2025-07-31-accounts

LESBIAN GAY BISEXUAL TRANS QUEER NON-BINARY POLY PAN *, INTERSEX SEXUAL QUESTIONING ANNUAL DfpoRT YORK LGFr FORUM 2025 DON'T HIDE YOUR HEART

CONTENTS

YORK LGBT FORUM

DON’T HIDE YOUR HEART

AREAS WE WORK IN	1
ABOUT US	2
OUR OBJECTS	2
CO-CHAIRS’ REPORT	3
EXPANDING & STRENGTHENING OUR BOARD	3
SUSTAINING OUR CORE ACTIVITIES	4
CHAMPIONING TRANS RIGHTS	4
CELEBRATING 10 YEARS AS A CHARITY	4
LOOKING AHEAD	4
FUNDING REPORT	5
ACCOUNTS 2024/25	6
FUNDERS	6
TRUSTEE REPORT	7
NEW APPOINTMENTS	7
DEPARTING TRUSTEES	8
ACTIVITY REPORT: OUR CORE FOCUSES AND PROJECTS	9
ADVOCACY & CAMPAIGNING	9
OPEN MEETINGS	10
YORK SOCIALS	10
NORTHALLERTON SOCIALS	11
TRANS & NON-BINARY SUPPORT	12
PEOPLE OF FAITH	13
TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT	13
OTHER PROJECTS	14

AREAS WE WORK IN

The York LGBT Forum is based in York and most of our work is in the city. However we cover York’s surrounding environs in North Yorkshire.

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RICHMONDSHIRE
HAMBLETON
RYEDALE
CRAVEN
HARROGATE
YORK
EAST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE
SELBY
SCARBOROUGH
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Registered charity no. 1162234

ABOUT US

York LGBT Forum is a registered charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) with wider membership.

This structure allows the York LGBT Forum full members to have voting rights on the management of the organisation. York LGBT Forum was established in 2006 to act as a strong and unified voice for the local LGBT community. The Forum works on behalf of the York area but is not exclusive to York. We also support people who identify as LGBT internationally.

Our objects:

1. To promote equality and diversity for the public benefit by:

2. I. The elimination of discrimination in relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, questioning (LGBT) and allies and associates living within the city of York and its environs

3. II. Challenging homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, or any associated negative attitudes and behaviour within society

4. III. Working with partners and organisations, public and private, in developing initiatives that will enhance and safeguard LGBT people’s lives, ensuring their inclusion in all aspects of life, and that their human rights are protected

5. IV. Advancing education, raising awareness and promoting a culture based on equality and diversity.

6. To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, questioning people (LGBT) and allies and associates from being socially excluded from society on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.

7. To further any other purpose which is charitable according to the law of England and Wales for the public benefit as the

You can request a copy of our constitution by

email us at [e-mail]

CO-CHAIRS’ REPORT

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As Co-Chairs of the York LGBT Forum, we are proud to present our annual report, reflecting on a landmark year for our charity. In 2024-25, we not only strengthened our organisation and deepened our advocacy, but also celebrated 10 years since the Forum became a registered charity.

Over the past decade, York LGBT Forum has been a voice for inclusion, equality, and community. This year, we honoured that history while ensuring our work continues to meet the challenges of today: focusing on expanding our Board, sustaining our essential activities, and placing trans rights at the heart of our mission.

EXPANDING & STRENGTHENING OUR BOARD

The increasing demand for our services and growth of our projects have required us to expand our leadership. This year we have:

• Recruited several new trustees, bringing

• new skills, experiences and perspectives to the Board.

• Worked to ensure our leadership is more representative of the communities we serve, including trans and non-binary voices.

• Strengthened our governance and succession planning, equipping the Forum to deliver for the next decade.

SUSTAINING OUR CORE ACTIVITIES

We know how vital our activities are to our members and partners, and despite increasing pressure on resources, we have ensured continuity. This year, we have:

• Continued to host regular open meetings with allies and partners, creating opportunities for joint working on the most pressing issues LGBTQ+ people are facing.

• Maintained our projects and campaigns, providing consistency, visibility and advocacy for the community.

This consistency has strengthened trust and kept the Forum at the centre of York’s LGBTQ+ life.

CHAMPIONING TRANS RIGHTS

One of the most important areas of our work this year has been a clear and public commitment to trans and non-binary equality. In a national climate where hostility and misinformation have increased, the Forum has stood firm in advocating for the dignity, safety, and rights of trans people. You can read more about this in the ‘Advocacy and campaigning’ section on page 9.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS AS A CHARITY

This April, we marked a major milestone: 10 years since York LGBT Forum became a registered charity. To celebrate, we hosted a special event: York LGBT Forum’s Anniversary Cabaret. This was a joyful evening of music, drag, comedy, and reflection, celebrating a decade of advocacy, community, and inclusion. The event showcased local talent and honoured the progress we have made together while looking ahead to the future.

As part of our ten-year celebrations, we also updated our logo - refreshing our identity to make sure York LGBT Forum is unique, inclusive, and stylishly represented for the decade ahead. Talented local graphic designer (and Forum member) Henry Turner created two options for our members to vote on, and our powerful new identity was unveiled at our anniversary cabaret. You can see our new logo throughout this report.

