Stories - West Yorkshire Queer Stories

The Angels of Freedom

Rob talks about the founding of a volunteer group offering support and information to vulnerable people out on the scene.

What was the ACT UP movement in Leeds?

An extract from a talk given by Mick Ward in September 2018 on the history of the AIDS activist group, ACT UP Leeds.

Remembering Roy

David describes how important it is to him as a gay man to keep alive the memory of his deceased long-term partner.

Perceptions of lesbian motherhood

Sally talks about her children calling her the 'spare mummy' because she hadn't given birth to them, and how it feels to be an older lesbian parent.

A magazine for young lesbians in Bradford

Norrina talks about 'In Yer Face' magazine, made by and for young lesbians in the 1990s.

'Queer' as a term of abuse

David remembers a bullying incident at school over a new jacket in 1960s Halifax.

How trade unions can support LGBTIQ+ people

Steven, a member of Unite The Union's LGBT Committee, outlines some of the support union officers can provide to LGBTIQ+ workers.

The importance of seeing yourself represented

Tristan remembers the impact of a 'Doctor Who' episode and how it gave him a representation of bisexuality.

Wild Lavender gay men's housing project

Andy talks about setting up and living at the housing co-op Wild Lavender, and the Gay Men's Weeks at Laurieston Hall, Edinburgh, in the 1980s.

Harvey worked in entertainment for all of his life, performing magic, and working in the circus and theatre. Here he talks about his role as the Entertainment Manager at a holiday camp, his matching day-glo outfits and 'camp bingo'.

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.

Drag shows at Wakefield's Zeus bar

Steven, aka Wakefield's legendary drag queen Madam Connie Lingus, remembers some outrageous performances in the early 2000s.

Trans swimming sessions at Bramley Baths

Dylan went along to a swimming session aimed at trans and non-binary people in Leeds and describes what it was like.

Pink Picnic memories

Claire remembers the Pink Picnic, a precursor to Leeds Pride, which took place on Woodhouse Moor, Hyde Park.

Clive seeks medical help for being gay

On his mum's advice, Clive seeks medical help and is given unusual advice by a sympathetic psychologist.

Marching Out Together

David and Andrew talk about making football matches more inclusive for LGBTIQ+ fans, and the history of the Leeds United supporters association, Marching Out Together. (Recorded at Leeds Pride 2018.)

Non-binary labels and pronouns

In a conversation with their mum, Kellan talks about different words describing gender and sexuality, and how these have changed since the 1970s.

Being visible in Bradford

After her move from Pakistan to Bradford, Hafsa found she was able to open up about her sexuality.

Putting up walls

James remembers coming out to his dad and the stages their relationship went through afterwards.

'I didn't seem to have a mind of my own'

Steve reflects on the influence of his mother and Catholicism on his upbringing, and how he felt 'easily persuaded' into living a conventional life.

'That's something for you to take back to Yorkshire'

Linda braves the Gateways Club in London and has her first dance and kiss with a woman.

SpeedQueen

Suzy talks about running SpeedQueen and the importance of tackling intolerance and sexism by creating LGBT+ friendly club nights.

Vanessa, her mum and 'Empire'

Vanessa remembers how TV show 'Empire' helped her have a conversation with her mum about her bisexuality and how it changed their relationship.

Representing women

Jane talks about her move to Leeds to start work with the Trade Union Resource and Information Centre and her later work with the council's Women's Equal Opportunities Group and the Women's Committee.

Biphobia within the queer community

Sue describes feeling like an imposter for being bisexual within the 1980s lesbian and gay scene in Leeds.

The aftermath of abuse

Roy recalls the devastating effects of being sexually abused by an older man during his teenage years, including the impact on his family, education and mental health.

'No one would believe there was such a thing as a gay policeman'

Stuart fondly remembers a mysterious relationship with a policeman when he was living in a Huddersfield bedsit in the early 1960s.

Bradford's lesbian scene

Lorraine remembers the butch/femme lesbian scene in 1980s Bradford, the impact of feminism and her involvement with Bradford's Lesbian Line.

A feeling of belonging

Paul (aka Marigold Adams) talks about becoming part of the LGBT community, working at The Sun in Bradford and inspiring people through drag.

Leeds Student Radio's LGBT+ show

Joe, the presenter of Leeds Student Radio's LGBT+ programme, talks about his show's ethos and music policy.

