Leeds LGBT+ Mapping Project Update

Initial mapping

Identified over 70 LGBT+ groups and related activity through outreach and online research – identifying grassroots and community groups, and activity
Contacting groups and networks that have been identified so far about the project – gather information about the groups, their aims and purpose and history and request participants for further consultation ( over 40 so far)
Beginning to identify some emerging gaps in LGBT+ landscape, issues with sustainability and capacity – particularly related to social activity and support for young LGBT+ people in Leeds and BME LGBT+ groups, people with learning disabilities, older people
A number of LGBT+ groups and communities to consult with in 2017 have been identified – incl young LGBT+ people, Deaf LGBT people, LGBT+ people with experience of mental health issues

Next steps:

Further mapping – including focus on faith
Spatial mapping of LGBT+ activity in Leeds
Develop a typology of groups and activities, and developing themes
Identify relationships between activity and groups
Start identifying potential case studies/profiles for the project report
Look at how GIS mapping might contribute to the project – training on 6th December VAL

WP 2: Governance and stakeholder participation

Activity update:

Project Advisory Group development

Successfully recruited 15 people Project Advisory Group from Leeds’ LGBT+ community – with experience in mental health, community health and advocacy, education, activism, arts and culture, youth engagement and disability inclusion . The PAG group also has achieved a diverse spread of people regarding sexuality, age, gender and disability.

Project set up and updates

Next steps:

WP3: Outreach and consultation with LGBT+ community and stakeholders

Activity update:

Online

Information about the project has been shared on LOPF, Tenfold, Volition, Gay Leeds, Through the Maze websites, mailing list for LGBT+ Hub and BME hub
Created a Facebook page for the Project https://www.facebook.com/MapLGBTLeeds/?fref=ts – promoted the project online, and on social media – generated interest leading to groups sharing information and interest in PAG, (137 likes)

Meetings:

Introduced the Leeds LGBT+ Mapping project via LGBT+ mailing lists, Four Forums networks and at LGBT+ Hub Meeting, TenFold meeting
Meetings with community members and professionals working with or on LGBT+ issues in Leeds – building relationships, recruiting to the PAG and participants for consultation
Set up meetings with bar managers on Gay scene
Set up meetings with Sauna managers
Set up meeting with Leeds GATE to discuss ABCD and Gypsy and Traveller LGBT engagement
Engaged with staff at Leeds City College re. recruiting LGBT+ young people for consultation

Online survey

Planning online survey to find out about LGBT+ community engagement in Leeds, relationship to the city, access etc

Next steps:

Ensure comprehensive promotion of Leeds LGBT+ Mapping project across Leeds – all city areas
Arrange consultation with different groups and LGBT+ communities for 2017
Develop and distribute online survey

WP 4: Market research

Activity update:

Learning from other LGBT+ infrastructure models

Set up visit to LGBT Foundation Manchester and LGBT Centre Leicester in January 2017
Reviewing other hub websites – LGBT Foundation, Centered in London – LGBT Community and Voluntary Sector Almanac

Learning from social research and methods

Gathering learning from community mapping, social impact assessment, community participation resources
Reading recent social research on LGBT+ communities in the UK

Next steps:

WP 5: Website development

Activity update:

Information gathering

Building database of LGBT+ groups and community activity
Identifying different LGBT+ stakeholders through the mapping exercise – understanding website users and audience

WP 6: Business development and funding

Activity update

Beginning early March

WP 7:Gap analysis and write up

Beginning late February