You are not alone

Attitude celebrates the work of LGBT+ youth charity Allsorts Youth Project, which provides support and a sense of community for young people who are questioning their sexuality or gender identity, and their families

- By Alastair James

When I came out, my LGBT+ friends were an invaluable and supportive network which has stayed with me. Despite that, the process was difficult and still can be, no matter the circumstances. Although the news didn't come as a complete surprise to my parents, they had to adjust the ideas they had formed about my future. Although I tried to reassure them that I would be OK and could be happy, I wish they'd had someone to talk to who they could relate to and ask questions. If we'd had something like the charity Allsorts Youth Project (ASY) in Bristol back in 2015, I like to think we would have used it.

A beneficiary of the Attitude Magazine Foundation (AMF), ASY is a Sussex-based LGBT+ charity founded in 1999. Operating across Brighton, Horsham, Worthing, Chichester and Hastings, it works with children and young people under 26 who are either LGBT+ or are exploring their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. It also provides a support service for parents and families.

Once referred to ASY, young people have an informal meeting with an LGBT+ youth support worker, so the charity can decide how best to help them. They do this through both group work and one-to-one sessions, both in person and online. Split into three age brackets: 5-11, 12-15 and 16-25, the youth groups take place on a fortnightly or monthly basis. Activities such as craft and board games are provided to help participants get to know one another and share their experiences. Families/parents meet twice a month to exchange their stories.

The charity also carries out training and education programmes in the wider community, which includes appearing at assemblies for young people in schools and collaborating with organisations to help them be more inclusive and supportive of LGBT+s.