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ABOUT TAUNTON GAY GROUP
Taunton Gay Group (TGG) is a community group for people who identify as LGBTQ+ (or are questioning), 18+ and aimed at those living in the Taunton area of Somerset (though of course anyone is welcome).
There are two key aims of TGG:
Download Taunton Gay Group Constitution
Download Taunton Gay Group Equality Policy
You're called 'Taunton Gay Group' so is it just for gay men or gay people?
The simple answer is no. The slightly longer one is whilst the group was initially set up from a gay man's perspective (where there was nothing else in the Taunton area), we absolutely want, encourage and call out to anyone who considers themselves under or around the LGBTQ+ terms to feel comfortable and safe to attend and join in - it's about people and we don't want to be exclusive. Being a gay group in name is a way of trying to create and sustain something where a core of people will have enough in common to come along regularly (plus it's simpler to find online), but one where we can mix it up and meet new friends across the community, be it gender, sexual orientation, type, ethnicity, colour, style, status, age or otherwise. The mix of people at events is down to you turning up! I prefer to think of the 'Gay' in Taunton Gay Group more in terms of the old 'joyful' umbrella meaning that used to embrace everyone. I know some people have different views on the 'gay' label and rightly need different things, in the same way that queer is not for everyone, but remember some women also prefer 'gay' to 'lesbian', some trans people will also be gay, but please be assured we just want anyone to come to TGG because when we come together we are stronger, we break down barriers and learn about each others experiences to help us all be better allies to each other. If you prefer groups that are specific, please have a look our 'other groups and networks' page, or there is plenty of room in Somerset to start something of your own. You can read more on our guidelines but I will emphasise here that transphobia, bi-phobia or disrespect to any individuals/other identities within 'our family' will not be tolerated. I also want to reach out to LGBTQ+ people of colour or from non-white British backgrounds to say you are welcome here.
History and future - on a personal note...
When I first moved to Taunton in 2011 to be nearer my future husband, it struck me that despite being the Somerset county town, there was nothing in the area to meet like minded souls and make new gay friends. Of course there are many fantastic, welcoming venues in and around Taunton, and being gay isn't essential to form friendships, but it is nice to get to know others who have shared similar experiences and that you can identify with. Equally, social isolation is problem away from the big cities, and if you are LGBT+, unsure, not out, or maybe an older member of the community (or in any number of those boxes) it can be tricky to meet genuine people.
So roll onto 2016, when I saw an event called 'OUT in Taunton' being advertised through social media, I was really pleased to see someone was doing SOMETHING! The 'someones' turned out to be Lindsay (RIP) and Peter, who became good friends. As it only received a small amount of assistance, the boys put a lot of time, effort and also their own cash into creating some great monthly nights in the town centre, and I helped to promote this in the ways I could without funding. But pubs constantly change hands, punters come and go and it was really tough to make it happen consistently and get the return needed. For personal reasons they had to call it a day, and it then morphed into a gaming night run by Joycelin at the Trinity Club, but sadly this has now closed.
During this time, we received some helpful encouragement online from the Weymouth Gay Group in Dorset, which started in 2008 and remains a successful, informal gay group, simply meeting in the corner of a pub every week. This got me thinking, that it could be a format that would work in Taunton? The main idea is just get people together in a suitable pub regularly, but without all the stress and hassle of organising a big night (cleaning the venue, decorating it, providing entertainment, paying for security and putting much time and sweat in). So this is why I've set up TGG, with the hope that it'll get people out away from their phones, socialising, having a laugh and making new friends. We all have different commitments but my hope is that it will be relatively self organising, so that it's not the same people being the instigator for every night, and not reliant on just one or two people to make it happen. It can be as often and as much as anyone wants to contribute and owned by all who attend.
TGG has no regular funding, and I don't intend to ask individuals to pay anything (unless of course it's an event that we decide to go to which costs something upfront), as this may be a barrier to people attending, so any help people can give by printing a few flyers themselves and help spread the word would be welcomed (but if you do want to stick a few coins my way, of course it will go straight back into promoting the group and events). I will seek support from partner LGBT+ organisations and appropriate funding streams to assist with marketing the group where possible.
I hope that if you think it's a good idea, you'll a) come out to events when you can, b) spread the word, c) maybe help by thinking of things where you wouldn't mind others turning up to join you, for example we could do:
Any ideas, feedback, comments will be appreciated, but most importantly your positive support and engagement will be very welcome.
Best wishes,
Stephen Bennett-Troake
Taunton Gay Group 'starter'
April 2018 (last updated July 2021)
There are two key aims of TGG:
- to organise informal meet ups in Taunton venues (18+) and other events to get together, have a laugh and make new friends - helping LGBTQ+ people feel less socially isolated and more connected.
