Lesbian events, groups and organisations in Avon & Somerset inc Bristol and Bath
E V E N T S
February
Friday 10th - Sunday 12th February - OUTSET FESTIVAL - Brewhouse Theatre, Coal Orchard, Taunton, Somerset TA1 1JL.
Full details at http://www.outsetfestival.co.uk
Friday
5pm - Cocktail Hour with Shona Shuffles (free)
6pm - Theatre - The Sexes
7.45pm - Dance Theatre - LUNA
9.30pm - Comedy - Becky Black
10-15pm - Late Lounge with Shona Shuffles (free)
Saturday
12.30-4pm Stalls (free)
1-4pm Workshops - 45 minute Dance, Theatre and Singing workshops (free)
4-5pm Open Mic (free)
5-6pm The big GAY debate (free)
6pm Theatre - Miss Hope Springs
8pm Music - O'Hooley and Tidow
10pm Music - Late Lounge (free)
Sunday
11.30am Music and food - Jazz (music free)
1pm Theatre - Romeo and Juliet - with short youth and dance curtain raisers
Tuesday 14 February Volunteer Condom Stuffing/Sexual Health and 'Children of God' Film Screening. UWE Frenchay Campus - The Octagon from 4pm. Film Screening at 6pm.
With love on the mind this is a chance to come and help prepare the free condoms distributed throughout the community
and a special film screening of Children of God: Set on the sun-drenched Bahaman islands, the award winning Children of God
paints a universally relevant portrait of love, desire, sexual conflict, tolerance and self-acceptance.
From 14th February - Romeo and Juliet - Bierkeller Theatre, Bristol Bierkeller, All Saints Street, Bristol BS1 2NA
Following the success of their gender reversed ‘Julius Caesar’, Thrice Three Muses return with a new twist on the greatest love story ever told... How will the Capulets cope when their only daughter falls for the DAUGHTER of Lord Montague? A brave venture into modern society and gay culture, but above all a daring twist on a classic text, exploring lesbianism, first love, and how a parent learns to let go...Runs from the 14th-16th and 19th-23rd February. Tickets cost £8.50 in advance, £10 on the door - buy them at www.bierkellertheatre.com, or call the box office on 0117 930 4264. Doors open at 7.30pm, show starts at 8.15pm!
Thursday 16th February - Celebrating Trans Lives: Trans People's Contributions to Modern Medicine and Culture - Hydra books, 34 Old Market, Bristol 7:00pm – 9:00pm
THIS EVENT WILL HAVE A CHANGE OF SPEAKER FROM THAT PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED - WATCH THIS SPACE..Far from being passive and unwitting subjects of medical experimentation, trans people are here shown to be active agents of change - within the NHS, social justice, and British society as a whole. This talk demonstrates the ways in which trans people have contributed to the development of modern-day healthcare, and how the trans community continues to shape medical understandings of, and social responses to, gender variancy. An event for LGBT History Month. www.hydrabooks.org
Thur 16 Feb - Indigo - Loft, Goldbrick House - 69 Park Street, Bristol BS1 5PB
8 pm – 12 pm £5 entry (incl glass of Prosecco before 10pm)
Women's networking night, with live music from Heg.
Heg has been touring the UK with her impressive ensemble, The Wolf Chorus, sharing her blend of dark tales and soaring melodies with an increasingly loyal fanbase. Fresh from an inspiring performance at The Union Chapel, Heg joins us for a special appearance.
Heg injects storytelling into her songs, finding inspiration in her family tree, well known, and not-so-well-known stories. She draws her main influence from folk with elements of theatre and pop also working their way into the songs.
Indigo aims to showcase talented female performers, so we’re very pleased to host a special set from one of South West’s best musicians. To listen to Heg’s latest music visit her website: http://www.hegdoughty.com/
Thursday 16th February - Halcyon Bristol - Radisson Blu Hotel, Broad Quay, Bristol, BS1 4BY 6.30pm
Book now to join us next Thursday within the sumptuous surroundings of the Radisson Blu Hotel Bristol and enjoy networking with other LGBT professionals from across Bristol & South West. Your ticket includes canapés, your first drink and a complimentary invite for a NEW guest that hasn't attended Halcyon before. Details
Sat 18th February ‘We Are:’ presents We Are: Remembering - Queenshilling Frogmore St, Bristol
We Are brings you the first of this year’s host of special events in a one night spectacular LGBT History night. Expect a musical trip down memory lane with music from the 80/90/00s along with information on LGBT fights, plights and triumphs from those decades. A night not to be missed as it is also OutUWE social and the Bristol Panthers social following their 4th annual Bristol Challenge Cup so expect a busy one!
