In light of Pride month, we wanted to shine a light on an amazing charity who work closely with the LGBTQIA+ community locally. We’ve worked with the BeYou project in raising funds via our face-painting and live music events.
The BeYou Project is brought to you by PorchLight and connects young people in Kent and Medway who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning their sexual or gender identity.
They support LGBTQ+ children and young people from ages 13-25 through group meet-ups and one-to-one support. They also provide support and advice for parents/ carers and families.
They work with schools, colleges and youth groups, and deliver training on how to overcome unintended barriers and create LGBTQ-friendly environments.
“Our aim is that there is a continuity of support networks for LGBTQ+ young people when schools and colleges close over the summer; that they build and sustain positive family relationships; that participants take part in physical and social activities from which they might otherwise feel excluded and that their levels of self-esteem and social inclusion are boosted. Importantly, it isn’t just about helping participants to express and celebrate their sexual and gender identities; it’s also about helping them enjoy childhood.”
Beyou run weekly meet-ups where you can chat, make new friends and share experiences as well as just hanging out in a safe space. You can find out when the next meet up is by heading to the website.
There is also an extremely helpful resource centre you can access to learn more about and get advice on online safety, domestic abuse, coming out and a whole lot more. Access it below.
Find them on Instagram at @beyoukent
Find out more and see how you can help here.
2023 Events
2023 Events
Pride events Porchlight’s BeYou team will be attending are the following dates this summer:
15 July – Deal
22 July – Dartford
29 July – Folkestone, Faversham
5 August – Tonbridge
12 August – Margate
19 August – Medway
26 August – Swale, Dover
2 September – Herne Bay
BeYou are also organising their own BeYou Big Day Out Pride event on Saturday 23rd September at Kent Fire and Rescue at Maidstone from 11am – 3pm. They’ll be craft stalls, games and sports, free food, a chill out and sensory tent. This event is being run in conjunction with KFRS.