The attraction of Hebden Bridge

Having lived in Hebden Bridge for nine years, David talks about how it's a special place but can feel like living in a bubble.

Family acceptance

Assif explains that any discussion of dating can be awkward within his family, regardless of sexuality.

A network of lesbian mums

Susan describes the supportive local network of lesbian mums in 1980s Leeds.

Misunderstandings about being bi

John talks about how he's been viewed with suspicion by gay men and how his bisexuality is just one part of him.

No hiding, no shame

Leeds Pride weekend in 2018 saw the soft launch of Project Freedom, which Anna founded. She talks about being out and proud, and enjoying Pride!

Working with Sage

Keith explains why he enjoys volunteering for Sage, the network for LGBT+ people aged over 50 in Leeds.

Realising you're non-binary

Quinn talks about being non-binary and and how they were always uncomfortable being labelled as a man.

James's letters and coming out

James appeared as a 'gay teenager' in a 1988 BBC2 documentary, receiving letters of support - and criticism - as a result.

'I realised what it was to be a survivor'

JJ talks about the need for accountability in the queer DIY punk scene and how their zine 'I'm a Slut' made them realise that they were a survivor.

Slogans and chants

Three former members of the AIDS awareness activist group, ACT UP Leeds, look through a collection of old badges and reminisce about popular slogans and chants from the early 1990s.

New freedoms, new risks?

Male homosexuality was partially decriminalised in the UK in 1967 but, as Robert explains, this meant gay men could be targeted by police in new ways.

LGBT peace activism

Susan considers the links between her sexuality and peace activism.

Adopting as a gay couple

Rob explains his motivation for adoption and talks through the process that led to him and his partner becoming 'the first gay male couple to be assessed in the north of England'.

'We have a history... We're not alone'

Nikolai reflects on Pride as a time of solidarity and shared history in this short video recorded at Happy Valley Pride in 2018.

Gay Abandon and the joy of singing

Jane talks about running Gay Abandon, Leeds' LGBT choir, and how singing helps to bring people together.

A 'Friend' in Leeds and Bradford

Eric recalls helping out on the befriending and counselling phone service 'Friend', set up by the Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE) in the 1970s.

A tour of cruising sites in Leeds

Pat's work for sexual health charity MESMAC has given him an insight into the different cruising sites in Leeds, how they have changed and who uses them. He gives us a tour of the Ridge in Armley, Fleet Lane and Black Hill Lane.

Coming out later in life

Coming out can be difficult but Sue describes how she was helped by friends and local LGBTIQ+ groups.

Delivering the Pink Paper

For eight years Yvette delivered LGBT newspaper The Pink Paper to locations across Leeds and Bradford.

'Too old to be gay'?

James talks about various relationships he's had throughout his life and how, at the age of 42, he made new friends and choices, despite worrying he was too old for a 'gay' lifestyle.

Teaching under Section 28

Following the introduction of Section 28, teachers had to rethink the way they taught certain subjects. Char remembers the impact on a colleague's 'diversity library' at school.

Challenging the idea that 'homosexuality is unAfrican'

Samra talks about challenging ideas about homosexuality in Africa and the importance of activism coming from a place of love.

Kirsty's queer zines

Kirsty challenges stereotypes and celebrates all things queer via the medium of self-published zines.

The growth of Leeds Pride

Ali talks about how Leeds Pride has developed over the years.

Does the queer scene in Leeds do enough for people of colour?

Yvonne describes the 'burnout' some activists have experienced trying to make queer spaces more welcoming for people of colour.

Seeking asylum in Wakefield

Karim describes the trauma of being detained in the UK and the helplessness he felt adjusting to life in a new country.

Leeds Animation Workshop

Terry, from Leeds Animation Workshop, talks about the difficulty of including LGBT content in films made by the Workshop in their earlier days and she reflects on how things have changed.

Positive and Confident Together

Members of the peer-led PACT group at Leeds Skyline describe how they support each other as gay and bisexual men living with HIV.

Jacqui and a Drag King's Sideburns

Jacqui's mother sadly passed away, but she has a unique way of keeping her memory alive - within her drag act.

'You can't pray the gay away'

Rebel explains that, for some people in religious families, coming out to their parents is simply not an option.

Being a 'late bloomer'

Leo talks about developing M.E., which led to her being a 'late bloomer', and boxing up her feelings about sexuality.

