Allsorts of Community

The release of this latest episode, ‘Allsorts of Community’, coincides with LGBT+ History Month, and reflects on what it means to be part of a community. It begins with an insightful interview with Allsorts Training & Education Manager, Ben, who talks passionately about his work at Allsorts and his role as co-founder of the Brighton Kop, The Official Liverpool FC Supporters Club for Brighton and Sussex.

Ben shares his experiences of being a gay man involved so closely in the football world. Having founded the Brighton Kop with his partner, inclusion has been central in facilitating a safe space for all Liverpool supporters in their community.

Ben says, “Football is a sport I love...I chose to openly and proudly be gay and who I am. It has come with challenges, in the early days of setting up there were people who wanted to do it the ‘old way’. We were very firm and said it’s about inclusion. My sexual orientation was a way to make a stand and do it a different way.”

This engaging interview is followed by a series of moving Q&As with Allsorts Young People. LGBT+ Youth Support Worker, Jo, who has supported the young people in creating ‘Allsorts of Thoughts’ since its launch in 2019, asks the young people if they feel part of any communities, and how those communities have been affected by COVID-19 lockdown.

This thought-provoking and heart-warming episode of Allsorts of Thoughts is neatly rounded off with a touching reflection on community from Community Volunteer, Riley, and another ‘Felice’s Faves’ segment, reviewing LGBT+ media.