LGBT group aiming for first Telford Pride march

Kevin Tanner, 56, held the first meeting of Telford LGBT+ on Tuesday after feeling that the town needed a support group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. He said that it had been a huge success, and was excited to continue building the group.

“I was honestly expecting no-one to turn up but we had 15 to 20 people there of all ages, from teenagers to those who have retired,” he said.

“I organised the group due to the lack of support and social groups for LGBT in the Telford area and just wanted to know if there was a need for such a group and what people would want from it.

“My ambitions and aims in the longer term include having events such as guest speakers, coordinating with national groups like Stonewall to have their events in town, and hopefully an annual Telford Pride.

“On going around the group, stories of such openness were told that it took my breath away and made me so happy that people were so comfortable to share this with total strangers to some of them. It became clear that a social group would be wanted, just to meet for a cup of tea or a drink, but also that this would work as a peer support group, knowing you’re not alone and making life just a little bit better.”

Kevin thanked Councillor Rae Evans of Telford & Wrekin Council, the community support team and Katy Driver for their help organising the meeting.”

The next meeting is expected to be held at the end of November or beginning of December.