Posts in category: Articles of Interest

Written by River Rosalind

You don’t have to look at a calendar to see it’s October. Stores are filled with Halloween attire and memorabilia, cafes are attempting to pour yet another ridiculous concoction of pumpkin infused whatever down our throats, and the weather – well honestly I have no idea what’s going on with the weather right now. But we get it, Autumn is upon us. For the majority of people we associate this month with holidays such as Halloween, health observances such as Mental Illness Awareness Week, and for myself and the rest of the 3.5% of the population that identify as black in the U.K, it’s also Black History Month(BHM).

Now for those of you reading this who don’t really know about Black History Month and what it stands for, please, allow me to drop some knowledge onto that beautiful head of yours. The origins of Black History Month can be traced to decorated academic and historian Carter G. Woodson. Woodson founded the event in order to promote, preserve, and encourage the education of black history in public schools across the United States. Originally named Negro History Week, it was and still is celebrated in the U.S during the month of February in homage to both the birthdays of Fredrick Douglass (an African-American abolitionist, author, and statesman) and Abraham Lincoln (the sixteenth president of the U.S whose Emancipation Proclamation led to the ultimate outlaw of slavery in 1865.)

Woodson was convinced that the education of black history was a crucial necessity in order to ensure both the intellectual and physical survival of the black people, whose contributions to society thus far were either completely ignored or white-washed. Negro History Week became Black History month in 1969 when it was put forward by the Black United Students of Kent State University. It was formally recognised by the U.S government in 1976 when Gerald Ford urged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honour the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavour through our history.” BHM was first celebrated in London in 1987, organised by Ghanaian analyst Akyaaba Addai-Sebo who served as a coordinator of special projects for the Greater London Council.

How does it feel to be a bit more culturally enlightened now? It’s a great feeling, right? YOU’RE WELCOME.

BHM has its controversies, with both black and white communities debating whether it is necessary or fair. In this writer’s opinion, BHM is an unfortunate necessity. It’s unfortunate because in my ideal, Utopian society I’d love to think that we as humans could accept and acknowledge the contribution of all races. Not black history, not white history, not asian history etc. – just human history. However, BHM is a necessity considering the still apparent effects of years of systematic racism and white-washing stemming from slavery. We still have to go out of our way to promote, acknowledge, and celebrate our past and culture.

Woodson’s primary intention was to promote and include the education of black history outside of just slavery in academic curriculum. So it saddens me to think that we still haven’t achieved that goal. The majority of education regarding black history still revolves around the premise of slavery and has not yet evolved to the point where students of all cultures can recognise the contributions of blacks as academics, scientists, politicians, authors, artists, inventors etc. Until this happens, a mechanism such as Black History Month is essential not only to understanding history as a whole, but crucial to the self-esteem and identity of young black youth of the world.

Stay tuned for more,

Much love,

River Rosalind

It is suitable I suppose that World Mental Health Day and World Homeless Day should coincide, because they so often cause and come from each other. These are by no means pleasant topics, but ill try to keep this light. I’m not an expert, but I’ll try my best.

The Facts!

LGBT+ youth are more likely to be homeless than their peers. Making up 24% percent of homeless young people. This number is on the rise. The majority of these have experienced familial rejection, abuse and violence. While homeless, they are also more at risk of sexual violence, abuse and substance misuse. They are also more likely to suffer from physical and mental health problems.

LGBT+ individuals are more likely to self-harm. They are ten times more likely to commit suicide. One in three Trans people have attempted suicide. LGBT+ individuals are more likely to experience anxiety, depression and PTSD.

The Pre-amble.

Well. That’s the fun bit out of the way. I could have listed more detailed statistics but the point is that homelessness and mental health problems are more likely and more prevalent in the LGBT+ community than any other demographic. I was surprised by the lack of statistics referring to LGBT+ homelessness in general (not just youth) and that I couldn’t find many detailed statistics in reference to mental health in the LGBT+ community past 2011. Perhaps this is a sign of changing tides, but I think not. (More likely my poor grasp on The Google, so my apologies for that.) The American statistics show a far worse picture. So by international standards we’re doing okay.

The Amble

Luckily homosexuality is no longer categorised as a mental disorder and neither is being Transgender. People now suffer from Gender Dysphoria, which refers to a mismatch between their biological sex and gender identity. While not perfect, this is good as it allows for support to be provided in the form of hormone therapy and/or surgery. There are arguments that this classification should be removed too, but for the sake of red tape and bureaucracy, you have to be stamped before you get help.

