As part of Contact's ongoing commitment to diversity, Queer Contact presents events throughout the year for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) communities of Greater Manchester. Each February, as part of LGBT History Month, this programming converges in a festival week featuring the best performance, music, spoken word, and theatre, with local young people and performers interacting with the best UK and international talent.

Queer Contact 2012:

Mon 6 Feb 2012, 7:30pm, £5/3

COMEDY PLAYGROUND

Comedy night hosted by Jonathan Mayor with headliner Rosie Wilby, D’Lo, Harry & Lou Pickles, Debs Gatenby, Heena Patel plus much more... Over 16s.

contactmcr.com/comedyplayground

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Tuesday 7 Feb 2012, 8pm, £5

SHORT CUTS

A double-bill of new work-in-progress queer theatre. In untitled DawN Crandell tackles the irrational contradictions of homophobia within certain Black Radical Artistic communities and racism within certain white queer communities using mask, movement, monologue, drag, burlesque, poetry… and Prince...

In D’FaQTo Life, D’LO explores topics relating to South Asia and transgender social justice from the perspective of being a child of immigrant parents, raised in hip hop culture.

Suitable for ages 14+. Some strong language.

contactmcr.com/shortcuts

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Wed 8 Feb

SHORT CUTS - UPDATE 24/1/2012: POSTPONED

Due to circumstances beyond our control, the earlier published performances, These Dreams Are Forever from Chris Hoyle and Hope Theatre Company: Village Voices, have been postponed. We hope to present these shows at a later date.

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Wed 8 Feb, 6:30pm, £5/3

OUTSPOKEN

Contact’s regular alternative spoken word and poetry night. Hosted by Dominc Berry, with headliner D’Lo and a host of local performance poetry talent in the Outspoken Slam. Over 16s only.

SLAM PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY

If you are a spoken word performer aged 16+, book your Slam Slot via outspoken@contactmcr.com by Fri 20 January 2012. Places are strictly limited. The winner will receive £50.

WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITY

Dominic and D’Lo will be leading a FREE poetry slam workshop on Mon 6 February, 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Call 01612740600 to book.

contactmcr.com/outspoken

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Thu 9 Feb, 7:30pm. £8/5

PETER GRIST & COMPANY: THE WHITE CHALK DIARIES

A new dance work by Peter Grist.

Peter was adopted at a young age into a Christian household. His parents didn’t agree with his ‘gay lifestyle’ and he had trouble coming to terms with his sexuality. White Chalk Diaries explores Peter’s issues with identity, betrayal and religious beliefs.

Suitable for ages 14+.

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Thu 9 Feb

BEYOND DA BOX - UPDATE 24/1/2012 - POSTPONED

Due to circumstances beyond our control, this event has now been postponed. We hope to present the workshops and sharing at a later date.

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Fri 10 Feb, 8pm. £12/7/FREEACT

MOTHER’S RUIN THEATRICAL SPECTACULAR

Mother pulls out all the stops with a spectacular show with over a dozen acts in Contact’s main space. Acts include Jonny Woo (JUST ANNOUNCED). Dickie Beau, Myra Dubois, Clementine the Living Doll, Joey Hateley, Eggs Collective, Qasim Riza Shaheen, Chris & Gareth’s Well Arty Review, plus much more.

Over 18s only.

contactmcr.com/theatricalspectacular

mothersruin.co.uk

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Sat 11 Feb, durational performance between 5pm and 7pm, FREE

QASIM RIZA SHAHEEN – MISPLACED MEMOIRS

Queer Contact resident artist Qasim Riza Shaheen brings his year-long project to a close by inviting you to step into his world and experience his declarations of love.

contactmcr.com/misplacedmemoirs

Suitable for ages 14+.

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Sat 11 Feb, 8pm, £15/10/FREEACT

THE TIGER LILLIES

The Grammy nominated Godfathers of alternative cabaret return to Manchester with a brand new show.

With an international reputation for being the foremost avant-garde band in the world, Olivier award winners The Tiger Lillies never cease to surprise, shock and entertain with their inimitable musical style, conjuring up the macabre magic of pre-war Berlin and fusing it with the savage edge of punk.

Over 16s only.

contactmcr.com/tigerlillies

tigerlillies.com

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Queer Contact will also feature two exhibitions:

Fri 3 Feb to Thu 3 May, open daily. FREE

10am to 10pm, Mon to Fri, 3pm to 10pm Saturdays (not Sundays)

APOSTLES

An exhibition of 12 large-scale portraits by Lee Baxter that bring together a maverick group of opinionated artists & thinkers.

Not ones to mince their words, these images will include a personal message, written, painted, projected or scribbled by the participant and included in their photographic portrayal.

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Fri 3 Feb to Thu 3 May, open daily. FREE

10am to 10pm, Mon to Fri, 3pm to 10pm Saturdays (not Sundays)

HIP REPLACEMENT

A retrospective of graphic works by artist Lee Baxter to accompany the Apostles exhibit.

hip-replacement.com

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For more information about Contact please visit contactmcr.com

For more information about LGBT History month please visit lgbthistorymonth.org.uk

Booking and information via individual booking links above or call 0161 274 0600.

Contact, Oxford Road, Manchester M15 6JA