RESIDENTS BY MING DE NASTY

NICK

I’m a queer, gender non-conforming 43-year-old artist and psychotherapist living in Waterloo, Liverpool – and I genuinely love it here. The city has a great balance: a lively centre, independent shops and markets, a vibrant arts scene and beautiful beaches, all filled with genuinely lovely people. Before moving here, I always felt quite disconnected from the LGBTQ+ community, but through my work with LGBTQ+ youth in the city, I’ve found a sense of belonging. While the community is visible here, I do think we need more sober social spaces, as so much still revolves around alcohol. Overall, I feel accepted as a queer person in Liverpool – though I’m cautious, as some areas feel safer than others,  especially with the worrying rise of far-right activity locally and across the UK. I’m originally from the East Midlands, but Liverpool has felt like home since the day we arrived.