Photographer credit: Gemma Dwyer

By KLTV Newsdesk –

Landmark fundraising event highlights the importance of LGBTQ+ support networks across West Yorkshire

Hundreds of people gathered in Leeds city centre earlier this month for the All Out Together Charity Ball, an inspiring evening of celebration, community spirit and fundraising that generated an impressive £21,000 profit for LGBTQ+ initiatives across West Yorkshire.

Held at the iconic Queens Hotel, the annual event brought together supporters, community leaders, businesses and entertainers for a night dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ rights, wellbeing and inclusion.

While guests enjoyed an evening filled with laughter and entertainment, the event also served as a powerful reminder of the continued need for safe, supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ people.

A powerful message of unity and resilience

During the evening, Thomas Porteus, Chair of Out Together, delivered a thought-provoking speech highlighting the challenges facing LGBTQ+ communities and the growing importance of solidarity and community support.

He said: “Tonight is about community. Our Community. It’s about what happens when people decide to show up for one another, especially at moments when the world can feel increasingly divided, uncertain and hostile.

“I think many of us can feel that shift at the moment. Over the last few years, public conversations have become harsher and more polarised.

“Hostility towards LGBTQ+ people is becoming more visible again. Trans people in particular find themselves under relentless scrutiny. And some seem increasingly comfortable questioning rights and identities many of us thought were settled.

“At times like this, organisations like Out Together become even more important. Because when the world becomes louder, community becomes more important.”

Fundraising success exceeds expectations

The charity ball exceeded its ambitious fundraising target, raising £21,000 to support Out Together’s work in local communities. The achievement means the organisation has now raised more than £100,000 through its annual charity balls over the past five years.

The event’s success was made possible through the support of numerous individuals, organisations and sponsors. Guests were entertained by Veronica Green, The Undercover Waiters, Angie Brown, Deborah Page, The Northern Contemporary School of Dance and stilt walkers from NVRLND. Christine Talbot and Matt Jameson hosted the evening.

Headline sponsor Weightmans was joined by Flamingos Coffee House and corporate supporter Lloyds Bank, which boosted fundraising efforts through a matched-giving scheme.

Charles Heppenstall, Head of Weightmans Leeds Regional Office, said: “We recognise as a firm, that diversity and inclusion doesn’t end with our support for staff and extends to our support for the wider community, city, and its people.

“We understand and respect the important work Out Together does, which is why we are delighted and honoured to continue supporting it as sponsors of its biggest fundraising event of the year.”

Reflecting on growth and impact

The evening also provided an opportunity to reflect on Out Together’s remarkable growth in recent years.

Founded to tackle isolation and loneliness among older LGBTQ+ people in Leeds, the charity has expanded significantly and now delivers activities across West Yorkshire.

Thanks to funding support received over the past year, combined with money raised through previous fundraising events, the organisation has almost doubled the number of events it delivers and expanded into Bradford, Wakefield, Calderdale and Kirklees.

Guests also heard how the charity has gained national recognition for its work in digital inclusion and continued to grow its professional networking initiative, Club Out Together.

Ambitious plans for the future

Looking ahead, Out Together announced plans to use funds raised from this year’s event to develop new projects and extend its reach into more communities, particularly rural areas where loneliness and social isolation can often be more acute.

Tim Gittins, Trustee at Out Together commented: “Looking ahead, funds raised from this year’s ball will help Out Together with our ambitious plans for the future, including launching new projects later this year that will continue to support our mission of building essential community infrastructure – and creating spaces where LGBTQ+ people, from all walks of life and generations, know they can go to and be welcomed, supported and find belonging.

“We’ll also working to reach more people in rural areas, where the risk of isolation is often higher – we’re looking forward to running our Out on The Farm initiative again later this year, which has been a huge success the last couple of years and we’ll also be heading to The Great Yorkshire Show in July – as one of the first LGBTQ+ charity’s to exhibit at the event.”

Looking forward with hope

Closing the evening, Thomas Porteus left guests with a message of optimism and determination for the future.

He said: “Together we are building a future where LGBTQ+ people across West Yorkshire know they are welcomed, valued, protected, and celebrated exactly as they are. Perhaps more importantly, we’re helping ensure the next generation inherits a world that moves forward, not backwards.”

As Out Together continues to expand its reach and impact across the region, the success of this year’s Charity Ball demonstrates the strength of community support and a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive future for LGBTQ+ people throughout West Yorkshire and beyond.