🌈 Pride isn’t just a party – it’s a promise. A promise to show up, speak out, and support LGBTQ+ communities not only in June, but every single day of the year.
As Sahir, Liverpool City Region’s oldest LGBTQ+ and HIV charity, celebrates 40 years of life-affirming, community-shaping work, it is calling on local businesses to turn words into action through its bold new fundraiser: Divas, Desks & Donations.
For a £1,000 donation, workplaces can bring in a fabulous professional drag queen to take over the office for one unforgettable hour (or two) of camp chaos. Think Drag Bingo, lip-syncs, irreverent office games, and more – all in support of LGBTQ+ lives.
“We’ve seen so many Pride Month statements this year – and rightly so,” said Ant Hopkinson, CEO of Sahir. “But what matters most is what comes after those posts. This campaign is a chance to go beyond the rainbow flag and put your support into action.”
What Your Business Gets:
A custom in-office drag queen experience (1-2 hours based on attendees)
Options for Bingo, birthday shoutouts, quizzes, desk walk-throughs & games
Morale-boosting team fun with purpose
A direct and meaningful way to support LGBTQ+ and HIV services across the region
We can also host a short, engaging LGBTQ+ inclusion talk from Sahir’s team – connecting the entertainment to real-life change.
“This isn’t just about glitter and glamour – though there’ll be plenty of that,” added Ant. “It’s about starting conversations, showing solidarity, and directly funding services that help LGBTQ+ people survive and thrive. Every penny raised helps us keep going – long after the rainbow flags come down.”
Email info@sahir.org.uk to book your Divas, Desks & Donations experience. The campaign is open to workplaces across the Liverpool City Region and requires a minimum £1,000 donation throughout June and July – funding both the performer and Sahir’s vital work.
The local drag community are at it again – and this time, they’re armed with sharp tongues and even sharper heels, all in support of Sahir.
We’re incredibly honoured to be the chosen charity for the Liverpool Pride Comedy Roast, taking place on Thursday 24th July during Liverpool’s Pride Week celebrations.
Hosted, once again, at the incredible Superstar Boudoir, this glittering showdown will see 15 local drag queens go head-to-head in a no-holds-barred comedy roast, judged by three fearless icons. Only one queen will be crowned Roast Royalty – but the real winners will be our communities.
With sequins, sass, and savage reads on the menu, this is more than just a night of laughs – it’s a bold celebration of Liverpool’s queer talent and community power. Every ticket sold and every cackle shared helps support Sahir’s vital work across the Liverpool City Region.
For over 40 years, Sahir has stood alongside the LGBTQ+ community and those living with or affected by HIV. From delivering HIV testing and prevention services to creating safe, inclusive spaces for queer people to thrive – our work is powered by solidarity. And events like this help us keep going.
Ant Hopkinson, CEO of Sahir, said: “We’re beyond proud that Liverpool’s drag community are supporting Sahir again for this incredible event. Their creativity and commitment to giving back reflects everything we stand for at Sahir. We can’t wait to laugh, celebrate Pride, and raise vital funds together.”
We’re excited to announce two new opportunities to join Sahir’s growing team. As the Liverpool City Region’s longest-running LGBTQ+ and HIV charity, we’re proud to offer services that are inclusive, trauma-informed, and rooted in community.
We’re now looking for two qualified counsellors to help us expand access to mental health support for LGBTQ+ people and those living with or affected by HIV.
🔹 The Roles
We’re recruiting for two part-time positions:
0.6 FTE Counsellor – 21 hours per week
0.4 FTE Counsellor – 14 hours per week
Salary: £28,000 pro rata
These are impactful frontline roles, offering short-term, one-to-one counselling as part of our wider wellbeing and support services. You’ll work independently and within a supportive team, with access to regular supervision, reflective practice and development opportunities.
🌈 Who We’re Looking For
We want to hear from qualified, passionate counsellors who are:
Registered with BACP or UKCP (or eligible for registration)
Experienced in delivering short-term interventions
Committed to inclusive, culturally sensitive counselling
Ready to support clients with issues around identity, trauma, stigma, and low mental wellbeing
We especially welcome applications from people with lived experience, and from those often underrepresented in the charity sector – including LGBTQ+ people, people of colour, people living with HIV, and disabled or neurodivergent applicants.
💬 What You’ll Bring
You’ll bring warmth, empathy and a collaborative approach – someone who shares our commitment to reducing health inequalities and making counselling accessible to those who need it most.
