LGBT
LGBT

LGBT History Month 2015: What’s on across Manchester

If you are struggling to find fun things to do during LGBT History Month, look no further as MM have compiled a list of the best places to celebrate around Manchester.

Everything from theatre, comedy, debates, networking evenings and film screenings, there is something for all tastes and backgrounds. 

Event: Biphoria

Date/Time: Tuesday February 3, 7:30pm

Description: BiPhoria is a social and discussion group for bisexual people and those questioning their sexual orientation who think they might be bi.

Takes place every Tuesday of every month from 7.30pm – 9.30pm at the Lesbian & Gay Foundation.

Location: Lesbian and Gay Foundation – 5 Richmond Street

M1 3HF

Price: FREE

Further Details: New members should try and arrive early for the main group meetings as the space from 7.30 – 8pm is for new members.

After BiPhoria meetings, members tend to socialise in Taurus bar on Canal Street

More Information: http://www.lgf.org.uk/whats-on/event-detail/?event_id=2413

 

Event: Butterflies

Date/Time: Wednesday February 4, 2:30pm

Description: New to the Trans scene? Trying to come-out for the first time? Looking for Trans friends? Come to Butterflies!

Location: Lesbian and Gay Foundation – 5 Richmond Street

M1 3HF

Price: Free

Further Details: Butterflies is the latest collaboration between two of the North West’s leading Trans community groups, Trans Forum and Manchester Concord.

Butterflies offers a safe and supportive environment with other Trans people, a private changing area and private group meeting area, make-up, hair and styling advice and space to talk in confidence.

Creative workshops, community events and entertainment are also available. Meetings are on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, starting at 2.30pm and running until 6.30pm at The LGF.

More Information: http://www.lgf.org.uk/whats-on/event-detail/?event_id=3056

Event: The First National Festival of LGBT History

Date/Time: February 14 -15, 10.30-4.30pm

New blog post about the LGBT collections @PHMMcr by @MuseumofCOD! Find out how you can get involved http://t.co/NHGhGyMw3T #LGBTheritage

Description: A world-first festival celebrating three decades of LGBT history and honouring the 10th anniversary of LGBT History Month. Spread throughout the city centre, this entertaining and educational weekend extravaganza will feature something for everyone, including films, stand-up comedy, museum tours, theatre performances, talks from eminent scholars and much more, all in the name of bringing to life the highs and lows of LGBT history for adults and children of all ages.

Location: Saturday – events are at Manchester Central Library’s performance space (St. Peters Square Manchester M2 5PD), apart from Fringe events at the Joyce Layland LGBT Centre and the Working Class movement library. See individual event listings for details.

Sunday – All Sunday events are at People’s History Museum (Left Bank, Spinningfields Manchester M3 3ER)

Price: Events free unless otherwise stated.

Further detail: There will be events held at various locations throughout the city centre in the week beginning Monday February 9.

More information: http://lgbthistoryfestival.org/

Event: Queer Contact 2015: David McAlmont and Guy Davies- Fingersnap Live

Date/Time: Thursday February 5, 8:00pm

Description: Fingersnap is the incredible voice of David McAlmontwith musical partner and pianist Guy Davies.

The popular duo make a welcome return to Manchester, with McAlmont and Butler hits, original material, astute covers and tracks from the Great American Songbook. Melodic, joyous and haunting by turns – an awesomely talented pairing.

Location: Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA

Price: £15 Full // £10 Concession

Further Details:

  • Suitable for over 14s.
  • Presented by Contact and Manchester Pride.
  • Queer Contact 2015 celebrates LGBT arts and culture in Greater Manchester from Thu 5- Sun 15 February 2015.

More Information: contactmcr.com/queercontact 

Event: Queer Contact 2015: Amy and Rosanna Cade: Sister

Date/Time: February 5 -7, 7:30pm (SOLD OUT)

 Description: Amy is a sex worker. Her sister, Rosana, is a shaven-headed lesbian. They are both feminists. 

In Sister they present a bold and unflinching examination of themselves: their family bonds, shared experiences, and the differing paths their lives have taken. Sister is a powerful and joyous performance exploring feminism and choice. 

