The cat-suited superheroes, who spread the word about safer sex with their practical sexual health advice and cheeky catchphrases ("Rip, roll and ride!"), were created as part of an exciting project managed by Trade Sexual Health (the gay and bisexual sexual health charity for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland) and funded by the National Lottery, Awards for All.
Through a series of workshops with street theatre company Curious Cargo, the team of six volunteers developed and planned their performances. Together, they promoted safe sex and efficient condom use amongst the gay community to the run up World AIDS Day 2008. The project culminated in a superhero-themed World AIDS Day charity event party at Quebec on Saturday 29th November.
Sal Khalifa, Trade Sexual Health Operations Manager said: "The Awards for All grant really helped us develop our volunteering, and, through the workshops with Curious Cargo, a creative new approach. It's been great to see people from different age groups and backgrounds working together in such a fresh and exciting way".
In the wake of the Super Heroes Night, Trade received a huge amount of positive feedback for the project, which was held to be a massive success. Personal evaluations showed that each team member applied to be a Super Trooper with a different aim in mind; from giving something back to the community, to simply meeting new people. In each case, the individuals thought that the project had helped them to achieve those goals.
As well as raising awareness of safe sex in the LGBT community, one of the objectives of Trade Super Troopers was to improve the knowledge of the Super Troopers themselves, who learnt a lot more about sexual health, be it ways to avoid transmitting infections, or how to put a condom on efficiently and safely. Through the drama workshops, the participants developed not only their confidence, but their ability to work well within a team, taking different roles and responsibilities as part of a team. The experience also enhanced members' creative skills, working with professional practitioners to develop a new public performance. The finished piece - from costumes to character - was created by the Super Troopers themselves, with more than a little improvisation!
Katie Hunt, a member of the Super Troopers team, said: "It was really fun and informative working with Trade and Curious Cargo. What surprised me is that I've actually become more confident as a result of the workshops. I've had a great time, and learnt a lot about safer sex. I hope it's been as useful to the LGBTQ community in Leicester as it's been for us".
When Trade asked the volunteers whether they thought that the Super Troopers project should continue, the response was overwhelmingly positive, with a unanimous offer to volunteer for Trade in future in order to help the project continue.
Trade would like to thank all the gay venue owners, staff and customers, Curious Cargo for helping to create a fantastic performance the Trade Trustees and staff and who helped facilitate and manage the project and a big thank you for all their hard work to the Trade Supper Troopers without whom the project would not be a success.
The grant from Awards for All has also helped Trade create a new Volunteer Resource Centre where volunteers can work together, take part in training and team building events or just relax after they've finished their work.
If you are interested in volunteering for future projects or would like more information about this project contact Trade on 0116 254 1747 or email us at:
CLICK HERE
to view pictures of Trade Super Troopers Project
