A ‘safe space’ for LGBTQIA+ people has been opened by a couple from Rotherham, who noticed that there was ‘little to no help’ for young people struggling with their sexuality and gender identity.
Founded by Blue Taylor, 27, and Jamie Taylor, 26, Trans Support works with The Rainbow Project to offer peer support as an outreach community for trans and non-binary people in South Yorkshire.
Blue Taylor, who also runs an event-organising company called Diversity Events, started the support group in the hopes of helping young people meet like-minded individuals, she explained that it is really important to have ‘allies’ when you are struggling with your gender identity.
Blue Taylor said: “We did some research and discovered there were very little trans-exclusive safe spaces in South Yorkshire. So we decided to get in contact with Rainbow Project and asked if they could help us with setting up our trans-support project.
“For our first group meeting, we had 10 people come, which is fantastic for a minority group in Rotherham.
“What we’re trying to do is outreach to the trans and non-binary community and offer peer support. We have food and activities; it’s a great chance to chat and talk to people who are just like you and have that lived experience – we can also help to signpost to resources that people might need.”
Jamie Taylor had the idea for the group after realising the extent of how isolated people may feel due to their gender identity. The couple eventually started the group together, because they felt there weren’t enough safe spaces for trans people in society, saying: “The way trans people get treated often validates that belief.”
Blue Taylor said: “Waiting for gender-affirming care in South Yorkshire is insane at the moment; you’re talking maybe a 5 year wait for a first appointment. So there’s never been more of a need for these peer-support groups.”
The group offers meetings at 7 PM every other week, on Wednesdays. The meetings alternate every week, with one week inviting only trans and non-binary attendees, and the other weeks welcoming the individuals’ partners and loved ones. This is to offer a chance for visitors to bring their support systems to meet different people and learn from each other and how best to support each other.
Studies have shown that peer social support mitigates the negative impact of stigma on the mental health of transgender individuals.
Blue Taylor said: “I think the most important part of it is we are a welcoming and inclusive space, and we do genuinely care, and that’s why we want people to reach out. We’ve got people that come from Sheffield, Chesterfield, and Barnsley just to access the group. That shows us there’s a real need for these spaces. And since the group began, we’ve had a lot of happy faces come through the door.”
The support group accepts donations of clothing, unused makeup and toiletry products.