A New LGBTQ+ Women’s Group at Kyra
We’re thrilled to share that we’ve launched a brand new LGBTQ+ group at Kyra — and thanks to funding from the Persula Foundation, we’re able to run it for a full year.
The group is led by Maisie, our Welcoming and Inclusion Officer, and is open to all Kyra members who identify as LGBTQ+ or non-binary. It offers a friendly, low-pressure space to talk, get creative, and connect with other members of the community.
What happens in the group?
The group meets every other Thursday afternoon at Kyra. Each session is shaped by the members — sometimes it’s a relaxed chat over a cuppa, sometimes we do a creative activity or bring along something to discuss. So far, we’ve:
- Shared stories and swapped queer media recs
- Done some Pride themed mindful colouring
- Talked about identity, community, and what helps us feel safe
- Built friendships and laughed a lot
Looking Ahead: What Future Sessions Might Include
Our LGBTQ+ group is shaped by the members who come along—and there are already some brilliant ideas for what future sessions might look like.
We’re hoping to introduce a queer book swap, where members can borrow, trade, and talk about books by and for LGBTQ+ people. We’d also love to invite guest speakers, such as someone from Galop (the UK’s LGBTQ+ anti-abuse charity), or creatives from Queer Arts in York, who could run inclusive, hands-on projects with the group.
There’s also been interest in queer film nights, and even mini performances from local LGBTQ+ performers.
These ideas aren’t just fun—they’re a way of celebrating queer joy, exploring identity, and building a space that feels vibrant, welcoming, and our own.
Why it matters
Finding a space where you feel fully seen, safe, and understood can be life-changing. That’s especially true for LGBTQ+ and non-binary people, who often face multiple layers of isolation or exclusion.
At Kyra, we know how much of a difference it makes when people feel they belong — and this group helps make that possible.
Some of the Kyra staff, volunteers and members attending York Pride 2025
Help us keep going
We’re so grateful to the Persula Foundation for funding this group for a year — but we’d love to keep building on this work long into the future.
If you believe in inclusive spaces and the power of community-led support, we’d love your help. Donations, fundraising, or sponsorship all go directly into supporting women and non-binary people in York to feel safer, stronger, and more connected.
For more information about the LGBTQ+ group—or to self-refer or refer someone else—email maisie@kyra.org.uk.
