June 2025

The Power of Being Seen in Somerset

“Each flag waved, each parade marched, and each story shared amplifies the message that LGBTQ+ people are here, and have always been here.”

The Importance of Visibility During Pride Month and Beyond

Visibility isn’t just about being seen, it’s about being acknowledged, valued, and heard. As we celebrate Pride Month, it’s important to recognise how visibility shapes understanding, promotes inclusion, and drives meaningful change. From coming out stories to representation in media, visibility has long been both a challenge and a triumph for the LGBTQ+ community.

At 2BU, we believe every LGBTQ+ young person in Somerset deserves to feel seen and heard. We listen to their voices, support their journeys, and advocate for them, especially in spaces where they may not yet feel safe to speak for themselves.

For many, visibility can be daunting, especially when someone is only “out” in certain parts of their life. Being visible is often safer and more empowering within groups. Still, the impact is profound, it challenges stereotypes, breaks down misinformation, and fosters empathy. When people see LGBTQ+ individuals living openly in their schools, workplaces, families, and communities, it becomes harder to ignore or deny their humanity.

Visibility also tells those still exploring or struggling with their identity: you are not alone. It offers hope, models of resilience, and a vital sense of belonging. Despite the challenges, visibility remains a powerful catalyst for change, shifting hearts and minds, inspiring inclusion, and creating connection across communities.

What You Can Do to Support Visibility

• Celebrate Stories: Share and engage with LGBTQ+ narratives in books, film, podcasts, and media.
• Make Space: Uplift voices that are often marginalised, especially BIPOC, disabled, and trans individuals.
• Respect Boundaries: Not everyone is ready to be visible. Honour different journeys and definitions of visibility.
• Be an Ally: Use your voice and platform to advocate when others can’t.
• Engage Locally: Join 2BU and others at Somerset Pride events, your support means the world to our young people.
•  

Visibility and Pride: A Shared Legacy

The roots of Pride lie in the brave visibility of those who stood up against erasure, most notably following the Stonewall Uprising in 1969. Pride marches were and continue to be declarations of presence, resistance, and celebration. Today, Pride is still a vital space where LGBTQ+ people can be visible, affirmed, and unapologetically themselves.

This summer, join 2BU as we proudly stand beside LGBTQ+ young people across Somerset. Through community events and our public presence, we work to ensure young queer people are seen, celebrated, and connected to something bigger than themselves.

Find us at:

• Frome Pride – Saturday 1st June
• Balsam Family Pride Day, Wincanton – Friday 7th June
• Glastonbury Pride – Saturday 27th July
• Yeovil Pride – Friday 6th September

Come say hello, we’d love to see you there.

From all of us at 2BU:
Happy Pride, and thank you for standing with LGBTQ+ young people in Somerset