You’ll be confident managing a caseload, adapting to different therapeutic needs, and working as part of a team that values growth, community, and social justice.
It was great to see our local celeb, Danny Beard coming second on CBB – personally I think he was head and shoulders above everyone and should absolutely have won this outright.
Danny of course is a staunch supporter of our trans-siblings and used his very first interview, the moment he was through the door, to support them. This of course brings me onto the other big subject from April – the ruling on trans and sex at birth etc.
I’ve been doing a lot of work with trans women over the past two years, helping them overcome the mental challenges they face when using their newly trained, femme voices. Unsurprisingly, many of them have contacted me since the announcement to express their fears.
As a gay, cis-gender male, I won’t pretend for one minute I can truly know how this makes my trans-siblings feel. However, we can all offer our support and stick together as a community. I always like to think back to the 1980s and 90s, when of course AIDS/HIV was ripping through our communities; I lost many friends at the time. Some of our biggest allies were our lesbian sisters, fighting for research and lobbying our MPs. Why? Well, you’ll have to ask them, but I like to think it was down to the sense of community we need to have to survive what the world throws at us. It may be a soundbite, but we are all genuinely, stronger together. It’s good for our sense of self and our mental well-being.
Just as in the same way gay men were blamed for everything wrong in society in the 1980s, our trans community are copping for the vile rhetoric at the moment. Reach out – offer your support – we are all in this together.
Moving onto this month’s Mental Health topics. Mental health is so misunderstood and carries so much stigma. Much of the stigma is due to misunderstanding, or lack of knowledge. One word which is sure to get people worries is ‘Psycho’ or ‘Psychosis’ to give it its proper name.
Just hearing the word can often conjure up frightening images, often fuelled by sensationalised media portrayals. However, the reality of psychosis is often far removed from these dramatic depictions. It’s crucial to understand that psychosis is primarily characterised by a disconnect from reality, affecting how a person thinks, feels, and perceives the world around them. It’s not about inherent danger towards others.
In simple terms, we can think of psychosis in some ways like being very unwell with a high fever. When someone has a severe temperature, they might say things that don’t make sense, become disoriented, or even hallucinate. Their grip on reality is temporarily altered by their physical illness. Similarly, in psychosis, changes in brain function can lead to a temporary detachment from reality. Postpartum psychosis, which can occur after childbirth, is a specific example where hormonal shifts can contribute to this altered state, much like a physical illness impacting mental clarity.
Schizophrenia is perhaps the most well-known term, but psychotic symptoms can also occur in other illness such as bipolar disorder or severe depression. While the symptoms can be distressing, it’s important to remember that these are signs of an underlying health issue that needs understanding and support, not something to be feared.
I think it’s also important to mention the potential link between cannabis and other drug use, particularly high-potency strains and early or heavy use, and the increased risk of developing psychosis in vulnerable individuals. While cannabis doesn’t cause psychosis in everyone, it can trigger or exacerbate psychotic symptoms in those who may have a predisposition to it. This highlights the importance of being aware of the potential risks, especially for younger people, under 25, whose brains are still developing.
Of course, I never, ever make judgement on drug use, and being from the inner city, being gay, and having been around the block many times, know just how much a part of our culture drugs can play. Whether it is trying to block something out from our past, trying to fit in – or just partaking in the odd chem sesh which turns into a deeper habit, drugs are all around us.
There are of course many sources of help out there if you are worried about your own drug use. One which people tell me is particularly helpful is ‘Talk to Frank’, 24/7 on 0300 123 6600. It is not specifically aimed at our community; however you can call in confidence, without judgement, which is of course the most important thing in my book.
I’ll be back with this column in June, in the meantime, if you’d like to get in touch then please contact me at solutions@martinfurber.com
We brought the glamour, the glitter, and a whole lot of giggles to the workday at Clockwise Liverpool as Sahir’s sensational ambassador, Debbie Darling, led an unforgettable session of Drag Queen Bingo right in the heart of the office!
Hosted among the exposed brick and natural light of this stunning co-working space, Debbie dazzled a small but brilliantly engaged group from across the Clockwise business community. With her signature wit, sky-high heels, and a microphone in hand, she delivered a joyful explosion of camp office chaos – all in support of Sahir.
