The Cost of Connection

Join us for an afternoon of conversation, film and creative activities exploring how financial pressures shape connection, community and support within LGBTQ+ communities.

The event will feature a panel discussion bringing together researchers, community organisations and people with lived experience, followed by screenings of two short films:

• Amphetamine (1967) by Warren Sonbert, exploring gay male intimacy and drug use in 1960s New York.
• GHOSTS by Thomas Roughan, examining addiction, recovery and connection within queer communities in London and Berlin.

Together, these films will invite us to think about the relationships between community, intimacy, wellbeing and social change, and what people seek through connection during challenging times.

You'll also have the opportunity to take part in a creative activity, using simple arts-based methods to reflect on how money, housing, nightlife and other financial pressures influence our social lives and sense of belonging.

We'll close with an open discussion about what affordable, welcoming and non-judgemental support looks like in Greater Manchester, and how community organisations, public health services and recovery groups can work together to meet changing needs.

This event is for adults aged 18+ and welcomes LGBTQ+ community members, allies, practitioners and anyone interested in community, wellbeing and social connection.