It’s that time of year again, when Contact Manchester delivers a heady mix of queer arts, for us L, G, B and T’s.

Celebrating some of the best UK and international talent, the annual festival Queer Contact runs from 06 Feb to 03 May 2012, with a programme that, as always, doesn’t fail to delight.

First up, Comedy Playground on 06 Feb at 19:30. You may have got caught up with their antics in Sackville Gardens or in the Main Arena during Pride; Harry and Lou bring their unique flavour of comedy to Contact, along with Pride stalwarts Jonathan Mayor and Rosie Wilby.

Our next pick is Short Cuts on 08 Feb at 20:00. A double-bill of new work-in-progress, These Dreams are Forever by Chris Hoyle (Newspaper Boy) takes a look at homophobia and football, whilst we are taken on a magical musical journey through Queer Manchester history with Hope Theatre Company in Village Voices.

The now infamous Mother’s Ruin delivers a Theatrical Spectacular on 10 Feb, from 20:00, with so many great acts including Jonny Woo, Dickie Beau and Myra Dubois.

Whilst over at Contact, don’t forget to take a look at the exhibitions by Lee Baxter, who exhibited during Manchester Pride 2011, with two exhibitions Apostles; 12 large-scale portraits that bring together a maverick group of opinionated artists and thinkers and Hip Replacement; a retrospective of graphic work, accompanying the aforementioned exhibition. Both are free to visit and run from 03 Feb to 03 May.

Prices vary, you can find the full programme of events over at Contact Manchester, or to find out more about LGBT History Month head over to their website.

Image of Dickie Beau, Mother's Ruin Theatrical Spectacular.

Young LGBT writers in Manchester are coming together to explore the ‘coming of age’ of Jonathan Harvey’s infamous play ‘Beautiful Thing’.

Harvey’s play is showing at the Royal Exchange between now and the start of December, and as a part of this an exciting new writing project has been set up by the theatre with support from Manchester Pride, the Lesbian and Gay Foundation and some high profile writers.

'I Can Dream Can't I’ invites young LGBT writers to come to a safe space to hone in on their skills and learn more about dramatic writing. Both solo and in pairs the writers are constructing monologues (and duologues) based around the fact the play is now eighteen. Following the showings of ‘Beautiful Thing’ on December 1 and December 2, some of the young writers’ work will be read out by actors from the play. In addition to this, pieces written specifically for the performances by Antony Cotton, Stella Duffy, Jackie Kay and Tom Wells will also be read out. These writers are all supporting the ‘I Can Dream Can’t I?’

This is another great example of the arts in Manchester coming together to encourage young people to work on their craft. As a play written about two young, working class men struggling in the real-world with their sexuality, it is a great opportunity to encourage the LGBT community to gain experience in their passion: writing. Eighteen years on, reflecting on how time has changed will be a fantastic way of seeing how our community (in Manchester and beyond) has progressed.

For more information on the show (which is running until December 3), see the Royal Exchange website.

Earlier this week we heard the government was planning on cutting aid to countries and regions which support homophobia and the punishment of people who engage in same-sex relations.

The cuts - labelled as 'aid fines' - will affect countries such as Uganda and Ghana who persecute men and women for being gay and is already taking effect. For example, £19 milluon has already been cut from Malawi, who are known for their homophobic laws against gay men and women. Only recently was a case in Malawi where a gay couple were sentenced to fourteen years of labour for not applying to their anti-gay legislation.

Homophobia and laws that prohibit gay men and women's right to love breach human rights, and it is this neglect of rights that will cause the UK to cut aid to such countries.

International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell has indicated that our government is determined to fight all prejudice towards those from the LGBT community both at home and overseas, and these cuts (or threats of cuts) may help pressure other countries to reconsider their laws and and legislation.

This funding will now be reviewed four times per year, as oppose to annually, to ensure that aid can be cut instantly when human rights are not being upheld by country leaders.

After President John Evans Atta Mills of Ghana declared that he would help to elimate the "menace" that is homosexuality, Stephen O Brien (deputy to our International Development Secretary) warned him of the consequences. If Ghana did not stop persecuting those in same-sex relationships they would lose £36 million per year from Great Britain.

What do you think? Should the United Kingdom be able to cut funding for countries such as these, or should we support them for those dying of poverty who do not make the decisions to punish LGBT individuals? Vote now on our week-long Facebook poll!

