NEWSLETTER ISSUE ONE
PUBLISHED
BY: SWANSEA BAY LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL &
TRANSGENDER SWITCHBOARD.
SWANSEA BAY LGBT SWITCHBOARD HELP AND
INFORMATION LINE IS AVAILABLE: MON 7.00 – 9.OO
TUES 12.00 – 4.00
01792 645325
Wed, Thur
& Fri 7.00 - 8.00pm MOBILE: 07745 685374
WEB: www.oocities.org/Swansea_bay_lgb
E-MAIL: lgbt_switchboard@yahoo.co.uk
VOLUNTEERS
URGENTLY NEEDED 
Swansea Bay
LGBT Switchboard
Vacancies: Management Committee Member
Not
just Management Committee Members, we are looking for people who have ideas and
the ability to take them forward, active in working groups, enthusiastic people
who want to improve and expand on the service we provide.
If
you have what it takes to enhance our performance call Angela on (01792) 645325
any Tuesday between 12.00 – 4.00pm.
Or e-mail on:
lgbt_switcboard@yahoo.co.uk
NEW FOR NOVEMBER: LGBT NETWORK CYMRU
INFORMATION, SUPPORT &
COMMUNICATION.
From 5th November
2004
Swansea Bay LGBT Switchboard will have a new name: LGBT NETWORK CYMRU.
We are spreading our wings and obtaining lots of information from all areas in Wales.
SOCIAL GROUP
If you have a social group
or an event in your area please let us know so we can include it in our literature
and inform callers of what’s on and where.
Those of you who feel
isolated and have little contact with like-minded people and would like to be
more involved - we can help by providing you with a communication point via
Zigzag or our web pages.
Our service is here to help people and we are
available to assist if we can (except as a dating agency.)
SOCIAL GROUP FOR GAY MEN
Recently we have been asked for men’s social groups
and unfortunately apart from the pubs and clubs there is very little organised - so what do you do to communicate with other
gay men? We know you have Gay Dar and the like but Please Please let us know.
HELP NEEDED
If any one is interested in assisting with setting up
a social group for Gay Men, away from the scene contact us via our e-mail or
phone with your ideas.
WOMENZONE
Women have events organised by the volunteers of
the Lesbian Group who also produce Womenzone full of dates for your diary. For
those women who would like to know more phone Switchboard or e-mail us.
Meet each month at various restaurants in Swansea. Next
meeting on Thursday 23 September. For more information, e-mail Silva on
swsupperclub@hotmail.com
And more:
PEMBS AND CARMARTHEN WOMEN SOCIAL EVENING
Want to know more?
Call Switchboard.
“COMING OUT”
Identifying yourself as
lesbian or gay and disclosing this to other people is often referred to as
'coming out'. 'Coming out' is a necessary and usually positive experience for
most young people who grow up lesbian or gay. It can take place in the early to
mid teenage years. In this period, coming to terms with confusion about
identity can affect a young person's social relationships, school work and self-esteem
both negatively and positively.
Many young lesbian and
gay people experience critical times when they have to decide who to tell about
their sexuality. In making this disclosure they are often fearful of negative
reactions, rejection and causing upset and distress to the person they are
telling. Sometimes a young person may try 'coming out' to a supportive teacher
or a school friend as a precursor to talking to parents in order to rehearse
their own part and to judge reactions. Receiving a negative reaction can be
very distressing.
Support and guarantees
of safety are valuable to people 'coming out'. The availability of secure and
confidential groups or contacts can
be instrumental in reducing anxiety which is only magnified by feelings of
isolation. The presence of role models in the shape of adults who 'come out'
and those who offer non-judgmental support and help young people access these
groups can be important. Positive treatment by, and contact with, role models
can also encourage them to feel confident about their future.
IF YOU HAVE A COMING
OUT STORY THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US, PLEASE MAIL :
lgbt_switchboard@yahoo.co.uk, we would
like to publish these in a forthcoming issue of Zigzag. Your experience may
help someone else.
Similarly, we would
welcome any funny stories or serious issues that you would like to share.
Switchboard welcomes
support in any form from individuals, and there are a variety of ways to help. For
people that are not in the position to volunteer to work on the helpline, there
is always a need to distribute publicity materials to places such as libraries,
colleges youth clubs and pubs/clubs.
Volunteer at home:
If you have a computer at home and a few hours a
month to spare Zigzag needs you. We are looking for people to research
information for the newsletter.
It’s always hard to keep up with what’s going on in
our ever changing world. If you have the time and know how, please get in
touch.
SWITCHBOARD CHANGES
It has been a difficult time for Switchboard
volunteers with the change of address and telephone number. We had to start
from the beginning, re advertising our information, new phone number, helpline
hours etc. We want you to know that this was just a blip and we are still there
for those that need us for support and with info on what’s happening in our
community, socially and more.
Have you looked at our web pages recently? There is
lots of information and links. Why not take a look and let us know what you
think?
lgbt_switchboard@yahoo.co.uk
CARDIFF MARDI GRAS SEPTEMBER
4TH 2004
FREE
EVENT 2.00 – 9.00pm
Coopers Field Cardiff Castle. More information on the
web.
Mardi
Gras Rainbow Disco (MIXED EVENT)
Saturday
4 September, will be held at Clwb Ifor
Bach, Womanby St. Cardiff. Limited tickets can be
obtained from Rainbow Project stall at the Mardi Gras.
