Leeds Gay Community Web Site - FAQ Page

Frequently Asked Questions

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 about 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 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. I n fact we reckon that in the year to August 2007 we arranged over ninety 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 the 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 six visiting speakers; we watched videos or listened to tapes on sixteen 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 (please see our Diary page, which will give you some idea of our programme). From mid-July to early September our Friday evening meetings move from the city cnetre to members' homes.

What other events do you arrange?

In the summer we arrange day trips out. In 2009 we are again planning a weekend at a gay-run Guest House at Whitehaven, in Cumbria. We go "eating out" at various restaurants throughout the year on weekday evenings and occasionally for Sunday lunches. In members’ homes we have coffee evenings, fish-and-chip suppers, film evenings. We have coffee mornings in various city and suburban cafés. 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 men 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.