Leeds has a very vibrant LGBTQIA+ scene, but it’s not always easy to find activities and events that take place outside of bars and clubs.
With 1/5 of the adult population in the UK abstaining from alcohol altogether, and a significant portion of the population with additional needs that make bars and clubs inaccessible spaces, we wanted to offer a list of low or no-alcohol LGBTQIA+ activities in Leeds!
This list is by no means comprehensive, but it’s a great jumping-off point for anyone looking to get out there and engage with their local community.
LGBT+ Social Space Monthly Café
Community support initiative, the Angels of Freedom, runs a free monthly café social event for LGBTQIA+ individuals to attend in the City Centre. Enjoy hot food, cakes, snacks, and hot & cold drinks while making new friends, playing board games, and getting to know the organisers. If that wasn’t wholesome enough, there’s also monthly support from groups like TransLeeds, the GIC Outreach Team, Phoenix Health & Wellbeing, and more! Find out more about their events on the Angels of Freedom Facebook page.
Yorkshire Trans Choir
For those with a love of singing, the Yorkshire Trans Choir might be just what you're looking for. Yorkshire Trans Choir sessions run fortnightly on Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm in Leeds City Centre, and no prior singing experience is required to join in. The choir is great for beginners and experienced singers alike, and there is no pressure to attend every week, as the sessions aren't working towards a performance — they're just about getting together and singing.
The organisers specify that they can ensure social distancing and the venue is wheelchair accessible and has accessible toilets. Learn more about the Yorkshire Trans Choir here.
Bookish Type Events
Literature lovers rejoice because Leeds’ only LGBTQIA+ bookshop has its very own events page. From outdoor queer book clubs to queer history tours, you’ll find all sorts going on. The Bookish Type’s events page is updated regularly, so make sure that you check back in for an idea of what’s coming up!
Leeds Queer Film Festival
The Leeds Queer Film Festival (LQFF) is an annual, not-for-profit event that showcases queer cinema with a focus on independent and DIY films. The festival staff are committed to screening films that "prioritise the voices and work of those most marginalised within our LGBTQ+ communities" and they aim to make their events as affordable, accessible, and inclusive as possible. The 2023 LQFF took place in March, but keep an eye on the website for a return for Leeds Pride weekend in August!
LGBTQIA+ Sports!
For anyone looking to get active, Leeds has a great variety of LGBTQIA+ sports clubs.
The Bad Mittens is an inclusive badminton group with over 1,000 members, which meets up at Armley, Morely, and Kirkstall Leisure Centres.
Leeds Frontrunners is friendly all-inclusive running club, welcoming anyone who identifies as LGBT+ and their friends. Members range from recreational joggers to competitive long-distance runners, so it is perfect for all ability levels.
Queer Adventures Yorkshire is a safe space for folk to meet each other, get outside, walk, swim, and explore! With activities taking place all over West Yorkshire, you'll be joining a team of enthusiastic and welcoming adventurers of varying skill levels. Visit their Instagram and send them a DM to join the Discord!
Roller Girl Gang isn't an LGBTQIA+ specific group, but it is a warm and inclusive roller skating collective that runs classes, workshops, and events for beginners to pros alike. While most of Roller Girl Gang's members are women over the age of 25, don't let the name fool you, the gang welcomes folk of all genders and a wide age range (check individual classes for age requirements).
15-Minute Friendships
You didn't think we'd finish this post without a shameless self-plug, did you? 15-Minute Friendships is a new and developing social project in Leeds, designed to combat loneliness within the LGBTQIA+ community through regular pop-up events. Visit our Upcoming Events page for details on what's to come, and make sure you're following us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram!
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