Derbyshire LGBT +, 7 Bramble Street, Derbyshire, DE1 1HU www.derbyshirelgbt.org.uk [email protected] 01332 207704

I N S I D E T H I S I SSUE Bramble Street News

1 Bramble Street News: Derbyshire LGBT+ news All Change in 2016 stories By Andy Brown, Chair of Derbyshire LGBT+ 2 In the News: National news Derbyshire LGBT + (formerly Derbyshire Friend) was formed in 1983 by stories an enthusiastic group of volunteers. Over the last 25 years Derbyshire LGBT + has had 4 homes; Queen Street, Osmaston Road, Ford Street and 3 Volunteering by Suzanne Fraser Martin Friary Street. After winning a Big Lottery bid in 2014 we decided to move house again. Why, you may ask? After considerable consultation, 4 ASK MELVIN the Trustee Board felt that we needed to become more accessible for 5 Book, film and TV reviews our service users with disabilities, we needed more space for our service users and staff and we needed to have more space for our growing 6 Services and support groups. After searching for a new home we found new premises on available at Derbyshire Bramble Street, a stone’s throw from Friary Street. We moved to LGBT+ Bramble Street in June 2015 and after a settling-in period we reopened 7. Current volunteering our doors. In April 2015 we employed a full time manager, a part-time opportunities volunteer coordinator and a part time sexual health worker. With a massive cuts to our funding in the financial year 2015, the Trustees 8. Upcoming Derbyshire LGBT+ events along with the CEO, new manager, staff and volunteers carried out a review of the organisation and decided to make some changes to how 9. Meet the Derbyshire LGBT+ the organisation operates. team All Change in 2016 continued on page 2

A Message from Ian Robson C.E.O of Derbyshire LGBT +

It’s been a year of huge change for us with many positive changes, however we have also had many struggles, one of the biggest being the huge cuts in funding we have received, including a complete loss of funding from Derbyshire County Council and City Council and a huge reduction in funding from our sexual health work. It is really essential that organisations like Derbyshire LGBT+ continue, many other projects have now closed due to the savage cuts in funding they have received. We know our service is still needed as much now as it has ever been.

A message from Ian Robson, CEO continued on page 2

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All Change in 2016 from page 1 cont..

Derbyshire Friend was established at a time when throughout the country, in towns and cities, groups of individuals began to form support groups for gay and bisexual men. The groups particularly supported men who were HIV+. Derby had one such group of volunteers so Derbyshire Friend was born. Since the original formation the organisation has evolved, and in line with this evolution the Trustees made the decision to change the name of the organisation from Derbyshire Friend to Derbyshire LGBT+. Why you may ask again? The organisation is very proud that the work it carries out on behalf of the LGBT+ community now includes facilitating support groups, offering both advocacy and emotional support to LGBT+ individuals, their families and friends, actively promotes better sexual health within the community with practical support such as safer sex packs. The organisation also on a broader scale advocates on behalf of the LGBT+ community by working with local authorities and statutory bodies to ensure

New digs!! Bramble Street! that the community is treated with respect and equality in the services they provide. The Trustees believe that the new name Derbyshire LGBT+ reflects the work that we do on behalf of the community.

A Message from Ian Robson C.E.O of Derbyshire LGBT + from page 1 cont…

We are still fighting on behalf of the LGBT+ community to ensure real equality and providing essential support services to the LGBT+ people of Derbyshire. Every day we receive requests for support from LGBT+ people from all over Derbyshire, around issues of coming out, hate crime, inequality and health related issues. We also advise and educate organisations throughout Derbyshire, about the needs of our communities and the inequalities we still face on a daily basis. However, we have regrouped, we have found some new sources of funding and we are starting the process of rebuilding. We have also started to generate income by providing training and consultancy to other organisations and begun to apply for tenders and bid for new pieces of work. We hope this will bring in some valuable income to support us in continuing our work. To do all of this we need your help, we need you to support us by donating money through monthly standing orders, or one-off payments. We also need you to volunteer to support us in achieving a better Derbyshire for LGBT+ people. We have a whole range of volunteer opportunities that we need to fill, for more information please email [email protected]

We have lots of exciting things happening this year, with many new projects starting. We also want to hold a fun LGBT+ sports day and we have many other events in the planning stages so make sure you keep up to date with what is going on. If you want to see Derbyshire become a county where it’s a really positive place for LGBT+ people we need you to continue to support us.