Location: Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA

Price: £13 Full // £7 Concession

Further Details:

  • Post-show Q+A on Fri 6 Feb with Prof. Jackie Stacey (University of Manchester).
  • Suitable for over 16s.
  • Contains full nudity throughout.
  • Presented by Contact and Word of Warning, in association with The Arches.
  • Supported by Welcome Collection as part of the Sexology Season.
  • Queer Contact 2015 celebrates LGBT arts and culture in Greater Manchester from Thu 5- Sun 15 February 2015.

CALL 01612740600 TO BE ADDED TO WAITLIST

More Information: http://contactmcr.com/whats-on/29293-qc2015-amy-and-rosana-cade-sister/

Event: Queer Contact 2015: Eggs Collective Get A Round

Date/Time: February 5 -7, 9:30pm

Description: A show with lipstick on its teeth and Wotsits on its face. Eggs Collective Get A Round explores friendship, kindness and belonging against the backdrop of a big night out. Smart and energetic, entertaining and political, this is a piece of theatre that warms hearts and reeks of Blossom Hill. 

Location: Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA

Price: £13 Full // £7 Concession

Further Details:

  • Suitable for over 18s only.
  • Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
  • Commissioned by Contact.
  • Originally developed as part of Camden People’s Theatre’s Passing the Baton series and supported by The Royal Exchange Theatre.
  • Made in collaboration with Olivier Award-winner, Mark Whitelaw.
  • Nominated for The Arches Brick Award 2014.
  • Queer Contact 2015 celebrates LGBT arts and culture in Greater Manchester from Thu 5- Sun 15 February 2015.

More Information: http://contactmcr.com/whats-on/29294-qc2015-eggs-collective-get-a-round/

Event: Queer Contact 2015: Let’s Talk About Sex Baby

Date/Time: Friday Feb 6, 6:00pm

Description: To shed a little light on our diverse community’s desires, DIVA magazine has invited five speakers to open up a lively and arousing debate.

Featuring:

  • Campbell X (writer, film director)
  • Sarah Graham (addiction expert)
  • Dr. Rachel Morris (Cosmopolitan Magazine)
  • Dr. Monica Pearl (The University of Manchester)
  • Kathy McGuirk (The Lesbian and Gay Foundation)

Location: Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA

Price: £6 Full // £5 Concession

Further Details:

  • Suitable for over 14s.
  • Supported by the Wellcome Collection as part of the Sexology Season, and The Sexuality Summer School, University of Manchester.
  • Queer Contact 2015 celebrates LGBT arts and culture in Greater Manchester from Thu 5- Sun 15 February 2015..

More Information: http://contactmcr.com/whats-on/29492-qc2015-diva-lets-talk-about-sex-baby/

Event: Village Comedy Night

Date/Time: Friday February 6, 8:30pm

Description: VMFC (Village Manchester Football Club) presents.

A fantastic night of comedy on a cold winter’s evening! Hosted by the lovely Simon Rambo Ramsden and featuring a great line up of comics, your ticket also includes food and a discounted bar. All that for a tenner!

Lots of the Village sports clubs are coming along – places are limited so buy your ticket early to avoid disappointment. 

And don’t forget to bring a fiver or two for the raffle – great prizes to be won!

Location: Sackville Lounge, Sackville Street, M1 3WF

Price: £10 (plus 90p booking fee)

Further Details:

Five amazing acts…

SIMON RAMSDEN, our MC for the evening

Chorlton Chuckles Comedy Club, said: “Simon Ramsden is one of the most promising young comedians we’ve seen and we’d thoroughly recommend him to anyone.

“We’ve had the pleasure of having him perform at our night on several occasions and each time he’s left our audience in stitches and asking when he’s coming back. For someone relatively new to stand up each time we see him his talent seems to have grown a disturbing amount.

“He’s a warm, natural and quick witted performer with a likeable stage presence and well-written thoughtful punchy material. We’d predict a very bright comedic future for him.’ – Chorlton Chuckles Comedy Club.”

More Information: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/village-comedy-night-tickets-15300020774

Event: Queer Contact 2015: Queer Media Festival

Date/Time: Saturday February 7, 11:00am

Description: Celebrate LGBT storytelling at the Queer Media Festival featuring in-conversations with more than 25 guests working in the media including V-Squared aka Vinny and Luke (YouTube stars), John Bird Media (blogger), Tim Macavoy (Director at InterTech Diversity Forum), Anna McNay (arts editor, DIVA), Paul Brand (Northern Political Correspondent, ITV), Addie Orfila (producer, Hollyoaks) and more. 

