Panel discussion

As the needs of the queer community change, and people look for inclusive spaces that represent multiple aspects of their identity – we ask, how is the gay bar part of the future of queer space?

At a time when many queer spaces are battling against the devastating effects of the pandemic coupled with the unrelenting hand of gentrification, we discuss the future of queer space. At their worst gay bars are commercial and exclusionary and at their best, these sticky floored bars with dodgy disco lighting build communities, culture, careers and pride. Are we really ready to lose the humble gay bar?

Lucy Hayhoe’s playful installation One in, One out: Leeds’ Smallest Gay bar explores this question by examining nostalgia for lost LGBTQIA+ scenes, the consumption of queer space as novelty and what it means to be queer and alone.

Join artist Lucy Hayhoe, Ray Larman, Amelia Cavallo and Cassie Leon to discuss the disappearance, evolution and digitalisation of queer entertainment, performance and social spaces.

One in, One out, will be coming to Leeds as part of Compass Festival later this year.

Lucy Hayhoe

Lucy Hayhoe is a live artist creating interactive installations and performance interventions. Her work ranges from intimate encounters to large-scale productions, which have been produced throughout the UK and internationally. She is Co-Director of Home Sweet Home by Subject to_change and is General Manager of the Queer Arts Consortium.

Ray Larman

Ray Larman runs The Bookish Type, a queer independent bookshop in Leeds. She has previously been a Community Development Worker for the West Yorkshire Queer Stories project, collecting oral histories from LGBTIQA+ people across the region. Ray has also been part of the Leeds Queer Film Festival collective.

Amelia Cavallo – Quiplash

Amelia Cavallo is a blind, USA born theatre practitioner, academic and workshop facilitator. They work as a multi-disciplinary performer, musical director, lecturer and consultant on access and audio description. Currently, they are a Phd candidate at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama studying intersections of gender, disability and sexuality.

Cassie Leon

Cassie Leon is freelance arts and cabaret producer focused on the experience and care of the QTIBPOC community working in live performance. Cassie is currently producing with The Cocoa Butter Club, a cabaret collective dedicated to celebrating and showcasing performers of colour; and Raze collective who work to improve the visibility of queer led arts and Mighty Hoopla Festival.