Weymouth Gay Group visited by South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton

Weymouth Gay Group were recently surprised with a visit from South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton at one of their regular meet ups.

The group holds sessions every Thursday in The Swan Wetherspoons, Weymouth, as well as regular social events to offer support and friendship to the local LGBT+ community.

Lloyd Hatton speaking to Adam, a member of the Weymouth Gay Group (Image: Weymouth Gay Group) It has been running for 16 years but this is the first time that a local MP has attended a meet-up.

Mr Hatton, who identifies as a member of the LGBT+ community, said: “It’s fantastic to join a local group in The Swan to listen to issues they wanted to raise locally and nationally.

"It's been great to get to know this fantastic group that does a huge amount of work in the community."

Members of the group shared not only personal issues but also concerns from the LGBT+ Community about both local and national issues.

L to R:  Neil, Lloyd Hatton MP, Kim Newstead (manager at The Swan) and Adam   (Image: Weymouth Gay Group) “It’s really important as local member of parliament to be visible all year round so any groups who would like to raise issues feel able to. I'm keen to be as visible as I can in my community."

A spokesperson for the group added: "It's the first time during our 16 years of pub meetings that the local MP has asked to join us.

"Attending during National Hate Crime week, showed how he is concerned, supporting and connecting with our local LGBT+ community."

The group meets twice weekly at the Swan in Weymouth on Thursdays from 8pm, and ‘Meals Out on Mondays’ where the group eats out at the many restaurants that our seaside town offers.

The summer months are enjoyed with beach BBQs, and trips to Pride events.

A website has also been launched for the group which includes many LGBT events each month, local LGBT news and a page of helplines.

More information can be found on the website: https://weymouthgaygroup.weebly.com/