Rainbow flag flies high over group's new home
A MOVE to a new Calder Valley community hub was celebrated with a colourful flag raising.
Mayor of Hebden Royd, Coun Robin Dixon, welcomed members and friends of Galyic (Gay and Lesbian Youth in Calderdale) to Hebden Bridge Town Hall as the group celebrated its 11th anniversary and its move to the town hall.
As part of the celebrations the town clerk and Coun Dixon hoisted the Galyic flag, which consists of a rainbow triangle on a black background, over the town hall to cheers from Galyic members.
Nine members of Galyic gave a presentation on some of their achievements over the years, including involvement in national campaigns such as awareness training for the department of health, giving presentations at local, regional, and national events such as the presentation on Anne Lister at the British Museum last year, as well as providing a weekly youth group in Halifax where young people from across Calderdale can access a safe space.
The group also has a useful website, which acts as a source for relevant information.
Jan Bridget, service manager, who founded the group with a number of young people in 1999, said: "I am delighted at the turn out.
"There were about 20 young people, some of their friends and families, representatives from agencies we work with as well as several members of the Hebden Bridge town hall committee at the event.
"Whilst things have improved for older lesbians and gays, young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LBGT) people are still isolated and some find it difficult to meet other young people; homophobic bullying is found in all schools and parents aren't always supportive when their child comes out.
"We are finding that the average age for young people coming out has dropped significantly, many are now coming out when they are 14-years-old. Without support from parents, friends or school, this can be a stressful time but Galyic is here to help young people in their journey towards self-acceptance and pride.
"Many more schools are now working with Galyic and we are hoping to launch a new partnership project in the near future to support parents to accept their children; so watch this space," Jan added.
The new telephone number for Galyic is 01422 844858.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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