A film festival 'outside the sparkly, white, gay male norm'

Clare talks about the DIY ethos of Leeds Queer Film Festival which began in 2005, and the need to see representation of different realities on the screen.

Fighting for the people who can’t be heard

Aaron talks about his sexual health work for Yorkshire MESMAC, including outreach with Traveller communities, and the importance of recognizing that not everyone can be out and proud.

Starting afresh in West Yorkshire

After being forced to leave Cameroon because of his sexuality, Epie came to Leeds and started to feel at home.

A protest to 'Reclaim Leeds Pride'

Sky explains the reasons for the protest blockade of Leeds Pride in 2017.

Bradford Pride

Jonathan remembers the first Bradford Pride held in a rainy Peel Park in 2005 and talks about how it has changed since then.

Being bi, being visible and being proud

Emily describes the feeling of marching in Pride as part of Leeds Bi Group and her hope to inspire others.

Fetish, fashion and going out in Leeds

Johann, the founder of Leeds Fetishmen, describes his fetish gear, music on the scene, and how fetish groups are starting to venture into 'everyday bars'.

AIDS and the deaf community

Howard describes the lack of information and support deaf gay men received when the impact of AIDS started to be felt in the 1980s, and how it affected a friend of his who was deaf and HIV positive.

Cravats and suede shoes

Barry remembers his first visit to a 'sweet shop' (gay bar) in the late 1950s and talks about the tell-tale signs of men wearing cravats and suede shoes.

The Women's Workshop in Leeds

Sue describes her role in the 'Women in Manual Trades' collective in 1970s Leeds.

Dating apps and the erasure of queer spaces

Hannah talks about her experiences of using dating apps and why they have become important as a means of meeting people.

'And there was this girl...'

Marvina remembers when she first met a gay black woman who was 'gay in a masculine way' and her surprise at finding out where she was from.

Settling into Hebden Bridge

Dawn talks about moving to Hebden Bridge and feeling like a 'baby dyke all over again' as she settled in to the community.

Queer Mutiny and Jean Genet

Richard remembers legendary parties organised by Queer Mutiny where he first saw queer duo Jean Genet performing, wearing 'gaffer tape on their boobs, in their pants with raccoon makeup'.

Coming out as trans and queer

Flo talks about coming to their queerness and transness in a very politicised way.

'Without lesbian feminists...'

Lal talks about the importance of remembering lesbian feminist activism.

Campaigning for gender neutral toilets

Riley talks about the impact of a NUS LGBT conference which led to them being part of the Trans Caucus and campaigning for gender neutral toilets.

The secret Leeds gay club

Molly reveals Leeds' 'secret gay club' and describes being accepted as a 'chaotic bisexual' by people in the city.

'For the record...'

Ajamu X talks about his upbringing in Huddersfield, his nights out in the area as a young queer black man, and his work and study on the subject of black/queer archiving.

The growth of TransLeeds

Pidge talks about taking over TransLeeds and reflects on how it has developed as an organisation and the support it offers to the trans community.

A residential for black queer kids

Norrina describes how it felt to be on a residential in the Lake District for young black queers.

The first non-binary person to adopt in the UK

Dylan shares their experiences of the adoption process and remembers their excitement when they first met their adopted child.

Following her own path

Pauline decides to take control of her life after the break-up of her marriage.

Supporting the miners and protesting at Greenham

Gill talks about her politics and activism, within and outside the Labour Party, supporting the Miners' Strike of 1984-5 and protesting at Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp.

Life in a shared gay house in Leeds

In this written piece, author Stevan Alcock remembers the feeling of belonging he experienced as a member of a gay communal household throughout the 1970s.

Lesbian and gay tea dances in Saltaire and Leeds

Ian reminisces about ballroom dancing lessons, holding tea dances and organising Victor Victoria balls.

Growing up gay in a closed community

David recalls the difficulties in discovering his sexuality while growing up in a Plymouth Brethren community.

The importance of finding community

After Ruth came out in 2017 she wanted to explore LGBT groups and find other lesbians. She talks about how a games group for women in Huddersfield was a starting point for her lesbian social life.

Queerology, a Leeds-based art collective

Luna talks about the reasons for setting up the Queerology art collective and the exhibitions held in Leeds in 2017.

Introducing the Friends of Dorothy

Craig explains why he decided to set up the Friends of Dorothy, an LGBT social group aimed at older people, who meet regularly in Leeds.

