Ahhh, an LGBT Wales-Wide Life will be filled full of activism activity with Stonewall and such, the gamut of gay outings to perfect Prides, and the arts adventures of stage and screen…famous last words.
The plan was, that after a swift step down from PRISM Co Chair capers, I’d throw myself whole-heartedly into my School Role Model stuff, let loose as The Gloves Are On LGBT Lead, fly the flag as a Barry Pride Ambassador.
And sign on the dotted line as an Iris Prize Volunteer – marvellously mixing my love of cracking cinema and queer culture.
But boom…along came the wretched ‘Rona, and my queer quests screeched to a halt…and then some…and then some.
Queer News was supposed to be me waxing lyrical about the places I go, the difference I make, and the issues I face, not an account of a life lived largely stuck in the study on screen.
Truth be told, I was just about to go back to the drawing board when, just like often happens in this luscious life, I was asked to be part of an exciting new queer quango.
And LGBTQymru was born, dragged kicking and screaming into the world in a gust of glittere and draped in a Rainbow flag.
I was so proud (pun intended) to join forces with my fellow passionate, and respected activists, and allies, dedicated to keeping to supporting, celebrating, and connecting our queer Qmmunity in Wales
Our first project was the inaugural Wales Wide Virtual Pride.
This oustanding online event celebrated the whole of our community across the whole of our country, and brought together all those living the LGBTQ+ life, in Wales.
Fresh from that stunning success, the next chapter of the LGBTQymru story sees us launch a Wales Wide Digital Magazine – the first ever online bilingual queer magazine for our community, by our community
This will be a free, quarterly magazine that covers the life, stories, and topics of the LGBTQommunities within Wales through four key themes: Lifestyle, Community, Health and well-being, and Culture.
I’m chuffed to bits that I get to mix up my long-time love of writing, my eagle-eyed editing skils, and my love of LGBTQ life as an Associate Editor.
Issue One will be on the screen soon – watch our website here!
If you want to be part of LGBTQymru’s evolution, have a passion for making a positive difference. Love working with others, and are able to dedicate time to building a platform to support, celebrate, and connect our LGBTQommunites in Wales, then we’d love to hear from you.
We are especially keen to hear from our ethnic minorities, trans and non-binary folk and disabled people to better reflect the community we serve.
Find our much more about us Find out more by following us on INSTAGRAM| FACEBOOK | TWITTER.
And if you are interested in joining us, please complete our application form here. The LGBTQymru Team can also be contacted direct here.
So, all’s well that ends well really, and Queer News lives to plod on through this pandemic with the added bonus of queer quarantine Pride that made history, and an LGBTQymru for life.
Onwards and upwards
Speak soon.
Mrs SVJ
The Voice Of Our Community
Sue Vincent-Jones, writing as Mrs SVJ, is a Barry born journalist, editor, and communications specialist. She blogs about Barry – and her life in the wider world, through the eyes of a, quirky and queer, local girl done good.
Queer News is where Sue writes about her LGBT life – the happy times, and the hot issues. This includes her volunteer work in the queer community, and her role as both a founding member of LGBTQymru, and Associate Editor of its digital magazine.
Check out LGBTQymru Magazine here.
Mrs SVJ, Barry’s Boldest Blogger, can be contacted here.