New LGBT group aims to create safe place in Valleys

A NEW LGBT group has been set up in Porth.

The group, called Proud Valleys, will meet at Pop Factory on a Tuesday evening. it aims to create a safe and welcoming place for all genders, sexualities, ages, religions and beliefs.

The group’s goal is to create a caring community in Rhondda Cynon Taff where all can feel welcome, have their questions answered and overcome isolation, prejudice and other issues which LGBT people face on a daily basis.

The group was created by active members of the LGBT community who felt there was no active organisation in RCT or sense of community where LGBT individuals could find advice, support and friendship.

They found that some of their members had questions, needed emotional support or were in need of being with others where they are understood without prejudice.

The group can now offer specialist help from volunteers, with backgrounds in areas such as mental health and homelessness.

Proud Valleys want to promote LGBT rights as well as raise awareness and provide a “safe space” for the community.

Chairman Josh Davies, 24, from Penygraig, said: “There needs to be an awareness and education for people to say it’s OK to be gay.

“They don’t have to be afraid to walk down the street hand-in-hand.

“For me, it’s about raising that awareness to say it’s OK to be LGBT in the Valleys.”

For more information email contact@proud valleys.org or you can call 01443 440510.