“We’re not going to change the world… but it feels like something to be really proud of” – New community group aims to improve wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies
Out and Active NI aims to foster a sense of belonging through physical activity, social connection, and personal development.
Last updated 20th Jan 2025
This 'blue Monday' we've been hearing from a new community group which aims building connections among the LGBTQIA+ community.
Out and Active NI aims to foster a sense of belonging through physical activity, social connection, and personal development - thus improving mental health and wellbeing.
The group is run by people in the LGBTQIA+ community, it’s fully exclusive, and everyone is welcome.
Before Christmas, NISRA statistics on suicide deaths sadly showed that there was an 8% increase in deaths in Northern Ireland, form 203 in 2022, to 221 in 2023.
Ryan Lee started the group. He said he always wanted to do something for the LGBTQIA+ community, after previously hearing statistics at a work event years ago, about how people in his community are more likely to die by suicide or harm themselves.
The Chairman spoke to Downtown/CoolFM news exclusively: “It’s one of the things that had always stayed with me through the years. I always thought, I’m going to do something about that.”
“We don’t have any special skills in any area. The whole aim is it doesn’t matter if you’re good at it, because we’re doing something different next week. I’m rubbish at rounders, we’re doing rounders today, but I’m here to have a laugh.”
“It’s literally come along, find your community, find your people, have a laugh, get a bit active, it’s as simple as that. There’s no magic formula. We’re not going to change the world, we’re not trying to, but it’s so much better when there’s a bunch of us together who are alike.”
“Some of the messages we’ve got from people about how it’s impacting them and what it’s doing for their life… it means a little bit more now because I know how much it means to other people.”
“It feels like something to be really proud of.”
The group photographer Conor Ross said: “It keeps people active and gives them something to look forward to each week. Instead of being hungover on a Sunday, they’re out running about with us… it’s all a bit of craic.”
Committee member Ciara McCallister said: “We’re challenging stigma, seeing so many people who are out and proud and doing things that haven’t stereotypically been what you would associate with the LGBTQ community in the past. Playing sports, getting fit, finding that strength in solidarity from seeing other people like you.”
“People haven’t maybe had the best relationship with sport growing up because of their sexuality. Maybe we’re doing something in some small way to get people back into that environment which can improve their wellbeing as well.”