providing support and resources to the NHS to maintain its world-class, patient-centric, and freely accessible healthcare services for all.

LGBT Foundation remains dedicated to collaborating with allies across the health and wellbeing sector and the NHS to ensure that inclusive healthcare remains a reality for everyone.

VLBA Target £100K Fundraiser Surpasses £100,000 Goal, Sustaining Vital Support for LGBTQ+ Communities and People Living Well with HIV

After two years of your generous donations, LGBT Foundation, George House Trust and the Village Licensed Business Association are thrilled to share the news that the VLBA Target 100K Fundraiser has achieved its £100,000 goal.

Donations are shared between LGBT Foundation and George House Trust, and they have helped to continue LGBT Foundation’s Condom and Lube Distribution Service throughout Manchester’s Gay Village. In 2022/23, LGBT Foundation distributed a whopping 63,000 free Safer Sex Packs to LGBTQ+ people across 33 venues.

Thanks to Target £100K, George House Trust was able to continue to provide wellbeing support through the Welfare Fund so that people could live healthily and confidently with HIV.

Donations also support local LGBTQ+ organisations and community groups, through the Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Community Fund, to develop creative projects, events and initiatives that have a clear positive impact on LGBTQ+ communities and people living well with HIV. The Community Fund was set up in 2021 by the Village Licensed Business Association to help continue vital funding into sexual health and HIV support for local LGBTQ+ communities.

Councillor Phil Burke, Chair of the Village Licensed Business Association, said:

“Two years of your incredible support and donations have brought us to this amazing moment. The VLBA Target £100K Fundraiser’s success reminds us how important it is to help charities like LGBT Foundation and George House Trust, which provide crucial health and wellbeing and HIV support to LGBTQ+ communities.”

“This achievement shows how powerful it can be when we come together to do something wonderful for LGBTQ+ communities. Your donations have not only supported on-going programmes but have also made it possible for new projects and initiatives that benefit LGBTQ+ communities and people living well with HIV.”

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for helping us make a significant impact in the lives of those who need it most. “

LGBT Foundation and George House Trust can’t thank the VLBA enough for their continued support for LGBTQ+ people and people living with HIV and would also like to thank them for the donations and all the individuals and other supporter organisations that contributed to the ‘Target £100k’ campaign.

These donations have been the bedrock of life-saving work and will continue to nurture queer hope and joy in the future.

For more information about LGBT Foundation visit lgbt.foundation, for more information about George House Trust visit ght.org.uk.

Here in Manchester, this bore the emergence of queer club nights like Flesh at the Haçienda. This was a political and sexually liberating middle finger to society that launched in 1991 and gained huge success overnight – with high-profile musicians such as The Pet Shop Boys making appearances. Flesh spearheaded Manchester into high acclaim as one of the most queer-friendly cities in the UK – resulting in the nickname ‘Gaychester’.

Homoelectric was founded in 1997, which came at a time when gay culture had become monetised and overly saturated. Its rough edge draws inspiration from the New York and Chicago club scene. Branded as a space for misfits, its unwillingness to comply with the ethics of shiny floored bars infiltrated by mainstream society, is what attracted (and still attracts) a weird and wonderfully diverse crowd of hedonists to its acid house, techno and disco dance floors.

Homoelectric continues to inspire the emergence of many queer club nights today.

‘Queer as F*ck’ was the slogan used to launch Flesh at the Haçienda, which went on to inspire the 1999 BBC series ‘Queer as Folk’, written by Russel T. Davis. The series put Manchester on the map for gay nightlife, leading to the rise in popularity of many established lesbian and gay bars on Canal St – also known as Manchester’s Gay Village. This, however, also came with its disadvantages. The once underground safe spaces for queer people in Manchester had become a hotspot for tourists. Nonetheless, The Village certainly thrives today and remains a staple to Manchester.

But what happened to the underground queer scene? I hear you ask…

What Manchester’s queer club scene looks like today. Well, there are many independent organisations responsible for giving you a non-mainstream, ‘queer as f*ck’ night out in Manchester. Bollox is an LGBT-ran event to banish sociopolitical norms and welcome diversity, freakness and sex positivity. They host an array of politically-charged themed nights, where you can let loose and party in aid of social justice – what more could you want?

Homobloc is Manchester’s annual discotheque festival hosted by Homoelectric and is a fixture of the UK’s queer club scene today. The first festival took place in November 2019 and despite it being relatively new – several high-profile artists such as Robyn, Róisín Murphy and Hot Chip have headlined, which comes as no surprise with the tremendous success of Homoelectric.

The festival blends music with queer performers who showcase Manchester’s talents.

Many queer music events remain on the fringes of the city. Like that of sister venues, Hidden and The White Hotel. Outrageous events such as Body Horror and Gross Indecency are hosted at the latter. Body Horror is a sex-positive rave with a no-cameras-allowed policy, maintaining its elusive, underground status while drawing inspiration from Berlin’s Berghain. You can expect a night of electronic, tech, punk and experimental genres of music, where the possibility of a night full of sweat, sexual liberation and self-love is inevitable.

Words written and provided by Lewis Hadfield.