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Sexual Health News By Ryan Whittington

Here at Derbyshire LGBT+ we have various sexual health services that we offer to the LGBT+ communities of Derbyshire. Primarily we work within Public Sex Environments (PSE’s), we cover the whole of Derbyshire and there are lots of PSE’s. Why do we cover them at all? Because the men that use these sites are some “As well as work within of the people that are at the highest risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections PSE’s there is the sexual (STIs). We operate services within a City with very high rates of HIV health promotion we do prevalence. HIV rates are still on the rise. Currently the commissioners for and the condoms we health care are trying to organise an action plan to decrease HIV prevalence provide in the form of within the city. We will be part of coming up with that plan. safer sex packs. These LGBT+ people have a unique set of needs within sexual health and some of the biggest rises are within the Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) are available by request community. MSM is used as some men who have sex with men identify as at our centre to straight and some identify as gay. everyone.” Within the last few years our sexual health funding has been cut drastically from over £90,000 a year to just £11,700. As well as work within PSE’s there is the sexual health promotion we do and the condoms we provide in the form of safer sex packs. These are available by request at our centre to everyone. The way we give out condoms is changing, our funders want to know more information, and that information we collect from you can be used to help us identify need to funders as well as help you stay healthy. If you have any questions about our sexual health services please come and speak to Ryan our sexual health project officer (01332 207704 or [email protected]).

“There are many ways you can donate to our centre, be that with your Derbyshire LGBT+ Group News time as a volunteer or By Ryan Whittington with money, in payroll giving, donations in our tins, or remembering Derbyshire LGBT+ in Currently our Youth Groups receive no funding. It is so important we continue your will” to be able to offer the LGBT+ Youth of Derbyshire a safe and supportive place to meet. We may be the very first place that someone can feel comfortable enough to be themselves without fear.

Please get involved with our centre, use it, and talk about it. We will be doing a series of fundraising events please support us that way too, there are many ways you can donate to our centre, be that with your time as a volunteer or with money, in payroll giving, donations in our tins, or remembering Derbyshire LGBT+ in your will. We have come so far in our fight for equality, but there is still a way to go yet. Be part of that fight.

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Golden Rainbow Research Project By Connor Fittall

Derbyshire LGBT+ are pleased to announce the launch of their new project ‘Golden Rainbows’. The project is funded by Lloyds Bank and aims to reduce the isolation and loneliness often experienced by older LGBT+ individuals who live and/or work in rural Derbyshire. The Project is being led by Connor, who would love to talk to “Research from Rural anyone who self-identifies as LGBT+, is over the age of 50 and lives or works in Action Derbyshire and rural Derbyshire. The study aims to explore needs, experiences and support older Derbyshire LGBT+ has LGBT individuals would like. shown that older LGBT+ people experience higher Research from Rural Action Derbyshire and Derbyshire LGBT+ has shown that older levels of isolation and LGBT+ people experience higher levels of isolation and loneliness in relation to loneliness in relation to their heterosexual counterparts. This isolation and loneliness is doubled if an older their heterosexual LGBT+ person lives in a rural area of the county. We hope that this year long counterparts.” project will help overcome some of the barriers that people have found in accessing appropriate LGBT+ 50+ support.

If you, or anyone you know would be interested in finding out and/or taking part in the Golden Rainbows Project, please contact Connor by either email ([email protected]) or telephone (01332 207704).

Derbyshire LGBT+ Street Party By Suzanne Fraser-Martin

To celebrate our first year in our new premises on Bramble Street, we held a traditional Street Party on 2nd July from 12-6pm. We had stalls, games, and music all afternoon and served traditional afternoon teas in the centre. It was a resounding success! The Fire Service and the Gay Police Association attended, and Councillor Ann Webster was invited to cut the rainbow ribbon to officially declare us open. Derbyshire PCC Hardya Dhindsa was invited to speak, and we also held a minute’s silence for the tragedy in Orlando.

