FOR many young people, coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) can be a difficult and stressful process. Now members of a Clydebank youth organisation have created a film to share their experiences and offer advice in a bid to help more LGBT people feel comfortable and embrace their identities.

The Confidence in Coming Out film was produced in conjunction with Fixers, an organisation which highlights personal experiences to try and make positive changes and help people. A packed launch night was held at Y Sort-It’s base on West Thomson Street last week to celebrate the completion of the film, which is now available to view online. MSP Gil Paterson voiced his support while new West Dunbartonshire MP, Martin Docherty, spoke to the group via Skype from Westminster to offer his congratulations.

Craig Cochrane, an LGBT worker at Y Sort-It, told the Post the evening had been a great success. The 25-year-old said: “Young people have not just been getting a say in the project now and again, they organised and co-ordinated it too, which has given them a real sense of ownership. This is great recognition for their efforts.” Six people from Y Sort-It featured in the film, led by Courtney Hendry, 20.

They discussed the moments they first became aware of their identity and the concerns they had about sharing the news with friends and family members. Worries included a fear of becoming isolated, telling younger siblings and breaking the news to parents who had long held wishes of becoming grandparents.

Cath McNally, a young people’s co-ordinator at Fixers, said: “Getting the chance to work with the young people and staff from LGBT Fusion in Y Sort-It has been an absolute pleasure. Their hard work to highlight the issues that LGBT individuals experience is a testament to their own passion and motivation to create real and lasting positive change for the LGBT community.

“Through their Fixers campaign they are showing others the difficulties faced by the LGBT community when coming out while also showing those thinking of coming out that they are not alone and there is support.” Mr Cochrane explained the plan is to continue raising awareness of LGBT issues via the film.

“Coming out is not necessarily a one-off event,” he said. “Lesbians, gay men and bisexual people may have to come out many times during their lives so we want to continue discussing the importance of embracing your identity and fostering inclusion wherever you go.” To view the new film log on to www.fixers.org.uk and search for Confidence in Coming Out.

Y Sort-It’s Fusion youth group is a service for young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people living in West Dunbartonshire.

The group provides an opportunity to take part in workshops, learn new skills and develop knowledge about loads of different topics like sexual health, confidence building, job skills and more.

It also gives young LGBT people the opportunity to make new friends and have fun.

The group meets every Monday from 6.30pm until 8.30pm at the Y Sort-It base at 5 West Thomson Street, Clydebank.

Anyone looking for more information on Fusion should contact Laura on laura@ysortit.com, Craig on craig@ysortit.com or call 0141 941 3308.