On the buses with GALYIC

Jan Bridget and Jeff Rafter launching bus ad campaign for GALYIC with Halifax MP Alice Mahon

12 November 2002

A new and unusual publicity campaign has just been launched across Calderdale which should be very difficult to miss. Just keep an eye out for passing buses.

Eleven buses are now travelling around Calderdale with an advert depicting a young woman looking into a pint glass, bearing the caption, 'Are you coming OUT tonight? Don't get your courage in a bottle.'"

The bus ad goes on to say that anyone interested should contact GALYIC (Gay and Lesbian Youth in Calderdale).

Jan Bridget, GALYIC Project Co-ordinator, says: "All too often young lesbian and gay people turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with their emerging feelings. This is because society says it is wrong to be gay and young gay people don't want to be rejected so many use alcohol to either suppress their feelings or to help them come out.

"When young gay people are first coming to terms with their sexuality they often think they are the only one. They want to meet other young gays, find information and support. This is where GALYIC comes in."

GALYIC have been running now for over three years but have had problems getting publicity. They are hoping the bus campaign, funded by Communities Against Drugs, will be one way of publicising their work.

Jan Bridget adds:

"We know there are lots of young lesbians and gays in Calderdale but we can't let them know about GALYIC because the obvious place to advertise the group, schools and GPs' surgeries, aren't displaying our poster."

Halifax MP Alice Mahon was at the campaign launch. She says: "I've supported the work of GALYIC in the past and I continue to support it. I hope this campaign gives GALYIC the publicity it needs and deserves so that more young lesbian and gay people can access support services."