Newsletter July 2017 Sage For LGBT people aged 50 + in

Sage is a Time To Shine project focused on reducing the social isolation faced by older LGBT people. Sage offers activities, events, opportunities for volunteering and training.

Contact Jude Woods to find out more: Mobile: 07736151 895 Landline: 0113 244 4209 Email: [email protected] Mail: 22/23 Blayds Yard, Leeds, LS1 4AD Facebook: Search for Jude Mesmac www.mesmac.co.uk www.ageuk.org.uk/leeds/ www.timetoshineleeds.org/

(LGBT: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans)

2 Sage Space Lamberts Yard 6 August 11—7pm Out in Leeds together with Sage will be offering a quiet space for older LGBT people and friends at Pride this year. The indoor space on Lower will be open all day on Sunday offering refreshments and activities, everyone will be welcomed to our accessible mellow space. A lift can be accessed by going through Mr Nobody’s restaurant and into the courtyard.

Need some help? Sage Pride Buddies will be offering practical help to older LGBT people (50+) to get to and from our Sage space. Get in touch to discuss how we can help you access : [email protected] 07736 151895 or 0113 244 4209.

The parade: Join other older LGBT people on the parade, you can opt to walk or ride, we will make it accessible, contact Sarah before July 22nd to arrange practical help to take part:

[email protected] 0113 389 3007 and 07983216339

Pride Buddies: Get in touch if you can volunteer a few hours on 6th

August and get to our induction and training on July 22 10.30—4.30

Supported by a Leeds Pride Community Grant in partnership with Manchester Airport http://www.leedspride.com 3 4 Journey Towards Pride

To mark the anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of male homosexuality Sage and West Stories present screenings of some classic films which help us to understand more about what life was like for LGBT people in the past.

Each screening will also include a short talk and discussion. All films are rated for age15 and so we welcome young people to participate.

15/8/17 6—8pm Room 700, Central Library The Celluloid Closet is a documentary which explores LGBT stories in cinema history, it shows the evolution of the entertainment industry's role in shaping perceptions of LGBT people. (£5)

8/8/17 6—8pm Room 700, Central Library The Naked Civil Servant is the story of Quentin Crisp (John Hurt) who defends his lifestyle when he is confronted with criminal charges. (£5)

29/7/17 4—6pm Age UK Leeds (Mark Lane, LS2 8JA) (£5) Christopher And His Kind (to be confirmed). The Berlin cabaret scene is in full swing when a young and wide-eyed Christopher Isherwood arrives in the city to stay with the poet WH Auden.

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Check out Film Fringe screenings: https://www.facebook.com/pg/filmfringe/events/

Picture House Bradford are also showing Weekend on 18/7/17 https://www.picturehouses.com/

Love Film?

And in Hull……. (see page 18 for more about Hull) has teamed up with local film organisation Hull Independ- ent Cinema to bring the very best in LGBT+ film to the city as part of LGBT 50.

With a programme of independent and world cinema, the Pride in Hull Film Festival will take place on Tuesday 25 July at and Kardomah 94. Celebrating diversity in film, the programme includes a regional premiere of Tom of Finland, plus rarely-seen archive material from the BFI, showcasing some of the earliest UK LGBT film clips and offering an intimate and thought-provoking look at LGBT society. Also on the line-up is Queerama, a documentary telling the story of an extraordinary century of gay experiences, with a stunning soundtrack by Allison Goldfrapp, Hercules & Love Affair and John Grant. 6 7 8 LGBT Social History Events

West Yorkshire Queer Stories have been busy getting ready for the project to get going next year. A full update will be out soon but in the meantime here’s a few highlights:

 We have helped with two displays in Leeds: ‘Leeds Music Sound Bites’ at Leeds City Museum (12/8/17—1/4/18) and ’Protest’ at Abbey House Museum (Sept 2017—Feb 2018): http://www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/ default.aspx

 See the blog we made with Paul Furness about the story of the 302.0 badge here: queerbeyondlondon.com/

 Criminal Times : In partnership with and Leeds City Museum and as part of the Heritage Open Day programme on September 8 (2—3) we will be delivering a free talk about the criminalisation of LGBT people:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/criminal-minds-talk-by-jude- woods-for-leeds-civic-trust-heritage-open-days-tickets- 35173490858

9 July 27 Barnsley Town Hall This is the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality. The event at the Town Hall includes: 5:30 pm exhibition of art work and photographs, and displays from the events over the last 6 months. At 4:30 there will be a walk around town pointing out significant places of LGBT history.

