Welcome to our LGBTQIA+ Group

LGBTQIA+ Grassmarket Community Project

Welcome to our LGBTQIA+ Support Group

We are very proud to announce the launch of our LGBTQIA+ Support Group, as part of our developing Members Programme.

This fantastic new group has been created by our colleague Scott McKillop and we are grateful for all his hard work and commitment.

Our brilliant volunteer Caelan and our Members have also been instrumental in helping get the group off to such a great start. Thank you.

We asked Scott to take some time out of his busy, busy day to share the story so far and his vision for the group.

Meet Scott

‘Hi everyone my name is Scott and my role at the GCP is project worker. My journey with the organisation started back in summer 2021 when I took up a volunteering position with the organisation, helping with Members IT classes and Art classes. Where possible, I helped with events and general support for our members, having a fantastic time along the way. My skills have been enhanced, I’ve made a wide range of professional connections and have developed as a person.

‘In 2022, I progressed into a part time position, supporting both the Members and Young Members programmes. Now I am proud to announce we have launched a new LGBTQIA+ support group, led by myself as part of our weekly Members programme. I have gained a wide range of skills during my time at the GCP and continue to develop with the organisation. I am excited to see what the future holds. Seeing our Members flourish in a safe environment makes me feel very proud.’

The story so far

Our members were seeking some in-house support for people who identify as LGBTQIA+, and their allies. So in November 2022 we launched this new structured group and support package, as part of our integrated Members and Young Members programmes.

Our LGBTQIA+ Group at The Lighthouse Bookshop
LGBTQIA+ group visit The National Museum of Scotland

The group has gone from strength to strength ever since. Every Tuesday 2-4pm, we offer a weekly 2-hour support session. The first hour is a social hangout with refreshments, a taster to welcome new attendees and catch up with existing group members. The focus of the second hour is a tailored discussion around the important issues in our community, with an educational and support aim. The Programme content is developed and designed in response to member suggestions.

We have also run a selection of trips, including Edinburgh’s brilliant Lighthouse Bookshop, the National Museum of Scotland’s LGBTQIA+ Hidden Histories Trail and Pink Saltire, a fellow LGBTQIA plus organisation in Fife.

February and beyond with the LGBTQIA+ group

In February, we are excited to embrace the GCP’s theme Love is Love and take part in the UK-wide LGBT+ History Month.

LGBT+ History Month

Our group will continue with in-house sessions, discussion around:

  • Tue 7 Feb 2-4pm – Our LGBTQIA+ history
  • Tue 14 Feb 2-4pm – HIV/AIDS in Scotland, then and now
  • Tue 21 Feb 2-4pm – History month Arts and Crafts session to make wristbands, cards and posters
  • Tue 28 Feb 2-4pm – A trip to Glasgow or closer to home

Then, watch this space as the monthly programmes are announced as we build up to Pride 2023 – see below!

Edinburgh Pride 2023 – parade and afterparty

One of the group’s goals for 2023 is to be officially part of the Edinburgh Pride on Saturday 24 June. As a team, we are collaborating together with GCP’s Make and Mend group, Art group and beyond to help us make banners, badges, flags and more! We aim to have GCP Pride 2023 after party here at the Grassmarket Centre to celebrate inclusion and diversity within our fabulous city.

Support from the community

We have been able to gain a wide selection of support from the Scotland’s LGBTQIA+ community, to help us become established and collaborate, adding our support for the community in return. Our wide range of GCP partners have been very supportive, helping us to promote our new group within Edinburgh and beyond.

Thank you for the continued support of LGBT Youth Scotland, LGBT Health and Wellbeing and Pink Saltire.

Interested is becoming a Member of The Grassmarket Community Project?

There are lots of opportunities for individuals to participate and join in! Everyone is welcome.
Find out more about Membership of The Grassmarket Community Project

A BIG THANK YOU

The Grassmarket Community Project’s Members Programme relies on the generosity of our customers, funders and donors. Our key funders for this area of our work are Nationwide Community Grants, The Robertson Trust and EVOC/Scottish Government Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund. We thank them for their essential continued support.

Nationwide Building Society Community Grants
The Robertson Trust
EVOC logo
ScotGov Logo