Birmingham group to stage event celebrating diversity and changing attitudes.
A ‘Queer Quiz’ to be held in Birmingham on Wednesday as part of LGBT History Month will examine a shift in society’s attitudes towards minorities and will help to celebrate diversity.
The event is being organised by the Pink Sou’Westers, which run a range of affordable and social events and activities for all LGBTs regardless of age or area of residence. The group is supported by Ageing Better in Birmingham, which aims to tackle loneliness and isolation in people over 50.
The quiz will take place from 7pm on Wednesday, February 21, at the Penthouse Suite (above the Loft Lounge) in Bromsgrove Street, Birmingham.Rounds will include music, sport, entertainment, politics and society, geography, history, art and literature. People will also be tested on their local knowledge.
Ageing Better in Birmingham is a project taking place across the city, funded by a £6 million, six-year grant supported by the Big Lottery Fund using National Lottery funding – allowing groups such as Pink Sou’Westers to thrive. Lesley Pattenson, founding member of the Pink Sou’Westers, hopes people will gain a better understanding of the journey members of the gay community have taken to get where they are today.
She said: “Back in the 1970s when I came out it was quite a scary process. There were no role models and it was much harder in those days. Really there was no-one until the 1980s when Martina Navratilova came out. From then on things have become easier and easier, although it’s still hard for people in faith groups and rural settings who may feel isolated. It is so important to help people mix with others and know that they are not alone and that’s where Ageing Better in Birmingham comes in. They are helping people to connect.”
People can form teams of a maximum of five people or come alone and teammates will be found. Lesley added: “It’s not just about testing people’s knowledge, it’s about educating people and learning in a sociable fun way. I hope people will gain a better understanding of the journey that members of the gay community have taken to get where they are today.”
Maria Hughes, Network Enabler, for the Ageing Better in Birmingham LGBT Hub, said: “The Ageing Better programme is all about bringing communities together and connecting people. Members of the LGBT community need not be isolated because there is help, support and activities taking place all around them. We are here to help people find opportunities that will allow them to feel less isolated.”
For information about programmes taking place near you, email: [email protected] or call 0121 678 8876.
