Events will be held next week to mark the 20th anniversary of the Section 28 restrictions on local authorities “promoting homosexuality”.
They will include a talk by writer, broadcaster and gay rights campaigner Ray Gosling, a celebration of love poetry and a line dancing hoe-down.
The are all being held at the Central Library in Manchester to mark LGBT History Month, which is a chance to learn more about the histories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
Councillor Paul Fairweather, Manchester City Council's lead councillor on gay men's issues, said: "The aim of these events is to help combat discrimination and ignorance and to improve understanding at the same time as celebrating and having fun! All events are free and open to all."
Ray Gosling was involved with the Campaign for Homosexual Equality from its early days and his talk - When Gays were Queer, Manchester was Excellent - is sure to be entertaining. It will be from 5.30pm to 8pm on Tuesday 12 February.
Other events during the month will be:
The Flame that Won't Go Out
A celebration of gay and lesbian love poetry. Bring along the poems closest to your heart. Thursday 14 February, 1-2pm
Never Going Underground
A reception to mark the anniversary of Manchester's opposition to the notorious Section 28, the law banning local authorities from "promoting homosexuality." The 1988 legislation sparked a campaign of protest, notably the 20,000-strong Never Going Underground rally. Reception speakers include a protest organiser, a representative of Manchester City Council's LGBT Employee Group, the lead councillors on lesbian and gay issues and a library archivist. Wednesday 20 February, 6pm
Manchester Prairie Dogs' Hoe-down
5, 6, 7, 8… Manchester Prairie Dogs is the UK's longest-running lesbian and gay line dancing group. They'll demonstrate some very easy dances to get y'all started. Everyone welcome, to dance or just watch the show. Saturday 23 February, 1- 3pm
A Celebration of Lesbian & Gay Fostering & Adoption
Hear stories about lesbian and gay carers, find out how times have changed and how you could apply to foster or adopt. Hosted by the Positive Parenting Campaign and Family Placement Services, part of Children's Services. Tuesday 26 February, 6-7.45pm
Clause 28 Anniversary Exhibition
Do you remember the marches against the clause? Maybe you were there? See a selection of pictures and memories from the 1987 protests. Throughout February
LGBT Archives Open Day
See a fascinating selection of archives relating to our city's LGBT history. Archivists will be on hand to talk about the items and the service in general. Saturday 1 March 12-4pm (drop in any time)
GLF Activism: the Life of a Jewish Gay Male activist
Dr Christian Klesse is a lecturer in Cultural Studies at Manchester Metropolitan University. His talk will cover the brief existence of the Jewish research group as part of the London GLF network, and examine contradictions and tensions of the heart of 1970s liberationist politics. Friday 29 February 6-7.45pm.
Media contact:
Martin Hellewell, tel: 0161 234 3729