LLGBTC Background Info
In 1973 a group of people were concerned about the lack of information being provided to young gay men who were experiencing homophobic attacks. A number of organisations came together and put on a conference to explore the issues further. Out of this conference it was decided to set up an information and support helpline.
The helpline was organised by local volunteers and delivered from the front room of a house. In 1981 the helpline was the first LGB group in the UK to receive money from a public authority.
By 1985 the work of the helpline had grown sufficiently that it was decided to move into premises in King Street. Community services such as a youth group and HIV prevention work were managed and delivered by volunteers.
In 1992 the Gay Men's Team was formed which saw paid staff working with volunteers to deliver the work of the organisation. By 1996 we had been fortunate enough to receive a National Lottery Grant resulting in 8 members of staff and over 20 volunteers delivering a range of services.
Things began to get a bit cramped at Kings Street so the organisation moved round the corner to our present base in Wellington Street. We were again very fortunate to receive another National Lottery Grant which meant this building could be renovated including the installation of disabled access and toilets.
In 2000 after much discussion it was felt that the HIV prevention work should be separated from the other community work and as such the gay men's health team separated and formed a separate organisation called TRADE.
In 2004 we were granted Neighbourhood Renewal Funding to conduct the Sexuality Matters research project. This turned out to be the largest ever survey of LGBT people in Leicester. The results of this project were published in 2005 have been used to develop a strategy to reduce homophobia and support LGBT people.
In the autumn of 2007 the Centre set up a local LGBT Community Forum to inform its work on improving service provision for LGBT people in Leicester, Leiecstershire and Rutland.
By the end of of 2009 the Centre's staff had grown to include a full time Youth Development Officer and Centre Support Officer, responsible for volunteers and the many social and support groups and organisations affiliated with the Leicester LGB&T Centre. With the appointment of the Centre Support Officer volunteering grew from a solitary volunteer to 15 volunteers. This myriad of volunteers help deliver a vast number of essential services to the LGB&T community: Community Cafe, monthly Newsletter, Community Library, Publicity and Promotions, Facebook, Administration, Youth Work, Helpline, IT support, Fundraising, General Support and many other functions.
At the start of 2010 the Centre was still in search of a Community Development Officer. With the appointment of this new member of staff the Leicester LGB&T Centre will finally have 5 full time and3 part time paid staff.
The autumn of 2009 also saw the official change of the Centre's name to the Leicester Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Centre. The LGB community teamed up with the Transgender community to work and support each other for a more diverse and equitable community.
At the end of April 2010 the Centre held its annual Open Day event. The Centre drawn a phenomenal number of visitors. Following months of improvements to the Centre, the Open Day proved very popular with the members of the community. The event saw the attendance of the following groups and organisations: First Out Youth Group, Spectrum LGBT Group, Rubyfruit Women's Group, Leicester Gay Group, Gray Pride, Leicester Parents Support Group, Chameleon Group Leicester Wildecats, Leicester Gay Catholics, Bisexual Community, Prism Community Forum, Leicester LGB&T Centre Helpline, Leicester Police Local Beat Team, Leicester Police Hate Crime Officer, Leicester Pride, Leicestershire Rainbow Voices, Loughborough LGB&T Student Association, Leicester LGB&T Workers Group and Trade Sexual Health. During the day the Centre's Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mike Evans, delivered a heartfelt dedication of the Rainbow Banner in memory of one of Gray Pride's late members, Robin. The day was also highlighted by a performance by Leicestershire Rainbow Voices and the showing of two excellent films, XXY and House at the End of the World.
Have a look at the Front Page for the latest activities and events at the Centre.