The event will also feature a live link to Los Angeles to speak to Multimedia writer/transmedia storyteller Jan Libby; showcase short films (The Language of Love, Alone With People, Brace, What’s Your Sign, and Gaysian), a special LGBT focussed news bulletin created at MediaCityUK, Salford called the Queer Agenda; and live performances from Pink Triangle Theatre and Rebecca Swarray.

The chat show styled day will be hosted by film director Mike Buonaiuto (Credence, #LoveAlwaysWins), journalist Aashi Gahlot (editor of SHOR LGBT online portal) and poet/playwright/director Cheryl Martin.

Location: Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA

Price: £15 Full // £10 Concession

Further Details:

  •    Suitable for over 14s.
  •  This event will be BSL interpreted. 

More Information: http://contactmcr.com/whats-on/29493-qc2015-queer-media-festival/

Event: Queer Contact 2015: The House of Suarez Vogue Ball

Date/Time: Saturday February 7, 7:30pm (SOLD OUT)

Description: After sold out success at Queer Contact 2014, The House of Suarez return bigger and better! 

Club culture meets high art, as Vogue Houses come together from far and wide to compete for dance supremacy in a catwalk spectacular reminiscent of 1970s/80s New York at its most glamorous. 

Location: Gorilla, 54-56 Whitworth Street West, Manchester M1 5WW

Price: £15.50 VIP seat // £10.50 Standing                                                    

Further Details:

  • Suitable for over 18s.
  • A limited number of VIP seats are available for £15.50 each.
  • All remaining tickets are standing only at £10.50 each.
  • Hosted by Rikki Beadle-Blair.
  • Music from The Niallist.
  • Supported by Arts Council England and MDI.
  • Media partners – SEEN Liverpool and La Vida.
  • Queer Contact 2015 celebrates LGBT arts and culture in Greater Manchester from Thu 5- Sun 15 February 2015.

​More Information: http://contactmcr.com/whats-on/29493-qc2015-queer-media-festival/

Event: Queer Contact 2015: Witch*unt

Date/Time: Saturday February 7, 11:00pm (SOLD OUT)

Description: Hip Hop, house and electro club night focusing on female headliners, a strong feminist aesthetic and concept driven stage production.

Witch*unt is Manchester Evening News’ most exciting club night of 2014 and will be celebrating its first birthday as part of Queer Contact 2015.

Location: Kraak Gallery, 11 Stevenson Square, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M1 1DB

Price: £5.50 Advance // £6:00 on the door                                                   

Further Details:

  • Suitable for over 18s only.
  • Queer Contact 2015 celebrates LGBT arts and culture in Greater Manchester from Thu 5- Sun 15 February 2015.

More Information: http://contactmcr.com/whats-on/29493-qc2015-queer-media-festival/

Event: Dulcet Sounds’ beaver club night at Carlton Club

Date/Time: Saturday February 7, 9:00pm, bar until 1:00am

Description: Dulcet Sounds’ Beaver club night kicks off 2015 with a pre-Valentine’s Day visit to old haunt The Carlton Club in Whalley Range.

A women centered club experience welcoming all LGBTI persons and their feminist friends, there are guilty pleasures to be had all night from an all female line up of DJs including Dulcet Sounds’ DJ Hazel (Rapture Club Night / Lfest / Antwerp Mansion).

DJ Hazel will build the night up playing an eclectic mix from Motown and Soul, 80s and 90s Pop, R n B and Dance classics to Rock, Indie and Riot Girl.

Location: The Carlton Club, Rowan Lodge, 113 Carlton Road, Whalley Range, M16 8BE.

Price: £5 (no booking fee)

Further Details: DJ Hazel O’Keefe is an experienced event manager with over 18 years of experience. In addition to club nights she runs two comedy clubs, Laughing Cows and Comix Live. She is a member of the National Association of DJs and DJ Mark, Gold award holder and was a finalist for Manchester City Council International Women’s Day Awards 2014 for contributions to Culture and the Arts.

