First LGBTQIA+ summit of its kind in the UK to arrive in Newcastle and Gateshead
9th October 2025
NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI) are proud to announce its support of the Safer To Be Me Summit, the UK’s first of its kind, which is being held in Newcastle and Gateshead this month.
Taking place over the course of a week 20-25 October 2025, Safer To Be Me is set to bring more than 500 delegates from more than 40 countries to the North East of England to discuss, explore and address key issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community across the world.
As well as a two-day conference, delegates will experience a walking tour of Newcastle’s queer history, sponsored by NGI. There will also be a candlelit vigil, social excursions and much more.
NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, part of NGI, has also supported event organisers with venue finding and social programme services to ensure delegates get the best possible experience when visiting the region.
The summit is brought together by local charities ReportOUT, Pride Action North and Out North East and will include the monumental signing of the Newcastle-Gateshead Declaration, the first ever international LGBTQIA+ solidarity Declaration.
NGI joins International Airport, NE1, Gateshead Council, One Square Law, Maldron Hotel Newcastle, Gateshead College, Go North East, Newcastle Building Society and many other in their support for this event that has been brought to Newcastle and Gateshead for the first time ever.
Kelly Gleadow, Director of Communications at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “We are proud to be supporting the Safer To Be Me Summit this year in Newcastle and Gateshead. We stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community and continue to work with local organisations to create the most inclusive welcome for visitors from near and far who want to enjoy everything we have to offer.
“We are a destination that thrives on the creativity, uniqueness and diversity and we are very excited about giving 500 delegates from across the globe the best welcome and experience ever.”
Drew Dalton, Chief Executive Officer at ReportOUT, said: “It’s fantastic to have NGI on board as sponsors for Safer To Be Me; the partnership is representative of the region’s aims to be welcoming for all and enables us to amplify this message to our delegates and beyond.
“Working in partnership with organisations, such as NGI, helps us to not only make this event happen, but to also continue the legacy of furthering the human rights of LGBTQI+ communities for years to come.
“Whilst we face the rollback of human rights of LGBTQI+ people across the world, there has never been a more crucial time for us to stand up, work together and help those who need it most. We’re very much looking forward to working alongside NGI to deliver a successful event, with lasting impact on the region and across the globe.”
Find out more about the #SaferToBeMe Summit here: https://www.reportout.org/safertobemehome