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200 LGBTQ+ Stories of Railway Pride by Karen Bennett

Writer's picture: LonGBoaT WakefieldLonGBoaT Wakefield

As part of the Railway 200 celebrations and in honour of Pride Month 2025, LonGBoaT Wakefield is excited to support the inspiring project led by Karen Bennett: 200 Stories of Railway Pride. This initiative shines a spotlight on the experiences and stories of LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in the rail industry, aiming to foster inclusivity and visibility within the sector.


What is 200 Stories of Railway Pride?

Community Rail Lancashire, in partnership with Karen Bennett, is collecting 200 unique stories from LGBTQ+ railway staff, passengers, and allies. These stories will form the basis of a booklet distributed throughout Pride Month 2025 and beyond, showcasing the diversity, resilience, and creativity of LGBTQ+ individuals connected to the railways. The project aims to:

  • Encourage more LGBTQ+ individuals to consider careers in the rail industry.

  • Build confidence in LGBTQ+ travellers to explore rail journeys.

  • Celebrate personal and professional stories tied to the railway.


Get Involved: Whether it’s about your job, your coming-out journey, a memorable train trip, a career tale, or even a pride celebration, Karen would like to hear from you! Stories should be 300 words or less and submitted by 31st March 2025. Find out more and participate here: https://trained.website/project/200-stories-of-railway-pride/.


A Legacy of Storytelling

This project builds on Karen Bennett’s previous work: 100 Women, 100 Journeys and 100 More Women, 100 More Journeys. These initiatives showcased the contributions and stories of women in the railway industry, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps. Learn more about these projects here or read the publications:


LonGBoaT Wakefield Joins the Journey

After meeting Karen at the Northern Trains Community Rail Conference in autumn 2024, we were eager to collaborate. As one of the first LGBT+ organisations to adopt a railway stations , Wakefield Kirkgate, LonGBoaT jumped at the chance to contribute to this brilliant project.


To ensure our community’s involvement, we are planning an exciting train trip to London in collaboration with our supporters at Grand Central. This trip, scheduled for March or April 2025, will include:

  • A workshop with Karen Bennett to discuss and share experiences of rail travel, both personal and professional.

  • Opportunities to contribute stories to the 200 LGBTQ+ Stories of Railway Pride project.

  • A potential link up with another LGBTQ+ group that has adopted Vauxhall Station under the South Western Trains adoption scheme. Learn more about this group’s work here: LGBT+ Charity Adopts Vauxhall Station.


How to Get Involved

We’re inviting all our service users, volunteers, and trustees to take part. Stay updated on trip details and potential dates by:

  • Attending our Queer Social every Thursday evening.

  • Visiting our Hub Drop-In Coffee Mornings every Saturday.


Whether you’re a rail enthusiast, a creative storyteller, or simply someone with a tale to tell, your voice matters. Together, we can make Pride Month 2025 a celebration of connection, diversity, and history on the rails.


About Railway 200

The Railway 200 celebrations mark 200 years since the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, the world’s first public railway to use steam locomotives. This milestone celebrates two centuries of railway innovation, connecting communities, and shaping modern transport. Events across the UK highlight the historical, cultural, and economic significance of railways, bringing together industry leaders, communities, and enthusiasts to honour this transformative legacy. Learn more at https://railway200.co.uk/. Community Rail Lancashire

Community Rail Lancashire works to connect communities with their local railways through innovative projects, education, and outreach. Their initiatives promote sustainable travel, inclusion, and accessibility, while also celebrating the diverse stories and histories tied to the railway network. From engaging young people to supporting marginalised communities, they inspire pride in railways as a vital part of everyday life. Learn more at Community Rail Lancashire.

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