Manchester’s Queer Histories

2025 is set to be a landmark year for Manchester’s Queer heritage. This year sees the launch of four dynamic heritage projects that look back over the city’s vibrant history in activism, art, HIV and community service provision.

Manchester Histories and Queer Up North in association with Contact invite you to an evening of reflection, dialogue, and discovery. We’re thrilled to announce that acclaimed writer and curator Greg Thorpe will host an engaging conversation with four ground breaking organisations.

Be amongst the first to know about the plans and to share your thoughts. Come and hear from:

• George House Trust Acting Up! 40 Years of HIV Activism – Joanne Rosenthal, freelance curator, and researcher.
• IAP:MCR PROTEST! Documenting Dissent – Jez Dolan, Artistic Director, IAP: MCR.
• LGBT Foundation celebrating 50 years – Stevie Watson, Chief Executive’s Business Manager, LGBT Foundation.

• Queer Up North 1992-2002: Celebrating Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Heritage – Gavin Barlow, Co-Founder/Co-Director Queer Up North 1992-2002.

Together, they will explore their rich archival work, share details about forthcoming events, reflect on where Manchester’s radical queer roots have taken us, and where they might guide us next.

We would love to hear your stories, questions, and contributions, so please come along with your curiosity and memories.

#ManchesterHistories #QueerUpNorthMCR #NationalLottery #HeritageFund

Manchester Histories and Queer Up North – Queer Up North 1992-2002: Celebrating Manchester’s LGBTQ+ Heritage is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Granada Foundation. George House Trust Acting Up! 40 Years of HIV Activism and IAP:MCR PROTEST: Documenting Dissent are Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Trust. We extend our heartfelt thanks to National Lottery players. Without their support, these projects would not be possible.

Tickets are free but limited and must be booked in advance HERE