We need to protect trans rights. Inclusive spaces are under attack - we must defend them. Consortium have joined Trans+ Solidarity Alliance and over 140 other feminist and LGBTQ+ organisations to demand political action. 1/2

We are launching a new monthly reflections series from Consortium’s Senior Leadership Team, starting with a powerful piece from Heather Paterson, Head of Partnerships and Development. 1/3

New on the Consortium website! 🌟 We’ve launched a new 'Collaboration' category on the Consortium website so members can connect, share opportunities, and work together to achieve common goals. You’ll need to be logged into the Dashboard to submit an opportunity. 1/2

Our Annual Conference & AGM brought members, partners, trustees and staff together for a day focused on strengthening the foundations of the LGBT+ sector and building towards brighter collective futures, alongside the launch of Consortium’s new strategy for 2026–2030. 1/2

Thank you to all who attended the Consortium AGM and Conference today! While the session ended earlier than expected, the video of the closing message will follow shortly, and a full write-up of the event will be available next week.

Due to a technical issue the event has ended unexpectedly. If you’re unable to re-enter the closing session, we will share the closing remarks with all attendees shortly

In the Capacity Building workshop, queer community leaders explored leadership rooted in care, courage, and collective power. Queer leadership centres community, values lived experience, and is never a solo act, it is built together.

Natasha Ereia-Guyer from Civil Society Together, who evaluates Consortium’s impact, highlighted that storytelling and hope are essential ingredients for driving systems change.

Harvey Kennedy‑Pitt from Unstuckk highlights how data and research can put power back in the hands of communities.

Stephanie Fuller shared the example of the Switchboard Listen Up! Report — an important data and research resource for the LGBT+ sector that highlights key insights from over 14,000 conversations with LGBTQIA+ people in the UK. Read it here: switchboard.lgbt/news/listen-up-2024

Data and Research presenters: Emily Macaulay (she/her), Consortium Trustee Harvey Kennedy-Pitt (he/him), Unstuckk Stephanie Fuller (she/her), Switchboard Natasha Ereira-Guyer (she/her), Civil Society Together

Running alongside this is Capacity Building, led by Manju Patel-Nair (she/her) from Changemakers UnLtd. Manju will be presenting on the design, delivery, and evaluation of our leadership development pilot, Community Compass. Q&A and open discussion to follow.

Data and Research explores how better data and evidence can strengthen the LGBT+ sector and support more effective advocacy and service delivery.

Workshop session two begins, with attendees choosing between Data and Research or Capacity Building.

There will now be a short break until 2pm, optional networking space is available.

Responding to the question: What are your hopes and aspirations for LGBT+ causes in the next few years? "Building up a stronger narrative for the sector on where we currently are and where we want to be". — Callum Pethick (he/they), Consortium Trustee

As mentioned by Emma, this campaign aims to receive a minimum of 100 individual donations of £100 to create our first Donor Circle fund. You can find out more on how to support the Donor Circle Grassroots Fund here: donorbox.org/lgbt-fund-donor-circle You can also follow @lgbtfunduk.bsky.social

"I've had the privilege of learning about the organisations that have been funded and seeing the work and impact from the funding." — Emma Miller-McCaffrey, LGBT+ Fund Development Manager, Consortium 1/2

"It's really important for us to give back to the community to help other people do amazing, brilliant work to make change." — Emma Cusdin, Global Butterflies Highlighting how supporting communities can spark creativity, drive impact, and amplify positive change.

The Investment in our Communities session focuses on innovation in LGBT+ funding and giving, and why investment in our communities is a core priority in Consortium’s new strategy.

A coordinated LGBT+ movement is key to building a brighter future 🌈 In the Advocacy and Convening workshop, we are exploring how clear, collective messages, strong networks and strategic partnerships can drive real change.

Investment in Our Communities presenters: Emma Cusdin (she/her), Global Butterflies Callum Pethick (he/they), Consortium Trustee Emma Miller-McCaffrey (she/they), LGBT+ Consortium

Running alongside this is Advocacy and Convening, led by Briony Williamson (she/ her), Head of Membership and Engagement at Consortium.

Investment in Our Communities explores how funding, giving and investment can better tackle inequality and support diverse and intersectional LGBT+ organisations.

Workshop session one begins, with attendees choosing between Investment in Our Communities or Advocacy and Convening. These workshops will run from 1pm-1:45pm.