As well as tailoring the night to the crowd, Beaver also operates an inclusive policy welcoming all regardless of gender or sexuality. The result is one of the most exuberant and fun atmospheres around.

More Information: Call 07958 642090 or 07854 346344

Event: LGBT Tea Dance

Date/Time: Saturday February 7, 2:00pm

Description: Meet new friends and enjoy learning different styles of dance in a safe and fun environment.

Location: Lesbian and Gay Foundation – 5 Richmond Street

M1 3HF

Price: FREE

Further Details: Our first LGBT Tea Dance for 2015 takes place during LGBT History Month!

So, if you fancy learning a bit of rhumba, salsa or cha-cha with friends please do come along.
We guarantee you’ll learn some new moves and have a great time with other LGBT tea dancers all under the close supervision of our fantastic dance instructor Jack Clegg.

The LGBT Tea Dance is open to absolutely everyone but we particularly welcome older members of the community to come and enjoy the event.

There is no need to book, but if you do have any accessibility needs or requirements, please email: [email protected]  or phone 0845 3 30 30 30.
The LGBT Tea Dance is a Free event but donations are always welcome.

More Information: http://www.lgf.org.uk/whats-on/event-detail/?event_id=3267

Event: Manchester LGBT Question Time 2015

Date/Time: Sunday February 8, 12:00pm-2:00pm

Description: As part of LGBT History Month, the LGBT community are invited to ask a panel of experts, including The LGF, questions for this year’s Manchester City Council LGBT Question Time 2015.

This is a great opportunity to have your voice heard and to get involved with issues that matter to you – maybe you have concerns about something happening in your community? Or you feel that certain issues need to be made more visible? Whatever you’re query or question – LGF want to hear from you.

Location: Manchester Town Hall, Albert Square, Manchester, M60 2LA

Price: FREE

Further Details: Anyone is welcome to attend and propose specific questions they may want answering from elected members, service providers, LGBT groups and organisations.

There will also be the opportunity to ask questions on the day.

This event is free and breakfast butties with refreshments served from 11.30am.

To attend (please state if you have any specific access or dietary requirements) and/or submit a question email: [email protected]

This event is hosted by Manchester City Council, with support from The Lesbian & Gay Foundation.

More Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/627512547378061/

Event: Queer Contact 2015: Comedy Playground

Date/Time: Monday February 9, 7:30pm

Description: Over two hours of comedy from some of the UK’s best comedians. Featuring:

  • Joe Lycett (Celebrity Juice, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, 8 out of 10 Cats)
  • Shazia Mirza (Have I Got News For You)
  • Margaret Thatcher Queen of Soho (breakout star of Edinburgh Fringe 2014)
  • Rachel Mars (The Way You Tell Them)
  • Kerry Leigh (Laughing Cows)

All held together in glorious style by your MC: Johnathan Mayor.

Location: Kraak Gallery, 11 Stevenson Square, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M1 1DB

Price: £13 Full // £7 Concession                                                                   

Further Details:

  • Due to circumstances beyond our control Tom Allen will no longer be appearing at this event.
  • Queer Contact 2015 celebrates LGBT arts and culture in Greater Manchester from Thu 5- Sun 15 February 2015.
  • Suitable for over 16s only.
  • Comedy Playground was originally created and produced for Contact by Oliver Sykes

More Information: http://contactmcr.com/whats-on/29693-qc2015-comedy-playground/

—————————————————————————————————————————Event: Queer Contact 2015: Polari

 Date/Time: Tuesday February 10, 7:30pm

Description: An evening of literature readings and spoken word as London’s award-winning LGBT literary salon returns to Contact. 

GUESTS

  • Beatrice Hitchman was born in London in 1980. She read English and French at Edinburgh University and then completed an MA in Comparative Literature. After a year living in Paris, she moved back to the UK, trained and worked as a documentary film editor, also writing and directing short films. In 2009 she graduated from the Bath Spa Creative Writing MA, winning the Greene & Heaton Prize for best novel-in-progress. Beatrice will be reading from her novel Polari Prize nominated novel Petite Mort, published by Serpent’s Tail.
  • J. Fergus Evans uses a mixture of intimate confessions and half-imagined anecdotes to create a transatlantic gaggle of modern day folk-tales and quiet revelations. Fergus has been published in a number of anthologies and magazines. His debut collection ‘On Euclid Ave’ is available from Flapjack Press.
  • Adam Lowe is a writer, publisher and performer who has worked with Amy Lame, Scottee, Young Enigma, and more. Adam’s show Ecstasies was developed as part of Contact’s Shortcuts.
  • Cheryl Martin is a theatre director and writer, and will be reading from her new collection, Alaska.
  • Young Enigma supports young and emerging writers who identify as LGBT. Their performance for Polari will feature several of their members.

