With official Pride month coming to an end and Notts Pride coming up soon, we thought it important to honour a charity that has given nearly fifty years of its time to Nottingham’s Queer community: Notts LGBT+ Network. Beth Green is a current volunteer for the Network; they caught up with two others David and Rachel, to share their commendable work and dedication.
The story behind Notts LGBT+ Network began in 1965, with a person called John Clarkson, who had been put under investigation by the police, after they had found out he had been living with another man. “The end result saw Clarkson sent to trial and ultimately to prison at the age of nineteen, simply for the fact that he was gay,” explains founding member David.
By 1967, the Sexual Offences Act came into practice, which for the Queer community was highly problematic. The Act included over twenty areas where the law ‘actively discriminated’ against them. “You could be sacked for being gay, lesbians had their children taken away from them, and people would be turned away from restaurants and hotels,” David explains. In response, campaign groups were set up, and in Nottingham, in 1971, a group called Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE) started, which David was a part of.
CHE quickly found themselves being contacted by people with a number of issues; “Problems at work, with the church, their homelife or accepting their sexuality or gender.” They recognised a need for a service, and so in 1975 a helpline was established called Nottingham Gay Switchboard, which answered calls (and occasional letter) one night a week. It was a place for people to call in, raise their concerns, or just to speak to someone and help tackle the loneliness felt by many in the community. Ten years later and the helpline had expanded; operating five nights a week, which it still does today, nearly fifty years later, under its new name: Notts LGBT+ Network.
Today, the Network’s roots remain the same; offering a contactable helpline Monday to Friday, between 7pm and 9:15pm. Today’s helpline is a one-stop shop for every queer resource you need in Nottinghamshire; whether you’re looking for a social group, upcoming events, LGBTQIA+ friendly professional services, or just a friendly ear. They also publish the QB newsletter which offers in-depth stories and updates on what is happening for the community in Nottingham. Phone calls continue to be an important part of the service, but today most communication is via social media, emails, or people finding information themselves via the website.
The Network has always been a collaborative effort and entirely volunteer-run; a rarity for charitable organisations. Each volunteer is treated as an individual and roles are adapted to suit. Rachel, who has a background in graphic design, joined the Network in October 2023. Though in that short time, her role has expanded to meet her skillset. “I started off on the phone, answering calls, emails and messages. I’ve since moved my focus to social media and updating the website, making sure that the events are there for everyone to access.”
Reaching out can be one of the scariest things to do, especially when your circumstances at home are unsupportive. The Network stresses that there are zero judgements
Despite having an (albeit loose) level of hierarchy, with its trustee board members, they too remain on the same level as ‘day one’ volunteers. From the first meeting, it was made apparent that regardless of a person being a trustee, their opinions are no better than anyone else's. This is the beauty of the Network, whether you are a volunteer or a person or place contacting them with a query. There is this sense of a ‘community’ within a community, where everyone is working together and most importantly, everyone feels safe. In that environment, it becomes clear why volunteers are so passionate about helping.
A safe space should be mandatory in life, though sadly this is not always the case. Rachel spoke openly about her experience growing up in a religious community. “It was very anti LGBTQ, I had to leave when I was nineteen. I was shunned by my whole family and felt entirely alone.” It was the lack of help she had during this time that planted the seed; she knew it was something she wanted to be able to give back. “I got to a point where I felt more settled in life, and with my partner. I knew that I was ready to use my experience for some positivity.”
Rachel beams a smile when she speaks about being able to give back to the LGBTQIA+ community. On a personal level, becoming a volunteer has opened doors again. “I had the bravery to reach out to my parents, and we have a relationship now which is amazing. They’ve mellowed hugely, to the point where they have met my partner, which is something I never saw happening in my life. Joining the Network has been a truly fantastic experience, and going forward I want to be even more involved where I can.”
Reaching out can be one of the scariest things to do, especially when your circumstances at home are unsupportive. The Network stresses that there are zero judgements, they are here to listen to you, not to advise or question what you share. Although that first move is the scariest, as Rachel said, “once you’ve done it, the relief you feel will be incredible.”
Their work hasn’t gone unnoticed either, as last year the Network was awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service. Equivalent to receiving an MBE, the KAVS is the highest award that local voluntary groups in the UK can receive. David shares how many of the similar organisations cease to exist. “Despite our growth, places like us are dying off. There used to be ones in Sheffield, Staffordshire and Lincoln; now they’re all gone. We are one of the few remainders, still thriving and expanding nearly fifty years later.”
David doesn’t give too much away on any plans in the works, though he does share that the Nottinghamshire Rainbow Heritage holds an event in February, so long as it gets enough funding. “It is highly likely that the Network will get an award for fifty years worth of work, and acknowledgement of receiving the King’s Award.” He also speaks on commemorating IDAHOBIT Day (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia), which is on 17 May. “I think we should be looking at LGBTQ+ plus hate crime, why it’s increasing and what we can do for people who suffer.” It’s a real testament to the Network’s volunteers, that even when we are speaking about marking their work for the city, they are looking at ways in which that anniversary can benefit others.
Notts LGBT+ Network’s helpline is manned Monday to Friday, 7-9:15 pm, outside of these hours you can leave a voicemail, which will be picked up when someone is next onsite. For those who may be interested in getting involved too, David and Rachel recommend sending an email detailing your interest, as they are always looking for more charitable people. You can also catch their stall at Pride this month.
Correction: the print version of this piece originally stated that John Clarkson was sent to prison at the age of ninety. This has now been amended to nineteen.
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