The AGM portion of the day has now concluded. The lunch break will be between 12:30pm-1pm, optional networking space is available.

AGM outcomes include approval of last year’s minutes, authorising the Board to appoint an auditor and ratifying trustees for new and second terms.

"I am so proud to be Chair of this organisation. I am deeply grateful to be a part of a community that shows so much courage, even when the road ahead feels uncertain." — Yatin Mistry, Chair of Trustees His words remind us that courage and community carry us through uncertainty.

Members hear reports from Consortium’s Chair of Trustees, Yatin, Treasurer Rico, and CEO Paul, before moving to resolutions, with the adoption of the new strategy as the central decision.

We are now joined by the Consortium Trustees: Rico Jacob Chace, he/him Emily Macaulay MBE, she/her Leni Candan, she/her Hannah Pittman, she/her Callum Pethick, he/they Alessandro Ceccarelli, he/him

The Annual General Meeting will now start. The AGM is confirmed as quorate, including proxy votes from members unable to attend.

You can view our new Strategic Plan here: consortium.lgbt/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LGBT-Consortium-Strategic-Plan-2026-30.pdf Plain English version here: consortium.lgbt/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/LGBT-Consortium-Strategic-Plan-2026-30-Plain-English-Version.pdf

We are now taking a quick comfort break until 12pm. Those watching live have the option to join an optional networking space

Paul emphasises that the strategy is about movement building rather than individual organisational gain, recognising the LGBT+ sector as an interconnected ecosystem. “To move the narrative back into a progressive, human rights focused space, we have to focus on the collective vision.”

Key priorities in the new strategy include strengthening Consortium itself, supporting sector capacity building, coordinating community advocacy, growing investment in LGBT+ communities and improving access to data and research.

Consortium launches its new five-year strategy for 2026 to 2030, developed over nearly a year with members, grantees, staff, trustees and partners.

Olivia Bailey MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Equalities), delivers a keynote address to Consortium members as part of today’s conference and AGM.

Paul welcomes today’s keynote speaker, Olivia Bailey MP, joining from the Belfast LGBT Centre and highlighting the importance of connection with community spaces.

Consortium CEO Paul Roberts (he/him) reflects on the benefits and limits of meeting virtually, confirming the next Consortium conference will return as a hybrid event. “Today is still about being connected and celebrating what we can achieve together.”

Consortium Chair of Trustees Yatin Mistry (he/him) opens the day by welcoming members, trustees, staff and partners, setting the tone for a day rooted in collaboration and collective strength across our sector.

We are kicking off our AGM and Conference today, bringing together LGBT+ organisations from across the UK to reflect, connect and look ahead together! Follow along with live updates throughout the day 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

When you donate to the LGBT+ Fund you help us resource some amazing LGBT+ charitable and volunteer led organisations like Touch Grass CIC

Our Consortium AGM and Conference for members takes place tomorrow, and there is still time to sign up! The fully virtual event will run from 11am to 3pm and will focus on Strengthening the foundations towards brighter LGBT+ futures. 1/3

Thank you to the @consortium.lgbt and Global Butterflies for the award. We could not do the work we do with out our amazing community, thank you all 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈✊

Thanks to the incredible support of Global Butterflies, the Trans Campaigning Partnership has been able to fund organisations driving real change. Funded groups include @tacc.org.uk , @transsolidarity.bsky.social , @scottishtrans.bsky.social , and a general trans support donation. [1/3]

New ONS mortality data highlights health inequalities for LGB+ people, and why consistent monitoring is crucial. For many across the LGBT+ sector, these findings are deeply concerning, but sadly not surprising. 1/4

When you donate to the LGBT+ Fund you help us resource some amazing LGBT+ charitable and volunteer led organisations like Out in the City Manchester. Out In The City is a social and support group for members of the LGBT+ communities over 50 years of age.

Thanks to Henry Smith Foundation, we have been able to award £500,000 across 18 youth organisations and groups who are supporting LGBT+ young people aged 14-25 years old across the UK. 1/3

Thanks to Henry Smith Foundation, we have been able to award £500,000 across 18 youth organisations and groups who are supporting LGBT+ young people aged 14-25 years old across the UK. 1/3

Thanks to the generosity of Henry Smith Foundation, we have awarded £500,000 across 18 youth organisations and groups who are supporting LGBT+ young people aged 14-25 years old across the UK! 1/3