A GROUP which supports the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Newport will hold its first conference next month.

The LGBT+ group Rainbow Newport was set up four months ago by Baneswell resident Adam Smith, 33.

He decided to set up the group after the shooting in a gay nightclub in Orlando in June.

In the shooting, 49 people were killed and 50 people were injured.

Mr Smith, who works for Newport City Council, said: “I organised the vigil in the civic centre and I said I’d do my best to help put support in place in Newport.

“I came out as gay about 16 years ago and I struggled. I hit rock bottom and I didn’t know about any support services.

“I changed my life around by going to college. There’s more support these days, but I just want to do my bit to make sure no one goes through what I went through.”

Mr Smith said that Rainbow Newport is a group of volunteers who live or work within Newport and wish to do more in supporting people who identify as LGBT+.

He said that at the moment, they mostly operate through an online presence, but that they also hold drop-in sessions in St David’s House in Commercial Street.

The group also organises social events and have worked very closely with Flamingo’s, an LGBT friendly club in Newport.

“With a lot of support and backing, I’m hoping we can have a drop-in centre in a couple of years,” said Mr Smith. “After some very successful events over the past few months, we have decided to arrange an informal and informative event to help celebrate LGBT History Month next year.”

On Wednesday, February 1, Rainbow Newport is teaming up with multi-organisations from Across Newport and Wales to arrange Newport first’s LGBT+ Conference and Information Day.

He said: “With joint partnership working with Rainbow Newport, Gwent Police, Pride Cymru and many more, this event is set to be an amazing day.

“This has been a long time coming for Newport, and we are confident it will be a huge success for the LGBT+ community of Newport.

“We aim to put on a variety of workshops, speakers and with a mixed range of exhibitors for the community.

“This event has been set up as a result of excellent feedback from the LGBT+ and wider community who are still unsure about what services are available.

“The plan is now to raise awareness of this opportunity and for the people of Newport to attend this event regardless of your sexuality or gender identity.”

Registration for the conference is now open. Visit bit.ly/2iX8J43