Joe

Joe

Age: 17

Hi my name is Joe. I'm 17, gay, and have been going to Freedom for 8 months.

I first came to Freedom through a social worker. When I first went there it was with my best friend Geo. I remember it was a video night and first met all the guys and gals that I know today. I remember we watched but I'm a cheerleader.

The group has made me a confident person. It has given me a confidence boost which I needed with people. I now have more friends then I did 8 months ago. About 3 months ago one of the friends that I made has helped me out with a situation and I'm glad I know them. It also makes me feel secure to know that you're not the only LGB person around. Freedom has been the best thing that has happened to me so far in my life as I have been getting out and socialising more. If it wasn't for Freedom I wouldn't be here today and would be a right mess.

Recently I have been involved in the LGB forum Y Front, which runs every week. I've been for a few months, but I find it really cool and you get to voice your opinion and listen to others at the same time. I also was involved in the video group and the website group. This year I went to the National Queer Youth Conference trip in Manchester which was really interesting and at the same time enjoyable. I also went to Cardiff Mardi Gras my first Mardi Gras which was amazing except that it rained a lot.

My favourite films are Beautiful Thing and 101 Dalmatians. My hobbies are getting involved with Freedom, hanging out with my friends, taking pictures and talking online (when I can). My favourite genre of music is metal and rock, but I mostly klisten to a broad range of music. The bands I am into lately are System of a Down, Nightwish, Slipknot, Placebo and H.I.M. The TV programs I like to watch are Charmed, Tracey Beaker and Desperate Housewives.

Elizabeth

Age: 18

A couple of friends told me about it and dragged me along to one. I like it and kept on coming.

It has given me a place to come with similar people to get to know. I have made a lot of friends here and gotton help and support for things that have happened in my life. I can talk to the youth workers when I need to and I know that they will listen and support me.

I have only been going to a few evenings but I will be involved in the forum group Y Front.

Favourite films: Spirited Away, Sound of Music and Loot World.

Hobbies: Art, reading, writing, drawing magna, anything Japan based, martial arts and cooking.

Favourite music: Anything and everything.

TV programmes: Charmed and CSI (all).

Myles

Age : 16

My boyfriend and I met Babs the youth worker at Sefton Park. She explained what Freedom was about, then asked us to come along to the drop in session on Tuesday evenings.

It has provided a safe place where I can be myself. I have made a lot of friends in freedom and I'm really happy going there.

I went to Bristol Mardi Gras which was on, but it was really small. I also went to Cardiff Mardi Gras which was amazing, except from the weather.

Favourite film: Sister Act 2.

Hobbies: Body piercing.

Favourite music: Hip Hop.

TV Programmes: Will and Grace, Friends and Buffy.

Georgia

Age: 15

I came to Freedom the first time round purely to help support my friend Joe.

The group has opened my eyes to see that there is a lot more available for LGB people in around Bristol.

I have been involved in Word Storming, pop quiz, creative writing, chilling with my homies, arty things, movie night and umm pizza.

My favourite films are American Beauty and Amile.

My hobbies are Electric Guitar, singing and eating.

My favourite music are 70s & 80s Metal, Black Metal and Triphop.

My favourite TV program is Teachers.

Michael

Age: 20

I came to Freedom Youth because I moved from Wales to Bristol. I was living with friends at the time and I was homeless. My Mum kicked me out for being gay. I found out about Freedom through my connexions PA who recommended that I should go. I have been to Freedom for a year now. I want to become a youth worker and help other young people who have faced the same as me. In Wales I had no support or friends to talk to about my sexuality. You could say I was the only gay in the village. I had low self-esteem and self-harmed due to being isolated.
As I first came out being bisexual I thought being bi was more accepted, but Freedom showed me that being gay is ok and showed me my true identity. Freedom helped me come to terms with my sexuality, as well as my mum. I recommend Freedom Youth to others who face issues of their sexuality and the young people who go are very supportive.

The group has given confidence within me. I have accepted my sexuality, I have met cool new people who have become friends and helped with my issues. Also I have learned how to deal with situations in a more positive way. Some of the activities we've done in the group i.e. sex education has helped because it was never talked about in school, this raised my self-esteem.

Activities that I've taken part in have been the video project, self help project, queer youth conference, Bournemouth trip, Bristol and Cardiff Mardi Gras.

Favourite films: Harry Potter and anything sci-fi, horror and thriller

Hobbies: Reading , clubbing, writing poetry which can be found on the poetry section, creative new styles with make-up and clothess and helping others.

Favourite music: I don't like stereotyping my music. All most anything except jazz and the blues. My favourite artists are Madonna, Kylie, My Chemical Romance, Good Charlotte, Katie Melua, Robbie Williams, Elvis and James Blunt. I love classical.

TV programmes: Alias, Buffy, Angel, Charmed, SG1 and CSI.