GYRO, Liverpool’s youth
group for lesbian, gay, bi and trans young people
is fighting back against homophobia in the city
with a DVD based on the experiences of its members.
The 18 minute film is aimed at 13 to 19 year olds
- it uses drama, animation, original music and
research to present issues such as coming out,
bullying at school, harassment at work, love and
relationships.
Its
aim is to convey the message that young lesbian,
gay and bisexual (LGB) people are equally deserving
of support for the issues they face in the important
years of adolescence from 13 to 19.
The
project gave group members the opportunity to grow in
confidence with the issue of confronting homophobia -
the fear and dislike of lesbian, gay and bisexual people
which can lead to bullying, harassment, violent assault
and, in extreme cases, even premature death.
The
title 'Are We There Yet?' arose from the group's reflections
on significant events such as Holocaust Memorial Day,
LGBT History Month, and the 40th anniversary of the decriminalisation
of homosexuality in 2007.
Reflecting
on the past, alongside more recent landmarks such as the
equalisation of the age of consent in 2000 and the introduction
of civil partnerships in 2005, helped the group to appreciate
how much has been achieved in working towards equality.
At
the same time, their experiences of prejudice in the home,
school, workplace and community shows we still have work
to do.
GYRO
has seen an increase in enquiries from children as young
as 13 - our society has changed enough for them to seek
support in early adolescence, perhaps even to ‘come
out’ while still at school.
But
too many young people still experience fear, rejection,
isolation and bullying because of something they cannot
change any more than their ‘straight’ tormentors
can - their sexuality.
Click
on the screen to watch one of the young people's
stories from the 'Are We There Yet?' DVD
By
raising awareness of the issues they face, GYRO plans
to gather the support it needs to launch a group for 13-18
year olds later this year.
An
event to launch the DVD was held at FACT on 25 February,
as part of celebrations for LGBT History Month. The event
was for adults who work with 13 to 19 year olds, so that
they can be more aware of the issue and help to present
the film in youth clubs and schools. There are plans for
more events for young people later in the year.
'Are We There Yet? -
From Homophobia to Equality' is available on DVD with
a resource pack aimed at 13 to 19 year olds.
The
resource pack includes 10 activity sheets plus a glossary
of useful vocabulary, a timeline of LGBT history and a
list of useful websites.
The
resource pack is for sale at £30 each + £2 p&p.
To
order, please visit our online shop. You can pay by
debit or credit card, or you can request an invoice to
be sent with your pack. If you have any queries or are
unable to order online, please email gyro@ypas.org.ukor
call gyro on 0151 203 0824.
The
production of the DVD was made possible with a grant from
the Save the Children Here To Help Awards Scheme, and
the development of the resource pack was supported by
Liverpool Youth Service and Liverpool Anti-Bullying Forum.
If
you are aged 16 to 25, you can expect a warm welcome
every Thursday evening between 7pm and 9.30pm.
The
mixed drop-in
is a chance for the group to relax and
get to know each other better. There are computers
for free internet access. We occasionally have trips
or meals out, and we regularly invite suggestions
from the group for other activities.
LEFT:
Young people and staff celebrate GYRO’s
birthday with the opening of a refurbished drop-in.
COMING
SOON: There are also plans for a new group
for 13 to 16 year olds..
GYRO
is near Lime Street station in Liverpool city centre, at
the Young Person’s Advisory
Service (YPAS), which offers a range of
services for children and young people aged 10 to 25, so
if you are not 'out', there is no need to worry about what
people might think if they saw you coming to the building.
Everything discussed in the group is considered confidential.
To
find out more, call 0151
203 0824, email gyro@ypas.org.ukor just drop in on Thursday evening at
36 Bolton Street, Liverpool L3 5LX.
‘Coming
out to my family, and the community in general,
has been so easy for me, thanks to the staff and
young people I have met along the way.' Stevie,
23
‘The
youth workers are brill, and I’ve made some
of my best mates in this group. It’s like
a second home.’Matty,
19
‘GYRO
is a great place to come and chill out and chat
to like-minded people. The staff are great and
always there to help if you have a problem.’Simon, 24
‘I’'ve
learnt so much and become more confident –
it is a great atmosphere and I’'ve made
loads of mates.’Tanya,
18
We
asked the young people in GYRO to write their tips for
coming out, based on their own experiences. Here are their
Top Ten Tips for Coming Out:
1
Be
true to yourself, and take time to accept yourself.
2
Do
it in your own way, in your own time - don't feel
pressurised by other people.
3
Choose
a good time and place - do not plan to do anything
else for the rest of that day or evening.
4
Prepare
somewhere safe to go if it doesn't go well. Remember,
if you do go somewhere else then telephone and let
people know that you are safe and will call the next
day.
5
Start
by telling someone you think will be supportive.
6
Do
it when you feel ready to answer the questions people
may ask. Prepare yourself for other peoples reactions,
and take care of yourself. They don't always react
the way you'd think.
7
Drop
hints to prepare people or allow them to find out
for themselves, but be aware they may see what they
want to see, or they might already know!
8
Give
the person that you are 'coming out' to time to think
about what you have said to them. If it has taken
you a number of years to accept who you are then it
could take them a time to get to grips with what you
have told them.
9
Find
support for yourself - friend, helpline, support group,
to talk through what you are going to do before, during
and after you 'come out'. Try more than one group
to find the right one for you - you may also make
new friends along the way.
10
Bring
your partner round to meet your parents. If they can
see you are happy, it may be easier for them to understand
and support you.
No
two 'coming out' experiences are ever the same - but the
fact that other young people are going through a similar
process means that groups like GYRO can offer understanding
and support.
Remember
you are doing this for yourself. Be positive - the process
of 'coming out' can be energising and empowering.
If
you would like to talk to someone in confidence please
phone:
0151 203 0824 or email: gyro@ypas.org.uk
Or
just come along one Thursday evening and speak to one of
our workers, or meet other young people who understand where
you are coming from.
