Welcome to the LGBT+ section of Freedom Quarter, the replacement for the old Gay Leeds platform. We’ve worked hard so that all of the relevant content from the previous platform has been inputted into the new one, whilst also ensuring we don’t leave out any of the history Leeds and the LGBT+ community have created. It’s been a challenging process but we are confident that Freedom Quarter represents everything that describes freedom of the people, whether that be gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and beyond.
The section features posts from our contributors, members of the LGBT+ community. It gives information about the relevant groups and services available in and around Leeds, and also photo galleries from events such as Leeds Pride. We're going to be continuing to update this page regularly so you have all of the latest news, events, information and advice you could need. If you think you know another group, service or bit of information we'd benefit from having up then let us know:
LGBT+ Bars
Featuring the best of British cabaret, The Viaduct Showbar brings a touch of magic to the quarter. Themed nights, quirky bar staff and unbeatable drinks offers, it's a place for all walks of life. The Viaduct has talented drag queens and features regular acts from all around the world in their Big Show Sunday specials.
Famous for it's involvement in the Courtyard parties, Queenscourt is a bar, club and even offers a decent food menu which provides it's customers with an all round experience. Adjacent to Bar Fibre, it is a popular destination to visit.
Recently awarded 'Blue Plaque' status for it's contribution to the LGBT community, The New Penny is a place where you will walk out with more friends than you went in with. It's quirky atmosphere combined with cheesy songs leave you reminiscing and dancing the night away.
Blayds is a small secluded bar that has been a feature on the Leeds scene for almost 30 years.
Originally, a quiet bar that was a favourite with female clientele, the bar went through a massive transformation 10 years ago when taken over by current owners Robert and Duncan who now promote a people friendly atmosphere.
Every night is different at Blayds, but the warm welcome never changes.
Always worth a visit when you are out and about.
INCLUSIVE GROUPS
The Bad Mittens is an LGBT* inclusive (open to everyone regardless of sexuality/Gender Identity) badminton group based in Leeds.
If you're interested in going or learning more visit their Facebook page.
Are a running group set up for the LGBT community and their friends. They aim to be the friendliest running club in Leeds and are part of the International Frontrunners (IFR).
Leeds Frontrunners offer a friendly and sociable place for all our runners, regardless of age, sexuality or gender to train with others and to achieve their goals in a supportive and lively environment. For membership information or enquiries visit their Facebook page.
Open to all ages, this is an LGBT kickboxing group which wants to challenge the homophobic views while developing self-defence and kickboxing skills.
To join the classes, please contact Steve on 07932033512, email strike.back.kickboxing@gmail.com or join their group on Facebook.
Launched in November 2016, the Leeds Hunters are a new inclusive rugby group open to all gay, bisexual and straight males.
No need to book, you can just turn up on the day to train with the team, is open to all ages and skill levels (including those new to the game).
Location: Roundhay Park, near to the Oakwood Clock tower
The Yorkshire Terriers were one of the first gay friendly teams to be founded and put together in the UK.
Since 2000, they have been playing and winning leagues, competitions and mini tournaments ever since! They have a full website packed with fixtures and information: http://www.terriersfc.co.uk/
This social event is an opportunity to meet with members of the Leeds inclusive sports and active lifestyles groups, without the commitment of attending a training session with them.
These socials are held at Queenscourt each month in Leeds. Check back for the March date when it's confirmed!
https://twitter.com/leedslgbtsport
Leeds Bi Group is a social/support group that meets twice a month in Leeds, West Yorkshire.
The group is for people aged 18 years old or over who are, or think they might be, attracted to more than one gender.
Consisting of 841 members, the Leeds Gay Men Group organise social events in an environment where members can meet, relax and make friends while having a great time.
They hold all kinds of interesting, exciting or just plain fun events and membership is free.
Meetup.com is a great website for socialising and finding groups that are suited to your likes and interests. This group consists of 939 (currently) women. They love to meet up and chat during newbies nights every other week, go for walks, cinema trips, meals out and oodles more, including the occasional night out around the scene.
Welcome all to the Leeds LGBT+ friendly walking/adventure and social activity group. This is open to all, Gay, Straight, Bi, A-sexual, Trans and even you dog. The Hills Have Gays have numerous events and activities outdoors which are available for anyone who wants to go along! Find all of the events and information on their Facebook page.
Proud ‘N’ Diverse was set up by 3 young people who wanted to start a LGBTQI+ support group for people over the age of 18. Leeds didn’t have a group set up for people over 18+, so we took it upon ourselves to be driven by one single goal that was to do our part in making the Leeds and the world a better place for LGBTQI+ people.
SERVICES AND SUPPORT
LGBT SERVICES AND SUPPORT
There are a wide range of services and support for the LGBT and other communities on this page. They range from support services for STI's, confidential HIV screening, helplines and societies aimed at LGBT people. Click each link where available for further information about what is offered.
BHA LeedsSkyline provides prevention and support services for anyone at risk of, living with or affected by HIV in Leeds.
