LGBT+ LEEDS

HIGHLIGHTS

Leeds Pride is the UK’s friendliest Pride! Taking place every August, it is also Yorkshire’s biggest celebration of LGBT+ life and is free to attend. 

The Angels of Freedom is a community based initiative organised by volunteers and supported by Leeds City Council, British Transport Police and West Yorkshire Police. Their aim is to provide visible support for the LGBT+ community based in the Freedom Quarter area of the city every Friday evening. Their volunteers provide conversations on support & social groups, activities and events in Leeds, along with just being a friendly approachable face on the bar scene for anyone wanting a chat. 

Leeds is home to a number of LGBT+ friendly sports clubs and classes. From powerlifting to martial arts to football, find out more here.  

Leeds is a welcoming and inclusive city that can be enjoyed by all. The list below gives you a flavour of some of the wonderful places that you can visit whilst in Leeds.

BARS AND CLUBS

Leeds’ LGBT+ nightlife has a great reputation. The Freedom Quarter is a hive of activity with plenty of LGBT+ venues to choose from. The Calls and Lower Briggate is the main hub of LGBT+ nightlife in Leeds. Queens Court, the biggest gay club in Leeds, has DJs and themed nights throughout the week across two floors. The New Penny is one of the UK’s longest running LGBT+ venues, and Leeds oldest gay bar, and is still going strong. The award-winning Viaduct Showbar will entertain you seven days a week with cabaret, live shows and DJs while Fibre will have you dancing until the small hours. That’s just the start; other places to check out for a welcoming atmosphere and spectacular array of entertainment are Bridge Inn, Blayds Bar and Tunnel Leeds.
Wharf Chambers is a bar and multi-use venue in the centre of Leeds run by a workers' co-op in partnership with a members' club. They regularly host queer nights such as club nights and karaoke.
A map can be downloaded here. 

CHUNK is a rehearsal studio/music venue/art space in Leeds that hosts queer nights. Grind is an LGBT+ friendly club night for women.

RESTAURANTS

Flamingos Coffee House Leeds

Leeds's newest LGBT+ friendly Coffee House. Having opened in late 2018, situated in Central Arcade in Leeds City Centre, Flamingos is Leeds’ only dry, late night LGBT+ friendly Coffee House, open 7 days a week. 

Tharavadu

Tharavadu are very supportive of LGBT+ causes and equality. Tharavadu, is a place where you will experience the flavours of traditional Kerala cooking from the hands of chefs who learned the first lessons from these traditional Nair Tharavadu. The chefs are born and brought up in Kerala and have numerous years of experience in this traditional way of cooking. 

The Adelphi

The Adelphi is another venue that is very supportive of LGBT+ causes and equality. The Adelphi is the perfect setting for a laid-back yet distinctly memorable drinking and dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a lazy lunch, family dinner or social eats and treats with friends, The Adelphi offers tempting and flavoursome food, an explorative drinks menu and an authentic, homely atmosphere to suit all occasions. 

Fettle Café

A relaxed, organic environment with quality food that has been sourced locally.

Arts Leeds

Arts Leeds has a huge reputation as one of Leeds’ original indie food hubs. Located on the bustling Call Lane, their relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff have made Arts a popular destination in Leeds for both lunch and dinner. Their chefs work closely with local suppliers to source only the finest produce, with bold flavours and fresh ingredients. 

Yorkshire Relish Dining (LGBT+ Inclusive Dining Club)

Social groups are a great way to meet new people whilst simultaneously visiting interesting places, and Yorkshire Relish has been bringing people together in this fashion for over 20 years now. Not only is it exclusively for the LGBT+ community (and inclusive for guests of members) but collectively over the years, the members of this amicable club have visited most of the restaurants that make Leeds such a vibrant and interesting place to meet. From high end, well-recognised establishments to little hidden gems, it is the purpose of Yorkshire Relish to bring people together over good food and fine wine.

HEADLINE EVENTS

Leeds Queer Film Festival, Thursday to Sunday 23-26 April 2020. We create spaces to showcase queer cinema with a focus on independent and DIY films. We screen films that elevate and prioritise the voices and work of those most marginalised within our LGBTQ+ communities. 

Queen Bee, TBC 2020. A yearly drag queen competition taking place in December that raises money for good causes. 

The Owlies, TBC 2020. The Owlie Awards celebrate and congratulate individuals and groups who have made outstanding contributions to the Leeds LGBT community. 

Leeds LGBT+ Literature Festival, Monday 6th - Sunday 12th July.

Leeds Pride - Sunday 2nd August 2020