There may not have been bingo balls, but there was plenty of drag drama, dodgy prizes, and double entendres – all served with a side of snacks, laughter, and community spirit. Most importantly, our fabulous guests helped raise funds to support LGBTQ+ and HIV services across the Liverpool City Region.
Debbie Darling said at the event,
“There’s nothing I love more than mixing a bit of mischief with a good cause – and Clockwise gave me the perfect stage to do just that! Drag Queen Bingo was a riot from start to finish with those attending proper getting involved! And knowing it helped raise money for Sahir made it all the more fabulous. Laughter, connection, and a little chaos – that’s what community should be about.”
Clockwise Liverpool’s Community Coordinator, Connor Meehan, thought the event was a success, reflecting,
“At Clockwise, we’re always looking for ways to create meaningful moments within our community — and teaming up with Sahir for Drag Queen Bingo was the perfect way to do just that. Not only did it bring some much-needed midweek fun to our monthly social, but it also gave us the chance to support an incredible local charity doing vital work for LGBTQ+ people across the region. We were thrilled to welcome Debbie Darling and can’t wait to do more together.”
Huge thanks to everyone who joined us and to the team at Clockwise for letting us bring a bit of sparkle to their space. You made our first ever (but certainly not last!) office drag bingo a roaring success.
Fancy bringing Debbie Darling into your workplace? Drop us a line at info@sahir.org.uk – let’s raise funds, raise awareness, and raise eyebrows (in the best way).
Today, the UK Supreme Court ruled unanimously that, under equalities law, the term “woman” refers to biological sex. While the Court was clear that this decision should not be seen as a victory for one side over another, and reaffirmed that trans people remain protected from discrimination under the Equality Act, we know that this ruling will feel deeply personal, and painful, for many in our community.
Read our response here:
“At Sahir, we stand firmly with our trans, non-binary and gender-diverse communities. Today’s Supreme Court ruling on the definition of “biological sex” is not just a legal decision – it’s a moment that risks further marginalising some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
We recognise the fear and frustration many will be feeling. We also want to be clear: your identity is valid, and your dignity is non-negotiable.
For over four decades, Sahir has provided safe, inclusive support to those often pushed to the edges. We see you. We support you. And we will continue to champion your right to live authentically and safely, regardless of what the law may say.
Sahir will continue to advocate and champion the need for equal rights under the law for all LGBTQ+ people. Our commitment to justice, dignity and inclusion will not waver.
We urge members of our community not to panic – but we also want to acknowledge that worry, anger and uncertainty are completely valid responses to today’s ruling. There will be a lot of commentary in the coming days, and some of it may heighten anxiety by overstating the immediate impact. In the middle of all that noise, it’s important to hold onto one clear fact: the Court has reaffirmed that the Equality Act still protects all trans people from discrimination based on gender reassignment.
Once we’ve had time to pause and reflect, we’ll also be organising community listening and discussion sessions, so we can come together in solidarity, share our responses, and look ahead – together.
This ruling may try to draw lines, but our values remain unshaken: trans rights are human rights. And at Sahir, nobody is left behind.”
If you are feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to, Sahir is here. Whether you need emotional support, space to ask questions, or just a safe place to be heard – you are not alone.
There are a number of ways to connect with us:
Join our local community, and register to attend one of our Gender Proud sessions, or our drop in Social Safe Space.
If you would like to speak to someone, you can ask to speak to one of our counsellors.
You can contact us for more information by email: info@sahir.org.uk, or ring our office between 10am and 4pm.
A new report reveals that LGBTQ+ charities and community groups receive just 0.1% of total charitable income in the UK – that’s just 10p in every £100.
Despite this, LGBTQ+ organisations like Sahir provide vital, often life-saving services to our communities – usually without guaranteed funding.
The top 20 LGBTQ+ charities receive over 70% of the sector’s total funding, leaving the vast majority of organisations under-resourced
97% rely on volunteers
A quarter have no income at all
Trans and non-binary support is mostly provided by the smallest, most vulnerable groups
This is not sustainable. But together, we can change it.
Some of our service users taking part in a group session.
FUNDING OUR FUTURE
At Sahir, we’ve been proudly supporting LGBTQ+ people and those living with HIV across the Liverpool City Region for over 40 years – making us the region’s longest-standing LGBTQ+ charity.
Today, we continue that legacy through inclusive support services that provide safety, connection, and hope to those in the LGBTQ+ community who need it most. But like many LGBTQ+ charities highlighted in the LGBT+ Fund Report, these vital programmes currently receive no external funding.
