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THE LESBIAN & GAY YOUTH GROUP The NGF Lesbian and Gay Youth "Group - or the NGF Youth Group as it was then called - was formed around ten years ago. The founder members felt that the special needs of young gays were not being met by any of the existing organisations. The initial purposes of the NGF Youth Group were to create a forum for discussion and to provide a positive and supportive environment for young gays who were in the process of coming out. Originally the youth group had an all-male membership. But over the years young lesbians have gradually become more involved in running the group and participating in its various activities - thus the transition from NGF Youth Group to NGF Gay & Lesbian Youth Group. It is essential that the group is not seen as a male-dominated clique, but as it stands at the moment there is room for more young women members: integration and interaction between young gays and lesbians is an important part of the youth group. THE LESBIAN & GAY YOUTH GROUP The NGF Lesbian and Gay Youth "Group - or the NGF Youth Group as it was then called - was formed around ten years ago. The founder members felt that the special needs of young gays were not being met by any of the existing organisations. The initial purposes of the NGF Youth Group were to create a forum for discussion and to provide a positive and supportive environment for young gays who were in the process of coming out. Originally the youth group had an all-male membership. But over the years young lesbians have gradually become more involved in running the group and participating in its various activities - thus the transition from NGF Youth Group to NGF Gay & Lesbian Youth Group. It is essential that the group is not seen as a male-dominated clique, but as it stands at the moment there is room for more young women members: integration and interaction between young gays and lesbians is an important part of the youth group. GAY YOUTH LINE One very rewarding spin-off from the youth group is the Gay Youth Line telephone service, started less than a year ago. This was initiated by members of the group who felt that there was occasion for a gay telephone counselling service run for and by young people. Volunteers from the youth group were trained by T.A.F., and the line was set up. During its period of operation the service has advised, helped, or listened to, many people, some of whom are now members of the youth group. Due to an increased interest from members of the youth group, it is hoped that more volunteers will be trained and the service expanded in the future. NEW VENUE For the nine years or so until the fire in early November, the youth group had met at the Hirschfeld Centre in Fownes Street. After the fire there were various mistakes , misunderstandings and confusion about finding a permanent venue, this was settled in January when the group were given use of the D.R.C., 6 Crow Street, where we shall remain for the foreseeable future. SAME AGE SUPPORT Now that we are settled in the D.R.C., we have reinstated the youth group as a social meeting place for young gays and lesbians, a discussion group, and as a place for support or refuge. We would like young gays and lesbians to feel that they have a place where they can meet people like themselves, in the same age-group, in an informal and relaxed sitting. If you're young, and you're gay, or think you are, or whatever, please feel free to drop into the youth group, or call the youth line. Gay & Lesbian Youth: Sundays, 4-7 pm Downstairs D.R.C. Gay Youth Line: Sundays, 2-4 pm Tel. (01) 777847

WHAT IS MCC? The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches is a Christian denomination whose primary ministry is within the gay community but it is also a church for all people, women and men, saints and sinners, rich and poor, black and white. MCC was founded by the Rev. Troy Perry in Los Angeles on the 6th of October, 1968. Troy who comes from a Pentecostal background is the moderator of his fellowship. He is assisted by a board of nine elders who may be women or men, ordained or lay. All members of the church have equal status, there is no hierarchy as such. Pastors and deacons are set aside to preach and serve but all members may lead worship and preside at the Lords table. The church grew in number and inner strength. By 1970 there were congregations in San Diego, San Francisco and Chicago and at present there are over 240 churches throughout the world in such diverse places as Australia, Denmark, Nigeria and Indonesia though the majority of members are in North America. It is now hoped that there will be sufficient interest in Ireland to bring this special ministry to the gay community here. MCC is here for those who feel a God-shaped gap in their lives, who need to be reassured of Gods love and who feel they do not fit in to any of the mainline denominations. From the beginning people have come to MCC from every conceivable Christian tradition. The result has been a rich blend of Pentecostal spontaneity and exuberance combined with the solemnity of Anglican, orthodox and Roman Catholic liturgy. The Sunday services are always Eucharistic and in some churches there are bible studies, prayer groups and membership classes during the week. MCC ascribes to belief in the historic Creeds, the inspiration of scripture and the priesthood of all believers. The Universal Fellowship is committed to eradicating sexism and the use of inclusive language in its worship and life. The care of people with AIDS, political activism, nuclear disarmament, world peace and social justice are urgent concerns close to the hearts of all members of the Fellowship. Alistair Bate.

WOMEN’S ACTION Do you ever feel like you’re getting the wrong end of the stick. Ever get fed up of being an underdog. A woman and horror of horrors a lesbian to boot. Not been taken seriously has always been a problem for women and in particular lesbians. Being a second class citizen is not fun. Some women take it on themselves to do something about it, hence we have JJ's and The Castle, we have lesbian telephone lines in the Status for the Council of Women. We have refuges for battered women, we have a Rape Crises Centre. Are these enough? As a lesbian I don't think so. As a lesbian I feel we have our own special needs. Apart from pubs, lesbian line, the occasional disco in Powers and even more occasional trips to the country for a weekend, we need more social gatherings, clubs, associations. Somewhere where we can relax and be ourselves. If you feel the same way why not contact Women's Action, we need fresh ideas, new enthusiasm, more commitment. If you are interested contact: Taxi Women's Action Tel. 732693 between 2-5 pm weekdays.