LOOKING AHEAD

As we enter our second decade, our priorities are clear:

• Grow our Board further to strengthen our resilience and ensure diverse, representative leadership

• Safeguard our activities, protecting the continuity of services and spaces our community depends on

• Deepen our focus on trans rights,

building on this year’s work to ensure trans and non-binary people remain at the centre of our mission.

Your support has enabled us to reach this 10-year milestone, and will carry us forward into the next decade of advocacy, support, and community-building.

We are deeply grateful to our members, trustees, volunteers, partners, and funders.

Thank you for continuing to stand with us.

FINANCE REPORT & FUNDING

The funding landscape in the voluntary sector continues to grow more challenging. Despite this, we’re proud to have sustained our core projects throughout the year, thanks to the support of our funders (listed below) and community donations. We’re especially pleased to have maintained our core activities.

We’ve also seen a heartening rise in donations from businesses and members of the public, raising nearly £4,000 in support of York LGBT Forum. We cannot thank you enough - your generosity is deeply appreciated. Every penny you’ve contributed helps us continue providing essential support for

queer and trans people across York and North Yorkshire.

Looking ahead, we remain focused on securing funding to deliver our core activities and bring new projects to life. This year, we’ve taken time to review our funding priorities and are excited to develop them further in support of our charitable objects.

We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to the funders listed below, whose contributions make our work possible. We’re also incredibly grateful to our volunteers, freelance workers, and group facilitators: we couldn’t do this without you.

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ACCOUNTS
2024 / 25
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UNRESTRICTED UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED RESTRICTED TOTAL TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE INCOME EXPENDITURE INCOME EXPENDITURE £4225.34 £3692.76 £14,020 £13,599.19 £8,245.34 £17,291.95

UNRESTRICTED:

Funding that we can use in support of any purposes that will help us to meet our charitable objects – for example, our core running costs.

RESTRICTED:

Funding that is ringfenced for certain projects – for example, our weekly York socials.

BROUGHT FORWARD BROUGHT FORWARD BROUGHT FORWARD BROUGHT FORWARD UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED BALANCE BALANCE (WITH RESERVE) £2930.63 £14,353.08 £17,283.71 £18,283.71

FUNDERS

FUNDER

AMOUNT

PURPOSE

Wharfedale Foundation Brelms Trust York Community Fund (Two Ridings Foundation)

£4,000 (2nd year of grant) Socials £4,995 (2nd year of grant) Trans Support Group £4,980 Socials

TRUSTEE REPORT

NEW APPOINTMENTS

At the start of this year the board of trustees undertook a second round of recruitment to expand our board. This process followed the successful recruitment of Kris Barnfield, Chris Bailey-Munt and Joe McKenzie last year, which demonstrated the significant benefits of having additional governance capacity.

As part of this process, we are delighted to welcome three new trustees to the York LGBT Forum:

TJ TAYLOR

A true Yorkshire native, TJ was born and raised in Leeds. After two decades spent living in various places across the UK, gaining a wealth of experience and perspective, they made the welcome decision to settle back in North Yorkshire in 2022. This return home coincided with a commitment to local engagement: TJ joined the forum with a determined goal of becoming more deeply involved in LGBT support and activism, focusing their energy and experience on making a tangible difference within the community of their home region.

MEGAN HORNER

Megan has a professional background in charities and charitable organisations, mainly working with children and adults with disabilities. They applied to be a trustee as they are passionate about accessible and inclusive events, engaging with different communities in the area, and bringing youth-focused perspectives and experience to the board.

Megan was a finalist in the 2024 TargetJobs LGBTQ+ Undergraduate of the Year awards as a result of their work at Huddersfield Students' Union setting up and running the university's first official Trans Day of Remembrance vigil. They were also instrumental in changing the university’s policies to ensure prospective, current, and past students will all be referred to by their preferred names in official communications.

runs Kyra’s first LGBTQ+ group. She has also just started a Sociology PhD at the University of York, exploring how single-sex charities like Kyra and Menfulness can be more inclusive for gender diverse folk.

MAISIE WILSON

Maisie grew up in York and had the pleasure of attending York’s first ever Pride back in 2012 (she got her face painted as a tiger). Most of her time is spent working at Kyra Women’s Project, where she started and now

Our new trustees have been helping to guide and shape the York LGBT Forum since their appointment earlier this year, and we hope that they will be ratified at our 2025 Annual General Meeting.

DEPARTING TRUSTEES

At our 2025 AGM, we will say farewell to two of our trustees as they step down from the Board after several years’ service.

Kris Barnfield-Guest joined York LGBT Forum as a trustee in 2024, bringing valuable experience in governance and risk management to the Board from his extensive career in the public sector.

Annis Cordy joined the Board in 2023, stepping into the role of Co-Chair later that year; her work has added structure to how we communicate and collaborate with stakeholders and partner organisations.

We’d like to thank Kris and Annis for all their contributions to the Forum during their tenure as trustees, and wish them well in their future endeavours.

ACTIVITY REPORT

ADVOCACY & CAMPAIGNING

We have campaigned publicly against transphobia, challenging harmful narratives and highlighting the lived realities of trans and non-binary people in York and beyond. By using our platform, we have sought to amplify trans voices and ensure their perspectives are central to local discussions about equality and inclusion.

OUR CORE FOCUSES & PROJECTS

We have also strengthened partnerships with healthcare providers, schools, universities, and local authorities, advocating for fair access to services and ensuring that trans and non-binary people are treated with dignity and respect. Our work has included lobbying for better training for professionals and pushing for inclusive policies that protect trans people from discrimination.

