Blog
Crafternoon - Out Together and HuGG
A note from Caz, LGBTQ+ Young Person and Family Support Worker
On Wednesday 31st May, Brunswick yOUTh hosted our first ever Crafternoon and invited our friends Out Together and HuGG to join us for an afternoon of tea, cake and crafts. The idea for the event came following some of our young people and myself joining Out Together and HuGG members for their coffee morning in April.
It’s hard to believe that only 57 years ago it was illegal to be gay and 21 years ago Section 28 was still in force, so it was really lovely to look around the room and watch different generations of our community interacting and proudly being themselves. It was heartwarming to see our yOUTh members and Out Together and HuGG members chatting, sharing stories and learning from each other over tea, cake and crafts. I believe that intergenerational work like this is really important and is a celebration of how far our community has come.
Being able to be unapologetically yourself and feel safe around others who understand and are accepting is something that all LGBTQ+ people should have the opportunity to have access to.
The afternoon was a huge success and everyone left with smiles on their faces and great memories from the day.
The staff, volunteers and young people of Brunswick yOUTh would like to thank Out Together and HuGG for allowing us to get to know you and we look forward to sharing further future events with you all.
Caz (she/her)
Quotes from Out Together and HuGG
"The youngsters were really curious about our own experiences of coming out and it was great to hear about theirs too. It all took place in a calm and relaxed atmosphere with tea, cakes and crafting"
“As a 72 year old gay man I don't get many opportunities to chat to younger people. I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon, talking about our common and shared experiences. My life then, their lives now.”
“I really enjoyed talking with the Trans girl and sharing the story of my own transition. I do hope that the information I gave her will help her on her own journey”.
Quotes from yOUTh young people
“The event was very well managed, I enjoyed meeting everyone and had a good laugh about personal experiences and sharing our love for arts and crafts.”
“I really enjoyed meeting the older members and finding out about their lives and experiences.”
Quote from a volunteer
I volunteered with The Brunswick Centre for the youth group who joined the Out Together and Hugg organisations. It was lovely seeing the older and younger people from the LGBT community communicating with one another and seeing the different generations interacting and having a lot of topics and experiences in common.
On a personal note, I spoke to two elderly gay men in their late 80's and it was so lovely to hear about their experiences they had and had to endure in paving the way for myself as a gay man to have a lot easier life. It was a privilege to have a sit down and a coffee with them both.