A collection of interactive talks exploring your relationship with self, others and the community, for LGBTQ+ adults.

Are you looking for deeper connections in your life but not sure where to begin? We've got you!

You are warmly invited to our three-part talk series where we explore what it means to create deep connections in our life. We explore useful tools and tips that support you in demystifying your relationship to yourself, to others and to the world around you through nervous system regulation, communication exercises and embodiment practices. Come along to one, two, or all three of these FREE talks and discover more about yourself. 

Talk 1 - February 20th - Connection to Self

We begin our journey by turning our focus inwards and being curious about our connection with ourselves. What’s it like to be you right now? How connected do you feel to your body? What’s going on in your life that might make you feel connected or disconnected?

Here we teach you simple ways to connect to your body on a daily basis, creating space to connect to deeper parts of yourself and what you really want and need. We do this through exploring the senses, self-awareness and boundary setting.

Talk 2 - March 19th - Connection to Others

Next we explore the intricate web of relationships that shape our lives. Discover how to meet your needs authentically with family, friends, partners, and colleagues. Explore the art of creating and maintaining connections while staying true to yourself.
We'll guide you through identifying your needs, setting boundaries, and effectively communicating them. Gain insights into creating intimacy and connection across various relationship dynamics. Dive into discussions on relationship styles, attachment patterns, and the impact of past experiences on your connections.
By the end of this session, you'll leave with a practical toolkit to create juicy connections with those around you.

Talk 3 - April 16th - Connection to Community and the World We Live In

Finally, to close the series, we invite you to explore your relationship with belonging. What would it mean to find your community or ‘tribe’? How would this support you in navigating your place in the world?

Using the Wheel of Consent, we'll guide you in understanding your unique connection to the broader community. We also explore the wisdom of the Medicine Wheel as we offer a tool to help you find your inner compass within the world you inhabit. Learn practical and transformative practices that facilitate a deeper connection to both your immediate community and the larger world around you.

Your Hosts

Aj England: Aj is a creative rebel, always charting her own unique path. With a rich and diverse background spanning many years, she has honed her expertise as a psychosynthesis counsellor, relationship and intimacy therapist, trauma specialist, breathwork facilitator, conscious kink and urban tantra practitioner, and authentic relating facilitator. Aj's vast experience is coupled with an innate talent for putting people at ease, infusing depth, wisdom, and a delightful sense of playfulness into her therapeutic work.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Aj is passionate about nurturing a family within a Queer relationship, non-conforming household. She actively seeks to educate and inspire others about the rich tapestry of relationship styles that exist. She's embarking on a journey as an intimacy coordinator for television and film, aiming to bring more diversity and authenticity to on-screen intimacy scenes.

In addition to her therapeutic endeavours, Aj shares her insights through motivational talks and panel discussions. She draws from her personal experiences in conquering challenges, including overcoming cancer and other health conditions, all while wielding the transformative powers of love, surrender, and playful resilience. Aj's journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to living authentically and fearlessly.

Ria Hope: Ria is an award-nominated sexuality and intimacy mentor, conscious kink practitioner, activist and general cheeky monkey. In 2018, Ria founded The Naked Sunhouse, a peer-led group designed to provide an accessible space for younger people to talk about sexuality.

Since then, Ria has been paving the way for accessible and down-to-earth information on sexuality and relating and hopes to use her work in this area as a tool for radical social change. She places activism and equality at the forefront of their work, believing that the crux of many issues in the modern world stems from a lack of education on sexuality, connection, and relationships.

Ria hosts workshops in the UK and Europe as well as online, a wide array of 1-1 sessions from hands-on intimacy education to energy work and mentoring. To find out more about their work visit www.riahope.co.uk.

These talks are for LGBTQ+ people over the age of 18+. We expect anyone attending to read and adhere to our Safer Spaces Policy.

This event is taking place at SEESAW, Manchester, M1 6NG. This venue is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible toilet. The bar will be open to buy hot and cold drinks if you want to. 

Any questions or access requirements, please email community@lgbt.foundation