Town Council celebrate the contribution of the LGBTQ+ community
Thursday 27 February 2025
The following motion was read out by Cllr Patsi Guilfoyle at last night's meeting of Hebden Royd Town Council and was supported by all the councillors present.
Motion for February 2025 full council:
Hebden Royd town council asks all councillors to join in celebrating the LGBTQ+ History month of February, and to commit to supporting all marginalised communities in Hebden Royd.
In 2025 the theme has been activism and social change.
This is a fantastic opportunity to explore the contribution of LGBTQ+ people nationally and locally who are making the world better for us. From local legends such as Amanda Elwen - founder and director of the Emily Davison centre – Ending Violence Against Women and Girl's hub (EVAWG), the first in England; local leaders like Sarah Courtney – community activist and community music promoter and local councillor; to artists and writers such as Carrie Mitchell (Emmerdale) and Clare Shaw (nationally recognised poet); and local business owners such as Lou Millichamp (Nelsons) and Lesley Wood (Shoulder of Mutton) and many more besides, as well as a number of town councillors too.
The LGBTQ+ community has managed to thrive and add value to the lives and residents of Hebden Royd and it is the aim of this Town Council to be an ally and amplify the very best of our LGBTQ+ community across Hebden Royd.
Hebden Bridge was once again quoted as being the "Lesbian capital of the UK" by the BBC recently, but our diverse range of voices and residents go far beyond this to our Gay, Bi, Trans, and all Queer communities. It's also an important theme because LGBTQ+ people have faced significant challenges throughout the years which have been overcome through community and individual effort.
We recognise Hebden Royd as an inclusive and welcoming place where intolerance and division should be rejected and we ask council to enshrine our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, whilst celebrating our differences, here in this chamber and in the future across the townships and communities we represent.
An additional amendment was added to acknowledge and show appreciation to the Town Hall Community Association for its supportive attitude and stance on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.
A second motion calls on the staffing committee and mayor to arrange for training for all councillors and employees around Equality and Diversity including Equal opportunities Law, with special attention to Trans and Disability issues, including how to make reasonable adjustments and for this training to be supported by all councillors present in chamber.
Both motions were passed unanimously.