LGBTQ+ charity founded in farmer's memory

The founder of an LGBTQ+ support group has spoken about the "barriers" the farming community can face in coming out.

Out Together was set up in 2020 with funding left by Mike Potter, a North Yorkshire farmer who did not come out until he was 72 and died four years later.

Close friend Graham Clarke said had the group existed during Potter's lifetime "he would've had a safe place to meet other people and to be himself, and perhaps come out sooner".

The charity will make history this week when it becomes the first LGBTQ+ to host a stand at the Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate.

Clarke said: "Mike was single all his life, but he was a friend to many people.

"After he came out, he couldn't believe what a relief it had been to tell people and to finally be himself."

He said he believed Mike had not come out sooner because "this is North Yorkshire, a rural community, and he was a farmer".

He said through Out Together his friend had "left a legacy" and that those involved were "trying to honour the responsibility and the faith he's putting into us".

He added: "What a wonderful thing to have a stand at the Great Yorkshire Show with all those people - Mike would've been thrilled."

Out Together was set up to combat social isolation and loneliness, with a focus on older generations.

The charity runs social events in in Wakefield, Hebden Bridge, Todmodern, Huddersfield and Leeds and also operates a befriending service for people to connect via weekly phone calls.

Trustee Tim Gittins said having a space at the Great Yorkshire Show was "a fantastic opportunity", adding that they were "lucky to be invited to be the first LGBT group to take part in the show".

He said he hoped the charity could 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," he said.

"They have worries that if they came out, they might be feel isolated, feel lonely, and they have nobody to talk to."

Great Yorkshire Show director, Rachel Coates said the festival was all about "farming, food and the countryside – and this includes all of the people who make up those communities."

She said: "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."

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