The world can feel deeply scary to an LGBTQIA+ person, and to us the most vital thing we can do is to make the community we call home as safe as possible for everyone in it. We are all so proud of our pride and all it has achieved this past decade.
Ten years ago, there were incidents, attacks, and heart-breaking losses for our community here in Margate. We knew a pride was essential. We also knew a youth group was vital. Finding your community and positive role models from a young age can change your life. Pride is for everyone, but it’s especially important for terrified teenagers, working out who they are, searching for community, especially if that support isn’t at home. Even more so for trans kids in education, with the KCSIE guidance published this year.
A place for young people
We started a youth group called Out Margate in 2016, which went on to become The Be You Project, which still runs today. The safe space of these groups has become a sanctuary to so many. We spoke to some young people, whose lives were impacted by them…
Quentin Stevenson (He/Him) says:
“Before I attended the BeYou youth group, I didn’t have a lot of safe spaces to experiment with my identity as a queer child. I also unfortunately faced a lot of homophobia and transphobia in school and sometimes even in the streets. But thanks to that group, not only did I find myself, but other trans people I am proud to call my brothers from other mothers.
“I can clearly see that in recent years these types of social groups have helped Margate flourish to be a more open-minded community as well. It warms my heart to see how many more queer friendly spaces have opened up in Margate for others to find themselves and like-minded individuals too!”
Daiz Westbury (They/He) says:
“I attended the Just Like Us 18-25 youth group in Margate (about 10 years ago now.) I also went to one in Whistable for a couple of months with Just Like Us – we even went on a trip to see Billy Elliot in the West End! The groups have impacted my adult life as I got to meet people like me, who were my age, and probably for the first time. I just remember thinking I’ve only ever read or seen documentaries about other trans people. They gave me a space to develop my sense of self away from family, they gave me friends and a new way of life away from strict binaries.
The changes in Margate over the last 10 years have been phenomenal, and Pride have had such a big role to play in that. I’ve been visiting Margate on and off since 2014 and have always found it to be a place full of queers, oddballs and others, I of course felt right at home. Since Pride started up in 2016 the town has just become so vibrant. Art exhibitions on every corner, community groups hosting workshops and parties, queer families choosing to raise their children here. All side effects of the hard work of the LGBT+ community in this town.”
A lifeline for queer kids
Margate Pride has always engaged in work with LGBTQ+ youth since its inception in 2016. We understand how vital it is for young people to feel safe, supported, and to have visible happy queer adults in their lives. I think a lot of us would agree that growing up as a queer kid would have been a whole lot easier with access to role models within our community.
From starting LGBTQ+ youth groups, working with the BeYou Project, running workshops in local schools, hosting school holiday events, an 18-24 social group, supporting Trans Club Margate, and running Youth Pride, Margate Pride has always passionately supported our youth.
Margate Youth Pride takes place on 8th August 2026 from 2.30-4.30pm as part of the Margate Pride 10 year celebrations at Dreamland, with its own dedicated space and programming in the Ballroom. There are snacks, crafts, and interactive games with The Anxious Pickle Club, a chance to meet other LGBTQIA+ young people, a neurodivergent calm space, performances from Drag Race UK’s Just May, poetry from Gaysians founder Rain Reeta Loi, and over 10 young performers from Arts Ed Exchange. Not to mention the best penny sweet selection ever! No tickets or registration needed! For up-to-date info, keep an eye on our Instagram.
All are welcome at Youth Pride; it’s friendly, safe, and lovely. See you there!