PUBS
& CLUBS IN SWANSEA
CHAMPERS
HIGH
ST SWANSEA
(01792)
655622
EXCHANGE
THE
STRAND SWANSEA
(01792)
645345
THE
WATERSIDE & H2O
THE
MARINA SWANSEA
(01792)
648555
SWANSEA
BAY POLICE LIAISON GROUP
THE POLICE LIAISON GROUP was set up for the LGBT
Community to improve relations and have open communication between us, the LGBT
community, and South Wales Police. Providing us with a voice and a safe place
to talk over any issues we may have about safety etc. The next meeting will be
held at the Exchange on 28thJuly 2004, starts 7.00pm then 29 Sep 04 Champers
@7.
Unfortunately we have not been able to obtain any
more information about the Members who organise the meetings - there appears to
be a lack of communication. We have tried to obtain minutes of the last meeting
but they have not been made available to us.
S.Y.G.NET
For
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender people from 14 - 25 years,
Meet
every Friday in Swansea for further information
contact Julia (01792) 477540
VOLUNTEERS
REQUIRED
TO
ASSIST IN DESIGNING A NEW WEB SITE FOR GIRLS - INTERESTED?
e-mail gaygirlsinwales@yahoo.co.uk
WHAT
COULD BE ON THE HORIZON?
One
of Switchboard aims was to open a drop in centre for the LGBT Community in South Wales. The drop in centre would
provide a safe place to meet like minded people, our
ideas include a coffee shop, internet access, as well as a social meeting
place. It would be a learning centre, provide legal advice, housing matters,
health issues etc all led by professional individuals. We have discussed our
idea with individuals who may be interested in helping with the financial and
housing side of the centre, what we need to proceed with providing this service
is to prove that the idea is good and needed. We will be distributing
questionnaires across Swansea, in public areas, within
the next few weeks. What we ask is for those of you who would be interested in
using the facility, to please answer the questionnaire - volunteers will be
available to assist in returning the questionnaires to us.
WATERSIDE
AND H2O THE MARINA SWANSEA
As always we
are pleased to make a contribution to Zigzag, as well as supporting Swansea Bay
LGBT Switchboard.
Monday nights at the Waterside is
the Chill out Zone – have a quiet drink in the comfort of the beautiful
Mezzanine bar with fantastic views of the Maritime Quarter.
Tuesday night Game Night
Wednesday is Krazy Karaoke with DJ Corey
in the Waterside, followed by 70s/80s night in the club H2O.
Thursday is live @ midnight with crème de la crème of UK’s male strippers.
Friday is where the weekend
begins, with Club H2O open till 4am.
Saturday, you have the floors of
dance floor action, with DJ Corey,
Mark and Steve,
and two floors open till 4am.
Sunday is Cabaret night, Karaoke,
games, entertainment and more importantly FUN! Hosted by MISS CC SWAN or AUNTIE
MARJE, followed by the cheesiest music around upstairs in H2O, which is open
till 1am.
If you would
like any further information, ring 01792 648555, or check out the website at
www.gaywaterside.com
Switchboard volunteers would like to thank Peter
and all the staff at the Waterside for their continues
support. You have all been fab.
DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE
We are working in partnership with Community First
Domestic Violence
Team Neath & Port
Talbot, to ensure the inclusion of same sex couples
when it comes to service and
provision being made available. We have designed a short questionnaire to
gather information from our community. If you have been involved in an abusive
relationship please can you take the time to answer the few questions on the form.
It is very important that services are made
available for everyone and until we can highlight the need for The LGBT
Communities we will be overlooked when it comes to provisions.
Domestic Violence Community First
Community First implementation aimed at tackling
domestic violence in Neath Port Talbot. Partnership
meets regularly.
Youth issues are important part of the Community
First program contact Switchboard for further information and contact details.
MINORITIES SUPPORT UNIT
The MSU, South Wales Police are looking for members
of the LGBT Communities to attend some open effective discussions and debate in
a safe environment as part of SWP Training.
Anyone interested in attending please contact Simon
Thomas (01639) 889125
e-mail mhu.southwales@cwcom.net
DIRECTORY
ADVICE AND COUSELLING
CATHERINE BANNISTER
Successful therapist with 19 years experience of
Divorce – Separation – Loss – Addiction – Abstinence & Controlled
Programmes.
Help to change your life (01792) 548039
Citizens Advice Bureau
208 High Street
Swansea (01792) 652902
Neath (01639) 635545
Port Talbot (01639) 895057
INFONATION
One stop information service for young people
47 The Kingsway
Swansea (01792) 484010
GENITO-URINARY MEDICINE
SWANSEA (01792) 285015 OR (01792)
285016
LESBIAN
& GAY CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT
Twice
Monthly Meetings
Contact
07719 644581
MIND:
NEATH
& DISTRICT LOCAL ASSOCIATION (01639) 643510
NEATH WELFARE RIGHTS SERVICE (01639) 643905
PRISM – ALCOHOL & DRUGS ADVICE SERVICE
CARMARTHEN 231634
H/WEST
769484
LAMPETER
422555
LLANELLI
741636
SIMON THOMAS
SOUTH WALES POLICE
MINORITIES SUPPOT UNIT
(01639) 889125
SWANSEA BAY LGBT SWITCHBOARD
MON 7.00 – 9.00PM TUES 12.00
– 4.00PM
(01792) 645325
SWANSEA DRUGS PROJECT
FREE CONFIDENTIAL ADVICE
SWANSEA (01792) 472002
THE GYL PROJECT Open Mon – Fri 4.00
– 8.00pm
YOUTH LINE
BRIDGEND (01656) 649990
TRANSGENDER WALES
HELP LINE 07067 426558
TRIANGLE WALES
HOUSING SUPPORT (01792) 469400
SEND
YOUR INFORMATION TO:
ZIGZAG
e-mail lgbt_switchboard@yahoo.co.uk
LESBIAN,
GAY, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDER:
SUPPORT
AND INFORMATION LINE