Out Together, founded in 2020 with funds left by North Yorkshire farmer Mike Potter, supports older LGBTQ+ people facing isolation in rural areas. Potter came out at 72 and died four years later; friends say he might have come out sooner had such a group existed. This week the charity becomes the first LGBTQ+ group to host a stand at the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate, using the platform to challenge conservative rural attitudes and promote connection.
LGBTQ+ Charity Launched in Farmer's Memory Tackles Rural Isolation — First to Exhibit at Great Yorkshire Show
Out Together was funded with money left by North Yorkshire farmer Mike Potter [Handout]
Out Together, an LGBTQ+ charity created in 2020 with a legacy gift from North Yorkshire farmer Mike Potter, works to combat loneliness and social isolation among older LGBTQ+ people in rural communities.
A Legacy That Sparked Change
Mike Potter came out at the age of 72 and died four years later. Close friend Graham Clarke says that if Out Together had existed during Mike's life, "he would've had a safe place to meet other people and to be himself, and perhaps come out sooner." Clarke added that Mike "was single all his life, but he was a friend to many people" and that coming out brought him a profound sense of relief.
Graham Clarke said Out Together was his friend Mike Potter's "legacy" [BBC]
Historic Presence At The Great Yorkshire Show
This week Out Together becomes the first LGBTQ+ group to host a stand at the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate. Trustee Tim Gittins described the invitation as "a fantastic opportunity" and said the charity hopes the stand will help "address the additional barriers that people in the rural community face."
"The culture in the rural and farming community can be a lot more conservative," Gittins said. "People worry they might feel isolated, lonely, and have nobody to talk to if they come out."
Rachel Coates, director of the Great Yorkshire Show, welcomed the organisation’s presence, saying the festival celebrates "farming, food and the countryside – and this includes all of the people who make up those communities." She added: "It is wonderful to see Out Together creating meaningful safe spaces and breaking down barriers. They are a great addition to this year's Show."
Tim Gittins wants the charity to help people all across Yorkshire [BBC]
Services And Reach
Out Together runs social events and meet-ups in Wakefield, Hebden Bridge, Todmorden, Huddersfield and Leeds. The charity also operates a befriending service that connects people through weekly telephone calls, specifically aimed at reducing isolation among older LGBTQ+ people in rural and semi-rural areas.
Those involved say the organisation is committed to honouring Mike Potter’s legacy by creating welcoming spaces where people from farming and countryside communities can feel seen and supported.
Help us improve.
