I am pondering on setting up a U3A members social group for LGBT+ people in rural Bedford who are out or still closeted, or those who have been unsure of their sexuality for years; plus also those who have close family members or friends who are LGBT+ and you want to understand more about everything and be an ally for them.
It will be a safe space to chat with those who have lived experiences, and for perhaps isolated LGBT+ people to find new friends.
I came out at 23 years old as a lesbian. I only had relationships with women, and in 2002 I set up & ran a successful lesbian & bi women’s social group “Girlz Out in the Sticks” in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire for 13 years. We met up weekly for different activities, had a stall at Oxford Pride in 2007, and took part in numerous Oxford Pride parades.
I was interviewed in 2008 by BBC Radio Oxford about G.O.S https://soundcloud.com/user-912246522-822843392/my-interview-on-bbc-oxford-radio-281108
In 2023 I came out again as bi sexual and now live with my boyfriend. It was as much a surprise to me as it was to my family & friends. However, they had accepted me when I came out at 23, and were there for me again at 50.
My change in sexuality hadn’t changed who I was. We are all wonderfully unique. Take care of yourself.
If you are questioning your sexuality, or newly out, or new to the area, or just would like to get to know more LGBT+ people then do get in touch. I am happy to meet up, and am a relative newcomer to the area as well.
We all had to make that first step once and can remember how daunting it felt to not know anyone else.
Please email me, Sarah, if you’d like to chat. gos.info@yahoo.co.uk
FEEDBACK from some “Girlz Out in the Sticks” members over the years:
Life's an Adventure 