Pink Pride Flag

“About 10 years ago I was invited to London pride by a friend. The only queer person I knew at the time was her.

I wasn't sure if I belonged as at the time I identified as bisexual. I didn't feel 'queer' enough. I was welcomed to march with a youth group my friend was part of.

It was a beautiful day, and if you look at the picture you can see the name of the youth group who welcomed me.”

Bracelet

“6 years later I had come out as non-binary and attended a youth group for the first time. It was a one off event just for trans people and there were more trans people than I had ever met before in one room (there were 3, which hilarious considering how many trans people I know now). I made this bracelet and it's something I treasure. After a few weeks of attending their main LGBTQ group I remember deciding I wanted to be an LGBTQ youth worker.”

Selfie

“4 years later, current day. I am now the lead youth worker for The Bridge in Croydon with METRO Charity, the same group that welcomed me 10 years ago.

I get a chance to see what the young LGBTQ community is like, something I didn't have when I was younger, and get to support and empower the next LGBTQ generation.

I feel incredibly lucky. This selfie is of me at trans pride brighton last year with METRO, I have stuck every sticker and badge I was given on my METRO t-shirt.”

LGBT+ Youth Services in Croydon
”The Bridge is a youth service for LGBT+ youth aged between 17-25. They currently meet over zoom on Mondays. Email youth@metrocharity.org.uk for more details. Find out more here.

CDI or Croydon Drop In offers free support and counselling for young people in Croydon. They are famous for their Talk Bus Tallulah, which travels around schools and public spaces in the Borough to act as a mobile drop-in unit. They are currently running a sexuality and gender identity online zoom group for people aged 13+. You can find them @cdi_talkbus on Instagram, or email lornahunt@croydondropin.org.uk”