Support for LGBT+ people in Leeds

University of Leeds
University of Leeds
3 min readFeb 15, 2021
Leeds skyline on a cloudy day
Leeds city skyline

Throughout the city and across Yorkshire you’ll find a variety of networks and support for LGBT+people. Whether you need support with your mental health, access to health services, or just someone to talk to, there are plenty of places ready to help.

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some of the amazing charities, groups and resources which provide support to the LGBT+ community in Leeds.

Yorkshire MESMAC

Yorkshire MESMAC is the largest LGBT+ sexual and mental health charity in Yorkshire. The charity provides valuable services including free HIV testing, counselling and community support groups.

Trans Leeds

Providing support for Transgender, Non-Binary and Gender Non-Conforming people in Leeds and the surrounding area, Trans Leeds provides support for people at all stages of transitioning, as well as their friends and families.

Trans Pride march gathered outside Leeds City Museum 2019
Trans Pride march gathered outside Leeds City Museum (2019)

Non-Binary Leeds

Non-Binary Leeds is a monthly social and support group for non-binary people for the local area. They offer practical and emotional support in a safe, friendly environment.

Touchstone

Touchstone is a Yorkshire-based health charity which offers a range of innovative health and wellbeing services for the LGBT+ community.

Girl Gang Leeds

An inclusive community that supports women, non-binary and trans people. Girl Gang Leeds host events, meet-ups, art markets, book club, screenings, live shows, workshops and more.

Flamingos Coffee House Leeds

Open since 2018, Flamingos is the only late-night, dry LGBT+ friendly coffee house in the city. And a great place to grab a slice of cake!

Lower Briggate at night
Lower Briggate, a hub for the LGBT+ community in Leeds

West Yorkshire Queer Stories

West Yorkshire Queer Stories is a fantastic resource that holds stories from the LGBT+ community in West Yorkshire. The project ended in May 2020 but you can still read stories and history from the West Yorkshire LGBT+ community on their website.

The Bookish Type

The Bookish Type is a pop-up, independent, queer bookshop based in Leeds run by Nicola and Ray. They sell a range of queer literature from graphic novels to memoirs and more.

The LGBT+ Society

The LGBT+ society at LUU is open to all LGBT+ students in Leeds and is a great way to connect with people in the local LGBT+ community.

If you’re not sure where to turn to, Leeds University Union is here to offer confidential help and advice to all University of Leeds students. The Equality Policy Unit also has a round-up of local organisations and networks on their website to help you connect with the local LGBT+ community and access help and support.

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