LGBTQ+ History Month - February 2025

P.J Staffing are champions of diversity with a strong commitment to equality, diversion and inclusion. As part of the LGBTQ community we are also dedicated to fostering an environment and culture where every individual feels safe, so as we celebrate LGBTQ History month, we just wanted to highlight some of the massive contributions that have impacted this freedom here in our home town, Leeds. 

 

As far back as the 1930s, yes, nearly 100 years ago, it is documented that the Pelican Social Club in Blayd’s Yard, became known for welcoming gay and transgender men. P J Staffing have supported Blayd's for the last 4 years providing staff, purchasing the odd glass of wine 😉 and support during Pride. The longest-running gay pub in Leeds is believed to be The New Penny, which was formerly known as The Hope and Anchor. Since 1953, it has served as a safe venue for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans community and has been honored with a blue plaque from the Leeds Civic Trust. 

 

The Yorkshire Terriers was the first gay-friendly football team established in the UK, founding in 1997. They became a founding member of the Gay Football Supporters Network (GFSN) National League at the beginning of the 2002-2003 season. Since then, the team has won the league, the national cup, and numerous small-sided competitions, maintaining a strong presence in the top tier as the GFSN League has expanded over the years. 

 

The UK’s very first civil partnerships were held on 21st December 2005 and two of our local heroes were amongst the very first, legally uniting at the exact time the law came into effect after a special licence was granted to Bar Fibre. 

 

The first ever Trans-Pride celebration in the north of England was held in Leeds in March 2018, including talks, discussions, a march, and a day of film screenings. 

 

Throughout the 1980s and 90s, a proliferation of LGBT-friendly pubs, nightclubs, bars, and club nights sprang into life in the city, and the first ever Leeds Pride march was held in 2006. So the expansion of gay rights, although significant, has still been very recent; although there have been remarkable achievements and changes in legislation, perception, and attitude, we still face regressive attitudes throughout society.