Sunday 19th February - Cycle tour of locations linked to critic and historian John Addington Symonds 11am - 1pm, Starting and finishing in Queen Square, Bristol Free event
Born in Clifton in 1840, Symonds was an early advocate for the legitimacy of samesex love. This is a CycleOut Bristol event, which will be led at a relaxed pace by Gemma Tiley. Meet at the King William Statue at the centre of the square. Novice cyclists are especially welcome on this ride. Indeed, if need be, we'll pump up your tyres. This is a free event, but a donation to OSB would be welcome.
Sunday 19th February - Mystery History Tour - 2.30pm. Starting in Corn Street, BS1 1JG Booking required
Bristol historian and author Andrew Foyle leads an easy stroll through the city, lifting the curtain on our own peculiar and sometimes outrageous histories. Find out where men met for sex in the 18th century, and how they were punished; Bristol’s pre-war gay pub; sites of protest by lesbian Suffragettes; what window shopping in Park Street used to mean; and a remarkably early moment in the history of transgender surgery. This event has been oversubscribed on three previous occasions.
Meet outside the Register Office (Old Council House), Corn Street; nearly opposite the Exchange and the Nails. Limited places, pre-booking essential : andrewfoyle1(at)gmail.com or 0117 907 0784. £3, to go to OutStories Bristol funds.
Monday 20th February - Out Stories Bristol Trustees - 7pm-9pm
E-mail contact(at)outstoriesbristol.org.uk for information and venue.
Tuesday 21st February - LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week Event, Colston Hall, Bristol - 6pm - 8pm
Bristol City Council and North Somerset Council combine forces to recruit LGBT adopters, as first-ever LGBT Adoption and Fostering Week launches they will be holding a joint LGBT information evening in a bid to encourage potential gay adopters and foster carers to come forward.
Tuesday 21st February - Gay West: Civil Society, Community and LGBT History in Bristol and Bath 1970 to 2010 7:30pm-9pm, Central Library, Deanery Road, Bristol Free event
Robert Howes talks about the background to his recently-published book "Gay West: Civil Society, Community and LGBT History in Bristol and Bath 1970 to 2010." Gay West is one of the longest-lasting LGBT organisations in the country, tracing its roots back to the Campaign for Homosexual Equality Bristol Group and Bath Gay Awareness Group. The book covers both the history of the group and the wider context of the local and national LGBT movement, as well as the development of the area's commercial scene. Robert will reflect on his experience in researching the book and suggest some questions about civil society and community which it raises. This is a free event, but a donation to OSB would be welcome. Please visit or phone your local Bristol library to book a place.
Wednesday 22nd February 2012 Queenshilling History Night, Queenshilling Frogmore St, Bristol
Bristol's oldest LGBT venue takes a look at the Queenshilling through the ages. With Photos, information and the usual great atmosphere.
7:30pm, The Cube Cinema, 4 Princess Row, BS2 8NQ Tickets on the door, £5
Audrey Hepburn and Shirley Maclaine star as teachers at an all girls school who are accused of having an affair by a troublemaking student. What follows is a melodramatic tale of prejudice, scandal and repressed sexuality that ultimately ends in tragedy.
The screening will be introduced by Mr Tom Marshman in his own inimitable style and there'll be girly dj action in the bar after till late.
Saturday 25th February - Oral History Workshop 2pm to 4pm, M-Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol BS1 4RN All welcome Free event but booking required
OutStories Bristol is looking for volunteers to gather the stories of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people living in or associated with Bristol and the surrounding area. This is a voluntary, oral-history project. If you're interested, please come to this workshop arranged in conjunction with M-Shed. At the workshop you'll learn about OutStories Bristol, why oral history is important, how it's done and how you can get involved. Book a place on-line but, if you can't, phone or text 07802 422091. This is a free event, but a donation to OSB would be welcome.
