New LGBTQI+ youth group forms in Bridlington for 11 to 17 year-olds
It's called Bridlington Alphabet Mafia and they are looking for volunteers and more members
A new LGBTQI+ youth group has formed in Bridlington for those aged 11 to 17.
It has stemmed from Bridlington Pride group who had a successful launch and consultation event back in September.
The new group, which is called Bridlington Alphabet Mafia, is now looking for volunteers and more members.
Donna Walker, Co-Chairperson of Bridlington Pride, said:
"The aim of Bridlington Alphabet Mafia is to provide an opportunity to meet others of a similar age, to hang out and to meet new friends. Coming Out can be a difficult and stressful process. ‘Questioning’ is a term used to describe people who are becoming aware of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity and are uncertain what this means in terms of their identity and relationships. This usually happens in teenage years, and because our society sometimes excludes LGBTQI+ issues from school topics of sex, family and relationships, when you begin to feel different to ‘the norm’, it can be very confusing. That is why it is really important to have safe, confidential spaces to openly discuss feelings.
"With very little advertising, 20 enthusiastic, young people attended the first group and were happy to let us know what they wanted from the meetings and what problems they felt needed to be addressed.
"BAM will meet every fourth Thursday in the month, with the time and place being published only on a private Facebook group and Whatsapp Chat (which have been set up to offer additional support) in order to promote the vision that BAM will be a safe space for everyone attending, including allies.
"Bridlington Pride would like to give a special thanks to ERVAS for helping to establish BAM and provide a safe and empowering developmental space for the young LGBTQI+ community in Bridlington and the surrounding areas. In addition to help from ERVAS, the youth group has received funding from the Hey Smile Foundation as well as support from Morrisons and Greggs in Bridlington to provide food at the two meetings.
"We would also like to ask for your help in making Bridlington Alphabet Mafia successful. We are in need of further funding/sponsorship and volunteers. So if you, or anyone that you know may be interested, please could you contact brid.amafia@gmail.com for further information."
Visit the Bridlington Alphabet Mafia Facebook group here and the Bridlington Pride Facebook page here.