The Clare Project is incredibly proud to be embarking on our 20th year of community-led and focussed support for trans, non-binary, intersex and gender-variant adults across Sussex – and beyond! Despite the increasingly challenging times our communities face, we’re still here, and we’re getting stronger.
Alongside support from both new and existing funders such as the National Lottery Communities Fund and The Rainbow Fund, we also hold essential and invaluable partnerships with grassroots groups such as QTIPoC Narratives Collective and Hastings & Rother Rainbow Alliance.
Led by those with lived experience, we want to ensure you continue to hear the voices of those who planted the seed that led to where we are today, but also those carrying it forward…Over the next few months we will continue to share and uplift those voices, to shine some light in these darker times…
Carl (he/him), Group Facilitator, Book-keeper & Biscuit-enthusiast.
“I love The Clare Project. I really do. The drop-ins (pre Covid-19) were really special. Plenty of regulars. Some have been attending for years. Some just now and again or only once. It didn’t matter. Anyone TNBI or questioning/exploring. No questions asked, just come in. We’ll make you a cuppa and welcome you with warmth and just let you be who you are.
We’re now celebrating 20 years! That’s got to tell you something. We’re doing that same thing during these messed up pandemic times as best we can, online. Obviously we can’t make you a cuppa and provide fruit or biscuits and snacks, but you can bring your own. We still try to give you that same warm welcome, albeit virtually, over the phone, or in a letter.
I first got involved by helping out with the bookkeeping , hiding out in the receptionists office. I was pretty anxious and have problems with self esteem, so I’m told. But the more people I met who attended the drop-in the more I wanted to spend time with them and help the ones who came in in crisis or just needed someone to listen.
When I was asked to co facilitate, I accepted, but don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t an easy ‘OK’ then for me. For years I’ve been trapped in the benefits system. Plagued by depression and chronic anxiety. Unable to commit to work. Something about The Clare Project made me feel safe and accepted. Now I’ve been with them for over 2 years.
Just one of our missions is to do this for others like me. We’re really excited about the future. Raising awareness. Bringing people together. Especially in these difficult times of isolation. We support each other. By the community, for the community – and we’re incredibly proud of that”
You can also check out interviews with our founders in our GScene Feature on page 18: https://issuu.com/gscene/docs/10_gscene_oct2020
ID: photo of Carl wearing a hat with his dog, the sun is shining on them