Sunday 26th February - Gay and Lesbian Marriage in Georgian England
2.30pm, M-Shed, Princes Wharf, BS1 4RN Ticket required
As the finale to this year’s History Month celebration, we are fortunate to present a talk by Rictor Norton, hosted by Bristol’s major new museum, M Shed. Rictor will explore the rich and unexpected history of gay and lesbian marriage in the 18th century. He is an internationally respected social and literary historian specialising in LGBT history. He has a doctorate from Florida State University on homosexuality in Renaissance literature and has published widely. Rictor has lived in London since 1973. You can book your place on-line but, if you can't, phone or text 07802 422091. Donation £3.50 (£ 2.50 concessions) http://rictornorton.eventbrite.co.uk
Sunday 26th February - Celebrating thirty-seven years of Bristol Lesbian and Gay Switchboard 7pm to 10:30 Old Market Tavern, 30 Old Market Street, Bristol BS2 0HB Free event
This is a party for volunteers, friends and supporters of the Bristol Lesbian and Gay Switchboard over the last thirty-seven years. All welcome. Free event, but donation to BLAGS welcome.
Monday 27th February at 6 p.m. - Bristol NHS LGBT Network – Venue TBC Meeting for all LGBT public sector staff. Guest speaker: Peter Tatchell
Please book with Lesley Mansell, Equality and Diversity Manager North Bristol NHS Trust Tel: 0117 340 6471 E mail: lesley.mansell(at)nbt.nhs.uk
Tuesday 28th February Trans Workshop - 1.00 – 2.30 p.m. Southmead HospitalLearn about the responsibilities of employers towards employees and service users. North Bristol NHS Event - open to others but please book with Lesley Mansell, Equality and Diversity Manager North Bristol NHS Trust Tel: 0117 340 6471 E mail: lesley.mansell(at)nbt.nhs.uk
Wednesday 29th February 1.15 – 2.45 p.m. Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Workshop – Frenchay HospitalLearn about the responsibilities of employers towards employees and service users. North Bristol NHS Event - open to others but please book with Lesley Mansell, Equality and Diversity Manager North Bristol NHS Trust Tel: 0117 340 6471 E mail: lesley.mansell(at)nbt.nhs.uk
Wednesday 29th February, Love Music Hate Homophobia - Eton & Haze, 28 Baldwin Street, Bristol £5
OutUWE (UWE’s LGBT Student Network) proudly present Love Music Hate Homophobia. This fundraising event features performers from choirs, circus acts, jazz, poetry and performance art inc. Sing Out Bristol, Anna Freeman, Swing Thing, UWE Drama Soc and Crinkle Cuts. LMHH is a national campaign which seeks to raise awareness of homophobia, and the challenges faced by LGBT people, using music and art.
For more information, or if you'd like to perform, email outuwe(at)live.co.uk
March
Sunday 4th March 2012 - O'Hooley and Tidow - Bristol Folk House
Music form O'Hooley and Tidow more info
Monday 19th March - Dykes on Bikes - Queens Square, Bristol
Monthly social cycle ride. Easy pace, absence of lycra! Meet 6pm, Queens Squ at central statue.
April
Monday 16th April - Dykes on Bikes - Queens Square, Bristol
Monthly social cycle ride. Easy pace, absence of lycra! Meet 6pm, Queens Squ at central statue.
May
Monday 21th May - Dykes on Bikes - Queens Square, Bristol
Monthly social cycle ride. Easy pace, absence of lycra! Meet 6pm, Queens Squ at central statue.
June
Monday 18th June - Dykes on Bikes - Queens Square, Bristol
Monthly social cycle ride. Easy pace, absence of lycra! Meet 6pm, Queens Squ at central statue.
G R O U P S
Social
New Lesbian women's motorcycle networkWe are two Bristol based friends who enjoy going out for motorbike rides and weekends. We would like to hear from other lesbian women from the South West who would like to ride out with us and develop a network. To find out more, give Sian a call on 07877489897
LGBT Reading Group
Mixed group which meets every month at Clifton. Contact them via the library website
Indigo Bristol ♀ is an informal networking group on the 3rd Thurs of every month where lesbian, bi & queer women of the South West can congregate and share ideas, laughter, time and experience. Indigo Bristol ♀ warmly welcomes trans people. Meets at Goldbrick House, Park Street, Bristol. 8pm onwards. Facebook Group
Liberty
Liberty is Bristol exclusive women only club night, Liberty is proud to support Bristol's gay community, with entertainment for gay women and their friends. It boast an all women team of DJ's, guest performers, bar staff and promoters.
