3000 Lesbians Go To York tells the extraordinary true story of how a lesbian bookseller (who also happened to be trans) created the largest gathering of LGBTQ+ women in the UK, and how from 1998 to 2008, the quietly conservative city of York became the unlikely centre of all things lesbian!
For one thrilling decade, thousands of women flocked to the York Lesbian Arts Festival (YLAF) each autumn, to meet their favourite authors, buy books, hear top female artists live on stage and dance the night away at the ‘disco of a thousand lesbians.’
Featuring interviews with world famous writers Val McDermid, Sarah Waters and Jackie Kay, and the legendary singer Horse, 3000 Lesbians Go To York is a real celebration of the historical significance of this iconic festival.
Screening as part of LGBTQ+ History Month 2026: Telling Stories at Showroom, this fascinating documentary explores how lesbian stories have been told and shared through communities right on our doorstep.
Q&A: This screening will be followed by a Q&A with historian, presenter, and author of 3000 Lesbians Go to York, Jane Traies, hosted by Juno Books in partnership with Iris Prize on the Move.
LGBTQ+ History Month 2026: Telling Stories – Fantasy and Reality
This year's LGBTQ+ History Month features a range of new releases, classic films, and special events which explore experiences of queer life past and present, alongside fantastical escapes from the everyday.
Director Rachel Dax
Year 2025
Duration
1h 8m
Language English
Cast Val McDermid, Sarah Waters, Jackie Kay