- to provide an information hub on this website for other wider LGBTQ+ events, networks and support for all.
Download Taunton Gay Group Constitution
Download Taunton Gay Group Equality Policy
You're called 'Taunton Gay Group' so is it just for gay men or gay people?
The simple answer is no. The slightly longer one is whilst the group was initially set up from a gay man's perspective (where there was nothing else in the Taunton area), we absolutely want, encourage and call out to anyone who considers themselves under or around the LGBTQ+ terms to feel comfortable and safe to attend and join in - it's about people and we don't want to be exclusive. Being a gay group in name is a way of trying to create and sustain something where a core of people will have enough in common to come along regularly (plus it's simpler to find online), but one where we can mix it up and meet new friends across the community, be it gender, sexual orientation, type, ethnicity, colour, style, status, age or otherwise. The mix of people at events is down to you turning up! I prefer to think of the 'Gay' in Taunton Gay Group more in terms of the old 'joyful' umbrella meaning that used to embrace everyone. I know some people have different views on the 'gay' label and rightly need different things, in the same way that queer is not for everyone, but remember some women also prefer 'gay' to 'lesbian', some trans people will also be gay, but please be assured we just want anyone to come to TGG because when we come together we are stronger, we break down barriers and learn about each others experiences to help us all be better allies to each other. If you prefer groups that are specific, please have a look our 'other groups and networks' page, or there is plenty of room in Somerset to start something of your own. You can read more on our guidelines but I will emphasise here that transphobia, bi-phobia or disrespect to any individuals/other identities within 'our family' will not be tolerated. I also want to reach out to LGBTQ+ people of colour or from non-white British backgrounds to say you are welcome here.
History and future - on a personal note...
When I first moved to Taunton in 2011 to be nearer my future husband, it struck me that despite being the Somerset county town, there was nothing in the area to meet like minded souls and make new gay friends. Of course there are many fantastic, welcoming venues in and around Taunton, and being gay isn't essential to form friendships, but it is nice to get to know others who have shared similar experiences and that you can identify with. Equally, social isolation is problem away from the big cities, and if you are LGBT+, unsure, not out, or maybe an older member of the community (or in any number of those boxes) it can be tricky to meet genuine people.
So roll onto 2016, when I saw an event called 'OUT in Taunton' being advertised through social media, I was really pleased to see someone was doing SOMETHING! The 'someones' turned out to be Lindsay (RIP) and Peter, who became good friends. As it only received a small amount of assistance, the boys put a lot of time, effort and also their own cash into creating some great monthly nights in the town centre, and I helped to promote this in the ways I could without funding. But pubs constantly change hands, punters come and go and it was really tough to make it happen consistently and get the return needed. For personal reasons they had to call it a day, and it then morphed into a gaming night run by Joycelin at the Trinity Club, but sadly this has now closed.
During this time, we received some helpful encouragement online from the Weymouth Gay Group in Dorset, which started in 2008 and remains a successful, informal gay group, simply meeting in the corner of a pub every week. This got me thinking, that it could be a format that would work in Taunton? The main idea is just get people together in a suitable pub regularly, but without all the stress and hassle of organising a big night (cleaning the venue, decorating it, providing entertainment, paying for security and putting much time and sweat in). So this is why I've set up TGG, with the hope that it'll get people out away from their phones, socialising, having a laugh and making new friends. We all have different commitments but my hope is that it will be relatively self organising, so that it's not the same people being the instigator for every night, and not reliant on just one or two people to make it happen. It can be as often and as much as anyone wants to contribute and owned by all who attend.
TGG has no regular funding, and I don't intend to ask individuals to pay anything (unless of course it's an event that we decide to go to which costs something upfront), as this may be a barrier to people attending, so any help people can give by printing a few flyers themselves and help spread the word would be welcomed (but if you do want to stick a few coins my way, of course it will go straight back into promoting the group and events). I will seek support from partner LGBT+ organisations and appropriate funding streams to assist with marketing the group where possible.
I hope that if you think it's a good idea, you'll a) come out to events when you can, b) spread the word, c) maybe help by thinking of things where you wouldn't mind others turning up to join you, for example we could do:
- Picnic in the park
- Cinema trips
- Pride events
- Theatre shows
- Coffee meet ups
- Games cafe/evenings
- Walks
- Local events
Any ideas, feedback, comments will be appreciated, but most importantly your positive support and engagement will be very welcome.
Best wishes,
Stephen Bennett-Troake
Taunton Gay Group 'starter'
April 2018 (last updated July 2021)