In addition, we have prioritised trans representation within the Forum itself. By welcoming trans and non-binary leadership

onto our Board and into decision-making processes, we are ensuring our structures reflect the diversity of our community and that trans voices directly shape our strategies.

Finally, we have been outspoken in calling for stronger protections in law and policy, recognising that trans rights are human rights. At a time when trans and non-binary people face unprecedented challenges, the Forum has placed trans equality at the very heart of our mission.

OPEN MEETINGS

As a charity, we focus on building, facilitating and promoting community support. Core to this is recognising where our similarities and differences lie in relation to other organisations and looking at where our member bases overlap. In much of our collaborative work, we have supported individuals who experience marginalisation for reasons other than their sexual orientation or gender identity.

This year, we have used this intersectional emphasis to underpin the structure for our Open Meetings. Stakeholders in related professions – such as local businesses, charities, community groups, local government

departments and statutory organisations – have been invited to participate in discussion around topics of importance to the LGBTQ+ community, which this year have included supporting queer and trans children; living in precarity; and faith and cultural identity.

Our Open Meetings are an opportunity to share expertise; to learn more about how being LGBTQ+ can create unique challenges - for example in healthcare - which can be overlooked when providing services; and to reflect on the role that individuals, organisations and communities can play in making improvements. We’re delighted to have been able to create spaces to facilitate conversation and promote collaborative working between service providers, charities and other stakeholders in the city. We hope to continue these invaluable sessions in the coming months, and welcome suggestions for future themes.

YORK SOCIALS

The York LGBT+ Social continues to go from strength to strength, and I am delighted to share another year of positive progress. The group has grown steadily, with a consistent mix of familiar friendly faces alongside a warm

welcome for new attendees. This balance has helped us create a community that is both established and open to fresh connections.

Our core aim remains the same: to provide an inclusive, respectful, and supportive space where everyone feels able to relax and be themselves. Conversations at the socials are meaningful yet easy-going, ranging from light-hearted chat to deeper discussions, and the feedback we have received reflects how much people value this balance. Many attendees have expressed that they are forming new friendships, some of which we hope will last a lifetime.

It has also been wonderful to see how collaborative and community-minded the group has become. Everyone contributes to setting up the space and helping return the venue in good order, which fosters a shared sense of responsibility and respect. This teamwork mirrors the supportive ethos of the social itself, where members are quick to encourage and look out for one another.

The social is not only about the weekly meet up but also about the sense of belonging that extends beyond them. Importantly, the atmosphere remains welcoming to people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences within the LGBT+ community and allies too.

In summary, the York LGBT Social is thriving. It has become a space where people feel at ease, valued, and part of something meaningful. We look forward to building on this success, welcoming even more people, and continuing to grow together as a community.

NORTHALLERTON SOCIALS

Our Northallerton Socials continue to attract LGBTQ+ people from across a wide region, with members travelling from Scarborough, the Yorkshire Dales, the adjacent areas of Middlesbrough, Darlington and Bishop Auckland, and even as far afield as Northumberland; with the majority of people still coming from within Northallerton itself.

The venue remains a safe and inclusive space for all our members, although we have needed to work closely with staff at the hotel to help them continue to be inclusive of the need of trans and non-binary attendees in the face of changing government guidance. During this past year, members have worked closely with a PhD student from Northumbria University to explore issues, barriers and concerns for LGBTQ+ people in rural areas as part of their research.

TRANS & NON-BINARY SUPPORT

This year has been focused on expanding and strengthening our provision of support for the trans and non-binary community: we continue to offer support, social events and creative opportunities for members across York and the region.

Our trans peer support socials have continued to grow and now take place twice a month: one session online, and the other in person at Over the Rainbow Café. Attendance has notably increased, particularly during our popular open mic nights which provide a creative outlet for exploring trans identities. We have also hosted film nights, charity shopping trips, taster folk group sessions with Stubborn Roots, and poetry writing on the Arts Barge. These evenings have had a positive impact on mental wellbeing, offering members a supportive space to express themselves through art, music, and performance.

Our dedicated Trans Coordinators, Phil and Sophie, have been instrumental in driving this progress, and we have also welcomed Sarah and Bigby to the facilitators team to bring extra capacity and new ideas.

Together, their continued efforts have been key to the success of these initiatives, and the overall popularity of our trans socials.

As the group continues to expand, we are considering the need for a larger venue to accommodate the rising number of participants. The success of this growth reflects the strong community bonds that have formed, and we want to ensure everyone feels welcome and supported.

PEOPLE OF FAITH

We continue to support the online LGBTQ+ People of Faith group, which provides a safe space for people to engage with different faiths and cultures which support and provide activities for LGBTQ+ people. Through this network, we have been able to promote regular events such as Outside In with St Luke’s Church and the York Christians at Pride (first Saturday evening each month) and Open Table Northallerton (first Monday evening each month), alongside additional LGBTQ+ events such as the Kith camps, the York Liberal Jews’ Shabbat, Pride compline at York Minster, and connections to other faiths and activities across Yorkshire.

Additionally, the group have provided connections for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and others who feel unsafe or unsure about being able to share their sexuality and gender within their own faith communities.

