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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

LBG Friendly groups with kids (North East)

34 replies

Lovingeachday · 18/09/2018 19:29

Since moving six months ago for work I’ve been to a few parent groups with my children and found them a little bit cliquey not sure if I am being paranoid like I am the odd one out with my southern accent and not having a husband or boyfriend. Does anyone know of any or been to any LBG groups like soft plays?

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Original poster
Lovingeachday · 18/09/2018 20:41

Ideally Darlington - Durham area

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Original poster
Lovingeachday · 18/09/2018 21:45

And doesnt have to be soft play, though my youngest loves that.

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Anotherblacksheep · 18/09/2018 21:59

I'm sorry. Lbg?

Original poster
Lovingeachday · 18/09/2018 22:01

Lesbian/Gay/Bi

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StealthPolarBear · 18/09/2018 22:02

I don't know of ajy sorry, but giving you a from durham

Original poster
Lovingeachday · 18/09/2018 22:03

Thanks Polar!! Waving back

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monkeysox · 18/09/2018 22:22

Ne waves from me too.

Have you tried the sure start centres. Darlington quite good for those?
Rail museum.
Do they have any forest schools?

Original poster
Lovingeachday · 18/09/2018 22:26

Not heard of Forest schools and yes to Sure Start.
Railway museum on list of things to do.

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Anotherblacksheep · 18/09/2018 22:38

I'm north east and have many lbg (now I know what it means) friends but am not aware of any specific groups.
I'm probably going to get grief but why the specifics? My sil is a single, lesbian, mother but attends sure start groups aimed at babies (which is the point)
I may be ignorant as I don't attend these groups for personal safety reasons.

straightjeans · 19/09/2018 10:42

@Anotherblacksheep I assume it's quite comforting to be around other same sex attracted parents who GET it. Plus there are another set of issues that come with it. It's nice to discuss these problems with people who can relate.

Original poster
Lovingeachday · 19/09/2018 17:27

Yes pretty much that straight jeans, as original post says found the first group I attended not very friendly.

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Original poster
Lovingeachday · 20/09/2018 09:23

And doesn’t need to be specific just ones that are bit more friendly would be lovely.

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Original poster
Lovingeachday · 21/09/2018 11:55

Anyone been to digger land or Hall Hill farm? Any good? Suitable for a 2 year old? Thanks

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Original poster
Lovingeachday · 22/09/2018 20:51

Anyone? Lol

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Turquoisetamborine · 22/09/2018 20:57

Ive never been to Diggerland but Hall Hill Farm is great (if always windy, wrap up well). Loads to do there.
I don’t have recommendations for any specifically LGB groups but would try a few groups to find a good fit. The group I went to until last July near Durham is basically run by women who’ve moved here from down South and have their own clique.

teenytinypontypine · 22/09/2018 21:01

We went to Diggerland recently, it was awesome! But I think probably better for a little older than 2 years - our boy was almost 3.5 and at 103cm was tall enough for almost all the rides. I'd check your little one's height against the list on the Diggerland website to see it you think it will be worth your while.

Original poster
Lovingeachday · 22/09/2018 21:01

Thanks Turquoisetamborine... I’ve tried two groups and found them very cliquey ... did you find the same? Just friendly ones would be amazing.
Thinking Hall Hill Farm for next week, better bring a scarf?

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Boffered1 · 22/09/2018 21:04

Not a group but there is soft play at the Dolphin Centre in Darlington also Ruff n Tumble in Aycliffe. Infinite Air in Durham also has preschool trampolining.

Original poster
Lovingeachday · 22/09/2018 21:10

Thanks, not done infinate air but have been to those places before sadly can’t do it with a 2 year old :(

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Pimpom8 · 22/09/2018 21:19

Which groups have you tried? I don’t know any specific LGBT groups in the area, but I have met a couple of people in that category at groups who seemed to get on fine with everyone

Original poster
Lovingeachday · 22/09/2018 21:34

One was a soft play type one, but was cold and miserable - not just the temperature and the other was one off FaceBook

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NotANotMan · 22/09/2018 21:35

Is there a woodcraft folk district in your area? Lots of lesbian parents in my district :)

Pimpom8 · 22/09/2018 21:45

My child is younger than yours but it’s worth trying the singing class at library- always been friendly in my experience. There are some nice playgroups too- the one at the Quaker house in the town seemed friendly

Gildashairflick · 22/09/2018 21:46

Hall hill farm is brilliant for all age children especially in spring. Diggerland is dire imho. Hopeless for young children and the 16-17 year olds left in charge when we went were seriously out of their depths made me very Shockabout safety.
There's a LGBT Unity page for Darlo on Facebook who may know of parent type meet ups and I'd be very surprised if there isn't anything in Durham. Maybe try this

durhamlgbta.org.uk/

I hated baby's/toddler groups and I'm straight so they may just not be your thing full stop. I fell in with a group of mums who met at a local playbarn every week and I found my tribe :-) we were such a diverse group and I know for a fact a lesbian mum or gay dad would have been totally welcomed to the extent that sexuality wouldn't even be a discussion to be had.

Have you looked at courses or activities for your LO that would bring you into contact with like minded parents. Dance/sing and sign/ baby massage/ toddler yoga that kind of thing?

Original poster
Lovingeachday · 22/09/2018 21:48

Oh I read reviews on Diggerland and they said the same as you, though the eldest would enjoy it.
Thanks for the link, will have a look :)

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