Leeds LGBTQ+ History Month in 9 Queer-Friendly Events
LGBTQ+ History Month falls in February in the UK, and lucky for us our hometown is well-endowed with queer-friendly businesses and inclusive venues. Here’s a list of Leeds events for the LGBTQ+ community (and allies), so you can celebrate this important month with comedy, literature, panel discussions, and wrestling - yes, wrestling!
Leeds Bi Group: Pub Meet
If you’re a fan of a laid-back venue and decent night out, you need to check out Wharf Chambers. Aside from quality gigs and club nights, this venue also hosts a monthly meet-up for Leeds Bi Group, where LGBTQ+ people and allies can get together and socialise.
When? Tuesday, 4 February 2020 from 19:30-22:00 Where? Wharf Chambers, Wharf Street. Find out more here.
Empowering LGBT+ Lawyers
Local LGBTQ+ lawyers will host this free Q&A panel event for legal students and members of the Yorkshire Legal Community. The event aims to inspire a new generation of LGBTQ+ lawyers with shared stories, advice and networking.
When? Wednesday, 5 February 2020 from 18:00-20:00. Where? The University of Law, Leeds. Find out more here.
LGBT+ Community Hub
This group is facilitated by Leeds City Council, and provides local LGBTQ+ people with a space to discuss issues affecting the community.
When? Tuesday, 11 February 2020 from 17:00–19:30. Where?Cosmopolitan Hotel, Lower Briggate. Find out more here.
Leeds LGBT+ Mini Lit Fest
Yvy DeLuca, Luke Turner, and Meg-John Barker will be interviewed by prominent members of the Leeds LGBTQ+ community in this trio of literary events at Leeds Central Library. Expect these authors to discuss their own fantastic contributions to literature, as well as trans issues, gender, sexuality, and relationships. Book a single event for £2, or all three for £5.
When? Saturday, 15 February 2020 from 11:00–15:00. Where? Leeds Central Library, Calverley Street. Find out more here.
AireEvents Presents Life Drawing Valentines Special
Aire Place Studios hosts inclusive events for the community, with a focus on supporting women and non-binary people in art and business. This Valentine’s special promises to be a relaxed and non-judgemental affair, where you can get creative and appreciate the human form. The event is not-for-profit and no one will be turned away for lack of funds, however, there is a £6 entry fee that goes towards the cost of rent and models.
When? Sunday, 16 February 2020 from 12:30 – 15:00. Where? Aire Place Studios, Kirkstall Road. Find out more here.
LGBT+ and the Importance of Inclusion in the Rehearsal Room
The Filthy Shakespeare Company are an intriguing bunch whose manifesto calls for the ‘post-censorship era of Shakespeare’. As the hosts of this event, Filthy will address the barriers facing LGBTQ+ actors and creative practitioners in theatrical spaces, providing attendees with the tools to challenge such barriers and support inclusion in the rehearsal room.
When? Monday, 17 February 2020 from 10:00-12:30. Where? Stage@Leeds, the University of Leeds. Find out more here.
LGBT+ History Month: The Danger of Hiding Who You Are in STEM
This free event is open to all staff and students at the University of Leeds, and will platform the stories of LGBTQ+ people in STEM. Dr. Briony Thomas, Dr. Juan Pablo Gevaudan Burgos and other speakers from the university will form the panel, offering their experienced perspective to those wishing to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.
When? Friday, 21 February 2020 from 13:00 – 14:00. Where? Maurice Keyworth Building, University of Leeds. Find out more here.
With Everything We’ve Got: Leeds LGBTQIA+ Wrestling
Over 5 free sessions, wrestler Hannah Wilk will take you through the fundamentals of wrestling in a safe a consensual environment. The aim is to prioritise bodies, identities and experiences that have historically been made to feel unwelcome in sport and exercise, particularly QTIPOC and those with disabilities. There are a limited number of places, so you will have to apply by Monday, 3 February if you wish to take part in this empowering course.
When? 24 February, 9 March, 23 March, 6 April 2020 from 17:30 - 19:30. Where? The Tetley, Hunslet Road. Find out more here.
Catherine Bohart: Lemon
Gracing the Sheaf St. stage with her critically-acclaimed stand-up show Lemon, Catherine Bohart will make you laugh while exploring feminism, queer visibility and bisexuality. Tickets are £11 - which is a steal considering this brilliant Irish comedian sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Sheaf St. is well known for hosting inclusive events such as the infamous Midnight club nights, where you can expect great house music and glorious drag queens to keep you entertained.
When? Friday, 28 February 2020 from 19:30. Where? Sheaf St. Cafeteria, Sheaf Street. Find out more here.
All of these events had tickets available at the time of posting. Find more inclusive spaces in Leeds here.
Title illustration by Miguel Lopez, a Mexican artist based in Canada.
