FTL gives talk to Mosaic LGBT+ Young Persons' Trust

On the afternoon of the 31st May I was invited, along with my lovely Pets as Therapy dog Coby to give a little talk to the young persons who had gathered at their meeting place for an afternoon of chat, cups of tea and nibbles. Lukasz Konieczka, who I have known for about 15 years, has created the most amazing safe space for these young people to gather. Their age range is from 12 to 19 and Lukasz has established himself as one of the most competent and charismatic people I know in the LGBT+ world when it comes to supporting what he always refers to as his ‘young persons’.

Of course when I got there Coby was overwhelmed with special doggie treats (he even came home with a party bag of treats) and pats and once he was laying down and chilling out I told the young persons all about me, how I had got involved with Families Together London and what a delight it was for me to meet them. I had, about 12 years ago, given a similar talk when Lukasz was getting established. I wonder where those young persons are now. I hope they have flourished in their adult lives.

After I had spoken a couple of the group came up to me to speak privately about their lives. It is always heartening when one makes an impact and people trust you enough to come and spill out their stories. We never at FTL tell people what they must do but just listen and suggest ideas. Hopefully I made some inroads for these two young people.

Of course pronouns were discussed and I always find myself in a bit of deep water there. I am still getting to grips with pronouns and I hope that my apologies and wish to learn was appreciated. I think my apologies were accepted because I received some delightful emails from some of the group saying how much they had enjoyed my visit with Coby.

To be able to provide a safe space for some of these youngsters when they are very often dealing with rejection from peers and grown ups including their own families is vital.

Long may Lukasz continue with his superb work.

Oh yes, here is Coby.