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GLYNI, as we are more casually known, was set up in 1999 after an increased number of calls to Cara Friend's Lesbian and Gay Helplines. The project was funded by Comic Relief, which paid for a worker to get the group up and running. This funding only lasted three years, during which time the then members set up a hugely popular website. During the three years, a small volunteering team was established to fulfill the aim of a peer-led ethos, and this still remains through to the present day. We provide services to LGBT Youth across the North, and enjoy good working relationships with many community, voluntary and statutory agencies.
Our co-ordinator, Liam Larmour, can be emailed at mail@glyni.org.uk. We will get back to you as soon as we can.
Our ethos
We believe that every LGBT young person has a right to exist, but more importantly, has a right, legal and otherwise, to enjoy full citizenship without fear, prejudice, discrimination and bigotry. To this end, GLYNI will endeavour to support you, your families and friends, to advocate on your behalf by highlighting your needs and interests, and involving YOU in decisions and policy-making that affects your life where your sexual identity is used as a barrier against you. Every young person who has come through our doors has been in a similar situation to you, and some still are. We will do what we can to help you, even if you simply want a friendly face.
GLYNI runs on Monday nights from 6.30pm - 9.30pm, and involves self-development sessions, arts and crafts, Pride workshops, residentials, guest speakers and other various events. It's for young people aged between 16-25 who identify as non- heterosexual, eg lesbian, gay, bisexual. Currently, we are developing a resource aimed at supporting young people through the Coming Out process. We also provide befriending and e-mail support service to young people aged 25 years and under throughout Northern Ireland.
New Members
If you are interested in joining us, please email mail@glyni.org.uk (or text your details to 07737720521 (please note this is a text service only, it is run by volunteers who will not be able to take your calls). We will arrange to meet up with you, have a chat, find out a little about you and help ease any concerns you have about coming to the group for the first time. We understand it is a nerve-wrecking first step, especially for those who aren't out to anyone. We would like to make it as easy as possible for you. And when you get here, one of our expert tea-/coffee makers will make a cuppa especially for you... just because it's you! :o)
Help & Support
GLYNI exists to provide information and support to any and all young people who are questioning their sexuality. If you feel attracted to other boys or girls, or both, and aren't sure what to do, have no-one to talk to and just need a listening ear, then we are here to help you. Please email support@glyni.org.uk, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Or use our new text service 07707216921 (please note this is a text service only, it is run by volunteers who will not be able to take your calls). GLYNI are currently making arrangements to set up a helpline, which will be run by LGBT young people for LGBT young people, and will deal with sexual orientation, as well as issues around sexual health, drink and drugs etc. We appreciate your patience while we get this up and running. To help you get the support you need, we have contacts with other groups who provide services to LGBT young people in different areas around N. Ireland, and will be happy to help you make contact with them.
