How did LGC come into being?

In Autumn 1970 Henry placed an advertisement in the Personal Column of the Yorkshire Evening Post to announce the setting up of a Leeds and Bradford Area branch of C.H.E. (Committee, later Campaign, for Homosexual Equality).

As a result the first meeting was held in Henry’s Flat on 27th March 1971. In those early days it soon became clear that people needed groups for socialising as well as for campaigning, and so, in 1982, C.H.E. decided to separate the two functions.

Since we were by then largely a social group, we voted to change our name to Leeds Gay Community.

So what about your present membership?

At the moment there are over forty of us. (All men, we have to say. For many years now no women have shown a wish to come along.) Our membership reflects a wide age range, but mostly 40+, and we come from all walks of life.

I understand you meet throughout the year?

Yes, we meet every Friday and occasionally on other days, too. In fact we reckon that in the year to August 2010 we arranged just over one hundred events.

So where do you meet on Fridays and what form does your meeting take?

We meet at 7.45 p.m. at a venue in Leeds City Centre, just off The Headrow. We try to provide a varied programme, usually, but not always, on a gay theme. Last year we had five speakers; we watched videos or listened to tapes on a dozen occasions; we had fifteen meetings in which everybody could take part - discussions, readings, bring a recording etc.; and other meetings of a more social nature, including a couple of parties. From late July to early September our Friday evening meetings move from the city centre to members' homes.

NB
The building we meet in has steep stairs and no lift so is not very disabled friendly. As the venue comes free of any charge, it would be difficult for us to move without putting the subs up considerably. However our outdoor events are mostly fully accessible by anyone who is disabled.

What other events do you arrange?

In the summer we arrange day trips out. In 2011 we are again planning a weekend at a gay-run Guest House at Whitehaven, in Cumbria. We go "eating out" throughout the year on weekday evenings and occasionally for Sunday or weekday lunch. In members' homes we have coffee evenings, fish-and-chip suppers, film evenings. We have coffee mornings in various city and suburban cafes. When any member offers to arrange an event which looks worthwhile we usually go ahead with it.

How would you describe your main aim?

To provide a hassle-free space where gay and bi-sexual people can meet and be themselves and, hopefully, make new friends.

How much does it cost to join?

Well, first of all, we’d like to say that visitors are always welcome to come along before committing themselves. However, we are a members-only group and we assume that after a third visit any newcomer would be prepared to pay his subscription (£10 per year for earners and £5 for non-earners). This also entitles you to our Newsletter, LGC NEWS, which is sent out eight times a year.

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