Join us for a warm, inclusive social space

Queer Social is our relaxed weekly meet‑up for the LGBT+ community and our allies. We meet every Thursday, 6pm–8pm, at the LonGBoaT Hub inside Wakefield Kirkgate Railway Station, hosted by our friendly volunteer team.

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The space is sober, discreet and welcoming, designed so people can come exactly as they are. We provide complimentary refreshments, plenty of room to chat, and a calm atmosphere where new connections can grow naturally. Friends and allies are always welcome.

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For many LGBT+ people, safe and consistent social spaces are vital. Queer Social offers somewhere to belong, to be visible, and to connect without pressure or expectation.

 

Things we get up to

2026

February 2026 – West Yorkshire Queer Stories Archive visit
We’re planning a visit focused on regional queer storytelling and archiving, continuing our commitment to preserving and sharing LGBT+ lived experiences across West Yorkshire.

 

More HIV and healthcare offers and building on previous successful collaborations, we plan to host further health‑focused sessions, ensuring accessible and community‑led support within a trusted environment.

 

2025

July 2025 – Anxiety and complementary therapy session
Our complementary therapist Martina and occupational therapist Chris delivered an introduction to complementary therapy at Queer Social. The session focused on anxiety, exploring how it can affect the body and sharing practical tools to support wellbeing. Activities included guided meditation with crystals, breathing techniques, reflective discussion, and signposting to helpful resources. The session centred on self‑acceptance and gentle, inclusive support.

 

May 2025 – 200 Queer Stories of Railway Pride
As station adopters, we were proud to take part in 200 Queer Stories of Railway Pride, a project celebrating the diversity of LGBT+ experiences connected to the rail industry. Members of our community shared personal stories that now form part of a wider national narrative. The stories were later published in the book 200 Queer Stories of Railway Pride.

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May 2025 – Visit to the Queer Britain Museum, King’s Cross
Later in May, the Queer Social group travelled to London to visit the Queer Britain Museum. During the visit, we were able to view an advanced mock‑up of 200 Queer Stories of Railway Pride, connecting our local contributions to a national cultural space.

Read more about the visit:

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April 2025 – Barnardo’s out‑of‑hours shopping trip
In partnership with Barnardo’s, we took part in an out‑of‑hours shopping experience designed to create a safe, inclusive environment for LGBT+ people. The evening offered a calm, supportive way to shop without fear of judgement, particularly benefiting trans people exploring clothing and self‑expression.

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March 2025 – Visit From Wakefield Hospice
Queer Social visited Wakefield Hospice to learn more about their work and explore the importance of inclusive, compassionate care for LGBT+ people and their families.

Read more:

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February 2025 – LGBT+ History Month with the Hold It Up Collective
As part of LGBT+ History Month, we welcomed the Hold It Up Collective, socially engaged queer artists from Leeds. The session explored local LGBT+ history through interactive discussion, reflecting on the past, present and future of queer life in Wakefield.

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February 2025 – HIV testing at Queer Social
During HIV Testing Week, we hosted BHA Wakefield who offered free, confidential HIV and syphilis testing. Demand was so high that testing kits ran out on the night, highlighting the importance of accessible health services within trusted LGBT+ spaces. We hope to repeat this collaboration for National HIV Testing Week 2026.

 

Meet Lila – Queer Social Lead

Our trustee Lila leads Queer Social. If you’re feeling nervous about attending, would like to know what to expect, or want to explore bringing a group or project along, you’re very welcome to get in touch:
lila@longboatwakefield.org

 

Keep the evening going

After Queer Social, many of us head over to The New Union for Trivia Night and Music Bingo, keeping the connection going in another LGBT+ friendly space.