I know that there is so much going in the World right now, but I couldn’t let this weekend pass without acknowledging LGBT Pride, Manchester Pride and it’s importance in my life.⁣ On a typical year, the streets of Manchester would be filled this weekend (always the last weekend in August) as the whole city turns out to celebrate Manchester Pride.

You might not know my story, but I grew up in a northern town in England where acceptance of the LGBTI community was in pretty short supply, and it was through events like Pride, and becoming a member of the LGBTI community that I was able to find acceptance, confidence, and pride in who I am. It was through Pride that I learned that I was enough, and that who I was, fundamentally, was not ‘wrong’. Now ain’t that something everyone should know!⁣

This year, Manchester Pride isn’t taking place in it’s usual form, so instead I’m celebrating up on our Resources blog, sharing seven of my very favourite LGBT organisations. Dive on in, bookmark these resources, and share them if you’re so inclined.

1 - Stone Wall - Acceptance without Exception

Stone Wall works to ensure that laws and rights essential for LGBT equality are created, maintained, protected and defended, so that LGBT people have equal rights here and abroad. In their own words : “We will continue to campaign and lobby governments to change laws that do not ensure equality for LGBT people, or laws that do not go far enough. We will ensure that laws already in place to protect LGBT people are not rescinded. We will work with governments and others to improve equality for trans people, collaborate on tackling hate crime and discrimination, and work with national bodies to ensure LGBT-inclusive policy across sectors (for example, sport).”

2 - Strong Family Alliance

“Strong Family Alliance is an organisation with a simple mission – to save lives and preserve families by helping children come out and parents become informed supporters and allies. We give parents and LGBTQ people accurate information, insights on this challenging transition for both parents and children, ways to keep LGBTQ children safe and healthy, and encouragement for parents to lead with love and solve problems over time. We provide a non-political, research-based source of information and guidance to help build understanding and strong relationships.”

3 - LGBT Foundation

“At LGBT Foundation we have a rich and passionate history of grassroots activism and community involvement, with a track record dating back to 1975. As the needs of LGBT people have changed so have we, responding to an evolving landscape as well as to changes to health and support needs. LGBT Foundation (and it’s predecessor The Lesbian & Gay Foundation) formed out of the merger of two community groups, both initially serving LGBT people in Manchester. Manchester Lesbian & Gay Switchboard Services (MLGSS) began life 45 years ago, on 2 January 1975. Following the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967, six gay men came together in a back bedroom to provide an information and support service for the growing number of men starting to come out. To this day, the Helpline remains a vital part of the Foundation’s work, delivered by both staff and trained volunteers.

In 1994, our current Chief Executive Paul Martin OBE became one of the founder members of Healthy Gay Manchester, having arrived in Manchester in 1989. The charity was formed in response to the HIV epidemic and was dedicated to improving sexual health amongst gay and bi men. In April 2000 the two charities merged, becoming the the UK’s largest health and community charity for LGBT people, yet retained its community activism origins. In 2015 we became fully trans inclusive and changed our name to LGBT Foundation.”

4 - Mind Out - LGBTQ Mental Health Service

“MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people.

We work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ communities and to make mental health a community concern.

We welcome all LGBTQ people and those who may not identify as LGBTQ including men who have sex with men, women who have sex with women, intersex people, people who previously identified as trans and people who are questioning their sexual and/or gender identities. If in doubt, please do contact us.”

5 - Pride Foundation

“Pride Foundation is building a better, safer, and more equitable world for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people and our families in the Northwest. Our work is motivated by the fundamental belief that every person should be able to live safely, openly, and genuinely in the places we call home.”

6 - OutLife

“OutLife Provides a safe and non-judgemental space for LGBTQ+ people to talk to one another about their issues and life experience. OutLife's forums are designed to compliment existing services and should not replace your relationship with your GP or counsellor. 

If you are thinking about ending your life or acting on thoughts of suicide please call 999 (or 112 if you live outside of the UK) immediately and ask for an ambulance. There will be no judgement, only people who want to help you. 

If you don't need immediate attention head straight to any A&E department at your local hospital and tell them that you feel like you are close to harming yourself and need some assistance. Again, they will not judge you. You will get the support you are looking for. 

We want everyone to feel safe and supported in our online community, so please read the guidelines below and refer to them if you're unsure about something. Remember: everyone deserves respect and compassion.”

7 - Manchester Pride

Manchester Pride is one of the UK's leading LGBTQ+ charities. We campaign for LGBTQ+ equality, celebrate LGBTQ+ life and create opportunities that engage LGBTQ+ people in Greater Manchester so that they can thrive. Every penny we raise is ploughed back into the community and we are dedicated to promoting and raising awareness for LGBTQ+ issues in the fight for equality. While Manchester Pride Festival is our flagship event, our team works all year round to deliver programmes that engage communities and improve life for LGBTQ+ people in Greater Manchester.

Have a great weekend, and Happy Pride!

Joseph

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