As stated in a previous blog, there has been a lot in LGBT news of late surrounding passports.

Whilst same-sex parents will now be able to declare themselves 'parent one' and 'parent two', as oppose to 'mother' and 'father', trans individuals will also be able to select themselves as the gender they weren't born with. Many gender neutral individuals and campaigners for intersex folk rights, however, have said they are not being catered for amidst all of these changes. This has lead to different debates on what the standard classification options in a UK passport should be (we discussed this in length here).

In light of this, we took to our Facebook page to ask you: "In light of our blog (see below) on the UK passport 'gender' news in recent weeks, what do YOU believe is most fair classification system that should be put into place in the near future?"

The results - below - were as follows:

Of our seventy four voters, twenty five of you believed our passports should stay as 'M' and 'F' gender options, a smaller group of eleven declared that gender should not be asked for in a UK passport but the majority vote was that one should be able to identify themselves as 'M', 'F' or gender neutral (thirty six of you - which took up half the vote). This option seems to suit all parties involved, so there must be some strong opinions in the thirty six voters who did not vote for this option. What are your thoughts? Did you vote? Why did you vote for what you did? If you didn't vote - why not? - is this not an issue you feel strongly about?

Manchester Comedy Festival 2011

Just after the 2011 Manchester Food & Drink Festival comes to a close we have an equally fantastic treat for you: the Manchester Comedy Festival 2011!

Launching on Monday the 17 October, the festival will take place with an estimated two hundred shows throughout an outstanding thirty different venues including Opera House, the MEN Arena, Lass O’Gowrie, Soup Kitchen and Apotheca.

The festival has been helped by the likes of to John Bishop, Sarah Millican, Justin Moorhouse, Alun Cochrane, Phil Ellis and Steve Shanyaski, who have raised funds for both them and the Manchester Children’s Hospital. It is no doubt that all of these comedy events – taking place over two weeks – will go down a hit in Manchester as they have done year on year. So, whether you’re in need of cheering up or are already in the mood for a giggle, get down to some of these shows between October 17 and October 30 for this year’s Manchester Comedy Festival!

Comedians performing this year include Rob Brydon, Adam Buxton, Ivor Dembina, Fascinating Aïda, Frisky and Mannish,  Richard Herring, Jimeoin, Peter Kay, Paddy McGuinness, Stephen Merchant, Andy Parsons and Tommy Tiernan. For an extensive list of what to see, when you can see it and where, see the calendar of events listed on the Manchester Comedy Festival 2011’s website. Alternatively, for up-to-date news and goings on, follow MCF11 on Twitter: @mcf_2011

The festival has been helped by the likes of to John Bishop, Sarah Millican, Justin Moorhouse, Alun Cochrane, Phil Ellis and Steve Shanyaski, who have raised funds for both them and the Manchester Children’s Hospital. It is no doubt that all of these comedy events – taking place over two weeks – will go down a hit in Manchester as they have done year on year. So, whether you’re in need of cheering up or are already in the mood for a giggle, get down to some of these shows between October 17 and October 30 for this year’s Manchester Comedy Festival!

Manchester Food & Drink Festival

The time has come once again and it’s time for us to brighten up our Autumn with Manchester’s Food & Drink Festival!

The event takes place from October 7 – 17, with its main arena residing in the Albert Square ‘Festival Hub’ (open for the full duration of the festival). The hub is open from late morning (11am) all the way through the day and into the night, for all you midnight snackers (12am).

Over fourteen years the MFDF has established itself as a nationally renowned event. Having come to life in 1998 from its parents Phil Jones and Chris Tomlinson, the event set itself a goal of proving there was more to the Mancunian dining experience than the typical stereotypes.

The festival takes place throughout the city centre and beyond, is comprised of a huge number of events and brings together modern and classic elements with an authentic fluidity. Big names such as Gordon Ramsay and Jamie Oliver have been attracted to the event in previous years.

This year’s programme boasts a wealth of diversity as much as ever. A German-styled tribute to Munich’s Oktoberfest opens on the 7th, and remains a part of the festival until the following Wednesday (October 12). For those more into their ale, the MFDF’s Real Ale festival runs over the same dates – both of these within the Festival Hub. And for those who prefer something a little more elegant for their tipple, Harvey Nichols bring their second floor bar to the Albert Square hub, throughout the festival, selling their wines by the glass or bottle to anyone for whom it strikes the fancy of.

