(Photography credits to Beth Ravenscroft)
Huddersfield has a flourishing amounts of pubs, bars and clubs around the city. However, there is only one LGBTQ+ bar in the amidst of these places. It’s also the only LGBTQ+ building in general.
Rain, the only LGBTQ+ bar, was opened by a crowd funder and pledging scheme by couple Chris McEvoy and Callum George.
They expressed their reasoning for doing this because of the “massive gap in the market” at the time.
“There were no safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people to socialise and find comfort within their group.”
“We also felt like the growing popularity of students and LGBTQ+ youth needed an area where knew they could trust and be their true selves.”
Rain has since found success and opens on Fridays and Saturdays with special themed nights and drag queen events.
Maya, the manager of Rain also spoke on how important and the impact the bar has had on people.
“I’ve had people come up to me and thank me for the bar. I’ve also had others who watch the drag queens perform want to try out the art of drag themselves. I think its beautiful.”
There’s also a huge lack of social groups for the community. HuGG, which stands for Huddersfield Gay Group are the only prominent social group which has been established since 2001.
There are no other social groups for other members of the community such as lesbians, transgender people and more.
A spokesperson for the group admitted that they’re sad about the lack of social groups for the other parts of the community.
“Its hard to gather a solid group of people who will stick with it, spread the word and gain members to join the group.”
“It’s also incredibly difficult to find a safe space for the group to meet due to the lack of LGBTQ+ places.”
(Photograph credits to University of Huddersfield)
Fortunately, the University of Huddersfield has made some important strives for LGBTQ+ awareness and safety.
On the 17th May, it marks the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHoBiT) which the university is celebrating.
A way to show support to the anniversary is to wear rainbow lanyards, using and sharing pronouns, educating on the history of IDAHoBiT and speaking up for people who’s voices may be silenced.