We rely on donations, community generosity, and the personal dedication of our team just to keep going. It’s a testament to our commitment – but it’s not sustainable.
How your support can help our LGBTQ+ community
£10
Funds a rapid HIV self-test, giving someone the chance to take control of their sexual health with free, confidential testing – especially vital for those who may not feel safe accessing mainstream services.
£25
Covers an hour of BACP-accredited LGBTQ+ affirming counselling, offering emotional support from someone who truly understands the unique challenges our community faces.
£50
Delivers a full evening of community-based outreach, bringing inclusive sexual health resources and HIV prevention into spaces where LGBTQ+ people feel seen and safe.
£100
Provides a full day of specialist 1-to-1 support, including advocacy, signposting, and emotional care tailored to the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people navigating discrimination or isolation.
£200
Funds a peer-led support session for trans, non-binary, or LGBTQ+ people, creating vital space for connection, resilience and shared healing through lived experience.
Sahir was proud to welcome its brand new Board of Trustees for their first official meeting on Tuesday 8th April 2025, marking an exciting new chapter in the charity’s long-standing commitment to LGBTQ+ and HIV support across the Liverpool City Region.
Held at Sahir HQ in Liverpool City Centre, the evening served as an introduction to the organisation’s vital services, current projects, and the passionate team that drives its work forward every day. Trustees had the opportunity to meet staff members, hear first-hand about the impact of Sahir’s work, and begin shaping the charity’s vision for the future together.
Joining CEO, Ant Hopkinson, in delivering this were HIV Services Manager, Kellie Welch, and LGBTQ+ Services & Operations Manager, Gill Clotworthy.
This new cohort of Trustees brings a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives, reflecting Sahir’s ambition to strengthen community partnerships, expand its reach, and continue delivering life-affirming support for LGBTQ+ people and those living with or affected by HIV.
Ant Hopkinson, CEO of Sahir, said:
“This is a really exciting step forward for Sahir. Our new Trustees bring such a strong mix of skills, experience and passion for our mission. Their first meeting was full of energy and thoughtful discussion – I’m confident that together we’ll take Sahir to the next level, ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our communities now and into the future.”
Sahir is delighted to introduce the members of its new Board of Trustees:
Gerard Bowers-McIntyre
Pippa Marler
Dr Shantanu Kundu
Paul Childs
Cllr Carl Cashman
Paul Clark-Wright
As the oldest LGBTQ+ and HIV charity in the Liverpool City Region, Sahir remains committed to ensuring the voices of the communities it serves are represented at every level of the organisation. This new Board embodies that spirit, bringing together lived experience, professional expertise, and a shared passion for equality.
We look forward to sharing more about each Trustee soon – and to the powerful work we’ll do together.
If you’d like to get involved with Sahir, explore our website, or reach out to info@sahir.org.uk
We are incredibly proud to announce that Sahir, along with five members of our dedicated team, has been nominated in the 2025 National Diversity Awards – one of the UK’s most prestigious celebrations of inclusion, equity and community impact.
The nominations reflect the heart of our mission: to champion the rights, voices and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ people and those affected by HIV in Liverpool and beyond.
Sahir has been nominated in the Community Organisation (LGBTQ+) category – recognising our transformation in recent years to a bold, inclusive and community-driven charity. This nomination speaks to the collective strength of our staff, volunteers and service users who continue to shape our work every day.
In the Positive Role Model (LGBT) category, five team members have been recognised for their individual contributions to this journey:
Ant Hopkinson, our CEO, for his courageous leadership and vision in leading the organisation and repositioning it at the heart of Liverpool City Region’s LGBTQ+ community.
Kat Taylor, our LGBTQ+ Community Engagement Worker, for their inclusive, creative and affirming work with the wider community.
Shereen Cowley, who leads our LGBTQ+ asylum support work, for her fierce advocacy and compassion in one of the most challenging frontline roles.
Jared Vallejo, who now supports LGBTQ+ asylum seekers after once being a service user himself – a powerful journey of lived experience in action.
John Hyland, our Community Partnerships Lead, for his many years of LGBTQ+ activism, advocacy and relationship building across the community.
These nominations were made by members of the public, based on the real-world impact they’ve seen from our work. That kind of recognition – grounded in lived experience and community trust – is something we hold with deep pride.
