The NGF Lesbian and Gay Youth "Group - or the NGF Youth Group as it was then called - was formed around ten years ago. The founder members felt that the special needs of young gays were not being met by any of the existing organisations. The initial purposes of the NGF Youth Group were to create a forum for discussion and to provide a positive and supportive environment for young gays who were in the process of coming out. Originally the youth group had an all-male membership. But over the years young lesbians have gradually become more involved in running the group and participating in its various activities - thus the transition from NGF Youth Group to NGF Gay & Lesbian Youth Group. It is essential that the group is not seen as a male-dominated clique, but as it stands at the moment there is room for more young women members: integration and interaction between young gays and lesbians is an important part of the youth group.