Administrative history | Freedom Youth was formed in Bristol in 1995 to support lesbian, gay and bisexual young people, starting from initial meetings in the basement of Greenleaf, an alternative bookshop in the centre of Bristol. It is believed to be one of the oldest, and possibly the longest continuously running social and support groups of its kind in the country. It was created in December 1995 from two independent groups - Bristol Young Lesbian and Bisexual Group (opened 1991) and Freedom Youth, an LGB group which started in July 1995. In June 1996 the joint group's full title was confirmed as Freedom: THE lesbian and gay youth organisation. In 2005 it transferred into Bristol City Council's Young Peoples' Services department to ensure funding. In 2012 council cuts led to outsourcing services as commissioned contracts, with a consortium including Brooks and Off The Record as lead partners was created, of which Freedom Youth remains a part. |
Custodial history | Donated by Lori Streich, co-author of the book 'Free to be me' |