Celebrating 10 Years of LGBT History Month

LGBT History Month and is an opportunity for us all to learn more about the histories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the United Kingdom. Even today LGBT people are subject to victimisation and ostracism. LGBT History Month comes from School’s Out!, a campaigning organization of LGBT people involved in education. This year marks the 10 year anniversary since its original celebration in the United States in 1994. Throughout the month of February, there are several citywide events being held. Be part of something special and join in!

Feb 05–15
Queer Contact

Celebrating their sixth birthday, Queer Contact are having their biggest festival ever! As a part of LGBT History Month, Contact brings you ten days of shows, workshops, debates, club nights and events! 2015 marks Queer Contact’s sixth birthday and its biggest ever festival – with ten days of shows, workshops, debates, club nights and events. Don’t miss British soul sensation David McAlmont, the UK premiere of Love is Crazy from New York’s Justin Vivian Bond, and an alternative cabaret from Mother’s Ruin.

Feb 06
DIVA – Let’s Talk About Sex Baby

Hosted by editor, Jane Czyzselska, DIVA Magazine presents a lively and arousing discussion about desire. Guest speakers include Campbell X, Sarah Graham (addiction expert), Dr. Rachel Morris (Cosmopolitan Magazine), Dr. Monica Pearl (University of Manchester), KathMcGuirk (The Lesbian and Gay Foundation). This event begins at 6pm.

Feb 07
House of Suarez Vogue Ball

After a huge success in 2014, The House of Suarez Vogue Ball returns. Go back in time to 1970s/80s New York City and experience the glitz and glamour of an exciting evening of club and art culture as Vogue Houses come together to compete in a catwalk spectacular. A night not to be missed!

Feb 11
Kate O’Donnell – Big Girl’s Blouse

The path of becoming a woman isn’t easy. Kate O’Donnell tells her story through a combination of song and dance in Big Girl’s Blouse. A theatrical display of Kate’s journey using humour, music and costume to tell her story.

Feb 07
Queer Media Festival

From 11am – 6pm on February 7^th celebrate LGBT storytelling at the Queer Media Festival. An exciting day of short films, performances and in-conversation events showcasing LGBT storytelling worldwide. Guests include 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.

Feb 14
Queer Youth Debate

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. Hosted by
Sarah Emmott (Secret Diaries, Art With Heart), the event runs from 4pm – 6pm.

Feb 15
Seeing Queerly – Shortbus

A special screening of John Cameron Mitchell’s cult classic film, a story about a group of New Yorkers who are caught up in their romantic-sexual milieu converge at an underground salon infamous for its blend of art, music, politics, and carnality. Stay afterwards for a post-show Q & A with star Justin Vivian Bond and Dr. Andrew Moor.

Feb 14–15
Love Art

Party on with Cha Cha Boudoir! Don’t miss out on an incredible night of great tunes, performances and more to celebrate the end of Queer Contact. Expect glitter and class to the sounds of electro, pop, r’n’b and disco!

For more information on the above events visit www.contactmcr.com.

This year we also celebrate the 25^th year anniversary of Manchester Pride!

Follow @ManchesterPride to stay in the know about all upcoming LGBT events.