Stories - West Yorkshire Queer Stories

A poem for Bi Awareness Month 2018

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

Becoming a lesbian mum in the 1980s

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

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.

Thirty years of World AIDS Day

In a speech written to mark World AIDS Day 2018 in Leeds, John Roe looks back on how life has changed since his own HIV diagnosis in 1988.

A song for Trans Day of Remembrance

Claye sings 'You Wish, You Wish', an 'angry and sad' adapted folk song, first performed at the Leeds TDOR vigil in 2018.

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.

Gay personal ads and phone lines

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

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.

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.

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.

Pink Picnic memories

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

Following her own path

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

Aversion therapy

Concerned about living a 'double life', Bill asked for 'treatment' for being gay from his doctor in the 1960s. He tried aversion therapy and describes what it involved.

'Without lesbian feminists...'

Lal talks about the importance of remembering lesbian feminist activism.

'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.

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.

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.

A magazine for young lesbians in Bradford

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

The work and aims of TransLeeds

Oliver, the director of TransLeeds, talks about supporting the trans community and living in Wakefield.

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.

Biphobia within the queer community

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

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.

The shadow of AIDS

John remembers hearing about AIDS for the first time in 1981 in Leeds and how the situation developed globally.

Moving to Marsden and dealing with homophobia

Marion talks about her move to the village of Marsden in the early 2000s. She remembers feeling vulnerable and having to deal with homophobia but also how her daughter helped her to settle in.

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 early days of Yorkshire MESMAC

Tom Doyle, MESMAC's Chief Executive, remembers the development of "the MESMAC project" and some of its initiatives around sexual health awareness in the 1990s.

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.

Being visible in Bradford

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

The UK's first national trans conference

A reading of the Yorkshire Post's report on the social event held at Leeds' Guildford Hotel to tie in with 'The First National TV/TS Conference' in March 1974.

'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.

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.

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.

Lesbian and gay tea dances in Saltaire and Leeds

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

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!

'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 Angels of Freedom

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

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.

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.

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'.

Coming out as trans and queer

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

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.

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.

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.

'I'm a mother who became a lesbian'

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

How the Leeds Hunters inclusive rugby club started

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

'Stuck between two worlds'

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

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.

Seventeen years down the mines

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

'A lifetime of entertaining'

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'.

Transphobia at work

Gem talks about starting a new job and experiencing institutional transphobia which almost made them give up the position.

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.

Identity and shifting terms

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

Joining the Campaign for Homosexual Equality

Raymond describes joining CHE (the Campaign for Homosexual Equality) and going to his first meet-up with the Leeds group in the 1970s.

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'.

Ashleigh's first Pride

Ashleigh remembers how a meeting at Manchester Pride led to a wonderful friendship, in this video recorded at Happy Valley Pride 2018.

A network of lesbian mums

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

Debating how we lived our lives

Joy remembers the debates within feminism, and tensions between lesbians and straight women.

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.

Being out in prison

As a lesbian working with offenders in a West Yorkshire prison, Nic says it's important to 'break down stigma and stereotypes'.

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.

Being trans in Cottingley

Ash talks about living in a small community and finding support and social groups as a trans person.

Offering support on the women's minibus

Driving the women's minibus at the University of Leeds gave Jackie a chance to talk about being lesbian and present herself as a role model but it led to unexpected consequences.

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.

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.

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!

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.

An introduction to gay culture

On a trip to London in the 1980s, David learns about gay culture from Capital Gay newspaper.

The Brick Box

Rosie talks about setting up The Brick Box, a queer friendly bar in Bradford, and the importance of having a safer spaces policy 'The Declaration of Love'

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.

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.

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.

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.

Zines by Non-Binary Leeds

Leonidas outlines the creation of two zines, one encapsulating 'non-binary Leeds 2019' and another about the wider history of non-binary people.

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.)

'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.

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.

Realising you're non-binary

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

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.

Setting up a bi group in 1989

Chris talks about setting up a bi group in Leeds in 1989 and recalls how bisexuals were marginalised at that time.

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.

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.

Hebden Bridge in the early 1990s

Steve and Richard remember being part of an influx of gay couples moving to Hebden Bridge in the early 1990s.

Experiences of 'gender euphoria'

Nāgakuśala describes their pleasure at being referred to using they/them pronouns, and discusses how 'performing' a specific gender can also be pleasurable.

LGBT peace activism

Susan considers the links between her sexuality and peace activism.

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.

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.

Coming out later in life

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

'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.

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.

'Stuck right in the middle of gender and biological sex'

Pete describes changing attitudes to intersex births, their experiences with the medical profession and how they feel 'invisible' in the medical records but 'very visible in public'.

'Oh, you'll grow out of it…'

Helen recalls how her gender identity as a child in the 1950s wasn't understood by her parents and how there was the threat of the 'mental hospital'.

The growth of Leeds Pride

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

'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.

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'.

A protest to 'Reclaim Leeds Pride'

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

The secret Leeds gay club

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

Pride and partnership

Simon and Craig's civil partnership happened to coincide with Leeds' first ever Pride march, leading to some amusing scenarios...

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.

Young and queer in Todmorden

Kiya and Leah reflect on life as a young gay couple in Todmorden.

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.

The importance of seeing yourself represented

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

Setting up the 'Be LGBTQ R'n'B With Edges' club night

Jordan created a new club night with R'n'B at its heart, as an alternative to more traditional gay venues.

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.

On being a soft butch

Cutting her hair short helped Paula become confident about her identity and feel part of a lesbian community. She talks about being a soft butch and how others view her.

Ideas about feminism and lesbian separatism

Members of Sage Women's Space discuss what feminism means to them, their views on men and the importance of lesbian separatism.

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.

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.

A residential for black queer kids

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

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 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.

Kirsty's queer zines

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

'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.

An international queer community

In this short video, recorded at Leeds Pride in 2018, Finlay talks about the varied international events they've taken part in since joining a queer choir.

Putting up walls

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

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.

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.

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.

Coming out in the late 1990s

Aged 16 when Queer As Folk aired on TV, Ryan decided to tell his family and friends that he was gay, only to face homophobic bullying at school.

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.

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.

Queer culture in Leeds

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

Working with Sage

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

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!

The first trans person to speak at a Conservative Party Conference

Sue talks about her speech at the 2018 Conservative Party Conference, the impact of a letter from Theresa May and her views on the Gender Recognition Act (GRA) reform.

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'.

How Leeds' Viaduct pub became a gay venue

Terry George recounts the story of how he went from owning Fibre and Mission to buying the pub across the road and giving it a new LGBT identity.

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.

Leeds' first Trans Pride

Kit describes how it felt to take part in the first Trans Pride in Leeds in 2018.

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'