Queer Notions

Queer Notions (also known as QN http://www.queernotions.org.uk) is a group based in Liverpool, England that provides information and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people (LGBT), particularly those experiencing some form of mental distress.

In the past the organisation has been funded by the charity Mind, the NHS, Liverpool City Council and a range of other funders. The organisation is registered as a provider of support with the national UK LGBT organisation Stonewall.

QN was set up in 1998 by a group of gay people in response to some research, which had highlighted the lack of service provision for LGBT people around mental health issues.

It was one of the first organisations in the UK to look at supporting people with both sexuality/gender issues and mental health, although other groups around the UK have done good work in this area - see the Stonewall (go to www.stonewall.org.uk/information_bank/health and click mental health) web page for details of other groups in different regions.

The group operates a range of services including a weekly drop-in and a range of other activities that are designed to be fun but away from the gay scene. Many LGBT people feel constrained in where they meet people and socialise, so often end up spending lots of time on the traditional bar-focussed gay scene. Groups like Queer Notions provide people a range of healthy and cultural activities. These include events themed around, sport, art, theatre and film.

Links and references
Please see the following for more info: Mind (mental health service provider) http://www.mind.org.uk

Stonewall (LGBT rights group) http://www.stonewall.org.uk

Liverpool City Council http://www.liverpool.gov.uk/