GYRO (gay youth 'r' out) has grown and is now open three
nights a week from November 2012 for 12-25 year olds who
are lesbian, gay, bi and trans, or questioning their sexuality
or gender identity (LGBTQ).
GYRO
is now open:
Every
Tuesday:
4-6.30pm for young people
in years 8-11 of secondary school (age 12-16)
Every
Wednesday:
6-8.30pm for young people
in years 12-13 or equivalent (age 16-18)
Every
Thursday: 7-9.30pm
for young people
post year 13 (18+) up to 25.
lesbian,
gay, bi, trans, questioning your sexuality or
gender identity?
GYRO
- gay youth ‘r’ out - is the
social and support group for you.
Don’t
take our word for it... come and see for yourself!
For
more info, phone 0151 203
0824, text 07917
658 149, email gyro@ypas.org.uk
or find us on Facebook!
GYRO
(gay youth 'r' out) is Liverpool's youth group for young
people aged 12 to 25 who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans,
or questioning (LGBTQ).
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 shared in the group is confidential.
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 out, and we regularly invite suggestions
from the group for other activities.
I
find it a hospitable and relaxed environment and
you can trust anyone in the group and they will
listen to your problems, I really enjoy the group!
Melissa, 14
It's
one of the few youth groups that go up to age 25
and many of the young adults need the help and support
just as much as the young people up to 18. Matty,
23
Gyro
is awesome and it's a great place to meet new friends
and hang out with all my old ones! Aaron,
15
I
have been involved with voluntary work and residentials
and it has been really enjoyable. I have made friends
for life here and I am going to miss it so much
when I go to university next year xxxx :D Sarah, 19
So
many people who feel the same way have come together
to create a safe, friendly place. It might seem scary
at first but you just need to look up and realise
that all those people are smiling at you and welcoming
you in as a friend and peer. These are the people
who will stand beside you because they have been in
the same place you have. Dom,
19
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.
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 13-16 year olds.
'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 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.