Plenty is going on outside of the hub, too, from the Big Indie Wine Fest (Friday 7 and Saturday 8 October, the People’s History Museum), a Make Your Own Sausages Night (Thursday 13 October at 8pm, The Parlour), Around the World with The Printworks (Friday 14 October at 12-2pm and Saturday 15 October, 12-6pm, The Printworks) and the Manchester Whiskey Festival (Saturday 15 October at 11am, Monday 17 October at 7pm, The Lowry Hotel).

So get yourself down to MFDF this October – support Manchester and all the culinary delights it has to offer – we know we’ll be there, Loud & Proud!

For more information please visit http://foodanddrinkfestival.com/news/2011/sep/26/festivalbrochure/ and http://foodanddrinkfestival.com/events/

Last night saw the Lesbian & Gay Foundation acknowledge, and express gratitude to, individuals who have contributed greatly to the growth and progression of Manchester's LGB&T community. The award ceremony itself took place at The Mint Hotel, and featured some very deserving winners, including Manchester Pride's own Festival Director Jackie Crozier. A huge thanks must go not just to these fantastic winners (and runners up) but also to The LGF for supporting them and giving praise where praise is due.

And without further ado... Your heroes (taken from the LGF website) are:

Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual Role Model of the Year

Sir Ian McKellen (a founder of Stonewall, Albert Kennedy Trust and The Lesbian & Gay Foundation, rights campaigner)

Runners up: Marcus Morgan and Sam Whalley

Community Group or Organisation of the Year

Albert Kennedy Trust

AKT support several hundred young people every year who have experienced domestic violence or have been ejected from home for coming out as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Trans to their parents or care giver.

Runners up: Bi Community News and OutdoorLads

Volunteer of the Year

Daniel Burford

Also nominated in Community Champion of the year - Daniel from Outdoorlads is responsible for keeping the website and systems running smoothly.

Runners up: Jim Vann and Natalya Dell

Public Sector Partner of the Year

Greater Manchester Police

GMP is the police force responsible for law enforcement across Greater Manchester. Staff weekly LGBT Police drop in sessions in the city’s Gay Village.

Runners up: NHS Manchester and NHS North West

LGB&T venue of the Year Award

Taurus

Situated in the heart of the gay village on Canal Street, Manchester. Taurus is enjoyed by all ages, genders and orientations.

Runners up: The Molly House and The Eagle

Business of the Year

The Co-operative – Respect Network

The Co-operative is a unique family of businesses owned by its members. The Respect Network works alongside the Co-ops dedicated diversity team, offering support to LGBT staff and advising the business on LGBT matters.

Runners up: Serenity Security Solutions and Barclays Bank Spectrum Network

Community Champion of the Year

Jackie Crozier – Manchester Pride

Jackie has contributed to the LGBT community for many years, she is a dynamic leader and helped Manchester Pride become the international success it is today.

Daniel Burford - OutdoorLads and Jen Yockney - Biphoria

Outstanding Achievement Award

Cllr. Mary Murphy

Mary is Lead Member for Lesbian issues at Manchester City Council, and has been at the forefront of pushing forward lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans issues in Manchester and beyond. She is a great advocate of LGB&T people having their say and getting involved in public life.

For more information on the LGF please visit their website.

After a week that has focused firmly on same-sex marriages in LGBT news, Manchester Pride are delighted to announce this morning a positive end to something that had a negative beginning almost twenty years ago. At last, it seems discrimination against gay men and women in the Army will begin to cease.

Bill Clinton’s 1993 Don’t Ask Don’t Tell law – which allowed for gay men and women to be US military troops provided that they kept their sexuality a secret – has been lifted today.

After almost twenty years of discrimination and troops being fired for loving out loud, equality for troops no matter what their sexual preference can begin.

This not only means that those applying to join the US military as openly gay will have their applications considered, but also that those who had to leave the service under the previous law may come back to rejoin the Army.

Commenting on the decision, the Army agreed that LGBT people deserve “dignity and respect” – and so they should.

Whilst there are other countries that still must follow suit, as one of the biggest and most featured in the media and followed by example (whether for the right or wrong reasons), this step being taken by the US may have been a long-time coming, but at least it is here!

