Alternative Manchester Pride 2020
The theme for this years Alternative Manchester Pride is 'March for Peace' as they aim to highlight the diversity of LGBTQ+ communities across Greater Manchester.

Manchester are bringing pride to you virtually this year through video production and you are all invited! Join from the comfort of your own home. 

As announced in February this year, the theme is March for Peace and given the current climate and movements that have that taken place globally this year, we believe its more important than ever to highlight the diversity of LGBTQ+ communities and their own unique reasons for joining the Parade to march each year. We are calling on all LGBTQ+ communities to come together, respect the labels, embrace differences, and to recognise that everyone deserves the right to be who they are and live their lives in peace

• While LGBTQ+ people have achieved so much since then, homophobic and transphobic hate crimes have more than doubled over the last five years, with many people still facing discrimination because of their identity.
  
  
• More than half of all black, Asian and minority ethnic LGBTQ+ people have reported experiencing discrimination or poor treatment within their local LGBTQ+ network because of their ethnicity and almost half of trans people have attempted suicide at least once and 84% have thought about it.
  
  
• A quarter of homeless people identify as LGBTQ+, with 77% of these citing coming out to their parents as the reason for them being made homeless.
  
  
• This is why they have chosen to March for Peace, with its message loud and clear: no one is free until we are all free, and no one gets left behind. We are committed to ensuring that Manchester Pride’s Parade entry is diverse, inclusive and representative of the whole LGBTQ+ community
  
  
• The festival will feature individuals from LGBTQ+ organisations that are partners with or have been supported by Manchester Pride, some well known faces and twenty members of the community at large.
  
  
  

Join hosts Dean & Cheddar this Saturday on UnitedWeStream.com

At the Co-op Bank, their LGBTQ+ network 'Proud Together' celebrates inclusion and diversity for all, ensuring everyone can be themselves. Listen to their podcast where four colleagues: two LGBTQ+ and two allies talk about their life changing emotion of taking part in Manchester Parade. 

To find out more visit: manchesterpride.com

Some resources:
Coming out guide 
Coming out as an adult
Coming out as a young person
A resource guide for coming out 
Coming out stories
Dealing with discrimination 
Islam & sexuality 
Support groups
Video stories 
10 ways to safely affirm your LGBT Identity during lockdown 

Who to Contact?

• LGBT Foundation -  Advice and Support 0345 3 30 30 30
  
  
  
  
  
• Switchboard - LGBT+ Helpline: 0300 330 0630 (10am-10pm every day / online chat) 
  
  
• Youth Access - Advice & Counselling 
  
  
• Mindline Trans+ 0300 330 5468 Free, confidential listening service for people identifying as trans or non-binary, and their friends and families.
  
  
• Young Minds Crisis Messenger provides free 24/7 crisis support. Text YM to 85258
  
  
• Samaritans - Call free on 116 123 (24 hours a day)
  
  
• Childline - If you are under 19 you can confidentially call, email or talk online about any problem you may be having 
  Helpline: 0800 1111 
  
  
• The Mix - If you are under 25 you can contact them free via phone, online chat or email
  Helpline: 0808 808 4994 (1pm-11pm daily)
  
  
• 42nd Street - 0161 228 732. They provide online support and they also do referrals. On their website, it states “if you are struggling with your mental health and would like to speak with a mental health practitioner call us Monday – Friday 9.30-5 and ask to speak to a duty practitioner on 0161 228 7321. 
  
  
• CALM - (Campaign Against Living Miserably) 0800  58 58 58 (5pm-midnight 365 days a year) or online webchat 
  
  
• Shout - Text SHOUT to 85258 (24 hour text service) 
  
  
• SANE emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including families, friends and carers. 
  0300 304 7000 (Helpline open 4.30pm-10.30pm).
  
  
• Depression UK 

In crisis? Call 999 if you are in serious distress or in danger of harming yourself or others. Alternatively:

• Go to A&E at your local hospital. The nearest to Futureworks is Manchester Royal Infirmary (0161 276 4147)
• Contact your GP / 111
• Call Samaritans 116 123 (free to call, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year) 
• See below for other contact details that maybe beneficial for you, family or friends. 

24/7 mental health helpline for Greater Manchester: 01204 4830

New 24/7 mental health for carers and service users who are currently engaged with the GMMH service - Greater Manchester: 01204 483 071

New 24/7 mental health crisis line for people of all ages in Halton, Knowsley, St Helens & Warrington: 01925 275 309

New 24/7 crisis line for people of all ages in Wigan: 01942 636 395