A BANES Youth Pride event is taking place in Bath for local young LGBTQ+ people and their allies aged 13-18 (or 13-21 with additional needs) who live, work or study in the county of Bath and North-East Somerset.
Organised by a group of young people, with support by the youth wellbeing charity Off The Record (BANES), the free event will take place on the afternoon of 4 March at a venue at a venue that will be announced a week before the event.
“We want to help young people feel accepted and welcome in their identities,” said Ella, one of the Youth Forum organisers of the event. “Poor mental health and feelings among young LGBTQ+ people are often very common, even more so for those who are also People of the Global Majority (BAME), who live in isolated rural areas or who have a disability.
“We wanted to combat this by creating a safe space for young people – something many older LGBTQ+ people wish they had had as teenagers. We hope it will be an afternoon of learning, connection and fun!”
The day will include
- Workshops on: the experiences of trans people (run by Off The Record), tackling LGBTQ+ discrimination (run by Diversity Role Models and Off The Record), the experiences of LGBTQ+ people of colour (run by B In Bath), and LGBTQ+ and faith (run by Oasis Hub Bath)
- Craft activities
- A book corner
- Information stalls run by Off The Record and Stand Against Racism & Inequality (including about free support services for local LGBTQ+ young people)
- A quiet room
- Lots of free food!
- An exhibition and birthday cake to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of SPACE (Off The Record’s LGBTQ+ youth group, which has supported and empowered so many young people in this county over the last decade)
- Open mic performances
- A prize draw for every young person who comes to the event, with One4All and Etsy vouchers worth £25+ to be won
Register for a free ticket at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/banes-youth-pride-tickets-484326592877