The Youth Commission celebrates Pride Month

Throughout the month, the Youth Commission will be engaging with young people across the region through peer-led, interactive workshops designed to encourage open and honest conversations. They’ll also be attending community events, including local Pride celebrations, to connect directly with young people and show their support.

Youth Commission members attended York PRIDE to speak to the LGBTQ+ community and better understand their views on Inclusivity & Discrimination.

Member Hana, who attended, said:

“The Youth Commission attending Pride is important, as it gives young people a chance to feel seen and heard in a community which they feel safe in.

I also believe it’s important for the Youth Commission to attend Pride as it shows a commitment to equality, inclusion, and supporting all young people across York and North Yorkshire.

By attending Pride, it allows the Youth Commission to engage with LGBTQ+ young people, listen to their experiences and concerns, and ensure their voices are represented in discussions about safety, policing, and community issues.”

Feedback from young people in York and North Yorkshire in 2025 highlighted a lack of understanding around inclusivity, as well as confusion about the differences between hate crime and what is often dismissed as “banter.” In response, the Youth Commission is working to explore these issues more deeply and provide clearer guidance and opportunities for discussion.

Alongside workshops and community engagement, the Youth Commission has developed an anonymous survey, giving young people the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives. The survey will be promoted throughout the month and is available to complete until 14th August 2026. The survey can be found here: https://forms.gle/46wApe1TVfheEK3R9

By creating space for dialogue and encouraging young voices to be heard, the Youth Commission hopes to contribute to a more inclusive and informed community.