The Northern Echo's new website columnist, who writes for the gay and lesbian section, tells Sheelagh Caygill how he's come to terms with his own sexuality and aims to promote a positive message.

The North-East sometimes has a reputation for being homophobic, but one gay man who is writing a column for The Northern Echo's website says: "It may not be great, but it's not that bad." Peter Taylor, 25, writes for the website's gay and lesbian section, looking at topics such as gay adoption, homophobia, and politicians' responses to these issues.

"I think the North-East is a bit more cosmopolitan than we give ourselves credit for. I work with offenders, so you'd expect I'd have to be in the closet. But I've never really had any problems," he says. "In fact, I think I fare better because the people I work with meet someone who just gets on with his life. I don't feel the need to come out to people, I just get on with things and have an attitude of being very comfortable with myself and the way I come across."

Peter doesn't deny that life can sometimes be difficult for some gay men and lesbians living in the region, but believes that a lot can be accomplished by having a confident, self-accepting attitude.

"I undoubtedly have some homophobia directed at me, comments are sometimes made, and I don't like it," he says. "But at the same time I am realistic and accept that it's not a perfect world. A few people will say things, but I try not to let it affect my life and what I do, where I go."

It wasn't always like that for Peter - he describes the bullying he received at school in Stockton as "horrendous". "At school I was a bit camp. I still am, and it's just the way I am. It's not something I switch on or off. Because of that, I was bullied and it was a terrible experience for me."

The negative experience was diminished by the fact that Peter had a good group of friends who accepted him for who he was. His family was also loving and supportive.

College life was easier. Peter had a girlfriend for a short time and then at 19, he had his first relationship with a man. It transformed his life, giving him a new, strong sense of self-acceptance. "The relationship was a very positive experience for me. It changed my life completely in the sense that I knew who I was. I became very comfortable with myself, and confident."

At the same time, Peter came out to some friends and to his mother, and the experience was easy because she had sensed that her son was gay and accepted this.

"My family and friends have always been accepting about who I am, but I know that it is extremely difficult for young people who don't have that kind of positive support," he says. "But even those people can work to address the issues of confidence and choose not to listen to people who are giving negative feedback, or telling them that there's something wrong with them as a person. I'm not saying it's easy, but it can be done."

Peter also believes that gay men and lesbians can help themselves - and perhaps even change some attitudes in the North-East - by being more open about their lives. "I'm not saying it's wrong to be in the closet, and if people make that choice I respect it. But gay men and lesbians should try to be who they are. Be sensible, be safe, but don't constantly be editing your life or hiding who you are. We can't expect the world to change overnight if we're not prepared to be comfortable and confident with who we are."

As well as his work with offenders, Peter teaches counselling and HIV awareness at a local college. Occasionally, a student will ask if he's gay, and he'll answer honestly. "No-one has ever responded by challenging me or refusing to work with me."

He also sits on Northumbria Police's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Task Force, and has found it an interesting and positive experience. His role is as part of a smaller working group looking at policing some of the public environments in Newcastle.

Peter says he's decided to write a column because he wants to express his opinions publicly and would like to encourage some discussion and debate. "The column's happened at the right time," he said. "I have some views and say some things that not everyone agrees with. I tend to be quite positive about being gay in 2004, which can sometimes upset or irritate people. At the same time, I don't want to be too serious. Most of what I say or write has some humour to it, and I hope people will enjoy that."

l Peter's column can be found in the gay and lesbian section of www.entertainmentnortheast.co.uk