Finally, our October Open Meeting was based on the theme of LGBTQ+ identity alongside faith and culture. This explored both the difficulties faced by queer and trans people of faith and the benefits of being part of a faith community, and invited faith and community leaders to reflect on how they can better support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT

Following the departure of two Board members, we will be looking to recruit two new trustees in early 2026. We welcome applications from those without previous trustee experience, as well as from individuals who have held governance roles before.

If you would like to learn more about being a trustee, please do speak to any of the trustees at AGM 2025, or send an email to [e-mail].

OTHER PROJECTS

As ever, we hope to continue to support our current projects and to undertake further development, outreach and awarenessraising.

If you have any ideas, or are interested in setting up your own project supported by York LGBT Forum, please contact

[e-mail] or speak to one of the trustees.

York LGBT Forum welcomes, encourages and supports member projects. If you are currently running, have ideas for a project, or would like to get more involved in an existing project, please contact [e-mail], or speak to one of the trustees.

YORK LGBT FORUM

DON’T HIDE YOUR HEART

2025

www.yorklgbtforum.org.uk

@yorklgbtforum.org.uk

@yorklgbtforum

York & District LGBT Forum

Charitable Incorporated Organisation

(Charity Number: 1162234)

Trustees Annual Report & Financial Statements for the year ended

31st July 2025

Charity accounts preparation & independent examination service

York & District LGBT Forum

Contents
Index	Page
Trustees annual report	1
Independent examiner's report	6
Receipts & payments accounts	7
Statement of assets and liabilities	8
Notes to the accounts	9

Trustees' Annual Report

From: 01/08/2024

To: 31/07/2025

Charity's full name York LGBT Forum

Registered Charity number 1162234

Objectives and activities

Summary of the purposes of the charity set out in its governing document

1. To promote equality and diversity for the public benefit by:

living within the city of York and its environs;

ensuring their inclusion in all aspects of life, and that their human rights are protected; and by

1. To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, questioning people (LGBT) and allies and associates from being socially excluded from society on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity; and

2. To further any other purpose which is charitable according to the law of England and Wales for the public benefit as the trustees see fit from time to time.

These aims and objectives are achieved in a number of ways, including through casework, advocacy, policy and advisory work, mapping local crime analysis, training, projects, outreach and through schools and education.

The Forum believes that where barriers exist, there is inequality!

The diversity within the LGBT community enriches all aspects of life and should be encouraged and promoted. This is why the York LGBT Forum strives to improve the social inclusion of LGBT people in the area.

others to reduce the fear of crime and bullying, particularly in schools. It also encourages greater participation in the prevention and detection of homophobic, transphobic and biphobic discrimination.

Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts

Open meetings

As a charity, we focus on building, facilitating and promoting community support. Core to this is recognising where we are similar to and different from other organisations and looking at where our member bases overlap. In much of our collaborative work, we have supported individuals who experience marginalisation for reasons other than their sexual orientationity or gender identity. This year, we have used this intersectional emphasis to underpin the structure for our Open Meetings. Relevant stakeholders in

health, hate crime, disability, and active leisure. This is an opportunity to share expertise; to learn more about how being LGBTQ+ can create unique challenges - for example in healthcare - which can be overlooked when providing services; and to reflect on the role that individuals, organisations and communities can play in making improvements.

providers, charities and other stakeholders in the city. We hope to continue these invaluable sessions in the coming months, and welcome suggestions for future themes.

The trustees consider that they have complied with their duties to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.

1

Achievements and performance

circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.

See Annual report 2025 (attached after this report)

Financial review

The York LGBT Forum Trustees are concentrating on building finacial resilence. The Trustees along with the membership have decided to focus on key projects. This has made helped us to focus on more achievable goals. Trustees are content with the financial position.

Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held

York LGBT Forum exists to promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, questioning people (LGBT) and allies or associates from being socially excluded from society on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.

The organisation is a voluntary led registered charity and currently has no employees or fixed property assets.

This Reserves Policy exists is to maintain sufficient level of reserves to enable normal operating activities to continue should a shortfall in income occur and to take account of potential risks and contingencies that may arise from time to time.

Excluded from the Reserves Policy is income associated with restricted project funds (earmarked income).

Therefore, in order to demonstrate transparency, accountability and sound financial management, this Reserves Policy clearly justifies the amount of reserves to be kept back.

The Trustees have considered the risks in respect of expenditure, unrestricted income and where appropriate restricted income. Also taken into consideration is any external identified potential risks to income and expenditure during the year under consideration. A risk assessment has been undertaken for the period 2016/17 and the level of reserve required by the Forum has been agreed to cover basic operating costs encompassing insurance, accounting and any administration costs that may fall due. York LGBT Forum should hold in reserve approximately 6 months operating capital.

Amount of reserves held

£4,173 Reasons for holding zero reserves N/A Funds materially in deficit N/A

Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern There are no uncertainies about the charity continuing.

Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity's trusts

Type of governing document Constituion How the charity is constituted CIO with Membership

Trustee selection methods including Election to post at AGM. Trustees who are elected not at the AGM are ratified at a Forum details of any constitutional Members meeting and is then raitifed at the next year AGM. provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees

Reference and administration details

Charity's full name York LGBT Forum

Other names the charity is known by N/A York LGBT Forum York CVS 15 Priory Street, York, Y01 6ET

2

Names of the trustees	who manage the charity	who manage the charity	who manage the charity
Trustee name		Office (if any)			Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee
Names and addresses of advisers Ian Holdsworth Kris Barnfield-Guest Chris Bailey-Munt Annis Cordy Jake Furby Chair Joe McKenzie
Type of adviser	Name		Address
Independent
Examiner	Karen Wood ACMA		Outsource		Accounting Services & Independent
			Examinations
			Hiscox Building, Peasholme Green
			York, YO1		7PR
Bankers
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members
N/A
Declaration
The trustees declare that they		have approved the Trustees Annual Report and Accounts
Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees
Signature
Full Name
Position
Date

3

I report on the accounts of: York & District LGBT Forum for the year ended: 31st July 2025 which are set out on pages 7 to 10.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention

in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

• 1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

• 2 the accounts do not accord with those records

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Karen Wood (ACMA) Outsource independent examination service

Date:

2 Galligap Lane Osbaldwick York YO10 3NR

6

York & District LGBT Forum

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Receipts & Payments Accounts for the year ended: 31st July 2025
2025 2024
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
Receipts £ £ £ £
Grants - 13,975 13,975 14,907
Donations 3,994 45 4,039 4,337
Training & fee income 306 - 306 1,271
Total receipts 4,300 14,020 18,320 20,515
Payments
Marketing (banners, leaflets etc) 49 - 49 461
Facilitation of activities & 330 8,975 9,305 11,022
Independent examination fee 400 - 400 400
Administration & office costs 75 - 75 768
Insurance 179 - 179 -
Website 983 - 983 330
Event costs & merchendise 337 - 337 1,374
Volunteer travel & expenses 78 - 78 95
Socials expenses 341 568 909 1,212
AGM & annual report costs 130 - 130 1,091
Room hire, venue & rent 145 2,310 2,455 4,683
Social events & anniversary events 749 - 749 -
-
Grant management 1,868 1,868 1,265
Training - - - 300
Total payments 3,796 13,721 17,517 23,001
Net of receipts/(payments) 504 299 803 (2,486)
Transfers between funds (272) 272 - -
Balance brought forward 3,941 13,540 17,481 19,967
Balance carried forward 4,173 14,111 18,284 17,481
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7

York & District LGBT Forum

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Statement of Assets and Liabilities at: 31st July 2025
2025 2024
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
Assets £ £ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand
Current bank account 4,173 14,111 18,284 19,967
4,173 14,111 18,284 19,967
2025 2024
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds funds funds
Liabilities £ £ £ £
Independent examiner's fee 400 - 400 400
400 - 400 400
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8

York & District LGBT Forum (Charity Number: 1162234)

Notes to the Accounts for the year ended:

31st July 2025

1. Basis of preparation

The Trustees have taken advantage of section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 and prepared the accounts on a receipts and payments basis.

2. Funds analysis

2.1 Restricted funds

Fund name Purpose Homeless project Funds to help educate and raise awareness of what it is like to be homeless in organisations that support homeless people. Northallerton socials Monthly coffee social, funded by Hambleton District Council and Broadacres. 2 hours a month for facilitation. Awards for All Coffee Socials (York and Northallerton) (payment for rent, facilitation freelance workers x 2 and project management). Cost of Living Fund Trans Support (payment for rent, facilitation freelance workers x 2 and project management) Belfry (Two Ridings) Trans Support (payment for rent, facilitation freelance workers x 2 and project management) Wharfedale Socials Brelms Trans Support (payment for rent, facilitation freelance workers x 2 and project

2.2 Designated funds

Older LGBT Free to be me in care . Money allocated for older LGBT projects

9

2.2 Movement of major funds

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Balance Incoming Resources Trf between Balance
b/fwd resources expended funds c/fwd
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General funds 3,383 3,994 3,796 (236) 3,345
Designated funds 558 306 - (36) 828
3,941 4,300 3,796 (272) 4,173
Restricted funds
Homeless project 1,494 - - - 1,494
Northallerton socials 551 - 472 - 79
Awards for All 187 - 300 113 -
Cost of Living Fund 116 45 275 159 45
Belfry (Two Ridings) 973 4,980 2,743 - 3,210
Wharfedale 4,649 4,000 4,298 4,351
Brelms 5,570 4,995 5,633 4,932
- - - - -
13,540 14,020 13,721 272 14,111
Total funds 17,481 18,320 17,517 - 18,284
Approval of Accounts for the year ended: 31st July 2025
The report and accounts were approved at a meeting of the Trustees
held on:
Date
Signed for and on behalf of the Trustees Date
Print Name Position (e.g. Chair etc)
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10

LESBIAN GAY BISEXUAL TRANS QUEER NON-BINARY POLY PAY INTERSEX SEXUAL QUESTIONING ANNUAL DI PORr YORK LGBT FORUM 2025 DON'T HIDE YOUR HEART

YORK LGBT FORUM CONTENTS DON'T HIDE YOUR HEART AREAS IYE IYORK IN ABOUT US OUR OBIECTS CO-CHAIRS. REPORT EXPANDING & STRENGTHENING OUR BOARD SUSTAINING OUR CORE AcfiviTIES CHAMPIONING TRANS RIGHTS CELEBRATING 10 YEARS ￿ A CHARITY LOOKIIIG AHEAD FUNDING REPORT ACCOUNTS X124125 FUNDERS TRUSTEE REPORT NEIY APPOINTMENTS DEPARTING TRUSTEES ACTIVITY REPORT: OUR CORE FOCUSES AND PROIEcrs ADVIXACY & CAMPAIGNING OPEN MEETINGS 10 YORK SOCIALS 10 NORTIIALLERTON SOCIALS li TRANS & NON-BIMARY SUPPORT 12 PEOPLE OF FAITH 13 TRUSTEE RECRUITMEiir 13 OTHER PROIEcf5 14 AREAS WE WORK IN The York LGBT Forum Is based In York and most of our work is in the city. However we cover York's surroundlng envlrons In North Yorkshlre. Regstered charity no. 1162234