MP Amanda Solloway’s visit to Derbyshire LGBT+ By Suzanne Fraser-Martin

Conservative MP for Derby North, Amanda Solloway visited us on 20th May 2016 to take a guided tour of our offices and discuss the services we provide. The visit included afternoon tea and an opportunity for our service users to raise LGBT+ related issues with her directly.

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Volunteering Week 1-12th June 2016 By Suzanne Fraser-Martin

Volunteering Week this year was a busy one, and longer than usual as it had been extended until the 12th June to include the Queen’s birthday celebrations.

Derbyshire LGBT+ held three volunteering taster drop in sessions at different times during the week, in which people were welcome to come in and have a cuppa and a chat about coming to volunteer with us.

We also attended a Volunteering Fair at the INTU centre for a day and hosted a Big Thank You event for our current volunteers in which they were presented with certificates and thanked by our CEO.

Orlando Memorial Evening “We also hosted a By Suzanne Fraser-Martin memorial evening on On 12th June 2016, the Pulse nightclub in Orlando was the scene of 21st June 2016. The the biggest mass murder in recent history. Forty nine LGBT+ people event was a reflective lost their lives when a gunman opened fire within the club, killing one, but good in that many and injuring many more. News of the tragedy quickly spread many people came to around the globe, and here at Derbyshire LGBT+ we attended and share their thoughts, sign spoke at both the Derby vigil and the Chesterfield vigil. We also our book of condolence hosted a memorial evening on 21st June 2016. The event was a and light a candle in reflective one, but good in that many people came to share their remembrance.” thoughts, sign our book of condolence and light a candle in remembrance.

The Thin Blue Line goes Rainbow! By Suzanne Fraser-Martin

On 4th May 2016, Derbyshire LGBT+ put some of Derbyshire Constabulary’s finest through their LGBT+ paces. Topics covered included LGBT+ awareness of gender identity and sexual orientation and allowing someone to self-define their own identity rather than defining it for them. We held a discussion on hate crime, and raised awareness of long-term LGBT+ hate crime that consists of multiple minor incidents. We also discussed why people from the LGBT+ community, who are the victims of hate crime, often do not report it to the police.

If you see these lovely folks out and about, give them a wave! We will be training more officers in LGBT+ awareness in the future.

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In the News National news stories

That Transgender Review – what’s it all about anyway? By Suzanne Fraser-Martin

On 7th January 2016 the Trans* Equality report was finally published after a long enquiry by the Women’s Committee. It was a detailed document which gave a comprehensive examination of the integration of Trans* concerns into current society, concluding with 71 recommendations to the Government, to consider implementation to improve the quality of life of Trans* people in Britain.

The study looked at hate crime, the medical pathway, prevalent attitudes towards Trans* and non-binary people, hearing from many witnesses who had provided personal testimony to the investigation. It highlighted a huge lack of understanding within professional support and educational services as to even the basic understanding of Trans* and non-binary identities, citing lack of available information and the patchy quality of services. The report’s recommendations, if implemented in full, would have improved the lives and experiences of Trans* people in this country immeasurably.

On 7th July the Government produced their document in response to the Trans* Equality report, which acknowledged the detailed work of the Women’s Committee and said that the majority of points raised were under advisement and would be reviewed. For many this response was deeply disappointing as it did not properly acknowledge or show willing to apply the findings to improving the situations that many Trans* people experience day to day. The response grouped recommendations together and often gave blanket responses to each group, which we see as devaluing the work undertaken by the Women’s Committee in carefully putting their initial report together, and taking time to separate out all the issues encountered. We do acknowledge that some of the issues raised would have become long-term projects and would have incurred costs to fundamentally change bureaucratic infrastructure, but we feel that some of the points raised could have been actively implemented to begin raising standards and quality of life for Trans* people and their care.

Derbyshire LGBT+ believes that all Trans* people should be able to live their lives without fear of ignorance affecting their quality of life, without prejudice, discrimination or hatred to contend with alongside the exploration of their own gender. We would have liked to see the Government positively committing to the implementation of at least a few of the recommendations in this report.

You can read the original Trans* Equality report in full here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201516/cmselect/cmwomeq/390/390.pdf and the full government response document here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transgender- equality-report-government-response

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Brexit and LGBT+ rights By Cat Fraser-Martin

[The author voted Remain in June’s referendum.]

