Restrictions on Blood Plasma Trial for Gay and Bisexual Men

The blood donation service is looking for donors for a clinical trial on blood plasma from recovered covid19 people. Be aware the existing restrictions are still in place so gay and bisexual men are banned from taking part unless they have not had sex with another man for at least three months. This is the existing rule that applies to blood donations from gay and bisexual men.

See the ITV report HERE

Blood service website HERE

  • You are working as a sex worker. You may be accepted for donation if it is longer than 3 months since you last received money or drugs for sex
  • You are a man who has had oral or anal sex with a man or men, with or without protection, in the last 3 months
  • You are a person who in the past 3 months has had sex with a man or men who have had oral or anal sex with a man or men, with or without protection

Marriage is now legal in Northern Ireland

We are delighted that the bigotry and hatred that prevented same sex couples being able to get married is now gone.

As of now (midnight on 21 October 2019) same sex couples can legally get married in Northern Ireland.

We can now finally say that same sex couples can get married in the UK.

The first marriages are expected to be able to take place in February 2020.

Same sex couples are still discriminated against regarding pension rights but this is a huge step forward for justice, equality and human rights.

Here’s a photo of Belfast City Hall in rainbow colours to celebrate.

We’ve Got Something For Everyone

Levenshulme Pride has a huge range of activities to suit everyone. Now in our third year we have 26 venues and locations having started with six just two years ago.

We will have entertainment of all sorts from drag acts and DJs to live music, spoken word, film screenings and theatre performance. We also provide education, health and fitness activities, mindfulness sessions, panel discussions and opportunities to reflect as well as celebrate.

Here’s a taste of some of the activities and performers in 2019:

  • Manchester Big Gay Big Band
  • Gypsy Darling
  • Gerry Potter
  • Jackie Hagan
  • Manchester Prairie Dogs Line Dancing
  • Stalls extended to Saturday and Sunday
  • March turning the A6 into the Gay6
  • Levante Samba Band
  • The Vegan Queens
  • Creative Workshop for teenagers with additional needs
  • Annabelle Lecter
  • Azure
  • The Circus House Acrobatic Workshop
  • Drag Workouts
  • Avril Taylor Cher and Tina Turner Tribute Act
  • Yoga
  • Night Market Disco and DJs
  • Shine Tea Party
  • Vigil
  • Community Choir
  • Sexual Health Clinic
  • Dog Show
  • Freddie Mercury Tribute Act
  • Bike P-Ride
  • Film screenings
  • Gay Men’s Writing Group
  • Zacc Rogers Blues Night
  • Cheese Club
  • Comedy Workshop for 6-11 Kids
  • Cakes and Food offers
  • 5km Rainbow Run
  • LGBT themed tattoos
  • RuPanda’s Drag Race (for kids of all ages)
  • Face Painting and Glitter Beards
  • Mindful Textiles and Art Workshops
  • Free gym passes

Levenshulme Pride Brochure and Programme

Our brochure for Levenshulme Pride 2019 is being finalised now and will be winging its way to the printer tomorrow. Keep an eye out for brochures appearing around Levenshulme, in the Gay Village and other locations in the city centre from the end of next week.

Our programme of activities will be available the week before Levenshulme Pride as a printed information sheet. This will also be available here on our website and social media so you can see everything that’s happening.

Afzal Khan MP Votes For Equal Marriage Rights In Northern Ireland

Thank you to Afzal Khan MP for voting in favour of equal marriage rights for same sex couples in Northern Ireland today.

Although this would only take effect if a new administration is not formed in Northern Ireland before 21st October and it would still require secondary legislation it is great to know our MP supports equal rights across all areas of the UK.

The amendment to extend equal marriage rights to Northern Ireland passed by 383 to 73.

Another amendment to extend abortion rights to Northern Ireland passed by 332 to 99.

Stonewall Riots 50 Years On

The Stonewall riots were 50 years ago today.

The fight for equal rights continues. We must never be complacent and must always be ready to defend the rights that have been won and continue to make the case for equal rights for all.

Stonewall UK (founded 30 years ago this year) have a review of the fight for LGBT+ equality HERE

Homophobic Stabbing Attack By Children

Two men were stabbed in a homophobic attack in Merseyside yesterday. The attackers were three children aged 12-15.

This is just one reason why we need education and information in schools about LGBT people and relationships.

Read the article HERE