On Saturday 17 June, the first ever Chesil Youth Pride took place – hosted by Dorset Council, Weymouth College, Space Youth Project, The Drop-In (Portland) and Dorset Police.
Chesil Youth Pride 2023 started with a stall holder event at Weymouth College, followed by a group parade along Weymouth Esplanade for those who wished to take part, before ending with live music and dancing.
The fun-filled day was a celebration of diversity and a show of support for Weymouth and Portland’s LGBTQI+ young people.
Young people, their allies, friends, family, and members of the local community took part in Pride-based activities and creative workshops, whilst making the most of the fun photobooth and face paint.
Teams from Dorset Council’s Children’s Services, and youth workers from partner organisations, attended the event to offer advice and support to the LGBTQI+ young people and to signpost them to available services.
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service also lent their support on the day, taking part in the parade and helping to safely manage the flow of traffic.
Cllr Byron Quayle, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills, and Early Help said, “A huge thank you to everyone involved in the planning of such a wonderful and joyous event – especially the young people who played such a pivotal role. The atmosphere created was one of support and true celebration of our LGBTQI+ young people, with everyone having a brilliant time.”
Young people from Weymouth and Portland’s LGBTQI+ youth community played a vital role in designing the day – having a say on many of the details of how the event should be run, including the branding, music, messaging, and activities.
Dawn Henderson, Chesil Locality Team Manager and Dorset Council’s project lead for Chesil Youth Pride, said; “I would like to say thank you to the partners and the project group for giving unwavering support to make Chesil Youth Pride possible, and for the allies who have supported the event.
“Most importantly I would like to thank the children and young people who have allowed us to work alongside them and have played a leading role in designing the day. Our young people who have respectfully and without judgement, given their views on how we can all make the Weymouth and Portland community a safe place to live.
“Our young people have shown such insight and kindness in how they wish to educate us to understand their needs and respect their individuality, so that we can support them. I would like to validate that with a heartfelt thank you.”
Chief Superintendent Richard Bell, of Dorset Police, said: “I would like to thank Chesil Youth Pride for including us in the event. We were proud to be part of this very special day and show support for Weymouth and Portland’s LGBTQI+ young people.
“Pride is a demonstration of support and solidarity with the LGBTQI+ community.
“As part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we are committed to ensuring our Force is truly representative of the communities we serve and would encourage members of the LGBTQI+ community to consider a career or volunteering role with us.
“Sadly, we know many LGBTQ+ individuals still face hostility and isolation simply for being who they are. It is crucial to ensure this community has trust and confidence in the police, so that we can work with them to ensure they are safe and feel safe. Our rights can never be taken for granted.
“If you have ever been a victim of a hate crime, we are here to support you. We would always encourage people to report these incidents to us, via our website (https://www.dorset.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/hco/hate-crime/how-to-report-hate-crime/ ).”
Heartfelt thanks from our partners who made the event possible:
Sue Dafter, Head of Student Services and deputy DSL for Weymouth College, echoed Dawn’s heartfelt thanks and said, “It’s so important for all young people to know they have allies among the professionals who work with them and that we can provide a safe and caring environment. Thank you to everyone involved.”
Lisa Osborn, Youth Service Manager for the Drop In Portland said, “The Drop In were proud to be part of the first ever Chesil Youth Pride. The whole event was a fantastic experience for our young people to be a part of. We were incredibly honoured to be involved in the organisational process of the event which was put together with integrity and inclusivity at the heart of the event.
“Our young people had a fantastic day with one saying, ‘to be myself and celebrated for being me is the best feeling ever’.”
Charity, Youth Worker for Space Youth Project said, “Thank you to Dorset Council everyone involved in Chesil Youth Pride for their fantastic work in organising the first of (hopefully) many events. We were honoured to be asked to lead the parade and this was a fantastic day for the young people of Dorset to come together, have fun and support each other.”
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