Wednesday 02-02-2022 - 09:19

LGBT+ History Month is a month of celebration and awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (and other identities within the community) history and rights. The United Kingdom commemorate the history of the community annually every February – which first took place in 2005 in wake of the abolishment of Section 28.

Section 28 was a controversial amendment to UK law that “prohibited the promotion of homosexuality” mainly within mainstream media and education. The media didn’t address LGBTQ+ topics, teachers didn’t approach LGBTQ+ issues, and members of the community often silenced and censored themselves through fear of discrimination and breaching the act.

Section 28 was finally abolished in Scotland in 2000 and later abolished in the UK in 2003.

Below are 5 events on in Manchester throughout February, to help you celebrate who you are or even for you to just be an ally to the community and celebrate a momentous moment in British history:

 

LGBTQ+ events at The Union

There are several events and activities on at The Union this month to celebrate all things LGBTQ+:

 

Gayming Afternoon - 8 February

Ran by Tayabba (our Union Led Projects Co-Ordinator), come, and join the fun in a gaming afternoon. Hosted in rooms 6 and 7 from 16:30 – 18:30.

Games to be confirmed.

LGBTHM Interactive History Talk - 17 February

Hosted in The Union’s Conference Suite from 16:00 – 18:00, come and listen to Law Professor Senthorun Raj give an interactive talk on all thing’s LGBTQ+ history.

 

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A walking tour of Manchester's Gay Village

 

When? – Every Saturday throughout February at 15:00

Where? – The Alan Turing memorial at Sackville Gardens

Led by Mancunian LGBT History MA graduates, this tour will quite literally walk you through the story of how Canal Street became the famous Gay Village we all know today. Learn about the heroes of Manchester’s gay community through monuments, memorials, street art and even historic pubs. As well as having the chance to meet new, likeminded people.

Tickets for this event are free but still need to be booked.

 

Image source - Paul Hermans

 

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Queer Contact returns to Manchester

 

When? – 11 – 19 February

Where? – Contact Theatre, Oxford Road

The Queer Contact festival began in Manchester over a decade ago and was built to showcase and meet the needs of the next generation of LGBTQ+ artists and audiences. 2022 sees the return of one of the main events of Manchester’s queer arts scene since the iconic venue has been transformed.

Hosting workshops and performances throughout February, the massive line-up includes Pecs: King of the North, as well as Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK favourite, Davina de Campo.

Tickets for this event are not yet on sale, but all info and prices can be found on the Contact Manchester website.

 

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Manchester’s Gay Valentine speed dating

 

When? – 9 Feb, 19:30 – 21:30

Where? – The Gin Nest, Impossible

Bored of dating apps? Impossible in the city centre are hosting a gay speed dating night for ages 24-40 where you can have up to 20 real-life dates to show off what your true self, without hiding behind a screen.

Tickets for this event are priced at £16.75 (inc. booking fee).

 

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Meet Your Future – Being LGBT proud at work

 

When? – 3 – 28 Feb February

Where? – This is a WeAreTheCity online event

Multiple events running throughout February are aiming to showcase employers who focus on diversity and inclusivity in a way to empower all staff.

Various speakers, including Manchester’s first openly gay Lord Mayor Carl Austin-Behan, will address the importance of having an equal and inclusive workplace for all employees.

This is a free online event, however, you’ll still need to book your slot for your chosen date.

 

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For more information about The Union led LGBTQ+ events, get in touch.