Storytellers from the learning disability and neurodivergent LGBTQ+ communities gathered with friends, family, and policymakers at the "Hear Our Story" screening event at Hillside to share their powerful lived experiences as part of the Life, Loss, Learning, Legacy (4Ls) project. This event marked the first dedicated LGBTQ+ 4Ls project, and the storytellers’ video stories captivated the large, attentive audience who also shared their learning and insights throughout the event.
Leeds City Councillor for Bramley and Stanningley, Kevin Ritchie, opened the event, emphasising the importance of amplifying voices from underrepresented and marginalised communities. He highlighted the need to address how the topics of death and dying are addressed within the learning disability and neurodivergent communities, saying that the video stories really show the importance of proper communication and support around both subjects.
Ritchie stressed the significance of these events in understanding the unique experiences of loss endured by people with learning disabilities, noting that this understanding can lead to better policymaking and more comprehensive support. Ritchie later presented certificates of appreciation to the storytellers, who thanked the audience for their engagement.
Lippy People's Project and Learning Manager, Pete Townson, expressed gratitude to attendees, saying, "Our 4Ls screening events celebrate our storytellers’ experiences and the lessons they’ve gained through life's challenges. It’s vital we remove the stigma surrounding conversations about death and dying, and these video stories are an excellent way to spark meaningful conversations and engage in effective self-led advocacy."
“We are hoping that this project is the first of many that will fully encapsulate the experiences of learning disabled and neurodiverse LGBTQ+ storytellers; these are stories that are almost never heard, and they are incredibly powerful, inspirational and full of valuable learning.”
Audience members also shared their feedback about the event, with one saying: “I think the 4Ls project is brilliant and I’m so happy I came to the screening.
“I was already a fan but it was particularly powerful to hear that Mark’s experience of taking part had been so helpful in finding a new network of support,” they added.
“Lippy People do an amazing project that gives people a voice and a chance to be heard - and hopefully people will learn from these inspirational stories,” said another.
“This was a much needed event - to allow people to talk about their feelings, and to share those feelings to an audience to help them understand how they feel and see that there are others out there who feel the same way they do,” added another attendee.
The project was organised as part of a three-year project, funded by the National Lottery Communities Fund and a number of other local supporters. A number of other projects are currently underway across Leeds, and 10 more projects are set to be delivered over the next two years.
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