Allsorts was set up in 1999.  Since it launched, the project has continued to grow and expand with more services and more young people seeking either friendship, volunteering and campaign opportunities or the support that Allsorts offers. It is now one of the largest LGBT youth projects in the country, winning Stonewall’s Best Community Project in 2009 and the SE region in the Vinspired national youth volunteering annual award

More information about Allsorts can be found on their website at www.allsortsyouth.org.uk. You can also find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/allsortsyouth, Twitter @allsortsyouth or youtube at www.youtube.com/allsortsyouth

To those who know Jess, this MBE comes as no surprise. She was included in the 2011 international list: ‘100 Women: The Unseen Powerful Women Who Change the World’ for her human rights work. She is both the LGBT and a young people’s representative for the Community and Voluntary Sector Forum in Brighton and Hove.

Jess said: ‘I feel very honoured to receive such an award especially when I think of all the wonderful volunteers and workers in the community and voluntary sector in Brighton and Hove whose incredible achievements also deserve recognition. I know I am only one of many people out there fighting for a better and more just society. What pleases me most is that an MBE for any LGBT individual tells us that the state recognises that the LGBT communities matter and need specific services which the state values and honours. The letter you receive mentions the Prime Minister and the Queen – I think this shows that LGBT people really are included now in the heart of the British Establishment. Let’s hope one day, the state church finds itself able to follow liberal faith groups in the UK and acknowledge us too.’

Other Brighton LGBT individuals who have received an MBE

In June 2011 for the Queens Birthday Honours List, GEMS, Brighton’s Gay Elderly Men’s Society were awarded The Queens Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for groups of volunteers working within their local community for the benefits of others.

Peter Otto, Adviser & Fundraiser to GEMS

Tim Lucas, from Peacehaven, was also awarded an MBE in June 2011 for services to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. Dr Lucas was treasurer of the Brighton Lesbian and Gay Switchboard for more than 20 years. He was also the National Union of Teachers executive member for Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, Kent and the Medway Towns, he chaired the union’s Working Party on LBGT Diversity and Equality in Education and was a long-serving member of the TUC’s LGBT Committee.

Tim Lucas

In 2010, Clare Dimyon,  was presented with an MBE by Prince Charles honoured for “services to promoting the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Central and Eastern Europe”.

Clare Dimyon

It seems we are very fortunate in Brighton & Hove to have people achieving so much and paving the way for others nationally and globally to follow. Truely inspirational.

Well done Jess Wood, Founder and Director of Allsorts Youth Project. You have carved a path for LGBT young people in this city to follow as someone for them to look up to. I look forward to the future, and seeing how the young people in this city take inspiration from this prestigious award you have received, and the steps that they will feel motivated to take.