Published Wednesday 23 February 2022 at 16:51
This LGBT+ History Month, we’re highlighting the fantastic services and support available across our borough for this community.
In the UK, February is marked as LGBT+ History Month. It is an annual opportunity to celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex and non-binary culture and progress towards equality.
The month aims to promote a safer and more inclusive society where the broad spectrum of sexuality and gender is accepted and discussed freely, encouraging us to develop a deeper understanding of matters affecting the LGBT+ community both past and present.
As part of the month, we’re highlighting some of the fantastic services and support available across Blackburn with Darwen for this community – as well as some events and open days coming up!
Cllr Julie Gunn, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:
LGBT+ History Month is our chance to reflect on the past and carve the way for an inclusive future.
It’s fantastic to see the new services and events popping up across our borough committed to this community.
If you are struggling and need any help, please do reach out to these amazing services. Or even if you just fancy a chat and want to make some new friends! There’s plenty to get involved with.
There’s the new Rainbow Café that has just opened at the CVS Community Hub in Blackburn, with a weekly drop in taking place every Wednesday afternoon from 1pm – 3pm. This is for members of the LGBT+ community with disabilities – somewhere you can come along, have a chat and a brew and make new friends. For more information contact Donna Talbot at 01254 583957 / donna.talbot@communitycvs.org.uk
Take a look at this snap from the first ever session last week.
Address: CVS Community Hub, 35 Railway Road, Blackburn, BB1 1EZ.
(L-R), PCSO Mark Dixon, Cllr Julie Gunn, Kristian Ferguson – Rainbow Café Volunteer, Jamie Smith – Rainbow Café Volunteer, Ian Halawi – Local Artist
Rainbow Youth Centre in Darwen are hosting an open day this Saturday, 26th Feb 2022, from 10.30am – 2:30pm. The centre is open to all LGBTQI+ aged 17 and under. Pop down and meet their team! There’s snacks, drinks, a chill space and free WiFi too. Moving forward the centre will be open every Saturday from 10am till 6pm.
Address: Knott Street Community Centre, Darwen, BB3 2RN.
Blackburn Youth Zone have recently relaunched their LGBTQ+ group, which runs from 6 – 8 pm on Thursday evenings for young people aged 13-17. They have a TikTok station, games, snacks and will host different activities, such as film nights. See a poster below.
Address: 2 Jubilee Street, Blackburn, BB1 1EP.
You might also have heard about the recent announcement of Blackburn Pride 2022! This year Blackburn will host its first official Pride event, organised by a team of individuals who are looking for sponsorship and support. The event comes at a timely occasion as 2022 marks 50 years since the first ever Pride in the UK. There are plans for stalls, music, entertainment, art and more – contact BlackburnPrideCommittee@gmail.com for more info and to get involved!
If you have a service or offering you’d like us to signpost to please email prandcommunications@blackburn.gov.uk.