LGBT Foundation is celebrating 50 years of transforming the lives of LGBTQ+ people. Since 1975, we’ve been a beacon of hope, strength, and empowerment, fighting for equality, providing life-saving support, and creating spaces for connection and celebration.

2025 marks this incredible milestone – a time to reflect on our journey and embrace the hope and joy driving our future. Together, we celebrate:

To honour this momentous occasion, we’re launching the Rainbow Trail, a public art trail celebrating our history, vibrant community, and the resilience and achievements of LGBTQ+ people.

LGBT Foundation invites artists, community groups, businesses, and organisations to join us in creating a public art trail that celebrates 50 years of progress, pride, and queer hope and joy.

What is the Rainbow Trail?
The Rainbow Trail will connect Manchester’s iconic Gay Village and city centre through vibrant public art. It will celebrate LGBTQ+ liberation and Queer hope and joy, highlight LGBT Foundation’s role in this journey, and engage tens of thousands of people.

The Rainbow Trail will officially launch on May 17th, during IDAHOBIT – the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia.

A trail map will be available in digital and print for public access.

The Artwork:
We’re inviting artists, community groups, businesses, and organisations to create and donate artwork celebrating 50 years of queer hope and joy. This can include milestones from 1975 to today, reflections on LGBTQ+ progress, or visions for the future.

Artforms can be:

This opportunity is open to anyone including:

All contributors will be featured on the Rainbow Trail map and webpage.

LGBT Foundation will offer a contribution to those selected to take part. Artwork can also be given to LGBT Foundation as a charitable donation as well.

Leaving a Legacy:
The Rainbow Trail is your chance to celebrate LGBTQ+ history, share personal reflections, and inspire future generations. Your artwork will reach diverse audiences through physical displays, digital platforms, and the special 50th-anniversary edition of OUTNorthwest.

The trail will culminate in an online auction to support the LGBT Foundation’s life-changing services.

Provisional Timeline:


To propose an artwork for the trail please complete the form at: https://forms.office.com/e/gFtR2HkbxF by Monday 17th of February

If you have any questions please email marketing@lgbt.foundation

Sponsorship: A Historic Opportunity to Make an Impact
The Rainbow Trail is part of LGBT Foundation’s yearlong celebration of its 50th Birthday.

We invite businesses, corporate partners, and organisations to join this monumental journey. By partnering with the LGBT Foundation, you can make a real difference to the community and solidify your place in history as a key supporter of this milestone celebration.

Through sponsorship, collaboration, or volunteer engagement, businesses are encouraged to help bring this year-long celebration to life and contribute to a brighter future for LGBTQ+ communities.

Interested parties should email: charity@lgbt.foundation


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