Description:Birmingham’s Gay Village became home to a number of organisations, such as Lesbian and Gay Switchboard West Midlands. Established in 1975 it offers a telephone information and support service for people attracted to members of the same sex. It also provides extensive listings of venues and organisations of interest to the lesbian, gay and bisexual community, together with useful information on sexuality and health.
Originally run from someone’s home, the Switchboard moved when the Gay Community Centre was established at 9-10 Bordesley Street in 1976. After the Centre’s lease expired in 1979, the Switchboard and Friend, a befriending service, continued at 39 and later at 37 Thorp Street, in space rented from the Nightingale Club. Run by volunteers for more than 30 years they have taken over 100,000 calls and can now be found on the web at www.gaymidlands.org
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