Timeline of LGBT+ History for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire
2005 – LGBT Network
The LGBT Network logo
Origins and Evolution (2005–2009)
The LGBT Network was a prominent community-led organisation in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire that served as the primary political and social voice for the local LGBT community for nearly a decade.
The Network evolved directly from the North Staffordshire Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Community Forum (later the Rainbow Forum), which had been active since 1997. In 2005, the organisation adopted its first formal constitution and rebranded as the LGBT Network. Its primary objectives were to provide a united voice for the community, support the emotional and physical well-being of LGBT individuals, and provide a mechanism for statutory agencies—such as the police and local councils—to consult with the community.
In 2006 the Network collaborated with The Club and Three Tuns to organise the “Big Pink Car Park” – the first community event that could properly be called Stoke Pride. The following year the success was repeated with another Pride themed as “Stoke’s Gay Sunday” and in 2008 Stoke Pride was officially endorsed by the Local Authority but still took place on a car park in Hanley. The theme was “Clubbers Paradise”. Read more…
By 2009, the Network was highly active in civic life under the leadership of Chief Executive Peter Rigby and other dedicated activists like Sandie Hope-Forest. During this period, the Network organised a major Older Persons Conference to address the needs of older LGBT+ people, this led to the formation of the North Midlands LGBT Older Peoples Group.
The Network continued to collaborate with Staffordshire Police on “Hate Crime Reporting” and Police Liaison which had continued to improve community relations since the Staffordshire Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Police Liaison Committee was launched in 1997.
Expansion and Charitable Status (2010–2011)
In 2010, the Network underwent a significant expansion, becoming a registered charity (Charity No: 1135203) with an elected board of directors. A landmark achievement during this year was the launch of the Polari Lounge at 52 Piccadilly, Hanley. Funded by grants from the Community Foundation and other sources, the Polari Lounge was a dedicated gay and lesbian coffee shop and drop-in centre designed to provide a safe, non-commercial space in the city centre.
The Network continued to support an annual Stoke Pride event which in 2011 saw a record 4,300 attendees and was reported as highly successful with “no homophobic incidents” recorded by the police.
Examples of Support Provided
The LGBT Network was established to support people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or trans in Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire. Originally made up of volunteers, the Network grew into a recognised organisation that represented the views of the LGBT community. In 2010 the LGBT Network became a registered charity and appointed an elected board of directors.
The Network not only worked with organisations such as local councils and the police, but organised a variety of community groups including the Panthers Badminton Group, Sanctuary Stoke and of course of Stoke Pride.
In it’s later years the charity received mainstream funding from local organisations and employed full time members of staff. This allowed provision of one-to-one casework support, signposting and training to facilitate consultation.
In 2010 the LGBT Network received funding to establish a new Gay and Lesbian drop-in Centre in the City Centre. (We have a separate post on our LGBT+ Local History Timeline where you can read more about the Polari Lounge)
Here are some example of publicity produced by the LGBT Network. Please note that these are archive images and the services may no longer exist or be operating at these venues and times.
Objectives When Launched
The objectives of the Network when it adopted it’s first constitution in 2005 were to:
- provide a united and recognised voice for the LGBT community and a mechanism for agencies to consult and respond to issues affected them.
- provide a forum for the LGBT community.
- give support and assistance for good health, mental and emotional well being of LGBT individuals.
- support the provision of community/recreational/sporting events and other appropriate activities to meet the needs of LGBT community.
- encourage participation/raise self worth, achievements and reduce the isolation of young LGBT people.
- provide support and recognise the needs of older LGBT people and to recognise diversity within our community
- promote good relations between the LGBT Network with others groups and agencies.
- promote positive relations with the wider community, break down barriers and encourage community cohesion.
- provide training and support for individuals, groups and organisations.
- encourage and support community safety initiatives, the reporting of hate crime and other violent crimes.
- encourage good practice within education and employment.
Closure in January 2013
Despite its external successes, the Network faced significant internal turmoil in 2011. Disagreements arose between the trustees and a group of members regarding the management of the Polari Lounge and its separation from the Network’s core finances. Meeting minutes record heated debates over account signatories, late annual reports, “muddled” finances and disagreements regarding staff contracts for Polari Lounge employees.
The Network continued to operate through this period of friction, supporting various subgroups such as Sanctuary Stoke and the Panthers Badminton Group. However, the organisational and financial pressures ultimately took their toll. The LGBT Network charity officially closed its doors in January 2013. Its legacy remains a significant chapter in our local LGBT+ history, having pioneered the first city-wide Pride events and established many commuity groups and services that continued to operate after the Network ceased.
Part of the closure announcement retrieved from an archived copy of the LGBT Network website dated January 2013
Copyright Notice
News clippings in this post were compiled by Andrew Colclough from various archives as part of his personal research into local LGBT+ history and are shared here for educational purposes on the basis of fair personal/non commercial use. Copyright, where applicable, remains with the original publishers. Photographs are believed to be in the public domain and sources are credited where possible – please contact us if any further permissions or acknowledgments are required. All original text is © Andrew Colclough. Thank you!