Worksop: LGBT youngsters have support of gay rights campaigner in documentary that combats homophobia

A gay rights campaigner and author has thrown his weight behind a documentary about the prejudices young LGBT people in Worksop and the surrounding area have had to face over the years.
The WOW (Worksop Out Wednesdays) group at the premiere of "Something about Us"The WOW (Worksop Out Wednesdays) group at the premiere of "Something about Us"
The WOW (Worksop Out Wednesdays) group at the premiere of "Something about Us"

Narvel Annable, who hails from Clowne and also taught at the old Valley Comprehensive School, worked with LGBT youth group WOW, Worksop Out Wednesday, on the documentary, Something About Us.

The documentary, funded by The Heritage Lottery Fund, aimed to research and record what it was like historically to be LGBT in Worksop and premiered at the Savoy Cinema on Wednesday February 3.

As part of the LGBT History Month, the group worked with Sheffield-based filmmakers EDEN to compare the past and present day for LGBT residents.

Narvel said: “In Something About Us, we heard from brave youngsters who had suffered appalling experiences.

“We walked in their shoes, endured the harsh realities, the trials and tribulations of LGBT life and felt their pain. We also learned that we can help by supporting WOW.

“Having taught history at the Valley Comprehensive in Worksop from 1978 to 1995, I’m well acquainted with prejudice against those who share same-sex attraction.

“WOW is a charity close to my heart and is one of the most successful groups of its type. Skilled specialists run an excellent service.

“I salute the courageous girls and boys of WOW- they are the future. We should follow their lead and pull together to combat homophobia.”

The project provided training in archive research and filmmaking techniques for the young people of WOW, who meet at The Centre Place community centre on Wednesdays.

The group also went on several trips including to Nottinghamshire Pride and Nottinghamshire Archives.

WOW support worker Claire Bradley said: “The young people are sad to see the end of the project having learnt many new skills in media and production and having learnt about their own LGBT history.

“They are proud of their efforts and have seen their confidence build over the months, not just in using the equipment and different types of media, but also personally,” Claire added.

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