The UK has numerous organisations and trusts set up solely for the aid of homeless LGBT+ youth and those suffering from mental health problems. There is a wealth of resources for people to clue themselves up, to better understand and to help alleviate the problem. But the fact remains that a significant proportion of LGBT+ individuals come from families, communities or countries that do not, and won’t try to accept them. It is this fact that creates the problem.

…getting to the point.

Homelessness is on the rise since 2011. Now more than ever, there is a need to treat the causes rather than the symptoms. We have and are making progress in the treatment and understanding of LGBT+ individuals. It doesn’t need to be said but the homelessness and mental health problems so frequently experienced by LGBT+ individuals are not problems that just occur from being gay or Trans etc. They are caused in part by the continuing refusal to accept that, we exist, we are normal, and we won’t try and convert you. The love felt for a child should not evaporate because of their sexuality or gender identity. If we worked more on educating, accepting and looking after each other, we wouldn’t have to treat the symptoms that come from fear, rejection and ignorance.

That didn’t feel very light.

If you or somebody you know is affected by these issues, we can help.  http://www.supportu.org.uk/

Alternatively:

Homelessness – http://www.akt.org.uk/

Mental Health – http://www.pacehealth.org.uk/

October 11^th is National Coming Out Day a chance to celebrate those who have come out as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) or an ally of the LGBT community. This year marks its 27^th year and is held on the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights.

What is coming out?

It is the process through which an individual discloses their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. It is a personal journey for which there is no time frame. For some the process of coming out can take a couple of years and for others even longer. Any LGBT person will tell you that coming out is not a single occurrence. Many continue to come out due to peoples assumption that everyone is straight, cisgendered or gender binary.

Coming out as a member of the LGBT community can be seen as going against the norm of being straight or your assigned gender. This feeling of going against the ‘norm’ can highlight why so many people find the initial process of coming out so daunting. This is why many self-question their sexuality and work towards accepting that we are normal and everything is okay. Whilst it is initially seen as a daunting task, coming out for many is seen as a positive experience. With many looking back and saying it was the best thing they have ever done, often wishing they had done so sooner.

There is no right or wrong way for people to come out. The best way being the one that feels most comfortable. The most logical step is to tell someone who you trust and will be both supportive and understanding. Knowing you have people on your side will make you more confident when telling others. After coming out many turn to social media platforms such as YouTube to share their coming out stories in the hope of inspiring others. Stories are uploaded everyday, and if you are questioning you will be sure to find someone who has story to tell that will help you through your coming out.

With more and more people coming in many different ways it could be seen and many ask why is coming out important?

There are two ways as to why coming out is still seen as important in modern day society; personally and publicly. Coming out is important as it is first and foremost about self-acceptance and being able to say I am different and I’m okay with that. In a cliché statement it is about ‘letting your true colours show’.

For those who aren’t apart of the LGBT community the first thing to understand is that the process of coming out is one that doesn’t stop. People are still coming out many years after their original self-disclosure. This is mainly due to the presumption that everyone follows the ‘norm’ and is either straight or following their assigned gender. As more people come out, the more visible the LGBT community becomes. A more visible community leads to better understanding and more LGBT+ allies. The more people that are related to or affected by the LGBT+ community, the closer we come to a more inclusive and equal society.

The increase in the number of famous people coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender is helping to further highlight the LGBT community. Regardless of sexuality they act as roles models and inspire countless numbers of people on a daily basis. Their coming out is helping to change attitudes and perceptions towards gay footballers, lesbian politicians, bisexual presenters and transgender actors/actresses. They not only inspire but show that through self-belief and commitment it is possible to succeed in any given field.

Things are improving.

But until the day comes when homophobia and transphobia are no longer common place and people are no longer concerned with who you love or what “parts” you have, coming out will always be important.

Need help with coming out? http://supportu.org.uk/coming-out.php

http://www.rucomingout.com is a great website which host a number of coming out stories from people all across the world.

Two weeks ago we hosted the Leave Your Mark art event on Broad Street, which looked to celebrate and promote the diversity and equality of Reading. Over the course of the day over 100 people of all different backgrounds came along and left their mark. The mural was the collaborative project between Support U and Sarah Lawman Arts.

“We are Sainsbury’s Charity of the Year so we spoke to them about the idea of the mural and the meaning behind it and they were more than happy to support and display the murals in their store” Huw Tarry Support U’s Arts and Culture Coordinator.

The mural will be displayed at Sainsburys Friar Street for the next couple of weeks, and we are looking at other possible venues around reading who would like to display the mural. If you or your business are interested in hosting the mural then please get in touch.