NetworQ had a meet and greet session yesterday in the Kirkwall town hall from 12 noon until 4pm. This was an occasion for people within the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, family and friends, to come together and socialise. It was an event that enabled people to come together from across the County and unite in their positivity, and around forty people did. Going by the smiles and constant chatter whilst we were there the event was a resounding success. Yesterday’s event was offering a safe space with the hope that new friends would be made. There was also the enticement of free food and cake and it would have been very remiss of me not to partake; the doodlebugs were scrummy.

The group itself, NetworkQ North, are by their own admission a ragtag posse hoping to drive forward a social group; which shall be able to meet on a regular basis whether for tea and cake or on occasion in one of the many great hostelries scattered around Orkney.

With this in mind they would encourage you to stay in touch if you are already or get in touch through social media if you have not already done so. You can find them at: Twitter @NetworQNorth  on Facebook at NetworkQNorth and through their webpage http://networqnorth.org.uk

Amber Kennedy, Jenny Sprenger, Amelia Grace. Photo by Kenny Armet

There is a large gay community in Orkney and NetworQ North are trying to bring people together, encouraging people to come forward; thus feeling less isolated. As explained in the video a couple have recently moved to Orkney and thought they may be the only two gay people here so they were delighted to come along today and meet many new friends.

Reporter Helen Armet

Photography by Kenny Armet