My First Pride

Wow where do I start

Yes Manchester Pride was my first Pride Festival

Saturday was the beginning for me

I stood in position on Whitworth Street and waited

My camera on my mobile at the ready

Then the Pride Parade came along

With an array of colour and a trip through the past

It was a joy to watch and a wonderful experience

We then walked down Chorlton Street to meet up with more friends

After tea we checked out the Village Markets and what a treat it was

Giving us gals an opportunity to indulge ourselves

Then more drinking and dancing followed

We checked out the Main Stage, Girlzone and Sackville Gardens

Watched and listened whilst the bands played, you were all great

I even lost my friends in the crowds, but they did find me

With so many people in one place we needed to join a few queues

We walked down Canal Street and made new friends

Then it was time for bed and back the next day to do it all again

I met my friends in the Village Square on Sunday afternoon, very much hung over

Just soft drinks today, yes I am a lightweight

We walked around and met some other friends, the crowds not so bad on Sunday

Then headed for the Main Stage to watch the performers

I stood there and listened, with a fine crowd and enjoyed the show

Now upon reflection I can write and share with you all how I feel

I found my experience a little overwhelming and emotional afterwards

Not very big on crowds but I think I coped quite well

I felt safe most of the time which I probably wouldn’t feel at a football match

Yes I was a bit scared at times especially when I got separated from my friends

It’s been quite a journey for me this last year, finding my way and my place

I think of you all now as my extended family and I don’t need to feel alone

The togetherness that the Pride brings is great, we form a unity

Our goals are the same to celebrate who we are

Manchester Pride ensured that the Gay Village was secure

Providing a warm, safe and welcoming environment for us all

This comradeship is something very special and I am proud to be a part of it

Well done Manchester Pride for an excellent job

This was my first Pride but not my last

All the best to Jackie Crozier and your team and supporters

One very big thank you to everyone involved

For a unique and worthwhile experience

With the 2011 festival now behind us, it is still just a time as any to be 'Loud and Proud' in everything you do. Manchester Pride's 21st birthday saw fantastic support for the LGBT community, whether from those who came to watch us march in the parade or artists on stage telling us to love who we all really are.

Having the courage to stand up for what you believe in is no easy feat. We have to be grateful for those, in the past, who have begun to pave the way for equality. Speaking out, letting the world know what is right and what should be acknowledged, is absolutely integral to ensure our community grows, develops and becomes more supported in the mission of equality.

This is not just for those of us in the United Kingdom, but also beyond. This week Manchester Pride spoke to Argentinian teacher Nicolás Ramallo, who tells us about how he stood up for what he believed in, created an online video to demonstrate it, and the fantastic coverage and feedback he has had since.

"My name is Nicolás, I am a 28 year old Spanish teacher from Argentina and study Linguistics in Vienna.

In last year’s term I visited an optional lecture about Judaism and the professor, a catholic theologian, explained that you can never establish any kind of connection between religion and violence. I became indignant and raised my voice. I immediately argued that there are many violent passages in the Bible and I spoke about the way this book treats homosexuals. There are several passages in that book that incite against homosexuals. Nevertheless it is sold to the people as the word of God. The professor and I continued discussing the topic on e-mail, which I forwarded to my classmates and friends.

Finally, I think I sensitized the lector very much about the consequences those homophobic passages have had for hundreds of millions of people for thousands of years.

He finally offered me to talk about the topic for a few minutes in the lecture. I wrote a text and read it in the class. The result was amazing! After that I sent this text to many theologians in German speaking countries and found myself in some interesting discussions with them.

Finally, a good friend of mine, a student of communication sciences, suggested spreading my message even more. That’s how this video came to life. It is already translated into 59 languages, and will soon be available in even more languages. My goal is to help many people around the world. We have to fight to increase urgently public awareness of this problem everywhere!

Têtu, the most famous gay magazine in France, published an article about me and my video a short time ago. This helped a lot!

Yesterday I wrote to an Indian guy in order to ask him if he can translate the subtitles into

Malayalam and he answered: I watched your video and it really changed my perception towards homosexuals. Please send me the English texts. Little things like that make me feel very successful!"

(Above: Nico's 'Homophobia Is Gay' video - to see the subtitles, open in YouTube and click on 'cc' below right):

• To see Nicolás' coverage in Têtu (or read it, if you speak French) please see here: http://www.tetu.com/actualites/international/il-lutte-contre-lhomophobie-en-publiant-sa-video-19807