Holly's Story
To
celebrate Youth Work Week from 1-7 November, we asked young people around Wales to tell us what it's
like to be part of a youth provision.
Here's Holly's story.
I
was struggling with my sexual identity and felt embarrassed and
unable to talk about it with the people around me.
As a 17-year-old
lesbian, finding Loud & Proud helped me to come out to my
family and friends.
It was a great opportunity to meet adults and other young people who face similar issues, and through this I've gained a lot of self-confidence.
I
feel comfortable knowing that some of the staff at the project also
identify as LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender). It's
influenced me to raise awareness within my family and friendship
group.
Discussions happen in an open and friendly atmosphere which offers frank, personal advice and guaranteed confidentiality. We've all learned to support each other and built up awareness and people skills.
The
aim of Loud & Proud is to provide support for young LGBT people
in and around Cardiff and South East Wales. Through one-to-one and
group discussions they offer information and advice on a variety of
issues including coming to terms with your sexuality, coming out,
safe sex, drugs and alcohol, and homelessness.
We recently designed an LGBT sex and relationships booklet for distribution and we're currently working on filming, editing and publishing a DVD highlighting similar issues to the booklet.
It's
a really personally rewarding experience and helps give us a sense of
identity as a community, as well as involving ourselves in events
like Mardi Gras.
Youth Work Week is incredibly important as it highlights personal gains and the gains of the community from such a broad range of volunteering opportunities the younger generation can take part in.
There
is something for everyone and definitely helps to mature and develop
youth culture today into tomorrow's society.
Visit www.thankssam.org.uk for more information.
Related articles:
Amy's Story - Bullying
Paige's Story - Aberavon Boxing Club
Charlotte's Story - Virtual Babies
Catherine's Story - KPC Youth Club
1 Comment – Post a comment
LoudandProud
Commented 67 months ago - 27th October 2010 - 15:40pm
Holly this is a great article and it is nice to see that you feel comfortable coming to Loud & Proud.
Thanks from all the team.