For Pride Month, we caught up with our Youth Echo Programme which works to amplify the voices of young people in Haringey, and spoke with Camila Peraza, its Impact Lead.

"Pride is often associated with colourful celebrations, but at its heart, it is about visibility, inclusion and community. It reminds us that all young people deserve to see themselves seen in the world and to know their identity is celebrated, not hidden."

For many young people, finding the confidence to be themselves can be one of the most important, and sometimes most difficult, parts of growing up. This is especially true for young LGBTQIA+ people. While society has made progress, many still face discrimination, isolation and barriers to acceptance.

Stonewall's findings on the experience of young people from the LGBTQI+ community is stark.  

• 42% of LGBT+ pupils have been bullied in schools, double the rate of non-LGBT+ peers (21%).
• 68% of LGBT people aged 18-24 have experienced depression in the past year.
• Up to 24% of young people experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+, largely driven by family rejection and discrimination
• 48% of pupils have had little to no positive messaging about being LGBT+ at school in the last year. However, pupils whose schools had positive messaging about being LGBT+ also had reduced suicidal thoughts and feelings – regardless of whether they are LGBT+ or not.

Behind every number is a young person wanting what we all want: to belong, feel safe, and be valued. That is why Pride matters.

For organisations working with young people, like Youth Echo, Pride must be more than rainbows it must be a call to act. This can start with something simple: listening without judgment, using inclusive language, or showing every young person they belong. The impact of that belonging can be profound. Research shows that supportive adults, inclusive schools and affirming communities play a vital role in improving the welfare and mental health of LGBTQIA+ young people.

This Pride Month, we celebrate the courage, resilience and joy of LGBTQIA+ communities. But we also recognise our collective responsibility to build a future in which every young person in Haringey feels accepted, listened to, safe and truly proud of who they are not just during Pride, but every day of the year.