A NEW workshop is hoping to give lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people a voice in the county.

Having found just one youth group for LGBTQ youngsters in Oxfordshire, youth arts leader Hannah Bruce decided to organise a series of workshops over the summer.

The ‘My Normal’ project running in Bicester and Cowley, Oxford, will see youngsters of any sexual orientation and gender identity create a documentary and magazine over four workshops.

The project leader said: “The project is looking at giving LGBTQ young people a voice as there is little out there for young people in Oxfordshire.

“There is one youth group that runs in the whole of Oxfordshire, which I found quite shocking. Many schools have no groups and speaking to young people, they feel the subject is swept under the rug.

“Most of the LGBTQ scene revolves around 18+ venues, which means there is not much support or spaces for LGBTQ young people, which is why we are starting up this project.

“We are running similar workshops in Bicester and Oxford but accessing different participants.

“We have just started the workshops this week, as this is a pilot project. We are going to be making a short documentary and magazine.”

Organising the group are young leaders from Bicester-based charity the OYAP Trust, which works to support young people across Oxfordshire.

Young people can train to become leaders through an Arts Council-funded course called Stepping Up, which is run by OYAP.

It is a training scheme for young art leaders and is where the My Normal LGBTQ project has stemmed from.

It is the first time the project has been set up in the county and will see workshops held at The Studio in Crown Walk Bicester and The Ark-T Centre in Crowell Road, Cowley, Oxford.

The workshops will then culminate in a showcase event for family and friends with live music on Sunday, August 23 at Fusion Arts, East Oxford Community Centre, Princes St.

* To get involved or for more details about the workshops contact mynormaloxford@gmail.com.