For those who are gay or bisexual, growing up in rural areas like the Five Valleys can be an isolating experience. To coincide with last month's celebration of Gay History a network of support groups has been set up in various parts of the county including Stroud. James Davis reports.

HOMOPHOBIC bullying, harassment and loneliness will be tackled by a new group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in the Stroud area.

The idea has come from the Gay Glos group and the local national Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) movement, of which celebrated actor Sir Ian McKellan is patron.

It is hoped the group - for over-18s - will give members a sense of belonging and the chance to meet new friends.

The Stroud group will be run by volunteers who have had similar experiences to members.

Here Paul - a 32-year-old gay man - gives a frank account of growing up in Stroud.

Case study - Paul.

I HAD four older brothers and they were all very macho.

At one stage we had to share a bedroom and for some reason when I got to about 11 or 12 I started taking notice of them and it started worrying me. I was too afraid to talk to anyone about it.

I was concerned and couldn't talk to anyone so I left it and hid it inside me. When I went to senior school in Stroud I started dating girls.

I enjoyed it but something kept telling me it didn't feel right.

Although I liked my girlfriends I was not able to be totally with them on an intimate level.

I couldn't talk to anyone and didn't know who to turn to.

In the playground, anyone who looked different would be called names like 'gay' or 'poofter'.

I stopped dating - I needed a change of life to get away from it so I joined the Army thinking being around macho men would solve the problem.

I was alright and I would go out, get drunk with the guys and really enjoyed myself.

I stayed in the military for two years and would go off on my own to pubs and clubs to meet people like me.

I enjoyed my military life but left because of the homophobic attitude and macho culture I encountered.

I returned to the Stroud area, lonely and depressed.

My family told me I was not 'normal' to use their words.

I started travelling further away, such as to Bristol, to find people who I could talk to. I still needed to know if I was okay.

I decided I needed some help - I tried the internet and the Samaritans.

I was getting desperate and became suicidal as I didn't have support from my family or friends. No one seemed to understand the problems I faced trying to become comfortable with my sexual orientation.

A few months ago I saw something in one of the papers about a helpline so I called and they where really understanding. The first time I called I broke down and couldn't say anything.

But they were really nice and said I could ring back.

They understood and gave me a chance to talk about my feelings.

If it wasn't for this help I might have ended up hurting myself.

They talked about this group starting up and now I feel confident and am keen to get involved.

I no longer feel alone but feel part of a group of supportive people who understand me.

Growing up in rural areas is harder - there is still a stigma.

I have been to local pubs in Stonehouse and Chalford where I feel an atmosphere of intolerance - it makes me feel uncomfortable and threatened.

My advice to young people is get in touch with one of the helplines.

* Monthly meetings will take place in Stroud. The location which varies but can be found by calling the Gay Glos helpline on 01452 306800 between 7.30pm and 10pm Monday to Friday or by emailing help@gayglos.org.