Top 3: Manchester Pride Fringe

As the city braces itself for Manchester Pride’s Big Weekend, you would be forgiven for thinking that’s your lot. However, aside from this are several alternative events perfect for those after something a bit different – or to simply help whet the whistle for the impending party.

Gays of Manchester at 2022NQ (pictured)
Curated and produced by Manchester-based photographer Lee Baxter, this exhibition showcases portraits of Manchester’s diverse LGBT community, whilst paying homage to their support for people living with HIV. A calendar of the exhibition will also be on sale to raise funds for the George House Trust, which was founded in 1985 by 6 gay men in Manchester to support those living with or affected by HIV.
Mon 19 – Tue 27 Aug, 2022NQ, 20 Dale Street, M1 1EZ, FREE, Tue 20 – Thu 22: 11am – 5pm, Fri 23: 11am – 11pm, www.2022nq.co.uk

Poutfest: The Invisibles at Cornerhouse
We’ve already mentioned this one, but the current film season at Cornerhouse is a bit special. Screening the best in new queer cinema, Poutfest aims to engage its audiences with a varied and exciting range of LGBT titles. Unfortunately, most of the films have run their course as Poutfest draws to a close, but you can still catch The Invisibles on Thursday, which explores the lives of people born between the World Wars who share nothing in common other than their bold decisions to live openly in a society that rejected their sexuality.
Thu 22 Aug, Cornerhouse, 70 Oxford Street, M1 5NH, 6pm, £7.50, www.cornerhouse.org

Off Kilter at Piccadilly Place
Another exhibition, but this time one seeking to prove that not all LGBT art has to be controversial. Curated by artist Ian Rayer-Smith, Off Kilter features a range of paintings, photography and sculptures from 8 artists, including Emily Pitts and David Hoyle. Each piece has been carefully constructed to portray the idea that LGBT no longer necessarily requires a political or provocative message – although with objects crafted from human hairs, it will be by no means a humdrum affair.
Fri 23 – Fri 30 Aug, Unit 4, Piccadilly Place, M1 3BN, FREE, Fri 23: 10am – 5pm, Sat 24: 11am – 4pm, Sun 25 – Mon 26: 12pm – 4pm, Tue 27 – Fri 30: 10am – 5pm, www.manchesterpride.com