LGBTory, the Conservative LGBT campaign group, today condemned the Poptastic club for being anti-Conservative in their decision to host a special event at the Alter Ego club on Manchester’s Princess Street in the world-famous gay village. 

The night, called Tory Shame, is designed to highlight the shame of the Tories historical intolerance to the lesbian & gay community, including the infamous Section 28.

The club night is taking place during the Conservative Party’s conference in Manchester next week and is set to coincide with the official ‘Conference Pride’ event being organised by the Tories which will be held at Spirit bar on Canal Street next Tuesday evening.  

The official Conservative event will be hosted by high-profile LGBT Conservatives Iain Dale, political blogger and shortlisted Parliamentary candidate for the safe Conservative seat of Bracknell and openly-Lesbian Vice Chair of the Party Margot James.  It will include a live performance by singer Angie Brown and addresses by senior shadow cabinet members, Nick Herbert and Theresa May, as well as Stonewall’s Ben Summerskill. 

Matthew Sephton, Chairman of LGBTory commented, “It is a shame that Poptastic has chosen to hold this event which appears to aim only to stir up negativity and political division in the LGBT movement, at a time when we need to be as united as possible.“Conference Pride is an official part of the Conservative Party conference in Manchester and has attracted lots of interest from those both within and outside the Party.  It is the first time an official event has been organised on this scale and it is a clear signal to the LGBT community that we are valued and have a valid part to play in the future of our country and the Conservative Party.” 

“The Conservative Party is a modern, dynamic Party but has always had many LGBT members and campaigners.  Currently we have more LGBT councillors and prospective MPs than ever before and that is something to be celebrated.  The fact that some people and organisations, as in the case of Poptastic, choose to latch onto negativity and seem to wish to create division in the LGBT community, is very sad indeed.” 

If you are in the area, which will you be attending?