Ant Hopkinson, CEO, said: “To have our team and organisation recognised like this is incredibly powerful. These nominations reflect not just individual achievements, but the collective strength and resilience of Sahir. We are here because of the community we serve – and we’ll keep showing up for them every day.”
As we await news of the final shortlist, we remain proud of how far we’ve come, and energised by what’s still to do.
If you believe Sahir and our staff deserve to be shortlisted, and hopefully win, any of the awards, please add your nomination by clicking the links for each person above!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to write a nomination, and continues to support our work.
The clocks are springing forward on the last Sunday in March, and while we might grumble about losing an hour of sleep, let’s look at this as a fantastic opportunity to inject some sunshine into our lives – both literally and metaphorically.
Here in the North, we know a thing or two about appreciating a bit of extra daylight. After those long winter months, the longer days and brighter evenings are like a breath of fresh air. And it’s not just in our heads – there’s actual science behind why we feel better when the sun shines.
Our bodies are naturally attuned to the rhythms of the sun. Sunlight triggers the production of vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood, boosting the immune system, and promoting bone health. Studies have shown that increased exposure to sunlight can lead to a rise in serotonin levels, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite.
So, how can we make the most of this extra daylight and use the clock change as a springboard for improving our mental well-being?
First and foremost, let’s talk about sleep. Yes, we lose an hour, but this is a great time to re-evaluate our sleep habits. Sleep is absolutely vital for our mental and physical health. It allows our bodies to repair and our minds to recharge. Aim for a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, and create a relaxing bedtime routine.
Routine, in general, is a great thing for our mental health. Our minds appreciate a bit of structure. With the extra daylight, this is a great time to create a new routine or re-establish a good old one.
The longer days also provide an opportunity to reconnect with nature. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost cognitive function. Even a short walk in a local park can have a positive impact.
And let’s not forget the power of social connection. With lighter evenings, it’s easier to meet up with friends and family. Social connection is essential for our mental well-being. It provides a sense of belonging, support, and connection.
The clock change is a gentle nudge from nature, reminding us to embrace the light, reconnect with ourselves, and prioritize our well-being. Let’s use this opportunity to spring forward into a brighter and happier season. After all, a little bit of sunshine can go a long way. And who knows, you might just find that you’re feeling a little bit brighter, a little bit lighter, and a little bit more ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
April, is ‘Stress Awareness Month’, and let’s face it – those of us who identify under the rainbow flag seem to experience more than our fair share of it as we journey through life, so I thought that is a good subject to talk to you about this month.
We all know that feeling of being stressed – that knot in your stomach, the tension in your shoulders, the racing heart. But have you ever stopped to wonder what’s actually happening inside your body when you feel stressed? It’s not just in your head; stress has a very real and tangible impact on our physical health.
As a solution-focused therapist, I believe in empowering people with knowledge. Understanding the physical connection to stress can help us recognise the signs and take steps to manage it effectively. So, let’s delve into the fascinating world of how stress affects our bodies.
When we experience stress, our bodies activate the “fight or flight” response, an ancient survival mechanism designed to help us cope with danger. This response triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which prepare us for action.
Imagine you’re walking through a wooded area, and suddenly you see a potential threat. Your body instantly kicks into gear. Your heart rate increases, your breathing becomes rapid, your muscles tense, and your senses sharpen. This is your body’s way of preparing you to either fight or flee.
While this response is helpful in short bursts, chronic stress – the kind we experience in our daily lives – can take a toll on our bodies. When cortisol and adrenaline are constantly elevated, they can disrupt various bodily functions.
Here are some of the ways stress manifests physically:
Muscle Tension: Stress often leads to muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back. This can result in headaches, aches, and pains.
Digestive Problems: Stress can affect our digestive system, leading to symptoms like stomach aches, indigestion, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Sleep Disturbances: Stress can interfere with our ability to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to insomnia and fatigue.
Weakened Immune System: Chronic stress can weaken our immune system, making us more susceptible to illness.
Cardiovascular Issues: Stress can increase our heart rate and blood pressure, potentially contributing to cardiovascular problems over time.
Changes in Appetite: Some people experience a loss of appetite when stressed, while others find themselves craving comfort foods.
