The latest news, updates and events in Birmingham
Dozens of pro-Palestine demonstrators staged a powerful protest in Birmingham today (May 25) to coincide with the Birmingham Pride parade amid controversy over the event’s headline sponsor. The West Midlands Palestine Solidarity Campaign (WMPSC) held a ‘die-in’ outside the Bullring shopping centre as the Pride parade passed by, to bring attention to the recent war on Palestine.
LGBTQ+ groups have renewed calls for a boycott of Birmingham Pride this weekend in response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Activists are urging members of the community to boycott the event until organisers sever ties with headline sponsor HSBC, who they claim is funding arms sales to Israel.
Birmingham Pride organisers are expecting 100,000 people to line the city centre streets this weekend for the city’s rainbow parade, ahead of the three-day LGBTQ+ festival. Headlined by pop band the Sugababes, this year’s Pride festivities are set to go ahead on Friday 26, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May, marking over a quarter century of inclusive mardi-gras…
An LGBTQ+ friendly market showcasing at least 15 local traders will be popping up at The Flapper in Birmingham this weekend. Presented by independent creative trader Queerringz, the ‘Shop Queer’ pop-up market is taking place at the Brindley Place bar venue on Sunday (21 May).
Manchester Pride has announced the line-up for Superbia, a series of arts and culture events as part of the Manchester Pride Festival taking place from 24th – 28th August. Superbia is a culturally rich celebration of LGBTQ+ life featuring a line-up of free activities suitable for all ages from workshops to cinema screenings.
After plans for a £9.5million new look for a flagship section of Birmingham’s Southside district fell through, the area has been temporarily decked out in rainbow colours which have led to people asking for the eye-popping feature to become permanent. Although the current street surface decorations are temporary – put in place ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2022 –…
Manchester Pride has announced the return of its parade for 2022 following a two-year break due to the COVID pandemic, with a brand new theme promoting unity and hope. The Parade, which will take place on Saturday 27 August, is the city’s biggest, with tens of thousands of LGBTQ+ people and allies gathering to march…
A protest rally in solidarity with Birmingham’s LGBTQ+ community will be held in Birmingham this weekend. The event is taking place following a series of hate crimes committed against members of the gay, bisexual, lesbian and trans community in the city.
Popular Birmingham magazine Midlands Zone is set to close amid economic struggles caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the knock-on effect of subsequent lockdowns and tier restrictions. Serving the LGBTQ+ community as its primary audience, publishers of the Birmingham-based title have announced the regional print edition will cease, as circulation and advertising becomes almost impossible in light…
A West Midlands queer arts festival has announced the appointment of its first Festival Manager. Rico Johnson-Sinclair joins SHOUT, the Festival of Queer Arts and Culture, which celebrated its 10th Anniversary last year.