Every June we observe Pride Month and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. Recognising the achievements, celebrating diversity and raising awareness of the ongoing struggle for equality and inclusivity. We have come a long way since the Stonewall Riots in 1969 but it feels like we still have a long way to go. Attacks on LGBTQIA+ people have increased in the last few years, legislative changes in the USA vilifying drag and trying to deny trans people health care highlight why support for the queer community is so important, not just for Pride Month but all year round.
On the Isle of Wight we have some amazing organisations supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Breakout Youth is 30 this year and works tirelessly to support LGBTQIA+ young people on the Isle of Wight through group and 1-2-1 support as well as offering training in schools - https://www.breakoutyouth.org.uk/
Rainbow Island is a community group for LGBTQIA+ people of all ages on the Isle of Wight. They run meditation and yoga sessions, book club and monthly get togethers - https://www.facebook.com/RainbowIslandIW
Founder of Rainbow Island, Caroline Diamond, is also involved with Out On An Island whose first project saw the publication of an incredible book of the same name focusing on the untold heritage of LGBTQ+ people with an Isle of Wight connection - https://www.facebook.com/OutOnAnIslandIW
Isle of Wight Pride, which I am proud to be a trustee of, will hold it's annual Pride event on 14th - 16th July at Eastern Gardens in Ryde. This is an incredible coming together of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to celebrate diversity and champion equality and inclusivity - https://www.iwpride.org/
The Isle of Wight can feel like a small and isolating place sometimes, with many LGBTQIA+ people opting to move away because they feel there is nothing here for them. I'm saddened by this and wanted to write this blog to let members of the queer community know about some of the amazing LGBTQIA+ groups on the island. You are not alone! There are safe and inclusive spaces for you on the Isle of Wight, so if you are struggling or just want to meet new people please get in touch.