Interview with Lisa Carlin from Out 2 25 Youth Group

Interviewed by Ricky Platts on behalf of Gayleeds.com

So after a few weeks of arrangements I finally get to do the interview with Out 2 25, We met in the Art Gallery although we were supposed to meet at the Office but I never realised the Office for Youth Services had moved until I got to it so a quick change of venue was made.

I was meeting with Lisa who runs the group and who I have known for over 4 years now, I like to call her Crazy Irish Lady, I’m she doesn’t mind.

Anyway on with the interview…

So Lisa, tell me a bit about Out 2 25.

The group is a LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and   Questioning) group for young people aged 13 to 25 that is run through the Leeds City Council Youth Service to support the young people with issues with homophobia, housing, scene life, sexual health and is also somewhere to meet in a safe environment and not feel threatened.

What kind of support do you offer?

We offer support that meets the needs of our young people through 1 to 1 sessions if needed and also through group work. We will support the young people through just about anything that may be happening at that time in their lives, from housing to coming out.

What kind of activities do you offer to the young people?

A wide range of group work on issues affecting young people, trips out, residential weekends with other LGTBQ/LGBTQ friendly groups from around the country, Social activities like Art based activities such as DJ workshops, dance, photography, self defence, graffiti art, film nights, bowling, and much much more.

What are the requirements for someone to join?

Any young person aged 13 to 25 who lives in West Yorkshire and identifies as LGBTQ and is in need of some support or interested in meeting other LGBTQ young people.

Do you have any other groups aimed at anyone who identifies as LGBTQ?

We run a group called Transtastic which is for people who identify as Transgender.

How often do you meet?

Every Tuesday from 6pm till 8pm (Out 2 25)

       Every 2^nd/4th Thursday 6.30pm till 8.30pm (Out to 25)

       Every 1^st and 3rd Thursday 6.30pm till 8.30pm (Transtastic)

       We meet in a City Centre location, if you wish to join contact us and arrange

       Meeting.

How can you be contacted?

You can call or text me on: 07903319435 or email on: lisa.carlin@leeds.gov.uk

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While I was there I decided to speak to some of the members and ask them about the group and here is what they had to say.

*Joanne- 19

How long have you been a member?

2 and half years now!

Why did you join the group?

I read about it and thought I would come down to meet new people and use the support networks it provides.

How has the group supported you?

The group has been amazing to me, they have supported me with schooling, personal life, social life, sexual health and helped me meet new friends who I am sure are friends for life!

Would you say the group has helped your confidence?

Yes! Definitely, I am so much more comfortable with who I am and find talking about who I am.

*Rob- 16

How long have you been a member?

I’ve been coming to the group now about 18 months.

Why did you join the group?

I had friends who were members of the group and they had suggested going because of how friendly it is and the support they offer.

How has the group helped you?

The group helped me overcome bullying in school and in general life, it has made me the strong person that I am today and I can’t thank the workers enough.

Do you think the group has helped your confidence?

Yes, the group has boosted my confidence so much! I feel like part of a community now rather than been singled out, it has also helped me accept myself and who I am.

How good is the support?

The support is excellent for all young people who come here! It’s not like any other youth group I have been to!

*Not real name

A big thank you to Lisa for taking the time to do this interview and also to Rob and Joanne.

I would also like to add to all the readers that when I when I was 16 I was attacked for been gay and the victim support team at West Yorkshire police recommended that I join Out 2 25 so I did. I was a member on and off for about 4 years. The group gave me a lot of support nearly 2 years ago when I was made homeless. They helped me get into a Hostel, got me on the housing list and supported me once I had been housed. So I know first hand how good this group is for our community and I also think it is amazing that the Council think that support should go on until 25 which are different to other mainstream groups as they only support up to 19.

I would suggest this group to anybody who is LGBTQ and may need some support; I know that if it wasn’t for this group I wouldn’t have been as confident as I am now.

Ricky Platts