A newly formed group is aiming to fight for the rights of the borough's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Sutton Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Forum has said Sutton does not have any gay-friendly pubs and very little tailored provision for the gay community.

The fledgling voluntary group was set up last year and wants to give members of the community a voice.

Ty Ashby set up the group in 2012 and it now has six board members and three consultants, all working on a voluntary basis, who are working on a number of projects including putting on social events, arranging activities, providing information and more.

Chairman Mr Ashby, who was born and raised in the area, said: "Sutton has been left behind. In Merton there was a gay friendly pub a few years ago and in Croydon there are a couple and we could have that in Sutton.

"Five years ago we tried to hold a night in a pub but that ended up with the pub being stoned.

"I don't think Sutton is anti-gay but something is needed. My personal goal is to set up a group to give lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people a platform to influence and guide local services that is not solely dependant on me.

"I've created it as chairman but how long does a chairman last? I want it to be able to carry on without me, as an established group.

"We don't want to rub people's faces in it, but it's about equality and doing things to make sure people get support and help when they need it."

The group has already arranged eight events, ranging from seminars to a bowling night at Sutton SuperBowl.

The group has also arranged, in partnership with Gay rights charity Stonewall, a housing advice drop in service that launched on Tuesday.

Sutton LGBT Forum is also planning to set up a women's coffee group, to work with local schools, to provide a free legal advice drop in service and more.

For more information visit www.lgbtsutton.org.uk.
 

 

TODAY'S TOP SUTTON STORIES