HOSTED BY: Paul Burston – Paul is an author and journalist whose books include the critically-acclaimed novels ‘Shameless’ (2001), ‘Star People’ (2006), ‘Lovers & Losers’ (2007) and ‘The Gay Divorcee’ (2009).

Location: Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA

Price: £9 Full // £6 Concession                                                                     

Further Details:

  • Suitable for over 16s.
  • Supported by Apples and Snakes.
  • Queer Contact 2015 celebrates LGBT arts and culture in Greater Manchester from Thu 5- Sun 15 February 2015.

More Information: http://contactmcr.com/whats-on/29694-qc2015-polari/

Event: Queer Contact 2015: Kate O’Donnell- Big Girl’s Blouse

 

Date/Time: February 11-12, 9:00pm

Description: Who knew what being transgender was in the 1970s? Not Kate’s family. To be fair, crispy pancakes had only just landed in the Midlands so she had her work cut out. 

The path to becoming a woman doesn’t always run smooth and with a lifetime of coming out, Kate has had to use every trick — theatrical and otherwise — to get by.
Big Girl’s Blouse sees Kate make a song and dance about her life using humour, music and costume to tell her story. Created in collaboration with Olivier Award-winning director Mark Whitelaw.

Location: Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA

Price: £10 Full // £6 Concession                                                                   

Further Details:

  •   Post-show Q+A on Thu 12 Feb with Dr. Rachel Morris (Cosmopolitan).
  •     Suitable for over 14s.
  •   Commissioned by Contact.
  •   Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
  •   Supported by Wellcome Collection as part of the Sexology Season.
  •   Written and performed by Kate O’Donnell.
  •  Created in collaboration with Olivier Award-winner, Mark Whitelaw.
  •  Thanks to Helen Baggett (Gecko Theatre) and Ashley Knowles.
  •  Photo by Lee Baxter, styling by Grace Oni Smith.
  •  Queer Contact 2015 celebrates LGBT arts and culture in Greater Manchester from Thu 5- Sun 15 February 2015.

More Information: http://contactmcr.com/whats-on/29695-qc2015-kate-odonnell-big-girls-blouse/

Event: Older & Bolder 

Date/Time: Tuesday February 12, 7:30pm

Description: Discussions around sexual intimacy, love and relationships.

Location: Lesbian and Gay Foundation – 5 Richmond Street

M1 3HF

Price: FREE

Further Details: Older & Bolder is a social and support group aimed at older (over 40) gay and bisexual men.  It provides a safe, non judgemental and encouraging atmosphere for men to meet and share experiences.

More Information: http://www.lgf.org.uk/whats-on/event-detail/?event_id=2953

Event: Supreme Fabulettes at The Lowry

Date/Time: Wednesday February 13, 7:30pm

Description: Join us for a night of glitz, hits, fun and kitsch!

A glamorous and outrageous show with a party-packed score, Viva la Divas tells the rise from rags to riches of the Supreme Fabulettes – Miss Vicki Vivacious, Miss Portia De Fosse, Miss Silver Summers and Miss Vanilla Lush – and their razor-tongued manager, Miss Sheila Simmonds, against a backdrop of backstabbing, love and tears, all played for laughs.

Location: The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ

Price: £18-£22 (includes £2 booking fee)

Further Details: Blending number one hits and current chart-toppers with sweet Glee-style harmonies, wondrous couture costumes and cutting-edge variety, the Supreme Fabulettes is the vision of the A-list creative team behind Kylie Minoque.

‘Everyone’s buzzing about them’ Alan Carr

‘A triumph in heels’ Boy George

‘One hell of an all-male girl group’ The Stage

More Information: http://www.thelowry.com/event/supreme-fabulettes-viva-la-divas

 

Event: Queer Contact 2015: Mother’s Ruin – Mother Lovin’

Date/Time: Friday February 13, 8:30pm

Description: Pucker-up! This Valentine’s eve, Mother presents a selection box of amorous local, national and international cabaret artists for your delectation! 

