Chichester Meeting draws closer links in LGBTQ communities
Friends in Chichester are working to create more links with the Quaker LGBTQ community
The Chichester Quaker Sexual Orientation Gender Identity Inclusion (SOGII) group is growing closer links with the Quaker Gender and Sexual Diversity Community (QGSDC) as a result of Chichester Meeting’s LGBTQ sessions. Maria Martin, from SOGII, told the Friend that she was very excited to link up with the group as she was passionate about broadening the initiative. She said that several Friends were members of both groups.
‘The idea of creating “link” Friends or Meetings came out of discussions in the autumn,’ she explained. ‘A QGSDC committee member, who is also a stalwart of the Chichester group, shared that they were inviting nominations for new committee members and it was felt that having a “link” person might enable us to work more closely channeling energy, ideas and information.’
The bi-monthly sessions on ‘Being Allies – Being Friends – Quakers and the LGBTQ Community’ started in early 2019 after a visiting speaker highlighted the issue. Andrew Grove, from Chichester Meeting, told the Friend: ‘We had a visiting speaker who spoke about the situation and people’s need for a forum where they could discuss their problems and experiences. It came out that several people in the Meeting had had experiences which we weren’t aware of. It was a very emotional session and we realised we ought to be doing something to help.’
Maria Martin said: ‘We look forward to working more closely in the New Year to ensure that Friends can continue to celebrate our diversity as Chichester Meeting’s Statement of Inclusion says: “Safe, welcome, valued and respected”.’
Comments
Please login to add a comment
