Welcome to West Yorkshire Queer Stories
From Wetherby to Wakefield, Cleckheaton to Castleford, everyone has a memory worth sharing. From 2018-2020 West Yorkshire Queer Stories collected stories about LGBTIQ+ life, from the everyday to the extraordinary. We interviewed people from across the region to make sure that LGBTIQ+ voices were captured and conserved as part of local history.
We collected 200 stories from people of all ages and backgrounds, so you can hear Ian talking about Huddersfield’s famous Gemini Club in the 1980s, or Claye talking about setting up the Yorkshire trans choir in 2018. Lesbian motherhood, aversion therapy and intersex activism are just some of the topics we covered. So, dip into the clips or search for topics of interest to explore the rich history of LGBTIQ+ life in West Yorkshire. We hope you enjoy listening to the clips as much as we enjoyed recording them.
Huddersfield Pride '81
After continued raids on Huddersfield's Gemini Club, London Pride decided to move the national march to Huddersfield in 1981 in support of club owner John Addy. In this clip Peter describes the march and the presence of the National Front.
Intersections of sexuality, gender and disability
AJ explores the difficulties of growing up as an autistic child and the inclusivity of different queer spaces.
The need to talk about mental health
Lisa discusses removing the invisibility and stigma around mental health by talking about it.
Lesbians and gays unite against Section 28
Carl remembers Section 28 as a catalyst for change in Leeds.
An introduction to gay culture
On a trip to London in the 1980s, David learns about gay culture from Capital Gay newspaper.
At school in Batley
Laura talks about what it's like being a trans girl at school in Batley, what support is available for LGBTIQ+ pupils, and how sexuality and gender are covered in lessons.
It's all over!
The WYQS project ended in May 2020 but you'll still find our large story archive on this website, and there's information about our other aims and achievements on the 'About' page.
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Content Notes
Our stories come from participants of all ages and backgrounds, cover a range of topics and views, and represent the diversity of LGBTIQ+ communities. You may not agree with some views, or find some stories upsetting, so please check the content advice on our 'How To' page.
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Hear the Podcast
Now you can listen to stories chosen and introduced by members of the project team and guests. Listen to (or download) the WYQS Podcast here.
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Join our mailing list
Sorry, but we are no longer sending out newsletters now that the project has ended.
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