Say ‘I DO!’ to Manchester’s most glamorous rib-tickler and star of the alternative comedy scene, Jonathan Mayor, and ‘A Short History Of My Tits’ from the fabulously funny Kate O’Donnell following her Queer Contact-commissioned show, Big Girl’s Blouse. 

Mother’s Ruin MAX FACTOR 2014 Winner, Joshua Hubbard turns heads and breaks hearts with his unique goth / punk inspired dance, while Manchester’s fiercest drag mother and daughter duo, Violet Blonde & Grace Oni Smith prove blood is definitely thicker than water with a special Valentine’s day surprise! 

Spiriting themselves up from London, ‘sort-of magician’ and general show-off, Sue Hart shows she has more than a few tricks up her sleeves (even when she isn’t wearing any) and our very own big-hearted, big-bearded drag queen Timberlina presents her very own take on Blind Date! 
Last but by no means least, there will be a very, very special appearance from star of Shortbus and all round ‘cabaret messiah’, the one and only Justin Vivian Bondwith support from Nath Ann Carrera! 

Location: Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA

Price: £10 Full // £6 Concession                                                                   

Further Details:

  • Suitable for over 18s only.
  • Doors at 8pm, performances will start at 8:30pm.
  • Cabaret space – some seating (first come, first served basis) and standing.
  • Early booking is advised.
  • Contains some strong language and sexual references.
  • Supported by Arts Council England and Cake Tin Foundation.
  • Part of Manchester in Love.
  • Queer Contact 2015 celebrates LGBT arts and culture in Greater Manchester from Thu 5- Sun 15 February 2015.

More Information: http://contactmcr.com/whats-on/29296-qc2015-mothers-ruin-mother-lovin/

Event: Queer Contact 2015: Pagelight Productions: A Very Victorian Scandal

Date/Time: Friday February 13, 8.00pm

Saturday February 14, 12.15pm

Sunday February 15, 1.00pm  

Description: It was one of the biggest police raids in Victorian England. It was the UK’s Stonewall. And it happened in 1880! But why was it covered-up? 

Three ambitious, original dramas by Ric Brady and Stephen M Hornby will present a raid on a Victorian drag ball, a police conspiracy and a court trial to rival Jeremy Kyle.

THE RAID, FRIDAY 13 FEB 2015, 8PM, VIA, CANAL STREET

Elements of the fancy dress ball will be recreated at Via, on Canal Street in a themed night of entertainment. Audiences can mingle with the fancy dress ball attendees, and watch them sing and dance to Music Hall tunes. The evening will climax with a spectacular police raid. 

CAMINADA, SAT 14 FEB 2015, 12.15PM, MANCHESTER CENTRAL LIBRARY

An intimate performance takes a fresh look at the motives behind the police raid. Secrets and politics combine to make some men, and ruin others. Detective Caminada courts the press, but can he keep control of the story?

THE TRIAL, SUN 15 FEB 2015, 1.00PM, PEOPLE’S HISTORY MUSEUM

The fate of the prisoners will be decided. Can they all maintain an oath of silence, or will one of speak out? And how can the prosecution secure convictions if a law hasn’t actually been broken?

Events are free but attendance must be pre-booked via: lgbthistoryfestival.org

RUSSELL T DAVIES

Man of the moment, Russell T Davies, writer of Cucumber, Queer as Folk and Doctor Who has been announced as a patron of A Very Victorian Scandal. Russell said: ‘It’s a delight and an honour to support these wonderful shows.

Three new gay dramas about Manchester and they’re not mine. Hurrah! You lucky people. The whole thing seems so brave and so right – by exploring Manchester’s rich LGBT past, we can discover who we are, right now, and how we came to be.’ 

Location: Via, 30 Canal Street, Manchester M1 3EZ

Manchester Central Library, St. Peters Square, Manchester M2 5PD

People’s History Museum, Left Bank, Manchester, Lancashire M3 3ER

Price: FREE                                                                                                  

Further Details:

  • Part of The First National Festival of LGBT History and Manchester in Love.
  • Queer Contact 2015 celebrates LGBT arts and culture in Greater Manchester from Thu 5- Sun 15 February 2015.

