Announcements
Published: 1 September 2025 by mbelfield
LGBT Foundation, the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing charity, is marking its 50th
anniversary with The EXXXhibition: 50 Years of LGBTQ+ Safer Sex & Activism – a free, 18+
event opening on 11th of September at The Thompson’s Arms, Manchester.
From 6–8pm, guests will be the first to see materials tracing the evolution of safer sex education from 1975 to today. In celebration of LGBT Foundation’s 50th anniversary, a full 1970s theme will run throughout the night, with décor, music, and fancy dress, alongside the launch of LGBT Foundation’s new Safer Sex packs and a condom packing party, in recognition of over 30 years of handmade safer sex packs.
Launching in Sexual Health Week (September 8 to September 14), The EXXXhibition will remain open to the public at The Thompson’s Arms for the rest of the year.
Founded in 1975 as a small helpline run from a flat in Longsight, Manchester, the charity has
grown and adapted to meet the ever-changing health, wellbeing, political, and social needs of
LGBTQ+ people. Today, LGBT Foundation is the UK’s largest charity dedicated to LGBTQ+ health
and wellbeing, supporting over 50,000 LGBTQ+ people, their friends, families, and loved ones
each year.
The EXXXhibition is part of the charity’s year-long 50th anniversary programme, and a companion event to the Rainbow Arts Trail, and 50 Years of Queer Hope and Joy exhibition, running until the end of year at Manchester Central Library, all proudly supported by the Lottery Heritage Fund and Barefoot Wine.
The launch of The EXXXhibition will be hosted by LGBT Foundation, who lead the way in LGBTQ+
safer sex education. The charity’s sexual health work includes free HIV and STI testing,
guidance on accessing PrEP and PEP, outreach in LGBTQ+ spaces, and distributing more than
30,000 Safer Sex packs annually. The team takes a judgement-free, open, and honest approach
to sexual health, equipping people with the knowledge and support to have the sex that is right
for them.
Reece Boulton, Sexual Health Coordinator at LGBT Foundation, said: “We wanted to celebrate
our 50th anniversary with an event that honours our beginnings and the courage of early LGBTQ+
activists who laid the groundwork for today’s rights and freedoms. Our communities have always
been brave, fearless, and central to everything we do. The Exxxhibition isn’t just a cheeky look back
at 50 years of sexual health – it’s a celebration of the joy, resilience, and pride of being LGBTQ+
today.”
Dr Mark Perera (He/Him) MBBS BSc MRCGP, GP and artist featured in The Exxxhibition,
said:” I’m proud to work with LGBT Foundation to spark honest conversations about sexual and
men’s health. TesticulART, featured in LGBT Foundation’s Rainbow Arts Trail and The Exxxhibition,
does exactly that.
Stigma and inequality still hit LGBTQ+ communities hard, which is why LGBT Foundation’s work is
so vital. For over 30 years, they have led the way in sexual health education – from free condoms
and lube to life-changing advice and support. Now that Safer Sex Packs are self-funded,
community support is more important than ever to keep sex safer and freely available to those
who need it most.”
To join the launch of The EXXXhibition: 50 Years of LGBTQ+ Safer Sex & Activism, RSVP at:
https://lgbt.foundation/event/exxxhibition/
