MM set about unearthing the hidden gems at Manchester Pride Fringe Festival this August…
Poutfest
Peccadillo Pictures, the UK queer film distributors, have put together a five-film line up for you to enjoy throughout Pride Fringe.
From ‘I Want Your Love’, a love song to San Francisco’s status as a gay haven, to the tense drama of ‘Beyond The Walls (Hors Les Mors)’ and right through to the pioneers of ‘The Invisibles’ these titles will punch you in the heart.
Try and catch at least one.
August13 – 22. Cornerhouse. £7.50
Posh Tramps and Papooses
Although the plotline of a woman divorcing her ‘wife’ – their quotation marks not mine – and hunting for a fella may rub people up the wrong way it’s clear that the MaD Theatre Company isn’t afraid to shake things up.
Whether that’s a good thing or a bad one is for you to decide.
August 13-14. The Lodge@ Richmond Tea Rooms. £5
Quaker Ceilidh
The Quaker community has been one of the most vocal and supportive of equal marriage in recent years.
This is a chance to go down and actually chat to some of their members. Or just dance.
Although this event is non-alcoholic once you’ve span out of a Gay Gordon – trust me – you’ll want something refreshingly hydrating. Love it!
August 16, 19:00 – 22:30. Central Manchester Quaker Meeting House. FREE but booking advised
The Polari Mission: Bona Eek
The secret gay language just isn’t as common as it used to be, as we gain equal rights and social acceptable. Yet, it’s a valuable part of our cultural heritage.
Artists Joseph Richardson and Jez Dolan are here to teach you the basics and empower you to save Polari.
August 16 –February 02 2014. John Rylands Library. FREE
Young Enigma: A Royal Wedding
I’ve heard good things about Young Enigma and they have a number of shows on throughout Pride Fringe.
Here they will be using spoken word to discuss gay marriage and, well, marriage itself. As part of the day event two of Manchester’s drag queens will be walking down the aisle in their very own royal wedding.
Go for the free wedding favours and stay for what is sure to be a great afternoon of political critique and matrimonial fabulousness.
August 18, 15:00 – 16:00. Starts at Taurus, Ends Sackville Gardens. FREE
Identity Parade
Identity is a BIG DEAL in our community. At the parade a number of LGBT performers will be exploring what it actually means to be ‘queer’.
As part of this, Tuheen Huda, a panda, will be musing on love and cottaging in Manchester. Paws crossed there’ll be a bit of furry pride happening, then.
August 24. 14:30 and 19:30. The Lass O’Gowrie. £7.00
Free and Easy at the Church Inn
Sometimes ‘being queer’ is just about singing karaoke with your partner down at your local.
Being 24-hour deviants can take a toll, so be normal at the Church Inn this Friday. Have a drink.
Sample the hot buffet.
Operate on that maxim that we tell each other, but that we might not always feel; that it’s okay to be gay. And it is okay, particularly in this local this Friday.
August 9. 21:00 – Late. The Church Inn, Newton Heath. FREE but donations welcome.
Image courtesy of Nigel Jones, with thanks.
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