Our work is at community level, carrying a long, unique and strong underpinning in ‘people work’, social psychology, community development and holistic health.
History of Leeds LGBT+ Forum
Our founding
Association with major charity, Health for All – Leeds, led to their CEO agreeing to host and support Leeds LGBT+ Forum, which was founded at our inaugural meeting on 25 June 2019 at the Cosmopolitan Hotel, Leeds.
It was attended by 38 people and over 60 ideas, wants and needs were discussed at round-table workshops – with distinct themes emerging – and fed into the plenary group.
Following this
We soon after held fortnightly regular meetings for three months across a number of venues (thank you at Mesmac, Yorkshire Dance, Skyline and Civic Hall Leeds City Council) which were attended by a variety broad cross-section of individuals with personal, academic and organisational interest.
From this we gleaned understanding and specialist input which lent itself to scoping our wider endeavours.
Soon after our LGBT+ History Month 2020 events (see ‘our projects’), along with everyone else, we were in lockdown.
We did however, produce two issues of ‘Leeds LGBT+ Times’ in late 2020 – publications that were printed and distributed to older LGBT+ people’s groups, Flamingo’s and whoever requested them, as well as emailed to everyone on our mailing list
How we work
Further to our committee, we have a wider core group (that we want to build on), representing diverse strands of Leeds organisations, LGBT+ communities and cultures. In this way we can provide insight, knowledge, experience, expertise and dedicated involvement according to expressed needs.
The organisational structure and culture of Leeds LGBT+ Forum comprises many elements of ‘what’s already out there’ – attitudes, ethics, research, models and processes that are known to work well. We operate uniquely with a sound psychological, community development and holistic health underpinning and work towards #queering the world.
Pledge your support
If you’re interested or would like to know more, please register on our pledge page.
We are LGBTQ+ people only *except for parents, carers and support workers accompanying people attending our activities.
In regard of our work with under 18 year-olds, we include ‘W’ for wondering, encouraging non-mainstream open-mindedness and fluidity, and supportive socialising.