ABOUT us R!GA/TC, York LGBT Forum is a registered charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) with wider membership. This structure allows the York LGBT Forum full 111. Working with partners and organisations, public and private, in developing initiatives that will enhance and safeguard LGBT people's lives, ensuring their inclusion in all aspects of life, and that their human rights are protected members to have voting rights on the management of the organisation. York LGBT Forum was established in 2006 to act as a strong and unified voice for the local LGBT community. The Forum works on behalf of the York area but is not exclusive to York. We also support people who identify as LGBT internationally. IV. Advancing education, raising awareness and promoting a culture based on equality and diversity. Our objects: l. To promote equality and diversity for the public benefit by: 2. To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, questioning people ILGBTI and allies and associates from being socially excluded from society on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity. l. The elimination of discrimination in relation to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, questioning ILGBTI and allies and associates living within the city of York and its environs 11. Challenging homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, or any associated negative attitudes and behaviour within society 3. To further any other purpose which is charitable according to the law of England and Wales for the public benefit as the trustees see fit from time to time. You can request a copy of our constitution by email us at [e-mail]

CO-CHAIRS. REPORT As Co-chalrs of the York LGBT Forum. we are proud to present our annual report, refierting on a landmarf( year for our durlty. In 2024-25, we not only strengthened our organlsatlon and deepened our advocary, but also celebrated 10 years slnce the Forum became a reglstered charlty. Over the past decade, York LGBT Forum has been a voice for inclusion, equality, and community. This year, we honoured that history while ensuring our work continues to meet the challenges of today- focusing on expanding our Board, sustaining our essential activities, and placing trans rights at the heart of our mission. EXPANDING & STRENGTHENING OUR BOARD The increasing demand for our services and growth of our projects have required us to expand our leadership. This year we have- Recrulted several new trustees, brlnglng new skllls, experlences and perspectives to the Board. Worked to ensure our leadership is more representative of the ¢ommunities we serve, Includlng trans and non-blnary voices.

strengthened our governance and succession planning, equipping the Forum to dellver for the next decade. CELEBRATING 10 YEARS AS A CHARITY This April, we marked a major milestone: 10 years since York LGBT Forum became a registered charity. To celebrate, we hosted a special event: York LGBT Forum's Anniversary Cabaret. This was a joyful evening of music. drag, comedy, and reflection, celebrating a decade of advocacy, community, and inclusion. The event showcased local talent SUSTAINING OUR CORE ACTIVITIES We know how vital our activities are to our members and partners, and despite increasing pressure on resources, we have ensured continuity. This year, we have: Continued to host regular open meetlngs wlth allles and partners, creatlng opportunltles for Jolnt worklng on the rnost pressing issues LGBTQ+ people are faclng. and honoured the progress we have made together while looking ahead to the f uture. As part of our ten-year celebrations, we also updated our logo- refreshing our identity to make sure York LGBT Forum is unique, inclusive, and stylishly represented for the decade ahead. Talented local graphic designer land Forum memberl Henry Turner created two options for our members to vote on. and our powerful new identity was unveiled at our anniversary cabaret. You can see our new logo throughout this report. Malntalned our projects and campaigns, providing consistency, visibility and advocacy for the communlty. This consistency has strengthened trust and keptthe Forum at the centre of York's LGBTQ+ life. CHAMPIONING TRANS RIGHTS LOOKING AHEAD One of the most important areas of our work this year has been a clear and public commitment to trans and non-binary equality. In a national climate where hostility and misinformation have increased, the Forum has stood firrm in As we enter our second decade, our priorities are clear: Grow our Board further to strengthen our resilience and ensure diverse, representatlve leadershlp advocating for the dignity, safety, and rights of trans people. You can read more about this in the 'Advocacy and campaigning. section on page 9. Safeguard our actlvltles, protectlng the contlnulty of servlces and spaces our community depends on

Deepen our focus on trans rlghts, building on this year's work to ensure trans and non-binary people remain at the centre ol our mlsslon. Your support has enabled us to reach this 10-year milestone, and will carry us forward into the next decade of advocacy, support, and community-building. We are deeply grateful to our members, trustees, volunteers, partners. and funders. Thank you for contlnulngto stand wlth us. FINANCE REPORT & FUNDING The funding landscape in the voluntary sector continuesto grow more challenging. Despite this, we're proud to have sustained our core projects throughout the year, thanks to the support of our funders Ilisted below) and community donations.We're especially pleased to have maintained our core activities. queer and trans people acrossyork and North Yorkshire. Looking ahead, we remain focused on securing funding to deliver our core activities and bring new projects to life. This year, we've taken time to review our funding priorities and are excited to develop them further in support of our charitable objects. We've also seen a heartening rise in donations from businesses and We'd like to extend our sincere thanks to the funders listed below, whose contributions make our work possible. We're also incredibly grateful to our volunteers, freelance workers, and group facilitators.. we couldn't do this without you. members of the public, raising nearly £4,000 in support of York LGBT Forum. We cannot thank you enough - your generosity is deeply appreciated. Every penny you've contributed helps us continue providing essential support for

