Article provided by Mason, one of our former Youth Panel members
As June draws to a close, so too does Pride Month. This year has felt different from previous years. Pride has seemed less visible, with fewer businesses and organisations taking part, and with less promotion and fewer clear messages. While some may see that as a sign that LGBTQ+ inclusion has become part of everyday life, I can't help wondering whether it also reflects changing attitudes towards LGBTQ+ visibility.
Over the past few decades, society has made huge strides towards greater acceptance and equality. At the same time, recent debates and policy changes have left many feeling that progress isn't something we can take for granted; and that the LGBTQ+ movement remains as relevant today as it was in 1972, when the first London Pride march took place. The UK has fallen in recent years in ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Map rankings, highlighting that there is still work to do to make the country a place where everyone feels included and supported.
For LGBTQ+ young people, life can still be difficult to navigate. Stonewall reports that 44% of LGBTQ+ young people in the UK have experienced suicidal thoughts - a sobering reminder of the challenges many continue to face. While we know mental health support can be difficult to access nationally, we're fortunate in St Albans to have Youth Talk: a local counselling charity offering young people a safe, confidential space to talk about whatever is on their mind.
For LGBTQ+ young people especially, having somewhere they feel heard, respected and accepted can make all the difference. Youth Talk’s counsellors provide a non-judgemental environment where everyone is welcome, whatever they’re going through. As the charity continues to grow, it remains committed to reaching even more young people, including those from the LGBT+ community, so that no one has to struggle alone.
Although much has been achieved – from equal marriage and adoption rights to continued commitments to improve equality and healthcare – many young people still worry about being accepted by family, friends or their wider community. That’s why Pride continues to matter. It’s a reminder that kindness, visibility and acceptance can have a real impact on people’s lives.
That’s also why places like Youth Talk matter. In a world where too many young people still feel unseen, unheard or unsafe, having somewhere local, free and confidential to talk openly is invaluable. In St Albans, we don’t just need open celebrations during Pride Month, we need open doors all year round.