In 1988, the UK government introduced Section 28, legislation that stated that councils should not ‘intentionally promote homosexuality or publish material with the intention of promoting homosexuality’ in its schools or other areas of their work. On 20 February 1988, over 20,000 people marched in protest against the legislation in Manchester: the city’s largest ever peaceful protest at that time.
Re:Con, (Contact’s Young Producers and Programmers) launched their Temporary Monument, Permanent Protest project earlier this year, and on 20th February 2018 commemorated the 30 year anniversary since the historic anti-Clause 28 protest, by re-enacting an image of protest in the city centre. Teaming up with visual artist and photographer Manuel Vason on Canal Street, participants from across the LGBTQ+ community and allies took part in the photograph.
Building on the success and energy of the event in February, Mandla-Rae and Nasima Begum, poets and members of Re:Con, will be running two open workshops and would like to invite LGBTQ+ people aged 16-25 to create new poetry that will be presented in a celebratory, free event in Manchester in May 2018. The opportunity is open to people of all experience levels and those interested in both poetry and spoken word. Performance experience is not necessary, but an interest in being a part of the final event in May is desirable.
Sessions
The writing sessions will take place on:
Saturday 14th April 2018 and Saturday 28th April 2018
Time: 2pm-5pm
Venue: Longsight Library, 519 Stockport Rd, M12 4NE
Re:Con will provide refreshments, journals and pens for attendees.
For more information and to register your interest, please email: recon@contactmcr.com
Credits
Workshops are supported by V Inspired
Temporary Monument, Permanent Protest is supported by Contact, Arts Council England and Manchester Pride.