News

Manchester drag artist addresses Tories being ‘thrown out’ of Gay Village bar

Their stories do not match up.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 3rd October 2023

A Manchester drag artist has addressed a news story which claimed Tories had been ‘thrown out’ of the New Union Hotel, a bar in the Gay Village.

Albie Amankona, an LGBT+ Conservatives board member, told GB News that a group of Conservative members were asked to leave the establishment on Princess Street.

The Conservative Party are in town this week for the Conservative Party Conference, which has seen huge barriers put up around Manchester Central.

And according to Mr Amankona, their post-conference celebrations took a turn after they were ‘thrown out’ of the beloved Gay Village bar.

He added: “A drag act was on making rude and derogatory comments about Conservatives and Suella Braverman, making them feel very uncomfortable.”

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He also reported that ‘some of the other patrons in this venue were being rude, aggressive and unkind’.

Another party member stated: “I was one of the people thrown out of this bar – for no other reason than being a @Conservatives. I’m a proud gay man and a proud Conservative. No one should be treated like this @LGBTCons.”

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But now a drag artist who frequents the stage of the New Union has clapped back at GB News for ‘broadcasting a story filled with lies and damaging allegations’.

According to Lara Stoned, the allegedly ‘unkind’ actions were some patrons ‘chanting “Trans Rights”.’

They also said that the group of Tories ‘threw an object’ at a New Union staff member.

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Lara Stoned posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: “@GBNEWS How DARE you broadcast a story filled with lies and damaging allegations towards the community within Manchester.

“Don’t you realise those kind of remarks HINDER and THREATEN the livelihood of self employed queer performers and queer venues. Shame on you.”

They added: “They were in fact politely asked to leave when they arrived, but then continued to be disrespectful, aggressive and dangerous to the staff AND customers of the establishment. Anyone who challenges the rights of my community is not welcome in my home.”

And Manchester’s New Union Hotel has received a flurry of support from people since the alleged incident took place.

One person posted: “Yes Manchester!! More of this please. The New Union has always been a good pub. Respect.”

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Another wrote: “Nice to hear it confirmed that the New Union is a Tory-free space, feel free to pay them a visit guys.”

Someone else said: “I will buy the drag queen, the 4 security guards and the New Union staff a drink next time I’m there.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

News

Manchester United are once again opening up Old Trafford and Red Café for ‘Warm Hub’ evenings

Danny Jones Danny Jones Warm Hub evenings Old Trafford Manchester United

Manchester United are once again opening their doors to people in need this winter as they kick off the 2023 season of ‘Warm Hub’ evenings at Old Trafford.

The community support initiative is returning after the success of last year’s campaign which welcomed locals through the doors to Man United’s iconic home ground and the attached Red Café, helping thousands stay warm, grab a hot drink and a snack, as well as socialise with others.

Focusing on those vulnerable during the colder months, as well as those who might feel worried or lonely during the festive period, United‘s Warm Hubs proved to be a truly impactful resource to many Mancunians in 2022 and will no doubt do the same this year.

Starting from Monday, 4 December and repeating every week right through until January, the area will be available to everyone and completely free, staying open from 5-8pm every session.

Warm Hub sessions return to Old Trafford this Monday.

To sign up for the Warm Hub evenings — part of the wider ‘United By Your Side’ campaign — people can arrive at Old Trafford and register via the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand reception and will then be guided into the Red Café where they can grab a brew and something to eat.

Completely open to the public, the United Foundation will also be delivering a multi-layered approach to support the local community this time around, hoping to be an even more vital outlet to people around Greater Manchester than ever.

In addition to the obvious physical benefits of the warm space, the club want the ground to be a welcoming place for those looking for social connection over the holidays and beyond to spend time with others in friendly and safe surroundings.

As a charity supporting children and young people, the Foundation has focused its efforts on supporting families amidst the cost-of-living crisis after participants from its Youth Voice groups expressed concerns over being cold during the winter months.

The club also hosted the second-ever Stadium Sleepout to raise money for Manchester’s homeless community earlier this year.

As a result, the Foundation has now invested more than £100,000 in over 22,000 warm clothing items for every young person across its 77 partner schools in Greater Manchester and beyond, including hats, gloves, scarves, blankets and more.

These items have complemented the winter coats that were distributed earlier this year, following the matchday appeal that was held ahead of the Brentford fixture in October at Old Trafford — a brilliant drive that the club is also hoping to continue.

Donations from fans, club staff and men’s and women’s team players have also led to more than 2,000 coats being received, all of which have since been redistributed to identified families in need, local poverty charities and a charity in Ukraine. Heartwarming stuff.

Similarly, more than 200 shoeboxes – received thanks to Manchester United and Foundation staff – will be handed out to identified children as gifts ahead of the festive season.

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Speaking on the return of the scheme, United’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Collette Roche, said: “We want people who are struggling to know that they are not alone, particularly in our local community…

“Sadly, we also know many of our young people will be facing challenges during the winter period and we hope by providing them with some warm winter clothing or a Christmas gift through the Foundation’s great work we will bring some joy and support to those in need.”

Children under 16 attending this year’s sessions must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 16. The last warm hub evening of 2023 will be taking place on 18 December and will resume again in the New Year from 8 January until the last Monday of the month (29 January).

Thankfully, the sporting institution isn’t the only one doing its bit for the most vulnerable over the next few months, with places such as libraries across the region offering free hot drinks, wi-fi and a place to simply get warm this winter.

Five ways you can help homeless people in Greater Manchester this winter
If you’re hoping to help out those most vulnerable over the next few months, here are a few ways you can get involved.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Manchester United Foundation/Valeriy Borzov (via Unsplash)

News

‘Homeless’ man found dead in Manchester’s Gay Village

Danny Jones Danny Jones homeless man dead manchester gay village

A man believed to be homeless has been found dead in a shop doorway in Gay Village following another cold night in Manchester.

Discovered on Sunday, emergency services were called to Bloom Street after witnesses saw him lying on steps in the doorway of a shop between the Village Chippy and Roadie’s takeaway.

Greater Manchester Police said the man found sleeping rough was “sadly declared deceased” at the scene and authorities are not treating his death as suspicious at this time.

His passing comes after the North West was hit with a yellow heat-health alert, with the Met Office and UKHSA warning that winter conditions place the elderly, clinically vulnerable and the homeless population at risk.

homeless man dead manchester city centre
The crime scene erected where the ‘homeless’ man was found dead (Credit: Peter Devine via X)

While his cause of death is yet to be determined, the freezing temperatures are thought to be a likely factor and a forensic tent was erected at the scene.

A passerby admitted that he thought the man was simply asleep but after a couple exiting the car park opposite went over to check on him only to find him not moving, they called the ambulance around 10am.

His identity and age are still yet to be confirmed, with GMP adding in a statement: “This investigation is in its very early stages and the cause of death is yet to be ascertained.”

Unfortunately, Manchester still has some of the highest levels of homelessness in the UK. According to statistics published by Shelter in January this year, the city ranks the third-highest in the country, with around 7,407 people (i.e. one in 74 people) experiencing homelessness.

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Peter Devine (Supplied)

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