Young and Gay - or might be?

For some the first feelings about sexuality are confused and uncertain – for other they are certain but the problem is meeting like minded people. It's easy to end up feeling isolated – like you are the only one. That's not the case. Throughout Hampshire there are hundreds of young people who know they are gay or think they might be. Meeting up with other people can be a good way of getting to know yourself better, and feeling more confident and less alone.

One way of doing that is through the gay scene, there are five venues in the north of the county, and these can be a good place to start (link to listings). However the scene is not for everyone, it can be pretty noisy, and if you're going there alone it can feel difficult to start conversations. If you're anywhere near Basingstoke the Freedom Youth Group (supported by Hampshire Youth Service) can be a great place to start. It's a thriving and friendly group, and you'll be sure that there'll be a friendly face to welcome you. It's for all young gay, lesbian and bisexual people, those exploring their sexuality, and their friends. They have a website at http://www.freedom-youth.freeserve.co.uk or call Bruce on 01256 812474 or 07881 465666. There's also another group in Andover called the GAP Project (details to follow), and another in Southampton called Breakout. (Call Simeon on 07860 444673).

Don't forget that Healthy Gay Hampshire offers one to one support, if you want to talk to someone in confidence. We can arrange to meet at a public place (like a Tesco's cafe) or book a private room. Call the Project for more information.

We also have a useful leaflet in the office called Sorted, it's produced by the Terence Higgins Trust and is a useful guide to coming out. We can send you a copy if you want. We also have copies of a book called A Stranger in the Family which we can send if you want a longer read.

If you are feel that your parents need some more support there is a new group called Parents' Friend in Southampton (details to follow).

Other good people to talk to are young people's information services, school nurses and school counsellors who all offer a confidential service. You might also want to look at the GayYouthUK website.