April 2025 Round-Up: Fighting Back and Looking Forward
- LonGBoaT Wakefield
- May 4
- 3 min read
Well, April was a month, wasn’t it?
We’ve been shouting, planning, protesting, welcoming new faces and saying a few fond goodbyes. From big political statements to small but powerful community moments, here’s what we’ve been up to:
Let’s not sugar-coat it: the UK Supreme Court ruling on trans rights this month was grim.
It felt like a slap in the face to so many people in our community, and we’re furious.
We put out a response straight away because staying quiet isn’t an option. This ruling might be dressed up in legal language, but the impact is personal and painful. We won’t let it go unchallenged. We’ve protested before, and we’ll do it again – with banners, with voices, and with action.
If you missed our statement, it’s worth a read. Here it is.
While the government’s busy rolling us back, we’re looking ahead. This month we launched our 5-year strategy – and yes, that’s a big deal.
It’s not just a bunch of fancy words either. It’s a proper plan: to grow our reach, make sure our events and spaces stay welcoming for everyone, and keep the pressure on where it’s needed. We’re not here to tick boxes – we’re here to build something that lasts.
You can read all about it right here. Spoiler: we’ve got big things coming.
AGM 2025 – Done and Dusted
We held our Annual General Meeting on the 28th April at the LonGBoaT Hub.
We covered a lot – what we’ve done over the last year, where we’re heading next, and officially kicked off the new strategy.
There were laughs, honest chats, and plenty of tea and biscuits (obviously). Thanks to everyone who has shaped LonGBoaT Wakefield in the last 12 months
Our EDI Recruitment Fair Launch was another big April moment. on the 10th June 2025 at Wakefield Trinity Stadium we will have employers, real jobs, and an inclusive space where nobody has to hide who they are just to look for a new career.
If youre an employer you can book your spot now if you want in.
We teamed up with Barnardo’s for a chilled late-night shopping event – no crowds, no pressure, no side-eye.
Just people trying on clothes, picking up a bargain, and having a laugh in a space where they could be completely themselves. It was such a lovely vibe, and we’ll definitely be doing more like it. Read about it here.
We’ve got a new Fundraising Officer – Tony Kimmince-Cooke – and we’re dead excited to have him on the team. Go meet him properly here.
April also meant saying goodbye to someone very special – Andrew Dwyer, who’s been a massive part of LonGBoaT’s journey. We’re so grateful for everything he’s done and wish him nothing but good things. Here’s our proper thank-you.
We’ve started working with the lovely folks at Pontefract Arts Club, and it’s already shaping up to be something pretty special. Think art, colour, creativity – and a lot of conversations about community and identity along the way. More on that soon, but for now, get the basics here.
That’s April wrapped.
It’s been a bit of everything: anger, pride, plans and people. The world feels heavy sometimes, but we’re not going anywhere – and neither are you.
Thanks for being part of it all.
The LonGBoaT Wakefield Team
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