Leeds Corn Exchange is set to host a unique Pride event in support of the city’s older LGBT community.
Organised by Friends of Dorothy, the event named ‘Leeds Ageing with Pride’ will see a ruby slipper café tea dance and sing along held in the iconic building on Sunday 4th August from 3pm.
The event hosted by Leeds Corn Exchange with Friends of Dorothy is run in partnership with Leeds Pride 2019 Community Grant and other Leeds LGBT groups including SAGE and SAGE Women.
Aimed at connecting older LGBT people with friends as part of Leeds Pride, the event is set to welcome 50 people through the Leeds Corn Exchange doors after a Pride march across the city.
Founder of Friends of Dorothy, Craig Burton comments:
“Statistics show that older LGBT people are twice as likely to be living alone than the none-LGBT population and so loneliness and social isolation is a significant issue. Whilst Pride is a fantastic inclusive event, we want to open up a safe space for this often-isolated community to come together and have fun.”
Friends of Dorothy celebrates two years since forming this month, formed in 2017 to support the estimated 1500 older LGBT people living in isolation across Leeds.
Craig continued:
“It is 50 years since The Stonewall riots, so this year is particularly significant. Our oldest member is 88 and the youngest in their 20s. Everyone is welcome and younger LGBT people are encouraged to meet with the older members as they often don’t have a relationship with grandparents and this group can provide a welcome replacement.”
Tickets cost £5 to non-members of Friends of Dorothy with profits going towards ongoing projects it supports. Refreshments and nibbles are included alongside a tea dance with music.
Leeds Corn Exchange was chosen as the venue to give the group an enjoyable welcoming space to enjoy following earlier years of having to hide away or enjoy secret venues.
Centre manager for Leeds Corn Exchange, Adam Warner said:
“Leeds Corn Exchange is keen to be at the forefront of new changes to our city and whilst we’re proud to maintain and showcase the buildings old character, we’re keen to focus on new thinking and collaboration with all elements of our city’s community so it was apt to welcome Friends of Dorothy in to enjoy our space.”
Tickets can be purchased by emailing leeds@friendsofdorothy.org.uk.