Queer Migrant Takeover

Axelle talks about the impact of going to Queer Migrant Takeover in Leeds, and how it felt to be in the majority for once.

Coming out again and again

Gay couple Stuart and Mike talk about assumptions made by colleagues in the workplace, and how coming out is an ongoing process rather than a one-time deal.

Becoming a lesbian mum in the 1980s

Val talks about wanting a child and her journey to becoming a lesbian mum in the 1980s.

A group for queer adults with learning disabilities

Group member Alan describes Wakefield 2BU, a safe social space for LGBTQ adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.

Queer culture in Leeds

Kathleen remembers being drawn to Leeds' queer culture and the overlaps between squatting, queer parties and Leeds Queer Film Fest.

A welcoming church

As a Methodist Minister, Bob describes the 2018 Trans Day of Remembrance held at Todmorden Central Methodist Church and talks about his welcoming approach to LGBTIQ+ communities.

Seventeen years down the mines

Geoff talks about the difficulties of being gay and working as a miner.

Cover stories and denial

Ruth feared that coming out during her nursing training in the 1980s would affect her future career and she would be seen as 'untrustworthy'. Having distant boyfriends and denying rumours seemed like the safest approach.

'My understanding of being gay was very negative'

Ali explains how his sexuality clashed with his cultural and religious identity, causing him to suppress being gay for many years.

The General Will and the One-off Theatre Company

Gerry remembers his involvement in radical theatre in Bradford and his part in a play called 'Men' performed by the One-off Theatre Company.

Acceptance and respect at a Buddhist retreat

Shakyapada talks about her experience of being accepted as a trans woman at a Buddhist training retreat and the need to be respectful of different viewpoints.

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.

Queer clubbing and Love Muscle

Michael talks about the different clubbing scenes that influenced him in setting up Love Muscle in Leeds.

Not wanting to be gay

Tim talks of the friction between being gay and his church background that made it difficult for him to accept his sexuality.

Being Muslim and gay

Husein, who has an Iraqi father and Welsh mother, describes how his identity has room for both his sexuality and religious beliefs.

Trans pregnancy and parenting in Hebden Bridge

Yuval talks about his reasons for moving from Israel to Hebden Bridge, how his pregnancies have impacted on his gender identity and how his children view their family.

Lesbians and gays unite against Section 28

Carl remembers Section 28 as a catalyst for change in Leeds.

Being feminine and queer

Jess talks about coming out, labels, and issues of visibility as someone who is feminine-presenting.

Fitting into communities

Kirsty explores how she's viewed in the D/deaf and queer communities and why she's sometimes 'not seen as deaf enough' but also 'not queer enough' as well.

Discovering the Gay Liberation Front

Patrick learns about the Gay Liberation Front from reading Oz magazine in the 1970s.

Identity and shifting terms

Robbie considers different ideas and terms around identity, having cross-dressed since the 1960s.

Coming out as trans at school

Koban describes the process of coming out as a trans teenager, from identifying with people on TV to asking for a change of name on school records.

Friendship and support

Sean talks of his friendship with Darren and how they responded to Darren's HIV diagnosis through 'hard partying', finding community support from older men in leather bars.

Why Pride is important

In this video, recorded at Happy Valley Pride in 2018, human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, explains why it's as important as ever to celebrate Pride.

Queer Spirit Over Orlando

Bruce describes his reaction to the Orlando nightclub shooting of 2016, which led him to create 'Queer Spirit Over Orlando', an artwork 'intended for healing'.

Finding a community on Tumblr

Being part of the first generation to grow up on social media, Vex talks about finding community and exploring sex and sexuality on Tumblr.

The campaign for a GaySoc at Leeds College of Music

Clive recalls how he campaigned for a GaySoc at Leeds College of Music in 1986, with the support of Ian McKellen and the University of Leeds' Student Union.

Hiding lesbian magazines

Rachel remembers how she lied to her parents about receiving lesbian magazines through the post and how she moved away to polytechnic where she attempted to join the Lesbian and Gay Society.

Campaigning for change

Rosie talks about how the Stonewall Youth Campaigning Programme and a NUS LGBT conference inspired her to set up a LGBT Society at Bradford University.

Intersections of sexuality, gender and disability

AJ explores the difficulties of growing up as an autistic child and the inclusivity of different queer spaces.

'Stuck between two worlds'

Emma explores the similarities between being bi and having Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

A poem for Bi Awareness Month 2018

Vanessa reads her poem, which challenges myths and stereotypes about bisexuality.

