Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2 3

Original poster

To be scared of moving Norwich as a same sex family

72 replies

Worriedmover · 11/04/2018 13:45

I know I probably am being unreasonable but I'm really scared about moving from Brighton to Norwich as a same sex family. Here there are visible same sex families everywhere, for example, we already know of 3 families who will have children in the same class as ours if we stayed here. We are moving to Norwich to be nearer my brother who has lost his wife so we can support him and the children. I really do like Norwich, it's a great place but is it gay friendly? Will there be other same sex families in the school (recreation road) or will we be the only ones? Guess I'm looking for some input so I can be reassured or prepared! We will be fine, I know that, it would just be nice not to be the only ones. Thanks in advance for any replies!

OP posts:

Howyoualldoworkme · 11/04/2018 13:47

My son lives there, he has many LGBT friends and there is a big Pride event every year, I think you'll be fine there. It's a very nice city

user1471517900 · 11/04/2018 13:50

Heterosexuals have had a tough time moving Norwich too. It just won't budge.

(Sorry)

Original poster

Worriedmover · 11/04/2018 13:53

Thank you! I'm not worried about myself or my wife its more I really hope our children won't be the only ones with this family make up, I would just like for them to see other families just like theirs, if that makes sense! I know it's probably just because we live in Brighton where we are surrounded by gay families that I'm worrying!

OP posts:

RoryGillmoresEvilTwin · 11/04/2018 13:57

I live in Norwich and it's not quite the backwater it once was 😂
I have many LGBT friends who would agree with me. (Although I can't vouch for anywhere in Norfolk beyond the Norwich borders...)

You'll be fine op ☺

Wolfiefan · 11/04/2018 13:59

I don't know Norwich but I find it sad that in 2018 anybody has to be scared of moving anywhere because they're in a same sex relationship.
I hope IANBU to hope for a day when this isn't the case.

RatRolyPoly · 11/04/2018 14:03

I can only speak from my own heterosexual perspective I suppose so probably useless! Although i can comment on my many gay friends here in that although none of them have a family yet, most plan to. And they expect to do so here in Norwich. They have never, ever spoken of any negative experiences either, and I certainly haven't witnessed any in all the years we've been here.

A good friend lives in Brighton and I think the two places have a lot in common in the context of liberality, although Norwich is certainly more low key. You might not immediately find as many same sex families, but I'm confident you'll find a relaxed and non-plussed attitude. And undoubtedly if you seek them out they'll be there :)

Probably not the most helpful response you're going to get, but hopefully gives you a positive vibe!

gillybeanz · 11/04/2018 14:04

I also find it sad in this day and age that you need to worry
However, my experience of living in Norwich, some time ago though, was they weren't very welcoming.
We lived there for 12 years and moved back up North again so our children could see more diversity.
Apologies for those living in Norwich who aren't like this, but unfortunately we go by our own experiences.
The city wasn't so bad, but the country around it was terrible.
Very insular and not warm at all.

Original poster

Worriedmover · 11/04/2018 14:04

Thank you! Like I said I'm not worried at all about being a same sex couple it's just visibility of our family unit (my wife and I have twin 4 year olds and a 6 month old). I just hope there will be our same sex families they can see in their school.

OP posts:

Original poster

Worriedmover · 11/04/2018 14:08

Thank you, really helpful responses. I have to be honest I'm absolutely gutted to be leaving Brighton as we are surrounded by same sex families and there are tons of rainbow family events etc which was why we chose to move to brighton many years ago. But we do need to move to be able to support my brother who is now grieving and on his own with 4 young children. It is the right thing to do and I can see lots of positives, cheaper housing, more space, lovely coast etc and I do really like the city. I'm sure it will be all ok!

OP posts:

Myteaismighty · 11/04/2018 14:09

Norwich does get a bad rep for being the arse end of nowhere but it's actually a really open and friendly city. There's a brilliant pride event, which me and DD went to last year, which could not have been more welcoming to everyone, young and old LGBT+ or straight.
I think the constant influx of students helps to create a more free-thinking vibe than you might expect

RatRolyPoly · 11/04/2018 14:11

If your kids are going to Recreation Road that is probably the most liberal, educated and "grown up hipster" (can't think of a better way to describe it...) area in my opinion; Golden Triangle, near the uni, lots of trendy youths and university lecturer types. Perhaps not diverse - certainly not racially diverse - but enlightened; does that make sense?

God, I hope you find it that way now, I'd hate to be out of touch; I love my city! Sad to hear of a pp's impressions (although she's probably not wrong once you venture out of the city into Tory country...).

Itsnotmesothere · 11/04/2018 14:17

Have no advice but just wanted to say what a lovely sister you sound to move cities to support your brother.

notsohippychick · 11/04/2018 14:19

Very gay friendly! We will welcome you with open arms. Please don’t worry, you’ll love living here xx

notsohippychick · 11/04/2018 14:19

Second that rat

The golden triangle is fabulous.

PattiStanger · 11/04/2018 14:30

I see I'm not the only one who can't resist pointing out that Norwich would be pretty hard to move for any type of family

In my limited knowledge of one same sex couple who live in Norwich I'd say you'll probably be fine

Rawhh · 11/04/2018 14:58

Having interacted with many same sex couples in Norwich you will be fine.

Norwich as a city feels very very safe.

Original poster

Worriedmover · 11/04/2018 15:22

Thanks everyone! Glad the cool seems ok too!

OP posts:

Original poster

Worriedmover · 11/04/2018 15:23

School!

OP posts:

DairyisClosed · 11/04/2018 15:27

Week nobody gives a shit up this way. Unfortunately you aren't going to get the sound and dance look at me kind of behaviour you get in Brighton but Brighton is a bit on an extreme. There may be other gay families in your child's class, there may not, ultimately nobody really cares though.

DairyisClosed · 11/04/2018 15:28

II wouldn't expect any bullying etc as a result

DancingLedge · 11/04/2018 15:37

Would echo the areas Rat suggested. There are some areas maybe less liberal in character.

Pop back when you've got a possible house?

Sallystyle · 11/04/2018 15:40

Norwich is great.

My gay son has had no issues and the PRIDE event really is amazing. I know loads of gay people and I really can't see there being any issue. Completely gay friendly.

Original poster

Worriedmover · 11/04/2018 15:43

Thank you! My brother lives in the golden triangle area so that's where we will be.

Dairy - literally no idea what you mean about song and dance and look at me behaviour. Never once encountered any look at me behaviour from any same sex families here. Very odd. Also the kind of attitude I'm dreading tbh

OP posts:

Huntinginthedark · 11/04/2018 15:44

Norwich is totally fine in my opinion! I can't imagine anyone having a problem

Huntinginthedark · 11/04/2018 15:46

Norwich also voted remain! not that it's got anything to do with same sex families, but it gives you a broad overview of how liberal people are there

Flip

1 2 3

Swipe left for the next trending thread