If you can answer 'Yes' to the following Questions - WE NEED YOU!
Are you lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or questioning (LGBT&Q) and under 25 years old?
Do you want to meet other LGBT&Q young people in a safe place?
Do you live, work or study in Derby or Derbyshire?
Do you want to tackle homophobic (anti-gay) bullying and change things so that other young LGBT&Q have a better quality of life?
Do you want to be involved in creating a LGBT&Q youth magazine, training and other projects to tackle ignorance and homophobia?
Do you want to go on fun trips with other LGBT&Q young people?
What we offer young LGBT&Q people:
- Reimburse travel expenses for any activity for 'Love Knows No Gender' including attending the Saturday Group
- Have refreshments when we meet
- A friendly and sociable group
- Free trips and activities. (We've been to Notts Pride, Pantomine and theatre performances)
- Free internet access and LGBT&Q library (books, vids, dvd's)
- Training and volunteer opportunities
- 1 to 1 support and guidance from the workers
- Confidentiality!!
What we have done (so far!):
- Trained youth workers, foster carers and other professionals about LGBT&Q young people's issues
- Been focus groups for research for Stonewall, LSC (Learning Skills Council) and Citizen's Advice
- Produced an informative dvd "Come Out, Speak Out!" for use with professionals
- Created 4 issues of our youth magazine 'Love Knows No Gender'
- Organised a conference for the big bosses of services for young people like: Andrew Flack (Director of Young People Services in Derby) and David Finn (Head of Derby Youth Services). We presented our issues and concerns to them and they have taken them very seriously. Especially homophobic bullying.
- We went to 'Sing-a-long-a- Sound of Music' and had a great night
- We had a stand at Nottingham Pride and have visited 'Outburst' Notts LGBT&Q youth group
- We trained teachers at 3 Derbyshire schools and gave them resources to deliver GOOD PSHE classes on sexuality and homophobic bullying
- Gained funding to buy video equipment so we can create our own films/dvds
Our plans for the future:
- Have more members to the group
- To gain free qualifications on sexual health and sexuality awareness
- To continue our video projects
- To continue to produce our magazine and get it sent to more places and get it on websites
- Group to go weekly on a Saturday afternoon
- To train more teachers and get more secondary schools tackling homophobic bullying
- To go on a fun weekend residential and more trips out
- To continue to be OUT & PROUD in Derbyshire!
'Love Knows No Gender' meets on Saturday afternoons 1.30 - 5pm at derbyshireFRIEND (df) offices in Derby. There are several workers at the youth forum: Jules, Gill, Tina, Sergei, Helen and Emma. Who are available to talk to about any problems and give support.
We are always welcome to new people. If you are interested or want more info then please contact 'Love Knows No Gender' at df: Tel: 01332 207704
Email Love_Knows_No_Gender@inbox.com or info@gayderbyshire.co.uk
Magazine issues available for download in PDF format:
Issue 1 - July 2006 (6.5mb)
Issue 2 - Autumn 2006 (3.4mb)
Issue 3 - February 2007 (3mb)
Issue 4 - December 2007 (2.7mb)
Issue 5 - February 2008 (6.6mb)