News / Freedom Youth
LGBTQ+ youth group celebrates 25 years
Ahead of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia, Freedom Youth has launched a 25th anniversary film.
Freedom Youth, part of Off The Record, a mental health social movement based on Old Market, is one of the longest running LGBTQ+ youth groups in the UK.
2020 marks the group’s 25th birthday, and the new video, made by Bristol-based Black Bark Films, lists 25 things the members of Freedom love about the group.
is needed now More than ever
Freedom Youth was formed in 1995 to support LGBTQ+ young people, and initial meetings took place in the basement of Greenleaf, an alternative bookshop in the centre of Bristol.
Freedom Youth is now based at Off The Record
The group has two sections, one for those aged 13 to 19, and one for ages 19 to 25. It’s a safe social space for LGBTQ+ young people to meet each other, discuss issues important to them and have their voices heard.
‘The film celebrates 25 years of Freedom Youth,” explains Henry Poultney, one of the project leaders. “This makes us one of the longest running LGBTQ+ spaces for young people in the UK, which we are very proud to share!”
The film is being released ahead of International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia on May 17, to coincide with the 2020 theme of “breaking the silence”.
Freedom Youth attends Bristol Pride each year
The young people in the film celebrate and recognise 25 reasons why the group is as important in 2020 as it was in 1995; from creating community and feeling less alone, to forming lifelong friendships and learning about queer history.
Watch the video:
All images: From Freedom Youth’s video
Read more: Supporting LGBTQ+ people who are at risk of homelessness
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