Scouts Podcast

This episode focuses on the question, ‘How can we stand up for LGBTQ+ rights?’ and to answer it is the incredible Reeta Loi: Music Artist and Forbes 100 Founder & CEO of Gaysians, Contributing Editor at Gay Times and Documentary Reporter at VICE.

Reeta talks about what LGBTQ+ actually means, how she found strength and support in the LGBTQ+ community after being rejected by her Indian family for being a lesbian, and how to fight for your rights and the rights of others. She also touches on how to avoid ‘performativism’ when being an LGBTQ+ ally, and how to stay connected to your culture even when you lose important links – like friends and family – to it.

If this episode makes you want to learn more about LGBT History Month or the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, Scouts held a panel event over Zoom on 23rd February 7pm with guests including Professor Sue Sanders, the Co-Founder of LGBT+ History Month UK, Professor of Harvey Milk Institute and an LGBT+ Youth Campaigner for over 40 years, and Persia West, trans rights activist and international consultant, author, and peace campaigner. You can watch the panel by going to scouts.org.uk/LGBTpanel.

You can also read about the history of LGBT History Month, and why it’s so important that we as Scouts celebrate it, by going to scouts.org.uk/LGBTHistoryBlog.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues discussed in the podcast, there are lots of places you can find support:

Gaysians: Gaysians is the umbrella brand for the South Asian LGBTQIA+ community. They bring together all resources, networks and organisations related to being queer South Asians.

Switchboard LGBT+: Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline is a confidential helpline open to the LGBTQ+ communities and beyond, for anyone who wants to talk about gender identity, sexuality, sexual health and emotional wellbeing. They operate a telephone line, instant messaging and email service from 10am to 10pm, 365 days a year. Call 0300 330 0630  Or email chris@switchboard.lgbt.

Stonewall: Stonewall campaigns for the equality of lesbian, gay, bi and trans people across Britain. They also provide information and support for LGBT communities and their allies. Contact Stonewall’s Information Service on 0800 0502020. Lines are open 9.30am–4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Mermaids: Mermaids has been supporting transgender, nonbinary and gender-diverse children, young people, and their families since 1995. Talk to them on 0808 801 0400 (helpline open Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or by emailing info@mermaidsuk.org.uk.

Views expressed in the podcast are the views of the hosts and guest, not necessarily those of the Scouts.

The Scouts Podcast theme tune is by our very own Gabriel Dedji.

Natasha gives us brilliant advice on how we can all protect our mental wellbeing in and out of periods of lockdown, discusses her love of (ex-Scout!) David Bowie and how music has helped her mental health, and lots more. If the episode has made you want to help tear down the taboo surrounding mental health, please consider becoming one of Scouts’ Wellbeing Champions – you can find more information and sign up at scouts.org.uk/wellbeingchampions.

If you or someone you know is effected by any of the issues discussed in the podcast, there are lots of people you can talk to:

· Samaritans: call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.uk

· Contact your GP: your GP can provide help but there might be a longer wait.

· Contact NHS 111 (known as NHS 24 in Scotland): 111 is available 24/7 for urgent medical care.

If you’re under 19

· Young Minds: text ‘YM’ to 85258.

· Childline: call 0800 1111 or visit their website for information or to chat to a counsellor.

If you’re an adult

· Shout: text ‘SHOUT’ to 85258.

· Young Minds: call their parent helpline on 0808 802 5544.

· NSPCC: call 0808 800 5000 or emailhelp@nspcc.org.uk if you’re an adult worried about a child.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland

· LifeLine: in Northern Ireland call 0808 808 8000.

· SAMH information service:in Scotland.

· Young Scot Aye Feel: in Scotland.

Views expressed in the podcast are the views of the hosts and guest, not necessarily those of Scouts.

The Scouts Podcast theme tune is by our very own Gabriel Dedji.

We explore the topics that most affect young people – from self-care to sustainable exploration, diet culture to disability – and answer the questions at the tip of your tongues. Our hosts will pick the brains of a different expert each week, so submit your questions for them to podcast@scouts.org.uk and keep your eyes on the channel for new episodes.