50 YEARS OF QUEER HOPE & JOY
A powerful and uplifting exhibition at Manchester Central Library, celebrating five decades of activism, care, and community.
Friday 27 June until the end of the year
Manchester Central Library, St Peter’s Square, Manchester M2 5PD
Free Entry
From protest posters to flyers, personal letters to political milestones, this exhibition brings together rarely seen objects, treasures, first-hand stories, and cultural moments that have shaped the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Greater Manchester and beyond.
Curated in collaboration with community members, past and present staff, and volunteers, the exhibition captures the spirit of queer resilience, joy, and solidarity – from the founding of Manchester’s gay helpline in 1975, to the life-saving services that LGBT Foundation delivers today.
50 Years of Queer Hope and Joy Exhibition is proudly sponsored by Barefoot Wine and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
We’ve launched a special anniversary edition of OutNorthWest, LGBT Foundation’s iconic LGBTQ+ lifestyle and culture magazine, celebrating 50 years of impact. You’ll find past editions on display at our Central Library exhibition!
Created by the original team behind the magazine, this commemorative issue blends 2000s nostalgia with 2025 sensibilities — reflecting on everything we’ve achieved, where we are today and exploring what’s next.
Now more than ever, we need your support to continue to advocate loudly and proudly for our communities. Please consider donating to keep our community projects, services, and programmes front and centre for years to come 💞
LGBT Foundation’s 50th Anniversary is supported by
