Leeds campaigners want official city gay quarter
Gay rights activists in Leeds hope to persuade the city council to officially recognise the gay village.
They want recognition and business schemes for Lower Briggate, Bridge End and The Calls, which have a number of gay venues.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, committee chair Sarah Carmody, who is the editor of GayLeeds.com, said the campaign was inspired by recent moves in Liverpool to boost the gay economy.
She said: “We thought if they can do it, we can do it, which is why we set up the community. Liverpool spurred us on.
“We want to say that we are here and Leeds is a very, very welcoming city.
Ms Carmody added that the move would benefit local businesses and the city as a whole.
The Conservative MP for Pudsey, Stuart Andrew, who is gay, is also backing the campaign.
Last week, Liverpool councillors approved plans to develop the city’s gay village.
Plans include a gay hotel and a central square with cafes and restaurants.
