We will always need Pride...

PUBLIC attitudes towards LGBTQ people have improved over the past few years and experiences for LGBTQ young people are altogether more positive than they were decades ago.

Some people have begun to question the need for a yearly event like Pride to raise awareness of LGBTQ issues – we’ve achieved equality, they say.

But things are far from perfect. Children and young people, as well as adults, experience discrimination, bullying and hate crimes.

For many children and young people, dealing with diversity issues and finding their own identity can be difficult.

Barnardo’s works with a diverse cross-section of children, young people and families, providing a range of services to support LGBTQ young people. We understand their anxieties. We also help parents, carers and professionals support LGBTQ young people.

Pride’s focus has shifted since that first rally in 1972; today it’s more of a celebration. But, of course, it’s about so much more than that. While homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying and attacks still exist, we will always need Pride. Javed Khan Chief Executive Barnardo’s