Re/Assemble

Re/Assemble at the Peoples History Museum is an exhibition that draws inspiration from the 1988 Section 28 protest marches

Re/Assemble’s starting point is the largest LGBT+ demonstration in British history, when 20,000 people gathered in Manchester in 1988 to protest against Section 28 – a clause in the Local Government Act that prohibited the ‘promotion of homosexuality’ by schools and local authorities.  For 15 years, this legislation cast a dark shadow, fostering a climate of fear and hostility that remains in the memories of many.

Developed following a two-year long research project, Re/Assemble is a new exhibition by Manchester-based arts organisation IAP:MCR, which creates and presents work across the visual and performing arts by artists who identify as queer. It features newly commissioned artworks by Sarah Joy Ford, Yuen Fong Ling and Anna Appleby that respond to the legacy of Section 28. It also explores themes of protest and resilience and celebrates queer voices and creativity. These works are displayed alongside historic artefacts from People’s History Museum’s own collection, including protest banners and objects, in Gallery Two.

You can also download the song “Never Going Underground” by Anna Appleby (ft Sherpa K and Norrisette)

Re/Assemble is open from Saturday, 17 January 2026 to Sunday, 3 January 2027 (10.00am to 5.00pm)

More photos can be seen here.

Smiley Charity Film Awards!

The Pride in Ageing 2025 film, produced by Film on the Brain with assistance and footage from our Brand & Storytelling Coordinator Scarlett and starring the amazing team of Pride in Ageing volunteers, has been nominated for a charity film award!

Please vote for the film here. Voting is open until 30 January 2026.

Play the Rainbow Lottery and support Out In The City

The Rainbow Lottery is the UK’s first and only lottery supporting LGBT+ good causes.

Welcome to the Rainbow Lottery, the exciting weekly lottery that raises money for over 200 LGBT+ good causes totally, openly and exclusively.

The hope is to make a difference to good causes so they can carry on their vital work – which helps us all. Play the lottery, support the community – it’s fun, it’s simple and everybody wins!

How the lottery works:

• £1 per ticket – that’s right, unlike many other lotteries, the lottery tickets are only £1 per week.
• For every ticket you play, 80% goes to good causes and prizes.

£25,000 jackpot prize

• Match all 6 numbers and you win the JACKPOT! There are also prizes of £2000, £250, £25 and 3 free tickets for following week.
• Every month there is a Super Draw.

The Super Draw Prize is an amazing £1,000 Aldi Gift Card (or, of course, £1,000 cash).

Imagine stepping into your local Aldi with £1,000 to spend: from stocking up on fresh, high-quality groceries to indulging in unique Special buys from the middle aisle, the options are endless.

Whether you’re planning a luxurious dinner party, filling your pantry with everyday essentials, or treating yourself to their award-winning wines, this gift card will go a long way!

Buy tickets here.

LGBTQ+ Affirmative Counselling Training: Applications Open!

elop’s counsellor training programmes equip you to work as a qualified, affirmative counsellor. The courses are taught in a Queer environment and open to all LGBTQ+ people and embedded allies.

The Foundation Certificate in LGBTQ+ Affirmative Counselling is a 3-month course for people starting their counsellor training journey or wishing to enhance their skills for supporting clients, colleagues and peers. The course includes online, and in-person learning sessions, and could be an entry pathway to professional qualified counsellor training. The course runs twice a year; the next programme commences late February 2026 and is open to applications now.

To receive further information, details of course fees, and an application pack please contact training@elop.org and/or to book onto one of the upcoming online information sessions (details below).

The Advanced Diploma in Integrative LGBTQ+ Affirmative Counselling is a 2-year part-time qualifying counsellor course taught at a venue in East London. The next programme commences September 2026.

To receive further information, details of fees or an application pack – please contact advanced-diploma@elop.org

Counsellor Training Online Information Sessions – if you are interested in becoming a counsellor and finding out more about the training pathways, please book and come along to the next online information session where you can hear more details, meet the course programme leader and ask any questions you have.

The next date is Tuesday, 27 January 12.30pm – 1.30pm.

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