LGBTQ+ Communities
This month marks LGBTQ+ History Month, an opportunity to learn more about the history of the community and support our LGBTQ+ friends and family.
The LGBTQ+ Network have spoken about what community means to them to tie into this year’s theme of ‘Community Connections’, and have also pulled together a raft of resources to help people find local LGBTQ+ communities across England too which you can check out at the bottom of this page.
Melissa, a member of the Network said: “There are thousands of different definitions of what a community is. The Cambridge Dictionary definition states that a community consists of people living in one particular area or people who are considered as a unit because of their common interest, social group or nationality.
“However, I feel this doesn’t apply to the LGBTQ+ community. For example, the LGBTQ+ community extends across all over the globe, rather than just one particular area. It reaches out to many different social groups, whose people may all have completely different interests amongst them.
“This is what I think makes the LGBTQ+ community so unique and welcoming. It creates a safe space for you to be yourself and be a part of something that enacts change.”
Communities don’t always have to be in person, and many people have found friendships and support online. Another member of the Network has spoken about the importance of these online communities to them.
“Community in general is something that is very important to queer people, being able to meet other people who have shared experiences that we can relate to. This community can take many forms but most recently, the LGBTQ+ community has thrived online.
“For me personally, I’ve found friendship and support in queer communities online, particularly in ‘fandom’ spaces. On Twitter, I’ve discovered entire groups of LGBTQ+ people who share common interests and provide a safe space to talk about queer specific issues, as well as our interests as fans.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, many LGBTQ+ spaces moved online because it was impossible for people to meet up in person due to the restrictions. However, the continued existence of these online spaces is still important to enable people to connect with those they wouldn’t otherwise have had the opportunity to because of factors such as distance. It’s also a vital lifeline to LGBTQ+ folks who live in isolated or socially conservative areas where they don’t have access to traditional spaces or where it simply isn’t safe for them to be out or discuss their identities.”
LGBTQ+ Community Groups
If you would like to find a local LGBTQ+ Community group near you, check out the list below for groups in your area:
North East
Chrysalis Transsexual Support Group- Chrysalis is a volunteer peer led support group hosted by Lancashire Women’s Centres, Blackburn and Blackpool
Hart Gables- An LGBT non-profit organisation and are based in Hartlepool, North East England.
North West:
BiPhoria- BiPhoria is a social and discussion group for bisexual people and those questioning their sexual orientation.
MORF- Morf is Manchester’s peer support and social group for people who identify on the trans spectrum who were assigned female at birth (AFAB).
South East
Bournethisway LGBTQ Parents Support Group- We are an LGBTQ+ Parent support group based in Eastbourne, East Sussex. We aim to provide a non-judgmental, friendly, inclusive space open to ALL LGBTQ+ parents and their children, as well as prospective parents.
Cambridge Diamonds- Diamonds is a social self-help group, based in Cambridge (UK), for transgendered people, transsexuals, transvestites, crossdressers, their friends and partners.
South West
MindOut Weymouth- MindOut Weymouth is a Mental Health Support Group for Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexual & Transgender people, and those who are questioning their sexuality/ gender.
Over the Rainbow- Advice, support & information for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community
West Midlands
Birmingham South Asians LGBT- Birmingham South Asians LGBT – Finding A Voice is a social group with support for South Asians aged 18+ of any faith, culture, religion or disability.
Coventry and Warwickshire Friend- Coventry & Warwickshire Friend is a LGBT Charity that has provided confidential information, advice & support, socials and befriending services to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans (LGBT) people in Coventry & Warwickshire.
East Midlands
Leicester Chameleons- We are a support and social group based in Leicester for transgendered, their friends and family (Since the 1970’s), but you don’t have to come from Leicester, we welcome people from all over the East Midlands.
Derbyshire LGBT+ – Derbyshire LGBT+ is a support service to support anyone who is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender or anyone who is having issues with their sexual or gender identity (this includes family and friends).
LGBTQ+ Events Near You
National
North East
Eventbrite; a range of events across Newcastle and the North East, including crafts, Pride events, art shows, and more.
Northern Pride; An organisation hosting events across the North
Newcastle Meet Up Group; host a range of events across Newcastle
LGBThq– a Cumbrian organisation which hosts events and has an onsite café
North West
Eventbrite; a range of events across Manchester and the North West, including crafts, Pride events, art shows and more.
The Proud Trust; provide great support and resources, along with free safe co-working spaces in Manchester
All Events In; showcases a range of upcoming events in Liverpool
Cheshire LGBT+; Host fortnitely social for 18+ LGBT people across Cheshire
South East
Eventbrite; a range of events across Oxford and the South East, including crafts, Pride events, art shows and more.
Eventbrite; a range of events across London, including crafts, Pride events, art shows and more
VisitGayLondon; a rundown of LGBTQ+ events coming up in London
Norfolk LGBT+ Project; An organisation supporting LGBTQ+ people across the region and highlights lots of upcoming events.
South West
Visit Bristol; A bunch of LGBTQ+ events and festivals are coming up in Bristol which you can find information on here.
Rainbow Dorset; A guide to what’s on in Bournemouth and Dorset for the LGBTQ+ community
Gay Wiltshire; an organisation highlighting information and events across the region
Cornwall Pride; features upcoming Pride events across Cornwall
Midlands
Eventbrite; a range of events across Birmingham, including crafts, Pride events, art shows, and more.
Warwickshire Pride; an organisation highlighting upcoming Pride events and other LGBTQ events in the area
Visit Nottinghamshire; information about LGBTQ+ history in Nottingham and upcoming events
Derbyshire LGBT+; Showcasing a host of events, including creative writing and coffee mornings
If you would like to learn more about our LGBTQ+ Network for staff, please email LGBTQ.Network@creativesupport.co.uk.