Since June’s referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union (EU) resulted in a Leave vote, uncertainty has stoked economical and social fears. Amongst these concerns is the fear that ‘’ will mean a reversal of progress on LGBT+ rights. The EU has provided a recognition of LGBT+ rights since it was the ‘European Community’ back in the 1970s. It is true that the EU continues to promote equality for LGBT+ people. And it is true that once we leave, we will no longer be obliged to meet the EU’s requirements. But saying we are no longer bound by the EU’s standards is a long way from saying that we will take away rights. The progress we have made means that the British are much more accepting of LGBT+ people than they have historically been.

Interviewed just before the referendum Crispin Blunt (MP for Reigate) said: “Britain is, finally and proudly, absolutely at the forefront of delivering LGBTI equality… LGBTI rights are now hardwired into the British political establishment. Britain isn’t going soft on these rights hard won over 60 years, in or out of the EU.” [For further details see: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2016/06/22/we-asked-these-out-mps-what-the-eu- actually-means-for-lgbt-rights/].

Crispin Blunt took a Leave position in the referendum, but what he says is true: while the EU has helped promote and protect LGBT+ rights throughout Europe, Britain has driven much of its own change; through successive governments we have moved steadily forward. Polls have indicated that between 75% and 90% of the UK public are consistently in support of LGBT+ rights, and as of the 2015 elections we have 27 out LGBT+ MPs in Parliament. The scale of the cultural shift required to reverse this progress would be immense.

The remainers argument is that Britain should remain in to help promote those rights across Europe – particularly amongst the eastern European states where LGBT+ people still face discrimination. That is valid, but speaks more to Britain’s firm national commitment to those rights than to our dependence on the EU to maintain them.

We must remain on guard against media misreporting and anti-LGBT+ rhetoric; we must continue to campaign to secure full equality and recognition. Britain’s membership of the EU has not hurt our progress on LGBT+ rights. We have more support from politicians, agencies, corporations and the general public than ever before. We are also protected in law, not only by British laws created and passed by the UK Parliament, but also by the European Court of Human Rights, and there is a growing movement for LGBT+ recognition in the United Nations.

We certainly have not finished the job and there may well be difficulties yet to be faced – but we are still a long, long way from where we started.

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From Pride to church fete Volunteer with us if We’ll always be there. We will be there The conditions are right. We won’t leave you stewing All over the county With people who care Will you train me and teach We don’t mind where you me to fulfil my role? come from But how to increase Will you help me to grow If you’re spotted purple or blue Those people who care when I’m stuck in a hole? If you’re young, or… not as Our events big and small We will train you and teach young as you were Need lovely peeps to be there you and help you to know We’re waiting for you So, how to find new ones? For the people you’ll see To come and join in To assemble a team And the places you’ll go For whatever reason That knows what to do We know you have a life Whatever colour or creed And knows where to be You’re busy we see Or your favourite season Maybe give something back People have different reasons In the time you have free So volunteer with us To give time and care Are you sure you will listen And lend your support They may want new skills when my work is done? To those that need help Or help folks with time spare If you no longer listen, my Have questions, or have fought Or to gain a career, get a job work isn’t fun Against prejudice, fear Value life Ignorance or hate Or give something back We will listen to you Even a sibling, teacher To a husband or wife Volunteers skilled and new Parent or mate Or a son, or a daughter To the plans that you have Of anyone who Or a stranger, who knows And what you want to do Is LGBT or plus To help human beings For where you want to go That we can help out Through the highs and the And what you want to do With no panic or fuss lows Is a critical part To help make things better You may be quite bold Of your life, for you. Across our great county You may be quite shy What support will I have? So come join our team If you have the time It needs to be there And volunteer with us. Why not drop by I’ll need some advice Ask us what it’s like From you here and there Ask us what we do With give you the skills and Ask questions you have all the support We’ll answer them all; one, Without skills and support, it three or two all comes to naught Here is one person, who well We’ll meet you and chat about might How you’ve been doing Volunteer and stay if they Volunteering by Suzanne Fraser Martin think its right

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ASK MELVIN, Derbyshire LGBT+ resident agony aunt!