Dying Matters

A Community Display at Leeds City Museum (until July 30th)

19 July 12 – 1pm Talk:

‘We were in a partnership that wasn’t recognised’ Examining the effects of male gay partner bereavement, masculinity and identity. By Steven Piatczanyn

http://www.leeds.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/Pages/ leedscitymuseum/Dying-Matters.aspx

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11 12 10 – 13 August

BiCon is a weekend-long educational and social gathering for bi people, their friends, partners, and others with a supportive interest in . We don’t all use the labels “bi” or “bisexual” or even agree on what it means to be bi, but bisexuality is the common theme. https://2017.bicon.org.uk/

13 Events LGBT Community Meetings: LGB&T* Equality Hub Meetings: 15/8/17 and 28/11/17 Cosmopolitan Hotel (LS1 4AE) 5.00 for refresh- ments meeting starts at 5.30 https://www.facebook.com/

Queer Book Club Leeds This group meets once a month at Wharf Chambers to hang out, discuss our current book, and talk about any new stuff on our queer literary hori- zons. All are welcome! Next meeting: Tuesday August 8th, 7:30pm at Wharf Chambers Find us on Facebook at Queer Book Club Leeds Email [email protected] for further details

LGBT Sports: leedslgbtsport.weebly.com and

https://sway.com/Zg0r7GR19dK73bU7?ref=Link&loc=mysways

14 LGBT support and social groups The MESMAC website lists LGBT support and social groups here: http://www.mesmac.co.uk/find-help/support-groups Lots of groups (LGBT and more) use the Meet Up website to publicise their groups: look for ‘Leeds Gay Men’; ‘Lesbian Socials’; ‘Out in Faith’; and Gay Outdoor Club (GOC) http://www.meetup.com/

Leeds Survivor Support Group: for trans men, Cis men and non-binary individuals who have experienced sexual abuse. Meets on Mondays fortnightly 630—8.30 at MESMAC Leeds. Contact: [email protected]

Equity Partnership in Bradford have a lot of groups and activities: http://www.equitypartnership.org.uk/ and a Meet up: https://www.meetup.com/Bradford-LGBT-Equity-Partnership-Meetup/

LGB&T Agenda: https://www.facebook.com/TheLGBTAgendaLeeds/ Gay Leeds: https://www.facebook.com/GayLeeds/ Freedom Quarter: http://www.freedomquarter.com/ Non– Binary social/support group: Monthly at MESMAC 6.30 19/7/17, 30/8/17, 20/9/17, 18/10/17, 29/11/17 Search for Non-Binary Leeds on Facebook or contact Jude for more information. Leeds Gay Community: is a social group for Gay and Bisexual men of all ages they meet on Fridays at the Leeds MESMAC office or at city centre locations, they are welcoming to older men and have a lively programme of activities which can be seen on the MESMAC website: http://www.mesmac.co.uk/find-help/support-groups/leeds-gay- community Contact Raymond for more information: 0113 255 9973 or 07986 615912 [email protected]

Leeds Bi Group: Talky space: 2nd Wednesday of every month, 7-9pm at: Leeds Mesmac and Pub meet up: 1st Tuesday of every month,

7.30-10pm at: Wharf Chambers: http://bicommunitynews.co.uk/

15 Dial House (12 Chapel Street, Leeds, LS15 7RW) offers support: Friday at 11-2 (LGBT Group) and 2-4 (Trans Group) For LGBT and Trans people experiencing mental health difficulties, espe- cially those who are in a period of crisis. The groups provide person cen- tred, non-directive, peer-led group support and safe space to socialise for LGBT and Trans people. To attend contact Sole to arrange a chat: [email protected] 0113 260 9328

A twice-monthly social group for LGBT people experiencing mental health difficulties

2nd Thursday of the month: We meet in the evening at Yorkshire Mesmac for tea, coffee, chats and board games or films in a safe and supportive space .

4th Thursday of the month: We go out and about to do activities chosen by the group, there is usually some funding to help subsidise these trips. To find out more and to arrange to join the group contact Leeds Mind Peer Support on 0113 305 5803 or [email protected]

MindWell is a new website which provides information about mental health in Leeds.

It provides a portal for anyone living or working in Leeds, including GPs and other professionals, to get quick and easy access to up-to-date mental health information. https://www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/

16 17 There’s loads going on in Hull... UK Pride Saturday 22 July, 12– 9 Free. From to Queens Gardens. As the first ever UK Pride, Pride in Hull will deliver a spectacular week of events, starting with their annual parade featuring 50 LGBT+ icons created by the local community in workshops.

Into The Light is a new work by Leeds based award-winning choreographer Gary Clarke. It has been created for LGBT50, the celebration of the 50 year anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK, as part of the Hull UK City of Culture 2017 programme.