ACCOUNTS 2024 125 UNRESTRicfED INCOME UNREsTricfED EMPENDITURE RESTRICTED INCOME RESTrICTED EXPENDITURE TOTAL INCOME TOTAL EXPENDITURE £4225.34 £3692.76 £14,020 £13,599.19 £8,245.34 £17,291.95 UNRESTRicfED: Funding that we can use in support of any purposes that will help us to meet our charitable objects - for example, our core running costs. ItESTRICTED: Funding that is ringrenced for certain projects - for example, our weekly York socials. BROUGHT FORWARD UMRESTRicfED BROUGHT FORWARD RESTRICTED BROUGHT FORWARD BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD BALAN(E IWITH RESERVE £2930.63 £14,353.08 £17,283.71 £18,283.71 FUNDERS FUNDER AMOUNT PURPOSE Wharfedale Foundation £4,000 (2nd year of grant} Socials Brelms Trust £4,995 {2nd year of grant) £4,980 Trans Support Group Socials York Community Fund (Two Ridings Foundation)

TRUSTEE REPORT NEW APPOINTMENTS At the start of this year the board of trustees undertook a second round of recruitment to expand our board. This process followed the successful recruitment of Kris Barnfield, Chris Bailey-munt and Joe McKenzie last year, which demonstrated the significant benefits of having additional governance capacity. MEGAN HORNER Megan has a professional background in charities and charitable organisations, mainly working with children and adults with disabilities. They applied to be a trustee as they are passionate about accessible and inclusive events, engaging with different communities in the area, and bringing youth-focused perspectives and experience to the board. As part of this process, we are delighted to welcome three new trustees to the York LGBT Forum.. TJ TAYLOR A true Yorkshire native, TJ was born and raised in Leeds. After two decades spent living in various places across the UK, gaining a wealth of experience and perspective, they made the welcome decision to settle back in Megan was a finalist in the 2024 Targetjobs LGBTQ+ Undergraduate of the Year awards as a result of their work at Huddersfield Students, Union setting up and runningthe university's first official Trans Day of Remembrance vigil. They were also instrumental in changing the university's policies to ensure prospective, current, and past students will all be referred to by their preferred names in official communications. North Yorkshire in 2022. This return home coincided with a commitment to local engagement: TJ joined the forum with a determined goal of becoming more deeply involved in LGBT support and activism, focusing their energy and experience on making a tangble difference within the community of their home region.

runs Kyra's first LGBTQ+ group. She has also just started a Sociology PhD at the University of York, exploring how singi&sex charities like Kyra and Menfulness can be more inclusive for gender diverse folk. MAISIE WILSON Maisie grew up in York and had the pleasure of attending York's first ever Pride back in 2012 Ishe got her face painted as a tiger). Most of her time is spent working at Kyra Women's Project, where she started ané now Our new trustees have been helpingto guide and shape the York LGBT Forum since their appointment earlier this year, and we hope that they will be ratified at our 2025 Annual General Meeting. DEPARTING TRUSTEES At our 2025 AGM, we will say farewell to two of our trustees as they step down from the Board after several years, service. Annis Cordy joined the Board in 2023, stepping into the role of Co£hair later that year; her work has added structure to how we communicate and collaborate with stakeholders and partner organisations. Krls Barnfleld-Guest joined York LGBT Forum as a trustee in 2024, bringing valuable experience in governance and risk management to the Board from his extensive career We'd like to thank Kris and Annis for all their contributions to the Forum during their tenure as trustees, and wish them well in their future in the public sector. endeavours.

AcfiviTY REPORT OUR CORE FOCUSES & PROJEcrs We have also strengthened partnerships with healthcare providers, schools, universities, and local authorities, advocating for fair access to services 8nd ensuring that trans and non-binary people are treated with dignity and respect. Our work has included lobbying for better training for professionals and pushing for inclusive policies that protect trans people from discrimination. ADVOCACY & CAMPAIGNING We have campaigned publicly against transphobia, challenging harmful narratives and highlighting the lived realities of trans and non-binary people in York and beyond. By using our platform, we have sought to amplify trans voices and ensure their perspectives are central to local discussions about equality and inclusion. In addition, we have prioritised trans representation within the Forum itself. By welcoming trans and non-binary leadership

onto our Board and into decision-making processes, we are ensuring our structures reflect the diversity of our community and that trans voices directly shape our strategies. departments and statutory organisations - have been invited to participate in discussion around topics of importance to the LGBTQ+ community, which this year have included supporting queer and trans children. living in precarity: and faith and cultural identity. Finally, we have been outspoken in calling for stronger protections in law and policy, recognising that trans rights are human rights. At a time when trans 8nd non-binary people face unprecedented challenges, the Forum has placed trans equality at the very heart of our mission. Our Open Meetings are an opportunity to share expertise; to learn more about how being LGBTQ+ can create unique challenges- for example in healthcare which can be overlooked when providing services., and to reflect on the role that individuals, organisations and com munities can play in making improvements. We're delighted to have been able to create spaces to facilitate conversation and promote collaborative working between service providers, charities and other stakeholders in the city. We hope to continue these invaluable sessions in the OPEN MEETINGS coming months, and welcome suggestions for future themes. As a charity, we focus on building, facilitating and promoting community support. Core to this is recognising where our similarities and differences lie in relation to other organisations and looking at where our member bases overlap. In much of our collaborative work, we have supported inéividuals who experience marginalisation for reasons other than their sexual orientation or gender identity. YORK SOCIALS This year, we have used this intersectional emphasis to underpin the structure for our Open Meetings. Stakeholders in related professions - such as local businesses, charities, community groups, local government The York LGBT+ Social continues to go from strength to strength, and l am delighted to share another year of positive progress. The group has grown steadily, with a consistent mix of familiar friendly faces alongside a warm 10

