LGBTQ Moray organised a support session for LGBTQ+ young people at Forres Town Hall

A fun, in-person session organised by Pride in Moray focused on mental and physical health.

‘Schools Out’ officially launched on Saturday, June 14 at Forres Town Hall, supported by representatives from Forres Academy, Mikey’s Line, National Autistic Society, Aberlour Youth Point and Moray Rape Crisis.

LGBTQ Moray chairman, David Harrison, confirmed the open meeting offered young LGBTQ+ people information and assistance.

He explained: “The tone surrounding the community in wider society is difficult but LGBTQ Moray wants every young person to know: we see you, we support you, and we’ve got your back.

“While attendance was modest, it offered a great foundation to build on. It was especially encouraging to see attendees engaging with such vital services. The atmosphere was relaxed and incredibly positive.”

As well as ‘Dungeons and Dragons’, attendees played other games, took part in activities and raffles with prizes from local businesses Babalu and Forres Coffee House, and were able to read LGBTQ-focused books.

Information was on hand from The Samaritans, NHS Grampian, Scottish Trans, LGBT Youth Scotland and Somewhere for Us.

Topics for conversation included mental health, sexual health/safety and consent, inclusion and acceptance.

“We are very happy that we were able to help the young people that attended,” said David. “They had fun and interacted very well with the attending organisations.”

LGBTQ Moray hope to host a similar event in Elgin around October to offer more young people access to the same resources.

David finished: “It is important that the young queer people have access without judgement to such information that is severely lacking in Moray.

“What made the first session truly meaningful was the message behind it: support for young, queer people shouldn’t be limited to just one time of year; and access to mental health, wellbeing and identity-affirming resources needs to be regular, consistent, and trusted. This is exactly what Schools Out aims to provide.”

For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/lgbt.moray/?locale=en_GB