A warm welcome to the May edition of our Newsletter!
Read on for news from the Sector, our Members and the Consortium Team.
Sector News
Consortium’s Volunteers Awards 2023
Join us in celebrating volunteer efforts across organisations and the sector this year for our first ever Volunteers Awards!
We recognise that the LGBT+ sector relies very heavily on volunteering and we wanted to create a space to uplift people who are actively working on the ground and behind the scenes. We are focusing specifically on volunteer teams, but if your team consists of one person – please do still nominate them.
We’ll be asking members to send in either a 2 minute short video or up to 400 words to nominate their chosen volunteer team across three categories: fundraising, community engagement (front facing teams on the ground) and operations (for those working behind the scenes).
To submit a nomination and for more details, click here
Deadline: 21st May 2023
Hidden Histories: Investigating Queer History Panel
We were joined by panellists Vaneet Mehta (he/him), Zainabb Hull (they/them), Cole Banton (he/him) and Thelma Ndaula (she/her).
Chaired by Consortium's Racial Justice Officer Nikita Chadha (she/they), the discussion investigated narratives that are usually not seen or heard during queer history or awareness months.
The panel was closed to allow conversations to be had without interruption, and we invited people to contribute any questions or talking points, in advance of the recording.
We were extremely disappointed to read the recent advice from the EHRC, which would seek to remove vital human rights protections from trans people. This advice does not change the current law as it stands. Our communities remain united in opposing any attempts to strip legal protections from trans people.
We have contacted the EHRC with our concerns and encourage our members to do the same, so that the strength of the reaction from our sector and communities is fully understood.
You are warmly invited to a quarterly meetup for staff and volunteers in groups, organisations and projects that exist to support LGBTQIA+ refugees, people seeking asylum and migrants.
This meetup provides a space where attendees can make new connections and build solidarity.
Our next Comms Network session will take place on Monday 15th May from 2pm-3pm.
This session will focus on skill-sharing and we'd like members of the network to think about what skills you can share, skill-sharing sessions you'd like to see in the future and what skills you would be able to lead sessions on in advance of the next meeting.
If you would like to attend this session and have not received an invite, please email our Communications Officer: leo@consortium.lgbt
Member News
Here is a summary of news from our Members over the last month. You can keep up-to-date with all the latest news by clicking on the button below.
LGBT+ Safe Space launches for Eurovision
Pride House Liverpool, a community safe space featuring cafe, bar, exhibitions, and community stalls delivered by LCR Pride Foundation, has been officially opened by Martin Green, Managing Director of Eurovision, and BBC Commentator Rylan Clark.
Located in the RIBA North, National Architecture Centre at Mann Island, just a stone’s throw away from the EuroVillage at Pier Head, offers a calmer space where all are welcome.
Open 9am to 5pm every day from today (Tuesday 2nd May) until the Eurovision final on Saturday 13th May, the space features pop-up stalls from local traders, support services and agencies working to keep visitors and locals alike safe during the contest.
National Transgender Monument - Design Submission Extended!
Submissions for the National Transgender Monument will be welcome till Tuesday May 30th, 2023.
Remember, submissions can be conceptual ideas, they do not need to be fully formed.
Also, the selected artist(s) will not be obligated to deliver the project – only design it!
Fees
£1,000 for the selected design.
Additional artist(s) fee dependent on the required design development and involvement in manufacturing of monument.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a fee for submissions.
PinkNews Futures is the largest and most influential LGBTQ+ Careers Event in the North West of England. The first event in the PinkNews Futures series will be held in Manchester on the 20th May and is open to young professionals, students, and those who are looking to take the next step in their career who are part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally.
Saturday 20th May
10am - 6pm
11 Portland Street
Manchester, M1 3HU
Attendees can expect to gain practicable skills and constructive advice on how to build themselves up and engage with inclusive employers from around the UK.
PinkNews Futures exists to empower LGBTQ+ young people with the confidence and knowledge to pursue the career of their dreams, safe in the knowledge that their sexuality or gender will not hinder their ambitions.
We love to hear from our Members about the great work they are doing and we can help get the word out by sharing it via our Newsletter and social media.
If you are a Member and you have a press release or announcement you'd like to share with us, then please get in touch by clicking on the button below.
