Tyler is a Showman and the founder of Traveller Pride.

We discuss growing up on the fair and how he felt being bisexual in a community where being gay was seen as a bit of joke, and where reputation is your lifeblood.

How he managed to overcome his fears of bringing shame on the family, and being rejected by the community he loved, to embrace his sexuality and start the very first Traveller Pride.

We talked about -

• What it was like growing up on the fair and being different to others
• The Showmen Community, their beliefs and values and the importance of family and heritage
• Being a traveller in the LGBTQ community
• The pride of the Showmen community and the importance of appearance ‘the flash’
• Traveller education
• What it was like moving into a house for the first time after living in a trailer
• His experience of the Showmen community's views of the LGBTQ community
• Coming out
• Starting Traveller Pride
• The importance of LGBTQ visibility in Traveller communities
• Knowing yourself
• Cherry Valentine, the Romany Gypsy drag queen and what she did for LGBTQ travellers

Tyler works as a therapist and has his own private practice.

Follow Tyler on X/Twitter - https://x.com/tjhatwell

Follow Traveller Pride here:

Website - https://www.lgbttravellerpride.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/travellerpride/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/lgbttravellerpride/

Follow Metro Charities here:

Website - https://metrocharity.org.uk

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/METROcharity/

Follow London Gypsies and Travellers here:

Website - https://www.londongypsiesandtravellers.org.uk

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/londongypsytraveller/

Thanks to Barney Addison, Bryher Williams, Felicity Papendieck and Sarah Powell for their input.

Please follow us at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myneighbourthehero/

Twitter: https://x.com/myneighbourhero

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myneighbourthehero

If you know of any amazing everyday heroes who you think should appear on this podcast please email myneighbourthehero@gmail.com.

CONTENT WARNING: Please note that this podcast features themes of suicide.

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