Look out for Lads & Lasses a play about coming out as a young person, local LGBT photography exhibition A Moment In Time, and Paul Burston’s Literary Salon.

View the Pride in Hull programme

and https://www.hull2017.co.uk/whatson/ events/lgbt-50/

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Pop Up Choir Success! Our pop up choir film is finally here - it made us well up with joy! Hope you enjoy watching it. Please do share it far and wide. Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-zIdOxf3Xc

20 21 22 Consultation Corner

Organisations, journalists and researchers are getting in touch asking to speak to older LGBT people. Many of these requests are opportunities to get participate in consultation which will influence services and your city. This could involve giving your views in one off interviews, surveys or focus groups, or joining on-going advisory groups. This listing gives basic information and you can choose to follow any that interest you.

Age UK Leeds have an Older People’s Engagement (OPE) Group and are looking for representatives to link with our services and cli- ents then give feedback and suggestions. The role requires com- mitment and attendance at OPE group meetings and meetings with the delivery teams and clients. contact Simon Copland: [email protected] or Hilary Brockway: [email protected] or 0113 203 1116

Time to Shine involve people over 50 to help steer the direction of their Age Friendly work. Please contact Emily if you want to get in- volved: [email protected] or 0113 244 1697

Do you or someone you know have multiple health needs and face difficulties when attending routine health appointments?

Healthwatch Leeds are looking for people who would be happy to tell their story (can be anonymous) to share with providers of services to try and influence change. Healthwatch is offering a £10 Love2Shop voucher as a thank you, contact Harriet [email protected] 0113 8980035

23 Did you know that In Leeds rates of cancer and heart disease in the population are higher than the rest of ? Unique Improvements is a new project which raises awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer and promote screening so that earlier diagnosis and treatment can happen. They will be recruiting volunteers to help them spread the message, contact: Darren, Amy or Karen on 0113 8800153 [email protected]

The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is auditing their performance on how it meets the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans+ patients (LGBT+).

The aim is to make sure all patients receive the best possible health outcomes and experience.

If you are LGBT+ and have accessed their services, they would very much like your feedback. They would also very much like feedback from family members & friends.

Please note while all responses are anonymous and will remain confidential, the results of this survey may be discussed and used to improve the services provided.

Please follow this link to access the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/773TMSZ

24 FREE LGBT HOUSING ADVICE SURGERY Yorkshire MESMAC + Leeds Housing Options are working

together to provide a confidential housing advice surgery for the

LGBT community.

As well as offering specialist advice and service referrals, you can speak to us

about a range of issues affecting your housing, including: -Issues regarding homelessness or threats of homelessness

-Sofa surfing -Domestic Violence -Family mediation -Hate Crime

-Negotiation with your landlord -Council house application Find us at 22-23 Blayds Yard, Leeds, LS1 4AD

To register interest or book an appointment, get in touch: EMAIL: [email protected] CALL: 0113 2444209 07767 668428

Trans and non-binary people welcome, Your Sexuality and Gender Identity will be respected TRANS SEXUAL HEALTH DROP-IN 3RD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH

6-8pm Yorkshire MESMAC Leeds (22-23 Blayds Yard, Leeds, LS1 4AD) Yorkshire MESMAC + TransLeeds are working together to provide a safe & confidential sexual health service for Trans communities -Not linked to medical records -Identify how you wish. -Gender neutral bathroom facilities. - Access to free condoms & lube. -Fast track access to sexual health services for sex-working people. -Free, fast & confidential HIV testing + full non-gendered chlamydia + gonorrhoea screening. -TransLeeds will be offering a safe social space – You can attend the social space sexual health drop in or both.

To find out more get in touch: [email protected] 25 MESMAC: 0113 2444209 07810 550530 Sage volunteering

We have nearly thirty fantastic volunteers who give their time for free to make the project a success, big thanks to everyone for all the fantastic contributions you make! Older LGBT people contribute on the Steering Group as Community Speakers and Group Facilitators, next year we hope to also assess services to improve them for older LGBT people. People of any age also participate in the Promotions Group who help to create this newsletter and get the word out about our work in other ways. Buddies support older people to participate at our monthly Drop IN (Thursday afternoons) and at Pride. Get in touch with Jude if you would like to volunteer.

Community Speakers One of the Sage volunteer roles for older LGBT people is to become a Community Speaker. This involves sharing stories of LGBT experience and answering questions about this testimony in training sessions, talks and presentations. You can contribute by helping us to create presentations if you don’t want to do any of the public speaking.

The Community Speakers group will be meeting at MESMAC over the next year: 19 July 3—5 12 Sept 4—6 8 Feb 4—6

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