Dear Melvyn, Dear Melvyn, Dear Melvyn,

I am 33 and have really been I have recently moved to I recently called into the struggling with my sexuality. I Derby from London and OMG centre to pick up my supply am a member of my local where are all the gays? I of condoms and lube that the rugby team and do all sorts of know that there is a gay pub centre provides in the safer blokey things but if I am out in the city centre but I’m not sex packs. I normally just nip with the guys after a game I the pub type of girl!! Can you in and pick them up from the really don’t know why I join suggest anywhere I can go to downstairs reception area. I in with the macho bloke thing meet other gay girls that like was really shocked to see of talking about women. I am to socialise but not that the packs were no really attracted to a couple necessarily on the Gay scene. longer in the place the of the guys in my team but Vanessa usually are. Being the shy know that I can’t tell them as type I felt uncomfortable I would be kicked out of the Dear Vanessa, asking for them and I left team. Any advice please? empty-handed. Can you tell Tom Oh dear! Quite a shock to the me what is going on please? system for you I guess to move Jamie Dear Tom, from a big city to a smaller one. Have you heard about our Dear Jamie, It sounds to me, that like a women’s group ‘Outrageous’ great deal of people having that meet online? The group You might have called in when feelings that don’t appear to aims to increase women’s we hadn’t quite restocked! be ‘normal’ can cause a lot of social circles and provide a You can still get your free confusion. Did you know that safe space to talk about any safer sex packs from the here at Derbyshire LGBT+ we concerns they have about centre, or you can speak to have a dedicated team of one- being a Lesbian, Gay, Ryan, our Sexual Health to-one emotional support Bisexual or Trans* woman in Officer about getting your free workers who will listen to you Derbyshire. packs. and help you explore these feelings you have and possible ways of making you feel less confused about who you are. Contact me at the e-mail address below and I will send you the details.

Have you got a question you need answering? Do you need some advice? Do you want to settle an argument? Why not write to our resident Agony Aunt, Melvyn using the email address below and we may feature your letter in our next edition..

[email protected]

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Book, film and TV reviews By Suzanne Fraser-Martin and Clare Lushey

Book reviews

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (Winner of the 2012 Orange Prize for Fiction) Greece in the golden age of Heroes. Patroclus, a boy prince with no prospects and no future becomes attached to Achilles, golden son of King Peleus. The fates are never far from Achilles, so when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, the men of Greece are called on to keep their oath for peace and lay siege to Troy. This is no dry dusty history, but a profoundly moving story of the love between Patroclus and Achilles filled with passion and originality.

Only Ever Yours by Louise O’Neill This is a sharp, satirical look at how women are seen by society, commenting indirectly on the social pressures of today. isobel and frieda have been friends their entire lives. Now aged 16, they are in their final year of school, and are expecting to be chosen by men to become wealthy trophy wives. As the final year progresses, the pressure to be perfect mounts, and isobel starts to crumble. Now frieda must fight for her own survival in a system that rewards the perfect, the pretty and the good.

TV and film reviews

Still a Rose Still a Rose is a short, LGBT inclusive film, based on the play ‘Romeo and Juliet’ by William Shakespeare. It centres on the famous ‘balcony scene’ and there are four pairs of star crossed lovers: male Romeo/female Juliet, male Juliet/female Romeo, male Romeo/male Juliet, and female Romeo/female Juliet. The film switches regularly between the four couples, played by four actors, whose genders and sexualities change throughout the scene. It is beautifully shot and choreographed. The purpose of the movie is to illustrate that love, is still love, no matter a person’s gender or sexuality. Love is equal.

Orange is the New Black (OITNB) If you haven’t seen season four of OITNB then you should. If you haven’t seen any of OITNB, well where have you been? Full of strong female characters it is an absolute must see. It is based on Piper Kerman's memoir ‘Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison’ which detailed her experiences in federal prison. OITNB centres on Piper who is convicted (10 years after the offence) of transporting a suitcase full of drug money for her then girlfriend Alex, an international drug smuggler. It has received critical acclaim for its portrayal of sexuality, gender and race, and notably cast a transgender individual to play a transgender character. In addition there are a number of openly gay actresses playing central characters. Season four is much darker than the previous three seasons; the women struggle to survive in a prison that is more concerned with profits than the welfare of the inmates.