Liberty is committed to raising money for local and national charities and gives monthly to nominated charities. It's at Toto's Bar, 125 Redcliffe Street, Bristol BS1 6HU a fantastic venue in the heart of Bristol's waterfront. website
Sociability
is an online discussion network for women to arrange civilised social activities, organise transport sharing to events, and general sharing of information in Bristol and thereabouts. Activities so far have included cinema visits, dining out, the prospect of an allotment group emerging, and really anything at all that people feel inclined to suggest. If you'd like to join the network, please send you email address to Debra, her address is: badasst(at)gmail.com
Planet Amoeba
Planet Amoeba, describe themselves as a "very relaxed, chic night for women, running on the second Thursday of each month at Amoeba, Kings Road, Clifton. It starts at 8.30 and ends at 12.00 for those with the stamina to stay! There is no charge to come. Just pay for your drinks at the bar and enjoy the ambience. Newcomers are warmly welcomed and it is very easy to come on your own. Planet Amoeba is a friendly, non-threatening social night in a fabulous place - and from time to time you will be treated to live music or a DJ. It really is like having a very cool night for women in your own front living room - only better!" For any further details join the Facebook Group 'Planet Amoeba'.
Pink Herrings is a social group for the more mature lesbian (well over thirty) who aren't necessarily into the scene type things.... the walking groups are always popular and in the last few months there has been a day at the races, theatre group outings, not the school sports day as well as the social meetings. We meet the first and third Thursday of the month at the Watershed in Bristol.
FFI Dot (so she knows to look out for you) on 01179 861529.
Pink Herrings also produce a regular email newsletter of events in the area, get in touch with them if you would like to be on the list.
Cinema Group Bristol - is now organised as part of sociability - see listing above.
Lesbian and Children Network
Informal social group of lesbians and their children who meet monthly.
Our children age range is 0-12 yrs approx.
Those wishing to find out more please contact Rachel at rachely(at)talktalk.net
New Baby and Toddler group
We are setting up a baby and toddler play group for 0-3 year olds. Would plan to meet once a month. The idea is we set it up so the group can run itself, so that an organiser isn't needed and we just take it in turns to host in our own homes, which can be easier than meeting out in a group in a cafe etc.
The group would be open to all - lesbian / gay / trans parents + their friends.
Drop us a line if you're interested. rebecaaemma2003(at)yahoo.co.uk
or gnidhuill(at)googlemail.com
Lions
events are your free opportunity to connect and socialise with LGBT professionals from other orgs and networks. Relaxed, friendly and useful... whether for personal, social or business reasons, use LIONS in the way that suits you!
· you help run or are a member of your employer’s LGBT network
· you work for a company too small to run its own LGBT employee network
· you want to understand how other organisations run their networks
· you want to connect with orgs that know the importance of workplace diversity
· you represent an LGBT society, group, charity , etc - and you’d like to connect with potential members and supporters
· you want to learn of LGBT societies, groups, charities and networks in Bristol.
For more info contact niall.addicott(at)live.co.uk www.facebook.com/lions.bristol
Creative
Sing Out Bristol
Sing Out Bristol
Wanted, lesbians who like to sing or have a desire to learn. Sing Out Bristol is a mixed choir of all ranges and abilities who meet every Tuesday evening from 7.30pm-9.30pm for singing and laughter. For more information email Phil on singoutbristol(at)googlemail.com. website.
Tallulah Theatre
A community theatre group for women who love women. A drama and performance group meeting weekly in the heart of Bristol. If you have little or no experience of acting/performing don’t let this put you off. The group is run by professional director and performer Lou Barrett and each week there will be drama games, situation drama, role play & script work. Each term the group will work towards a public performance.
Tallulah Theatre was created as a safe space for lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning women to tell stories and develop our artistic community.
