After nearly 50 years of supporting LGBTQ+ people in Leicestershire and beyond, Leicester LGBT Centre has embraced a fresh identity, rebranding as Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre during a joyful celebration on Tuesday 26 November.  

The Centre, which began as a gay helpline in 1976, is one of the UK’s longest-running service-led LGBTQ+ centres, offering social and support groups, counselling, and organisational training. The rebrand celebration, hosted by LCFC in the Community at the King Power Stadium, welcomed over 75 attendees, including Centre users and local organisations. Highlights included a journey through the Centre’s rich history, contributions from partners like Trade Sexual Health and Mindera UK, and an inspiring keynote speech by Katie Neeves, who shared her journey from royal photographer to embracing her identity as a woman at 46. 

Wayne Dawson (Centre Manager) unveiled a bold vision for the next 5 years, with plans for a vibrant new facility by 2026. The Centre’s focus will remain on maintaining essential services, creating an inclusive flagship venue in Leicester, and expanding outreach to towns such as Coalville and Hinckley, ensuring LGBTQ+ individuals across the region are supported and celebrated. 

The evening concluded with a standing ovation for a performance by the Centre’s choir, The Pantones, highlighting the sense of community and belonging the Centre  

Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre is currently based out of Voluntary Action Leicestershire, 9 Newarke Street, LE1 5SN.