Wayout welcomes lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and those questioning their sexuality and sexual identity who are 25 and under. Groups meet regularly in Oxford and are run by a lesbian and a gay male worker. You can call the Wayout LGBT Youth Group to find out about meetings and events on 01865 243389 or read on to find out more. What is Wayout? Wayout is a group for young people who either already know they are lesbian, gay, transegender or bisexual, or who think they might be. Being with other young people who feel the same way is really good. You know you're not alone and that there are other young people out there who are know what you're going through. |
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The posters and leaflets were designed by young people already
involved with Way OutI'm not out yet and really don't want my parents to find out!
Wayout is totally confidential, whether you are out, or not. You can say whether you would like to be contacted at home or not. You can come to the group whenever it suits you.
I live out of town, and would have trouble getting to a meeting ...
Terrence Higgins Trust will pay your fares if you need to take the bus or catch a train to get to the group.
I don't know anyone and couldn't face walking in by myself!
Walking into the group by yourself is not necessary. Wayout Youth Workers can to meet you beforehand and introduce you to the group.
What does everyone do at these meetings?
Wayout can simply be a place for young LGBT people to meet, talk and hang out, but it is also much more. There is a programme of events devised throughout the year, usually on a monthly basis. Memebers can contribute their ideas about what to do. Activities have included: laser quest, punting, ice-skating, bowling, picnics and sport.
What do your members think of it?
"I first decided to come to Wayout when I was questioning my sexuality and was very confused about it. I'm glad I started attending because everyone is a big help there and are so understanding."
"I like coming to Wayout because I can talk to the staff and they listen to me. I think it's good because you can make new friends and do things with the group."
"Being gay can be quite isolating. I don't live in a big cosmopolitan city, I didn't know anyone else who was, or thought they were gay. Realising there are groups of young gay people, for young gay people, feels really good. You know you're not alone. You know you're going through what they're going through. You know all you have to do is pop along one day and meet them all in total confidentiality, whether you're out or not. No-one's going to phone home, no-one's going to demand your name. There's no pressure to attend and if you live far away, they even pay your travel costs so your parents don't know. I found it really helped. Just making new friends, meeting new people and better than that, it meant I could start being me and doing things I'd always wanted to. It gave me a safe place to go just 'be' gay however ridiculous that sounds. Once a week, you can forget stressing about fancying Ally McBeal, Tom Cruise, or both."
How do I find out more?
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To get involved, to meet a worker, or to arrange to start attending Wayout, call the Terrence Higgins Trust on 01865 243389 or email info.oxford@tht.org.uk |
