Stories - West Yorkshire Queer Stories

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.

'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 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.

'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'.

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.

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.

Becoming a lesbian mum in the 1980s

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

'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.

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.

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.

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'.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

'I'm a mother who became a lesbian'

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

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.

The shadow of AIDS

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

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.

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.

Young and queer in Todmorden

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

Getting arrested at Greenham Common

Lynn describes the impact that Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp had on her and how she planned to get arrested and spend a week in prison, with unexpected consequences.

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.

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.)

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Following her own path

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

Lesbians and gays unite against Section 28

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

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.

Transphobia at work

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

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.

Growing up gay in a closed community

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

Queer clubbing and Love Muscle

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

How the Leeds Hunters inclusive rugby club started

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

Realising you're non-binary

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

'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.)

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.

Being visible in Bradford

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

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.

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.

SpeedQueen

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

A poem for Bi Awareness Month 2018

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

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.

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.

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.

Coming out against the backdrop of AIDS

Mark recalls how AIDS gave him 'a fight to join' and enabled him to feel part of the LGBT community when he came out.

Putting up walls

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

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.

A magazine for young lesbians in Bradford

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

A network of lesbian mums

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

'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.

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.

Being feminine and queer

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

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.

'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.

Coming out and dealing with homophobia

Richard explores his own 'coming out' and recounts two homophobic incidents to make sure they're not forgotten: 'I tell these stories because it's important'.

'Intersecting identities'

Hasan describes 'growing up as brown and growing up as queer' and 'battling between the two identities'.

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.

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.

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.

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 very defining moment in my life'

Olivia talks about acknowledging her identity as black and queer and the difficulties she faced in coming out to her Caribbean dad.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

A 'rebirth' in Huddersfield

When Melissa moved to Huddersfield to go to university, she decided to be completely out as a gay woman, and it was on Tinder that she found love.

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.

Working with Sage

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

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

Delivering the Pink Paper

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

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.

An introduction to gay culture

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

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.

Debating how we lived our lives

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

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.

'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.

'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'.

Pride and partnership

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

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.

'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.

Exploring gender through dance

Wieke Eringa talks about the positive relationship between an international dance project 'Performing Gender' and the Leeds-based 'Gender Moves', which featured members of the local LGBTIQ+ community.

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.

Queer culture in Leeds

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

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.

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.

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.

The importance of seeing yourself represented

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

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.

Leeds' first Trans Pride

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

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.

Lesbian and gay tea dances in Saltaire and Leeds

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

LGBT peace activism

Susan considers the links between her sexuality and peace activism.

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 Angels of Freedom

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

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!

Pink Picnic memories

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

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.

Family acceptance

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

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.

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.

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.

Seventeen years down the mines

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

'Without lesbian feminists...'

Lal talks about the importance of remembering lesbian feminist activism.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jen's coming out story

A written memoir contributed by a Leeds woman born in the 1960s, who came out later in life.

The secret Leeds gay club

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Coming out later in life

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

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.

Founding the Yorkshire Trans Choir

Claye explains the need for a new choir to suit the voices of trans people, and treats us to a little singing!

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.

'There's no such thing as gay men'

Alexia talks about her Jewish background and the negative views of her family towards homosexuality and her own marriage to a woman.

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.

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.

'Stuck between two worlds'

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

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.

The need to talk about mental health

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

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.

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.

The work and aims of TransLeeds

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

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.

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.

Identity and shifting terms

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

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.

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'.

Gay personal ads and phone lines

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

Gay Abandon and the joy of singing

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

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.

Biphobia within the queer community

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

'You haven't changed a bit, have you!'

Jessica talks about her transition and how she discovered she was intersex.

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.

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.

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 different kind of trans support group

Amelia talks about the support she gets as a trans woman from her medieval battle re-enactment society.

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'

Coming out as trans and queer

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

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!

Discovering the Gay Liberation Front

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Fred talks about his 'trans history' and how he told his parents about his gender dysphoria.

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'.

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.

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.

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'.

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.