Pride Month 2026: Visibility, Community, Inclusion and Action

June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities, recognise the progress that has been made, and acknowledge that the journey towards equality is far from over.

Pride began as a protest.

While it has become a celebration of identity, creativity and community, it remains rooted in the fight for equal rights, dignity and freedom.

Pride Month offers an opportunity not only to celebrate LGBTQ+ people, but also to reflect on the challenges many still face, including discrimination, exclusion, hate crime and barriers to accessing opportunities.

This year's themes of visibility, community, inclusion and action feel particularly relevant.

Visibility matters because people deserve to see themselves represented in their communities, workplaces, media and culture.

Community matters because nobody should have to navigate life feeling isolated or excluded.

Inclusion matters because everyone deserves to feel safe, valued and respected.

Action matters because progress only happens when people are willing to stand up for one another and create positive change.

It is also important to recognise Pride through an intersectional lens. People's experiences are shaped by multiple identities, including race, disability, age, faith, class and gender.

LGBTQ+ people can experience different forms of discrimination and inequality simultaneously, making it essential that conversations about equality are inclusive and recognise the diversity of lived experience.

Pride at Ipswich Community Media

At ICM, inclusion is not something we focus on for one month of the year.

It's embedded in our values and in the way we work throughout the year.

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to tell their story, have their voice heard and participate in CREATIVE learning activity regardless of their background, identity or circumstances.

Through our community media projects, youth programmes, filmmaking, creative workshops, ESOL classes and community events, we aim to create welcoming spaces where people can express themselves, connect with others and feel a sense of belonging.

We are proud to work with people from many different communities across Ipswich and Suffolk, including LGBTQ+ participants, volunteers, artists and partners.

We believe diversity strengthens our communities and enriches the stories we tell.

Pride Month provides an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to creating spaces that are inclusive, respectful and safe for everyone.

We stand alongside LGBTQ+ communities not just during Pride Month, but throughout the year.

CHECK OUT A WHOLE HOST OF ACTIVITIES HAPPENING THIS MONTH, WITH OUR FRIENDS AT SUFFOLK PRIDE

Supporting Young LGBTQ+ People in Suffolk

Several organisations in Suffolk are dedicated to supporting young LGBTQ+ individuals, providing safe spaces, resources, and advocacy:

• Outreach Youth: This Suffolk-based charity supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 11-25. They offer youth groups, one-on-one support, and educational workshops, helping young people feel confident and accepted. https://outreachyouth.org.uk

• The Kite Trust: Although based in Cambridgeshire, The Kite Trust extends its services to Suffolk, offering support to LGBTQ+ young people through youth groups, mentoring, and resources for schools. https://thekitetrust.org.uk

YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

WITH LOVE,

THE ICM FAMILY X