I was first put in contact with Galop after several years of homophobic and transphobic abuse by gangs of youths on my estate. Being a transgender person wasn't easy. I had to stop being who I wanted to be just to try fit in. I lost all my confidence. It got to the point were I was depressed, living in fear of my life,  having to look over the balcony to see if anyone was outside or waiting until it got dark before going out. I found the council were not taking me seriously in my desperation to be re-housed.   

After speaking to my caseworker about what I was going through, they told me about what they could do to help me through. Knowing what I was going through and what little help I was getting, they helped me report what was happening to get action taken against the youths and built up a case of police reports and letters to present to my housing officer which helped to get them to understand how bad things were.

Before speaking to Galop I was unaware of any groups that could help people like me. Galop helped me immensely giving me hope and a bright light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Once contact was made by my housing provider Galop had managed to put my case forward to the right people and in result I was made a priority and given a managed transfer, thanks to all the hard work and time Galop put into my case.

Thanks to Galop I have been given a brand new start in life. I’ve got my confidence back and going out isn't any trouble now. I’m getting involved in the community and also trying to get work helping people in my local area. Saying thank you just doesn’t seem enough for the help and support that I’ve been given by Galop.

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