Richard Dunbar
Richard Dunbar is the LGBTQ+ champion at Bradford Council and the host of the Rainbow Conversations podcast, which explores radical stories from Bradford and beyond. His aunt was playwright Andrea Dunbar.
What’s your first Yorkshire memory?
I always vividly remember walking up Manningham Lane in Bradford to see Bradford City at Valley Parade with my mum. I don’t think I was older than about two years old. There was, and still is, something special about that journey – that buzz of walking past the busy bars, the grand and varied architecture and diverse nature of our people that still leaves me feeling as excited as ever, even if the results of the actual match don’t always go the way I would like.
What’s your favourite part of the county and why?
I could mention the views from Thornton Viaduct, Ilkley Moor or the Roman walls of York – all very admirable and beautiful but the place that really stirs something within me is Buttershaw estate in Bradford. The place that made me, that place that made me understand the value of community and the place where its people are full of stories, ideas and creativity.
What’s your idea of a perfect day, or perfect weekend, in out in Yorkshire?
A walk around Northcliffe Park, then a visit to Buttershaw to see my mum, seeing the family taking them to the National Science and Media Museum and a night out dancing in queer venues or seeing my favourite live bands.
Do you have a favourite walk – or view?
There’s absolutely nothing quite like a walk on the canal from Shipley, taking in world heritage site of Saltaire before being greeted by the impressive Five Rise Locks, with that experience topped off with a coffee and cake from the cafe.
Which Yorkshire sportsperson, past or present, would you like to take for lunch?
It would have to be Nicola Adams . What she achieved at London 2012 was seriously impressive then to go onto become the Olympic, World and European Games champion at flyweight in 2016 rightly placed her as a living legend in the world of sport. Not only that but she was the first openly LGBTQ+ person to win an Olympic Boxing Gold.
Which Yorkshire stage or screen star, past or present, would you like to take for dinner?
Without question this is going to be the indomitable and supremely talented Mel B from the Spice Girls! Not only do I love everything she does from an artistic perspective
(and yes the Spice Girls definitely need to tour again) but she represents what I admire in many Yorkshire women; strong, determined and making good stuff happen. I also admire all her work and the campaigning she has done around domestic abuse.
If you had to name your Yorkshire hidden gem, what would it be?
Without a doubt or second thought it would have to be Lister Park in Bradford. Bradford is awash with many beautiful parks but this one really is our flagship one. Home to Cartwright Hall Art Gallery, boating lake, world class play area, tennis courts and Mughal Water gardens.
This place has a real sense of calm but simultaneously is exciting as it represents a real microcosm of the district’s
diversity.
What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?
Our people are just the best! The best accents, the best food and the best storytellers of anywhere in the world! We are radical, we innovate, we create, we agitate, and we are not afraid to stand up and tell people what we think. We are a county of contradictions, from expansive green spaces to imposing industrial landscapes to so much richness and levels of inequality which need challenging head on. Yorkshire is literally a vast canvass for culture, creativity and change.
Do you follow sport in the county, and if so, what?
Absolutely, for I am a season ticket holder at Bradford City FC and have been for many years. I also love
to see how Bradford Bulls and Keighley Cougars get on as well as LGBTQ+ rugby club, the Leeds Hunters.
Do you have a favourite restaurant or pub? It’s a long list, because I love Plenty, Pizza Pieces, Omar Khans, MyLahore & Jinnah Bistro in Bradford. In terms of pubs, you’ll find me in The Watchmaker, The Sun Inn, Al’s
Juke Bar and Salt Beer Factory in Bradford, and just down the road in The Viaduct show bar in Leeds.
Do you have a favourite food shop?
Edward Street Bakery in Saltaire, because it is local, and perfectly authentic, plus the fact that the aroma of beautiful fresh baking is always in the air, they have lovely staff and (huge bonus) their chocolate brownies are just out of this world. And then there’s the Bradford institution that is Morrisons.
Who is the Yorkshire person you most admire?
Definitely my mum, Denise Dunbar. A complete
powerhouse of strength and humour. Someone who gave me strength, made me think more about the wider world when growing up and who is someone who gave me my radical edge in fighting against the harsh realities of injustice. Very fond, and very deep, respect to her.
How do you think that Yorkshire has changed, for better or for worse, in the time that you have known I?
Whilst I think we have always had a strong sense of self, we have really worked on improving our image to the wider world in recent years, and also (rightly) started to sell our image and raise our voices. I do think we are at the centre of an arts and culture revolution in the region.
If a stranger to Yorkshire only had time to visit one place, where would it be?
Bradford. But not in a narrow sense at all, because it would be a pleasure to take this stranger to see our magnificent City Hall, which was inspired by Italian architecture, and then over to the old Wool Exchange which today houses one of the best bookshops in the country. Then back across to City Square to gaze at the wonder that is the Alhambra Theatre (is there time for a show?) and afterwards out to one of the fringes of the community, somewhere like Thornton, with that magnificent viaduct, and Market Street, where the Bronte children were all born. t’ll be one awfully busy day!