The Aim of the Project
For me, it was to meet other people like me and to offer support, raise awareness and give more of a voice to the LGBTQ+ community with and for people that are autistic and/or have a learning disability. I was part of the initial setup of the project and the steering group.
Being an Expert
What mattered to me was that we were all equal within the groups and within any project that we’re working on. I feel like because I do have a lot of experience with other projects and in voluntary roles that was properly put to use. It really helps to have other people there as well and we got a lot done. It’s important to include experts by experience because it means nothing otherwise. I feel like lots of money can be thrown into something with the best intentions but if the people it’s for aren’t involved from the get go all of that effort could be spent in the wrong place.
Creating the Identity and Wellbeing Booklets
It was really helpful for me to create the booklets. I take for granted that I am so open minded so I forget that some people aren’t always as accepting or as open or willing to be educated on these things and that can prevent other people from learning about it too. The booklets and the intention of the booklets were really important for people and it helps me to remember that and not take that for granted. The booklets were introductions but the emphasis was expression and a person’s comfortability in themselves. I feel like we chose a good direction for this and showing people that they had options and freedom of choice in how they identify and express themselves. That’s the whole point of it, that your identity is yours and not what someone tells you.