The LGBT Foundation, Manchester Pride and George House Trust met with council representatives at the Town Hall yesterday, Thursday 12 August.
It was a very productive and positive meeting to discuss Pride and the funding of other LGBT charities.
The meeting agreed that:
1. The three charities each have a vital role to play in serving the LGBT communities of Greater Manchester.
2. The City Council will convene a meeting between Manchester Pride, LGBT Foundation, George House Trust and the Village Licensed Business Association after the festival, to explore how Manchester Pride can continue to support the work of the other two charities on an ongoing basis
3. The City Council will actively work with LGBT Foundation and Manchester Pride to ensure the continued survival of the safer sex pack scheme
4. Manchester Pride has agreed to conduct a transparent review during autumn taking views from a wide-reaching range of stakeholders and the community about the future direction of the Festival. The result will be published along with an action plan.
Councillor Pat Karney who chaired the meeting said:
“It was a very positive and productive meeting with all parties agreeing to work together on future plans. The City Council is very proud of our LGBT community leaders that contribute massively to the success of Manchester.”
LGBT Foundation Chief Executive Paul Martin and George House Trust Chief Executive Darren Knight, said:
“LGBT Foundation and George House Trust are pleased that Manchester Pride agreed to meet with us yesterday and thank the council for convening this constructive meeting. Although our current funding partnerships are ending, we’re grateful Manchester Pride has pledged to help fund our vital community services in the future.
“The announcement of a review is welcome, but we believe that Pride must go further. There is a clear message coming from our community that real change is needed so this must be a truly radical review into Manchester Pride’s format and purpose. Ultimately it is the views of Greater Manchester’s LGBTQ+ community that count, and this is what they are calling for.
“We also want to say thank you to the Village Licensed Businesses Association and everyone who has donated to their GoFundMe campaign. We are blown away by your support.”
Paul Wheeler, Chair of trustees of the board for Manchester Pride said:
“We felt it was a positive and constructive meeting. We are keen to find ways to continue supporting the vital work of the LGBT Foundation and George House Trust. We are equally committed to ensuring everyone has a say in shaping Manchester Pride”
