A NEW group which aims to raise the profile of the LGBTQ community in West Oxfordshire is believed to be the very first of its kind in the district.

West Oxfordshire LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning) was co-founded by a 19-year-old man from Witney and a district councillor.

Jake Acock, of Witney, believes that gay people are ‘tolerated and not accepted’ in the modern age, and hopes bringing the community together with a new support group will help further the cause.

He said: “It’s going to be a massive change in thinking in West Oxfordshire because there’s never been a group like this before. It’s a way to bring people together and show that there is a strong gay community.

“The last thing somebody wants is to feel like they’re on their own, like there’s nobody like them – so why not bring those people together?”

The group was formed amid discussions between Mr Acock and district councillor for Charlbury Andy Graham, who met through involvement in the Liberal Democrat party.

They wanted to create a group that appealed to a wide range of people, from gay and transgender individuals to those questioning their sexuality – and even straight people who want to find out more about the gay community.

Just weeks ago Mr Acock himself made the decision to come out as gay to his parents, news he said was received very well.

He wants to use his own experience of growing up gay and coming out to help others in similar situations.

Mr Acock commended Oxford Pride, but said there was not much else on offer for the gay community in the city.

He said: “It’s a really good event – up and coming – but that’s one of the only things that happens in Oxford that’s a really good event.

“There are some groups, but most of them are social instead of support."

However, Mr Acock believes there was something unique about the experience of LGBTQ people living in rural areas.

He said: “Being gay in a rural area is quite a different experience. You’re brought up in a straight world. I think people struggle coming out in the farming world, for example."

The plan is for the group to start off slowly but develop further in the future, launching campaigns and helping revitalise events like Witney Pride.

West Oxfordshire LGBTQ will meet for the first time in The Guildhall, Chipping Norton, on Monday at 7.30pm. It will then continue to pop up around the district in subsequent months, running in Charlbury in October.

For more information on the group or to get in touch visit facebook.com/LGBTIQWestOxfordshire/