Celebrating our Volunteers: Meet Community Group Leader, Caspian

My name is Caspian (they/them). I work in a library, and I’m passionate about finding queer stories in our books and archives! I’m a big movie fan, so you’ll often find me at the cinema with my husband. I also love going hunting for sea-glass at the beach with my dog, Wilf.

What inspired you to start volunteering with LGBT Health and Wellbeing?

I knew LGBT Health and Wellbeing supported community groups, so when I wanted to start a trans choir with two friends, we hoped they’d be able to help! They were keen to offer us support without running the group for us, which was exactly what we needed.

What does your volunteering role involve?

I’m a community group leader for Edinburgh Trans Choir. Three of us run it together; we meet every two weeks, taking it in turns to lead a song. I also accompany us on piano, so I have a bit more homework to prepare for each session! We learn the songs, lead warm-ups, and also send out a newsletter every fortnight. We also signpost people to other groups and resources.

Why is this work important to you?

Volunteering has been really meaningful to me! Coming to choir every other week, I see people gain confidence and make friends. We’ve built a little community with in-jokes and favourite songs, and it’s wonderful to have a space that’s just about singing together.

What does LGBT Health and Wellbeing mean to you?

I really value how LGBT Health and Wellbeing create spaces for us to be social. I think it’s important for queer folk to be able to relax and have fun together, not just be serious and doing activism (even though that’s also needed!).

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?

Volunteering can be what you want it to be! I started a choir because I wanted to be in one – think of a thing you’d like to do anyway, and ask how it could work in your community.