2 minute read
ALLSORTS RELEASES NEW PODCAST
Allsorts of Thoughts is a series of podcasts made by and for LGBTQ+ young people, released by Sussex-based charity, Allsorts Youth Project, which listens to, supports and connects children and young people (5-25) who are LGBTQ+ or exploring their gender identity and/or sexual orientation.
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The latest episode, Allsorts of Community, reflects on what it means to be part of a community. It begins with an insightful interview with Allsorts training & education manager Ben, who talks passionately about his work at Allsorts and his role as co-founder of the Brighton Kop, the official Liverpool FC supporters’ club for Brighton and Sussex.
Ben shares his experiences of being a gay man involved so closely in the football world. Having founded the Brighton Kop with his partner, inclusion has been central in facilitating a safe space for all Liverpool supporters in their community.
BEN
Ben says: “Football is a sport I love... I chose to openly and proudly be gay and who I am. It has come with challenges, in the early days of setting up there were people who wanted to do it the ‘old way’. We were very firm and said it’s about inclusion. My sexual orientation was a way to make a stand and do it a different way.”
This engaging interview is followed by a series of moving Q&As with Allsorts Young People. LGBT+ Youth Support Worker, Jo, who has supported the young people in creating Allsorts of Thoughts since its launch in 2019, asks the young people if they feel part of any communities, and how those communities have been affected by Covid-19 lockdown.
One young person says: “I’ve been going to Allsorts for two or three years. I feel like I am understood, that I am being treated equally. I have made some amazing friends. It’s a very strong community and I like it.”
Another comments: “I feel like the support elements of community have been heightened during lockdown. A lot more people in our communities have been struggling and it’s good to know and people are still finding ways to be there for each other.”
This thought-provoking and heartwarming episode of Allsorts of Thoughts is neatly rounded off with a touching reflection on community from community volunteer Riley, and another Felice’s Faves segment, reviewing LGBTQ+ media.
