In Europe and the United States, certain laws, prejudices and misinformed stereotypes have caused people to discriminate and mistreat people based on their gender and sexual orientation. For example, certain laws have enabled businesses to discriminate based on how a person identifies. This type of discrimination has systemically limited individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ to access job opportunities, mental health services, community support, sexual health services and more. The METRO charity was created to address discrimination, economic hardships and LGBTQ+ people facing homelessness in the 1980s in London.
METRO works in five areas: Sexual and Reproductive Health, Community, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Youth and HIV Support. I volunteer for the youth area, where METRO organizes ten weekly youth groups for LGBTQ+ individuals ages 11 to 25.
The youth group that I volunteer for is called Shine for 16-25-year-olds. We meet every Tuesday evening to talk about self-care, making goals and managing stress and anxiety. We also do art projects like making zines (a magazine, sort of) and we listen to music. Many of the attendees also have autism and Asperger syndrome. METRO youth groups are great ways for the LGBTQ+ community to meet in a healthy, positive atmosphere and to support one another. It's been a wonderful experience volunteering at METRO. I've been learning how to best support those I care about and how to lead and run youth group activities that are effective and inclusive.
