DUNDEE Hi... I am Carole, the recently appointed Community Development Officer for LGBT Youth Scotland for Tayside and Forth Valley; but more importantly eagle-eyed, reporter of all things happening in Tayside and Forth Valley at the moment. As a newcomer to both areas I have been trying to discover what is out there for LGBT people in both areas, and there are plenty of options. From support groups to social events, clear your calendars as you have lots to choose from.
TAYSIDE In February we held a launch night for LGBT History Month in Dundee, with the police, youth services and young people attending. We had Shona Robison MSP address the event and the DAFT Initiative provided the music for the night. All in all it was a success and there was some really positive feedback about the type of LGBT services people want throughout Tayside. As a follow on from this event I am organising an event for young people aged 1425, who are interested in developing LGBT services for young people throughout Tayside, the aim is to design a service provision that is led and created by young people themselves. The information evening will be held on Tuesday 28April between 6-8pm at the Corner. If you are interested please send me an email and book your place for the night.
What’s Going On? Diversitay held there woman’s disco a couple of weeks ago and number of ladies who attended was impressive, the woman’s disco is only in it’s infancy, but the number of people attending suggest it may become a more regular occurrence. Diversitay also have a weekly switchboard, and monthly Transgender group. If you would like to find out more about their discos or any of the other services they have to offer, have a look at their website www.diversitay.org.uk Dundee has just held the third International Women’s Festival and it was a great success, with various events from walking tours to loads of women singing!! Planning and preparation will soon be underway for next year’s festival.
NIGHTLIFE 25
The Guager, Brooklyn’s and OUT are all great places for a drink and a dance, these are the three main LGBT venues in Dundee although there are several “gay friendly” venues throughout the city. Why not try a bite to eat at the Braes on Perth Road or at Dundee Contemporary Arts, both offer delicious food at reasonable prices. There are many great things going on in Dundee, but there does seem to be a lack of activity in the Tayside area. If you live in Angus or Perth and would like to tell me what’s going on in your area, please drop me an email. My address is at the bottom of this page I would be more than happy to include it in the next issue of QS.
FORTH VALLEY There is not much happening in Forth Valley at the moment that I am aware of, but if I am wrong please let me know!! There is a Transgender group that meet in Dunblane once a month, they are a new group but have a good number of people going along to it. Within Stirling University they have an active LGBT society and are always looking for people to come along and have a drink with them. They go to other universities to meet LGBT societies and take part in awareness raising throughout the university. To find out more information go to the universities website. If you have anything you wish to add to the Forth Valley section of this page, then please let me know and I will happily include it. I hope you have enjoyed this brief canter through Tayside and Forth Valley, and as I have already mentioned if I have missed anything out regarding events or groups please let me know and I will include them in my next ramble through central Scotland. Until then stay safe and be fun!!! Carole carole.sneddon@lgbtyouth.org.uk