Welcoming Two New Trustees to the LonGBoaT Wakefield Team

At LonGBoaT Wakefield CIO, our strength has always come from our people. Specifically the volunteers, allies, and trustees who give their time, energy, and skills to make Wakefield a more inclusive, supportive, and visible place for LGBT+ people.

As a fully voluntary organisation, having a committed and well‑rounded Board of Trustees is essential to ensuring we can continue to grow, deliver our projects, and meet the increasing needs of our community.

Today, we are thrilled to welcome two new trustees, each bringing unique skills, lived experience, and a deep commitment to the values of LonGBoaT Wakefield.

Meet Our New Trustee: Luce Brown

Luce joins the Board with a genuine desire to support the smooth running of an LGBTQ+ organisation and to give back to the community they care about. With experience working with Our House — an LGBTQ+ CIC in Wakefield — Luce already understands the local landscape and the needs of our community.

Professionally, Luce brings a strong administrative background and excellent organisational skills. These strengths, paired with their practical experience in community‑focused LGBTQ+ work, make them a valuable addition to the team.

Luce is particularly motivated to support LonGBoaT by taking on secretarial responsibilities, helping to free up time for other trustees and strengthening the charity’s overall governance. Their steady, practical approach and understanding of LGBTQ+ structures will help enhance how we operate behind the scenes.

Meet Our New Trustee: Nicole Kirt

Nicole has been connected to LonGBoaT for a long time through her wife and fellow Trustee Emily, and joining as a volunteer after attending the Queer Social. Nicole's motivation for joining the Board comes from a deep sense of belonging and belief in our mission.

She brings extensive experience across digital, creative, and organisational roles, including leadership in community projects, involvement in committee‑based work, and hands‑on experience supporting volunteer‑driven initiatives. Throughout her career and voluntary work, Nicole has demonstrated a commitment to improving systems, strengthening communication, and enabling organisations to thrive.

Nicole is particularly interested in helping LonGBoaT evolve its visual identity and digital presence. Nicole also has ideas for the internal organisation with the aim of ensuring that LonGBoaT Wakefield's outward‑facing materials are consistent, accessible, and reflective of the charity’s identity. Her goal is to help create a modern, flexible, and cohesive visual brand, and to support the development of clear, engaging communication across all platforms.

Why Trustees Matter More Than Ever

LonGBoaT Wakefield CIO is powered entirely by volunteers; from trustees to event organisers to social hosts. As our work expands, the stability and diversity of our trustee board becomes even more important. Trustees guide the long‑term vision of the charity, ensure we remain sustainable, and support the development of new services, events, and community partnerships.

Having a full board means:

• Better governance

• More strategic capacity

• Greater resilience

• A stronger future for the charity

• And most importantly: better outcomes for the LGBT+ people we serve

Luce and Nicole’s appointments strengthen our organisation at a crucial moment, and we are excited to see the positive impact they will make.

Join Us — Become a Trustee or Volunteer

LonGBoaT currently has unpaid Trustee vacancies for:

• Treasurer

• Fundraising Officer

• General Trustee

If you're passionate about supporting the LGBT+ community and want to use your skills to make a meaningful difference, we would love to hear from you. Volunteers are also always welcome to join our growing pool — every role contributes to a safer, more inclusive Wakefield district.