Stepping out
We all remember that exciting, nerve-racking night when we made our debut on the scene. So what was it like for you, the first time you walked through the door of a gay venue?
JAKE BASFORD, 27, SOCIAL MEDIA AND COMMS MANAGER, ESSEX
At school, I walked in one day to find out everyone knew I was gay. All thanks to a so-called friend taking issue with me dating her ex and making sure the girl with the biggest mouth knew. When I moved schools for sixth form I found a tribe where being gay was a non-issue and grew more comfortable in my skin.
Growing up in rural Essex, I didn’t have much in the way of a connection to the LGBT+ scene.