Blayds Bar

Maggie remembers going to the lesbian-friendly Blayds Bar in Leeds in the late 1990s, and how it compared to small-town Cornwall, where she ran a club during the 1980s.

Gay personal ads and phone lines

The Older and Bolder group in Bradford remember personal ads in Gay Times and saucy phone lines.

A goth on the gay scene

Andi remembers going out to bars and clubs in 1980s Leeds... and fitting in at some more than others!

'We even made the rings'

Karen and Yvette had a civil partnership but later married in 2018, after same-sex marriage was legalised. Here they describe their wedding and how it felt to be involved in making their wedding rings.

Shouted at in the street

Lewis shares two anecdotes about dealing with insults and homophobia from strangers in public, in a video recorded at Leeds Pride 2018.

Dungarees and Docs

Jo remembers the lesbian dress code of dungarees, Doc Martens and short hair, and she talks of finding role models in US lesbian poets.

The world of same-sex ballroom dancing

Stuart has danced in international contests with a male dancing partner, as well as show teams and a hit film!

How the Leeds Hunters inclusive rugby club started

Club archivist Jonathan looks back over the history of the Leeds Hunters RUFC.

A night out at the Gemini

Ian remembers plucking up the courage to visit the Gemini, a gay club in Huddersfield in the 1980s, and the fashions he saw inside.

Lesley's jumpers

Lesley lived in Leeds for 30 years. She was a founding member of Leeds Lesbian Line and knitted the jumpers in this video to celebrate lesbian experience.

'I feel very attached to my queer identity'

Noah talks about coming out, first as a lesbian, then as bisexual, then as trans, then as a gay man, and then as a pansexual gay man.

Outed online

In 2017, Ahmed was outed in Bangladesh by an online article about LGBT rights, and fled his home after violent attack on his family. He describes his journey to the UK and how he ended up in Wakefield.

Section 28 and teaching in a Catholic school

Gez describes how Section 28 impacted on his teaching in a Catholic school in the late 1980s.

Doing your own therapy

Wendy remembers being invited to a writing group and dealing with her difficult childhood and the death of her brother by writing 'Jellybabies', an autobiographical play performed in Bradford.

World AIDS Day 1990: Action in Leeds

Gill remembers a demo from her activist days with ACT UP Leeds, which didn't quite go to plan.

'Coming home' to Pride

For Dean, going to London Pride in 1994 with his sister felt like 'coming home'. (Video recorded at Leeds Pride 2018.)

Dancing Bear

Director Jamie Fletcher describes the theatre show 'Dancing Bear', which explores gender, sexuality and faith, and was performed at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in 2017.

Keighley's LGBT group

Richard, a member of Bradford's Equity Partnership and an LGBT group in Keighley, talks about some of the activities he and his friends get up to. (Recorded at Happy Valley Pride 2018.)

The need to talk about mental health

Lisa discusses removing the invisibility and stigma around mental health by talking about it.

Todmorden and Hebden Bridge

Todmorden residents, Bill and Steve, talk about the changes in the area and debate whether Hebden Bridge really is the lesbian capital of the UK.

Leeds' inclusive running club

Members of the LGBT+ athletics group Leeds Frontrunners discuss how they built up their membership and aim to foster a sense of community.

'A chance to dream'

Kuchu Pride reflects on a relationship that has helped her find healing, and the feeling that she now has a future after a traumatic past.

Coming out to your grandma

Emily recalls her grandmother's response when she came out to her as lesbian and the way her grandmother saw her marriage as comparable to a traditional heterosexual one.

Assumptions about disability, sexuality and sex

Becca talks about feeling desexualised because of her chronic illness, and how this impacts on her experience of LGBTIQ+ spaces.

'I'm a mother who became a lesbian'

Clare talks about coming out as a lesbian aged 50 and her teenage son's reaction.

The Lesbian Identity Project

Angela talks about the background to the Lesbian Identity Project (LIP) which aimed to capture the histories of lesbians from the north of England.

Disability, sexuality and gender

Leeds Disabled People’s Organisation (LDPO) and WYQS volunteer Gill Crawshaw arranged a group recording to focus on disability, sexuality and gender. In the interview AJ, Becca, Leo and Kirsty reflect on coming out, queer spaces, friendships and relationships.

'I feel like I’m just the guy I should’ve been'