Skin Problems: Stress can exacerbate skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
It’s important to recognise these physical signs of stress and take steps to manage them. Here are some practical tips for physical stress relief:
Deep Breathing: Slow, deep breaths can help to calm the nervous system and reduce muscle tension.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This technique involves tensing and releasing different muscle groups in your body, helping to release tension.
Physical Activity: Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Even a short walk can make a difference.
Yoga and Tai Chi: These practices combine physical movement with deep breathing and mindfulness, promoting relaxation and stress reduction.
Massage Therapy: Massage can help to release muscle tension and promote relaxation.
Warm Baths: A warm bath can soothe tense muscles and promote relaxation.
Prioritise Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.
Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet can help to support your body’s ability to cope with stress.
It’s about recognising that our bodies are intricately connected to our minds. By paying attention to the physical signs of stress and taking steps to manage them, we can improve our overall well-being and build resilience. Remember, taking care of your body is an important part of taking care of your mental health.
I’ll be back with this column in May, in the meantime, if you’d like to get in touch then please contact me at solutions@martinfurber.com
I first joined Liverpool Frontrunners in October 2023 with the basic goal of getting into running to improve my fitness. The thought of running alone on those pitch-black autumn evenings as a queer woman was terrifying, so Liverpool Frontrunners was the perfect solution. Now, if you had told me that after about a year I would be signing myself up for the Liverpool Half Marathon, I would’ve laughed at the thought. I could barely breathe, let alone hold a conversation whilst running, so signing up for races was the last thing on my mind. But here I am, having just completed my first half marathon alongside my fellow Frontrunners, raising money together for the incredible charity that is Sahir.
For those of you that might never have heard of us before, Liverpool Frontrunners is an LGBTQ+ inclusive running group that meets up at Sefton Park every Wednesday, light or dark, rain or shine, ready to run. The club welcomes runners of all abilities, whether you’ve completed countless marathons, enjoy a casual jog, or it’s your first time giving running a chance. We operate three loops each week, facilitated by our lovely run leaders who are there to guide you every step of the way. All LGBTQ+ people and allies are welcome to participate, running whichever combination of our loops works best, whether that’s just loop 1, the 1st and 3rd, or all three! Many of our members’ favorite section of the night is the cool, crisp pint/soft drink on Lark Lane once all the running is done.
Additionally, many Frontrunners regularly participate in Parkrun on a Saturday morning, a free 5km run that occurs in over 2,000 locations globally. We tend to meet up for a freshly brewed coffee, a Full English, and a lot of yapping following Parkrun. We’re an ever-growing community that welcomes new faces, celebrates the progress of our members, and is here for a good time.
Liverpool Frontrunners was established in 2015, making this year our 10-year anniversary (cheers to that!) The absence of LGBTQ+ sporting groups at the time presented the perfect opportunity for Liverpool Frontrunners to be born. There are many barriers that LGBTQ+ people face when trying to get involved in sport, including underrepresentation of queer people, a lack of safe, accessible options, and being deterred from participating since childhood. The aim of the club is to overcome these barriers, increase LGBTQ+ visibility, promote physical and mental well-being amongst the community, and allow queer people to embrace their whole identities to live as their most authentic selves.
We are proud to serve our local LGBTQ+ communities, providing a safe space away from homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. Liverpool Frontrunners is home to over 300 members and is proud to be one of over 120 LGBTQ+ running clubs that make up International Frontrunners, a global network that began in San Francisco in 1974.
Although we are primarily a running club, our Social Secretaries organize a variety of social events to allow us to make true connections with one another and build friendships to last a lifetime. From go-karting to scenic hikes to trips abroad, we’ve got a bit of something for everyone. Here’s what our members have to say in response to the question: ‘What do you love most about Frontrunners?’
“The beautiful friendships I’ve gained and the memories I’ve made.” “I feel just as comfortable going out for a run as I do going out for a drink, it’s a fab group of people.” “The support and drive from your Frontrunners to be the best runner you can be.”
Since joining Liverpool Frontrunners, I personally feel like I’ve come a long way compared to where I was when I first started (and not only in kilometers run!) In terms of my fitness level, I don’t think I’ve ever been as healthy as I am today, and I wouldn’t have had the resilience to keep running if it wasn’t for this gorgeous community. In terms of my confidence, the support I’ve found at this club has driven me to join the Committee and become a Run Leader – despite consistently taking wrong turns when left to my own instincts. In terms of embracing my queerness, I will never be able to thank Frontrunners enough for the beautiful friendships I’ve made and the opportunity to meet so many diverse, open-minded LGBTQ+ people. As a queer woman, it can feel almost impossible to find other queer women to connect with, and so being part of a club that welcomes and embraces LGBTQ+ women and non-binary people is a dream come true.
