YOUNG people from Leigh and Atherton are taking part in an event celebrating the views of the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) community.

The Queer Contact Festival at Manchester’s Contact theatre will showcase LGBT arts and culture from across Greater Manchester.

Part of the north west’s LGBT History Month celebrations, it will see young people from Leigh and Atherton air their views in a Queer Youth Gathering discussion event on Saturday.

It will bring youth groups together with councillors, artists, broadcasters and academics to discuss the issues affecting young people today.

Young people from Leigh and Atherton have been practising their debating skills with arts organisation Art with Heart in preparation for the event.

Sarah Emmott, from Art with Heart who will host the event alongside Cosmopolitan Magazine writer Rachel Morris said: “It has been great working with young people from Wigan and Leigh.

“I have found them all to be extremely articulate and really engaged in the subjects.”

The young people met at Wigan Town Hall’s council chamber to discuss whether or not young people today have access to the same opportunities regardless of where they live and if local authorities should prioritise mental health services.

Ash Smith, 14, from Atherton, said: “I have a fear of talking in front of people but tonight I felt like I could talk and let out my opinions.

“It is important because I know if I don’t speak then nothing can be done about anything I feel strongly about.

“Most teenagers don’t get the chance to have their views heard, so this is a big thing to be involved in.”

Cllr Jo Platt, portfolio holder for children and young people’s services at Wigan Council, said: “As part of our Deal for Children and Young People we ask young people to be willing to share their views with others.

“This project is a perfect example of young people being given the skills to do just that and then being confident enough to put what they have learned into practice.

“We are also keen to support projects which promote equality, so it is great that our young LGBT community will be represented at the Manchester festival.’

To find out more about the event visit contact.com.

For more information about young people having the chance to have their say in Atherton and Leigh go online at wigan.gov.uk/LINC2 or e-mail voiceandengagement@wigan.gov.uk.

To pledge your support to Wigan Council’s campaign for tolerance and equality go to wigan.gov.uk/Council/Believe/Believe-Im-only-Human.