The Girl King The Girl King is based on the life of controversial Queen Kristina of Sweden who refused to conform to societal norms, rejecting the gender role assigned to her and refusing to marry and produce an heir. She preferred more masculine styles of clothing and was rumoured to have had affairs with women. Kristina was well educated and tried to achieve peace, and promote education and the arts. The film focuses on her life after her coronation and her relationship with Countess Ebba Sparre, the fiancé of one of her noblemen, who became her ‘bed-companion’. Whilst it is always a treat to see a movie where the heroine is gay (and in this case an extraordinary woman who was very much ahead of her time), I felt it never quite drew me in, which was a shame as I really wanted to like it.

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Drop In Service Our drop in service is open to anybody who identifies as LGBT+, their families and allies, or those wishing to find out more about our services. You are welcome to come visit us and speak to our staff or volunteers about any issues, questions or queries you have. Times are: Tues 4pm- 7pm (pre-booked Services appointments only), Wed 10am -1pm and Thurs 1pm - 4pm.

One-To-One Support Service For LGBT+ individuals who want to speak in confidence about any issues you have we offer one-to-one support. Support is available as a single session or and regular ongoing sessions depending on what you want. To arrange an appointment for one-to-one support please ring us on 01332 207704 or email us at [email protected] support Sexual Health Service Our sexual health service provides information, advice and resources. We have an outreach team that deliver engaging events around sexual health in a variety of environments and we provide free condoms, lube and dental dams. available These are available for collection from our centre in Bramble Street. For more information please contact Ryan on 01332 207704 or [email protected] at Confidential LGBT Switchboard The switchboard is here to give you advice or support, over the telephone, around issues such as sexual health, coming out, sexuality, gender identity, relationships, family issues, isolation, loneliness or any other issues that you want to talk about. The number for this service is 01332 349333 and is Derbyshire available Tuesday to Friday from 10am –1pm and Thursday from 7pm—9pm.

Training and Consultancy We provide half and full-day training sessions based around LGBT+ awareness, LGBT+ which is individually tailored to your needs. We also have provision for consultancy services, and are able to assist your business or service provision for example in reviewing existing policies for LGBT+ inclusion. Please contact us to discuss your training or consultancy requirements on 01332 207704 or [email protected]

Volunteering Volunteering opportunities are available to enable you to develop new skills, meet new people or to help the LGBT+ community. We are always looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our volunteer team. If you think you might be interested please contact Suzanne Fraser-Martin on 01332 207704 or [email protected]

LGBT+ Groups There are a number of LGBT groups that operate from Derbyshire LGBT+ and these are detailed on the next page.

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The Reach Out group meet at the Derbyshire LGBT+ centre every Thursday night between 7-00pm and 9-30pm.The group is for GBT+ men aged 18+ and they design their own programme of events at the beginning of each quarter. They invite guest speakers/organisations to lead discussion groups on a variety “Reach Out gives me a of subjects, for example, speakers in the last quarter included; Macmillan social meeting place that Cancer Support, Derbyshire Police, Rowditch Wines, Derbyshire LGBT+ and the is safe for me to express University of Derby. who I am without They also hold workshops on Health and Wellbeing and recently looked at judgment” internet safety and using dating/hook up sites; how to keep mentally fit and healthy; coping with depression; and sexual health awareness. In the spring and summer they often organise BBQ’s or go on historical walks around the city. Time is always found every Thursday evening for a good natter and catch up or a venture out to The Crown Inn, the local LGBT+ pub that is just round the corner from the Bramble Street.

“Before Stand Out, I had no one else to relate to about the way I felt. Speaking to everyone at Stand Out, I didn’t have to hide because I knew I wasn’t being judged. My first time at the group, I was quite scared but everyone was really Stand Out is Derbyshire LGBT+ weekly youth forum for LGBT+ young people welcoming straight away. aged between 19 and 30 years old. First established in 2005 (as ‘Love Stand Out has made me Knows No Gender’), Stand Out is one of Derbyshire LGBT+ most successful services and continues to attract a healthy number of attendees. more open about my Stand Out is managed and facilitated by our experienced and friendly team sexuality and myself in of youth workers and provides a safe, confidential and friendly space for general – I’ve never felt young LGBT+ people to meet others and make new friends. better” The members of Stand Out have worked on many projects including making short films and organising regional events. The main aim of the group is to have fun and organise trips out and activities at Bramble Street. The Stand Out group meet at Bramble Street every Saturday at 1.30pm.

