Queer spaces & events

Aire Place Studios

A Leeds-based creative space. They are a predominantly LGBTQIA+ community interest company providing exhibition opportunities, low and cost workspaces.

Website: aireplacestudios.com 

Location: Aire Place Studios, Unit 2c, Aire Place Mills, Kirkstall Road, LS3 1JL 

The Bookish Type

A queer indie bookshop in Leeds selling a range of queer literature: fiction, children’s books, YA, memoirs, poetry, short stories, zines, non-fiction, colouring books and graphic novels.

They also run events such as Leeds Queer History tours and workshops. 

Website: thebookishtype.co.uk 

Location: 77a Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3BR

Open Tuesday to Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 12-4

Flamingos Coffee House

LGBTQ+ coffee house, it is dry, holds events and they donate a portion of their profits to different LGBTQ+ charities each month!

Website: flamingosleeds.co.uk 

Instagram: @flamingosleeds 

Location: Central Arcade, Leeds, LS1 6DX

Blayds Bar

One of Leeds' recognised safe LGBTQI venues, Blayds is a bar with glowing lights and a dancefloor that spills into an outside courtyard. Every night the venue tries something different, starting with extended happy hours at the start of the week, karaoke hosted by Drag Queens, bingo, quizzes, and club nights.

Facebook: blayds.bar 

Location: 3-7 Blayds Yard, Leeds LS1 4AD

15 Minute Friendships 

15-Minute Friendships is a social project designed to combat loneliness within the queer community through regular pop-up events in Leeds and York. 

"Whether you’re looking to meet someone new, have a story to tell, want to practise your conversational skills, or simply have some time to kill, you can meet me (Bridie!) at one of our pop-ups for a 15-minute, informal chat."

Email: 15minfriendships@gmail.com

Website: 15minutefriendships.com 

Fibre

A queer-friendly bar in Freedom Quarter with four floors of partying, including a rooftop balcony and courtyard to explore.

Website: fibreleeds.com

Location: 168 Lower Briggate, LS1 6LY 

The Hangout

The Hangout are a Leeds-based charity that run an inclusive youth club for 11 - 16 year olds to socialise, explore identity and get creative! 

They regularly run events open to all queer people in Leeds such as Queer Prom, Christmas parties, queer renaissance fayres and more to help fundraise for their work. Check out their Instagram below!

Leeds LGBT+ Community Consortium

Providing a mixture of online and in-person events, continuing to enhance the lives of isolated LGBTQ+ people in Leeds and beyond. Events include LGBT swim sessions, dance sessions, art club, gay-ble tennis, yoga for empowerment, poetry club and so much more!

Website: leedslgbtqcc.co.uk 

Events: eventbrite/leeds-lgbt-community-consortium 

The New Penny

Recently given a blue plaque for its work with the LGBTQ+ community, New Penny is the oldest gay bar in Leeds, with a friendly club vibe.

Facebook: The New Penny

Location: 57/59 Call Lane, LS1 7BT 

Queens Court

A leading LGBTQIA+ bar in the heart of Leeds’ Freedom quarter. Proudly serving the gay community for over 25 years, they are famous for their courtyard parties, along with Bar Fibre, during the summer months, bringing the alfresco party feel to the centre of Leeds.  

Website: queenscourtleeds.com/leeds

Location: 167-168 Briggate, LS1 6LY

Viaduct Showbar

Home of cabaret, best known for its themed nights, quirky bar staff and talented drag queens.

Website: viaductleeds.com 

Instagram: @viaductshowbar 

Location: 11 Lower Briggate, Leeds LS1 6ER

Wharf Chambers

A member-owned co-op providing an inclusive and affordable space for music, art, film, politics and discussion that brings together people from communities across Leeds. Home to Love Muscle, the pumping gay dance party.

Website: wharfchambers.org 

Instagram: @wharfchamberscc 

Location: 23-25 Wharf Street, LS2 7EQ