Patron
Baroness Joyce Gould of Potternewton was born and raised in Bradford. Educated at The Roundhay High School for girls she later studied pharmacy at Bradford Technical College. Before entering politics Baroness Gould worked as a pharmaceutical dispenser from 1952 until 1965. During her time in the Labour Party, Baroness Gould has campaigned tirelessly around many issues including women’s rights, sexual health and reproductive rights and the rights of gay men and women. She consistently fought for the repeal of section 28 of the Local Government Act which banned the so-called ‘promotion of homosexuality’ by local authorities; legislation which had devastating effects on the lives of young gay and bisexual people. Baroness Gould was made a Labour peer in 1993. Although she now resides in Brighton (Edward Carpenter’s birth place) she remains proud of her Yorkshire roots and describes trips back to Yorkshire as ‘coming home’. She was delighted to be invited to be The Patron of Friends Of Edward Carpenter, believing passionately that there is a need to recognise the courageous deeds of those in the past; and acknowledge their impact on furthering the rights of marginalised groups and their contribution to the fight for a more fair and just society.