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“When I found Omi Polari, I found a new Omi Polari is our social group for GBT+ men 50+. They meet on the group of friends and they second Wednesday of the month 1pm to 3pm. Activities vary; the group were GAY! I look forward may watch a film, have a guest speaker or do a quiz, enjoy a games to our monthly get afternoon or go for a walk and have a coffee somewhere. The group together especially in the decide what they would like to do. The emphasis is on friendship. winter months” Occasionally they meet again during the month for lunch, to visit a garden centre or to join other groups like Reach Out. They also attend other community events like Derby Pride.

“Outrageous gives me The Outrageous group enables women aged 18 years old and over to the chance to meet with make friends and arrange to meet with like-minded people. The like-minded people who I group is run by the members on Facebook, please contact know feel the same as I [email protected] for further details and how to join. do”

The LGBT Youth Groups are aimed at young people aged 13 to 19 years LGBT Youth Groups old who are questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation. They are run by trained youth workers and provide a safe space to explore and express your identity. The groups are based in Glossop, Chesterfield, Derby and Swadlincote. For more information please contact Ryan on 01332 207 704 or [email protected]

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Transcend is committed to developing and providing services and activities which enhance the ability of people with gender issues to make informed choices. This is a group for Trans* aged 18 and over and gives you a chance to relax in a friendly environment and chat with others over a hot drink. Transcend takes place on the 1st Wednesday of the month from 6:30pm until 9pm at Derbyshire LGBT+.

Significant Others, Friends, Family and Allies of Trans* people (SOFFA) offers a friendly welcoming meeting point where you can chat to others about all aspects of being close to someone who is Trans. SOFFA Meetings are on the 1st Wednesday of the month, 6.30pm – 9pm.

Bidentity is a monthly social support group for people aged 18 and over who self-identify under the Bi- umbrella. The group meets every month on the third Tuesday from 6pm until 8pm. The group is facilitated by volunteers but is run by the members. As such, the group decides its own activities such as trips, talks, games nights and workshops. Contact us for further details, or just turn up on the night.

Munch and Mingle is our monthly lunch club for LGBT+ over 50’s. It meets in our centre on the fourth Wednesday of the month, 1-3pm. We supply vegetarian soup, and ask people to bring a little bit of something to share. Contact us for further details, or just turn up.

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*Current volunteering opportunities! We have a number of volunteer opportunities available:

Older Women’s Group leads: We currently have a thriving group for 50+ GBT men and would like to set up the same for 50+ LGBT women. This role would involve advertising and supporting a regular group, including organising guest speakers and activities. If you have the time and enthusiasm to set up a safe and welcoming environment for older women, then please get in touch. We see this as a long-term volunteering opportunity.

BAME LGBT Group leads: This role would involve running a black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) LGBT social support group. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to advertise and support a safe and welcoming environment for those who are BME LGBT, to include booking guest speakers and activities. We see this as a long-term volunteering opportunity.

Bi-Group leads: This role would involve helping to advertise and run our Bi- support group. This would include booking guest speakers and planning activities for members of the Bi- community. We see this as a long-term volunteering opportunity.

Gardener: We are looking for an individual to help keep our small garden area tidy and welcoming.

Cleaner: Even a little can help a lot. If you fancy volunteering with Derbyshire LGBT+ in an essential role, we are currently looking for a volunteer cleaner to help us keep our premises clean and tidy. Either daily, for a little every morning, or once a week for longer.

MSM PSE Volunteers: to support our Sexual Health Project Worker in a variety of outreach settings including public sex environments (cruising areas) in Derbyshire. You would be part of a team which undertakes gay commercial scene outreach work, including interventions for Men who have Sex with Men, information and sexual health promotion issues. PSE volunteering can be either evening or daytime, during summer months this is likely to be during the evenings. This volunteering role is variable hours, full safety training is given, and would suit an individual wanting to gain experience in sexual health work.

LGBT Arts Club lead: If you are passionate about LGBT issues and film, art and literature, we are looking to put together a team to organise arts trips, advertise, and facilitate discussions afterwards.