More Information: http://contactmcr.com/whats-on/29295-qc2015-pagelight-productions-a-very-victorian-scandal/

Event: Queer Contact 2015: Queer Youth Debate

Date/Time: Saturday February 14, 4:00pm

Description: Speakers from The Albert Kennedy Trust, George House Trust, LGBT Youth North West and The Lesbian and Gay Foundation come together with local councillors and academics to discuss the issues affecting LGBT young people and the wider LGBT community. 

GUESTS

  • Chloe Cousins, Youth Programme Co-ordinator, The Lesbian and Gay Foundation
  • Lucy Bowyer, Supported Housing Manager (Purple Door), Albert Kennedy Trust
  • Myrtle Finley, Youth Work Coordinator, LGBT Youth North West
  • Nathaniel Hall, Positive Speaker Facilitator, George House Trust
  • Cllr. Carl Austin, Lead Officer, Gay Men’s Issues, Manchester City Council
  • Clara Bradbury-Rance, The Sexuality Summer School, The University of Manchester

Location: Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA

Price: £6 // £5 Concession                                                                            

Further Details:

  • Suitable for over 14s.
  • Supported by The University of Manchester Sexuality Summer School.
  • Part of Manchester in Love.
  • Queer Contact 2015 celebrates LGBT arts and culture in Greater Manchester from Thu 5- Sun 15 February 2015.

More Information: http://contactmcr.com/whats-on/29297-qc2015-qyd/

Event: Queer Contact 2015: Justin Vivian Bond – Love Is Crazy

Date/Time: February 14-15, 8:00pm

Description: After sold-out shows in Paris and New York, cabaret legend and trans-genre artist Justin Vivian Bond celebrates Valentine’s in Manchester with Love is Crazy, a seductive evening of songs and stories about love. 

Expect the unexpected with original compositions from V’s records Dendrophile and Silver Wells, songs associated with V’s stage and film appearances (including Short Bus), and tracks originally made famous by The Cure, The Divine Comedy, Pet Shop Boys, Patti Smith, Bambi Lake and more.

Performed by Mx Bond, accompanied by Nath Ann Carrera on guitar and Claudia Chopek on violin, under the musical direction of Matt Ray.

SPECIAL GUEST – DAVID HOYLE (SUN 15 ONLY)

The legendary David Hoyle will join Mx Justin Vivian Bond for two songs for the Sunday performance of Love is Crazy. Please note: due to a scheduling conflict David will no longer be able to appear on Sat 14 Feb. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Location: Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA

Price: £20 Full // £15 Concession                                                                 

Further Details:

  •  Suitable for over 16s.
  •  Presented by Contact, Southbank Centre, Pink Fringe and Brighton Dome in association with Manchester Pride.
  •  Originally commissioned by the Palais de Chaillot.
  • Supported by Macdonald Hotels and Resorts, and the Institute of Social Science Research at Manchester Metropolitan University.
  •   Part of Manchester in Love, and the First National Festival of LGBT History.
  •  Queer Contact 2015 celebrates LGBT arts and culture in Greater Manchester from Thu 5- Sun 15 February 2015.

More Information: http://contactmcr.com/whats-on/29696-qc2015-justin-vivian-bond-love-is-crazy/

Event: Queer Contact 2015: Love Art

Date/Time: Saturday February 14, 11:00pm

Description: Big tunes, performances, live art and surprises on the closing weekend of Queer Contact from the team that brought you Manchester’s Home of Fabulous, Cha Cha Boudoir. 

A delicious performance-club explosion of glitter and high class drag trash, all to a mix tape soundtrack of electro, pop, r’n’b and disco sounds.

Location: Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA

Price: £6                                                                                                        

Further Details:

  • Suitable for over 18s only.
  • Queer Contact 2015 celebrates LGBT arts and culture in Greater Manchester from Thu 5- Sun 15 February 2015.

More Information: http://contactmcr.com/whats-on/29298-qc2015-love-art/

Event: Queer Contact 2015: Seeing Queerly – Shortbus

Date/Time: Sunday February 15, 1:00pm

Description: A special screening of John Cameron Mitchell’s cult classic film. 

