February marks LGBTQ+ History month, an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer history that is being celebrated in Salford.
The celebrations of LGBTQ+ history will coincide alongside the 20th anniversary of the celebrations being run by the UK charity, Schools Out UK.
Despite many changes being made and extreme improvements in the treatment of LGBTQ+ people since the first stonewall riots in America – considered the first movement to the transformation of the LGBT fights for rights – an awareness is still needed for the issues faced within the community today.
Since 2011, Salford Pride has been a cornerstone of the Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ community, dedicated to creating safe and inclusive spaces where people can come together, celebrate, and feel valued.
The flagship event, The Pink Picnic, has grown from a small local gathering into Greater Manchester’s largest grassroots Pride, welcoming thousands each year.
A spokesperson from Salford Pride said: “This February, we’ve been marking LGBTQ+ History Month by shining a spotlight on iconic LGBTQ+ figures connected to Manchester over on our Instagram.”
“At the same time, we’re spreading the word about the return of our much-loved grassroots Pride event, Pink Picnic, taking place on Saturday 21 June at Peel Park, Salford.
The spokesperson continued: “Pink Picnic is a lively, family-friendly festival packed with live performances, drag acts, DJs, and community stalls.
“Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming stars like Nadine Coyle and Heather Small, and 2025 promises to be just as exciting! Expect fresh attractions and plenty of activities celebrating LGBTQ+ culture.
“Beyond our events, we work to educate, raise awareness, and advocate for equality, ensuring LGBTQ+ young people in Salford are seen, supported, and empowered.”
Salford Pride continued: “As a volunteer-led organisation, we are committed to fostering inclusivity and representation, helping young LGBTQ+ individuals build confidence, find community, and take pride in who they are.
“Through our efforts, we continue to strengthen connections and make Salford a more welcoming place for everyone.”
The event will aim to bring everyone in the community together, and build a stronger connection to the history of LGBTQ+.
And this was encouraged by LGBTQ+ author, Sarah Hagger-Holt, she said: “There are LGBTQ+ students in every school, as well as LGBTQ+ teachers and family members. It’s crucial that they all feel part of the school community.
“Teaching which includes LGBTQ+ history is one way to ensure everyone feels included, but it’s also part of our shared story.
Sarah continued: “Everyone can benefit from understanding the contributions LGBTQ+ people have made to arts, science, politics and so on, especially at a time when hard-won rights are under threat.
“Some schools are doing brilliant work, with displays, events and conversations. Inviting in an LGBTQ+ author is an excellent starting point too.
“It’s all about leadership, school governors and leadership teams need to support these initiatives. I would also encourage parents to talk their schools and tell them that they support inclusive education.”
And as an LGBTQ+ author, Sarah continued to emphasise the importance of LGBTQ+ in literature and the media and explained why it is so important today.
“We are living at a great time for writing for children and young adults, there are so many rich and diverse and exciting stories that everyone can enjoy.
“The arts help us empathise with and understand each other better, reading about other lives to our own can help us be a kinder and more understanding society,” she continued.
Another community led charity committed to helping the LGBTQ+ community is Out In The City, the Salford based organisation was founded by Age UK Manchester to support LGBTQ+ community members over the age of 50, who are particularly vulnerable and socially isolated.
Out in the City is free and open to anyone part of the LGBTQ+ community, over the age of 50, and has fortnightly meetups throughout Manchester for support.
As well as this, there also support offered to the younger generation Salford, with Salford Youth Service hosting four youth sessions for those aged between 13-17 years.
The groups run 4 times a week, Monday to Thursday as follows:
Monday @ Bridgewater youth centre, Little Hulton – 5 30pm – 8pm
Tuesday @ the Castle community centre, Eccles – 5 30pm – 8pm
Wednesday @ The Deans youth centre, Swinton – 5 30pm – 8pm
Thursday @ The Beacon youth centre, Charlestown – 5 30pm – 8pm
The groups give an opportunity for young people to socialise, make friends and take part in lots of events like Pride, IDAHOT, LGBT history month; in addition to being able to go on trips and visits, alongside Salford’s trans youth group.
Another community group in Salford is T and Toast – a safe space for trans and non-binary young people, providing a welcoming and safe place monthly to engage with other trans and non-binary people.
From discussions on trans-specific issues, to playing games, and taking part in activities, T and Toast has become a voice for young trans people in Salford.
There are also many support groups and charities being held throughout Salford regularly, and not just in February.
For example, the Rainbow Social Club, is held at Lady James Hall on Tuesdays between 3-5pm.
The Salford LGBTQ+ Youth Group offers weekly youth groups in Little Hulton (Mondays), Swinton (Wednesdays), Eccles (Tuesdays) and Pendleton (Thursdays) – with more information found here.
And another event that has been celebrating LGBTQ+ history month is the Partisan Collective in Islington Mills is another initiative which endorses inclusive spaces for club events, social events and regular meet ups.
Whilst they have said there is yet to be permanent space of their own, most events are currently being held in the Salford Working Class Movement Library.
The first Tuesday of every month, between 2-3:30pm via Zoom, the LGBTQ+ Online Dementia Support Group offers a safe and friendly space for anyone, to support one another, speak or listen in an LGBTQ+ safe space, or remain anonymous if preferred. For further information on this and meeting details, contact Kathryn Mellor.
Despite February being LGBTQ+ History month, Salford stands proud in their support for members of the LGBTQ+ community and are constantly trying to improve their events and service.
These services and support networks are available all year around, along with many more. To find out more, visit the link here.
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