To get involved and find out more please email Lou direct: louise(at)prettygoodgirl.com Or visit their Facebook page
Off the Cuff Bristol
A comedy improvisation group for women. For those interested in learning skills and techniques of improvisation, building up to a performance through "Whose Line is it Anyway" style games. For more into contact Mitch jammtheatre(at)yahoo.co.uk
Wanted: Good standard recorder players to start new group,
e-mail platt_8(at)hotmail.com for more info
Walking & Cycling
West Women Walking. ... is a group for gay women who meet to walk together and catch up with old and new friends in a relaxed environment. We look forward to meeting any gay women who would like to join us.
This group is the renamed - Wild Women Walking. The group has been renamed because Wild Women was a bit too exotic to be accepted by all mail servers!
Generally the walks are 6 - 8 miles in length and take place in the south west. The group welcomes gay women over 16 and well behaved and controlled dogs. The walks always take place on the second Sunday of each month.
If you would like to find out more about the group then please call Annmarie on 07804 469991 or email westwomenwalking(at)hotmail.co.uk
Walking Group - slighly shorter walks than the previous group 4, 5 or 6 miles at a gentle pace. Once a month on a Sunday. For details ring Alison on 0117 9714818 or e-mail aliwatt(at)hotmail.co.uk for more info
Dykes on Bikes / Cycle Out
Dykes on Bikes run regular women only cycle rides. Rides are easy pace with stops and breathers as required! children welcome.
Contact Rachel 07813754291 or rachely(at)talktalk.net for more info
Cycleout also run mixed rides and all the rides are to be listed soon on the Gay Outdoor Club website.
Sports
Badminton group
Kingsdown Sports Centre every Saturday from 4pm to 6pm, not a beginners group but you don't have to be brilliant either! Call Alison on 0117 9714818 or e-mail aliwatt(at)hotmail.co.uk for more info
The Gay Outdoor Club
is for gay men and women and their friends. It has national membership and local groups all around the country. Most members go for the regular walking events, but there are also groups within GOC based around specific activities such as cycling, badminton, swimming, sailing/kayaking, running, mountain biking, climbing, mountaineering, scuba diving, caving and ski-ing. The GOC is mixed-sex but the climbing group has a good balance of men and women. We aren't sure about the gender mix of the other groups. Website.
Not So Trad
a climbing group for LGBT people. Members are a mix of men and women of various climbing abilities from novices to qualified instructors. Members sometimes bring their non-climbing partners on trips to enjoy the scenery, chill out or do other things like walking, reading, painting or bird-watching. London based but members living outside London can easily participate in climbing trips and weekends away - this year's outings include Cheddar Gorge, the Wye Valley and Dorset, as well as other parts of the country and two trips abroad. Website
Help & Support
Bristol Lesbian and Gay Switchboard Provide Information and support to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and transvestite community. We also provide support to people concerned about issues to do with their sexuality, as well as to anyone with concerns about a friend or relative. Our lines are normally open from: 8pm to 10pm Wednesday and Thursday evenings 0117 922 1328
LGBT Bristol - Bristol Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Forum
The Forum works with the local lesbian, gay and bisexual community to lobby Bristol City Council for a fair deal for the lesbian, gay and bisexual communities. website
LGBTQ Emotional Wellness Programme
Mental health support group for the LGBTQ community running in Bristol since November 2010. A self-support group, run by LGBTQ people with experience of both working in mental health services and personal experience of mental health difficulties.
It runs every monday evening (except bank holidays) between 7.30pm and 9.30pm at Windmill Hill City Farm Philip St, Bedminster Bristol. It is free to attend, with free refreshments available. Website
Womens Independent Alcohol Support
A women only group. Run by and for women who have or have had issues with alcohol. It seeks to provide friendship and support, without promoting specific treatment/recovery philosophies.
At present the group meets on a Saturday afternoon in Bristol, but other times and places may be arranged. Although small, this friendly group offers a real alternative to women. It arranges outings and info sessions and provides regular “coffee and biscuit” meetings on Saturday afternoons.
Some members have been alcohol free for many years, others are still struggling with alcohol problems. All women are welcome, but we ask that they do not have a drink before they come. The group can be contacted via The Women’s Alcohol Dependency Project.
Call 0117-373-8797.
