Talk: The importance of community, safe spaces and inclusion

Join this talk on the importance of safe spaces with Shepherd’s Bush and Merlin the Grey Claudia Coelho, founder Queer Croydon, will outline what led her and community partners to create LGBT+ safe space Their Majesties and how these spaces have both revitalised and created a sense of connection. Merlin will speak from his experience as a trans person who accessed the services that Queer Croydon provides and how that gave him the queer community he had always wanted. Shepherd’s Bush, alter ego of Claudia Coelho, is a proud Croydon resident and host of Croydon PrideFest 2023. As a queer transgender woman, Claudia saw the need for LGBT+ safe spaces and co-founded Their Majesties at The Oval Tavern. She established Queer Croydon to amplify queerness in the borough and the Queer Arts Network to connect and empower local queer artists. Merlin the Grey, a proud Bisexual Trans man from Croydon, with a captivating unique style and charm. He proudly showcases his surgery scars, celebrating trans bodies and curvy boys. He delivers diversity talks for the Scout Association in Croydon, emphasizing representation and understanding. Suitable for adults, teens welcome with a parent.