Lived Experience at the Heart of What We Do

At the heart of our work is the belief that LGBTQ+ voices matter especially the voices of those whose experiences are too often ignored, misunderstood, or spoken over. Our community stories project exists to ensure lived experiences are shared with dignity, consent, and care, and that our community is represented in its own words.

These stories are not statistics or case studies. They are real people, real lives, and real journeys.

Why We Collect Stories

We collect stories from our LGBTQ+ community to:

  • Amplify voices that are often marginalised or silenced

  • Challenge stigma, misinformation, and harmful narratives

  • Build understanding, empathy, and connection

  • Influence practice, services, and systems through lived experience

  • Help others feel seen, validated, and less alone

Storytelling is a powerful tool. When shared safely and ethically, it can foster healing, solidarity, and meaningful change.

How Stories Are Shared

All stories shared with us are voluntary and consent-led. Individuals choose what they want to share, how they want to share it, and whether their story is published anonymously or attributed.

Stories may be shared through:

  • Written pieces

  • Quotes or reflections

  • Creative formats (such as poetry or artwork)

  • Campaign features or awareness projects

No one is pressured to disclose more than they are comfortable with, and contributors can withdraw or amend their story at any time.

Care, Consent & Safeguarding

We take our responsibility to our community seriously. Every story is handled with care and respect, guided by the following principles:

  • Informed consent at every stage

  • Confidentiality and anonymity where requested

  • Trauma-informed practice when supporting storytelling

  • Safeguarding-first approach, especially for vulnerable individuals

  • No exploitation of lived experience

Our priority is always the wellbeing, safety, and autonomy of the person sharing their story.

Who These Stories Are For

These stories are for:

  • LGBTQ+ people seeking connection and reassurance

  • Families and allies wanting to understand better

  • Professionals and organisations learning from lived experience

  • Communities working toward inclusion, equality, and healing

They are shared to educate, empower, and build bridges not to sensationalise or tokenize.

Our Commitment

We are committed to ensuring that community storytelling remains:

  • Ethical

  • Respectful

  • Empowering

  • Community-owned

Lived experience is not a resource to extract it is something to honour. 

Share Your Story

If you are part of the LGBTQ+ community and would like to share your story whether publicly or anonymously we would love to hear from you.

You are in control of your narrative.
Your voice matters.
Your story deserves care.

Get in touch with us to find out more about sharing your story.