Meet Frank, Founder

What do you bring to QJM?

I teach mindfulness, with an accreditation from the BMI, and I am currently doing an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy. My vision for my role in QJM is creating spaces for queer and trans people to come together in talking circles, to support one another in the difficult (see: shit) time we’re living in as queer people. I currently do a similar thing in my volunteer role at MAP, supporting young trans people in holding peer support group sessions. I’m also really excited to hold some mindfulness sessions with playful twists, connecting with the inner child, celebrating the body, and being a bit silly! 

What was your inspiration behind QJM?

I was asked to join the QJM by my wonderful friend Emily, to bring my mindfulness and lived trans experience to the QJM team. I attended the first iteration of the event in 2024 and, though I was nervous to get involved in some activities (mostly dance!), I found the event to be profoundly impactful - both for connecting to myself, and the community of queers who attended. I was able to let loose, have fun, be silly, connect to my inner child, and celebrate my love and appreciation for the freedom, complexity, creativity, and joy that comes with being queer. I’ve never experienced anything quite like it; a space for movement, for healing, for joy, all specifically by and for queer people. 

What are you looking forward to most about QJM?

I’m looking forward to meeting new people and trying new things at the workshops our various practitioners put on! I’m also looking forward to seeing how QJM evolves to fit our community’s needs. I didn’t have a true queer community for so much of my life, and there’s something quite indescribable about the feeling that having a group of people who understand what it’s like to be you, who celebrate you, and who hold you up brings. I am looking forward to feeling that, and fostering that feeling in others. And of course, queer joy! 

Where do you find queer joy? 

I find queer joy in (trans) community! I spent a lot of time before moving to Norwich searching for a community; I knew people were out there it just felt impossible to find them! Moving to Norwich has felt like coming home. It’s so wonderful to see so many visibly trans people out and about, and to go to events specifically for trans people run by trans people. The first trans sauna event I attended was really transformative, I remember coming home after having an incredible time and bursting into tears at how healing and deeply joyous the whole thing was. So that’s where I find queer joy, in other trans people!