welcome for new attendees. This balance has helped us create a community that is both established and open to fresh connections. Our core aim remains the same: to provide an inclusive, respectful, and supportive space where everyone feels able to relax and be themselves. Conversations at the socials are meaningful yet easy-going, ranging from light-hearted chat to deeper discussions, and the feedback we have received reflects how NORTHALLERTON SOCIALS Our Northallerton Socials continue to much people value this balance. Many attendees have expressed that they are forming new friendships, some of which we hope will last a lifetime. attract LGBTQ+ people from across a wide region, with members travelling from Scarborough, the Yorkshire Dales, the adjacent areas of Middlesbrough, Darlington and Bishop Auckland, and even as far afield as Northumberland., with the majority of people still coming from within Northallerton itself. It has also been wonderful to see how collaborative and community-minded the group has become. Everyone contributes to setting up the space and helping return the venue in good order, which fosters a shared sense of responsibility and respect. This teamwork mirrors the supportive ethos of the social itself, where members are quick to encourage and look out for one another. The venue remains a safe and inclusive space for all our members, although we have needed to work closely with staff at the hotel to help them continue to be inclusive of the need of trans and The social is not only about the weekly meet up but also about the sense of belonging that extends beyond them. Importantly, the atmosphere remains welcomingto people of all ages, backgrounds, and experiences within the LGBT+ community and allies too. non-binary attendees in the face of changing government guidance. During this past year, members have worked closely with a PhD student from Northumbria University to explore issues, barriers and concerns for LGBTQ+ people in rural areas as part of their research. In summary, the York LGBT Social is thriving. It has become a space where people feel at ease, valued, and part of something meaningful. We look forward to building on this success, welcoming even more people, and continuing to grow together as a community.

TRANS & NON-BINARY SUPPORT This year has been focused on expanding and strengthening our provision of support for the trans and non-binary community.. we continue to offer support, social events and creative opportunities for members across York and the region. ORTURE Ir Our trans peer support socials have continued to grow and now take place twice a month: one session online, and the other in person at Over the Rainbow Cafe. Attendance has notably increaseé, particularly during our popular open mic nights which provide a creative outlet for exploring trans identities. We have also hosted film nights, charity shopping trips, taster folk group sessions with Stubborn Roots, and poetry writing on the Arts Barge. These evenings have had a positive impact on mental wellbeing, offering members a supportive space to express themselves through art, music, and performance. Together. their continued efforts have been key to the success of these initiatives, and the overall popularity of our trans socials. As the group continues to expand, we are considering the need for a larger venue to accommodate the rising number of participants. The success of this growth reflects the strong community bonds that have formed, and we want to ensure everyone feels welcome and supported. Our dedicated Trans Coordinators. Phil and Sophie. have been instrumental in driving this progress, and we have also welcomed Sarah and Bigby to the facilitators team to bring extra capacity and new ideas. 12

PEOPLE OF FAITH Additionally, the group have provided connections for LGBTQ+ asylum seekers and others who feel unsafe or unsure about being able to share their sexuality and gender within their own faith communities. We continue to support the online LGBTQ+ People of Faith group, which provides a safe space for people to engage with different faiths and cultures which support and provide activities for LGBTQ+ people. Through this network, we have been able to promote regular events such as Outside In with St Luke's Church and the York Christians at Pride Finally, our October Open Meeting was based on the theme of LGBTQ+ identity alongside faith and culture. This explored both the difficulties faced by queer and trans people of faith and the benefits of being part of a faith community, and invited faith and community leaders to reflect on how they can better support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. {first Saturday evening each monthl and Open Table Northallerton Ifirst Monday evening each monthl, alongside additional LGBTQ+ events such as the Kith camps, the York Liberal Jews, Shabbat, Pride compline at York Minster, and connections to other faiths and activities across Yorkshire. TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT Following the departure of two Board members, we will be looking to recruit two new trustees in early 2026. We welcome applications from those without previous trustee experience, as well as from individuals who have If you would like to learn more about being a trustee, please do speak to any of the trustees at AGM 2025. or send an email to [e-mail]. held governance roles before.

OTHER PROJEcrs As ever, we hope to continue to support our current projects and to undertake further development, outreach and awareness- raising. If you have any ideas, or are interested in setting up your own project supported by York LGBT Forum. please contact [e-mail] or speak to one of the trustees. York LGBT Forum welcomes, encourages and supports member projects. If you are currently running. have ideas for a project, or would like to get more involved in an existing project, please contact [e-mail], or speak to one of the trustees. 14

YORK LGBT FORUM DON'T HIDEYOUR HEART ANNUAL REPORT 2025 www.yorklgbtforum.org.uk yorltlgbtl•rum.org.uk Prwdly deygned and printed by nettl of Y(wk www.nettl-yorkco.uk The York LGBT Forum is a registered charity. Charity Number". 1162254 fyo