Writing competition gives insight into LGBTQ world

It opened in March as an all-styles-welcome competition with the only requirement being a maximum of 1,000 words, culminating in an awards ceremony held at Guille-Alles Library on Wednesday 24 May.

There were more than 40 entries for the three categories of under-18, over-18 and the Pippa McCathie trophy in memory of the late author who was also a Liberate support co-ordinator.

‘It’s great to engage all the age groups and also really important for others to get an insight of the world of someone who is LGBTQ, for example parents being able to understand the stress of coming out,’ said Liberate CEO Ellie Jones.

Pippa McCathie judged at the inaugural writing competition in 2022 with her trophy being awarded to the piece that would have resonated with her the most.

Grammar Sixth-Form student Connor Belford, 17, was the recipient for his story titled ‘I am a Fighter’.

‘I wrote it because my 18th birthday is coming up and I’ve been thinking a lot about becoming an adult and how there have been some major life changes over the last three years,’ said Connor.

He came out as transexual to his family around three years ago which initially caused tension and said Liberate was instrumental in helping him work through these issues.

‘It was one of the only things that got me through that time, it kept me grounded so I didn’t feel like I was alone. That was quite an isolated period of my life but luckily now with time things have got better.’

17-year-old Grammar Sixth-Form student Arwen Kernaghan is pan-sexual and won the under-18 trophy for her poem called Almost Blue, inspired by the story of Czech baker.

‘It deals with the struggles of emotional ambiguity and not being able to express your true self,’ she said.

‘Your sexuality is a part of your identity but it shouldn’t define you. I think Liberate is really good as it make people feel like they can be themselves and also helps with education around these topics.’

The over-18 winner was Morgan Clark.