So, what did Liverpool Frontrunners do to celebrate this wonderful community and honor our 10-year anniversary? As I teased at the beginning, Liverpool Frontrunners partnered up with Sahir to fundraise for this amazing charity in the lead-up to the Liverpool Half Marathon. For many Frontrunners (myself included), this was their first half marathon, and what better way to burst onto the race scene than by raising money for an excellent cause?
Sahir is the Liverpool City Region’s largest and oldest LGBTQ+ charity, which has supported and empowered LGBTQ+ communities and people living with/affected by HIV since 1985. Much like Liverpool Frontrunners, Sahir is celebrating an important milestone this year as they reach their 40-year anniversary! By providing services such as counseling, HIV support, sexual health services, and support groups, they have helped transform lives and improve local communities for four decades.
We hoped that through this fundraiser, we could contribute to the vital work that Sahir undertakes day-in, day-out, to see a brighter, healthier future, and give back to an organization that has done so much for us already. Thanks to our generous donors, we have already increased our target twice after smashing our original goals and have raised over £1500 to date. If you are able, please click here to donate today, where 100% of the money raised will go directly to Sahir.
Sahir has a plethora of exciting events around the corner, including their Eurovision All Stars night at OMG on Friday 16th May, as well as their second annual Drag and Drop event, a charity abseil down Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral on Saturday 19th July. They also have the Pound for Sahir appeal, whereby donating just £1 a month, you can contribute to the facilitation of the vital services that Sahir delivers to those who need it most. If you’re interested in finding out more and supporting a great cause, please check out their website by clicking here.
Sahir isn’t the only one with a busy schedule for this year – us lot at Liverpool Frontrunners have plenty in store from races to kit drops to sunny socials, our 2025/26 Committee is going to be busy indeed! If you’d like to find out more about our club, please visit our Instagram page by clicking here, and we hope to see you at a Wednesday run or Parkrun soon!
Liverpool, get ready – Drag & Drop II is back, and this year, it’s bigger, bolder, and braver than ever!
On Saturday 19th July, some of Liverpool’s fiercest drag queens and community champions will take on the ultimate challenge: abseiling from the top of Liverpool Cathedral—all in support of Sahir, the city region’s longest-running LGBTQ+ and HIV support charity.
Meet Our Brave Abseilers
This year’s line-up is nothing short of spectacular! Leading the charge is none other than the fabulous Debbie Darling, returning for a second year after proving she’s got both the glamour and the guts! She’ll be joined by the dazzling Naya Thorn and the sensational Carmen Sutra, who are ready to make their fearless descent in full drag.
But they won’t be going down alone! Also taking the plunge are: ✨ Cllr Carl Cashman – a passionate ally to our LGBTQ+ community. ☕ Sarah Lovelocks, owner of Lovelocks Coffee Shop, a long-time supporter of Sahir.
Together, these incredible individuals are putting their nerves to the test—all to raise vital funds for Sahir.
Why Are We Doing This?
At Sahir, we believe that everyone should be able to live their lives as authentically as possible. For 40 years, we’ve been a lifeline for people across the Liverpool City Region, offering essential services such as:
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Support – Advocacy, mental health services, and community projects to help LGBTQ+ people thrive. 🎗 HIV Support & Education – Confidential advice, testing, peer support, and resources for people living with or affected by HIV.
With demand for our services growing, fundraising events like Drag & Drop II are crucial in ensuring we can continue providing life-changing support to those who need it most.
How You Can Help
🎉 Come and cheer on our abseilers! Join us at Liverpool Cathedral and witness the drop in action – our timeslot is 11:40am – 12pm! 💖 Donate today! Every contribution helps us reach more people with vital LGBTQ+ and HIV support. 🔗 Click here to sponsor a queen, an ally, or a coffee shop legend – be sure to donate to the individual you want to support, or the main page!
💬 “Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Your support means we can continue to provide safe spaces, support services, and continue to champion Liverpool’s LGBTQ+ community and those living with HIV.” – Ant Hopkinson, CEO.
Whether you’re watching from below, sharing our story, or making a donation, you’re helping to change lives. Thank you for standing with Sahir as we continue our vital work.
