February is LGBTQ+ History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions and lives of LGBTQ+ people throughout history while reflecting on the rich and diverse heritage of communities across the UK.
As part of the celebration, Wellington Place is excited to welcome local historian Clifford Stead, who will lead a guided tour of the Leeds Civic Trust & Leeds LGBT+ HUB Rainbow Plaque Trail. This unique trail highlights the remarkable individuals, events, and experiences that have shaped Leeds’ vibrant LGBTQ+ community and will take place on Thursday, February 6th, from 12:30 to 1:30 pm, starting at Wellington Central.
Whether you join our guided tour or embark on the trail solo by following the trail yourself, here are five of Clifford’s top highlights you won’t want to miss, each sharing a unique story about Leeds’ LGBTQ+ heritage.
Leeds Central Library
At Leeds Central Library, you’ll learn about the controversial Section 28, introduced in 1988 under Margaret Thatcher’s government. This widely criticised policy forbade councils and schools from “intentionally promoting homosexuality” and had a significant impact on LGBTQ+ communities. Thankfully, it was repealed in 2003, but its effects are still remembered today.
Hotel Chocolat – Cyril Livingstone
While you might know Hotel Chocolat for it’s delicious, sweet treats, did you know the Leeds store sits on the site of Cyril Livingstone’s couturier shop? Livingstone dressed the fashion-conscious of Leeds, but he was also a celebrated actor, director and theatre critic. His contributions to the city’s cultural life were immense and remain an important part of its LGBTQ+ heritage.
City Varieties Music Hall
The symbolic plaque at The City Varieties Music Hall commemorates the secret LGBT+ language known as “Polari”. This coded form of communication helped many avoid persecution at a time when being openly LGBTQ+ was criminalised. While we won’t share all the words here, we’ll give you one example. They used the word “bevvy”, which means to drink!
The Regent Public House
In 1843, two Leeds men, Thomas Sykes and Edward Rayner, were sentenced to death following a liaison in a toilet in The Regent pub’s yard. Their sentences were later commuted to life imprisonment, and this case marks the last time the death penalty was issued for such charges before it was abolished in 1861.
Charlie’s Nightclub
In the 1970s and 1980s, LGBTQ+ friendly events, pubs and clubs began to thrive in Leeds, reflecting the growing visibility of the community. Venues like Ye Olde Red Lion, The Grove, The Bridge Inn and Charlie’s Night Club provided safe spaces for people to gather and celebrate their identities. Charlie’s Nightclub is just one of the stops on the tour.
Happy LGBTQ+ History Month to all our occupiers and colleagues! For more events at Wellington Place, click here.
