Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre secures Lottery Funding and names first patron ahead of 50th Anniversary

Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre has named its first-ever patron, Katie Neeves, as they secure National Lottery funding ahead of their 50^th Anniversary. The LGBTQ+ Centre provides support services, including counselling and support groups for members of the LGBTQ+ community across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. It has been awarded new three-year National Lottery funding to strengthen core services and support continued growth in the region.

Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre appoints Katie Neeves their first-ever patron.

“This funding gives us the stability to focus on our communities, expanding our reach, and making sure LGBTQ+ people get the support they need,” explains Wayne Dawson, CEO of Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre. “We’re building something ambitious for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and this award gives us the foundation to keep moving forward with confidence.”

The announcement of the significant 3-year award of £316,163 from the National Lottery was made during the Centre’s annual celebration, held at the Rainbow Dove Pub where they also revealed Neeves’ appointment. Katie Neeves, renowned trans advocate, award-winning speaker, and founder of Cool2BTrans, has become the first-ever patron of Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre.

Neeves’ appointment marks a historic moment as the organisation prepares for its 50th anniversary. First known as ‘Gayline’, Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre is now one of the longest-running LGBTQ+ centres of its kind in the UK, and has spent five decades offering vital support services for LGBTQ+ people across the region. Katie’s appointment demonstrates the Centre’s commitment not only to honouring its history but to strengthening its visibility and impact for future generations.

Talking about her appointment, Katie Neeves said: “I’m delighted and extremely flattered to be appointed as Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre’s very first patron! Sadly, we are living in dark and troubling times for the LGBTQIA+ community and particularly for trans and non-binary people. We are being legislated out of existence and subjected to so much anti-trans misinformation in the media, resulting in over 50% of trans people being too frightened to leave their own home. This is why safe spaces such as Leicestershire LGBTQ+ Centre are so important and I will do all I can to help this amazing centre to grow from strength to strength.”

Wayne Dawson, added: “We are honoured to welcome Katie Neeves as a patron of our vibrant Centre. Our work is needed now more than ever, and as we look to the future, working alongside Katie will further strengthen our commitment to safety and equality for all LGBTQ+ people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

“At a time when LGBTQ+ rights are being increasingly questioned and attacked, the Centre’s work remains essential, providing life-saving support services and a safe space for those who need it most.”