A group of New Yorkers are caught up in their romantic-sexual milieu converge at an underground salon infamous for its blend of art, music, politics, and carnality. 

Location: Contact Theatre, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA

Price: £20 Full // £15 Concession                                                                 

Further Details:

  •  Post-show Q+A with star Justin Vivian Bond and Dr. Andrew Moor (MMU).
  • Certificate (18) – not suitable for under 18s.
  • This film contains explicit and adult material which some may find offensive.
  • Part of the Seeing Queerly film programme supported by the Institute of Humanities and Social Science Research at Manchester Metropolitan University.
  • Supported by Macdonald Hotels and Resorts.
  • Queer Contact 2015 celebrates LGBT arts and culture in Greater Manchester from Thu 5- Sun 15 February 2015.

More Information: http://contactmcr.com/whats-on/29299-qc2015-seeing-queerly-shortbus/

Event: The Christians at Waterside Arts Centre

Date/Time: Friday February 20, 7:30pm

Description: Renowned for an endless string of soulful yet socially aware hits… Forgotten Town, Ideal World, Born Again, Harvest for the World, Whats in a Word, Hooverville, Words and Father The Christians enjoyed huge acclaim in the late 80s and early 90s and often confused people with their band name (in fact just the brothers surname with absolutely no religious connotation!)

Location: Waterside Arts Centre, 1 Waterside Plaza, Same, M33 7ZF

Price: £18 advance // £20 on the door                                                          

Further Details: Celebrating 27 years since their debut album THE CHRISTIANS – they’re back! Headed by lead singer Garry Christian (who still deserves the Daily Mirror’s description as having ‘one of the finest voices in pop’ and doesn’t seem to have aged a day in 28 years) is in better form than ever backed by superb harmonies from the band. BBC BBC Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans described THE CHRISTIANS set on air in December as ‘The best gig I’ve ever been to’.

On the back of a hugely successful recent tour 2015 sees THE CHRISTIANS recording a new album produced by John Williams and performing at select venues prior to their UK tour with Roachford in the Autumn so watch this space.

Tickets are £18.00 (Adv) / £20 (Door price)… book now and expect a great 90 minute live performance with full band and all your favourites sounding better than you ever remembered.

More Information: https://watersideartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/1530-the-christians/

Event: Black Angel Relaunch Party at Bangkok Bar

Date/Time: Sunday February 28, 10:00pm

Description: Black Angel re-launches infamous queer club night in Manchester

Back by popular demand, organisers of Manchester’s infamous LGBT club night Black Angel have set a date to re-launch the first in a series of three intimate parties being held this year at the new up and coming underground venue ‘Bangkok Bar’ on Princess Street, a stone’s throw from the gay village. 

Offering a welcome break from cheesy beats, Black Angel started in 2000 running regular nights in Manchester and Leeds for over a decade and guest spots at London Pride. It has long been one of the UK’s most respected alternative queer club events, pulling a loyal crowd and punters from as far afield as Edinburgh and London.

After a few years hiatus the night for ‘queer divas and non-believers’ will rise from the ashes on Saturday 28th February 2015 presenting two rooms of music & performance; RnB; Hip Hop, Old Skool, Bollywood, Bhangra & Arabic Sounds. 

Location: Bangkok Bar, Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6DE

Price: £10 advance

Further Details: Resident DJs Claud Cunningham and Paula Horatio will be joined by guest DJ QU (AKA Spinx) who has been playing professionally for over 10 years, has held residencies in London at Club Kali, Habibi, Liberte and currently at Urban Desi, Disco Rani and Bibti. Spinning an eclectic mix of Arabic, Bhangra and Bollywood, merging diverse genres, climatic, worldly, euphoric tunes to create stories within stories – freestyle mixing, off the cuff.

There will be a live PA from AJAH UK – a fierce independent and unique Hip-Hop/Rock act.

“In a market where hip-hop can flirt with misogyny and the ego can take precedent over the music, Ajah-UK are a real breath of fresh air.” (Manchester Evening News).

Advance tickets at £10 can be booked through http://goo.gl/swDPoS and a limited amount will be available at the venue on the night subject to availability.

More Information: https://www.facebook.com/events/591447664333683/

Main image courtesy of Thompson Rivers, with thanks.

Related Articles

Tags

Archives Categories