We also have an events and promotion volunteering team that staffs our stall at many events around the county. If you would like to join them, get in touch.

To find out more about these opportunities, or to offer your skills, please contact Suzanne on 01332 207704 or [email protected]

Trustees: Derbyshire LGBT+ is run by a team of valued trustees, and we are looking for new ones. If you have a high level experience of financial management, marketing and publicity, fundraising, legal knowledge or bid writing, we want to hear from you, we especially would like applications from; women, BAME, and bisexual people to help ensure that our Board represents all people from our varied communities. Contact Ian at [email protected]

Page 16 Derbyshire LGBT + Newsletter

Upcoming Derbyshire LGBT+ events for your calendar

 LGB-QWERTY Spoken Word Open Mic Night On Friday 9th September there will be a spoken word open mic night in Derby for LGBT+ performers called LGB-QWERTY run by Furthest from the Sea. So if you fancy a night out, head to The Maypole, 24 Brook Street, Derby, 7.30pm – 9.30pm to hear and watch members of the Derbyshire LGBT+ community doing their thing. Tickets are £3 on the door. Interested in performing? Contact [email protected] More information is available on their Facebook events page: https://www.facebook.com/events/106427366462252/

 Derbyshire LGBT+ Crown Inn outreach sessions Derbyshire LGBT+ will be undertaking outreach sessions at the Crown Inn, Curzon St, Derby on the first Saturday of every month. The next one of these will be Saturday 3rd September. Derbyshire LGBT+ volunteers will be there from 7pm to provide information, advice and answer questions about our services.

 Fresher’s Fairs Derbyshire LGBT+ will be attending a number of Fresher’s Fairs during September. These will include Derby College Roundhouse and Joseph Wright, and Burton and South Derbyshire College in early September. If you see us out and about, give us a wave!

 LGBT+ BAME group Launch Our new LGBT+ BAME group launches on Tuesday 16th September 7-9pm with a free BBQ. The first meeting will be on Tuesday 11th October, and every second Tuesday thereafter. If you self- identify as LGBT+ BAME, come join us for a cuppa and a chat in a safe space.

 Don’t forget There’s all our regular social groups too!

Derbyshire LGBT + Page 17

MEET the DERBYSHIRE LGBT+ team!

Ian Robson – Chief Executive Officer

Hi I’m Ian. I have been working as CEO at Derbyshire LGBT+ since April 2015, and my background is working within various LGBT projects, and running Pride. I am extremely passionate about improving the rights and services for LGBT+ people. There is still a huge amount of work to do before LGBT + people have true equality, and I hope my time here will allow us to work towards that aim.

Melvyn Fearn – Administrator and Centre Support

Hi I’m Melvyn. My association with Derbyshire LGBT+ started back in 1992 when I joined the organisation as a Switchboard and Centre Support Volunteer. I still do these jobs in addition to my role as Administrator. I became Administrator in April 1998. There have been many changes over the years, but its main remit has remained the same: to help and support the LGBT communities in Derbyshire.

Ryan Whittington – Project Officer (Youth and Sexual Health)

Hello my name is Ryan. I am the person responsible for both our Youth services and our Sexual Health services. I have been working at Derbyshire LGBT+ since August 2015. Before joining I trained in counseling skills in Southampton. I am passionate about working with the LGBT+ community and being part of the amazing work that Derbyshire LGBT+ does across the county. I’m often out and about in Derbyshire, training or doing outreach, feel free to say hello. Suzanne Fraser-Martin – Project Officer (Volunteering)

Hello, I’m Suzanne, and I’ve been a Project Officer for Derbyshire LGBT+ since April 2015. Part of my job is to recruit, train and develop volunteers to represent Derbyshire LGBT+. I also do work with significant others, friends, family and allies of Trans people and have a special interest in LGBT+ and faith.

Connor Fittall – Project Officer (Older LGBT+ People)

Hello, I’m Connor and my primary role as the Project Officer for Older LGBT+ People means that I, with the help of the older LGBT+ community in Derbyshire, identify the needs of this community and try and make sure the Derbyshire LGBT+ meets these needs. I also work with local councils, Derbyshire Constabulary and other support agencies to make sure that the needs of this often invisible group are considered more widely.

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