Young people commemorate Stonewall

This year marks 50 years since the Stonewall riots in New York, that pushed LGBT rights to the forefront of the word’s awareness, and is widely understood as a pivotal moment in the struggle towards equality for all.

Here at the other side of the world in Perth, we are home to a group of young people who are celebrating and raising awareness of this transformative part of history.

A part of the LGBT Scotland Youth Group, GLOW (which stands for ‘Gay, Lesbian, or Whatever’) are a group of young people aged 13 – 25 who meet up weekly. Throughout February, they are running a free to visit exhibition at the A.K. Bell Library, titled ‘GLOW 50’, in reference to the Stonewall riots. It runs till the 23^rd of February so there are a few days left if you want to check it out!

The display not only commemorates those in the LGBT community who have come before, such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, but showcases the positive effect that GLOW has on young people in the community. They give young LGBT people in Perth the platform to create, to meet, and to have their voices heard.

GLOW give young LGBT people in Perth the platform to create, to meet, and to have their voices heard.Group facilitator Anna Davies tells me that GLOW have existed for around 7 years now, although it’s been going on so long it’s hard to remember! “All are welcome. What we do in each group night is dictated by the young people – last night was pizza making night!”

The GLOW participants told me that the group has been incredibly useful to them too. “I get to do activities I wouldn’t normally do or be able to afford, with friends I wouldn’t have had”, one young person tells me. Another young person agrees, “Yes, it doesn't matter who you are, or identify as. Whether you’re trans, genderfluid, gay, not sure, the people here don’t care. They just want to be your friend.”

It’s this acceptance and inclusion that create a welcoming and friendly space. Anna agrees: “I honestly think this group has taught me more than I have taught them! “Their acceptance of everyone, and their willingness to learn who each person is, is heart-warming.”

This safe environment means that along with the fun times, there is space to discuss harder issues, free from judgement and oppression.

“Mental health and homophobia are examples of difficult issues we’ve discussed. Recently, transphobia has been happening in the simplest of places.”

“However, through the existence of GLOW and Perthshire Pride the LGBT community in Perth is becoming visible. This also allows businesses to show their support, which many have done.”

For some members of the group, GLOW has been life-changing. “I came to GLOW to be with people that are supportive of me being me. I am in a safe place here: the people of GLOW are like me or understand me. They literally saved my life.”

With groups like GLOW in Perth which provide a safe space to be yourself, and simply exist without apology, the future is glowing indeed. If you’re a member of the LGBT community aged 13 – 25 and are interested in coming along, contact Anna at Anna.Davies@lgbtyouth.org.uk.

Make sure you get down to the A.K. Bell to catch ‘GLOW 50’, which runs till the 23^rd of February, 2019.

Perthshire Pride will return for its second year on the 10th of August, 2019.