Who are we?

In 1993 there existed two volunteer-led groups in Northamptonshire that aimed to support individuals in coming to terms with their sexuality: the Lesbian Line Collective and GayLine. Originally designed to provide a telephone service they also offered a safe space for weekly community gatherings in Northampton and Wellingborough. They were funded primarily by weekly subscriptions, and were run by volunteer management committees. For many people coming to terms with their sexuality they were the first encounter with a gay voice at the other end of a phone line or the first opportunity to meet other gay people safely face to face.

Building on the fragile communities and existing voluntary sector, the Northamptonshire Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Alliance (NLGBA) was established in 1993 to campaign for total equality for lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals throughout the county. The Alliance was committed to educate, inform and increase levels of awareness between statutory, voluntary and private agencies dealing with sexuality issues. Building on the confidence of the telephone support groups there was a determination to get our voices heard and to make a real difference to the quality of life of people in the county.

Within a year we had attracted significant financial resources and we were running an LGB centre, employing staff and running a café, in addition to the existing support services that we hosted. The NLGBA swiftly became a critical and constructive voice, as well as trusted partner, in projects designed to fight homophobic attitudes and institutions.

With a current mass membership exceeding three hundred and major successes in housing, health, education, police and community issues the NLGBA has much to be proud of. On a national level we are a model of financial responsibility, creativity and innovation.

In 2004 NLGBA took over the management of Positive In Northamptonshire an independent voluntary organisation providing information and support to people in Northamptonshire living with or affected by HIV and AIDS. Now based at NLGBA offices PIN benefits from the management and administration structure already established within NLGBA.

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