Queer Notions

Queer Notions (also known as QN) is a group based in Liverpool, England that provides information and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people (LGBT), particularly those experiencing some form of mental distress.

In the past the organisation has been funded by the charity Mind, the NHS, Liverpool City Council and a range of other funders. The organisation is registered as a provider of support with the national UK LGBT organisation, Stonewall.

QN was set up in 1998 by a group of gay people in response to some research, which had highlighted the lack of service provision for LGBT people around mental health issues.

It was one of the first organisations in the UK to look at supporting people with both sexuality/gender issues and mental health, although other groups around the UK have done good work in this area - see the Stonewall web page for details of other groups in different regions.

The group operates a range of services, including a weekly drop-in and a range of other activities that are designed to be fun but away from the gay scene. Many LGBT people feel constrained in where they meet people and socialise, so often end up spending lots of time on the traditional bar-focussed gay scene. Groups like Queer Notions provide people a range of healthy and cultural activities. These include events themed around sport, art, theatre and film.

As of January 2014 Queer Notions is hosted in the new premises of The Armistead Project, located at: The Beat, Hanover Street, Liverpool, L1 4AF.

Links and references

• Queer Notions website
• Mind (mental health service provider)
• Stonewall (LGBT rights group)
• Liverpool City Council