This Book is Gay (26 page)
Authors: James Dawson
As a final point, be aware that your child's identity isn't your âfault' and, even if it were, it's no bad thing. I've been gay for a really long time now, and it's pretty good fun. To be honest, in my careers as a teacher and author it's had very little impact. I used to be in a band, and I did clinical neuropsychology at university. I got a first-class honours degree. My sexuality hasn't held me back EVER.
Your child's identity is a part of them that has always been there. They haven't even changed; it's just that now you're seeing the whole picture â IT'S BUTTERFLY TIME.
You are not alone. The Internet is jam-packed with services especially
for young LGBT* people. The aim is to provide you with information,
friends, contacts and condoms. Obviously, Google is your best friend,
but here are some links and numbers to save you some time.
NHS Services
The NHS Live Well service has information on gay health, including HIV/AIDS:
www.nhs.uk/Livewell/LGBhealth
The NHS also has fantastic advice for people thinking about their gender identity or transitioning. This site offers information and will also direct you to your nearest gender clinic:
www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Transhealth
For information on STIs or to locate your nearest sexual health clinic:
www.nhs.uk/Livewell/STIs
Helplines
The London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard offers advice to all LGBT* people on coming out, family, isolation, sex and sexual health, and even your nearest gay services, organisations, bars, and clubs. The calls are charged at the local rate and are included in your free mobile minutes.
LLGS:
0300 330 0630
LGBT Helpline Scotland:
0300 123 2523
Childline is free and confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
ChildLine:
0800 111
1
Charities and Pressure Group
s
Stonewall:
stonewall.org.uk
The Terrance Higgins Trust (for information on HIV/AIDS):
tht.org.uk
The Kaleidoscope Trust:
kaleidoscopetrust.com
Amnesty International:
amnesty.org.uk
Mermaids Family Support Group for Children and Teenagers with Gender Identity Issues:
mermaidsuk.org.uk
LGBT* Youth Groups
Southern England
Mosaic LGBT Youth Centre (North and West London):
mosaicyouth.org.uk
The Gap Youth Club (South London):
ww3.wandsworth.gov.uk/ csweb/cs/Gap-Youth-Club.aspx
Allsorts Youth Project (Brighton / South Coast):
YAY! (You And Yourself! Cornwall):
Space Youth Project (Dorset):
spaceyouthproject.co.uk
Midlands
Out Central (Birmingham):
0121 464 5559
Outburst (Nottingham):
www.outburst.org.uk
North of England and Scotland
LGYM (Lesbian and Gay Youth Manchester):
LGBT Youth York:
LGBT Youth Scotland:
GYRO (Gay Youth R Out Liverpool):
POUT (Lancashire):
0800 783 1524
Out 2 25 (Leeds):
07903 319435.
BLAGY (Bradford):
01274 395815.
Ireland
Belong To will direct you to your nearest group:
www.belongto.org
UK Gay Youth website for LGBT* people 25 and under, with links to many groups:
www.gayyouthuk.org.uk/
The Terrence Higgins Trust runs a website especially for young gay men, with links to many more groups:
www.ygm.org.uk
DISCRIMINATION AND BULLYING
In the workplace: Contact ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) at
acas.org.uk
.
WRITING THIS HERE BOOK
The
This Book Is Gay
survey was carried out in spring/summer 2013. From the three hundred respondents, case studies were chosen and interviewed more thoroughly. Some names have been changed to protect the confidentiality of some interviewees. A huge thank you to all who took part.
So many people to thank on this one. Firstly a big thank you to everyone who contributed both their time and their stories to this book. I simply wouldn't have done it without you, seriously. Special thanks to All Sorts Youth Group in Brighton and Wayne Dhesi at Stonewall.
Thanks again to Tori Kosara, my editor, who suggested the project in the first place and also supported it throughout. I wasn't sure there was a book here, but it turns out there is, and it's one I think we can both be proud of. The fantastic illustrations are once again down to Spike Gerrell and I think you've brought the words to life.
Thanks to everyone at Hot Key and Red Lemon. Nonfiction is such a team effort. Thanks to Jet and Dan for the cover and design and to Emma for overseeing everything. SPAM team: love you long time.
Finally, thanks as ever to Jo, my fantastic agent!
