So, now the new decade is upon us, and as we emerge from our New Year hangovers determined to quit smoking, lose weight, find true love or whatever resolutions we may have made. But if your resolution is to attend more queer events then the year is off to a good start.
Keeping those wellbeing and fitness goals alive, Trans Active swimming sessions return to Heeley Baths [11 & 25 Jan] open to any trans/non-binary/ gender questioning people of all fitness levels. There’s a relaxed atmosphere with no pressure to push yourself more than you want to; the focus here is on meeting new people and having fun.
For many the Christmas period is a religious one, and LGBTQ+ people can feel excluded from church services and communion. If that is the case, then head to Open Sheffield’s Open Communion at St Marks [Sun 12 Jan] which is a safe and sacred place where all LGBTQ+ people and allies are welcome.
SAYiT’s Call It Out project continues with LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Training sessions [Wed 29 Jan]. If you work in a setting where you might come across people who have experienced domestic abuse and feel that you could do with more knowledge in the area, this is the course for you.
For the gamers amongst you there will be more relaxed social gaming courtesy of the Rainbow Gamers at Treehouse Boardgame Café [Sun 19 Jan]. Just drop in and explore the colourful wall of choices, containing everything from the newest designer titles to the old familiar classics, with something to suit every age group, party size and concentration span.
Andro and Eve are back as part of Sheffield Doc/Fest with a cosy winter screening of Silvana [Thu 23 Jan] – a powerful documentary about Swedish rapper Silvana Imam, who describes herself as a lesbian, feminist and anti-racist punk rapper. Imam’s raw raps are autobiographical and strongly focussed around sexual identity, politics and her immigrant background. The film will be introduced by the festival’s deputy director, Melanie Iredale.
With plenty of sweet treats, hot drinks and the warm surroundings of famous Sheffield music venue Yellow Arch, it’ll be an evening to uplift and bring light into the dark winter months.
If you’re craving your first drag fix of the year, then head to The Magnificent Nina West Show at Leadmill [Wed 29 Jan] for the UK and Europe’s first ever Drag Magic show. Expect an evening of camp uplifting drag, hilarious comedy and of course some mysterious magic.
Finally, in the first new offering of the new year head to the Diversify Launch party [Mon 13 Jan] at West Street live featuring Mason Fenrir, Stray Weather, The Half Montys, James Taplin and Braver Than Fiction. Diversify is a new social enterprise providing workshops in schools on anti-bully, with a strong focus on disability and LGBT issues; every penny from the launch will go directly towards running those workshops.
That’s your lot for this month, for full up to date listings head to www.facebook.com/sheffieldlgbtevents!
Until next time, love and tinsel,
Heather x