09/08/2024
It's Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month in June, as well as Pride Month. Claire Rice writing at the online magazine Travellers Times, says "As the sun stretches its golden fingers across the sky and the scent of summer fills the air, there is a stirring, a pulsing rhythm that beats with the collective heartbeat of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller (GRT) communities. It's the call of GRT History Month, June 2024, beckoning us to heed its urgent message, a message of unity against discrimination, justice, and celebration that resounds with the power of a thousand drums... GRT History Month is a rallying cry, a clarion call to reclaim our collective memory, to unearth the buried treasures of GRT history and culture, and to thrust them into the blinding light of recognition. It is a demand, a demand for justice for the countless injustices inflicted upon GRT communities throughout history." Look out for initiatives in your area. The network Families and Friends of Travellers says that If you have an issue or problem and would like to speak to a member of our team, you can phone our helpline on 01273 234 777. Our helpline is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4.30pm, excluding Bank Holidays. They also have a wide variety of links to other organisations that can help with all aspects of Gypsy and traveller life. Traveller Pride is a group made up of Travellers (used as inclusively as possible) who are LGBT+ (likewise) who want to provide a platform for our intersectional community. We act as a network that can provide guidance, support and information to make life easier for LGBT+ Travellers as well as providing essential services, meetup spaces and collaborating with other organisations to make them more welcoming to the community. The organisation is now a Community Interest Company, pursuing its goals without profit. It also runs a helpline. Operating Mondays since September 2023, they offer a phone helpline services from 5pm-8.30pm every week. You can call normally or via Whatsapp. 07395 355 066 or 0800 233 5066.
https://www.lgbttravellerpride.com/