Intercom Trust
Intercom is a lesbian gay bisexual and trans community resource in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset, providing help against homophobic and transphobic prejudice, crime and discrimination (including bullying, harassment, abuse, attacks, and threatening behaviour), helping to develop the LGB/T communities, providing professional training and consultancy, and working in partnership with local government, the police, health, etc. Visit their website for more details.
UWE LGBT Staff Network
is the support and lobbying network for all staff members at the University of the West of England (Bristol) Our web pages are intranet only, but the contact is Kate at lgbt(at)uwe.ac.uk
Freedom Youth
is a specific youth group for LGBT young people aged 13-21 in central Bristol. The group offers personal, social and political education opportunities as well as information, advice and guidance, trips and residentials. For more information about Freedom Youth call 0117 3773677
New LGBT Youth Group in Chipping Sodbury
for young people aged 13-19 who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning their sexuality. It is open to young people from Bristol and South Glos areas.
Friends of GLBT young people are also welcome.
Further information can be found by calling or texting 07557541682 or by emailing youthunltd(at)southglos.gov.uk
Friends of GLBT young people are also welcome.
Further information can be found by calling or texting 07557541682 or by emailing youthunltd(at)southglos.gov.uk
Business networking
Halcyon Network
Not-for-profit organisation set up by a committee of business professionals within the South West. They aim to help generate strong LGBT business connections at a senior level within a confidential and supportive environment. Exclusively for senior LGBT decision makers, Directors, Business Owners, Aspiring business leaders and Entrepreneurs.
http://www.halcyonnetwork.com/
Trans Groups
Transbristol
The intention behind TransBristol is to create a safe space where trans identified people in the Bristol area can share ideas, provide support and plan things Find out more by checking out the website or emailing transbristol : http://transbristol.wordpress.com transbristol(at)gmail.com/
Avon Transwomen
New self-help, mutual support group aimed at supporting male-to-female transsexuals and others undergoing male-to-female gender reassignment in the region once called the metropolitan county of Avon and neighbouring counties
We have set ourselves up because there are groups in the area for female-to-male gender reassignment, and for the transgender populations generally, but there is no group for the MtF transgendered undergoing complete gender reassignment, whether the gender reassignment is in the present, past or future. http://www.avontranswomen.org.uk
Other
Out Stories Bristol
A group devoted to the collection of LGBT History in the Bristol area. Contact via their facebook page
ShoutOut Bristol
A group of volunteers who produce a weekly LGBT radio show on Bristol's community radio channel BCFM. Contact them via their website if you are interested in getting involved.
L G B T V e n u e s
(all the following venues are mixed)
Exposure 1 Frogmore St, Bristol BS1 5NA. • Bristol’s new cabaret bar and diner; check Facebook for opening hours
Flamingos 23-25 West Street, Old Market, Bristol BS2 0DF. Ffi: 0117 955 9269 or www.flamingosbristol.com
The Lounge 53 Old Market St, Old Market, Bristol BS2 0ER. Ffi: 0117 922 1224
Mandalyn's 13 Fountain Buildings, Lansdown Hill, Bath BA1 5DX. Ffi: 01225 425403 or www.mandalyns.com
Old Castle Green 46 Gloucester Lane, Old Market, Bristol BS2 0DU. Ffi: 0117 330 9140 or www.oldcastlegreen.com
Old Market Tavern 29 Old Market St, Bristol BS2 0HB. Ffi: 0117 922 6123 or www.omtbristol.co.uk
OMG Frog Lane, Frogmore Street, Bristol, Avon BS1 5UX. Ffi: www.omgbristol.com Bristol’s newest gay nightclub. Lick ladies night (Tues)
The Palace 1 West Street, Old Market, Bristol BS2 0DF • Traditional gay pub with regular games, bingo and drag nights.
The Pineapple St George's Rd, Bristol BS1 5UU. Ffi: 0117 316 9938 www.thepineapplebristol.com Now reopened and under new management.
The Retreat 16 West Street, Old Market, Bristol BS2 0DF Open Daily, 11am-midnight
Bristol Bear Bar 2-3 West Street, Bristol BS2 0DF. Ffi: 0117 955 1967 or www.bristolbearbar.co.uk
