Out in the Valley (OITV) is an umbrella organisation of social groups for LGBTQIA people and their straight allies based in the Upper Calder Valley (Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd and Todmorden).

Out in the Valley was formed in early 2020 by a small group of gay men living in Hebden Bridge who wished to organise monthly social get-togethers where they could socialise with other members of the LGBTQIA community. There were other LGBTQIA groups in the area (for example Happy Valley Pride) but these tended to concentrate on a particular activity or organise an annual event. It was felt that there was no regular purely casual, social event where members of the community could socialise in a safe space.

A group was established on Facebook and the first in-person meeting was held at The White Lion in Hebden Bridge on 20th February 2020. It was attended by approximately 25 people who were members of the local gay, lesbian and trans community. The mayor of Hebden Royd (a straight ally) was also in attendance in her official capacity to welcome the new group. As well as an opportunity to chat over a drink there was an organised, humorous group game of a version of ‘Play Your Cards Right’.

The COVID-19 pandemic then intervened, with the first UK Lockdown in March 2020 preventing further in-person gatherings. The group maintained its meetings by turning to monthly online meetings on Zoom. These involved the chance to chat online while doing a light-hearted online quiz. These monthly online quizzes continued for two years.

During 2020, following some online confusion, links were made with a group with the same name based in the USA. A video message of greetings from Hebden Bridge was made and sent to the American group following strict COVID related regulations, with the person filming staying a safe distance away from each individual as they stood on their doorstep and sent a message to the American group.

In-person meetings resumed in late 2021 with a focus on gatherings at pubs with outdoor spaces. Subsequently indoor meetings at pubs resumed. The meetings were held in either Hebden Bridge or Todmorden although by 2024 the monthly social meetings are held regularly at The Albert pub on Albert Street, Hebden Bridge.

As people realised they shared common interests smaller ‘sub-groups’ were formed, again with a focus on socialising, but around a shared interest. By 2024 OITV had thriving groups in the following areas:

• Book Club – meeting monthly to discuss a book with either an LGBTQIA theme and /or LGBTQIA author

• Walking Group – meeting to go on walks of varying lengths and difficulties around the surrounding area

• Theatre Group – running workshops focussed on producing an annual Christmas event / pantomime with an LGBTQIA theme presented each December over several days at the Little Theatre in Hebden Bridge. Tickets are available for sale to the general public.

• Film Group – meeting to watch films with LGBTQIA interest at the Hebden Bridge Picture House and then chatting about them afterwards over a drink.

By 2024 the group was run by a group of trustees (all volunteers) who co-ordinate meetings, work on funding bids and discuss any new proposals for activities. Activities are publicised and members stay in touch via Facebook, the website and Instagram. There is no membership fee. Members have to agree to a series of statements indicating that they are members of the LGBTQIA community (or an ally) and undertaking not to engage in any behaviours or support any statements that could be deemed as transphobic. As of October 2024 there are over 550 members.