X2Y

In May 2025, amid a hostile climate following the Supreme Court ruling, many queer young people felt anxious and excluded from traditional protest spaces. In response, this initiative created supportive spaces for young people to explore LGBTQ+ history, drawing inspiration from past civil rights movements to build resilience and hope.

This led to the Placard Initiative, where young people expressed their experiences through creative workshops, producing protest signs that reflected their voices and identities. These sessions fostered connection, belonging, and empowerment.

Participants then took part in direct action, marching at Wolverhampton Pride and later London Trans+ Pride, ensuring their messages were visible locally and nationally—even for those unable to attend in person.

The project culminated in a public art exhibition, displaying the placards in a local gallery to amplify these voices beyond the community. Overall, the initiative empowered young queer people, strengthened community ties, and ensured their perspectives were seen, heard, and celebrated.

THE PROUD TRUST DIGITAL YOUTH GROUP

Queer & Far is a digital youth group created to provide LGBTQ+ young people with a safe, accessible space when in-person support isn’t possible. Developed by The Proud Trust, it builds on existing youth work to bridge the gap between one-to-one online support and physical groups, often serving as the only LGBTQ+ community some young people can access.

The space is shaped collaboratively by youth workers and participants, fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment where identities are respected and voices are heard. This approach ensures the group feels stable, meaningful, and responsive to young people’s needs.

Queer & Far is particularly vital for those in rural areas, those not out at home, disabled young people, and anyone who feels safer online. By prioritising accessibility and connection, it creates a sense of belonging and support for those who might otherwise feel isolated.

SEXPRESSION:UK

Sexpression:UK’s “Best If You Test” campaign, was delivered during November 2025 and Sexual Health Week. Running across 15 branches, the campaign reached a wide student audience, including over 10,000 Instagram views, and collaborated with external creators to make messaging more relatable and accessible.

The campaign effectively educated young people about STIs, including what they are, how common they are, and how to reduce risk. Its greatest impact was providing clear, practical guidance on when, where, and how to get tested, helping to reduce stigma and confusion around sexual health.

In addition, branches delivered 24 educational sessions over the year, with 613 young people providing feedback. Responses highlighted the value of the information shared, particularly around STI prevention, treatment, and fertility. Overall, the initiative combined strong outreach with practical education to improve awareness and encourage safer health practices among young people.

SPACE YOUTH PROJECT

In May 2025, young people from the Space Youth Project visited Parliament with a youth worker, meeting Dorset MPs and LGBTQ+ allies to advocate for better support. They presented a document created by members, coordinated by the Supernovas peer leadership group, which represents young people’s voices across the organisation.

The Supernovas worked collaboratively to ensure diverse experiences were included, highlighting key issues faced by LGBTQ+ youth. These included inadequate responses to homophobia and transphobia in schools, experiences of online abuse, limited access to healthcare and mental health support, and a broader feeling of not being heard.

Young people also raised concerns about the influence of anti-trans groups on policy, stressing that their lived experiences are often overlooked. The visit provided a platform for them to directly engage with decision-makers, amplifying their voices and advocating for meaningful change.