If you feel like getting involved with the group, they're always looking for volunteers!
Stonewall is a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights charity in the United Kingdom named after the Stonewall Inn of Stonewall riots fame in New York City's Greenwich Village.
Stonewall campaigns for the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people across Britain.
Merrion Centre - Sexual Health
Replacing the services at Sunshine Wing, The Merrion Centre clinic offers walk in appointments for full STI and HIV testing during the day. Leeds Sexual Health is an integrated service aiming to deliver prevention and treatment for any sexual health needs to people living in Leeds
You can also book selected appointments in the morning and evening to suit working schedules.
Yorkshire MESMAC is one of the oldest and largest sexual health organisations in the country.
They offer services to various communities including men who have sex with men, BME people, people misusing drugs, sex workers and LGB&T* young people and adults.
Monthly Dry Drop In
The aims of this event is to provide a safe space for the LGBT* communities (and those questioning their sexuality/gender identity) for socialising, meeting new people and finding out about other social events and groups across the city. Under 18's welcome.
Next Meeting:
Tuesday 3rd October - Mill Hill Chapel
18:30 - 20:30
Blacks is a firm of solicitors in Leeds, providing legal services to clients throughout Yorkshire and the UK. Blacks specialise in family law, wills and probate, employment, commercial, sport, property and a wide range of other private client and business law issues.
Blacks are actively involved in the advancement of inclusion in Leeds; sponsoring the Leeds Hunters, supporting the Leeds LGBT* book club, and working alongside the LCC LGBT* Hub to promote diversity and acceptance throughout the Leeds commercial sector.
TransLeeds is a support group, for Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Non-Conforming people! The best way to get in contact with them is through their Twitter page or their website. You can also find out about all of their events and updates as they happen!
Leeds Survivor - LGBT Support Group
The group meets on Fridays at 11am-2pm.
This group is for anyone in the LGBT community, including (but not limited to) people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, asexual, intersex or are questioning their identity. They provide a safe space for you to talk about any feelings or share thoughts.
Contact Patrick at patrick.gatewood@lslcs.org.uk
All groups are held at: Dial House, 12 Chapel Street, Halton, Leeds, LS15 7RW
Phil Mitchell - LGBT+ Counselling Services
I am a qualified therapist and since 2004 I have provided one-to-one counselling and psychotherapy to adults, young people and children.
I have considerable experience in working therapeutically with people addressing issues relating to sexuality, coming out and other difficulties related to sexual orientation including homophobic bullying and harassment, relationship difficulties and struggles related to sexual orientation, religion and culture.
I also specialise in working with males who have experienced recent or historic rape, sexual abuse, sexual assaults and sexual violence.
I am also experienced in working with stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, bereavement, anger, low self-esteem, relationship difficulties and more.
I am also a qualified supervisor and since 2012 I have provided supervision to qualified and trainee counsellors, and also to other practitioners working with children in high risk situations.
I am registered and accredited with The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) meaning my counselling practice has been deemed sufficiently ethical.
You can find out more about me by visiting my website.
Terrence Higgins Trust is at the forefront of the fight against HIV and improving the nation’s sexual health. The main aim for them is to end the transmission of HIV in the UK.
Their website provides a lot of information, resources and contacts which are useful if you need someone to talk to.
Leeds University Union LGBT Society
Being one of the most socially active societies at Leeds University, the group welcomes anyone LGBT and beyond.
There are many things happening from events to support groups. Check our their page here
Leeds Beckett University - EQUALS Society
The EQUALS Society at Leeds beckett is a fun, safe and active LGBTQ* community established to promote the wellbeing and happiness of its members. We are very much a society lead by its members input and requests. We run events ranging from scene tours to camping trips and much much more!
Anything you need to know can be found by visiting their website, so take a look around!
SAGE - Supporting Older LGBT People
A new project that aims to tackle the social isolation faced by older LGBT*Q people.
This is a partnership project between Yorkshire MESMAC and AgeUK Leeds. It's main aim is to address the social isolation faced by older people and is led by Leeds Older Peoples Forum.
If you are 50+ and want to get involved, get in touch with Jude Woods to find out more:
07736151895 or by email: j.woods@mesmac.co.uk
Our group is for 11-18 year olds who identify as LGBT+.
We meet every Thursday at a venue in Leeds City Centre between 17:30-19:30 pm.
The contact is Courtnay Eyre (Lead Youth Worker) 07595211134 or Courtnay.eyre@leeds.gov.uk for any referrals or questions.
Do you need someone to talk to in confidence? The LGBT switchboard service offers just that.
They're here to help you with whatever you want to talk about. Nothing is off limits, and they understand how anxious you might feel before you pick up the phone.
10am-10pm every day
The Leeds Trinity Student Union LGBT+ society offers support to LTU'S LGBT* students aswell as putting on events for LGBT* students and the wider Leeds Trinity Community.
The only official Twitter account is @LeedsTrinitySU LGBT Society. Follow them and keep updated on events as they happen!