Our aim is to celebrate and represent the LGBTQ+ community in a way that it has not been done before.
Ensuring that people who feel isolated and lonely by virtue of their age, sexual orientation or gender identity have a platform, and support.
Our objectives
01
Raising awareness and educating the wider community on the issues and difficulties affecting the lives of LGBTQ+ people, their families, friends and allies as well as challenging homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
02
Building relationships and collaborating with partners and organisations, both in the public and private sector, in developing health and social initiatives that will enhance and enrich the mental health and physical wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community.
03
Becoming a voice for social inclusion by preventing LGBTQ+ people and allies from being excluded from society on the grounds of their age, sexual orientation or gender identity.
04
Working in partnership with local authorities, health providers, third-sector organisations, community leaders and the business, leisure and retail sector to deliver free LGBTQ+ pride festivals and events that celebrate key dates in the LGBTQ+ calendar.
05
Establishing a programme of social events for the LGBTQ+ community and allies, particularly the older community, held in safe and inclusive spaces throughout the year.
The key areas of focus for Out North East include:
The Older LGBTQ+ Community
Older LGBTQ+ individuals often face unique challenges and increased isolation due to a variety of factors.
Historical discrimination, limited social networks, and lack of family support can contribute to their feelings of loneliness and isolation.
As older LGBTQ+ individuals age, they also face additional hardships such as reduced mobility, health issues, and loss of partners or close friends. Many who enter care homes following the loss of a loved one feel the need to go ‘back in the closet’ due to a lack of support and understanding.
This can further exacerbate their feelings of isolation and make it even more difficult for them to connect with others who understand their unique experiences.
Many older LGBTQ+ adults may have lived during a time when being open about their sexual orientation or gender identity was considered taboo or even illegal. This experience of hiding their true selves can lead to a deep sense of loneliness and isolation in later years.
Traditional support, traditional support systems like family or religious communities may not be accepting or understanding of their LGBTQ+ identity, causing them to further distance themselves from these networks and increasing their sense of isolation.
Addressing the isolation of older LGBTQ+ people requires a targeted approach. Creating safe and inclusive spaces where they can socialise and interact with peers who share similar experiences is crucial. Community organisations, support groups, and LGBTQ+ centres can play a vital role in providing these spaces, helping to foster a sense of belonging.
Educating healthcare, educating healthcare providers and elder care professionals on LGBTQ+ issues can help ensure they receive competent and affirming care.
Combating the isolation experienced by older LGBTQ+ individuals will be one of Out North East’s key focus issues.
Out North will help foster safe, inclusive environments and support LGBTQ+ friendly policies; helping to create a society where all older adults, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can age with dignity, connection and fulfilment.
The key areas of focus for Out North East include:
Drug and substance abuse
Drug and substance abuse is a pressing issue within the LGBTQ+ community, with studies consistently showing higher rates of substance use compared to the general population.
There are several contributing factors to this trend. Social stigma, discrimination, gender identity and the ongoing struggle for acceptance can create a hostile environment for many LGBTQ+ individuals, leading to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Substance abuse can become a coping mechanism to escape these challenging emotions or to fit in within certain social circles.
Addressing drug and substance abuse within the LGBTQ+ community involves creating safe and welcoming spaces within the community where individuals can feel supported and empowered to seek help. LGBTQ+ specific support groups and substance abuse treatment programs that provide culturally competent care are essential.
LGBTQ+ individuals often face unique challenges such as family rejection, bullying, and violence, which can contribute to higher rates of substance abuse.
The lack of supportive networks and limited access to affirming healthcare services can also further exacerbate the problem.
The key areas of focus for Out North East include:
COVID-19 Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on the LGBTQ+ community, exacerbating existing challenges and creating new ones.
Younger members of the community who were forced to move back to the parental home have not been able to move on due to the cost of living crisis. This has seriously impacted on their mental health as they struggle to live their true authentic lives.
The older community, who isolated and had no way to engage with people, have found that bars, cafes, restaurants and LGBTQ+ businesses which were familiar safe spaces, have not reopened. This has further limited their ability to engage with the community.
Many LGBTQ+ individuals already face higher rates of mental health concerns, and the pandemic and its long-term impact has only heightened these challenges. Out North East will work to deliver events and activities that will address the loss of in-person social connections, support networks, safe spaces, and community events has left many feeling disconnected and lonely.
The key areas of focus for Out North East include:
TRANS RIGHTS
The transgender community faces a range of unique challenges that can have a significant impact on their lives and well-being. These challenges stem from societal prejudices, legal barriers, and limited access to proper healthcare and support services.
One of the most significant challenges faced by the transgender community in the UK is widespread discrimination and prejudice. Transgender individuals often endure stigmatisation in the media and marginalisation in various aspects of their lives, including education, employment, and housing. They face difficulty finding and keeping jobs due to prejudice and experience higher rates of unemployment.
In educational settings, transgender students may face bullying, harassment, and exclusion, leading to lower educational attainment and mental health issues
Many transgender individuals also struggle with issues related to family acceptance and social support networks. Coming out as transgender can strain relationships with family and friends, leading to feelings of isolation and abandonment. Many transgender people find solace and support within the broader LGBTQ+ community, but not everyone has access to these networks, particularly in more rural areas where resources may be limited.
Working with partners, Out North East will deliver a programme of health and wellbeing activities and events that will support the transgender community..
Out North East has great ambition but regardless of how large we grow, we will always have one aim at our heart, to remind everyone to be proud of their true authentic selves, and that equality, diversity and inclusion is a cause for celebration and not fear.
CONNECT WITH US
Out North East
Pride Media Centre, Unit T1,
Stonehills, Gateshead,
Tyne and Wear NE10 0HW
